Archive
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Second arson attack in area
FIREFIGHTERS and police in Chippenham are urging businesses on the Bumpers Farm industrial estate to tighten up security after two arson attacks in three weeks. Crime prevention advice has intensified after a blaze at a computer firm caused £250,000 worth
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Barking with excitement at success
A GROUP of clever canines and their handlers collared third place in the prestigious team agility competition at Crufts. The delighted six-strong squad from Chippenham Agility Club travelled to Crufts on Friday for the national team agility competition
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Health chief quizzed on threat to surgery
MORE than 40 angry patients, fearful for their future healthcare, confronted health boss Barbara Smith on Monday to demand answers about the future of the Marshfield Road Surgery in Chippenham. Last week, the Gazette reported that some 3,600 patients
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It is time to accept 999 call centre
FOLLOWING Fire Brigades Union leader Andy Gilchrist's visit to Swindon last night our firefighters need to do some serious thinking on a number of vital issues. Not least of these is their opposition to the combined control centre which will handle calls
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Stalemate over the name of new street
COUNCILLORS are locked in a row with housing developers over the naming of a new street. Maplecroft Developments are unhappy with the proposed name Bryant Fields for the road to the rear of the High Street in Corsham. The name was originally proposed
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New posts as store expands
UP TO 40 new jobs will be created in Corsham with the expansion of Somerfield supermarket. The supermarket giant announced this week its £1.5m revamp of the store would create between 20 and 40 new posts. Work began on revamping the store in January to
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Meeting on town's future
RESIDENTS in Corsham are being urged to attend a meeting aimed at mapping out the town's long-term future. North Wiltshire District Council has drawn up the town's local plan and residents will be able to make comments about the blueprints at a meeting
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Centre's profile to be raised
THE TEAM behind Corsham Festival have been appointed to run the Pound Arts Centre in a move aimed at safeguarding the artistic future of the town. Trustees of the Corsham Festival were appointed to run the arts centre at an extraordinary meeting of the
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Businessman hid gun in cupboard
CORSHAM businessman Duncan Liddle has been fined £1,500 for storing an unlicensed shotgun in a cupboard. Magistrates in Chippe-nham told 46-year-old Liddle on Monday he would escape a jail sentence but needed a heavy punishment to act as a deterrent to
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Fundraising auction lives up to promises
AN auction of promises has raised £5,500 for Easton Royal School's building appeal. The £5-a-ticket event, held in Pewsey's Bouverie Hall on Saturday, was a sell-out. One of the organisers, Ruth Day, said everyone was delighted. "We got twice as much
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Vet team takes animals out to meet the children
VETS with practices in Marlborough and Pewsey are running their own vets school, but it is nothing like the popular TV series. Instead of veterinary students learning their profession as in the television series, the Drove Veterinary Hospital's scheme
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Goat clinches prize
AN employee at Virgin Mobile in Trowbridge is jetting off to Australia after bringing a goat into his boss's office. The company set up the Road Scholarship, a new incentive programme designed to reward staff who have made an outstanding contribution
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Friendly service available in a time of need
A FRIENDLY and personal service is the ethos of a new funeral directors that has opened in Trowbridge. Elizabeth Snell has decided to expand her business into premises in Roundstone Street, to add to the business she has run from Southwick for the past
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Green project
VOLUNTEERS are being sought to help with a green community project at North Bradley School on Sunday. The school is taking part in a campaign called Whitbread Action Earth, planting bluebells and shrubs and tidying up the school grounds. The four-month
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Store boss is given award
STORE manager Andrew Windram has received a prestigious award from the British Hardware Federation. Mr Windram, 33, store manager of Robert Dyas in Borough Parade, was rewarded for his outstanding achievement. He joined the Borough Parade branch at the
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Sainsbury's re-fit to create 70 jobs
A SUPERMARKET'S £9m expansion programme will create 70 extra jobs in the Chippenham area. Sainsbury's will close for eight days on March 19 while fitters rip out existing shelves and counters and carry out a complete re-fit. The expansion will increase
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Schools celebrate cash for classrooms
SCHOOLS in west Wiltshire have received a cash boost from Wiltshire County Council to build new classrooms. Westbury Junior School, Shaw Primary School in Melksham and Frogwell Primary School, Chippenham have benefited from a countywide investment to
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First salvos fired in battle of bollards
JANIE Thomas, a Fellow of the Landscape Institute, has branded the bollards erected on the Tolsey footpath as crass and insensitive. Ms Thomas, of Gloucester Street, Malmesbury, wants the Friends of Malmesbury Abbey to reconsider the designs for five
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Get ready for season
Chippenham Cricket Club have started their pre-season preparations with indoor nets at the Sheldon sports centre on Tuesdays, from 6.30-8.30pm and on Saturdays from 1-4pm.
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Westbury nets open
Westbury Cricket Club are holding indoor nets at the Leighton Green Sports Centre, Westbury, from 10am-noon on the next four Sundays. New players will be welcome.
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Band ready for national dates
A PUNK band from Melksham have hit the big time by winning a competition in the world's biggest selling rock magazine. Buzztone have won the right to tour with nationally renowned Ska Punk band Farse after winning a competition in rock weekly Kerrang!
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Shortage of NHS dentists
THE GROWING shortage of NHS dentists in Melksham has sparked a town councillor into action. Jackie Wells believes health chiefs need to tackle the growing shortage of NHS dentists in west Wiltshire before the scale of the problem escalates further. Cllr
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Friends in street brawl
CHILDREN watched in horror as a single mum and her former friend brawled outside a Melksham convenience store. Jennifer Killen punched her ex-pal Kim Lewin's mouth so hard her tooth snapped in what magistrates heard was a fight outside Alldays store in
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Burglar sent back to prison
A BURGLAR who started offending again less than a week after being released from prison has been sentenced to more than four years behind bars. Anthony Mead will have to serve 300 days of the previous jail term before he starts a three- and-a-half year
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A hall full of art and soul
YOUTH and community groups in Melksham came together for a celebration evening to mark successful projects in the town. The Heart and Soul event was held in the town Assembly Hall on Thursday. Kandu Arts organised the event to mark the success of youth-based
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They should reconsider
LAST week I and three other opponents of moving the record office from Trowbridge addressed the county council's Cabinet. As well as the many reasons for not doing so, new ones, such as the overwhelming support Trowbridge has among the office's users,
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World is awash with terror
THERE is much opposition to the current tactics against Iraq because well-informed, intelligent, compassionate people are being patronised by Blair/Bush. People who know for example that in the handover from the Clinton to the Bush administration, intelligence
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Stop the bickering
The local elections will soon be here again. Hopefully an election that shall breathe a lot of new life into the council. An election in which councillors start making improvements which everyone can see. When I say seeing improvements I mean where you
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Small businesses share concerns with MP
The Federation of Small Businesses in Swindon was today welcoming Julia Drown MP to its annual member's reception at The Blunsdon House Hotel. The event forms part of a programme of functions that is being planned in the lead up to the launch of a separate
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Firm driven to success
The Ford Motor company founded the firm in 1991 to provide mobile communications products to Ford customers and Ford dealers, trading under the name Ford Cellular Systems. The business was sold in 1997 via a management buy-out and Cellular Operations
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Road to fear
As a completely blind person, I think it's really disgraceful that I have to take my life in my hands every time I want to cross the road on Church Street on the butchers side in Melksham, as the little screw under the control panel that tells me when
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Wltshire's most wanted
POLICE are appealing for your help to snare ten of Wiltshire's most wanted crime suspects. All ten are wanted for allegedly committing crimes such as robbery, abduction and sex attacks. The potentially dangerous suspects should be on their toes because
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Relief as Julia has op at last
THE family of a leukaemia sufferer Julia Hember breathed a huge sigh of relief when her life-saving bone marrow transplant finally took place. Miss Hember, 32, is recovering at St Bartholomew's Hospital, London after the operation on Thursday. It has
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Schools celebrate cash for classrooms
SCHOOLS in west Wiltshire have received a cash boost from Wiltshire County Council to build new classrooms. Westbury Junior School, Shaw Primary School in Melksham and Frogwell Primary School, Chippenham have benefited from a countywide investment to
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MP warns of soaring tax
WEST Wiltshire MP Andrew Murrison has warned that council taxes are soaring by four times the rate of inflation. The MP's outspoken attack on rising costs under the Labour government comes just weeks after it was announced that tax payers in Wiltshire
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£10,000 life gift
SPECIALISED life-saving equipment has been given to the Wiltshire Air Ambulance thanks to a farmers' trust. The £10,000 heart and oxygen level monitor was handed over to the paramedics at the Air Support unit at a presentation last Friday by two members
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Safety advice upheld by jury
THE jury at the inquest into the death of Tara Whelan supported all the safety recommendations suggested by the police. They were told that at the time of the accident that led to her death there were 59,446 low wires across the country to be dealt with
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Action sought after accident
THE family of a BT engineer killed in a freak accident still hope that the company might eventually face prosecution. An inquest into the death of Tara Whelan, 24, ruled that it was accidental but BT was asked to urgently look at recommendations to improve
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Feather in town's cap
HIGHWORTH is to host the national finals of the British Horse Society cross-country championships. Whitworth Farm equestrian centre will be the venue for the event which will see riders compete over a three-mile course. Competitors will be judged on their
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Phoenix A inch close to winning the title
MID WILTS SUNDAY LEAGUE: PHOENIX A took another step to the Division One title after defeating Marshfield A 7-2 away. Three wins for Roy Ashworth and Stuart Lay saw them home with Zeidah Grundy for Marshfield winning two of her three matches. Bradford
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Cool shooting seals fine 4-0 victory for Bar OC
MID-WILTSHIRE SUNDAY LEAGUE: BAR OC remain second after easing to a 4-1 win over third-placed Devizes Snooker Club. Pete Swales and Tom Evans combined for the latter to place the ball just outside the goalkeeper's reach to open the scoring for the home
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Devizes Town 0, Bath City Reserves 2
FORMER Chippenham Town skipper Lee Burns made a triumphant return to Wiltshire as his Bath City Reserves side proved too strong for relegation-haunted Devizes Town at Nursteed Road. Burns' men took the points thanks to goals either side of the interval
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Elmore 3, Melksham Town 1
MELKSHAM Town failed to do struggling local rivals Devizes Town a favour as they slumped to a 3-1 reverse at Elmore on Saturday. The home side began the day just two points ahead of Pete Tripp's side in the table, but were inspired by two fine goals from
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Soldier hit a lamppost
AN ARMY rifleman based in Warminster has been banned from driving for three months after crashing his car into a lamppost. Soldier Jonathon Macmillan, 18, was changing the car stereo's volume when he lost control of his Ford Fiesta and crashed into a
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Big cat takes birte of rRver
GARAGE repairmen were gobsmacked when a woman brought her car in to have tiger teeth marks removed. The big cat bit off more than it could chew when it sank its teeth into a couple's car bumper as they drove through Longleat Safari Park. The big cat took
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Police raid drugs den
POLICE seized £800 worth of cannabis when they raided a house in Warminster. Officers from Trowbridge and Warminster forced their way into a house in Boreham Fields on Friday afternoon. A 26-year-old man was arrested and taken to Melksham police station
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Two brothers in traffic accidents
A MOTHER of five is campaigning for road safety improvements in Warminster after two of her sons were injured in accidents. Tracey Beatty, 36, who is the landlady of the Nags Head pub in Portway, says motorists are driving too fast through the town centre
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Teenager panicked at scene
POLICE traced a teenage hit-and-run driver after a number plate was left at the scene of an accident. The 17-year-old Warminster youth was driving his mother's Fiat when he crashed into a parked Rover Metro in Lyme Avenue on Christmas Day. Fleeing the
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Relief as Julia has op at last
THE family of a leukaemia sufferer Julia Hember breathed a huge sigh of relief when her life-saving bone marrow transplant finally took place. Miss Hember, 32, is recovering at St Bartholomew's Hospital, London after the operation on Thursday. It has
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Police in hunt for body of missing Melanie
A FARM and a charity shop were being searched this week after police arrested two men in connection with the disappearance of Bradford on Avon woman Melanie Hall . The 25-year-old vanished on June 9, 1996, after a night out with friends at Cadillacs nightclub
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Castle Combe hosts tourers
A UNIQUE event, which gives classic, sports and specialist car owners the opportunity to experience the thrill of motorsport takes place at Castle Combe Circuit on Sunday March 30. The RPM Spring Tour provides owners with the chance to tread the paths
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Alfa diesels go on sale
DIESEL-engined versions of the Alfa Romeo 147, 156 and 156 Sportwagon, which are selling strongly in European markets, go on sale in the UK from mid-March. Although UK versions of the 156 and 156 Sportwagon already offer the option of Alfa direct injection
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Transits in transition
WAY back in 1965, Ford were the first to pack passenger-car kit into a commercial van, setting the ubiquitous Transit on the road to sure-fire success. The "Tranny" specification humble by today's standards included: a printed circuit in the instrument
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Youth faces jail for gang attack
AN AIR CADET officer has branded four teenagers as "evil" for their part in a brutal gang attack that left him battered and bloodied. Adrian King, 52, said he feared for his life during an unprovoked alcohol-fuelled attack on him outside Bradford on Avon
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Safe and sound
THE future of Savernake Hospital and its minor injuries unit looks safe. The hospital appears to have survived a raft of cost cutting measures being introduced by the Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust as it struggles to save £10 million. But
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Thank you for generosity shown in town
COMPASSION in World Farming would like to thank the people of Bradford on Avon for raising £94.41 at our street collection on February 22. All proceeds will go towards our campaigning work for farm animal welfare. KAREN MANSELL, Street collection co-ordinator
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Could your group obtain a grant?
THE St James' Trust will be giving grants later this year to groups and organisations who serve those in need and distress within the town of Trowbridge and the villages of Hilperton, West Ashton, Yarnbrook, North Bradley and Southwick. The trust was
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Don't be an ostrich
ANOTHER delay by the Environment Agency to today means the cement company La Farge has been burning tyres at standards below those it should be achieving for the past 14 months. This has been established by a PPC Review, one can deduce. This suggests
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Sky's the limit for Ushers site plans
MR PAYNE (Letters, March 7) and I have been told different things by Marks and Spencer. Time will tell whether they ever set up shop in Trowbridge. The website I mentioned (Letters, February 28) is for the eco village known as BedZed in South London,
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Police search shop and farm
POLICE were yesterday continuing with searches at a farm and a Bath city centre shop in the hope of finding clues to help solve the disappearance of 25-year-old Melanie Hall. Officers searched farmland and buildings at Beaufort Farm, Inglesbatch, about
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Melanie mystery is still unsolved
MELANIE Hall's disappearance in 1996 sparked one of the west's biggest ever police investigations. Police have never closed the case and several times hopes have been raised of an answer. Police questioned hundreds of clubbers, carried out house-to-house
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Police in hunt for body of missing Melanie
A FARM and a charity shop were being searched this week after police arrested two men in connection with the disappearance of Bradford on Avon woman Melanie Hall . The 25-year-old vanished on June 9, 1996, after a night out with friends at Cadillacs nightclub
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Road-rail plan hangs in balance
A JUDGE has reserved judgement on Swindon Council's High Court battle to block a quarrying firm from using land in the town for a road-rail interchange. The council has challenged proposals by Hanson Quarry Products Ltd for the interchange on land adjacent
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Shown the red card
THIS was the scene when more than 500 staff from Motorola held cards aloft to create a huge red nose as part of a fundraising bid for Comic Relief. It was one of scores of events across the town to raise money for the BBC charity event, which reaches
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Cleared
A court has found school headteacher Maran White not guilty of assault on a colleague - now the 51-year-old is waiting to see if she will get her job back MARAN White, the headmistress accused of slapping a colleague, was today waiting to find out whether
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Recall for Bassett's Lock
SKIPPER Taff Lock is back in the Wootton Bassett line-up as they host Berkshire side Redingensians in Southern Counties South tomorrow. Lock returns at hooker as Bassett go for revenge for their defeat on the opening day of the league season, when Redingensians
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Green project
VOLUNTEERS are being sought to help with a green community project at North Bradley School on Sunday. The school is taking part in a campaign called Whitbread Action Earth, planting bluebells and shrubs and tidying up the school grounds. The four-month
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Peter Morris
MARCH 14: MAGISTRATES have banned a Trowbridge driver after a bizarre crash near a Westbury cement works. Peter Morris, 53, of Clarendon Road, was found by police officers sprawled-out next to the wreckage of his Renault Clio on the A350 at Westbury.
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Costumes celebrate Book Day
CHILDREN at Newtown Primary School in Trowbridge joined in World Book Day. All the pupils were allowed to come to classes dressed as their favourite character from a book, whether that was Harry Potter or someone from a fairy tale. Headteacher Sue Ivermee
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Teen admits arson charge
A 16-YEAR-OLD boy who started a camp fire in Trowbridge bandstand was trying to keep warm, magistrates heard. Police were called to the park bandstand by a CCTV operator, who saw a gang of youths sitting round a fire. The 16-year-old Trowbridge boy admitted
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Mobile phone thief gets two years jail
A MOBILE phone mugger who took part in a street attack in Trowbridge has been jailed for two and a half years. Eugene Brown, 23, who had no previous convictions, had denied his part in the street attack on a Frome man in Trowbridge town centre on the
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Reward offered for ID of robber
POLICE have released an e-fit of a man they are searching for in connection with a brutal robbery in Yarnbrook. The 35-year-old victim is offering a substantial cash reward for information leading to the conviction of anyone involved in the robbery. He
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Baverstock stings the Hornets for utility man
SWINDON SUPERMARINE boss Ray Baverstock has been wheeling and dealing again this week in a bid to stave off relegation from the Dr Martens Western Division. Marine's manager had been steering clear of the transfer market in recent weeks as he tries to
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Trowbridge looking to tame Devizes' Vase heroes
Trowbridge Town represent the Wiltshire League in the quarter-finals of the Wilts Senior Cup when they visit Screwfix side Devizes Town this weekend. The home team's recent FA Vase exploits have been the highlight of the local soccer scene lately and
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All this weekend's local football fixtures
Dr Martens League Premier Division: Bath City v Dover Athletic; Chippenham Tn v Halesowen Tn; Crawley Tn v Moor Green; Folkestone Invicta v Hednesford Tn; Grantham Tn v Hastings Utd; Newport County v Cambridge City; Stafford Rngs v Tamworth; Welling Utd
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Corsham aim to stay clear of drop zone
CORSHAM'S tenure at the bottom of the Screwfix League was a miserable but brief experience, writes Craig Lyus. The Southbank side plummeted to the basement following last Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Clyst, but an impressive 4-0 win over Cadbury Heath on
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Fish fights on
Highworth Town, who were beaten 2-1 by fellow title contenders Yate Town in mid-week, travel to Hereford this weekend to take on Pegasus Juniors. Manager John Fisher could have a difficult job galvanising his troops into action following the midweek defeat
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Two loos, long trek for vicar with something to go on. . .
DEVIZES vicar Chris Tebbutt is swapping pews for loos. Mr Tebbutt, of St James' Church, Southbroom, is to run the Bath Half Marathon on Sunday and will be raising money to refurbish the toilets at the Parish Centre, in Victoria Road. Mr Tebbutt, who is
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Couple in court over fracas at takeaway
A MARRIED couple launched a violent assault on a 20-year-old man after words changed to blows in a Chinese takeaway, Kennet magistrates heard. Andrew and Claire Ball, of Chiminage Close, Marlborough, both pleaded guilty to assaulting by beating Barry
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New probe under way on Silbury Hill shaft
CIVIL engineers have returned to Silbury Hill this week to begin further exploration of the pre-historic mound. It's almost three years since the Gazette was the first to reveal that an historic shaft at the core of the hill had partially collapsed leaving
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Is his sentence fair?
Mobile phone mugger Eugene Brown was jailed for two and a half years this week for his part in a robbery in Trowbridge. This is the sort of sentence that is now being issued to crack down on the rising tide of crime to do with mobile phones. That is all
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Curtain comes down on course fishing season
THE coarse fish close season on rivers and drains comes into effect from midnight tonight, but fishing continues on canals, lakes and ponds so anglers will be able to continue their sport throughout the coming months. However, make sure that you do not
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It's a labour of love restoring my beauties
THE roots of the North Wiltshire Classic Motorcycle Club go back to the 1930s. Now the club has 12 members and no fewer than 40 classic motorcycles under its wing collecting prizes for the bikes at various shows across the country. Secretary of the club
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Farm fresh food ready at market
SHOPPERS in Wanborough will get the chance to snap up farm fresh produce this week-end. A farmers' market selling meat, vegetables, dairy produce, cakes and fresh herbs takes place in the Village Hall tomorrow. The market will also feature a new stall
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Will music put off the vandals in the toilets?
CLASSICAL music is one of the ideas being discussed to deter vandals from targeting the public toilets in Purton. Crime prevention officer, Bryan Moore, visited the village to discuss the problem and said that piping classical music through the toilets
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Use it or lose it plea to Irish community
THE IRISH community could lose out if they don't start making use of their facilities. That is the warning from Patsy Moloney, who regularly brings top Irish artists to Swindon's Thistle Hotel. He says the community, the largest ethnic group in Swindon
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Save yourself a packet with an import
IF say, £14,000 is a bit over your budget for a new car, and you would prefer instead to pay out around £10 -11,000 for a nearly-new version of your preferred choice, then think again. By shopping around, you can make some truly marvellous savings on
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Road transport business had no permission
COUNCIL officers are set to take action against a road transport business operating without planning consent. Bampton Brothers, on Stratton Road, which was used as an equipment yard, has more recently been the base for a road transport business. Swindon
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Rugged terano means business
NISSAN'S tough Terrano has been around quite a while, but regular model updates keep it looking fresh, and performing as powerfully as ever. It isn't as suave as Volvo's XC90, or as sassy as BMW's X5, but it's built to mean business, and both the three
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Vodka brand may contain methanol
ENVIRONMENTAL health officers have warned shoppers about contaminated bottles of Kelvenoff Vodka, which may contain dangerous levels of methanol. The brand has the same distinctive shape and silver/grey label and gold and white writing as Imperial Valkonov
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Daihatsu's best kept secret
IF you are looking for a value-for-money hatchback in the Ford Fiesta/Renault Clio sector, then it's a fair bet that the Daihatsu Sirion isn't one of the models which springs to mind. Pity really because this is a fine and much under appreciated car which
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Why the dog might not be your best pal
DOGS can become canine cannonballs in car crashes, safety experts warns a new safety report. To prevent man's best friend being a danger in a smash-up, thousands of leaflets about carrying pets safely in cars have been produced by the Royal Society for
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Mystery over death of baby
Baby Dylan Singleton died while being breast-fed by his mother, but the cause of his death remains uncertain, an inquest has heard. Dylan was just over five-weeks-old when he was rushed to Princess Margaret Hospital after collapsing at home in Aldbourne
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Sweethearts for 60 years
CHILDHOOD sweethearts Reg and Margaret Webb, from South Cerney, have just celebrated their diamond wedding. The couple first met at school when Reg moved to the village when he was ten years old. Mrs Webb said: "We used to pass notes underneath the table
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£50 billion to be spent by UK drivers
BRITISH drivers plan to spend more than £50 billion on new and used cars over the next six months, according to a new survey. Around one in five of the purchases is likely to be made in north-west England, with East Anglians the least likely to splash
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Pedestrian crossing in the making
WORK to create a pedestrian crossing in Princes Street near the Whale Bridge roundabout starts soon. The project, partly funded by Zurich, will cost £71,000 . It is expected to take six weeks and will consist of the installation of traffic signals, modifications
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Charity shops top £500,000 for hospice
THE SEVEN charity shops run by the Prospect Hospice in Swindon have raised more than £500,000 over the last year. It is the first time the shops have passed the half million pound mark. Prospect general manager David Line said: "I'm thrilled that the
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People power wins battle of the lights
OLD Town traders and residents are rejoicing after it was revealed that a roundabout will replace the controversial Newport Street traffic light junction by as early as next month. The decision to remove the lights on April 6 follows a 10-month battle
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Opera star Mac dies
OPERA fans are mourning the death of a man who was one of the Swindon area's most talented tenors. Pharmacist Macdonald Coventry, of Wootton Bassett, died at the age of 68, three weeks before his ruby wedding anniversary. He had fought cancer for 18 months
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One woman with a lot to say thank you for
THE life-saving contribution of blood donors was recognised at the launch of a year-long campaign by the National Blood Service. The Wiltshire launch of the 'A lot to say thank you for' campaign was attended by blood and bone marrow recipient Jacqui Inglis
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£8m plan for tennis club hit by flyover
A PLANNED £8 million tennis club in Swindon has fallen victim to a £13 million flyover. Whitbread-owned David Lloyd Leisure, together with Blunsdon Abbey Stadium owners Gaming International, applied to site an 11-court club, gym and pools on part of the
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Landmark is cleared of decades of litter
WORK has finally started on removing 18 years worth of rubbish and debris from the crumbling Mechanics' Institute. Workers with Swindon-based removal firm The Man With A Van shifted tonnes of rubbish including logs, brushwood, beer cans, furniture, rotten
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Children go bananas
CHILDREN at Ridgeway School in Wroughton learned the importance of fair trade when a banana grower gave an assembly. About 250 11 to 12-year-olds listened to Denise Sutherland, who grows bananas in the Windward Isles. And two students illustrated their
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Plan to test turbo jets prompts fears of noise disruption
PLANS to test turbo jet engines at Kemble airfield have caused outrage in the village. The company which carries out repairs to the engines, Sigma, has submitted a temporary application to Cotswold District Council which, if accepted, would see a site
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Choose your county bloom
Votes can now be cast to select a flower to represent Wiltshire. The two finalists in the running to be named the County Flower of Wiltshire are burnt orchid and fritillary. Visit www.plantlife.org.uk to vote, or pick up a leaflet at any branch of Laura
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Better map could be the solution to Steam's problems
AT last Swindon Council is willing to listen to the views of the people in Swindon about Steam. If it had done this in the first place it would not have the problems it faces today and would not have wasted our money. So what is wrong with Steam, because
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Your figures don't add up
WHAT is D Smith of the Bramptons talking about? (EA, March 11) In the first place, the rent for my two-bedroom council house is £56.87, somewhat different from the £45.84 he has dreamed up. Further, I also have to pay council tax, so I have the same increase
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Bath wise up to Saints' ruck ploy
BATH are hoping to strike a psychological blow on Northampton before tomorrow's home clash. They have identified an "illegal tactic'' the Saints employ in the ruck area and are expecting referee Roy Maybank to stamp it out. Coach Brian Smith explained
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Ridiculous
THE future of Bath's contingent of Welsh players has come under even more scrutiny after another bitter broadside towards the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) from Rec co-coach Brian Smith. The Australian's frustration boiled over again this week as Wales' coach
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Under 20s triumph
DORSET and Wilts Under 20s opened their Tetley's National County Championship campaign with a deserved 34-11 over Berkshire at Bournemouth. Tries came from Mike Marsh (Bournemouth), Andy Chump (Gloucester), Kevin Gough (Newbury), Matt Wells (Bournemouth
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Wiltshire's top dogs take a bow at Crufts
KARL and Nikki Payne have got a definite spring in their step, after their English springer spaniel, Summer, scooped Best of Breed at this year's Crufts. Summer, or Show Champion Cepen Country Classic, as she's known in doggie circles, was awarded one
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Schools celebrate cash for classrooms
SCHOOLS in west Wiltshire have received a cash boost from Wiltshire County Council to build new classrooms. Westbury Junior School, Shaw Primary School in Melksham and Frogwell Primary School, Chippenham have benefited from a countywide investment to
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Sainsbury's re-fit to create 70 jobs
A SUPERMARKET'S £9m expansion programme will create 70 extra jobs in the Chippenham area. Sainsbury's will close for eight days on March 19 while fitters rip out existing shelves and counters and carry out a complete re-fit. The expansion will increase
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Safety fear as gypsies invade
EXTRA security guards have been drafted in to deal with Irish gypsies who have invaded a Chippenham industrial estate. More than 20 caravans and four ponies moved onto a car park in Lansdowne Court on Sunday and parked just yards away from plush new offices
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She should go back to work
THERE can be no reason for not allowing headteacher Maran White to go back to work. The justification for her suspension no longer exists, since she has been cleared of assaulting colleague Anne Williams during a row, but whether these two women can ever
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Firefighters blaze trail to highlight safety
FIREFIGHTERS changed tactics and deliberately started fires rather than putting them out at a safety demonstration day on Saturday. Corsham fire station was lit up all day as visitors watched firefighters demonstrate ways of keeping their homes safe.
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Quids in for King
ANDY KING'S bid to bring success to Swindon Town could be influenced by fans refraining from that extra pint and pouring their money into a more constructive 'pot'. The County Ground boss may be free to bring in extra players ahead of the big kick-off
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Noise consultant called in on park's design
A NOISE consultant has recommended that a two-metre high acoustic fence is built around Corsham's new skate park on the Springfield playing fields to avoid the problems experienced in Chippenham. The Monkton Park skate park was closed after residents
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Fight to reopen station continues
HUNDREDS of people in Corsham have backed the continuing fight for a train station in the town. The figures come in the week government transport minister David Jamieson confirmed the Strategic Rail Authority's decision to axe the Bristol to Oxford line
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Best in the county
WEST Wiltshire firms were among those celebrating being named among the best in the county. Trowbridge and Swindon-based Withy King solicitors, received the prestigious title of Wiltshire Business of the Year. The awards, coordinated by Wiltshire Times
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Banking event is groundbreaking
DISPELLING the myths and complexities of business banking is the aim of an innovative event to be held in Trowbridge. HSBC has organised a free "Open for Business Day" to bring businesses together under one roof to discuss what help is available. It is
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Last traditional baker is leaving town
HIGH rents, business rates and falling custom because of parking charges have been blamed for the closure of the Baker's Dozen caf in Maryport Street, Devizes, which shut up shop at the end of last week. Rowde baker Tony House said: "It just wasn't worth
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Road rage attack
A ROAD rage attacker who smashed a driver's window with his fist in a row on a busy town centre roundabout has been ordered to pay compensation to his victim. Steven Grover, 23, of Windsor Drive, Westbury, admitted criminal damage and a public order charge
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Lafarge in bid to burn liquid fuel
LEFTOVERS from paint stripper and nail varnish remover production could soon be burnt at Westbury cement works sparking new concerns from environmental groups. Lafarge Cement is calling for people to have their say before the firm submits its application
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Westlecot's senior title
WESTLECOT senior ladies are the toast of Wiltshire's top bowls club after winning the English Women's Indoor Bowling Association Over 60s Double Rinks Championship. It was the first national title to be won by either the men's or women's indoor section
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Cash boost for town
SUPERMARKET giant Sainsbury's will hand over £60,000 to revitalise a neglected area of Melksham town centre. All the money will be spent on improving traffic and pedestrian routes in Bank Street marking a victory for town hairdresser and campaigner Michael
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Optician cleared of rushing tests
AN OPTICIAN accused of rushing through eye tests at a Melksham nursing home has been cleared of serious professional misconduct. Philip Leeb du Toit told a disciplinary committee in London he didn't carry out a full range of tests on 69 patients at three
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New plans for old GEC site
MELKSHAM Town councillors on Monday will discuss a new planning application by Charles Tull to demolish buildings on the former GEC site in Beanacre Road and create housing.
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US sniper goes on patrol in town
A TEXAN police sergeant joined Melksham officers on patrol for a day to get a taste of British law enforcement first hand. Police counter-sniper John Bull, 39, admitted his stay in Wiltshire was the longest spell he had been without a gun for 17 years
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Record office debate takes whole new turn
THOSE who have wished to see the new records office sited in Trowbridge continue to campaign assiduously and they are to be complimented on their efforts on behalf of the town. However there comes a time in any campaign when continued opposition to a
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Great to see so many people about
I WOULD like to offer my congratulations to the organisers of the Peace March, which recently took place in London and in towns and cities all over the UK. It was truly amazing so many people took part and I admire them for taking to the streets for something
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Streets are messy says three-year-old
I am three and a half and I get fed up when I go for walks with my Mummy because the pavements are always so messy because of dog poo. Why do people let their dogs poo right in the middle of where I have to walk? Mummy has to dodge around the poo with
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Rubbish is disgusting
I live on the estate that backs on to the field by the River Biss. Several weeks ago I contacted the council to enquire who is responsible for the removal of rubbish particularly by the recycling bins where at that time there were piles of discarded clothing
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Dismay over 'lazy people's rubbish'
IN the Wiltshire Times on March 7 I saw a letter by S P Sharpe of Warminster about tackling litter in our towns. I live near Clarendon School and the rubbish that is dropped by pupils is a very big eye-sore to us all on the estate. Most weekends I go
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Business as usual in spite of takeover
EMPLOYEES at the Swindon-based Cellular Operations Ltd were today assured it would be business as usual, despite a takeover by Vodafone UK Limited for an undisclosed sum. The firm, which provides mobile airtime services to more than half a million people
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Top dogs
DOGS from across west Wiltshire headed for Crufts at the weekend to compete for some of the most prestigious titles in the canine world and they did not come back empty handed. Nikki and Karl Payne, from Chippenham, came home with the award for Best of
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Figures show 'safer' roads
NEW figures suggest that Wiltshire roads are becoming safer with a sharp drop in the number of serious and fatal accidents. Last year, the number of people killed or seriously injured on roads in the county fell from the 1994 to 1998 average of 315 to
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Beware of handbag thieves
POLICE are warning pensioners to be on alert for bag thieves as two women were targeted in west and north Wiltshire towns. A 77-year-old Melksham woman was shopping in Church Street on Saturday morning when a thief took a purse from her handbag. The purse
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Thousands set for fundraising frolics
FRIDAY is Red Nose Day and thousands of people across the district will be taking part in madcap events to raise cash for Comic Relief. At Wiltshire County Council a mammoth balloon race is hoped to raise thousands for vulnerable people in Africa and
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Funding for green schemes
SCHOOLS in Wiltshire are to receive funding to help them encourage environmentally friendly travel to school. Sixteen schools across the county are to get cash to tackle problems caused by cars on the school run as part of the council's Travelwise campaign
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Ancient and modern
WILTSHIRE'S oldest bowls club will open their new £170,000 pavilion on June 18. Warminster Bowling Club were given a Sport England Lottery award to help pay for the new building in Ash Walk. The money provided 72 per cent of the total project cost.
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New threat by firefighters
FIREFIGHTERS in Wiltshire could strike over plans for a new joint emergency services headquarters, which they say could cost lives. The National Fire Brigades' Union has launched a dispute with Wiltshire Fire Authority to try and suspend the transfer
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Rowde back in action
TROWBRIDGE and District League Division Two side Rowde Sports, who had their fixtures suspended by the league because of administration problems, are due to return to action against Rudloe tomorrow.
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Club of month is Screwfix reward
DEVIZES Town manager Peter Tripp, pictured, has received some compensation for their FA Vase defeat as his team have won the Screwfix Direct League club of the month award for February for reaching the quarter final of the national knockout competition
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Saints march on to reach cup final
TROWBRIDGE LEAGUE: NORTH Bradley Saints go into tomorrow's Wiltshire Junior Cup semi-final showdown against holders 147 FC having already written themselves into the history book of the A and B Cup, sponsored this season by Pied Piper Promotions. Saints
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'I thought he played fair'
MARCH 13: WHO Wants To Be A Millionaire? host Chris Tarrant told a court yesterday (March 12) of Army major's Charles Ingram extraordinary, exciting behaviour as he answered his way to a £1 million pound prize on the show. The 56-year-old entertainer
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Croft keep on the heels of cricklade
TOP-of-the-table Cricklade were beaten 4-2 by closest rivals Croft in an under 17/under 18 game littered with own goals. Croft went ahead through Stephen Palmer only for Cricklade to level from a free-kick. Cricklade then took the lead when a Croft player
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New car sales drop but signs are good
THE number of new cars sold last month dipped compared with February 2002 but demand for private motors held strong, figures out revealed. A total of 88,096 new cars were sold in the UK in February 2003 5.8 per cent fewer than in February 2002, the Society
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The race is on to get hold of a new 350Z
MONDAY sees the start of ordering for Nissan's eagerly-awaited sports car, the 350Z. But from the 4,000 poeple who have registered an interest in the £24,000 car, only 450 are likely to get their hands on one this year. There'll be two models, the standard
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Renault's fourth Espace evolution
RENAULT has brought out some strikingly revolutionary new designs over the past year and now the Espace has got the treatment but old fans of the original multi-purpose vehicle have nothing to worry about. From the outside there are no quirky styling
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First UK Ford with in-car DVD as norm
THE Ford Fusion+ is the latest edition to the Fusion range and the first UK Ford with a standard DVD entertainment system. "Recent years have seen the car market fragment significantly with customers more able to buy a car with different attributes to
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Audi's 5-litre V10 is on show
AUDI is showing its new Nuvolari quattro concept at the Geneva Motor Show, which runs until Sunday. Audi's designers have created a two-door coup with 2+2 seating and classic GT proportions: its body is 4.80 metres long, 1.92 metres wide and 1.41 metres
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Ford launches the sexy new Streetka
FORD'S first European two-seat roadster, the sexy new Streetka convertible is officially on sale in the UK from March 2003, priced from £12,495 on-the-road. Already acclaimed for its sassy exterior looks, the neat little convertible offers even more underneath
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Is your dog a killer canine cannonball?
DOGS can become killers in car crashes, safety experts are warning readers of DRIVE. To prevent man's best friend being a danger in a smash-up, thousands of leaflets about carrying pets safely in cars have been produced by the Royal Society for the Prevention
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College music
TICKETS are on sale for the final of the St Augustine's Catholic College, Trowbridge young musician of the year. The evening will be at the Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford on Avon. Tickets are available from (01225) 350001.
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Bananas are the first step
A FAIR TRADE banana producer has visited Bradford on Avon to support the town's bid for special Fair Trade status. To mark Fair Trade fortnight, groups have been promoting the sale of products that give a better deal to those who grow and produce them
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Refuse lads' study pays off
REFUSE collectors at Kennet District Council have celebrated achieving success in National Vocational Qualifications. A spokesman for Kennet said it was unusual for refuse collectors to study for NVQs and it demonstrated the council's commitment to developing
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Shed in crisis?
Whilst I appreciate the stress that modern living is having upon many people within our society, I was unaware of the impact upon inanimate objects. I note in the News in Brief on page 3 of last week's Wiltshire Times that we have a farm shed in Lanhill
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Reason why attempts to recycle are foiled
CAN I please reply to Mrs Ashdown of Hilperton reference her efforts to recycle aluminium foil? Firstly, may I congratulate her on being so public spirited and environmentally conscious. It is very comforting to know that our service is so well thought
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Town's achievements
Last week Chicago Rock, voted the premier entertainment venue in West Wiltshire, held its first birthday celebrations. Unfortunately being busy on council business I was unable to attend. This I regretted, as it was this time last year that as Mayor of
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Photo stirs memories of Conigre
I WRITE with reference to the photograph of the Conigre on March 7. Myself and my brother Desmond Hungerford lived in the houses with the two steps. This house was known as number 30 British Row. Our house also ran over the Arches. The third top window
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Where does it go?
Once again the council tax has been increased way above the inflation rate. I would like to know the percentage of wage increases to both council employees and the subcontractors the council employs. Where is this extra going? There's no sign of it on
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'Meeting the Halls was very humbling'
REPORTER Lucy Clark remembers remembers talking to the family. I will never forget nervously driving to meet Melanie Hall's parents for the first time. It was November 1996 about two months after I'd started work as a reporter on the Wiltshire Times.
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Agony of family forced to wait for a breakthrough
BIRTHDAYS and anniversaries come and go, and still Melanie's family cannot move on with their lives not knowing where their little girl went. Steve Hall retired from his post as deputy principal at Gwent College in Wales since her disappearance. He is
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Girls take traditional viewpoint
MORE than half of young women see the ideal family set-up as one where mother works part-time or not at all, despite a better education or wider career opportunities. Those are the results of a study funded by the Swindon-based Economic and Social Research
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£60,000 restoration underway
THE restoration of a Fairford church is due to be completed by the end of the year. The Catholic parish church of St Thomas of Canterbury in Horcott Road was built in 1845. In the past few years it has undergone a programme of restoration, including being
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Evolution solution
The Great Western Hospital's Evolution Appeal is transforming the level of health care for patients by allowing the Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust to invest in the very latest medical equipment. Health reporter Ben Fitzgerald charts the appeal's success
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Sipping tea with Cherie!
THREE schoolchildren from Swin-don are set to give Cherie Blair a grilling at Number 10. The pupils were chosen by their teachers after South Swindon MP Julia Drown plucked the names of the three schools out of a hat. Oaktree Primary, Lainesmead Primary
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FBU leader Gilchrist is concerned over centre
Fire Brigades Union leader Andy Gilchrist visited Swindon to rally support for yet more strikes. Raising the morale of Swindon firefighters, Mr Gilchrist addressed some 60 Wiltshire Fire Brigades Union members at the Thistle Hotel in Fleming Way last
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Maran White's career in education
1970-1973 Certificate of Education, Loughborough 1973-1974 Bachelor of Education Upper Second Class Hons 1974-1978 Eldene Junior School. 1978-1984 Even Swindon Junior School. Twice appointed as deputy head when deputy was seconded to acting headships.
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O'Sullivan will fill in
DEVIZES injury woes have continued with scrum-half Tim Collins missing out on the Southern Counties South clash against Westbury tomorrow. Wing Dave O'Sullivan looked acomplished in that role during last week's friendly against Weston and steps in again
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Supermarine all set for crucial promotion battle
IN-FORM Supermarine know nothing less than victory over Dorset & Wilts Two North title winners Minety will do tomorrow. The South Marston side welcome unbeaten Minety for the crucnh clash, the visitors attempting to complete the remarkable feat of
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Warren closes in on first cap
SWINDON schoolteacher Nick Warren hopes it will be a case of second time lucky when he joins Malta's national team for the latest leg of their European Championship bid later this month. The Headlands PE master has been selected to join coach Graham Richards
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Swans wing in as big test awaits Sheppard's men
Chippenham coach Matt Sheppard reckons his side still have a lot to work on despite last week's encouraging Bath Combination Cup victory over Frome. Sheppard's fourth-placed troops face the team just a place above them Swanage & Wareham in South West
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Matter of life and death
THE Life Of David Gale has a novel premise a dedicated campaigner against the death penalty ends up on death row himself. It should be the basis for a tense and thought provoking thriller. Unfortunately, it doesn't quite come up to the mark. Campaigning
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With all things being equal
SCI-FI thrillers are the genre of the moment. The success of The Matrix seems to have encouraged film-makers to experiment with new styles of cinematography and special effects. Unfortunately, many of them come across as poor imitations. And while Kurt
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Easter eggs plea for child appeal
PEOPLE in north and west Wiltshire are being given the chance to brighten a child's life this Easter by donating stationery and eggs to a special appeal. Operation Easter Child organisers are hoping to receive donations of small chocolate eggs, similar
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Late-night attacks
TWO men were beaten up in a spree of late-night violence in Trowbridge. A 23-year-old man was attacked as he walked along Market Street in the early hours of Sunday morning, leaving him with cuts and bruises. The unprovoked attack happened at 2.15am as
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'Rock' celebrates its first birthday
THE first birthday of one of Trowbridge's most popular venues had people flocking to the town to join in the party. Chicago Rock opened its doors in March last year and a week of celebrations marked the event last week. Manager Ken Myton said: "Our first
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Parents' hard work rewarded
PARENTS at Newtown Primary School in Trowbridge have been presented with certificates for the work they have done to boost their children's education outside of school. The parents took part in the Share project, run by national charity, the Community
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New lunch club
A NEW multi-cultural luncheon club is to be launched at the Longfield Community Centre, Trowbridge on March 29, with a Caribbean meal and arts and crafts sale. There will be a lunch charge of £3 per person. Call Sam Gillings on (01225) 351084.
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Top employee wins holiday
THE winner of the Employee of the Year competition in Trowbridge has finally been decided. Sarah Usher, 28, a healthcare assistant from Boots the Chemist will be claiming her prize of a two-week holiday for two in The Gambia. She said: "I was really surprised
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Hughes set to tinker again
BRIAN HUGHES is in experimental mood ahead of Cirencester's clash with Gresley. With the Centurions safely tucked in mid-table, Hughes feels the time is right to tinker with his team in preparation for a possible promotion charge next season. The Ciren
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Tommy talks of Vengeance
HALESOWEN TOWN are the visitors to Hardenhuish Park tomorrow and Chippenham boss Tommy Saunders is desperate to teach the Midlanders a lesson. 'The Yeltz' have been the scourge of Saunders' team over the past 18 months, after snatching two pieces of silverware
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'I thought he played fair'
MARCH 13: WHO Wants To Be A Millionaire? host Chris Tarrant told a court yesterday (March 12) of Army major's Charles Ingram extraordinary, exciting behaviour as he answered his way to a £1 million pound prize on the show. The 56-year-old entertainer
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Remember the pain and fear
We almost feel like we know her. We have seen her pretty smiling face so many times that it if we saw her in the street, we would probably stroll up and say hello and chat for a while. Everyone knows who Melanie Hall is and we all have a feeling of hopelessness
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Getting lippy
Swindon TV star Melinda Messenger is soon to host her own live talk show. And the programme producers have asked people from the Swindon area to be part of the studio audience. Called Loose Lips, the first programme will be aired on Monday, March 31.
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Book your jazz tickets
The Swindon Jazz Festival takes place from Friday, April 25 to Sunday, April 27 at the Jazz Caf in the Great Western Designer Outlet. Around 12 bands and work-shops will be performing over the three days. Tickets cost between £4 and £28 and are available
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Who's spending what and where?
BRITONS plan to spend more than £50 billion on new and used cars over the next six months, according to a survey out today. Around one in five of the purchases is likely to be made in north-west England, with East Anglians the least likely to splash out
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Click on the web to solve any confusion
FINDING car insurance can be a laborious chore but now it's easy with a new insurance service by confused.com The website has launched an innovative free new service which boasts of the fastest and most comprehensive way to find the UK's cheapest car
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Lord puts case for brewery
ARKELLS Brewery has protested over plans to allow councillors - rather than magistrates to decide whether pubs are granted licences. The Swindon brewery has warned that elected politicians will not be as fair as the courts in deciding whether or not to
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Wake up call for tired drivers
FALLING asleep at the wheel used to be an excuse. The defendant is very sorry for causing the fatal accident, Your Honour, it was unintentional, he nodded off whilst driving. But now such arguments could make the crime worse in the eyes of the law and
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New training centre for care staff
A NEW training centre for care staff has opened in Swin-don. The centre next to the Lease Hill residential care home in Moredon was opened by Jerry Oliver, acting director of social services at Swindon Borough Council. The centre will be mainly used to
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Volvo's touchy, feely future
VOLVO'S latest concept car, the Versatility Concept Car shows how a large, luxurious V-range Volvo could look and how efficient and smart it could be. The VCC also has a strong environmental profile. Apart from the various new technologies for its advanced
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Reckless mums causing chaos
NEARLY three in four mothers admit to making serious road safety blunders while driving their children around, a survey revealed. One in four has been involved in an accident when a child has been with them, the poll from the Autoglass company found.
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War hero fights one more battle
A WAR hero who was rescued from Dunkirk, fought his way through Sicily, and lost an eye at Arnhem says he feels like he is now fighting a battle against telephone company NTL. Douglas Payne, 82, from Windrush Road, Rodbourne Cheney, cancelled his contract
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Argos is proving a big help
THE Cotswold Community Project will get a special makeover courtesy of Argos. The high-street retailer is donating thousands of pounds worth of products to children, young people, and their families who are helped by NCH through the project. NCH is one
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Cycleway is under way
Cycleway conversion work along the link from Haydon Wick to Akers Way, costing £79,000, will begin on Monday and last for five weeks. The two cycleways will form part of cycle route network and are from Akers Way and Manor Crescent to Church Walk South
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Sentence of jail for driver, 50
TRUCK driver Clifford Davis has been jailed for 16 weeks after he was caught behind the wheel while disqualified. The 50-year-old got a job driving articulated lorries despite the fact he was banned from the road six months before. Town magistrates heard
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'Despicable' theft at funeral service
BURGLARS broke into two cars parked in a church car park during a funeral in Ashton Keynes. Holy Cross Church's Vicar the Reverend Paul Selley has expressed his shock that thieves would break into someone's car during a service. He says it is the second
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Classic aircraft go on show
AN airshow devoted to classic aircraft of the 1950s and 1960s takes place at Kemble in June. The show, entitled the Classic Jet Airshow, follows on from the successes of the 2001 and 2002 shows, both of which attracted crowds of around 10,000 people.
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A date with pop stardom
BLIND date winner Georgina Knapp was so smitten with her brush with fame that she has quit her job to launch her pop career. The 23-year-old from Bushton, near Wootton Bassett, took part in a live edition of the TV show and had to win a public vote to
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Sculptures and shops make us a laughing stock
IF there is a way of making Swindon an even bigger laughing stock, Swindon Council will find it. For years the public have suffered the scandalous waste of money on modern art and statues, all a waste of time and materials. First there was the tented
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A danger for pupils
Until last August I lived in the house on the corner of King William Street and Eastcott Road in Old Town, and on many occasions I was unable to get my car in or out because someone had parked across the garage. Frequently, I had to go into the school
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Nothing to be proud of
What an eyesore the David John Murray building has become dirty grey in appearance, not pleasing to the eye at all. Is it to become another one of Swindon's mistakes or will it be allowed to fall into disrepair like the rest of Swindon's architectural
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Standing for council is no laughing matter
As the youngest councillor in Swindon, and national chairman of Conservative Future, I try to encourage the young to not only vote, but also to be involved in politics. One of the greatest barriers the young find to politics is the opportunity to be taken
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Where is my 40% increase?
MUCH has been written and I expect more letters will be penned about the plight and struggle of old age pensioners. I am a 76-year-old widower of over 11 years. In an age when we hear of people struggling to live on hundreds of pounds per week, a salary
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Ewe did really well, sheep rescuers told
FIREFIGHTERS and vet Alice Hall, who battled to save hundreds of sheep from the wreckaged of a crashed lorry, have been commended for their hard work and compassion by the RSPCA. The full-time and retained officers at Chippenham Fire Station were presented
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Five generations see changes in child care
CRADLING her great, great grandson in her arms 90-year-old Lucy Grocott is in little doubt that times have changed since she was a mum. The birth of baby Jack Brain last month marked a milestone for the Chippenham family, which now has five generations
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Man faces jail for gang brawl
Adam JonesBOOZY street fighter Adam Jones could be going to prison for his part in an alcohol-fuelled town centre scuffle. Jones, 20, punched a man repeatedly in the head before police arrested him during a post-pub brawl in Chippenham town centre. In
