Archive
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How to be a great parent
PARENTS are getting guidance on how to bring up their children, thanks to a new course at The Olympiad. The free course, designed and run by health visitors, gives parents of one to three year-olds the chance to discuss the problems of parenting. "Parenting
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Anguish as vandals wreak havoc in memorial garden
VANDALS have wrecked a garden of remembrance and its hand crafted memorials at a centre for adults with learning disabilities. During the weekend the thugs climbed on to the flat roof of the Middlefield Day Centre in Hungerdown Lane, Chippenham, and smashed
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Old school is demolished
THE former Allington Special School in Chippenham, has been demolished. Wiltshire County Council contractors last week to pulled down classrooms, which have been empty since 1998. The county council has drawn up an outline proposal to build up to 100
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Mother's shock over tax letter to dead son
CHIPPENHAM mother Maureen Lloyd has spoken out about her distress after receiving a letter from the Inland Revenue addressed to her dead son. Martin Lloyd, 37, died in December 1995 and Mrs Lloyd was distraught to receive the letter from the Inland Revenue
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Town set to become a trendy nightspot
CHIPPENHAM is fast becoming a trendy nightspot with revamped pubs, clubs and bistros set to rival those of nearby Bath and Swindon. Landlords are now more than willing to invest in Chippenham as a safe investment for a successful nightspot venture. This
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Nurses censored as patient, 91, chokes
A 91-YEAR-OLD woman in the advanced stages of terminal cancer, died after choking on a beef sandwich in hospital. Edith Broom, a resident at Seymour House in Chippenham, had been admitted to Chippenham Hospital almost a month earlier with an infection
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Falklands veteran haunted by war deaths
CALNE Falklands War veteran John Hunt, 39, who took his own life on Sunday, was let down by the country he had served, according to his brother. Michael McDaid, of Back Road, Calne, has spoken out about his shock at his brother's sudden death, and his
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Triple shooting suicide verdict
A LONG-RUNNING family feud over money led to father-of-three Sawa Singh, 51, to shoot his brother and sister-in-law with a stolen shotgun, and then to use it to kill himself. An inquest in Chippenham on Tuesday was told Singh, of The Causeway, Chippenham
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A compromise must be found
WOOTTON Bassett Town Council is in danger of creating a rod for its own back by annoying traders with plans to close the High Street for a one-day festival. Shopkeepers are understandably concerned about profits being disrupted, with the event planned
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Let's all get into spirit of the jubilee
WE understand the financial constraints of Swindon Council. And we can even sympathise with it for feeling it has to charge for diversions made necessary by Golden Jubilee celebrations. But £855 to put up and remove some signs appears way above the odds
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England squad named
SVEN-GORAN Eriksson today named his 23-man World Cup squad after months of deliberation, with his greatest headache having been over the final one or two places. The official announcement does not have to be made until May 21, giving him some room for
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It's a nest of Robins
CONGRATULATIONS to Cheltenham Town on winning promotion to Division Two. It means another local (ish) derby. Still it could get a touch confusing. We now have three sides called The Robins in Division Two. But seriously, Steve Cotterill has done a great
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Curse of the comic's mouth
DON REVIE once brought in a gipsy to lift the curse he believed Leeds United were burdened with. It is hard not to think there is a grain of truth in the story judging by recent events. It was pleasing to see justice finally done for the relatives of
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Paying the price is justthe ticket . . .
ANOTHER of my 'fans' wrote in this week to complain that it was all well and good for me to voice my thoughts on ticket prices when I didn't pay for my own! I will not dispute that I benefit from a free press pass but it is something I have never abused
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Grounds for complaint
A BIG shout this week to Town groundsman Geoff Warren (left) and his staff. The official Groundsman of the Year awards took place last week but sadly the honours proved elusive for Town. Reading took top honours in Division Two with Stoke and Oldham highly
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Warning shot
AIRDRIE'S unhappy demise has sent a big shiver down football's spine. The liquidation of the Scottish side is a sharp wake-up call to those who spout 'it will never happen'. It can happen and it has happened! Indeed, the ITV Digital fiasco has meant it
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Arboretum's a trail-blazer
BANK holiday visitors to Westonbirt Arboretum were treated to the best display of spring flowers in living memory. A unique set of weather conditions has combined to produce so many blossoms that branches are drooping under the weight of this year's flowers
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Project startsdoor to door
CHURCHES in Chippenham are working together to support Christian Aid Week, and hope to raise thousands of pounds for people living in poverty. The churches will run a house-to- house collection during the week May 12 to 18. The collection usually raises
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New manager for Waitrose
WAITROSE Food & Home in Salisbury has a new manager. Chris Blows (45), who comes to the city from Hertfordshire, aims to develop the store's links with the community. He started with the company as a management trainee and says he is delighted to
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Students make sound sense
STUDENTS at The Corsham School are building a reputation for high quality consultancy work and business partners. At least 70 students from Years 10 and 12 have been working with Andy Moore, product development manager of DS Smith PLC, a company which
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Inside story of a success
AN interiors business that Caroline Blakeney started from home, is going from strength to strength in Calne's former Oxfam shop. Mrs Blakeney, from Mile Elm, Calne, said the Grade II listed building in Church Street is a perfect showcase for interiors
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Younger pupils offered key to future job security
PUPILS as young as 12 are being trained to GCSE level in computer technology at Pewsey Vale School to make youngsters more valuable to potential employers. The school recently wrote to parish councils to inform them of the initiative, in which children
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Family lawyer joins Whitehead Vizard
AVERIL Reid, a member of the Solicitors' Family Law Association, has joined the matrimonial department of Salisbury solicitors Whitehead Vizard. Miss Reid (26) graduated from Leicester University with a degree in law and sociology. She qualified last
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It's a right royal miss
JUST months after hosting the Queen on her historic visit to north Wiltshire, Malmesbury will be without a community celebration to toast her golden jubilee. This week, football club chairman Brian Slade confirmed it had cancelled its celebration due
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New look delivered
PAINTERS have delivered a new look at Malmesbury Hospital's maternity ward as part of a £15,000 improvement programme. The ward, side wards and midwives offices were all badly in need of refurbishment, but to minimise disruption the work was all done
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Revelling in May dancing
AN ancient tradition was re-enacted by Minety Pre-school on Thursday when children performed dances on May Day. The 24 children, clutching red and yellow ribbons, all dressed in bright colours, skipped around a tree in the grounds, watched by more than
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Playground sale put off
PROPOSALS to sell a playground in Malmesbury to pay for new play facilities and a skate park have received a lukewarm reception from district councillors who say the plan needs more thought. Coun John Thomson has suggested that the playground next to
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Suicide verdict on brother after shooting spree
A LONG-running family feud over money led Sawa Singh to shoot his brother and sister-in-law with a stolen shotgun and then use it to kill himself. The 51-year-old had written about his intention to shoot younger brother Kashmira, 42, and his wife Dialo
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Opinion
We all know that figures produced for hospital waiting lists are unlikely to be the most accurate of statistics. Successive governments have massaged the figures so they show them in a good light. But now it seems the hospitals themselves are under pressure
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Wiltshire cricket league round up
PROMOTED sides Burbage and Biddestone both lost their opening fixtures in Division One, but in widely differing manners. Burbage entertained Calne and collapsed to their lowest ever league score of just 44 all out. Only Paul Lavis managed double figures
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Malmesbury v Frocester
MALMESBURY went down to a 104-run defeat to promotion favourites Frocester in their opening league game. The visitors batted first and put on 180 for the first wicket, with David Whincup scoring 98 and ex-Gloucestershire man Nick Trainor making 83. The
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Wiltshire inch to cup triumph in thrilling finish
COUNTY CRICKET: WILTSHIRE opened their 2002 campaign in the 38 County Cup with an exciting win over the Somerset Cricket Board at Chippenham on Sunday. Put in to bat, Somerset started slowly against accurate bowling by the Wiltshire opening bowlers, Craig
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Marlborough v Redmarley
MARLBOROUGH made a fine start to life in the Gloucester and Wiltshire league with a 50-run victory in a low-scoring game against Redmarley at Savernake on Saturday 4 May. The Wiltshire League champions batted first but struggled against some tight Redmarley
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Learning on the move
AS part of its remit to flood the region with learning opportunities and to make adult learning opportunities accessible to rural communities and to businesses in Wiltshire, the Lifelong Learning Partnership has officially launched its first two purpose-built
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Farming Romeos to get pick of the dates
LOVE is in the air for Wiltshire's young farmers, as the time draws close for the farming Romeos to finally meet their matches at a gala ball in Chippenham's Neeld Hall. In February, 16 Wiltshire lads, inspired by the television series The Farmer Wants
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Prison buildings like'Colditz on the hill'
ACTING prison governor David Yeomans had a rough ride when he addressed Erlestoke Parish Council's annual meeting last Thursday night. Mr Yeomans, who is holding the reins between the departure of former governor Jayne Blake and the appointment of a new
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Specialist school praise
A SCHOOL which takes pupils from Devizes and Chippenham has been placed twelfth out of 500 specialist colleges in the country in a national report. St Augustine's Catholic College in Trowbridge was recognised for its 'Added Value' in a report comparing
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Cigarette thieves in new wave of raids
TWO garages and two supermarkets have been left counting the cost after the latest in a string of raids by gangs of cigarette thieves. Police arrested two men near Avebury after break-ins at Somerfield in Wootton Bassett and Calne Service Station early
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Bookmen triumph in Shield thriller
MID-WILTSHIRE SUNDAY LEAGUE: SELECTABOOK lifted the Tamura Hinchley Shield for the fifth year in a row as Marcus Wallen's second half goal proved enough to see off the challenge of Devizes Snooker Club in Sunday's final at Nursteed Road. The league champions
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Wroughton denied in battle for runners-up spot
STRATTON Crosslink and Wroughton fought out a thrilling end-of-season game at Kingsdown with the home side needing just one point for the runners-up spot in the Premier Division and Wroughton needing all three. Despite attacking for most of the game,
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Hospital lied about its long waiting lists
GOVERNMENT troubleshooters have been called in as the crisis over debts and the increasing waiting lists deepens at the Royal United Hospital in Bath. On Friday two independent reports revealed that the hospital has massive debts, and that it has also
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Highmore takes up new role at Calne
SCREWFIX DIRECT LEAGUE: KELVIN Highmore will co-manage Screwfix Direct First Division Calne Town alongside Paul Rankin next season after ending a five-year association with Biddestone. Highmore, who led Biddestone to a mid-table finish in the Wiltshire
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Crowds flock to enjoy lions' share of fun
DESPITE chilly weather and overcast skies, hundreds of people flocked to Devizes Lions Club's annual May Day Fair on Monday May 6. Following the usual tradition, the Lions had organised different of events throughout the town. At the Wharf there were
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Bumper turnout for tournament
CHIPPENHAM Town Youth attracted a bumper turnout for their fifth annual six-a-side tournament at the weekend with more than 100 teams from across the region flocking to Hardenhuish Park to take part. The tournament included age groups from under sevens
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Chilling insight into feud that led to death
AN inquest in Chippenham On Wednesday May 8 was the culmination of months of investigation by police which untangled a web of intrigue within a seemingly respectable Sikh family. That outward facade was blown away in December when Sawa Singh, 51, who
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Agony for Castle Combe as rivals clinch championship
YOUTH FOOTBALL: TROWBRIDGE Town Youth have won the under 14s Blue Division title in the Wiltshire Times and News Mid-Wilts Youth and Minor League. They beat their title rivals Castle Combe Colts 4-1 in the championship decider and last game of the season
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It's winner take all in derby tie
YOUTH FOOTBALL: CHIPPENHAM Town under 18s can clinch the Wiltshire County FA Floodlit League on Monday night when they entertain Swindon Supermarine at Hardenhuish Park. Colin Bush's side have led the way for much of the season, and need just a point
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Schoolgirl missing
Police are appealing for information on the whereabouts of a missing schoolgirl, Charlotte Olivia Frampton, 14, a pupil at St John's in Marlborough. She went missing on Tuesday after a family disagreement and although she is believed to be safe and well
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Pressed rat and stag get festival swinging
REAL ale enthusiasts drank to their heart's content at the Seend Beer Festival, and downed 1,100 pints. The festival on Saturday, the second one to be held, was hailed as an even bigger success than last year. More than 320 people enjoyed the festival
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Citizens have some standing
THOUSANDS thronged Urchfont to follow the trail of well-dressed dummies during its scarecrow weekend, making an estimated £1,000 for village charities. Organising committee member Richard Hawkins said: "It is the biggest number of people we have ever
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Fireman Christo's final exit
FIREMAN Christopher Harris is retiring after 35 years service in Swindon. The 51-year-old from Wootton Bassett, known as Christo among his colleagues, first joined the fire brigade in London in 1967. Thirteen years later he moved to Wiltshire and became
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It's the end of the line
MIKE Carroll, the beleaguered managing director of troubled rail firm First Great Western, is stepping down. The 43-year-old will be staying with the company to work on plans to renew its franchise operating services between London, Bristol and Wales,
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Man shot best mate in head at party
PARTY-GOER Jason Croke decided to lark about with a gas powered airgun and ended up shooting his best friend in the head. Today, after escaping a prison sentence for his actions, he made an appeal to people to stop treating the weapons as toys. There
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Mayor making
NEW mayor of Amesbury Cllr Neil Morrison (right) being congratulated by outgoing mayor Major John Turner after the mayor-making ceremony at Amesbury town council's annual meeting on Tuesday evening.
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Pupils' crowning glory is in lace
JUNIOR lace-makers have crowned their year's achievements by completing a fabulous piece of work and sending it to the Queen. The children, all pupils at All Saints Primary School, Netheravon, created a jewelled crown in lace to celebrate the golden jubilee
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Floral queen caught on film
A FILM showing a floral parade through Calne in 1951 to celebrate the Festival of Britain is to be featured in an HTV series, Now and Then, about life from 1950-60. The footage was shot by amateur filmmaker Eric Powell, 80, of Ridgemead, Calne, and he
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Much-loved town vicar leaves with fond memories
POPULAR Amesbury vicar the Rev Peter Lewis is retiring at the beginning of June after 22 years in the town. Mr Lewis, who has worked in south Wiltshire since the early 1970s, is leaving Amesbury to enjoy his retirement with his wife Mary in Bourton, near
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No-go zones for drinkers move closer
AMESBURY is a step closer to banning the drinking of alcohol in public areas in and around the town centre. Town councillors this week drew up a list of areas they would like covered by a no-drinking order in a bid to reduce anti-social behaviour and
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Family drives up business
THE new owners of the Murco Garage on Oxford Road, in Calne, say business is up 25 per cent since they took over. Jamie Punshen, 29, who lives opposite the garage, took it over with dad Bill, on March 3 from Tim Sheppard, who had owned it since it opened
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Blaze could be revenge attack
FARMER Alan Hutchings is blaming youngsters for a blaze which destroyed a barn and £1,000 of hay, and badly damaged the doors and roof of an adjoining stable and shed. Fire crews took five hours to put out the blaze at the barn, at the rear of Beversbrook
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Inside story of a success
AN interiors business that Caroline Blakeney started from home, is going from strength to strength in Calne's former Oxfam shop. Mrs Blakeney, from Mile Elm, Calne, said the Grade II listed building in Church Street is a perfect showcase for interiors
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Authors go back to school
WORLD-FAMOUS children's author Dick King-Smith was at Calne's Fynamore School last week, reading to youngsters and talking of his experiences. The author of The Sheep Pig, which spawned the Academy-nominated film Babe, travelled from his home between
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Lives are at risk, say petitioning parents
PARENT Justin Oliver says that he is prepared to take action himself if road safety outside his son's school in Calne does not improve. Mr Oliver, of Corfe Crescent, Calne, whose son Luke attends Fynamore Primary, has the support of more than 120 parents
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Schools get top marks in Ofsted inspections
STAFF at Calne's John Bentley are celebrating after Ofsted inspectors described it as an exceedingly good school. Inspectors said the school's standards were constantly rising, there were no significant areas for improvement, the school atmosphere was
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Warning of gridlock as new homes increase
DEVIZES could be gridlocked with traffic within the next few years despite efforts of local authorities to discourage car use, says Jeff Ody, the new chairman of the Trust for Devizes. Mr Ody, who was voted into office at the trust's annual meeting last
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Guardians fail to get seat in by-election
THE chairman of Devizes Guardians, the residents' protest group set up in the wake of the felling of plane trees in the Market Place, has said they will fight on in local politics despite coming second in last week's town council by-election. Julia Bullen
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Appeal over skate park
DEVIZES Town Council has appealed for help in finding a new site for the skateboard park which had to be removed from Hillworth Park. Resident Bill Richardson won a case against the town council and as a result the skateboard equipment had to be removed
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Farmer due to stand trial
FARMER Lance Beale, who faces 21 charges relating to animal welfare legislation, is due in court on Monday. Beale, of Wyatts Lake Farm, Westbrook near Bromham, entered not guilty pleas at an earlier hearing and the hearing at Kennet Magistrates Court
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Marine take on Devizes for Youth Cup glory
Swindon Supermarine's Academy lock horns with Devizes Town this evening in the County Youth Cup final (kick off 8pm). The Marine youngsters, led by coach Tom Jones, thumped their Wiltshire rivals 5-1 at the start of the season. But Devizes have enjoyed
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Village has the golden touch
THE crowning glory has finally been bestowed on the flower tubs in the centre of Rowde to celebrate the golden jubilee. The gardening club in the village painted the three tubs green, but then asked locals Chris and Carole Morris to imprint a gold crown
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Councils do battle over strip of land
ERLESTOKE Parish Council is preparing to fight for compensation from Kennet District Council for a four-foot strip of land in the village. Parish councillors claim they have spent nearly £1,000 on legal fees for the land, which they thought they had bought
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Race cup must be returned
MARLBOROUGH Town Council is to contact the organisers of the defunct timber horse race, the Marlborough Cup, to ask for the return of the trophy, loaned to the event by former mayor Ian Perryman. Coun Joan Evans brought the matter up at Tuesday night's
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School run-mum in horror crash
RESIDENTS are calling for urgent improvements to a dangerous road junction after a serious accident on Tuesday which resulted in a Devizes mother being airlifted to hospital. The 37-year-old woman who has not been named, was taking her two children to
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Marathon bid for charity
A TEAM of men and women plan to keep darts in the air for 24 hours non-stop in a marathon at the Marlborough Town Football Club to raise funds for the Breakthrough breast cancer charity. It's the second year the marathon has been organised and those taking
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Students suspended after firing weapon
TWO teenagers have been suspended from St John's School, Marlborough, after an incident in which another student was struck by a pellet from a ball bearing gun. Police have confiscated the weapon, which was taken into the school about two weeks ago by
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Money raised at the double
PARENTS could be excused from thinking they were seeing double at Kennet Valley School last week because they were. Pupils had been challenged to dress as the double of their hero on Thursday to raise money for the £15,000 Cash For Computers appeal being
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Air cadets to woo recruits
THE Marlborough Air Cadets are looking for more recruits aged 13 and upwards to take part in a wide variety of corps activities. The 2293 Marlborough Squadron will be holding an open evening at its London Road headquarters, which is situated 200 yards
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Racing to a £1,000 profit
PARENTS and supporters of the First Steps Pre-school at Easton Royal brought the thrills of the racetrack to the village for a fundraising event at the village hall last Saturday. More than 50 people attended the race night. Before the racing commenced
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Council says 'non' to French twin town
MARLBOROUGH Town Council has rejected the opportunity to set up twinning links with a town in France. Councillors were asked at the full council meeting on Tuesday evening if they would support Marlborough becoming twinned with one of 11 French towns
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Younger pupils offered key to future job security
PUPILS as young as 12 are being trained to GCSE level in computer technology at Pewsey Vale School to make youngsters more valuable to potential employers. The school recently wrote to parish councils to inform them of the initiative, in which children
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Royal dream comes true
IT has taken Sarah Brinkworth eight years to graduate from Marlborough carnival princess to queen, but the 18-year-old former St John's School pupil fulfilled her dream on Saturday. Sarah, of Homefields, in Marlborough, won the selection contest at Marlborough
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King lifted by Hewlett talks
Andy King is hoping that contract rebel Matt Hewlett commits himself to the club after the two met to thrash out terms yesterday. Midfielder Hewlett had been holding out for a new three-year deal, but Town can only stretch to two years under the current
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Two marshals face bike rage
A FARMER at Easton Royal has been cautioned by police after he drove his 4x4 off-road vehicle at two men marshalling a trials bike event on Sunday. Police said the farmer, who has not been named, was angered by the number of motorcycles passing through
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Dad says thank you for help after fire
A FAMILY who lost everything in a fire have thanked the friends and strangers whose donations have furnished their new temporary home. The Gessey family's house in Elborough Road, Moredeon, was gutted by a fire on Monday, April 8. Since then Mr Gessey
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Lucky man
LUCK was definitely on the side of Chris Toomey when he was picked out as the winner of a Volkswagen Polo in a raffle held by the Association for International Cancer Research (AICR). Mr Toomey, of Plymouth Street, Swindon, bought one of 750,000 fifty
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'It's simply too much'
THE INSURANCE company blamed for halting the work of a string of environmental groups in the town has hit back on the day another group announced it is to scale back its work. Ecclesiastical Insurance covered more than 2,000 conservation groups through
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Aim is society where all children are valued
THE National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children is the UK's leading charity specialising in child protection and the prevention of cruelty to children. The organisation, founded by the Reverend Benjamin Waugh, has been directly involved
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Wearing red on walk to help whales and dolphins
WALKERS will be taking part in a sponsored walk at Barbury Castle to raise money for the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society. The event, starting at 10am on May 26, is one of 66 taking place around the country. Walkers can register on the day, but
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Steam shortlisted for European Museum of the Year award
STEAM will know in two days whether it is the 2002 European Museum of the Year. Swindon's showpiece railway museum is just one of three in Britain shortlisted for the award, one of the most prestigious of its kind. The others are the new Ondaatje Wing
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Trade suffering
I WOULD like to assure the people of Calne that my business, Hallmark Photography/Konica Digital photo service is still open for business, despite the fact that for the past five weeks I have had to endure what equates to a building site outside my shop
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Chance to drive a tank!
WROUGHTON Airfield is to be filled with mechanical marvels when it becomes the stage for this year's Try-Drive show. Visitors will have the chance to try their hands at driving a range of unusual vehicles, be it a double decker bus, a JCB or a tank. Cancelled
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Councillor waits to be fired
I HAVE read with interest the Gazette's article regarding parish councillors and the requirement to sign this code of conduct. I have been a member of the Grafton Parish Council for many years. It is with great regret that I find myself unable to fill
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Three-tier campaign intensifies
THE battle to save south Wiltshire's five middle schools hotted up this week, as campaigners called on local people to throw their weight behind the drive to retain the area's three-tier education system. The Middle Schools Campaign has taken out a half-page
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Damage risk forces team to reconsider
WORK on the Fisherton Street enhancement scheme in Salisbury is to be reassessed, following last week's burst water main and gas leak. In a bid to limit any further disruption, trial holes will be dug to establish the exact location of services, and additional
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College campus well under way
NEW College's £11 million campus is well under way. The three floor building will open in December and will replace the two crumbling buildings on the Queen's Drive campus. The space age silver and blue outside of the building is now almost complete.
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First wedding held in Close medieval hall
SALISBURY'S Medieval Hall, in the Cathedral Close, hosted its first marriage ceremony last Wednesday. Allison Ling and Michael Penny were married in the 13th century hall by Salisbury's superintendent registrar Celia Wood. Although the room was only recently
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History within reach of all with audio tours
BLIND mother-of-three Jane Lovett is looking forward to appreciating Swindon's history with her family, thanks to a new audio tour of the former Great Western Railway works and Railway Village. The tape designed for the visually impaired has clear directional
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Respect all rights
I WAS incensed when I read the article 'On track for a ban' (EA, May 2). I do not drive a 4x4, ride a bike or even walk the Ridgeway but I respect others' right to do so. If a ban is to be put upon some users of the Ridgeway it should apply to all. May
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Buses and trains will never oust our cars
Mr Harvey argues that the bottleneck at the north edge of Chippenham should be retained because it works. Works in this context presumably meaning it costs everyone using it a disproportionate amount of their valuable time; that it is a reminder of the
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Thanks, runners
I AM writing to thank all the dedicated Action on Addiction supporters who ran 26 miles in this year's Flora London Marathon to raise money for our vital addiction research programme. Action on Addiction is the only UK charity that relies entirely on
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College faces £1m shortfall
SALISBURY College is set to hit a £1m deficit this year and might have to cut courses to balance the books. The deficit has built up over the past two years, despite cost-cutting attempts. The courses most under threat are those that attract just a few
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Walk the walk
MENCAP, the UK's leading charity for children and adults with a learning disability, is looking for people to take part in a charity walk in Hampshire on October 5. This 11-mile walk from Winchester to Bishop's Waltham is just a short section of the journey
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Animal instincts
COMPASSION in World Farming would like to thank the people of Swindon for raising a total of £91.91 at a street collection on April 6. All proceeds will go towards our campaigning work for farm animal welfare. KAREN MANSELL Street Collection Co-ordinator
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An open letter
An open letter to all councillors. Congratulations on being selected and thank you for shouldering the onerous responsibility of faithfully representing the interests of all your electorate. Should you ever vote or act primarily for self-aggrandisement
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The great school debate goes on
I FEEL that once again I must respond to C J Lowry's ill informed letter (EA, April 30). The reason that a majority of the parents who applied for Bradon Forest did so was because historically the primary schools that their children attend are feeder
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What value do we get from Labour?
In support of the letter from Neil Bristow (EA, May 7), can I point out that it has just been announced that extensive roadworks are to be carried out along Great Western Way to provide better verges, cycle paths and footpaths etc, all in West Swindon
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Rugby chiefs' turn-around offers Bath a get-out
BATH'S final Zurich Premiership match on Sunday their final chance to escape the threat of relegation could be rendered virtually meaningless by an edict from English rugby's governing body today. English Rugby Limited were expected to announce some time
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Chippenham 39, Walcot Old Boys 10
CHIPPENHAM gave departing coach Pete Beazer the perfect send off at the Recreation Ground on Thursday evening with a 39-10 demolition of Walcot to take the Bath Combination Cup across the county border to Wiltshire for the first time. Beazer, who is stepping
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Diet or Die was not a lie, says its obese star
THIRTY-ONE stone Ted Whitlock, of Chippenham, starred in a BBC documentary on Tuesday, called Diet or Die. Mr Whitlock, 44, a resident at the Pines Hotel in Marshfield Road, said he was pleased with the way the Inside Story programme worked out and he
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Art finds temporary council showcase
ARTISTS at Chippenham's Citadel Gallery will have their work put on show in the foyer and caf at the new district council offices, until other premises can be found. The executive committee of North Wiltshire District Council decided on Thursday to close
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Drivers park on danger site
MOTORISTS have been putting themselves in danger in Chippenham by continuing to use a car park which has been closed while construction work is being carried out. North Wiltshire District Council has found some motorists are ignoring no entry signs and
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New town mayor is a friend to hospital
THE new Mayor of Chippenham, Coun Richard Meek, hopes to use his year in office to promote the town and bring hard-working local charities into the spotlight. Coun Meek, 55, of Wentworth Close, will take on his new role at the mayor making ceremony at
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Challenge of Great Wall
A WOMAN will be swapping the pavements of Chippenham for a gruelling trek on the Great Wall of China. Julie Swales of Buckingham Road, Pewsham is already in training for the 63km hike along the Great Wall of China. Mrs Swales, who works at Pearce and
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Trio join the pilgrims' way
PEWSHAM'S David Bourne is following the famous pilgrimage route of St James from France to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Mr Bourne and his friends Peter Lambert from Malmesbury. and Geoff Richardson from Charlton, set off on their 500-mile cycle ride
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Lorry noise rocks homes
RESIDENTS living near new traffic islands in Corsham say their lives are being made a misery from noise and vibration. People living in Valley Road claim the vibration is causing cracks in the walls of their homes. In addition to the rumbling whenever
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Funeral of man in gym death
THE family of engineer Matthew Sperring, 29, who collapsed and died last Monday, attended his funeral on Tuesday, with some flying in from abroad. Mr Sperring collapsed after a suspected heart attack while he was working out in the gym at the Olympiad
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Vikings conquer hearts
THOUSANDS of people flooded into Chippenham on Sunday night for a spectacular Viking battle and the burning of a long ship on the River Avon. Crowds lined the banks of the river at Monkton Park and gathered on the hill for an elevated view of the dramatic
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Century blast
Gloucester closed on 483-6 in the first day of three against Oxford Centre of Excellence at The Parks yesterday thanks to centuries from Matt Windows and Mark Hardinges Windows was dismissed for 145 while Hardinges managed 172. Jack Russell was unbeaten
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It really ain't clever Trevor!
TWO cracking goals gave Arsenal the FA Cup on Saturday but I felt the match was marred by an all-too-familiar annual event. I would love to go the bookies and ask for odds on Trevor Brooking (right) NOT mentioning the fact that he scored with a header
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Guilt-edged lunacy
ANDY GURNEY'S three-match ban is utter lunacy. Talk about kicking a club when it's down. The Town skipper will miss the start of the season due to FA officials studying a video that was submitted as part of Alan Reeves' appeal against a red card. A wonderfully
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Girls cook up plan for funds
MALMESBURY School friends Sarah Milton and Joanna Sparrow are following in the footsteps of sisters Susannah and Carly by fundraising for a trip of a lifetime to Tanzania. Sarah, 15, of Little Somerford, and Joanna, 16, of Willow View Close, Malmesbury
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Car park closure threatens local trade
RETAILERS have handed in a petition protesting about the lack of car parking space in Chippenham, which they say is damaging trade. Chris and Pam Burfoot, proprietors of Pembroke Photography in Upper Market Place, Chippenham, have collected nearly 500
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Council's new constitution
NORTH Wiltshire District Council adopted a new constitution this week. Last July the district council formally adopted a Leader and Cabinet style of council as part of the Government's efforts to modernise local government. Members now have to adopt a
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Students make sound sense
STUDENTS at The Corsham School are building a reputation for high quality consultancy work and business partners. At least 70 students from Years 10 and 12 have been working with Andy Moore, product development manager of DS Smith PLC, a company which
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On Tibetan trail
ENGINEER Mike Flory is swapping the comforts of his life in Wiltshire for a trek in Tibet. Mr Flory, 36, of Fishers Brook, Calne, is training for an eight-day hike to the 14th highest mountain in the world on the Tibetan plateau, Xishapangma. His trek
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Badminton trials see their best ever year
THE FA Cup Final was no competition for the Badminton Horse Trials, which had its most popular year ever. Saturday was the busiest day of the weekend, with the organisers estimating a crowd of 250,000 people, the usual number for the three-day event in
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Walks will support campaign against whaling
THE Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, based in Chippenham, wants hundreds of people to take part in the 2002 Walk for Whales and Dolphins on May 26. The WDCS, in St Paul Street, hopes the walk will raise funds and awareness for their Sea Red campaign
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Execs say no to reserves
CHIPPENHAM Town look set to enter their new Dr Martens League Premier Division adventure without a reserve team following a meeting of the club's executive committee. The Bluebirds have applied to enter a second string side into the Hellenic League next
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Family drives up business
THE new owners of the Murco Garage on Oxford Road, in Calne, say business is up 25 per cent since they took over. Jamie Punshen, 29, who lives opposite the garage, took it over with dad Bill, on March 3 from Tim Sheppard, who had owned it since it opened
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Signage firm expands
THE growth of Whaddon company Signworks has continued with a major refurbishment of its premises and an increase in its workforce. Founded seven years ago by managing director John Sandford-Hart, the sign, stainless steel and graphics specialists have
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Firm's head was in tax fix
DIRECTOR George Hair, whose Corsham software business collapsed with debts of £26,000, has been banned from being a company director for five years. Hair, of the Pigsty, Marsh Farm, Marsh Road, Hilperton, was disqualified from holding a directorship or
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Taste of the Caribbean
STAFF at Wiltshire police headquarters in Devizes got a taste of Caribbean cuisine last week when catering firm Eurest brought in their Wok at Work mobile taste-busting team. Their special mobile unit, manned by highly qualified wok chefs, took up residence
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Wealth of free advice on offer
BUSINESSES across south Wiltshire were able to tap into a wealth of free advice when they attended an event at Salisbury Racecourse hosted by Business Link. Business Link, which provides independent advice and information to small businesses, organised
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Procession takes a stroll through history
MALMESBURY Mayor John Bowen said newcomers to the town were impressed by the traditional Beating of the Bounds procession through the town on Sunday. The one and a half hour procession, marking the historic sites of the town, went from The Market Cross
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School teams battle it out
FOOTBALL and netball captains Alex Fusco and Clare Griffin led their Malmesbury Primary School teammates to victory in an inter-schools tournament at Crudwell. The tournament at Crudwell School involved youngsters from Oaksey, Lea and Garsdon, Crudwell
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Manor hotel to be reborn
WHATLEY Manor, near Easton Grey, is to reopen as a 23-bedroom hotel next spring following a multi-million pound facelift. Swiss rider Christian Landolt, 35, of Knockdown, Sherston, who competed at Badminton, is financing the project, which is being overseen
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Riverside field could be saved for the town
A FIELD near the River Avon in Malmesbury goes to auction on Wednesday and the Malmesbury River Valleys Trust wants to buy it for the town. The two-and-a-half acres of land alongside the Ingleburn length of the river, behind Malmesbury Bowls Club, and
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Drowned man found with wound to head
YACHTSMAN Leslie Foulkes of Crudwell, drowned after the craft on which he was sailing broke away from its mooring in a storm in the early hours of April 10 and crashed on to rocks, an inquest on the Channel Island of Alderney heard last Tuesday. Mr Foulkes
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Minety Monster still on rampage
FORMER African game warden Wayne Beardmore, of Charlton, believes a big cat was responsible for killing a deer he found on Monday morning. The similarities between the deer Mr Beardmore found at the roadside between Ashton Keynes crossroads and Wootton
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Best time for a fair trade
PARENTS are always happy to give time for their children's education, but at Lea and Garsdon School, they are charging for it. Mums, dads and other members of the community are selling their time and skills to help raise money for a new classroom. Parent
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Bredon v Devizes
AUSTRALIAN Shaun Hilliard made an immediate impression on his Devizes debut, finishing unbeaten on 66 as the visitors clinched victory by seven wickets. The home side elected to bat first on a damp wicket, but were immediately subjected to a hostile spell
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Chippenham 2nds v Frenchay 2nds
CHIPPENHAM CRICKET: AUSTRALIAN paceman Jace Lawson grabbed five wickets as Chippenham 2nds completed a satisfactory day for the club at home to Frenchay 2nds on Saturday. Lawson's haul came for just 22 runs off 10 overs as Chippenham bowled the visitors
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Chippenham v Frenchay
CHIPPENHAM CRICKET: CAPTAIN Ian Merryweather hammered an unbeaten 73 as Chippenham made a solid start to life in the West of England Premier Two with victory at Hardenhuish on Saturday 4 May. Merryweather continued his impressive pre-season form, hitting
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Goatacre v Purton
GOATACRE made a spectacular start to life back in the Gloucester and Wiltshire League Division Two with a resounding 251-run victory over local rivals Purton. The home side won the toss and a fine opening partnership of 139 in 18 overs from Rob Turner
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Corsham 2nds v Lansdown 2nds
CLUB CRICKET: CORSHAM 2nds made it an opening day double on Saturday as they hammered Lansdown 2nds by ten wickets at Station Road. Chasing a meagre target of 119, openers Rob Shillaker and Chris Bultitude each managed half centuries to guide the home
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Lansdown v Corsham
CLUB CRICKET: GLOUCESTERSHIRE all-rounder Roger Sillence starred on his league debut for Corsham on Saturday as the Wiltshire outfit made a flying start to the new season at Lansdown. Sillence made a patient 59 and then took four wickets for 43 as the
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EasyJet pledge on fares
NO-FRILLS airline easyJet broadened its wings by announcing further expansion plans but promised to continue to keep fares low. The Luton-based carrier is already in takeover talks with rival Go, a former British Airways subsidiary in a deal that could
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Key way to beat the car thieves
SIEMENS Datatrak, the Swindon-based security company, has launched a new anti-vehicle theft system even as the police warn of a dramatic rise car crime. Unveiled at New Scotland Yard's Stolen Vehicle Unit in London, Trakbak II introduces a new level of
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Meet the new England team
A SCHOOL football team is set to represent England in an international tournament. Pupils from Bradon Forest School in Purton were runners-up in the English Schools Football Association National Cup Finals and are now going forward to play for their country
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Carnival kicks off with fun for all
WOOTTON Bassett Carnival started well on Friday with a memorable concert which drew a large, audience to the Memorial Hall. Swindon Big Band and guest soloists Ken Jell and Julie Hunt performed a delightful selection of music from the Big Band era. "It
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Fair makes a come-back
After two years' absence, Wootton Bassett Lions' May Fair returned to Lydiard Park on Monday. "Two years ago we cancelled because of flooding, and last year because of foot and mouth restrictions," said Lions Safety Officer David Poulton. Treasurer Sylvia
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New club will boost growth of Rotarians
The presentation of the Charter to the new Rotary Club of Wootton Bassett Town was the culmination of Wootton Bassett and District Rotary Club's efforts to meet the global challenge of Rotary International President Rick King to "Grow Rotary." Wootton
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Scoring very profitable bull's-eye for choristers
A DARTS marathon expert has once again hit the bull's-eye for charity, and his efforts could well help keep a church choir in good voice. Richard Lilley of Colerne has just completed his 16th darts marathon for charity. His exhausting marathon however
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Local council is out on top
WILTSHIRE County Council has been named as one of the top-performing local councils in the country in an assessment of 148 councils across the UK. The league table, published this week, was based on the results of inspections designed to assess best value
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Festival all set to swing
THE seventh Holt Music Festival will coincide with the celebrations for the Queen's golden jubilee. The festival will be held on Saturday June 1 on the playing field, and there will be a lunchtime celebration on the Sunday. This year organisers are concentrating
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Jubilee hopefor big parade
HUNDREDS of ex-service men and women are expected to turn out and support the Royal British Legion's county Jubilee Parade and service which takes place in Devizes on Sunday May 12. County secretary Bill Copeland said it will be the first time that the
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Police service rewarded
LORD Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Sir Maurice Johnston, presented long service and good conduct medals to ten officers at an award ceremony at police headquarters in Devizes on Thursday. Among them was PC Adrian Wells from Devizes, currently serving with
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Specials' proud night
SENIOR specials officer, Commandant Richard Palusinski, celebrated the proudest night of his career on Wednesday May 1 when he received a long-service award from Chief Constable Elizabeth Neville. The annual C-Division parade took place at the new police
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The weird and woollydraw holiday crowds
THE bank holiday weekend drew crowds for a number of weird and wonderful events including a teddy bear parachuting festival and a woolly day. The bears took to the air in Hilmarton while at Lackham College sheep were the main attraction. Down the road
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Pewsey Vale 2, Ardley United 5
CHERRY RECORDS HELLENIC LEAGUE: PEWSEY Vale's successful league campaign came to a disappointing end on Saturday as they were soundly beaten by third placed Ardley United at the Recreation Ground. A late goal from Paul Day had given Pewsey a promotion-clinching
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Purton land quick double
PURTON completed a swift double over Old Woodstock Town to end their season on a high note. On Saturday Steve Tucker chalked up his 31st goal of the season when they beat Old Woodstock 2-1 at the Red House in their last league game of the season. Purton
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Six-a-side date set
BROMHAM Football Club are holding their third annual men's six-a-side tournament on July 7. Closing date for entries is June 17. For entry details please contact Kevin Amor on (01225) 704189 or e-mail amors@supanet.com.
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Making greenheating pay
LOCAL councils and businesses have joined forces to try to cut down the amount of fossil fuels being burned in the average home and hopefully, in turn, reduce the effects of global warming. Warm Hearted Homes, an initiative set up by conservation group
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The vics found their form
HELLENIC LEAGUE: MALMESBURY Vics made sure of another Hellenic League season with a 5-1 win over Middle Barton. Alan Griffin hit a hat-trick, an own goal and a penalty from Vics keeper Graham Jones doing the damage, Beale scoring a consolation for the
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Young farmersrallying call
MALMESBURY Young Farmers will be looking to retain their crown as champions at Sunday's annual Wiltshire Young Farmers Rally. The rally takes place at Lordswood Farm near Sherston between 10am-4pm, and organiser Sally Robinson said this year will be extra-special
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Boycott call on petrol firm
FRIENDS of the Earth protesters have branded Esso the world's number one global warming villain, and they are urging drivers not to buy Esso fuel in Wiltshire on May 18. Hundreds of Esso garages around the country will be targeted by people concerned
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Lucky win turns sour after ring is stolen
THIEVES have taken a ring worth £350 that was won in a prize draw during last year's Gazette and Herald Bride of the Year contest. Caroline Baker, 31, of Cepen Park North, Chippenham, won the ring, which was gold and had a diamond setting, at the draw
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Chippenham Sunday league round-up
VICTORIES for Corsham FC and Packhorse against First Division opponents All Cannings and North Star A have set up an all-Premier Division Subsidiary Cup final. Corsham cruised past Cannings with a 6-2 win. Simon Young, from the penalty spot, Jason King
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Lardner has a top ten hit
MELKSHAM Town cemented a top ten Premier Division finish on Monday afternoon as they defeated Yeovil Town Reserves 4-0. Matty Bown's brace and singles from Dean Ranger and Matty Messenger saw Robbie Lardner's men sign off for the summer in style against
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Waste site is under debate
PLANS by Hills Waste to build a household recycling centre at its site in Compton Bassett are to be debated by Wiltshire County Council on Wednesday. The waste firm wants to introduce the household recycling centre, extend composting facilities and make
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Taste of the Caribbean
STAFF at Wiltshire police headquarters in Devizes got a taste of Caribbean cuisine last week when catering firm Eurest brought in their Wok at Work mobile taste-busting team. Their special mobile unit, manned by highly qualified wok chefs, took up residence
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Walkers turn out in force for Sarsen trek
MORE than 2,000 walkers and runners made the Sarsen Trail and Neolithic Marathon a resounding success on Sunday. The challenge is the main annual fundraising event of the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. It was keen to maximise the amount raised this year, having
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Employee pilfered £6,000 of stationery
FORMER lorry driver John Parkinson was ordered to carry out 100 hours of community service last week after he admitted stealing more than £6,000 worth of stationery supplies from his Westbury workplace and hoarding it at his Devizes home. Parkinson, 30
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Figures don't add up in rent poser
SWINDON Council has launched an investigation into the undercharging of rents that may have cost it millions of pounds in lost revenue. The problem came to light by accident after a man in a sheltered housing complex complained that he was paying more
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Row blows up over Roman temple
A MEETING intended to give residents an early input into an exciting archaeological project descended into a finger-pointing squabble last night. More than 60 people turned up at a presentation by Bristol-based Land Use Consultants to hear initial plans
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Street festival will hit our trade
A ROW has blown up between Wootton Bassett Town Council and traders in the town's High Street over plans to hold a street festival in August. The council wants to close the main shopping street on a Saturday to hold the event, but shopkeepers say it will
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The lesson for today
IT WAS a far cry from sermonising in the pulpit. A dozen Swindon clergymen were sat in a Swindon College classroom discussing financial management. In the first scheme of its kind in the country, the vicars, ministers and priests were attending a series
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Hip, hip, hoo-bra!
MORE than 200 Swindon women will walk through central London in the dead of night this weekend wearing only their bras. A group will form the largest contingent from outside London on this year's Moonwalk in aid of the breast cancer charity Breakthrough
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£855 to stage a street party
RESIDENTS planning a bumper street party to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee were astonished after being landed with an £855 bill from Swindon Council. The council boasted last month that it was waiving £50 administration fees for road closures during
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Honours for work of police officers
THE doggedness of an Amesbury detective in tracking down two men who had been ripping off elderly and vulnerable people in a tarmac scam, has been recognised with two awards. Detective Sergeant Bill Walker (49) has been presented with a judge's certificate
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Band puts out welcome mat
MORE than 100 years of history will go on display in Amesbury this Saturday, when Amesbury town band stages an open day and "blow-in". The special day is being held to mark the band's latest achievement - getting its own website. Musicians with the band
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School wins sport accolade
UPPER Avon School, Durrington, has been awarded a national Sportsmark award from Sport England. The award recognises the school's commitment to physical education and sports. Headteacher Rowena Brookes said: "News of the award has given the school a real
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Reunion is one to sing about
BENTLEY Grammar School's class of '57 travelled from all over Europe for a musical reunion in Calne's St Mary's Church. It was 41 years since the school choir sang Faure's Requiem under the baton of Bryan Barnes, a then newly-qualified music master who
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Heading for jungle roads
AN enthusiastic motorist is to swap Wiltshire's roads for a jungle path. Darren Church, of Compton Bassett, is taking part in an international four-by-four challenge which will take him through the dense jungles of Malaysia. He expects to spend at least
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Holiday moodin the garden
AWARD-winning garden designer Liz Porteous gave Wiltshire people a sneak preview of a new creation she will be displaying at the Blenheim Palace Flower Show this summer. Ms Porteous, of Yatesbury, near Calne, showed her garden, based on one couple's holiday
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Old school is demolished
THE former Allington Special School in Chippenham, has been demolished. Wiltshire County Council contractors last week to pulled down classrooms, which have been empty since 1998. The county council has drawn up an outline proposal to build up to 100
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Hospital radio has climbed the charts
DEVIZES Hospital Radio, the local hospital broadcasting service that provides specialist programmes of music and entertainment at Devizes Hospital, Anzac House and Southfields residential homes, has won a top accolade at this year's Hospital Radio Awards
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Juggling robot is circus star
MAYOR Ray Parsons learned a few juggling skills when he launched the family learning day at Devizes Library on Saturday. The North Wilts and Kennet Local Learning Partnership organised the taster day so that families in the town could sample the kind
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Eye experts Africa bound
DEVIZES optician Tony Nixon leaves next week to lead a five-strong team of fellow eye specialists to Ghana where they will spend two weeks holding clinics and testing the eyes of thousands of Africans. Mr Nixon and his team are travelling under the auspices
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Woman took heroin fix before her arrest
AN addict who told police who had called to arrest her that she was just popping out for a cigarette, was actually having a heroin fix magistrates heard last week. Officers had called to arrest 21-year-old Laura Jones at her flat in Waiblingen Way, Devizes
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Afghan school needs paper
ARMY medic Jon Martin has appealed to people in Devizes to help a school in Kabul, Afghanistan, which was virtually destroyed in the civil wars of recent years. Mr Martin, a former Devizes School pupil who is now a Lance Corporal in the Royal Army Medical
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Firefighters save horse
A RIDER has praised Devizes firefighters for helping to save her horse's life after it fell through the railings of a bridge and injured itself on Sunday. Lesley Munns, from Stockley, was leading two of her horses from one field to another at Durlett,
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Swarm buzzed vets for help
A SWARM of wild bees that descended on the Riverside Veterinary Practice in Marlborough last Thursday couldn't have hoped for a better landing pad. They had spent the winter in the trunk of an alder tree at the side of the River Kennet and after quitting
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Tights brigade needs you tutu
DEVIZES' Major Wrecks, the male majorettes who raise money for the charity Contact a Family, say it could be their last season if they fail to get more recruits to don tutu and tights and dance with them. The Wrecks are still as popular as ever, but with
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MP welcomedby playgroup
MICHAEL Ancram MP visited Bubbles Pre-school in Pewsey on Friday to see for himself how playgroups are faring in the current educational climate. Mr Ancram was shown round the facilities at the Wesley Methodist Church Rooms in North Street, toured the
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Planet circle has landed
THE first Wiltshire crop circle of the 2002 season appeared in a field of rape on the slopes of Cannings Down, near Beckhampton, on Monday. Crop circle investigator Michael Glickman from Horton, reported the new formation, very close to the spot where
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Developer eyes up land for factories
A DEVELOPER which wants to build factories on a greenfield site on the northern edge of Devizes will be arguing its case at the Kennet Local Plan inquiry next month. Berkeley Strategic Land Ltd says the site, on former Ministry of Defence land next to
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Fire crews save pub from blaze
PUBLICAN Philip Summers has praised firefighters for saving his village pub after fire broke out in an upstairs room. Mr Summers, landlord of the Crown and Anchor in Ramsbury, believes the damage would have been far worse had it not been for the quick
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Dons on way
SWINDON Town have confirmed Wimbledon as guests at the County Ground for a pre-season warm-up on Saturday, July 27. The Division 1 club managerless following the recent sacking of Terry Burton will visit Wiltshire for the first time since a friendly two
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Mums may block A4 in crossing protest
MUMS are threatening to take direct action, including blocking the A4, if the county council installs a pedestrian crossing in the wrong place on London Road, Marlborough. They say they will cross and recross the road carrying placards protesting against
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Cheers! And here's to the disease appeal
THE MEMORY of a cherished colleague has prompted members of Ferndale Working Men's Club to give £250 to the Evening Advertiser's Swindon Disease Memorial Appeal. The club helped bring the total raised by the appeal to £7,000, just £3,000 short of our
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Engine to the Manor reborn
A RECORD-breaking steam engine is returning to Swindon for a reunion of former Great Western Railway workers in celebration of the Queen's Golden Jubilee. The Bradley Manor, which cost an unprecedented £5,000 to build at the Great Western Railway site
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Man ordered into exile from Swindon
MAGISTRATES have ordered a Swindon man to live away from town after he admitted carrying out two assaults. Yassin Jama, 23, of Amer Place, Eldene, pleaded guilty to the offences, which resulted from a domestic incident with his 22-week pregnant partner
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Capture the image of the volunteers
SWINDON Volunteers is bidding to capture the spirit of volunteering in Swindon on film. The town's volunteer bureau has appealed for amateur photographers to send in their entries for a photographic competition to mark national volunteers week, June 7
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Football fever at the ball
THE final preparations are being put in place for this year's Charity Ball, which takes place at the Marriott Hotel in Pipers Way on Saturday. Organisers are hoping the glittering array of auction prizes will generate thousands of pounds for the Threshold
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Smashing holes in politicians' pomposity
REVIEW: I HAVE a sneaking suspicion that if John Humphrys were made of chocolate, he would attempt to eat himself. But that doesn't make him any less sincere in his desire to smash holes in the wall of pomposity and deceit built by the shower of charlatans
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From driving a bus to the Booker Prize shortlist
ACCLAIMED author Magnus Mills doesn't think writing should interfere with your work, especially not if it involves driving a Transit van. And Magnus readily admits that being a London bus driver played a major part in promoting his first book, The Restraint
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Paying tribute to the Bee in RAF's bonnet
THE Royal International Air Tattoo will pay a special tribute to one of Britain's greatest ever aviators. Wing Commander Roland Prosper Beamont, known as Bee, who died last November at the age of 81,was a top Battle of Britain fighter pilot who later
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It's been kids play for 20 years
A PLAYGROUP which was fire-bombed last Christmas has risen from the ashes to cele-brate its 20th birthday. More than £3,000-worth of toys were destroyed when an arsonist targeted a storage shed belonging to St Mary's Play-group in December. Bikes, climbing
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Golden anniversary
BROWNIES would have spent most of their time tying knots and cleaning shoes 50 years ago. These days, children enjoy activities like singing, cooking or trampolining. But as the 1st Purton Brownies, who are based at Purton Millennium Hall, celebrate their
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A great win for charity
COMPANIES from around the area joined together to play in a football tournament in aid of the NSPCC. The event, organised by Swindon-based building society Nationwide, raised £1,000 for the children's charity. The company hopes to raise more than £20,000
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There's a grant out there and it could have your name on it
AGE Concern Swindon is offering funding for lunch clubs or other new organisations catering for older people. Lunch club grants for 2002-2203 are now available and application forms have been sent to all known lunch clubs in the borough. Grants of up
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Man appears in court charged with murder
A MAN has appeared before magistrates charged with the murder of Trowbridge father Paul Rodgers. Leigh Page, 29, of Magnolia Rise, went before North West Wiltshire Magistrates in Chippenham charged with stabbing Mr Rodgers to death in the early hours
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Charity group celebrates its daredevil adventures
A GROUP of young people with disabilities plan to celebrate their latest adventures during a special evening. Pathfinders is a Swindon-based charity whose members currently range in age from 12 to 25. They each team up with a non-disabled supporter on
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Viking delight
Hundreds of people flocked to Chippenham to watch the Viking weekend. You could buy rings in Viking style, necklaces with beads on, wooden bows and arrows and wooden swords. but the real fun started at 8pm. First there was a battle between the Vikings
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Join darts fun
MELKSHAM and District Ladies Dart League (Thursday night mix league) invites any dart team from the Devizes area to join its league teams. Teams consist of five players, of which three have to be ladies, but you can if you wish enter an all- ladies' team
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The spice girl
Pop star Billie Piper celebrated her first wedding anniversary with millionaire DJ Chris Evans by going out for a curry. The 19-year-old from West Swindon and her 36-year-old husband went to The Flavor of India restaurant, on Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles
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Three PCs picked out for honours
TWO Salisbury policemen who risked their lives to save a man threatening to set fire to himself at a filling station have been honoured at an awards ceremony. PCs David Garrod and Peter Jung have received Chief Constable's certificates of commendation
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Pool now near to completion
SALISBURY'S new £6m indoor swimming pool is set to open in July, in time for the school summer holidays. Delayed by more than six months because of last year's wet weather, followed by a shortage of building labour, the new Five Rivers leisure centre
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Artists' work is on show
AN AMATEUR artists' summer exhibition has opened as part of the annual Wootton Bassett Carnival. A range of paintings went on display in the Town Hall in High Street yesterday and will remain open for inspection until tomorrow. The carnival began last
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Wigglybus call centrelets down the service
I AM writing to express fury beyond all measure at the laughable Wigglybus service. In fact, it has got well beyond a joke and is so poor and unreliable that it is no longer a service at all. My anger is not directed at most of the drivers, it is however
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Vandals rip the lead from centre's roof
VANDALS have ripped sheets of lead from the roof of Pinehurst People's Centre. The youths, aged between 14 and 16, climbed on to the roof of the centre, in Beech Avenue, and brazenly started to rip off the sheeting before onlookers called the police.
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Councils ignore our wishes once again
I would like to express my disgust at the comments of parish councillors and town councillor Jim Thorpe, who have quoted utter dribble in the article regarding the proposed housing development behind the Fiddington Clay area in Market Lavington. Being
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Thanks for help with show
PLEASE could That's Entertainment, say many, many thanks to everyone who helped in any way with our evening of song and dance "Anything Goes!" at Sheldon School recently. Particular mention and thanks must go to Sheldon School for the use of its excellent
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Road is a real danger
I CAN only assume D Harvey's regular use of the road leading to the Safeway roundabout in Chippenham is at a time of the day other than 8.30am to 9.30am and 5.30pm to 6.30pm.(Letters, May 2) He would otherwise have encountered some of the "death wish"
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Archie alerts Libby to fire
ARCHIE, a two-year-old dog, has been hailed a hero this week after saving his owner from a fire at her Salisbury home. Libby Piggins was fast asleep in her house off Windsor Street when she was woken by the Labrador Springer-cross barking for all he was
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It's not our party that is sitting on the fence
As the councillor for Freshbrook and Grange Park, elected last Thursday, I would like to say that I couldn't agree with Mr Bristow more (Letters, May 7). We need more people to get out there and vote. But I must comment on his criticisms of the Lib Dems
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Missing the logic behind spread of TB
It's about time the Government, NFU and farmers faced up to the truth badgers are not the cause of TB in cattle. In July 2001, the Government's own Independent Scientific Group identified cattle-to-cattle infection as being a primary cause for concern
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Drinking ban areas in city could be extended
NEW areas of Salisbury that could have a booze ban slapped on them are going out to public consultation. District councillors have agreed new zones they would like to see added to those areas of Salisbury already covered by a ban on drinking alcohol in
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Police seize fake video haul
THOUSANDS of pounds' worth of counterfeit videos, CDs, DVDs and Play station games have been seized by Salisbury police during a raid on a south Wiltshire house. The massive haul included computers and printers, recording equipment, video recorders and
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You made a big mistake
WHAT is it that D Smith (Letters, May 7) is trying to say to us all in his/her letter? As an adult, he/she made a choice to bid for a place for their son at Braden Forest in Purton; this was unsuccessful. If a bid had been made for Greendown School in
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Dorset and Wilts 16, North Midlands 29
DORSET and Wilts put on a brave show before going down to a North Midlands side comprising several national league players in the first leg of their quarter final cup clash on Saturday 4 May. An exceptional display from the twin counties saw them lead
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Tears as schools miss out
JUNIOR RUGBY: DEVIZES and Sheldon, Chippenham, Schools both missed out on the chance to play at Twickenham on Saturday after bowing out of the Daily Telegraph Cup in their respective qualifying tournaments at Richmond and Staines. Both schools won through
