Archive
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Hill does not need solution
GAZETTE & HERALD: A new scheme to make Monkton Hill safer for pedestrians and cyclists was given the cold shoulder by local residents and members of North Wiltshire District Council's Chippenham area committee. Wiltshire County Council has put forward
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Big carpet retailer takes on listed store
GAZETTE & HERALD: Allied Carpets has agreed to take on the former Dreams bed shop on New Road as part of extensive improvements to the area. The new letting follows the major works to in-fill the pedestrian underpasses on New Road/Marshfield Road
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Dad's marathon pots the cash
15837/3GAZETTE & HERALD: PLUCKY Luke Ryan cheered his dad Shaun on as he competed in a 12-hour pool marathon to raise money for Bristol Children's Hospital's Wallace and Gromit Grand Appeal. Ten-year-old Luke, of Palmer Street, Chippenham, suffers
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Runners put best feet forward for marathon
GAZETTE & HERALD: TINY Spencer Smart received so much love and attention at the Royal United Hospital's Newborn Intensive Care Unit his mum Linda wanted to give something back. So the fitness fanatic decided to run Sunday's London Marathon of behalf
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New battle of the barn to win community hall
15874/10GAZETTE & HERALD: Derriads Barn has been standing wasted and empty for eight years because North Wiltshire District Council has been sitting on its hands, according to Colin Booth, chairman of the barn's trustees. The barn, on Drake Crescent
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Cancer con was a callous prank
GAZETTE & HERALD: CANCER con-woman Caroline Morgan told lover Alan Owen that her baby daughter had died of meningitis. But this week the baby's father Mrs Morgan's ex-husband Ray Brooks said nine-year-old Amber was alive and kicking. Mr Brooks, who
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Side by side forever
GAZETTE & HERALD: CRASH victim Colette Holbrook scribbled I Love Nicky Gough on her bedroom wall when she was 12 years old, mourners at their funeral were told. The message was only discovered when the wallpaper was stripped off a couple of years
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Neighbour saved my precious baby
GAZETTE & HERALD: SHARON Beasley was eight months pregnant when her crazed ex-boyfriend smashed his way into her Chippenham flat and stabbed her repeatedly in the stomach. Her life was saved by plucky neighbour Mario Lymath, who heard her screams
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Pietersen suffers debut delay
Kevin Pietersen's long-awaited Hampshire debut has been delayed after he dropped out of the Frizzell County Championship Division One match against Gloucestershire at the Rose Bowl. Pietersen, who made a huge impression while playing for England in South
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McParkin!
SAM Parkin has spoken of his tremendous pride after being selected for the Scotland Future Squad to face Austria next week. The 24-year-old is one of 16 players chosen by Walter Smith as he looks to increase his options at senior international level.
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Cuddle for reptile visitor at Snapdragons Nursery
15732/1GAZETTE & HERALD: TOTS at Snapdragons Nursery had a scary surprise last Thursday when snakes and tarantula's came to visit. As part of a project on animals and mini-beasts, a ranger from Zoo Lab, a Scottish company that aims to raise awareness
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No truth in bullying allegations says council
NORTH Wiltshire District Council has said there is no ongoing investigation into allegations made in an anonymous letter that staff were being bullied. The letters were sent to Coun Carole O'Gorman and district council chairman Coun Dianne Moore, and
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Shy smile says it all
15829/2Springboard pre-school has worked wonders with timid Matthew Cross. But his place is at risk from lack of funding, as ZOE MILLS reports MATTHEW Cross is a little mouse. The four-year-old cutie is so shy he doesn't speak to anyone but his parents
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Give us a free meal or the dog gets itGive us a free meal or the dog gets it
RUTHLESS kidnappers have struck in Pewsey threatening to shoot their hostage unless their demands are met. The kidnappers, or Pewsey Dognappers as they describe themselves in a ransom note, struck at the Greyhound pub in North Street. They chose April
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Warning to 'use or lose' market
15807/04ATTEMPTS to revive the weekly market at Pewsey have been partially successful but villagers have been warned to use or lose it. For the past few months there had been only one regular stall, a Grimsby fish seller, but last Tuesday there were eight
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Save my tortoise from kitchen fire
FIREFIGHTERS not only called an ambulance to take 90-year-old Sylvia Chisman to hospital after she burned her hands trying to put out a kitchen fire, but they also rescued her tortoise. But before the pensioner would get in an ambulance to be taken to
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Big guns clash at Hardenhuish
BEDFORD boss Nick Platnauer is planning to ruin Chippenham's title challenge on Saturday to get his side back in the hunt for top spot. The Eagles appeared to have dropped out of the title race but after a good run of results are back in contention and
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Players let themselves down on Saturday
STEVE WHITE COLUMN: THEY didn't let me down but some of the players let themselves down on Saturday. For the first 60 minutes we were not at the party. Afterwards some of the players were very honest and put their hands up and admitted they did not play
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We could do with Wayne's never say die attitude for the run-in
CAPTAIN Gary Thorne feels Chippenham could do with his brother Wayne as the race for the Southern League title draws to an exciting climax. But Thorne, 28, said he was not surprised when his younger brother left Chippenham to play for Conference South
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Physio Watts has his wife to thank for U-turn
CHIPPENHAM physiotherapist Paul Watts revealed the reason why he has reversed his decision to quit Hardenhuish in the summer his wife Cynthia persuaded him to stay. Watts, who took over as Bluebirds physio in 2002 from John Lock, informed the club of
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Ron hails inspiring Bluebirds fans
ASSISTANT manager Ron Needham described the travelling Bluebirds supporters as inspiring. Despite a crushing 3-2 defeat to Aylesbury on Saturday, the 100-strong away fans applauded their players off the pitch. Needham feels their support has had a positive
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Aylesbury United 3, Chippenham Town 2
STEVE White's men are proving life at the top isn't easy after Aylesbury became the first team to complete the double over Chippenham on Saturday. A late brace from inspirational captain Gary Thorne was not enough to fend off the physical Ducks. White
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Residents invited to have a good old moan
MALMESBURY residents are being urged to put their point of view on important issues in the town to councillors at tonight's annual town meeting. Last year only one resident turned up, but this year it is hoped that issues such as the future of the town
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CCTV plan to crack crime one step nearer
UP to ten CCTV cameras could cover the streets of Malmesbury in a year's time as town councillors and community groups crack down on crime. It is hoped the scheme, which is likely to cost around £30,000, could be funded by the district and county councils
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Residents locked in a Guantanamo dispute
15843/4TWO six foot iron gates have locked Sherston residents from neighbouring estates into a bitter row about access and right of way. A footpath connects Manor Close and the new Strong's Close development, but Manor Close residents were angry to find
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Dinner lady is suspended
Dinner lady Sue Lough has been suspended at Earl Danby School in Brinkworth following allegations that she used excessive force on a seven-year-old boy with special needs. The lad's mother, Samantha Winstone, is now hoping to move her son to another school
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Small unit is 'just brilliant'
NEW parents have spoken of the excellent care they received at Devizes Maternity Unit. The unit held an open day on Saturday and people from Devizes, Pewsey, Marlborough and Trowbridge visited. The unit has been the subject of a campaign to save it after
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Firm steps in to start ball rolling
COTSWOLD Water Park Society has secured its first sponsor for the multi-million pound Cleveland Lakes project. Local motor dealer Goodman Bros is sponsoring a Subaru Forester 4x4 for the society to use for site monitoring and taking visitors to view the
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Elizabethan badge found
A TREASURE hunter stumbled across a tiny piece of Elizabethan history but didn't realise for three years. Mark Lympany, of High Street, Wootton Basset, discovered a silver badge on a farm in Castle Eaton. The piece has now been seized by the Crown and
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Rudloe are back in contention
TROWBRIDGE LEAGUE: AFTER their shock draw against The Stiffs, two wins in three days has put Rudloe Reserves back into division three title contention. Six players shared the goals in the 6-1 mid-week thrashing of Hilperton Reserves while a second half
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Robinson in a hurry as Dog and Fox blast seven
CHIPPENHAM SUNDAY LEAGUE: IT took only four minutes for Mark Robinson to start the scoring as Dog and Fox Ashley maintained second place with a 7-2 win over Sherston Town. Steve Roddy, Mark Gerrish and Robinson again made it 4-0 at the interval to the
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North Leigh 0, Pewsey Vale 0
RELEGATED Pewsey battled to an impressive draw against sixth place North Leigh on Saturday as manager Steve Wootton declared his side would finish their campaign on a high. The boss, who is stepping down in the summer, praised his struggling team's attitude
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Justin time as Miller keeps title dream alive
JUSTIN Miller scored the most timely goal of his career to keep Highworth on course for the Hellenic Premier crown. The striker pounced in stoppage time to seal a dramatic 2-1 win for the league leaders over local rivals Fairford. With closest challengers
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Clevedon 1, Biddestone 1
BIDDESTONE came just minutes away from picking up their first away win of the season much to the disbelief of manager Gary Skidmore. The manager felt lady luck was not on his side as they hit the post and had a goal disallowed as the referee blew up for
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Bridgwater 1, Melksham Town 0
MELKSHAM'S relegaton worries deepened with Monday's defeat, which came after a 2-1 defeat at home to Saltash on Saturday. Now manager Lee Burns is warning his players they need to concentrate on picking up four points from their last 15 to stay safe.
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Devizes Town 1, Keynsham 0
A DRAMATIC late winner from Nathan Perkins sent his manager Mark Godley jumping with joy on Saturday. When Perkins' drilled in from ten yards the whole Devizes bench leaped up in pure jubilation as they recorded their second straight win. Godley explained
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Getting wild about life in the garden for survey
WILTSHIRE Wildlife Trust is appealing for people to watch out for wildlife in their gardens. Nationally, the wildlife trusts have launched a joint project with the Royal Horticultural Society called Wild About Gardens to celebrate and highlight the wildlife
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Conference puts canal restoration in spotlight
The renaissance of Wiltshire's waterways will be discussed at a major conference organised by the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust on Saturday April 23. The future of the region's largest waterway project is due to come into the spotlight so supporters and
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Evans moves clear of nearest rival
CHRISTIAN Malford striker Scott Evans has the Gazette Golden Boot within his grasp after a hat-trick on Sunday moved him five clear of Somerford's Chris Yeo. The twice Chippenham Sunday League player of the year took his tally to 41 goals, scored in just
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Neighbour saved my precious baby
GAZETTE & HERALD: SHARON Beasley was eight months pregnant when her crazed ex-boyfriend smashed his way into her Chippenham flat and stabbed her repeatedly in the stomach. Her life was saved by plucky neighbour Mario Lymath, who heard her screams
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Council has windfall for planning efficiency
KENNET District Council has received £613,000 from the Government for exceeding performance targets for deciding planning applications. Last year the council dealt with 87 per cent of householder planning applications within eight weeks, against a Government
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Crime drops across Kennet
KENNET has the lowest levels of crime in Wiltshire, a survey has revealed. An audit has shown that between April 2004 and February this year in Kennet the total number of criminal offences has dropped by 9.6 per cent. This includes a reduction in criminal
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More stops for hospital bus service
BUS firm Thamesdown Transport has announced a series of changes to its bus services to the Great Western Hospital. With the opening of the Brunel Treatment Centre at the hospital site, the Hospital Express service 16 has been re-routed within the grounds
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Sexual assault
POLICE are hunting a man who subjected a young woman to a serious sexual assault. The 21-year-old Swindon woman was attacked in a passageway linking Elmina Road and Station Road. It happened between 11.30pm and midnight on April 12. The suspect is Asian
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Drug deals paid for life of luxury
GREAT WILTSHIRE DRUGS BUST: KINGPIN drug dealer Darren Mensah was not a man who was afraid of flashing his cash. Fast cars and designer clothing all complemented his luxury lifestyle. He made quite an impact on the quiet Wootton Bassett street he called
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End of a drugs empire
Mr Big - Darren MensahGREAT WILTSHIRE DRUGS BUST: A MASSIVE drugs empire has been smashed by police in one of the biggest operations ever carried out by Wiltshire officers. Now seven people, including drugs kingpin Darren Mensah, face jail after being
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Officers avert suicide bid
GAZETTE & HERALD: TWO police officers had to coax a 30-year-old Calne man out of jumping off a bridge on Monday. The mentally ill man was sitting on the edge of the Millennium Bridge over the A4 between Chippenham and Calne, threatening to jump until
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Refusal could threaten jobs
GAZETTE & HERALD: AN inquiry into North Wiltshire District Council's controversial decision to refuse permission for storing aggregate in a hangar at Yatesbury Airfield began on Tuesday. CO-AG Ltd retrospectively applied for use of Hangar 45 to stock
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Councillor had best treatment
GAZETTE & HERALD: PARISH councillor Sue Baker, who suffered a suspected heart attack on Monday, said she was amazed with the treatment she received at the Great Western Hospital in Swindon. Mrs Baker, 52, was rushed to hospital on Monday evening when
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Club's decision not to move mystifies council
15834/2GAZETTE & HERALD: CALNE Town Football Club's bombshell decision not to relocate to the Beversbrook site has left councillors gobsmacked. Club chairman Steve Walker revealed they would prefer to stay put at Bremhill, their home of more than
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Housing in the school grounds
THE governors of Lavington School have applied for planning permission to build a four-bedroom house in the school grounds as part of a scheme to widen the hazardous entrance drive. They have planning permission to demolish the existing caretaker's house
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Big Band-Aid at Nepalese school
A VISIT to poverty stricken parts of Nepal has inspired Urchfont couple Jacqui and James Monckton to try and raise funds to pay for a schoolteacher in the Himalayas by holding a charity dance. Both teachers themselves, the parents of three, of Poynings
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Town packs in bumper fun
THE summer edition of What's On in Devizes, the guide produced by Devizes Development Partnership, will be twice its usual size because of all the events taking place. Events begin in June with Devizes Festival but things really get busy in July. On July
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Free lollipop goes with job
HEADteacher David Clarke is offering a free lollipop to anyone that takes up his offer of a twice a day job at his Marlborough school. As well as a small salary, whoever accepts the job of school crossing patrol officer at St Peter's Junior School will
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Survival expert heads for town
SURVIVAL expert Ray Mears will be visiting Marlborough on Tuesday to sign copies of his new book. The 30-year-old has just completed another hugely popular television series, Ray Mears Bushcraft Survival, and he will be in Marlborough to sign copies of
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Leisure centre cost set to rise by £500,000
THE bill for the refurbishment of Devizes Leisure Centre has gone up by £500,000 after Kennet District Council decided to upgrade gas, water and electricity connections to the centre. The estimated cost of the work has vacillated wildly since it was first
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Woman disturbs jewel thief as he raids home
A WOMAN in Chirton told of her fear after she came home to find a burglar in her house. The incident took place when the woman, who does not want to be named, returned home in The Street shortly before 5pm on Thursday. She had been away from her home
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Police step up patrols following complaints
POLICE have said they will be stepping up patrols in Priory Gardens, Marlborough, after elderly neighbours complained of young people drinking alcohol and smoking cannabis. Resident Marian Harrop told the annual parish meeting that residents of the Sarsen
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Mayor called to charter account
THE Mayor of Marlborough, Graham Francis, has been challenged to answer a string of questions relating to his handling of arrangements for the town's charter celebrations. In an open letter to the mayor, copied to the Gazette, town councillor Richard
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Small unit is 'just brilliant'
NEW parents have spoken of the excellent care they received at Devizes Maternity Unit. The unit held an open day on Saturday and people from Devizes, Pewsey, Marlborough and Trowbridge visited. The unit has been the subject of a campaign to save it after
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Grandma in airlift drama
GRANDMOTHER Margaret Avis was airlifted to hospital after falling while walking on the downs at Alton Barnes. Mrs Avis, from Lockeridge, who has been in poor health for the past seven years, was with her grand-daughters, Sophie and Abbi, who are in their
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Back to class confusion
PUPILS returned to Devizes School after the Easter holidays on Tuesday to face a grilling as to why they hadn't come to school the previous day after a timetable mix-up. Parents are angry over the confusion about a teacher training day that was cancelled
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Family hides golden anniversary secret
GOLDEN wedding pair John and June Durston were delighted when their family said they were treating them to a pub meal for their anniversary. However when the pair arrived at the Horseshoe Inn at Mildenhall for Sunday lunch they were staggered to find
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We don't deserve title of neighbours from hell
FAMILIES have rallied to the support of Tony and Maureen Talbot and their son Adrian who were dubbed Neighbours from Hell in a Gazette court report last week. Mr and Mrs Talbot who have lived in the small close-knit cul-de-sac Hungerford Road in East
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Caravan theft warning
WILTSHIRE Police are urging caravan owners to be extra vigilant after a spate of thefts in the county. Since the start of the year a total of 13 caravans, valued together at £112,000 have been stolen. Most have been taken from rural locations, including
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Protest over access
Justin Webb (Batman) and Lee Tierney (Robin) in a roof-top protest Picture Ref: 76963-30CAMPAIGNERS for fathers' rights staged a roof-top protest in Swindon. Dressed as Batman and Robin, they climbed on top of a house in Rodbourne Cheney in a bid to highlight
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Widow wins fight for compensation
A WIDOW who emigrated to Australia more than 40 years ago, has won substantial damages from British Rail following the death of her husband from exposure to asbestos while working in Swindon. Rosemary Panting, who emigrated with her husband, Christopher
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It's madness
IN Swindon borough we currently have nearly 300,000m2 of empty industrial/warehouse space, over 100,000m2 of empty office space and 5,000 unbuilt (and four year overdue) houses in the Northern Development Area. To put this in perspective, this is equivalent
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All pensioners should get the same
HAVING read letters on the injustice shown to people who, having paid in a private pension scheme all their working life to be sure of a steady income, find they are now above the threshold for pension credit. Many pay more than double the amount in tax
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I'm abled, but judged too old
I WRITE in response to the article in the Evening Advertiser of April 7 concerning the introduction in 2006 of age discrimination legislation for employment. In my opinion this legislation is long overdue and, like many others, I cite my experiences focusing
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It is time for action
I feel that Coun Ray Taylor deserves a reply to his letter (letters, March 31) enquiring about the attitude of the Devizes Guardians to representation on the county council as well as on the district council. Since the district council elections of 2003
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U16s finish season as tournament champions on road trip to Dorset
Devizes U16s travelled to Swanage and Wareham on Sunday to play in a three way event and finished their season as tournament champions. In the first game, Devizes played Becchenians from Kent and ran out winners 27 -7. It took the Saddlebacks 20 minutes
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Rescind franchise
I was deeply shocked to hear of Stagecoach Swindon's plans to end the number 70 bus service. As a young adult living in Chiseldon, this service represents my only viable means of transport. In the current economic climate, given the cost of higher education
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Players return better off for a taste of France
Devizes U15s have just returned from an enjoyable and successful tour to the Toulouse region of France. The squad were based near the town of Mezin, who were excellent hosts, and a high standard rugby was played against three teams who had obviously learnt
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On road to recovery
MAY I thank all the friends and neighbours who have sent cards, gifts and good wishes to my wife, Lilian, after her recent accident. She is now home and recovering slowly. MR D ESSEX Devizes
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Boy battles it out as the best burper
GAZETTE & HERALD: CHIPPENHAM schoolboy James England could be crowned Britain's Best Burper this morning as he stars in the final battle of a children's TV show. James, 11, beat thousands into the final of Nickelodeon's competition to find the nation's
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Marlborough 7, Corsham 45
DESPITE making a number of changes, champions Corsham had enough in reserve for the basement club and concluded their league campaign with a resounding victory. They didn't have things all their own way and Marlborough's spirited performance at least
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Minety finish on very strong note
The weather was beautiful on the Marlborough Downs for Minety's last junior fixture of the season. The U7splayed a very good Marlborough team who had the best individual player on show in RJ. He looked dangerous every time he received the ball and ended
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Plenty to cheer about at town's beer festival
GAZETTE & HERALD: TICKETS are selling fast for the 14th annual Chippenham Beer Festival in just over a week's time. The banners are going up around the town and real ale fans are brushing off their tankards for encounters with such heady brews as
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Wimborne 15, Chippenham 29
CHIPPENHAM'S win secured them home ground advantage for the play off on April 30 which will determine whether they delve into the uncharted waters of South West One. Spartans (SW) look the likely visitors to Allington Field for the pivotal contest, but
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That's dizzy entertainment
GAZETTE & HERALD: Chippenham dance group That's Entertainment are polishing their dancing shoes in readiness for a colourful production called Dance Yourself Dizzy. A cast of 60 youngsters aged from five years old, and all from the Chippenham area
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Stalwart knitters are the real purls
GAZETTE & HERALD: KNITTED chicks, rabbits, snowmen and Santas have helped Springboard stalwart Val Hutchens raise more than £7,000 for pre-school funds over the last 15 years. Mrs Hutchens, 69, and her needle buddy Jean Hewer have spent hours knitting
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Tribute to village landlord
GAZETTE & HERALD: TRIBUTES have been paid to John Chester, 58, a former landlord of the Lansdowne Arms at Derry Hill, who died on April 5 after a two-and-a-half year battle with the rare lung disease primary pulmonary hypertension. He was on the waiting
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Money not a factor
I WAS pleased to read that the King's Church has put forward a proposal to redevelop Malmesbury Town Hall for use by the community, but from the reports I have read recently it appears that the Oxford Room would be turned into accommodation. The Oxford
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Candidate suspended over charity blunder
GAZETTE & HERALD: INDEPENDENT councillor Philip Alnatt has been suspended from the district council for two months for alleged irregularities in his dealings with a charity. Coun Alnatt, 55, of Lady Coventry Road, Chippenham, who is standing in the
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Queues a good thing
IT is nice to see the traffic flowing 'very slowly' with the new alterations at Curzon Street and Wood Street in Calne. It is good for me, being a retailer, as motorists can now linger at our shop fronts whilst stuck in the newly created queues. It is
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Courageous pilot always gave all to everything
GAZETTE & HERALD: TWO hand drawn pictures of her daddy by little Amelia Stead were a poignant reminder of the RAF Lyneham pilot who died in January's Hercules crash tragedy. Amelia and her sister Holly did not attend Flight Lieutenant David Stead's
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Lost relatives found
A big thank-you for printing my appeal to trace descendants of my great aunt Charlotte, nee Sparey, who used to live in Downing Street, Chippenham, and her granddaughter Paula. As a result I heard from Paula, now Mrs Champion, and I met her and her mother
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Compile a wish list
I see that the Town Hall in Marlborough is a major drain on finance. There is also a letter from Alf Game highlighting the size of the town council administration bill (letters, April 7). I wonder if now is the right time, as a new mayor is about to be
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Banned driver fined for riding mini-bike
Alexander MinaidesGAZETTE & HERALD: BANNED driver Alexander Minaides, pleaded guilty to riding a mini motorbike in Chippenham but claimed he did not know the bike was covered by his ban. Chippenham magistrates on Thursday were told he had been disqualified
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Battle for Spitalcroft lost but war not over yet
In January John Prescott published a document about planning called "Sustainable Communities: People, Places and Prosperity". In chapter 3 it reads: "We intend to put more power in the hands of local people, supported by local, regional and national government
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Archaeologists to probe town's mystery castle
GAZETTE & HERALD: ARCHAEOLOGISTS are hard at work on the Goldiggers site in Chippenham in a bid to uncover the secrets of the past but Heritage Centre manager Mike Stone says they are unlikely to find any legendary castle. Odd fragments of folklore
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Tears of sorrow replace joy
15859/10GAZETTE & HERALD: MOURNERS gathered to pay tribute to RAF Lyneham hero Chief Technician Richard Brown in the church where he was due to be married. More than 250 people were at the memorial service for the 40-year-old who was one of ten servicemen
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Council defends bus stance
15884/1GAZETTE & HERALD: COACH firm boss Adrian Hillier says it is time bus operators follow the terms of their contracts and that Wiltshire County Council puts more effort into ensuring that they do so. Mr Hillier, a partner at Foxhambased Hatts
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New business comes to town
GAZETTE & HERALD: CORSHAM residents will have the chance to pamper themselves at a luxury beauty salon planned for the town. Sarah-Jane Warn, 32, is launching the business on Pickwick Road and hopes to open in two weeks time. The salon, to be called
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New hope for low cost homes
GAZETTE & HERALD: THIRTY-SIX low cost homes could be built at Pockeredge Farm, Corsham, if councillors agree to donate the remaining £800,000 needed for the site. Members have recommended to commit the outstanding amount and the final decision could
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Pushchair appeal for sick girl's dream trip
GAZETTE & HERALD: DESPERATE mum Joanne Simpkins is appealing for help to raise money now her daughter has been offered a trip to Florida to swim with dolphins in May. Danielle, eight, has Rett's Syndrome, a complex neurological disorder which means
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Explorer's daughter close to Polar record
GAZETTE & HERALD: YOUNG adventurer Alicia Hempleman-Adams is poised to bag her first world record after 16 days trekking across the Arctic. The 15-year-old left on her expedition to the North Pole on March 30, following in the footsteps of her record-breaking
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Kebabs still on sale
15873/8GAZETTE & HERALD: A FAST food outlet which has been trading without planning permission for three weeks could be closed down. The High Street takeaway, Corsham Kebab and Pizza Shop, was described by town councillors as detrimental to the town's
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Food firm's £6 million plans may create jobs
Allan CaudwellGAZETTE & HERALD: Eighty new jobs could be created in Corsham if Hygrade Foods' extension plans receive planning permission. Hygrade Foods Ltd, on Edinburgh Way, Leafield Industrial Estate, wants to build a £6 million extension to its
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Council planning gain
NORTH Wiltshire District Council has once again been rewarded for its outstanding performance in planning with a £700,000 Government grant. The funding was allocated to North Wiltshire as part of the Planning Delivery Grant. The announcement was made
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Council defends bus stance
15884/1COACH firm boss Adrian Hillier says it is time bus operators follow the terms of their contracts and that Wiltshire County Council puts more effort into ensuring that they do so. Mr Hillier, a partner at Foxhambased Hatts Coaches, near Chippenham
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Down Under challenge
15814/5FIRE officer Mervyn Hampshire is seeking sponsors so that he can take part in a nine-day charity ride and trek in Australia to raise money for the Fire Services National Benevolent Fund. Father-of-two Mr Hampshire is the senior officer for Pewsey's
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Bluebirds' disgust after stormy clash
CHIPPENHAM Town officials were left appalled by the behaviour of Aylesbury United's directors, manager and fans after a stormy clash in Buckinghamshire on Saturday. Chairman Sandie Webb said: "It was the most intimidating game I've been to. I thought
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Big carpet retailer takes on listed store
Allied Carpets has agreed to take on the former Dreams bed shop on New Road as part of extensive improvements to the area. The new letting follows the major works to in-fill the pedestrian underpasses on New Road/Marshfield Road and to restore the railway
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Five-home plan leads to outcry
Furious residents in Malmesbury say a proposed application to build five terraced houses in a conservation area is gross overdevelopment. Mark Rodgers, who has lived in the town for 28 years, wants to build the houses on an acre of land at Kings Wall
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Runners put best feet forward for marathon
Runners from around the Malmesbury area have pledged to raise thousands of pounds when they compete in Sunday's London Marathon. Fifty-one-year-old mother, Janise Walker, who works for French engineering company De Fontaine UK, is running in her first
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Council has to reclaim wages from employee
Accounting errors at Malmesbury Town Council have been described as embarrassing and unprofessional by councillor Martin Snell. A part-time employee who left his job last month was paid in error for roughly four extra days, although the sum is now being
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School gives food for thought
15863/1AN experimental school meals menu that's more expensive but relies less on processed foods has passed the taste test with young diners. Sherston Primary School became the first in the county to offer the new enhanced lunch menu this week, following
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D-Day veteran tackles burglar
D-DAY hero Dennis Mason, 87, has been praised by Malmesbury police for his bravery in tackling a cowardly burglar. The war veteran, whose regiment led the British invasion of Normandy in the Second World War, surprised the man by swiftly grabbing him
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Sisters delighted at lottery jackpot
76934/282Two Malmesbury sisters have scooped £392,536 each as part of a syndicate, which won £9.42 million on the National Lottery. The lucky pair, 40-year-old Tracy Pell, from White Lion Park and 56-year-old Jill Curtis, from Bremilham Road, won the
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Hundred jobs in store for town
MORE than 100 jobs will be created in Swindon with the opening of a new house-building and renovating centre. That's the claim of BuildStore, which is opening a self-build and home improvement centre in the town in spring next year. It is aimed at people
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Rotary to holdtreasure hunt
Hundreds of treasure hunters from across the county will be descending on a field near Hackpen Hill to help raise money for local charity. Next Sunday, April 24, around 400 people armed with metal detectors and clad in wellies will take part in a mass
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Discussion on many key issues due at meeting
Wootton Bassett Town Council will tonight decide on future town projects including the provision of youth shelters, the sale of the Civic Centre and the modernisation of the Old Court play area. Other recommendations include using solar panels to light
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High hopes for a joint rugby and sports club
Ballard's Ash could become the new sporting centre of Wootton Bassett if relocation talks for both the rugby and football club are successful. A massive rise in club members has forced Wootton Bassett RFC and the Sports Association which includes the
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Mother's illness spurs ironman to triple test
IRONMAN Graham Moates is in a race against time to complete a gruelling charity triple challenge in time to return home to celebrate his mother's 60th birthday. Mr Moates, 35, of Brynard's Hill, Wootton Bassett, is raising money for Cancer Research after
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Mid Wilts Youth League
MID WILTS YOUTH LEAGUE: UNBEATEN Chippenham Town Youth U17 have booked their place in the League Cup final after running out comfortable winners at home to Marlborough Town. After a close first half Chippenham took a narrow 1-0 lead. The second half saw
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Combe lose unbeaten record to Westlecott
WILTSHIRE LEAGUE: CASTLE Combe, looking to go through the season undefeated in Wilts Junior Division Two, finally met their match when they were beaten 6-1 on their own ground by Westlecott United. A delighted Westlecott manager James Lovell said: "It
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Corsham Town 3, Torrington 0
MANAGER Colin Bush has set his sights on second place in the Screwfix Premier after a crushing victory over strugglers Torrington on Saturday. The Wiltshire side are just four points behind second place Frome, who lost 1-0 at Devizes on Tuesday night,
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Saltash 0, Calne Town 4
CALNE refused to drop out of the title race with an impressive win at Saltash on Sunday. Manager Kelvin Highmore has told his players not to concentrate on league tables and to put everything into winning all of Calne's three remaining matches. He said
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Calne Town 3, Biddestone 0
CALNE'S promotion hunt stayed on course with a hard fought derby win over Biddestone on Tuesday night. The victory came as Calne came under fire from town councillors for their decision not to relocate to a new ground at Beversbrook. Club chairman Steve
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M4 cameras will save lives, not make money
SETTING up speed traps on the M4 is not about milking motorists of their hard-earned cash but saving their lives, it was claimed yesterday. The decision by the Wiltshire and Swindon Safety Camera Partnership to begin targeting speeding traffic on the
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Sun is shining as Town Rise up table
A NEW kit has brought new fortune for Devizes Town but boss Mark Godley says three his team's wins on the trot is nothing to do with what they are wearing. The Screwfix Premier Division outfit began the month at the wrong end of the table but three wins
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Windfall for area recycling
KENNET District Council has been awarded £5,000 for promoting recycling. The money has come from the Waste Resources Action Programme . It will be used to provide leaflets to promote the council's new kerbside collection schemes. Currently 8,780 properties
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Apology for the rubbish mix-up
SWINDON Council has said sorry for giving the wrong information to residents about refuse collection days. As we reported in Tuesday's paper, right, the reorganised rubbish and recycling bin service has been in chaos since it was launched on Monday, April
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Police appeal for witnesses to vicious assault
A PENHILL man who is fighting for his life may have been battered around the head with a piece of wood. The 45-year-old man is currently in a critical condition at the Great Western Hospital. He is awaiting transfer to a specialist neurological unit for
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A dream comes true for Michael
Michael Flatman who will be the Liverpool FC mascot on Saturday Picture Ref: 76949-48SOCCER fan Michael Flatman is to live out a dream this weekend when he acts as mascot on the pitch with his Premiership football heroes. Michael, 10, who lives in Swindon
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Hotline is helping to keep our town safe
THE Evening Advertiser joined forces with police to launch a telephone hotline enabling people to report suspected drug dealers. In the past few years there has been a huge influx of drugs into Swindon and police in the area have increased their operations
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Neighbours in ignorance of gang boss's shady activities
New Road, Wootton BassettGREAT WILTSHIRE DRUGS BUST: EVEN though some residents had their suspicions, it was not until the police raided his house in New Road, Wootton Bassett, that they found out for sure that Mensah was a major drug dealer. Neighbours
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Ecstacy and cannabis dealer gets jail warning
GAZETTE & HERALD: DRUG dealer Deborah Anderson has been warned she could go to jail after admitting selling ecstasy and cannabis. The 35-year-old, of Anchor Road, Calne, pleaded guilty to supplying ecstasy over a seven-and-a-half month period, when
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Community partnership wants to know about your life
GAZETTE & HERALD: ASPECTS of life in Calne are being discussed by the community area partnership, which is urging everyone with an opinion on the town to get in touch. They want to know everything from the town's main landmarks, focal points, best
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Taxi driver sexually assaulted passenger
GAZETTE & HERALD: TAXI driver William Potter was put on the sex offenders register this week after a court heard how he groped a 20-year-old customer. Potter, a married man of Bluebell Grove, Calne, pleaded guilty to sexual assault at Chippenham magistrates
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Police alert as youths play on factory roof
12941/1GAZETTE & HERALD: TEN parents received formal letters from Calne police this week after their children were seen on the roof of a two-storey building. A group of 20 young people, aged between 11 and 16, were spotted climbing on the derelict
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1940s swing for wartime lovers
SARSEN Housing Association is on the hunt for couples who met during the Second World War to be guests of honour at a tea dance to mark Sarsen's tenth birthday as well as the 60th anniversary of VE Day. The tea dance will be held on May 5 from 2pm to
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Gallery to host international annual wood engraving exhibition
Wine Street Gallery in Devizes is to host the annual exhibition of the Society of Wood Engravers. This is the first time that the exhibition, which opens on Saturday, has come to Wiltshire. It attracts entries from all over the world and the successful
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WI's fury at tree damage
THE Devizes Townswomen's Guild has condemned Wessex Water for damaging the roots of a tree planted by one of its former chairmen. The water company damaged the roots of a lime tree when its workers dug a trench on The Green as they were making the final
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Blaze alert at sheltered homes
A CIGARETTE left burning in a bedroom has been blamed for a minor blaze that broke out at Stamford House sheltered flats in Sheep Street, Devizes, on Monday. Firefighters from Devizes, Melksham, Calne and Trowbridge were alerted shortly before 8am but
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Dad drove while over drink limit
DESPERATE dad Noel Quinlan was caught drink driving while on his way to see his young son. Quinlan, 37, had travelled from County Tipperary in Eire to see his five-year-old son who lives in Devizes with his mother, Quinlan's ex-wife. He told Devizes Magistrates
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Runners put best feet forward for marathon
THE list of local runners hoping to raise cash for good causes by taking part in the London Marathon on Sunday continues to grow. Last week the Gazette highlighted the Rev Chris Tebbutt, who is running the marathon for Christian communities in the Sudan
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Clay shoot raises £2,000
GRAFTON School recently held a very successful inaugural clay shoot at Wilton Water which helped to raise more than £2,000 towards an extension for the school. A total of 108 people of all levels shot in the individual competition and 90 guns took part
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158 homes as battle of allotments is now lost
OBJECTORS to a proposed housing development on the former allotments at Spitalcroft in London Road have vowed to continue their fight to retain the area as a green lung for the town. But both Kennet District Council and Devizes Town Council have accepted
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Historic wall must be rebuilt
TOWN councillors in Marlborough have said if an historic wall claimed to be in poor condition has to be reduced in height, it must be rebuilt straight away. The owners of the former Kingsbury Hill House School and grounds, Michael and Judith Innes-Williams
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Sexiest specs champion
STUDENT Stephanie Clarke, 19, from Poulshot, near Devizes, was named runner-up in the regional semi-final of Specsavers Opticians' annual modelling competition, Sexiest Specs Wearer 2005. Stephanie, a former pupil of Lavington School and St Augustine's
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Dress fits in beautifully with the royal wedding
15830/05THE proprietor of a specialist shop for the fuller figure in Devizes has come to the aid of one of the guests at the wedding of Camilla Parker-Bowles and Prince Charles. Christine Cooper, who owns Rubenesque in Bath Road, said that a member of
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Mother and daughter find their dream pub
MOTHER and daughter Gill and Sara Currie found their dream pub after going on Channel 4 property programme Relocation, Relocation. The pair had almost given up hope of finding a suitable property after months of searching but the programme makers came
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Tiredness may have led to death of teenager
DRUGS, tiredness or exhaust fumes could all singly or in combination have contributed to the death of popular teenager Chris Eastland last July, an inquest heard yesterday. Chris, a member of Marlborough Venture Scouts, died instantly a week before his
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Slimming champ's benefit scam
Charlotte TaylorMUM Charlotte Taylor says she intends to clear her name after she was convicted of housing benefit fraud. A distraught Taylor, 29, of Haywards Place, Easterton, fears the conviction will lead to her losing her job as a consultant with
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Teen discos begin in style
THE first in a series of police-backed discos for teenagers in Marlborough was a huge success on Tuesday. More than 100 youngsters aged 13 to 16 attended the Bluez 'n' Zuz disco at the Azuza nightclub in Hughenden Yard, off the High Street. Club owners
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Battle to save bus service
BUS users say they are reluctant to accept assurances that the Marlborough-Swindon number 70 bus service is not going to be cut. Three weeks ago the Gazette revealed that Stagecoach bosses were planning to slash the service, which is Marlborough's only
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Chestnut tree avenue at college gets the chop
15866/8THE western approach to Marlborough will be changed forever by the felling of the avenue of horse chestnut trees along the main road. On Monday Marlborough town councillors were asked to give their approval to a planning application for the trees
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Bikers are urged to be safer
MOTORCYCLISTS can pick up useful tips on riding safety at a free event by Wiltshire Police this year. Bike Safe is an annual event which invites motorcyclists from across the county for a practical riding assessment in a bid to improve motorcycle safety
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Toddlers to hold their own mini-marathon
YOUNGSTERS at a nursery in Swindon will be celebrating the London Marathon in their own way next week. The children at the Jigsaw Day Nursery, off Pipers Way, will mark the day by carrying out their own sponsored fun run around the nursery garden. The
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Support service offered for men
MEN are being encouraged to attend a free support service at the Health Hydro in Milton Road. The Man at Well Woman Centre offers up to six one-hour sessions with a volunteer support worker. The support worker will listen to the clients' concerns about
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Boss set to feed hungry
Bob Hayward, who wants to set up a food bank in Swindon for people in crisis Picture Ref: 76964-95ENTREPRENEUR Bob Hayward is so shocked by poverty in Swindon that he plans to open a food bank. The charity will provide food for needy families who suddenly
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Age Concern urges you to claim your benefits
AGE Concern Swindon has launched its annual campaign to encourage older people to boost their income by claiming the benefits they are entitled to. Called Your Rights Week, it urges older people to combat the steep increases in water rates, council tax
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Bail for teenager charged with raping male cousins
A SIXTEEN-year-old boy charged with raping two of his younger male cousins has been bailed to appear at Swindon Crown Court on April 26. The Swindon teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, faces an increased number of charges to those put to
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Two men in court for GBH
Rhana Miah was dragged 165 yards by carTWO more men have appeared in court accused of assaulting a father-of-nine who was dragged along the road behind his brother's stolen taxi. Matthew Gane and Mark Gordon are both charged with taking part in an attack
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Second child gives evidence in sex abuse case
A SECOND teenage boy has told a jury he was sexually abused by 44-year-old Nationwide worker Craig Taylor. The youngster said he was still 15 years old and muddled about his sexuality when Taylor carried out the indecent assaults on him. His evidence
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Speed is new drink driving
PC Neil Turner focusses on catching M4 speeders Picture Ref: 76961-25PEOPLE have the same attitude towards speeding as they used to have towards drink driving. But it is no longer acceptable. That was the message from former South Swindon MP Julia Drown
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what is the future for coate water?
A jogger runs round Coate Water Picture Ref: 13396-16COATE Water Country Park will be turned into a "glorified duck pond" if developers get their way, it is claimed. Green groups have reacted with fury to the latest plans for the area. Yesterday, the
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Tears shed for young soldier
Drummer Dave Harvey's colleagues from the Royal Gloucestershire Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment bear his coffin during his funeral at Whitworth Road Cemetery Picture Ref: 76967-295THREE rifle volleys rang through the air as the Army saluted a courageous
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Plain sailing as restored lock opens for boats
The first boat to go through Chaddington Lock for 100 years, rowed by Chaloner Chute with passengers Oliver and Doreen Darby Picture Ref: 76958-48 FOR the first time in more than 100 years, a boat has passed through Chaddington Lock, near Wootton Bassett
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War is failing
KEITH Ratcliffe argues (EA April 12) that heroin addicts should be sent to Afghanistan because that is where the drug is grown. I am beginning to believe that some correspondents are more interested in thinking up bizarre and perverted punishments for
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Stop smoking
FURTHER to my letter regarding the Link Centre, which helps to promote the health of the citizens of Swindon, and smoking being allowed in the bar I thought that readers would be interested in the following facts. The latest research into the results
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Recycling should be applauded
I REFER to the letter from R Fisher of Wroughton (Apr 7) stating that recycling is a waste of money. I could not disagree more. Recycling has become an essential process. Recycling is not cheap but neither is landfill and the money the council is spending
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Minis make maximum impact
TEAMS from Wales, Gloucester and the West Country flocked to Chippenham rugby club for the annual mini rugby festival on Sunday. More than 1,000 players and parents gathered at Allington Field to compete in tournaments ranging through the U7 to U12 age
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Officers avert suicide bid
GAZETTE & HERALD: TWO police officers had to coax a 30-year-old Calne man out of jumping off a bridge on Monday. The mentally ill man was sitting on the edge of the Millennium Bridge over the A4 between Chippenham and Calne, threatening to jump until
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Calne 8, Swindon 2nd 0
ONE of last season's favourites for relegation, Calne found themselves finishing this campaign in a lofty third place after this home win and Supermarine's timely destruction of Westbury. Despite being high on confidence, thanks to the unexpected win
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Drifters 0, Swindon 65
Swindon were crowned champions after an impressive win at third- placed Drifters. Eleven tries, including a hat trick for skipper Paul Wakefield, ensured the league title and dashed any hopes Drifters had of a play-off place. Hooker Scott Chapman opened
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Hot pants alert after knickers theft
GAZETTE & HERALD: A 44-YEAR-OLD woman in Lyneham has been left knickerless after returning home to discover her underwear had been stolen from her bedroom. Police said the woman has had £100 of underwear taken after an intruder got in through a dog
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Wootton Bassett 20, Bournemouth 16
Wootton Bassett narrowly lost to the league leaders in the championship decider on Saturday at Stoneover Lane. In a game that Bassett really needed to win to secure a play-off spot, it was the visitors that opened the scoring after 10 minutes when their
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Wales U18 15, England U18 21
ON SATURDAY three Wiltshire lads achieved what has proved an incredibly rare feat this season, silencing the Welsh. Bath flanker Fraser Clilverd and srum-half Sam Alford teamed with Bristol Academy full back-cum-centre Karl Brant in the England U18 team
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Devizes 11, Tadley 19
IF EVIDENCE was needed that rugby is not an exact science, Devizes could be presented as exhibit A. Dave O'Sullivan's side has suffered from acute schizophrenia all season and, after thrashing Tadley in their earlier fixture and beating promotion contenders
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A successful day
ON behalf of DASH2 I would like to congratulate the staff at Devizes Maternity Unit on their successful open day held on April 9. It was encouraging to see so many members of the community support this award-winning unit and for everyone to have an opportunity
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What an great game
I FELT I had to write after reading your detailed story of Chippenham Town Football Club's epic win against Swindon Town Football Club at the County Ground for the Wilts Premier Shield. I went to watch this match and I have never watched such a thrilling
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Must keep museum
IN recent years you have devoted many column inches to the future of Malmesbury Town Hall but a common feature of the two most recent proposals is the downgrading or demise of the Athelstan Museum. There is already in North Wiltshire an excellent museum
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'Chippenjam' in line for prize
Is 'Chippenjam' going for the prize for most traffic lights in one town award? Why are there now two sets of lights on the Western Arches? Surely the new pedestrian operated ones on their own would do. Talking to a bus driver just after they were re-connected
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10 Downing Street is up for sale
GAZETTE & HERALD: TONY Blair, Michael Howard or Charles Kennedy could buy their way into 10 Downing Street during this general election because the Chippenham version is up for sale. The famous address of the serving Prime Minister also happens to
