Archive
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Students get behind lens
TALENTED media students from Wiltshire College, Chippenham, have been trying out the director's chair to make two professional videos. Students in the second year of their National Diploma in Media took up the challenge as part of their coursework. One
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New galleries draw the crowds to centre
VISITORS are pouring in to see exhibits and special displays in Chippenham Heritage Centre's £400,000 extension. The new galleries and the state-of- the-art education centre opened last week, giving residents the chance to see artefacts covering many
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Council may dish the dirt
BOX Parish Council is considering a name and shame campaign to expose owners who let their dogs foul on the recreation ground. Chairman Derek Lovell said many people think the ground is a dog's toilet and it is becoming a real problem. "It is dangerous
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Scouts have a high old time
CHIPPENHAM'S Scouts have scaled the world's highest mountain, Everest, three times - without even setting foot in Nepal. The Scouts, Cubs and Beavers, aged between six and 14, initially aimed only to climb 29,000ft, the equivalent height of the mountain
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Couple sift through charred possessions
TWO weeks after losing their Castle Combe home and two pet puppies in a ferocious fire, Hilary Baker and Mac Turner have at last been given the go-ahead to sift through their charred belongings. Standing in the burned-out shell of their 17th century bed
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Terror as armed robbers hit pub
STAFF suffered a terrifying ordeal when they were held up at gunpoint by hooded robbers who have been targeting family restaurants. Nine staff members were on duty when three men carrying two handguns and a knife burst into Brewsters in West Cepen Park
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Knifepoint raid victim calls for security cameras
ENGINEER Jamie Reynolds is calling for more security in Chippenham after he was held up at knifepoint at a cash machine in the town. The incident happened at 2am on Saturday when Mr Reynolds, 22, went alone to the NatWest cashpoint on the High Street
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Patients win GP more time
FAMILY GP Barney Williams says his Chippenham practice has been given a stay of execution, thanks to patient power. He had feared that, following a row with health chiefs, his Marshfield Road Surgery would have to shut at the end of the month when his
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Chameleon in cup shock
THE Swindon League's Knockout Cup has progressed to the quarter-final stage, with New Asians the only casualty among the fancied sides. The top flight side were convincingly beaten by Division 3 leaders Chameleon, for whom Andy Marsh took 3-10 to limit
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Junior football
Lloyd bags the winner LLOYD Barr scored the winner in Amesbury Sports under 11s' 2-1 victory over Bemerton Heath Harle-quins. Shaun Dixon had earlier put them in front only for his effort to be cancelled out by Charlie Young's equaliser. JOSH Wilson hit
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Badminton
Double depends on 'Stock A WEST Grimstead promotion double to the top Division remains a possibility but not if Laver-stock A have the last word. Grimstead A have already won the Division Two title, but either Grim-stead B or Laverstock A will go up with
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Tennis
Century stand for Roger SALISBURY A effectively rubber-stamped their retention of the Wiltshire Winter League title with a maximum win at Purton on Sunday that provided a personal milestone for long-serving clubman Roger Witt. It was his hundredth appearance
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Festival team takes on arts centre
THE trustees of the Pound Arts Centre in Corsham have decided to resign and hand over the reigns to the Corsham Festival trustees. Former trustee chairman and town councillor Pamela Stratford said the festival trustees were approached because it was felt
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Chaotic road investigated
RESIDENTS have willingly signed a petition to ask for parking restrictions on their road. Legally parked cars are causing chaos on The Tynings in Corsham by blocking the narrow road. The town council asked Wiltshire County Council to visit the site to
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Town council rejects plan
CORSHAM Town Council is opposing a landowner who wants to use his industrial land for shredding motor tyres. The owner, who currently uses the site in Brockleaze, Neston, to develop plastics, has applied for a Certificate of Lawfulness to use the site
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Morale is high amid the desert storms
SERVICE families in North Wiltshire were yesterday (Wednesday) waiting anxiously for news as their loved ones in the Gulf prepared for war. In Kuwait, men and women from 21 Signal Regiment (Air Support), based in Colerne, were contending with sand storms
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'New look store will be worth the wait'
THE £1.5m extension of Somerfield is causing chaos for Corsham shoppers but it will all be worth it in the end, according to store manager Peter Dobin. The framework for the extended building has just been put up and it will be a further six months before
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Clean-up begins as travellers move away
A MASSIVE cleanup operation was carried out on Monday after travellers left a car park covered in human waste and animal excrement. The travellers moved off the site at Bumpers Farm, Chippenham, where they had been staying for a week, hours before they
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Massive waste tip will be full by 2005
AS North Wiltshire District Council launches a major campaign to encourage residents to think more carefully about recycling, Hills Waste has opened another giant hole in the ground to swallow up north Wiltshire's mountain of waste. The huge pit, 30 metres
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Tractor Ted in the running for award
MUM Alexandra Heard's brainchild, Tractor Ted, has made her a runner up for a prestigious business award Mrs Heard, of Spye Park, near Bromham said she was thrilled to be a runner up in the small rural business category of Country Living Magazine's enterprising
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North Wiltshire tries a softly-softly approach
NORTH Wiltshire MP James Gray is backing the fight to save Malmesbury Hospital, but unlike his Devizes counterpart believes a softly softly approach is the right option. Mr Gray believes it is too early to be writing letters to health secretary Alan Milburn
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WAR: Families anxious as war gets closer
LIFE at home is tough for partners and families as they anxiously await news of the impending war. Jackie Graham, of Hullavington, whose husband has been posted to the Gulf, said she was frightened for him as war became increasingly likely, and had the
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WAR: 'Say no' camp growing daily
AS the prospect of war comes closer, people from across north Wiltshire have been flocking to join a Chippenham anti-war group. Chippenham's branch of the Stop The War coalition warned it will protest if hostilities start. It vowed to work for a peaceful
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Shooting stars
A NEW type of sports teaching for under fives has been successfully pioneered at Lavington Pre-School by Pewsey soccer trainer Matthew Rushton. It's believed to be the first time that children under school age have been taught ball skills as part of a
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Meeting in bid to keep town hospital
MAYOR Margaret Boulton wants people from the Marlborough and Pewsey area to show their support for keeping a working hospital at Savernake by attending a public meeting in the town on Monday. She has called the meeting at 7pm in the town hall to demonstrate
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Young swimming ace is a real showstopper
DANIEL Stewart, 15, has been asked to swim at the Ideal Home Show. Daniel, who lives in Burbage, and is a student at Pewsey Vale School, is a competition swimmer with the Marlborough Penguins. But currently he is spending his weekends swimming not at
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Battle of words over Tinhenge
A PUB frequented by corn circle enthusiasts, including actors Goldie Hawn and her husband Kurt Russell, is at the centre of a canal feud. The latest move in the war of words across the Kennet and Avon Canal at Honeystreet has been the creation of a corrugated
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Mings aiming for a top ten
STRIKER Adie Mings has set himself a ten-goal target for the season after drawing another blank in the home defeat against Halesowen on Saturday. The big striker missed a fourth minute chance to give the home side the lead and could only watch in vain
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Charity calls for last effort
SIMON Charity has urged his team mates to bounce back from the disappointment of Saturday's defeat. The Bluebirds utility man has a second placed finish in his sights and believes an end-of-season slump would tarnish a fine first season at Dr Martens
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Partnership is a creative force
A PARTNERSHIP between Salisbury Playhouse and Personal Pension Management Ltd was cemented last week with the launch of two creative business projects. At PPML's offices in Castle Street the two organisations showed off part of the mosaic tile mural on
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FP's 'best ever' quarter
FRIENDS Provident has announced new life and pensions business premiums increased by 11 per cent to £1,744 million for 2002. Friends Provident's group chief executive, Keith Satchell, said: "We finished the year with our best ever quarter and the overall
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25-year contract boosts QinetiQ
THE future of QinetiQ's test and evaluation services run from Boscombe Down has been secured after defence minister Lewis Moonie signed a 25-year contract worth up to £5.6 billion. The new contract, which takes effect on April 1 and covers the management
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Entries now invited for ideas competition
BUDDING entrepreneurs in Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have the opp-ortunity to turn their ideas into commercial reality. Entries are now invited for the annual Innovention 2003 competition and exhibition, hosted by Business Link Wessex. All
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Warnings on security
BUSINESS chiefs in the south west have been told they must play a key role in the war against terrorism. General Sir Michael Rose, the former commander of the United Nations Protection Force in Bosnia-Herzegovina, speaking at a seminar in Somerset, told
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On air to beat criminals
LIFE for the criminal has been made more difficult in Devizes as many shops have signed up to the Storenet radio surveillance system. Although Superdrug, Woolworths, Safeway, New Look, WH Smith, Boots, Iceland and Jag Communications celebrated the launch
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Health club's owner creates a big splash
TYCOON Eddie Shah has grand plans for the Wiltshire leisure industry after opening his new luxury health and leisure club at Wootton Bassett. Mr Shah fell in love with the old Wootton Bassett golf club when he first saw it and decided he had to buy it
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New artery for charity
THE Malmesbury branch of the British Heart Foundation has been resurrected after a two-year lapse and is looking for committee members. The branch had its first meeting at the end of January where District Councillor for Malmesbury Catherine Doody was
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Neighbours deny that house is a drugs den
FRIENDS and neighbours of Malmesbury mother Karen Laker who was accused of using her home as a drugs haven for teenagers, have rallied round to give her support. Ms Laker, also known as Karen Ashcroft, a surname she took from a former boyfriend, has again
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Timetable for new school is unveiled
A NEW CofE primary school could be built to replace the current building on Tetbury Hill by 2005 in a timetable recommended in a report to Wiltshire County Council. The current school building was built 20 years ago and had new mobile classrooms installed
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Debate goes to Commons
NORTH Wiltshire MP James Gray has accused Health Minister Hazel Blears of not caring about the future of Malmesbury Hospital. Mr Gray blamed the Health Minister of indifference to the £10m debt owed by Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust, which
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MP backs Iraq war as county prepares
SERVICE families in north Wiltshire were yesterday awaiting anxiously for news as their loved ones in the Gulf prepared for war. In Kuwait, men and women from 21 Signal Regiment (Air Support), based in Colerne, were contending with sand storms and heavy
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Housing protest wins final battle
MINETY villagers are celebrating after their four-year fight to stop plans for 34 houses on land at Sawyers Hill and Webb's Lane has ended in victory. A Government inspector has dismissed an appeal lodged by farmer Stuart Crook against North Wiltshire
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Tackling the age barrier
The Nationwide Building Society's chief executive officer was today making an impassioned plea for all employers to commit to age equality in the workplace. Philip Williamson, will be making the Swindon-based company's case for greater age diversity in
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Football
Tyronne's double keeps City in hunt PROMOTION hopefuls Salisbury City will be looking to make it three away wins in a row when they travel to Histon on Saturday. Tuesday night's 4-1 success at Dartford, following Saturday's solitary goal victory at Ashford
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Football
Below par Heath disappoint again TWO sides languishing in the bottom half of the table played out a scrappy encounter. The few fans who turned up to watch were in the bar long before the visitors scored their winner in the 87th minute thanks to Phil McDonald
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Landlord is hungry to recruit new chef
DESPERATE landlord Simon Collins is in dire need of a chef after spending almost a year advertising for someone to help run his kitchen. Mr Collins, 34, of The Bolingbroke Hotel in Hook, said: "We've been rushed off our feet since we took over two years
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Skate plea is turned down
WOOTTON Bassett Town Council amenities committee has declined an invitation to help fund an indoor skate park which may be established by Calne Town Council at Porte Marsh Industrial Estate. Due to the difficulties experienced at Devizes and Chippenham
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Helping people afflicted by war
MARCH 19: A MINE clearance specialist is preparing to enter Iraq on a post-war humanitarian crusade. Mike Wilson, 44, from Wootton Bassett, is heading up a team of experts for the Swindon-office of the Canadian International Demining Corps charity. Their
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Campaign for peace stepped up
MARCH 20: Protesters in Swindon have pledged to continue to voice their opposition to military action in Iraq. Demonstrations are due to be held in Swindon today, at 1pm and 6pm at the Cenotaph in Regent Circus. Dozens gathered at the Cenotaph in Regent
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Families anxious as war gets closer
March 20:LIFE at home is tough for partners and families as they anxiously await news of the impending war. Jackie Graham, of Hullavington, whose husband has been posted to the Gulf, said she was frightened for him as war became increasingly likely, and
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Prayers for peace planned
March 20:AS tensions mount in the Gulf region, a special church service offering prayers for peace will be held at St Andrew's Church, in Chippenham, on Sunday. The Rev Simon Tatton-Brown will lead the service, at 6.30pm. "I sense the anxiety amongst
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MPs back Blair, despite fears
March 20:DEVIZES MP and Shadow Foreign Secretary Michael Ancram voted with the Government for war in Iraq. Mr Ancram, who spoke in the debate at the House of Commons on Tuesday, said: "I believe the Government is working in the national interest. The
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Prayers for peace planned
MARCH 20: AS tensions mount in the Gulf region, a special church service offering prayers for peace will be held at St Andrew's Church, in Chippenham, on Sunday. The Rev Simon Tatton-Brown will lead the service, at 6.30pm. "I sense the anxiety amongst
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The teams gear up to carry out their jobs
MARCH 20: HUNDREDS of military personnel from RAF Lyneham are scattered throughout the Gulf region, fully prepared to carry out a wide range of duties when war breaks out. "Everybody's relatively upbeat about the situation," said Flt Lieutenant John Makinson-Sanders
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'Say no' camp growing daily
MARCH 20: AS the prospect of war comes closer, people from across north Wiltshire have been flocking to join a Chippenham anti-war group. Chippenham's branch of the Stop The War coalition warned it will protest if hostilities start. It vowed to work for
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Swindon Supermarine 0, Weston-super-Mare 2
DR MARTENS WESTERN: MARINE stay nine points adrift of Western Division safety after late salvo undid their good work. Ray Baverstock's side held their own against the title-chasers for 83 minutes before a couple of late sucker punches condemned the Hunts
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Sun fail to shine in top of the table tie
SWINDON SUNDAY LEAGUE: DIVISION Five leaders Queensfield recorded what could be a crucial 2-1 victory over nearest rivals Sun Inn Coate to open up a six-point lead. Neil Robinson and Dave Smith netted for the leaders with Wayne Palmer replying for the
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MPs back Blair, despite fears
MARCH 20: DEVIZES MP and Shadow Foreign Secretary Michael Ancram voted with the Government for war in Iraq. Mr Ancram, who spoke in the debate at the House of Commons on Tuesday, said: "I believe the Government is working in the national interest. The
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Festival team takes on arts centre
THE trustees of the Pound Arts Centre in Corsham have decided to resign and hand over the reigns to the Corsham Festival trustees. Former trustee chairman and town councillor Pamela Stratford said the festival trustees were approached because it was felt
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Pupils in playtime protest for peace
MARCH 20: AS the country yesterday prepared to go to war, soldier's daughter Kimball Lacey led a protest of pupils calling for a halt to hostilities. About 300 students at Lavington School - half of its pupils - took part in a peaceful protest on its
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Schools granted £86,000 for green travel schemes
SCHOOLS in Wiltshire are to receive a total of £86,613 in funding for projects to encourage environmentally friendly travel. Sixteen schools will receive funding from Wiltshire County Council for their plans to tackle the problems caused by cars on the
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Leaders keep their foot on the pedal
SKURRAYS WILTSHIRE LEAGUE: PREMIER Division leaders Shrewton United kept the goals flowing with a 5-3 away win over Bradford Town. Dean Foot's hat-trick proved decisive as the striker quickly converted a cross from Jessie Walters early in the game to
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Anti-war protester refuses to pay taxes
MARCH 20: ANTI-WAR protester Robin Brookes, of Market Lavington, is refusing to pay his taxes because he disagrees with the Government's policy on war with Iraq. Mr Brookes, 49, a director of Honeychurch Toys in Market Lavington, and a committed Quaker
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The wonders from Woolies
SWINDON AND DISTRICT LEAGUE: WOOLWORTHS are the Division Two champions after beating their nearest rivals, Queenstown Reserves, 4-1. Woolies' scorers were Jason Kearns with a hat-trick and Ken Richards. They were reduced to 10 men when defender Alan Byrne
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Unbeaten Eastville celebrate league win
SWINDON MINORS LEAGUE: EASTVILLE Boys have been crowned under 12s Division Two champions after stretching their 100 per cent record to 16 games. A 2-0 triumph over Lydiard Youth ensured Eastville retain their league title. The all-conquering club will
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Clean-up begins as travellers move away
A MASSIVE cleanup operation was carried out on Monday after travellers left a car park covered in human waste and animal excrement. The travellers moved off the site at Bumpers Farm, Chippenham, where they had been staying for a week, hours before they
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Corsham Town 0, Bitton 2
SCREWFIX DIVISION ONE: CORSHAM co-manager Dave King labelled his side's performance as the worst he has seen this season as Bitton eased to victory at The Southbank. Two second half goals sealed the hosts' fate and ended an impressive two-match winning
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BNP marches west
FEATURE: IT seemed all very cloak and dagger as we met up at the rendezvous point in a car park near Bath. Up to that moment neither I nor my passenger, a member of the British National Party, knew where the afternoon's meeting was to be held. Party leader
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Pewsey Vale 4, Wantage 1
AN inspired substitution from manager Steve Wootton helped Pewsey record their first Hellenic Premier Division points in more than two months on Saturday 15 March. With his side a goal down, the Pewsey boss replaced Mark Bennett with Dave Marfleet ten
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Quiz show major had debts of than £50,000
MARCH 20: AN army major and his wife had debts of more than £50,000 when he allegedly cheated his way to the top prize on Who Wants to be a Millionaire?, a court heard today. In addition, a £30,000-a-year college lecturer accused of using coded coughs
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Highworth Town 0, Melksham Town 4
HIGHWORTH manager John Fisher is looking to beef up his lightweight side after seeing his hopes of silverware dashed by Melksham at Nursteed Road, Devizes, on Tuesday 18 March. The Screwfix Direct Premier Division outfit's more physical approach paid
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Devizes Town 1, Trowbridge Town 0
GOALKEEPER Warren Jackson produced an inspired display as Devizes Town edged past their Wiltshire League visitors to book a Wiltshire Senior Cup semi-final date with Calne Town. Justin Lisle's clinical finish midway through the second half settled a scrappy
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Cup rivals share the honours
YOUTH FOOTBALL: TWO of the strongest teams in the Wiltshire Times and Chippenham News Mid-Wilts Youth and Minor League met in two epic cup semi-finals, with honours ending even. Swindon's Green Baize and Trowbridge Wanderers both boasted unbeaten records
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Strike one
MARCH 20: Image courtesy of Gannett News Service It is 5.25 this morning in the Persian Gulf as the first US missile streaks from the USS Bunker Hill towards Iraq, signalling the start of the war to oust Saddam Hussein. More missiles and laser-guided
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Shooting stars
A NEW type of sports teaching for under fives has been successfully pioneered at Lavington Pre-School by Pewsey soccer trainer Matthew Rushton. It's believed to be the first time that children under school age have been taught ball skills as part of a
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Pupils stage hour-long demo for peace
MARCH 20: HALF of the pupils at Lavington School took part in a protest against the war in Iraq yesterday. About 300 teenagers sat on the secondary school's playing field after breaktime came to an end at 11am. They formed themselves into the CND peace
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Town may get radio station
DEVIZES could have its own radio station as the Radio Authority has identified the town as a suitable place for an FM licence. Phil Dawson, the Devizes recording studio boss who runs Fantasy Radio which has broadcast on a restricted service licence, said
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Fire guts derelict flat
A DERELICT flat in Gorse Hill was gutted by a fire which left nearby shops filled with smoke. Firefighters were called to a second floor property above an empty newsagents and the Victoria Wine shop in Clive Parade, in Cricklade Road. Rachel Shirrets,
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B-52s are now armed and ready for action
A convoy of lorries was seen heading towards B-52 bombers at RAF Fairford yesterday as the countdown to war in Iraq entered its final hours. The lorries, with police escort, were visible from the perimeter fence at RAF Fairford, where 14 of the giant
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Muted protest as bombs arrive
PEACE protesters camped at RAF Fairford fell into a sombre mood as they watched bombs arrive at the air base. RAF Fairford is currently home to 14 B-52 bombers. One of the protesters was Cherry Lewis, 44, of Wroughton. She said: "It seems unreal. We are
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Tim lands RAF career
AMESBURY teenager Tim Burgess is embarking on an air force career after completing his trade training. Tim (18) has just graduated from supply training squadron at RAF Halton, in Buckinghamshire, and is now taking up a posting at RAF Lyneham, where his
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CamR to get three new labs
PORTON Down's Centre for Applied Microbiology and Research (CamR) has commissioned three new laboratories to help develop a treatment for the human form of mad cow disease. The suite of labs, costing £m and due to open mid-April, will house the centre's
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Teddies get a carnival tea
IF you go down to the Green in June you're sure of a big surprise - as children and parents gather for a special teddy bears' picnic. The town council has agreed to allow Calne's Carnival Committee to hold a picnic on the Green as part of a family- focused
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Market offers belles blooms
CALNE bid the continental market a hearty 'bienvenue' when it visited the town on March 8 and 9 laden with freshly-baked croissants and other gastronomic treats. The novelty of the market pulled in the crowds who wandered through the 20 stalls in the
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True blue teen aims to renew faith in politics
THE youngest Conservative in Wiltshire, Paul Smith from Calne, is appealing for young people to join the party and have a voice in politics. Paul, 16, of Penn Hill Road, wants to set up a young Conservatives group in the town and is appealing for youngsters
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Gardeners win back their old allotments
ELDERLY allotment holders in Calne are celebrating after a landmark concession by councillors means they can return once again to their town centre plots. Gardeners had to give up their allotments at Newcroft Road in October 2001 when a plan to develop
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Work starts on cemetery
WORK is set to start on an extension to Calne's cemetery within the next two weeks. The town council estimates the cemetery in Curzon Street will be full in a year's time. Work is now due to start on a strip of land positioned behind the cemetery, set
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Olympic medalist wins floating voters
OLYMPIC gold medallist Duncan Goodhew caused a splash with Calne schoolchildren when he visited the town to promote a charity swimathon. Mr Goodhew's famous bald head was unfamiliar to many of the children from Dunstan's Primary School who came to the
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On death row?
THE Assize Courts, one of Devizes' most prominent buildings, could go on deteriorating for many more years, it was revealed this week. Kennet District Council has admitted that the quest for public funding from heritage sources has gone as far as it can
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HOSPITAL CAMPAIGN: Two public meetings on threat to hospital
TWO public meetings are being held in Devizes to discuss the threats to the community hospital. The Devizes Guardians are holding a public meeting on Tuesday at the Corn Exchange at 7.30pm. The Guardians have invited a representative from the Kennet and
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HOSPITAL CAMPAIGN: Town needs hospital in modern premises
DEVIZES MP Michael Ancram has urged Health Secretary Alan Milburn to step in and save Devizes Hospital from closure. Mr Ancram wrote to Mr Milburn on Monday saying he felt betrayed at the apparent U-turn by the Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care
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Opportunity knocks in skatepark quest
THE search for a site for a skateboard park in Devizes has thrown up a new location. Consultants have looked at land next to the leisure centre and have ruled that it should be considered as a suitable site. But as the site is owned by the governors of
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On air to beat criminals
LIFE for the criminal has been made more difficult in Devizes as many shops have signed up to the Storenet radio surveillance system. Although Superdrug, Woolworths, Safeway, New Look, WH Smith, Boots, Iceland and Jag Communications celebrated the launch
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Manager to boost the town's prosperity
DEVIZES should have its own town centre manager to spearhead efforts to rejuvenate retail activity by late August or early September. The Devizes Development Partnership, representing town traders, voluntary groups and individual townspeople, agreed a
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Homes given the go-ahead
A PLANNING inspector has given the go-ahead for the site of a former jam factory at Easterton to be developed, despite fears over safety. The ruling, allowing the construction of 24 homes, including three work-from-home units, was announced on Tuesday
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Pupils in playtime protest for peace
MARCH 20: AS the country yesterday prepared to go to war, soldier's daughter Kimball Lacey led a protest of pupils calling for a halt to hostilities. About 300 students at Lavington School - half of its pupils - took part in a peaceful protest on its
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Sale benefits mums' trust
FAMILIES are being asked to support fundraising by the Marlborough branch of the National Childbirth Trust to help it provide services for mothers. Each year its funds come largely from spring and autumn sales of nearly new children's clothing, toys and
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Plea for help in bid to save old bridleway
Marlborough town councillors have agreed to back a fight to prevent a bridle path being opened to vehicles. Wiltshire County Council is hoping that the track, known as Preshute Bridleway 12 will become a test case. The path runs from the A4 Marlborough-Beckhampton
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Painter back to show work
PIONEERING artist Abigail Durrant is living out the career she always wanted as a child. Abigail, 26, whose parents live in Marlborough, is a professional artist whose first solo exhibition comes to an end on Saturday at the Mount House Gallery in Bridewell
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Pupils set to battle it out in road safety quiz
SCHOOLCHILDREN will be battling it out in the finals of a road safety quiz next week. Pupils from 20 schools are taking part in the final round of a competition designed to improve youngsters' awareness of road safety. The quiz, run by Swindon Borough
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Concern over missing pony
AN APPEAL for information about a stolen miniature Shetland pony has been renewed by the Wiltshire farmer who owns her. As already reported in the Evening Advertiser, six- year-old mare Jade, who stands just 28 inches high, was lifted over a fence surrounding
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Paedophile faces three years jail
A MAN found with 44,000 pornographic images of children on his computer is facing jail. Ian Yeowell, 29, from Wroughton, accumulated the images, which were stored on two computers as well as CD Rom discs. He also allowed some of the pictures to be accessed
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Mayor will pack your bags and shave his legs
A TOWN mayor is to shave his head and pack shopping bags to raise money for charity. Wootton Bassett mayor Peter Roberts has a packed day of fundraising planned on Saturday, April 12, to raise money for Burton Hill School, which caters for children with
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Street Watch team is proving big success
PEOPLE in a neighbourhood battling to drive out street prostitutes claim to be winning. Every night a seven-strong team of residents, called Street Watch, patrol a series of areas in Swindon town centre, recording information about kerb crawlers and prostitutes
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A study in footballinb robotics
ROBOTS replaced players at the County Ground as part of an education exercise. A group of year six youngsters from Eldene Primary School helped to programme and design a pair of robotic players using Lego, during the launch of Robo Soccer at the Swindon
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Pension rise won't even buy sandwich
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 a week, a salary
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Accordions for Age Concern
The Kennet Accordion Orchestra is to give a performance at the Coleview Community Centre in Towcester Road on Wednesday, April 2, to raise money for the Stratton branch of Age Concern. The concert starts at 8pm, with tickets costing £3 in advance or £3.50
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Disabled space should be fenced off from rest
I welcome the news that Asda Wal-Mart is doing something to help disabled drivers by having an eight-person baywatch patrol. However a better idea would be to fence around the disabled bays and have a barrier controlled entrance/exit with one person controlling
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Lorry driver is jailed for assault
LORRY driver assessor John Melville is starting a year in jail after admitting assaulting a man on a Swindon street. Swindon Crown Court heard how 31-year-old Melville attacked Wayne Fliton in County Road on February 22, punching him and kicking him when
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Hospital closure will lead to bed blocking
It was with surprise and sadness that my wife and I read the article about Malmesbury Hospital in the Gazette when we were last down in the area. We live in Boston, Lincolnshire but have a small house in Malmesbury. The hospital must of course be saved
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Cutting workload will solve teacher crisis
THE president of the National Union of Teachers says Swindon's crisis level teacher shortage could be solved by encouraging more into the profession. Kathryn Stallard says there are many qualified teachers in the town who have left the profession, and
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Waiting to help others
DISABLED powerlifter Keith Bell is waiting to discover if he has qualified as a sports coach. Keith, 43, from Upper Stratton, is a paralympic bronze medallist who has won gold at European competitions. He is now hoping to become one of the country's first
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Comments unfounded on record office plan
The wholly unfounded comments from DM Colcomb about the Record Office project in last week's Gazette cannot be allowed to pass without reply. As chairman of the cabinet meeting to which your correspondent referred, I must point out that the only decision
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Badminton became a love match
DOUG and Betty Davis first met as partners in a badminton tournament and were today celebrating 60 years of marriage. Doug, 83, said: "We were drawn together at a sports club meeting in 1939 and I asked to take Betty home. We have been together ever since
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Two more city sub-post offices forced to close
TWO more of Salisbury's sub-post offices are faced with closure in April, as the nation's network of branches struggles to stay afloat. Estcourt Road post office, in the city centre, and East Harnham post office, on Harnham Road, have agreed to close,
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Professional painter to give art classes
A SERIES of art classes is being held at a gallery in Old Town. Anne Radu Fine Art, on Eastcott Road, is the venue for a series of classes starting on Saturday, April 5. People will have the chance to try out mosaics, painting, glass painting, pastels
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Anger at grazing proposals
SALISBURY district council's proposals to introduce livestock to Middle Street meadows in Harnham has sparked outrage. Residents have written complaining to the council and questioning its plans to allow animals, including young cattle and ponies, to
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£3.8m plan brings arts centre into 20th century
SALISBURY Arts Centre is about to turn itself Inside Out ready for a multi-million-pound project that will transform the former church into a venue fit for the 21st century. Director Jill Low has secured more than £3.2m and is on the home stretch towards
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Chicane fails to slow our speeding drivers
I would like to comment on the traffic calming matters for Pewsham that were mooted in the Gazette two weeks ago. A successful scheme, and possibly the only scheme, is the use of speed limits and speed humps as was implemented at Hilperton, near Trowbridge
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Council suspends 'bullying' whistle blowers
FOUR members of staff have been suspended by Salisbury district council after going public with complaints accusing council bosses of harassment and workplace bullying. Environment and Agenda 21 officer Bundy Riley, print unit manager Sue Long, graphic
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Juniors enjoy day of success
YOUTH RUGBY: DEVIZES U10s saw their hopes of victory in the Warminster Festival on Sunday dashed by a golden try in the final. The U10s played some of their best rugby to emerge on top in their pool, beating Midsomer Norton 10-0 and Trowbridge 10-5. Alex
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Holidays planned
WHY are your readers so surprised at the antics of the Conservative councillors at the budget meeting? They did exactly the same thing last year. Why, you might ask, do you produce a budget, in this case 12.44 per cent (less than the 12.9 per cent needed
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Appeal to heroes of dramatic fire rescue
AN injured driver has made a plea from his hospital bed for the heroic passers-by who saved him from his burning sports car to contact him. Peter Mabey (66) was trapped inside his Westfield special sports car as flames licked around his legs. Teacher
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Man of promise?
IN the attempt to enact a regime change in Iraq. the USA and British Government has engaged in the practice of arm twisting which surely renders null and void any free vote in the United Nations Assembly. The offers of aid, preferential trade terms and
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Bicester 0, Swindon 13
SOUTHERN COUNTIES NORTH: SWINDON'S first attempt at goal was only a metre inside the opposition's half but Nathan Waite cleared the crossbar to give his side the lead. Then from a line-out inside their own half, the back row trio of Andy Barnes, Andy
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Marlborough 27, Colerne 32
MARLBOROUGH were denied their first league point since January 4 as spirited visitors Colerne grabbed only their second Dorset and Wilts Two North victory of the campaign. The hosts drew first blood in the second minute when fly half Geraint Jones slotted
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Supermarine 2nd 12, Minety 2nd 22
DESPITE missing several key players and being behind at half-time, Minety's second string staged an impressive second half fightback to make it six wins on the trot. Hosts Supermarine were the first to get into their stride, scoring after 10 minutes when
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How to put the steam back into railway museum
AT last Swindon Borough Council is willing to listen to the views of the people in Swindon. If they had done this in the first place they would not have the problems they face today and would not have wasted our money. So what is wrong with Steam because
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Supermarine 8, Minety 15
DORSET AND WILTS TWO NORTH: AN outstanding performance from Supermarine was not enough to stop a resilient Minety completing their clean sweep of 12 wins in 12 games in the league this season. Despite having gone behind in the first period, Minety came
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Why do they not learn from their car park errors?
I AM pleading to the council officers to think hard before they build any more public buildings with inadequate parking. Time and time again we read in the Evening Advertiser of lack of parking at the Great Western Hospital. The installation of a park
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Mini bonanza
PUPILS will kick off a mini rugby festival at Devizes Sports Club on April 2. The joint initiative between Kennet District Council and Wiltshire Rugby Development has traditionally been a well-attended event in the past and this year all primary schools
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This is okay, this is not
Having lost a court battle regarding standards of dress for staff working with the Department of Works and Pensions that male staff are no longer obligated to wear ties and could even wear a kilt to work. How strange then, that considering what Red Nose
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Chippenham U11s 12, Walcot Under 11s 36
JUNIOR RUGBY: CHIPPENHAM U11s tasted defeat in their first match under the club's new mobile floodlights. The home side could only manage a solitary unconverted try. The second half mirrored the first with more tries from Walcot, one of which was converted
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Chippenham U14s 24, Devizes U14s 0
JUNIOR RUGBY: CHIPPENHAM U14s made it a cup double on Sunday 16 March as they added the Wiltshire Cup to their trophy cabinet. The Bristol Combination Cup winners dominated the first half and some slick handling gave Jon Pomfret the chance to score a
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Walcot 17, Chippenham 3rd 5
SOUTH WEST TWO EAST: DAVE Burrows' early try was all Chippenham thirds had to show for their efforts. Burrows drove down the short side to give his side the lead. Walcot broke out to level the scores before the break. The home side continued to offer
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Chippenham 19, Swanage and Wareham 20
SOUTH WEST TWO EAST: CHIPPENHAM were left to rue missed chances as promotion-chasing Swanage and Wareham took the honours at Allington Field. Team coach Matt Sheppard was forced to make several last-minute changes to his side, with John Gibbon, Richard
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Devizes 20, Westbury 10
DEVIZES were made to work hard for their victory over a Westbury side determined to avoid a repeat of their heavy defeat at the hands of the Saddlebacks earlier in the season. The hosts made an explosive start, setting up Rich Cassleden for a first minute
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Youngster's first taste of the big time
SIMON Whatling took another step towards achieving his goal of a rugby career on Saturday when he was selected in Bath's 22-man matchday squad for their Zurich Premiership clash against Northampton. The 18-year-old centre from Devizes, a member of Chippenham's
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Mayor signs off in style
THE Mayor and Mayoress of Chippenham, Richard and Karin Meek, are holding a charity dinner dance in aid of The League of Friends of Chippenham Hospital to celebrate the end of their year in office. The historic Neeld Hall will be the venue for the evening
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Lucky escape for dad who didn't buckle up
CHIPPENHAM dad Darren Kitson said he felt lucky to be alive after a driver ploughed into the side of his car on Sunday night. Mr Kitson, 22, of Audley Road, was in the car with his two-year-old son Jamie Lee, and his girlfriend Diana Davey, 19, when the
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More than 140 jobs in store at supermarket
SAINSBURY'S supermarket in Chippenham closed its doors for eight days yesterday so that a £9 million rebuilding scheme can receive its finishing touches. The store will re-open on March 27 and by then it will have doubled in size and created more than
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Rethink on health plans 'not hopeful'
CONTROVERSIAL plans to close Rowden Hill House in Chippenham are to be reviewed, mental health chiefs have announced, but campaigners still fear the worst. Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Health Care Trust has announced a series of proposals to help
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Prayers for peace planned
AS tensions mount in the Gulf region, a special church service offering prayers for peace will be held at St Andrew's Church, in Chippenham, on Sunday. The Rev Simon Tatton-Brown will lead the service, at 6.30pm. "I sense the anxiety amongst people about
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Chaotic road investigated
RESIDENTS have willingly signed a petition to ask for parking restrictions on their road. Legally parked cars are causing chaos on The Tynings in Corsham by blocking the narrow road. The town council asked Wiltshire County Council to visit the site to
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Town council rejects plan
CORSHAM Town Council is opposing a landowner who wants to use his industrial land for shredding motor tyres. The owner, who currently uses the site in Brockleaze, Neston, to develop plastics, has applied for a Certificate of Lawfulness to use the site
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Upset son made hoax bomb call
HOAX caller Gareth Filer told police he had planted a bomb in Chippenham as a cry for help, a court heard. Filer, who was said to have behavioural problems, appeared at North Wiltshire Magistrates Court on Monday and admitted communicating false information
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Morale is high amid the desert storms
SERVICE families in North Wiltshire were yesterday waiting anxiously for news as their loved ones in the Gulf prepared for war. In Kuwait, men and women from 21 Signal Regiment (Air Support), based in Colerne, were contending with sand storms and heavy
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Rod and Line
Biggin Hill angler lands a big 'un MORE than 30 anglers turned up for this year's traditional annual pike match staged on the Avon by the Wessex Salmon and Rivers Trust. Riparian owners bet-ween Downton and Ring-wood opened up stretches of the lower and
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Hockey
Men and women fall to table toppers SALISBURY men's first team remain in dire relegation trouble after blowing a real chance of inflicting what would have been league leaders Wey-mouth's second defeat of the season. The visitors had their hosts on the
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Football
Salisbury & District Football League Kings settle for a point SATURDAY Division One leaders Kings Arms had to settle for a share of the spoils against Royal George despite taking a 3-1 half-time lead which stood until eight minutes from time. Kings
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Horse racing
Saint Mick splashes out on new stud farm RACEHORSE trainer Mick Channon is moving a step closer to his roots. With the purchase of Home Farm Stud, West Tytherley, the former Southampton and Eng-land footballer will not be far from the village of Orcheston
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Day off once a year to visit their mothers
MOTHERING Sunday is the fourth Sunday of Lent. Although it is often called Mothers' Day, it has no connection with the American festival of that name. Traditionally, it was a day when children, mainly daughters, who had gone to work as domestic servants
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Bowls
Five Rivers Indoor Bowls Club latest THE club's ladies secured a vital victory in the defence of their Rivers-meet League title when they beat a strong Atherley Club by four shots after winning three of the four rinks. The result was all the more commendable
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Chopping down forests of fear
WITH air travel becoming cheaper and easier the world is getting smaller, but for me, the world remains a very large place. I have been afraid of flying ever since I can remember. I have flown and I will fly but I hate it. Ask me to choose between India
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Rugby
Gutsy Salisbury so close to causing upset Salisbury 3 Oxford Harlequins 24 A CERTAIN Tony Murley would certainly have approved of this game. Uncompromisingly hard, but scrupulously fair, writes Stuart McArdell. Both teams combined afterwards for an uproarious
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Pray for a quick end to conflict
THE bombs are landing, the troops are on the move and the unthinkable has become a horrifying reality. Britain and the United States have begun their war on Iraq, without the comfort of a United Nations mandate and with howls of protest from around the
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Parkin's new goal
SAM PARKIN has vowed to soothe supporters' frayed nerves before preparing for a more 'consistent' goalscoring campaign next year. The young striker bagged his 21st goal of the season as Andy King's men fought back to earn a 1-1 draw with Bristol City
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Our freaky Friday
SCIENCE teacher Rob Kerr of Sheldon School in Chippenham had a close shave for Comic Relief, losing his 12-year-old beard for charity. At Corsham Regis School it was a similarly hair-raising story, with teacher Tristan Middleton losing the whiskers he's
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Council may dish the dirt
BOX Parish Council is considering a name and shame campaign to expose owners who let their dogs foul on the recreation ground. Chairman Derek Lovell said many people think the ground is a dog's toilet and it is becoming a real problem. "It is dangerous
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You're off your trolley
SUPERMARKET worker Nicci Cann was left with her head in the clouds after she was chosen to take part in a daredevil wing walk stunt. Mrs Cann, 32, who is a general assistant at the Somerfield store in Corsham, was chosen from hundreds of the firm's staff
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Mobile cameras put focus on road safety
ACCORDING to police, people who complain about speeding drivers through their own town or village are often the ones who are themselves responsible for speeding. One culprit, caught on camera in a north Wiltshire village recently, was a mother taking
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Our freaky Friday
SCIENCE teacher Rob Kerr of Sheldon School in Chippenham had a close shave for Comic Relief, losing his 12-year-old beard for charity. At Corsham Regis School it was a similarly hair-raising story, with teacher Tristan Middleton losing the whiskers he's
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WAR: The teams gear up to carry out their jobs
HUNDREDS of military personnel from RAF Lyneham are scattered throughout the Gulf region, fully prepared to carry out a wide range of duties when war breaks out. "Everybody's relatively upbeat about the situation," said Flt Lieutenant John Makinson-Sanders
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Andrews has his eye on a new contract
SHANE Andrews is gunning for a new contract with Chippenham Town as he continues his recovery from a long-standing back injury. The 27-year-old defender made his first start in a home league game for almost six months on Saturday and is looking to make
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'Shearer and Henry wouldn't score here'
TOP scorer Martin Paul believes the Bluebirds' tried and tested style of play is starving both him and strike partner Adie Mings of goalscoring opportunities at Hardenhuish Park. The former Bristol Rovers man endured another frustrating afternoon on home
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Defenders blasted by furious Saunders
CHIPPENHAM boss Tommy Saunders blasted defenders Wayne Thorne and Tom Gould for the blunders that cost his side three points. The pair have been mainstays of the Premier Division's third best defensive units this season, but were both caught out on the
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Tweddle is on move again to rivals Bath
FORMER Chippenham Town hero Steve Tweddle has broken the hearts of Bluebirds fans by signing a 14-month contract with bitter rivals Bath City. Tweddle, who blasted 50 goals as the club won promotion from the Screwfix Direct League two years ago, only
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Former architect takes helm
DEVELOPMENT company Fieldfare Properties of Salisbury has a new man at the helm. Finlay Geekie has taken over from John Bailey as managing director of the company in Brunel Road, which was founded in 1988 and employs 26 people. He has been with the company
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Hamper company offers a taste of Dorset's finest
PRODUCERS of fine food and drink in Dorset now have a new way of marketing their wares, following the launch of the Dorset Hamper Company. The company provides customised food gifts for every occasion, taste and budget, using only Dorset-produced goods
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Book awards for Ottakar's
OTTAKAR'S bookshops, based in Salisbury, have won Bookselling Company of the Year at the British book equivalent of the Oscars. The British Book Awards, held at Le Meridien Grosvenor House in London, attracted a host of celebrities and politicians, such
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Firms resist euro
SMALL and medium sized enterprises in the south west are still saying no to the euro. Research from the Forum of Private Business shows that 63 per cent of members would vote against the euro if a referendum were held in the next year. "Last year 65 per
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Manager to boost the town's prosperity
DEVIZES should have its own town centre manager to spearhead efforts to rejuvenate retail activity by late August or early September. The Devizes Development Partnership, representing town traders, voluntary groups and individual townspeople, agreed a
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More than 140 jobs in store at supermarket
SAINSBURY'S supermarket in Chippenham closed its doors for eight days yesterday so that a £9 million rebuilding scheme can receive its finishing touches. The store will re-open on March 27 and by then it will have doubled in size and created more than
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Huge cash windfall will boost tiny club
YOUNG footballers in Highworth will soon have access to modern new changing facility thanks to a cash boost of almost £500,000. Highworth Junior Football Club will use their £477,631 Football Foundation award to construct a new changing pavilion, housing
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Cash target as Belize beckons
RECTOR'S son Chris Raven is aiming to raise £3,500 to venture into the rainforests of Belize. The 23 year-old from Crudwell has just graduated from Southampton University with a first in geography and wants to raise the money to join 20 volunteers on
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Up the pole with no phone
A CRASH at Little Somerford left 19 residents at Hill House unable to telephone relatives for a week. The telephone blackout occurred when a Peugeot 306 hit a pole opposite the home on the B4042 Malmesbury to Wootton Bassett road at midnight on March
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Gypsies move in near old school site
THE morning after gypsies set up camp in fields in Malmesbury near the old school at Filands on Sunday, there was an accident at the site. Police said on Monday morning at 8.44am, one of the gypsies, a male in his 50s, climbed onto a low roof of the derelict
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Running for agood cause
ON Sunday thousands of people, including a team from the Gazette, took to the streets of Bath to run 13.1 miles. For some it was all about times and personal bests but for the vast majority the reason for pounding the roads in the heat was to raise money
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Our prayers go out
OUR thought and prayers go out to all of the families in and around Swindon whose loved ones are involved in the Iraqi conflict. The first shots may have been fired in anger by the time this newspaper hits the shelves. We hope all of the forces personnel
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Now head must receive support
THIS week headteacher Maran White has told the Gazette of her ordeal facing assault charges after being accused of slapping colleague Anne Williams. On Friday she was acquitted of the charge and wept with relief when she realised her nightmare was finally
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Light shines on cricketers
CRICKETERS at Dauntsey's School are hoping bring a taste of the World Cup to Wiltshire when they stage their first-ever floodlit match on Tuesday 25 March. Dauntsey's begin their season with a game against Prior Park College, Bath and will don a red kit
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Top man when it comes to IT sales
Jason Unsworth, sales executive with Swindon-based Blick UK, has been officially recognised as the UK's top IT sales person. Jason, who works from the firm's offices at Bramble Road, said: "I am delighted to win this award. It is fantastic for me personally
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Women's rugby
Emily heads to Hong Kong EMILY Cook's disappointment at missing out on the England women's rugby team's international debut at Twickenham last month has been tempered somewhat by her call up to the side that travels to Hong Kong for the forthcoming sevens
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Football
Shane's double delight DAVE Coleman AFC re-discovered some of their early season form to register a 4-1 victory in their final away game of the campaign at Queens Keep, Southampton. The home side looked dangerous early on with the pacy Omar Khobji causing
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Football
Laverstock stay three points clear LAVERSTOCK & Ford kept their title bid on track with a gritty win against a determined young Aw-bridge side. In blistering sunshine and on a hardening, bobbly surface, 'Stock adapted to the conditions well and took
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Football
Striker Phillips opens his account for City SALISBURY City's slender 1-0 win at Ashford Town was marred by some bizarre refereeing that resulted in four red cards being brandished, including one for opposition manager Tim Thorogood, writes Ryan Lovejoy
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Health club's owner creates a big splash
TYCOON Eddie Shah has grand plans for the Wiltshire leisure industry after opening his new luxury health and leisure club at Wootton Bassett. Mr Shah fell in love with the old Wootton Bassett golf club when he first saw it and decided he had to buy it
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Muted protest as bombs arrive
MARCH 20: PEACE protesters camped at RAF Fairford fell into a sombre mood as they watched bombs arrive at the air base. RAF Fairford is currently home to 14 B-52 bombers. One of the protesters was Cherry Lewis, 44, of Wroughton. She said: "It seems unreal
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B-52s are now armed and ready for action
MARCH 20: A convoy of lorries was seen heading towards B-52 bombers at RAF Fairford yesterday as the countdown to war in Iraq entered its final hours. The lorries, with police escort, were visible from the perimeter fence at RAF Fairford, where 14 of
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'Say no' camp growing daily
March 20:AS the prospect of war comes closer, people from across north Wiltshire have been flocking to join a Chippenham anti-war group. Chippenham's branch of the Stop The War coalition warned it will protest if hostilities start. It vowed to work for
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TA troops put on 24-hour alert to help out
March 20:SWINDON TA platoons are now on 24-hour notice to handle major incidents such as terrorist attacks. Members of the Swindon platoon of the Royal Gloucester, Berkshire and Wiltshire TA regiment will now have 24 hours to report to their base and
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The teams gear up to carry out their jobs
March 20:HUNDREDS of military personnel from RAF Lyneham are scattered throughout the Gulf region, fully prepared to carry out a wide range of duties when war breaks out. "Everybody's relatively upbeat about the situation," said Flt Lieutenant John Makinson-Sanders
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Morale is high amid the desert storms
MARCH 20: SERVICE families in North Wiltshire were yesterday waiting anxiously for news as their loved ones in the Gulf prepared for war. In Kuwait, men and women from 21 Signal Regiment (Air Support), based in Colerne, were contending with sand storms
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Families anxious as war gets closer
MARCH 20: LIFE at home is tough for partners and families as they anxiously await news of the impending war. Jackie Graham, of Hullavington, whose husband has been posted to the Gulf, said she was frightened for him as war became increasingly likely,
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Students do a bunk for war protest
MARCH 20: STUDENTS at St John's School, Marlborough defied teachers to take an unauthorised break for an anti-war demonstration on Tuesday. The pupils were part of a growing movement by young people to speak out about the Iraq situation. Three GCSE students
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Getting to nose you
FUNDRAISERS painted offices, shops, factories and schools red as they sniffed out money for Comic Relief. Among those who showed he was dame for a laugh was Andrew Hall, who dressed up as one of pantomime's favourite characters to raise £257.56. The 38
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Rivals set for cup showdown
MID-WILTSHIRE SUNDAY LEAGUE: SELECTABOOK and The Dolphin will contest the final of the Linpac Sports and Social Cup after both ran our comfortable winners in their respective ties. Runaway league leaders Selectabook fell behind to a Gary Campbell strike
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Rules altered over asbestos
NEW Government regulations to cut down on the risk of exposure to asbestos, and methods to dispose of the dangerous material, will be explained at a workshop at Kington Manor on Thursday March 27. Organised by Envolve, the sessions will help businesses
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Hillier at the double as Sports reach final
FIRST Division Maud Heath Sports, who lifted the WG Parr Trophy in 1997 and 2000, are through to this year's final after a comfortable 3-0 semi-final win over North Bradley. Jack Heard had the opportunity to put Bradley ahead but missed from the penalty
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Corsham Town 2, Exmouth Town 1
RUSSELL Lodge and Rob Humphries were on target as Corsham rocked title-chasing Exmouth at The Southbank on Saturday 15 March. The top of the table visitors were unbeaten on their travels at the start of play, but Corsham withstood plenty of pressure to
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A full house of fun
FEATURE: FORGET wine bars, pubs and clubs, today's young women are all heading down the bingo for a night of clickety click and two fat ladies. Bingo is shedding its blue rinse and mothballs image and bidding to become young, fun and sexy. 'The bingo
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Larkhall Athletic 0, Calne Town 1
JAMES Lye was hailed as the best left winger in the Screwfix Direct First Division by joint-boss Kelvin Highmore after his wonder goal gave Calne Town yet another win on the road. The awayday specialists racked up their eighth win on enemy soil this term
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You're off your trolley
SUPERMARKET worker Nicci Cann was left with her head in the clouds after she was chosen to take part in a daredevil wing walk stunt. Mrs Cann, 32, who is a general assistant at the Somerfield store in Corsham, was chosen from hundreds of the firm's staff
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Striker enjoys a perfect Day with six-goal thrashing
HELLENIC LEAGUE: PAUL Day was in fine form for Highworth Town, bagging a hat-trick in his side's 6-0 away win over Pegasus Juniors. The three points was just the tonic needed for the away side after a disappointing midweek defeat by Yate Town. Highworth
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Strike by fire crews looms in HQ row
THE prospect of another national fire strike has receded but local action by Wiltshire full-time firefighters seems increasingly likely. Members of the county's branch of the Fire Brigades Union are being balloted over whether to take industrial action
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Belcher quits as fans turn on him
SCREWFIX PREMIER DIVISION: ALI Belcher has left cash-strapped Devizes Town by mutual consent after becoming the scapegoat for fans unhappy with the way his father Chris is running the Screwfix Direct Premier Division club. The 33-year-old was handed the
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Strike one
Image courtesy of Gannett News Service It is 5.25 this morning in the Persian Gulf as the first US missile streaks from the USS Bunker Hill towards Iraq, signalling the start of the war to oust Saddam Hussein. More missiles and laser-guided bombs followed
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Anti-war protester refuses to pay taxes
ANTI-WAR protester Robin Brookes, of Market Lavington, is refusing to pay his taxes because he disagrees with the Government's policy on war with Iraq. Mr Brookes, 49, a director of Honeychurch Toys in Market Lavington, and a committed Quaker, wrote to
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Former head picks up OBE at the Palace
LIZ Templar, the former headteacher of Urchfont Primary School near Devizes, received her OBE from The Queen at Buckingham Palace last week. Miss Templar, who recently resigned from her post after being absent from school for 18 months with a stress-related
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Firefighters reject pay offer
FIREFIGHTERS in Swindon remain defiant in their cause for more pay but are accepting the cancellation of today's planned strike. The executive of the Fire Brigades' Union surprisingly called off a 24-hour action due to start at 6pm today and urged members
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'Elated' head is back at school after ordeal
MARAN White, the headteacher who was cleared of assaulting a member of her staff, has been reinstated as headteacher of Robert Le Kyng Primary School. The school governors agreed the re-appointment during a meeting with Mrs White and Swindon's local education
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Council appoints its chief executive
SWINDON Council has officially endorsed the appointment of Simon Birch as its new chief executive. Mr Birch has been acting chief executive since the departure of Paul Doherty last July. Councillors ratified his appointment at a full council meeting last
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Shots are fired at pre-school
VANDALS have fired an air rifle at the windows of a pre-school. Pellets, believed to be those belonging to a .22 rifle, shattered six double-glazed windows at the rear of the Pinehurst Community Centre, next to the Pinehurst People's Centre in Olive Grove
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Down memory lane
While the history of Swindon and its environs can be traced to before the birth of Christ, the emergence of the town as the crucible of the railway industry coincided with the dawn of photography. That has allowed some 160 years of Swindon's evolution
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Campaign for peace stepped up
Protesters in Swindon have pledged to continue to voice their opposition to military action in Iraq. Demonstrations are due to be held in Swindon today, at 1pm and 6pm at the Cenotaph in Regent Circus. Dozens gathered at the Cenotaph in Regent Circus
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MBE honour for civil servant
A CIVIL servant from Netheravon has been awarded an MBE in recognition of his deployment to Afghanistan. Mark Furnival (38), who went to school in Durrington, works at the operational headquarters of the ministry of defence in Northwood, where he has
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Chamber of commerce celebrates first year
TIDWORTH & District Chamber of Commerce has rounded off its first year by making a donation of £2,500 to Castledown School, Ludgershall. A cheque for the amount was handed over by chairman and founder member of the chamber David Wildman to headteacher
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Stones 'project' takes to the road
A MOBILE exhibition of the Stonehenge Project began a 12-day tour of the surrounding area on Monday. Organised by English Heritage and the National Trust, the presentation is aimed at keeping local people up to date with the latest visitor centre and
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Judge to retire from the Bench
SALISBURY'S resident Crown Court judge and the city's honorary recorder, Judge David Maclaren Webster QC, is retiring in April after nearly 40 years on the Bench. Judge Maclaren Webster (64) officially retires on April 4, while sitting at Winchester Crown
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£3.8m plan brings arts centre into 20th century
SALISBURY Arts Centre is about to turn itself Inside Out ready for a multi-million-pound project that will transform the former church into a venue fit for the 21st century. Director Jill Low has secured more than £3.2m and is on the home stretch towards
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Council suspends 'bullying' whistle blowers
FOUR members of staff have been suspended by Salisbury district council after going public with complaints accusing council bosses of harassment and workplace bullying. Environment and Agenda 21 officer Bundy Riley, print unit manager Sue Long, graphic
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BNP marches west
FEATURE: IT seemed all very cloak and dagger as we met up at the rendezvous point in a car park near Bath. Up to that moment neither I nor my passenger, a member of the British National Party, knew where the afternoon's meeting was to be held. Party leader
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Pet in the doghouse as thieves hit home
A FAMILY dog left home alone while its owners went to work failed to raise the alarm when burglars struck. The family told police their Labrador dog normally barks when strangers approach the house, but is not the type of dog to have a go at people, and
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Volunteers needed for homework sessions
THE library in Calne is appealing for volunteers to support its successful homework club, the first of its kind to be launched in the county. The Infozone Club helps children access information to help them with their homework and provides them with a
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Quiz show major had debts of than £50,000
MARCH 20: AN army major and his wife had debts of more than £50,000 when he allegedly cheated his way to the top prize on Who Wants to be a Millionaire?, a court heard today. In addition, a £30,000-a-year college lecturer accused of using coded coughs
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Theft victims may sue leisure centre
SUSAN Burford of Market Lavington is taking legal advice after she and four other people lost belongings when lockers were broken into at Devizes Leisure Centre. The incident took place last November when users at the leisure centre on the Devizes School
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Worker in fall from building recovers
A BUILDING worker had a lucky escape on Tuesday March 18 when he fell two and a half metres from first-floor level at the Crammer Court site in Church Walk, Devizes, on to solid concrete. The incident took place shortly before 10am on Tuesday when the
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HOSPITAL CAMPAIGN: Health minister is told: 'Devizes was betrayed'
This is the full text of a hardhitting letter that Devizes MP Michael Ancram sent to health secretary Alan Milburn. FURTHER to my letter of February 5 I am writing again in connection with Devizes Hospital in my constituency. When in December I saw Hazel
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MPs back Blair, despite fears
DEVIZES MP and Shadow Foreign Secretary Michael Ancram voted with the Government for war in Iraq. Mr Ancram, who spoke in the debate at the House of Commons on Tuesday, said: "I believe the Government is working in the national interest. The weapons of
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Walk is in aid of MS group
PEOPLE are being encouraged to walk around the boundaries of Devizes to raise money for Mayor Catherine Brown's appeal. The annual sponsored walk takes place on April 27 starting from Devizes Sports Club at 10am. Councillor Ray Taylor, who inaugurated
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Thief strikes as girl sleeps
BURGLAR Nigel Stickley snatched a gold necklace from beside a sleeping girl, Salisbury Crown Court heard on Friday. The 20 year-old was discovered after his fingerprints were found by police. Stickley, of Eastleigh Road, Devizes, admitted the theft of
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Entire town centre set to become a 20mph zone
MOTORISTS will be restricted to 20mph in Devizes if plans being considered by Kennet District Council are passed. If agreed, the 20mph zone will come into force in the Market Place and along St John's Street, Long Street, Station Road, Hillworth Road,
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OAP wakes to garage blaze
PENSIONER Barbara Lewin has praised the firefighters who saved her home from being engulfed in a blaze that destroyed her garage and car in the early hours of Saturday morning. Mrs Lewin, of John Rumble Close, off Church Walk, Devizes, was woken by the
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Yet more agony
THE family of Gill Barter, the young mum murdered by her long-time partner two years ago, has lost everything in a catastrophic fire at their home yesterday morning (Wedesday). It took little more than 15 minutes for the blaze to sweep through the terraced
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New steps to democracy
YOUNG people attending Marlborough Youth Centre in St Margarets Mead have elected their own committee so that they can have a say in how it's run. Two members of the young people's committee will sit on the centre's management committee. Youth centre
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Students do a bunk for war protest
STUDENTS at St John's School, Marlborough defied teachers to take an unauthorised break for an anti-war demonstration on Tuesday. The pupils were part of a growing movement by young people to speak out about the Iraq situation. Three GCSE students, Kayleigh
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Teacher for deputy mayor
RETIRED teacher and college lecturer Graham Francis has been selected as the next deputy mayor of Marlborough. There were two nominations before the town council on Monday, and Liberal Democrat Coun Francis beat Tory Hilary Cripps by seven votes to five
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Meeting in bid to keep town hospital
MAYOR Margaret Boulton wants people from the Marlborough and Pewsey area to show their support for keeping a working hospital at Savernake by attending a public meeting in the town on Monday. She has called the meeting at 7pm in the town hall to demonstrate
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Haul of bream wins at Benger
COTSWOLD Angling star Eamon Byrne landed a massive 65lb 8oz of bream to win the Isis AC traditional last-day match on the River Avon at Sutton Benger. Eamon landed a total of 13 bream to 7-1-0 using straight ledger tactics and worm and caster on the hook
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'It was the worst night of my life'
A WOMAN whose ex-boyfriend drove his people-carrier through the wall of her house says she has nightmares and flashbacks. Kerry Dobson, 31, of Penhill Drive has spoken of her horror as Darren Haakanson, 33, rammed her home after a heated argument in January
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Rabbit really a bank man in disguise
BARCLAYS Bank worker Mathew Collins will be swapping his suit and tie for a rabbit costume to launch a fundraising drive for charity. Mathew, small business manager at Swindon's Regent Street branch of Barclays, will be dressing up to launch an appeal
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At last views on rail museum are wanted
AT last Swindon Borough 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
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Getting ready for the big duck race
FINAL preparations are being made for the third annual Swindon Old Town Rotary Club charity duck race which will be held on May 26. The organisers are hoping to beat the success of last year's race, when about 4,000 ducks were set adrift on the River
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End 'consultation', try banging heads
Following what seems like an endless consultation process, it is clear that Devizes is being softened up for the loss of its hospital (Gazette March 13.) It seems that all those who should be banging the table at the Primary Care Trust in Southgate House
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Re-education of GPs might help save unit
I wish to support Alice Charlwood's comments (Gazette, March13,) regarding Devizes Maternity Unit being a well kept secret. I remember the first visit to the GP in relation to my pregnancy. After expressing interest in giving birth at the Devizes Unit
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A health complex could aid patients and bosses
FOLLOWING discussions with the Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust, it is apparent that its current financial shortfall has got to be addressed in this year's ensuing budgets, and if we are not careful the easy option of closing community hospitals
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Just one show for High Spin Dance co
ONE of the country's leading dance companies gives its first performance in Swindon tomorrow. High Spin Dance Theatre, which features performers with and without learning disabilities, will be performing its latest show, called An Electric Bouquet. The
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Saturday dance led to 50 years of romance
JOYCE and Gerald Spackman are celebrating half a century of marriage with friends and neighbours. The couple now live in Toothill and have lived in the town for their entire married life, meeting for the first time at the Saturday dance in Bradford Hall
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Bad move for all
THE proposed move of Chippenham skateboard park to the Westmead location I find unbelievable. Westmead Lane is already overburdened with traffic, i.e. Hygrade, the water board and the sports players. The skateboard supporters also travel by car. The only
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Praise for staff
AS readers will know, shopping at Sainsbury's in Chippenham has not been easy for the past six months. Perhaps those of us who have stuck with it should receive extra points on our loyalty cards. However the people who really deserve praise are the staff
