Archive
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Rain doesn't stop play at May event
CHILDREN from Lacock School were transformed into fairies, kings and policemen as part of their May fair at the weekend. The youngsters all came along in fancy dress to enjoy the celebrations, which raised over £600 for the school. Headteacher Sue Worringham
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Curbs to car park cruising
POLICE in Chippenham are cracking down on boy racers who are tearing around the town's Hathaway retail park. Under new powers, officers can seize a car if the driver has received a warning about their behaviour. Young motorists, who have been using the
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Leg broken in collision
A 21-year-old woman from Chippenham badly broke her leg when she was involved in a crash on her motorbike on a country lane on Wednesday night. The accident happened at 8.25pm, near the motorway services at Leigh Delamere on the M4. The woman was leaving
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Woman's bid to cure Sars virus
EXCLUSIVE: THE daughter of a teacher at Stonar School near Melksham is helping to find a cure for a killer disease which is sweeping the world. Dr Rebecca Devon, 32, is playing her part in the most intensive and systematic search for ways to treat the
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The sweet way to aid charities
PEOPLE are limbering up to take part in Swindon Cares week. And Zurich Financial Services, a supporter of Swindon Cares and a member of the fundraising committee, will rise to the occasion by baking cakes. The Swindon-based company, plans to host a cake
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Heart op girls overcome odds
FAMILIES of two little girls both born with serious heart problems are this week facing new challenges. Parents of Emily Hudd, six, had hoped the latest in a long line of operations carried out last week was a total success. But she had to undergo further
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Wilts lose after solid start
WILTSHIRE lost their opening match of the season against Berkshire for the Marlborough Cup at Thatcham by 31 runs. Wiltshire, captained by vice-captain, Jason Searle, in the absence of Russell Rowe who was stranded in Spain on holiday, won the toss and
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Will relies on his batsmen
Following last week's washout at Dumbleton, Swindon captain Will Nichols will be hoping for better fortune with the weather as he takes his side to play Gloucestershire side Winget. Nichols makes three enforced changes, as Paul Stoddard is getting married
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Fergie says yes
MANCHESTER United will top the pre-season bill at the County Ground after Andy King persuaded Sir Alex Ferguson to send his Premiership champions to Wiltshire. The Red Devils will arrive in town on Tuesday, July 29. However, there are no guarantees that
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Tributes after fatal collapse
A 42-YEAR-OLD man who had a paper round for nearly 30 years was found dead at his home in Corsham on Monday. After returning from the shops at 9.30am, Debbie Burse found her husband, Chris, slumped on the floor at their home in Lypiatt Mead. Mr Burse
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Music treat for children
THE versatile Carnival Band is returning to Corsham Primary School for an annual music workshop on May 10. Members of the band will spend a day working with children from year five, giving them the chance to experience the fun of music and rhythm. The
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Campaigners will fight to the end
CAMPAIGNERS battling to stop diggers moving onto toxic land in Corsham have vowed to keep on fighting to the bitter end. Buoyed by their recent 'victory' against council planners at a meeting last week, the Corsham Residents Group hope they are finally
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End in sight to name row
A LONG-RUNNING road naming dispute between Corsham Town Council and developers has finally been resolved. The problem began when the two parties could not agree on a name for a new road in the centre of the town. The road will be the access for a block
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Takeover plan for factory
HYGRADE Foods has said it has no plans for redundancies despite a possible takeover by a Danish meat giant. Hygrade, which has sites in Chippenham, Corsham and Devizes, supplies sausage and cooked meat products to UK retailers. It employs nearly 500 people
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Traders launch network
SHOPKEEPERS have joined forces to boost a shopping centre in Trowbridge. Owners and managers of businesses in The Shires shopping centre have formed a tenants association, with the aim of attracting more shoppers. Chairman Ruth Randall, manager of Evans
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Husband and wife top polls with 512 votes
THE Conservative Party almost swept the board in Westbury with three out of the four seats going to the blues. Husband and wife team John and Marion Clegg were elected to serve the newly formed Westbury Ham and Westbury Laverton wards. The couple both
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Advice on stroke risks
THE young and the old are being asked to come along to a stroke awareness day in Westbury to have their blood pressure taken. The town's Rotary Club has organised the event in association with the stroke rehabilitation unit and Eastleigh Surgery, and
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Big round for Revolutions
CHEFS at Chippenham restaurant Revolutions have plenty to cheer about. The New Road restaurant has just received a prestigious Les Routiers commendation - receiving a plaque and a listing in the Les Routiers directory of recommended eateries. Owner Sandie
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MiMi on show with tops stars
WESTBURY'S teenage singing sensation MiMi could soon be teaming up with Pop Idol Will Young and top boy band Westlife. The 16-year-old, who recently came third in the Song For Europe contest, is in negotiations to appear in a documentary about young performers
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County Cup pairings
BOX have been drawn with Biddestone, Grittleton and Marshfield in group two of the 20 overs-a-side Gordon Gay County Cup. Bradford on Avon, Bathford and Canal Taverners will contest group three and Collingbourne, Great Bedwyn, Potterne and Wilcot will
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Challenge begins
WEST Wilts began their challenge for the under 15s County Trophy with an easy 102 run victory over Salisbury at Steeple Langford. West Wilts took advantage of some loose first bowling to put on 128 for the first wicket. Charlie Holton, of Hinton Charterhouse
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Corsham travel
Corsham have been drawn away to Malmesbury in the first round of the 20 overs-a-side Jack Wilcox Trophy. Chippenham are away to Swindon and Warminster travel to South Wilts. Devizes entertain Westbury in a preliminary round game on May 29, with the winners
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Iles first hat-trick
Kevin Iles took his first hat-trick for Goatacre as the twice former champions set foot on the road to Lord's with a 175-run victory over Baydon in the second round of the National Village Knockout competition on Sunday. The hosts made 258 for nine, with
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Wiltshire well beaten
Wiltshire lost their opening friendly of the season when they went down to a 31 run defeat against Berkshire in their annual Marlborough Cup match. Berkshire scored 214 for six in their 50 overs, with Wiltshire newcomer Michael Coles taking four for 37
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Melksham has hung council
LABOUR and Liberal Democrat candidates took six seats each as Melksham was left with a hung town council after election night. One of the biggest shocks came when serving Labour town councillor Alan Weymouth failed to retake his seat in Melksham North
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Romola's a rising star
A YOUNG actress who began her acting career in Atworth has won the lead in a new film, released today. Romola Garai, 20, took on her first roles on stage at Stonar School and can now be seen in I Capture the Castle. She said: "It is great to be working
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Gun crime victim praises amnesty
A VICTIM of gun crime has praised a national campaign urging people to surrender illegal weapons. More than 570 guns and 7,526 rounds of ammunition were handed in to Wiltshire police following the month-long gun amnesty which ended on April 30. Jason
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Police rescue woman from freezing canal
A police officer has been praised for pulling a suicidal woman from a freezing canal in Semington. Former Royal Navy sailor Roland Jones jumped into a stretch of the Kennet and Avon Canal near the A350 and pulled the 22-year-old local woman to safety.
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Men are cleared of assault
TWO petrol station workers have been cleared of indecently assaulting a teenage boy in their Melksham flat. A jury at Swindon Crown Court found Paul Shaw and David Matthews not guilty of the gay sex attack on Friday after a three-day trial. The pair,
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Out of isolation
THE headteacher at a west Wiltshire school said they would be better prepared to deal with pupils returning from Sars-affected countries if the outbreak continues to wreak havoc. Thirty pupils at Stonar School near Melksham, who returned from Hong Kong
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Business plans are given the once over
HI-TECH firms in Swindon are being invited to have their business plans reviewed in a pioneering Government initiative which aims to boost company performance through technological development. And one local company which has just benefited from the scheme
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US star tops festival bill
For the first time in its 14-year history, Wiltshire's only country music festival will have an American artist wowing the crowds. Texan singer and fiddle player John Permenter will top the bill on Saturday July 5 at the Calne Country Music Festival at
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Ex-chief tops the poll
FORMER West Wiltshire District Council chief executive Roy While was elated after the Tory party snatched both seats in Melksham Without ward. Cllr While, who was the council's top officer from 1994 to 1997, was just two votes behind fellow party member
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Gannett grants benefit all ages
CHILDREN are amongst those who are to benefit from grants totalling £260,000 made by Wiltshire Times parent company Gannett. The West Wilts Special Needs Activity Scheme, based in Trowbridge, has been awarded a grant of £1,500. The group runs a two-week
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Election shake up
LEADERSHIP of West Wiltshire District Council lies in the hands of four independent and two Labour councillors after the Liberal Democrats lost overall control following 12 years in power. The Lib Dems and Conservatives finished neck and neck with 19
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Schools help cancer fight
HUNDREDS of young musicians from across west Wiltshire will come together this summer for a concert to help in the fight against breast cancer. The event on July 4 will showcase some of the districts' most gifted youngsters at the same time as raising
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Families urged to claim tax
PEOPLE in Wiltshire are being urged to make sure they don't miss out on any extra cash they are entitled to. Advisers at the West Wiltshire Citizens Advice Bureau in Trowbridge are urging working parents to make a claim for tax credits. As well as the
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Gun crime victim praises amnesty
A VICTIM of gun crime has praised a national campaign urging people to surrender illegal weapons. More than 570 guns and 7,526 rounds of ammunition were handed in to Wiltshire police following the month-long gun amnesty which ended on April 30. Jason
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Independents hold deciding votes
A PARISH councillor who stood for the district council because he was sick of party politics getting in the way of the decision making process has found himself playing a pivotal role between the two main parties. Voters elected 19 Liberal Democrats and
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Army wife sickened by theft of baby gear
MAY 9: THE wife of Colerne sergeant Steven Pilmer, who is currently stationed in Iraq, has told of her shock after thieves stole more than £500 of baby equipment from her car. Joni Pilmer, 26, who works as a supply nurse for elderly and disabled people
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Bridgwater Town 1, Brislington 0
SCREWFIX DIRECT LEAGUE: BRIDGWATER lifted the Les Phillips Cup at Melksham on Saturday, the first time the prestigious Screwfix Direct League had been staged by a Wiltshire club. On a well prepared surface, neither Bridgwater nor Brislington found it
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Lisle ends long wait
Justin Lisle scored a hat-trick as Devizes Town ended their season-long wait for an away win in emphatic style with an 8-2 success at crisis club Dawlish on Saturday. Marcus Wallen (2), Stuart Skinner (2) and Dave Lloyd completed the scoring.
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Two Independents could hold the key
TWO independent councillors from the Warminster area will have a key role to play on the new hung district council. Thursday's election saw Christopher Newbury and John Syme top their respective polls in Warminster West and the new seat of Mid Wylye Valley
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Hat-trick of victories
Trowbridge completed a hat-trick of 2-0 victories in five days. They beat Aldbourne 2-0, thanks to goals from Dave Percival and Waleed Bakali.
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Honour for man who led mission
A WARMINSTER-based marine who led the mission which saw the youngest ever recipient of the Military Cross has himself been honoured for bravery. Colour Sergeant Paul Ryan, 34, was troop commander of 45 Commando's Zulu Company in Afghanistan last June
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Tea is top at Jacqueline's
A WARMINSTER tea room is among the top 150 in Britain after being officially recognised for its high quality service. Jacqueline's Restaurant and Tea Rooms in the High Street is now a member of the invitation-only Tea Council Guild of Tea Shops. The guild
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United win top award
Trowbridge and District League Division Three runners up Trowbridge United have won the league's April team of the month award, which is sponsored by Phoenix Screenprint and Print Workshop of Trowbridge.
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Becky excels in maths challenge
A YEAR nine pupil from Warminster has won a certificate of merit in the European Math-ematical Kangaroo Challenge. Becky Walker from Kingdown Community School was one of the best 3,000 school children from the UK who qualified as a result of their performance
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Lardner calls it a day
Melksham Town are looking for a new manager following Robbie Lardner's decision to stand down at the end of the season. Applications should be sent to chairman Mike Perrin, 80 Hazelwood Road, Melksham, SN12 6UX or telephone 07900054991.
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Getting creative in art workshop
CHILDREN at Crockerton Primary School, near Warminster have worked with a professional artist to produce five mosaic slabs for the school. A group of 16 pupils aged seven to 11 worked with Salisbury based artist Joanna Dewfall for five weeks leading up
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Jeep treat for Amber
A nine-year-old cancer sufferer and her diabetic brother were given a morale boosting Jeep ride on Saturday thanks to a generous donation. Amber Ladva is currently being treated for cancer of the thyroid gland. She and her brother Anand, 11, were given
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Pool table row ends in assault
VENGEFUL teenager Peter Cooper punched a 46-year-old man in the face in a case of mistaken identity. Cooper, 19, threw a punch at Christian Scheding after a row over a pool table. Mr Scheding suffered cuts to his right cheek and nose and a chunk was missing
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'My immune system was destroyed'
COURAGEOUS leukaemia sufferer Julia Hember has spoken for the first time about her 12-month battle against the disease. Recovering at her home in Codford, near Warminster, the 33-year-old explained how the agonising treatment programme had left her feeling
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It's a clean sweep for Lib Dems
THE Liberal Democrats once again retained all 12 seats on Bradford on Avon Town Council. The Conservative and Independent candidates failed to take one seat away from the Lib Dems. Standing councillors Jocelyn Feilding, Vicky Landell Mills, Janet Repton
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No change at Bradford
THERE were no surprises in Bradford on Avon where the four Liberal Democrat councillors held on to the town seats. Cllrs Janet Repton and Sophie Farkas were re-elected in Bradford North while Cllr Fran Lewis continues to represent Bradford South. The
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Hydroelectric scheme in the pipeline
HOMES and businesses in Bradford on Avon could get their power from the river running through the town if a scheme for a hydroelectric plant goes ahead. Bradford and District Community Develop-ment Trust wants to carry out a feasibility study to find
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Police rescue woman from freezing canal
A police officer has been praised for pulling a suicidal woman from a freezing canal in Semington. Former Royal Navy sailor Roland Jones jumped into a stretch of the Kennet and Avon Canal near the A350 and pulled the 22-year-old local woman to safety.
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Doesn't make sense
I WANTED to vote Labour at the local elections, but despite five Liberal Democrats, one Tory and one Green Party candidates, there was no-one to vote for on the card for Labour in the John of Gaunt area. I thought this might be because no-one in this
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What will go next?
TO the thieves who stole our satellite system on April 28 from our bungalow wall: Do you have a shopping list when you go out stealing? Now you have our satellite system, is there now some other unlucky person going to lose their television? GRETA &
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It's different abroad
Whilst home in Wiltshire at Easter I read that the mayor of Melksham had been on the streets with a police patrol to see the problems which arose on a Friday night. It must have been the only patrol out. In five days spent in Melksham I saw neither a
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The other side of Amber
I WRITE regarding that incredible letter in the May 2 edition regarding the change of use of the Bythesea Hotel to accommodation for residents of Amber seeking college and work opportunities in the Trowbridge area. Perhaps with his or her wealth the writer
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Stop arguing and get bypass built
WHEN oh when will the people of Westbury accept that we urgently need a bypass and get together on the issue? For years we have been arguing the toss about east or west and whilst this difference of opinion goes on we are gradually grinding to a halt.
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Asthma patients can breathe easy
SWINDON is bucking a trend of inadequate care for asthma sufferers, a specialist healthcare worker insisted today. Julie Lennon spoke out as the National Asthma Campaign charity claimed four million people with asthma were struggling needlessly with symptoms
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Couple have fond memories of their fantastic day
SECULAR CEREMONY - MARRIAGE: Samantha and Tony Hardy say their wedding day last month could not have been better. The couple, from Marlborough Road, Swindon, opted for a secular wedding on April 5 after Samantha attended a humanist funeral. While their
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Government failed to pass on £1bn to schools
ONE billion pounds meant for schools was not spent by the Government last year, it has been revealed - just days after Swindon Council was accused of failing to pass on £2.3m. Now head teachers have accused ministers of hypocrisy and demanded the money
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Adventurer is on his travels again
JUST a month after walking to the North Pole, Swindon-born explorer David Hempleman-Adams has announced plans to cross the Atlantic in a hot-air balloon. Mr Hempleman-Adams, 47, attempted to become the first man to cross the Atlantic single-handed in
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Paul walks in the Ninja path
A FACTORY worker from Cricklade took a break from the assembly line to follow the path of the ninja. Paul Stubbs, 34, is one of fewer than 100 people in the country to rise to the level of fifth Dan black belt in Ninjitsu. And to do so he had to pass
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Promoted Supermarine look ahead to new season
AFTER securing promotion to Premier Two last weekend, Supermarine Ladies are looking forward to testing themselves on the national stage. Marine claimed a place in the second tier of women's rugby via a tense four-team play-off in Coventry and now captain
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Chapel glass broken
Vandals smashed a sign and panes of glass in the Zion Baptist Chapel, Phelps Parade, between Friday evening and the early hours of Saturday.
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Making of the mayor
The annual mayor making will take place in the town hall at 7pm on Monday. It will be followed by a reception at the Corn Exchange.
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ELECTIONS: BNP loser hits out at poll rival's Nazi jibe
BRITISH National Party candidate Robert Baggs has reported a rival to the police over an election leaflet he described as offensive and untrue. Mr Baggs, who failed to win a seat on either the district or town council when he stood for Calne's Abberd
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Temporary station to house cops
POLICE in Trowbridge are to move to a temporary station ahead of the demolition of the old building at Polebarn Road. Policing in the town will be from Parade House at Wicker Hill from next week, while work is carried out on a new £2 million station for
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Extra day for advice
THE Citizens Advice Bureau in Trowbridge is now opening four days a week to meet demand. There are plans to extend the service at the Mill Street offices even further, but more volunteers are still needed. Recruitment and training manager Kirsty Field
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Help needed to find lost teddy
A TROWBRIDGE granny is appealing for the return of her granddaughter's teddy bear. The brown bear has the owner's name, Tia Gee, printed on its label. It was left at the baby swings in Trowbridge Park between 12.15-1pm on Tuesday. Anyone who can help
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MP's fear of court closure
WEST Wiltshire MP Andrew Murrison raised the future of Trowbridge's threatened magistrates' court in the House of Commons this week. As Courts Minister Yvette Cooper considers the future of the court, Dr Murrison used a debate on community services to
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Leg up for charity
A CEREBRAL palsy sufferer from Trowbridge has come up with a novel way of raising money for the hospital that has helped her since childhood. Jayne Shelbourne, 32, has had her leg in plaster since the end of March after problems with her Achilles tendon
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April Sunshine
April sunshine The county town has seen the hottest April day in 53 years of recording. It was also the driest April since 1997, with almost all the 13mm of rain recorded falling on the first and last days of the month.
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£2m cash boost for Bowyers
OVER £2million is to be invested in a Trowbridge factory, making it one of the most up-to-date in the country. Pork Farm Bowyers is to take delivery of a state-of the-art oven shipped in from Australia, boosting production at its famous pie factory by
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Praised for high standards
PUPILS and staff at a village school near Trowbridge are celebrating a glowing Ofsted report. Keevil School has been praised by inspectors both for its standard of teaching and for the achievements of the pupils. The report said: "This is a very good
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Man found with drugs
PUB staff called police officers to a Trowbridge bar after spotting two men with drugs on the premises. Staff at the Isaac Pitman pub in Trowbridge relayed their suspicions to officers, leading to the arrest of a 30-year-old man. Roger Yeates appeared
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'I think of what Lizzie would be doing today'
TWO years have passed since Trowbridge mother-of-two Lizzie Cooper was stabbed to death but her devoted family are still learning to cope with their unbearable grief. Elder sister Teresa Cooper said the second anniversary of Lizzie's murder on Tuesday
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Sixes vacancies
FOOTBALL: Tom Jones' six-a-side tournament still has places up for grabs.There are two places for the under 7 competition, one left in the under 8 section and two in the under 11 event. The event will be held at Swindon Supermarine.For more details contact
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Melksham boss quits
Robbie Lardner has confirmed he is quitting as manager of Melksham Town and this time he means it. Lardner threatened to step down back in February, but changed his mind after an upturn in results. But after some serious soul searching, the 40-year-old
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Let's hear your voice
Last week's election proved that a disproportionate number of our councillors come from one age and social group. Local government, it seems, is simply not sexy to most of us. But surely the decisions our district councillors make have a more direct impact
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Science is our hope for future
Scientists could soon hold the key to curing the deadly Sars virus which is sweeping the globe. The daughter of a teacher at Stonar School near Melksham has been playing her part in the search for ways to tackle the killer disease. Working at a laboratory
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Model leaves you BM-ing all over
The 3 series saloon continues to maintain a vice-like grip on the small executive saloon sector, and BMW have given this beautiful and classy car a boost by adding extra kit in a clutch of new models, designated ES. Last year, the baby Beamer broke sales
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Now they're going bananas
HONDA'S latest television advert is being hailed as one of the car industry's greatest ever. From its Made in Swindon campaign, to commercials featuring footage of a nurse undressing in the back of a Honda Civic to the current advert on its website featuring
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'Get your hands on a 406 Coupe'
IF you can get your hands on a Peugeot 406 coupe, do it now before supplies finally run out. The stunning two-door coupe is one of the most attractive and eye-catching forms of personal transport around, yet sadly it is due to disappear from production
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Sun out, top down appeal
OPEN-top motoring has never been more popular with sales of convertibles reaching nearly 67,000 in 2002 (Source: Jato). Although that wind-in-your-hair drive may only appeal to about 3 per cent of all new car buyers, the number of people taking the plunge
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So cool, fridge is included
OUR teenage German exchange student, Susanne, summed up the dazzling yellow Fiat Multipla in two words: 'It's cool.' Bulbous, bizarre and butt-ugly were some of the less complimentary comments hurled its way by others, but like it or loathe it, the innovative
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Scheme which helps ambulance service going strong
FIVE years ago, Scott Bateman went to the NHS with the idea of using Armed Forces volunteers to provide a rapid response service to assist the Ambulance Service. A pilot at RAF Lyne-ham, Flt Liet Bateman, 31, had been volunteering for the Wiltshire Ambulance
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Poetry in motion!
SWINDON LITERARY FESTIVAL: Poet Laureate Andrew Motion has more letters after his name than most words have in the poems he writes. The learned Mr Motion, BA, MA, M.Lit, D.Lit, is as well known for his biographies as he is for his poems. He is also a
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Back to the good old days
SWINDON LITERARY FESTIVAL: STRONGMEN, trapeze artists, horses, jugglers, acrobats and dancers are not the usual cross section of personalities to be found in Old Town during an evening but they will be until Sunday night. Giffords Circus has rolled into
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Teenagers in search for top novel
Teenagers across the town are taking part in the search for Swindon's favourite novel for young people. People aged between 13 and 19 are voting online in the library service's Fantastic Fiction Award. All nominations will appear on a special website,
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We're stranded
A GROUP of people living in Upper Stratton say they will be left stranded when a new bus timetable comes into effect. Thamesdown Transport plans to alter the route of the numbers 20 and 21 buses on May 19. Instead of the usual route, which incorporates
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The protest carries on
THE IRAQ war may have ended, but RAF Fairford is still being targeted by peace protesters. Members of the Faringdon Peace Group have organised a protest walk for tomorrow. They will gather in Faringdon town centre at 9.45am and travel to Buscot near Lechlade
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It's official: Playing is good for your child's health
A NURSERY in Swindon has welcomed a new Government study on the benefits of learning through play for toddlers. The report, entitled Effective Provision of Pre-School Education, has also concluded that any kind of pre-schooling is better for children
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There is no place for name
I AM not a member of the Swindon Society, but I would like to pay my tribute to Brian Bridgeman, who died recently. He and his colleagues, like the members of the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust and the Swindon and Cricklade Railway deserve thanks and appreciation
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Dorset and Wilts on the road to Twickenham
The Combined Counties took their first step towards Twickenham with a committed display. Bucks took an early lead with a penalty from full back John Smith, but in the 17th minute Wimborne lock Leyland drove over the home line to open the Dorset and Wilts
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Bradford is the venue
Following on from the success of last year's tournament Bradford on Avon is again hosting the West Wiltshire Girls' Sevens Tournament on Sunday 11th May, starting at 10am at their new ground in Ashley Lane off the Winsley bypass. The tournament has attracted
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Thief jailed after four years on run
A MAN who spent almost four years on the run after taking part in a burglary at a Chippenham computer firm has finally been jailed. Jason Colliver had to be extradited from Holland earlier this year after going on the run following the raid at Lucent
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Revolutionary three-courser
CHEFS at Revolutions in Chippenham are brushing up their skills in readiness for a challenge to prepare the best meal in Wiltshire. The restaurant has entered the Wiltshire Challenge Team Dinner where chefs are required to cook a three-course meal from
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Clean help needed
Residents are being sought to take part in a rubbish clean-up at Cepen Park South this weekend. Chippenham Without Parish Council has appealed for helpers to collect rubbish around the old barn and pond area, tomorrow May 10th, from 9am for about three
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Uri spoon auctioned
The retiring Mayor of Chippenham, Richard Meek, auctioned a spoon bent and signed by Uri Geller for charity at the Mayor's Ball last week. The spoon was acquired by the 9th Supply Regiment at Hullavington, using their charity fund. The money raised £120
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Event will be jazzy
Jazz foursome The Gareth Hall Quartet will be appearing at the Old Road Tavern in New Road between 2.30pm and 4pm on May 26, playing classics by the likes of Duke Ellington and Bill Evans.
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Pensioner duped by bogus couple
A pensioner has been robbed by two bogus callers claiming to be from the Post Office. A man and a woman called at the elderly woman's home in Langley Road and asked her to complete some paperwork, but while she was distracted, they stole items from her
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Mel C hits right note for charity
A CHIPPENHAM charity director has rated opening a school classroom on par with a song dedication from a former Spice Girl. Kandu Arts director Ed Deedigan was picked out for praise at Mel C's sell-out Bristol concert at the Academy on Friday when she
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Newcomer Butler in as Sillence misses out
Gloucestershire captain Mark Alleyne was expected to pass a late fitness test on an Achilles problem ahead of today's Frizzell County Championship Division Two game against Glamorgan at Sophia Gardens, although Alex Gidman stands by to replace him. New
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Wiltshire league games tomorrow
Wiltshire Cricket League fixtures tomorrow: Division One: Potterne v Westinghouse, Beanacre v Calne, Burbage & ER v Biddestone, Collingbourne v Nationwide House, Bath Civil Service v Purton. Division Two: Sutton Veny v Buscot Park, Cooper-Avon Tyres
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This behaviour must be ended
IT is easy to understand the frustration of Haydon Wick resident Michael Uzzell who is waiting for police to collect a video tape that shows a youth damaging his car. Police officers are now under such pressures that such a case does not feature high
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The church still has a lot to offer
SECULAR ceremonies to mark the momentous events in people's lives are a sign of the times. Fewer families and individuals, particularly young ones, now feel the need for a church marriage, baptism or funeral service. But it would be wrong to ignore the
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Twinning visit
FRENCH visitors were shown around Corsham's historic almshouses during an annual twinning visit. Visitors from La Fleche were escorted around the 17th century Lady Margaret Hungerford Almshouses, when they visited earlier this week with their English
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Planning setback on skatepark scheme
A SKATEpark in Corsham is unlikely to open before next year because of a delay in gaining planning permission. The original planning application has been withdrawn because of fears that it would be rejected due to missing technical details. The application
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ELECTIONS: Council loses leader in election shake-up
LIBERAL Democrat leader David Packham lost his seat in a night of drama in north Wiltshire which left the electorate with a hung council. Mr Packham lost his Lydiards seat to Tory Mollie Groom. Following a neck-and-neck battle, the Liberal Democrats finally
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Police reopen Rachel Whitear case
A TEAM of detectives from Wiltshire will re-investigate the death of student Rachel Whitear. The distorted and swollen body of 21-year old Ms Whitear was found in an Exmouth bedsit three years ago, kneeling on the carpet with a used syringe gripped in
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Three for Harriet
CHIPPENHAM TOWN LADIES: Harriet Titcombe scored a hat-trick as Chippenham Town Ladies rounded off their season in style with a 7-1 win over Keynsham Town Ladies Reserves at Hardenhuish Park. Tash Perry scored after just five minutes and other goals came
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Bring them back
A FORWARD-thinking group in Bradford on Avon is planning a new IT initiative aimed at bringing local people back into the heart of the town to work. The Bradford on Avon and District Community Development Trust wants IT companies to invest more in that
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Window was beautiful
BODY Beautiful, the beauty salon in Church Walk, Trow-bridge, has been awarded first prize in the Airsprung Beds window display competition. The competition was organised by Trowbridge Chamber of Commerce and was sponsored by Airsprung Beds. Body Beautiful
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Restaurant opens a second branch
THOSE with a passion for Indian cuisine in Westbury have the perfect excuse to indulge themselves since the opening of Tale of Spice 2 restaurant in the town centre. After the success of Tale of Spice in Trowbridge, which opened nearly three years ago
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£2m cash boost for Bowyers
OVER £2million is to be invested in a Trowbridge factory, making it one of the most up-to-date in the country. Pork Farm Bowyers is to take delivery of a state-of the-art oven shipped in from Australia, boosting production at its famous pie factory by
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Westbury is given a new look
SEVERAL new faces will join the first Westbury Town Council meeting of the new council on May 12, after some familiar faces failed to get re-elected on Thursday night. The Conservatives won the majority of the seats, with ten representatives. Labour won
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New name for club
Owners of Reflections nightclub on the West Wilts Trading Estate have announced they plan to rename it as part of a £500,000 refurbishment programme. From May 22, the name Reflections will be consigned to history and it will trade under the new name of
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Police keen to trace suspects
Police are appealing for help to trace three offenders who tried to steal three DVD players from Coopers Store. They entered the shop at lunchtime on April 25 and each picked up a DVD player from a display. When a member of staff challenged them, they
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Food firm in takeover talks quashes job fears
HYGRADE Foods, which has factories across north Wiltshire, said it has no plans for redundancies, despite a possible takeover by a Danish meat giant. Hygrade Foods is a major supplier of sausage and cooked meat products to UK retailers and has sites in
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Cat owners fear local pet killer
CAT owners in Westbury have been warned to be on their guard after three cats died of suspected poisoning. Sharon Burbidge's eight-year-old cat Tiddles disappeared from her home in Great Roc Road on April 12, and was taken to the vet by a neighbour who
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All aboard for music, comedy and romance
GUESTS at Beechfield House Hotel near Melksham could be forgiven for thinking they had stepped back in time on Sunday. But in reality they were seeing the Trowbridge Amateur Operatic Society in 1930s dress, staging a photo call for their latest production
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Woman's bid to cure Sars virus
EXCLUSIVE: THE daughter of a teacher at Stonar School near Melksham is helping to find a cure for a killer disease which is sweeping the world. Dr Rebecca Devon, 32, is playing her part in the most intensive and systematic search for ways to treat the
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Halcrow to give a helping hand towards rebuilding Iraq
HALCROW chairman Tony Allum is to lead a delegation to Iraq in order to assess how the UK private sector might provide support for the country's rehabilitation. As a member of the Government's Industry Working Group on Iraq, Mr Allum, who is based at
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Local is local
I wonder how many people beside myself see no place for national party politics in local government? I believe all councillors' decisions should be based upon what they know, or believe, to be the wish of the majority of the constituents they represent
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RoadPeace set to meet
A NATIONAL charity geared at helping and supporting road traffic victims and their families are looking to set up a branch in the south west. RoadPeace officials will hold a meeting in Bristol within the next few weeks to gauge the demand for a group
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The ousted councillors
COUNCILLORS to lose their seats included Grace Hill (Lib Dem) who was a councillor for Trowbridge College, but contested a seat in Trowbridge Drynham ward where she lost out to Conservative councillors Graham Payne and to second placed Cllr Gerald Burnan
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Rewards for brave officers
EXTRA effort was recognised at a police award ceremony on Friday. Officers Ian Soulsby, Ian Saunders, Tania Hedley, Dave Town-send, James Suter, Lee Poolman and Mark Gale all received honours for hard work and bravery for attending a horrific crash on
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Toolkits will help deal with disorder
COMMUNITY safety workers in Wiltshire are tackling anti-social behaviour head on with the launch of a new crime toolkit. The county's four Community Safety Partnerships have got together with councils and Wiltshire Constabulary to create a comprehensive
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Charities unite for vodka fun
TWO local charities are getting together to hold a vodka tasting evening to raise money for children affected by the Chernobyl disaster. The two Chernobyl charities in west Wiltshire, the Chernobyl Children In Need Group, which sends humanitarian aid
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Craig to star in TV quiz
WILTSHIRE TIMES reporter Craig Evry came face to face with the Queen of Mean Anne Robinson when he took part in cult quiz show The Weakest Link. Craig, 24, was tasked to Pinewood Studios on Tuesday for filming where he joined eight other contestants to
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RoadPeace set to meet
A NATIONAL charity geared at helping and supporting road traffic victims and their families are looking to set up a branch in the south west. RoadPeace officials will hold a meeting in Bristol within the next few weeks to gauge the demand for a group
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Police reopen Rachel Whitear case
A TEAM of detectives from Wiltshire will re-investigate the death of student Rachel Whitear. The distorted and swollen body of 21-year old Ms Whitear was found in an Exmouth bedsit three years ago, kneeling on the carpet with a used syringe gripped in
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Out of isolation
THE headteacher at a west Wiltshire school said they would be better prepared to deal with pupils returning from Sars-affected countries if the outbreak continues to wreak havoc. Thirty pupils at Stonar School near Melksham, who returned from Hong Kong
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MiMi on show with tops stars
WESTBURY'S teenage singing sensation MiMi could soon be teaming up with Pop Idol Will Young and top boy band Westlife. The 16-year-old, who recently came third in the Song For Europe contest, is in negotiations to appear in a documentary about young performers
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The protest carries on
MAY 9: THE IRAQ war may have ended, but RAF Fairford is still being targeted by peace protesters. Members of the Faringdon Peace Group have organised a protest walk for tomorrow. They will gather in Faringdon town centre at 9.45am and travel to Buscot
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Trowbridge lift under 13s cup
TROWBRIDGE Town overcame Chippenham Town Youth to win the under 13s Wiltshire County Cup at the County Ground, Swindon on Tuesday night An entertaining contest ended 2-2 at the end of extra time, but Trowbridge held their nerve from the spot in a penalty
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Lardner calls it a day
Melksham Town are looking for a new manager following Robbie Lardner's decision to stand down at the end of the season. Applications should be sent to chairman Mike Perrin, 80 Hazelwood Road, Melksham, SN12 6UX or telephone 07900054991.
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Bridgwater Town 1, Brislington 0
SCREWFIX DIRECT LEAGUE: BRIDGWATER lifted the Les Phillips Cup at Melksham on Saturday, the first time the prestigious Screwfix Direct League had been staged by a Wiltshire club. On a well prepared surface, neither Bridgwater nor Brislington found it
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Four newcomers for Warminster
WARMINSTER has four new town councillors, but the Conservatives are still very much in control after Thursday's elections. The Tories remain with eight of the 12 seats with the Liberal Democrats losing one of their three seats to an Independent candidate
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Parents cry foul in row over boy's birthday
RIVAL football clubs have reacted angrily after a youth league committee refused to punish a team for fielding an over-age player. Green Baize Youth under 11s from Swindon are currently top of the Wiltshire Times and Chippenham News Mid Wilts Youth and
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Quad bike stolen
A Yamaha quad bike worth £3,500 has been stolen from stables in Sutton Veny between 9pm on Friday and 7.30am on Saturday. Anyone with information should contact PC Jon Pearse at Warminster Police on (01985) 847000.
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Major's next trial is moved
THE trial of Wiltshire resident Major Charles Ingram on allegations of insurance fraud is to be moved to Bournemouth because Salisbury Crown Court is too small to cope with the huge media presence expected for it. Journalists from national newspapers,
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Little princess
A SIX-YEAR-OLD girl from Bradford on Avon was named as the town's May Princess on Monday. Bethany Thompsett was not expecting to win when she and her sister entered the competition at the fair. Her mother Ann was proud of her daughter's achievement. She
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Finishing touches to new hall
BUILDERS are putting the finishing touches to work at St Margaret's Hall, Bradford on Avon. The town council project to refurbish the hall including the provision of office space and a meeting room along with a new kitchen is due to be completed in the
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Vine vandalised
VANDALS have sawn through a grape vine which has grown on the front of the Bunch of Grapes pub in Silver Street, Bradford on Avon town centre pub for 30 years. Mark Williams, one of the partners who runs the pub, said: "We are really upset about it because
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Elections were a farce
WHAT a farce the local elections were. On April 22 I received a letter saying the Bryer Ash Park Polling Station would not now be available and I would therefore be obliged to cast my vote at the cricket club. However, if I preferred it I could vote by
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Why do people not vote?
My first foray into local politics left me beaten by just 13 at 717 votes, and I managed fifth place in a four out of eight contest. I did enjoy helping those others with the canvassing who were more successful and in whom I do have much faith. I sincerely
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New hospital is vital
ON March 21 I wrote a letter to the Wiltshire times about building a new hospital for Trowbridge the same size as Bath RUH. I asked the public to write to the Wiltshire Times as the more letters that come in keeps this subject alive. I was very disappointed
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Man hunts for Wiltshire Flukes
I REFER to the Down Memory Lane feature and follow-up item on Ushers Cooperage, which appeared in the Wiltshire Times on January 24 and February 7. My name is Flukes, brought with me to Westbury 34 years ago from the Midlands. It is rather an unusual
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Don't be gloomy we must celebrate life
Jan Hurst . . . delighted with her mothers secular funeral service. INSET Mum Betty Talbot SECULAR CEREMONY - DEATH :Funerals may not usually be a joyous event but Jan Hurst says her mother's ceremony was wonderful. Betty Talbot died in November last
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Idyllic setting for Isabelle
SECULAR CEREMONY - BIRTH: Debbie Kennedy and Lee Mason knew before their daughter Isabelle was born that she would not be christened. But the couple from Woodhall Park, Swindon, still wanted to celebrate her official naming day so they opted for a secular
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Who needs religion?
SECULAR CEREMONIES: Ceremonies for births, marriages and deaths no longer have to be religious. ALEX EMERY looks at the increase in secular services. Births, marriages and deaths are three of life's milestones that rarely pass without ceremony. But for
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The Plague
This young thug was caught on video throwing a rock at a house. It is just one example of the sickening rise in vandalism in Swindon. DESPERATE Haydon Wick resident Michael Uzzell is the latest Swindon resident to resort to installing CCTV cameras at
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Carnival could grow
Plans to extend the carnival into a week-long event were revealed to residents in a mail drop last week. Organisers said the aim of Carnival Week, which starts on June 7, was to encourage community spirit and create a party-like atmosphere.
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Tories pick up valuable seats
AFTER seven years of Liberal Democrat monopoly the Conservatives clawed back five seats on Trowbridge Town Council. Lib Dems Sally Boyle, Carolynn Purnell, Graham Hedley and Arthur Ransome all failed to get re-elected. Jeff Osborn, who was re-elected
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Family recall tale of WW1 Iraq hero
THE Gulf War brought painful memories for a Trowbridge pensioner whose soldier uncle is buried in Baghdad. As the battlefields in Iraq fell silent, Harry Fox, of Frome Road, remembered his mum telling him about the pain and suffering of the men who were
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Shoppers terrorised by drunk
AN UNEMPLOYED drunk terrorised shoppers in a Trowbridge street after a daytime drinking binge. Barry-John Musgrove, 45, chased a boy, swore at a market stallholder and caused havoc with shoppers in Fore Street on April 25. Police officers were called
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Award winning safety designs
CHILDREN from around Trowbridge have been designing safe cycle helmets for a campaign to raise awareness of road safety. Trowbridge Road Safety committee organised a contest for primary school children, with entries from 10 schools. Organiser Noel de
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Microwave fire
An elderly woman was treated for smoke inhalation after a fire broke out at her home at Ashmead on April 30. The fire started after she set the timer on her microwave for too long. She was alerted to the blaze by a smoke alarm.
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Appeal for help
A Trowbridge woman is appealing for the return of her mobile phone. Jo Ashley's Nokia 8310 was stolen from Terry's Nightclub in Trowbridge on Friday night. Anyone with information can call the owner on (01225) 752008.
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Traders launch network
SHOPKEEPERS have joined forces to boost a shopping centre in Trowbridge. Owners and managers of businesses in The Shires shopping centre have formed a tenants association, with the aim of attracting more shoppers. Chairman Ruth Randall, manager of Evans
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Police rescue woman from freezing canal
A police officer has been praised for pulling a suicidal woman from a freezing canal in Semington. Former Royal Navy sailor Roland Jones jumped into a stretch of the Kennet and Avon Canal near the A350 and pulled the 22-year-old local woman to safety.
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Weekend local football fixtures
Chippenham League (sponsored by Vanitec Computers) Premier Division: All Cannings A v Malmesbury Victoria; Pack Horse v Box Rvrs. Division One: Maud Heath Sports v Terry's FC; Trowbridge Harriers v Westbridge Utd; West End Wanderers v West Lavington (
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Around the world in a 80 Daewoos
To most motorists, a 1.4-litre Daewoo Kalos hatchback would be ideal for shopping, the school run, or popping up the motorway to visit relatives. To author Richard Meredith, however, it is the perfect transport for a rather more challenging journey. For
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Fish take the bait from the boats
Although stronger winds made fishing more difficult in many areas Chew Valley is still fishing well with plenty of fish feeding in most places. However, this is still mainly near the shore. Nymph fishing predominates with Diawl Bachs, Buzzers, PTN and
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I want to be top gun
Fifth Gear presenter Vicki Butler-Henderson is a self-confessed adrenalin junkie and reckons she should be flying a Jaguar . . . if only she wasn't too old. Now she turns her attentions to her TV show Be A Grand Prix Driver. If I could choose another
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They'll get you!
SPEED cameras have become a common sight along Britain's roads in the past 10 years, and their numbers are set to increase. In Swindon a mix of both mobile and stationary cameras are used to catch speeding drivers. Now the police are clamping down further
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Toyota launches hybrid model
Toyota has unveiled its all-new Prius (the word means 'ahead of its time'), ushering in a new age of hybrid power vehicles. The car is scheduled to go on sale in November this year. The second generation Prius will build on the achievements of the pioneering
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Get your car ready for the warmer weather
SPRING sunlight can be a wonderful thing, but it is unflinchingly honest. The same ray of sunshine that illuminates a garden will also show up its flaws. The same is true of a car. During the winter, the condition of a car can deteriorate, but thanks
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Homeless people sent onto streets
A HOMELESS man who took up residence in a garage he rented from Swindon Council is going to be evicted. Gordon Dear, his partner Melanie Ogden and friend Barbara Hyatt have all been living and sleeping in a small garage at the back of Howard Close in
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The sweet way to aid charities
PEOPLE are limbering up to take part in Swindon Cares week. And Zurich Financial Services, a supporter of Swindon Cares and a member of the fundraising committee, will rise to the occasion by baking cakes. The Swindon-based company, plans to host a cake
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Culture for good cause
SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: The Swindon Cancer Appeal has been running for just six weeks and already more than £90,000 has been raised. Thanks to your fundraising efforts and generous donations, cheques continue to flow into the appeal office in Milton Road
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Scheme set for rejection
FAMILY doctors in Swindon are set to reject proposals to modernise front line health services. Many claim the moves will leave them in some instances worse off. While GPs initially welcomed the scheme, which will see average funding for practices rise
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Copy cat tale started a career!
SWINDON LITERARY FESTIVAL: CHILDREN'S poet and author Michael Rosen confessed that he started is writing career as a plagiarist. He won a writing competition for the first story he ever wrote, about a cat called Solomon who could not find his way home
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Happy story for the printed word
SWINDON LITERARY FESTIVAL: REASSURINGLY for journalists, reports of the death of the newspaper have been greatly exaggerated. According to futurist and novelist Ray Hammond, human beings simply don't like reading from a screen. He believes that technology
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No, don't stop the criminals
WOOTTON Bassett's carnival parade has been saved after an appeal for volunteer marshals in the Evening Advertiser. The Grand Procession on Saturday, May 17, was under threat because only four people had volunteered to be stewards when 10 were needed.
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Language, Mr Gray!
TORY MP James Gray has revealed how he shows his contempt for waffling Labour ministers by saying "b******t" to them in sign language. The North Wiltshire MP likes to use the expression when he hears mindboggling government gobbledegook, such as "cross-cutting
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Wish you were here
A TEENAGER battling cancer has achieved her dream of shopping in New York, thanks to children's charity The Make-a-Wish Foundation. Danika Schofield, 14, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma in September 2000, enjoyed a five-day trip to the Big Apple
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Major's next trial is moved
THE trial of Wiltshire resident Major Charles Ingram on allegations of insurance fraud is to be moved to Bournemouth because Salisbury Crown Court is too small to cope with the huge media presence expected for it. Journalists from national newspapers,
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Guess the star guest
A SPECIAL Evening Advertiser guest will be at the launch of Swindon's biggest bookshop tomorrow (Saturday). The Borders branch near the Asda WalMart hypermarket in North Swindon includes a branch of Starbucks and a Paperchase stationery and greetings
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On your marks for school's fun run
RUNNERS are under starters orders for the annual Chiseldon Primary School fun run on May 18. The five-mile on and off road run through Chiseldon regularly attracts competitors from across Swindon and offers a separate start for club runners. This year
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It's official: Playing is good for your child's health
A NURSERY in Swindon has welcomed a new Government study on the benefits of learning through play for toddlers. The report, entitled Effective Provision of Pre-School Education, has also concluded that any kind of pre-schooling is better for children
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The perfect venue for skate complex
WHO on earth ever thought that a museum would make money? Now they think that over a period of time they will be able to get Steam to break even financially. No way. The only way the building that now houses Steam will stop being a total liability to
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We are celebrating a pagan festival
THANKS are due to Matthew Mason (EA, April 25) for putting the record straight regarding the true meaning of Easter. Following that vein of thought, before the festivities get well and truly underway, perhaps it is timely to put the record straight regarding
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Maybe now Labour will finally get the message!
WHAT a great result for the Conservatives of Swindon, at last the Labour group may now get the message that they cannot just steam roll over everyone to get their way. They have at last been put in their place and shown what Swindon people really want
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We should be very scared
IT came as no surprise that the obnoxious BNP gained several seats in the recent council elections. It was however rather frightening to find out that their overall percentage of the vote went up quite considerably. Frightening because it was not from
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Foley's ready for the battle
Bath coach Michael Foley believes his team will be relegated from the Zurich Premiership if they lose to Newcastle on Saturday. While speculation about a west country merger between Bath and Bristol Shoguns remains rife offering both clubs a possible
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Maypole dancers entertain crowds
YOUNG dancers entertained shoppers in Chippenham town centre at the weekend. Pupils from Charter and Ivy Lane primary schools gave displays of country dancing while youngsters from St Peter's primary performed three maypole dances in the High Street on
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Takeover plan for factory
HYGRADE Foods has said it has no plans for redundancies despite a possible takeover by a Danish meat giant. Hygrade, which has sites in Chippenham, Corsham and Devizes, supplies sausage and cooked meat products to UK retailers. It employs nearly 500 people
