Archive
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Mum's little miracle
Baby Michael, who weighed just 4lb 6oz when he was born, and his mum JustineCHIPPENHAM NEWS EXCLUSIVE: A MIRACLE baby boy born seven weeks prematurely after his mother died three times on the way to hospital has defied medics who feared he would not survive
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Calling all tenors
TENORS are needed for Highworth Choral Society's production of Dvorak's Stabat Mater. Any tenors are welcome to the next session at 7.30pm at Warneford School on January 17. Call 01793 765062.
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Firing Line!
STEFANI MIGLIORANZI could find himself thrown straight back into the County Ground cauldron tomorrow with Andy King convinced the Brazilian still has the potential to grace the Premiership. However, that will only happen if he can bind all the midfield
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Westbury finds cash for officer
WESTBURY is about to become the last town in west Wiltshire to recruit a police community support officer. The town council has put forward £11,000 and Wiltshire Police Authority will pay the same amount to fund the post for its first year. The money
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Fallen trees
HIGH winds saw two trees fall across the main road near Chapmanslade on Friday night. The trees fell within 200 yards of each other on the A3098 between Short Street and the bridge over the A36. Section officer Nigel Wilcox, of Westbury police, said:
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Basil the Bus rolls in to school
30072/1Dedicated fundraising bore fruit this week when Basil the minibus joined the ranks at Westbury Junior School. The new arrival took the school's fleet to three vehicles and with elderly Bessie on her last legs, Basil is expected to bear the brunt
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Safety award for Lafarge
LAFARGE Cement's Westbury plant has been awarded an internationally recognised health and safety standard by an independent auditor. The plant was certified with the standard after an auditor with Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance subjected its safety
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Win tickets to Dick Whittington
Sid Owen stars in Dick WhittingtonDECEMBER 16 2004 - JANUARY 23 2005, BATH: EastEnders favourite Sid Owen stars in Dick Whittington this year's Theatre Royal pantomime from Thursday 16th December to Sunday 23rd January. Director and dame extraordinaire
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Pupils learn tips for easier exams
75581-24PUPILS at a Swindon school are looking forward to stress-free, successful exams after a new training session. All of Churchfields School's Year 11 pupils had the chance to learn new revision techniques, how to handle stress and even discover which
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Bowler's on the up down under
PETER Hickerton has arrived at the toughest finishing school in world cricket to polish his cricket skills. The Trowbridge all-rounder, who was the under 17s player of the year in 2003, struggled to find his best form in an inconsistent side last season
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In memory of Michelle
A YOUNG Melksham woman who died in a car accident is to be remembered at a fundraising event next week. Michelle Phillips, 26, died after a three-car collision in Devon in April and her parents, John and Sandra, of Halifax Road, Bowerhill are raising
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Old pals help Sue recreate memories
A CAR crash victim who suffered memory loss following an accident took steps towards recovering her past by arranging a reunion with her former schoolmates. Sue Baker, of Shaw, near Melksham, was unable to remember much of her life before the age of 17
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Man honoured for rescuing pensioner
30080/1A HEROIC father-of-two from Melksham who rescued a pensioner after she jumped into a river has been recognised for his bravery. Alan Blenkhorn, of Mills Road, was presented with a certificate of appreciation by Wiltshire Chief Constable Martin
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Firms fail to offer staff way to give
A SURVEY by KPMG has found that most companies do not provide schemes in which their staff can contribute to good causes via their salaries. Almost 61 percent of the working people questioned in the south west region by YouGov for the survey said that
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UK will fail to cut carbon dioxide
The UK will not meet its target of cutting carbon dioxide emissions by 20 per cent by 2010. Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett, right, said CO2 emissions rose by 1.5 per cent between 2002 and 2003. She told the Commons this was still below emission
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Get free advice on helping deaf
The Royal National Institute For The Deaf is offering a free assessment and guidance for businesses which may face court action over the Disability Discrimination Act. The RNID, the largest charity representing the nine million deaf and hard of hearing
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Help to boost market towns
THE role of businesses in breathing new life into market towns like Highworth and Wootton Bassett will be under the spotlight at a forthcoming meeting. The main aim of the event, which is being run by the Wilt-shire Market Towns Partnership, is to bring
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Horse riders should clear up any mess
THIS letter is for the benefit of the person who rode their horse on the pavement at Hilperton Marsh on Sunday and left a large pile of manure there. Who is supposed to pick it up? Would it have been beyond your capability to dismount and at least kick
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Second-hand Hondas see a rise in value
JAPANESE car firm Honda has shown how desirable its cars are, even when they are second-hand. At a time when most used car prices are either stable or recording modest increase, the car firm, which has a factory at South Marston, is one of the few manufacturers
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Police in alert over scooters
WILTSHIRE police have issued a reminder that driving motorised scooters on roads and footpaths is against the law. Police have issued the reminder after concerned parents contacted them to clear up the confusion surrounding their use. The motors, which
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Software aid for farmers
A FREE computer package will be handed out to farmers to help them assess health and safety on their farms. The software package, launched by the Health and Safety Executive, aims to help farmers carry out risk assessments. The software is aimed at farm
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Child safety call
A CAMPAIGN to help children across the south west avoid becoming victims of street robbery has been announced by the Home Office. SAFE week began on Monday and is urging children to stay safe. Paul Rowlandson, community safety director at the Government
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Opening hours cut at town minor injury unit
PATIENTS in Warminster suffered a new blow this week when the hospital's minor injury unit cut its opening hours. A nursing shortage meant the unit could only open from 9am to 5pm between Christmas Day and January 3 and it was hit with the same problem
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Recycling a top priority
THE Wiltshire Waste Partnership wants recycling to be the top of everybody's New Year's resolutions in 2005. Toby Sturgis, Wiltshire County Council cabinet member for environmental planning and waste, said: "We all need to think more about the way we
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Anti-social behaviour on agenda
ANTI-SOCIAL behaviour is to be the topic of a meeting to be held next week by West Wiltshire District Council. The council's external overview committee will discuss how the authority can use its powers, including issuing anti-social behaviour orders,
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Pupils answer travel survey
THOUSANDS of pupils will be asked how they travelled to school on Monday in a countywide survey. Results from The Great School Travel Tally will be analysed by the county council to help schools reduce the number of children travelling by car. This is
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Council tax dodgers to face bailiffs
PEOPLE in west Wiltshire who haven't paid their council tax could find themselves facing the bailiffs. West Wiltshire District Council has launched a crackdown on non-payers and has brought in bailiffs Ross and Roberts Ltd. The council estimates up to
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PCT to tighten its belt
A HEALTH chief has pledged to tighten the screw on overspending health trusts in north and west Wiltshire. Trevor Jones, is head of the Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Strategic Health Authority, which manages 25 NHS organisations across the region
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Briefing on Gap relief road plan
Planning committee members at West Wiltshire District Council were last night due to attend a briefing on the Hilperton Relief Road scheme. The briefing was designed to help councillors get to grips with the complex and controversial scheme before it
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'Fantastic' response to collections
TSUNAMI AID: RED Cross volunteers have been overwhelmed by the generosity of Wiltshire people eager to help with the relief effort in Asia. The charity has been collecting cash in the county's streets, supermarkets and shopping centres and has so far
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Second-hand Hondas see a rise in value
JAPANESE car firm Honda has shown how desirable its cars are, even when they are second-hand. At a time when most used car prices are either stable or recording modest increase, the car firm, which has a factory at South Marston, is one of the few manufacturers
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Plan is opposed
WARMINSTER Town Council has reinforced its opposition to the planned conversion of the Beckford Centre into sheltered housing. London-based developer Farlane Property Group Ltd wants to convert and extend the Gipsy Lane centre into 24 sheltered apartments
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Store staff spotted shoplifters
TWO shoplifters stole Sudocrem and wet wipes from a Warminster store to make money for Christmas. Penelope Jackson, 47, of Austin Close, Frome, and Simon Norris, 31, of The Halve, Trowbridge, stole the goods from Morrison's. Michelle Hewitt, prosecuting
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Ilfracombe Town 3, Westbury United 3
WESTBURY United boss Paul Brickley believes Saturday's two-goal hero Paul Beavers has the ability to step up to a higher level of football. Brickley watched in admiration as the young striker capped a powerful display with two well-taken goals to earn
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Wheeler's in demand as Tripp moves in
MELKSHAM Town manager Nigel Tripp is hoping to boost his side's firepower with the signing of Westbury United's Wayne Wheeler. Tripp has put in a seven days' notice of approach for the striker and is hoping to talk to him over the weekend. He said: "Wayne
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Tribute to nurse
WARMINSTER town councillors have backed plans to name a new housing development in honour of a nurse who left her mark on Warminster. They agreed the Westbury Homes development at the bottom of Boot Hill, on Warminster Common, should be called Giles Hollow
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Simpson to lead the Reggae Boyz
TROWBRIDGE-born Fitzroy Simpson is poised to land his dream job as manager of the Jamaican national football team. The former Swindon Town and Manchester City midfielder, 34, was told he is in pole position for the role on Monday and is now waiting for
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Pensioner conned by fake fire
INTRUDERS told an elderly woman there was a fire above her flat before stealing jewellery and cash from her home. The two men are thought to have entered the flat in a Warminster sheltered housing complex by a bedroom window at 5pm on Monday. Once inside
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College open for learning at new base
30059WILTSHIRE College staff hope their newly refurbished Warminster base will encourage more students to learn in the town. The Wiltshire College Warminster Centre was officially opened on Friday and finally replaces temporary buildings, which have been
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Celebrating the history of the plough
16415/2HUNDREDS of people flocked to the picturesque village of Corton on Sunday for its third annual celebration of ploughing. But the weekend's high winds had left the event hanging in the balance just 24 hours beforehand. The Plough Sunday Celebration
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Three injured in blackspot crash
16412/2A MOTORIST from Warminster was thrown 30ft from his car after a crash on the A36 on Saturday afternoon. Ambulance crews feared the 29-year-old man had broken his neck, and he is still being treated in hospital for severe neck injuries. He was driving
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Four charged after street attack
16413/5FOUR teenagers have appeared in court in connection with a street assault that left a Trowbridge man fighting for his life. Asa Freeman, 32, of Church Walk, is still in a critical condition in intensive care at Frenchay Hospital, Bristol, after
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Barn open day
There will be an open day at the West Barn, Barton Farm Country Park, Bradford on Avon, at 11am on January 23. Leo Wirtz, Wiltshire County Council's senior countryside ranger, will host the event. He said: "I am keen to get the community more involved
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Bradford Pubwatch relaunch meeting
Licensees of pubs, clubs and other venues in Bradford on Avon are being invited to a meeting to address anti-social behaviour. The meeting will aim to re-launch the Pubwatch scheme in the area and also address issues relating to the new Licensing Act,
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Themes sought
ORGANISERS of the Bradford on Avon Town Arts Festival are calling for volunteers to help with ideas for the event. Last year the festival focused on the theme of sunflowers and was a huge success. Organiser Fiona Haser said this year they are hoping the
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Ex-pupil in appeal for mementoes
A FORMER pupil of St Laurence School in Bradford on Avon is writing a history of the school to mark its 25th birthday. Vicky Ody, 30, is appealing for former pupils to provide old photos, memorabilia or anecdotes to help with the book. She said: "I would
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Angry driver ran over traffic warden
A WOMAN reversed her car into a traffic warden in an attempt to get out of paying a parking ticket. Rachel Feilden, 53, forced the traffic warden to jump clear after she returned to the Bridge Street car park, Bradford on Avon, last June to find the warden
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Thanks for caring for unwanted cats
WE would like to say a big thank you to all the kind supporters who have made such generous donations throughout 2004. There is always a tremendous amount of food in our collection bins at Budgens, Bradford on Avon; Budgens, Pets Planet and Pets at Home
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Leader wanted to head musical cadets
AS Wiltshire has no musical element in its cadet force a cadet band is being formed at TS Achilles Headquarters, Frome Road, Trowbridge. For the first time ever three cadet units will be coming together as a combined cadet band forming a corps of drums
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Let's think before we all protest
OVER the past few years, many people have written in to make their complaints known about both the burning of new and recycled fuels at Lafarge, and the construction of new mobile phone masts. They claim that these things cause adverse affects to the
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Film review - Vanity Fair (PG)
ON the face of it, giving Indian director Mira Nair the task of bringing a classic English novel to the screen may seem odd. But, in the way Ang Lee's outsider's eyes invigorated Jane Austin's Sense and Sensibility, Nair's objectivity adds an exotic touch
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First-class exercise...
75536-36WAKE OF THE TSUNAMI: CHILDREN of Swindon schools have been busy collecting items to send to survivors of the tsunami disaster. Beechcroft Primary School head teacher Lynne Harper said: "We have got a massive amount of stuff. "Our parents have
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Holiday companies extend ban
WAKE OF THE TSUNAMI: Some UK holiday companies will not be offering packages to the worst of the tsunami-hit areas until the beginning of April at the earliest, it has been decided. Most tour operators decided to extend the ban on trips to coastal areas
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Woman fell from here...and survived
A MIDDLE-aged woman was in a critical condition last night after falling from a footbridge on to the M4. The woman landed in the middle lane of the eastbound carriageway, but, miraculously, she wasn't hit by a vehicle. Frantic drivers called the police
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Drunken teenager jailed for killing his best mate
Jamie SmithA TEENAGER from Swindon has been jailed for six years after his best friend died during a high speed police chase. Morris Herne was killed instantly when uninsured Jamie Smith lost control of his Rover and smashed into an oncoming car. Smith
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Baxter handed Under 21 boost
WOOTTON Bassett youngster Mike Baxter has been selected for an England Under 21 training squad session at the University of Bath next week. Scrum-half Baxter joins Bath clubmates, fly-half Ryan Davis, No 8 Chris Goodman and prop Dave Ward in the squad
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Violence at home is tackled
MEN who are violent in the home are to be offered the chance to change through a groundbreaking new programme starting in Trowbridge next month. The programme, run by the Splitz Parenting Alone Support Service, is the first voluntary programme for violent
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Virgin's joy at awards
VIRGIN Mobile has beaten off tough competition to scoop two awards in the What Mobile Readers' Awards. The Trowbridge-based firm won the best network prize and US hiphop star Busta Rhymes won best celebrity gadget for Virgin's 'the devil makes work for
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Drop-off point for aid
TSUNAMI AID: TROWBRIDGE residents Sarah-Jane Newbury and Tony Durrant have volunteered their home at 10 Innox Road as a drop-off point for the Wiltshire Mercy Appeal. The pair are inviting supporters to bring them aid for tsunami-hit countries, which
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Stan to star in TV show
AN ACTOR and singer from Hilperton will appear in an episode of a children's TV series due to be aired tonight. Stan Jakielski, known as Stan the Man, plays a camp, leopard-skin clad hairdresser in The Giblet Boys, which focuses on the adventures of three
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Brave Jennifer in mission to Africa
16426/1A TEENAGER from Trowbridge who turned her life around after being homeless and on drugs is raising money to travel to Africa to help a village in need. Jennifer Austin, 19, has worked to overcome her problems with the help of young person's charity
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Council plans to refurbish old magistrates' court
PEOPLE in Trowbridge have given their support to the town council's plan to take over the former magistrates' court and are prepared to pay extra tax to fund the move. More than 100 people turned up to an open day held last month and completed a questionnaire
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Mechanic found dead at his home
A MECHANIC was found dead at his Trowbridge home 24 hours after he was reported missing to police. Officers found the body of 65-year-old Richard Cullen in a car at his Wyke Road home at 10am on Wednesday. Police are not treating his death as suspicious
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Teenage girls learning the art of self-defence
30064/3Wiltshire Times reporter Morwenna Blake went along to a self-defence session designed to teach teenage girls to take care of themselves TEENAGE girls in Trowbridge are learning how to defend themselves if they become the victim of an attack. Members
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Appeal account is set up
TSUNAMI AID: READERS wishing to support the tsunami appeal set up by Trowbridge man Philip Mossman and his colleagues can donate directly to a Barclays Bank account. As featured in last week's Wiltshire Times, Mr Mossman is using his links with the Sri
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Fund for Sri Lankan villagers
A SURVIVOR of the Asian tsunami from Trowbridge has launched an appeal to raise funds for a Sri Lankan village devastated by the waves. Elizabeth Wijesena, 35, was in a village near Galle with her husband Mahendra, an overseas cricket player for Trowbridge
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Casualty actor surprises pupils
30055/3PUPILS at a Trowbridge school were starstruck when a Casualty actor made a surprise appearance in their drama lesson. Will Thorp, who plays Paul 'Woody' Joyner in the hit BBC series, surprised students by turning up at St Augustine's Catholic College
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Drunk bar owner tried to thump PC
Susan DrewTHE OWNER of a Trowbridge bar has appeared in court after she shouted drunken abuse at the landlord of another pub and tried to punch a police officer. Susan Drew, licensee at Just So Cafe, in Castle Street, went out for Christmas drinks with
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Buffet lunch raises £1,200
30077/2TSUNAMI AID: A WOMAN from Holt raised more than £1,000 by organising a buffet lunch for her neighbours. Jilly Heath opened up her house in The Gravel for the event to raise money for the tsunami victims. She said: "The concept was using up all
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Fixtures and tables
SOUTHERN LEAGUE Premier Division: Bedford v Banbury; Chippenham v Dunstable; Grantham v Kings Lynn; Hemel Hempstead v Gloucester City; Solihull Boro v Hitchin Tn. Division One West: Ashford v Thame; Bracknell v Cinderford; Burnham v Clevedon; Corby v
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Premier top spot open for Corsham
With Wiltshire League leaders Bradford involved in the Senior Cup, Corsham have a chance to go top in the Premier Division should they come away with the points from Bromham. New College need to continue winning to keep the leaders under pressure in the
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Collier's ready to recruit
MARK Collier is on a major recruitment drive with his Supermarine squad set to be stretched to breaking point. The departure of Dave Toomey and Matty Goodwin to Fairford had already prompted the Hunts Copse chief to scour the transfer market. Hamstring
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Job swap at Bassett
CHRIS Jones is the new caretaker manager at Wootton Bassett after a spot of role reversal at Rylands Way. Jones was acting as assistant to Barry Giles, but the two have now switched places in the dug-out. Bassett under 18 boss Jones will take charge of
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On a hiding to nothing?
HIGHWORTH boss John Fisher has likened tomorrow's Wiltshire Senior Cup clash with Bradford Town to 'Newcastle versus Yeading all over again.' It's fair to say that the Hellenic League leaders start as huge favourites against their Wiltshire League counterparts
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Have faith in debate
Swindon Inter Faith Group meets next Wednesday at 7.30pm. A panel of people of different faiths will speak and answer questions on prayer. At the end of the Pilgrim Centre session will be prayers for the tsunami victims. Call 01793 534923.
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Polystyrene alert
SWINDON Council is urging residents not to recycle polystyrene. Plastic can now be recycled at the Household Waste Recycling Centre at Cheney Manor. However polystyrene containers such as margarine tubs and yoghurt pots cannot. Andrew Cook, of Swindon
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Adult learners' awards earner
ORGANISERS of the UK's largest festival of adult learning want nominations. Every year the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE) receives more than 1,000 nominations for its Adult Learners' Week Awards which celebrate the achievements
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Call for theatre cash
A PROJECT to build a cinema/theatre is calling on Swindon businesses to help fund the scheme. Kennet Valley Arts Trust is raising money to build the Riverbank arts complex in Marlborough and wants firms to help raise £4.5 million. It is hoped the project
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Special school heads are delighted with progress
The headteachers of Swindon special schools say they are delighted by their performance in this year's league tables. The secondary school performance tables reveal that in two of the secondary schools, the number of pupils gaining at least a GCSE, GNVQ
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Give your views
PARISH councillors in Stratton are inviting residents to their next meeting. Members are keen to hear about residents' views on improving the area. Questions can be asked at the full council meeting which starts at 7.30pm on January 25 at Meadowcroft
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Roach haul is just what the doctor ordered
GREAT Somerford angler Dr Mark Everard, who recently took a catch of four 2lb-plus roach from the Avon at Somerford, has had further success. Fishing during the first hour after darkness Mark took another brace of big redfins, with specimens of 2lb 3oz
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Have a say on future policing
Wiltshire Constabulary wants to know what Swindon residents think of the Government white paper on police reform. Home Secretary Charles Clark, pictured, wants to reduce the fear of crime and bring policing closer to the community. He also wants to give
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Football team needs a coach
ELDENE Rangers Football Club is on the hunt for a new manager to coach a group of youngsters. The under 6s, who will join the North Wilts Under Sevens League after the summer, need someone to coach them. Rob Nolan, manager of Eldene Rangers under 9s,
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Natural causes led to collision
THE post-mortem examination of a Honda worker who died on his way to work has shown that he died of natural causes. Gareth Anslow, 34 of Rosebery Street in Swindon, was on his way to work at the Honda plant in South Marston when his car collided with
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Police officer's funeral today
THE funeral of former Swindon police officer Milroy Clarke and his wife Joan takes place today. The couple's crematorium will be held at 11am at Semington Crematorium, near Trowbridge. The bodies of Mr Clarke, 70, and his wife Joan, 55, were discovered
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Bus driver hit by teen yob
A BUS driver has been punched in the face by a teenage yob in Toothill. Trouble flared after the driver of the Thamesdown Transport number 16 service dropped off a group of youths at the Village Tavern bus stop in Dunwich Drive. Police said there was
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Cash boost for home owners
HOMEOWNERS were given a boost when the Bank of England froze the cost of borrowing for the fifth consecutive month. The decision to keep interest rates on hold at 4.75% came as little surprise to experts, many of whom now believe them to have peaked.
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Trail blazing officer dies
SWINDON'S first female detective sergeant has died at the age of 85. Gwendoline Williams joined the force as an auxiliary member more than 60 years ago in November 1941. Her family said she was so dedicated to the job that she never married. Her initial
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Drug dens under fire
POLICE plan to use new powers to shut crack houses and drug dens in Swindon. The town's drug squad is aiming to become the first in Wiltshire to close buildings which attract hoards of addicts. The first closure order is already being planned, and follows
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Council is taking a £6,000 commercial break
GET FIT FOR 05: IT is not just the Adver encouraging people to Get Fit for 2005 now Swindon Council is having a go too. The council has launched a television advertising campaign for the first time ever to get more people into its gyms. The £6,000 deal
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Exercise those demons
7556-110GET FIT FOR 05: Are you thinking about shedding a few pounds? Before you try a drastic diet, stop and think about whether all the effort is worth it as over 90 per cent of 'short-term dieters' end up heavier one year later. There is a better way
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Exercise those demons
Fitness instructor Darren GraceGET FIT FOR 05: Even if you're an incurable couch potato, there's no excuse for not taking regular exercise. Tone up in front of your TV with these simple exercises: Armchair Action Switch on your favourite soap and sit
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Back in touch
I WOULD like to thank the Evening Advertiser for printing my letter on Saturday asking the whereabouts of two Swindon people. I had a reply in two hours from one of the people and the next day I heard from the other one. A EVERETT Liden, Swindon
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Missing link
Have I missed something? We have launched into the new council tax debate with no justification of what's on offer. All we hear is a rate of inflation increase is applied to council tax and to all budgets. If there is a shortfall in any area, we should
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Help needed
I WOULD like to congratulate everyone who has given their time to sort donations at the hangars at Wroughton airfield. The number of volunteers who turned up over the weekend was fantastic Support at Wroughton will be needed for months to come and I hope
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Run to aid us
MANY people who had set their hearts on running in this year's London Marathon will have heard that they have not been lucky enough to gain a place. There are ,however, still a few guaranteed places available through ourselves and we are seeking people
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Heed words
"THE Conservative Party of the '80s was efficient but heartless and now is the time for the party to acknowledge our obligations to the vulnerable in our society. These people often have quite complicated problems, drugs, petty crimes, a poor education
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Let's say no to big increases
I CERTAINLY agree with P Jackson, letters, Monday January 10, when he says voicing one's opinion will only fall on deaf ears, for councillors have already made their minds up. I think the majority of us think the same. There's one thing councillor Mike
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Don't worry just be happy
Like many others in Swindon, I really enjoy a shopping trip out to one of our nearby cities. I also read the Advertiser and notice many things of irony within its pages. A year or two back your paper reported that Swindonians were some of the most miserable
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Bradford on Avon 10, Frome 15
DAVE George believes his Bradford side are finally coming to terms with Southern Counties South rugby after they gave the leaders a real scare on Saturday. The Bradford coach was delighted with his side's performance as they produced their best display
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Trowbridge 10, North Dorset 20
SIMON Leat admitted things could have been worse after Trowbridge started the New Year with another defeat on Saturday. The Trowbridge director of rugby was disappointed with the display that leaves his team just three points above the bottom of the Southern
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Festival in store
75588-55PLANS for a literary festival in Highworth have been announced. The summer literature festival is being organised by former town mayor Lynn Vardy. Lynn a trained actress and stage manager is planning drama work-shops, poetry readings, an open-air
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Prescott roasted for voting plan
JOHN Prescott's plans to revamp voter registration received a frosty reception from Westbury Town Council on Tuesday night. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is asking local authorities for views on proposals to get more people to vote. Westbury
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Guides and scouts net windfalls
SCOUTS and guides were the chief beneficiaries in this year's Westbury Town Council grants. Members allocated £500 towards the 1st Westbury Scout Group's new headquarters in Meadow Lane, which is due to open early this year. The 2nd Westbury All Saints
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Stolen goods
Thieves escaped with £80 of goods after breaking into a vehicle repair business on the West Wilts Trading Estate, Westbury, between 5pm on Friday and 11am on Monday. The offenders forced open the back door of the shop and stole a £15 Clark heat gun, a
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Music class is top of the tots
16409/1BABIES as young as a few weeks old can take their first musical steps thanks to a new scheme running in Warminster and Westbury. Caterpillar Music is run by Westbury mum Amanda Francis, who set up in business after struggling to find a part time
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Now is the perfect time to find new job
The New Year is a time when many people take stock of their lives and think about looking for a new job but this prospect need not be too daunting, says employment specialists Manpower. A Manpower spokesperson says: "If you have decided to give your career
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Keren sew happy to be back in business
EARLY retirement didn't suit a Trowbridge businesswoman so she has reopened her shop on new premises. Keren Smith, 57, ran K Fabrics at Church Walk for eight years but, when her lease was up, in January last year, she decided to take early retirement.
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Virgin's joy at awards
VIRGIN Mobile has beaten off tough competition to scoop two awards in the What Mobile Readers' Awards. The Trowbridge-based firm won the best network prize and US hiphop star Busta Rhymes won best celebrity gadget for Virgin's 'the devil makes work for
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Couple fined for phone line scam
16427A husband and wife who ran a competition phone line from their Westbury home have agreed to stop sending out misleading mailings. Mathew and Charlotte Bright were investigated by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) following a number of consumer complaints
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Golfers in drive for charity cash
GOLFERS at a Melksham club presented a cheque for £1,535 to a Chippenham special needs school on Monday to help keep it afloat. Jane Cross, manager at the Springboard Opportunity Group, said the money from Whitley Golf Club was vital to keep places at
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Village post office in petrol station
THE OPENING of a post office in Atworth heralds a change in fortunes following a wave of branch closures across west Wiltshire. The new branch, at the Bear Garage on Bath Road, opens its doors on Thursday, the same week other offices close in Melksham
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Heather seeks help to learn Hebrew passages
30074/1A BLIND Melksham woman who wants to take part in a Jewish ceremony has hit a stumbling block in her attempts to learn the set passages of Hebrew. Heather Tucker, of Hampshire Place, was sent audio tapes by her local rabbi after asking to take part
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Psychotic knife attacker jailed
Leroy WynterA KNIFE attacker who went on the run for eight months after escaping from a psychiatric unit has been jailed for more than three years. Leroy Wynter, 30, of Hampshire Place, Melksham, escaped from a unit in Sandlewood, Stratton, in May. Wynter
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Residents step up mast protest
30082/1RESIDENTS living near the site of a planned 38ft phone mast in Melksham spoke out against the application at a town council meeting on Monday. People from Burniston Close and Churchill Avenue were at Melksham Town Hall to hear councillors discuss
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Marathon places available
I AM appealing on behalf of Heart Research for runners to take part in the Adidas Flora Half Marathons on Sunday March 13 2005. With the new Liverpool event taking place around the streets of this vibrant city, and the London run taking place at the renowned
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Highways contracts for tender
WILTSHIRE County Council is teaming up with its Kent and Cambridgeshire counterparts to put their highways contracts out to tender. Ringway Parkman currently manages Wiltshire's highways on behalf of the county, but the contract is up for grabs in 2006
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Women lose out
A SURVEY compiled by the GMB union has revealed women in Wiltshire earn up to 25 per cent less than male counterparts. Statistics taken from the GMB's Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings showed women in the county earn only 74.8 per cent of the wages
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Charity bid to reward the carers
A CHARITY from Wiltshire is aiming to raise £10,000 to reward 400 young carers with a range of activity days. Youth Action Wiltshire provides what it calls 'time out' breaks through its Young Carers scheme and is hoping to raise the money by February
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Budget cuts will hit TICs
TOURIST information centres in west Wiltshire are to lose their grants from West Wiltshire District Council. The council's draft budget for 2005-6 was approved at a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday night. The £12.4m draft budget has been balanced by incorporating
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Operation Crackdown
WILTSHIRE is one of 32 counties involved in the Home Office's new campaign targeting hardcore drug dealers. The focus of Operation Crackdown will centre on closing drug dens, disrupting class A drug markets, seizing illegal firearms and bringing dealers
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Cash crisis hits disabled people
A CASH crisis has forced Wiltshire County Council to withdraw services for disabled people in the county. Residents in care homes were told on Friday they would no longer be able to attend day care centres, because a budget shortfall of £450,000 has led
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Almondsbury Town 3, Biddestone 1
GARY Skidmore believes his side's hopes of picking up their third win of the season on Saturday were killed off by pre-match disruptions. The Biddestone boss was left with a selection headache after captain Will Edwards (ankle injury) and winger Luke
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Longleat race
A NEW 10km road running event will take place this year at Longleat. The run, scheduled for February 6, has been organised to raise money for Dorothy House Hospice Care. Entrance to the event, sponsored by sports nutrition firm Science in Sport, costs
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Mechanic Kris makes his Merc
A MERCEDES Benz mechanic from Warminster proved himself among the country's best when tested in a mystery shopping exercise. Kris Barnard, a Service24h emergency breakdown technician at Westbury Mercedes-Benz dealership Rygor Commercials, was one of the
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Wife smashed husband's taxi
AN ANGRY wife smashed the windows of her husband's taxi before launching an attack on his employer's office. Bernice Hawkins, 47, of Epping Close, Warminster, attacked a Ford Transit minibus belonging to Starline Taxis, causing £550 damage, after a row
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Stephenson's rocket power
A HAT-TRICK from Pete Stephenson earned The Stiffs a rare cup success with a 3-2 triumph over Rowde Sports in the preliminary round of the Spring Cup. Stephenson's treble, which allowed the Trowbridge side to add to their A and B Cup giant-killing act
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Half the woman she used to be
16418/2FITNESS fanatic Helen Jordan loved her new weight loss regime so much that she decided to train as an instructor. Miss Jordan, 41, decided in 2003 to try to lose weight by joining a Rosemary Conley fitness class. Her initial efforts in Bath saw
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Music class is top of the tots
16409/1BABIES as young as a few weeks old can take their first musical steps thanks to a new scheme running in Warminster and Westbury. Caterpillar Music is run by Westbury mum Amanda Francis, who set up in business after struggling to find a part time
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Pupils' carol is a winner
30078/1Pupils at a Warminster primary school who composed and sang a Christmas carol have won a keyboard for their efforts. Youngsters at Princecroft Primary School won the instrument after their song was played on 3TR FM radio and listeners voted it
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Villagers lose faith in police
WARMINSTER police chief Insp Geoff Miles has reassured villagers in Codford that they are not living in a hotbed of crime, after hearing of concerns over their community's apparent lack of attention from his officers. At a Codford Parish Council meeting
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Centre raises £1,300
16408/1STAFF at Warminster's Land Warfare Centre raised £1,300 for a charity highlighting Sudden Adult Death Syndrome. Workers from Defence Estates, Army Training Estates and Landmarc raised most of the cash for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) through
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Opening hours cut at town minor injury unit
PATIENTS in Warminster suffered a new blow this week when the hospital's minor injury unit cut its opening hours. A nursing shortage meant the unit could only open from 9am to 5pm between Christmas Day and January 3 and it was hit with the same problem
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Earmarked for groups
LOCAL groups and organisations could have the opportunity to make use of a building in the planned Kingston Mill development in Bradford on Avon. The town council has been asked by developer Taylor Woodrow to act as broker for the use of 'The Vaults'
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Pub reveller is attacked
A YOUNG man was attacked as he was leaving a party at a pub in Bradford on Avon. Police are appealing for witnesses following the attack in the car park of the Riverside Inn shortly after midnight on Sunday morning. PC Pete Clarke, of Bradford on Avon
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Times readers condemn firm's approach to staff's request for disaster tribute
I BEG space to make a couple of hopefully helpful observations on the Peter Black report. Toothpaste and soap even if it is unsaleable and old stock need water, which even the PB directors must know is in very short supply. If the 'business decisions'
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Purpose-built home will be a pigeon's paradise
THE question of the pigeon population in Trowbridge seems to have left the council in a cleft stick. After having trained and raced pigeons for some 20-odd years, I feel qualified to make the prediction that the measures shortly to be undertaken will
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Tsunami's animal victims also suffer
THE world is united in its shock and sadness at the terrible human tragedy following the Asian tsunami disaster. In the face of such overwhelming human adversity, it is all too easy to forget the animal victims of the crisis; be they valued family companion
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Can readers reunite two sets of friends
RAF St Eval Coastal Command Association would like to contact all ex RAF St Eval personnel for membership, reunions and newsletters. Over 300 ex personnel already have been in touch. At the moment we hold two reunions a year and members receive two newsletters
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Local help is needed to make projects a success
BRADFORD on Avon Town Council's Riverside Working Group would very much like to support the initiative of Leo Wirtz, the new Ranger at Barton Farm Country Park, and I am writing to urge local residents to attend the open day he has arranged. It is on
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National Service was a duty, not a penalty
I NOTE a report headed Call to get tough on vandals, commenting on remarks quoted by Cllr Terry Chivers about thousands of pounds' worth of damage being done in his own ward. His solution to this situation is, apparently, "bringing back national service
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Film review - Closer (15)
IF two's company and three's a crowd, what does that make four? In the case of Closer, a fascinating, absorbing study of sex and relationships. And with just four characters, the film just about sums up every foible and insecurity that goes with love
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Pupils learn tips for easier exams
75581-24PUPILS at a Swindon school are looking forward to stress-free, successful exams after a new training session. All of Churchfields School's Year 11 pupils had the chance to learn new revision techniques, how to handle stress and even discover which
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Fire starter walks free
PC Miles defended this teenagerAN ARSONIST who caused more than £28,000 damage to Wroughton Library has escaped a prison sentence after a community police officer spoke out on his behalf. The 16-year-old youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was
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No problem over supplies
WAKE OF THE TSUNAMI: ORGANISERS of the tsunami relief effort at Wroughton insist that there is no crisis in getting supplies to the disaster zone. The reassurance comes after James Gray, MP for North Wiltshire, wrote to the Prime Minister saying that
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Tonight's the night
Anish will be performing tonight at the Evening Advertiser's tsunami concertWAKE OF THE TSUNAMI: TONIGHT is the Evening Advertiser's tsunami concert and prizes for our raffle have been pouring in. Eight big names have been booked to perform at tonight's
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She's a true Britt
Britt EklandSHE may be in her 60s but Britt Ekland proved she's still every inch the glamour puss when she appeared in Swindon to sign autographs. Fresh from appearing in panto in Guilford the former Bond girl and ex wife of the late Peter Sellers arrived
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Weekend teams
Swindon, away Westbury (meet 11.30am): P McBain, S Chapman, D Webb, S Davis, T Loukes, J Parker, P Daniels, I Reynolds, C Knott, N Maycock, M Seynaeve, P Wakefield, G Sturla, R Haxton, T Lalor, N Waite, D Webb, I Butcher, N Warren. Swindon 2nd, home Swanage
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Masters suspended
DEVIZES have their first home league game over two months with the visit of Redingensians in Southern Counties South tomorrow. The Saddlebacks suffered a 37-23 defeat at Dorchester last week which broke their run of six successive wins and know another
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Swindon aiming for the last eight
THE complicated picture in the Dorset & Wilts 1st XV Vase should become much clearer after this weekend. Trowbridge, Blandford, Pewsey Vale and Weymouth are the only four teams to confirm their quarter-final places to date, but Swindon and Wootton
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Teenage Kicks season - Theatre Royal
FEBRUARY 7 - 27 2005, BATH: Youngsters get a kick out of theatre next month at the Theatre Royal in Bath when the Teenage Kicks season begins. Running from Monday February 7 to Sunday February 27 the programme is a collection of workshops and events targeted
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Hope springs for centre
CHARITY workers battling to save a nature centre project in Trowbridge have received a £50,000 boost. The Hope Nature Centre has been awarded a grant of £50,633 from the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Committee members hope the
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Happy Birthday
A SURPRISE 60th birthday party for a Trowbridge musician raised £180 for Wiltshire Air Ambulance. Dave Smith, of Cedar Grove, thought he was going to play a charity music gig. Instead, he discovered his family had planned a surprise birthday party for
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Web ace works with rock gods
A WEB designer from Semington has been living the rock and roll lifestyle by producing the official website for former Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown. Former George Ward School pupil Jamie McDine has been working with Oasis star Noel Gallagher to help
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Firefighter known for his dedication
16432/3FIREFIGHTER Jan Lisiecki has retired after 30 years service with Wiltshire Fire Brigade. The 50-year-old from Trowbridge, was awarded a certificate from Chief Fire Officer Andy Goves for his dedication to the service. Mr Lisiecki, who during his
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Jonny joins the top dogs
Jonny with Pup of the Year awards presenter Shauna Lowry AN Old English sheepdog from Trowbridge beat off competition from 10,000 other pups for a chance to compete for a Pup of the Year title. Fifteen-month-old Jonny didn't bring the title back home
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School on top of its form
30054A SCHOOL in Trowbridge has been lauded as one of the best in the country. St Augustine's Catholic College has been named by Ofsted on an honours list of high-achieving schools. Headteacher Brendan Wall said: "We are delighted that the staff and students
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Pupils create a ship of coins
30057TSUNAMI AID: A BOAT load of cash has been donated by children at Staverton Primary School who raided their piggy banks to help the tsunami victims. One little boy, Sammi Zekkari, donated the £50 his parents had put aside for his eighth birthday party
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A show of solidarity
30081TSUNAMI AID: A MUSICAL event in Trowbridge featuring young performers will be held to raise funds for the victims of the Asian tsunami. Town mayor Grace Hill has launched an appeal and is asking businesses to donate prizes for a raffle and auction
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Shock as man is left battling for his life
Asa Freeman, 32AN attack on a well-known Trowbridge man has left the community shocked as he fights for his life in hospital. Asa Freeman, 32, suffered severe head injuries during an incident in Silver Street on Saturday night. The former St Augustine's
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Four charged after street attack
16413/5FOUR teenagers have appeared in court in connection with a street assault that left a Trowbridge man fighting for his life. Asa Freeman, 32, of Church Walk, is still in a critical condition in intensive care at Frenchay Hospital, Bristol, after
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Goodwin seals a move to Fairford
FAIRFORD have raided Supermarine for the second time in a week to recruit defender Matty Goodwin. After prising unsettled Dave Toomey from Hunts Copse last weekend, Goodwin has also decided to make the switch to Cinder Lane and will go some way to filling
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Pay your licence fee or face £1,000 fine, students warned
STUDENTS in Swindon are being warned that they face a whopping fine if they are caught watching TV without a licence. TV Licensing officials catch hundreds of evaders every day, who face fines of £1,000 each. Nicky Barrett, student liaison manager for
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Franz to lecture
FRANZ Ferdinand frontman Alex Kapranos, is to follow in the footsteps of Mikhail Gorbachev and Stephen Hawking. The singer will discuss Scotland's role in making music in the 21st century at The Edinburgh Lectures next month. The Glasgow band were nominated
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Swimmers splash out for pool fundraising bid
SWIMMERS dipped into their pockets to raise £8,200 for the Thamesdown Hydrotherapy Pool. To help mark its 25th anniversary in 2004, a fund was set up with the aim of raising £250,000 over five years. Events culminated in a sponsored swimathon at the pool
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Bus route extended
Thamesdown Transport is extending the route of one its bus services from Monday. Service 10 buses travelling along Okus Road will continue beyond the current terminus at Portland Avenue to St Helen's View. There will also be a new intermediate stop near
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Food for thought...
A PLAY centre will be laying on special menus to highlight National Food Intolerance Week which starts on January 24. The caf at Space Adventure, on the Isis Industrial Estate off Shrivenham Road, Swindon will have a selection of snacks for those who
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Mammoth leap back through our history
ICE Age mammoths, life in Iron Age Britain and views of the Second World War are among the topics in a new series of talks at Swindon Museum and Art Gallery. The talks, organised by the Friends of Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, start with an insight
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Shed a little light
TOWN councillors want feedback on Lechlade's Christmas lights turn-on. Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies turned on the lights last year. Councillors now want to know whether residents would like a craft market at this year's event, and whether it should
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Drive is on to get comments onA419 road plans
A REPORT on a proposed scheme for major improvements on road in Swindon has been published. The Highways Agency has released details for the A419 at Commonhead. The proposed scheme is for a flyover to separate local and through traffic at the roundabout
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Town plans celebrations
LECHLADE residents are already planning celebrations to commemorate the anniversary of the end of the Second World War in July. Town clerk Peter Godfrey said: "So many people enjoyed the jubilee celebrations that a group is being formed to plan events
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Credit union is to expand
THE PARKS and Walcot Credit Union is expanding to incorporate more areas of Swindon. The Steam Ahead Credit Union, as it will now be known, will also be available to people who work in the areas, as well as those who live there. The credit union, which
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MP wants new laws enforced
NEW powers to deal with abandoned cars, fly-tipping, fly-posting and litter must be implemented quickly, says North Swindon MP Michael Wills. Mr Wills called for the powers in the New Environmental Bill to be agreed and implemented as soon as possible
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A-type people watch out!
AN INSURANCE company has come up with a test to identify the drivers most likely to get caught by speed cameras. Flashguard says people with 'a-type' personalities are most likely to get caught. They can be identified as people who did not enjoy Christmas
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Police fail to impose penalties for fireworks
POLICE in Swindon have failed to issue a single on-the-spot fine to yobs who cause terror by hurling fireworks, new figures reveal. Officers can now impose fixed penalty notices for misuse of fireworks but in the first year since getting this power the
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The hot seat
WALCOT residents will have a choice of six candidates when they go to the polls next month. UK Independence Party, Green Party and Independent candidates, as well as the three main parties, will all contest the by-election on February 3. The by-election
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Jews shirty at 'Heil Harry'
75583-04THE Jewish community in Swindon has criticised the behaviour of Prince Harry following revelations that he wore a Nazi outfit to a fancy dress party in Wiltshire. But fancy dress shops say people are over-reacting to what is just a bit of fun.
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Get message to the police
7270896VICTIMS of low-level crime have a new way to contact their local beat bobby. Swindon police has launched a new non-emergency answer phone service in an attempt to bring officers closer to the community. By calling the number 01793 507899 residents
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Splash back!
Jayne ByfieldGET FIT FOR 05: JAYNE Byfield is determined to get back in the swim in more ways than one. Jayne, 41, wants to pluck up the courage to wear a swimming costume again and she's also hoping for some romance. These are her biggest goals as one
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Buying goods would help victims
THE best way to help the tsunami victims long term is to buy goods and farm produce from these countries to build up their industries. At the present time the European Union uses the Common Agricultural Policy to prevent these countries exporting farm
