Archive
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Belly dancers ready to do their bit for appeal
SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: The Swindon Cancer Appeal which yesterday passed the £200,000 mark, means we are a third of the way to our target. And fundraising events in and around Swindon are still being organised with gusto. A group of belly dancers are preparing
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Football club now needs fresh ideas
THE demise of a "hero" is always sad. The king is dead, long live the king. That is how I initially view the departure of Tommy Saunders from Chippenham Town. One hopes that in future historical reviews of the Bluebirds I will honestly recall that Tommy
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Man stole for his children
ROOFER Gilbert Bray was under pressure from his partner to steal to support his two young children, Chippenham magistrates heard. Bray, of Kenmare Road, in Knowlewest, Bristol, who appeared in court on Thursday, pleaded guilty to the theft of six inkjet
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Dream is dashed in reality home show
A new BBC television programme will focus on one woman's battle to build a grand timber house at Calstone, near Calne. Television cameras filmed North Wiltshire District Council's development control committee at a meeting last week when members threw
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Homes situation is sick
It is not true to say that council planners need to find more countryside for 3,400 houses, to cope with the growth of the town over the next 13 years (Adver, Have a say on how town should grow, Nov 11). Land is earmarked for building an additional 9,000
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Pensioner boycotts church in poppy row
VETERAN poppy collector Nesta Heath, whose father died fighting in the First World War, boycotted her church's Remembrance Day service after learning it keeps the collection. Mrs Heath, 74, said it is the first time in almost a decade she and husband
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Sports heroes inspire kids
ENERGY levels reached critical at Chippenham's Sheldon School on Friday as hundreds of children exercised with their sporting heroes to raise cash for charity. The 750 children, aged between 11 and 13, spent a minute on each of four different exercises
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Two homes for one rejected
Plans to knock down a bungalow to make way for two new houses in Kington Langley have been thrown out after parish councillors expressed fears about urbanisation. North Wiltshire District Council's development control committee refused controversial plans
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Dyson doubles its profits
Dyson looks set to double its profits this year after its controversial decision to move manufacturing from Malmesbury to Malaysia. In August the company announced washing machine manufacturing would be following in the footsteps of vacuum cleaner production
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Farmer is told he can stay on in caravan
Farmer Lance Beale has been given permission to live in a mobile home on his land in Bromham for another 12 months, despite failing to produce a detailed business plan. Councillors on Kennet District Council's regulatory committee went against their planning
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Social services are among the worst in the country
SWINDON Social Services is among the seven worst out of 150 authorities in the country. These are the shocking findings of the Social Services Directorate which gave the department no stars in its rating. Last year the department's head officer resigned
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Pupils peep behind bars
Luckington schoolchildren enjoyed a trip behind bars when they visited the village lock-up last week. Headteacher Haydn Reynolds took 12 pupils from year five and six to the spooky cell, which is now used as storage space by the parish council. "The children
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Calne Town 2 Larkhall Athletic 0
CALNE'S joy at progressing to the third round of the Les Phillips Cup could be tempered by the possible departure of star striker Glenn Armstrong. The prolific striker notched 28 goals for the club last season and was on target again in the victory over
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Social services are among the worst in the country
SWINDON Social Services is among the seven worst out of 150 authorities in the country. These are the shocking findings of the Social Services Directorate which gave the department no stars in its rating. Last year the department's head officer resigned
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Polly to get a sister tea room in the city
ONE of Wiltshire's most famous cafes, Marlborough's Polly Tea Rooms, is to acquire a sister restaurant. Owner Sir Brian Mussell, who bought the business two years ago, and his new partner Christopher McHugh are opening a second Polly in Salisbury. The
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Thorne backs sacking move
WAYNE Thorne says the Chippenham Town players feel like they have had a weight lifted off their shoulders following Tommy Saunders' departure. Thorne said while Saunders had achieved unrivalled success for the club he felt it was time for a change. "Tommy
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Vintage trip to help children
Wine-tasting Rotarians will be taking a vintage trip to France to raise money for Children in Need. The South Cotswolds Rotary Club will be driving from Tetbury on Sunday on a wine run to the Burgundy and Beaujolais region. They are running a competition
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Chance to make a real difference
ONCE again the Gazette and Herald has joined forces with the Salvation Army to make Christmas a bit more cheery for needy families in Wiltshire. Last year hundreds of toys were given to the appeal and were then passed on by the Salvation Army to parents
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Freelance journalist banned from driving
FREELANCE journalist Alun Rees will have to chase his scoops without the use of a car after being banned from driving. Rees, 54, from Downsway, Ogbourne St Andrew, near Marlborough, admitted drink driving when he appeared before Kennet magistrates in
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Sacked newsagent tells of ordeal
NEWSAGENT Peter Clare, who successfully took his former employer to an industrial tribunal for unfair dismissal, has told how the ordeal has made him an outcast in his village. The tribunal held in Bristol last month found that Mr Clare, 59, of Valley
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Land users fear for the future of the countryside
Ref. 27770-16The council's plans have been met with a combination of outrage and confusion. Most residents and land users around Coate think developing the area would be disastrous and destroy what little countryside is left in Swindon. Emily Self has
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Teens know about sex but not loving
WITH regard to the article Trying to Reduce Teen Pregnancies children today know full well what causes pregnancies. Sadly, a great many of them do not care, thinking it cannot possibly happen to them. Let's face it TV is so explicit, who could fail to
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Arts funding still in limbo
THE future funding of North Wiltshire's arts festivals is still in limbo after signs the new system of localised financing is failing. North Wiltshire District Council scrapped its arts festivals budget this year and asked its area committees to support
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Please listen
I wish to thank the Gazette and many others for the growing cross party and public campaign to persuade Wiltshire County Council to at least consider some improved traffic management along the A4 between Chippenham and Calne. No doubt one objection will
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Youngsters push for broadband
A GROUP of young people has been assisting a campaign to get broadband high speed Internet available in villages including Baydon and Lambourne. Youngsters from Baydon volunteered to spread the word about a local company's innovative solution for bridging
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New homes 'will be good for everyone'
Developers hoping to build new homes on the site of the former Slaughterford paper mill say they would protect the land, not ruin it. The plans include a £1 million project to clean up the rural site, which the devlopers claim is contaminated with soil
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Shops mall to get new look
A facelift is on the cards for Chippenham's Emery Gate shopping centre. North Wiltshire District Council's development control committee gave the green light on Wednesday to plans for a revamp. Management company Long Eagle Retail wants to give the shopping
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Colerne 12 Marlborough 22
MARLBOROUGH avenged their defeat by Colerne at the end of last season, with a hard-fought victory on the road. They were ahead early on, thanks to a well-worked try from right winger George Fox. Marlborough should have been several scores to the good.
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Mystery over cyclist's death
POLICE have issued an appeal for witnesses after 20-year-old Philip Bradley died from injuries sustained when he was run over by car at Netheravon on Friday. Police say the local driver, who they have not named, was unable to avoid colliding with Mr Bradley
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Village lights up for day of festive fun and games
DECEMBER 6, PEWSEY: THE switching on of the Christmas lights in Pewsey will take place during a new event organised to bring the community together. The Christmas Fair on December 6 is being spearheaded by the Pewsey Area Community Trust. Each of the
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Sacked newsagent tells of ordeal
NEWSAGENT Peter Clare, who successfully took his former employer to an industrial tribunal for unfair dismissal, has told how the ordeal has made him an outcast in his village. The tribunal held in Bristol last month found that Mr Clare, 59, of Valley
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Villagers are to plant trees
VILLAGERS in Poulshot, near Devizes, are hoping to turn the clock back by planting 1,500 native trees on former allotment land in the village. Poulshot means Paul's Wood but it has been many years since the village, once the haunt of highwayman Thomas
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Disabled woman upset over abuse in car park
WELL known Pewsey woman Jill Thompson claims she was the victim of car park rage by someone who refused to believe she is a disabled driver. Mrs Thompson, who works in the family's car repair business, Whatleys in Pewsey, has had a disabled badge in her
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Air your views on planning blueprint
CHANGES to the planning blueprint for Wiltshire have been released and a series of roadshows arranged for the public to give their views. The Wiltshire and Swindon Structure Plan originally covered the period up to 2011 but the county council plans to
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Ball of frogs finds a home
A FROGGIE sculpture has finally found a home four years after first being commissioned to celebrate the Millennium. Judy Boyt's ball of frogs sculpture is to go on the steps next to the Wharf Theatre on the edge of the Kennet and Avon Canal in the centre
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Youth workers take to street beat again
Youth workers have returned to the streets of Malmesbury to talk to teenagers about alcohol and drug problems, as well as getting their views on how they are treated in the town. The project began in October 2002 but was put on hold when community worker
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Welton Rovers 0 Melksham Town 0
MELKSHAM bounced back from last week's home thrashing by Backwell with a very creditable point an in-form Welton side. The visitors started and finished the game well and had chances to pinch a 1-0 victory but in the end had to settle for a valuable point
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Miracle escape as car plunges on to railway
The Rover saloon that crashed through the parapet of Broken Cross Bridge near Ford is lifted clear of the Salisbury to London Railway lineA DRIVER had a miraculous escape when her car ploughed through the parapet of Broken Cross Bridge, near Ford, and
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Perfect for presents
TOWNS throughout Wiltshire are discovering the benefits of recovering their historic past but few have done so as successfully as Devizes with its superb Old Swan Yard development. The White Swan was a coaching inn which was virtually lost to the town
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Iraq crisis focus of service
The parade marches through Amesbury.THE continuing conflict in Iraq was the focus of attention at Remembrance services across south Wiltshire on Sunday. There were prayers for those serving in Iraq and for the families who had lost loved ones in the campaign
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Another cruelty
It's now 8.30 on Bonfire Night evening. I live on the edge of Calne and we have suffered a continuous barrage of bangs caused by fireworks for the last two hours. I am not exaggerating when I say the bangs can be heard every few seconds. No doubt they
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Davies happy to be back (again)
DEFENDER Gareth Davies said the departure of former manager Tommy Saunders had nothing to do with his return to the Chippenham Town fold last weekend. The former Swindon Town and Reading player admitted he and Saunders had had their differences. But he
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Thorne backs sacking move
WAYNE Thorne says the Chippenham Town players feel like they have had a weight lifted off their shoulders following Tommy Saunders' departure. Thorne said while Saunders had achieved unrivalled success for the club he felt it was time for a change. "Tommy
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Chance of revenge over the Rangers
CHIPPENHAM Town entertain Stafford Rangers this weekend looking to avenge their defeat in the reverse fixture earlier this season. The Staffordshire club, who along with Crawley Town, Nuneaton Borough and Weymouth are being considered championship contenders
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Great kit . . . now they need a goal!
Ref. 27758-45Dubbed the worst dressed footie team in the UK, New Town United now have a new kit and their eyes on getting off the bottom of the league NEW Town United have won a national footballing accolade but the title has nothing to do with their
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Landlord wins court battle with rock star
LICENSEE Gary Marlow has been awarded £40,000 High Court damages over the cancellation of a concert by rock star Van Morrison that he claimed brought his Everleigh business to the point of collapse. Mr Marlow who bought The Crown in 1997 sued the 57-year-old
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Emotional day for graduands
Granduands attend the Salisbury Graduation ceremony.FROM building-site management to beauty, and psychodynamic counselling to photography, Salisbury College students have graduated in an enormous variety of subjects. The successful graduands gathered
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1,800 homes to go here?
Ref. 22898Swindon will see 14,000 new homes springing up over the next eight years. But because Front Garden properties may not be built in time, Coate could become another estate. FARMLAND next to Coate Water is next on the list for development. Swindon
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Bins won't help
REGARDING the subject of wheelie bins, some very relevant points have been raised in recent letters to your newspaper against the use of these bins and considering the cost of them I fail to see any advantage at all in using them. We are also being issued
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At last! We've got somewhere to play
Ref. 27748-05CHILDREN and staff at Lydiard Millicent Pre-School raised more than £2,700 for a fenced play area. A series of fundraising events have taken place during the past year, including a bingo evening, a raffle and bottle stalls. The 18 children
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Arts funding still in limbo
THE future funding of North Wiltshire's arts festivals is still in limbo after signs the new system of localised financing is failing. North Wiltshire District Council scrapped its arts festivals budget this year and asked its area committees to support
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Pals cook up a starry dish
FOOD fans Pat Paine and Averil Hicks, enjoyed half an hour of fame on Monday afternoon, when they appeared in their favourite show, Ready, Steady Cook. Mrs Paine, 69, of Pewsham, in Chippenham, applied to appear on the BBC 2 hit-show with best pal Mrs
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Sunday market loses the vote
Coun Charles VernonIN a dramatic U-turn Malmesbury Town Council has abolished the town's Sunday market after a bitter feud between councillors and traders came to a head this week. Town traders claimed they had seen a significant loss in their takings
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Wootton Bassett Town 0, Pewsey Vale 2
Pewsey Vale picked up their first league points since late September at the expense of fellow league strugglers Wootton Bassett. With both teams desperate for points this match was always going to be a hard fought contest. An under-par performance by
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Vintage trip to help children
Wine-tasting Rotarians will be taking a vintage trip to France to raise money for Children in Need. The South Cotswolds Rotary Club will be driving from Tetbury on Sunday on a wine run to the Burgundy and Beaujolais region. They are running a competition
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Cool thoughts of home
Now returning home after a six-month tour of duty, Hullavington's 9 Supply regiment have played an integral part in establishing order in Iraq's second largest city, Basra. Initially deployed on a three-month mission, the fuel riots in the city on August
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Dyson doubles its profits
Dyson looks set to double its profits this year after its controversial decision to move manufacturing from Malmesbury to Malaysia. In August the company announced washing machine manufacturing would be following in the footsteps of vacuum cleaner production
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Projects rely on land sale
THE delayed sale of the Filands School site could hold up education projects across the county. If Wiltshire County Council does not receive money from the sale by April 2005 it may have to reduce the capital programme budget. The council would have to
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Pupils peep behind bars
Luckington schoolchildren enjoyed a trip behind bars when they visited the village lock-up last week. Headteacher Haydn Reynolds took 12 pupils from year five and six to the spooky cell, which is now used as storage space by the parish council. "The children
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Youth workers take to street beat again
Youth workers have returned to the streets of Malmesbury to talk to teenagers about alcohol and drug problems, as well as getting their views on how they are treated in the town. The project began in October 2002 but was put on hold when community worker
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Parish to see Abbey extension plans
A PRESENTATION to the parish on the million pound extension of Malmesbury Abbey will be held on Sunday followed by a public presentation on November 25. Bill Wilson, co-secretary of the project steering group, said the public meeting would be held in
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Ben's double seals local derby victory
MARLBOROUGH Town ran out 3-1 winners over Pewsey Vale in a lively local derby in the under 16s Red Division of the Wiltshire Times and Chippenham News Mid-Wilts Youth and Minor League. Pewsey were unlucky not to open the scoring, hitting a post and seeing
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Fight as man is arrested
THREE police officers were involved in a scuffle when they arrested a suspected fraudster in a Marlborough bank on Monday. Staff in the HSBC Bank in the High Street became suspicious of the activities of a customer at lunchtime on Monday. Three officers
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Readers donate £6,000 to help Rachel
THE dream of moving unaided for the first time in years is about to come true for paralysed Salisbury woman Rachel Coxon. Just three weeks after the Journal reported Rachel's plight, generous readers have donated almost £6,000 to help her buy a wheelchair
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Davies happy to be back (again)
DEFENDER Gareth Davies said the departure of former manager Tommy Saunders had nothing to do with his return to the Chippenham Town fold last weekend. The former Swindon Town and Reading player admitted he and Saunders had had their differences. But he
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Mystery over cyclist's death
POLICE have issued an appeal for witnesses after 20-year-old Philip Bradley died from injuries sustained when he was run over by car at Netheravon on Friday. Police say the local driver, who they have not named, was unable to avoid colliding with Mr Bradley
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'We are committed to improvement'
Ref. 25598-39Keith Skerman - the man with the task of turning around the failing fortunes of Swindon's social services department - has issued a robust defence against the findings of the report. While he accepts that standards need to improve, Mr Skerman
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Safety cameras have a vital role to play
In response to the letter by R Millbourn from Marlborough (Gazette, November 6) I would like to take this opportunity to dispel R Millbourn's misconceptions of how we operate the Safety Camera Project in Wiltshire. The enforcement vans are not just on
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Shops mall to get new look
A facelift is on the cards for Chippenham's Emery Gate shopping centre. North Wiltshire District Council's development control committee gave the green light on Wednesday to plans for a revamp. Management company Long Eagle Retail wants to give the shopping
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Danielli eyes a comeback
BATH flyer Simon Danielli will use the experience of testing himself against two of the most feared wingers in world rugby to try and force his way back into a Bath side taking the English domestic season by storm Danielli's World Cup adventure ended
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New homes 'will be good for everyone'
Developers hoping to build new homes on the site of the former Slaughterford paper mill say they would protect the land, not ruin it. The plans include a £1 million project to clean up the rural site, which the devlopers claim is contaminated with soil
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Welcome for new patrols
COMMUNITY police officers Mark McIntyre and Terry Lee have been greeted with open arms on their new beat in Redland, Chippenham. After enjoying six months of success on the Pewsham estate, the officers are broadening their remit to include Redland and
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Logo designer keeps his eye on the ball
GRAPHIC designer David Galbraith, of West Lavington near Devizes, has scored a winning goal by signing up football clubs to sell his football gift items. Though he is not a football fan, Mr Galbraith's designs have been snapped up by more than 28 Premiership
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Sally forth and bring a smile to face of a child
THE Gazette and Herald has once again joined forces with the Salvation Army in a bid to make Christmas extra special for needy families in the county. Last year our readers gave hundreds of gifts that were passed on via the Salvation Army to parents who
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Projects rely on land sale
THE delayed sale of the Filands School site could hold up education projects across the county. If Wiltshire County Council does not receive money from the sale by April 2005 it may have to reduce the capital programme budget. The council would have to
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Pewsey Vale 2 Brackley Town 3
A CONTROVERSIAL first half penalty and a second half own goal left Pewsey still vainly looking for their first league points since the last week in September. Despite taking the lead and later bringing the score back to 2-2 an own goal credited to Brian
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Plans to improve Lord's Walk
PLANS to improve wheelchair access and make Lord's Walk in Amesbury a safer place have been drawn up by Amesbury town council. Councillors are proposing to implement a number of improvements, including widening and relaying the current path and creating
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I have got a lot to offer says old Bailey
FORMER Exeter City and Readingmidfielder Danny Bailey has been drafted in to help Chippenham climb the table. The 37-year-old was at Weymouth last season but had been without a club since August until he received a call from Adie Mings last week. Now,
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Beast is Back
JEREL IFIL is County Ground-bound for two months but it is far from certain that 'the beast' will be contained in Wiltshire for as long as Andy King would like. Watford had indicated they were only prepared to let the 21-year-old join Town for a month
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Play needs a few extras
FOLLOWING two successful audition sessions the principal roles in Marlborough's 800th anniversary town play are being cast this week. Auditions took place in St Mary's Church and at the town hall and, over the two weekends, 40 townspeople tried out for
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Tributes pour in for Eric
TRIBUTES have been pouring in for Eric Smith, a former Mayor of Thamesdown, who died this week after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Eric, who was a local councillor for 30 years, was mayor of the council that was replaced by Swindon Council from
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Lesson for bosses in winning respect
Ref. 27765-13THE bosses of Swindon's top businesses gathered at the crack of dawn yesterday in order to learn how to better bond with their employees. Martin Coburn of business consultants Si Group led a breakfast seminar on management style at the Blunsdon
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Court orders lout to halt reign of terror
RESIDENTS of a quiet Corsham neighbourhood pray that thug David Clements' three-year reign of terror is at an end after he received North Wiltshire's first anti-social behaviour order. The group of six neighbours, including four pensioners, say the 27
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Shield boost for Bluebirds
CHIPPENHAM TOWN claimed a confidence boosting 4-0 win over local rivals Swindon Supermarine in the Wiltshire Premier Shield semi-final last night, with a host of candidates for the vacant Bluebirds' managerial position looking on. Three goals in five
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CAT 20 Calne 3
CALNE captain Mike Charlwood stood firm on his decision to start the very young and inexperienced team, that consisted of three new recruits, selected due to their commitment to the mid week training sessions. Under great pressure he resisted starting
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Club joins our protest
As backing for our A4 safety campaign continues to grow, people living on the stretch of the road between Beckhampton and Marlborough have added their voices to the protest. NIGEL KERTON and DEBBIE WAITE report Derry Hill Boys Football Club has given
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Has council scored an own goal?
THE farmland near Coate Water is one of the few remaining green lungs left separating Swindon from the M4. Now Swindon Council has announced it will be including the fields between the lakes and A419 for development in the latest version of the local
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Hospitals' plans will need 'give and take'
PROPOSALS for the future of maternity units in Devizes and Malmesbury will be set out in the next few weeks. The review of maternity units was discussed by West Wiltshire Primary Care Trust on Thursday. The trust's chief executive Donna Stiles said the
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Rivals are beginning to annoy me - Bush
CORSHAM Town manager Colin Bush has repeated his "hands off" warning over the highly rated Nigel Curtis. Having rebuffed a seven day approach for the versatile midfielder-defender from Screwfix Premier Division Devizes Town last month, Bush is now warning
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We should all unite, says MP
THE campaign for better road safety on the A4 in Wiltshire has been extended this week to include an accident blackspot near Marlborough. This week Devizes MP Michael Ancram called for communities along the A4 through Wiltshire to get together to demand
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Chance of revenge over the Rangers
CHIPPENHAM Town entertain Stafford Rangers this weekend looking to avenge their defeat in the reverse fixture earlier this season. The Staffordshire club, who along with Crawley Town, Nuneaton Borough and Weymouth are being considered championship contenders
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Nightmare's over at last
PHARMACEUTICAL technician Clive King spoke yesterday of living under intolerable strain before he was finally cleared of driving his car at a police officer. King, who always denied the charge of dangerous driving in Commercial Road, said: "This year
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Marching in tribute to fallen comrades
THE fallen of the two world wars and other conflicts were remembered at services across North Wiltshire and Swindon on Sunday. In Wootton Basset a long column of marchers, led by the band of The Boys' Brigade 5th Swindon Company, paraded to St Bartholomew
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Dyson doubles its profits
Dyson looks set to double its profits this year after its controversial decision to move manufacturing from Malmesbury to Malaysia. In August the company announced washing machine manufacturing would be following in the footsteps of vacuum cleaner production
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Police launch crackdown on Christmas shoplifters
OPERATION Cracker 2003, Salisbury police's crackdown on Christmas shoplifting, is about to spring into action. The force is aiming to repeat the successes of previous years, which have seen dozens of people arrested and goods worth several thousand pounds
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Tricky run forces Hopkins to juggle
DEVIZES Town manager Dave Hopkins is doing his best to juggle his small squad with a string of matches of varying importance coming up. Tonight Devizes entertain Marlborough in the Wiltshire Senior Cup and Hopkins will look to rest some of his first team
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Wootton Bassett Town 0, Pewsey Vale 2
Pewsey Vale picked up their first league points since late September at the expense of fellow league strugglers Wootton Bassett. With both teams desperate for points this match was always going to be a hard fought contest. An under-par performance by
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Army recruits abseil for charity
Darren Webber abseils from the Salisbury College roof.BUDDING army recruits took a leap of faith when they abseiled down the side of Salisbury College to raise money for Wiltshire Air Ambulance. The 19 students are on a 12-week army preparation course
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Parish to see Abbey extension plans
A PRESENTATION to the parish on the million pound extension of Malmesbury Abbey will be held on Sunday followed by a public presentation on November 25. Bill Wilson, co-secretary of the project steering group, said the public meeting would be held in
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Plan to share gardens to reduce waiting list
PEOPLE waiting for allotments in Calne might find themselves offered part of someone else's garden. The idea is that those waiting for allotments might be matched with people whose gardens are too large for them to manage on their own. It is hoped that
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Family in limbo fear nightmare will go on
A family living in limbo in the last remaining home on an abandoned council estate fear they might be forced to endure further years of uncertainty. Andrew and Karen Cox and their three children live in the last house at Notton Park, an estate of pre-fabs
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Corsham 16 Bradford on Avon 13
CORSHAM sprung a surprise on Dorset and Wilts Division One leaders Bradford at their Lacock Road ground when they stormed to a well-deserved victory. Corsham's victory was all the more comprehensive than the final scoreline portrayed as they not only
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Councillors to visit site
KENNET district councillors are to visit Manor Farmyard in Urchfont before deciding whether to grant planning permission for 22 houses. Kennet planning officers had recommended granting planning permission but councillors decided to visit the site after
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Landlord wins court battle with rock star
LICENSEE Gary Marlow has been awarded £40,000 High Court damages over the cancellation of a concert by rock star Van Morrison that he claimed brought his Everleigh business to the point of collapse. Mr Marlow who bought The Crown in 1997 sued the 57-year-old
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Row over Sunday parking 'profit'
KENNET'S chief executive Mark Boden claims that an apparently damning internal document that came into the hands of the Gazette this week was unfortunate because of its timing. The internal newsletter of the district council's community development section
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Mystery over cyclist's death
POLICE have issued an appeal for witnesses after 20-year-old Philip Bradley died from injuries sustained when he was run over by car at Netheravon on Friday. Police say the local driver, who they have not named, was unable to avoid colliding with Mr Bradley
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Council to face audit
North Wiltshire District Council is polishing up its performance in the run-up to its first Comprehensive Performance Assessment. The Ofsted-style investigation into the district council's performance will take place on January 19. A team of inspectors
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Poignant memories
THE words of the poem "They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old" become more poignant every year as fewer Second World War veterans parade on Remembrance Sunday. The number of young people taking part in the Marlborough Remembrance Day parade
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Parish to see Abbey extension plans
A PRESENTATION to the parish on the million pound extension of Malmesbury Abbey will be held on Sunday followed by a public presentation on November 25. Bill Wilson, co-secretary of the project steering group, said the public meeting would be held in
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Tricky run forces Hopkins to juggle
DEVIZES Town manager Dave Hopkins is doing his best to juggle his small squad with a string of matches of varying importance coming up. Tonight Devizes entertain Marlborough in the Wiltshire Senior Cup and Hopkins will look to rest some of his first team
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Village lights up for day of festive fun and games
DECEMBER 6, PEWSEY: THE switching on of the Christmas lights in Pewsey will take place during a new event organised to bring the community together. The Christmas Fair on December 6 is being spearheaded by the Pewsey Area Community Trust. Each of the
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Boy, 15, admits killing and injuring swans
YOUTH Court magistrates were urged to put aside emotional reactions when they considered the case of a boy accused of killing a swan and injuring another bird. The 15-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has admitted one charge of intentionally
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'We are committed to improvement'
Ref. 25598-39Keith Skerman the man with the task of turning around the failing fortunes of Swindon's social services department has issued a robust defence against the findings of the report. While he accepts that standards need to improve, Mr Skerman
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Battle lines are drawn at Coate
Ref. 27770-05Coate has become the hotspot for the latest planning controversy. The area between Coate reservoir and the Great Western Hospital has been suggested for 1,800 homes. TOM MORTON and ALEX EMERY find out that the proposals are meeting with bitter
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Help us to decide ...
English Heritage wants the public to help decide how the nation's archive of historical images should be organised. The National Monuments Record Centre, based in Kemble Drive, Swindon, has launched a major review, asking people about its services. The
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1,800 homes to go here?
Ref. 22898Swindon will see 14,000 new homes springing up over the next eight years. But because Front Garden properties may not be built in time, Coate could become another estate. FARMLAND next to Coate Water is next on the list for development. Swindon
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Sorry Cirencester slump to another defeat
Cirencester's first 15 were condemned to another loss at local rivals Painswick on Saturday. Ciren were looking to kickstart their league campaign after a poor opening but a slow start and inadequate defence saw them slip to a 42-12 defeat which leaves
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Miracle escape as car plunges on to railway
The Rover saloon that crashed through the parapet of Broken Cross Bridge near Ford is lifted clear of the Salisbury to London Railway lineA DRIVER had a miraculous escape when her car ploughed through the parapet of Broken Cross Bridge, near Ford, and
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Cash for cats?
CONSIDERING the vast amount of money this year spent on the type of fireworks that cause distress to many animals, wouldn't it be nice if some of the money could have been given to places like Devizes Kats and Kits? MR L SMITH Poulshot Road Poulshot
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Emotional day for graduands
Granduands attend the Salisbury Graduation ceremony.FROM building-site management to beauty, and psychodynamic counselling to photography, Salisbury College students have graduated in an enormous variety of subjects. The successful graduands gathered
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Parents' anger over parking charges
FURIOUS parents have clashed with the council over a decision to charge them for a parking permit allowing them to drop their children off at school. The scheme, designed to alleviate traffic congestion around St Osmund's Primary School, on Carmelite
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Post Office rewards couple for long service
Don and Edna Webb receive their certificate from Andrew Thompson, head of area for the Post Office in the south east.A COUPLE who have dedicated 40 years of their lives to running Winterslow post office have been presented with a special certificate.
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Post Office rewards couple for long service
Don and Edna Webb receive their certificate from Andrew Thompson, head of area for the Post Office in the south east.A COUPLE who have dedicated 40 years of their lives to running Winterslow post office have been presented with a special certificate.
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Rob helps keep Old Nick out
IT'S a problem any householder must ponder, especially if he or she has been sitting up late watching the latest Poltergeist movie: how to keep the devil off your private property. But Old Nick won't be paying any calls on David and Wendy Graham, after
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Row over Sunday parking 'profit'
KENNET'S chief executive Mark Boden claims that an apparently damning internal document that came into the hands of the Gazette this week was unfortunate because of its timing. The internal newsletter of the district council's community development section
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Plan to share gardens to reduce waiting list
PEOPLE waiting for allotments in Calne might find themselves offered part of someone else's garden. The idea is that those waiting for allotments might be matched with people whose gardens are too large for them to manage on their own. It is hoped that
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Veteran receives a medal after 50 years
Former Coldstream Guard Harold Broom has finally received a medal after 50 years for his involvement in the Suez Canal campaign in Egypt. The Forgotten War, which happened between 1952 and 1956, has only been recognised in recent years, even though more
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Family's house shot in Hallowe'en prank
Calne town councillor Roy Golding has installed CCTV on his house in Colemans Farm after his front door was shot at with an air pistol. Several attempts were made to shoot the glass window in his front door on Hallowe'en night. Marks were left on the
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Happy day at the palace
Dedicated volunteer Claire Evans has become an MBE, an honour made in recognition of her work with the Wiltshire Users' Network. Mrs Evans, from The Orchard, Cherhill, went to Buckingham Palace with her husband David and two adult children where she was
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Young singers in concert
THE youth section of the Janice Thompson Concert Choir will be perform an anniversary concert at the Queen's Drive Methodist Church, Park South, on Saturday at 7pm. Tickets, which can be purchased on the door, are £4 for adults and £2 for children refreshments
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Is hill's closure really clever parking plan?
AFTER reading John Fellenor's letter I, too, have had my suspicions that the closing of Chippenham's Monkton Hill will benefit only the council office staff to give them clear access. Monkton Hill consists of a few offices at the bottom and a church,
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Perfect for presents
TOWNS throughout Wiltshire are discovering the benefits of recovering their historic past but few have done so as successfully as Devizes with its superb Old Swan Yard development. The White Swan was a coaching inn which was virtually lost to the town
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Fire fighter looks back
Julian Beinhorn has retired from his post as commander of Devizes fire station, after 33 years of service to the local community. Mr Beinhorn, who is 55 next month, carried the wreath on behalf of the Devizes Fire Service at Sunday's Remembrance Parade
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Logo designer keeps his eye on the ball
GRAPHIC designer David Galbraith, of West Lavington near Devizes, has scored a winning goal by signing up football clubs to sell his football gift items. Though he is not a football fan, Mr Galbraith's designs have been snapped up by more than 28 Premiership
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Farmer is told he can stay on in caravan
Farmer Lance Beale has been given permission to live in a mobile home on his land in Bromham for another 12 months, despite failing to produce a detailed business plan. Councillors on Kennet District Council's regulatory committee went against their planning
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Shield boost for Bluebirds
CHIPPENHAM TOWN claimed a confidence boosting 4-0 win over local rivals Swindon Supermarine in the Wiltshire Premier Shield semi-final last night, with a host of candidates for the vacant Bluebirds' managerial position looking on. Three goals in five
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Hospitals' plans will need 'give and take'
PROPOSALS for the future of maternity units in Devizes and Malmesbury will be set out in the next few weeks. The review of maternity units was discussed by West Wiltshire Primary Care Trust on Thursday. The trust's chief executive Donna Stiles said the
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Pub to open by Christmas
The Rising Sun pub could be reopened by Christmas, says new licensee Brian Foster. Mr Foster has agreed a ten year lease with the new owners, the Punch Pub Company, for the former Munnelly's bar in Southbroom Road. The pub has been closed since July when
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BNP faces flak over 'alarmist' poll leaflet
THE British National Party has been condemned for distributing an "alarmist" leaflet to homes in Devizes. The leaflet states "Don't let Devizes become a crime blackspot" and adds "Crime destroys communities, time for zero tolerance!" and has been produced
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Play needs a few extras
FOLLOWING two successful audition sessions the principal roles in Marlborough's 800th anniversary town play are being cast this week. Auditions took place in St Mary's Church and at the town hall and, over the two weekends, 40 townspeople tried out for
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Freelance journalist banned from driving
FREELANCE journalist Alun Rees will have to chase his scoops without the use of a car after being banned from driving. Rees, 54, from Downsway, Ogbourne St Andrew, near Marlborough, admitted drink driving when he appeared before Kennet magistrates in
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An open verdict on nurse found in canal
WILTSHIRE'S deputy coroner William Bache has returned an open verdict on retired nurse Joan Appleton, despite the fact that she was found in the canal in Devizes wearing a rucksack full of bricks. Mrs Appleton's body was found floating in the Kennet and
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Shop owners carry on despite £8,000 burglary
SHOP owners Richard and Sarah Valentine say they will not be deterred following a burglary in which £8,000 worth of children's clothes were stolen. The couple, who only opened their shop, Tangerine, in Maryport Street, Devizes, seven months ago, say it
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Pit wits for good cause
QUIZ teams stand a chance of winning a £50 first prize in an event being organised by the St Katharine's Play and Environmental Centre. The centre, which provides activities for children with special needs, will be running a quiz night at the Marlborough
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Golf club robber is given 15 years
VIOLENT robber Patrick Clegg, who subjected golf club caretakers John and Jackie Wiltshire to a terrifying ordeal, has been jailed for 15 years. Wiltshire police and the North Wiltshire Golf Club, in Bishops Cannings, where the raid took place, have welcomed
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Homeless set to be offered a better deal
PLANS to revolutionise standards of temporary housing for homeless people in North Wiltshire have been approved. In 2004 the Government aims to end the practice of placing homeless people in bed and breakfast hotels, often away from their family and friends
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Vince nets top prize on canal
THE Kennet and Avon Canal at Bedwyn on Sunday saw the fourth round of the Wessex Winter League. It was a fine November's day with very little wind and the canal was carrying a good colour in the water. The weighing in sheets were impressive with over
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Dream comes true after 12 year struggle
WHEN the Duchess of Gloucester yesterday pressed the button to activate a radio clock at the new St James Gardens almshouse complex in Devizes, she signalled the end of a 12-year struggle to build the new homes for elderly and disabled people. Devizes
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Store holds class in digital photography
A SUPERSTORE is offering a free digital photography masterclass. Customers to Asda Wal-Mart will be able to put themselves in the picture today with a drop in class between noon and 7pm. Experts will be on hand to share their knowledge on the technology
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Families fill Christmas boxes for children around the world
Ref. 27747-14PEOPLE in the Parks and Walcot areas of Swindon have dug deep to provide Christmas gifts for children in poverty around the world. More than 70 shoeboxes filled with small presents have been collected by parishioners at St John's Church and
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Freeze is not the solution
A TEACHERS' pay freeze until after the next general election has been labelled another nail in the coffin for schools. Swindon NUT secretary Ian Hill said the union was unlikely to strike but staff would vote with their feet by leaving the profession,
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Shelter for young people is a success
A NEW youth shelter in Highworth has been such a success that more could be installed. When the £4,500 shelter was installed in May, the town council promised to monitor its success at regular six-monthly intervals. Councillors were concerned that the
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Old Dennis makes day
Ref. 27773-16Retiring leading firefighter Les Jefferies is no stranger to riding in a fire engine, sirens blaring and lights flashing. But his colleagues at Swindon's Drove Road fire station ensured his last ride would be the most memorable of his 25-
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Centre open for business
Ref. 11480-06THE Duchess of Gloucester has given the royal seal of approval to the controversial £7 million Wiltshire Emergency Communications Centre which fire, ambulance and police control staff share. She officially opened the centre the first of its
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Big turn out pleases RBL chief
CHIPPENHAM'S Market Place came to a standstill on Sunday, as the town turned out to remember its war dead. Members of the town council, North Wiltshire District Council and the Buckley Barracks 9 Supply Squadron, joined the Royal British Legion, representatives
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Funding to help adults choose aid they want
PEOPLE with learning difficulties are soon to benefit from a project to help them buy the help they need after an extra £103,000 of Government funding has been promised. Swindon People First and Swindon Borough Council Social Services have worked together
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Tributes pour in for Eric
TRIBUTES have been pouring in for Eric Smith, a former Mayor of Thamesdown, who died this week after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Eric, who was a local councillor for 30 years, was mayor of the council that was replaced by Swindon Council from
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Army recruits abseil for charity
Darren Webber abseils from the Salisbury College roof.BUDDING army recruits took a leap of faith when they abseiled down the side of Salisbury College to raise money for Wiltshire Air Ambulance. The 19 students are on a 12-week army preparation course
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High-profile inquest will cost taxpayers
TAXPAYERS in Wiltshire face a £250,000 bill to pay for a high-profile inquest early next year into the death 50 years ago of a national serviceman, during tests involving human guinea pigs at Porton Down. It follows an extensive police inquiry, Operation
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Readers donate £6,000 to help Rachel
THE dream of moving unaided for the first time in years is about to come true for paralysed Salisbury woman Rachel Coxon. Just three weeks after the Journal reported Rachel's plight, generous readers have donated almost £6,000 to help her buy a wheelchair
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Help us to decide ...
English Heritage wants the public to help decide how the nation's archive of historical images should be organised. The National Monuments Record Centre, based in Kemble Drive, Swindon, has launched a major review, asking people about its services. The
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In the wilderness
AS someone who has lived in Brighton and Swindon, I would love Lee Luckham (Letters, I love you, darling Swindon) to tell me one thing that is better in Swindon than Brighton. There is no comparison. Brighton has culture when Swindon is a cultural wilderness
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A super show
I JUST wanted to say how much I enjoyed Salos's production of Jesus Christ Superstar. What a brilliant performance! Having seen this show many years ago in London, it was hard to imagine that you were not sitting in a West End Show. The overall presentation
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You can blame me for that one says manager
WOOTTON BASSETT boss Pete Yeardley blamed himself after his side were beaten 3-0 at Chipping Norton. The Rylands Way side were 1-0 down with 15 minutes to go and had the home side on the ropes in the search for an equaliser. Yeardley threw on attacking
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Miracle escape as car plunges on to railway
The Rover saloon that crashed through the parapet of Broken Cross Bridge near Ford is lifted clear of the Salisbury to London Railway lineA DRIVER had a miraculous escape when her car ploughed through the parapet of Broken Cross Bridge, near Ford, and
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It makes me ill
IN an article in the Morning Star this week George Galloway calls Saddam "a vile dictator." Those of us who recall photographs of George smiling happily as he grovelled before Saddam and his henchmen will be reaching for a sick bag at this latter day
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Campaign gathers pace to meet target
A YOUNG person is rushed into hospital every month with a major heart problem they didn't know they had, said a Salisbury doctor this week. The startling statistic, released by Salisbury District Hospital, is a warning that heart conditions do not affect
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Mings welcomes Trophy challenge
BLUEBIRDS caretaker boss Adie Mings is relishing the prospect of taking on one of his former clubs in the FA Trophy at the end of the month. Chippenham will play Ryman Premier Division Basingstoke in the second round at Hardenhuish Park on Saturday November
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Heroes praised
ON September 28 I felt unwell and called an ambulance. On the way to Swindon I was unfortunate enough to suffer a cardiac arrest. I would like to publicly thank those unsung heroes the paramedics. Without their training and skill I would not be here today
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Another cruelty
It's now 8.30 on Bonfire Night evening. I live on the edge of Calne and we have suffered a continuous barrage of bangs caused by fireworks for the last two hours. I am not exaggerating when I say the bangs can be heard every few seconds. No doubt they
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Cash for cats?
CONSIDERING the vast amount of money this year spent on the type of fireworks that cause distress to many animals, wouldn't it be nice if some of the money could have been given to places like Devizes Kats and Kits? MR L SMITH Poulshot Road Poulshot
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Catt gets the England call
England boss Clive Woodward today thrust Mike Catt into the World Cup semi-final spotlight, and declared: "He deserves his chance." Bath star Catt has been rewarded for an outstanding super-sub display against Wales last weekend, when his second-half
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Colerne 12 Marlborough 22
MARLBOROUGH avenged their defeat by Colerne at the end of last season, with a hard-fought victory on the road. They were ahead early on, thanks to a well-worked try from right winger George Fox. Marlborough should have been several scores to the good.
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Chippenham 70 High Wycombe 0
SUPER confident Chippenham showed just how in form they are on the back of two wins whe they destroyed Wycombe on Saturday. The back to back victories have raised the tempo of their game and expectations from the watching spectators and coaches. Playing
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High-profile inquest will cost taxpayers
TAXPAYERS in Wiltshire face a £250,000 bill to pay for a high-profile inquest early next year into the death 50 years ago of a national serviceman, during tests involving human guinea pigs at Porton Down. It follows an extensive police inquiry, Operation
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Weymouth 17 Minety 21
A LIVELY performance from bottom-of-the-league Weymouth almost overwhelmed an understrength and out-of-practice Minety. The seasiders ran in three good tries before the visitors finally got their act together in this Dorset and Wilts Division game, but
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Thanks to you all
I would like to express my thanks to all those who helped my sons and I on November 6 when my car overturned on the lane between Corsham and Chippenham Rugby Club. I would like to say a special thank you to the gentleman who stayed with us until the police
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Tribute to team
ON behalf of the governors, staff, pupils and most especially Fiona Allen, of Corsham Primary School, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to those people who have sent good wishes and presents to the school following the award of the Promethean
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Date
Friendly market
I AM appalled at the attitude of Malmesbury traders to the new market in the town on Sundays, particularly Mr Malpas and his ban on the Mayor from entering his shop. If the traders stopped being so inward looking for a short while they would see that
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Shoppers' choice
HAVING read the report in the Gazette where a few short-sighted and vociferous traders are grabbing all the publicity, I feel I must write in support of all the people of Malmesbury who are in favour of a Sunday market. Are the traders who object not
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Is hill's closure really clever parking plan?
AFTER reading John Fellenor's letter I, too, have had my suspicions that the closing of Chippenham's Monkton Hill will benefit only the council office staff to give them clear access. Monkton Hill consists of a few offices at the bottom and a church,
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Date
River action man retires
STALWART river campaigner Jack Ainslie has stood down as chairman of ARK, Action for the River Kennet. Retired farmer Mr Ainslie, from Mildenhall, was the founder chairman of ARK but has decided to hand over the helm after 12 years. The new chairman is
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Maths lessons add up
Parents in Chippenham are paying £20 a time for tutoring sessions at a new-style education centre that has been imported from Australia but is it value for money? LILY CANTER spoke to parents, teachers and children to get their views. THE pressure is
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Big turn out pleases RBL chief
CHIPPENHAM'S Market Place came to a standstill on Sunday, as the town turned out to remember its war dead. Members of the town council, North Wiltshire District Council and the Buckley Barracks 9 Supply Squadron, joined the Royal British Legion, representatives
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Date
Parents' fears over traffic for nursery
Children's charity Barnardo's is working hard to allay fears a new 50-place nursery at Redland primary school in Chippenham will add to the traffic problems outside the school. Local residents want the nursery to be moved to another location because they
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Bench tribute to bin man from colleagues
THE family of 37-year-old refuse collector Chris Jefferies, who died suddenly in June from a brain haemorrhage, has dedicated a bench to his memory at John Coles Park. Mr Jefferies grew up in Ashe Crescent, in Chippenham, and worked as a refuse loader
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Pals cook up a starry dish
FOOD fans Pat Paine and Averil Hicks, enjoyed half an hour of fame on Monday afternoon, when they appeared in their favourite show, Ready, Steady Cook. Mrs Paine, 69, of Pewsham, in Chippenham, applied to appear on the BBC 2 hit-show with best pal Mrs
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Redingensians 11 Devizes 13
DEVIZES had a poor build up to this game with the captain and three other players arriving just 15 minutes before kick off after getting lost. The first 15 minutes of the game showed this with Devizes making many mistakes and not showing any rhythm. The
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Best seller to appear at book festival
ACCLAIMED author Mark Haddon, who set his best-selling book in Swindon, will be speaking in the town next year. As reported in the Advertiser last week, organisers of the Swindon Festival of Literature were hoping to book Mr Haddon, whose book The Curious
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Welcome for new patrols
COMMUNITY police officers Mark McIntyre and Terry Lee have been greeted with open arms on their new beat in Redland, Chippenham. After enjoying six months of success on the Pewsham estate, the officers are broadening their remit to include Redland and
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Baby helps cancer fight
SHE may be only 11 months old, but little Darcie Shields has already begun to help cancer sufferers like her grandmother, by donating gifts from her christening to charity. Darcie's grandmother, Cathy Thatcher, 56, of Ashfield Road, Chippenham, learned
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Date
Drunken host in digger rampage
A dinner party ended in disaster for young mum Lisa Lea when her host smashed up her brand new soft-top car with a mechanical digger. The teacher looked on in horror as her pride and joy, a £13,500 limited edition VW Golf Cabriolet, was written off in
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Date
Tribute to team
ON behalf of the governors, staff, pupils and most especially Fiona Allen, of Corsham Primary School, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to those people who have sent good wishes and presents to the school following the award of the Promethean
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Date
Centre open for business
Ref. 11480-06THE Duchess of Gloucester has given the royal seal of approval to the controversial £7 million Wiltshire Emergency Communications Centre which fire, ambulance and police control staff share. She officially opened the centre - the first of
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Date
High-profile inquest will cost taxpayers
TAXPAYERS in Wiltshire face a £250,000 bill to pay for a high-profile inquest early next year into the death 50 years ago of a national serviceman, during tests involving human guinea pigs at Porton Down. It follows an extensive police inquiry, Operation
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Date
Offices given a green light
A business specialising in maintaining traditional buildings has been given permission to build in the countryside. Park Barn Farm building service, on the Methuen Estate in Corsham, is currently run from a family dining room. And councillors were worried
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So sorry I'm late, says the duchess delayed by train
WILTSHIRE dignitaries were kept waiting yesterday when the train failed to take the strain and delayed an official visit to Devizes by the Duchess of Gloucester. She was an hour later than expected because the train taking her from London to Swindon hit
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Baby helps cancer fight
SHE may be only 11 months old, but little Darcie Shields has already begun to help cancer sufferers like her grandmother, by donating gifts from her christening to charity. Darcie's grandmother, Cathy Thatcher, 56, of Ashfield Road, Chippenham, learned
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We should all unite, says MP
THE campaign for better road safety on the A4 in Wiltshire has been extended this week to include an accident blackspot near Marlborough. This week Devizes MP Michael Ancram called for communities along the A4 through Wiltshire to get together to demand
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Disabled woman upset over abuse in car park
WELL known Pewsey woman Jill Thompson claims she was the victim of car park rage by someone who refused to believe she is a disabled driver. Mrs Thompson, who works in the family's car repair business, Whatleys in Pewsey, has had a disabled badge in her
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Has council scored an own goal?
THE farmland near Coate Water is one of the few remaining green lungs left separating Swindon from the M4. Now Swindon Council has announced it will be including the fields between the lakes and A419 for development in the latest version of the local
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Rob helps keep Old Nick out
IT'S a problem any householder must ponder, especially if he or she has been sitting up late watching the latest Poltergeist movie: how to keep the devil off your private property. But Old Nick won't be paying any calls on David and Wendy Graham, after
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Date
Boost for the pub with no beer
YOUNG people have even more reasons to keep off the streets thanks to a grant from the Co-op. The Oxford, Swindon and Gloucestershire Co-op has given Shakers, an alcohol free bar in Old Town, a grant of £350. It will pay for the bar to be equipped with
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Campaign gathers pace to meet target
A YOUNG person is rushed into hospital every month with a major heart problem they didn't know they had, said a Salisbury doctor this week. The startling statistic, released by Salisbury District Hospital, is a warning that heart conditions do not affect
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Beast is Back
JEREL IFIL is County Ground-bound for two months but it is far from certain that 'the beast' will be contained in Wiltshire for as long as Andy King would like. Watford had indicated they were only prepared to let the 21-year-old join Town for a month
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Date
Emotional day for graduands
Granduands attend the Salisbury Graduation ceremony.FROM building-site management to beauty, and psychodynamic counselling to photography, Salisbury College students have graduated in an enormous variety of subjects. The successful graduands gathered
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Date
Offices given a green light
A business specialising in maintaining traditional buildings has been given permission to build in the countryside. Park Barn Farm building service, on the Methuen Estate in Corsham, is currently run from a family dining room. And councillors were worried
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Date
Court orders lout to halt reign of terror
RESIDENTS of a quiet Corsham neighbourhood pray that thug David Clements' three-year reign of terror is at an end after he received North Wiltshire's first anti-social behaviour order. The group of six neighbours, including four pensioners, say the 27
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Date
Fear for kids at works site
Town councillor Ellie Bland is worried that children playing illegally on a building site in Calne could end up having a serious accident. The former Newcroft allotment site is being developed into housing by Hills Property, but Coun Bland is concerned
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Date
Weymouth 17 Minety 21
A LIVELY performance from bottom-of-the-league Weymouth almost overwhelmed an understrength and out-of-practice Minety. The seasiders ran in three good tries before the visitors finally got their act together in this Dorset and Wilts Division game, but
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Date
Shelter for young people is a success
A NEW youth shelter in Highworth has been such a success that more could be installed. When the £4,500 shelter was installed in May, the town council promised to monitor its success at regular six-monthly intervals. Councillors were concerned that the
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Date
Council to face audit
North Wiltshire District Council is polishing up its performance in the run-up to its first Comprehensive Performance Assessment. The Ofsted-style investigation into the district council's performance will take place on January 19. A team of inspectors
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Date
Homeless set to be offered a better deal
PLANS to revolutionise standards of temporary housing for homeless people in North Wiltshire have been approved. In 2004 the Government aims to end the practice of placing homeless people in bed and breakfast hotels, often away from their family and friends
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Date
Two homes for one rejected
Plans to knock down a bungalow to make way for two new houses in Kington Langley have been thrown out after parish councillors expressed fears about urbanisation. North Wiltshire District Council's development control committee refused controversial plans
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Date
Farm barns win go-ahead
Controversial plans to build a Friesian bull unit at Leigh have been approved by North Wiltshire District Council's development control committee despite objections from the parish council and a neighbour. Plans for the bull unit at Grove Farm in Ashton
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Date
Family in limbo fear nightmare will go on
A family living in limbo in the last remaining home on an abandoned council estate fear they might be forced to endure further years of uncertainty. Andrew and Karen Cox and their three children live in the last house at Notton Park, an estate of pre-fabs
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Date
Farm barns win go-ahead
Controversial plans to build a Friesian bull unit at Leigh have been approved by North Wiltshire District Council's development control committee despite objections from the parish council and a neighbour. Plans for the bull unit at Grove Farm in Ashton
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Date
Projects rely on land sale
THE delayed sale of the Filands School site could hold up education projects across the county. If Wiltshire County Council does not receive money from the sale by April 2005 it may have to reduce the capital programme budget. The council would have to
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Date
Court orders lout to halt reign of terror
RESIDENTS of a quiet Corsham neighbourhood pray that thug David Clements' three-year reign of terror is at an end after he received North Wiltshire's first anti-social behaviour order. The group of six neighbours, including four pensioners, say the 27
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Date
Cut the service
WITH reference to John Owen's letter (EA, November 7) stating that scarce resources are spent on subsidising bus services. How can anyone justify 14 buses an hour travelling up and down Rushton Road going to or coming from Great Western Hospital? Most
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Iraq crisis focus of service
The parade marches through Amesbury.THE continuing conflict in Iraq was the focus of attention at Remembrance services across south Wiltshire on Sunday. There were prayers for those serving in Iraq and for the families who had lost loved ones in the campaign
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Date
Drunken host in digger rampage
A dinner party ended in disaster for young mum Lisa Lea when her host smashed up her brand new soft-top car with a mechanical digger. The teacher looked on in horror as her pride and joy, a £13,500 limited edition VW Golf Cabriolet, was written off in
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Date
Sorry Cirencester slump to another defeat
Cirencester's first 15 were condemned to another loss at local rivals Painswick on Saturday. Ciren were looking to kickstart their league campaign after a poor opening but a slow start and inadequate defence saw them slip to a 42-12 defeat which leaves
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Splashing success
THE organisers of this year's Splash activity programme for young people have hailed it a success. More than 111 activities were held over the summer holidays offering over 20,000 places. The Schools and Police Liaison Activities for Summer Holidays was
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Date
Iraq crisis focus of service
The Wessex Military Band parade to the war memorial.THE continuing conflict in Iraq was the focus of attention at Remembrance services across south Wiltshire on Sunday. There were prayers for those serving in Iraq and for the families who had lost loved
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Date
High-profile inquest will cost taxpayers
TAXPAYERS in Wiltshire face a £250,000 bill to pay for a high-profile inquest early next year into the death 50 years ago of a national serviceman, during tests involving human guinea pigs at Porton Down. It follows an extensive police inquiry, Operation
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Date
Mystery over cyclist's death
POLICE have issued an appeal for witnesses after 20-year-old Philip Bradley died from injuries sustained when he was run over by car at Netheravon on Friday. Police say the local driver, who they have not named, was unable to avoid colliding with Mr Bradley
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Council to take look at town booze ban
Groups of young people standing around swigging beer and cider from cans and alcopops from bottles could soon be a thing of the past in Marlborough. The town council agreed on Monday to set up a working party to look into whether the town needs to establish
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Chair surprised at calibre of applicants
BLUEBIRDS chairman Malcolm Lyus has been pleasantly surprised with the "high calibre" of people applying for the vacant managerial post at the club. The position was advertised last Wednesday following Tommy Saunders' departure from Hardenhuish Park by
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Chance to win a day off work...
Ref. 27756-15AN extra day off work is up for grabs in an effort to raise cash for children with cancer. Cancer and Leukaemia In Childhood, or CLIC, is looking for Swindon businesses to sign up for a Win a Day off Work raffle. And the charity is being
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Parents' anger over parking charges
FURIOUS parents have clashed with the council over a decision to charge them for a parking permit allowing them to drop their children off at school. The scheme, designed to alleviate traffic congestion around St Osmund's Primary School, on Carmelite
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Mings welcomes Trophy challenge
BLUEBIRDS caretaker boss Adie Mings is relishing the prospect of taking on one of his former clubs in the FA Trophy at the end of the month. Chippenham will play Ryman Premier Division Basingstoke in the second round at Hardenhuish Park on Saturday November
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I have got a lot to offer says old Bailey
FORMER Exeter City and Readingmidfielder Danny Bailey has been drafted in to help Chippenham climb the table. The 37-year-old was at Weymouth last season but had been without a club since August until he received a call from Adie Mings last week. Now,
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Chair surprised at calibre of applicants
BLUEBIRDS chairman Malcolm Lyus has been pleasantly surprised with the "high calibre" of people applying for the vacant managerial post at the club. The position was advertised last Wednesday following Tommy Saunders' departure from Hardenhuish Park by
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Pit wits for good cause
QUIZ teams stand a chance of winning a £50 first prize in an event being organised by the St Katharine's Play and Environmental Centre. The centre, which provides activities for children with special needs, will be running a quiz night at the Marlborough
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Parents' anger over parking charges
FURIOUS parents have clashed with the council over a decision to charge them for a parking permit allowing them to drop their children off at school. The scheme, designed to alleviate traffic congestion around St Osmund's Primary School, on Carmelite
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Veteran receives a medal after 50 years
Former Coldstream Guard Harold Broom has finally received a medal after 50 years for his involvement in the Suez Canal campaign in Egypt. The Forgotten War, which happened between 1952 and 1956, has only been recognised in recent years, even though more
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Centre open for business
Ref. 11480-06THE Duchess of Gloucester has given the royal seal of approval to the controversial £7 million Wiltshire Emergency Communications Centre which fire, ambulance and police control staff share. She officially opened the centre the first of its
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Projects rely on land sale
THE delayed sale of the Filands School site could hold up education projects across the county. If Wiltshire County Council does not receive money from the sale by April 2005 it may have to reduce the capital programme budget. The council would have to
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It makes me ill
IN an article in the Morning Star this week George Galloway calls Saddam "a vile dictator." Those of us who recall photographs of George smiling happily as he grovelled before Saddam and his henchmen will be reaching for a sick bag at this latter day
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Chippenham 70 High Wycombe 0
SUPER confident Chippenham showed just how in form they are on the back of two wins whe they destroyed Wycombe on Saturday. The back to back victories have raised the tempo of their game and expectations from the watching spectators and coaches. Playing
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Shop owners carry on despite £8,000 burglary
SHOP owners Richard and Sarah Valentine say they will not be deterred following a burglary in which £8,000 worth of children's clothes were stolen. The couple, who only opened their shop, Tangerine, in Maryport Street, Devizes, seven months ago, say it
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Hospitals' plans will need 'give and take'
PROPOSALS for the future of maternity units in Devizes and Malmesbury will be set out in the next few weeks. The review of maternity units was discussed by West Wiltshire Primary Care Trust on Thursday. The trust's chief executive Donna Stiles said the
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Marching in tribute to fallen comrades
THE fallen of the two world wars and other conflicts were remembered at services across North Wiltshire and Swindon on Sunday. In Wootton Basset a long column of marchers, led by the band of The Boys' Brigade 5th Swindon Company, paraded to St Bartholomew
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Vince nets top prize on canal
THE Kennet and Avon Canal at Bedwyn on Sunday saw the fourth round of the Wessex Winter League. It was a fine November's day with very little wind and the canal was carrying a good colour in the water. The weighing in sheets were impressive with over
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Fire fighter looks back
Julian Beinhorn has retired from his post as commander of Devizes fire station, after 33 years of service to the local community. Mr Beinhorn, who is 55 next month, carried the wreath on behalf of the Devizes Fire Service at Sunday's Remembrance Parade
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Maths lessons add up
Parents in Chippenham are paying £20 a time for tutoring sessions at a new-style education centre that has been imported from Australia but is it value for money? LILY CANTER spoke to parents, teachers and children to get their views. THE pressure is
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Fire veteran calls it a day
FIREfighter Mervyn Ricks is adapting to a new style of life after retiring after 20 years' service. The father-of-two has had to step down from the Wiltshire Fire Brigade after reaching the age of 55. On Monday Wiltshire's Chief Fire Officer Neil Wright
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Pub reverts to English style
The Saladin at Somerford pub reopens tomorrow at 6pm after six months of redevelopment. The former Australian themed pub had been transformed into a traditional English village pub serving lunchtime and evening meals. Owner Sue Robson, who runs the business
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Cottage extension is allowed
A small country cottage at Upper Minety will be allowed an extension so a disabled resident can have a downstairs toilet. Applicant Andrew Gill spoke to a meeting of the development control committee on Wednesday last week and made a plea for planning
