Archive
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Accident brings new calls for speed limit
RESIDENTS are stepping up calls for speed restrictions on the A429 Chippenham road after a driver was airlifted to hospital following a three-car accident. The crash at 8.26pm last Wednesday involved a red Citroen, a Ford Fiesta and a blue Rover Metro
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Candle remembrance
Chippenham people are being invited to light a candle for those suffering in troubled areas. The Jubilee Building at Chippenham Borough Lands offices in the Market Place will welcome people on December 10 from 7pm to 8.30pm. Any donations will go to the
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Right royal welcome in store for guests
NORTH Wiltshire is all set to roll out the red carpet tomorrow when the Queen pays her first official visit to Chippenham, Calne and Malmesbury. The groundbreaking tour will begin shortly before 11am when the Queen steps down at Chippenham Station from
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Hearing tests for children
PARTS of Wiltshire are being piloted to carry out hi-tech hearing tests on babies. Health visiting staff of Wiltshire and Swindon Healthcare Trust, who work in Devizes, Chippenham and Malmesbury, are one of 20 organisations that have been picked to carry
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Pet neglect charge
Debbie Stinchcombe, of Lakeside Park, Stanton Lane, Kington St Michael, is being prosecuted by the RSPCA for causing unnecessary suffering to and abandonment of two rabbits. Stinchcombe, who used to run Kington Langley Animal Centre, faces three charges
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Town's oldest resident dies
The town's oldest resident, Daisy Blanchard, died on Saturday, December 2, just six weeks short of her 106th birthday. Mrs Blanchard was due to present a posy to the Queen during her previously planned visit in March. She was a resident of Seymour House
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Pupils enter the space age
Sixth formers at Chippenham's Hardenhuish School are getting ready to move in to a brand new block, fitted with all the latest equipment to help their studies. Sian Yeowell, recently appointed head of sixth form, said she was delighted with the accommodation
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Cub sweeps badge board
CUB Scout Jonathan Barry is the pride of the 10th Chippenham Jubilee pack having completed all of the movement's 51 badges. Jonathan, ten, a pupil at Queen's Crescent School, Chippenham, completed his final badge in first aid last week. The pack's Akela
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Families fight to end peril of speeding cars
FAMILIES living in two cul-de-sacs, who say they have had enough of the nightmare of speeding traffic racing to nearby domestic garages, are campaigning for road speed humps. More than 30 residents in Westminster Gardens and in nearby Parliament Street
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Harlequins looking to make capital gains
BEMERTON Heath Harlequins return to the FA Vase glory trail on Saturday when they head to London for the most important game of their season so far. Thamesmead Town of the Bass Brewers Kent League stand between them and a place in the last 32 of the prestigious
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Ann (79) hits the summit of her adventures
ANN Sparkes has promised her friends that she won't be doing any more sponsored expeditions. At almost 79, she can be forgiven for hanging up her rucksack. But she was born with an adventurous streak that has led her to travel far and wide. She has just
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Bright art will lift the spirits
THE borough council's ruling Conservative group will earn few thanks for its decision to raise next year's council tax by 9.5 per cent an extra £75 a year on a Band D property. But painful though this increase will be for some Swindon families the important
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We have to stump up for services
THE borough council's ruling Conservative group will earn few thanks for its decision to raise next year's council tax by 9.5 per cent an extra £75 a year on a Band D property. But painful though this increase will be for some Swindon families the important
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Santa's all tyred out
TWO farmers have brought Christmas cheer to the fields around Lacock. Peter and Mark Self, who were responsible for the creation of six straw characters in August, have created a straw bale Father Christmas overlooking Whitehall Garden Centre. The two
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Rowe slams new system
SWINDON TOWN'S chances of future prosperity will be snatched away if a new European transfer system is adopted. That's the view of club chief executive Pete Rowe who believes moves to enforce a transfer window system are a restraint on trade and could
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New start for Lacock flats
CHRISTMAS will come early for residents on a housing estate near Lacock, who have set up a Santa's grotto in a block of flats. The grotto is complete with snow on the windows, a Christmas tree and decorations, and has been housed in the right-hand block
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Storytime festive theme
Corsham library, together with Box Library, will be holding special Christmas story times for three to seven- year-olds on December 10 and 14 respectively. The fun starts at 6pm and library staff will be reading a selection of Christmas stories and poems
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Chains as fashion accessories banned
Pewsey Vale School has warned pupils that they risk having metal chains, worn as jewellery, confiscated if members of staff catch them. Headteacher Janet Plante-Cleall said that when they are worn discreetly or used to secure a wallet or keys they will
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Family gathers for celebration
ONLY one member of Irene and Bernard Upton's family was absent from their golden wedding celebrations on Saturday their first great grandson Leo who, at just under two, was too young to travel from his home in Germany to Oare for the celebrations. While
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I've no regrets, hunt protester tells court
Hunt saboteur Aubrey Burge, who appeared in court after attempting to disrupt a hare hunt, said he would do the same again if it meant saving an animal's life. Burge, 49, of Rushall Road, North Newnton, near Pewsey, was arrested by police after running
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Saunders moves in for loan star Bent
DR MARTENS LEAGUE: CHIPPENHAM Town will learn in the next week whether their bid to snap up highly-rated Yeovil Town youngster James Bent on a full-time basis has been successful. Bent has scored eight times since joining the Bluebirds on loan from the
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New coach agent for Ringwood
COACH operator National Express has appointed a new ticket agent in Ringwood. Ringwood people can already book tickets at Bath Travel, but because of the popularity of the company's services it was decided to appoint an additional agent Lunns, at 13-15
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Lampard and Dalglish Town bound? Never on your nelly!
TIME to start the rumours mongering again. While enjoying a post-Wigan drink in Old Town on Saturday night, who should wander in to the bar but Frank Lampard. The Chelsea midfielder's appearance immediately sparked rumours of his unrest at Stamford Bridge
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World Cup bid left in tatters
MY tirade against FIFA last week appears to have put England's World Cup chances in serious jeopardy. I rightly felt that Australia had been robbed of their chance to play in the finals and vented by anger on football's world governing body. Little did
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Reassurance for Wessex Water clients
WESSEX Water customers in south Wiltshire have been assured that it is business as usual, despite news that the company's owner, Enron, has financial problems. The assurance comes from the independent water watchdog Ofwat. Sheila Reiter, chairman of Ofwat's
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Football dream that died
DID anyone see that programme the other night called World at Their Feet? I think it showed pretty clearly the joy and despair that football can bring. Alan Smith is reaping the rewards of a career in the Premiership while one of his ex Lilleshall classmates
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Sinking to a new low
I SEE that the Football League is bringing in a code of conduct for mascots next season. Has the beautiful game really sunk so low that we have to tell those donned in daft costumes what they can and can't do? It would seem so, if the formation of a '
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Surveyors to get update
Chartered surveyors from all over the South West will congregate at Sarsen Housing Association's headquarters in Devizes on December 7 to hear an update on Government plans to reform planning procedures. The event is being hosted by the Royal Institute
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Medals a bargain
Bronze and silver medals commissioned for the Millennium have been reduced in price. Bronze medals have been reduced from £12.50 to £9 and silver medals have been reduced from £85 to £50. The medals are available from AR Woodward jewellers, Malmesbury
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Shepherd leaves the City flock
SALISBURY City lost one of their most influential players this week when Martin Shepherd announced his immediate departure from the club. The much-respected player has moved to Norwich because of work commitments which now require him to work on Saturdays
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Town ready to fly the flag for Royal visitors
THE flags are out in Malmesbury in readiness for the visit of the Queen and Prince Phillip to the town on December 7. The last ruling monarch to visit the town was Charles I in 1642 as he fled Roundhead forces in the Civil War. The royal party will arrive
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Newtfangled problem for £18 million pipeline
A MULTI-MILLION pound project to lay a new gas pipeline had to take special measures to safeguard one of Britain's most strictly protected amphibians. Transco has laid an £18 million pipeline from Easton Grey to Minety, which crossed land containing ponds
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Stencils key to creativity
A NEW way of creating pictures has proved a great success at Burton Hill House School, Malmesbury. The school for disabled children has been looking at different ways for the children to be creative. One teacher has encouraged the children to build up
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Driver fractures ankle during road rage fracas
A 19-YEAR-OLD Malmesbury man suffered a fractured left ankle following a road rage argument with another driver at Cross Hayes last Wednesday. A man in his 40s, who was driving a Peugeot 309, who was also from Malmesbury, has been placed on police bail
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Schools' super performance
ONCE again our congratulations go out to primary schools across the county for some wonderful results in the league tables published today. Urchfont Primary School will deservedly earn most of the plaudits for a set of results that places it top out of
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Emergency row must be solved
THE first stone of Wiltshire's groundbreaking emergency control room was laid this week but a simmering dispute could be laying the foundations of a major embarrassment for the county. The county's pioneering control room project, based at the police
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Almost half a century of work in town
Friends and colleagues of John Halfhead, formerly a senior partner and now consultant at Swindon solicitors Lemon and Co, gathered recently at the Steam Museum to mark his retirement after 48 years of association with the company. When he joined Lemon
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Jobs created in expansion
Retailer WH Smith is to create 3,000 jobs and open 120 new stores over the next three years. The group, which currently employs more than 20,100 people, 1,500 of them in Swindon, will open the stores across the UK, and will move into Northern Ireland
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Visitors vote on art
A TOTAL of 1,046 votes were cast by visitors to Wootton Bassett Art Society winter exhibition on three days last week at Borough Field square. George Knott's watercolour of The Shambles, York, emerged as the most popular painting.
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Wootton Bassett news in brief
Two popular annual concerts in the Wootton Bassett area this week are completely sold out and there are waiting lists for returned tickets. They are the Anthology of Carols and Readings at Bushton and Clyffe Pypard village hall on Saturday, December 8
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Church reflects on Christmas
A Quiet day at Wootton Bassett Methodist Church on Saturday offered an opportunity to reflect on the approach of Christmas. It was led by the Rev Ann Baldock, who said: "The point of the day was to give people some space away from the busyness and rush
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Town turns on sparkle
Crowds thronged Wootton Bassett town centre on Friday for a festive start to the Christmas season. A community carol service in Borough Fields square was led by representatives of various local churches. A stilt walker, fire eater, juggler, choirs, bands
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Chippenham Sunday League round up
ROADRUNNERS FC were the highest scorers of the day as they swamped KSM with a goal blitz to run out easy 13-3 winners in their Division Four game in the in the Vanitec Computers sponsored Chippenham Sunday League. Steve Ivin hit five to take his tally
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Highworth turn on the style in 5-0 thrashing
HIGHWORTH Town shocked title contenders Brackley Town, crushing them 5-0 to record their fourth successive victory and take them another step to Premier Division safety. In an excellent all-round team performance Town newcomer Warren Fuller grabbed the
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Praise for prison regime
INSPECTORS have praised Erlestoke Prison and said it is improving, with especially good relationships between staff and prisoners. Officials from Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons, who inspected the low security risk prison on an unannounced visit
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Dolphin in the swim after derby triumph
MID-WILTSHIRE SUNDAY LEAGUE: The Dolphin moved to within a point of leaders Selectabook at the top of the Mid-Wilts Sunday Football League with a 5-0 win at Poulshot Raven. Darren Folkard fired a seventh minute free kick through the hosts' wall and goalkeeper's
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Penalty miss adds to FC Chippenham's woes
TROWBRIDGE Town Youth Red made hard work of their home game against FC Chippenham in under nines Division One of the Wiltshire Times and News Mid-Wilts Youth and Minor League, but managed to take the lead after through Daniel Price. Price scored his second
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Police in drugs swoop
DRUGS squad officers swooped on 17 addresses across the county in the early hours of Thursday morning, seizing heroin, amphetamines and other drugs as part of Operation Magpie. The successful operation, which was a force-wide initiative by Wiltshire Constabulary
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Seend win at last
TROWBRIDGE LEAGUE: SEEND United Reserves (Division Three) and Lavington and Easterton (Division Two) recorded their first wins in the Trowbridge League. Seend travelled to Castle Combe Reserves and took a 2-0 lead through Fosu Gharban and Richard King
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Cards for appeal
SUPPORTERS of the Wiltshire Air Ambulance can boost its funds by buying Christmas cards and a 2002 diary. The Wiltshire Air Ambulance Appeal has produced packs of ten Christmas cards, the main design featuring the Air Ambulance in the snow. The cards
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Youth workers recognised for dedication
DEVIZES based Youth Action Wiltshire paid tribute to youth club members and volunteer leaders who have done most to help the youth of the county at its annual meeting in the Corn Exchange last week. The organisation's president, the Marquis of Lansdowne
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Calne Town 1, Street 2
SCREWFIX DIRECT LEAGUE: CALNE Town made it ten games without a win as they crashed out of the Les Phillips Cup with defeat at Bremhill View on Saturday 1 December. A late John Hayter effort booked Street's passage into round two after Stuart Skinner had
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United are at home
WOOTTON Bassett United have been drawn at home to the winners of Saturday's match between Minety and Castle Combe in the fourth round of the Wiltshire Junior Cup. Other fourth round games, tpo be played January 5: Swindon Eagles v Lower Stratton; County
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Boxes of joy head for needy children
NEARLY 30,000 shoeboxes full of presents for underprivileged children in the former Soviet Union will leave Wiltshire in the next two weeks. The first consignment set out from George Ward School in Melksham on Saturday, taking 21,000 boxes of toys, sweets
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Late start is ideal for us, says Newlands
DEVIZES Town will begin an awesome December fixture programme at the unusual time of 7.30pm on Saturday 8 December. The Nursteed Road outfit, without a game at the weekend, were so keen to return to action on Saturday they agreed to play Yeovil Town Reserves
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Six-pointer for struggling duo
SCREWFIX Direct League First Division strugglers Calne Town make the short trip to Warminster Town's Weymouth Street home for a relegation six-pointer on Saturday 8th December. The Wiltshire rivals are separated by just two points at the bottom of the
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Brother arrested in murder probe
POLICE went to the hospital bedside of gunshot victim Kashmira Singh and arrested him on suspicion of murdering his older brother. Sawa Singh (right), 51, who had three grown up children and was known as Charlie, was found dead with gunshot wounds at
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Play areas' safety checks to be logged
AVEBURY: The parish council has decided in the light of revelations of unsafe play equipment in Marlborough that the regular safety checks carried out on its playground equipment by local engineer Wynne Rawlins should be logged. The parish council was
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It's a full house for crucial Cherry & Whites meeting
Bath's crunch Premiership derby clash with old rivals Gloucester on Saturday is an 8,200 sell-out. The match, which kicks off at 2.15pm, is a crucial one for both sides with the in-form Cherry & Whites chasing Leicester at the top of the table and
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Lost secrets of the stones are revealed
THE secrets of Avebury's stone circle will be revealed in a BBC documentary due to be screened tonight. The Village In The Stones traces the history of the prehistoric site through the eyes of former residents and a 66-year-old cine film. Wiltshire historian
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Train services to be hit by engineering work
ESSENTIAL engineering work by Railtrack will affect train services being run by First Great Western at the weekend. Trains between London Paddington and Gloucester, Cheltenham Spa and Worcester Shrub Hill will start and terminate at Gloucester on Saturday
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Reports drawn up for difficult decisions
MEMBERS of Swindon's cabinet last night discussed the difficult choices facing the council as it prepared to set its budget. The meeting was told that council tax payers face a four per cent rise just to maintain current service standards. And that figure
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Are you willing to pay for services?
THE ruling Conservative group on Swindon Council wants to raise council tax by 9.5 per cent but would still need to make cuts in services in order to balance the budget. The suggestion follows a disappointing cash allocation from the Government, which
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Losing out once again
THE people of Swindon will bear the brunt of the Government's underfunding of services in the town. Council tax bills may rise by around 9.5 per cent - and even then there are likely to be cuts in areas such as leisure and the voluntary sector. The problem
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Buses leave girl stranded at stop
A TEN-year-old schoolgirl was left stranded in the cold and dark after successive buses drove past her stop. Emma Coombs, of Cooks Close, Bemerton Heath, left Avon Middle School as usual on Friday at 3.15pm and walked to her bus stop on Tournament Road
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Versatile performer dies
ACTOR Roger Leach died on Saturday, December 1, at the age of 53. Friendly, sociable and popular, Roger was inextricably linked in his working life with Salisbury Playhouse, where he appeared in dozens of plays, ranging from comedies to the classics,
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Europe is future for district's tourism
TOURISM chiefs are forging a new strategy to maximise marketing of the Salisbury district. In response to the international situation, they have decided to put more focus on European and domestic visitors and not to pump extra cash into the US market.
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Widow hit by funeral 'snub'
THE widow of a lifelong member of the Royal British Legion at Amesbury has claimed the organisation ignored her husband's death. Jean Shields, of Fargo Road, Larkhill, is furious that the legion did not send a standard bearer to the funeral of her late
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Town in call for wish list
A BOUNTY of £100,000 awaits young people in Amesbury - if suitable ideas can be found. Town councillors are currently liasing with various groups and agencies in an effort to get a major project up and running in the New Year. The money has come from
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Waste plans upset village
PEOPLE living in and around Compton Bassett will be voicing their fears over proposals to site an incinerator near their homes. At a meeting organised by Compton Bassett Parish Council on December 6, people will be able to find out exactly what the proposals
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Santa back in his grotto
Following last year's success, Santa's Grotto will once again feature at Holy Trinity School's Christmas Fair, Calne, on Saturday, December 8. Other attractions include bauble decorating, personalised calendars, stocking fillers, a raffle and refreshments
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Emmerdale star drops in
EMMERDALE star Seamus Gubbins will be dropping into a Calne pub to help celebrate its reopening on Saturday, December 8. The Jolly Miller at Quemerford, Calne, has been closed for more than four months. The new landlords, Richard and Annelise Freegard
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Pub gets a licence but told it must stop noise
THE Wheatsheaf pub in Calne has been granted a renewed entertainment licence despite complaints about the noise from residents and nearby St Mary's School. Landlady Linda Elms has been ordered by North Wiltshire District Council's environmental health
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School panto twice the fun
PARENTS of pupils at the Mill School in Potterne were in for a treat last week as their children presented the annual Christmas show. The panto was Jack and the Beanstalk, which was performed by children from forms four and five. This was preceded by
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Hands on fun for children
CHILDREN who visited Wiltshire Heritage Museum in Devizes were the first to take advantage of the new interactive exhibits. More than 100 children and parents took advantage of the special open day organised by the museum to show off their new hands-on
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Law student claimed drinks were spiked
LAW student Robert Jackson failed in his attempt to keep his licence after admitting driving while over more than twice the legal alcohol limit. Jackson, 20, of Greenfield Road, Devizes, claimed his drinks had been spiked during a night out when he appeared
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Get a taste of France
Following the success of the Devizes Christmas market on Friday and farmers' market on Saturday, a traditional French market returns to Devizes Market Place. It is on for three days, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 7-9, and has been organised by
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Smile to get bus service
THE bus company investigating why Potterne mum Claire Eacott was not allowed on to a bus with her baby son, has told her she should smile at its bus drivers. Miss Eacott, 27, and her eight-month-old son Lewis were refused entry twice on a Number 2 bus
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Friends win a national debut
TALENTED young musicians Izzy Brookes and Eleanor Corr have both been selected to join the prestigious National Children's Training Orchestra. Friends, Izzy, eight, and Eleanor, nine, were selected after attending auditions. Izzy, who lives in Seend,
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Two years of dedication pays off as Guide wins top award
Leading members of the Guide Association in Wiltshire applauded the dedication of 19-year-old Jess Kelly as she was presented with the movement's top honour, the Queen's Guide Award. Jess, a member of Wootton Bassett Ranger Unit, is also a Guider with
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New heart service at hospitals is launched
PEOPLE with suspected heart problems are now able to use a new service at Devizes, Chippenham and Malmesbury hospitals rather than travel to the Royal United Hospital in Bath. Local clinics have been set up following the purchase of a mobile echocardiography
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Hearing tests for children
PARTS of Wiltshire are being piloted to carry out hi-tech hearing tests on babies. Health visiting staff of Wiltshire and Swindon Healthcare Trust, who work in Devizes, Chippenham and Malmesbury, are one of 20 organisations that have been picked to carry
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Second try for allotments
AN exhibition at Devizes Town Hall next week will unveil proposals for new allotments at Windsor Drive to replace those at Spitalcroft where developers want to build up to 120 houses. A plan by Pippin Homes to build at Spitalcroft, off London Road, was
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Charity caf remains shut
AN investigation into Options Information Caf in Devizes was continuing as the Gazette went to press this week. The charity lost £20,000 of National Lottery money staging a classical music concert in August which attracted only a handful of people. A
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Folk season continues
Marlborough's folk roots season of concerts continues at St Peter's Church on Wednesday December 12 with a joint concert by duet Chris While and Julie Matthews. Chris Leslie of Fairport Convention and Q album of the year writer David Hughes will present
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Award salutes PHAB service
MICHAEL Braund, a central figure of Devizes PHAB Club for more than 24 years, was recognised nationally for his devotion to the organisation at a House of Commons reception last week. Mr Braund received the Paul Hope trophy from former Minister for the
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Farmers told to check security
Police are warning farmers to check the security of all their buildings after break ins at two farms at Ramsbury. Milk in dairy tanks was thought to be contaminated at Witcha Farm after the tank lids were removed and dropped into the containers. About
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Double salute to long service
FORMER Marlborough fire officer Brian Presley has been recognised for his 23 years' service to the Wiltshire Fire Brigade, only a couple of weeks after receiving a gold award for donating 50 pints of blood to the National Blood Service. Mr Presley, 49
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Villager fights for speed curbs
VILLAGER Lizzie Hawnt has organised a public meeting in Ogbourne St George to gather support for measures to cut the speeds of motorists who use the village as a rat run. Mrs Hawnt, who lives in the centre of the village, hopes as many people as possible
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Plea by owner of rare bicycle
MARLBOROUGH photographer Kim Hooper has appealed for the return of an unusual bicycle which was stolen from his home in Tinpit last week. Mr Hooper has owned the Dursley Pedersen bike for about seven years. It is based on a 100-year-old design and is
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Thriving school in need of car space
LESS than two years after Education Secretary David Blunkett saved Grafton School from closing, it is so well used that parking by parents has been causing a problem. The governors of the school, near Marlborough, are waiting to hear if their planning
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Owner of cat killing dogs given a warning
DOG owner Darren Newman of Marlborough has been ordered to keep a lurcher under control after magistrates heard how it joined another dog in a tug of war over a cat, leaving it dying from massive injuries. Newman, who lives in Homefields in Marlborough
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Carol signers help the cause
A GROUP of carol signers greeted late night shoppers in the Waitrose store in Marlborough on Tuesday, raising funds for a charity for deaf children. Store manager Alan Martin invited the group of female signing singers, all of them with children at Burbage
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Rowe slams new system
SWINDON TOWN'S chances of future prosperity will be snatched away if a new European transfer system is adopted. That's the view of club chief executive Pete Rowe who believes moves to enforce a transfer window system are a restraint on trade and could
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Town goes alone with CCTV plan
MARLBOROUGH could decide to go it alone and install its own system of security cameras to monitor streets in and around the town centre following a meeting of town councillors and traders. Coun Marian Hannaford is leading the investigation into whether
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Talisman team are on their uppers
SWINDON Talisman came out best in the final round of Upper Thames Division of the Angling Times League. The match was again organised on the Kennet and Avon Canal in and around Great Bedwyn and generally fished hard. One point ahead at the top before
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One very expensive newt!
A MULTI million pound project to lay a gas pipeline serving Swindon had to take special measures to safe-guard one of Britain's most highly protected amphibians. The great crested newt is the UK's largest newt, reaching an average adult length of around
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Christmas is spectacular!
THE Christmas toy appeal is taking to the ice thanks to a donation from The Link Centre. Beneficiaries of this year's appeal will have the chance to see Robin Hood on ice for free following the centre's kind decision to present the Adver with 200 tickets
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We're dizzy with excitement!
A LITTLE known dance group is seizing its chance in the limelight by bringing a little bit of Rio to Swindon. Dancers at Gorse Hill's Dizzy Feet Dance Centre are appearing as guest artists in K School of Music's Wyvern Theatre Show Karry on Khristmas
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'Cash for fridge storage is a con'
A GOVERNMENT handout to help councils pay for the storage of fridges classified as hazardous waste under new EU rules has been labelled a "con" by a leading Swindon councillor. The Advertiser revealed last month that Swindon Council could find itself
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If you are good at anything (or not) please help
TEA makers and talkers are at the top of a wanted list being drawn up by a Swindon-based Christmas shelter. Thamesdown Christians Against Homelessness are setting up their 13th annual shelter at Queens Drive Methodist Church in Park South on Christmas
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Return to base
THE WORLD'S biggest military air show is coming home after a two year absence. The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2002 will take off from RAF Fairford from July 17-22, following major airfield renovations which led to the air show being staged
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Monthly checks for firm
A FIRM accused of bringing misery to thousands of benefit claimants is to have its progress examined monthly by Swindon Council's cabinet. And leaders of all three political parties were today planning to voice their concerns to senior executives. WS
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Make sure we can afford to pay for it
COUNCILLORS in Swindon have been told to ensure they have enough money before committing to major schemes. The resources commission, which makes recommendations to the cabinet, laid out the new rules for spending to prevent a repeat of the situation which
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'I deny I'm a crack dealer'
John Rodney was found with crack cocaine worth more than £1,000 when police raided a flat in the David Murray John building, a jury has been told. Rodney, 42, also had almost £1,000 in cash along with the drugs which he was trying to hide under the kitchen
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Council dismisses gagging concerns
FEARS that councillors could be gagged by guidelines designed to control their individual discussions with journalists have been dismissed by Swindon Council Draft media guidelines approved by the council's standards committee say: "Quotes from elected
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Teachers 'frightened to speak'
SALISBURY district councillor Frances Howard says that teachers are becoming frightened of speaking out about unruly pupils. She says that chaotic classroom behaviour is regularly being concealed because members of staff are worried that they might lose
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Artistic Craig's work goes on sale at the Steam Museum
THIS is the picture which captures Swindon station during the golden age of steam. The print was created by 18 year-old Freshbrook art student Craig Tiley who has put signed copies of his work on sale at Steam, Swindon's impressive railway museum. The
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Brave Rita tackles trio of burglars
FEISTY 77-year-old Rita Wakeman, who single-handedly took on three burglars, attempting to lock them in her tiny kitchen, has vowed to take revenge if she ever gets her hands on the culprits. Rita, who lives alone with her cat in Rampart Road, Salisbury
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Road rage brought terror to rush hour
STARTLED motorists watched in horror and amazement as three men, armed with shovels and a metal bar, violently attacked each other during the evening rush-hour on a busy Salisbury roundabout. Drivers saw one bare-chested man with his head covered in blood
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Holt plea: 'Don't take issue at club EGM'
ONE of Town's would-be directors has insisted tomorrow's Extraordinary General Meeting will not degenerate into a bitter finger-wagging exercise. Bob Holt believes it is important that Town's shareholders take advantage of their democratic rights but
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We need this wind farm for supplies
I WOULD like to register my support for the proposed wind farm at Watchfield. It is most important that renewable energy sources are utilised wherever possible. Fossil fuel is a finite resource and will become progressively more expensive as supplies
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Marlborough 41, Colerne 18
NICK Dobson was in fine form as Marlborough swept aside visitors Colerne at The Common on Saturday 1 December. The centre scored 16 points in the victory, which lifted the home side two points clear of their rivals in the Dorset and Wilts Division Two
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Devizes 12, Frome 13
A LATE penalty sank Devizes in their home Southern Counties South clash on Saturday 1 December. The visitors took the lead after breaking from a line-out melee as the Devizes players stood still, believing the ball carrier had put a foot into touch. The
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Goodwill from Waitrose
The season of goodwill is upon us. Waitrose has come to the rescue and offered to provide (temporary) lighting along the eastern end of Marlborough's River Walk. This path is owned by Kennet District Council and at the moment residents make a dash along
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Praise for the Players
I WOULD like to congratulate the Athelstan Players on their pantomime production of Robinson Crusoe. As with all their other previous productions, we had superb acting with well designed stage props and costumes. The Athelstan Players can be justifiably
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Poppy collectors needed
THE final total for the Calne Poppy Appeal is £8,505.97. This is an increase of £1,242 over last year. The amount collected in each village has been notified to the village co-ordinators. The increase over last year's total was more than covered by the
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EU law on arrest poses threat to us
It may have seemed at first that reports that plane-spotters had been arrested in Greece on suspicion of spying to have been a joke. Nearly three weeks later it is clear to everyone that the case is no laughing matter bearing in mind the plan for an EU-wide
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Council makes smooth move
ALL 300 staff at North Wiltshire District Council moved into its new headquarters in Chippenham at the weekend. The entire computer system at the council's offices at Bewley House and Bank House was shut down on Friday and a skeleton staff manned services
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Banned driver gets six months in jail
Emlyn Reynolds, 34, of Unity Street, Chippenham, was sent to prison for six months and banned from driving for four years after pleading guilty to his fourth offence of driving while disqualified. Reynolds was arrested by police on November 6 and appeared
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Crowds flood in for town's festive market
THE chairman of the Devizes Development Partnership, Alex Duffey, heaved a sigh of relief at the weekend after the town's first Christmas market went with a swing on Friday evening. Despite a few hiccups, the event drew throngs of people to the town centre
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Addict is jailed for knifepoint hold-ups
TEENAGE drug addict Dean Stewart has been jailed for three years after committing a string of knife-point robberies over a three-day period to buy crack and heroin. Stewart, 19, of Kingsley Road, Chippenham, robbed two garages and a corner shop and tried
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New chapter for pre-school
YATTON Keynell Pre-school has set up a listening corner to help children take their first steps in reading, thanks to a £300 grant from the charitable trust of opticians Haine and Smith. The pre-school, which meets in Yatton Keynell village hall, installed
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Farmer stays in hot seat
FARMER Denise Plummer has become the first person since the Second World War to be re-elected for a second successive term as the chairman of the Wiltshire NFU. Mrs Plummer, 51, who has 250 dairy cows at Leaze Farm, Stanton St Quintin, near Chippenham
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New heart service at hospitals is launched
PEOPLE with suspected heart problems are now able to use a new service at Devizes, Chippenham and Malmesbury hospitals rather than travel to the Royal United Hospital in Bath. Local clinics have been set up following the purchase of a mobile echocardiography
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Lighter sparks firearm alert
THE police helicopter was scrambled when shoppers in Chippenham mistook a cigarette lighter for a gun. Police were called last Thursday after a resident reported a youth walking around the Station Hill area with what looked like a revolver. Detective
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Shepherd leaves the City flock
SALISBURY City lost one of their most influential players this week when Martin Shepherd announced his immediate departure from the club. The much-respected player has moved to Norwich because of work commitments which now require him to work on Saturdays
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Sick toddler is blooming after surgery
FOR the first time in her short life, three year-old Emily Bayley is a healthy pink colour after an amazingly successful operation to help get more oxygen into her blood. Emily returned to her Corsham home last week after a major operation at Bristol
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Sister helps disabled boy meet Mrs Blair
CORSHAM'S Katie Bevan-Jones is so keen to promote awareness of her little brother's potentially life-threatening illness that she took her case to Cherie Blair. And last week 19-year-old Katie, her brother Nicholas and parents Sue and David, not only
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Inventor fights law firm for £100,000
INVENTOR Robert Channon, who lost both his homes and had to move into an industrial estate unit after he got divorced, is waiting to hear if appeal court judges decide whether solicitors must pay him six-figure damages. Mr Channon, 57, an engineer who
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Royal accolade for carpenters
EXPERT carpenters from Colerne-based structural timber frame specialist, Carpenter Oak and Woodlands Company, were guests of the Duke of Edinburgh on Monday. Managing director Charley Brentnall and operations manager Bill Keir joined other specialists
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Rugby star lights town
The Christmas lights switch-on and Christmas bazaar takes place on Corsham on December 7 at 6pm. Neil McCarthy, who plays rugby for Bristol and coaches a team from Corsham Rugby Club, will turn on the lights. The bazaar will be in the town hall after
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Cyclist is sought after drivers hurt
Police are appealing for a witness to come forward after an accident on Kingsdown Road, Highworth. The accident happened on November 29 at 5.45am when a blue Vauxhall Cavalier travelling along Kingsdown Road towards the A361 overtook a male cyclist at
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Waste plans upset village
PEOPLE living in and around Compton Bassett will be voicing their fears over proposals to site an incinerator near their homes. At a meeting organised by Compton Bassett Parish Council on December 6, people will be able to find out exactly what the proposals
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Brother arrested in murder probe
POLICE went to the hospital bedside of gunshot victim Kashmira Singh and arrested him on suspicion of murdering his older brother. Sawa Singh (right), 51, who had three grown up children and was known as Charlie, was found dead with gunshot wounds at
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Dad denies shaking his daughter to death
DAD Mark Stephenson subjected his 12-week-old baby Sacha to violent, repeated shaking that led to her death, it was claimed in court on Monday, December 3. The 30-year-old house husband, of Saxon Close, Cricklade, admitted to police that he shook the
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Fix sewage problems or don't build, says town
RESIDENTS and councillors in Purton say no new houses should be built in the village until problems with overflowing sewage are sorted out. Hannick Homes had applied to build seven houses behind 29-33 Station Road but the developer has been asked to reduce
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Co-op hosts meeting
Pewsey's December parish council meeting on Tuesday, December 11, at 7.30pm, will not be held in the council chamber at the Bouverie Hall as usual but will take place instead in the coffee shop at the Co-op supermarket at the invitation of the manager
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Burglary suspects
Two men were arrested on December 5 on suspicion of burglary at commercial premises in Pewsey village and were being held at Salisbury divisional police HQ for questioning.
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Detector man defends hobby
METAL detectorist John Bryant has defended the vast majority of his colleagues whose activities have helped unearth countless treasures for the benefit of posterity. Mr Bryant, 65, from Bottlesford, near Pewsey, was concerned when he read that a metal
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Power failure sparks freebie
CHIPPENHAM Town are hoping to offer free admission to all supporters when they replay their top of the league clash with local rivals Clevedon Town at Hardenhuish Park on January 12. The derby match was abandoned after 23 minutes last Wednesday night
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Old Sarum firm gets its big break
SIGNAGE produced for LG Electronics by Displayer, the Old Sarum exhibition design company, was on display at the World snooker final in Preston last month. Displayer, which has a showroom at The Portway Business Centre, won a contract to provide graphics
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Serving spas to stars
GOMELDON company Catalina Spas has sold a spa to superstar Robbie Williams, offering him relaxation from his demanding schedule. The luxury four-seater spa, for his west London home, was specially manufactured in California and air freighted to Catalina
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Rolling up for the cup
LOOK out for some very strange people rolling a swede across the pitch ahead of Saturday's cup clash with Hereford United. Six fans will roll a giant swede from the halfway line towards the Stratton Bank. Apparently it's a long-standing tradition among
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FUTURE EVENTS
Every Friday: Ivy House Lake's Veterans match Friday, December 7: Peatmoor AC OAP/Disabled Christmas match, draw 9am. Sunday December 9: Haydon Street AS Frank Gardner Memorial at Hannington and Kempsford, draw 8.30am. Isis AC Christmas and Pairs match
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JJB Stadium is out of tune
A WORD of advice to Wigan Athletic. Lovely stadium fellas but you seriously need to think about ditching your 'song'. I don't think I heard a single fan join in with the chorus of You Are My Sunshine'. Saturday's game showed up that nice stadium doesn't
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Colour Care waits to be put in picture
SALISBURY and Downton company ColourCare is still awaiting the outcome of the investigation by the Competition Commis-sion into the sale of its photo processing division to Kodak. But Chris Sheath, ColourCare's managing director, remains confident about
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Time for stability
WHO knows what tomorrow will bring for Swindon Town Football Club? Shareholders are expected to give their blessing to Willie Carson, Wendy Godwin, Nick Prescott and Bob Holt as an interim board. Clearly with one person holding the majority of shares,
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Old inn gets a new image
THE Stage Post Inn at West Lavington is set to reopen on December 8 after being given a new lease of life by its new owners. The former Wheatsheaf in the High Street was taken over by the Inn Good Company Ltd and completely redecorated after being recently
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Royal accolade for carpenters
EXPERT carpenters from Colerne-based structural timber frame specialist, Carpenter Oak and Woodlands Company, were guests of the Duke of Edinburgh on Monday. Managing director Charley Brentnall and operations manager Bill Keir joined other specialists
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A cut above the rest
INTERNATIONALLY renowned hairdresser Daniel Neaves launched a new salon in Fordingbridge on Friday and invited guests to an open evening. The salon in Provost Street, which was formally known as Paragon, has been totally refurbished and renamed DKN Hair
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Harlequins looking to make capital gains
BEMERTON Heath Harlequins return to the FA Vase glory trail on Saturday when they head to London for the most important game of their season so far. Thamesmead Town of the Bass Brewers Kent League stand between them and a place in the last 32 of the prestigious
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Bard's tales told in an Abbey setting
There will be a touch of Welsh mystery when Taliesin is performed by the Company of Strangers at The Abbey House, Malmesbury, on December 14 at 8.30pm. The performance includes storytelling, music and song. Tickets are available on (01666) 822212. Abbey
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Pub scheme is thrown out
PLANS to change The Old Inn in Upper Minety into a house have been rejected by North Wiltshire District Council. An application had been made to convert the Grade II listed building and a separate building, which was used as a skittle alley, into a residential
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Shopwatch to combat crime
BUSINESS leaders and police in Malmesbury are looking to revive the town's shopwatch scheme to combat shoplifting. PC Martin Alvis of Malmesbury police said the town has become an easy target because of security in other town centres. He said a shopwatch
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Sergeant takes on new challenge
Sgt Mike Franklin is to take up a new post as secretary to the Police Federation at Devizes HQ from December 18. Sgt Franklin has been in charge in Malmesbury for five years and his final day was on Sunday, December 2. "My intention had been to see out
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Festive fun evening
FESTIVE fun will be the order of the evening in Malmesbury, with late-night shopping, entertainment and Santa's grotto on December 7. The High Street will be closed from 5.30pm to 9pm and shoppers have been encouraged to walk into town rather than use
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Accident brings new calls for speed limit
RESIDENTS are stepping up calls for speed restrictions on the A429 Chippenham road after a driver was airlifted to hospital following a three-car accident. The crash at 8.26pm last Wednesday involved a red Citroen, a Ford Fiesta and a blue Rover Metro
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Kids' way of raisin profile
CHILDREN from Malmesbury Primary School have made a display of Christmas puddings to mark the start of Children's Cancer Awareness Month. The puddings are on display in the front window of The Cancer Research Campaign shop in the town's high street. Twenty
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Inventor shows off his clean machine
INVENTOR James Dyson will be putting in a good word for his firm's new Contrarotator washing machine when he shows the Queen around his Malmesbury factory tomorrow. The Queen and Prince Phillip are due to arrive at Dyson's at 3.40pm, when they will be
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New heart service at hospitals is launched
PEOPLE with suspected heart problems are now able to use a new service at Devizes, Chippenham and Malmesbury hospitals rather than travel to the Royal United Hospital in Bath. Local clinics have been set up following the purchase of a mobile echocardiography
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Hearing tests for children
PARTS of Wiltshire are being piloted to carry out hi-tech hearing tests on babies. Health visiting staff of Wiltshire and Swindon Healthcare Trust, who work in Devizes, Chippenham and Malmesbury, are one of 20 organisations that have been picked to carry
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Family's terror after firebomb
A FRIGHTENED young mum who is suffering from cervical cancer, has described the terror she felt after a thug hurled a petrol bomb at her door. The woman, 22, who does not want to be named, was upstairs at her home in Silverston Way, Malmesbury, when the
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Russell's deputy role for county
SOUTH Wilts skipper Rus-sell Rowe has again been named vice-captain of the Wiltshire county side. Rowe, the county's leading run scorer last season, deputised on a number of occasions for Steve Perrin whose campaign was plagued by injury. Perrin has also
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Blick UK have a healthy order book for next year
Management solutions company Blick UK Ltd, which employs 200 people at its Swindon headquarters has reported an increased turnover and steady profits for the year to September 30. Turnover on continuing businesses was up three per cent at £72.7m. Chief
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Wilton gets illuminated
IT took two countdowns to switch on the Christmas lights in Wilton on Monday. Nothing happened at the end of the first count, so the crowd that had packed into the Market Square was asked to count again - and this time a huge cheer went up as the lights
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Big start for miniature club
A new club for dolls house enthusiasts was launched in Wootton Bassett on Monday, December 3. Nineteen people attended a meeting at the home of Pat and Tom Savory, who were delighted at the response to their recent publicity. Members have decided to name
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Residents left to foot the bill for town CCTV
Failure of North Wiltshire District Council and Wootton Bassett Chamber of Commerce to honour Partnership Funding CCTV agreements has left a big hole in Wootton Bassett Town Council's budget that will have to be filled by council tax payments. Residents
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Two years of dedication pays off as Guide wins top award
Leading members of the Guide Association in Wiltshire applauded the dedication of 19-year-old Jess Kelly as she was presented with the movement's top honour, the Queen's Guide Award. Jess, a member of Wootton Bassett Ranger Unit, is also a Guider with
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Pegasus Juniors 4 Wootton Bassett Town 0
WOOTTON Bassett were outplayed by the hosts as they went down to a heavy defeat at the hands of Pegasus Juniors on Saturday 1 December. The writing was on the wall as early as the second minute when Lee Sharpe was robbed after receiving the ball from
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Chipping Norton 2, Pewsey Vale 4
PEWSEY Vale moved to within striking distance of the Hellenic League Division One West promotion places with a comfortable away success at Chipping Norton on Saturday 1 December. Darren Cummings and Craig Wall were on target for the visitors, while in-form
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Rail boss told to improve service
DISSATISFIED passengers have slammed the shoddy service provided by First Great Western train company. Delays, confusing prices, poor infrastructure, and dirty and crowded trains were just some of the issues raised by commuters at a Swindon meeting as
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Bemerton Heath Harlequins Yth 3, Chippenham Town Yth 3
YOUTH FOOTBALL: WILTSHIRE FA County Floodlight Youth League leaders Chippenham Town were forced to settle for a point as Bemerton staged a late comeback to clinch a share of the spoils on Thursday night. The home side took the lead, but Chippenham levelled
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Melksham bid for Vase best
FA VASE: MELKSHAM Town face their biggest game of the season on Saturday as they bid to reach the last 32 of the FA Vase for the first time in their history. Eagle Bitter United Counties outfit St Neots Town are the visitors to The Conigre for the third
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Warning to drink drivers
WILTSHIRE police have said they will be stepping up their campaign to stop people drinking and driving over the Christmas and New Year period after disappointing results in last year's campaign. David Jamieson, Minister for Road Safety, launched the Government's
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Beat crime with cheer
ELDERLY people will be getting a welcome visitor this Christmas, but he won't be dressed up in a red suit or sport a white beard. Members of the Special Constabulary will be calling on pensioners to remind them of good security practice and advise them
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Wiltshire under 18s 2, Birmingham under 18s 3 (aet)
WILTSHIRE came within 60 seconds of causing a major third round upset before bowing out of the FA County Youth Cup to favourites Birmingham at Melksham Town on Saturday 8 December. A storming second half comeback had seen the home side overturn a one-goal
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Top league of school success
URCHFONT Primary School, the first to fail its Ofsted inspection eight years ago, has been hailed as the most successful junior school in the country after gaining the best results in Standard Attainment Tests for Key Stage 2. Out of 11 Year 6 children
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Corsham Town 2, Shepton Mallet 0
CORSHAM Town avenged their recent league defeat with a convincing Les Phillips Cup first round victory over the Somerset side at The Southbank on Saturday 1 December. Andy Wicks and assistant manager Rob Humphries netted in the first half to seal Corsham's
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Calls made to health inquiry line treble
CALLS to NHS Direct, the 24-hour health advice telephone line, have trebled in its first year in Wiltshire, Avon and Gloucestershire. The service began locally in November 2000. It started off receiving 175 calls a day in the first month but now receives
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Wroughton up the pressure in championship race
SKURRAY'S WILTSHIRE LEAGUE: DEVIZES Town Reserves and Wroughton edged closer to the Premier Division leaders with comprehensive victories. Wroughton, at home to Biddestone, won 3-0. After a goal-less first half Wroughton took the lead midway through the
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Queens Royal Visit to Chippenham, Malmesbury and Calne
10.58am: Arrival of the Queen and Prince Phillip at Chippenham Station by scheduled train where they will be met by the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Sir Maurice Johnston. 11.15am: Arrival of the Queen at Calne Town Hall. The Queen will meet staff and
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Water firm in bankruptcy vow
AS its American parent company stands on the brink of bankruptcy, Wessex Water is assuring customers not to worry After the collapse of a rescue deal with rival company, Dynegy, Enron is facing an uncertain future. The collapse of merger talks was announced
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Page writes new chapter
CORSHAM Town's victory over Shepton Mallet on Saturday 1 December was special for young supporter Thomas Page. The eight-year-old, who is a regular at The Southbank, led Mark Godley's side onto the field before their Les Phillips Cup clash with Shepton
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Warning of cutson the way
PEOPLE in Wiltshire are facing a ten per cent council tax rise and cuts in services next year after the county council was given a smaller than average increase in Government money. The Conservative-controlled county council will receive just over £192million
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FROM THE DUGOUT: By Brian Newlands, Devizes Town Manager
6/12/01: WITH the Les Phillips competition taking centre stage at the weekend, there was only a limited amount of Screwfix Direct League games played. We again found ourselves without a game. I felt our players had to have some sort of run out so the
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'We'll go to court to block transfer rules'
SWINDON Town chief executive Peter Rowe believes the UEFA transfer window system due to be introduced at the beginning of next season could spell disaster for clubs in the lower reaches of the Nationwide League. And he is warning clubs could take UEFA
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Wiltshire FA Disciplinary List
The committee's full list of decisions was: Lee Ashby (Fox & Hounds Haydon Wick) Misconduct after Caution, 7 days, £10; Darren Axford (North Star) Misconduct after Caution, 7 days, £10. Michael Blake (Downton) Bringing the Game into Disrepute, warned
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Highworth upset odds
HIGHWORTH Town turned the form book upside down for the second time in three days when they defeated fifth in the table Fairford Town on their own ground 1-0 in the Hellenic Premier Division. Following their success over Brackley Town last weekend the
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Lloyd back KO
BATH forward Andy Lloyd has been ruled out for the rest of the season after tests confirmed he requires an operation on his troublesome back. The 20-year-old Welshman (pictured right), who has featured in both the second and back rows for his club, will
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A Steaming success!
THE MUSEUM which honours Swindon's railway history has made it to the finals of the National Railway Heritage Awards in the midst of a crisis over funding and visitor numbers. Steam, the Museum of the Great Western Railway, is being recognized for playing
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A Christmas wonderland
FATHER Christmas never has trouble finding the home of at least one Swindon grandmother. Carole Pellatt, 58, festoons her home and garden in Arun Road, Greenmeadow, with lights every year. She began the annual display as a tribute to her late husband,
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We'll all have to pay
THE Government minister in charge of distributing cash to councils, Stephen Byers, may not have visited Swindon for some time, if at all. But when he proudly boasted of "generous" increases in the handouts to local authorities through the Standard Spending
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New hospital's window on art
AN AWARD-WINNING Wiltshire artist is hard at work on the first of £375,000 worth of original art works for Swindon's Great Western Hospital. Glass artist Sasha Ward has been awarded the new hospital's first commission, and is currently drawing up possible
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Teachers 'frightened to speak'
SALISBURY district councillor Frances Howard says that teachers are becoming frightened of speaking out about unruly pupils. She says that chaotic classroom behaviour is regularly being concealed because members of staff are worried that they might lose
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Road rage brought terror to rush hour
STARTLED motorists watched in horror and amazement as three men, armed with shovels and a metal bar, violently attacked each other during the evening rush-hour on a busy Salisbury roundabout. Drivers saw one bare-chested man with his head covered in blood
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Brave Rita tackles trio of burglars
FEISTY 77-year-old Rita Wakeman, who single-handedly took on three burglars, attempting to lock them in her tiny kitchen, has vowed to take revenge if she ever gets her hands on the culprits. Rita, who lives alone with her cat in Rampart Road, Salisbury
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Man's fears over 'crisis' in care
A DISABLED Amesbury man says he is not being fed properly, due to the strain on social services' resources. Gary Midgley (32), of the Haywain, suffers from Ramsey Hunt syndrome, a neurological condition that means he is wheelchair-bound and needs help
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Calne news in brief
The Lions Club is on the lookout for young people who can give their time to help the elderly, infirm, or anyone in need. The club supports the national Youth Award scheme. If anyone knows of a youngster whose hard work is going unrecognised, they should
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Royal harpist charms crowd
THE Prince of Wales' personal harpist Catrin Finch delighted a crowd of music lovers in Calne at the weekend. The 21-year-old's talent and wealth of experience impressed everyone at the latest concert of the Marden House Recital Series on Sunday. More
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Architect's vision for next stage of redesign
ARCHITECT Aaron Evans, who helped steer the redevelopment of Calne town centre, has unveiled his vision for the next stage of the town's redesign. The blueprint features a covered market, cafes, a pub restaurant and a revamped Phelps Parade shopping arcade
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Old inn gets a new image
THE Stage Post Inn at West Lavington is set to reopen on December 8 after being given a new lease of life by its new owners. The former Wheatsheaf in the High Street was taken over by the Inn Good Company Ltd and completely redecorated after being recently
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Skatepark court case delayed to next year
THE row over the skateboard park in Hillworth Park, Devizes, is unlikely to be resolved until next year. Hillworth Road resident Bill Richardson, whose home is 30 metres away from the skateboard park, is suing the park's owners Devizes Town Council claiming
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Work set to start on new 999 centre
TOP brass from Wiltshire's fire, police and ambulance services together laid the foundation stone for the new joint control centre in Devizes, despite threats from fire control operators not to set foot in the new building. The fire communications staff
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RSPCA backs new airgun bill
THE RSPCA is backing a Private Member's Bill in the House of Commons that will clamp down on the use of airguns which have been used to maim and kill animals all over the country. There have been several instances this year of animals suffering after
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Cat dumped in sealed box
A YOUNG cat was found tied up in a cardboard box and dumped next to a busy road in Devizes this week. RSPCA inspector Kate Davis was called to Jubilee Buildings in Northgate Street at midnight on Monday after a resident found the black cat. The cat had
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Pupils getting to grips with newspaper style
FEATURES: THE difficulties of writing in a newspaper style were among the issues raised by pupils at Holy Trinity C of E Primary School in Great Cheverell when the Gazette and Herald visited. Youngsters at the school are taking part in the Newspapers
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Light-hearted festive battle
Neighbours at Waylands in Devizes are vying with each other to produce the best show of Christmas lights in the street. Jenny Hughes, at number 39, has a dazzling array including a Christmas candle and Santa Claus among flashing chaser lights and winking
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Santa is on hand
Father Christmas will be at the Riverbank Christmas Market at Marlborough Town Hall on Saturday December 15, 10am to noon, to help raise funds for the proposed new theatre/cinema complex in the town. Stalls will be selling table decorations, jewellery
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Views to be sought on plan to abolish parish
ROUNDWAY Parish Council has vowed to fight on after Kennet district councillors voted to consult the public on a plan to make the parish a ward of Devizes. Parish councillors were visibly upset after Kennet's policy and finance committee voted by ten
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Volunteers poised for tree row poll fight
FOURTEEN volunteers say they are willing to stand as independent candidates for the next district and county council elections in the wake of the destruction of the trees in Devizes Market Place. Devizes Guardians, the residents' group set up after the
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Classic Avebury film seen at last
A LONG forgotten home movie showing Avebury during the reconstruction of the monument in the years leading up to the Second World War will be shown in a BBC 2 documentary on December 6. A year ago the Gazette revealed that the film made by villager Peter
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Blow for town as developer pulls out
THE redevelopment of the centre of Devizes has been dealt a devastating blow after Heritage Commercial Properties withdrew from an agreement with Kennet District Council. Councillors at Tuesday policy and finance committee meeting were astonished to hear
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Owner tries to sell off cinema
THE Palace Cinema and Angel Bingo hall are being offered for sale to breweries by boss John Angel. Mr Angel insisted this week the cinema and bingo hall, housed in the same building in the Market Place, Devizes, were not for sale. But the Gazette has
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Customer fined for punching publican
PUB landlord Noel Quinlan was punched in the eye by a man he was seeing off his Marlborough premises, magistrates heard. Mr Quinlan, licensee of the Green Dragon in the High Street, was left with a bloodshot eye after the assault by Jeremy Cox, a 34-year-old
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Close call for poisoned dog
DOG lover Maggie Trevelyan-Hall is warning all pet lovers in Marlborough to keep a close watch on their animals after one of her five dogs nearly died from suspected poisoning. Vets bills for treatment including blood transfusions for ten- year-old black
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As you can see, nothing really has changed . . .
IT was short courtship even by today's standards, but John and Betty Rooke's parents couldn't believe it when they married after less then three weeks after their first meeting. Now the couple have celebrated their golden wedding anniversary along with
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Research to update electric network gets a cash boost
RESEARCH into replacing Britain's ageing electricity network is being funded by Swindon's Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council up to the tune of £132,000. Boffins at the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST
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Movie buffs can snap up a reminder of their favourite flicks
THESE are some of the posters which will be snapped up by movie enthusiasts looking to capture a permanent memento of a magical night out at the pictures. The huge archive of British cinema posters will come up for sale in Swindon at Dominic Winter Book
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Versatile performer dies
ACTOR Roger Leach died on Saturday, December 1, at the age of 53. Friendly, sociable and popular, Roger was inextricably linked in his working life with Salisbury Playhouse, where he appeared in dozens of plays, ranging from comedies to the classics,
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More colourful CAOS
Children at a Swindon playgroup have been brushing up on their painting skills to create two murals. The youngsters, aged between three and five, had a ball when artist Gordon Dickinson, from Old Town, visited the Euclid Street Playgroup in Swindon. The
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Odeon roof is ready
MONTHS of building work has been completed at Salisbury's Odeon cinema, giving the unique building a roof that could last for centuries. "I'm delighted with it," said manager Ted Adams. He is also pleased to see the end of scaffolding in the foyer and
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First class delivery
Children and teachers from Salisbury's Bish-opdown Farm Com-munity Pre-School with the digger that is starting work on a new school to serve families living at Bishopdown Farm, Hampton Park and Sarum Ridge. A single-storey building that includes a small
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Basketball club seeks new recruits
A CAMPAIGN has been launched to attract new members to a wheelchair basketball club, thanks to a grant from the Co-op. Swindon Kings Wheelchair Basketball Club has been given a £1,000 grant to raise awareness among disability groups and the local community
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Europe is future for district's tourism
TOURISM chiefs are forging a new strategy to maximise marketing of the Salisbury district. In response to the international situation, they have decided to put more focus on European and domestic visitors and not to pump extra cash into the US market.
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Buses leave girl stranded at stop
A TEN-year-old schoolgirl was left stranded in the cold and dark after successive buses drove past her stop. Emma Coombs, of Cooks Close, Bemerton Heath, left Avon Middle School as usual on Friday at 3.15pm and walked to her bus stop on Tournament Road
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Company puts its energy into saving threatened playgroup
A PLAYGROUP in Freshbrook has been saved from closure thanks to a £10,000 donation from Swindon based energy company Innogy. Greendown Playgroup a registered charity and pre-school facility for young children in West Swindon was based in the Len Hobbs
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Flood fear over estate road plan
A FARMER has warned district and county councillors that they will face the blame for floods in and around Salisbury unless they abandon plans to build a road bridge across the River Nadder. Malcolm Read has claimed that building the Brunel Link as a
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Pass on the salt
THE Stroke Association was delighted to read recent media reports that levels of salt in bread have been reduced by up to 21 per cent. High consumption of salt is closely linked to high blood pressure, or hypertension, which in turn is linked to a greater
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Mary's lasting legacy
MANY people will surely mourn the passing of Mary Whitehouse who for many years worked for better broadcasting that would benefit society as a whole. Much has been written about her recently giving testimony to the years of campaigning and to the many
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Let the shops prosecute thieves
THE statement from a Wiltshire police spokesman defending the use of the police helicopter regardless of the alleged offence committed, raises the question "what management controls are actually in place?" In Swindon, local commanders have reduced traffic
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Lottery cash should go to NHS
WE hear so much about the millions, now apparently billions of taxpayers' money allocated to the NHS but never a word about how much of that allocation has been mismanaged or misdirected, or wasted on useless projects. It brings to mind for instance,
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Thanks for all the help
WE would like to thank everyone who helped and contributed to the Christmas shoebox collection in Devizes. With the help of a terrific team we collected and packed 2,119 boxes ready for transport to Odessa from the Devizes and Pewsey district. Thank you
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Minety 2nds 5, Malmesbury 85
MALMESBURY ran in 15 tries as they overwhelmed their local rivals Minety on Saturday 1 December. Nobby Clark led the way for the visitors, scoring a hat-trick of tries and adding five conversions in the comprehensive win. The Malmesbury pack proved more
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Minety 48, Bridport 0
PLAYING their best rugby of the season, Minety ran in eight tries as they comprehensively outplayed their old rivals in this Dorset and Wilts Division One game. Frustrated in recent league games by successive encounters with bad luck, poor form, and inflexible
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Melksham-Devizes under 14s 27 Midsomer Norton under 14s 7
A BELOW-PAR and under-strength combined side overcame their North Somerset opponents despite a disappointing display. Missing three regulars may have unbalanced the team but an early try by inside centre, David Finlay, should have set the combined team
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Chippenham B 60, Supermarine 2nds 7
CHIPPENHAM produced their best performance of the season in the second half to overcome a spirited Supermarine side. The home side opened the scoring with a try from prop Shaun Atkin, followed soon after by a debut try for centre Gary Phillips. With Alun
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Marlow 31, Chippenham 7
CHIPPENHAM'S 100 per cent league record came to an end in disappointing fashion with a comprehensive defeat away to nearest rivals Marlow. Playing virtually the same side that they had blown away so convincingly at the end of last season, this time Chippenham's
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Swindon College Old Boys 22, Wootton Bassett 22
A LAST-GASP penalty try salvaged a point for below-par Wootton Bassett side after looking second best for much of a tough local derby at Swindon Old Boys on Saturday 1 December. Bassett made a flying start and were seven points up within the first minute
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Store is appreciated
WE always look forward to reading the Gazette each Thursday, and were so pleased to see that Great Somerford was featured in the village section. However we felt so sad that the village shop, Fourways Stores, was said to be in Little Somerford instead
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...or maybe they don't
AFTER all the criticism that has been handed out over the past year, may I suggest that congratulations are in order to the Devizes Development Partnership and Kennet District Council for the excellent Christmas fair that took place last Friday afternoon
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Fair brings a £4,000 boost
May I thank all the people who supported the Devizes Lions Club Christmas Fair on Saturday. It was a tremendous crowd and nearly all of the items donated so generously by the people of Devizes were sold. More than 100 children took advantage of the event
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Facts needed to back RAF fight
I HAVE read with interest the continuing series of articles concerning the doubts over the future of RAF Lyneham over the past few weeks. As an RAF serviceman I am naturally dismayed at the thought that yet another airfield might be forced to close, and
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Festivities lack vital sparkle...
After previous years of attending the ceremonial lighting up of the town, I was looking forward to this year even more, only to be bitterly disappointed by Devizes Town Council once again. How much longer can they carry on getting things wrong? As if
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Suspended sentence for stealing pub cash
BAR manager Pamela Jones has been given an eight-month suspended prison sentence after stealing nearly £2,000 from her bosses. Jones, 41, of Ashe Crescent, Chippenham, was working at the Borough Arms in the town when she stole the money from co-licensees
