Archive
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Retail park scheme for former depot site
GAZETTE & HERALD: DEVELOPERS have applied to turn the former Wincanton Distribution depot into a new mini retail park. Reading-based developer Foinavon submitted a planning application for the redevelopment of the site at Bumpers Way last Friday.
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Man let off rape charges
GAZETTE & HERALD: Lee Kirkwood, 18, of Hill Rise, Chippenham, has been cleared of raping and indecently assaulting 18-year-old teenage Claire Morgan, who has since died. Swindon Crown Court was told on Friday the Crown Prosecution Service decided
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New head hopes to make it a double
GAZETTE & HERALD: SHELDON School's new headteacher Gerard MacMahon could bag a promotion double if the Bristol football team he captains wins its next two matches. It is Mr MacMahon's first headship and at the age of 38 he is one of the youngest secondary
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Partners stand firm on site for new surgery
GAZETTE & HERALD: Plans to move the new Hathaway Surgery complex from the Allington site to the Middlefield playing fields have been rejected by partners at the surgery. The surgery wants to move from its current outdated premises in New Road to a
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Speed cameras just the ticket for warden
GAZETTE & HERALD: CHIPPENHAM'S last traffic warden Duncan Wostenholme has decided to quit his job for an even more unpopular job as speed camera enforcement officer. While in many towns traffic wardens are regarded with dislike, and some are even
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Man faces jail after glassing club-goer
Barry KellyGAZETTE & HERALD: Chippenham man James Billingham faces the prospect of a lengthy jail term after admitting glassing a man in a nightclub garden. Barry Kelly needed dozens of stitches to his face and will be scarred for life following the
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The hall the village built
12850/1GAZETTE & HERALD: A new £240,000 hall funded by the community was officially opened at Langley Fitzurse Primary School last week. The hall has been in development for more than four years and last June builders started work on the Kington Langley
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Here for the beer
GAZETTE & HERALD: FOR years the image of real ale drinkers has consisted of a group of bushy bearded, sandal wearing men with gargantuan guts supping pints of beer named Vipers tooth or Old Grumble Belly. But it is testimony to the success of the
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Point To Prove
ALAN REEVES admits he would love to join the growing ranks of young managers in the game and aims to use the next two years at the County Ground to help prepare him for the transition to becoming a 'gaffer'. The 36-year-old defender is hoping for a player-coach
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Balloonist's record delight
GAZETTE & HERALD: Balloonist David Hempleman-Adams is finally celebrating his world record altitude flight after it was confirmed that he did not break any rules. The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) has announced, after a thorough investigation
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Drink driver gets banned
GAZETTE & HERALD: A CORSHAM woman was so nervous about seeing a doctor at Green Lane mental health unit in Devizes that she got drunk and then tried to drive home. Wendy Gething, 44, of Park Lane, pleaded guilty before Kennet magistrates in Devizes
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Family's tribute to computer expert
GAZETTE & HERALD: THE family of Steven Mabbort, who was found hanged in the garage of his home at Tellcroft Way, Corsham, have told how he had struggled with depression for the last ten years. Mr Mabbort, 26, lived alone and had been working as a
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Christian quiz finds town full of believers
A survey in North Chippenham has found that the majority of local people do believe in God. The door-to-door survey was conducted last month by a team from four local churches as part of the GOD 4 U activity week and of the 500 people quizzed, 84 per
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Campaigners win more time for consultation on maternity units
12881/1THE public consultation on proposals to close Devizes and Malmesbury maternity units is to be extended, health chiefs agreed on Tuesday. The board of the Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust agreed to extend the consultation period because
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Building resumes on the burial site
AMANDA MURDER INQUIRY: Developers of the site in Malmesbury where Amanda Edwards' body was found have decided a memorial on the site is not appropriate. Chase Homes chairman Chris Kent said: "We have written to Amanda's family. There will be no memorial
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Family has to wait for funeral date
AMANDA MURDER INQUIRY: The family of Amanda Edwards is unable to lay her to rest because the cause of her death is still a mystery. Wiltshire Coroner, David Masters, opened an inquest into Miss Edwards' death last Thursday but said he was unable to release
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Council ignored warning on killer
AMANDA MURDER INQUIRY: THAMES Valley Police objected to killer Ian Cortis being given clearance to work as a nightclub doorman, after he failed to declare his convictions for rape. But despite their concerns, Cortis was given accreditation under Reading
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Boot sale for more space
FAMILIES living on the Little Island development on the old hospital site in Wilcot Road in Pewsey have formed their own community association. The first event for the Little Island Residents Association will be a car boot sale on Bank Holiday Monday,
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One-way road a step nearer
THE first one-way road system in Pewsey could be in place soon in Wilcot Road. For years the parish council has been pressing Wiltshire County Council for a traffic management scheme for Wilcot Road. The busy street carries traffic into the village from
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Ambulance boss fails to reassure villagers
PARISH councillors in Pewsey have refused to accept assurances from acting ambulance chief Tim Skelton that the village is getting a first class service. Villagers in Pewsey have long been concerned at the time it takes for ambulances to arrive in response
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Chalkie gets a new view
TOWN boss Steve White has a new perspective on his team's performances, whuich could be why they have won their last two games. Assistant boss Ronnie Needham said White has taken up a seat at the back of the stand and relays messages to Needham in the
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Griffin's praise for players on the fringe
NEW Chippenham skipper Charlie Griffin praised the attitudes of the club's fringe players who have helped spark a mini revival in recent weeks. The striker was handed the captain's armband for the Wiltshire Premier Shield final win over his former club
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'All we can do is go for a victory'
HAT-TRICK hero James Constable is keen to get another win at Hinckley to make sure his efforts against Moor Green do not count for nothing. The teenager fired the Bluebirds to victory on Saturday to keep their fading play-off hopes alive but he reminded
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Gloom deepens as director quits
CHIPPENHAM Town are facing a financial crisis after director Derek Hooper decided to step down at the end of the season. The club has spiralling debts of £30,000 and Hooper, who only joined the club in October, would have been expected to help meet the
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Shop pleads for old books
A NEW Oxfam bookshop has opened in Swindon town centre after the last one closed down in August. Shop manager Maggie Aldridge has appealed for volunteers as well as donated items to make the new initiative a success. The Oxfam Books and Music Shop, in
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Train company website has world appeal
RAIL travellers from as far afield as America and Australia have joined Wiltshire travellers in buying more than £1 million of tickets via First Great Western's website in its first seven months. The most popular journeys booked through the website involve
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Alex is to hit the Inca trail
ORGANIC food specialist Alex Te-Strote of Malmesbury is to trek the spectacular Inca Trail in South America to raise money for cancer care. Mr Te-Strote, 51, of Ingram Street, decided to take up the arduous ten day challenge for Marie Curie Cancer Care
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Campaigners win more time for consultation on maternity units
12881/1THE public consultation on proposals to close Devizes and Malmesbury maternity units is to be extended, health chiefs agreed on Tuesday. The board of the Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust agreed to extend the consultation period because
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New town hall moves closer to reality
PLANS for a new Malmesbury Town Hall will be discussed by North Wiltshire District Council tonight. Centrex, an ambitious project that would demolish the interior of the present Grade II listed building at Cross Hayes and develop a new multi-million pound
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Full house for Badminton
HOTELS and guest houses in Malmesbury have been fully booked for months ahead of the Badminton Horse Trials this weekend. Malmesbury is just ten miles away from the grounds of the Duke of Beaufort's Gloucestershire Park, where the trials are held from
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Bike escort for foreign guest
12902/1THE entente cordial extended to Malmesbury last week with the visit of French police officer Jean-Luc Garnier. Parisian M Garnier was visiting local bobbies as part of an exchange scheme with the International Police Association. Last Monday, Malmesbury
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Building resumes on the burial site
Developers of the site in Malmesbury where Amanda Edwards' body was found have decided a memorial on the site is not appropriate. Chase Homes chairman Chris Kent said: "We have written to Amanda's family. There will be no memorial on the Knoll site. "
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Teens get together to create a shelter
12906/1Minety youths have clubbed together to build a £7,000 shelter in the village. A spate of vandalism over three months last year led villagers to ask the youngsters what they wanted. The youths' top choice was the shelter because of the lack of places
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Council ignored warning on killer
THAMES Valley Police objected to killer Ian Cortis being given clearance to work as a nightclub doorman, after he failed to declare his convictions for rape. But despite their concerns, Cortis was given accreditation under Reading Borough Council's Door
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Duo on the pace to help England secure gold
TRIUMPHANT duo Emily Benham and Alice Butt showed off their gold medals after helping the England select junior girls team to the top spot at the ISF World Schools Orienteering Champion-ships in Belgium last week. The pair did superbly in both championship
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Bus prefects to be on duty
A BUS prefect scheme is being introduced to encourage children to behave on Wiltshire's school buses. Children will be trained by Wiltshire county council's passenger transport unit to report incidents of bad behaviour and help ensure the school journey
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Calne warm-up with win
MARLBOROUGH completed their pre-season preparations with a defeat at local rivals Calne. They won the toss and skipper Navid Ahmad decided to bat. Peter Day opened the innings with Andy Halliday and both played with confidence against tight bowling from
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Rourke signs on with a run blast in first games
AUSTRALIAN import Darren Rourke announced his arrival as Swindon's overseas signing by blasting more than 260 runs in his first two innings for the club. Rourke only stepped off the plane from Down Under last week but the 30-year-old already looks a superb
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Old rivals are relishing derby clashes
THERE will be some keenly contested local derbies in Division Two this season with Swindon, Wootton Bassett and Marlborough all battling it out for promotion. Swindon skipper John Basden felt a mixture of bad luck and sub-standard performances were to
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Consolidation is the priority for Goatacre
IT'S business as usual for Goatacre this season as they remain in Division One while their local rivals have all changed divisions. The club, skippered for the second year by Pete Turner, enjoyed a number of local derbies last season. But following the
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Searle is setting promotion as a target
PROMOTION to the Premier One Division is the goal Chippenham skipper Jason Searle has set his players for the new season. Off spinner Searle is captaining the team for the second successive season and wants them to build on last year's fifth place finish
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Corsham focus on survival mission
RETAINING West of England Premier One status is the first objective of new Corsham skipper Neil Shardlow this season. Last year Corsham boasted a strong squad and had set their sights on winning the championship title. But they ended a disappointing campaign
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Windies star signs for county cup clash
FORMER West Indies Test captain Jimmy Adams will line up for Wiltshire in their second round Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy match against Nottinghamshire next week. Adams will team up with a familiar-looking Wiltshire side for the match at Westbury
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All change for education
Ref. 30118-49FOR pupils in Swindon and Wiltshire this summer term marks the end of an era. When they go back to their lessons in September they will be embarking on the result of the biggest change in the school calendar for more than 100 years. The traditional
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Profits zoom for car giant Honda
HONDA has announced record profits for the third year running. The car giant, which has its main UK assembly plant in South Marston, saw profits rocket almost 80 per cent to £134 million last year, while annual turnover rolled in at £4,912 million up
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Tribute to the D-Day heroes
A MEMORIAL honouring men and women who took part in D-Day and the Arnhem landings has been unveiled at the site of the old Blakehill Farm airfield near Cricklade. War veterans attended a special dedication service to mark the occasion at Braydon Lane,
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Lucky Poppy's miracle return
BLACK cats are renowned for bringing good luck. And Poppy must have an abundance of good fortune because she was returned to her owners who had given her up for dead six months ago. The Wootton Bassett branch of Cats Protection traced Steve Blackwell,
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Public opinion split on re-using graves
Debate has begun in earnest over the future of Wootton Bassett town cemetery. The current cemetery on Downs View will fill up in the next four or five years, so the town is faced with a decision. Either the prospect of re-using graves in the existing
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D-Day finale for the show
MILITARY bands and representatives of the Royal British Legion from across the region will commemorate the 60th anniversary of D-Day to mark the finale of this year's Royal Bath and West Show. The show's final day, June 5, falls on the eve of the 60th
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Broughton Gifford 3, North Bradley Saints 1 (aet)
THE Revolutions CafeBar-sponsored Knockout Cup came home to Broughton, but Saints should have had the trophy under lock and key by the interval at Meadow Lane last Thursday. In almost a carbon copy of their Wiltshire Junior Cup triumph six days before
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Packed May day offers riot of fun and challenges
PEOPLE in Wiltshire will be spoilt for choice in how to spend this bank holiday weekend. The May Day bank holiday is once again the occasion for a number of high-profile events, including the Devizes Lions May Day Fair in the Market Place, The Wharf and
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Asians are crowned champs in title race
WILTSHIRE LEAGUE: SWINDON Asians lifted the Junior Division Two title after hanging on for a precious point against New College. Trax lead the way at the top of the division on goal difference at the start of the day but Asians, needing just a single
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Birdman will have a whale of a time
FLYING instructor Tony Hughes will be taking to the air in an international birdman competition this summer. Mr Hughes, who is in his forties, will be flinging himself off Bognor pier in an attempt to win £25,000 prize money. The Arun International Bognor
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Stratton put the icing on the cake
NORTH WILTS YOUTH LEAGUE: AFTER last Sunday's washout, the sun finally shone on the North Wilts and District League with a wonderful day of cup finals at the County Ground. And to cap off a tremendous day, Stratton Juniors gave the league a clean sweep
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Four Seasons step up championship charge
CHIPPENHAM SUNDAY LEAGUE: FOUR Seasons maintained their interest in the race for the Division Three title, as a 4-1 home victory over Bradstone Rovers saw them close the gap to leaders Parsons Nose to just two points. Parsons Nose must take at least a
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Trust ignores job-hunt midwife
MIDWIFE Francis Findlay who has applied to work in the midwife-led units in Wiltshire has not had a reply nine weeks later. In the meantime midwives working at Devizes and Malmesbury maternity units are working extra shifts to cover staff shortages. The
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Chard Town 0, Calne Town 1
CALNE brought their season to a close on a winning note as a last-minute strike saw them beat Chard on their own sloping pitch. Both teams had chances to take the lead throughout the close game but the match was only decided deep into second half injury
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Malmesbury Victoria 3, Clanfield 1
MALMESBURY continued their good end of season form with a convincing win over bottom of the table Clanfield. Clanfield took an early lead when goalkeeper Jones pushed a cross out to the feet of a visiting forward who slammed the ball back past him. But
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Pewsey Vale 0, Southall Town 2
PEWSEY battled gamely to frustrate promotion-chasing ten-man Southall for more than an hour but in the end succumbed to the added quality of their opponents. The home side held hopes of taking something from the game but goals from Southall in the 60th
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Purton go for the Premier after win
PURTON finally clinched the Division One West title with a 3-1 win over Quarry Nomads on Saturday and manager Alan Clark duly revealed that the club will be pursuing promotion to the Premier Division after all. It was assumed that the Red House outfit's
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Corsham Town 1, Street 0
CORSHAM just edged a tight game against Street but the result was enough to guarantee them a fifth-place finish in their first season under the management of Colin Bush. The former Chippenham Town assistant boss was not at the game on Saturday but assistant
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Corsham Town 2, Trowbridge Town 2 (After extra time. Trowbridge won 5-3 on penalties)
CORSHAM suffered heartbreak after they twice came from behind on to lose in a dramatic penalty shoot-out. In front of a crowd of 522 at Chippenham Town's Hardenhuish Park, Corsham and Trowbridge contested a highly entertaining final. The Wiltshire League
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Council ignored warning on killer
GAZETTE & HERALD EXCLUSIVE: THAMES Valley Police objected to killer Ian Cortis being given clearance to work as a nightclub doorman, after he failed to declare his convictions for rape. But despite their concerns, Cortis was given accreditation under
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Speed camera signs defaced
SPEED camera bosses are undeterred by vandals who defaced signs warning drivers that mobile speed cameras operate in the area. Numerous signs on the A361 between Devizes and Avebury and on the A4 near Marlborough were sprayed with red paint earlier this
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Police appeal on white Ford
POLICE are trying to trace a white Ford Escort about ten years old in connection with a spate of thefts from vehicles in the Marlborough and Pewsey areas on Saturday. Three vehicles in the car park in West Woods at Lockeridge were broken into on Saturday
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Seal of approval for blueprint of future
KENNET'S replacement local plan, the blueprint for development in the district for the next seven years was formally adopted by the district council at a full council meeting last week. The plan will guide development and investment within the district
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Costs up for bad parking
KENNET District Council will target motorists who park inconsiderately, particularly those who park over two bays, obstruct access routes and use disabled bays without a badge. It said offenders will now pay more for their lack of community spirit. The
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Walcot Old Boys 10, Chippenham 22
CHIPPENHAM go into a cup final battle tonight against Keynsham at The Rec in Bath after a hard-fought win in Saturday's semi. Chippenham stormed ahead but let Walcot back into the game in the second half and only a converted try by full-back David Spiers
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Laser brings hope to acne sufferers
Acne sufferers are having their spots zapped away by laser beam in a North Swindon doctors' surgery. Taw Hill Medical Centre is the first clinic in the country to offer its patients NLite treatment for the skin condition. The laser works by using intense
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Wrecked!
Ref. 30150-50A HOUSE is close to collapse after a gas leak caused an explosion just after 8am this morning. The end face of a semi-detached home in Beechcroft Road, Upper Stratton was completely destroyed leaving personal belongings scattered in the driveway
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Bid to clean up riverside
GAZETTE & HERALD: Work is progressing on the redevelopment of the Marden River in the Castle Park area of Calne. Castlefields Canal and River Park Association (CARP) has developed a long-term project to revitalise the riverside. Work has now been
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Play scheme needs staff
GAZETTE & HERALD: A charity play scheme looks set to return to Calne this summer to provide fun activities for youngsters. But the Summer Fun in Calne Play Scheme is looking for new staff because many students who worked on the scheme last year are
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WI celebrates its 80th anniversary with a cake
GAZETTE & HERALD: East Tytherton Women's Institute celebrated its 80th anniversary with a party last week. A group of 20 members and their guests gathered in the village hall for a meal and commemorative cake. The WI started in 1923 when the village
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County comes up with cash for record office
GAZETTE & HERALD: HOMEOWNERS Sally and Paul Harley and their dog escaped a fire, which swept through the bedroom of their house in Cherhill on Sunday night. Mr and Mrs Harley were in the process of selling their semi-detached cottage in The Street
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Babysitter in assault case
GAZETTE & HERALD: BABYSITTER Ian Sealy, who indecently assaulted a 16-year-old girl has walked free from court. Sealy, 27, of Foreman Street, Calne, admitted indecent assault and common assault at Swindon Crown Court on Friday. Richard Thomas, prosecuting
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Award for police officers who saved a life
GAZETTE & HERALD: A WOMAN police officer who coaxed a man down from a tower flagpole has received an award for her actions. WPC Julie May from Calne received a certificate of merit from Wiltshire Constabulary alongside PC Ivor Noyce last week. In
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Future of Eisteddfod hangs in the balance
THE future of Devizes Eisteddfod, one of the longest running youth music and arts festivals in the county, is to be discussed at a meeting at Dauntsey's School tonight. The current director, Dauntsey's director of music Chris Thompson, announced his intention
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It's no doggone mess
A GIANT stuffed dog sitting on a toilet has been causing a stir in Marden near Devizes. The dog, nicknamed John, appeared on the grass verge by the side of the road in the main street through the village. John also has a roll of toilet tissue handy and
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Warm hearted pair help tot
MORE than £1,200 has been raised by events held by people in Devizes for Lyneham toddler George Mitchell who has a brain tumour. Two-year-old George of Lyneham has begun chemotherapy on the tumour which is embedded deep within his brain, but his parents
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All change at town's Christmas market
EXTENSIVE changes are being planned for the Devizes Christmas lights switch-on event following complaints from traders in the town. Hughmark, the commercial company which has organised the Christmas market in the town for the last two years, is not being
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Highworth's big finale
HIGHWORTH complete their Hellenic Premier Division programme this evening when they host title hopefuls Brackley at the Elms, writes CRAIG LYUS. Brackley currently lead the way in a three-horse race for glory with 88 points from 40 games. Slimbridge are
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Campaigners win more time for consultation on maternity units
12881/1THE public consultation on proposals to close Devizes and Malmesbury maternity units is to be extended, health chiefs agreed on Tuesday. The board of the Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust agreed to extend the consultation period because
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Villagers reject green waste plant plan
PROTESTERS in Bromham have dealt the village's largest employer a slap in the face by rejecting Mark Wilkinson's plans to build a £9 million renewable energy waste plant and houses in the area. At the annual parish meeting at the village social centre
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A war on waste
12864/2CHILDREN from three schools near Devizes have received awards for recycling enough paper to save 2,800 trees. Pupils from Chirton Primary, St Barnabas Primary in Market Lavington and Lavington Secondary School scooped awards in the waste warrior
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Film crew's rail drama
Tikki Baker DEVIZES bank worker Tikki Baker was among a group of furious commuters left stranded at Westbury Station on Tuesday evening after their cars were blocked in by vehicles belonging to a film production company. The company was filming a scene
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Quick step to fundraising
A MAY Ball is taking place in the town hall in Marlborough on Saturday to help raise funds for a new classroom at St Katharine's School in Savernake Forest. The school is a victim of a its own success and the prospect of new homes being built in its catchment
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Will dray-driving duke also pull pints of 6X?
ALTHOUGH the Duke of Edinburgh has agreed to drive one of Wadworth's drays through the town centre next Tuesday, there is some controversy over his pulling a pint of 6X in the licensees' training centre. Prince Philip will arrive at Wadworth Brewery shortly
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Win a Stylish laptop bag
AT the beginning of 2003, things were looking bleak for the technology industry it was struggling through economic troubles and two years of declining IT investment. During this time, Intel chief executive officer Craig Barrett, was firmly steering his
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Appeal on courageousRAF pilot
AIR force historian Danny Burt is searching for any information on Second World War pilot John Sinclair Bucknall Jones, from Marlborough, who took part in the Battle of Britain in 1940. The Spitfire ace met his death very early on in the war on August
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In depth experience is asset to company
BWF Humphries is an established stonemasonry company in Hungerford, headed by Christine Humphries. The company manufactures and supplies marble and stone fireplaces, granite worktops and marble tops and cladding for bathrooms and showers. Christine says
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Warning from police as dealer is jailed
POLICE in Marlborough have this week welcomed the news that drug pusher Luke Mildenhall from Ramsbury has been jailed. Mildenhall, 21, of Whitehill Close in Ramsbury appeared at Salisbury Crown Court last Friday. He admitted possessing Class A (cocaine
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Ghostly goings on with the ISP
Get connected to Swindon's latest Internet Service Provider 'Ghost Internet', a friendly local service with unrivalled experience to offer top local support. You can leave your internet connection on without incurring any telephone charges and still use
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Well, well it's time for change
12834/1CUSTOMERS at the former Old Crown in Ogbourne St George are having to get used to its new name, the Inn with the Well. The last day of the pub under its old name was marked on Friday when licensees Megan and Mike Shaw held a beer festival. Patriotically
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New discovery rings a bell for fire fighters
AN OLD water-powered bell that summoned fire fighters to emergencies in Marlborough for a quarter of a century has been rediscovered in the town hall. It was found during the current £250,000 refurbishment of the hall when builders were repairing the
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Battling mums win more time
CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save a maternity unit from closure have won a stay of execution. Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust has decided they can have more time to make the case for keeping Malmesbury and the Devizes units open. Consultation
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Fine brandy boosts health
ARMAGNAC is good for you, according to new medical research. A year ago top Swindon heart consultant Bill McCrea advised his patients to enjoy a glass or two of red wine to aid their recovery. Now research from France has shown a regular dose of Armagnac
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Chance to set sail for new hobby
A SAILING club near Ashton Keynes will be offering newcomers a chance to try the sport next month. Whitefriars Sailing Club's annual Try The Sport Day will be held on Saturday, May 15 at the club's home venue Lake 26 on the Ashton Keynes Road. The lake
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Arsonist told she will not face prison
A WOMAN who started a blaze at her home in Penhill has been told she will not face a jail sentence after admitting arson. Maureen Baden was told by a judge that he wanted the probation service to compile a package of care for her in the community after
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Abigail waits for her results
WITHIN just a few weeks teenage cancer sufferer Abigail Taylor-Silk should know if an attempt to cure her illness has been successful. For two years the 13-year-old remained upbeat despite countless scans and gruelling chemotherapy sessions to rid her
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Support for fight against solvent abuse
Larry Perring and his daughter Julie Southgate putting up posters at Gary's SchoolTHE campaign set up in the wake of teenager Gary Perring's death from inhaling aerosol gas has received backing from a second national charity aimed at preventing substance
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Diabetes help group to meet
THE next meeting of the Swindon group of the Diabetes UK charity will take the form of a self-help forum. Group secretary Matthew Spencer said: "I hope that each person who comes along will bring with them some piece of advice, knowledge or recipe that
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Smoking curbs are under fire
LORD Stoddart has hit out at plans to curb smoking in pubs and clubs as "political correctness". The former Swindon Labour MP heavily criticised the move, which the Government says is vital to protect the health of workers in bars and other enclosed public
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Grant boost for school
AN INFANTS' school is celebrating a £500 grant. Grange Community Infant School in Lower Stratton says it will pool the money from the GWR Community Trust with cash it has raised through its parent/teacher club and buy equipment for its playground and
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Tell us reasons
THE reasons why the proposed site for a new football stadium is unsuitable are many and obvious. As Mr Devlin is so keen that we should all keep an open mind, could he be persuaded to publish a list of reasons from the club's point of view why the proposed
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We have no historic buildings to hand on
I WAS interested in Shirley Mathias' article about Groundwell Farm because I certainly go along with what Robert Stredder had to say about Swindon and old buildings. I have thought for a long time that Swindon Council does not care about old buildings
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Stadium plans would betray the residents
I HAVE thought long and hard about the recently publicised proposals to relocate Swindon Town FC from the County Ground to the Shaw Forest Country Park next to the houses at Sparcells, Peatmoor, Shaw and Nine Elms. There can be no doubt these plans to
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Design worry
WE were informed at the parish meeting that Wiltshire County Council intends to replace rather than repair and repaint the railings in the High Street. Given that it is in a conservation area may it be assumed that the town council and, more particularly
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Melksham/Devizes U16 24, Swanage & Wareham U16 5
WITH injuries causing several positional changes, the home side looked out of sorts early on but inside centre Scott Simmons converted a penalty in front of the posts for an early 3-0 lead. The usual resilient midfield defence of David Finlay, Simon Neck
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Chippenham 2nds 57, Barton Hill 2nds 10
CHIPPENHAM finished the season with an emphatic win. Despite conceding an early try in the first five minutes the home side quickly began to dominate in the forwards and it was not long before winger Julian Squires levelled the scores. Fly-half Danny
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Rec cup final is a dream for players
DEVIZES and Chippenham players will be feeling some nerves today as they prepare to play their end of season cup finals at Premiership Bath RFC's famous ground tonight. Devizes will take on Stothert and Pitt in the Bath Combination Plate final at The
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Teeing off for golden day
GAZETTE & HERALD: Golf enthusiasts Harvey and Peggy Griffin had a golden wedding anniversary celebration with a difference, when they organised an 18-hole competition for friends and family. Mr Griffin, 70, and Mrs Griffin, 69, celebrated their 50th
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Final push
Could you please encourage folks in the Lavington area (Market Lavington, West Lavington, Littleton Panell and The Cheverells) to register for broadband use? Our exchange has a trigger level of 350 and we have now reached 318 (90 per cent) one final push
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Nation lost intelligent man
THE news of the death of Norris McWhirter will sadden everyone who knew him. I last saw him on Twelfth Night 2003 at the Lansdowne Strand at Calne where I had arranged a meeting on the constitution. He chaired the meeting and we discussed the application
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Final tributes to the campaigning man
GAZETTE & HERALD: FAMILY and friends paid tribute to Norris McWhirter, co-founder of the Guinness Book of Records, at a private funeral this week. The location and date of the funeral were kept secret because of security fears. Mr McWhirter's twin
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Mail savings help to boost staff pay
I WRITE in response to your anonymous correspondent (Gazette, April 22) regarding the changes being made to Royal Mail deliveries in your area. While we are aware of some of the issues that have been raised, I think the letter did not tell the whole story
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Skatepark could be open in the autumn
GAZETTE & HERALD: A NEW skatepark in Chippenham for the summer holidays is now highly unlikely, but campaigners believe the project could still be on track for the autumn. Members of Skateinsafety, the group representing young skaters in Chippenham
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Teenager cleared of raping foster girl
GAZETTE & HERALD: THE foster mother of teenager Clare Morgan, who was found dead at her flat, has spoken of her anger after the man accused of raping her was cleared. Lee Kirkwood, 18, of Hill Rise, Chippenham, was cleared of raping and indecently
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Lydia gets set for the summer
GAZETTE & HERALD: SIX months after their family was turned upside down by tragedy, the parents of Lydia Cross say she is still amazing them every day. This week, the plucky three-year-old has been back to see the man she calls Bob the Builder, the
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Council ignored warning on killer
GAZETTE & HERALD EXCLUSIVE: THAMES Valley Police objected to killer Ian Cortis being given clearance to work as a nightclub doorman, after he failed to declare his convictions for rape. But despite their concerns, Cortis was given accreditation under
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Gloucestershire are thwarted by the rain
Warwickshire and Gloucestershire, desperate to find some early form, were thwarted by rain on the opening day of their Frizzell County Championship game at Edgbaston. Following heavy overnight rain, Warwickshire were keen to play but were eventually foiled
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Meeting to discuss Lyneham's future
The future of RAF Lyneham will come into the spotlight at a meeting of North Wiltshire District Council's Executive committee tonight. The final version of blueprint, entitled A Vision for the Future of the RAF Site at Lyneham, was produced by a task
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Boyfriend David is devastated
AMANDA MURDER INQUIRY: AMANDA Edward's boyfriend David Board has remained too upset to talk to the media since the 21-year-old nursery nurse disappeared after dropping him at home on April 8. Mr Board's father Eddie, who owns a plastering company in Calne
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Plan to light village clock
Parish councillors are to tell a villager who would like a Millennium clock illuminated at night that the council cannot afford it. But they are to investigate the possibilities of finding a sponsor. The clock, which has three faces, was erected by the
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Friends plan lasting memorial to Amanda
AMANDA MURDER INQUIRY: A lasting memorial to Amanda Edwards whose body was found on a Malmesbury building site a week after she went missing is to be created at her local pub in Purton. The Royal George is having a fund-raising evening to provide the
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Village welcomes new faces of the law
THE new section commander for the Pewsey police sub division is Sgt Andy Peach whose career in the force started as a Special. Sgt Peach was a member of the Specials in his native Portsmouth before joining the Wiltshire force in 1987. He has moved from
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White horse loses bulges
LIKE many humans when they get into their Sixties the white horse at Pewsey has begun to bulge in places where it shouldn't. While humans have liposuction to do away with excess fat, said Richard Giles who is in charge of restoring the Pewsey monument
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Flying high on success
THE first ever skate and BMX festival organised by the young members of Pewsey Platform at the weekend was a resounding success. Blessed with one of the hottest days of the year on Saturday the Back to Basics skate/in-line/BMX Jam was a bigger success
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Pets in the pulpit
12855/1DOGS, cats and rabbits helped swell the congregation at All Saints Church in Stanton St Bernard on Sunday. The pets service was organised by local vicar Vanda Rowe who was the preacher, while the Rector of the Pewsey and Swanborough team Hugh Hoskin
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Salisbury Cathedral worship times
Morning Worship with Holy Communion is at 7.30am each weekday, usually in the Trinity Chapel. Today: 11.15am, Holy Communion (1662). 5.30pm, Choral Evensong. Friday 30: 8.55am, Cathedral School Assembly. 5.30pm, Choral Evensong. Saturday 1: 3pm, Installation
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Anyone for Breakfast?
Shirley (Denise Bryson), Helga (Tracey Hanks), Jane (Coral Thomas), Gilbert (John Edwards), Roger (Chris Bryson) and Mark (Dave Cawkwell), not in order, of Larkhill Amateur Dramatic Society perform Anyone for Breakfast?TONIGHT sees the opening performance
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Bad blood could still boil over
CHIPPENHAM'S promotion hopes are on a knife edge and will rest on them getting a result against a Hinckley United side who will be all too keen to deny them that a vital three points. The Bluebirds need a win on the final day of the season in Leicestershire
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Paul won't be settling scores
STRIKER Martin Paul is not expecting the same angry scenes this Saturday that were witnessed when Chippenham entertained Hinckley United in April. Chippenham's 4-0 win at home to Moor Green on Saturday has kept their hopes of making the play-offs alive
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Grant boosts plan for people with learning difficulties
JOB opportunities for Wiltshire people with learning disabilities will receive a boost thanks to a £600,000 grant from the European Social Fund. The money will be used to create 170 supported employment places for people with learning disabilities across
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£2,000 challenge for new business ideas
ASPIRING entrepreneurs in north Wiltshire are being invited to put their ideas on to paper for a prestigious new business contest offering thousands of pounds in prizes. The Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce is working with North Wiltshire District
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New space simulator challenge for firm
CHIPPENHAM company SciSys will continue its important role in Europe's space programme with a £0.5 million contract to create a spacecraft simulator. SciSys, based at Methuen Park, has been selected to build the high fidelity simulator for the European
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Council veteran clocks 38 years
CLIFF Giddings has retired after 38 years service with Kennet District Council and its predecessor authorities. Mr Giddings started work for Marlborough and Ramsbury Urban Borough Council in 1965. He then transferred to Pewsey Borough Council some years
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Help needed for festival
VOLUNTEERS are needed to help with this year's Sherston Boules and Carnival on July 17. Each year hundreds of people flock to the small village near Malmesbury for what has become the biggest single-day boules tournament in Britain. This year's tournament
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Chef's dream of owning pub comes true
ROGER Payne, the former head chef at the Smoking Dog pub in Malmesbury, has taken over the Wellesley Arms in Sutton Benger. The pub, which Mr Payne owns with his wife, Paula, has been open for only a month but already the food made from organic, locally
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Kate Adie puts weight behind abbey campaign
BRITAIN'S best-known female television reporter Kate Adie is to launch the fundraising campaign for Malmesbury Abbey's £2m extension. Famous for her reports from the front line in war zones throughout the world, Miss Adie will start the national appeal
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Jazz star's goodwill message after hall fire
TOP crooner Jamie Cullum has passed on his best wishes to Hullavington after the village hall burnt down last month. The 24-year-old sensation used to play at the hall when he was honing his talent as a youngster growing up in the village He said: "I
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Mayor-elect is barred by pub
POLICE were called to the Three Cups pub in Malmesbury after mayor elect Patrick Goldstone was barred indefinitely from the hostelry in the Triangle. It is believed the councillor has been an unwelcome customer since he took a stand against a British
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Champions get off to a flyer at Biddestone
LAST year's Under 11 winners Chippenham got off to a winning start with a 74-run win at Biddestone. Batting first, Chippenham posted 99-4 in their 20 overs with Uzi Qureshi (31) and Andrew Edwards (21) leading the way. In reply Biddestone struggled against
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MCC at school
YOUNG cricketers at Dauntsey's School will be taking part in a prestigious match today when an MCC XI visits the school. The game is part of the MCC's Western Schools Week, which aims to promote the sport, and will be a test for the West Lavington schoolboys
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Salisbury Cathedral worship times
Morning Worship with Holy Communion is at 7.30am each weekday, usually in the Trinity Chapel. Today: 11.15am, Holy Communion (1662). 5.30pm, Choral Evensong. Friday 30: 8.55am, Cathedral School Assembly. 5.30pm, Choral Evensong. Saturday 1: 3pm, Installation
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Designer put skills to use at her own wedding
The wedding party included the bride's sister Flora, left, Henry House and Tara O'Callaghan, the bride's mother Janet, father Derek and best man Edward Pownell. In front are the bride's nephew, Callum, and the bride's cousins, Sarah and Jacob Laverty.
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Refurbishment takes hotel into the 21st century
THE Swindon Marriott is back in business following a £3.2 million makeover. And to celebrate, bosses threw the doors open last week for a party. The Pipers Way hotel is a popular venue for scores of Swindon businesses, including car giant Honda and finance
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Honey industry threat
HONEY production in Wiltshire could be brought to a sticky end following a vote in the European Parliament this week, according to South West MEP Neil Parish. The parliament has accepted a report that calls for all honey to contain less than a 0.9 per
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Call for baby bookworms
VERY young bookworms are invited to take part in a special competition being run through Wiltshire libraries. The contest, called the Baby Book Crawl, is organised by Wiltshire County Council and will take place in May as part of the national Bookstart
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Marlborough are in line for silverware
MARLBOROUGH Town remain in contention for runners-up spot in the under 16s Red Division of the Wiltshire Times and Chippenham News Mid-Wilts Youth and Minor League following their away win against fellow contenders Devizes Town Youth in their penultimate
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Bid to help old folk
WILTSHIRE Police is working with Age Concern and the Pensions Service to raise awareness about help and advice that is available for older people. The work forms part of Age Concern's 'Your Rights' campaign which had a display in the Brunel Centre, Swindon
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Ladies are on top
CHIPPENHAM Ladies enjoyed a memorable double on Sunday when their first XI and U16 sides won their respective Wiltshire League Cup finals. In the afternoon at Hardenhuish Park Chippenham U16s battled to a 4-2 win over Devizes U16s. Kim Sanger opened the
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It's showtime for schools' talented singers
PUPILS from eleven schools are busy rehearsing for the annual Wiltshire and Swindon Special Schools Festival at the Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford on Avon. Funding from Barclays, Wherever The Need and C and JP Consulting will enable the schools to give
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Malmesbury end long wait for a trophy
CIRENCESTER YOUTH LEAGUE: PERENNIAL bridesmaids Malmesbury finally got their hands on some silverware at the weekend with a convincing victory in the Cirencester and District Youth League Under 15 cup final. After making do with runners-up medals in each
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More libraries update with blockbuster films
BLOCKBUSTER films on DVD are being stocked at more Wiltshire libraries in a bid to upgrade services. Wiltshire County Council is increasing the number of libraries stocking films on DVD in response to popular demand. Collections of DVDs are now held at
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New broadband target is set
Virtually every home and business in Wiltshire will have access to broadband by summer 2005, BT has promised. BT has fast forwarded its plans to deliver broadband from 83.6 per cent to 99.9 per cent of homes and businesses in the county. The new approach
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Avebury in twinning link talks with Malta
EXPLORATORY talks are taking place about Avebury being twinned with Malta. A public meeting will be taking place in the village's Social centre on Tuesday June 29, 7.30pm, to gauge local support for the idea. The suggestion of the link has come from former
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Melksham Town 0, Bideford 2
MELKSHAM finished their league campaign with a home defeat against high-flyers Bideford but manager Nigel Tripp had reasons to be positive. The result left the Tripp's side in 13th place in the table which he admitted exceeded their aim at the start of
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Beauty spot gang members are jailed
A gang of car thieves from Wiltshire who carried out more than 600 raids on cars parked in beauty spots have been jailed for a total of seven years. The prolific gang of two brothers, two sisters from Salisbury and one other stole tens of thousands of
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MPs return to school
12851/01JAMES Gray and Michael Ancram were among 150 MPs who returned to school last Friday for a valuable lesson from the youngest members of their constituency. They were taking part in the first MPs Back to School Day, which forms part of Global Campaign
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Devizes 2nd 36, Devizes 3rd 7
THIS game was arranged after Stothert and Pitt had pulled out of the scheduled games against Devizes 2nd and 3rd. It is probably just a coincidence but Devizes are due to meet them in the final of Bath Combination Plate at the Bath Rec tonight. In a hugely
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Blues are such good news
A year after making its first regular digital broadcasts, Swindon FM is preparing to broadcast a prestigious blues awards ceremony live from the States on Saturday. The station, which two months ago started broadcasting seven days a week, is the only
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Move along and make room for more
SWINDON is one of the country's hotspots for growth in bus services. According to figures released by the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK, Stagecoach in Swindon, which operates around 20 bus routes out of Swindon bus station using 50 buses, saw
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All change for education
Ref. 30118-49FOR pupils in Swindon and Wiltshire this summer term marks the end of an era. When they go back to their lessons in September they will be embarking on the result of the biggest change in the school calendar for more than 100 years. The traditional
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Congratulations flow in as news sinks in of major win
Sybil has been playing the lottery every week since it first began in 1994. She buys four tickets two lucky dips and two with numbers of her family members' birthdays. Last Saturday she bought the winning lucky dip ticket from Folly View Stores, in Faringdon
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Meet the doggy glamour pusses
Ref. 24944-50BEN the golden retriever always celebrates his birthday with a glamorous party for his closest canine family and friends. But this year Ben is inviting every dog in Swindon because he wants to raise as much money as possible for charity.
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Worker given inadequate training, inquest finds
A CONTRACT cleaner crushed between a cherry picker lifting platform and a metal roof beam was given wholly inadequate training, an inquest jury heard. Father-of-two Paul Edwards, 38, died at the Fish Brothers Peugeot dealership, off Swindon's Great Western
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Is this the end for swindon Dance?
Ref. 29972-31THE future of Swindon Dance, the town's esteemed national dance agency, is up in the air after Tory plans to privatise it were last night put on hold. Rumours have spread that if Swindon Dance stays under Swindon Council control, the Arts
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Bikers set to ride into town for show
GAZETTE & HERALD: Preparations are underway for the fourth Calne Grand Motorcycle Meet and Family Day, when thousands of bikers will ride into town. The event will be held on July 17 and will fill the town will the sound of reverberating engines.
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School links up with India
GAZETTE & HERALD: Three teachers from India visited John Bentley School, Calne, this week as part of an education exchange scheme. The teachers, from Vidya Niketan School in Bangalore, were on a visit organised by the British Council. Last November
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Station fate is on the line
GAZETTE & HERALD: THE future of the former Calne fire and ambulance station will be discussed by councillors this week. The Patford Street building, which is attached to the town hall, was legally transferred from the former Calne Borough Council
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Row breaks out over mobile skate park
GAZETTE & HERALD: A row has broken out over the use of Calne recreation ground as a location for a mobile skate park. A temporary unit set up on Anchor Road over Easter weekend has provoked an angry backlash from neighbours. A chain, locked around
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Transplant gives girl new lease of life
GAZETTE & HERALD: Brave four-year-old Lauren Emery is making a strong recovery after a life saving liver transplant operation. Lauren, who lives with her grandparents Sue and Steve Pluckrose in Northfield, Calne, was born with liver disease. She has
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Cameras catch crime fighters
THE scale of public disorder problems that face Devizes police officers every weekend will be seen by viewers throughout the country. A camera team from the TV show Street Crime UK, which goes out on the satellite channel Bravo UK, followed Devizes officers
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Friends force man to steal
DEVIZES darts player Mark Hiscock was forced to steal drink from the One Stop shop in Eastleigh Road to get his mobile phone, a present from his wife, returned to him. Hiscock, 30, from Roseland Avenue, pleaded guilty before Kennet magistrates on Tuesday
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Knights find that little extra!
Penhill Knights Under 10s entered the Lawrence Shield at Faringdon for the first time and picked up the trophy after defeating the hosts 3-1 after extra time. The North Wilts & District League side had to withstand an early onslaught from Faringdon
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Polishing up shining profit
12830/3BEN Perrett, eight, has proved himself a true entrepreneur after he turned 50p into more than £20 with the application of some ingenuity and elbow grease. Ben is a member of the 3rd Devizes Cubs and was given a new challenge. At the start of the
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Lifeline for a toddler
12771/1FOR Paula Camp and her four children, one of whom has cerebral palsy, heart and lung disease, the Rainbow Trust is a lifeline. The trust, which helps children with life threatening illnesses, is supporting Mrs Camp and her daughters in their own
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Builders absent at meeting on homes
DEVELOPERS boycotted a public meeting in Marlborough on Thursday that emphatically rejected the building of more homes on a controversial school site than the figure recommended by a local plan inspector. The court room at the town hall was packed for
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Roadworks chaos to last for five months
WESSEX Water has outlined its programme for five months of roadworks which will bring traffic chaos to London Road, Devizes this summer. The company put on an exhibition in the Wessex Room of the Corn Exchange last Thursday to show what is planned and
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Cool theft to beat the heat
AS the sun beat down on Marlborough on Monday a thief walked off with a £100 paddling pool from outside Duck's toy shop in the High Street. PC Mark Braithwaite of Marlborough Police said a man brazenly picked up the boxed pool and carried it to a black
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Musical line up is launched
The Bedwyn Music Society launches its 2004 season on May 21 with a visit to the village by Prevailing Winds. The quintet of oboe, flute, clarinet, horn and bassoon is led by Howard Nelson and will present a programme of contrasting chamber music. On July
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Parent power
12829/1PEOPLE have been warned to stay off a stretch of canal towpath in Devizes after a rogue male swan got his feathers in a flap. The aggressive cob got so carried away protecting its young that it attacked a competitor in the Devizes to Westminster
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Honour for officers who saved man's life
12843/1TWO police officers who prevented a man from jumping to his death from the top of a fire brigade training tower in Devizes last December have been officially commended for their actions. WPC Julie May and PC Ivor Noyce were called to Hopton Industrial
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24hr service for the elderly with Homeline
Homeline is a Community Alarm facility operated by Swindon Borough Council designed to assist those who are elderly or vulnerable. Mobile Homeline wardens are available 24 hours a day to respond to your emergency call, all our wardens are first aid trained
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Double time for craftsman
12848/2WHEN craftsman Dick Miles had some time on his hands he knew just how to fill it making a replica of Marlborough's jubilee clock. The wrought iron timepiece was erected to commemorate the town's celebrations for the Queen's Golden Jubilee in 2002
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Battle to save our post office
12861/3 SHOCK plans by supermarket giant Tesco to close the Post Office at a convenience store on the edge of Devizes have devastated pensioners who live nearby. Today, the Gazette, with the backing of MP Michael Ancram, is launching a campaign to save
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Selecting the perfect mortgage for you
FOR the majority of people their mortgage is and will be the biggest debt they will ever have, so it's extremely important that the right choice is made when it comes to choosing a mortgage. Select Mortgage Services are totally independent, are not tied
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Becoming a foster carer
Have you ever thought about becoming a foster carer? What's stopped you finding out more about it? Is it that, like many people, you assume your particular circumstances would rule you out of consideration? You work full-time, perhaps, or you're a single
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Quality made-to-order timber buildings
Summer HouseHiding Places is a family run business operating from Woodborough Garden Centre, near Pewsey. They make quality, bespoke timber buildings. All the timber buildings are made to order. Anything from simple 6x4 garden sheds, to fully lined, insulated
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Patriotic pints and new name
12845/1PATRIOTIC pints pulled during a mini beer festival held on St George's Day at the Inn With The Well in Ogbourne St George all had names likened to the saint's day. The beer festival on Friday also ceremoniously marked the change of name of the
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Scenes of art
Summer Lovin' by Alexander Millar HALLIDAY Art and Interiors was established nine years ago and has since built up an enviable reputation as one of Wiltshire's leading art galleries. We showcase a diverse range of the finest original paintings, limited
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Speed offences online
Wiltshire and Swindon Safety Camera Partnership (WSSCP) are developing a web-based portal that will integrate with the partnerships Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) system. This new system will be the first of its kind in the UK and will enable the
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Masked burglar in jewel raid
A MASKED thief who broke into Parade Antiques in Marlborough shortly before 6am on Friday escaped with jewellery worth around £3,500. PC Mark Kuklinski said the break in occurred at 5.40am and the haul included watches, rings, necklaces and bracelets.
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Pop Idol's prep school to close
POP Idol Will Young's old school in Marlborough will close at the end of this term. Owners Michael and Judith Innes Williams blame the closure of Kingsbury Hill House School on a succession of rumours about its future. Numbers at the school school in
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Fell lands top job in coarse fishing
DEVIZES angling stalwart Terry Fell has been elected to the top job in coarse fishing. Fell, 59, will be at the head of the 300 plus clubs and 23,000 members of the National Federation of Anglers after winning 60 per cent of the votes for president at
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Pupil's card design gives charity a merry Christmas
A CARD designed by six-year-old Swindon schoolgirl Naomi Foster will be going on sale across the country next Christmas to raise funds for a children's cancer charity. Naomi was among youngsters at Lethbridge School, in Old Town, set the task of coming
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Excavation to go ahead
AN ENGLISH Heritage works compound for the Roman site on Groundwell Ridge has been given the go-ahead. Council members gave their full support to the scheme at a planning committee meeting on Tuesday. It will allow English Heritage to conduct a more in-depth
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Anti-war MP to visit for a public meeting
ANTI-war Labour MP Alan Simpson is due to visit Swindon on July 5 for a public meeting organised by Swindon Stop the War Coalition. The venue is to be confirmed. Mr Simpson opposed the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq. The coalition claims he is one
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Forest plan takes root in schools
TWO Swindon schools have joined a scheme to get youngsters caring for the environment. Hreod Parkway and Mountford Manor have both agreed to take on Forest School status. Organisers hope pupils will develop confidence and self-esteem through working together
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Who are you calling a porker?
THESE piglets are the latest arrivals at Cotswold Wildlife Park. Born a few days ago, the two litters totalling 16 are grabbing the limelight at the Burford park. Spring, it seems is definitely in the air and head keeper David Fowler says he has his hands
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Have fun and boost NSPCC
KIDS can go colouring crazy on Wednesday and help to raise £20,000 for the NSPCC. Early Learning Centres around the UK, including the store in the Brunel Plaza, are offering a host of activities including colouring, sports tournaments, face painting,
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Well done sir! You're our marathon man
Teacher Andy Laker ran the London Marathon to raise £900 with the help of his students. Andy, 27, who teaches business studies and maths at Dorcan Technology College, finished the race in three hours 25 minutes. Having run 15 marathons including six London
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Third park and ride on the way
SWINDON is on the road to being a park and ride haven after councillors last night voted in favour of plans for a third scheme in the borough. The £2.5m Commonhead park and ride project will open next year between the Commonhead roundabout and the Great
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Phil is aiming for 500
The Proclaimers may have sung about walking 500 miles, but now former England cricketer Phil Tufnell is actually going to complete the epic journey. And to prove he's not talking a load of old googlies, Phil travelled to Swindon for a spot of pre-walk
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Help is on offer
The My Foetus programme broadcast by Channel 4 on April 20 showed graphic images of aborted foetuses. The programme may have raised issues for women, or men, who have been affected by an abortion at some time in the past, or who may now be considering
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Sponsor mix up
In a recent letter headlined "Students need funds as well as encouragement" a reader criticised the Swindon-based Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council for not sponsoring his daughter, who has gone on to do an MSc in Aerospace Engineering
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Scheme will have horrific impact
WE have lived in Sparcells for more than ten years now and have a little boy. We have looked forward over the years to the development of the community forest and have enjoyed the privilege of taking long walks through the Allied Dunbar conservation area
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Of birds and bank scams
THIS is a letter about bank scams and a possible chough. I was mug enough to push my HSBC debit card through the cloning device on the Barclays ATM over the Easter weekend, despite the fact that it looked dodgy. I think this shows the value of higher
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Care matters
PLEASE allow me to add my voice to the thousands of others who feel the maternity unit must be kept as part of Devizes Hospital. Nothing can better the one to one relationship between mother and midwife. There are times when medical intervention is essential
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Chippenham U15 19, Wimborne U15 7
A VIRTUOSO kicking display from fly-half Richard Taylor led Chippenham to victory in the Dorset & Wilts Cup Final for the fourth year running. With both sides starting nervously, it was Wimborne who took the first ten minutes with some excellent play
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Young sharks show teeth in mini festival
CHIPPENHAM'S Under 10 squad, The Sharks, enjoyed an excellent day at The Rec on Sunday when they took part in the Bath Mini Festival. The Sharks were drawn in a group which included teams from Bath 'B', Havant and Redruth. Sharks 5 Havant 10 THIS proved
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Photo search
FOR seven years past I have been searching for a photograph of the man who was vicar of Wilsford for nearly 40 years at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. The Rev William Wrixon Keating MA was born in County Cork in 1846 and was granted the living
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£11.6m centre gets go ahead
GAZETTE & HERALD: Wiltshire's heritage services will be brought under one roof at the new Wiltshire and Swindon Record Office in Chippenham, the county council has agreed. Last week the cabinet agreed a new, state of the art building for the county's
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Bid for MEP
FOLLOWING the publicity given to meetings of the BNP and UKIP by the Gazette on April 22 I would like to report that the Devizes Branch Labour Party members celebrated St George's Day at a well-attended social evening, held in the Bell by the Green. Steve
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Thanks to all
CONGRATULATIONS to all the runners who braved the harsh elements rain, wind and cold running the Helphire Bath Half Marathon on Sunday, March 14. I would especially like to thank those who ran for the Arthritis Research Campaign (arc) on the day. And
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No answers
I would like to correct a statement made in last week's article covering the ongoing skatepark saga. I strongly object to the claim made that the skatepark equipment formerly at Hillworth Park has "been in store" since its removal. As most skateborders
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No to another supermarket
GAZETTE & HERALD: PLANS to build a major new supermarket in the centre of Chippenham have fallen at the first hurdle after a retail survey impact assessment found the town could not support another supermarket. North Wiltshire District Council undertook
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Tunnel is not answer to increasing traffic
I REFER to the current letters regarding traffic problems in Devizes, including that of the construction of a tunnel under the town (Gazette, April 15 and 22). On the latter suggestion I must admit I rushed to the calendar as I thought I must have missed
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Customers' support is valued very highly
I WRITE in reply to last week's letter from Mrs Forbes Peebles of Pewsey. Our current pricing policy is to charge £5 for all seats for the last show of the evening and to offer a reduced rate of £4 for those under 15, 60 plus, disabled or possessing a
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Homeless man duped B&Bs
GAZETTE & HERALD: A court heard how broke homeless man Geoffrey Smith duped a string of Bed and Breakfasts when he disappeared without paying. Steve Beale, defending, said the unemployed 52-year-old's life started to fall apart when he was wracked
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Tots get a taste for football
12849/1GAZETTE & HERALD: A pair of pirates unearthed hidden talent at Leapfrog Nursery when they coached a motley crew of Chippenham tots to play football. Bristol Rovers winger Lee Hodges, 26, and his midfield teammate Ryan Williams, 25, spent last
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Health chief is killed in horrific M4 crash
GAZETTE & HERALD: GEOFF Scaife, who was killed in an horrific M4 smash last Tuesday, was the health chief responsible for cutting treatment waiting times across the region's hospitals. Mr Scaife, 55, died when a car transporter crossed the central
