Archive
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Swindon close in
Although still favourites to take the Division 1 title of the Swindon Indoor Cricket League after an 18-run defeat of Asians 2nd, Swindon cannot relax as close rivals Wootton Bassett and Civil Service remain in hot pursuit. Liam Tucker, with 31 not out
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Homes crammed in says town council
TOWN councillors have objected to plans to build 12-homes in Highworth. The application to build the properties on land off Oak Drive was criticised by the council's planning committee. Coun Sara Freeman, who chairs the committee, said: "We felt there
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Anderson into national finals
WENDY ANDERSON has qualified for two national indoor finals due to be staged in Nottingham at the end of the month. The Westlecot bowler, pictured, has reached the last 16 stage in the English Women's Indoor Bowling Association Championships in the Champion
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Golden Graham
GRAHAM HATHERALL is through to the final stages in the Champion of Champions competition. The Westlecot bowler booked his place in the last 16 at Warners, Hayling Island, on March 19/20, with success in the West Regional Area 1 play-offs. In the regional
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Developers turn to town printers
SWINDON'S Europrint has been commissioned to produce sales brochures for new homes at College Farm in Ashbury. The homes are being sold by Bower Mapson and managing director Peter Mapson said: "Europrint has an empathy and ability to grasp the nettle
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House is shot at
The living room window of a house in Wootton Bassett was smashed by a pellet. Sergeant Andy Fortune, of the town's police, said: "It looks like somebody was firing an airgun, and we'd like to know who it was." The incident happened on Monday, January
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A day of intense grief for families
Final respects are paid before the bodies of 10 British troopsTHE bodies of 10 servicemen killed when an RAF Hercules crashed into the Iraq desert arrived home in RAF Lyneham today. Princess Anne and Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon, who both visited Lyneham
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Don't shoot the Messengers
Ref. 75967-20MELINDA Messenger's kid brother has been caught up in the unrest gripping Nepal. Paragliding champion Jamie, 27, the brother of the former supermodel and TV presenter is in the Himalayas teaching Ghurkhas the extreme sport as part of morale-boosting
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Homes plan on youth club site
Ref. 75833-9CHILDREN in Toothill could lose their youth club because the council wants to build houses there. Last week we reported the club feared it might lose its premises, but no explanation had been given by Swindon Council. The Toothill Junior Youth
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Patients left waiting in ambulances
PATIENTS have been left waiting in the back of ambulances outside the Great Western Hospital because there have been no spare beds for them. Paul Gates, director of operations at Wiltshire Ambulance Trust, said it placed the hospital on Red Alert yesterday
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Colourful Boris has dinner date
ANYONE who easily takes offence should steer clear of the Steam Museum next week as Boris Johnson pays a visit to Swindon. The controversial MP and Spectator editor will speak at the annual dinner of the North and South Swindon Conservatives at the museum
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Last post for old building
Ref. 75968-82THE regeneration of Swindon town centre has started. The demolition of the former post office and sorting office on Fleming Way marks the start of a series of projects to improve the town centre. The New Swindon Company wants to see shops
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A day of intense grief for families
Final respects are paid before the bodies of 10 British troopsTHE bodies of 10 servicemen killed when an RAF Hercules crashed into the Iraq desert arrived home in RAF Lyneham today. Princess Anne and Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon, who both visited Lyneham
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"I feared robbers had killed my brother"
Rhana MiahPolice have released four men on bail after a father of nine was left with serious head injuries when he tried to stop a car being stolen in Faringdon Road. And they are investigating whether the incident is connected to an assault on another
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Town squander lead against derby rivals
WOMEN'S FOOTBALL: SWINDON Town Ladies squandered a first-half lead as they went down 3-1 against derby rivals Reading in the South West Combination League Town took the lead on 15 minutes, Kim Reeves flicking on Jodie Steenaart's goal kick to send Laura
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Queenstown crash to their first defeat
SWINDON & DISTRICT: QUEENSTOWN not only lost their first game of the season, but were also dethroned by opponents Ramsbury in a top-of-the-table clash in Division One. Ramsbury won 4-3, their winner coming from an own goal. Pete Wheeler, Jason LeGuilcher
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Two Robs on target
Faringdon Town maintained their strong position in Division One with a 2-1 victory over Saxton Rovers, thanks to goals from youngsters Robbie Harrington and Robert Owen (penalty). In Division 2, second-placed Coleshill United ran up a 5-0 success over
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Half term hi-jinks
CHILDREN will have a range of activities to chose from during half-term at Swindon's Designer Outlet Village. Free activities have been planned between February 14 and 18, including Valentine's workshops where children can learn to make scented paper
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Vacancy on council could soon be filled
A VACANCY on Wootton Bassett town council could be filled this week. Following the resignation of Peter Orton, an insufficient number of requests for a by-election were received, and the town council will now fill the vacancy by co-option. Councillors
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Ex-rugby skipper is guest speaker
A FORMER England rugby captain will be the guest speaker at the launch of a new initiative for Swindon's older residents. Phil De Glanville will be speaking at the event, organised by Swindon Council's Lifestyle Development team, on February 15. The aim
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Recycling papers go up in smoke
FIREFIGHTERS attended a fire in a skip containing newspapers for recycling. The incident happened at the rear of the One Stop in Toothill Village Centre. Firefighters from Westlea fire station needed two hoses to extinguish the fire, which happened at
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Golf club is venue for the Mayor's ball
THIS year's Wootton Bassett Mayor's Charity Ball is to be held at the Wiltshire Golf and Country Club on Saturday, March 19. Proceeds will go to the Arthritis Research Campaign, which is the Mayor's nominated charity. The event includes a three-course
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Typhoon to sweep into the air tattoo
THIS year's Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in July will see a full display from the RAF's new Typhoon jet. It will be the first time an RAF pilot has demonstrated the capabilities of the state-of-the-art aircraft at the world's largest
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Patients' watchdog has clout to resolve issues
The Great Western Hospital Patient and Public Involvement Forum will meet on Wednesday, February 16. The forum is independent of the hospital and meets in public every two months. At the start of the meeting in Room G44 at New College, Queens Drive, at
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Dig in and help
THE public are invited to help plant about 2,000 trees in Purton Wood on March 5. The event, which starts at 10am, is being organised by the Great Western Community Forest which covers 168sq miles, including Lechlade, Wootton Bassett and Faringdon. Over
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Scouts bring in charities' cash
PURTON and Lydiard Scout Troop has raised £250 for two charities. The troop took part in a fundraising event to support the Purton branch of the Royal British Legion and Children In Need in November. They had non-uniform night, collected coins in Smartie
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Man attacked after row in kebab shop
A NIGHT on the town ended with a special trip to hospital for a Highworth drinker. The 29-year-old man was ordering food in a kebab house in Swindon Road when trouble flared. Sergeant Max Sharman, of Highworth Police, said: "He was followed into the shop
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Mayor soon to be chosen
WOOTTON Bassett's next mayor could be decided at Thursday's meeting of the town council. In previous years the nominations for mayor and deputy mayors elect have taken place at the council's February meeting. The council will be urged to consider choosing
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Toy library hits road
A TOY library will be relaunched later this month in Penhill and Pinehurst. The Play, Learn And Return Toy Library has a new van to allow it to visit groups to lend books and educational toys to underprivileged children. The service will begin on Monday
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New rules to hit licences
PUB and club owners are being urged not to rush into licence applications, under new laws, until they have found out what it could mean for their business. The call comes as new licensing laws transferring responsibility for issuing licences from magistrates
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House is shot at
The living room window of a house in Wootton Bassett was smashed by a pellet. Sergeant Andy Fortune, of the town's police, said: "It looks like somebody was firing an airgun, and we'd like to know who it was." The incident happened on Monday, January
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Set sights on design for festival
ORGANISERS of the Old Town Festival have launched a hunt to find a design for the front cover of this year's programme. As well as laying out the timetable of events, sales of programmes also raise funds for the festival committee. This year's festival
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Learn key skills
PEOPLE have the chance to learn computer skills at new sessions run by a library. The sessions are being held on Tuesday mornings at Rodbourne Cheney Library. A spokesman said it was a chance for people to find out about the benefits of using computers
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A spring in their steps
Ref. 75963-46A VILLAGE in Africa has fresh water thanks to the children of Swindon's Hreod Parkway School. The youngsters raised £2,000 for a well to be built in the Ugandan village of Gavu. There had been no clean water there before. The money was raised
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Tell us now, not later
THE publication of a controversial report on forced labour and migrant exploitation in Britain is to be delayed until after the next general election. The Geneva based International Labour Organisation and the British Trades Union Congress jointly commissioned
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Little humour
In reply to Rebbeca Wolf. If she had read my letter re her leaking tap with just a little humour, she would realise it was a gibe against inept council bureaucracy... Tongue in cheek stuff. So I hope she will have a cup of tea ready for the council plumber
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Cut waste to keep taxes low
I WAS quite surprised to see Kevin Small, having a go at Frank Avenell. The activities of Frank, are for most people's benefit, not his own. I also suspect Frank perhaps has a larger following than Kevin Small. Waste is the key problem, it has to be addressed
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Loan star Holmes set for England
LEE Holmes says his successful stint at Swindon will stand him in good stead when he steps into the international spotlight tomorrow. The left-winger is expected to start for England under 19s in their friendly clash with Belgium at the Regenboogstadion
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On your marks for town's run
HIGHWORTH residents are being urged to start practising for the town's annual run. Hundreds of athletes are expected to pound the streets on Sunday, April 24. Runners of all abilities over 16 are invited to take part. Power-walkers and fundraisers in
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White to change it
STEVE White will rotate his resources again for the Southern League Cup visit of Tiverton tonight. With Chippenham leading the way in the Premier Division, a league and cup double is a distinct possibility but White will still put his faith in fringe
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Bankrupts on the rise
THE number of people declaring themselves bankrupt continues to rise. The Department of Constitutional Affairs reports that 353 people declared themselves bankrupt in Wiltshire in 2004 27 per cent more than the 279 in 2003. In November bankruptcies in
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Law firm expands
CHARLES Lucas & Marshall solicitors have opened a new Swindon office. Business has grown by 20 per cent in the past two years, attributed to development in specialised areas. The firm has moved into offices on the ground floor of Eastcote House in
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Cheers! Basepoint Business Centre is up and running
Ref. 75886-27SWINDON'S newest business centre is off the ground and beginning to fill up. And the operation has even attracted interest from as far afield as Japan. The £3.6 million Basepoint centre in Westmead has 96 units for up and coming businesses
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Recycling firm gets green light
Jeremy FreethA RECYCLING firm says it now has the green light to expand its operation. Thamesdown Recycling, which is based in Cricklade, was established in 1984 by Jeremy Freeth, who launched a service collecting glass for local councils. Since then
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11 on the trot for Westbrook
Under 15 Division 1 leaders Westbrook made it 11 straight wins in the league with a 9-1 win at Eastville Boys. The prolific Matthew Hobbs scored twice, Shaun Harris also got two, with one apiece for Dominic Juggins, Alex Kinloch, Lee Hobbis, Dan Dodson
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KO Cup woe for Ferndale
There were some tight and entertaining games at Ferndale on Sunday as eight sides battled it out for a place in the last four of the KO Cup. The first match needed extra time to decide matters and it saw a surprise as Ferndale Rodbourne lost their first
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Last warning on vandalised loos
A TOILET block which has been repeatedly vandalised could close forever if it is damaged again. Swindon Council has warned that it will keep the Cavendish Square toilets shut if there is any more trouble. The toilets are expected to re-open within the
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Malmesbury lose record to Blades
Supermarine 2nd inflicted a first defeat on Dorset & Wilts Division 2 North leaders Malmesbury as they ran out 22-12 winners. Supermarine fielded a stronger forward unit than their defeat earlier in the season, and that proved key. Set scrums were
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Can you help cook up a treat for pensioners?
Ref. 75961-119A COOK is needed to help prepare hearty meals for pensioners. Food and Friends Lunch Club, which runs each Monday at Freshbrook Community Centre, celebrates its third anniversary this week. But the pensioners all from West Swindon will be
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Bassett lose out to Swans in semi
A gallant Wootton Bassett First Reserve team side went down 37-7 at the hands of their Swanage & Wareham counterparts in a hard-fought Dorset & Wilts 2nd XV Vase encounter. The home side were deserving victors and Bassett's only points came from
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Williamson puts boot into Salisbury
A PATCHED-UP Chippenham clinched a 31-23 victory over Salisbury in Saturday's South West Division 2 East match. The injury list was added to during the warm-up when No 8 Hamish Morton had to be treated after a clash of heads. Despite this, Chippenham
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South Wilts lads steal the honours in cup final
WOOTTON Bassett went down 14-0 to Salisbury in Sunday's rousing Wiltshire Under 15 Cup Final at Stoneover Lane. From the first whistle, the match was fiercely contested as each team tried to exert an advantage over the other. Continued pressure from the
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Crockett's treble booster
Chippenham Ladies defeated previously unbeaten St Mary's Old Boys 17-0 in a top-of-the-table South West 3 match on Sunday. The game was dominated by the home side but St Mary's organised defence held them at bay. Sam Morgan eventually put Harriet Crockett
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Cozens grabs consolation
SWINDON Under 14s slipped to a 29-5 victory against their Abingdon counterparts. The Oxfordshire side immediately put Swindon under pressure, and only fierce tackling from Mike Thompson and Luke Guest kept the score down in the early stages. Abingdon
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Angus, Guy see double
SUPERMARINE Under 12s defeated their flu-stricken Minety counterparts 35-25. Minety were left with only seven players but were bolsterd by some players from Supermarine. It proved to be a stirring game, with Angus Neate and Guy Devose grabbing two tries
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Keeper blow for the Pirates
The top two teams in the Intermach Conference met, with both teams coming away with a point following a 2-2 draw. Dunbar Pirates took the lead through Steve Wilkinson and held on to lead at half-time. Pirates went 2-0 up from a Steve Wilkinson penalty
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Shear delight for Wanderers
IT was celebration time in West Swindon as the Wanderers, bottom of Division 8, gained their first point of the season at the 14th attempt with a 1-1 draw at home to Stratton United. Scorer of the all-important goal was Alex Shearman. Matt Wanless had
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Football fun days
COMMUNITY Soccer will be staging another of their highly successful soccer fun days during school half-term. The three day event, open to both boys and girls between the ages of five and 13 years, takes place at Gerrard Buxton Sports Ground, Rylands Way
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Convincing Calne go into the semis
MID WILTS YOUTH & DISTRICT MINORS: Calne Town cruised into the semi-finals of the Under 12 League Cup with a convincing 6-1 win over Chippenham Town Youth. Doubles from Jake Gleed and Josh Archer along with goals from Mike Coulson and Jamie Crichton
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Far from a Gray day for Jenny
GIRL'S FOOTBALL: JENNY Gray struck a hat-trick to help Swindon Spitfires Under 12s to an 8-0 win against Highworth Juniors in the Wiltshire County Women and Girls league. Her treble strike saw her fourth goal in as many games. Gray struck her first on
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Plough turn over the Bar
CHIPPENHAM & DISTRICT SUNDAY LEAGUE: AN improving Plough side inflicted a first league defeat of the season for Division Four leaders Bar OC and improved their own chances of promotion. Two goals from Dave Thomas, including a 20-yard volley were enough
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On song in town
COCKNEY Duo Chas and Dave will make their second appearance in Swindon this year when they play at The Casbah on May 26. The pair, pictured, appeared at the Wyvern Theatre last month when the first half of their show was an unplugged series of reminiscences
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In tune for a job?
A pre-school music group, launched in Swindon eight months ago is looking for class leaders. Music Bugs holds sessions in Old Town, Abbey Meads and Wootton Bassett. Founder Claire Bennett said: "Experience with pre-school children is a must, plus a good
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Your views wanted
A HEALTH forum wants your views on dental services in Swindon. Swindon PPI Forum will be meeting in Room G48 at New College on Thursday, February 17. The meeting will start at 10am and chairman John Markey is hoping for a good attendance. For more information
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Bandstand has a big appeal to public
AN APPEAL to preserve the Victorian bandstand in the Old Town gardens has raised £500 in only 10 days. The Pipers Way Residents' Association needs £20,000 for urgent repairs. Around 3,000 leaflets asking for help went with the association's latest newsletter
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Church to move
CHURCHGOERS in Wroughton are reminded that Sunday morning services normally held at Swan Christian Centre, in Bakers Road, will now be held in the Ellendune Community Centre. This is due to the growth of the congregation.
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Violence is on the rise according to refuge
SWINDON'S refuge for victims of domestic violence has reported an increase in the number of admissions. New figures show that 188 women and 243 children were admitted during 2003/04. That's a 12 per cent rise on the previous year's figures of 167 women
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Ten cars are targeted on the same street
SMASH-and-grab car raiders are targeting Gorse Hill. Motorists are being warned to be vigilant and the police are appealing for help in catching the culprits. Ten vehicles were hit in the early hours on Sunday morning. All the cars that were raided were
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Police to get tough on egg-throwers
Ref. 75969-118POLICE are warning egg-throwing louts that they could cause serious injury. Officers have spoken out after a 75-year-old Kent man was hit in the eye. The pensioner has been told he is likely to lose his sight. Police say the craze is an
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House raided after tip-off
POLICE have swooped on a house in Emlyn Square in the Railway Village they claim was being used as a crack den. Officers used new powers to issue a temporary closure notice on the property, which means only tenants are allowed to enter the premises. Ten
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Mum's pleas for help answered
Ref. 75949-09THERE is light at the end of the tunnel for a mother who pleaded with Swindon Council for help looking after her autistic son. Karen Turner, 35, was desperate to find a place in a residential school for her eight-year-old son Allen, whose
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Rocket into library fun
Youngsters can build space rockets and read stories by torchlight at Wiltshire libraries next week. Wiltshire County Council has organised a range of events offering fun and excitement for everyone over the half-term break. They include arts and craft
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New cycle route under discussion
CYCLISTS could soon be able to ride from Highworth to Swindon without going near a busy road. Highworth Town Council is backing calls for a cycle route along the disused railway line. A letter of support has been sent to Swindon Council. And the authority's
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New nature exhibition weaves a web of magic
Ref. 75928-02SWINDON'S nature has moved indoors for a new exhibition at the town's Museum and Art Gallery, in Bath Road. Nature For All opened this week and aims to give people a better understanding of the nature that surrounds them in the Swindon area
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Pupils trained as bullying monitors
Ref. 75903-44A SWINDON school has launched a new scheme to tackle the playground bullies. Toothill Primary School, in Stokesay Drive, has introduced a buddy system which gives youngsters the chance to approach one of the trained fellow pupils with any
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Movie moan at Swindon
CAN anyone explain why the film Merchant of Venice, released December 04, has not been shown on Swindon's screens. With 19 screens it seems odd. Do the cinema chiefs believe Shakespeare would be over our heads? Saying that, the plot does allude to sex
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Different site could slash costs
ONE fact that has not really been brought out in the Record Office debate is that the Chippenham site is likely to cost Wiltshire County council tax payers over £5 million pounds more than a site in Trowbridge. The Heritage Lottery Fund rejected the Chippenham
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Council did not listen to voters
COUN Kevin Small's letter of February 5 demonstrates his lack of understanding of basic economics and the reciprocal relationship between state and citizen. Government does not create wealth but relies on its income generation through taxation. Anybody
