Archive
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Job security
GRANT Smith readily admits his sparkling form is partly fuelled by a desire to ensure the mortgage payments will continue to be met beyond May. The Scotsman, pictured celebrating with Sam Parkin, is one of several players out of contract at the end of
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Village waits for its fallen heroes
Master Engineer Gary NicholsonLOVED ones of those who died in the Hercules crash in Iraq are expecting to hear today when the bodies of the victims will return home. The Ministry of Defence is due to announce today when they will fly back to RAF Lyneham
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Drivers safe as car hits barrier
75940-74MOTORISTS had a miraculous escape when a car ploughed into the central barrier of the M4. Traffic ground to a halt after a white Citroen crashed between junctions 16 and 17 shortly after 9.30am on Saturday. The car was being driven by a woman
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Swindon closing in on title after home victory
SWINDON took a huge stride towards the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Premier Division title with a 22-8 win over their nearest rivals Chipping Norton at Greenbridge Road. The four-try victory, which moved them four points clear at the summit, means that the
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Hutchings' brace boosts Bassett
Wootton Bassett kept up the pressure on Southern Counties South leaders Frome with a 33-12 victory over Trowbridge. They were ahead when winger Nick Warren kicked the ball through and French second row Flo Vialan bulldozed over from the resulting maul
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Bath International Puppet Festival - Theatre Royal
MARCH 25 APRIL 2 2005, BATH: The Bath International Puppet Festival returns this Easter with its now familiarly eclectic programme, showcasing the talents of some of the best adult puppeteers in Europe. This year's theme sees the Festival dedicate an
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Cricklade warm up with
Cricklade Town warmed up for next week's Wilts Senior Cup clash with Highworth by beating visitors Shrewton Reserves 5-1, thanks to a rousing second-half display. The home side started well and were soon a goal up but United came back into the game and
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Colbourne keeps the pressure on
Corsham continue to breath down the neck of the Screwfix Premier leaders after a 1-0 win over Welton. Toby Colbourne's stunning 74th-minute volley proved the difference. Wiltshire rivals Melksham crashed to an embarrassing 10-0 home defeat to champions
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An off day for Dyton
ALAN Dyton was left feeling hard done by again after three red cards ultimately condemned his Shrivenham side to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Headington. Shrivenham looked set to stay in touch with the leaders thanks to Tate Hulbert's first-half goal
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Knox nicks point
HIGHWORTH'S title hopes took another knock as they were held to a 1-1 draw at Wantage. It could have been worse for John Fisher's men but for Richard Knox's late wonder goal. The home side edged the first half and took the lead on the stroke of half-time
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Youngsters dress up to boost charity fund
YOUNGSTERS at a Swindon infants' school put their hands in their pockets to raise money for aid organisation Unicef. Covingham Park Infant School staged a non-uniform day on Friday and all of its 148 children took part. The youngsters, aged from four
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Champers for a local hero
QUICK-thinking bank clerk Julie Jones has been hailed a hero after stopping a elderly woman being ripped of by cowboy builders. Julie, 46, who works at the Wootton Bassett branch of Lloyds TSB and lives in the town has been given the accolade of local
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Hats off to a new crime-beating initiative
A CAMPAIGN has been launched to stop youngsters intimidating traders by wearing helmets, hoods and caps in shops. The joint initiative between Wiltshire Police and the council's crime and disorder team is being piloted in east Swindon. Posters will be
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Father jailed in net porn scoop
A FATHER-OF-FOUR has been jailed for two years after he was caught with thousands of images of child pornography on his computers. Nicholas Spence had also stored the pictures he had downloaded from the internet on CD Rom discs found at his Park South
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Lost postbag collected after MP intervenes
A MUM whose son found a postbag containing letters and parcels dumped in the street says Royal Mail only collected it after she got her local MP involved. The Advertiser reported on Thursday how Jackie Roberts, 37, a child minder who is five months pregnant
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I won't leave gran's house
A BRINKWORTH man who has two weeks to find a new home after being evicted by his aunt and uncle says the only way he will leave is if he is dragged out. Alan Selwood, 37, who is severely dyslexic has lived at Home Farm, which was owned by his grandparents
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Two arrests for A419 road rage
TWO men have been arrested in connection with a road rage incident in Swindon. The arrests, in Hampshire, follow an attack on a chauffeur's £25,000 Peugeot 607. It is alleged a baseball bat was used to smash up the bumper and bonnet of Murray Corfield's
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Joy riders ram listed building
A homeowner is toting up the damage after a stolen car ploughed into the study of his listed building. The Vauxhall Cavalier was stolen from outside a home in Pound Close, Lyneham, early on Saturday morning. Traffic police from Swindon, who provide weekend
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CD raises cash
COPIES of a CD featuring Swindon's Christ Church choir have made more than £3,500 profit to go towards repair costs. So far, around 650 copies have been sold. Christ Church's Director of Music Tim Eyles, pictured, said: "We only needed to sell 350 of
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Frocks donated
KATE Winslet, and Zara Phillips have donated dresses to raise money for the Asian tsunami appeal. Princess Anne's daughter has given the Moschino frock she wore to the premiere of Seabiscuit and Winslet a strapless Ben de Lisi gown she wore at the New
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Join the festival
PEOPLE interested in this year's Mela Festival are invited to a brainstorming session tomorrow. The meeting, to be held at the Civic Offices, is open to all. Jobs include managing the community stage, fashion shows and fundraising. The meeting will be
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Teachers to visit
TEACHERS from Italy and Finland are to visit a Swindon school tomorrow to exchange ideas on education. Two teachers from Kajaani, in Finland and two from Osimo, in Italy, will be visiting Grange Junior, in Stratton, to talk to the children about their
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Children invited to enter contest
SCHOOLKIDS are being encouraged to think about the environment by designing a colourful poster. Cartridge World, which has a store in Faringdon Road, Swindon, will give three children with the best posters a digital camera. The winners' schools will also
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Thriller on top
MICHAEL Jackson's Thriller, pictured, has been voted Britain's favourite pop video of all time. The accolade comes as Jackson faces trial in Santa Barbara, California, on child molestation charges. The 1983 creation, which sees the singer turn into a
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Ex-mayor talks
FORMER Swindon mayor Derek Benfield is to give a talk this week about his year in office. Coun Benfield, who held the office in 2003/4, will address the Swindon Society on Wednesday at the Broad Green Centre in Salisbury Street. Non-members are welcome
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Opportunity to give blood
THE National Blood Service is holding donor sessions across Swindon this week. The first will take place at the Premier Club in Ermin Street, Stratton, tomorrow from 1.15pm to 3.25pm and then from 4.30pm to 7pm. Further sessions will be held at the Evangelical
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Volunteers branch out for charity
A CYCLE path has been given a make-over by hardworking volunteers during a workday organised by the environmental charity Sustrans. The Chiseldon to Marlborough cycle path now has 110 new trees and hawthorn bushes, thanks to the 20 volunteers who took
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Fine not fair, says landlord
A LANDLORD fined for letting his tenants live in filthy conditions claims he was treated unfairly by the council. David Gibney, of Okus Road, who has rented out a house in Ashford Road for years, says he was in the process of selling the flats and had
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Dates with faith
COPIES of a multi-faith calendar are still available to buy from Swindon Council. As well as highlighting many of the important festival dates, the calendar priced £5.75 features notes about each event. Anyone wanting six or more can obtain copies for
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Art of Islam revealed
A LECTURE in the highlights of Islamic art will take place at the University of Bath's Oakfield site on Wednesday. June Ward will present Islamic Art From The Alhambra To The Taj Mahal on February 9 from 5.30pm. June is a lecturer for the National Association
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Record-breaker ready for next challenge
FORMER SAS man Mike Buss has another target in his sights. The ironman intends to break 100 world records. So far he's about a quarter of the way there. Later this month he hopes to complete a 24-hour non-stop run on a treadmill. And if that isn't difficult
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Drivers safe as car hits barrier
MOTORISTS had a miraculous escape when a car ploughed into the central barrier of the M4. Traffic ground to a halt after a white Citroen crashed between junctions 16 and 17 shortly after 9.30am on Saturday. The car was being driven by a woman from the
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Roads are ruled by speeders are
MOST drivers admit to regularly breaking the speed limit, according to a new survey. Now, the RAC which carried out the study claims the country is in the grip of a speeding epidemic. According to the report out today, 55 per cent of drivers admit regularly
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100 people in mass street brawl
POLICE in Swindon were diverted from the town to tackle a mass street brawl 30-miles away. Around 100 young people were involved in the fight in Malmesbury on Saturday night. Police in Swindon are normally needed to maintain order in the town centre at
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Agency woes
I WRITE in response to the letter from Stella Archer entitled "What a waste." I, too, have had problems with employment agencies. I registered with 12 agencies, not all in Swindon, and, like her son, was told that they would call. Many times I had to
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You may go up a tax band
HOW many readers, particularly the retired, are aware that all properties in England (and Scotland) are about to be revalued for council tax? The Government has decreed all homes will be revalued on the estimated market value as at April 1, 2005. The
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Tindall on his way to Gloucester
BATH and England centre Mike Tindall has signed a three-year contract with West Country rivals Gloucester. The 26-year-old centre will join up with the Kingsholm club in the summer after his contract at the Rec finishes. Gloucester director of rugby Nigel
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Beer ceremony at Mere!
Three bricklayers performed an unusual, but highly appropriate, ceremony at the site of a demolished pub in Mere, Wiltshire. The 'ground wetting' ceremony, which took place on the site of the former Walnut Tree Inn was performed by bricklayers Wayne Linham
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Mayor joins party
THE Mayor of Swindon, Peter Stoddart, will attend the launch party of car repair company Mr Clutch on Thursday. The firm has relocated its Swindon branch from the Elgin industrial estate to the Equity Trade Centre in Holby Drive. A number of local businesses
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Thanks for your help says prince
Ref. 75927-02 Maureen Harvey welcomes Swindon mayor Peter Stoddart to BSS HouseThe Prince of Wales sent a special message to Swindon's BSS House in Cheney Manor to celebrate the centre's 20th anniversary. The Prince, who has given countless small businesses
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Sheer Indulgence in South West England
South West England is set to become the new destination for people looking for an indulgent holiday experience. A new website www.indulgesouthwest.co.uk launches today highlighting the region's top 100 'sheer indulgence' holiday and short break experiences
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Village waits for its fallen heroes
Master Engineer Gary NicholsonLOVED ones of those who died in the Hercules crash in Iraq are expecting to hear today when the bodies of the victims will return home. The Ministry of Defence is due to announce today when they will fly back to RAF Lyneham
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Brits date for Billie and Chris
BILLIE Piper is the most fantastic person in the world, according to estranged husband Chris Evans. But the former DJ and TV presenter, who will host this week's Brit Awards, says he does not want Swindon-born Billie back even though he still loves her
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Our train fares among dearest in the country
TRAIN passengers in Swindon have faced some of the highest fare increases in the country since privatisation in 1995. First Great Western, which runs services from Swindon to London and the South West, has put up its single fares by 70 per cent in the
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Hollywood treatment for Lydiard
John WilmotSEX, scandal and debauchery the steamy history of a member of the Lydiard Mansion family will be laid bare in a film starring heartthrob Johnny Depp. In The Libertine, Depp plays the notorious 17th century erotic poet John Wilmot, the second
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Superbowl pub serves dream American food
A SWINDON pub served up a slice of American pie to its customers last night to mark the Superbowl. The American Superbowl, which is the biggest event in the US sporting calendar, has been screened at The Windmill pub in Freshbrook for the past six years
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Golf clubs stolen in break-in
Cashier Brenda Bathe surveys the break-in sceneA BURGLARY at a Swindon golf course is thought to be the work of young vandals. Thugs smashed their way into a cabin on the grounds of the council-owned Moredon Par Three course in Akers Way and stole 48
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Blaze drama at schools' sports tournament
75952-09A SCHOOLS' sports tournament could have ended in tragedy when a van burst into flames close to a crowded football pitch. Parents watched in horror as a plume of thick toxic smoke rose from the car park of Greendown School yesterday. Firefighters
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Thugs stone passengers on packed bus
POLICE are hunting thugs who hurled a missile at a crowded bus leaving two women with facial injuries. The stone hit one woman in the face and showered a grandmother with glass. It was thrown with such force that it smashed through a window on one side
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Sam seals a win
CHIPPENHAM consolidated their place at the top of the Premier Division with a 10th away win of the campaign. The Bluebirds remain three-points clear of Bedford after a 2-0 win at Grantham. Steve White's team took a sixth-minute lead after weathering some
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Demolition derby
Supermarine players answered Mark Collier's midweek rallying cry with a convincing derby triumph against Oxford City. In truth Marine ran out much more comfortable winners than the scoreline suggested and the win proved most valuable as Marine's closest
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Don't be victim to scam artists
A LIST of the top ten cons has been issued at the launch of Scam Awareness Month. Trading standards officers in Swindon have joined forces with the Office of Fair Trading to launch the campaign, which aims to make consumers more wary of potential pitfalls
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Teammates at loggerheads over Superbowl
THESE North American basketball stars are at loggerheads as their teams prepare for tomorrow's Superbowl clash. The Philadelphia Eagles take on the New England Patriots in what is American football's equivalent of the World Cup. Richard Moses, Sean Kent
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Where postmen fear to tread...
THE owner of an aggressive border collie, which has terrorised postmen in Moredon, has decided to get rid of his pet. Residents in Manor Crescent say they are being held to ransom because the Royal Mail had stopped all deliveries to the street to protect
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'I do' has become the thing to do
AN institution once in decline is making a steady recovery especially in Swindon. For the second year running, numbers of marriages in England and Wales have increased. In 2003 the overall increase across the country was 4.7 per cent but in Swindon 15
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Four staff are sacked by Tesco
TESCO has confirmed that it has sacked four workers caught in a theft racket. In November the Advertiser reported that 10 staff from the Tesco Extra Ocotal Way store had been suspended after an alleged cash fiddle was discovered. Police were called in
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Council tax set for a shake-up
SWINDON is one of the few south west towns expected to escape soaring bills caused by an overhaul of council tax, new research has shown. The lower than average house price increases in the town will mean homeowners are not expected to be presented with
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Kevin's on a mercy mission
THE winner of Swindon's mini Big Brother contest has visited Wroughton Airfield to see how the money he helped raise is being spent. Kevin Harrington came out on top in the charity Big Bruvva at the Swiss Chalet pub. The fundraiser, which saw ten people
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Information for parents
PARENTS of children with learning difficulties can find out about services available to them through a series of events starting this week. The Swindon Parent Partnership Service is holding a Supporting Parents Information Network event tomorrow at The
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Enjoy wine, pizza and girly fun
A GIRLS' night out is planned next month to raise cash for pensioners. An Ann Summers party will be held at Pizza Express restaurant in Old Town, Swindon, on Wednesday, March 16. There will also be make-up demonstrations and reflexology taster sessions
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Centuries old mystery solved
Ref. 29511-1 Sarah Finch-Crisp at Lydiard MansionNEW research has linked work which transformed Lydiard Mansion to Palladian revival architect Roger Morris. The identity of the architect behind the building's transformation in the 18th century had long
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Bands craze catches hold
Ref. 75936-04ANTI-RACISM wristbands supported by Arsenal striker Thierry Henry have become the must-have fashion accessory for youngsters. In Swindon, the Nike Factory Store at the Great Western Designer Outlet Village sold out within days of the bands
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Can you help the rangers?
Ref. 75937-04Wildlife rangers need volunteers to take part in a series of conservation days this month. They need green-fingered volunteers to give up their spare time on weekdays and weekends to carry out improvement work in parks and nature reserves
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Wiltshire art at exhibition
PEOPLE can explore the rich diversity of artwork across Wiltshire at an exhibition. The Wiltshire Heritage Museum, in Devizes, has a selection of 70 paintings, drawings and prints. Some of the pictures date back to the 17th century. The exhibition runs
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Last chance is given to addict
YOUNG thug Karl Telfer has been given a last chance by a judge after failing on a drug treatment and testing order. The 20-year-old, who dragged a woman along the road by her handbag, has been told he will face a jail term if he doesn't stay on the straight
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Chance to keep pets safe
THE North Wiltshire RSPCA branch is holding a micro-chipping event for cats and dogs this Saturday at Wesley Hall, Christ Church, in Marlborough, between 1pm and 3pm. For £12.50 a tiny capsule with the pet's name and address will be inserted under the
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It's the plight of the iguana
Ref. 75959-03An iguana being looked after at a Swindon animal haven needs a new home. The 2ft male called Draco is the most exotic creature living at the Swindon and District Animal Haven in Wootton Bassett. But John Warwick, who runs the haven. believes
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Troops home
ON behalf of Swindon Stop The War Coalition I would like to offer our deepest sympathy to the families, friends and comrades of those killed in the Hercules crash. Their deaths bring to 85 the number of British service personnel killed in Iraq. At a public
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Staff praised
AFTER the bad press that the nursing profession has received of late, I felt I must write about the exemplary treatment I received at the Great Western Hospital recently. I was allocated to Teal Ward after an operation and the staff were unstinting in
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Remembering
WE are now remembering the terrible atrocity of war, and what happened at Auschwitz and other camps in Germany and Poland. I would like to remind historians that there was another terrible act which carried out in the Far East. it happened on the Burma
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Spotlight on eating disorders
EATING Disorders Awareness Week 2005 runs from February 6-12 with the theme Getting Better. To promote Eating Disorders Awareness, Kemble House, next to the church, in Kemble, Gloucester, will host Open House on Friday, February 11, from 11am to 1pm and
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We must object while we can
There are 18,000 new houses planned for Swindon between now and 2016, plus an additional 24,000 homes between 2016 and 2026. This adds up to 42,000 houses to be built in and around Swindon over the next 21 years. It does not take a mathematical genius
