Archive
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Growing the flag
ENGLAND may be out of Euro 2004, but Arthur Soady and Terry Pike were hoping the blooms in their giant Union Jack floral display would help the tennis. Mr Pike, 57, who owns Lady Pamela's Cars in Chippenham, and Mr Soady, 49, who is a director of the
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Majorettes say farewell
THE organisers of Chippenham Majorettes, which folded in September, have thanked everyone who has invited them to their events in the past 20 years. The group had 22 baton-twirling members, aged between five and 16, but when founder Ruby Smith announced
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Charity cyclist relieved after fall
BUSINESSMAN Kevin Assinder is thrilled he still managed to raise £1,200 in a charity bike ride for the Meningitis Trust, despite a nasty fall off his bicycle during the event. The accident happened midway through the 180-mile course, but to the delight
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Campaign for post office gains momentum
COUNCILLORS are to seek reassurances that services at Chippenham's main post office will not be downsized if it becomes part of a convenience store. The Post Office is negotiating with Primeco to take over the management of the post office in Market Place
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Inventors' club will bring ideas to reality
ENTHUSIASTIC inventor Don Steel plans to breathe life into his latest monster project an inventors' club. Mr Steel, who has invented a handheld clockwork razor that shaves for up to two minutes with one wind and no other power has been tinkering with
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Crew jump to kids' rescue
THE fire brigade came to the rescue of Monkton Park Primary School's summer fte when they recovered an escaped balloon and caught a runaway tent last weekend. The dreadful weather failed to dampen the spirits of the hundreds of children and parents who
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New centre bids to end isolation
A Gay drop in centre will open in Chippenham this week at an undisclosed location in the town centre. It will provide gay literature, health information and a social life for some of the estimated 6,000 gays who feel isolated in North Wiltshire. Organisers
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Family say bosses let down gay undertaker
Last week an inquest heard that gay undertaker John French committed suicide after being bullied at work. LILY CANTER looks at the background to the case and speaks to his heartbroken family. Gay funeral director John French committed suicide after being
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Over the moon
Ref. 26048-06ANDY King has drawn a line under the Tommy Mooney era and turned his attention to strengthening his Town squad for the new league campaign. The boss knows the loss of such a popular player is bound to cause discussion among supporters, but
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Sea Scouts compete for prestigious sailing cup
SEA Scouts Will James and Alex Heath will return from America this week after representing Britain in the competition for the International Sea Scout Cup. Will, 14 and Alex, 18, both from Corsham Sea Scouts, have been racing against crews from Norway,
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Playhouse test team
CHILDREN from Colerne School rose to the challenge when they were asked to try out some fab new playhouses. More than 50 youngsters from the school 'played house' at a picnic party at Lucknam Park, Chippenham, on Friday and put six playhouses designed
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School's out early to give teachers a break
Colerne School could be setting a new trend in September when it finishes two hours early each Friday afternoon. It is the first school in the country to change its hours to give teachers more preparation time during the day. An after school club will
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Park offers a feast of fun
A host of summer activities will be laid on at Hartham Park, near Corsham, from food and wine to film and fishing. The genteel sports of croquet, boules, billiards and tennis are also available. The summer programme kicks off on July 15 at 7.30pm with
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Chamber series gets under way
THE first of Sarum Chamber Orchestra's four concerts in the Naim Audio chamber music series 2004-5 will be held in the beautiful surroundings of Trafalgar Park, Downton, next Wednesday. The programme will begin with Beethoven's great Rasoumowsky Quartet
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Putting the fun into fundraising
Lesley Bates meets the man who aims to get women's hearts racing this weekend. LUDO Macaulay admits that when he asked colleagues in the Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service for volunteers to cycle 5km chased by 1,200 lycra-clad women, there was no shortage
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Young at heart
Ref. 30602-26 Rosemary QuickMORE British grandmothers are following the example of parachuting pensioner Rosemary Quick and refusing to let age become a barrier to fun. Grandmother-of-four Rosemary, 66, plunged 10,000ft through the skies above Swindon
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New partner, property lawyer appointed by city law firm
SOLICITORS Pye-Smiths of New Street, Salisbury have a new partner and a new property lawyer. Sue Martin, who has been running the firm's Brockenhurst office for more than 15 years, has been made a partner and Georgina Walters has joined the firm to help
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Anger as judge delays verdict on gipsy camp
VILLAGERS who have been campaigning for more than a year for the closure of a gipsy camp suffered a further setback this week when the High Court put off making a decision on its future. North Wiltshire District Council applied on Tuesday for an injunction
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Race day event a runaway success
A DAY at the races turned out to be a runaway success for the staff of Salisbury outfitters Chas H Baker. The company, famous for ladies' and gent's clothing and school uniforms, sponsored the second race, named The Chas H Baker Maiden Fillies Stakes,
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Lead role in partnership
PETER Moxley, of Connexions@Lifetime Careers, has been elected vice-chairman of the South Wiltshire and Kennet Learning Partnership. Mr Moxley, who is Connexions' guidance manager for Salisbury and a large part of Kennet, will look after the south Wiltshire
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New leader for accountants
BUSINESS adviser Adrian Simpson is the new president of the Southern Society of Chartered Accountants, which represents more than 4,000 members of the profession in south Wiltshire, Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight. He takes over from Russell Bowman
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Daryl riding high after Welsh win
DURRINGTON motorcycle wizard Daryl Bolter has become the youngest ever winner of the prestigious two-day Welsh Enduro event. The nineteen-year-old race ace, who is riding high in third place in the European Enduro Championship, took on an international
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Circular nuisance
THE belief that crop patterns are some sort of coded message to mankind gained a little more credibility in some quarters this week. The latest pattern to appear in a field in the Pewsey Vale is said to be very similar to the design of a transistor invented
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Circular nuisance
THE belief that crop patterns are some sort of coded message to mankind gained a little more credibility in some quarters this week. The latest pattern to appear in a field in the Pewsey Vale is said to be very similar to the design of a transistor invented
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Centralised office for council a step closer
A MASTER plan for bringing the operations of Salisbury district council under one roof has won the approval of the council cabinet. The outline plan for centralising all the council's offices and departments - currently scattered around the city - on
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Boss champions DIY rail link
COMPANY chairman Rory St John Webster has come up with an idea for a better train service from Pewsey with passengers chartering their own. Mr St John Webster lives at Sharcott and runs a data information business from the Fordbrook business park. His
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Durrington teacher is runner-up
A TEACHER narrowly missed being top of the class, after he was shortlisted for a teaching award. John Woodward, who teaches maths and ICT at Upper Avon School, Durrington, was nominated for the Guardian Award for Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School
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Go-ahead for DIY store sparks anger
A CONTROVERSIAL plan to build a large DIY store in Amesbury has been given the go-ahead, despite widespread objection from local residents. Following a heated debate at last week's meeting of Salisbury district council's northern area committee, councillors
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He's a builder from heaven
MODEST builder Chriss Burke is vowing that fame won't change him, despite being named the South and West region's Builder from Heaven. Mr Burke, 58, of Patterdown, Chippenham, beat hundreds of builders in the competition run by builders' merchant, Jewson
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Business expertise to shape council
FORMER commercial manager Phil Rice who has lived in the town for 18 years, has been appointed as Malmesbury's new town clerk. Following the extended sick leave and retirement of former clerk Edward Ferguson, Mr Rice hopes that his appointment can draw
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It's all systems go for firm's new signals
Westinghouse Rail Systems Limited (WRSL) has further reinforced its status as world leader in rail signalling and control systems, with new state of the art signals for London's Jubilee line. Her Majesty's Railway Inspectorate (HMRI) gave its approval
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Bar's open at historic pub
Wootton Bassett's 100 year-old Sally Pussey pub re-opened this week after a total refit that took three months to complete. The pub opened on Wednesday after renovations which enlarged the conservatory, bar and kitchen and installed new loos and a more
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Boss champions DIY rail link
COMPANY chairman Rory St John Webster has come up with an idea for a better train service from Pewsey with passengers chartering their own. Mr St John Webster lives at Sharcott and runs a data information business from the Fordbrook business park. His
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Pub chain confirms interest in Beale's
PUB chain J D Wetherspoon confirmed this week that it intends to buy the former Beale's (Bath) Ltd women's clothes shop in St John's Street. Contracts have been exchanged on the empty shop, but the sale is dependent on the company getting planning permission
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Soldiers win rubbish war
THE piles of rubbish left in Stanton St Quintin churchyard have been shifted by a detachment of helpers from 95 Squadron, Royal Logistics Corps based at Hullavington. The soldiers made short work of the piles of rubbish left in the churchyard by fly-tippers
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Dream team wait in wings
Pupils at Malmesbury School are preparing for a night of dreams, love potions and asses ears among the picturesque surroundings of the town's Abbey Gardens. Rehearsals for the school's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream are in full swing, preparing
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Anger as judge delays verdict on gipsy camp
VILLAGERS who have been campaigning for more than a year for the closure of a gipsy camp suffered a further setback this week when the High Court put off making a decision on its future. North Wiltshire District Council applied on Tuesday for an injunction
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New crash only days after fatal accident
The Callow Hill road, near Brinkworth, was the site of another car accident this week, after a crash in which a 21-year-old Dauntsey woman received head injuries. It happened less than a week after a fatal crash in the same place, in which Brian Selman
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Outcry from residents over cuts to playground
Proposals to build houses over Newnton Playground site have met with angry reaction from Malmesbury residents this week. More than 300 people had previously signed a petition to keep the children's playground. They were not happy this week to learn that
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Tributes to man who planned a royal visit
MALMESBURY dignitaries turned out in force this week to honour retiring town clerk Edward Ferguson. Ten ex-mayors, former councillors and North Wiltshire MP James Grey attended a private farewell dinner. In apprec- iation of his 18 years of service to
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Family affair as dad and son inspire win
National Village Knockout Cup: GOATACRE pulled off a dramatic final over victory against Shipton-under-Wychwood on Sunday to book their place in the second round. A crowd of almost 200 people turned out to watch Goatacre take on the Oxfordshire and current
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Dawson is the destroyer
Bath and District League: CHIPPENHAM'S Liam Dawson destroyed the Trowbridge bowling in their Bath and District League match. Dawson hit 16 fours and two sixes in making 124 not out and made his runs off just 87 ball. Tom Beard (13) supported Dawson in
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Father and sons make victory a real family affair
GOATACRE'S latest National Village Cup success was a real family affair as father and son John and Ed Wilkins inspired them to victory. Going up against holders Shipton-under-Wychwood in the first national round of the competition, Goatacre still needed
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Digital print service launched
DOWNTON mailing house Priority Newstrade & Mailing has launched a colour digital print service. Called Priority Digital, the company says the service offers businesses a range of cost-effective, high-quality packages from design to printing, wrapping
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Pyrotechnics specialists merge
MILLENNIUM Pyrotechnics of Chilmark has merged with TNT Fireworks UK - one of the largest fireworks companies in the world. Millennium, which was founded in 1991, specialises in fireworks displays, special effects and event planning. It will continue
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Lead role in partnership
PETER Moxley, of Connexions@Lifetime Careers, has been elected vice-chairman of the South Wiltshire and Kennet Learning Partnership. Mr Moxley, who is Connexions' guidance manager for Salisbury and a large part of Kennet, will look after the south Wiltshire
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Daryl riding high after Welsh win
DURRINGTON motorcycle wizard Daryl Bolter has become the youngest ever winner of the prestigious two-day Welsh Enduro event. The nineteen-year-old race ace, who is riding high in third place in the European Enduro Championship, took on an international
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Centralised office for council a step closer
A MASTER plan for bringing the operations of Salisbury district council under one roof has won the approval of the council cabinet. The outline plan for centralising all the council's offices and departments - currently scattered around the city - on
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Bustard project suffers setback
THE project to reintroduce great bustards to Salisbury Plain after an absence of 175 years has suffered a setback because of missing paperwork. The Salisbury-based Great Bustard Group was poised to bring 30 chicks back to Britain from the Saratov region
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Cash boost will improve beauty spot
A SALISBURY beauty spot will receive a £10,000 cash boost to improve safety and allow more people to enjoy it. The Folly at Bemerton Heath is due to be designated a local nature reserve later this month but there are fears that it will be under-used and
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Teacher's efforts rewarded
THE hard work and dedication of a teacher from Salisbury has been recognised with a top award. Paul Daniel, who manages and teaches students in the learning support unit at Queen Mary's College, in Basingstoke, has received the Award for Excellence in
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Royal pair help school celebrate
The Earl and Countess of Wessex unveil a commemorative stone to mark 50 years of Norman Court School in West Tytherley. DA5886P17THE flags were flying at Norman Court School on Tuesday as pupils welcomed the Earl and Countess of Wessex to help them celebrate
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Keeping it in the family
A SMALL piece of Redlynch and Hale Cricket Club history was believed to have been made on Sunday when no fewer than five members of the same family were involved in the club's friendly against Brighton's Adelaide CC. Andy Church and sons Ashley, Jon and
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Park accept batting invitation
Hampton Park 289-5 bt Damerham 113 by 176 runs (Hampshire League - Regional Division Three North West) DAMERHAM won the toss and asked Hampton Park to bat first, which soon proved a mistake. After losing one of their openers a second wicket partnership
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Six on the bounce for the Idlers
OTs & Romsey III v Idlers THE Idlers continued their recent run of good results with yet another win away to OT's and Romsey thirds. Idlers skipper Andy Harms made the controversial decision to bat first on a damp grassy wicket, thinking the game
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South Wilts stay top as rain stops play
SOUTH Wilts' hopes of stealing a march at the top of the ECB Southern Electric Premier League were ruined by persistent rain on Saturday. The eagerly anticipated top of the table clash was one of only a handful of games in the Southern League to make
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Former City boss heads to Bashley
FORMER Salisbury City boss Geoff Butler has taken over the hot seat at Bashley vacated recently by John Robson. Butler, out of the game since being ousted at Wey-mouth by the arrival of Steve Claridge last summer, says he is looking forward to life with
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Albinus lands Bibury Cup
Historic win. Bibury Cup victor Albinus Staff picture by ROGER ELLIOTT. DA5843P07.DARYL Holland and the Andrew Balding-trained Albinus landed the top prize at Salisbury Racecourse's historic Bibury Meeting last week. The 6-1 shot saw off the challenge
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Profits rise sounds good
THE HMV group has announced forecast-beating results which suggest it has overcome competition from supermarkets. The group includes the HMV music and video chain and Waterstone's book stores in Swindon there are Waterstone's stores in the Brunel Centre
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Bright sparks triumph in construction awards
SOUTHERN Electric Contracting has been named one of the best large building firms in the country. SEC, which has offices in Faraday Road, Dorcan, won the Major Mechanical and Electrical Contractor of the Year category in the Building Services Awards.
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Websites hit by wobbly wheels
SWINDON businesses could be losing millions of pounds a year in online sales because their websites are not up to scratch. An investigation by Business Link Berkshire and Wiltshire has shown that while it has been predicted that £17 billion will be spent
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Bar's open at historic pub
Wootton Bassett's 100 year-old Sally Pussey pub re-opened this week after a total refit that took three months to complete. The pub opened on Wednesday after renovations which enlarged the conservatory, bar and kitchen and installed new loos and a more
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Competitive edge boosts skill levels
YOUNGSTERS enjoyed a feast of sporting fun when they took part in the Primary School Sports Festival at St John's School in Marlborough on Thursday. Almost 450 school children battled it out in six sports, girls' football, boys' football, athletics, hockey
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Student transport
STUDENTS in Wiltshire can now get better access to information on travelling to and from colleges or school sixth forms with expert help from STAN, believed to be the country's first Student Transport Advice Network website. The new website and helpline
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Man City fans set to hold meeting
THE Manchester City FC (Official Supporters Club) Bath & Wilts Branch will be holding its annual general meeting at Melksham Town Football Club on July 12 at 8pm. Organiser Robin Campbell says City fans old and new are very welcome.
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Memorial competition
PREPARATIONS are now under way to work out who will be playing where next term but before that the Chippenham Sunday league are staging their annual Ken Clarke Memorial six-a-side competition. This year's event is to be held at West Lavington Playing
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Inventors' club will bring ideas to reality
ENTHUSIASTIC inventor Don Steel plans to breathe life into his latest monster project an inventors' club. Mr Steel, who has invented a handheld clockwork razor that shaves for up to two minutes with one wind and no other power has been tinkering with
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Youth section needs help
DEVIZES Town Football Club are appealing for people to come forward and help with their youth section. The club are looking for a new chairman, treasurer, minutes secretary, under-sevens coach and under-11s coach. Devizes Town Ladies team are also looking
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Show tackles bogus callers
AGE Concern Wiltshire is helping to raise awareness about bogus callers by staging three free shows. Bogus callers often target elderly people living alone and dupe householders into gaining entry by claiming to be from an agency such as the water board
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New rooms to be opened
CASTLE Combe Colts FC will mark the opening of their new changing rooms at their six-a-side football tournament on July 17 and 18 at the Castle Combe Playing Fields. The changing rooms have been built with grants and months of fundraising events by parents
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Fledgling hopes for bustard to take flight
WILTSHIRE'S dream of having its county bird once again flying over Salisbury Plain is still alive despite a bureaucratic mix-up that needed the intervention of a Government minister. Dave Waters, the project manager for the Great Bustard Group, which
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Gill to join Yeardley as assistant manager
LES Gill has been appointed assistant manager to Peter Yeardley at Wootton Bassett. Gill, a former player at the club, will work closely with Yeardley in progressing the club through the Hellenic premier league. "Les has a vast knowledge of all local
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Planning your wedding day
GETTING married is one of the biggest events of most people's lives and it's essential to get it right. There are many things to consider from choosing outfits, buying rings, and booking transport to choosing where to get married and where to go on honeymoon
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Trainee teachers struggling to find jobs
TRAINEE teachers in the south west are having problems in finding primary school posts, according to colleges. The situation is so bad that vacancies are attracting more than 100 applications from newly qualified teachers eager to get a foothold in the
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Masked man stole from his gran
A BALACLAVA clad man who threw a towel over 86-year-old Agnes West's head as she lay in bed, then burgled her flat in Devizes, turned out to be her grandson, Michael Haldenby. Mrs West was left absolutely terrified, Kennet Magistrates Court in Devizes
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Circular nuisance
THE belief that crop patterns are some sort of coded message to mankind gained a little more credibility in some quarters this week. The latest pattern to appear in a field in the Pewsey Vale is said to be very similar to the design of a transistor invented
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Family deaths led to suicide
AN INQUEST has heard that a 85-year-old woman decided to commit suicide after four close family members died. Kathleen Goldsmith, of Queens-field, Upper Stratton, died in hospital on November 3 last year after taking an overdose of paracetamol and co-codamol
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Help for stressed youngsters
STRESSED youngsters are being offered relaxation classes at a Swindon sports centre. The Baha'i faith's Tranquillity Zone, which is based at the Health Hydro in Milton Road, will be running a series of de-stressing sessions beginning next month. The initiative
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Trainee teachers struggling to find jobs
TRAINEE teachers in the south west are having problems in finding primary school posts, according to colleges. The situation is so bad that vacancies are attracting more than 100 applications from newly qualified teachers eager to get a foothold in the
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Court order to protect damaged landmark building
THE Locarno has become the subject of another court order after the fire which almost saw it destroyed. At the end of May the bell tower of the Victorian building was damaged in a blaze. That fire followed a previous blaze last year, which gutted most
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Robbery terror for boy
Ref. 31125-05PLUCKY schoolboy Josh Jones fought off a robber who tried to steal his sweet money by elbowing him in the stomach. The 12-year-old is now enjoying hero status among friends following the drama, which ended with the thief chasing him through
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Toddlers get with the beat
Toddlers will be encouraged to make as much noise as possible on a giant drum bought by Calne's new Didgeridoo music pre-school. The 1.1m diameter drum was handmade by a Bristol craftsman and is believed to be the first of its kind in the UK. "I saw the
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Heritage centre lands final slice of funding
Calne Heritage Centre is now fully funded thanks to a £26,300 grant from the lottery. The Heritage Lottery Fund has granted the museum funds to pay the final construction and running costs. Chairman of the Heritage Trust, Coun Tony Trotman said he was
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Country music fans head west in droves
THOUSANDS of country music lovers will be putting on their stetsons and cowboy boots and heading into town this weekend. The Calne Country Music Festival will be hosted in the town at Beversbrook Fields on the bypass from Friday night until Sunday. The
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Mum says a heartfelt thank you to helpers
JUST weeks after making a heartfelt plea for help with the decorating, single-mum Nikki Randall and her disabled daughter Jade have moved into their bright and clean new home. Ms Randall, 22, was first featured in the Gazette on June 3, when she told
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Transplant girl faces second op
FIVE-YEAR-OLD liver transplant tot Lauren Emery returned to school this week, despite news that her body may have rejected her new liver. The youngster, who lives in Calne, may now face a second transplant. Lauren went back to Fynamore School, Calne,
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Magazine highlights work of auctioneer
auctioneer Andrew Aldridge has been featured in a magazine produced by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors' arts and antiques section. In an article, The Professionals Take Two, Mr Aldridge is one of four young professionals who have made their
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Adventurer drops by
WILTSHIRE-born Chris Moon, who lost an arm and a leg while clearing mines in Mozambique in 1995, was cheered by supporters as he passed through Devizes on his walk from John O'Groats to Land's End. Mr Moon, a former military policeman, is hoping to raise
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Foxhill rise to summit
Foxhill Developments managed to knock SWT FC from the top of Division One of the six-a-side Leisure League at Abbey Meads School, courtesy of a 3-1 victory over Rapid Springbok. A dreadful performance from SWT saw them come a cropper against The WInchester
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Planning your wedding day
GETTING married is one of the biggest events of most people's lives and it's essential to get it right. There are many things to consider from choosing outfits, buying rings, and booking transport to choosing where to get married and where to go on honeymoon
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Town at a standstill
DEVIZES traders and local councillors are angrily demanding an apology from Wessex Water after the town was gridlocked because of temporary traffic lights last Wednesday and Thursday. Motorists reported taking nearly an hour to travel distances of a few
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Jazz gala set to be simply the very best
NEXT week's Marlborough International Jazz Festival will be bigger and better than ever before and follow a new format, said organiser Nick Fogg. This year there will be no individual concert tickets for the three days of jazz from July 9 to 11. Every
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Drunk spat blood into mouth of policeman
A police officer underwent tests for AIDS after a drunken man spat blood into his mouth, Devizes magistrates heard. Matthew Hale, a 30-year-old bricklayer from Worton, had admitted at an earlier hearing assaulting a policeman and being drunk and disorderly
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Twinning moves for two ancient villages
VILLAGERS in Avebury have taken the first steps towards a possible formal twinning arrangement with a town in Malta. About 30 villagers attended a meeting in the Social Centre on Tuesday evening attended by the High Commissioner for Malta, Dr George Bonello
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Pupils obtain global insight
STUDENTS in the youngest year at St John's School in Marlborough have been learning about global understanding and tolerance. They have been helped by members of a visiting group from The Gambia where Marlborough has links with the community of Gunjur
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Mother fights for the son she never sees
A MOTHER who has not seen her ten-year-old son for more than 12 months is battling to get him back from her former husband. Cheryl Dobson, who fled the family home, last spoke to her son on the telephone in June last year She has not seen the little boy
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Hunt is on for a new carnival queen
THE search has started in Marlborough to find a new carnival queen and attendants to head the 2004 week of carnival activities. Girls aged 15 and over who live within five miles of the town hall in Marlborough are eligible. They have to be available for
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Masked man stole from his gran
A BALACLAVA clad man who threw a towel over 86-year-old Agnes West's head as she lay in bed, then burgled her flat in Devizes, turned out to be her grandson, Michael Haldenby. Mrs West was left absolutely terrified, Kennet Magistrates Court in Devizes
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Residents air fears on estate lorries
FAMILIES concerned at a plan to channel heavy construction traffic through their residential estate, will be expressing their fears to councillors tonight. Many residents of the St Margarets Mead estate in Marlborough are expected to voice their fears
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Pupil threatens girl with a knife
A BOY of 12 has been suspended from St John's School, Marlborough, after holding a knife to the throat of a girl in the same year group. The incident, which happened at the lower school in Chopping Knife Lane on Monday last week, has left the 12-year-old
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Warning of holiday con
HOLIDAYMAKERS are urged to be on their guard against the latest scam to hit Wiltshire. Conmen are attempting to make people cough up bogus traffic fines after they return from trips abroad. The warning has been issued by Wiltshire County Council's trading
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Tree-mendous idea
GREENERY is the key to slashing crime in Penhill, according to Sue Harrington. The chairwoman of the Avebury Road Residents' Association said that a spot of colour can make all the difference in helping to reduce anti-social behaviour. Her comments follow
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2 slw 2 beat txt msg rcrd
Ref. 31133-64 Leigh Watts, Kaz Glastonbury and Ashlee John try speed texting TEXT messaging may be an obsessive pastime among some Swindon teenagers, but that doesn't mean they are nifty at it. After a Brit lost his title as world's fastest texter to
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Oh boy ...look at her now
Ref. 31137-15TEENAGE tomboy Sarah Lewis is Swindon's own Cinderella. The 16-year-old from Park South loves nothing better than climbing trees and kicking a ball around with pals on a muddy playing field. But tomorrow she will be the belle of the ball
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History of the county through pictures
VISITORS to Aldbourne library will now have improved access to Wiltshire's collection of historic photographs. The village library will join 16 others from across the county to create a comprehensive catalogue detailing which images are held and where
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Young at heart
Ref. 30602-26 Rosemary QuickMORE British grandmothers are following the example of parachuting pensioner Rosemary Quick and refusing to let age become a barrier to fun. Grandmother-of-four Rosemary, 66, plunged 10,000ft through the skies above Swindon
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Choir is set for the 'Olympics'
Ref. 31124-23Swindon's Wessex Male Choir is set to compete with the world's best at this month's Llangollen International Music Eisteddfod. The 41-strong choir will go head to head with choirs from as far afield as Iceland in the North Wales event that
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Website gives doctors info on terrorism
A website on bio-terrorism has been set up to help Swindon GPs in the event of an attack. The Wiltshire Centre for Medical Preparedness, which is accessible only by local doctors, contains advice on how to deal with a major chemical or biological incident
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Curious Incident of the Dog bows to Private Peaceful
Ref. 31130-14BUDDING book critics from four Swindon schools chose a classic love tale which is set in the trenches of the First World War as their best read. Year 9 pupils from Dorcan Technology School, Kingsdown, Headlands and Highworth Warneford, who
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Young book fans play music for storytime
HIGHWORTH library will be alive with the sound of music next week. Youngsters will be banging drums and blowing whistles at a fun-filled musical storytime. Local resident Dawn Golton hopes the event will introduce youngsters to the joys of books. Sue
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Now the travellers turn up in Abbey Meads
Ref. 31131-13TRAVELLERS thrown off land at Blunsdon have set up camp on scrubland near Asda Wal-Mart. And they say more are on the way. The 20-strong group arrived at the site between Homebase and the former Old Grange Farm nursery on Monday. And they
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Ban hunting now
I completely agree with Simon Hart, the chief executive of the Countryside Alliance when he says that the government have more important issues to consider than a ban on hunting with hounds. The government should stop wasting time debating the issue,
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You must deliver
I WOULD like to have my view on the councillors giving themselves a 15 per cent rise in their expenses. Do these people live on another planet? What have they done to deserve this and does anybody check that they have receipts on money spent on expenses
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Oiling their brains
Re: Pupils keep brains oiled. It is true that Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid. However, fish only accumulate it from eating their vegetables (well, algae). It is also obtainable from leafy green vegetables, walnuts, pumpkin seeds and in flax oil and
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Dealing with phobias
IN response to your Problem Solved column (Evening Advertiser, June 2) your reader WQ expressed her fear (phobia) of thunder. As usually happens to so many people who have a phobia, they don't feel heard, but if they are to be helped it must be accepted
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Jazz success
I WAS amazed to read the reference to High Street closures on the Saturday of the jazz weekend in the letter from market traders which appeared in your last issue. The Marlborough Jazz committee does not apply to close the High Street on that day. We
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Stand by those who protect us
I am sure it is hard to swallow the results of the recent local elections, especially if one is a supporter of the Labour or Liberal Democrat parties. Under total control of the Conservatives, we may not like many of their 'good housekeeping' measures
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A solution?
DEVIZES and Malmesbury Maternity Units have been proven by many experts to work, are cost effective and patients are happy with the treatments received. The Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust insists it knows better and seems determined to
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Kiss of life needed for Swindon's green lungs
THE letter from Labour's Coun Maurice Fanning May 19 under the heading "This is a Green lung on people's doorstep," is another poignant demonstration of the hypocrisy, double-talk and misdirection practised by certain local politicians. In this letter
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Great asset
I AM a tetraplegic and recently spent two days in the Great Western Hospital in Swindon for some routine investigations. I was extremely impressed by the thoroughness of the doctors and the nurses were simply wonderful. The food was nice. It is beyond
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Decisions should be made on plan's merits
I read with dismay your article 'Builders put up £50,000' in the Gazette of June 24. The article informed us that Colborn Homes has agreed to pay Luckington Primary School £50,000 if planning permission is granted in Bell Fields. North Wiltshire councillors
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Staff need support in work
With the recent press coverage regarding the Saturday Specials I feel that it is important that I write an open letter in response. I have been employed at Marlborough Leisure Centre for 16 years, the last 11 years as a trampoline coach. It is solely
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Players have their rugby skills tagged
NOREMARSH School were crowned champions at the latest Wootton Bassett TAG Cup rugby tournament. They won all six of their matches at the Stoneover Lane event last week, including a 4-3 victory over reigning title holders Longleaze. The Noremarsh A side
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Pitches set to improve
DEVIZES Rugby Club chairman Charles Lucas says the club is as strong as it has ever been. Mr Lucas, who was re-elected at the annual general meeting on Friday, drew particular attention to the significant investment the club was making to improve the
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Party praise
I was privileged to join the Devizes Childminding Group at their annual party to celebrate National Childminding Week. The Devizes group provides support for childminders. In turn the childminders, who are all Ofsted inspected, provide flexible childcare
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Great food
We would like to express our gratitude to Mrs Podger, and her staff at the Wharfside Restaurant, in Devizes, for the excellent food and service they have consistently provided for the people of Devizes, and to visitors, over the past 21 years. They have
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Work issues
ON Thursday, June 24 a coach with 50 Devizes people aboard tried to leave Northgate Street at 8am eventually it arrived at Cannings Hill roundabout at 9.30am. Yes, it was too late for their ferry at Dover. There seemed to be no one working or otherwise
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Still waiting
IN her letter to the Wiltshire Gazette & Herald last week, Sharon Charity suggests that the refurbishment of the science block at Devizes School was as a direct result of Government policy. In fact the refurbishment was only made possible by the sale
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Cash not an answer for public services
for the third week running local politicians throw statistics in the air to convince us public services are either better or worse. I, like many others I suspect, don't trust the politicians, I trust my own judgement and experience. I don't know whether
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Campaigners put their case
CAMPAIGNERS who are determined to save the Goldiggers building in Chippenham from the bulldozer have submitted their objections to North Wiltshire District Council. Members of the Preservation of Gaumont Goldiggers group put together a substantial bundle
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Pervert may go to prison for child porn
Internet pervert Andrew Royle has been warned he faces the prospect of a substantial prison sentence after he was caught with child porn on his computer for the second time. Royle, 29, was found to have sickening picture and movie files of children after
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Agencies united to clean up estate
CHIPPENHAM'S new police community support officer Durry Maule will spearhead police efforts to clean up the town's troubled Redlands estate. Redlands has been plagued with increasing incidents of petty vandalism, theft, under-age drinking, noise and minor
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Art in cellar show for kids
AN art exhibition by artist Jane Faulkner, which is in a gallery in a newsagent's, is being extended. The exhibition is being held in the cellar of Barnett Brothers in the High Street. Sanjeevan Garcha and her husband Jasvir Singh, an art director in
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Precinct boss suspended
THE manager of Chippenham's Emery Gate Shopping Centre, Brian Poole, has admitted he has been suspended amid allegations of financial irregularities. Rumours that he had been suspended swept across the centre two weeks ago, but the shopping centre's management
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He's a builder from heaven
MODEST builder Chriss Burke is vowing that fame won't change him, despite being named the South and West region's Builder from Heaven. Mr Burke, 58, of Patterdown, Chippenham, beat hundreds of builders in the competition run by builders' merchant, Jewson
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Reward is offered for very shy Rocky
DISTRAUGHT pet owner Julia Cosgrove is considering cancelling her Turkish holiday because her beloved moggy Rocky is still missing. A fortnight ago Ms Cosgrove, 32, of Pewsham, Chippenham, appealed to Gazette readers to help find the ex-rescue cat, who
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Patients on march to mourn loss of doctor
PATIENTS and staff loyal to a doctor who has been sacked in a row over out-of-hours care are organising a mourning march. Dressed in black, the protestors will march through the streets with a coffin to mark the loss of GP Barney Williams. They say they
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Ex-drugs dealer is found dead in hotel
A convicted heroin dealer was found dead from a suspected drugs overdose in Chippenham's Pines Hotel on Sunday, just weeks after leaving prison. Stewart Donachie, 33, formerly of Pipsmore Road in Chippenham, was discovered dead in a bath at the Marshfield
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New plan for skate park
YOUNGSTERS in Corsham could be using an £84,000 skate park by next spring if a planning application is successful. The skate project steering group has submitted plans to North Wiltshire District Council for the facility on the Springfield playing fields
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Teacher shortlisted for national awards
A TEACHER at Corsham Primary School has been shortlisted as a winner in a national teaching competition. Special needs co-ordinator Hilary Eyley won the West of England regional award for excellence in special needs teaching. Mrs Eyley, who started teaching
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Young book fans play music for storytime
HIGHWORTH library will be alive with the sound of music next week. Youngsters will be banging drums and blowing whistles at a fun-filled musical storytime. Local resident Dawn Golton hopes the event will introduce youngsters to the joys of books. Sue
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New crash only days after fatal accident
The Callow Hill road, near Brinkworth, was the site of another car accident this week, after a crash in which a 21-year-old Dauntsey woman received head injuries. It happened less than a week after a fatal crash in the same place, in which Brian Selman
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Digital print service launched
DOWNTON mailing house Priority Newstrade & Mailing has launched a colour digital print service. Called Priority Digital, the company says the service offers businesses a range of cost-effective, high-quality packages from design to printing, wrapping
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Retailers urged to take advice
BUSINESS Link Berkshire and Wiltshire is urging shopkeepers to make the most of the advice available to them to help them avoid developing tunnel vision. Business Link's workforce development department has organised a number of free workshops, starting
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Pyrotechnics specialists merge
MILLENNIUM Pyrotechnics of Chilmark has merged with TNT Fireworks UK - one of the largest fireworks companies in the world. Millennium, which was founded in 1991, specialises in fireworks displays, special effects and event planning. It will continue
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Achievements to be celebrated at ceremony
NEXT Wednesday the Federation of Small Businesses is holding its annual awards ceremony, celebrating the achievements of south Wiltshire's business community. The awards are now in their fifth year and firmly established as an important part of the business
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Red Arrows celebration
THE Kemble Air Day got off to a flying start when it celebrated 40 years of the Red Arrows. The RAF Aerobatic Team formed in 1964 and this is its 40th display season leading up to the anniversary, in in May 2005, of its first public display. RAF Kemble
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To Iraq and back in proud 90 year record
THE proud history of RAF Lyneham's 30 Squadron came full circle when it received battle honours for its role in Iraq, the country where it flew its first missions nearly a century ago. On Thursday, Air Marshal Clive Loader presented the squadron with
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Bustard project suffers setback
THE project to reintroduce great bustards to Salisbury Plain after an absence of 175 years has suffered a setback because of missing paperwork. The Salisbury-based Great Bustard Group was poised to bring 30 chicks back to Britain from the Saratov region
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Call for curb on drunken louts
DRUNKEN louts who are smashing shop windows in Amesbury town centre every weekend will not be tolerated any longer, according to the Mayor of Amesbury. Jan Swindlehurst told the Journal that traders have had their windows smashed nearly every weekend
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Bluebirds to have new Thorne in side
CENTRE-HALF Gary Thorne could be lining up alongside his younger brother Wayne at Chippenham Town this season after signing a contract with the Bluebirds. Gary, 29, joins Chippenham from Merthyr Tydfil as his brother Wayne, 24, considers his future with
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Man was 'attacked' by his Dyson
VACUUM manufacturer Dyson is in court over claims that one of its vacuum cleaners 'lashed out' at a man in Scotland. Norman Grant from Aberdeen is suing the company for £50,000 for the pain he suffered and the work he lost after the machine allegedly
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Precinct boss suspended
THE manager of Chippenham's Emery Gate Shopping Centre, Brian Poole, has admitted he has been suspended amid allegations of financial irregularities. Rumours that he had been suspended swept across the centre two weeks ago, but the shopping centre's management
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Rainbows in hunt for help
Sherston Rainbows group will have to close at the end of this term unless more volunteers step forward to help. Group leader Sarah Kamp is looking for someone to either help with administrative tasks such as preparing notes and letters for parents, or
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Tyre slasher ruins party
Guests at a party to celebrate a primary school's 150th birthday were horrified to discover that their car tyres had been slashed. Six vehicles had their tyres slashed with a scalpel, which was found embedded in one tyre, as their owners were at Oaksey
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Business expertise to shape council
FORMER commercial manager Phil Rice who has lived in the town for 18 years, has been appointed as Malmesbury's new town clerk. Following the extended sick leave and retirement of former clerk Edward Ferguson, Mr Rice hopes that his appointment can draw
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Man was 'attacked' by his Dyson
VACUUM manufacturer Dyson is in court over claims that one of its vacuum cleaners 'lashed out' at a man in Scotland. Norman Grant from Aberdeen is suing the company for £50,000 for the pain he suffered and the work he lost after the machine allegedly
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Council snubs pupils' petition
Rebecca McDonald with the petition, beside other pupils and head Malcolm TrobeMORE than 120 pupils at Malmesbury School signed a petition demanding more say in how their town works, but two months later they have still received no response. The pupils
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Forsooth! Yon pupils do tarry a while at an Elizabethan festival with midsummer twist
Pupils from Chafyn Grove School take part in an Elizabethan festival.THERE was a celebration of all things Elizabethan during a three-day festival at Chafyn Grove School. Pupils in years three to eight enjoyed a typical 16th Century wedding feast complete
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Blunsdon fall to defeat
Wiltshire Cricket League: DARREN Walker's career-best haul of 9-35 still could not prevent Blunsdon 2nd from defeat at the hands of third-placed United Churches 2nd in Division Eight of the Crusader Wiltshire Cricket League. Churches consolidated their
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Skipper is setting a higher standard
West of England Premier Two: NEW Devizes Cricket Club captain Nick Paget is hoping a professional approach will help the side maintain their Premier Two status. The 26-year-old, who lives in London Road, Devizes, has take first XI skipper position after
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County so close to turning it around in Salisbury thriller
Minor Counties Cricket: WILTSHIRE lost a thrilling three-day championship match against Wales Minor Counties at South Wilts on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday by one wicket. The home side won the toss and Russell Rowe, returning to captain the side on his
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Gillespie inspires leaders to victory
North Wilts Junior League U11 AN outstanding all round performance by Robert Gillespie took Malmesbury to the top of the table as his side defeated league rivals Chippenham by 5 wickets. Chippenham batted first and struggled for runs against accurate
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New partner, property lawyer appointed by city law firm
SOLICITORS Pye-Smiths of New Street, Salisbury have a new partner and a new property lawyer. Sue Martin, who has been running the firm's Brockenhurst office for more than 15 years, has been made a partner and Georgina Walters has joined the firm to help
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Retailers urged to take advice
BUSINESS Link Berkshire and Wiltshire is urging shopkeepers to make the most of the advice available to them to help them avoid developing tunnel vision. Business Link's workforce development department has organised a number of free workshops, starting
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Race day event a runaway success
A DAY at the races turned out to be a runaway success for the staff of Salisbury outfitters Chas H Baker. The company, famous for ladies' and gent's clothing and school uniforms, sponsored the second race, named The Chas H Baker Maiden Fillies Stakes,
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Achievements to be celebrated at ceremony
NEXT Wednesday the Federation of Small Businesses is holding its annual awards ceremony, celebrating the achievements of south Wiltshire's business community. The awards are now in their fifth year and firmly established as an important part of the business
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New leader for accountants
BUSINESS adviser Adrian Simpson is the new president of the Southern Society of Chartered Accountants, which represents more than 4,000 members of the profession in south Wiltshire, Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight. He takes over from Russell Bowman
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Ambassadors to work until 10pm
PARKING ambassadors will be patrolling Salisbury's streets in the evenings in a bid to crack down on motorists who illegally park. Currently the team, which is known for its tough enforcement of parking restrictions, only works until 6pm, with those who
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Maiden ton for Lacey
Oakley 67 lost to Breamore 213-8 Hants League North Division One BATTING first, Breamore lost their first two wickets for 38 before a stand of 67 between Phil Lacey and Steve Marlow steadied nerves. Marlow was bowled by Hardy for 30 while Lacey continued
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Stars set for South Wilts cricket feast
A BUMPER crowd is expected at South Wilts' Wilton Road cricket ground on Sunday for a star-studded charity match. The game between the hosts and an international Lashings XI has been organised in a bid to raise funds for a new pavilion at the venue. Among
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Daryl riding high after Welsh win
DURRINGTON motorcycle wizard Daryl Bolter has become the youngest ever winner of the prestigious two-day Welsh Enduro event. The nineteen-year-old race ace, who is riding high in third place in the European Enduro Championship, took on an international
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Honda's sales roar on
HONDA is enjoying its best ever sales figures in the UK. During the first half of this year the company, which employs almost 4,000 people at the South Marston plant, sold almost 15,000 cars about 400 a day. It now sells more than Audi, Mercedes and BMW
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Group needs first aiders
THE St John Ambulance is looking for new volunteers in the Wootton Bassett area. The organisation is looking for people who can support and assist its youth groups, becoming part of a strong team providing service to the community and taking library services
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Cash offered to gardeners
GREEN fingered gardeners in Wootton Bassett are being invited to enter this year's North Wiltshire Flower Festival. Their gardening talents could win them a cash prize of up to £100. Entries are now invited in the following categories: Front garden, Front
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Festival organisers pay tribute to work of rain-soaked volunteers
THE rain failed to put a dampener on Shaw and Whitley Youth Football Club's annual six-a-side competition last weekend. In all 140 teams from U7to U14 levels converged on the four pitches at Beeches Shaw, Melksham, on Saturday and Sunday to battle it
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Counselling for abuse victims
A NEW specialist counselling service will offer help to adult survivors of child abuse in Kennet, North and West Wiltshire. Kennet and North and West Wiltshire's primary care trusts and Wiltshire County Council have joined forces to support the service
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Split loyalties
ENGLISH football's roller coaster ride plunged to rock bottom on Thursday when England crashed out of Euro 2004 in an agonising penalty shoot out. Hundreds of England fans dressed in red and white poured into Corsham's Hare and Hounds pub to cheer their
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Rovers set a date for six-a-side
BOX Rovers are holding a men's six-a-side tournament on August 1 at Leafy Lane Playing Fields, Rudloe. Application forms and details are available from Tony Harrison (01225) 743942. Clubs who have already shown interest are asked to return their entry
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Students to get taste of life in the Army
Wiltshire students will take part in a series of exciting challenges set by the Army for over 1,000 South West pupils. Young people aged 14-17 from Marlborough, Chippenham and Pewsey will take part in a series of activities set by the Army to stretch
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Bigfoot walk attracts 250
A MAJOR fundraising event being held in Wiltshire for the Multiple Sclerosis Society is fully booked. The Bigfoot 2004 challenge involves 500 people walking 50 miles over three days in Wiltshire and in Cheshire. A Bigfoot walk was held in Wiltshire and
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Derry Hill win knockout cup
THERE was a feast of football for Chippenham Cub Scouts on Saturday when they contested their annual knockout cup competition. The event was played out at Notton School and involved 13 Cub Scout football teams. The six-a-side football competition involved
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Ambulance response times worst in country
WILTSHIRE Ambulance Trust has the worst record in England for reaching emergencies and it will only get worse if its resources continue to be drained, one front line worker has warned. The service, which had its two-star rating slashed to zero last year
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League's new rewards for good behaviour
LEAGUE officers used the evnt to announce a number of new changes for next season and into the future. The major change will see Chippenham based Auto Business Solutions Ltd replace outgoing Vanitec Computers as the league's sponsors for at least the
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Good Evans, he's won another award
Chippenham Sunday League: REFEREE Bob Pocock and Christian Malford, striker Scott Evans wrote their names into the record books of the Chippenham Sunday League when they picked up awards at the league's annual meeting and presentation night. Among the
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Bluebirds to have new Thorne in side
CENTRE-HALF Gary Thorne could be lining up alongside his younger brother Wayne at Chippenham Town this season after signing a contract with the Bluebirds. Gary, 29, joins Chippenham from Merthyr Tydfil as his brother Wayne, 24, considers his future with
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Warning of holiday con
HOLIDAYMAKERS are urged to be on their guard against the latest scam to hit Wiltshire. Conmen are attempting to make people cough up bogus traffic fines after they return from trips abroad. The warning has been issued by Wiltshire County Council's trading
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Piper loses his rat pack
VISITORS to Avebury were treated to the unusual site on Sunday of a Pied Piper leading lots of mice around the village. It was the Pebbles Pre-school's novel way of raising funds for equipment. Kate Turner from the pre-school said: "We have an on-going
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Twinning moves for two ancient villages
VILLAGERS in Avebury have taken the first steps towards a possible formal twinning arrangement with a town in Malta. About 30 villagers attended a meeting in the Social Centre on Tuesday evening attended by the High Commissioner for Malta, Dr George Bonello
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Heartache of waiting
VITAL child protection services in Swindon are in the grip of a deepening crisis, it has been revealed. The backlog of child custody cases has now hit five months and is growing. A total of 55 people are now on the waiting list desperate to find out if
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Motorway chaos is on the way
Ref. 30732-8Six-months of roadworks on the M4 motorway have been announced. Last month the Highways Agency issued an apology to Evening Advertiser readers after it went back on an earlier statement promising that the main routes around Swindon would be
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Motorway chaos is on the way
Six-months of roadworks on the M4 motorway have been announced. Last month the Highways Agency issued an apology to Evening Advertiser readers after it went back on an earlier statement promising that the main routes around Swindon would be kept clear
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Solicitor caught in police safety blitz
Ref. 31132-45A Swindon solicitor was among 80 people caught flouting traffic laws in a crackdown on disobedient drivers. Defending motorists accused of illegal conduct on the roads is all in a day's work for Chris Smyth, but yesterday it was he who found
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Thieves net 30 koi carp
Thieves stole 30 koi carp worth around £750 and two pond water pumps from a back garden in Bishop Road, Calne. The theft happened between June 16 and 23 and the police are investigating. PC Rachael Jennings of Calne police station said the carp varied
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Sporty pupils get a buzz from Dutch trip
John Bentley School pupils enjoyed an active week in the Netherlands on an exchange trip specially designed for sporty youngsters. A group of 15 year nine pupils were awarded the chance to go to the Zeeland district of the Netherlands for their attitude
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Iron lady's triathlon gives hospice £1,000
NURSE Vicky Whitfield is no stranger to fitness but nothing could prepare her for the heat and punishment of one of the world's toughest races. Miss Whitfield, 36, of Bishop Road, Calne, swam, cycled and ran alongside 700 other competitors in the gruelling
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Capital lost in time
"I JUST wish you could have been here four years ago so you could see how things have changed," my guide Altin remarked as we motored gently through Tirana, one of the least known capitals of Europe. It was the last day of my lightning four-day visit
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Model pupils
YOUNGSTERS at Worton and Marston Primary School near Devizes, have been learning how to sculpt plaster of Paris. Corsham sculptor Andrea Garrihy has been working with pupils in Year 6 who have finished their SATs. Teaching assistant Belinda Harris said
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Comfort zone
A GROUP of 'bad lads' undergoing 1950s style military training on Salisbury Plain had a break when they enjoyed tea with Wiltshire Women's Institute members. More than 20 young men did four weeks hard training for an ITV documentary series called Bad
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Decision on hospital to be delayed again
THE people of Devizes have been told another review of health services is under way just a month after the end of the consultation period over proposals to scale down Devizes community hospital . It is a case of dj vu for many who fought off previous
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Bibury win for Purton
A PURTON FC side have lifted the Bibury six-a-side title. The team consisting of Forest Green players Rob Ingliss, Mitch Wyatt and Tom Restell, Supermarine's Steve Davies, Leigh Henry and Paul Titcombe from Swindon Town and Highworth Town's Rob Gulley
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Games on for youngsters
THOUSANDS of Wiltshire children will converge on the city of Bath this weekend. Organised by the Wiltshire and Swindon Sport Partnership, the University of Bath will host the Wiltshire Youth Games in which primary and secondary school children will compete
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Speed limit cut planned
CAMPAIGNERS look set to win their fight to reduce the speed limit along Spin Hill in Market Lavington. Following pressure from local people and Michael Lynch, the father of 34-year-old Sharon Oliver who was killed in a car crash on Spin Hill in April
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Iron Age site has survived
THE routine two-week investigation by students from the University of Sheffield of an Iron Age site at Cannings Cross, last excavated by celebrated archaeologist Maud Cunnington in 1911, has proved surprising. Miss Cunnington's investigations established
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Piper loses his rat pack
VISITORS to Avebury were treated to the unusual site on Sunday of a Pied Piper leading lots of mice around the village. It was the Pebbles Pre-school's novel way of raising funds for equipment. Kate Turner from the pre-school said: "We have an on-going
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Pub chain confirms interest in Beale's
PUB chain J D Wetherspoon confirmed this week that it intends to buy the former Beale's (Bath) Ltd women's clothes shop in St John's Street. Contracts have been exchanged on the empty shop, but the sale is dependent on the company getting planning permission
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Traffic fears are raised
TOWN councillor Richard Allen says his trial surgery at Marlborough Town Hall on Saturday was a success. The independent East Ward town council member booked the council chamber at the town hall on Saturday morning. About a dozen people took advantage
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It's just for you Auntie
CARING Gabriela Drage set up a stall in her street selling items to raise money for a cancer charity in memory of her aunt. Gabriela and her older sister, Francesca, 12, of Edward Road, Devizes, were very close to their aunt, Wendy Blower, of Weymouth
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Baby beats the jam
PUB landlady Sylvia Shearan nearly gave birth in her husband's car when they were stuck in a traffic jam in London Road, Devizes. Steve Shearan was so concerned he overtook the queue and went around a roundabout the wrong way and they arrived at Devizes
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Tony takes a mighty jump
FUND-RAISER Tony Deakin has fulfilled a life's ambition by parachute jumping from an aeroplane. Mr Deakin, 53, of Devizes, raised more than £1,000 for the MS Society, for sufferers of Multiple Sclerosis. He said: "It was the most fantastic experience.
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Kids jazz up town festival
Year 9 students from St John's School, Marlborough spent three days this week making banners to brighten up the town centre during next week's Jazz Festival. A banner-making workshop in St Mary's Church was led by Marlborough artist Juliet Goodden-Richardson
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New hospital taking shape
THE building of the new Savernake Hospital at Marlborough has reached another milestone with the steel frame of the main building beginning to take shape. Specialist sub contractors are well on the way to assembling the jigsaw of more than 1,000 pieces
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Mum's a lucky duck
A STITCH in time has saved a mum of nine after a vet removed a fish hook from the gullet of a duck in Marlborough. Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital captured the duck from the bank of the River Kennet near Waitrose after shoppers reported seeing it tangled
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Junior anglers set to take on the west
DESPITE wet and windy conditions 14 junior anglers turned out to compete for the Devizes Angling Association Wiltshire Gazette Cup at Crookwood Lake on Saturday. The harsh elements made the fishing very difficult and forced all the competitors to huddle
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Roach are a hit at Sutton showdown
THE Isis AC match at Sutton Benger attracted a good entry, and they were rewarded with some good sport as the roach showed well. But it was tench which proved the main individual catches, with match winner Eamon Byrne taking a cracker of 6lb 10oz in his
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'I was dragged along by a taxi'
Ref. 31128-60DISABLED Sue McCabe was dragged along the road when a cabbie drove off as she got into his taxi. She has since won compensation for the injuries she suffered in the incident in Swindon. Sue is urging taxi drivers to be more aware of the needs
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Thanks a lot, Graham
Ref. 31028-11 Fire Officer Graham Walter, left, receives his award from Chief Fire Officer Andy GoveSWINDON Fire Brigade's Sub-Officer Graham Weller, 50, retires later this year, having been involved with the Junior Good Citizen Scheme for 10 and 11-year-olds
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Why was dad not admitted?
THE family of a 95-year-old grandfather killed by a fall has questioned at his inquest why he was allowed to be discharged early from hospital. Doctors admitted that William Green's injuries had been misdiagnosed, but said that a correct diagnosis would
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Village set for flower power
Purton in Bloom 2004 promises a weekend treat for country garden lovers on July 10 and 11. Gardeners in Purton will be welcoming visitors on the Saturday and Sunday, and there will be conducted tours of St Mary's Church. Proceeds will be shared between
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Magical musicals will help boost good causes
MUSIC to suit all tastes will be performed at a fundraising concert at Christ Church in Old Town on July 11. The High Sheriff of Wiltshire's Charity Concert has been organised as part of the Swindon Cares fundraising drive, offering plenty of entertainment
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Man is jailed for peddling heroin
A MAN aged 45 who peddled heroin on the streets of Swindon has been jailed for three years. Douglas Wood was found with 14 wraps of the drug when he was arrested following a police operation in March last year. After pleading not guilty to possession
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Unclaimed benefits pick it up it's yours!
About £2 million a year in Pension Credit is going unclaimed by older people living in the Swindon area, according to Age Concern Swindon. The benefit was introduced by the Government last October. It is believed that as many as 4,800 people in Swindon
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Crackdown on drunks in square
Drunks in Cavendish Square are facing a police crackdown. Officers have applied for the Park South area to be made an Alcohol Designated Zone. It would give police officers the power to con-fiscate alcoholic drink and arrest people who refuse to stop
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Singing their hearts out
Ref. 31141-75KATIE Langan definitely hit the right note with judges to be crowned Pop Idol of Swindon last night. The 13-year-old stole the show at Commonweal School with a stunning performance of the classic song from the Wizard of Oz, Over the Rainbow
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Police motorbike charge is denied
A DISQUALIFIED driver deliberately reversed his car into a police motorcycle and sped off leaving the officer sprawled on the roadside, a court has heard. Security guard Jamie Manderson had been pulled over by police when he put his car into reverse and
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Time to compromise on narrowing street
I read with interest the conflicting views of traders in Wood Street on the merits of pedestrianisation. It seems to me that a good old fashioned British compromise is required here! The road is currently wide enough to accommodate three car widths. The
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No more loss
I WAS reading the news and catching up on events as I am not living in Wiltshire at present. I was sad to see the headlines on the motorcyclist with severe head injuries (Gazette, June 24). I lost someone very close to me on June 1, 1984, Kevin Weston
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Vandals are depriving many of treatment
I was appalled when I listened to a message left on my answerphone to say that the Thamesdown Hydrotherapy Pool had been vandalised. I have been taking my six year old son, who suffers with Perthes Disease, to the pool every week as part of his pain management
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Market need
WE are greatly disappointed to hear that the application for the proposed cattle market has been turned down by North Wiltshire District Council. It is the council who are selling the land where the current market resides at, no doubt, a great profit.
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Contrast in political tone
I am frequently struck by the contrast in tone of your two political columnists. Michael Ancram regularly contributes a column which is both interesting and thought provoking. The articles are admirable for the wide scope of subject matter they embrace
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Step forward
ALLOWING for the length of time it's been on the drawing board and the temporary inconvenience of road works on London Road, the new recycling centre at Hopton is a state of the art facility catering for a wide variety of recyclable materials. It is clearly
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Daniel in Bath vow
Brendon Daniel has vowed to reproduce his devastating form of early last season after agreeing a new one-year contract with Bath. Daniel dominated the scoring charts during the opening months of the last Premiership season, scoring four tries in six appearances
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Rugby club celebrates a grant of £31,000
Chippenham Rugby Club is celebrating new opportunities to expand and develop in the town, thanks to a £31,000 grant from Sport England. The funding will enable the club to set up training lights on its number two pitch, which will greatly extend its practising
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Two choices
It has come to my attention that Wiltshire County Council has put its own interests above those of record office users. The proposed new facility will be positioned next to a very large electrical substation. This substation is substantially larger than
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No sign of health site profits
SINCE my arrival in the Devizes area 16 years ago, two extremely valuable health authority sites, at St James's and Roundway, have been sold off. A lot of money was made from those sales yet we have seen little evidence of use of any of the money for
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Celebrations brought out community spirit
As chairman of the committee charged with arranging suitable events to commemorate Marlborough's Charter anniversary I am delighted with the many letters I have received telling me that so many people enjoyed the celebrations. It is far from easy satisfying
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Shameful that changes to Specials considered
I AM appalled to learn that Saturday Specials at the Marlborough Leisure Centre is under consideration for a price rise and reduction in hours. This is deplorable and totally outside the ethos of public service. I would suggest Mr Hayday, who is conducting
