Archive
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Cash dash is no obstacle for Charlie's friends
Ref. 73209-23 Downs Syndrome group treasurer Mandy Hancock with son Charlie and, from the Westgate Nursery, Riley Rees-Turner, Freya Sullivan and Finlay BartonYOUNGSTERS at a nursery in Highworth have been pulling out all the stops to help one of their
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All smiles as down-to-earth duke visits
The Duke meets staff at Salisbury District Hospital. 04/11/04A BEAMING and joking Prince Andrew, Duke of York, had hospital staff and volunteers in stitches when he visited Salisbury on two official engagements last week. The duke showed his down-to-earth
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Tricksters con way into home of elderly pair
AN elderly south Wiltshire couple were the target of tricksters who conned their way into the pensioners' home at the weekend. An 88-year-old man was approached by a man and a woman while he was shopping at the Murco petrol station in Bulford about 12.30pm
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Vandals blow up phone box
A TELEPHONE kiosk in Durrington was wrecked by vandals over the weekend, after huge fireworks were set off inside it on two separate occasions. The explosions, which woke residents living near the kiosk, in Bulford Road, have been condemned by residents
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Doctors 'misled their seriously ill patients'
TWO doctors who offered 'magic potions' to a pensioner with breast cancer at their Downton clinic were this week found guilty of acting irresponsibly but will be allowed to continue in practice. Dr Paul Layman (49), of Copse Road, Verwood and Dr Jason
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Jobs to put strain on housing
THOUSANDS of new jobs to be created at Amesbury and Porton Down could put a massive strain on the district's housing supply, business leaders were warned last week. With Solstice Park, in Amesbury, likely to provide up to 6,000 jobs and the expanding
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City's powerlifters to fly the flag in Atlanta
Powerlifters Paul Newell, Lee Steggles and Bill West are in buoyant mood. 04/11/04SALISBURY'S trio of worldbeaters have flown to Atlanta, Georgia, for the World Powerlifting Championships with high hopes of picking up some weighty honours. Legends of
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Villagers help save stray dog
AN abandoned white lurcher frequently seen wandering around Newton Tony in an emaciated condition has finally been rescued, thanks to the efforts of villagers, staff from the Dogs Trust centre and the Salisbury dog warden. The beautiful dog, named Newton
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All smiles as down-to-earth duke visits
The Duke meets staff at Salisbury District Hospital. 04/11/04A BEAMING and joking Prince Andrew, Duke of York, had hospital staff and volunteers in stitches when he visited Salisbury on two official engagements last week. The duke showed his down-to-earth
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Hospital boss reflects on eight years at helm
Guests enjoy the leaving party for DAvid Noble and Sara Willan. 04/11/04FORMER banker David Noble spoke of his pride this week at the services provided by Salisbury District Hospital and the dedication of its "hard-working and wonderful staff". He did
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Early chicks ruffle some feathers
Lydia Redgrave holds one of the 25 ducklings. 04/11/04STAFF at the Farmer Giles Farmstead, in Teffont, had an early Easter surprise, when two Muscovy ducks presented them with 25 ducklings last week. They hurriedly had to make up a nursery inside one
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Couple rescued from pub blaze
TWO people were rescued from a first-floor bedroom window by firefighters after a blaze broke out in an historic Salisbury public house in the early hours of Wednesday morning last week. The interior of the Three Crowns, in Town Path, Harnham, was a blackened
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Jobs to put strain on housing
THOUSANDS of new jobs to be created at Amesbury and Porton Down could put a massive strain on the district's housing supply, business leaders were warned last week. With Solstice Park, in Amesbury, likely to provide up to 6,000 jobs and the expanding
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The world in miniature
Ref. 73154-60Angela Kearns, 38, of Cranmore Avenue, Swindon turned a long term passion into a business idea when she started Ark Miniatures, a firm dedicated to making lifelike doll's house food and furniture. She was surprised to hear that she had made
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Flourishing clean
Ref. 73182-15Lynda McPherson, 48, of Wallingford Close, Toothill set up her cleaning business through the job centre before going it alone. Lynda's Cleaning Services is now flourishing, providing a range of cleaning and ironing facilities to businesses
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Redundancy pays off for Anna
Ref. 73210Anna Jones didn't waste time after being made redundant when Cellular Operations in West Swindon closed down just over a year ago. Rather than mope about, the 28-year-old set up her own wedding stationery business called Anna Elisabeth, which
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Swindon's tycoon idols
Lynda McPherson, Angela Kearns, Anna Jones and Amanda Taylor, four Swindon business tycoon idolWomen in Swindon appear to be taking the business world by storm. And now, four have been shortlisted for an award. TOM MORTON reports FOUR Swindon businesswomen
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Relief road has not been deleted
MAY I correct the misleading statement, made in an article in last week's Journal ('Relief road hopes dashed'), that the Wylye Valley relief road "has been deleted from the Wiltshire and Swindon structure plan". The proposed road has not been deleted.
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Excitement and tension at the polls
George Bush and John KerrySwindon student Alex Ogle has been in the US throughout the election campaign. Here is his report on polling day As the polls opened early yesterday morning in central Pittsburgh, two teenage girls stood on the pavement holding
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Inquiry due to report on incest case
AN inquiry into how a Swindon man was able to father six children with his daughter is due to report today. The investigation is one of the most serious child protection inquiries ever held in the borough. It was set up by the Swindon Area Child Protection
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Four police officers injured in M-way crash
POLICE found themselves called to an accident involving one of their own vans. A fatal accident was narrowly averted when a tyre blew on a white van travelling eastbound between junctions 17 and 16 of the M4 at around 11am yesterday. The driver lost control
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Good Times roll for Pete
Pete Townsend, fishing under the Isis AC banner, walked off with the honours in Sunday's Angling Times Winter League (Upper Thames Division) with an impressive 37lb 7oz catch. At the same time, he landed the Browning Star angler-of-the-week award from
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Girl picked out two attackers
Ref. 29010-28 Police talk to members of the public after the attackA YOUNG girl who was violently assaulted as she walked through Queens Park told a crown court trial that she could not be sure she had picked out her attacker on an identity parade. The
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'It won't throw a spanner in the works
Ref. 26261-21THE NEWS was met with disappointment from the firm charged with revamping the town centre. Rosemary Wells, of The New Swindon Company, said that the race will now be on to find another developer. Under plans being drawn up, the town would
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Club ban on girl
YOUTH court magistrates banned a 16-year-old girl from a Swindon nightclub after hearing that she had assaulted a woman. The girl, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was excluded from the Casbah for a year after she admitted carrying out the
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Cup tie switched
Cirencester Town's FA Youth Cup first round proper match against Oxford United has been moved from tomorrow night to 7.30pm on Monday, November 8. Swindon play their first round proper the following night, hosting Yeovil Town at the County Ground (7.30pm
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Fisher nets!
MID WILTS YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE: Chippenham Town started well in their under 17 away game against Cricklade and, for the first five minutes, played some quality football with some excellent passing and positional play. But Cricklade opened the scoring
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New houses in the pipeline
FOURTEEN new homes could be built on Ermin Street in Stratton St Margaret. Midas Homes, of Bristol, wants to build the new homes at 11A-11B Ermin Street. It submitted a planning application to Swindon Council last week. Meanwhile Roughmoor Farm Developments
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Chairman named
PHILIP Williamson, chief executive at Nationwide has been appointed as the chairman of the Swindon Initiative Board. The board will consist of representatives from Swindon Borough Council and businesses. It has been set up to promote a better relationship
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Who lost a trinket?
AN ITEM of jewellery was found in Newport Street, Old Town on Saturday evening. If it may belong to you call 01793 490611.
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Shackleton trip
mountaineer Stephen Venables will tell how he retraced Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton's footsteps. The illustrated talk Enchanted Island will look at Stephen's trek across South Georgia with two companions. The lecture is at the Main Hall of the
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Lunn Poly finishes
One of the most familiar travel brands is to disappear from UK high streets after 40 years. Lunn Poly travel agent, which has a branch in Swindon town centre, and is owned by UK holiday giant Thomson, are to be rebranded.
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D and D closes
SWINDON night-club Destiny and Desire has closed. Luminar Leisure, which owns the venue, confirmed it had closed on October 23. The company declined to comment on the closure and said it was looking at options.
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Resurfacing work to start
Overnight resurfacing and maintenance work will be carried out at the A419 White Hart roundabout in Swindon next week. It will take place between 8pm and 6am, starting on November 8 and finishing by November 12. During the work the southbound carriageway
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Cleaning up
A charity dedicated to protecting wildlife is today launching a pioneering new hedgerow restoration scheme. Under the plan the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust will cut down some trees to help promote the growth and restoration of the regions hedgerows. The measures
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Traffic chaos after car crash
TRAFFIC was disrupted around Greenbridge following a three-car smash. The accident happened shortly before 11am yesterday. Police say a silver BMW, being driven by a 34-year-old local man, collided with a Honda as it negotiated the Greenbridge roundabout
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Candidate's view on school dinners
ALL primary school children should be offered a hot lunch every day, according to a Labour politician. Anne Snelgrove, who will stand for Labour in South Swindon at the next election, said she would be talking to primary school headteachers to find out
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Aitken set to visit
DISGRACED former Cabinet Minister Jonathan Aitken will be in Marlborough speaking about his life and his books on Friday, November 19. Mr Aitken served seven months of an 18 month jail sentence for perjury, following a libel action against The Guardian
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Group celebrates prisoner's release
A local Amnesty International group is celebrating after a campaign to free a Burmese political prisoner succeeded. The Swindon and Marlborough Group was delighted to hear that U Nyan Thaung, a Burmese prisoner of conscience had been freed. The group
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Police phone service fears
Ref. 73201-20A YEAR long experiment to equip the police with mobile phones in Highworth has descended into chaos, according to residents. In January the answering machine at Highworth Police Station was removed and officers were given mobile phones as
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Moving the townsfolk
An exhibition to mark the centenary of Thames-down Transport is being held at the Swindon Museum and Art Gallery in Bath Road, Old Town. The company is still serving the people of Swindon 100 years after it arrived in the town. It first introduced public
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Song to celebrate Normandy landings
Swindon's Festival of Remembrance this year will include a song by pensioner Mary McKenzie. Broadcaster Shirley Ludford, pictured, who is compering the festival at the Wyvern Theatre on Sunday was touched by the passion of the song which has been specifically
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The road is clear for new pub plans
COUNCILLORS could be left powerless to reject plans for new pubs, bars and clubs. Under new licensing laws Swindon Council will be forced to give the go-ahead to new premises if local people do not object to the plans first. And there are fears that residents
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Help wanted to spread cheer for homeless
MORE volunteers and donations are needed to help ensure the Christmas Cares project is a success. Nurse Betty Spence first opened a festive shelter for people living on the streets 16 years ago. The organisation relies on donations of money, food, clothing
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Shoppers can choose cards, gifts and fine food
Ref. 72184-29CHRISTMAS cards featuring Zoe, a bright-eyed angel with a star-shaped wand are selling out fast. The card was designed by six year-old Megan Stapleton, above, from Covingham and chosen to become the High Sheriff of Wiltshire's official Christmas
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Tributes paid to Wiltshire hero
TRIBUTES have been paid to former Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Field Marshal Sir Roland Gibbs who died at the weekend. Sir Roland, 83, died on Sunday. He served as Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire for seven years from 1989 to 1996 and came from a military
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Lottery cash has been good for local wildlife
Not many of us are lucky enough to have won millions on the lottery, but over the last ten years Wiltshire's wildlife has hit the jackpot over and over again, says Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. Trust Director Dr Gary Mantle said: "Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
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OAP's washing machine stolen
Ref. 73193-58A PENSIONER with arthritis who does voluntary work with special needs children has become the victim of a cruel theft. Pam Gibbs, 65, of Lower Stratton had a washing machine stolen from her front doorstep in broad daylight while she was out
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Birthday bike is back
Ref. 73200-206A MOTHER is urging parents to beware of thieves selling stolen bikes in the run up to Christmas. In the Adver on Saturday we reported that Amanda Last's son Callum's bike was stolen days before he was due to receive it as a 13th birthday
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Child smacking rebellion fails
CHILDREN will not be protected from abuse under new laws to restrict smacking, Swindon MP Julia Drown has warned. She defied the government whip yesterday and voted in favour of a total ban on hitting youngsters. But the rebellion failed, with a majority
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Save play area
I SEE Coun Mavis Childs would like the football stadium moved somewhere else. Does anyone give a thought for the children who live in the area? I spent my childhood in Ponting Street and my friends and I had one place to play the County Ground. It was
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Why are cameras needed?
IF anyone needed to be convinced that speed cameras are, in the main, a cash raising device, consider the situation on the M4 between junctions 16 and 17. There is a 50mph limit which is intended to protect a workforce installing much needed data communication
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Sickened by kittens' cruel death
I WAS thoroughly sickened by the story of children torturing those little kittens. What sort of children are they if they find pleasure in this kind of act? Normal children would pet and love kittens. Kittens are such sweet little things that most people
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Match up these views of future
THE prospect of a new stadium for Swindon Town has thrown up many views on where it will be best situated and I do not intend to join that argument. I will, however, throw in a few scenarios that appear to escape most correspondents i.e. did you know
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Tranmere, not Trophy is the focus for King
A TRIP to Tranmere rather than the LDV trophy trail is Andy King's only concern today despite Town having advanced a step closer to silverware. Last night's 2-1 victory at Exeter City saw Town move into the area quarter-finals of the much-maligned competition
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Hospital boss reflects on eight years at helm
Guests enjoy the leaving party for DAvid Noble and Sara Willan. 04/11/04FORMER banker David Noble spoke of his pride this week at the services provided by Salisbury District Hospital and the dedication of its "hard-working and wonderful staff". He did
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Early chicks ruffle some feathers
Lydia Redgrave holds one of the 25 ducklings. 04/11/04STAFF at the Farmer Giles Farmstead, in Teffont, had an early Easter surprise, when two Muscovy ducks presented them with 25 ducklings last week. They hurriedly had to make up a nursery inside one
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Villagers help save stray dog
AN abandoned white lurcher frequently seen wandering around Newton Tony in an emaciated condition has finally been rescued, thanks to the efforts of villagers, staff from the Dogs Trust centre and the Salisbury dog warden. The beautiful dog, named Newton
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Royal seal of approval for growing firm
The Duke chats to managing director Daron Hutt and other 4Com staff during his visit to the company's offices. 04/11/04AWARD-WINNING Salisbury telecommunications company 4Com won the royal seal of approval when it received a visit from the Duke of York
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Remembrance role for stylist
FOR the second year running, a Salisbury hairdresser has been selected to take part in the Royal British Legion's Festival of Remembrance in London on Saturday next week. Maureen Hansford is standard bearer for the Stapleford & Berwick St James branch
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Stonehenge consultation ends at last
THE biggest public consultation exercise ever undertaken by Salisbury district council for a planning application came to an end last Wednesday. For the past six weeks, the council has been consulting on English Heritage's plans to develop a new visitor
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Deer on road caused crash
A POPULAR army trooper died when the car in which he was a passenger swerved to avoid a deer and crashed into a tree. Robert Wright (20) was killed on February 29 this year, when his friend, Gary Oliver, lost control of his silver Peugeot 106 on the dark
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Remembrance role for stylist
FOR the second year running, a Salisbury hairdresser has been selected to take part in the Royal British Legion's Festival of Remembrance in London on Saturday next week. Maureen Hansford is standard bearer for the Stapleford & Berwick St James branch
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Heartache as late goal ends City's cup dream
The dream is over. City's Steve Strong can't believe the scoreline as the referee blows the final whistle. 04/11/04SALISBURY City's dreams of reaching the First Round proper of the FA Cup for the second successive season were shattered on Sunday when
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Royal seal of approval for growing firm
The Duke chats to managing director Daron Hutt and other 4Com staff during his visit to the company's offices. 04/11/04AWARD-WINNING Salisbury telecommunications company 4Com won the royal seal of approval when it received a visit from the Duke of York
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Heroic Ashleigh faces 2.5-mile walk to school
Ashleigh Huxley just after her skateboarding accident last summer. 04/11/04AFTER almost losing her life in a skateboarding accident and then rescuing her little brother from a house fire, Ashleigh Huxley has had an eventful year. But now the brave ten-year-old
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Doctors 'misled their seriously ill patients'
TWO doctors who offered 'magic potions' to a pensioner with breast cancer at their Downton clinic were this week found guilty of acting irresponsibly but will be allowed to continue in practice. Dr Paul Layman (49), of Copse Road, Verwood and Dr Jason
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Lawyer's seminar
FIRMS who fail to follow strict procedures when dealing with staff complaints do so at their peril. Swindon employment lawyer Paul Archer of Lemon and Co will tell companies today that the statutory grievance procedure introduced in October could lead
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Jewels of thanks
Ref. 73192-24Amanda Taylor, 39, of Springfield Crescent Wootton Bassett began her jewellery business, Tigermoon, in April this year. Her company sells locally-made silver jewellery as well as importing silver and gem-set pieces from all over the world
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Congratulations for exposing the true state of affairs in Iraq
CONGRATULATIONS on having the courage in your comment piece (Journal, October 21, Forces Focus) to draw attention to the true state of affairs in Basra and Al Amara, the British area of responsibility in Iraq. The commander of 1 Mechanised Brigade is
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Girl picked out two attackers
Ref. 29010-28 Police talk to members of the public after the attackA YOUNG girl who was violently assaulted as she walked through Queens Park told a crown court trial that she could not be sure she had picked out her attacker on an identity parade. The
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Taste of success for young Jamie
Ref. 73215-32A NINE-year-old girl from Swindon has made it to the final stages of a national recipe competition. Jamie Labrosse, of Freshbrook, has created an eyebrow-raising concoction which could achieve instant fame as the winning recipe may feature
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Chip blaze nightmare
Ref. 73202-17PENSIONER Jean Doyle is living on tinned food after a fire, started by her grandson, almost destroyed her kitchen. Although the 72-year-old was offered temporary bed and breakfast by Swindon Council she has turned it down because she won't
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Cash dash is no obstacle for Charlie's friends
Ref. 73209-23 Downs Syndrome group treasurer Mandy Hancock with son Charlie and, from the Westgate Nursery, Riley Rees-Turner, Freya Sullivan and Finlay BartonYOUNGSTERS at a nursery in Highworth have been pulling out all the stops to help one of their
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A kick in the teeth for town
PLANS to revamp Swindon town centre have been dealt a major blow following the news that the Brunel Centre is being sold off by its owners. Westfield Shoppingtowns Ltd has announced it is selling off the shopping centre, which is worth around £125m. The
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Marlborough thrown out of the Vase
Marlborough have been disqualified from the Powergen Junior Vase for fielding an ineligible (un-registered) player in their second-round victory over Dorset & Wilts Division One North rivals Supermarine. As a result, Supermarine have been reinstated
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Book your table
A TABLE-TOP sale will be held at Liden Community Centre on Saturday. The sale, which is being held in aid of the senior citizens' Christmas dinner, will run between 10am and 3pm. To book a table telephone 487740.
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Date for meeting
CHISELDON Primary School Parent Teacher Association is holding its annual meeting tomorrow. Last year the group raised almost £8,500 towards projects for the school. New members are welcome and it is not necessary to have a child at the school to become
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Quiz time at school
Highworth Warneford School is holding a Christmas quiz. A team of four is £12, with a bar. Call 01793 762426 or Lorraine Balmer on 01793 763812.
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New post for former bishop
SWINDON'S former bishop the Right Rev Michael Doe, has been commissioned into his new role by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Bishop Michael left Swindon in May after 10 years to take up a new position.
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Groom's charge
A HORSE groom is to stand jury trial on Monday on charges of having unlawful sexual intercourse with girls under 13, a Gloucester crown court judge heard. Jonathan Pinder, 27, of Orchard Mead, Swindon, will be in the dock for up to three days for the
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Now we are five
THE INDOOR market at Blunsdon is celebrating its fifth birthday this month. The market is open on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Maurice Mapson, market manager, said: "When I took over six months ago we had a lot of empty stalls, but there are only
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Crime fighters meet to discuss strategy
THE second meeting of a new crime fighting initiative is will be held tonight. Swindon Council's crime and disorder team has launched its 10th Neighbourhood Safety Team in Gorse Hill and community group representatives are invited to a meeting at the
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Help is needed
FOREIGN speaking residents are being sought by a charity to help translate its newsletter . The Well Woman Centre in Milton Road wants anybody who thinks they can help to translate the leaflet to contact the centre at 01793 511 064.
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Steam in to party
A Swindon museum is offering Christmas parties with a difference. STEAM Museum of the Great Western Railway will be hosting railway themed parties at its building in Kemble Drive. Enthusiasts should ring 01793 466 619 for more details.
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Learning awards are up for grabs
ORGANISERS of the UK's biggest celebration of adult learning are looking for nominations for the Adult Learners' Week Awards 2005. The National Institute of Adult Continuing Education wants to hear from both inspirational adult learners and from groups
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Putting a smile on face of party-goers
As the party season gets into full swing one Swindon firm is going to be much in demand Smiles Party World. Already the Evening Advertiser teamed up with the shop this Halloween and would like to say a big thank you to the store for kindly giving us some
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Winter spot checks ensure road safety
Police carried out 160 random checks on vehicles outside the County Ground and in Shaw Ridge yesterday. They found many drivers fail to recognise the importance of keeping their cars in a safe condition as the nights draw in. Although no fixed penalties
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Scouts get set for some safe sailing
SWINDON'S Sea Scouts invaded a shopping centre car park to raise money for a new safety boat. The scouts hosted an autumn fair, complete with stalls and children's entertainers at the Orbital Retail Park in North Swindon. The day's activities proved popular
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Two teenagers escape from kidnap attempt
THE ASSERTIVENESS of two teenage girls saved them from an attempted kidnap in Marlborough, according to police. The girls, aged 13 and 14, were walking along the High Street when they were approached by an older man who engaged them in conversation near
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Tragic letter goes under the hammer
A LETTER written by the last British woman to be executed is to be auctioned in Swindon. Ruth Ellis was 28 when she was hanged at Holloway Prison on July 13, 1955. On April 10 that year, she had shot dead her jealous and violent lover, David Blakely.
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Town turns on festive sparkle
Ref. 27992-11Last year's Christmas lights switch onCHRISTMAS is coming early to Swindon this year some seven weeks early. The festive season kicks off in the town centre tomorrow with the switch-on of the Christmas lights and a craft fair. There is also
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White poppy wreath to be laid on Remembrance Sunday
A WREATH of white poppies will be laid at the Swindon War Memorial on Remembrance Sunday. The Swindon branch of the Peace Pledge Union is planning to lay the special wreath after the main ceremony which will be taking place on Sunday, November 14, at
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Thieves target pub's car park
KEEP YOUR CAR CLEAR CAMPAIGN: OUR campaign to tackle car crime has been getting a good reaction around Swindon and it's now striking a chord in Wootton Bassett. The campaign aims to let motorists know vehicle crime in Swindon is rising and it reminds
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On the road for charity
TWO former members of RAF Lyneham's Defence Force have raised £250 in a 75-mile charity walk. Cliff Evans and John Roche took three days to complete the walk between the RAF bases at High Wycombe and Lyneham. It marked the 10th anniversary of the Defence
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ASBOS backed
I would like to put it on record that Swindon is a beacon in showing how anti-social behaviour should be tackled. I am also supportive of ASBOs being used in the right circumstances for the right people, as they can be a very effective means of encouraging
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Roads shrink
Re: "County Ground wrong place for a new football stadium" (EA, October 26). I see that Coun Mavis Childs (Labour, Walcot) says "People say it could stay where it is but Walcot has had to put up with that for years. "It has gradually got worse and worse
