Archive
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FOOTBALL: Bluebirds draw Banbury again
CHIPPENHAM Town will resume FA Cup hostilities with Zamaretto League rivals Banbury United after being paired with the Oxfordshire side in the first qualifying round of the 2010-11 competition. Adie Mings' men defeated Banbury 3-2 in a Hardenhuish Park
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Review: Be My Baby, Wootton Bassett Theatre
A powerful production of Amanda Whittington’s drama enthralled the first night audience at the theatre behind the Red Lion on Monday. The accomplished cast, aged from 12 to 16, benefits from professional direction. Sarah Ryan, Kerrie Scarff, Gemma
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Review: Rocky Horror Show, Hippodrome
The Rocky Horror Show limped to Bristol this week, weighed down by a tired bag of nostalgia. This show, as much as it is fun and outrageous, is dated. One only needed to look at the audience of middle-aged women in fishnet stockings and wigs
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Review: Losing the Plot, Swindon Arts Centre
Adrian Peace’s brilliant portrayal of Alan Bestle, an enthusiastic, absent-minded eccentric, was central to the mayhem of muddled identities in Ian Masters’ comedy, performed by the Western Players last week. Alan, a failed accountant, fantasises about
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Review: Much Ado About Nothing, Hazelbury Manor
Shakespeare Live’s 21st – and last – open air production in the magnificent grounds at Hazelbury Manor near Box is a merry romp. The antics, which revolve around two sets of lovers, had the audience in stitches at times, and often adding their own “
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Tip-off leads to drugs haul in Calne
Police are highlighting the importance of the Crimestoppers hotline after a tip-off led them to a man growing cannabis in his greenhouse. Last Saturday officers searched a house near Abberd Way in Calne where they found 12 cannabis plants. They
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Review: The Perfect Wife Roadshow, The Pound, Corsham
It was camp as a row of tents but The Perfect Wife Roadshow had a packed audience in stitches as the sorry tale of a wife who describes herself as a ‘seven-year bitch’, is told through song and dance. The audience interaction throughout the show was
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Tickets for JLS gig at Westonbirt sell like hot cakes
Tickets to see top pop quartet JLS at Westonbirt Arboretum next weekend have sold out, but there is still a chance to see two top acts at the venue. JLS will be making fans scream on July 16 but tickets were snapped up within days to see the X-Factor
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Medal for Calne care home stalward
Care worker Mike Harry has received a prestigious award from the British branch of the world’s oldest order of chivalry, the Sovereign Order of Malta. Mr Harry, a handyman at Marden Court in Calne, received his bronze medal for dedication, enthusiasm
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Cricklade looks blooming beautiful
Hard-working people in Cricklade are busily preparing for the arrival of judges from Britain in Bloom. expectations are high in the town that won the gold award for the best small town in the UK in 2008 and for the last five years has claimed the gold
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Wootton Bassett's fun day is a winner
The second Midsummer Mayhem family fun day at Wootton Bassett’s Learning Curve Day Nursery proved a big hit with parents and children on Saturday. The event, which included bouncy castles, trampolines, stalls, vintage fire engines and tractor rides,
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Wootton Bassett School to get a makeover
Building work is planned at Longleaze School in Wootton Bassett over the summer break. The work will improve accessibility around the building and result in changing the positions of some doors. A new accessible toilet will also be created. To make
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Ready to rough it
A former soldier and two friends will trek nearly 150 miles decked out in full Army gear to raise money for Help for Heroes. Warren Abbotts, 43, who served in the Army for four years, will be joined by his brother Mark and friend Jason West as they embark
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Purl of an idea in Corsham for Poppy Day
One hundred women joined forces last week to knit 2,000 poppies to sell for this year’s Remembrance Day. Corsham Knitting Group members plan to sell the poppies for £2 each from October to raise funds for the Royal British Legion, which next year celebrates
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Tree cheers for Corsham walkers
Nature enthusiasts gathered in Corsham on Sunday for a walk of the town exploring the wide variety of tree species in the area. The one-hour guided tour by Coun Nicholas Keyworth is the latest in a series of town walks organised by Corsham Town Council
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Heritage group backs Corsham plan
English Heritage has dealt a blow to opponents of the planned extension to Corsham’s historic almshouses by saying that it does not have any objections to the idea. Campaigners from the Corsham Civic Society, who rustled up a 1,000-strong petition against
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Mini monks in Malmesbury take flight
Children recreated the moment Eilmer the monk attempted man’s first flight from the roof of Malmesbury Abbey on Saturday. Models of the monk were made and decorated at the Athelstan Museum before being launched from a scaffold tower near the abbey.
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Support for those in business around Malmesbury
Firms around Malmesbury have been boosted by the launch of a new business club. Last month the first meeting of the North Wiltshire Business Club took place at the Rose and Crown pub in Lea. Organiser Sarah Coutts said: “We knew the Wilts Business Club
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CRICKET: Corsham's Tom blasts new record
CORSHAM batsman Tom Hankins is celebrating after smashing the biggest individual score in the history of the West of England Premier League last weekend. The 28 year old shattered the previous record with a towering 293 from just 145 balls, 44 runs more
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Bowood hotel and spa opens its doors to day visitors
The attractions at Bowood Hotel and Spa in Derry Hill have been extended this year, with the unveiling of the new Tower Spa suite. The suite, which has been designed by Lady Lansdowne, has the highest vantage point of the hotel on the fourth floor of
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Rower is an inspiration to Calne students
Atlantic rower Debra Searle inspired students at St Margaret’s School with tales of her adventures when she presented the awards at their annual prize giving. Ms Searle, the youngest trustee of the Duke of Edinburgh awards, told how she crossed the ocean
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Addicts arrested in Calne park
Two men from Calne were arrested when they were caught hiding in bushes preparing to inject themselves with heroin. PC Hans Monahan and PCSOs Barry Mussard and Shelly Gray made the discovery at 2pm on Tuesday last week while on foot patrol in Castlefields
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Chippenham man injured by masked raiders
A 21-year-old Chippenham man was left with a black and swollen eye after two men broke into his house and assaulted him during the early hours of Monday. The victim was at home with his girlfriend in Little Englands when the men smashed their way through
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Urchfont builder cleared of sex abuse charges
A jury took less than an hour today to clear a man of repeatedly sexually abusing a girl starting when she was nine years old. Melvin Riggs faced eight charges of indecent assault and one of gross indecency with a child. But after a
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Chippenham club night's Dynamite
Rapper Ms Dynamite wowed a 700-strong crowd at Karma nightclub in Chippenham on Saturday. The double Brit award winner and three-times MOBO winner took to the upstairs stage for a one-and-a-half hour set, with hits including It Takes More and Dy-na-mi-tee
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Patrols stepped up in Chippenham after vandalism attacks
Police have stepped up patrols in Chippenham following a spate of criminal damage. Eight incidents have so far been reported and officers are appealing for witnesses. The damage has involved bricks and stones being knocked off garden walls, pillars,
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Volunteers grow local school link in Chippenham
A group of employees from the national charity Shaw Trust will be helping to build a vegetable garden for youngsters at St Nicholas School in Chippenham on Friday. The nine workers will be volunteering as part of National Employee Volunteer Day and will
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Yatton Keynell go to war over golf course scheme
Villagers are expected to turn out in force to fight proposals for an 18-hole golf course in Yatton Keynell at a planning appeal, which continues today. More than 50 people attended the start of the appeal in June, but the hearing was adjourned after
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Savernake Hospital beds shut
Health chiefs have shut half of the 24 beds on Savernake Hospital’s only in-patient ward, blaming low morale among nursing staff. NHS Wiltshire said the reduction in beds to 12 on the Ailesbury Unit would be for three months only while it carries out
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On marks for a corking festival at Marlborough
The Marlborough jazz festival becomes even more international this year with a definite “down under” influence with the community of Marlborough in New Zealand being represented for the first time. Although there will be no performers from the antipodes
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ATHLETICS: Brothers' games aim
TWO Potterne teenagers have their sights set on competing in next year's Special Olympics World Games after being invited to train with the England squad. Brothers Liam and Wesley Henry, who live in Potterne Wick, received their call-up after impressing
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Your memories ... of grammar school life
This week we have a look at the still controversial question of grammar or other selective schools. This picture of staff at Devizes Grammar School was taken in the late 1940s. It was sent in some time ago by Marie Hutton, nee Barlow, who was at Devizes
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Legacy of Cold War
From the late 1940s to the fall of communist Russia, Britain was at war. To the general public much of it was imaginary, but the Cold War was real nonetheless. With lines of hostility drawn with Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher on one side and Soviet
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Yvonne Hargreaves
Community minded Yvonne Hargreaves, 88, died in Salisbury District Hospital on Saturday after a long illness. She and her husband David were well known in Market Lavington and Poulshot. Mrs Hargreaves was brought up in London and served with the WAAF
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Alex Block
One of Marlborough’s great characters, shopkeeper Alex Block, who drove a James Bond-style Aston Martin DB6 well into her nineties, has died in a nursing home at the age of 99. Mrs Block was given the Christian name Olivia but was always known as Alex
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Jane McNair
Jane McNair, who died of cancer aged 46, will be remembered as a loving wife, mother and dedicated primary school teacher. Mrs McNair was born in Devizes but spent most of her childhood in Wales before returning to Devizes with parents, Bill and Joyce
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John Young
Former African tobacco and tea grower and broker John Young, who spend 60 years of his life in the former Rhodesia before retiring to Marlborough, has died at the age of 82. Mr Young lived with his wife, Jo, at The Green in Marlborough since returning
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FUTSAL: Chippenham ready for Grand Finale
CHIPPENHAM Futsal Club’s fairytale debut season in the FA Futsal League comes to a head this weekend when they take a shot at the national title, in the 2010 Grand Finals. After finishing second in the Midlands division, Chippenham will be one of six
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CHIPPENHAM TOWN: Bluebirds hopefuls will get their chance
ADIE Mings will run the rule over a host of hopefuls when Chippenham Town kick-off their pre-season friendlies next week. The Bluebirds held their first training session on Thursday and the Chippenham manager has eight triallists on board, all looking
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BARBURY HORSE TRIALS: Barbury trials have that real star quality
TOP equestrian names are due to be out in force at the 2010 Barbury International Horse Trials, which were getting underway today. A total of 575 horses from 18 countries are in action over the next four days in the St James’s Place Wealth Management-backed
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Drowning not waving - the lighter side of family life
I’m lying inside a container about six foot by six foot, trying not to lean against its sloping walls and waiting for the blood to come back to my left leg. The container is made of canvas, and is often referred to as a tent. But there are tents and
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Keeping older people on the move in Wiltshire
NHS Wiltshire is encouraging older people to stay active to prevent falls. The latest figures show that more than 2,000 people in the county aged over 75 were admitted to hospital following a fall and more than 500 people aged over 65 fractured their
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You could go to prison, Wiltshire fly tippers warned
People who fly tip in Wiltshire could face a £50,000 fine or six months in prison. The warning has come from Wiltshire Council, which said this week it was determined to crack down on the problem. Last year there were 1,439 fly tipping incidents in
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Wags steal the show at Heddington
Wags of the doggie tail variety proved a showstopper at Home Farm when enthusiasts flocked to the annual Heddington and Stockley Steam Rally at the weekend. Crowds turned out again to see some of the usual and more unusual attractions that helped to
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MOTORCYCLING: Frustration for Tommy
Tommy Bridewell couldn’t wait to see the back of MCE Insurance British Superbike round six after torrential rain and gale force winds ruined race-day at Knockhill. The 21-year-old from Etchilhampton opted to pull in to the pits with less than a third
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Sherston prepares for fun-packed carnival
Sherston is gearing up for the 25th anniversary of its famous Boules Carnival, which has grown from a 16 team affair into a 128-team marathon surrounded by a week of activities and events. Since it started in 1986 as a small tournament in the
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Cool wheels from Devizes just can't be licked
Students at Lavington School devised unusual methods of transport to get to their end of year prom. About 120 Year 11 students, almost all the year group, attended the prom held at Leigh Park Hotel in Bradford on Avon on Friday evening.
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CRICKET: Dennett tosts super show
CORSHAM captain Pete Dennett hailed his side’s 171-run victory over Taunton Deane on Saturday as “incredible”. The hosts won the toss, choosing to bat first, with Tom Hankins leading the charge with an astonishing knock of 293. The Corsham batsman
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CRICKET: Potterne brothers shine in family affair
IT was a real family affair for Potterne as Zimbabwean brothers Dylan and Ryan Higgins smashed Graham Gaiger’s side to a 58-run victory over Trowbridge on Saturday. Opener Dylan led the charge with 87 while Ryan added 66, as the visitors posted a competitive
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CRICKET: Gibbens eyes the big prize for Goatacre
Craig Gibbens is braced for an exciting run-in to the Wiltshire Division title race after watching his side take revenge for their only defeat this season. Goatacre leapfrogged their second-placed west Wiltshire rivals with the 55-run triumph
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CRICKET: Chippenham are beaten as Ponter fires leaders' effort
Downend skipper Michael Ponter put the skids under Chippenham as the Bristol visitors got home by two wickets at Hardenhuish Park. Ponter took four wickets as Chippenham were restricted to 211-7 in their 50-over innings. And the Premier Two leaders
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CRICKET: Biddestone are in the mix
TITLE-CHASERS Biddestone kept the heat on Glos/Wilts Division leaders Gloucester City Winget with a 29-run victory over Hatherley & Reddings on Saturday. After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Biddestone’s Nick Cape hit 73 from 80 balls.
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CRICKET: Marshfield are rocked
MARSHFIELD remain in the Glos/Wilts Division relegation zone after a 105-run loss to Rockhampton on Saturday. The hosts won the toss and chose to bat first, with Matthew Belbin hitting 61 from 52 balls. William Tyler made 59 and Jack Spence made 59
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CRICKET: Bassett can't Wing it
STRUGGLING Wootton Bassett suffered their seventh defeat of the season at the hands of league leaders Gloucester City Winget on Saturday. The hosts batted first after winning the toss, with Scott Montgomery and Lloyd Griffiths hitting 81 and 68 respectively
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CRICKET: New skipper at Calne after Great Bedwyn defeat
CHRIS Downham has handed the mantle of Calne captain over to batsman Dan Knight, follwing his side’s 33-run loss to Great Bedwyn on Saturday. “We’ve not had a good start to the season and I want to give someone else a chance to be in charge,” said Downham
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CRICKET: A Head of the game
BEN Head came out on top in a battle of the captains, as Marlborough recorded a 64-run victory over Devizes on Saturday. After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Head top-scored for his side with 95 from 106 balls, while Arran Dickinson wasn’t
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Campaign to beat flooding in Wiltshire gathers pace
Wiltshire Council is planning a second flood fair as it draws up a strategy to tackle the problem. It will bring together parish and town councils and partner organisations to consider the best way to solve flooding and to find out how other local authorities
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Cowboys back in Calne
Cowboy boots and stetsons were dusted off again at the weekend as the Calne Country Music Festival rolled into town for the 21st year. It attracted thousands of line dancers to a field off Oxford Road for two days of non-stop music. This year, organisers
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BOWLS: Cooke eyes third county final
SUE Cooke from the Box club bids this Saturday to reach her third Wiltshire National Championship final at North Wilts later this month. She will be competing in the quarter-finals and semi-finals of the ladies top competition, four wood singles
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Hurry to book a spot at Camp Extra, Devizes
Children are being urged to hurry and book their places at Camp Xtra in Devizes to avoid missing out. The week promises to be the best yet with the introduction of four new activities – alternative sports, fencing, mod roc art and street dancing. Louise
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They're all ale and hearty in Devizes
People of all ages enjoyed Devizes Beer Festival on Saturday. The event, at The Wharf, welcomes families, and people spent the afternoon and evening sampling the range of beers on offer and having a good time. The sun shone all day and those who
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Name loyal Wiltshire volunteers
Nominations of volunteers are sought for a new awards scheme in the county. The Wiltshire Council Voluntary and Community Sector Awards, supported by NHS Wiltshire, are looking for people who help to transform the lives of others. The categories are
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Dad jets home to Chippenham after house fire
Dad Dave Cant from Chippenham has told how he had to catch the first flight home from a holiday in Greece after his home was ruined by fire. Mr Cant’s mum Carol Hayes had been cooking sausages for her six-year-old grandson Jay at their home in Conway
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Calne takes title
The £2.3million Beversbrook Sports Facility in Calne has been presented with a coveted award at a ceremony in County Hall. The 94 acre sports complex won the South West regional prize in the prestigious Market Town Awards and will now go head-to-head
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Calne table tennis club grant
Calne Community Table Tennis Club will be able to purchase new equipment this year thanks to a grant of nearly £1,500 from the Calne Area Board. The club will put the money towards new equipment and training aimed at young people from families on low
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Calne students enjoy a variety of sports
Students at The John Bentley School have been enjoying football, horse riding, contemporary and break dance, cricket and hockey in an action packed sports week. North Wiltshire Golf Club and Bristol Pro Soccer, from Bristol City Football Club were involved
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How to improve the community in Wiltshire
Wiltshire Council is asking residents for their suggestions to improve the local community. Councillor John Thomson, deputy leader of the council, said: “We firmly believe strong communities can cope with changing and challenging circumstances and they
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In Bloom judges’ arrival in Devizes prompts a tidy-up plea
Townspeople are being asked to spruce up their neighbourhood before judges from South West in Bloom arrive tomorrow. Devizes Town Council, which enters the competition, wants to better its achievement of silver gilt last year by striking gold
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It's sunset picnic time in Pewsey
Spectacular views along the Pewsey Vale to the setting sun will be the backdrop to the annual Woodborough Hill picnic on Saturday. Everyone is welcome, said organiser Fiona Burgess. The event raises money for St Mary Magdalene Church and Help for Heroes
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Devizes children's summer music fun
Primary school children are invited to an annual summer school in Devizes where the theme this year is ethnic music. Devizes Music Summer School runs at Southbroom Junior School from July 26 to 30, from 10am to 4pm. Parents and friends are invited
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Heroes CD to Wootton Bassett in demand
Almost 2,000 CDs of a tribute to the people of Wootton Bassett have been sold. The song, Forever Young, was recorded at the studios of Pete Lamb in Potterne. Colette Cassin, a jazz and blues singer from Market Lavington, was the vocalist along with the
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My skydive was a doddle
Daredevil Rik Noakes jumped 10,000ft from a plane to support the Gazette and Herald’s Help for Heroes appeal. Mr Noakes, 43, of Stonelea Close, Chippenham, took on the challenge last Saturday and hopes to raise £500. “It was absolutely awesome. I think
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Picnickers get in a twist for appeal
People boogied to songs from different eras at a party and picnic in Patney for the Gazette’s Help for Heroes appeal. Bruce Hopkins, the owner of Devizes Fine Kitchens, organised the event in his garden on Saturday night and said he hoped to raise
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Malmesbury landlord to get legs waxed for charity
A group of friends from Malmesbury are preparing to tackle the pain barrier in aid of the Gazette and Herald’s Help For Heroes appeal. Borough Arms landlord Lee Newman, along with Joe Hughes and Simon King, will be gritting their teeth as they get their
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Kennet Valley School wins the day
Kennet Valley School has been given the green light from Wiltshire Council to consolidate on one site. Last Thursday members of its eastern planning committee gave unanimous support to the plans for an extension to unite the primary school on one site
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Preshute school bags gold award
Staff and pupils at Preshute Primary School at Manton are celebrating after getting a coveted Artsmark Gold award. The award, from Arts Council England, recognises the school’s commitment to and excellence in arts education and it was one of almost 1,700
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Devizes Scouts back air medics
Devizes Scouts have given £260 to the Wiltshire Air Ambulance Appeal. Keith Bennett, District Commissioner of Mid Wiltshire Scouts, presented paramedic Steve Riddle with a cheque after 300 Scouts, Cubs, Beavers and Explorer Scouts teamed up to raise
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Devizes Rainbows are princesses for the day
Devizes Rainbow pack enjoyed a taste of the royal lifestyle at Wiltshire South Guide headquarters in Berwick St James last week. The youngsters joined 200 others from around the county in a princess-themed party. The sun shone brightly as the girls,
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Stroll to the sound of jazz at Bromham
Furniture designer Mark Wilkinson and his wife Cynthia are opening their garden at Brook House, Bromham for an event in aid of Age UK Wiltshire. Jazz in the Garden takes place on Sunday July 25 from 2pm to 4pm, featuring the renowned jazz band, the Colette
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Woman relives abuse as child in Devizes area
A woman told a jury how she was repeatedly molested by a family friend, starting when she was nine. She said 59-year-old Melvin Riggs abused her for four years and at one stage threatened he would “bury her” if she told anyone about what was going on
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Flight of locks in Devizes to reopen following repairs
The Caen Hill flight of locks will re-open tomorrow, British Waterways has said. The entire flight, outside Devizes, has been closed for more than two weeks after a boater collided with a gate at lock 24 near the bottom of the flight causing £45,000
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Flare-up in Devizes pub ends in assault
Police say they will not tolerate violence in the town after a customer in The Crown pub in Devizes had a pint glass thrown at him causing him to receive hospital treatment. The assault happened after an argument between two customers who were in the
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Orange's customers seeing red
Orange mobile phone users in the Marlborough area are seeing red because they have not been able to get a signal for six weeks and attempts to find out when normal service will be resumed have failed. Phone shops in the town said customers have been
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Tribute to former Devizes teacher
Tributes have been paid to former primary school teacher Jane McNair who lost her battle with cancer, aged 46. Mrs McNair, of Canada Rise, Market Lavington, had been a teacher for 18 years and was deputy headteacher at Wansdyke Primary School
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ICE HOCKEY: Cats reel in Fisher
SWINDON Wildcats have signed much sought-after Welsh forward Steve Fisher. Fisher finished top of his team scoring and third overall in the league with his 2009/10 club, the Cardiff ENL Devils, where he was an instrumental part of the Welsh
