Archive
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Finally, record office application is passed
GAZETTE & HERALD: A MULTI-MILLION pound county record office for Wiltshire will be built in Chippenham after plans were passed without a hitch last week. The long-running saga finally came to an end as North Wiltshire District Council gave the landmark
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Firm may go under due to festival deficit
GAZETTE & HERALD: SECURITY firm boss Billy Hawkins fears the collapse of his business after organisers of Chippenham's Eddie Cochran Festival left him penniless. Pro-Guard Security in Swindon provided 24-hour security before, during and after the
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Parents make a final plea for play leader
Jon Kingaby centre back, with daughter Charlie, front, and Diana Condon, right, and son ElliotGAZETTE & HERALD: DESPERATE parents trying to establish an after school club for children with special needs in Chippenham have made a heartfelt appeal to
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School wins place on best of best register
GAZETTE & HERALD: IN the week that the Government has published the latest league tables for GCSE results, pupils and staff at Sheldon School, Chippenham have been speaking of their pride after it was named as one of the most outstanding secondary
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Mental health users fear hospital closure
15033/1GAZETTE & HERALD: PATIENTS using mental health care facilities in north Wiltshire fear that cuts in services this year could lead to the closure of Rowden Hill House day hospital in Chippenham. In the last 12 months drop-in centres and rehab
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Rebel website makes village laughing stock
15104/01GAZETTE & HERALD: CONTROVERSIAL webmaster Mitch Hawkins has defended his decision to keep his Lyneham site up and running despite numerous attempts to shut it down. Residents in Lyneham have accused Mr Hawkins of giving the village a bad name
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Stars join appeal effort
15094/1GAZETTE & HERALD: THE man organising a huge concert at the Olympiad to raise money for the Tsunami Appeal has revealed he is in talks with several big name stars to headline the event. Iron the Cat frontman Richard Ellis, who is organising
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Family living in fear after vandal attacks
15100/01GAZETTE & HERALD: Disabled mum Amanda Murray says vandals are blighting her life and the health of her sons, after repeated attacks on her car. The family have moved house in a bid to escape the misery but the attacks continued and, in the
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Home Sweet Holmes
LEE HOLMES is desperate to secure a second loan month at the County Ground and the tricky winger isn't ruling out extending his stay even further. The youngster admits his confidence has soared during his brief spell in Wiltshire and he is in no mood
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Inquiry is launched on county's top charges
GAZETTE & HERALD: CORSHAM county councillor Peter Davis has launched an inquiry because he believes companies approved by the council are charging too much. Coun Davis said he was given very high quotes to put in railings at the town's library, and
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Frustrated councillors plan CCTV crackdown
PLANS to introduce CCTV coverage in Highworth have been extended to cover more of the town. The town council is planning to install cameras in Swindon Street following a spate of problems. And now councillors have also agreed that they should be installed
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How could they do such a thing?
15110/02GAZETTE & HERALD: A HEARTLESS mum who used her child's pushchair to steal a bucket of cash collected for the tsunami appeal charity has been condemned by fund-raisers. The mum walked away with the cash from Costcutter in Kings Avenue, Corsham
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School wins place on best of best register
IN the week that the Government has published the latest league tables for GCSE results, pupils and staff at Sheldon School, Chippenham have been speaking of their pride after it was named as one of the most outstanding secondary schools in the country
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Kerbside waste collection for the rural area
NORTH Wiltshire district Council has agreed to extend kerbside recycling and a green waste collection across the area. Subject to budgetary requirements, the kerbside collection service which recycles tins, glass, paper, textiles and foil, will be rolled
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Shortfalls at Pewsey school are addressed
MOVES were already in hand to address shortfalls at Pewsey Vale School outlined before an OFSTED inspection took place said headteacher Richard Butler. The report following a visit in November by a 14 strong OFSTED team which revealed "serious weaknesses
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Yard to make way for homes
THE loss of a builders' yard in Pewsey will not affect the vibrancy of the village, Kennet councillors have been told. Kennet District Council's regulatory committee granted planning permission for a pair of semi-detached houses to be built on the site
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Gilroy signs an extension
ON-LOAN striker David Gilroy has vowed to help Chippenham push for promotion after committing himself to a third month at Hardenhuish. The forward, who has scored six goals in his two month spell, was delighted to stay for another month. He said: "Steve
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Basement side don't expect revenge
CHIPPENHAM will be hoping to emulate their biggest scoreline of the season when Southern Premier Division strugglers Dunstable Town visit Hardenhuish next Saturday. The Bluebirds marched to a crushing 6-0 win at Dunstable's Creasey Park on the opening
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Badman is so glad to be back
MIDFIELDER Mark Badman can't wait to get on the scoresheet after finally kick-starting his injury-ravaged season. Badman, 25, made his first appearance for Chippenham since September as a second half substitute against Hemel Hempstead on Saturday. He
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Top man Sam plays tribute to the team
MAN of the match Sam Allison hailed his teammates' performance after they blew away league strugglers Hemel Hempstead on Saturday. The striker thought his side produced a great all round performance and thoroughly deserved their high scoring victory.
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Memories of large puddle
PEOPLE passing by the war memorial gates in Malmesbury needs to wear Wellington boots or be prepared to go for a paddle. Broken paving stones by the gates at the bottom of the High Street allow water to collect and after heavy rain a huge puddle forms
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Market voted back to town
Malmesbury Town Council has voted to bring back a weekend market on a trial basis. It will be held on Saturday twice a month at the Market Cross and begin this Easter. After four months the market will be reviewed, and a decision will be made whether
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Go-ahead for homes on site of old pool
A new housing development could be built on the Malmesbury outdoor pool site after district councillors decided to sell it to Westlea Housing Association. Executive members of the district council made the decision in a private session last Thursday night
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Taking a plunge of faith
15075/1Four townspeople have plunged into the Christian faith by being baptised in Malmesbury indoor pool. Malmesbury Abbey vicar the Rev Neill Archer conducted the service, watched by around 150 people, at Malmesbury Activity Zone last Sunday. It was
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Students send some good moos
15103/1Students at Malmesbury School have raised over £950 to buy a cow for poor African farmers. Year 11 pupils raised the money by holding raffles, selling milkshakes at school and donating half the proceeds from their Christmas carol service. The idea
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Ram raiders in fifth hit on shop
Andrew IngsRAM raiders who struck at a garage shop on Sunday, stealing £4,000 worth of cigarettes, were the fifth gang to target the business owned by Andrew Ings in two years. Two men were arrested at Mangotsfield near Bristol after police launched a
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Bosses cheat over holidays
Bosses are cheating their employees out of holidays, according to a survey by the Citizens Advice Bureau. The report found many workers have been denied their legal entitlement of at least four weeks paid holiday a year. Now the South West TUC is backing
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Bright ideas crop up in competition
Disaster training and emergency response facilities improvement are shortlisted in a business plan competition. The competition, by the University of the West of England, also features ideas for personal safety including devices to detect spiked drinks
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Future of land to be discussed
THE FUTURE of a Wootton Bassett beauty spot will be discussed at a meeting tonight. The town council is organising the meeting to see if residents and the land owners can agree an acceptable proposal for the land next to Vowley View and Interface Business
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Tree shredding proves a hit with town
The final remnants of the festive season have been cleared away after residents of Wootton Bassett brought their Christmas trees to be shredded in the town's chipper. A total of 57 trees were brought to the Boroughfields car park on Saturday and the chippings
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Chippenham Ladies 0, Swindon Ladies 0
BOTH sides took it in turns to pile on the pressure but neither attack could break the deadlock. This home encounter against Swindon Ladies was Chippenham's first game following the Christmas and New Year break. For Chippenham Sabina Falcone and Ali Trigg
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ISCA Dragons 3, Wootton Bassett Ladies 4
BASSETT staged a stunning comeback from three goals down at Exeter to notch up their first league win of the season. The team, struggling with positional changes and an unfamiliar surface, were 3-0 down early in the second half when coach Pete Sammon
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Counties link up in drive to save cash
Three local highway authorities are joining forces in a bid to improve highway services and save money. Wiltshire County Council is linking up with two other councils to re-tender their contracts for highway services for 2006. Although each of the councils
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Wiltshire U18 1, Suffolk U18 2
MANAGER Mel Gingell blasted his side's below par performance as they crashed out of the FA Counties Youth Cup. The boss was furious at full time as he thought his team gifted Suffolk the win with by not taking their chances. He said: "We had numerous
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New chief one of the top cops
WILTSHIRE'S new Chief Constable Martin Richards, who oversaw an awards ceremony, was one of those to be honoured. Mr Richards, who joined the Wiltshire force in September, was one of several police officers who received a long service and good conduct
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Wick's four-minute treble wins thriller
CHIPPENHAM SUNDAY LEAGUE: CHAMPIONS Sherston produced the results of the day after Andy Wick's four-minute hat-trick rescued three points in a 13-goal thriller at All Cannings. Sherston had raced into a 3-0 lead within ten minutes with John Wilkins, Andy
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Super sleuths are honoured
THREE Wiltshire detectives who led a ground breaking investigation have been honoured. Acting DI Simon James of Kennet CID, DC Mark Stowell and PC Philip Artingstall, both based in Salisbury, received judge's certificates of commendation for their meticulous
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People take steadily to car share scheme
Car Share Wiltshire, a new Government funded scheme to encourage people to share car journeys, has attracted 176 members since its launch in November. Wiltshire County Council is administering the scheme and a spokesman said the numbers at this early
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Almondsbury 3 Biddestone 1
BIDDESTONE manager Gary Skidmore blamed the absence of five key players as his side threw away an early lead. The defeat leaves Skidmore's men in more trouble as they notched their 14th defeat of the season. The loss leaves them just four points above
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Calne Town 1 Willand Rovers 1
TITLE-CHASING Calne left manager Kelvin Highmore frustrated when they missed the opportunity to go top. With leaders Radstock Town going down 2-0 at home to strugglers Minehead, Calne would have leapfrogged them with a win. Highmore saw his team throw
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Overwhelming kindness
Manalito Chando who set up the Wiltshire Mercy Appeal with his wife CarolannThe Wiltshire Mercy Appeal has become one of the biggest aid efforts in England for the tsunami victims. HUGO TILNEY went to meet the couple behind the appeal at their base in
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Goodwill bonanza
15079/2THE Gazette and Herald is supporting a massive effort by musicians Iron the Cat who have set themselves the colossal target of raising £25,000 for the Tsunami Appeal in one weekend but the task has just got a bit easier. This week they announced
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Luke follows the family tradition
LUKE Hopper became one of the youngest players to feature in a Screwfix match and the third generation in his family to play for Devizes on Saturday. The 15-year-old, of Saurm Drive, Devizes, came on as a second half substitute in the 2-1 defeat to Torrington
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How could they do such a thing?
15110/02A HEARTLESS mum who used her child's pushchair to steal a bucket of cash collected for the tsunami appeal charity has been condemned by fund-raisers. The mum walked away with the cash from Costcutter in Kings Avenue, Corsham on Sunday and then
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Kennet asks for £4million
KENNET District Council is set to ask the Government for permission to take £4million out of its capital reserves to plug a shortfall in its pension fund. The council has a deficit of £5.9million in its pension fund and believes that paying a lump sum
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Traders are still waiting for CCTV
29371-12Traders in Eldene are becoming increasingly frustrated with the time it is taking to install CCTV in the shopping centre. Ray Foulds, landlord of the Crumpled Horn in the centre, said: "I have no idea why it's taking so long but it appears that
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Bird man brings in big guns
75566-84FLIGHTY peacocks have got a Swindon vet into such a flutter that he's had to call in a zookeeper armed with a tranquillizer gun. Standish Hospital in the Cotswolds has been closed for weeks. But persuading the elusive birds to quit their historic
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Up in smoke
75553-08MONTHS of work went up in flames in a fire which forced a Swindon school to close for the day. The blaze destroyed Gorse Hill Infants School's mobile classroom yesterday morning forcing staff to tell parents to keep 206 children away. Nobody was
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Self defence with Ninjutsu
GAZETTE & HERALD: Martial arts expert Paul Stubbs will be bringing the discipline of Ninjutsu to Calne to teach local people ancient methods of self defence. Mr Stubbs, who is a 6th Dan Black Belt Bujinkan Ninjutsu and master instructor of the Bujin
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Group opt for mountain air
GAZETTE & HERALD: EIGHT self-confessed adrenaline junkies from John Bentley School in Calne have launched a website to promote all-terrain boarding. Also known as mountain boarding, the group practise on the Cherhill Downs and at the All-Terrain Boarding
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Lives at risk as fire station is attacked
15099/01GAZETTE & HERALD: LIVES could be at risk if vandals continue to attack the fire station in Calne, Station Officer Mike Bagnall has warned. Mr Bagnall said every second is crucial when crews are called to an emergency. But in the latest act
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New main has little impact on motorists
FEARS of traffic chaos when Wessex Water resumed work on laying a new water main for Devizes did not materialise this week. Wessex Water began the work on Monday and motorists travelling from Devizes towards Swindon on the A361 are being diverted around
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Shoplifting attempt foiled
HEROIN user Mathew Trotman travelled to Devizes to shoplift, but was caught by vigilant staff at Sainsbury's. Trotman, 31, caught the bus from Swindon and was pushing a shopping trolley piled high with £190.56 worth of goods when stopped by security officer
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Church to consult on £300,000 project
THE congregation of St James' Church in Southbroom, Devizes, is to be asked to give its views on three options for the future of the church. The options are firstly, a £300,000 refurbishment to enable the church to be used by the whole community; secondly
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Boss steals store food
THE deputy manager of the Lidl supermarket in Devizes was caught stealing food, alcohol and other items from the store. Adrian Bailey, who had only been the deputy manager for eight weeks, was spotted by a visiting Lidl manager filling up his car with
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Bid to get views on Quakers Walk plan
RESIDENTS affected by the proposed new housing estate planned for land between Quakers Walk and police headquarters in Devizes have been invited to a public consultation event later this month. Some 400 households in the Roundway Park area have received
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More distraction burglars calling
PENSIONERS in the Marlborough area are being warned by police that distraction offenders are operating again in Wiltshire. Sgt Steve McGrath said there had been distraction offences in Tisbury, Wilton and Salisbury of late. He said: "We fear it is only
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Offence costs keeper his job
TEENAGER Christopher Holborow was caught drink driving while riding on a quad bike. Holborow, 18, of Temple Farm, Rockley, was seen by police at 2.05am on December 23 on the A338 at Collingbourne Kingston. The police stopped him and asked him to take
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Anger over removal of Ailsbury name
A PLAN to rename one of the wards at Savernake Hospital is causing upset in Marlborough. Generations of people have used the Ailesbury Ward, which was named to mark the donation of the land for the hospital in the 19th century by the Marquis and Marchioness
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Opticians donate glasses to Sudan
HAINE and Smith opticians has donated 900 pairs of spectacles for the people of Sudan. The glasses were collected from branches across Wiltshire, including Swindon, and were handed over to the Salisbury Diocese, which will transport them to the Sudan.
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Can you help the sightless?
SWINDONIANS are being asked to spare a few hours each month to help blind people. The Wiltshire Blind Association has issued an SOS for volunteers. The highly rewarding work ranges from helping with store and street collections to lending a hand at larger
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Steadily improving results a good sign
GCSE TABLES 2004: Last year's GCSE results revealed mixed fortunes for schools in the Devizes area. Devizes School achieved its best ever results with 59 per cent of pupils passing five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C. This compared with 54 per cent in
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Reserves ask for volunteers
OUTDOOR types can do their bit to help preserve some of Wiltshire's best-loved beauty spots. Wiltshire Wildlife Conservation Volunteers (WWCV) carry out projects in many of the county's nature reserves. And they're always looking for new members to help
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Assurance given on graveyard risk audit
TOWN councillors and council staff in Marlborough are to take a softly-softly approach on the sensitive subject of wobbly gravestones. Some councils have been severely criticised for allowing their staff to push over any graveyard monuments they consider
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Push for playground
A DREAM to build an adventure playground in Penhill and Pinehurst could fade unless more people volunteer to help raise funds. Community action group Twist is hoping to build a £150,000 facility at Seven Fields Park. The park's paddling pool closed several
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A final solution for neglected town site
DEVIZES is likely to see movement in the redevelopment of the North Gate site this year after Kennet District Council decided to go it alone and act as its own agent. A planning application is expected shortly for a block of retirement flats on the site
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Home death rights
DOCTORS must offer terminally ill patients the choice of dying at home, it is claimed. Swindon South MP Julia Drown said health professionals must learn when to tell patients they are "approaching the end of the road" and offer them the chance to return
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Pole is blot to listed house
15096/1THE view from a 17th century listed house in West Lavington has been blighted after BT put up a telephone pole in front of it, claims the owner. Tony Morton, who has lived in Dial House, a Grade II* listed William and Mary house, for eight years
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Drumming up interest in Indian Dhol
BUDDING drummers and young wannabe musicians can check out the free workshops due to start on Saturday. They can learn Indian Dhol drumming and be part of Swindon's first Dhol group. Organised by Swindon Council's Artscape and funded by Youth Music, the
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Be pampered and help hospice at same time
A FUNDRAISING push for the Prospect Hospice, in Wroughton, is giving people the chance to pledge their support and be pampered at the same time. Umix Occasions and Treatu Holistic Therapies are celebrating the launch of their new business with Silver
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Pub bars appeal collectors
(15107/2)PUB landlord Jim Lynch remained unrepentant this week for refusing to allow two women collecting for the tsunami appeal to enter his pub. Mr Lynch who runs the Crown OC Bar in New Park Street was the only licensee in Devizes to turn away Red
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Tea party for 101-year-old
15092/1FOR a second year Rose Rawlins has had a birthday greeting from the Queen sent to her home in Marlborough. Mrs Rawlins, who lives in The Priory sheltered accommodation, was 101 on Monday. She had two important visitors during the day, the Marchioness
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Delia sells her publishing firm
COOKERY queen Delia Smith has sold her publishing company for a multi-million pound sum. The sale of New Crane to Seven Publishing was announced to the company's 70 staff. Launched by the television chef and her husband Michael Wynn Jones in 1993, New
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Warning over bird numbers
A PIGEON fancier has warned that Marlborough's pigeon population could explode in number unless the town council acts quickly. Its been estimated by some pigeon fanciers who hate the wild birds because they lure their own young birds to freedom that there
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Objectors withdraw on phone mast plan
KENNET councillors granted retrospective planning permission for a mobile phone antenna on the roof of the Marlborough telephone exchange after local protesters withdrew their objections. Last Thursday's meeting of the district council's regulatory committee
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Cats need help
DO you love cats? If the answer is yes, then you could help abandoned moggies in Swindon. The local branch of Cats Protection needs people with energy and enthusiasm to deal with needy pets. Meetings are held on the second and fourth Monday of each month
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Landmark to be treasured
15093/01FORMER Marlborough dairyman Bill Harris and his wife Glad joyously celebrated 60 years of marriage on January 6. Mr and Mrs Harris, of George Lane, celebrated their significant landmark with a party for family and friends at the Castle and Ball
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Back in the market again
Swindon Farmers' Market returns to the McArthur Glen Designer Outlet this Sunday at the earlier time of 10am. Shoppers can find a fine range of local produce including home reared meat, free range poultry, free range eggs, delicious pastries and home
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Road is turned into dirt track
TRAFFIC was delayed for an hour on a Swindon road after soil fell from the lorry that was carrying it. A large quantity of soil fell from the lorry in Cirencester Road, Kembrey Park, making road conditions slippery when it turned into mud on the wet road
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Chance to donate
PEOPLE are being urged to attend blood donor sessions. Sessions are being held on Tuesday at Highworth Recreation Centre at The Elms between 1.15pm and 3.55pm and again between 5pm and 7.30pm On January 21 people can give blood at John Moulton Hall in
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Road has to close
A DANGEROUS chimney meant a Swindon road had to be closed. Cheney Manor Road was closed for 30 minutes from 2pm yesterday while the fire brigade made the chimney safe. The police had to close off the road from Vicarage Road to Bessemer Road West between
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Bashir to testify
BRITISH TV reporter Martin Bashir, whose controversial documentary helped trigger a criminal probe of Michael Jackson, has been subpoenaed to testify as a prosecution witness at the entertainer's child abuse trial. Superior Court Judge Rodney Melville
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Sufferers look for a therapist
A CENTRE that helps MS sufferers urgently needs a physiotherapist. The person, who must be fully qualified, will be required to work two or three hours each week at the Swindon Therapy Centre in Cheney Manor. The paid post is flexible for anyone preferring
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Study is fun after school!
A quarter of 16-year-olds in Swindon don't go on to study further education in the town after leaving school. The figures have been revealed by the Govern-ment's Learning and Skills Council, which describes the numbers as disappointing. They have spent
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Party on with Shakespeare
Swindon Young Actors are updating the classic Shakespeare play Twelfth Night tonight. About 16 youngsters aged from 15-19 will be strutting their stuff in Olivia's Nightclub on the pop party island of Illyria in the 1980s. Julia Dickinson and Mark Flitton
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Inspector changes beat
Inspector David McMullinA POLICE officer who has played a key role in tackling crime in Swindon is leaving the town. Inspector David McMullin spearheaded initiatives on prostitution, youth crime and public drinking. He will remain with Wiltshire Constabulary
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Girl's dream trip called off
26705-17Friends and family of schoolgirl Abigail Taylor-Silk, who is suffering from Hodgkins Lymphoma, had battled for months to raise the £6,000 needed to fund the once-in-a-lifetime trip to Florida. But additional insurance costs and a deterioration
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Town's big fall in exam league
Hreod Parkway head teacher Andrew Fleet 75562-178SWINDON has dropped 20 places in the secondary school league tables from 84th to 104th place out of the country's 150 local education authorities. This calculation is based on the number of pupils achieving
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MPs going for points
CONTROVERSIAL plans to introduce a sliding scale of speeding fines have been backed by Swindon's MPs. Drivers caught breaking the speed limit by moderate amounts would get two, instead of three, points on their licence under the Road Safety Bill being
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Get facts right
BEFORE accusing people of ignorance Mr J Harvey (letters Jan 10) should get his own facts right. It is the setting up of The North Atlantic Treaty NATO which came into force on August 24 1949, that has ensured peace in Europe since the end of World War
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Cheap gibe
THE three minutes' silence for the tsunami earthquake victims seems to have made G Scott both annoyed and cynical. To stay silent for three minutes really made you realise the suffering and heartache felt by so many people around the world. The response
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There is bus
Dan Watkins ("We need a bus," EA January 8) can get a bus to/from the hospital on a Sunday. The main service to/from the hospital, the number 16, serves the bus stop on Queens Drive at the end of his road, Ripon Way, every half-hour from approximately
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Blair's way is not better one
I SEE our distinguished ex-mayor has no wish to see a repeat of Howards Way. Let's review a programme that has been running since 1997, it is called Blair's Way. It started with a programme that said no tax increases, then proceeded to introduce 66 stealth
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New home for foreign mice
I AM Max the Mouse and I would like to express my gratitude to the Social Care Inspector who has evicted the cat from the old folks' home in Oxford Road. Cats are notorious hunters of our species so this is in line with the Government's Anti-Hunting Bill
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Voice concerns on lighting
WILTSHIRE County Council is proposing to install lighting along the Kennet and Avon canal towpath, and readers should know that they have only until January 21 to express their views on the subject. As I understand it, the scheme would run between London
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Good result
MAY I, though the columns of your paper, thank all the people who purchased cards and Christmas gifts from our catalogue and at various sales events. We wondered how we would do this year, having lost our table at Beale's, but we made sales of over £5,000
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Chippenham U13s 12, Sherborne U13s 27
This was not perhaps the best start for Chippenham in the New Year but nevertheless, the game started well for the home side. Sherborne were the first to put points on the board with a fine breakaway converted try. Chippenham however, replied almost immediately
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Costing dear
I was annoyed to read of the proposal for a 'superloo' in Devizes. At a time when the standards of many public services are poor, I believe there are other areas calling for a more urgent priority. Having said that, I do commend the officers involved
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Stalwart who liked walking dies at 104
GAZETTE & HERALD: A FIERCELY independent pensioner who thought nothing of walking many miles each day has died - just two days after her 104th birthday. Hilda Ledgard died at Ferfoot Nursing Home in Chippenham, her home for several years, a few days
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Ex-soldier is awarded MBE
GAZETTE & HERALD: Years of distinguished military service and dedicated charity fund-raising have resulted in the award of an MBE for Stephen Stewart in the New Year's Honours List. Mr Stewart, from Pewsham in Chippenham, retired from the Army as
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Cooper Avon Tyres 8, Corsham 11
CORSHAM maintained top spot but had to come from behind to snatch a hard-earned derby victory over their Melksham neighbours. The sides turned around scoreless at half-time in a game disrupted throughout by a number of disputable refereeing decisions.
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Extension to home denied
GAZETTE & HERALD: AN EXTENSION to a house in Carnarvon Close, Chippenham would "completely overshadow" neighbouring properties, North Wiltshire district councillors said. They unanimously rejected the plans for a first floor extension over an existing
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Old Redcliffians U16s 10, Chippenham U16s 10
This quarter-final of the Bristol Combination Cup was a highly competitive and physical game but it was the home side, Old Reds, who took the advantage in the first half but Chippenham go through to the semi-final due to scoring two tries to one. The
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Wootton Bassett 13, Minety 5
Promotion is still very much in the minds of Wootton Bassett officials after they maintained joint top spot with Frome by beating Minety on Saturday. In a game that Wootton Bassett dominated the scoreline did not reflect the pressure and play that the
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Devizes U15 43, Trowbridge U15 0
This match couldn't have been more different than when the old foes met in the first match of the season back in September. After full-back James Dazeley scored within five minutes the tries came regularly but Devizes were put on the back foot early in
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Chippenham 15, Aylesbury 0
THIS grafted victory in difficult conditions was enough to keep Chippenham top of the league, but it wasn't easy against the powerful visitors. Earlier in the season, Chippenham had only just scraped a win away at Aylesbury and against a big, powerful
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Support vital
Last Friday, Jo, Roger and Hannah Beim and I visited 13 of Devizes' town centre pubs and collected money for the Disaster Emergency Committee Appeal for victims of the Asian tsunami. We were overwhelmed by everyone's generosity, and would like to thank
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Eyesore duo
There were two major new developments in Marlborough last year. One is the dreadful blot on the landscape which is the unnecessary industrial estate, ruining forever the beautiful southern approach to the town. In the High Street, most of us thought that
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No more rises
YOUR report on councillors' comments in last week's Gazette and Herald prompts me to comment further. When a councillor becomes elected for a fixed period of time they must know what is expected of them and what allowances they are to receive, to what
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Developer sent back to rethink 44 homes
GAZETTE & HERALD: BUILDING giant Wimpey has been sent back to the drawing board this week after "unneighbourly" proposals to build 44 homes at Pewsham were thrown out by councillors. The Bristol-based developer wanted to build the houses, including
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Not elected to earn salary
I read with great interest the comments made by Kennet district councillors as to why they should or should not take the hefty rise in their allowances. I always understood that you went into local government because you wanted to give something back
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Did councillors not factor in possible loss?
I was one of the many candidates who stood for election to Kennet District Council in 2003. I was appraised of the commitments needed and the allowances payable if elected. It was stressed that the allowances are not a salary per se, but are intended
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Market era ends
GAZETTE & HERALD: Chippenham's historic livestock market will be closing in two weeks' time to make way for the redevelopment of the Cocklebury Road site. Market operators Premier Livestock Auctions will move the market to a new site at Cribbs Causeway
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A double dose of road chaos to start
GAZETTE & HERALD: RUSH-HOUR traffic came to a standstill in Chippenham this week when two sets of temporary traffic lights were put up. Now drivers travelling to and from work have been warned to be prepared for delays for the next two weeks. Redrow
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Champion of child charities
The NCH is the country's best-kept secret, say its supporters, but it has so much to offer children and their families. Lesley Bates finds out more Lynne Wheeler (right), project manager at the Bemerton Heath Family Centre in Pinewood Way, with play ranger
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Boost from boot
A CAR boot sale raised £150 for the Highworth pool appeal. The sales will continue until enough cash is raised to pay for an overhaul of the pool's filtration plant. Fundraiser Sally Williams, pictured, said: "We had around 15 tables, and a couple of
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Walk-in thefts prompt warning
GAZETTE & HERALD: WILTSHIRE Police are asking the public to be extra vigilant and not to delay in reporting any suspicious circumstances after a spate of burglaries in the Corsham area. Although the advice is general it has arisen in respect of thefts
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Warneford celebrates as Headlands looks forward to the future
75560-67HIGHWORTH Warneford School is Swindon's most successful according to the Government latest league tables. Based on last year's GCSE results, it moved up to first place beating last year's top school, Ridgeway, which moved down to second place.
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New scheme to plan for future
THE adoption of the Local Development Scheme, which will influence the future direction of planning policy, has been recommended by North Wiltshire district councillors. Members of the district council's executive made the decision at a meeting last Thursday
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Council is keen for two wheel feedback
CYCLISTS across North Wiltshire will be able to express their views on facilities in their towns at several forums run by Wiltshire County Council. The cycle liaison panels give cyclists an opportunity to voice their opinions on current facilities and
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Chamber chief urges rethink on parking
A PARKING ticket that can be used in every car park in the district is just one suggestion made by the Chamber of Commerce to curb plans to raise town centre parking charges. On Friday the chief executive of the Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce
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New ideas for Third World
STUDENTS at Pewsey Vale School have been devising charities of their own. Working in small groups the 12 and 13-year-olds were given the brief to create their own charities as part of an enrichment programme of work. The students spent a year studying
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Chippenham Town 5, Hemel Hempstead 2
CHIPPENHAM firmly laid to rest their supposed Hardenhuish Park hoodoo with a resounding victory. The damage was done in a 13-minute first half spell when the rampant Bluebirds blasted four goals past the Hertfordshire side, and although Hemel Hempstead
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FA Cup has lost none of its appeal
STEVE WHITE COLUMN: I AM delighted to announce this week that David Gilroy will be staying with us for another month. David has done tremendously well for us so far. He has scored six goals in just two months and has helped us to retain our position near
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Young guns' partnership is thriving
MIDFIELD Dynamo Lee Davidson believes his new partnership with Ben Kirk has kept both the young players in the first team. Davidson and Kirk have been warming the bench for most of the season but have started the last five games together. Davidson feels
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Jeweller lands cameo TV role
Jeweller Tim Blades hopes to make a cameo appearance in a forthcoming Time Team television programme. Mr Blades, 52, from Shipton Moyne, near Malmesbury, is expected to appear in two episodes of the Channel Four archaeology programme. He became involved
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Funds come from all four corners of Malmesbury
Fund-raising in Malmesbury for victims of the tsunami appeal has moved up a gear with townspeople contributing thousands of pounds. The Warden and Freemen of Malmesbury have donated £1,000 to the Disasters and Emergency Committee. The announcement was
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Don't rip out town's heart, say petitioners
15021/2A PETITION with 1,400 signatures asking for Malmesbury Town Hall to be saved was presented to North Wiltshire District Council Christine Mace, chairman of the Athelstan Players Dramatic Society, presented the petition and told councillors that
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Outcry as Tory gets go-ahead for plans
TORY leader Toby Sturgis has narrowly won approval to build 30 homes in Great Somerford to help pay for his divorce settlement. About 30 protesters watched North Wiltshire District Council's development control committee vote nine to eight in favour of
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Thrilling start as Barber snips a quick double
The first Wessex Area Point-to-Point meeting of the New Year at Larkhill proved an exciting one. DA7162P09TRAINER Richard Barber enjoyed a winning double as the 2005 Wessex Area Point-to-Point season got underway at Larkhill on Sunday. Tales Of Bounty
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Claims get petty
Bizarre pet insurance claims from the last year have been unveiled by Lloyds TSB insurance. A dog broke its tail after wagging too vigorously and a puppy received treatment for cuts after getting its head caught in a baby gate. Phil Loney, managing director
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Train company says plan worth choo-ing over
Swindon-based rail operator First Great Western says it welcomes a new government strategy to improve rail services. The Strategic Rail Authority has unveiled a draft Route Utilisation Strategy, which aims to help customers across the railway networks
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Mental health users fear hospital closure
15033/1PATIENTS using mental health care facilities in north Wiltshire fear that cuts in services this year could lead to the closure of Rowden Hill House day hospital in Chippenham. In the last 12 months drop-in centres and rehab houses used by mental
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Historian issues bid to save the museum
Chairman of the Wootton Bassett Historical Society, Jesse James, is urging residents to step forward and take responsibility for the town's museum before it is too late. Mr James, 74, of Englefield, says the museum needs a secretary for a new working
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Corsham hold off late Town revival
MID-WILTS YOUTH & MINOR LEAGUE: AFC Corsham U17s need three points from their last game to clinch this season's Blue Division title after running out winners at home to Chippenham Town Youth. Corsham went 4-0 up in the first half but with the wind
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Cirencester B 3, Chippenham 2nd 2
CHIPPENHAM began the New Year in lacklustre fashion and by the time they got into the game it was too late to save it. The goals for the home side in the first half were conceded due to a mixture of ball watching, soft defending andgeneral rustiness .
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Charting a thousand hits
Britain is about to witness a landmark in popular culture with the 1,000th number one in the UK pop chart. Gazette reporters spoke to Wiltshire musicians who have reached that giddy height. MUSICIANS and singers across Wiltshire were taken on a trip down
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Stanley's day of glory
YEADING left back Alex Stanley said Sunday's FA Cup Third Round clash against Newcastle United was like the stuff dreams are made of. Even though the Ryman League minnows were knocked out at Loftus Road on Sunday he says the 2-0 loss will still be a story
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Rowde stiffed out of the cup
TROWBRIDGE LEAGUE: A HAT-TRICK from Pete Stephenson earned The Stiffs a 3-2 triumph over Rowde Sports in the preliminary round of the Spring Cup. There was almost a bigger surprise at Whaddon Lane before in-form Lavington gained a 7-3 extra-time win over
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Borough start the year with away scalp
WILTSHIRE LEAGUE: BOTH AFC Stratton and Purton Reserves got the new year off to a poor start. Stratton lost 2-1 at home to Marlborough Town and Purton conceded eight without reply at Bradford. New College continue to stalk the leaders of the Premier section
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There'll be no leftovers now
WILTSHIRE Wildlife Trust has begun a war on waste as schools start to compost their school dinners. Instead of being thrown away, unfinished pasta or chunks of French bread and food scraps can by put into Green Johanna compost bins and turned into compost
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Clyst Rovers 1 Corsham Town 7
HOTSHOT striker Toby Colbourne fired a six-minute hat-trick that helped extend Corsham's unbeaten run to 12 games on Saturday. Colbourne has now netted 15 times for Corsham since his move from first division side Westbury in October. Manager Colin Bush
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Ambulance service could merge to improve emergency response
WILTSHIRE Ambulance Service could be amalgamated with Gloucestershire and Avon in a bid to improve sub-standard accident response times. The Wiltshire service is failing to meet national targets for response times. A year ago only 50 per cent of calls
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Devizes Town 2 Torrington 1
IT was a day of missed opportunities for Devizes as they slipped to their fifth consecutive defeat on Saturday. Torrington took an early lead until midfielder Nathan Perkins drilled in an equaliser. The visitors regained the lead early in the second period
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Crowds expected at loving pair's funeral
THE funeral is due to take place tomorrow of former Devizes police officer Roy Clarke and his wife Joan, who were found murdered at their Melksham home on December 7. West Wiltshire Crematorium at Semington is expected to be packed with mourners and well
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'Dirty' factory gets approval
A FACTORY making meals for schools, patients and the elderly in Wiltshire, which was criticised by a TV documentary, has been given a clean bill of health by county experts after a surprise visit there. An expos on Tillery Valley Foods' factory in Wales
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Boss Highmore wants revenge
CALNE boss Kelvin Highmore is looking for revenge in the Wiltshire Cup when his side face Downton on Saturday. The Salisbury side knocked Calne out of the FA Vase last season with a 3-2 victory, a result Highmore was extremely unhappy with. He said: "
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Highworth stay top despite bore draw
ONLY goal difference is keeping Highworth top of the Premier Division after a disappointing 0-0 draw at Tuffley Rovers. Both sides had a man sent off within the first 10 minutes, with Jamie Mills unfortunate to walk for his part in a seemingly one-sided
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Wicks fires rapid treble
HOTSHOT Andy Wicks was in bit of a rush on Sunday as he hit an astonishing four-minute hat trick. Organisers at the Chippenham Sunday League rummaged through record books to discover Wicks' three goals are the fastest in the league's history. He beat
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Objectors withdraw on phone mast plan
KENNET councillors granted retrospective planning permission for a mobile phone antenna on the roof of the Marlborough telephone exchange after local protesters withdrew their objections. Last Thursday's meeting of the district council's regulatory committee
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Beckham becomes quake ambassador
WAKE OF THE TSUNAMI: Soccer star David Beckham is to launch a worldwide TV appeal for child victims of the tsunami disaster today after being appointed a Unicef goodwill ambassador. The England captain will make a 30-second public service announcement
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Nick flies out to help survivors of the quake
75516-35WAKE OF THE TSUNAMI: A SWINDON aid worker is preparing to join relief efforts in South East Asia. Nick Cooper, 39, from Old Town, will fly to Sri Lanka later this week to link up with fellow members of Goal an international humanitarian organisation
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Musicians get in tune to raise money for appeal
Phil McAllister who is organising the sound at the Adver's tsumani concert : 75559-14WAKE OF THE TSUNAMI: WHILE Buddhist monks pray for the suvivors of the tsunami on the beaches of Thailand, Swindon musicians prepare to play to raise money for the relief
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Action!
75567THINK of t'ai chi and images of pinstriped highfliers rushing to the gym for a lunch-time workout might spring to mind. But one Swindon sports centre is hoping to shatter that stereotype. Following soaring demand from more mature gym-goers, The Lifestyle
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Water firm to face large fine
THAMES Water is set to be fined more than £20,000 after admitting causing the deaths of 8,000 fish after toxic effluent escaped from one of its plants. Magistrates heard yesterday that a pipe blockage at a Thames Water site in Pipers Way, Old Town, caused
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Lowest of the low
Paul Donachie, 23A DRUG addict who admitted stealing a poppy collection box has been branded despicable by the Royal British Legion after he was given an 18 month community rehabilitation order. Paul Donachie, 23, of Emlyn Square, Swindon, faced magistrates
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Arrests show CCTV is having positive effect
GAZETTE & HERALD: CALNE'S community development officer Mark Wilkins says two recent cases show CCTV in Calne is a success. Mr Wilkins said he wanted to reassure the public the system is working after volunteers manning the control centre helped police
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CARP active through 2005
GAZETTE & HERALD: CASTLEFIELDS River and Park Association (CARP) has announced a host of projects for the coming year. The association is aiming to add new gates at the Patford Street end of the park, construct a nature trail, build a garden at Marden
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Quarters for guests not overly welcome
GAZETTE & HERALD: THE possible development of quarters for guests at Quemerford House caused angry residents to speak out at Calne Town Council's development control committee meeting last week. Residents are now keeping an eye on district council
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Snooker Club remains open
DEVIZES Snooker Club which was due to close tomorrow is to stay open for up to four months. The club's owner Brian Foster said the closure had been delayed while James Cubitt Homes amend plans to redevelop the Station Road site. Kennet District Council
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Women steal £30 from a 'vulnerable' patient
TWO young Devizes women were given conditional discharges after admitting stealing £30 from a vulnerable man. Teresa Wright, 19, of Bricksteed Avenue, pleaded guilty to stealing the cash from the schizophrenic man, an outpatient at Green Lane psychiatric
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Charity plea after break-in
PEOPLE in Devizes have been asked to contact the police if they are offered TVs or videos that may have been stolen from the charity Kennet Furniture Exchange. Volunteers who work for the charity turned up at its Hopton Park headquarters on Monday to
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Mum inspired to fight battle of the bulge
AN article in the Gazette on how singers Esther Chapman and Chrissie Higgs lost over 11 stones in weight between them has inspired mum Barbara Wright to follow suit. Mrs Wright, 56, of The Fairway, Devizes, signed up with Slimming World consultant Carrie
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Soldier hurt in accident
AN army parachutist who suffered serious injuries in a road accident can no longer jump, Devizes Magistrates Court heard. As a result, John Koulias is having to look at a new line of work in the Army, magistrates heard. Koulias' car was written off in
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Scheme to light canal path like motorway
WILTSHIRE County Council is planning to spend £50,000 on 22 lampposts to light a 550 metre stretch of the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath from London Road to the bridge by Quakers Walk, Devizes. But the scheme could be scuppered because objectors say the
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King of pizzas brings a sizzle to Bear tradition
THE Bear Hotel has scored a coup in attracting renowned pizza maker Tino Pupilli to its Lawrence Room restaurant. Pizza fans were disappointed last October when Mr Pupilli and his wife Geraldine announced they were leaving the Elm Tree in the High Street
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Book gives first time author a big buzz
ECOLOGIST Bryan Pinchen is all of a buzz following the publication of his first wildlife book. The Marlborough-born naturalist whose family lives in George Lane has brought out what is believed to be the first definitive book on bumblebees. He has published
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Building in gardens is threatening villages
BUILDING new houses in the gardens of existing ones is threatening the very reasons why people want to move to villages like Urchfont, near Devizes, Kennet councillors heard last Thursday. Coun Lionel Grundy told members of the council's regulatory committee
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Marine trio suffer off night
SUPERMARINE had three players red-carded as they slipped to a 2-1 defeat at Ashford in last night's Southern Division 1 West encounter. It was hardly a contentious match but Dave Gee, booked for an earlier challenge, was sent off in the 50th minute for
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Have your say on care
A CHILDCARE project on a Swindon farm is holding its annual general meeting. The Lower Shaw Farm Children's Project AGM takes place on Thursday, February 10 at the farm. At the meeting a crche will be available for those with children and there will be
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Former manager admits five child porn charges
FORMER accounts manager Andrew Walker who downloaded child pornography off the Internet, appeared at Devizes Magistrates' Court on Tuesday on five charges. Walker, 32, formerly of Devizes and now of Compton Close, Reading, was arrested as part of Operation
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Bird's eye view of health
THE Cotswold Pheasant and Poultry Club is to meet on February 9 at 7.30pm at Cricklade Town Hall. There will be a talk on cider vinegar by Mark Beach. He will speak about the benefits of giving the vinegar to poultry and other birds. New and potential
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Victorian picture puzzle
15064/2ART dealer Richard Matthews is appealing for help in identifying the location of a scene in a painting. Mr Matthews, of Potterne near Devizes, bought the painting purely because Devizes is mentioned in the title but he has been unable to find where
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Funding letter to Labour
SWINDON Council has brought in consultants to work out why it gets a bad deal from Government. The authority has also written to local government minister Nick Raynsford to complain about the settlement it gets to help pay for services. Council leader
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Hard work and careful planning pays off
GCSE TABLES 2004: Dr Patrick Hazlewood, head of St John's School and Community College in Marlborough, said he was delighted that his students had achieved almost exactly the same success in GCSEs in 2004 as in the previous year. He said: "We are very
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Theatre makes entrance
An artist's impression of the new theatreTHE Riverbank theatre and cinema project in Marlborough has moved a step closer to reality with the submission of the final plans to Kennet District Council. Drawings of the proposed building received an enthusiastic
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Man is bailed on assault charge
A PARK North man is to face trial by jury after pleading not guilty to assaulting a man last summer. Robert Neish is accused of causing actual bodily harm to Brendon Gale on Sunday, June 13, last year. The 25-year-old, of Milverton Court, Park North,
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Battle to keep public loos at the town hall
The public conveniences in the George Lane car park, Marlborough (15000/1)TOWN councillors have said that while they will accept the closure of one of the public lavatories in Marlborough, they will fight to keep the other two. They have voted to oppose
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Join the gang...
SCOUTS from across Swindon will be performing their Gang Show between March 9 and 12. Tickets from £7.50 are on sale now from the Wyvern Theatre.
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Volunteers one step forwards
SWINDONIANS wanting to put something back into their community can visit The Volunteer Centre at 1 John Street. Co-ordinator Alex Mullins says that the centre has a database containing the names of more than 150 organisations that use volunteers, ensuring
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Only gay remark makes it to No1
LITTLE Britain line: "I'm the only gay in the village," has surprisingly been voted the best comedy catch-phrase of all time. The one-liner, which is delivered by Matt Lucas, right has beaten famous sayings from the likes of other great TV programmes
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Park will resound to Celtic sounds
AN EVENING of folk singing and entertainment awaits visitors to Cotswold Water Park. On January 28, the Celtish trio will play an acoustic set. The trio is made up of vocalist Gwyneth Keen, guitarist Gordon Taylor and Sian Phillips on fiddle. Celtish,
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Get your tickets
TICKETS are on sale for Highworth Amateur Dramatic Society's pantomime. King Arthur A Pantomime Adventure in Camelot will be staged on Friday, and Saturday February 18 and 19 at Warneford School. Call Lorna Legg on 01793 762837.
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Marriage in focus
BLUNSDON House Hotel will be holding a wedding fair on February 20 between 11am and 4pm. More than 44 stands will be there offering services ranging from dresses to photographs and car hire. For more information call 01793 840000.
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My escape from tsunami horror
Emily BotsfordTEENAGER Emily Botsford has spoken of her ordeal as she tried to prevent herself and her nine-year-old sister Hannah from being swept away in the tsunami in Thailand. The 14-year-old, who is in Elmhurst House at Marlborough College, flew
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Seeing the light
AN APPEAL has been launched to keep one of the area's most famous church spires illuminated. The spire of St Lawrence's Church, Lechlade inspired poet Percy Shelley, pictured, to write his famous Stanzas in a Summer Evening Churchyard. Several years ago
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Governors wanted
ELDENE Primary School needs two new governors. Margaret Hunt, the head of Swindon Council's governor support team, said: "We would encourage anybody interested to get in touch." For details call 01793 463875.
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Compensation win for nurse
A SWINDON nurse has been awarded nearly £9,000 compensation after being assaulted by a patient. The nurse, who has not been named, suffered a severe wrist injury when the patient assaulted her. Unison won her £8,750 in compensation for the attack. Across
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Joe of the Jungle
SPACES are available on the St Paul's Ladies Group's trip to see King of the Jungle, Joe Pasquale, in panto. Tickets for the production of Jack and the Beanstalk at the Birmingham Hippodrome cost £20, which includes the coach journey from Covingham. To
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Barnes sacked
NEWSREADER Carol Barnes has been sacked as a magistrate after being convicted of drink driving, the Department for Constitutional Affairs has said. Ms Barnes, 60, right, has been officially removed from the bench for ten years by the Lord Chancellor,
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US bid for top factory
An American electronics company has put in a bid to redevelop the Renault factory in Swindon, which has been little used since 1999. Council leader Mike Bawden (Con, Old Town & Lawns) is delighted that the town has attracted interest from overseas
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Student brings twin's message
NICARAGUAN teenager Lesther Figueroa has visited Swindon to talk about how people in the town have helped his home town of Ocotal. New College hosted Lesther's visit and he took time out from his Tourism and Hospitality degree at Esteli University in
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Building is threatened by vandals
RESIDENTS in Old Town are desperate for work to start on an historic building to stop it from being targeted by vandals. Windows have been smashed on the vacant Grade II listed site in Cricklade Street. As well as a hole in the roof there have been reports
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Satisfaction among town's headteachers
This is what Swindon's other headteachers had to say about the secondary schools performance tables. David Williams, headteacher of Kingsdown School, above, said: "We are very proud of the achievements of our students. It is a pleasure to run an outstanding
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Graffiti busters spray it for free
75538-88Cleaning graffiti off walls would not be everybody's first choice at 8.30am on a cold windy day. But every day the council's graffiti team are out and about doing just that all over the town. First call is a subway in Peatmoor. The subway itself
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Hello campus!
Swindon College's new site should look when it is completedA NEW home is to be built for Swindon College despite the collapse of the deal to sell its town centre site. The college had hoped to finance its move on to the North Star campus by selling its
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Table topper
STAFF at a Swindon church have proved the old saying "one man's rubbish is another man's treasure" following the auction of an inconspicuous-looking table. The table, discovered in a shed at the back of the Christ Church Parish Office in Cricklade Street
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School cuts will hit the disabled
75571-69The parents of a disabled girl say they fear for her future if her school is shut. Westlea primary school is one of just two mainstream primary schools in Swindon. The other being Robert Le Kyng which has facilities for physically disabled children
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Blame council
YOUR correspondent Mr Benfield has missed the point by blaming the public who did not attend the council consultation meeting. He should have put more emphasis on the fact of the missing councillors who are our elected representatives and more versed
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Centres' work very valuable
WE would like to thank the Advertiser and readers who donated to the Christmas Appeal. We at the Walcot Family Centre are threatened with cuts so the party we gave the children and their families went a long way to help people feel less despondent. We
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Dorchester 37, Devizes 23
AFTER leading 18-5 at half time, Devizes lost the plot after the break as Dorchester piled on 32 unanswered points in a lethal 25 spell of ruthless attacking rugby. Devizes, with the wind and slope in their favour at Coburg Road, looked also to be slanting
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Twickenham trip for founder
FOUNDER of Pewsey Vale club Dave Aroskin received the ultimate rugby reward with a personal invitation to England's Six Nations's match against France from President of the RFU Malcolm Phillips. Aroskin, 44, received the invitation last week and had been
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Care leader recognised
GAZETTE & HERALD: Staff and residents at Seymour House organised a surprise party for dedicated care leader Sue Carter, to celebrate her 30 years work at the residential home. Mrs Carter, 50, of Elmwood, Chippenham, has spent three decades caring
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Bradford on Avon 2nd 3, Malmesbury 20
The first five minutes of play were very scrappy and a penalty for offside enabled Phil Robinson to open the home side's account with three points. The advantage did not last long as Kris Arens replied with a penalty goal kicked into the wind. The home
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Chippenham U14s 68, Walcot U16s 5
Chippenham started the first half playing with a swirling wind and immediately began to dominate the game. Good forward play allowed Sam Wells to crash over the try line for the first score and, from the restart, Liam Baker drove into the Walcot 22 to
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Fitness suite gets new look
GAZETTE & HERALD: Work is underway at Chippenham's Olympiad Leisure Centre to transform the former caf into a new fitness suite with views over Monkton Park and the River Avon. North Wiltshire District Council has ploughed £150,000 into the new suite
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Head calls it day
GAZETTE & HERALD: Headteacher Lynda Karanjia said a fond farewell to Monkton Park Primary School in Chippenham, when she retired after 21 years at the helm. Mrs Karanjia, of Queens Crescent, Chippenham, stepped down at the end of the term but she
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Andover U14 17, Wootton Bassett U14 10
As the game developed it was clear that Bassett's forwards were the dominant force and demonstrated their superiority in both scrum and line-out. However, a number of refereeing decisions went against Bassett at crucial times in the fast paced game. Andover
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Ban problem
Why has Tony Blair signalled he would not resist an injunction to delay the implementation of the law banning hunting with dogs? Could it be that he knows how hypocritical and inconsistent policing the ban would appear alongside a Labour election manifesto
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Sailor is in a lifelong dream by competing
GAZETTE & HERALD: CHIPPENHAM sailor Robin Hyde and the crew of BG Spirit have finished the second leg of the gruelling Global Challenge yacht race in third place. BG Spirit arrived in Wellington, New Zealand last week and the crew will be checking
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Many thanks
On behalf of all of us at the British Red Cross, I would like to thank your readers for their overwhelming generosity since the catastrophic earthquake and tsunami that struck on the December 26. A massive global relief effort swung into action within
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Pub gives up in tubs battle
15084/2GAZETTE & HERALD: LACOCK landlord Frank Galley says he has lost the will to carry on fighting to save six plant tubs outside his pub, The Carpenter's Arms. Wiltshire County Council says the planters are obstructing the public highway and has
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Friend pays fond tribute
GAZETTE & HERALD: T-SHIRTS in memory of a much-loved Foxham mum who died of cancer in October have gone on sale this week. Sally Watson, who was 57 when she died, spent most of the last year of her life at Dorothy House Hospice after breast cancer
