Archive
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Thousands descend on folk festival
AN estimated 10,000 people packed the streets for this year's hugely-successful Folk Festival in Chippenham - and that was just on Monday. Among the visitors were people from as far away as Tokyo and the United States. But this year, as always, the festivities
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Pensioner died as result of accident
A DISABLED pensioner died from a haemorrhage after being knocked from her wheelchair by a reversing van, an inquest found. MS sufferer Margaret Francis, 70, of Westrop, Corsham, was at Whitehall Garden Centre in Lacock on October 4 when the accident happened
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Learning to love again
THREE-year-old Ryan Wickham is learning to love the family border collie again five months after a friend's dog ripped his face, making him terrified of all dogs. Mother-of-three Alona Wickham has defended her decision to keep the family pet after her
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Gangs target taxi drivers
WILTSHIRE TIMES EXCLUSIVE: GANGS of youths are using dirty tricks to grab money left in empty cabs in the Chippenham area. Cab bosses held emergency meetings with drivers this week to warn them about a new scam which has heightened security measures.
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Swindon aim to get back to winning ways at home
Swindon will look to bounce back from their rain-affected defeat at Bredon last week, as they take on another Gloucestershire side, Colwall, at the County Ground. Stand-in skipper Darren Beasant makes three changes, with John Baden, Tom Fox and spinner
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BMX site in need of soil
A youth group is appealing for 160 tons of sub soil to build a £10,000 BMX facility for youngsters. Corsham Youth Issues Committee say they need the large donation of soil before work can begin on the site. The facility has been in the pipeline for over
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A flush of ideas
A VICTORIAN toilet divided Corsham town councillors last week when they became bogged down in detail. Eventually councillors decided to reject the plan to demolish the outside loo of a listed house in Station Road, Corsham. The owners want to build a
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Team in charity challenge
STAFF at a Chippenham IT company and a Corsham MoD base are preparing to take part in a gruelling three-day event in Snowdonia to help raise money for charity. Employees at Quicksilva, based in Kington Langley, and a team of workers from the Defence Communication
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No Reddy Return
Sam ParkinMICHAEL REDDY will not be recruited to partner Sam Parkin in Town's attack as Andy King wearily dismissed yet more 'target' speculation. The 23-year-old Sunderland striker spent the latter part of the 2000/01 campaign at the County Ground and
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Corsham news in brief
Criminal damage was caused to a kitchen window in an unoccupied house on Potley Lane. The window was broken on Tuesday afternoon between noon and 3pm. The town council raised no objections to the erection of a rear conservatory in Barn Close. The planning
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Spring clean tests mettle
VOLUNTEERS have been springing into action armed with wheelbarrows and bin bags in an attempt to clean up a nature area in Corsham. Wildlife enthusiasts gave up their time to spring clean Beechfield Nature Area in Middlewick Lane. The site, which was
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Privy council divided
COUNCILLORS were bogged down last week over a couple's plan to demolish their outside toilet. Members of Corsham Town Council's planning committee were being driven round the bend over whether to back the couple's bid to flatten the privy at the rear
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Go to work in a virtual office
HARTHAM Park, near Corsham, has launched a virtual office service to help new companies start off in style. The Alkemi Virtual Office is a business service that provides firms with an answering and fax service alongside the use of a prestigious business
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Author teaches the write stuff
WRITER and storyteller Beth Webb delighted pupils at John of Gaunt School with tales based on folklore of the Quantocks. Year seven pupils had the chance to work with Mrs Webb, learning some of her professional techniques for crafting stories, before
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Work begins on cycle route
WORK is now under way on the final section of a major cycle route to get people out on their bikes in the countryside around Chippenham and Lacock. North Wiltshire District Council has begun work on the section of the cycle path from Mortimores Wood,
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BMX site in need of soil
A youth group is appealing for 160 tons of sub soil to build a £10,000 BMX facility for youngsters. Corsham Youth Issues Committee say they need the large donation of soil before work can begin on the site. The facility has been in the pipeline for over
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Cash crisis at college
MEETINGS are set to be held between managements at the crisis-hit Wiltshire College and staff unions. The college, which caters for 30,000 students at sites including Trowbridge and Chippenham, is £1.8 million in the red and is being forced to make cutbacks
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Airman killed in motorbike crash
POLICE are appealing for witnesses to a head-on crash in which RAF engineer Colin Burnett died. Mr Burnett, 32, who was married with two young children, was killed when his Kawasaki motorcycle was involved in a collision with a Porsche Carrera on Monday
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Fury at airshow traffic proposal
THERE has been widespread anger at a recommendation from Fairford International Tattoo for visitors to use roads through Corston, Malmesbury and Minety for access. It is the world's biggest air show and last year there was chaos with 15-mile tailbacks
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Students' scheme puts town on the map
INNOTIVE students have developed an award-winning marketing campaign to promote shops in Corsham town centre. The business studies sixth formers at Corsham School have formed a young enterprise group called Epiphany and have been working closely with
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Lottery boost for groups
ELEVEN west Wiltshire groups are celebrating after learning their lottery bids have been successful. The groups have won grants ranging from £700 to £5,000 under the Lottery Awards for All scheme designed to give cash sums to 'grass root' community groups
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Memories of a great explorer
A WESTBURY woman has been recalling her memories of the great explorer, Tenzing Norgay on the 50th anniversary of his ascent of Mount Everest. Anne Bradley, 49, had breakfast with the great explorer at Manor House, in Edington, when he visited the woman
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Businesses split over great Euro debate
VIEWS on Britain's future in Europe, the Euro and the new European constitution are sharply divided in the market towns of Wiltshire. While some traders feel joining the Euro would make little difference to their businesses, others fear Britain would
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Bid to build care home to treat elderly
A NEW care home planned for Westbury could help solve the problem of a shortage of housing specifically for the elderly in west Wiltshire. The Abbeyfield Society, which already owns sheltered housing schemes in Bradford on Avon, Trowbridge, Warminster
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Blaze at powdered milk plant
FIVE fire engines were called to the United Milk dairy in Westbury on Saturday after a fire broke out in its powdered milk plant. Fire crews were alerted to the fire at the dairy in Westbury's White Horse Business Park at 4.42pm. Because powdered milk
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Litter patrols bag rubbish
A VOLUNTEER litter patrol filled 12 bags with rubbish from around the station yard and river at Malmesbury. A no waiting sign was also fished out of the water by the 12 members of Malmesbury St Paul Without Residents Association who volunteered to help
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Wiltshire selectors put faith in local players
LOCAL players feature prominently in the Wiltshire bowls side announced for the opening Middleton Cup match, writes Dave Eaton. Wiltshire selectors have only made three changes to the side that performed superbly to beat a powerful Hampshire side 131-
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County face away trip in Top Fours
WILTSHIRE have been drawn away to the winners of Devon and Herefordshire in the National Inter-County Top Four competition. The date and venue are to be confirmed depending on the result. The selectors have opted for a trial match this Saturday at Wootton
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Juniors clinch a nine wickets win
YOUTH CRICKET: Under 11's: Chippenham Arrows restricted Malmesbury to 46-5 in 20 overs with Brad Dawson and Uzair Qureshi each taking two wickets. Uzair then made 17 not out to see Chippenham home to a comfortable nine wickets victory. At Calne, Chippenham
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Youth kwik cricket
YOUTH CRICKET: Sunday sees the second annual Trowbridge Youth Kwik Cricket Tournament. The event will see teams from Parochial, Staverton, Walwayne Court, Grove, Newtown, Keevil and St John's schools in a mixed kwik cricket tournament. The teams will
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Trowbridge 2nds v Wootton Bassett 2nds
Trowbridge 188-7 beat Wootton Bassett 138-8 by 50 runs on Saturday. Trowbridge 2nd XI maintained their 100 per cent record taking them to the top of Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Division Two with a comfortable away win at Wootton Bassett. Put in to bat
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Illingworth in county debut
Wiltshire have selected the side for their first Minor Counties Championship match of the season against Wales at Pontypridd on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. The match sees the first appearance for the former Worcestershire and England player Richard Illingworth
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Trowbridge v Wootton Bassett
A GAME played under heavy skies at the County Ground, Trowbridge on Saturday was washed out with the home side unable to bowl their minimum 30 overs before the 8pm deadline. Having been put in to bat first, Trowbridge stayed at an encouraging four runs
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Former boss dies
THE former owner of the feather factory in Melksham died on Monday. Robert Sawtell, 82, of Freshford, owned the factory which was replaced by a housing estate known as Weavers Croft. The funeral will be at West Wiltshire Crematorium on Monday at 12.30pm
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Groups call for sports facilities
GROUPS in Melksham are calling for more money to be spent on boosting the town's sports facilities. Concerns are growing over the low number of playing fields, poor quality of training facilities and the lack of choice for residents in the area. Michael
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Carer accused of deception
A carer accused of taking more than £500 from a multiple sclerosis sufferer she was looking after is to face trial by jury. Ellen Townsend pleaded not guilty to one count of theft and two counts of obtaining property by deception at Swindon Crown Court
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Asbestos poisoning
Asbestos poisoning could have led to a pensioner dying of a disease known as the Swindon cancer, a Chippenham inquest found. Gladys Hunter, 78, of Wellington Drive, Bowerhill, Melksham, died at her home on September 23. Deputy Wiltshire Coroner William
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It might not seem so, but 12 years is a long time
THERE was a time, not so long ago, when Network Administrators, Web Designers, Systems Testers, PC Developers and Rollout engineers simply did not exist. Consequently, Outsource UK, a Swindon IT recruitment agency based in Old Town is this week celebrating
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Support for new hospital
Mr R D Feltham's campaign for a new Trowbridge Hospital is worthy of support. However, as I mentioned in a previous letter, this support needs to be tempered with a healthy dose of realism. Again, I am most surprised and disappointed that officers and
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A tough lesson in leadership skills
A Swindon surveyor has just returned from three days of intensive training although discussion on the finer points of fenestration and asset management curiously never came up. "Instead," says Ben Gooding of King Sturge in Milton Road, "I was up every
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Safety first pays a large dividend
Swindon bosses have seen the light when it comes to health and safety in the workplace, according to The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). In recognition of their efforts over the last 12 months, two local firms have been acknowledged
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Arsons up by 44 per cent
NEW figures have shown the number of arsons in Wiltshire have soared by 44 per cent. Official fire statistics from the last six years revealed the sharp increase. Over the same period, the number of malicious vehicle fires a key indicator of burnt out
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Specials enlist support
Brewery firm Wadworth has been helping Wiltshire's Special Constabulary drum up support for National Volunteers' Week, which begins tomorrow. Draymen Adrian Noakes and Richard Berry, together with equine charges Buscot and Wilt, joined Warminster special
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Wedding's back on as Gulf soldier returns
BRIDE-to-be Amanda Court is delighted that her cancelled wedding is back on after her fiance returned from the Gulf this week. The 22-year-old from Rudloe had to cancel the wedding at the last minute in March when Sergeant Paul Chamberlain, 26, was told
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Developers plan homes for Codford
RESIDENTS in a Wiltshire village could see their community increased by up to 15 new homes if a series of planning applications get the go-ahead. Developments, planned for Codford near Warminster, would see homes built on two former allotment sites. Codford
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Hopes for Mike and Michelle
KEEPERS at Longleat are hopeful a pair of rare miniature monkeys will breed in the next few months. The Geoffroy's tufted-ear marmosets, who each weigh less than 500g, have just moved to an open enclosure in the centre of the park's pets corner. The marmosets
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Friend recalls fond memories of murdered schoolgirl Zoe
A FRIEND of murdered schoolgirl Zoe Evans has spoken of the pain she still feels six years after her death. Kayleigh Bremner, 16, has just started sitting her GCSE exams and would have loved for her close friend to be by her side to offer moral support
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Boy caged for reign of chaos
WILTSHIRE TIMES EXCLUSIVE: A 13-year-old boy who made hoax bomb and 999 calls and drove an ambulance between two west Wiltshire towns has been sent to a detention centre to protect the public. The Bradford on Avon teenager's string of devious crimes were
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Gearing up for summer
OVAL OF WESTBURY: Local Peugeot dealership, Oval of Westbury, is getting ready for summer by offering motorists in Westbury a vehicle Summer Check for £14.99. David Garrity of Oval said: If you're planning to make long trips this summer, make sure your
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A4 Summer
Despite the best efforts of 'the great British summer', the growing range of Audi A4 Cabriolet models already finds over 4,000 homes in the UK each year more than anywhere else in the world. The forecast for the design icon looks brighter still, because
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Lottery boost for groups
ELEVEN west Wiltshire groups are celebrating after learning their lottery bids have been successful. The groups have won grants ranging from £700 to £5,000 under the Lottery Awards for All scheme designed to give cash sums to 'grass root' community groups
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Roof restoration begins
OVER two years after plans were first laid out, work has finally started to restore the roof of the Mount Pleasant Community Centre in Bradford on Avon. After an intense fundraising drive, contractors have moved in to start the £112,000 project on the
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A welcome fit for a prince
A roaring crowd greeted Prince Charles in Bradford on Avon on Friday when he visited the town to open two historic landmarks. Arriving in glorious sunshine, the royal helicopter landed in Victory Fields and from there the Prince was escorted to Barton
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Boy caged for reign of chaos
WILTSHIRE TIMES EXCLUSIVE: A 13-year-old boy who made hoax bomb and 999 calls and drove an ambulance between two west Wiltshire towns has been sent to a detention centre to protect the public. The Bradford on Avon teenager's string of devious crimes were
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Top of the class
HEADTEACHER Beverley Martin together with her staff and governors at Upavon School are celebrating receiving the second feather in the cap in almost as many weeks. The Gazette has already reported on the phenomenal progress the village school in Upavon
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Public plea for better loos this summer
GREAT to hear about The Shires' loos being refurbished long overdue, but my gripe is the long period of inconvenience and the timing. They are to be out of use during part of the summer holidays, when more families will be out and about, with only seven
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'We are not complacent' education bosses claim
I WAS somewhat concerned at the headline 'Education Meltdown' in your edition on Friday, May 23. While I have no objection to the content, nor to the comment in the actual report, the headline was misleading and might have caused unnecessary concern to
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Why don't schools get top priority for cash?
I HAVE just read your report on how the schools in the area are struggling to balance their books, many losing valuable staff to do so. As a parent of a child that is going on to one of those schools in September, it is worrying to say the least. What
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Police finally tame boy racers
Please spare a thought for the poor boy racers of Trow-bridge. Ever since the police have taken over temporary residency of Parade House, their high profile has had a noticeable effect on the racers' town centre lap times, adding as much as 15 seconds
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Congratulations to town crier
MAY I congratulate Trevor Heeks on his success in coming third in the recent World Town Crier Competition held in Newquay. I was one of the party of holiday makers staying at the same hotel as Trevor, it was certainly a surprise for our party to meet
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Cycle route is so ideal for families
MAY we congratulate those responsible at the county council and West Wiltshire District Council for the splendid new shared cycle and pedestrian way between Bradford and Trowbridge, which is nearing completion. The layout by CEEMA design consultants is
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Finance warning to council
SWINDON Council's decision-making cabinet has been reminded to tighten its purse strings. The council was subject to an extensive audit and having had time to consider the implications its decision-making cabinet will look to Nick Martin (Con, Shaw and
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Big brother? It's child's play
The reality of reality TV is that it's popular with adults and children. To underline the point, TAMASH LAL went along to Holy Family School where one of the classes has written poems about I'm A Celebrity . . . Get Me Out of Here. LIKE it or loathe it
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Special week for school
A PRIMARY school is preparing to take its pupils back in time as it celebrates its 150th anniversary. A week of historical activities will be held to celebrate the landmark at St Lawrence School in Lechlade next week. The school was built on its site
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Enthusiasts told to carry on spotting
TRAINSPOTTERS will be able to carry on their hobby at Swindon station despite reports to the contrary. National media outlets have reported spotters evicted from some stations because of concerns they represent a security risk. The magazine Railways Illustrated
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Residents' joy as vice girl is jailed
PEOPLE living in Swindon's so-called red light district claimed another victory yesterday after a prostitute was jailed for breaching an order banning her from the area. The two-month jail sentence for 23-year-old Carina Matysiak, of Park North, is the
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Little Leon's bright idea
THE crumbling Mechanics' Institute should be turned into an indoor skate park, according to seven-year-old Leon Perrott. The Wroughton Infants School pupil, of Wanshot Close, is among the first to respond to new owner Mathew Singh's plea for Swindonians
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Not up our alley
ALLEYWAYS that provide a haven for vandals and other criminals could be closed off in Swindon. The council is considering whether to apply to the Government for a new high crime area status that would allow it to close the most notorious rights of way
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Carnival princess crowned
CALNE girls took to the stage to compete for the coveted title of carnival princess and the privilege of leading the main procession through the town centre. Girls aged between four and six competed in the 'butterfly princess competition', while girls
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Campers pitch in for former MoD homes
A TENT village has sprung up in Lower Compton, near Calne, as eager house buyers brave the elements in their quest to peg down the home of their dreams. Competition for the former Ministry of Defence properties on the estate is so fierce that families
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Show's plea for support
STARRY Eyes, the popular annual talent contest, faces an uncertain future unless sponsors come forward to support it. The event costs about £7,000 to stage and organisers are appealing for support from local businesses. Organiser Sally Boyle said: "It's
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Theatre success
A TEENAGER from Trowbridge has beaten 4,000 acting hopefuls to a place at the National Youth Theatre. Laura Wright, 18, applied for the place and was one of the 38 youngsters selected up and down the country to join the prestigious theatre school. Miss
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Pupils bring modern art to life
CHILDREN at Newtown Primary School in Trowbridge have been learning all about art and great artists. Professional community arts company No Added Sugar came into the school to work with youngsters of all ages as part of the school's art week. Tim Carroll
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Motorist escapes road ban
A TROWBRIDGE motorist who was caught driving through the 30mph limit at Avebury at more than twice the that speed has been spared a driving ban because of his exemplary driving record. Computer specialist Damien Smith, 28, of Gloucester Road, Trowbridge
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Pigeon feeders warned they could go to prison
PEOPLE who continue to feed pigeons in Trowbridge town centre could soon face legal action. The town council has been trying for years to persuade people not to feed the birds, which have become a huge nuisance, and it now feels legal action may be its
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Plea for witnesses to assault on girls
A man assaulted and attempted to abduct three girls outside The Shires shopping centre in Trowbridge at about 4.45pm on Saturday, May 24. Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward, particularly a woman called Louise, the driver or passenger in
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Charlotte'sdoing well one year on
A YEAR after her family was told she had just months left to live, Trowbridge schoolgirl Charlotte Wakeham is still doing well. The eight-year-old was diagnosed with a rare and incurable brain tumour last year and her parents were told to prepare for
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Prince is charming
It's always nice when a member of the royal family visits west Wiltshire, particularly the future King. Crowds of people gathered in Bradford on Avon on Friday to catch a glimpse of Prince Charles who opened West Barn and a tea shop on the Kennet &
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Rainbow tops the scales
Catches last week at Chew Valley were dominated by big fish and topped by a rainbow trout which tipped the scales at 11lb 12oz. The fish fell to Gloucestershire angler Mike Cooke who took the fish while boat fishing in Villice Bay using a tiny size 12
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MP joins fair trade laws fight
A SWINDON MP joined charity activists to poke fun at, but give a serious message to, the world's leading statesmen. The volunteers donned masks imitating world leaders in protest at unfair trade laws which they say are doing untold harm to Africa. Julia
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It's so good to see you all again
MEMORIES of school days came flooding back at a reunion in Wootton Bassett. More than 100 former pupils and teachers of Wootton Bassett Secondary Modern School revived old friendships. The ex-pupils all attended the school, which was recently demolished
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Equalities Act is on the agenda
THE annual meeting of Swindon Coalition of Disabled People will be held on Monday at the Haydon Centre at 2pm Guest speaker Bert Massie will talk about Government proposals for a single Equalities Act and the setting up of a single Equalities Commission
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Players in West team
Five young chess players from Swindon have been called up to represent the West of England against Wales this weekend. Thirteen-year-olds Nicola Thomas, of Wroughton, and Daniel Hall, of Old Town, and Robbie Dams, 14, of Westlea, will all play for the
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The magic is spreading
I have just read the article relating to the Magic Roundabout's notoriety reaching Australia. I recently received an internal company email from a Swedish engineer, which he had received from a friend in Sweden. It comprised of three pictures of the Magic
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Come on, let's look after our own
THERE are many people of various nationalities who have come to this country and by hard work have become assets and fine citizens. However, there is another type of immigrant, armed terrorists who hi-jack planes and terrify passengers who are now being
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Trade rulings harm animals
MOST people will have heard of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) but many people are unaware how it is jeopardising vital animal welfare, environmental and human advances. Under WTO free trade rules, a country, or a group such as the European Union,
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Scouts go back home
A homeless scout group exiled when violent storms damaged its headquarters has returned home. A large section of felt roofing was torn from the 10th Chippenham Scout Group's Hut, in Westmead Lane, and rainwater flooded into the unprotected hut in the
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Warning on 'cold callers'
FIREFIGHTERS in Chippenham are urging people to be on their guard after a series of callers have been ringing residents, offering them bogus fire safety advice. The callers have been claiming to represent Wiltshire Fire Brigade and have offered people
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Fatal dose kills young heroin user
A 20-YEAR-OLD heroin user had more than six times the fatal dose of morphine in his blood when he died, an inquest heard on Thursday. Gary Willcox was found dead on his friend Stephen Pitt's sofa in Portway, Chippenham on Sept-ember 8, 2002. Mr Willcox
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New scheme will help to combat hard drug use
DRUG groups from Calne and Chippenham are helping launch a national government campaign calling for young people to talk about the taboo issue of hard drugs. Government figures reveal up to 36 per cent of young people in the south west have taken drugs
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Hunt for baby face attacker
POLICE say they are no closer to tracing an alleyway attacker who subjected a 20-year-old woman to a terrifying assault. The baby-faced attacker, who may have been caught on a CCTV camera running from the scene, grabbed the woman as she took a shortcut
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MALMES-BURIED
MALMESBURY were crushed by Wootton Bassett in an under 15 game in the Wiltshire Youth League. Bassett made 115 all out in 47 overs with Sam Lawro top scoring with 25. Luke Jenner, Daniel Cole and Jack Ward each took two wickets for Malmesbury. Robert
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Don't dismiss Leon's idea
THE idea of constructing a skate-board park in the Mechanics' Institute building will doubtless be anathema to some. But we hope that Mathew Singh, new owner of this Grade II* listed building, will seriously consider the suggestion from seven-year-old
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We should take this alley way!
MANY people whose lives are made a misery by vandals and petty law-breakers will regret that Swindon Council chiefs have yet to grasp the opportunity to close notorious alleys which are happy hunting grounds for these anti-social pests. The "high crime
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Injury drama at Wild West event
A VILLAGE Wild West Day proved more dramatic than expected when the air ambulance took an injured man to hospital on Monday. The middle-aged man, who has not been named, slipped down a steep slope on the Box recreation ground while carrying a picnic hamper
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Magazine has young workforce
YOUNG journalists from all over Wiltshire will meet at the Interactive Media Centre offices at Corsham Media Park today. The youngsters, aged 14 to 19, are taking part in a regional journalist selection day, where would-be magazine journalists will use
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Pensioner died as result of accident
A DISABLED pensioner died from a haemorrhage after being knocked from her wheelchair by a reversing van, an inquest found. MS sufferer Margaret Francis, 70, of Westrop, Corsham, was at Whitehall Garden Centre in Lacock on October 4 when the accident happened
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Pockeredge Farm battle continues
CAMPAIGNERS in Corsham are to continue their fight to stop a housing development on contaminated land despite the lodging of further planning applications. Corsham Residents Group has been battling to stop developers Persimmon Homes building a new 600
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Market's red, white et bleu
THE Corsham Twinning Association is looking for stalls to sign up for the French market at the end of June. The successful annual event raises money for local charities through a wide selection of stalls set up along the High Street. The market, held
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Students' scheme puts town on the map
INNOTIVE students have developed an award-winning marketing campaign to promote shops in Corsham town centre. The business studies sixth formers at Corsham School have formed a young enterprise group called Epiphany and have been working closely with
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Kids' down to earth plea
A YOUTH group is appealing for 160 tonnes of sub-soil to build a £10,000 BMX facility for youngsters. Corsham Youth Issues Committee says it needs the large donation of soil before work can begin on the site. The facility has been in the pipeline for
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'One last chance' for site
DEVELOPERS wanting to build an entertainment centre on the site of a former Chippenham nightclub have been give one last chance to make their project work. North Wiltshire District councillors at a make-or-break meeting on Wednesday night voted to give
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Row over roll led to arrest of addict mum
CALNE mother-of-four Angela Mann, a heroin addict introduced to the drug by her husband, was arrested after a petrol station fracas sparked by a bread roll, a court heard. On Wednesday last week at Chippenham Magistrates Court, Mann, 27, of Bishop Road
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Libraries prepare for Potter
LIBRARIANS in Wiltshire are getting ready for the return of Harry Potter mania as the countdown begins to the publication of his latest adventure. The county's library service has ordered 63 copies of Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix so at least
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Folk festival is fun for all
DESPITE the success of this year's Chippenham Folk Festival its organisers feel it has yet to realise its full potential. The festival, which took place over the bank holiday weekend, saw folk fans flock to the town in their thousands. It is estimated
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Late night Wigglybus cancelled after abuse
ABUSE by drunken teenagers of the Wigglybus service has resulted in one of the Friday night runs being dropped. Drivers have been sworn at and some of the young passengers heading home after a night out in Pewsey have been sick on the bus, said Wigglybus
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Store in line for new look
ALLDAYS, in Malmesbury High Street, will be closed for most of next week for a refit. The Co-operative Group bought all 600 Alldays shops across the UK in October and the Malmesbury store will be the first in Wiltshire to have a £150,000 makeover. The
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Lafarge to test rail wagons
A new rail transport system is being tested for the first time at Westbury Cement Works next month, taking cement out of the factory by train instead of by lorry. Lafarge Cement is beginning a trial of a new system of multi-purpose rail wagons that can
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A350 death crash driver facing jail
Lorry driver Ian Lawrence has been told he faces prison after falling asleep at the wheel and killing another motorist. And a court heard it was the fourth time in just over 18 months Lawrence, of Browning Close, Exeter, had crashed into the back of other
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Go to work in a virtual office
HARTHAM Park, near Corsham, has launched a virtual office service to help new companies start off in style. The Alkemi Virtual Office is a business service that provides firms with an answering and fax service alongside the use of a prestigious business
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Cars broken into
SIX cars were broken into on the Leigh Park estate in Westbury between 10.30pm on Thursday and 7am on Friday. Among the items stolen from the cars in Fell Road and Shire Way were CD players and a pair of binoculars. Thieves also stole 20 needles and syringes
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MiMi escapes Euro flop
A TEENAGE singer from Westbury has had a lucky escape after not representing the UK at the Eurovision song contest on Saturday. Sixteen-year-old MiMi reached the final of the Song for Europe competition that decided who would go on to the contest but
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It's non-stop entertainment on Greek island tour
AFTER the success of last year's tour to Ibiza, Heytesbury Cricket Club travelled to Corfu for this year's tour. The mixed party of 20 consisted of players, social players and some partners. With little time to acclimatise, except for a familiarisation
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No jail term for bag thief
A 37-year-old man who sped away from police after snatching a woman's bag at Bowood House country park has walked free from court. David Antill had three children in the back of his car as he overtook in the face of oncoming traffic on the A350 near Melksham
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Man in benefit fraud
A 42-year-old Melksham man claimed incapacity benefit for more than five years even though he was working most of that time. Lascall Allison thought as he was suffering from depression he was entitled to the money even though he was earning a wage. Now
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Concern over vehicle dumping
THREE burnt out cars have been removed from land near a bank in Melksham. Following complaints from residents, Cllr Gordon Cox helped to remove the three rusting vehicles from the back of Natwest bank in Lowbourne. He is concerned about the number of
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New-look store set to reopen
SHOPPERS in Melksham will soon benefit from a multi-million pound revamp of a major supermarket. The £5m refurbishment programme has seen the store expand, increasing its floor space from 16,000 sq ft to 26,000 sq ft. With 20,000 lines and many new departments
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Campaign secures extra street lights
A WORRIED Melksham resident has won his fight for extra streetlights along a popular route after concerns were raised about the safety of people walking alone. A campaign set up by Shaun Oakman secured six extra lights, costing around £5,000, along a
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Councillors welcome idea of hospital
With reference to the idea of a larger hospital for Trowbridge, it is worth examining the proposals of another primary care trust in financial difficulties. The Kennet and North Wilts Primary Care Trust, who also have a major financial deficit, plan to
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Lottery boost for groups
ELEVEN west Wiltshire groups are celebrating after learning their lottery bids have been successful. The groups have won grants ranging from £700 to £5,000 under the Lottery Awards for All scheme designed to give cash sums to 'grass root' community groups
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A350 death crash driver facing jail
Lorry driver Ian Lawrence has been told he faces prison after falling asleep at the wheel and killing another motorist. And a court heard it was the fourth time in just over 18 months Lawrence, of Browning Close, Exeter, had crashed into the back of other
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Friend recalls fond memories of murdered schoolgirl Zoe
A FRIEND of murdered schoolgirl Zoe Evans has spoken of the pain she still feels six years after her death. Kayleigh Bremner, 16, has just started sitting her GCSE exams and would have loved for her close friend to be by her side to offer moral support
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Council objects to bid to keep rural buffer
PLANS to keep the rural buffer between Swindon and Wootton Bassett have been attacked by Swindon Borough Council. The borough council has lodged an official objection to the North Wiltshire Local Plan, which lays out how many houses can be built in the
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A welcome fit for a prince
A roaring crowd greeted Prince Charles in Bradford on Avon on Friday when he visited the town to open two historic landmarks. Arriving in glorious sunshine, the royal helicopter landed in Victory Fields and from there the Prince was escorted to Barton
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Our photographer snaps up award
DRAMATIC pictures of a race crash and a portrait of a young amputee in war-torn Sierra Leone have helped scoop a top media award for Wiltshire Times photographer Trevor Porter. The inaugural Wiltshire Media Awards, organised by the county branch of the
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Royal tribute to canal restorers
THE Prince of Wales paid tribute to the volunteers whose enthusiasm and dedication led to the saving of the Kennet and Avon Canal from dereliction and closure when he visited the Caen Hill flight of locks in Devizes on Friday. The prince flew in by helicopter
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A350 death crash driver facing jail
Lorry driver Ian Lawrence has been told he faces prison after falling asleep at the wheel and killing another motorist. And a court heard it was the fourth time in just over 18 months Lawrence, of Browning Close, Exeter, had crashed into the back of other
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School makes boy stand out in rain
AN ANGRY mother has blasted a Warminster school after her asthmatic son was made to stand in the pouring rain during a PE lesson. Samantha Mowat, 37, of The Beeches, Warminster said that her son Jordan, 14, was unfairly punished after forgetting his PE
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Westwood seek new manager
Westwood Football Club (Bradford-On-Avon) are starting their mid-summer sessions on Wednesdays from next week at 7pm. Players interested in joining for next season in either the Saturday or Sunday teams are welcome. The club also needs a manager or player-manager
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Less tax, more power
VW: Volkswagen has launched a new version of the Passat V6 TDi with more power, greater economy and improved emissions. The V6 TDi is the first VW diesel in the UK to meet the tougher Euro 4 emissions standards, which will come into effect from the start
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Make a date in your diary for the show
NEC: A new date, new name and a host of new attractions will wow the crowds at Britain's biggest consumer show at the NEC in Birmingham, when the lights come on and the doors open to the public on May 26 2004. The British International Motor Show Live
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'Shapely front and ample rear'
IT'S rare to receive a genuine shock when taking to the road in a small hatchback never mind two! The first, which I'll come back to later, came before I had moved an inch in the new Renault Megane. The second, once I was actually moving, was that the
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New petrol Kia Sorento
Hot on the heels of the success of the common-rail turbodiesel Sorento, Kia is launching a high performance 24-valve 3.5-litre V6 petrol version. Available only in the higher XS specification and with an automatic gearbox, the car is priced at £21,995
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Test-drive bonanza Mazda MX-5
Autocar magazine has just voted the Mazda MX-5 as the best driver's car under £15,000 and now is the opportunity to find out why through the National Mazda MX-5 test drive weekend. On Saturday May 31 and Sunday June 1, Mazda dealers will be opening their
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Know the drink-drive limit before you go...
Small bottles of strong European beer, some almost as potent as half a bottle of wine, may land UK motorists in serious drink-driving trouble on the continent, warns the AA. And combined with lower legal tolerance levels for alcohol in drivers' blood
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Husband stands trial for murder
THE TRIAL of Randle Williams is set to begin next week at Bristol Crown Court. Williams, 43, is accused of murdering his 33-year-old wife Natalie last April and leaving her body in the River Avon, close to their Bradford on Avon home. Natalie, a part-time
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Thousands raised at fun day
THE LIONS CLUB family fun day in Bradford on Avon on Bank Holiday Mon-day raised thousands of pounds for charity. The Lions, who raised just over £2,000 last year, say the crowds of happy fair-goers have helped them make this year's event a fundraising
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Wood makes it a hat-trick for Bath
Bath RUGBY have signed Wasps scrum-half Martyn Wood. The 26-year-old joins props David Flatman and Duncan Bell as Bath's third new recruit as they target an improved Zurich Premiership campaign next. Wood played for Wasps against Bath in Sunday's Parker
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Bypass dilemma
RON Roberts' letter urging a quick decision on a bypass route for Westbury and suggesting that recently-built roads provide pleasant drives for motorists is both interesting and revealing. It implies that the countryside is something primarily to be enjoyed
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Thoughtless driving
ON Friday May 23, I parked my blue Peugeot 106 in the One Stop car park, opposite The Black Horse in Frome Road, Trowbridge. Between 11am and 6pm it was reversed into causing extensive damage to the near side back door. I would therefore like to ask the
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A36 scheme is vital
IN response to your article 'More Carnage on the A36', I am concerned about the chairman of the CPRE's West Wilts group's comments. Mrs Marx accuses the county council of using "a hammer to crack a nut". The county council's scheme for the three-mile
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Go green in a scheme to clean-up
PEOPLE in Penhill are being urged to go green. A host of activities are being held next weekend in a bid to get more people involved in local environmental issues. Events are being organised as part of a Have A Say Day on Sunday, June 7. The Penhill Forum
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Yorkie's living on borrowed time ...
THIS cute-looking Yorkshire terrier is living on borrowed time. The 10-year-old was found by Swindon Council and taken to the dog pound near the Drove Road Veterinary Surgery. Dog warden for Swindon Borough Council, Kay Giblett, said: "It's looking extremely
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Buyers queue for homes
EAGER house buyers are camping at a village near Calne to keep their places in the race to own dream homes. Over 20 families are camped at Lower Compton so they will be on the spot when Annington Homes opens up a sale of former Ministry of Defence properties
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New scheme will help to combat hard drug use
DRUG groups from Calne and Chippenham are helping launch a national government campaign calling for young people to talk about the taboo issue of hard drugs. Government figures reveal up to 36 per cent of young people in the south west have taken drugs
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Store is targeted by hole in wall gang
THIEVES who attempted to break into a supermarket cash room by drilling through a weak point in the wall, were put to flight by a police helicopter. The criminals prised a large stone from the wall at Sainsbury's in Calne, where its cash machines are
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Cash crisis at college
MEETINGS are set to be held between managements at the crisis-hit Wiltshire College and staff unions. The college, which caters for 30,000 students at sites including Trowbridge and Chippenham, is £1.8 million in the red and is being forced to make cutbacks
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Rally celebrates 30th
MORE than 300 enthusiasts exhibited their pride and joy at Selwood Steam and Vintage Vehicle Preservation Society's annual rally over the Bank Holiday weekend. The three-day event, now in its 30th year, drew more than 2,000 people to its new site at Southwick
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Boundary changes planned
CHANGES to electoral boundaries in Wiltshire are in the pipeline to shore up inequalities in the voting system. Problems with the make-up of Wiltshire wards have led to the Boundary Committee proposing sweeping changes to the way they are divided. In
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Bright future for Starry successes
A YOUNG man who won last year's Starry Eyes talent contest in Trowbridge with his rendition of Will Young's Light My Fire is hoping to follow in his hero's footsteps. Chris Underwood, 20, is travelling to London next week to audition for the latest series
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MiMi escapes Euro flop
A TEENAGE singer from Westbury has had a lucky escape after not representing the UK at the Eurovision song contest on Saturday. Sixteen-year-old MiMi reached the final of the Song for Europe competition that decided who would go on to the contest but
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Fighting for top town sites
TWO key developers have ordered survey work to be carried out on prime town centre sites as the pressure to profit from the Vision for Trowbridge project hots-up. Glowbright and St Stephens Place Ltd, which together own the old Peter Black factory site
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Young actress bound for Hollywood
A RISING star who began her career at a west Wiltshire school is set to take her place in Hollywood. Romola Garai, who started acting while at Stonar School, Atworth, looks set to become one of the nation's hottest new stars with headline roles in Dirty
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Pensioner robbed
TROWBRIDGE Police are appealing for witnesses after a distraction burglary in which a 94-year-old woman was robbed of a locket given to her by her late husband 70 years ago. The incident happened at about midday on Monday at Polebarn Road, close to the
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Town's floral fair is bloomin' marvellous
FLOWERS and plants were the theme of a street fair in Trowbridge at the weekend. People flocked to the floral fair in the town centre on Saturday to see a wide range of plants and flowers, as well as stalls run by local charities and community groups.
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Identity should be made public
Magistrates refused to lift the anonymity of a 13-year-old boy even though he had committed more than a dozen serious crimes in the last five months. Surely, people have the right to know who he is as nobody deserves to go unnamed if they show a complete
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Town's uni bid goes on
THE possibility of an 8,000 student University of Bath campus coming here will depend on whether the Swindon Local Plan can be amended. The University of Bath, which already has a Swindon campus at the former Oakfield School in Walcot, has given its backing
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Number nightmare nears end for clinic
HAVING received hundreds of calls and lost thousands of pounds in business, staff at a Wroughton Chiropractic Clinic are admitting defeat and changing their telephone number. The Ridgeway Chiropractic Clinic was bombarded by dozens of calls intended for
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Duo get on their bikes for appeal
SWINDON CANCER APPEAL:Dave Trollope and Colin Price are thanking their lucky stars their bicycles are fitted with gel seats. That is because the two men are preparing to take part in a 25-mile bike ride for our Swindon Cancer Appeal. Dave, a sales and
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Learn about the FAST way which may help get that job vacancy
IF you have a certificate in first aid it could be the deciding factor if you are one of a line of people competing for a job vacancy. And FAST, short for First Aid Safety and Training, could help you to get the qualification. It trains safety and first
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Mystery jets dislodged slates on roofs of homes
A PENSIONER from Lyneham says fighter jets flying near the RAF base have dislodged slates from his roof but the base denies all knowledge. Retired engineer Peter Blackman, 65, lives in Chippenham Road with wife Brenda, a retired school canteen manageress
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Fun in the sun
BOYS and girls came out to play as the sun shone down on their half term break. But forecasters are warning the blistering temperatures will not last when the pupils return to school. That did not bother youngsters at Highworth's outdoor pool though,
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Easing the stress of work
A SENIOR nurse who became so disheartened with the NHS that she took early retirement has set up her own clinical practice. Jan Long from Ashton Keynes retired two years ago and has just launched her business, a personal and professional development centre
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Banking on new nurses
THE Great Western Hospital is recruiting more nurses to register with its nurse bank which supplies cover during staff shortages. The Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust, which is responsible for running the hospital, has had a nurse bank for the past five
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A bird's eye view of life
There are few better ways to see the glory of the Wiltshire countryside than from the air. But planes, helicopters and hot air balloons can all weigh heavy on the purse strings. However, in a field one mile outside Shrivenham lies a haven for the flying
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Now the target is £30,000
A CHURCH which has been the site of nearly a thousand years of worship is in need of restoration. Cricklade's St Mary's Church at the north end of the High Street is one of many ancient buildings to be found in the town and the place of worship for the
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We'll feel safer
PENHILL residents have welcomed plans to instal CCTV cameras at a shopping parade targeted by vandals and anti-social youths. Swindon Council has been given £36,000 to install cameras at the Hannington Close shopping parade. The money will also be used
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Next time you read a rant against the EU, think why
In the United States no foreign national can own an American newspaper. Regrettably the same is not true in Britain. Much of the right wing media in this country is owned by North American business interests, most notably by News International, who also
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Time to eat at the pub
If your local pub serves local produce, then now is your chance to reward it! The Countryside Alliance's Campaign for Honest Food has launched Local to Locals, a competition to celebrate local produce and encourage pub visitors to take more interest in
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... or move it to new university
I WILL be surprised (but extremely delighted) if a viable use is found for the Mechanics' at its present location that will satisfy the owner, the conservationists, the residents living locally and be accepted by a majority of the rest of society. I would
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The Mechanics' as pop venue
IN response to your article about the Mechanics' Institute I would like to put forward a suggestion: As a musician with a local band and knowing many of the local artists what we need in this town is a good size local music venue. Somewhere for not just
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Stroke Association
THE Stroke Association has more than 4,000 volunteers who selflessly give up their time to support stroke patients throughout England and Wales. Volunteers Week is in June 1-7 and we would like to take the opportunity to say thank you to all our volunteers
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Polish twinning is an excellent idea
IN Response to Mr Titcombe's letter in the Advertiser of May 22 expressing scepticism as to the benefits of the recent twinning agreement between Swindon and Torun. Obviously we should keep an eye on what the Council gets up to, but this time I think
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Team in charity challenge
STAFF at a Chippenham IT company and a Corsham MoD base are preparing to take part in a gruelling three-day event in Snowdonia to help raise money for charity. Employees at Quicksilva, based in Kington Langley, and a team of workers from the Defence Communication
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Trashasaurus
PARENTS have gone back to school with their children for a Trashasaurus family learning day. The event at Langley Fitzurse School in Kington Langley, saw more than 30 families gather for fun and learning last weekend. Nicknamed the Trashasaurus Day because
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Rewarded for contribution
THREE hard-working women have been rewarded for their services to the community with a Chippenham Civic Award. Phyllis Morgan, Margaret Wade and Ivy Ward have each been selected to win an award by Chippenham Town Council. They will receive a certificate
