Archive
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Spicing things up
A new stylish eating venue for the quaint, historic streets of Corsham, Cinnamon is a classy addition to the town's entertainment scene. Opened last Friday, the restaurant is a joint venture between four friends. With former chef to the stars Tony Chivers
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Milking applause
CORSHAM dairy food firm Coombe Castle International has been short-listed for a national award. The company, which exports specialist cheeses and creams, has been nominated for the cheese section of the Frozen and Chilled Exporter of the Year category
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Lacock link to Potter sequel
THE tourism industry in Lacock looks set to receive a massive boost next year as Hollywood film crews prepare to return to the picturesque village. Residents and businesses are hoping the arrival of Warner Bros film crews, in the early part of next year
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Brakes on roadworks
Plans to resurface Corsham's High Street just before Christmas have been postponed. Traders were furious when they discovered the road was due to be dug up during the prime Christmas shopping period. Contractors have been working for several weeks laying
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Rotary helps make Christmas brighter
THE Rotary Club in Swindon is known to be an avid supporter of local charities over the years. And now it has teamed up with the Evening Advertiser for our Christmas appeal to help make this festive season brighter for needy children. Following our successful
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Six hospitalised in chemical accident
SIX workers were sent to hospital after a spillage of noxious chemicals at a Swindon pharmaceutical plant. The accident happened at the RP Scherer pharmaceutical factory in Blagrove and involved a spillage of pharmaceutical material in the manufacturing
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Wessex Water is still on tap
BUSINESS as usual is the message from Wessex Water after the collapse of its parent company, US energy group Enron, last week. Wessex Water chairman Colin Skellett said there was no cause for concern despite the recent developments. "We are determined
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Milking applause
CORSHAM dairy food firm Coombe Castle International has been short-listed for a national award. The company, which exports specialist cheeses and creams, has been nominated for the cheese section of the Frozen and Chilled Exporter of the Year category
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Gig reviewer lands top job
Wiltshire Times music reviewer, James Conroy, has landed a job as a features writer with the Front Page News Agency. Mr Conroy, originally from Nottingham but now based in Trowbridge, has covered gigs in the Wiltshire area since he gave up his job as
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Going daft over daffs
Budding gardeners from Westbury Leigh Primary School have been clearing rubbish from bridleways and planting daffodil bulbs on a local housing development as part of a healthy schools initiative. A group of 24 children visited Persimmon's Westbury Leigh
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Battle to conquer 'Everest'
CONSTRUCTION work on an old tannery site in Westbury has been delayed until developers find a way to prevent river pollution. Persimmon Homes wants to remove an 8,000 cubic metre mound of earth at the site, known locally as Mount Everest. The emergency
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Vandals ruin festive event
CHRISTMAS lights in Westbury were on for just two hours before vandals sent them plunging into darkness. Heartless vandals caused hundreds of pounds of damage by destroying the lights control unit, only hours after the lights went on. Hundreds of people
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Give a gift of life this Christmas
PEOPLE in west Wiltshire are being urged to give the most precious Christmas present they can by donating blood. Westbury blood donor organiser Brenda Jones said there is a shortage of blood nationally and has asked people to consider giving. Mrs Jones
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Dad to sue son's club
A SPECTATOR could force his son's rugby club to fold following a freak accident at a match. Cecil Dredge is threatening to sue high-flying Westbury Rugby Football Club after a player ploughed into him during the game against Cooper-Avon-Tyres in September
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Man stays away
A PENSIONER from Westbury who has been charged with gross indecency was due to face magistrates in Trowbridge on Thursday, December 6, but failed to appear. James Cunningham, of Jubilee Close, is charged with one count of gross indecency with a girl.
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Lorries on their way
Operation Christmas Child organisers are hoping to send a third lorry to Eastern Europe for the first time. After a blessing, two lorry loads of gift-filled shoeboxes left Melksham on Saturday, December 1. One lorry is now on its way to the Ukraine and
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Wiltshire's public toilets flushed in starry success
West Wiltshire District Council is has won seven awards at the Cannon Hygiene Loo of the Year competition. Six local toilets were awarded four out of a possible five stars the highest number possible for an unattended facility. The Bath Road toilets in
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Call to clear up ghetto
THOUSANDS of pounds could be spent on clearing up a ghetto area of Melksham in a bid to draw back vital trade to the town. Town officials believe the unkempt areas around Bradford Road and Old Broughton Road are starting to frighten away trade, adversely
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Christmas lover on television
FESTIVE funster Andy Parks appeared on national television this week to talk about his unusual lifestyle. Mr Parks, of Melksham, who celebrates Christmas every day, appeared on the Channel 5 show Open House with Gloria Hunniford on Monday. During his
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New recycle centre opens in Melksham
THE Wiltshire Times campaign to rid the county's lanes and lay-bys of unwanted rubbish continues with more examples of householders dumping rubbish on public land. But Melksham residents no longer have any excuse the David Sprules Household Waste Recycling
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Avon jobs in jeopardy
NEARLY 300 people may be facing redundancy after it was announced that Avon Rubber plans to close its automotive factory in Trowbridge. Stunned workers were sent home after the news was broken to them on Wednesday, 5 December. Roger Hunt, one of the company's
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In praise of grand bingo night
I WRITE in response to the letter from J Attwell in last week's Wiltshire Times. Does J Attwell know just how difficult and time consuming it is to organise an event such as the grand bingo evening? Many people give their time freely to raise funds for
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Accolade for charity work
SWINDON-based Zurich Financial Services has been awarded Company of the Year in the Whitbread Volunteer Action Awards. The company received the accolade for Zurich Cares, its community involvement programme which supports and encourages staff to help
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Wessex Water is still on tap
BUSINESS as usual is the message from Wessex Water after the collapse of its parent company, US energy group Enron, last week. Wessex Water chairman Colin Skellett said there was no cause for concern despite the recent developments. "We are determined
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Call out for views on health care
PEOPLE with an opinion on the West Wiltshire Primary Care Trust are being invited to have their say. The trust wants to hear people's views about health care provision and the way it can change. Running alongside the NHS modernisation scheme, the trust
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Prison governor is confident of success
ERLESTOKE Prison governor Jayne Blake has survived a no-confidence vote by her staff and criticisms from a coroner after an inmate hanged himself. Now prison inspectors have put every aspect of her regime under the microscope in an unannounced three day
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New recycle centre opens in Melksham
THE Wiltshire Times campaign to rid the county's lanes and lay-bys of unwanted rubbish continues with more examples of householders dumping rubbish on public land. But Melksham residents no longer have any excuse the David Sprules Household Waste Recycling
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Group lobbies against bypass
CAMPAIGNERS travelled to Bristol on Thursday, December 6, to present a petition and protest against plans for the Westbury bypass. The Westbury Bypass Alliance targeted the Government Office of the South West at a critical time in the decision-making
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Lost ring is returned to owner
A PRECIOUS engagement ring from the 1950s has been reunited with its owner after being found in among a box of vegetables being fed to some goats. Jill Wrintmore, who lives in Chapmanslade, near Frome, lost the diamond and sapphire ring, given to her
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A tale of two Towns in basement battle
SCREWFIX DIRECT LEAGUE: WARMINSTER Town face a crunch relegation battle with fellow Screwfix Direct League First Division outfit Calne Town at Weymouth Street on Saturday 8 December. Just two points separate the Wiltshire rivals at the foot of the table
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Clarke ruled out for three months
FOOTBALL: Westbury United have been rocked by the news that key striker Carl Clarke will be out of action for at least three months. Top scorer Clarke broke his leg after being challenged by the visiting goalkeeper in the early stages of last week's disappointing
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Fosterer wins care certificate
A Warminster woman is one of the first in Wiltshire to be awarded an NVQ Level 3 certificate in caring for children and young people. Elaine Snook joined Wiltshire County Council's social services staff to receive her certificate in Devizes last week.
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Warminster soldiers win medals
WARMINSTER-based soldiers received prestigious awards last week. The ceremony was held in the officers' and sergeants' mess at Warminster Training Centre. Brigadier Andrew Cumming CBE made the presentations. Long service and good conduct medals were awarded
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Appeal for action over 'eyesore'
A DANGEROUS building has cast a shadow over Warminster's ancient town centre. Were House was owned by builders R Butcher & Son, but became derelict when the firm went bankrupt in 1994. The house, which is next door to Warminster Assembly Hall in the
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Chased in fog
POLICE officers in Warminster chased two men through thick fog after they fled from a suspected stolen car. The men were spotted travelling in a Vauxhall Astra in the market place in the early hours of Monday morning, December 3. The men ran off but were
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Tough for Devizes as they travel to Yeovil
Devizes Town visit non-league mecca Huish Park tomorrow, when they tackle Yeovil Town Reserves. The Conference club's second string usually grace the Premier Division's top six, but have struggled to find their form this season and are currently 14th.
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It's Honda for comfort
HONDA'S Civic has been named Britain's most comfortable car for the second year running. The small hatchback tops a field of 40 contenders priced between £7,295 to £53,950, in this year's survey by What Car? The Civic, which has already been named best
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It's still a small world for Clio
MOST minis have grown in recent years, and are still growing. With every new update, the makers sneak an extra inch or so on the length. The new Fiesta, due next spring, will be over 2in longer than the current model. And next year's new VW Polo will
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Mini Cooper S proves to be a major draw
BMW dealers have received more than 1,000 orders for the new Mini Cooper S, months before it goes on sale. Many of those signing up for the Cowley-built car are women and BMW chiefs have been delighted with the response. Spokeswoman Angela Wigley said
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Uninsured can run but can they hide?
Insurance companies, in conjunction with the police, are determined to put a stop to people driving without insurance. Michael Kemp, former motoring editor with the Daily Mail, looks at how they plan to deal with the problem and the implications for all
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PM votes Yes
Prime Minister Tony Blair en-dorsed the new Range Rover at a special preview at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham. "Land Rover is a great British success story producing vehicles recognised the world over," he said. "I'm sure this new
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Anger over developer's proposals
RESIDENTS in Bradford on Avon have reacted angrily to claims that property developer Taywood Homes have listened to their opinions over the plans for the Kingston Mills site. The town's preservation trust are concerned about the modern style buildings
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New HQ unveiled
VISITORS turned out in force on Saturday, December 2, to watch the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire open the new building for Bradford on Avon's Air Training Corps. Hundreds of people, including town mayor Janet Repton and Chamber of Commerce representatives
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Safe return from African mission
A TEAM of 20 people from Bradford on Avon's Christian Fellowship returned from South Africa safely, armed with memorable experiences. The group, aged between 16 and 50, stayed at the old prison in Pietermaritzburg. The building is now used as a pregnancy
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It's in with the new at the Rec before renewing old, old hostilities
IT HAS been a week of new beginnings in several different ways down at the Rec. Firstly for the players, the challenge was to put the disappointment of the defeat at Loftus Road behind us. As soon as we knew the game was gone against Wasps last weekend
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Couple face child cruelty charges
A COUPLE from Bradford on Avon charged with child cruelty will appear in court later this month. Adrian Miller, 38, and Amanda Peacock, 39, of Bancroft, both face a charge of child cruelty dating back to June this year. Miller appeared in front of Trowbridge
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The critical mass
CONGRATULATIONS to KH Rogers who rightly won last week's star letter prize for his contribution to the Records Office debate. The important points that are made in support of the Trowbridge bid are all the more persuasive as they come from a former county
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Demolition is criminal
I attended the presentation by Supt Abbott of Wiltshire police, at Trowbridge Town Council, last Tuesday, November 27. Seeing his computerised drawings of how the proposed new police station would look in Polebarn Road, I am now wholly convinced the new
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Creepy tale has fresh feel
IT'S the spring break and a brother and sister are heading home for the holiday on a deserted country road. Trish (Gina Phillips) and Darry (Justin Long) pass the long hours pleasantly enough bickering and squabbling as any teenage siblings would do.
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Thank you for this
A FEW weeks ago you published my letter asking people to send their old European currency to the Independent Living Centre as it expires on January 1 2002. We are grateful for the several kilograms of notes and coins we have received and have decided
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Things that go bump
IT'S been quite a year for Nicole Kidman. Her very public divorce from Tom Cruise has doubtless left deep mental scars. But this has been eased considerably by her film work. Audiences are still flocking to see Kidman strut her stuff in the crowd-pleasing
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Have a harry christmas
IT'S like having an early Christmas present. We've been teased and tormented for over a year, and now it's time to rip the wrapping paper off. But have we got what we've asked for? Oh yes Santa has come up trumps this time. Forget all the other presents
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All that glitters is not gold
GLITTER (PG) is the first stage in Mariah Carey's transition from pop star to movie star. And the question on everyone's lips: is she any good? Well, you may recall Meryl Streep's Oscar-winning turn in the powerful drama Sophie's Choice. There was a key
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Releases from the darker side of life
David Mamet's intricate thriller Heist (15, 109 mins) sees veteran thief Joe Moore (Gene Hackman) expose his identity to a store's CCTV system. But when he visits sleazy crime boss Bergman (Danny DeVito) to collect the spoils, he is blackmailed into hijacking
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Town limbo to end
SWINDON: Swindon Town's period in limbo was expected to end this morning with the appointment of an interim board of directors. Former jockey Willie Carson, Bob Holt, Nick Prescott and Wendy Godwin were set to be elected at the club's extraordinary general
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Queen takes a trip around Wiltshire
THE Queen was due in Wiltshire today. She and the Duke of Edinburgh were due to visit in March this year but postponed the trip because of the foot and mouth outbreak. At around 11am, the Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh were set to arrive at Chippenham
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Man on robbery charge
A MAN was due to appear before Swindon magistrates today charged with robbing a bus driver. Police charged Thomas Kennedy, 27, of Eddington Close, Toothill, after an account of the attack was published in the Evening Advertiser. Detective Constable Bob
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A tiny bigtime star
CHILD star Paddy Carroll has hit the big time in a very small role. The 10-year-old from West Ashton is playing Tiny Tim in the Northern Ballet Company's production of Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol at the Theatre Royal, Bath. The Leeds-based touring
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Proud heads praise all their pupils' efforts
THE headteachers of two Trowbridge schools placed near the bottom of Wiltshire league tables released this week have spoken of their pride in pupils. Out of the 35 children who took the SATS tests at Studley Green Primary School, 20 have special educational
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Read all about it honour for class champ
A READING volunteer at a Trowbridge school has been recognised for his outstanding commitment to encouraging and inspiring others to read. Frank Garbutt has set up a scheme for Rotary Club members to become reading volunteers at Studley Green Primary
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Man assaulted outside club
POLICE are appealing for witnesses after an assault outside a Trowbridge club on Saturday, December 1. Kevan Dell, 24, left Club Blue in Wicker Hill and was knocked unconscious at 2.15am. His jaw and cheekbone were fractured in the attack. Police want
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'Violent' patient could face prison
A patient who pushed a trolley filled with medical equipment at a nurse before assaulting two police officers could face a prison sentence. Matthew Tee, 27, of Charlotte Square, admitted the three assaults at Trowbridge Hospital last month. Trowbridge
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Hospital's safety plan
NURSES working at Trowbridge Hospital are facing an increasing barrage of verbal and physical abuse as levels of violence against medical staff reaches a new high. The warning comes just days after a 27-year-old Trowbridge man appeared in court charged
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Website wizards rewarded
INTERNET whiz kids from a Trowbridge school have had a year of hard work rewarded at a glittering London ceremony attended by pop group S Club 7. The five boys from St Augustine's Catholic College were national finalists in the Tesco Our Schools Awards
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Trio admit air pistol offence
THREE Trowbridge men appeared in court charged with firing an air pistol on public ground. Brothers Jonathan Lewis, 18, and Peter Lewis, 26, of Kingswood Chase and Scott Gevaux, 19, of Foxglove Drive admitted the firearms charge when they appeared in
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'I wasn't asleep' says driver in fatal Selby rail smash
The man accused of causing the deaths of 10 people in the Selby train crash, including Trowbridge-born train driver Stephen Dunn, told police he had not fallen asleep at the wheel prior to his Land Rover plunging on to the East Coast mainline, a court
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Bingo success is marred by critics
A GROUP of Trowbridge mothers have hit out at critics who said the fundraising bingo night they organised was a shambles. The Friends Of Holbrook School held a Grand Bingo Night in the Civic Hall on November 24, but were overwhelmed when more than 400
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Jobs could go at Bowyers factory
JOBS are on the line at Pork Farm Bowyers, after it was announced this week that sausage production at the Trowbridge firm could end. Staff were told on Wednesday, 5 December, that the company is in negotiation with Kerry Foods Ltd to sell off the branded
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Baby, 11 months, hit by meningitis
BABY Jack Adamson has been fighting for his life in hospital since Monday, 3 December, after being diagnosed with the less common bacterial meningitis. The 11-month-old has spent the week at the Royal United Hospital, Bath on drips and antibiotics and
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Suspicious fire in farm workshop
POLICE are investigating a fire that destroyed the roof of a stone farm workshop in Steeple Ashton. Firefighters and four engines from Trowbridge and Melksham were called to Close Farm in the early hours of Saturday, 1 December, and quickly extinguished
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Pike is the pick of season's sport
ANGLING: AS WE move into December and the colder weather, it is time for the pike angler to set out in search of his quarry. This is the traditional time of year for pike fishing and the west country offers a wide choice of venues. The Bristol Avon holds
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MP helps shake up old legal system
A SWINDON MP is helping to oversee the most radical shake-up of the criminal justice system in 30 years. Michael Wills, who represents the North of the town, has been given the task in his capacity of a Parliamentary Secretary at the Lord Chancellor's
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Sample delights of world in miniature
A new club for dolls house enthusiasts has been launched in Wootton Bassett. Nineteen people attended a meeting at the home of Pat and Tom Savory on Monday. Members have decided to name the group The Magic Miniature Club. They have booked the Civic Centre
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Car of the Year
PEUGEOT'S latest 307 has scooped the European motor industry's top award Car of the Year for 2002. The 307 was the overall favourite of the 55 judges, from 21 countries across Europe, who evaluated the cars over several months. From 29 nominations, the
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All the fun of the fair...and a night out with the Irish
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. Some of you may have seen adverts in the
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Mazda for economy
FRUGAL use of fuel combined with family-size carrying ability gives Mazda's Demio first place in CAP's economy chart for small MPVs. As it's the cheapest car in the top 10 at £7,830, owners of the 1.3 LXi five-door will lose the least in depreciation.
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Cycling dream is shattered by thief
DARREN Smith spent years realising his dream of riding a bike but within months his specially-adapted cycle had been stolen. It took the 32-year-old, who has severe arthritis, several years to find a company willing to construct the special pedals that
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Chef cooks up another winner
A Shrivenham chef has made mincemeat of 18 talented opponents to win a national cooking award. Richard Bowden, who works as executive head chef at Shrivenham's Joint Services Command and Staff College, won a crystal trophy and £1,000 after being named
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NHS call line is a success
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 in November 2000 and started off receiving 175 calls a day in the first month. It now receives 600
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Bid to stop new homes
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
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Wardens lined up to patrol streets
A SQUAD of eight street wardens are set to begin patrolling three Swindon housing estates next year. Their responsibilities will include making people feel safer on the streets and in their homes. Park North, Park South and Walcot were identified earlier
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Hereford lost in a downward spiral
HEREFORD United have turned full circle as they head for the County Ground tomorrow. The Bulls' 1972 FA Cup win over Newcastle is arguably the most famous upset in the modern game. But almost 30 years on, Newcastle are still a top flight force while Hereford
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Good prospects in store for latest charity shop
A NEW charity shop in Wroughton will be helping to raise money for the Prospect Foundation which has its hospice in the village. Opened by Evening Advertiser columnist, Shirley Mathias, who lives in the village, the Ellendune Centre shop is the Foundation's
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Duke can't bear the thought of suffering an FA Cup upset
AN FA Cup exit at the hands of Hereford would be unthinkable for David Duke as it would jeopardise his starting role. The 23-year-old has almst been an ever present member of Roy Evans' side his versatility crucial to Town being used as wing-back on both
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Roy Promise To Stay Put
ROY EVANS has vowed to lead Town out against Hereford United and then sit down with the club's new board of directors. The director of football told the Evening Advertiser that 'only the sack' would prevent him from carrying out his normal duties during
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Old Sulians 2nds 0, Cooper-Avon Tyres 2nds 56
THIS was a fine performance from the seconds who ran in 10 tries. Seventeen-year-olds Russell Holland and Andy Beattie led the rout, scoring three and two tries respectively. Veteran Pete Groves also added a brace and Ashley Collins, Mick Hurn and Paul
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Westbury 46, North Dorset 27
WITHIN 20 seconds of the starting whistle Rich Coleman ran the ball back to the opposition and carved through their defence, passing to Guy Barrett to score the first of eight tries from Westbury. In this often close fought game Westbury again started
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Old Sulians 2nds 0, Cooper-Avon Tyres 2nds 56
THIS was a fine performance from the seconds who ran in 10 tries. Seventeen-year-olds Russell Holland and Andy Beattie led the rout, scoring three and two tries respectively. Veteran Pete Groves also added a brace and Ashley Collins, Mick Hurn and Paul
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Cooper-Avon Tyres 19, Oakmedians 25
ONCE again the Melksham side were narrowly beaten in this league encounter to leave them bottom of the Southern Counties South table. With their backs in excellent form, second placed Oakmedians took an early lead but Avon hit back and with their forwards
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Roy Promise To Stay Put
ROY EVANS has vowed to lead Town out against Hereford United and then sit down with the club's new board of directors. The director of football told the Evening Advertiser that 'only the sack' would prevent him from carrying out his normal duties during
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Pupils take honours at art festival
PUPILS from Neston School have won trophies in this year's Devizes Eisteddfod arts festival. Lauren Crookall-Fallon was a winner for her art work in the under sevens class. Rose White won the verse speaking for the six and under sevens class. Sam Treby
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Novice cyclist raises £2,000
A 60-YEAR-OLD woman who had never ridden a bike before has just completed a 350-mile trek across Vietnam to raise money for MIND. Gillian Bradley, of Bearfield Buildings, Bradford on Avon, raised more than £2,000 after five days of cycling. Ms Bradley
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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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Foundation is laid for services working together
WILTSHIRE'S fire, police and ambulance services joined together to lay the foundation stone for a new joint control centre despite threats from fire control operators not to set foot in the new building. The fire communications staff were notable by their
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Music teachers in new register
WESTBURY music teachers Kevin Rowe and Al Summers are in the process of establishing a music teachers' network. This will register professional, experienced tutors, enabling parents or students to choose the right teacher and obtain good advice. The network
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Group lobbies against bypass
CAMPAIGNERS travelled to Bristol on Thursday, December 6, to present a petition and protest against plans for the Westbury bypass. The Westbury Bypass Alliance targeted the Government Office of the South West at a critical time in the decision-making
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Highworth the favourites in local derby
WOOTTON Bassett entertain a rejuvenated Highworth Town side this weekend in what could be a typical local Hellenic League derby. The home side, well-beaten at Pegasus last week in a below par performance, will have to raise their game if they are to halt
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A Crunch Meeting For Unbeaten Sides
WOOTON Bassett United and Swin-don Eagles take centre stage this weekend in the top-of-the-table clash at Ballards Ash. Both the Wilts Junior League sides are unbeaten so far this season, the Eagles losing their 100 per cent record in their last league
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Top two march on
The tables are beginning to take shape in the Swindon Indoor Cricket League, and Division One looks like being a straight fight between Asians and Wootton Bassett. Both were victorious this week with Asians easily disposing of Nalgo I by six wickets despite
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Mother in pay battle with son
A 57-YEAR-OLD mother sacked from a £55,000-a-year executive job at her son's research firm, has won the latest stage of her battle for compensation. Nina Cobb was dismissed from her role as financial director at Melksham-based Molecular Sensing in April
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Sex fiend's evil legacy
A 10-YEAR-OLD Melksham boy abused by charity worker Peter Rayworth is still suffering cruel nightmares about running into the convicted paedophile on his way to school. The mother of the boy, who cannot be identified, said her daughter spotted Rayworth
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A double win for motor firm
HONDA has scored a unique double by winning an inter-national safety award for the second time. The Swindon based firm won the Prince Michael International Safety Award for its Motor Appreciation Course (MAC) car driver training scheme. The win comes
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Well-known electronics tycoon dies at age of 75
A BUSINESS tycoon whose electronics and telecommunications group employed more than 1,000 Swindon workers has died at the age of 75. Sir John Clark was chief executive of Plessey for 27 years and steered it through a long-running merger battle with GEC
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Lorries on their way
Operation Christmas Child organisers are hoping to send a third lorry to Eastern Europe for the first time. After a blessing, two lorry loads of gift-filled shoeboxes left Melksham on Saturday, December 1. One lorry is now on its way to the Ukraine and
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Wiltshire's public toilets flushed in starry success
West Wiltshire District Council is has won seven awards at the Cannon Hygiene Loo of the Year competition. Six local toilets were awarded four out of a possible five stars the highest number possible for an unattended facility. The Bath Road toilets in
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Safety from the start
Statistics show that more than half of drivers killed on the road are aged between 17 and 25. TREVOR PORTER reports on what is being done to reduce the number of fatal accidents.Seventeen is the most dangerous age for drivers, and beginner drivers are
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Harvest appeal is big success
An overwhelming response to this year's harvest appeal from the west Wiltshire centre for Action on Homelessness has meant the organisation now has at least a 12-month stock of food and can ensure that its clients are served with a nourishing hot meal
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Give a gift of life this Christmas
PEOPLE in west Wiltshire are being urged to give the most precious Christmas present they can by donating blood. Westbury blood donor organiser Brenda Jones said there is a shortage of blood nationally and has asked people to consider giving. Mrs Jones
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Not a mole, but winner of the show
THE winner of Channel 5 game show, The Mole, has shared his £88,000 prize money with his fellow contestants after even his parents were fooled into thinking he was a saboteur. On Sunday, December 2, it was revealed that far from being the mole of the
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Gig reviewer lands top job
Wiltshire Times music reviewer, James Conroy, has landed a job as a features writer with the Front Page News Agency. Mr Conroy, originally from Nottingham but now based in Trowbridge, has covered gigs in the Wiltshire area since he gave up his job as
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Melksham get a lesson at university
A MATTY Bown penalty proved too little, too late for Melksham Town as they were defeated by in-form Team Bath at the University of Bath on Saturday 1 December. The home side were always in command and climbed above Melksham in the Screwfix Direct League
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Event is six of the best
SCHOOL FOOTBALL: FOR THE first time ever the Wiltshire Schools FA held the county finals of the national six-a-side football festival in Warminster last Saturday. Chris Bell, chairman of the Warminster Schools Football Association was asked to organise
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Cup KO for town teams
WILTS JUNIOR CUP: In round three of the Wilts Junior Cup, all three Trowbridge sides Deverills, Steeple Ashton and Heytesbury crashed out of the competition. Castle Combe's game at Minety was called off due to a waterlogged pitch. Steeple Ashton were
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Melksham ready for big Vase test
MELKSHAM Town face their biggest game of the season tomorrow 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 round clash
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Tasty treats at country market
Homemade cakes, pastries and savoury goods were tasted by Warminster mayor Chris March at a WI country market. The Christmas market and tasting day was held in the town library last Friday, November 30. Tables were full of jars of marmalade, crafts and
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Exhibition brings past back to life
CHILDHOOD memories are the theme for a new exhibition at the Dewey Museum in Warminster. The memories were written for the Merry Go Round magazine by Louisa Colfox (nee Wansey) and her sister Anna Elizabeth from 1874-76. From 1825-1835, Louisa lived in
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Glove's labours found
A DEDICATED woman has never had the opportunity to see if distance makes the heart grow fonder, as for the last 44 years she has been working for the same company as her husband. However, this relationship ended on Friday when Pat Sherwood retired from
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New base for Army infant school
A WARMINSTER pre-school has been given a fresh start after its building was condemned in September. The Elm Hill pre-school is for children who have a parent in the Army based in Warminster. The school's former home had to be closed down with half an
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Incident at college
POLICE are investigating an incident in which a student is said to have hit a teacher at a Warminster college. The student, who has not been identified, is alleged to have struck out at a teacher with their arms and fists during a lesson on November 22
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Sex fiend's evil legacy
A 10-YEAR-OLD Melksham boy abused by charity worker Peter Rayworth is still suffering cruel nightmares about running into the convicted paedophile on his way to school. The mother of the boy, who cannot be identified, said her daughter spotted Rayworth
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Highworth the favourites in local derby
Wootton Bassett entertain a rejuvenated Highworth Town side this weekend in what could be a typical local Hellenic League derby. The home side, well-beaten at Pegasus last week in a below par performance, will have to raise their game if they are to halt
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A Crunch Meeting For Unbeaten Sides
Wootton Bassett United and Swin-don Eagles take centre stage this weekend in the top-of-the-table clash at Ballards Ash. Both the Wilts Junior League sides are unbeaten so far this season, the Eagles losing their 100 per cent record in their last league
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Melksham's historic bid
Melksham Town entertain St Neots tomorrow, vying for a place in round four of the FA Vase for the first time in their 125-year history. The Screwfix Premier Division club have twice reached the third round stage before, in 1981 and more recently 1998,
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One for the road
FOR years, we've seen the 4wd Subaru Impreza steering its way through the UK's big Network Q rally as it did just a couple of weeks ago with driver Richard Burns (inset) taking the big honours. But the Impreza's sporting successes have never really pushed
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The car that Jeremy Clarkson does like
OUTSPOKEN motoring guru Jeremy Clarkson has had a lot of tough things to say about some cars in the past. But he's quite clear about the ones that win his admiration. And top of the list is the legendary E-Type Jaguar. The Coventry classic is Clarkson's
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If it's a chase, it has to be a Jaguar
In his latest film, 51st State, Samuel L Jackson enjoyed some enviable car chases on the streets of Liverpool in a classic Jaguar XJ6 Series III with co-star Robert Carlyle. Jaguar Cars transported the stars of the film to its London premiere in a fleet
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Head turner
Peugeot's 206 Cabriolet pedal car is sure to put an extra-wide smile on a child's face on Christmas morning. The stylish 1CP (one childpower) single seater has all the charisma of the full sized 206 Coupe Cabriolet, and will turn more than a few heads
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Post Office in line for top shop prize
A CAMERA crew and panel of judges visited Winsley Post Office Stores for the last stage of a shop of the year contest. The crew called on Alan and Sarah Appleby to find out if the couple were worthy of the prestigious title before the winner was announced
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Public meet on road safety
RESIDENTS in Bradford on Avon will be able to have their say about road safety at a number of public meetings. The next meeting will discuss issues surrounding Trowbridge Road and the aim is to draw up a list of road safety demands to put to the county
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Nightmare on Loftus Road as Bath reach rock-bottom
Wasps 23, Bath 10: THE alarm bells were sounding loud and clear as Bath got a Premiership wake-up call from another away-day disaster at Loftus Road. Coach Jon Callard had warned last week that his side would run out of excuses with the return of their
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Keep up the fight
DEFINITE public response shows massive support for the campaign to keep the records office in Trowbridge. Evidence shows Trowbridge is the most accessible location in Wiltshire by public transport, which is centred geographically in the middle of the
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Some irrefutable points on town
CLLR Jeff Osborn can often get things wrong and his letter in last week's Wiltshire Times runs true to form. Correspondents who voiced their concern about the future of Trowbridge were not denigrating the efforts of local people and voluntary organisations
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Thomas set for start as yellow alert recedes
BATH flanker Gavin Thomas looks certain to face Gloucester tomorrow despite picking up a third yellow card in 12 months against Wasps last weekend. Wales ace Thomas, sin-binned for an off-the-ball tangle with Martin Offiah, has yet to hear which game
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Which track is plan on?
According to your November 23 headline, the Kingston Mills "plan is on track". But which track? Along the housebuilder's line perhaps, ignoring red signals, heading for massed upmarket commuter homes, regardless of local consequences. The right track
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Hallett stays in contention
After a disastrous first Challenge Tour, Mike Hallett kept his attempt to regain his Main Tour place on track yesterday. Hallett fought back from 3-1 down to beat Northern Ireland international captain Dermot McGlinchey 4-3 at the Challenge Tour event
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Plea to improve car park safety
DRIVING around on site and walking into the store has become quite hazardous at Tesco, Trowbridge. There is a sort of one-way traffic system with hard-to-see painted arrows on the roadway. One single direction roadway has a No Entry sign but the rest
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Blonde is leading the bland in legal comedy
ANY film containing the fluffy bundle of fun that is Reese Witherspoon is always going to be high on energy but it should also pack some substance as well. This is why Legally Blonde (12) is something of a waste of talent, yet it so easily could have
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Thank you for this
MAY I thank the inhabitants of Trowbridge and district for their kind and generous support of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. The total collected was £13,400 in round figures, an improvement over last year's figures. This is a wonderful response
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Statutory duty is not being upheld
NO doubt your readers will know that the new junior school on the Paxcroft Mead estate in Trowbridge has opened. WWDC had reserved an adjacent site for a secondary school. However, following objections from John of Gaunt, Clarendon and Matravers Schools
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Spies left undone by gritty espionage tale
NOT since Michael Caine played Harry Palmer has a film effectively captured the mundane and occasionally cruel world of spying. The cinema tends to concentrate on the glamour of James Bond or the inane stunts of Mission Impossible when portraying the
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Pals' well-observed tale
Me Without You (15) is an intelligent, well-observed story about friendship spanning nearly 30 years. It begins in suburbia in 1973 (the film opens with a sublime version of the theme song from that old tea-time TV favourite White Horses) with neighbours
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Partners in crime
TWO guys escape from prison. They arm themselves, rob banks, and take a woman hostage. And they get away with it. Bandits could have been another unpalatable Holly-wood crime drama that glorifies violence and turns its villains into heroes. Instead it
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Jackson still plays it cool even in a kilt
SOME actors have to work overtime to look cool on screen, others can do it in their sleep. Samuel L Jackson falls into the latter category. This man is so cool he would look sharp in a kilt. In fact, in The 51st State (18) he does. He plays a double crossing
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A rough night
SWINDON: More than 40 people will tonight experience sleeping rough as part of a campaign by Threshold Housing Link. The event has been organised to raise money for the charity through sponsorship and also to raise awareness of the problem of homelessness
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Bus discussion
ABBEY MEADS: North Swindon MP Michael Wills will tonight meet residents who are unhappy over bus services. Some people say their journeys have lengthened since the opening of the Asda Wal-Mart store. Mr Wills will be joined by bus company managers for
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He's stepping into Grandad's boots!
A TEENAGER from Swindon has followed in his grandfather's footsteps 40 years later to serve with the elite Parachute Regiment. Private Waisea Vakacegu, 19, was re-united with his proud grandad this week after spending six weeks on a military exercise
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Boost for heart patients
WILTSHIRE Health Authority is to receive a £29 million spending increase next year and that's allowing for inflation. The government has also announced that any heart patient in the county who has waited six months or more for an operation will have the
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Is £10 all we can spare?
THIS is the sum total of an appeal to the people of Swindon to save the town's Disability Resource Centre just £10. A poster campaign launched in October urged Swindon people to give just £1 each to the centre. But just one person responded an elderly
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Caught on Camera
SCAFFOLDERS Robert and Mark Foxworthy illegally dumped waste in a Swindon street only to find themselves featuring on national television. The brothers were attempting to get rid of bags of bricklayers' rubbish and gone-off concrete that had been left
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7/12/01
There is something very special about a local derby against a high-flying Gloucester side. Outside of international rugby there are few games bigger than Bath Rugby v Gloucester matches and over the years, the two clubs have taken part in some memorable
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Flood-busters in bid to halt chaos
DETERMINED not to be caught out again after last autumn's devastating floods, Wiltshire County Council held a Flood Fair at the Civic Hall, Trowbridge last week. More then 20 specialist suppliers from all over the country turned up to show off their wares
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Pupils record CD for New York charity
Children from Paxcroft School, Trowbridge have recorded a CD to raise money for the families of the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks The idea came from 11-year-old pupil, Georgia Cook. She said: "I wanted to send a message to everyone in
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Students honoured
Students and staff from the Trowbridge campus of Wiltshire College gathered at the Arc Theatre on Thursday, Decmber 6, for their annual awards evening. Before the prizegiving began, the audience of nearly 250 heard college principal George Bright pay
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Clampdown on crime set to begin
Advance warning for criminals: the Trowbridge Christmas clampdown starts on Saturday, December 8, and will run up until Christmas Eve. Operation Clampdown, which has become an annual initiative, hopes to prevent crime and public disorder and to increase
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Hunting saboteur 'will do it again'
A hunt saboteur who landed up in court after trying to stop a hunt in Steeple Ashton has vowed to do the same again if it means saving an animal's life. Aubrey Burge was arrested after chasing after a beagle pack armed with a homemade whip, a spray and
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Busy road gets clever crossing
PEDESTRIANS crossing a busy Trowbridge road can now cross in safety with the installation of a new intelligent crossing. The new crossing is now in place on Bradley Road, near the junction with College Road, a busy place for school children and students
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Harry fan has wizard idea
ENTERPRISING Holt teenager Rachel Quilliam has cashed in on the Harry Potter craze with her artistic skills. She has been selling characters from the film, which she has made out of modelling clay. Rachel, 15, whose dream job would be to work for Aardman
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Santa arrives in stretch limo
SANTA left the reindeer at home as he arrived to take up residence in a Trowbridge supermarket in style. Father Christmas turned up at the town's Asda store for a three-week stint in a chauffeur-driven white, stretch limo. Sophie Brice, deputy customer
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Schoolchildren book in for a treat
LITERARY characters came to life at Hilperton Primary School on Thursday, December 6. Children and teachers alike came to lessons dressed as characters from their favourite books as part of a book week held to help the children's literacy skills. On Monday
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Parents pay tribute to daughter
THE parents of 14-year-old Hannah Couldrake have thanked those who spoke at their daughter's funeral. Hannah, who suffered from the rare illness Marfan Syndrome, which affected her bones, died at Bristol Children's Hospital on November 15 after a pulmonary
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Avon jobs in jeopardy
NEARLY 300 people may be facing redundancy after it was announced that Avon Rubber plans to close its automotive factory in Trowbridge. Stunned workers were sent home after the news was broken to them on Wednesday, 5 December. Roger Hunt, one of the company's
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As it says on the label
ON STAGE next week at the Ustinov Studio in Bath is a Frome performer who comes direct from the Edinburgh Festival. Pip Utton, who is probably best remembered by Ustinov audiences for his award-winning performance as Adolf Hitler in the internationally
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Now pirouette to the shops
REVIEW: A Christmas Carol, Theatre Royal, Bath. It's the first week of December, and time to face the inevitable the ghost of Christmas Yet To Come (in roughly three weeks' time) looms menacingly ahead. But if you're lucky enough to get a ticket for Northern
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Firms have to make some hard choices
IT is sad to hear that Trowbridge firm Bowyers, is bringing to an end an era that has seen their sausages become a familiar site on shop shelves around the county. Many people will be bemoaning this fact, after all Bowyers is a name that has become synonymous
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Support our anti-war protest
ANTI-war protesters who fear military action could spread from Afghanistan to other countries have appealed to Swindon people to support them. Almost 50 people attended a Stop the War public meeting at the town's Broadgreen Centre, with the aim of engaging
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Frustrated fan's star signing
A LIFE-LONG Liverpool fan was turned down when he asked the club for his shirt to be signed by soccer ace Robbie Fowler only to have his wish granted by a rival football team. Sean Burton, 32, of Liden, has supported the Reds since he was six but reckons
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Wish they'd produce this one
Mazda, long renowned for its stylish and insightful design, has released details of a concept vehicle designed for the lifestyle of today's Japanese youth. Innovative yet functional, it was conceived by a team of young designers who spent a month in the
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No pop music on the phone
MOBILE phone firms have been banned from using popular tunes owned by record industry giant EMI. The firm, which has a CD manufacturing plant in Swindon, claims that ring tones breach copyright rules and has vowed to protect the intellectual property
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'Bag was not mine' says drug addict
HEROIN addict John Rodney said he acquired a sports bag which was found to contain drugs paraphernalia, a court heard. The 42 year-old told a jury he didn't know how the items got there. Rodney, of Burbage Road, Penhill, denies possessing the Class A
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Christmas has arrived for estate residents
CHRISTMAS will come early for residents on a Wiltshire housing estate 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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Watch the birdie
A SELECTION of beautiful Victorian lithographic prints depicting exotic birds is expected to fetch more than £30,000 when it goes under the hammer in Swindon. The five books of 320 images entitled Birds of New Guinea and the Adjacent Papuan Islands were
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Seeking out the bald tyres that could kill
SIX accidents on Swindon roads this year have involved cars with balding tyres. Now Swindon police are desperate to drive home the message that worn out tyres can kill. And during a crackdown to catch offenders yesterday they carried out random safety
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Drink driver faces jail sentence
A DRINK driver has been told he faces a jail term after being convicted of tampering with a blood sample to try and get off the charge. Paul Howard, 35, admitted driving with excess alcohol after a jury at Swindon Crown Court found him guilty of perverting
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Agonising wait to learn of council department doom
AN EXTERNAL report that is expected to highlight major weaknesses in Swindon Council's social services department is yet to arrive at the Civic Offices. The joint review by the Audit Commission and Government Department of Health took place in September
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Listed pub will not be converted into house
PLANS to turn 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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Countdown to the euro
DOZENS of stores in Swindon are gearing up to accept euros following the continental shift to a single currency in the New Year. Euro-friendly companies with branches in the town include Marks and Spencer, Dixons, Boots, Virgin, House of Fraser and WH
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House is raided
SWINDON: More than £2,000-worth of property was stolen in a burglary on a house in Dixon Street. The haul included a Dell lap-top computer and six DVDs. Anyone with information about the burglary should contact PC Andy Lee of the burglary squad on Swindon
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Student's appeal for parachute
A NEW COLLEGE student is hoping to give young scholars in Africa a lift by organising an appeal for a parachute. Rosa Campbell Blight, 16, of Croft Road, was one of the past and present Commonweal School students who took part in a highly successful visit
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New system will take time says MP
A SWINDON MP has defended the Government by insisting Swindon Council is getting a better deal than it would under the Tories. Labour's Julia Drown, who represents South Swindon, says she knows the town is not receiving its fair share of the money from
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Eric so happy to be at home sweet home
THERE'S no place like home for Eric Sabin as he prepares to tackle Hereford United. The French striker, pictured above, enjoyed his first taste of FA Cup action against Hartlepool last month and he cannot wait for a crack at round two. Sabin believes
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Consider us warned
MARK ROBINSON believes Wrexham may have done Town a big favour ahead of tomorrow's FA Cup tie at the County Ground. The Red Dragons were unceremoniously dumped out of the competition by Hereford and Robbo feels that has sharpened the players' determination
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Ruddock so happy at Town
NEIL RUDDOCK insists he wants to play a part in building a better future for Swindon Town. The player-coach admits the departure of former chairman Danny Donegan caused him to do some serious thinking but he now hopes he can work with the new regime.
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Big thanks for life-saving scheme
ON BEHALF of the parents of primary school children in Swindon, in fact throughout the United Kingdom, I would like to thank the Nationwide Building Society for their Cats Eyes for Kids campaign which provided every primary school child with a fun shaped
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We must fulfil our duties to services
MR HAWKINS accuses Swindon Borough Council of reducing grants and voluntary groups (Evening Advertiser, December 04). Mr Hawkins is premature and incorrect. The council has neither identified nor approved any actual reductions in funding to voluntary
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Bradford on Avon under 11s 31, Melksham under 11s 0
BRADFORD chalked up their second win of the season with an outstanding display. They dominated the rucks and mauls, which often led to turnovers, and it was a turnover that allowed Matthew Lomas in for the first try. Crag Rankin then got his name on the
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Supermarine 0, Bradford on Avon 9
BRADFORD maintained their unbeaten record in the Dorset and Wilts North league with this narrow win over their promotion rivals. Bradford chose the end with the wind and sun at their backs in the first half. After an exchange of kicks, Supermarine's over
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Swindon braced for Buckingham
Swindon will be expecting another tight battle with Buckingham at their Greenbridge Road ground tomorrow. During last season's Southern Counties North campaign, Swindon ran out 20-9 winners at home and just escaped with a 20-16 victory in the away encounter
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Cirencester shuffle the pack for Hill trip
CIRENCESTER make a number of changes for their Gloucestershire Premier trip to Chosen Hill tomorrow. Regular No 8 Tristan Chippendale is unavailable, so Arry Renton moves to No 8 for the journey to Gloucester, with veteran lock Roger Cass coming into
