Archive
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Watchdog warns people of Canadian loan con
THE Office of Fair Trading is warning people in Swindon not to fall foul of a Canadian credit scam. Victims have lost thousands of pounds after responding to adverts offering fast loans regardless of credit history. People who call the freephone number
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Red Alert!
PAUL Sturrock has placed his Sheffield Wednesday troops on 'red' alert for a potential Hillsborough ambush from 'bogey team' Swindon Town on Saturday. Sturrock's Owls are one of League One's hottest teams, blasting 14 goals in their last five matches.
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Artist is set to show work
GAZETTE & HERALD: PHOTOGRAPHS and computer generated artwork by Chippenham artist Sandy Osborough will be exhibited at the Old Forge Gallery in Corsham this month. Mr Osborough, of Crown Close, has selected ten pieces for the exhibition on various
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Cash mounts up for disaster fund
15045/1GAZETTE & HERALD: THE plight of tsunami disasater survivors has prompted a massive fundraising drive in north Wiltshire, with thousands of pounds being collected and much more on the way. Chipenham Rotary Club collected more than £9,000 in
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Help fill in the garrison story
NORTH Wiltshire District Council's Tourist Information Centre has recently opened an exhibition that focuses on the relationship Corsham has with the Armed Forces. But the organisers are appealing to people who might have more information to help fill
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Council writes off £67,000
DISTRICT council bosses are set to write off more than £67,000 in uncollected council tax because officers believe the debts are impossible to recover. In a report to the North Wiltshire District Copuncil's executive committee tonight memebers will be
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Cash mounts up for disaster fund
15045/1THE plight of tsunami disasater survivors has prompted a massive fundraising drive in north Wiltshire, with thousands of pounds being collected and much more on the way. Chipenham Rotary Club collected more than £9,000 in just a few hours on Friday
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Donors rally to aid Asia victims
15052/1THE people of Marlborough and Pewsey have been pulling out the stops this week to raise money for the victims of the Asian tsunami disaster. A huge auction will be taking place in Marlborough town hall at 7pm tomorrow, with Paul Martin from TV's
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Tough tackling return for Wilmot
ELLIS Wilmot is adopting a new approach to his game after returning to the starting line-up at Chesham. The midfield general had been on the sidelines for a month after losing his place to Town's teenage midfield stars. But he was back on Monday, and
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Chippenham Town 0, Tiverton 0
SCOTT WALKER missed from the spot with six minutes remaining as Chippenham failed to arrest their dismal home record on Saturday. Keeper Mark Ovendale saved the spot kick after James Constable was brought down and Tiverton escaped with a point from a
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Now is the time for television replays
STEVE WHITE COLUMN: AFTER watching Manchester United's game against Tottenham I think it is clear that television replays are needed in football. As the stakes are so high at Premiership level, it is crucial to get decisions right. Important matches can
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Boy's joy as wallet is found
PARENTS Marion and Stephen Cook have praised a kind Malmesbury woman for returning a wallet containing Christmas gift tokens and savings to their seven-year-old son Iain. The family, from Coaley, near Gloucestershire, were travelling through Malmesbury
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Respect our 30 mph limit
Mobile cameras should be used every week to stop speeding in Corston, according to parish councillor Simon Ryan. Mr Ryan said despite a survey conducted last month by the Safety Camera Unit the operational arm of Wiltshire and Swindon Camera Safety Partnership
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Potholes as bad as Bosnia
15020/2Furious Leigh villagers believe heavy volumes of traffic have made their road one of the most dangerous in Wiltshire. Nearly 50 residents living on Swan Lane, near the B4040, have signed a petition protesting about the poor condition of the route
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Maternity reopens
Victoria Geake and GraceMalmesbury Maternity Unit is to reopen again on January 17, and it can't come soon enough for mothers whose hopes of giving birth there were dashed after it temporarily shut down. Debbie Pugh-Jones, communication manager of Kennet
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Huge response to disaster fund
PEOPLE in the Malmesbury area have responded with overwhelming generosity to the appeal for victims of the Asian tsunami. Already Malmesbury firefighters have raised £2,741 for the appeal by organising a sponsored car wash. But as the town gears up to
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Findlay at the double as Harlequins clip the Robins' wings
Downton play Bemerton Heath Harlequins, at Wick Lane, on Bank Holiday Monday. DA7133P1BEMERTON Heath Harlequins plunged Downton further into relegation trouble by taking the three points from the derby match at Wick Lane on Bank Holiday Monday. It was
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Race ace Bolter turns pro
DURRINGTON Motorcycle ace Daryl Bolter is looking forward to a year of exciting new international challenges after taking the decision to turn professional, writes Sarah McQuillen. The teenage mechanic's magnificent 2004 season saw him clinch the UK Pro
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Tracy joins Withy
TRACY McCormack has been appointed to the family law department of Swindon firm Withy King where she will advise clients on divorce and childcare. She previously advised Swindon Council's social services about child protection and adoption issues. Before
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Wilson Tools kits up the reds for promotion
FERNDALE Rodbourne under-13s B, pictured above, are over the moon about their new kit provided by Wilson Tools International of South Marston. The team plays in the second division of the North Wilts youth and minors league and is hoping to secure promotion
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Home PCs plan for employees
A SWINDON accountancy firm is spearheading a Govern- ment-backed push to help small businesses improve their computer skills. Morris Owen, in Devizes Road, has launched a home computer initiative under the umbrella of the Independent Association Of Accountants
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Maternity reopens
Victoria Geake and GraceMalmesbury Maternity Unit is to reopen again on January 17, and it can't come soon enough for mothers whose hopes of giving birth there were dashed after it temporarily shut down. Debbie Pugh-Jones, communication manager of Kennet
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Wheel of fortune
Rotary International is about to celebrate its centenary but there is far more to this organisation than a group of men in suits who do their bit for the community. NIGEL KERTON found out what Rotary is really all about ROTARY Club members in the Wiltshire
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Older drivers to give input
THE Department for Transport is looking for people who sat driving tests more than 50 years ago to share their memories. The department, together with the Driving Standards Agency, is marking the 70th anniversary of the driving test in June 2005 and is
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New appeal for foster families
FAMILIES in Wiltshire are being urged to think about fostering as one of their New Year's resolutions. The plea comes from Wiltshire County Council, which said there are currently around 300 children and young people who are looked after by the council
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Anthology will help us recall sacrifices
THE latest anthology of wartime poetry collected by military historian Rod Priddle from Chirton is dedicated to the brave airmen who flew from Wiltshire air bases, many of who did not return. Royalties from Now Fly the Shadows, the latest collection from
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CVO a fitting end to service
THE former Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Sir Maurice Johnston, said he was thrilled to bits to be awarded the Royal Victorian Order in the New Year's Honours List, which was announced on Friday. As opposed to the other honours, the CVO as it is known
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Fight fire with fire
The sight of British police officers carrying guns is still one that many Wiltshire people find unsettling but, as RACHEL WILLIAMS found out, underneath the bullet-proof vests are caring professionals. AT 6.30am members of the Wiltshire Firearms Unit
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Keep off the roads, say police
Wiltshire police are warning parents to make sure their children do not ride motorised scooters on public roads or footpaths, because it is illegal. Many youngsters have received motorised scooters or go-peds for Christmas but police fear many people
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Retailers' fury over chip and PIN chaos
THE new chip and PIN credit card system could leave local businesses and retailers vulnerable to fraud bills because millions of customers still do not have their new cards. From January 1 businesses take on liability for the cost of any credit card fraud
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Wootton Bassett 1, Fairford 1
BASEMENT club Wootton Bassett grabbed a vital point in a 1-1 draw with Fairford in their battle against relegation from the Hellenic Premier Division. Dave Tyler gave the home side the lead, scoring against his former team, inside the first quarter of
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Hallen 4, Devizes Town 2
ASSISTANT manager John Freegard has told his players to get back to basics after surrendering a 2-1 lead at Hallen on Monday. The coach was left bitterly disappointed after striker Dave Lloyd and captain Brad Newman gave the visitors a half time lead.
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County's generosity is simply humbling
15024/2COLLECTORS have been overwhelmed by the staggering generosity of Wiltshire people digging deep into their pockets to help victims of the south east Asia tsunami, which has claimed an estimated 150,000 lives. In Chippenham on Friday, people thrust
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Biddestone 0, Wellington 2
MANAGER Gary Skidmore blasted his players after what he described as a below par performance on Monday. Skidmore told his Biddestone team there were no excuses after a woeful first half gave the visitors a two-goal lead. He said: "We had a much better
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Melksham Town 1, Corsham Town 2
A GOALKEEPING error cost Melksham a well-deserved point as high-flying Corsham extended their unbeaten run to 11 matches on Saturday. Home keeper Bradley Williams cost the hosts the match when he spilt a soft long range effort that allowed injured striker
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Veteran shot-stopper secures Safe Hands award
CHIPPENHAM SUNDAY LEAGUE: BAR OC's veteran goalkeeper John Hampshire is the first winner of the Gazette and Herald Safe Hands Award. Hampshire, 43, has kept three clean sheets and conceded nine goals in as many games in Division Four of the Chippenham
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Confident Gingell sets high standards
WILTSHIRE U18 manager Mel Gingell blasted a warning to the remaining sides in the FA Counties Youth Cup that his side will go on and win the trophy. The confident manager's prediction comes as his side prepare to take on Suffolk in the quarter-finals
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Recycle your trees and cards
GREEN-MINDED residents in Kennet will be able to take their cards and Christmas trees for recycling. Branches of W H Smith and Tesco will take cards and the proceeds will go to the Woodland Trust. Kennet District Council has arranged collection points
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Councillors defend their hefty rise in allowances
KENNET councillors have defended their decision to raise the level of their basic allowances by more than 50 per cent in the teeth of a storm of protest from local tax payers. Some councillors were also taken aback by the Conservative proposal to raise
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Adver helps to deliver aid
Ref. 74439-1THE congregation of a Swindon church have raised around £5,000 to help victims of the tsunami. Members of Christ Church, Old Town, have been operating a collection point at the church for money donations and items needed by survivors. Yesterday
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Silence that says we care
Ref. 74443-6SWINDON fell silent for three minutes while people's thoughts turned to the distant shores of the Indian Ocean. Yesterday's three-minute silence at noon was observed in civic buildings, offices, streets and shopping centres throughout the
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31-month ban for driver three times the limit
A DRINK-DRIVER who was more than three times over the limit has received a lengthy ban. Nathan Pilcher was banned for 31 months at Swindon Magistrates' Court yesterday. Police, who smelt alcohol on the 28-year-old's breath, tested him by the roadside
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Families polled on new lorry menace
GAZETTE & HERALD: COUNCILLORS are contacting angry householders after a weight restriction sent heavy lorries past their homes. Town councillors Ellie Bland and John Ireland have begun leafleting homes in Lickhill Road, Ridgemead, Dixon Way and Newcroft
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Author's longest wait
GAZETTE & HERALD: SIXTY years after the release of his first book, The Fairy who Lost Her Wings, author Alf Denney, 92, formerly from Calne, is releasing a sequel. Now he hopes to make it into the Guinness Book of Records for having the longest gap
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Marathon darters are right on target
14993/02GAZETTE & HERALD: FAMILY and friends gathered at Calne Town Football Social Club to raise money for charity as part of a 24-hour darts marathon. They started at midday on Tuesday, December 28 and continued throwing darts in a relay. Members
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New sergeant looks forward to challenge
Sgt Nic ShortenGAZETTE & HERALD: CALNE police have a new officer following Sgt Nic Shorten's decision to take up a post at police headquarters. Sgt Shorten, 44, moved to fresh pastures on Friday and has been replaced by Sergeant Peter Chamberlain,
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Shop security plan mooted
DEVIZES Development Partnership is looking to relaunch the town's Shopwatch scheme as part of its campaign to address crime and anti-social behaviour in the town centre. Town centre manager Janet Duffield is in discussion with Shopwatch Services Ltd,
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Assault victim hit attacker
THE victim of a serious assault assaulted one of the alleged perpetrators a few months later, Devizes Magistrates Court heard. Roy Wylie, 35, punched Adam Rose in the face twice when he saw him at the Four Seasons pub in High Street, Devizes. Wylie, of
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Nurse ploy to trick OAP
A WOMAN conned her way into the home of an pensioner posing as a nurse from Devizes Hospital. Although nothing was stolen, the victim was left distressed. The woman called at the house in Avon Road shortly after 8pm on Sunday December 19 and the victim
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Calls pour in for shop sale
ESTATE agents Dreweatt Neate has been inundated with inquiries from people interested in buying the Fax A Snack sandwich shop in Monday Market Street, Devizes. The shop's owner Sue Maconie, 55, is selling up as she battles cancer for a second time. As
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Global crew's spirit moves them to third
THE yacht BG Spirit, with Urchfont systems analyst Jon Duffield aboard, has arrived in New Zealand in third place in the gruelling Global Challenge round-the-world race. The 72ft yacht arrived in Wellington shortly after 12.30am Greenwich Mean Time on
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Success story leads to new factory extension
CROSS Manufacturing, one of Devizes' largest employers, has applied for permission to extend its factory at Hopton Park. The privately owned family company has doubled in size in the last ten years. It designs and manufactures heat resisting wrought alloy
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Fined for runaway car
A PARKED car belonging to Gazette and Herald photographer Angie Simms rolled down a road in Devizes due to a defective handbrake. Police found members of the public holding the Citroen car preventing it from travelling further down Station Road. Simms
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Town's toilet woes may be flushed away
Loo of the Year 2002: The refurbished toilets on The Green.PUBLIC toilets in Devizes were condemned as nasty and disgusting in a survey carried out last summer and published in a new report. As part of a best value review of public conveniences in Kennet
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Veterans planning bumper war anniversary event
THE Devizes branch of the Royal British Legion has appealed to community groups throughout the area to get on board with arrangements to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in July. The Government has decreed a joint celebration
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Dad calls for safety action
15025/2DEVIZES dad Paul Barker is demanding action from Sarsen Housing Association after his daughter and stepson had lucky escapes from injury due to apparent faults with light sockets in their home. Mr Barker's stepson Daniel, 12, received an electric
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Star studded line-up for Devizes Festival
TV JOURNALIST George Allegiah, satirist Jeremy Hardy and popular poet Wendy Cope are among the celebrities being lined up to take part in the 2005 Devizes Festival. Patrons of the festival will also be able to learn how to tango, meet a famous children's
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Poultry farmers find new life in the sun
FORMER Wootton Rivers poultry farmers Barry and Eileen Lovelock who left England 18 months ago for a new life in the sun say they have no plans to move back. Mr and Mrs Lovelock have spent Christmas and the New Year with relatives in Marlborough, but
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Police appeal on shop theft
The CCTV imagePOLICE would like to hear from anyone who knows the woman photographed by the security camera in the Merchant's House shop in Marlborough. The woman entered the shop on December 17 shortly before a handbag belonging to a member of staff
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Plea out for carnival help
THE heat is on to find a new committee to take over and run Marlborough Carnival. The event is being re-launched at a meeting taking place on Wednesday January 19, 7.30pm in the Crown Hotel in The Parade. It's hoped that a move back to the original carnival
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Donors rally to aid Asia victims
15052/1THE people of Marlborough and Pewsey have been pulling out the stops this week to raise money for the victims of the Asian tsunami disaster. A huge auction will be taking place in Marlborough town hall at 7pm tomorrow, with Paul Martin from TV's
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Tenants to air views
COUNCIL tenants can have their say on rents at a meeting tonight. Tenants and leaseholders are invited to go along to hear how council rents are calculated and say what housing services are most important to them. The meeting is at the Civic Offices,
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Disabled still face struggle
Ref. 73597-108THREE months since changes in the law were introduced to make shops and pubs more accessible for disabled people nothing in Swindon has changed. That is the view of disabled people in the town and the charities that work with them. Wheelchair
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Sale items are sought
A CAR-less car boot sale is being organised by Age Concern to raise money for its charity work. The sale will take place on Saturday, January 29 and the group urgently requires good quality goods to sell. Mel Richards, the fundraising manager at Age Concern
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Get close to nature in winter
THE cold weather is no excuse for staying indoors now Swindon Council has organised a programme of winter nature events. Wildlife rangers will be leadings walks and wildlife restoration projects across the town in January and February. On Saturday, January
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Quiet times down on the river bank
WITH the bank holidays falling on weekends, there has been little match action to speak of. Those that were fished had to face rising rivers and very cold water which caused some hard fishing. All local anglers are asked to attend a Charity Open in aid
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Residents air views
THE next council surgery for Eldene residents takes place on Saturday, from 10 until 11am in Eldene Community Centre. Councillors Roderick Bluh and Andy Albinson will be available to discuss any local issues people may have.
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Britt to drop in
BRITT Ekland is to visit Swindon next week. The film star, known for appearances in Man With The Golden Gun and The Wicker Man, will be signing autographs at Infinitely Better in the Brunel Centre on Thursday, January 13, from 4.30pm to 7pm.
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Robbery appeal
Police are appealing for information following a robbery at a supermarket in Lambourn. A male member of staff of the Coop, High Street, was tied up and found uninjured on December 29 at 5.45am. Anyone with information should call DC Alex McIntosh of Newbury
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£80,000 price tag is not so cuddly
Four rare kittens are going on the market with a price tag of up to £80,00 each. The Bengal kittens have an Asian leopard cat as their father and as a result are said to be extremely sought after. The three females and one male, owned by Frank and Pauline
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Vandals wreck fence at children's play area
A CHILDREN'S play area has been attacked by vandals. Volunteers at Walcot Down Community Centre returned from the Christmas break to find the fence around the play area ripped down. Now the centre cannot afford to replace the six-foot fence, which was
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'Town roots inspired me'
AN American author of a new thriller got his inspiration while growing up in post-war Swindon. Arthur Ragland's novel, The Genesis Legacy, is set in 1953 with the world teetering on the brink of disaster. It is the eve of the Coronation and four people
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Phyllis delivers boxes of delight
Ref. 74453-55OVER the last eight years Highworth churchgoer Phyllis Reid has collected thousands of gifts for Operation Christmas Child. But now she has seen the joy these gifts bring to orphaned children for herself. Phyllis spent five days in war-scarred
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Cheap petrol? Count me in!
Motorists welcomed the lower petrol prices. Philip Toll, 46, a construction worker from Wroughton, said: "I spend a lot of money on fuel. I drive a 4x4 and I spend about £140 a week on petrol so anything that saves money is a good thing. "I've just got
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Young dancer's stint in spotlight is big success
Ref. 73880-42A SWINDON dancer who saw her dreams come true when she stepped into a lead role in the Wyvern's panto has been hailed as a great success. Kelly Edwards, 18, right, of St Andrew's Ridge, is on work experience at the theatre and was a member
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Coming to get you
COMMUNITIES around Swindon fear they could be swallowed up by the town's continuing expansion. The Swindon area may have to accommodate 24,000 new homes by 2026 and there are fears that the town is outgrowing itself. Brian Atfield, the deputy chairman
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Sign up to help save lives
THE NHS is urging people to join its organ donor register and help save lives. According to surveys, around 90 per cent of the UK population supports organ donation but only 20 per cent have got around to joining the NHS Organ Donor Register. With more
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Charles offers garden help
Prince Charles has offered to supply plants from his Highgrove estate for a proposed Elizabethan garden in Cornwall. The Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership plans to apply early this year for National Lottery funding for the £50,000
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Quagmire play area is 'hazard'
Ref. 74422-45ELDERLY residents in Blunsdon say mess caused by an unfinished play area in their street is a safety hazard. Cliff Hopper, 66, who has arthritis in his spine and sciatica in his right leg, says he has already slipped on mud in Linley Road
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Hotline is launched by Zurich to stamp out insurance fraud
A NATIONAL telephone hotline has been launched to help stamp out the growing problem of fraudulent claims to councils. Zurich Municipal, part of insurance company Zurich, which has offices in Swindon, is encouraging local authorities and other public
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Pregnant women could be saved complications by test
A SIMPLE test could warn pregnant women of a complication that can put both mother and baby at risk, like the one Melinda Messenger suffered, researchers say. The America study, led by Dr Ananth Karumanchi, from the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre
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Walk off the pounds and raise pounds
PEOPLE in Swindon have been invited to take part in the Great Walk 2005. The walk, sponsored by Kelloggs Corn Flakes is a new charity fund raising event which looks set to be a big hit this year. Events will be taking place all over the country between
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Welcome Gordon
Ref. 74449-66SWINDON parents met Chancellor Gordon Brown when he visited a Sure Start centre in Penhill. Mr Brown praised the centre for its work and spoke to mums about what else they want the Government to do for them. He also took a tour of the Everleigh
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MP says recycle Christmas cards
Julia Drown will be at Tesco tomorrow to promote the store's Christmas card recycling campaign. The Labour MP for South Swindon will visit the Ocotal Way shop to support the environmentally friendly scheme. Ms Drown said: "As a keen recycler I always
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Real Virtual Reality virtually
VIRTUAL Reality has the capability of projecting people in to new and exciting worlds. Now Swindon will host a debate on how it could be used to transform our lives. The Swindon Branch of the Institution of Electrical Engineers, the UK's leading professional
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School pupils stage a first-class event
KIND-hearted youngsters are organising a bring and buy sale to raise money. The children from Broad Hinton C of E School have been collecting bags of items to sell since finding out about the disaster. And they are responsible for every aspect of the
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Wrong figure
YOU kindly published my letter concerning UKIP and its plans for spending our EU membership fee in Britain. Unfortunately, due to an error on my part the £500 million per week, sent to Brussels should have read £50 million, still an enormous figure and
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Remember us
I VERY much agree with the sentiments expressed through your paper in relation to possible cuts in services being considered by Swindon Council. Quality of life for all whether it be the disabled, elderly or any other group supporting people in need cannot
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I served as county soldier too
AFTER reading the letter by Ken Pewsey on December 23 regarding the Wiltshire Regiment may I endorse the points that he made. Yours truly stood in front of an Army captain as a 20-year-old, without any knowledge of the Army at all, suddenly to be told
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Why didn't you go to meeting?
I ATTENDED the budget consultation meeting in the Civic Offices this week and what an extremely disappointing turn out it was. I counted 17 members of the public, 12 councillors (11 Conservative, one Labour and no Liberal Democrat), two members of the
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Closure is not convenient
When I picked up the December 23 issue of the Gazette, I had to check that I hadn't bought one dated April 1 which had got stuck in the pile. So all the public conveniences in Kennet are to close, to be replaced by one rather small one that you have to
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A large total
I AM writing to let people know the magnificent results of our fundraising activities over the Christmas period and to thank them for their very generous and continued support. Our toy fair in the Corn Exchange was packed with an unbelievable amount of
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Fitness extension
GAZETTE & HERALD: AS Christmas revellers make New Year's resolutions to boost fitness, Chippenham's Olympiad is opening a brand new gym in the former caf area. Construction is already under way to remove the old cafeteria, offering workout views across
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It's all coming up Roses
England has one rugby World Cup safe in the trophy cabinet, but the RFU realises continued success comes through junior development. STUART WALMSLEY looks at three lads from Wiltshire who have made the nation's U18 squad and how the sport is becoming
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Devizes in two minds come mid-season
SCHIZOPHRENIA is not a common rugby condition, but Devizes have shown all the traits so far this season. After losing their first six games of the Southern Counties South season, opening with a 5-3 loss to pacesetters Wootton Bassett, the Saddlebacks
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Ex-soldier rewarded for service to Hussars
GAZETTE & HERALD: OLD soldier James Frapwell has been awarded the MBE for his tireless efforts in keeping former comrades in touch with one another. Mr Frapwell, 86, of Esmead, Monkton Park, Chippenham, was given the honour for services to the Royal
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Keep off road
K R Manns is absolutely correct when he cites the brewery drays as a major cause of gridlock in Devizes. He is also right to point out that traffic is restricted by kerbside parking. I feel that much more can be done to speed up the flow of traffic through
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Many thanks
I HAD intended with this letter to thank the people of Devizes and district for their generosity in giving to our Christmas charity collections; the monies used to provide numerous Christmas hampers. Indeed I do. However, world events have moved rapidly
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Remember who voted you in
Thank you for publishing the names of Kennet councillors who voted for their large increases. A system such as this, which allows MPs and councillors to award themselves big pay rises, is fit only for the dustbin. The rest of the country has small percentages
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Great response to disaster campaign
I WOULD like to thank the public for the fantastic response so far to the Disasters and Emergency Committee (DEC) Tsunami Earthquake Appeal. In the first 24 hours over £5 million was donated while Oxfam itself has already raised £1.5 million following
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New year arrivals
15031/1GAZETTE & HERALD: TWO baby girls were welcomed into the world on New Year's Day at Chippenham Hospital's Greenways maternity unit. The babies were both born on the first day of the year, the first at 8.50am and the second just before 2pm. Laura
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Record office awaits vote
GAZETTE & HERALD: THE long-running debate into whether a new £11.6 million record office will be built in Chippenham was due to be discussed by planners last night. Proposals for the landmark Wiltshire and Swindon Record Office building, at the former
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Little Lydia is thrilled by bik
GAZETTE & HERALD: PLUCKY Lydia Cross was thrilled to receive a magnificent new bicycle for Christmas and parents Jodie and Tony Cross were delighted to see her cycling for the first time. Lydia, three, had both her legs amputated below the knee before
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Alert over missing girls
GAZETTE & HERALD: TWO little girls, aged ten and eight, who went missing for nearly two hours on Saturday sparked a full scale police search. The girls had been cycling at the front of their houses in Chippenham after one of them was given a new bicycle
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Fire-damaged club's four-month closure
GAZETTE & HERALD: BURNT-OUT Club Nero could re-open in April with a new image and new name say its owners. The club was badly damaged and forced to close for Christmas when a fire tore through the ground floor of the building in the High Street, Chippenham
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Cash mounts up for disaster fund
15045/1GAZETTE & HERALD: THE plight of tsunami disasater survivors has prompted a massive fundraising drive in north Wiltshire, with thousands of pounds being collected and much more on the way. Chipenham Rotary Club collected more than £9,000 in
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Phyllis delivers boxes of delight
Ref. 74453-55OVER the last eight years Highworth churchgoer Phyllis Reid has collected thousands of gifts for Operation Christmas Child. But now she has seen the joy these gifts bring to orphaned children for herself. Phyllis spent five days in war-scarred
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Recognition for the great granny of Box
15022/1GAZETTE & HERALD: VILLAGE stalwart Liz Porter is practising her curtsey after being named in the Queen's New Year's Honours List at the ripe old age of 90. Mrs Porter was awarded the MBE in recognition of decades of service to the community
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Kerbside recycling to reach more homes
EXTRA kerbside recycling and a new composting scheme could be rolled out this year as North Wiltshire District Council endeavours to cut landfill and boost its green credentials. The kerbside collection service, which recycles tins, glass, paper, textiles
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Roll up to join the advice team
North Wiltshire Citizen's Advice Bureau is looking for volunteer advisers to join a new training course in February. The CAB will hold an open day on Wednesday between 11.30am and 2.30pm at the Chippenham office, in 3 Avon Reach, Monkton Hill. North Wiltshire
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Fire crews save cottage
15029/1MORE than 50 firefighters battled for three hours to prevent a blaze destroying the roof of a thatched cottage in Figheldean on Sunday. The combined efforts of civilian and RAF firefighters resulted in half of the thatched roof being saved. Wiltshire
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Ironton is a man on a mighty mission
CHIPPENHAM face a man on a mission when new Hemel Hempstead boss Nick Ironton brings his side to Hardenhuish on Saturday. Ironton was announced as the new Tudors boss just three weeks ago and will be in control of Hemel for the sixth time when they face
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Walker puts miss down to late switch
HOT-SHOT winger Scott Walker believes a late decision made him miss his penalty against Tiverton on New Years Day. Walker, 24, saw his side-footed penalty saved by Tiverton keeper Mark Ovendale and blames his decision making. He said: "I always smash
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Chesham United 2, Chippenham Town 3
JAMES Constable claimed Chippenham's winner just one minute after coming on as a second half substitute. The powerhouse striker had been left out of the starting line-up by manager Steve White after under-performing against Tiverton on Saturday. But he
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Success story leads to new factory extension
CROSS Manufacturing, one of Devizes' largest employers, has applied for permission to extend its factory at Hopton Park. The privately owned family company has doubled in size in the last ten years. It designs and manufactures heat resisting wrought alloy
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Mum's plea for son in Japan jail
CAMPAIGNING mum Iris Baker has written to the Prime Minister demanding new hope in 2005 for her son Nick who is imprisoned in a Japanese jail. Mr Baker, 33, of Stroud in Gloucestershire was caught with £1.4 million worth of ecstasy tablets and cocaine
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Players rally to save hall
THE Athelstan Players dramatic society has presented a petition with 1,400 signatures from townspeople, appealing for North Wiltshire District Council to save Malmesbury Town Hall. Society secretary Megan Mills and chairman Christine Mace presented the
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Climb ends on a £5,000 high
Adventurous friends Simon Ager and Stewart McInnes have climbed five mountains in 11 days and raised £5,000 for charity in the process. Mr Ager, 23, and Mr McInnes, 19, from Silver Street, Minety, travelled to the Cotopaxi National Park in Ecuador on
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Residents celebrate victory in park fight
Jubilant residents from Newton Grove, Malmesbury, say the decision by Westlea Housing Association to enlarge the play area is a victory for people power. Westlea has agreed to extend the play park from 981sq metres to 1.200sq metres and install new play
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Cattle rescued as dairy unit destroyed in £25,00 farm fire
15034/2A MAJOR explosion at a Brinkworth farm was narrowly avoided when a blaze destroyed the dairy unit and caused around £25,000 of damage. Flames narrowly missed a gas tank behind the unit just ten feet away at Roger Merrett's farm on the B4042 road
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Shoppers spent more
SHOPKEEPERS in south Wiltshire, Hampshire and Dorset can start the New Year in better heart, following publication of the latest Retail Sales Index figures. The index shows that retail sales growth has partially recovered from the marked slowdown experienced
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Next sales show rise at Christmas
CLOTHING retailer Next, which has stores in Regent Street and the Orbital shopping centre,in Swindon, bucked the high street trend of poor Christmas performance. It said like-for-like sales in the 285 stores not affected by new openings rose 2.9 per cent
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Key matches for Westlecot in national mission
WESTLECOT Indoor Bowls Club face crucial matches in the next few days in their quest for national honours. Both the ladies and men's teams will be in action in national inter-club championship matches. The ladies are through to the third round of the
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Meeting is to make it easier for the elderly
HEALTH and social care professionals from across Wiltshire met in December to discuss how to simplify and streamline the assessment process for older people and move them through the system with ease. The event focused on the introduction of the Single
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County's Dr Dolittle opts for family time
AFTER 39 years of preventing suffering to animals, Inspector Philip Bussey has retired from the RSPCA to enjoy quality time with his family. Mr Bussey celebrated his retirement on Friday, but was unsure what his colleagues had planned for him. "There
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Window opens on the past
A WINDOW on Wiltshire's heritage has been opened by a new book of photographs and a touring exhibition of fascinating prints. A collection of 30 prints from Wiltshire County Council's photograph and print collection, dating back to the 19th century, are
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Race for Premier title is heating up
Chippenham Sunday League: IT is starting to look as if the race for the Premier Division title is going to be one of the tightest for many years. Sherston Town started the season as clear favourites to claim back-to-back championships but, after suffering
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Highworth Town 2 Pewsey Vale 1
LEADERS Highworth narrowly came out on top in this derby battle on Monday. Nine yellow cards, a red card and a penalty were awarded in a real dog fight as Vale manager Steve Wootton considered his side unlucky to come out the losing side. The title favourites
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Police are baffled at drink and drive rise
POLICE have spoken of their disappointment that the message not to drink and drive over Christmas and New Year was not heeded by motorists. Between December 18 and January 2 71 people were arrested for being over the limit, eight more than last year.
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Calne Town 5, Almondsbury 1
GOALS keep coming for hot-shots Calne as they propelled themselves to second in the league on Bank Holiday Monday. They are just three points behind leaders Radstock, who sent out a catch us if you can message with fine 3-1 away victory at Shrewton Town
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Put your money on me
SWINDON born defender Alex Stanley says his family are so confident he will score against Newcastle United on Sunday they have put money on him. The Yeading defender is 40-1 to net first as he prepares for the biggest game of his life in the BBC-televised
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County's generosity is simply humbling
15024/2COLLECTORS have been overwhelmed by the staggering generosity of Wiltshire people digging deep into their pockets to help victims of the south east Asia tsunami, which has claimed an estimated 150,000 lives. In Chippenham on Friday, people thrust
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Elderly join in the giving
ELDERLY residents in Moredon have raised £200 for victims of the tsunami. Residents in sheltered accommodation at William Robins Court raised the money with a door-to-door collection. Warden Pat Clarke said she hoped the residents' generosity would encourage
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Just think about my Michelle
Ref. 74452-38GRIEVING mum Vicky Byrne wants motorists to remember the devastating impact drink-driving can have before they climb behind a wheel. The former Walcot councillor's 14-year-old daughter, Michelle, was killed when the car she was travelling
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Ambulance could not save party teenager
AN INQUEST will be opened on Friday into the death of a Swindon teenager who died at a New Year house party. Matthew Loveday, 19, died just before 1am on New Year's Day after he attended a party in Hunter Drive in Bletchley, Buckinghamshire. An ambulance
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Views on yobbish behaviour wanted
WEST Swindon residents are being invited to give their opinions on how successful moves to tackle anti-social behaviour in the area have been. The West Swindon Area Forum takes place on Monday and local councillors will be there to hear what people have
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Motorist dies in lamppost crash
Ref. 74433-8A HONDA worker died after his car hit a lamppost in Greenbridge in mystery circumstances. Gareth Ralph Anslow, who is 34, of Rosebery Street, Swindon was on his way to work at the factory in South Marston when he lost control of his silver
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Gran's legs smashed by hit and run bike thief
The roundabout at the junction of Whitworth Road and Crossways AvenueA HIT and run moped rider who ran over a 75-year-old woman and left her badly injured in the road must be caught, say police. The grandmother of four, who suffers from heart problems
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OAP saved in pub fire
15040/01GAZETTE & HERALD: QUICK-THINKING manageress at the White Horse Inn in Compton Bassett has been thanked for saving the life of a customer after a blaze ripped through the restaurant last Thursday. Angie Fry, 47, who lives at the pub, guided
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Snooker hall almost ready
GAZETTE & HERALD: YOUTH group Make or Break have sent out their thanks to supporters who have helped them open their own snooker hall. The youngsters and leaders set out to open the hall in empty offices in Wood Street, equipped with a snooker tables
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Decision due on BMX bowl
GAZETTE & HERALD: DEVELOPMENTS on the enhancement of Calne's dilapidated BMX bowl are due to be discussed by town councillors on Monday. In September they agreed to go ahead with resurfacing the Station Road bowl, which is in poor condition, at a
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Fire drama at farmhouse
GAZETTE & HERALD: A FIRE ravaged a second floor bedroom at a farm near Calne while the homeowner relaxed in the bath on Sunday. Wiltshire Fire Brigade have said if it hadn't been for a fire alarm at Lower Littlecott Farm in Goatacre Lane, the blaze
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Cash mounts up for disaster fund
15045/1GAZETTE & HERALD: THE plight of tsunami disasater survivors has prompted a massive fundraising drive in north Wiltshire, with thousands of pounds being collected and much more on the way. Chipenham Rotary Club collected more than £9,000 in
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Museum's funding loss will hit service
WILTSHIRE Heritage Museum in Devizes says it may have to cut its services because its grant from Kennet District Council is to be slashed by £5,000. Bill Parry, chairman of Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society, which owns and runs the
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Plan goes ahead for a bigger register office
A MEETING is due to take place tomorrow to discuss the future of the register office in Devizes, which was extensively damaged by a falling tree. Representatives of Kennet District Council, which owns the property, and Wiltshire County Council, which
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Jail warning for driver
DISQUALIFIED driver Brian Little is facing jail for three offences of driving while banned and without insurance. Little, of Five Stiles Road, Marlborough, admitted the offences. Magistrates in Devizes were told it was after the third occasion on December
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Mothers left in dark over maternity units
PREGNANT Emma Preston was never told that she could give birth at Devizes Maternity Unit despite living in the local area. Mother-of-four Mrs Preston, of Enford, near Pewsey, wants women from across the area to book in at Devizes Maternity Unit to save
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Heartbreak end to hunt for niece
Leanne CoxManaging director Mike Cox from Potterne has had the heart rending task of going to Thailand in a forlorn search for his 23-year-old niece Leanne. Mr Cox, managing director of Discovery Records in Nursteed Road, Devizes, flew half way around
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Saved by a cool head
Richard Smith and Sara Mapp home after their ordeal in ThailandGOOD luck and cool heads saved the lives of a quartet of Wiltshire backpackers caught up in the tsunami devastation. Sara Mapp, 25, and Richard Smith, 22, this week relived the horror of the
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Huge response to disaster fund
15053/2PEOPLE in the Devizes area have responded with overwhelming generosity to the appeal for the victims of the Asian tsumani. But as cash and goods continue to pour in, a Devizes businessman is having to come to terms with the tragedy first hand.
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Pub off to a racing start for the new year
THE village pub in Ogbourne St George is going into the New Year with a new name. Out goes the Wheatsheaf, the name by which the historic pub is known, and in comes the Silks on the Downs. It is believed this has been a village pub for centuries and its
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Dog owners watched cat shaken to death
15015/1A CALLOUS couple looked on as their dog killed a family's cat close to its home in Marlborough on Boxing Day. Neighbours who saw the sandy brown greyhound or lurcher-type dog grab the cat and shake it to death, said the man and woman with the dog
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Air views on pigeon cull
TOWN councillors in Marlborough are calling on Gazette readers to say how they want the town's pigeon problem to be dealt with. Various means of reducing the size of the feral flock have been suggested, including the provision of a £10,000 loft in the
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Homes slammed
SOUTH Swindon's Conservative Candidate has criticised the Government over proposed housing development at Coate. In a newsletter delivered to Dorcan residents Robert Buckland condemned Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott and criticised the exclusion of
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Duo bring in East End fun
SWINDONIANS will be able to take part in a proper East End knees-up when Chas and Dave arrive in town this month. The Cockney duo will be presenting an all-new show celebrating 30 years in the business at the Wyvern Theatre on January 19 at 8pm. Entitled
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Theft denied
A SWINDON man has denied handling stolen goods at Swindon Magistrates Court. James Larkin, 27 of Davis House pleaded not guilty to possessing a stolen mobile phone worth £60 on October 21 last year. He was remanded on unconditional bail and is due to
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Cold comfort for pensioner left without heating
Ref. 74457-29A DISABLED pensioner was forced to spend a miserable New Year with no hot water or heating. And her boiler has still not been repaired since it blew up eight days ago. Doreen Morgan, 75, says that her one-bedroom home in Windrush Road, Greenmeadow
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Huge transmitter set to go on show
A huge structure, once the most powerful telegraph transmitter in the world, is due to arrive at Wroughton Science Museum today. The copper tuning coil, which is 11 metres high and eight metres long, is being donated by telecommunications firm BT. It
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Owners of new cars lose out in price drop
CAR BUYERS who paid list price for a new car last year could lose as much as 65 per cent of their vehicle's value in a year. According to car pricing experts, WiseBuyer, buyers who picked a depreciation-dodging model instead might only lose 20 per cent
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Watchdog warns people of Canadian loan con
THE Office of Fair Trading is warning people in Swindon not to fall foul of a Canadian credit scam. Victims have lost thousands of pounds after responding to adverts offering fast loans regardless of credit history. People who call the freephone number
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Asda fuels petrol war
A PETROL price war is set to explode after Asda slashed fuel prices to its lowest level since April last year. Unleaded petrol has been cut from 79.7p a litre to 76.9p. Tesco has already responded by matching the price cuts. Other petrol outlets in Swindon
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Bikers are destroying green area
HOOLIGANS on motor-bikes are ruining a nature reserve which has taken hundreds of years to cultivate. Louts have turned parts of Seven Fields Nature Reserve near Penhill into a scrambling track. The worst hit area is a five-acre area of meadow near Penhill
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DJs pass on secrets to eager novices
THE Fatboy Slims of the future are being offered the chance to take part in free DJ workshops as part of a Swindon youth project. The workshops are run at Youth Uncovered Studios at the Park Youth Centre and will be aimed at teaching young people how
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Talk puts National Trust gardens in the spotlight
THE way the climate of the Cotswolds has affected National Trust gardens will be the subject of a lecture next month. The National Trust has many gardens and parks in its care, which give a taste of the enormous range of different styles and periods of
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Kitchens are dirty
74455-05AN INDIAN takeaway owner has been fined for lacking basic hygiene standards having ignored council pleas to clean up his act. Abdul Tarif, who runs HotCurry.co.uk on Commercial Road, failed to curry favour with Swindon Magistrates yesterday after
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Water firm panto
TICKETS are available for this year's annual charity panto performed by the staff of Thames Water. The Kembrey Park-based customer services team is staging Treasure Island at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, for what will be their tenth year in panto. Last
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Motorist in court
A SWINDON woman has denied careless driving and fleeing the scene of an accident without stopping. Janet Malgarin, 58, of Buller Street in Gorse Hill, has pleaded not guilty to driving her blue Ford Mondeo without due care and attention and failing to
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A weight on their minds
Ref. 74435-22FAT lads John Donaldson and Tony Scull weight a total of 78 stone which is just under half a tonne. Now they are hoping to give charity funds and themselves a healthy boost by shedding weight. And to launch the bid, the pair's weigh-in had
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Arson fear in barn fire
A FIRE which destroyed all the hay on a Purton farm was probably started deliberately, say the fire brigade and police. The blaze, which started on Tuesday at 6.30pm in an isolated barn at the Quarry Farm wrecked £1,500 worth of hay. Farmer Jonathan Cook
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How to help
TO donate to the relief fund contact the Disasters Emergency Committee on 0870 60 60 900 or visit website www.dec.org.uk Or you can send cheques, payable to The Sri Lankan High Commission Disaster Fund, to the Evening Advertiser at 100 Victoria Road,
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Animal aid
The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) is coordinating animal welfare organisations around the world in an international relief effort to help the animal victims of the Asian tsunami disaster. Helping animals has a real impact on the long
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Be generous
WE have raised £365 so far from the two Red Cross nights at Riff's Bar and the Beehive (all thanks to those who came) and urge readers to attend the third and final night at The Vic, Old Town on Wednesday January 19, 8pm onwards. We have a sparkling line-up
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Iraq has been overshadowed
WE enter 2005 completely overshadowed by the enormity of horror caused by the earthquake in South East Asia. The TV images are almost painful to watch. With the media understandably preoccupied with this, Iraq's prolonged and bloody process of change
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No sense in it
So the latest idea from Kennet District Council to save money is to get Devizes Council to pay for the lavatory facility on The Green, upgraded at a cost of £90,000 five years ago. The district council proposes to build a new lavatory to receive the needs
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Onward for Chippenham, and possibly upward
STRONG finishing was a hallmark of Chippenham's play in 2004, and if they continue the habit, the club could be heading for uncharted waters next season. Beginning the second half of their fifth successive year in South West Two East against Aylesbury
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Devizes President's XV 10, Devizes Chairman's XV 10
In this festive season of goodwill it was appropriate that Sunday's annual encounter of Saddleback on Saddleback ended with honours even. Perhaps this also reflected two scratch teams and the fact that the line-up of each was only announced 10 minutes
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Local thanks
May I thank everyone for their most generous contributions to the South Asia disaster appeal. Town councillors collecting, on behalf of the Red Cross, and members of Rotary witnessed this generosity on a huge scale last week. Thanks also go to all the
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Service done
YOU did a service to the electorate by revealing the names of the Kennet district councillors who voted in favour of the recent increase in allowances. I understand that leaders of each political group also receive a payment of £80 per member. Is this
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Decision time for homes bid details
GAZETTE & HERALD: FINISHING touches to controversial plans for 44 new homes on land behind a Chippenham primary school were due to be discussed by district councillors last night. Bristol-based developer Wimpey has outline permission to build on a
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Band had a successful year
Please allow me to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who has supported Phoenix Brass band throughout the past year the tireless work of members of the Friends of Phoenix, assisting behind the scenes and carrying out fundraising activities, and the
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Hoping for change of heart on disbandment
The Army board, under pressure from the Treasury, recently embarked on the latest rounds of reorganisation and cuts of the Infantry arm of the British Army. These were money orientated cuts despite the political spin. Our local regiment, the Royal Gloucestershire
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Survivor staying on
GAZETTE & HERALD: Tsunami survivor Paul Rogers has told his parents he will stay in Thailand for the rest of his three-month holiday, despite the trauma of running for his life to escape the giant wave. Around 300 people were killed by the devastating
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Less value placed on service to community
It seems that the Conservative majority on Kennet District Council are more than willing to adopt Downing Street's methods of spin and deception when it suits their purpose. In his letter on December 23 Coun Parsons supports the line perpetrated by the
