Archive
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A sad day
A 60-year page in Wroughton's history book was turned as bulldozers moved in on the Princess Alexandra Hospital. The demolition marked the end of a long campaign by local residents to save the old RAF landmark, which opened in 1941. In its time the hospital
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Slim Karen is a big success
Former burger bar owner Karen Dagostino is the biggest success story in the first year of a women-only gym. And now Mrs Dagostino, 40, of Kingsley Road in Chippenham, will receive a certificate from Women's Workout which is holding an open day on December
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Eye unit celebrates ten years of success
A SPECIALIST unit at Salisbury District Hospital - the Wessex Sight Centre - celebrates its 10th birthday on Saturday, having provided visual aids for thousands of people with poor eyesight throughout Salisbury and the surrounding area. The centre, which
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Cancer patient slams hospital TV charges
Cancer sufferer Richard Bishop has slammed charges of £18 a week for hospital patients to rent a television set. Mr Bishop, 52, of Larkham Rise, Chippenham, claims many elderly or people on benefits struggle to pay to have their own TV while they recover
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Pensioners' lone protest on their £1,014 lost fridge
A COUPLE were so incensed when Chippenham's Powerhouse store failed to deliver their fridge they held a protest outside the shop. Ron May, 64, and his 59-year-old wife Elizabeth, who both suffer ill health, ordered the American-style fridge in August
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Top athletes' class moment
SPORTS stars, athlete Du'aine Ladejo and top judo player Kate Howey opened the long awaited £1.5 million extension at Kings Lodge primary School in Chippenham. Wiltshire's largest primary school, with 492 pupils, has had to put up with eleven classes
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Arsonist who set up explosion is jailed
A DRUG abuser who tried to blow himself up in his hotel room has been sent to jail for six years after he breached his probation order. Paul Benns, 43, emptied the contents of 22 butane gas canisters into the small room before igniting a cigarette lighter
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Sue gets slice of the prizes
Sue Lord, from Chippenham, bakes the best bread in Britain and her talents have won her a brand new Mini. Mrs Lord, of Hungerdown Lane, scooped the top award in the final of the first national competition to find the best loaf baked in an automated breadmaker
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Schools may close down
MEMBERS of Swindon's School Organisation Committee last night unanimously agreed with proposals which may see under-subscribed schools merge or even close. Demand for places at primary schools across the borough is expected to decline during the next
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Runners say thanks
WHEN firefighter Julian Parsons' 15-year-old daughter Charlotte was killed in a car accident three years ago his family was devastated. The police suggested the grieving family contact RoadPeace, a charity that provides counselling, information and support
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Mystery remains on double deaths
WIFE Mary Carne and husband Fred took the same lethal cocktail of prescription drugs and alcohol, less than a day apart leaving their only daughter Jeanette alone. An inquest into the double deaths held yesterday heard how Mrs Carne, 53, died on her bed
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Club is rocked by third tragedy
SALISBURY Rugby Club players are mourning the sudden death of one of their up-and-coming young players who was killed in an accident in Somerset. Alex Edwards, who was just 18 and enjoying his first season in senior rugby with the Castle Road club, was
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Protesters call for president to leave
On the day George Bush defended his invasion of Iraq, anti-war protesters gathered in Swindon. The Swindon Stop The War Coalition met at the war memorial in Regent Circus yesterday to say 'stop' to Mr Bush. Coalition secretary Andy New-man impersonated
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Man is jailed for six years following rape
Mark Few has been jailed for six years after a court heard how he brutally raped a woman in her own home. His victim was found half naked, battered and bruised wandering around Devizes town centre after the two-hour attack. Few, 30, has plagued Devizes
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Drugs raid snares dealer
SHOP A PUSHER: DRUGS officers say they have scored a major victory in the battle against drugs following the arrest of a man suspected of being the main dealer in Malmesbury. A team of seven officers forced entry into a flat in the High Street at around
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New homes boss
EDWARD Baliszewski has been elected chairman of Westlea Housing Association Board of Management. Mr Baliszewski joined the board five years ago as an independent member, working alongside elected tenant members and North Wiltshire district councillors
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Stonehenge tunnel - fire chiefs voice fears
FIRE chiefs will be taking the unusual step of appearing at a public inquiry next year - to oppose the A303 tunnel planned for Stonehenge. Wiltshire Fire Brigade will tell a government inspector that the tunnel - actually twin tunnels, one for each direction
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World Cup showdown
SWINDON is gearing itself up for rugby fever with flags fluttering and the chance of buying an England shirt is as likely as Nelson getting his eye back. We can expect the streets to be silent on Saturday morning during the World Cup showdown with Australia
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Trolley deal welcomed
THREE organisations have welcomed the agreement signed between Salisbury district council, Tesco and Sainsbury's to introduce coin-operated trolleys at their city centre stores. The Environment Agency, Wiltshire Wildlife Rescue and City Centre Management
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Appeal after hit and run accident
POLICE are seeking the driver of a white car who knocked a 36-year-old local man off his bike and drove off without stopping. The incident took place as the cyclist was riding along Southbroom Road, Devizes, in front of the fire station, at about 6.45pm
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Parents raise nearly £40,000 for charity
A COUPLE whose daughter is suffering from a rare genetic disorder believe they may have raised £40,000 in one evening for research into the condition. James and Anne Rapson, whose daughter Lottie suffers from a disorder which affects her co-ordination
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Robbie fans disappointed
THE news that a mysterious figure viewing James Dyson's home in Little Somerford was his son Sam and not pop star Robbie William will disappoint fans of the pop star. Mr Dyson put the 18th century Kingsmead Mill on the market for £4m earlier this year
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Best of British Opera
NOVEMBER 25 - 29, BATH: THE acclaimed English Touring Opera returns to the Theatre Royal Bath from Tuesday with the best of British Opera, two classics both written and set in Britain and sung in English. Ariodante by George Frideric Handel and The Turn
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Praise for town council
Devizes Town Council should be congratulated for the sensitivity with which it has approached conservation issues in the town recently. The metal seat around the flowering cherry in front of the St John Ambulance HQ on St John's Street is an inspired
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Man punched wife in face
DAVID Keeley, 46, who assaulted his wife, has been ordered to go on a domestic violence programme by magistrates. Keeley, of Cold Harbour Lane, Marlborough, admitted assaulting his wife, Victoria, at their home on August 6 after they began arguing about
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Holmes rings the changes as City look to the future
SALISBURY City's FA Cup exploits may well be over, but there is still a hive of activity at the club as manager Nick Holmes resumes the task of ensuring his side finish high enough in the table to secure their elevation to the restructured National League
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'Paramedics saved my life'
Parish Councillor Barry Miller has praised the paramedics who saved his life during a heart attack on board an ambulance. Mr Miller, 48, was at home in Whittle Avenue, in Lower Compton, when his chest felt tight, he started having cold sweats, and his
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Malmesbury 12, Marlborough 48
MALMESBURY lost out in a hard fought affair in conditions that very much suited running rugby at The Worthies on Saturday. Though Marlborough won by four goals and four tries to a goal and a try the home side's spirit was never defeated and they continued
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New homes boss
EDWARD Baliszewski has been elected chairman of Westlea Housing Association Board of Management. Mr Baliszewski joined the board five years ago as an independent member, working alongside elected tenant members and North Wiltshire district councillors
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Three cheers for festival
Hundreds of people enjoyed the busy first weekend of the second Chippenham Arts Festival, with concerts, walks and exhibitions. On Saturday night, dozens of youngsters from many local dance groups put together a showcase to display their talents, in Dance
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Pensioner gets VIP treatment at Saints
PENSIONER Les Pinner was given a VIP day out to remember after he told the Journal how much he loved to watch his favourite football team, Saints, play at their new St Mary's stadium. Les (87), who reckons he is probably one of Southampton football club's
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Council wins training award
North Wiltshire District Council's IT training programme for staff has won an award. The Learning and Skills Council Wiltshire and Swindon has selected the district council as winner of the technology in training award. Irene Docherty, the council's ICT
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Charity volunteer joins list of winners
Salisbury Newspapers publisher Bill Browne (second right), pictured with some of the finalists for the Employee of the Year Award. DA4380P12SOUTH Wilts Mencap stalwart Anne Trevett was the winner of one of the three Salisbury Newspapers awards up for
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Firms reap rewards of hard work
Tom Mettyear and Mark Sparrow, of Neal's Yard Remedies, receive the City Centre Award from Spire FM's Ceri Hurford-Jones (centre), vice-chairman of City Centre Management. DA4380P01BUSINESS partners Tom Mettyear and Mark Sparrow collected the City Centre
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Councillors set up website
Conservatives on the Lickhill Ward have put together a website to inform residents of local issues. North Wiltshire District councillor and Calne Town councillor John Ireland have got together with town councillor Ellie Bland to produce the site. The
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Tanja pledges her help
Tanja Spanswick, of Boscombe Down, with two-year-old Shannon, one of her two daughters. DA4389P1WHEN young mum Tanja Spanswick started having chest pains, she thought she was suffering from stress. She did not expect to be told she had a potentially fatal
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Stonehenge tunnel - fire chiefs voice fears
FIRE chiefs will be taking the unusual step of appearing at a public inquiry next year - to oppose the A303 tunnel planned for Stonehenge. Wiltshire Fire Brigade will tell a government inspector that the tunnel - actually twin tunnels, one for each direction
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Biggles books
I would like to hear from readers who have any unwanted books by Capt W E Johns (Biggles etc). As a keen collector of Johns' titles also other authors who wrote boys adventure stories relating to WW1 aerial combat and marine warfare I look forward to
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Council plans its wish list
Pewsey parish councillors are to set out a wish list of improvements and new facilities for the village. The idea, put forward on Tuesday by vice-chairman Phil Stevens, was adopted by the council. It came after the council received a presentation from
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Residents battle on allotment land plan
RESIDENTS are preparing for battle again to stop 158 homes being built on former allotment land at Spitalcroft, Devizes. Kennet councillors will be asked next Thursday to decide the future of the piece of land at Windsor Drive, where Robert Hitchins Homes
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Parents protest as gym coach is sacked
ANGRY parents of boys who use the Wiltshire School of Gymnastics are fighting to get top coach Levente Molnar-Schondorfer re-instated. Mr Molnar-Schondorfer was made redundant suddenly by the gym's trustees in an effort to save money. The coach, who moved
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New manager sets out plans
SPORTS-MAD Paul Astley is looking forward to knocking the Olympiad Leisure Centre back into shape. Mr Astley, 34, who lives in Calne, with his wife and 18-month-old son, has swum and played water polo at national level. Now he has taken on the role of
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We must stamp out the errors says Mark
MARK Hervin feels the first step in turning round Chippenham Town's season is for players including himself to start stamping out individual errors. The former Bath City goalkeeper had a busy return to league action at home to Stafford Rangers on Saturday
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Marching through to a twirl of success
MAJORETTE Emily Dodd of Devizes returned from a national championship with a clutch of awards. Emily, 17, competed at the National Baton Twirling Association Championship and became the champion for senior novice, over 16 age group, at pom pom strut.
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Cancer patient slams hospital TV charges
Cancer sufferer Richard Bishop has slammed charges of £18 a week for hospital patients to rent a television set. Mr Bishop, 52, of Larkham Rise, Chippenham, claims many elderly or people on benefits struggle to pay to have their own TV while they recover
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Recycling scheme arrives on doorstep
GREAT grandmother Sylvia Gray was one of hundreds of householders in Marlborough surprised when black plastic boxes turned up on their doorsteps this week. They were delivered in preparation for the launch early next month of an expanded doorstep recycling
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Teachers consider boycott
PRIMARY school teachers across Swindon will decide from today whether or not to boycott exams. The secretary of the Swindon branch of the National Union of Teachers, Ian Hill, has advised his members to vote in favour of the boycott of Statutory Assessment
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Pregnant woman in punch up
A pregnant woman who assaulted three men including a police officer has escaped jail. Nicola Wilson, 23, of Covingham Drive, was drunk when she approached two members of staff at Milford House in Milford Street, Swindon. When one of the men, Euan Douglas
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Gould welcomes the return of Davies
DEFENDER Tom Gould believes the Chippenham Town cause has not been helped by injuries limiting the chance to field a settled defence. But he hopes the return to the side of former Swindon Town and Reading defender Gareth Davies will steady the ship. "
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Bluebirds' new boss named next week
Dr Martens Premier Division Bluebirds' fans only have a few more days to wait to find out who the club's new manager will be. Chairman Malcolm Lyus expects to announce the name of the person who will take over the reigns at Hardenhuish Park early on Monday
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Bromham go down as six are sent off
TROWBRIDGE LEAGUE: SIX players dismissed, six penalties and five hat-tricks greeted the first full league programme since the opening day of the season. Hilperton Reserves Anthony Bell and Darren Carter of Apetito saw red for deliberate handling offences
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Couple find dream pub
AFTER two years searching for the right pub, David and Shirley Cuss took just two minutes to agree that they had found their perfect hostelry in The Crown, Broad Hinton. "We're really excited about our new business venture," said Shirley. "We have been
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United survive penalties drama
SHREWTON United are through to the second round of the Les Phillips Cup after beating Western League Division One rivals Hallen 5-4 on penalties. After a barren opening 45 minutes, Hallen struck twice shortly after the break. Jesse Walters played his
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Ban trail riders
"MOST Ridgeway ruts caused by farmers," alleges Vic Price. No evidence provided, of course. Why spoil a good story with facts? But I know of one local farmer whose tractors cause considerable damage to local tracks during wet winters, but he makes them
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Council wins training award
North Wiltshire District Council's IT training programme for staff has won an award. The Learning and Skills Council Wiltshire and Swindon has selected the district council as winner of the technology in training award. Irene Docherty, the council's ICT
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Gay hate fuels attack on girl
POLICE are treating the assault on a 16-year-old girl in the centre of Devizes on Friday night.as a gay hate attack. The girl, who is not being named, was set upon by a gang of up to 11 women at about 9.45pm in Estcourt Street, near to the Rising Sun
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It's food for thought
BUY Local is the message of a new campaign by South West Food and Drink, to encourage people to buy more locally-grown and produced food. The trade association dedicated to the development of food and drink in the region, South West Food is to roll-out
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Town maternity unit set to close
HEALTH bosses have proposed closing Malmesbury Maternity Unit. As the Gazette revealed weeks ago health chiefs are proposing that Malmesbury closes because they say it is too expensive to run. There was a suggestion that Malmesbury would be left with
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Parents tell of grief for soldier son
THE parents of the 17-year-old soldier from Larkhill Garrison who died suddenly last week have spoken about the boy whose childhood ambition was a career in the army. Gunner Michael Riley, who came from the West Midlands, died after collapsing in his
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War drama is runaway hit
PEWSEY Vale School's recent production of Carrie's War, the story of a Second World War evacuee, played to full houses. The cast of 14 presented two evening shows for parents and friends of the school and two afternoon shows for their own school friends
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Village hall gets new life
LUCKINGTON Village Hall is spick and span after a £20,000 revamp. The building has been restored to its former glory with new toilets and a redecoration, and a new central heating system promises to keep users warm during the winter months. The money
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Pupils learn to get creative
Malmesbury School students hit the catwalk at a special fashion show at the school last Friday. Students made the clothes from recycled materials using knots, bows and pleating under the expert eye of Heather Martin, a professional textile artist. Ms
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Drugs raid snares dealer
SHOP A PUSHER: DRUGS officers say they have scored a major victory in the battle against drugs following the arrest of a man suspected of being the main dealer in Malmesbury. A team of seven officers forced entry into a flat in the High Street at around
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Market's supporters to petition closure
SHOPPERS have reacted angrily to the planned closure of Malmesbury's Sunday market and are setting up a petition to have it reinstated. It is only two months since the market opened but on November 11 the town council took the dramatic decision to stop
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Abbey extension plan soon to be revealed
PLANS for the £2 million extension to Malmesbury Abbey will be officially unveiled on Tuesday. It is the first major work to the structure in more than 500 years and the extension will be placed in the position of the old West Tower, which collapsed at
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A magical night...
MALMESBURY was illuminated by more than 100 lanterns on Saturday as children and adults shared a magical German tradition. A popular festival in the Rhineland and Bavaria in Germany, the St Martin's Festival, was started by Esther Hamill 11 years ago.
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Town maternity unit set to close
HEALTH bosses have proposed closing Malmesbury Maternity Unit. As the Gazette revealed weeks ago health chiefs are proposing that Malmesbury closes because they say it is too expensive to run. There was a suggestion that Malmesbury would be left with
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Duchess' delight
EVERYTHING went smilingly for the visit to St James' Gardens Almshouses by the Duchess of Gloucester last Wednesday. And from the moment she arrived at the new Slade Centre to the second she departed, the duchess had a beaming smile and a friendly word
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Rescuer hurt halting fight
POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a vicious assault left a 28-year-old good Samaritan with serious facial injuries after he attempted to prevent a fight. Officers have not named the victim who attempted to stop the fracas in Hughenden Yard, Marlborough
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Police get £13,000 boost
POLICE in Wiltshire have scooped more than £13,000 for hi-tech equipment to stop hardened criminals nobbling vulnerable witnesses before trials. The government cash will be spent on setting up video suites so young, disabled and elderly eye-witnesses
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Alert sounds on knife man
A MAN seen wandering round the centre of Calne wielding two large kitchen knives was arrested on Saturday night after a brief struggle. Officers said the man appeared to be searching for his brother and was raving about his sibling as he wandered outside
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Parking fee plan shelved
CONTROVERSIAL plans to charge parents to park while they drop their children at school have been put on hold, amid bitter protests. The row broke out when Salisbury district council told parents they would need to buy a £25-a-year permit to use Lacock
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Bath's World Cup Turn-off
BATH'S players and coaches are preparing to stick to a self-imposed squad ban on watching Saturday's World Cup Final. Head coach John Connolly, whose side face Harlequins in a league clash at The Rec hours after the final, does not want his team using
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Attack at takeawaydenied by soldier, 22
A pair of drunken soldiers attacked the manager of a Chinese takeaway in a racist attack, a jury has been told. Colin Best and Neil Barton shouted racist abuse as they kicked Steven Wong on the ground outside the New World on Chippenham's Market Place
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Force appoints assistant chief constable
WILTSHIRE police has welcomed Peter James Vaughan as the new assistant chief constable. Mr Vaughan, 41, takes over the high-profile role from Andrew Tatam, chief superintendent of Salisbury police, who has been caretaking the position since Stephen Long
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Parking fee plan shelved
CONTROVERSIAL plans to charge parents to park while they drop their children at school have been put on hold, amid bitter protests. The row broke out when Salisbury district council told parents they would need to buy a £25-a-year permit to use Lacock
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Eye unit celebrates ten years of success
A SPECIALIST unit at Salisbury District Hospital - the Wessex Sight Centre - celebrates its 10th birthday on Saturday, having provided visual aids for thousands of people with poor eyesight throughout Salisbury and the surrounding area. The centre, which
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Gould welcomes the return of Davies
DEFENDER Tom Gould believes the Chippenham Town cause has not been helped by injuries limiting the chance to field a settled defence. But he hopes the return to the side of former Swindon Town and Reading defender Gareth Davies will steady the ship. "
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Charity volunteer joins list of winners
Salisbury Newspapers publisher Bill Browne (second right), pictured with some of the finalists for the Employee of the Year Award. DA4380P12SOUTH Wilts Mencap stalwart Anne Trevett was the winner of one of the three Salisbury Newspapers awards up for
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Firms reap rewards of hard work
Tom Mettyear and Mark Sparrow, of Neal's Yard Remedies, receive the City Centre Award from Spire FM's Ceri Hurford-Jones (centre), vice-chairman of City Centre Management. DA4380P01BUSINESS partners Tom Mettyear and Mark Sparrow collected the City Centre
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Chamber award for wildlife rescuer Liz
Community Initiative Award-winner Liz Spring. DA4380P04JOURNAL columnist and wildlife rescue volunteer Liz Spring was among the top award winners at an Oscar-style presentation night at Salisbury City Hall on Saturday. The event was the annual Salisbury
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October's Supermum is an 'inspiration'
Supermum Janet Shores and her daughter Susannah Shores. DA4354A MOTHER whose courage and determination has been an inspiration to her family and friends is the proud winner of the October Southern Electric/Journal Supermum competition. In 1991, Janet
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Stonehenge tunnel - fire chiefs voice fears
FIRE chiefs will be taking the unusual step of appearing at a public inquiry next year - to oppose the A303 tunnel planned for Stonehenge. Wiltshire Fire Brigade will tell a government inspector that the tunnel - actually twin tunnels, one for each direction
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Shrivenham drop points in title bid
SHRIVENHAM dropped crucial points in the race for the Division One West title after drawing 1-1 with Cirencester United at the Corinium Stadium. After five straight league wins, Alan Dyton's side were expected to take maximum points again. Alex Green's
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Chamber award for wildlife rescuer Liz
Community Initiative Award-winner Liz Spring. DA4380P04JOURNAL columnist and wildlife rescue volunteer Liz Spring was among the top award winners at an Oscar-style presentation night at Salisbury City Hall on Saturday. The event was the annual Salisbury
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Attacking line-up pays off
SALISBURY Hockey Club's mens' first team were 5-3 victors against Gosport, vindicating skipper Tim Green's decision to manage without the injured midfielder Dan Dines and throw everything into attacking the opposition's goal. There were two goals apiece
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Anglers face up to challenging conditions
LOW water levels are really starting to make life difficult for anglers fishing rivers and lakes. Stillwaters desperately need rain not just to bring up levels but also freshen up the water and reduce the effects of dying weed. On the rivers the lack
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Heath bag three points
A SECOND half revival saw Bemerton Heath Har-lequins take all three points at Western Way against Christchurch. In a bright opening, both sides settled into an attacking mode and chances were created, but not taken. Heath's Stuart Findlay shot inches
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Whites to distribute FA charity cash
A TRIO of local charities are set to benefit from a £7,900 windfall presented to Salisbury City by the Football Association. The money is from the FA's Community Shield Fund and City officials this week confirmed they were delighted to be in a position
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Holmes rings the changes as City look to the future
SALISBURY City's FA Cup exploits may well be over, but there is still a hive of activity at the club as manager Nick Holmes resumes the task of ensuring his side finish high enough in the table to secure their elevation to the restructured National League
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Reversal of futunes for indoor clubs
BOTH local indoor clubs suffered defeats in their latest Wessex League matches. Despite losing by only 10 shots overall, Westlecot took the honours on only one of the four rinks against East Group League leaders Carterton. The lone success was recorded
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Charisma, style, a little innovation and it's yours
THE hunt is on for the businesswoman of the year, and organisers are hoping Swindon's women will be among the contenders. As well as the prestige that comes with winning the national Veuve Clicquot Business Woman of the Year award, the victor will receive
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Inspector sets out programme for Stonehenge tunnel inquiry
ABOUT 1,400 objections are likely to be heard when the public inquiry into the proposed multi-million-pound tunnelling of the A303 at Stonehenge takes place next year. The inquiry is due to open in Salisbury on February 17 and is expected to last at least
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Our parrot is far from dead
We are very sorry for Mr Collins for the loss of Gizmo, his African Grey parrot. We also purchased an African Grey from Paradise Pets 19 months ago. Merlin is a great source of joy to us both. We have only praise for all of the staff at Paradise Pets.
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Swindon Supermarine U8 9, Devizes U8 7
WHEN focused Devizes produced some deep, probing and simply stunning runs but they were punished during their moments of inattention. Alastair Broughton put Devizes ahead following a wonderful, jinking run from Guy Davies. Supermarine quickly drew level
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Name is known
MARLBOROUGH'S Polly restaurant was named after Polly Peacham from the Beggars' Opera, this information was obtained directly from the two women involved, Janet McCloud one of the original Suffragettes and Jean Leith Hay who set up and ran the Polly restaurant
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Reversal of futunes for indoor clubs
BOTH local indoor clubs suffered defeats in their latest Wessex League matches. Despite losing by only 10 shots overall, Westlecot took the honours on only one of the four rinks against East Group League leaders Carterton. The lone success was recorded
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School loses out on prize
A SCHOOL orchestra has been disqualified from a Devizes music contest because it included a member of staff. However the ruling by the directors of the Devizes Eisteddfod, held on Sunday at Dauntsey's School at West Lavington, has bemused rather than
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Keith's happy on the bench
BLUEBIRDS midfielder Keith O'Halloran played his part in an improved second half display against Stafford Rangers and hopes his experience can help drag the side back up the table. The former Swindon Town star accepted that Stafford more than deserved
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This is best council can hope for
WE always knew that Swindon Council wouldn't get the money from Government that it hoped for it happens every year. But the message from local government minister Nick Raynsford is loud and clear and couldn't be blunter there is no reason for council
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Festive treats in store
EVERY community event claims that this year it is going to be bigger and better than ever before but as far as Devizes Christmas Market is concerned, it is nothing but the truth. Alex Duffey, of Devizes Development Partnership, and his small team of dedicated
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Slim Karen is a big success
Former burger bar owner Karen Dagostino is the biggest success story in the first year of a women-only gym. And now Mrs Dagostino, 40, of Kingsley Road in Chippenham, will receive a certificate from Women's Workout which is holding an open day on December
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Highworth book cup place after early scare
NORTH WILTS YOUTH LEAGUE: DIVISION One Highworth were given a real scare by lower league Shaw before progressing in the under 13 cup. The underdogs took a deserved lead after 10 minutes only for the top flight title contenders to level with their first
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Happy return for fire chief
THE last time former county fire chief John Craig went to Jesse Smith butcher's in Marlborough was to lead 100 firefighters trying to save the 17th century building. Last Wednesday he returned to formally re-open the High Street shop five years after
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Legg hands Sherston a lesson in finishing
CHIPPENHAM SUNDAY LEAGUE: LEADERS Sherston Town missed out on opportunity to move clear at the top of the Premier Division of the Vanitec Computers-sponsored Chippenham Sunday League. With second placed Box Rovers unable to field a team for their clash
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Devizes Town 3, Marlborough Town 0
DEVIZES fielded a weakened team but still had enough in the locker to dispatch a workman-like Marlborough side to move into the next round of the Wiltshire Senior Cup. Manager Dave Hopkins had one eye on Saturday's Les Phillips Cup clash against Dawlish
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Town maternity unit set to close
HEALTH bosses have proposed closing Malmesbury Maternity Unit. As the Gazette revealed weeks ago health chiefs are proposing that Malmesbury closes because they say it is too expensive to run. There was a suggestion that Malmesbury would be left with
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Victim foretold her death
As Glyn Razzell starts a life sentence in jail after being found guilty of murdering his estranged wife Linda, EMMA PEARSON spoke to friends and neighbours in Highworth who always feared a tragedy would happen Linda Razzell told friends that she was afraid
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Shrivenham drop points in title bid
SHRIVENHAM dropped crucial points in the race for the Division One West title after drawing 1-1 with Cirencester United at the Corinium Stadium. After five straight league wins, Alan Dyton's side were expected to take maximum points again. Alex Green's
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Pewsey Vale 3, Cricklade Town 2
A GOAL apiece from the Messenger twins and a late effort by Barry Flippance earned Pewsey a place in the second round of the Wiltshire Senior Cup. Wiltshire League Premier Division Cricklade looked odds on to cause a shock as they marched into a two-goal
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Scrum to buy shirts
RUGBY fever is set to hit Wiltshire on Saturday as England take on Australia in the world cup final. But, while most people will have to content themselves with watching on TV, Devizes Rugby Club president Dan Gaiger and club members Les Dowse and Taffy
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Wellington 2, Corsham Town 3
TWO inspired substitutions by Corsham Town swung this game in their favour and they snatched victory seven minutes into added on time. Wellington looked to have claimed the three points but substitutes Ryan Bush and Steve Roddy both scored late on to
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Calne Town 1, Willand Rovers 3
WILLAND returned to Devon with the three points after coming out on top in what could be the most open game seen at Bremhill View this season. The visitors' front two of Phil Everett and Steve Edby are a menacing partnership but Calne's poor defending
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Young side kicks into record book
A GROUP of local footballers have etched their names into the history of Wiltshire sport by recording an all-time record win. The Wiltshire Under-18 representative team travelled to face their Devon counterparts at the weekend for their first game of
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Man claimed nearly £5,000 cash was for holiday
CASH totalling £4,540, found in the loft of a Swindon man accused of conspiring to supply drugs, was being saved towards a trip to Disneyland, a court heard on Tuesday. Richard Brinsdon made the claim after being arrested at the end of an operation, which
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Charity volunteer joins list of winners
Salisbury Newspapers publisher Bill Browne (second right), pictured with some of the finalists for the Employee of the Year Award. DA4380P12SOUTH Wilts Mencap stalwart Anne Trevett was the winner of one of the three Salisbury Newspapers awards up for
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Youth street project seeking volunteers
Calne youth centre is looking for an outreach worker to help with its street-based projects. The centre is currently running a scheme where youth workers walk around the town on a regular basis talking to young people about any issues they are concerned
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Nationwide profit from latest figures
Nationwide, the Swindon building society, is celebrating an excellent six months. Its pre-tax profits, announced today, are up 22.2 per cent to £188.4 million on this time last year. Philip Williamson, Nationwide chief executive, said: "This has been
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Village hall gets new life
LUCKINGTON Village Hall is spick and span after a £20,000 revamp. The building has been restored to its former glory with new toilets and a redecoration, and a new central heating system promises to keep users warm during the winter months. The money
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More tax rises
FURTHER Council Tax rises due (EA Nov 14, page 9) or cuts in services warns the council. This is after bleeding us with a 15 per cent rise this year. Then turn to page 10 the same day to find councillors vote themselves a rise in allowances. This is after
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Winning winter debut for ladies
SALISBURY ladies broke new ground on Sunday with a sweeping victory at Totton and Eling on their debut in the Southampton Winter League. The men, in the same competition, won their second match. Having left the Wiltshire Winter League, many of whose clubs
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Hall trustees insist they are democratic
THE trustees of Market Lavington's new community hall project have defended themselves against charges of being undemocratic after they refused to hold another public meeting to discuss fresh plans to build the facility. The project to replace the original
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Town maternity unit set to close
HEALTH bosses have proposed closing Malmesbury Maternity Unit. As the Gazette revealed weeks ago health chiefs are proposing that Malmesbury closes because they say it is too expensive to run. There was a suggestion that Malmesbury would be left with
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Three cheers for festival
Hundreds of people enjoyed the busy first weekend of the second Chippenham Arts Festival, with concerts, walks and exhibitions. On Saturday night, dozens of youngsters from many local dance groups put together a showcase to display their talents, in Dance
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Boxes of festive love
YOUNGSTERS at schools and playgroups across the county are joining in the Operation Christmas Child appeal supported by the Gazette and Herald. Tiny tots at Leapfrog Nursery in Chippenham, and pupils at Pewsey Vale School are busy collecting and making
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Sue gets slice of the prizes
Sue Lord, from Chippenham, bakes the best bread in Britain and her talents have won her a brand new Mini. Mrs Lord, of Hungerdown Lane, scooped the top award in the final of the first national competition to find the best loaf baked in an automated breadmaker
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Calne Town 1, Willand Rovers 3
WILLAND returned to Devon with the three points after coming out on top in what could be the most open game seen at Bremhill View this season. The visitors' front two of Phil Everett and Steve Edby are a menacing partnership but Calne's poor defending
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Accident sparks new school-run worries
Paula Leyland (left) walks with her friend Litsa Hartley and Litsa's son Jamie near the spot in Highbury Avenue, Salisbury, where she was struck by a passing car. DA4371P2A MOTHER who was injured in a hit-and-run incident as she walked her children to
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Pensioners' lone protest on their £1,014 lost fridge
A COUPLE were so incensed when Chippenham's Powerhouse store failed to deliver their fridge they held a protest outside the shop. Ron May, 64, and his 59-year-old wife Elizabeth, who both suffer ill health, ordered the American-style fridge in August
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Teaching jobs may be at risk
TEACHERS could be set to lose their jobs after the announcement that two special needs units will close. Swindon Council's education department is in the process of re-organising its provision for children with special needs. And it has decided to close
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Man claimed nearly £5,000 cash was for holiday
CASH totalling £4,540, found in the loft of a Swindon man accused of conspiring to supply drugs, was being saved towards a trip to Disneyland, a court heard on Tuesday. Richard Brinsdon made the claim after being arrested at the end of an operation, which
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Protesters call for president to leave
On the day George Bush defended his invasion of Iraq, anti-war protesters gathered in Swindon. The Swindon Stop The War Coalition met at the war memorial in Regent Circus yesterday to say 'stop' to Mr Bush. Coalition secretary Andy New-man impersonated
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Pupils learn to get creative
Malmesbury School students hit the catwalk at a special fashion show at the school last Friday. Students made the clothes from recycled materials using knots, bows and pleating under the expert eye of Heather Martin, a professional textile artist. Ms
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Censure Kennet
WITH the Gazette exposing Kennet's hidden agenda concerning Sunday car parking fees for Marlborough, the closure of the Tourist Information Centre and the web of deceit surrounding these issues spread by senior elected councillors, Marlborough citizens
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Melksham Town 0, Highworth Town 1
MELKSHAM'S bid to retain the Wiltshire Senior Cup was halted by an extra-time winner for Highworth Town. The match had been heading for a penalty shootout when Highworth striker Paul Hunt atoned for a penalty miss in the second half of normal time by
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Pensioner gets VIP treatment at Saints
PENSIONER Les Pinner was given a VIP day out to remember after he told the Journal how much he loved to watch his favourite football team, Saints, play at their new St Mary's stadium. Les (87), who reckons he is probably one of Southampton football club's
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En garde for a fresh start
ONE of the first fencing clubs in the region to be twinned with their French equivalent is now re-launching itself to attract new members. Swindon Fencing Club, which was established 30 years ago, is moving to new premises in New College's Queens drive
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'Paramedics saved my life'
Parish Councillor Barry Miller has praised the paramedics who saved his life during a heart attack on board an ambulance. Mr Miller, 48, was at home in Whittle Avenue, in Lower Compton, when his chest felt tight, he started having cold sweats, and his
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Youth street project seeking volunteers
Calne youth centre is looking for an outreach worker to help with its street-based projects. The centre is currently running a scheme where youth workers walk around the town on a regular basis talking to young people about any issues they are concerned
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Tree surgery to cost £3,700
Councillors have agreed to pay out more than £3,700 on tree surgery in the town and budget for future work. Calne Town Council regarded tree surgery work in Bentley Wood and on the Horsebrook Nature Trail as a priority at a meeting last week and voted
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Chamber award for wildlife rescuer Liz
Community Initiative Award-winner Liz Spring. DA4380P04JOURNAL columnist and wildlife rescue volunteer Liz Spring was among the top award winners at an Oscar-style presentation night at Salisbury City Hall on Saturday. The event was the annual Salisbury
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Vandals go on the rampage at school
VANDALS have gone on a wrecking spree on the site of an extension being built at St Dunstan's School, Calne. Staff and workmen arrived at the school to find a catalogue of damage had been carried out overnight. The windows of a mobile building used by
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Anglers face up to challenging conditions
LOW water levels are really starting to make life difficult for anglers fishing rivers and lakes. Stillwaters desperately need rain not just to bring up levels but also freshen up the water and reduce the effects of dying weed. On the rivers the lack
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Teaching jobs may be at risk
TEACHERS could be set to lose their jobs after the announcement that two special needs units will close. Swindon Council's education department is in the process of re-organising its provision for children with special needs. And it has decided to close
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Burglar is told that he may go to prison
A man who burgled the home of his former girlfriend's parents has been told by magistrates that he could be sent to prison. Luke Coleman, of Eastleigh Road, Devizes, admitted burglary when he appeared at Kennet Magistrates Court, Devizes, on November
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MP warns on town future
MP James Gray has warned he will not support future developments outside Chippenham's current limits. At a speech to mark the opening of the £10 million Methuen South business Park, the MP praised the new office buildings. But he told the gathering of
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A second London show for local artist
DEVIZES artist Luke Bevan is holding his second London show this year with co-artist Will Crawshaw. The two have formed a multi-disciplinary arts company, Blew Piranha, to promote their combined creative talents. Following the success of their spring
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Local lads return for launch of a sport book
ENGLAND World Cup winner Roger Hunt and former test cricketer Ken Palmer are among the VIPs invited to the launch of a new book about the history of sport in Devizes. Both men have written forewords for the book, Devizes Allsports. Sports enthusiast Rick
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Fate of the maternity units may be revealed
SAVE OUR MATERNITY UNIT: THE fate of Devizes and Malmesbury maternity units should become clearer on Tuesday when the Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust meets. The trust has changed the venue of the board meeting to the Assembly Rooms at Devizes
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Wonderful care
Re: Hospital praise dated Nov 10. I would like to praise the staff at GWH, our husband, dad, grandad, great grandad and great great grandad was well cared for when he was taken in and out of GWH this year. He kept going in and out until the first week
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Frome 10, Devizes 1st XV 5
A LAST-GASP try saw Frome take the honours in this friendly clash at Devizes on Saturday. For the second week in a row Devizes had a poor build up to the game against their senior opponents Frome. Some late additions to the side boosted depleted Devizes
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Blessing for new IT suite
PUPILS at St Peter's Primary School in Devizes have entered the 21st century with a byte and a prayer after their new computer suite was blessed by the Bishop of Ramsbury last week. The Bishop, the Right Reverend Peter Hullah, went to the school to give
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Louise's plaice back at home
FISH trader Louise Woolley, a popular figure in The Shambles market in Devizes for 31 years, is to put her feet up. Mrs Woolley, of Marden, has been made redundant due to the ill health of one of the owners of the fish business. Mrs Woolley finished at
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Man is jailed for six years following rape
Mark Few has been jailed for six years after a court heard how he brutally raped a woman in her own home. His victim was found half naked, battered and bruised wandering around Devizes town centre after the two-hour attack. Few, 30, has plagued Devizes
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Residents battle on allotment land plan
RESIDENTS are preparing for battle again to stop 158 homes being built on former allotment land at Spitalcroft, Devizes. Kennet councillors will be asked next Thursday to decide the future of the piece of land at Windsor Drive, where Robert Hitchins Homes
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Man punched wife in face
DAVID Keeley, 46, who assaulted his wife, has been ordered to go on a domestic violence programme by magistrates. Keeley, of Cold Harbour Lane, Marlborough, admitted assaulting his wife, Victoria, at their home on August 6 after they began arguing about
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Crew progress as old boys fail to show
WHEATSHEAF Cabin Crew progressed to the Quarter Final of the Dorset and Wilts Vase after Swindon College Old Boys withdrew from Saturday's fixture at the last minute. Crew were informed that Swindon were unable to field a team at 9am - just five hours
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New care home scheme could threaten hospital
A £4MILLION development with a care home, shops, children's day nursery and offices is being proposed on greenfield land off Nursteed Road, Devizes. The four-acre site is to the south of land occupied by T.H. White and close to the new link road and roundabout
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Thief walks into a shop and takes away a clock worth £1,600
A THIEF walked into a shop owned by TV antiques expert Paul Martin in Kingsbury Street, Marlborough and helped himself to a clock worth £1,600. The shop was being run by an assistant when the early 1900 wall-mounted clock was stolen. Police believe the
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Town maternity unit set to close
HEALTH bosses have proposed mothers no longer give birth at Devizes and Malmesbury Maternity Units. As the Gazette revealed weeks ago Devizes would, if the plans are accepted, only operate as a daytime ante natal clinic. The long awaited recommendations
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Council is split over proposed land sale
A MINORITY of town councillors in Marlborough are using delaying tactics over the sell-off of a piece of land. The full council has voted in favour of selling the site of dilapidated garages behind the town council offices at 5 High Street. It is intended
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Rescuer hurt halting fight
POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a vicious assault left a 28-year-old good Samaritan with serious facial injuries after he attempted to prevent a fight. Officers have not named the victim who attempted to stop the fracas in Hughenden Yard, Marlborough
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Happy return for fire chief
THE last time former county fire chief John Craig went to Jesse Smith butcher's in Marlborough was to lead 100 firefighters trying to save the 17th century building. Last Wednesday he returned to formally re-open the High Street shop five years after
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Recycling scheme arrives on doorstep
GREAT grandmother Sylvia Gray was one of hundreds of householders in Marlborough surprised when black plastic boxes turned up on their doorsteps this week. They were delivered in preparation for the launch early next month of an expanded doorstep recycling
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Village opens new safe path
SCHOOLchildren in Kington Langley will be able to use a new path to take them safely to school thanks to a campaign by the parish council. Today, villagers will celebrate the official opening of the long-awaited footpath. Formerly there was no safe pedestrian
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Joy as hospital deal is clinched
THE best possible Christmas present for the Marlborough area came in the form of signatures on the contract guaranteeing the building of the long-awaited new Savernake Hospital will start in the New Year. The final sealing of the £8.5 million contract
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Aussie rules
I thought before the World Cup that England were the favourites and I still think that now. More recently, they haven't played as well as they could have, but they still won and playing good opposition, who were playing well at the time so that's the
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Schools may close down
MEMBERS of Swindon's School Organisation Committee last night unanimously agreed with proposals which may see under-subscribed schools merge or even close. Demand for places at primary schools across the borough is expected to decline during the next
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Nationwide profit from latest figures
Nationwide, the Swindon building society, is celebrating an excellent six months. Its pre-tax profits, announced today, are up 22.2 per cent to £188.4 million on this time last year. Philip Williamson, Nationwide chief executive, said: "This has been
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Local lads return for launch of a sport book
ENGLAND World Cup winner Roger Hunt and former test cricketer Ken Palmer are among the VIPs invited to the launch of a new book about the history of sport in Devizes. Both men have written forewords for the book, Devizes Allsports. Sports enthusiast Rick
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Top athletes' class moment
SPORTS stars, athlete Du'aine Ladejo and top judo player Kate Howey opened the long awaited £1.5 million extension at Kings Lodge primary School in Chippenham. Wiltshire's largest primary school, with 492 pupils, has had to put up with eleven classes
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Council plans its wish list
Pewsey parish councillors are to set out a wish list of improvements and new facilities for the village. The idea, put forward on Tuesday by vice-chairman Phil Stevens, was adopted by the council. It came after the council received a presentation from
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What's good for the goose is good for the Gang Show
A BUTCHER has saved the bacon for youngsters planning to stage their Christmas Gang Show. Harold James, who runs E&H James in Cricklade High Street, heard of the appeal by brownies, cubs, scouts and guides' for a goose needed for one sketch in their
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Village opens new safe path
SCHOOLchildren in Kington Langley will be able to use a new path to take them safely to school thanks to a campaign by the parish council. Today, villagers will celebrate the official opening of the long-awaited footpath. Formerly there was no safe pedestrian
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Patient says they treated him royally
A man who spent months in a Swindon hospital after collapsing from a major stroke said medical staff treated him like royalty. Terry Hoare, 66, was taken to the Great Western Hospital in July after a stroke left him paralysed in a heap on the bedroom
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En garde for a fresh start
ONE of the first fencing clubs in the region to be twinned with their French equivalent is now re-launching itself to attract new members. Swindon Fencing Club, which was established 30 years ago, is moving to new premises in New College's Queens drive
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Round Table may be forced to close
MALMESBURY and Tetbury Round Table could be forced to wind up, threatening the only fireworks display in Malmesbury, unless new members are found. The group issued the warning after a successful fire display raised more than £1,300 for good causes earlier
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In tribute to little Abby
Ref. 27835-13A cancer fund set up in memory of three-year-old Abby Smith has raised thousands of pounds for sick youngsters. Little Abby died in July 2002 after a seven-month battle against cancer. Her family set up the Abby Smith Cancer Fund to help
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Pupils skip to it for charity
Ref. 27858-26Children skipped for joy and charity at Lainesmead Infants' School. Around 45 four to 11-year-olds took part in a sponsored skipathon to raise money for The British Heart Foundation. Skipping for an hour non-stop, the youngsters certainly
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Protesters call for president to leave
On the day George Bush defended his invasion of Iraq, anti-war protesters gathered in Swindon. The Swindon Stop The War Coalition met at the war memorial in Regent Circus yesterday to say 'stop' to Mr Bush. Coalition secretary Andy New-man impersonated
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Date
More tax rises
FURTHER Council Tax rises due (EA Nov 14, page 9) or cuts in services warns the council. This is after bleeding us with a 15 per cent rise this year. Then turn to page 10 the same day to find councillors vote themselves a rise in allowances. This is after
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Date
Devizes Town 5, Dawlish Town 1
DEVIZES won their second cup tie in the space of three days as Dawlish proved no match for them in the Les Phillips Cup. The home side were only 1-0 in front at half-time and league strugglers Dawlish did pull the score back to 2-1 early in the second
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Claim all you can
I'M NOT a politician, but the new pension top up scheme is said to give more money to poorer pensioners. It is controversial, because some older people don't like answering questions about their finances. On balance perhaps pensioners should claim all
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Praise for town council
Devizes Town Council should be congratulated for the sensitivity with which it has approached conservation issues in the town recently. The metal seat around the flowering cherry in front of the St John Ambulance HQ on St John's Street is an inspired
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Drive to combat mobile menace
Ref. 27836-04DON'T phone a friend while driving that is the message from Swindon police, who say they will be enforcing a new law banning drivers from using mobile phones. As of December 1, it will be an offence to use a mobile while at the wheel. Motorists
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Results achieved
NOTWITHSTANDING any temporary inconvenience, residents in Pans Lane will be pleased to witness the resurfacing of their road. Pans Lane, among several other roads in Devizes South Ward, has been the subject of many complaints which I have received and
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Offer a choice
ACCORDING to Ann Nash, Acting Director of Maternity Services, the bed occupancy rate of Devizes Maternity Unit is cause for concern. This could be improved if the board could take into consideration liaising with Primary Care Trusts in south Wiltshire
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Village hall gets new life
LUCKINGTON Village Hall is spick and span after a £20,000 revamp. The building has been restored to its former glory with new toilets and a redecoration, and a new central heating system promises to keep users warm during the winter months. The money
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Swindon Supermarine U8 9, Devizes U8 7
WHEN focused Devizes produced some deep, probing and simply stunning runs but they were punished during their moments of inattention. Alastair Broughton put Devizes ahead following a wonderful, jinking run from Guy Davies. Supermarine quickly drew level
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Thanks for aid
May I take this opportunity to thank the police and ambulance service, and also the passers-by, who attended and stopped to help me after my car accident on High Street, Devizes on November 7. Your assistance was very much appreciated. Thank you all.
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Search goes on
I WRITE concerning a letter I wrote to the Gazette on August 15 concerning my family's search for the child of a cousin of mine who was shot down over France during the Second World War, Pilot Officer W J (Jim) Morcombe. We are no closer to tracing the
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Unnecessary hall will destroy Green
I WRITE in response to a leaflet and voting slip which the Market Lavington Community Hall Trust has distributed within the village. It highlights the reason why Market Lavington needs another hall we already have several, including a soon-to-be refurbished
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Councillors to visit site
Councillors are to visit a housing site on Monday before making a decision about the controversial plans. Members of Kennet District Council's regulatory committee will visit the site in the centre of Urchfont at 2pm. The committee will then meet at the
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Whites to distribute FA charity cash
A TRIO of local charities are set to benefit from a £7,900 windfall presented to Salisbury City by the Football Association. The money is from the FA's Community Shield Fund and City officials this week confirmed they were delighted to be in a position
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Unnecessary hall will destroy Green
I WRITE in response to a leaflet and voting slip which the Market Lavington Community Hall Trust has distributed within the village. It highlights the reason why Market Lavington needs another hall we already have several, including a soon-to-be refurbished
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Council set to fight Flowers site scheme
Plans for a key Chippenham town centre site offers too many houses and too few jobs, the town council has said. Councillors have made a last-ditch protest in a bid to halt the new housing development on the former Flowers scrapyard site, off Wood Lane
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Santa settles into his new ho, ho, home. . .
WHEN Chippenham's Emery Gate shopping centre scrapped plans for a Christmas grotto, it looked like Santa Claus might be out of a job. But now he's found a new home at the nearby Olympiad leisure centre. Santa, who has enjoyed several stints at Emery Gate
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Why accept it?
I am horrified by the report in the Evening Advertiser about plans to expand housing to Coate Water and am puzzled about the necessity for it. If, as Christian Cubitt says, the figures are not statutory then why is the council obliged to accept them?
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Chippenham 1st XV 20, Thornbury 12
CHIPPENHAM ran out winners in an exciting friendly encounter with South West 2 side Thornbury. Thornbury opened the scoring from a sweeping run coming from deep in their own 22 to score in the corner. Chippenham welcomed back fly-half, Trevor Lloyd who
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Work set to start on changing rooms
Work on new changing rooms at Chippenham's Stanley Park playing fields should begin in January after a cost cutting exercise brought the project within budget. Chippenham Town Council had set aside £733,000 to build the changing facilities, referees'
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Attack at takeawaydenied by soldier, 22
A pair of drunken soldiers attacked the manager of a Chinese takeaway in a racist attack, a jury has been told. Colin Best and Neil Barton shouted racist abuse as they kicked Steven Wong on the ground outside the New World on Chippenham's Market Place
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Tragedy of caring teenager
The death of teenage voluntary worker Clare Morgan remains a mystery after an inquest heard no medical reason could be found. The 19-year-old, whose short life was blighted by childhood sexual abuse and a rare illness called cerebella ataxia, which caused
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Battle of masts
Regarding the Gazette's article on Network Rail's proposed 33-metre mast at New Mill and subsequent letters the question readers should be asking is, where are all the other masts going? We know of one proposed for Great Bedwyn, and another possibly for
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Scrum to buy shirts
RUGBY fever is set to hit Wiltshire on Saturday as England take on Australia in the world cup final. But, while most people will have to content themselves with watching on TV, Devizes Rugby Club president Dan Gaiger and club members Les Dowse and Taffy
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Tragedy of caring teenager
The death of teenage voluntary worker Clare Morgan remains a mystery after an inquest heard no medical reason could be found. The 19-year-old, whose short life was blighted by childhood sexual abuse and a rare illness called cerebella ataxia, which caused
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Date
Victim foretold her death
As Glyn Razzell starts a life sentence in jail after being found guilty of murdering his estranged wife Linda, EMMA PEARSON spoke to friends and neighbours in Highworth who always feared a tragedy would happen Linda Razzell told friends that she was afraid
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Date
Fate of the maternity units may be revealed
SAVE OUR MATERNITY UNIT: THE fate of Devizes and Malmesbury maternity units should become clearer on Tuesday when the Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust meets. The trust has changed the venue of the board meeting to the Assembly Rooms at Devizes
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Date
Improving Merthyr will be a tough test
THE BLUEBIRDS will be looking for their first league victory under caretaker boss Adie Mings when they travel to Merthyr Tydfil this weekend. The two sides met at Hardenhuish Park back in September when they shared six goals in a humdinger of a match.
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Market's supporters to petition closure
SHOPPERS have reacted angrily to the planned closure of Malmesbury's Sunday market and are setting up a petition to have it reinstated. It is only two months since the market opened but on November 11 the town council took the dramatic decision to stop
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Melksham Town 3, Bridport 0
MELKSHAM Town bounced back from their exit in the Wiltshire Senior Cup by progressing to the second round of the Les Phillips Cup on Monday night. Fielding a young side Melksham took an early lead against fellow Screwfix Premier Division side Bridport
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World Cup showdown
SWINDON is gearing itself up for rugby fever with flags fluttering and the chance of buying an England shirt is as likely as Nelson getting his eye back. We can expect the streets to be silent on Saturday morning during the World Cup showdown with Australia
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Date
This is best council can hope for
WE always knew that Swindon Council wouldn't get the money from Government that it hoped for it happens every year. But the message from local government minister Nick Raynsford is loud and clear and couldn't be blunter there is no reason for council
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Date
Funny twists from the artful dodgers
FROM claiming a television set was a fish tank to saying God forgot to tell them to buy a licence there is seemingly no excuse too bizarre or desperate for television licence dodgers. But they are just some of the explanations collected by Swindon officials
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Chippenham Town Ladies 9, Brize Norton 1
CHIPPENHAM completed a winning despite a much more spirited display from Brize Norton. A fortnight ago Norton had struggled to get out of their own half but this time they fought well from the start and held Chippenham at bay for the first 30 minutes
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Bath's World Cup Turn-off
BATH'S players and coaches are preparing to stick to a self-imposed squad ban on watching Saturday's World Cup Final. Head coach John Connolly, whose side face Harlequins in a league clash at The Rec hours after the final, does not want his team using
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Charisma, style, a little innovation and it's yours
THE hunt is on for the businesswoman of the year, and organisers are hoping Swindon's women will be among the contenders. As well as the prestige that comes with winning the national Veuve Clicquot Business Woman of the Year award, the victor will receive
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Date
Victim foretold her death
As Glyn Razzell starts a life sentence in jail after being found guilty of murdering his estranged wife Linda, EMMA PEARSON spoke to friends and neighbours in Highworth who always feared a tragedy would happen Linda Razzell told friends that she was afraid
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Date
Full English for a breakfast kick-off
SWINDON is in the grip of rugby fever as the town gears up for this weekend's World Cup showdown. The flags are going up as fans prepare to cheer golden booted Jonny Wilkinson and the boys to glory in Saturday's clash with Australia. Across town, fridges
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Pensioner gets VIP treatment at Saints
PENSIONER Les Pinner was given a VIP day out to remember after he told the Journal how much he loved to watch his favourite football team, Saints, play at their new St Mary's stadium. Les (87), who reckons he is probably one of Southampton football club's
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Date
Green fields need to be protected from housing
Re: Housing figures and the Structure Plan. It is surprising that it is still being said that so many houses are required to be built by the year 2016. Some three years ago, the government abandoned predict and provide. Instead they said it must be plan
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Goldiggers plan still undecided
The future of the Goldiggers site in Chippenham, still hangs in the balance after members of North Wiltshire District Council's executive committee called for more information. Members discussed the future of the former nightclub and cinema in a private
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Date
New manager sets out plans
SPORTS-MAD Paul Astley is looking forward to knocking the Olympiad Leisure Centre back into shape. Mr Astley, 34, who lives in Calne, with his wife and 18-month-old son, has swum and played water polo at national level. Now he has taken on the role of
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Roadshow to lift lid on new bins
A roadshow packed with information on north Wiltshire's new wheelie bins refuse collection service, rolls into Chippenham next week. As well as being able to see the new green 180-litre bins, which are about to be delivered to homes in Chippenham, householders
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Salisbury beaten by cream of Devon
ANY hopes Salisbury had of keeping the previous week's winning team together disintegrated during the week and with it any realistic hope of staying in the Powergen Cup, writes Stuart McArdell. Hooker Dan Hobbs, who had courageously stayed on the field
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Chamber award for wildlife rescuer Liz
Community Initiative Award-winner Liz Spring. DA4380P04JOURNAL columnist and wildlife rescue volunteer Liz Spring was among the top award winners at an Oscar-style presentation night at Salisbury City Hall on Saturday. The event was the annual Salisbury
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Search goes on
I WRITE concerning a letter I wrote to the Gazette on August 15 concerning my family's search for the child of a cousin of mine who was shot down over France during the Second World War, Pilot Officer W J (Jim) Morcombe. We are no closer to tracing the
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Trolley deal welcomed
THREE organisations have welcomed the agreement signed between Salisbury district council, Tesco and Sainsbury's to introduce coin-operated trolleys at their city centre stores. The Environment Agency, Wiltshire Wildlife Rescue and City Centre Management
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Fresh look at plans to revitalise town
Plans for the continued redevelopment of Calne town centre have been revitalised. A long-term plan to develop the town was set out by North Wiltshire District Council more than five years ago. Phases one and two were complete by the end of 2001 but since
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October's Supermum is an 'inspiration'
Supermum Janet Shores and her daughter Susannah Shores. DA4354A MOTHER whose courage and determination has been an inspiration to her family and friends is the proud winner of the October Southern Electric/Journal Supermum competition. In 1991, Janet
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Village hall gets new life
LUCKINGTON Village Hall is spick and span after a £20,000 revamp. The building has been restored to its former glory with new toilets and a redecoration, and a new central heating system promises to keep users warm during the winter months. The money
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Accident sparks new school-run worries
Paula Leyland (left) walks with her friend Litsa Hartley and Litsa's son Jamie near the spot in Highbury Avenue, Salisbury, where she was struck by a passing car. DA4371P2A MOTHER who was injured in a hit-and-run incident as she walked her children to
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Fresh look at plans to revitalise town
Plans for the continued redevelopment of Calne town centre have been revitalised. A long-term plan to develop the town was set out by North Wiltshire District Council more than five years ago. Phases one and two were complete by the end of 2001 but since
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Parents tell of grief for soldier son
THE parents of the 17-year-old soldier from Larkhill Garrison who died suddenly last week have spoken about the boy whose childhood ambition was a career in the army. Gunner Michael Riley, who came from the West Midlands, died after collapsing in his
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MP warns on town future
MP James Gray has warned he will not support future developments outside Chippenham's current limits. At a speech to mark the opening of the £10 million Methuen South business Park, the MP praised the new office buildings. But he told the gathering of
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Inspector sets out programme for Stonehenge tunnel inquiry
ABOUT 1,400 objections are likely to be heard when the public inquiry into the proposed multi-million-pound tunnelling of the A303 at Stonehenge takes place next year. The inquiry is due to open in Salisbury on February 17 and is expected to last at least
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War drama is runaway hit
PEWSEY Vale School's recent production of Carrie's War, the story of a Second World War evacuee, played to full houses. The cast of 14 presented two evening shows for parents and friends of the school and two afternoon shows for their own school friends
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Attacking line-up pays off
SALISBURY Hockey Club's mens' first team were 5-3 victors against Gosport, vindicating skipper Tim Green's decision to manage without the injured midfielder Dan Dines and throw everything into attacking the opposition's goal. There were two goals apiece
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Mystery remains on double deaths
WIFE Mary Carne and husband Fred took the same lethal cocktail of prescription drugs and alcohol, less than a day apart leaving their only daughter Jeanette alone. An inquest into the double deaths held yesterday heard how Mrs Carne, 53, died on her bed
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Care services boost council's star rate
WILTSHIRE County Council's Social Services department has increased its rating in the latest performance tables. It has upped its one star rating to two making it one of the best performing local authorities in the country. But the Department of Health
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Arsonist who set up explosion is jailed
A DRUG abuser who tried to blow himself up in his hotel room has been sent to jail for six years after he breached his probation order. Paul Benns, 43, emptied the contents of 22 butane gas canisters into the small room before igniting a cigarette lighter
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Abbey extension plan soon to be revealed
PLANS for the £2 million extension to Malmesbury Abbey will be officially unveiled on Tuesday. It is the first major work to the structure in more than 500 years and the extension will be placed in the position of the old West Tower, which collapsed at
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Wellington 2, Corsham Town 3
TWO inspired substitutions by Corsham Town swung this game in their favour and they snatched victory seven minutes into added on time. Wellington looked to have claimed the three points but substitutes Ryan Bush and Steve Roddy both scored late on to
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October's Supermum is an 'inspiration'
Supermum Janet Shores and her daughter Susannah Shores. DA4354A MOTHER whose courage and determination has been an inspiration to her family and friends is the proud winner of the October Southern Electric/Journal Supermum competition. In 1991, Janet
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Stonehenge tunnel - fire chiefs voice fears
FIRE chiefs will be taking the unusual step of appearing at a public inquiry next year - to oppose the A303 tunnel planned for Stonehenge. Wiltshire Fire Brigade will tell a government inspector that the tunnel - actually twin tunnels, one for each direction
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Offer a choice
ACCORDING to Ann Nash, Acting Director of Maternity Services, the bed occupancy rate of Devizes Maternity Unit is cause for concern. This could be improved if the board could take into consideration liaising with Primary Care Trusts in south Wiltshire
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Council is split over proposed land sale
A MINORITY of town councillors in Marlborough are using delaying tactics over the sell-off of a piece of land. The full council has voted in favour of selling the site of dilapidated garages behind the town council offices at 5 High Street. It is intended
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Improving Merthyr will be a tough test
THE BLUEBIRDS will be looking for their first league victory under caretaker boss Adie Mings when they travel to Merthyr Tydfil this weekend. The two sides met at Hardenhuish Park back in September when they shared six goals in a humdinger of a match.
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Keith's happy on the bench
BLUEBIRDS midfielder Keith O'Halloran played his part in an improved second half display against Stafford Rangers and hopes his experience can help drag the side back up the table. The former Swindon Town star accepted that Stafford more than deserved
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We must stamp out the errors says Mark
MARK Hervin feels the first step in turning round Chippenham Town's season is for players including himself to start stamping out individual errors. The former Bath City goalkeeper had a busy return to league action at home to Stafford Rangers on Saturday
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Please sir, we want more
l Ian Dobie, Swindon's Tory group deputy leader is disappointed at the announcementSwindon Council will get £124 million from the Government to spend on services next year. But civic leaders will tell Deputy PM John Prescott that it's not enough TAXPAYERS
