Archive
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Letter of the week - Just leave Jim alone
I am getting fed up with people moaning about Devizes bringing Jim Davidson to Devizes, re letter in your edition on July 22 from Oliver Cripps. I agree he has not been an angel in his performances and remarks. If you don’t like him don’t go to see
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Kindly teammate
I was interested in the article in the Gazette recently about ex-POW Hans Bittner who married local girl Yvonne Trevorrow. But I was rather surprised that there was no mention of the fact that Hans had been an extremely talented footballer who was
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Bus was ignored
The leaflet produced by Wiltshire Council detailing changes to bus services in the Marlborough and Pewsey area contains the following. Under the heading AD Rains bus services 43a/X43 (Marlborough to Avebury) early morning journeys, it states: “We regret
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Red Cross memories
Please may I through your column call all ex-Chippenham Red Cross members. In 2010 British Red Cross has been in Chippenham for 100 years and we plan to celebrate this in September. For your free tickets, please ring (01249) 654437 and leave your name
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Great support
May we express our thanks to all those who contributed to our street collection in aid of Devizes and District Link which raised over £370 and also our grateful thanks to all our helpers who assisted on a very hot Saturday. Jim Thorpe, Chairman, Devizes
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Wonderful staff
In recent weeks, your newspaper has printed a few letters condemning the running down of Marlborough Savernake Hospital and the nursing staff left to sort themselves out. May I please be allowed to tell you the experience I have just had and leave
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Thanks for help
I would like to say thank you to the gentleman who was so kind to me when I collapsed in Dorothy House shop last Wednesday and also to the staff. Mrs B Bishop, Devizes.
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Show your skills
Each year the Lions Clubs of Great Britain organise competitions designed to allow young people to demonstrate their involvement in their communities and to show their concern for matters outside their normal experience. This year the Lions
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Poor service
I think it is disgusting that Terry Lewis had so much trouble to get medical help when his arm became swollen (Gazette, July 22). Why on earth was money spent on a new medical centre at Green Lane if they can’t deal with a problem like this? It seems
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Video star appeal
I am writing to you today to draw your attention to a great travesty in this country. They lay huddled in the dark, or in the corner of the room. Many of them have been abused, forgotten about, watched and then left to rot. Some of them may
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No answer
I was once told by James Gray, the Conservative MP for North Wiltshire, that MPs were duty bound to respond to their constituents’ letters. I am now somewhat confused, because I sent Mr Gray letters on May 30 and June 25 and he has not bothered to
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Some answers
Now that I am a member of The Big Society, I presume that I, and thousands of others living in Devizes, now have a powerful say in the future of our health services. Now our voices can be listened to, and respected. Collectively we should now be able
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Chippenham members say it with flowers
Members of Chippenham Flower Club took part in the Rotary Club’s very successful Art in the Park. Members had a floral basket and hands on flower stall and club chairman Dorryta Hawyard met Chippenham mayor Coun Sandra Oakes and Chippenham Rotary president
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Crisis is over?
In a media release on June 30 the PCT stated that 50 per cent of beds would close on Ailesbury Unit in Savernake because they were unable to recruit staff. In the Gazette of July 15, Alison Knowles stated that they have recruited two members
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Who will survive road chaos around town?
It will be interesting to see which businesses survive the idiocy taking place in Marlborough over the coming months while the Pewsey Road bridge is replaced and gas works in Kingsbury Street are completed. Today, parking has been allowed on both sides
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Alex meets the Chippenham donors
Young cancer patient Alex Bayliss met some of the people who have helped him in his fight against the disease. Alex, 12, has had 17 units of blood, plus platelets, and last month presented awards to 55 donors who have given blood at least 75 times.
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Chippenham school ends on a high note
Pupils at Redland School, in Chippenham, dazzled parents and teachers with the musical Cinderella Rockafella last week. The Year 5 and 6 classes put on three shows for parents. Headteacher Hilary Walton said: “It was amazing – the songs were pitch perfect
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Alan Gordine
Hundreds gathered for the funeral of popular Calne man Alan Gordine last week. There was standing room only at St Mary’s Church on Friday as friends and family paid tribute to the sports mad Mr Gordine, who died suddenly on July 12 at the age
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Malmesbury pre-school joins town hall exodus
Cross Hayes Pre-school is the latest community group to quit Malmesbury Town Hall because it can’t afford to use it. After 30 years the group is moving to St Mary’s Hall in September – for half the cost of the town hall. Recently the garden and bridge
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Paul Dove
Town councillor Paul Dove, who was treasurer of Malmesbury Carnival for 16 years, died at his home on Monday aged 50. The father of two worked as an IT specialist for the Bank of New York Mellon in Swindon. Mr Dove, who was born in Hemel Hempstead
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Hopes rise over war memorial to Wootton Bassett
A bid to get the Camp Bastion war memorial in Afghanistan moved to Wootton Bassett once the war is over has moved a step nearer. In reply to a letter from North Wiltshire MP James Gray, defence minister Andrew Robathan wrote: “I think it only right that
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Youths held after car vandalism in Lacock and Corsham
Residents of Lacock’s picturesque High Street were shocked by vandals smashing the windows of several cars using milk bottles. The rampage happened last week, on Monday, at around 4am before the group moved on to Pickwick Road in Corsham, damaging another
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Man who loved Malmesbury
Councillor Paul Dove, who six years ago was given a kidney transplant, has died aged 50 at his home in Milbourne, Malmesbury. The father-of-two died on Monday, having spent his last weekend at WOMAD with his younger daughter Megan, 15. Mr Dove, 50,
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CHIPPENHAM TOWN: Allison's testimonial pledge
SAM Allison wants his testimonial match to be a competitive game and a good exercise for the Chippenham Town squad as they continue their pre-season preparations. The Bluebirds will honour their longest-serving player on Saturday when they face Conference
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Reward on offer in Chippenham rugby player hunt
Friends of Chippenham fitness instructor Donavan van Lill have set up a reward fund for anyone with information that could lead to the discovery of his body. One of them, Gary Barber, is looking to organise a strongman event in memory of his friend to
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Stand by for a day full of fun at Chippenham
Last-minute preparations are being made for one of the biggest free events on Chippenham’s calendar – the Family Fun Day at John Coles Park. The event, organised by the Round Table and sponsored by the Gazette and Herald, has been running for nearly
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Aerial fanfare for Malmesbury's flying monk
The skies above Malmesbury will be full of kites this weekend as the town pays homage to Eilmer the flying monk. The Benedictine monk was the first recorded person to attempt flight when he launched himself from the roof of the abbey in 1010. Now 1,000
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Malmesbury teen in tune for final
Teen singer Shannon Saunders was overwhelmed with emotion when she performed a private concert for friends and family on Saturday. Sixteen-year-old Shannon, who lives just outside Malmesbury, is one of four finalists in a TV talent show to
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CRICKET: Devizes teens' record blast
TEENAGE dream team James Dunford and Tom Andrew are celebrating after putting together the biggest partnership in the history of the Wiltshire Youth Cricket League. The two Devizes School pupils hit an unbeaten 357 between them for Devizes in an U15
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Corsham plumber's stolen van set alight
Plumber Howard Croker is counting the cost after thieves stole his work van with £4,000 worth of equipment inside it and set the vehicle alight. Mr Croker, of Prospect, in Corsham, runs his 40-year-old business with wife Heather and sons David and Darren
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Just a minute, it’s Nicholas on stage in Malmesbury
Actor and broadcaster Nicholas Parsons steps on stage at Malmesbury Carnival at the weekend. The 86-year-old former presenter of TV’s Sale of the Century, who still presents Radio 4’s Just a Minute, will be performing a one-man show about
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Superfit dad dies in Calne
Heartbroken widow Sharon Gordine has relived the moment her superfit husband died suddenly on their 24th wedding anniversary. Firefighter Alan Gordine, 49, of Wessington Avenue, Calne, collapsed at home after suffering a pulmonary embolism, a blood clot
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FOOTBALL: Youngster Mings aims for England
YOUNG Chippenham footballer Tyrone Mings is bidding to earn the call-up that every young player dreams of, after earning the chance to trial for England’s U18 schoolboys’ side. The 17 year-old defender, son of Chippenham Town manager Adie,
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FOOTBALL: Pewsey prepared for Wessex league
PEWSEY Vale will play in the Wessex League for the first time next season and manager Adi Holcome believes his side won’t struggle to compete at a higher level. Pewsey had a torrid time as they finished bottom of the Hellenic Leauge Division One West
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ATHLETICS: Elaine sets sights on Euro finals shot
ELAINE O’Neill knows what it takes to win a relay gold and will carry that winning mentality into the European Championships finale this weekend. The 20-year-old Chippen-ham athlete is making her senior international championship debut in Barcelona
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Two Chippenham men seriously hurt in A350 crash
Two men from the Chippenham area are in hospital with life threatening injuries this afternoon following a serious road accident on the A350 this morning. The accident took place at around 7am when a Hills recycling lorry pulled out from picking
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CHIPPENHAM TOWN: Bown fails to find positives as triallists are well beaten
CHIPPENHAM Town coach Matt Bown warned a host of Bluebirds hopefuls that they didn’t do themselves any favours as they crashed to a comprehensive defeat at Corsham Town on Tuesday night. Chippenham fielded an experimental line-up, predominantly
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MOTOCROSS: Russian puts riders to Sword at Foxhill
MARSHFIELD’S Tom Church made an encouraging return after a frustrating three-month injury lay-off at Foxhills near Swindon on Sunday. The 28-year-old finished fifth overall in round five of this year’s Maxxis British Moto X Championship in his first
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Family friendly festival at Malmesbury a triumph
The WOMAD festival was a real family affair for many people who travelled from far and wide to enjoy the unique mix of music and entertainment in a laid back atmosphere. Despite grey clouds threatening to drench the colourfully clad festival
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CRICKET: South Wilts batter their way to trophy
SOUTH Wilts got their hands on the Jack Wilcox Trophy on Sunday, after thrashing Corsham on their home ground. The Twenty20 tournament was due to feature the top four sides from the county, based on last year’s league rankings, but West of England Premier
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CRICKET: Woodman stars for Chippenham
CHIPPENHAM picked up their sixth victory of the season with a 32-run victory at home to Ilminster on Saturday. The hosts won the toss and chose to bat first, with opener Rob Woodman leading the way with a steadying 38. Andrew Wilson made 28 while Richard
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CRICKET: Bassett min-revival brought to a halt
WOOTTON Bassett slipped back into losing ways on Saturday as they were beaten at Rockhampton. Mark Vincent’s side ended a six-match losing run against Hatherley & Reddings last week but went down by 129 runs in Gloucestershire. Bassett won the toss
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CRICKET: Gaiger hails Higgins impact
GRAHAM Gaiger believes his Potterne side would struggle without the exploits of star man Ryan Higgins. The Zimbabwean has hit the second-highest number of runs in the West of England Premier League this season and has also taken the third-highest number
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CRICKET: Loss doesn't knock Biddestone off top spot
BIDDESTONE are still sitting pretty at the top of the Glos/Wilts Division but Saturday saw a run of five consecutive wins come to an end as Dwaine Perry’s side were comprensively beaten by sixth-placed Stroud. The league leaders won the toss and opted
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CRICKET: Goatacre still in the hunt
SKIPPER Craig Gibbens believes Goatacre’s win over Malmesbury wasn’t his side’s best performance but he was still thrilled to see his title-chasers pick up their tenth consecutive victory. Goatacre beat Phil Jordan’s men by 52 runs on Saturday, keeping
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Malmesbury youth leads the way
For the second year running pupils from Malmesbury schools brightened up a soggy opening night of the WOMAD music festival. Despite grey clouds and drizzle the performing students, beside world music stars Pee Wee Ellis, Justin Adams and Mim
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DAWSON: Finals day is going to be great
AFTER beating Warwick-shire on Monday, we’re through to the Twenty20 finals day – which is fantastic. It was one of our targets at the start of the season and it’s really good to achieve it, especially with how tough it’s been in the County Championship
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CRICKET: Corsham claim "much needed" win
SKIPPER Pete Dennett says his side’s win away to Taunton on Saturday was much needed. After suffering two consecutive defeats, Corsham returned to winning ways and recorded a two-wicket victory over their Somerset counterparts. “We’ve let ourselves
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CRICKET: Bragging rights go to rampant Marlborough
MARLBOROUGH are claiming local bragging rights after dispatching close rivals Great Bedwyn by nine wickets on Saturday. Marlborough skipper Ben Head then took matters into his own hands and hit an unbeaten 86 from 83 balls, as his side romped to victory
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CRICKET: Calne lose to Nationwide
STRUGGLING Calne suffered their tenth defeat of the season on Saturday, as they were beaten by 61 runs at Nationwide House. Dan Knight’s side won the toss and chose to bowl first, with Chris Downham taking three wickets. Skipper Knight, Courtney Earl
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Malmesbury festival's future secure
The 28th WOMAD music festival proved another hit with 40,000 revellers descending on Charlton Park near Malmesbury for three days of eclectic music, a chilled out atmosphere and food from around the globe. Friday night’s headline act Ozomatli drew the
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Birthday salute to Devizes volunteer, 90
Community volunteer Helen Owen was overwhelmed by good wishes at her 90th birthday party. Miss Owen, who lives in Devizes, has supported the Red Cross for more than 70 years and representatives of many local and national organisations attended the party
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Feast of finds at Marden
Archaeologists have unearthed a prehistoric henge at Marden, near Devizes, where worship, business and feasting would have gone on 5,000 years ago. The discovery at Hatfield Farm, never before investigated, has excited the world of archaeology and is
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Award salutes hero of a Chippenham school’s kitchen
School cook Wendy Baker was presented with an award and a bouquet of flowers last week after she was nominated by children and parents as their unsung hero. Mrs Baker, 51, who has been cooking and serving hot dinners to youngsters at Frogwell Primary
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NHS Wiltshire fears over speed of change
NHS Wiltshire board members last week expressed concern about the speed of the change they are expected to oversee as services are hived off to other trusts. The PCT is required to comply with a Labour Government directive from January last year that
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Tinies in Corsham say a sad farewell
A sad farewell was paid to a Corsham preschool which closed last Thursday after 34 years serving the community. Smarties Pre-school, based at the Ministry of Defence Joint Services Unit off Bradford Road, shut its doors for the last time after receiving
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Co-op takes over store in Corsham
Somerfield supermarket in Corsham is to reopen as the Co-op tomorrow after a £200,000 makeover. The Martingate centre store closed last Friday. Its 70 staff will keep their jobs following the Co-op’s takeover of the group. Store boss Peter Dobbin said
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Neighbours foil Calne church lead thieves
Churchwarden Lucette Rees has described an attempted lead theft from St Mary’s Church in Calne as her worst nightmare. The church was targeted on Sunday shortly before 11pm when neighbours heard a loud bang outside. Police were called, the helicopter
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A Minor marathon for Malmesbury couple
Morris minor loving couple Julian and Susie Marshall from Malmesbury have set off on a 1,000 mile drive through all five capitals of the British Isles. They were given a proper send off by their friends in the North Wiltshire Branch of the Morris Minor
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High winds put paid to charity treck by Calne teachers
A group of teachers from two Calne schools were forced to abandon their charity mountain trek because of severe weather conditions. The 11 teachers from both The John Bentley School and Springfields School, as well as friends and family members, were
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Mallett opens play area in Calne
WACKY 90s television presenter Timmy Mallett mingled with hundreds of children and parents from Calne as he officially opened a new play area in the town yesterday. Mallett, complete with the infamous Mallett’s Mallet, entertained crowds and
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Headteacher from Calne's TV debate on mum's role
Calne headteacher Dr Helen Wright discussed her views in support of working mums on a national television debate at the weekend. Dr Wright hit the headlines this year after the Gazette and Herald revealed that she returned to work seven hours after having
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Aldbourne scientist death riddle
Doctors have been unable to establish the cause of the sudden death of Aldbourne scientist Dr Mark Davies, 47, two days before he was due to take a leading role in a village production. Dr Davies died in his sleep on Wednesday last week at the family
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A350 rubbish lorry crash leaves two fighting for their lives
A serious accident on the A350 dual carriageway in Chippenham this morning has left two people with life threatening injuries and traffic in chaos. The collision involving a Hills refuse lorry, a Ford Transit van and a Renault Megane happened
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Beautician from Eastcott bids for Miss England crown
Beauty therapist Megan Bowyer will be taking on the country’s beauty queens for the title of Miss England. Miss Bowyer, 22, won the Miss Wiltshire crown in May and will compete against 59 rivals in the final of Miss England in a few weeks.
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Pledge of support for Wiltshire centres
Councillors have issued a rallying call to get community leaders to save their town’s ailing leisure centres before they are forced to close. Wiltshire councillors gave the go-ahead on Tuesday to consult the county on their plans to close six leisure
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Mum tells of Calne school place heartbreak
Mum Naomi Irvine has slammed plans to close centres for children with special educational needs, which were approved by Wiltshire councillors this week. Ms Irvine, of King Edward Close, Calne, whose 15-year-old daughter is autistic, spoke out at a Wiltshire
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Reprieve for Malmesbury and Wootton Bassett centres confirmed
Members of Wiltshire Council’s cabinet this week confirmed that specialist learning centres at Malmesbury Primary School and Longleaze Primary in Wootton Bassett will stay open until at at least 2012. At that stage a review of all special educational
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Cycling pals from Pewsey and Upavon on 900-mile ride for club
Good Samaritans Richard Lewis from Pewsey and Paul Whiteford from Upavon are setting off today to cycle the length of the UK to raise money for the Gateway Club, which provides social activities for adults with special needs. Mr Lewis, 34, a gardener
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Proud head of Chippenham school says farewell
Pioneering headteacher Trish Shubrook said goodbye to Abbeyfield School on Friday, a decade after she launched it. Her final day coincided with the tenth anniversary of the Chippenham school, which she has seen develop from ten staff and 67 children
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Bands ready to rock at Bromham
Farmer's son Matthew Radbourne is using his holiday from university to organise a music festival to support our Help for Heroes Appeal on August 7. Mr Radbourne, 24, of Abbottswood Farm, Bromham, is four years into a seven-year architecture course at
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Swindon Choir hands over £5,000
Members of Swindon Male Voice Choir raised more than £5,000 for the Gazette’s Help for Heroes Appeal. They hit the jackpot for the cause in June when they staged a concert at the Oasis in Swindon. Last week key members of the choir visited the Help
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Chippenham races raise cash
More than 350 people donned their trainers to take part in Chippenham Harriers’ popular River and Fun Runs last week. Raising money for the Gazette’s Help For Heroes appeal, runners young and old tackled either a 1.5km course or the 5km multi-terrain
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Marlborough's Budd-ing band on TV
School rock band Jonny Budd and The Demented appear on national television today and on three more occasions in August on a programme that showcases the talents of youngsters. The Ramsbury-based band, made up of students from St John’s School, Marlborough
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Roadworks in Marlborough drive away shoppers
Most shops in Marlborough have reported a sizeable dip in their takings because of the roadworks that started in January and will take until next spring to complete. The roadworks initially involved the replacement of gas mains in London Road
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Ramsbury farm unit used as drugs den
Premises at Ramsbury featured in a court case that ended when seven men and one woman were jailed last week for a total of more than 45 years for their parts in the distribution of around £60 million worth of skunk, high-strength cannabis. Bristol Crown
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Cheers to the diamond years in Devizes
Cecil and Betty Scratchley, who met while working at Wadworth’s brewery in Devizes, today celebrate 60 years of 6Xful marriage. Mr Scratchley, who was born in West Lavington but moved to Devizes when he was six, went to work at Wadworth’s days
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Urchfont death sets puzzle
The family of popular Devizes builder Paul Whitbread have spoken of their shock and grief after his body was found at a house in Urchfont on Saturday. His mother, Christine, who lives in Sheep Street, said: “So many people have spoken to me
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Regular at Coate drinks up for last time
Regulars at the New Inn at Coate, near Devizes, will bid a sad farewell this week to Vic Pike, who has been drinking at the pub for more than 66 years. Mr Pike, 83, is having to move to sheltered accommodation in Westbury, leaving his four-bedroom
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Drowning not waving - the lighter side of family life
Right, sighs my husband, folding up the barely read Saturday paper and taking his mug to the sink, I suppose we’d better get on with buying me some new clothes. I put down the magazine I’m reading, put my head gently in my hands and close my eyes. Yes
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West Lavington boy and friends trek for charities
Schoolboy Freddie Nelson has helped raise over £3,000 for charity with a 26km hike over the Brecon Beacons. Freddie, 12, of Butts Lane, West Lavington, walked with Oliver Hoare, a fellow pupil at Chafyn Grove School in Salisbury. The
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Thanks to Devizes for the help
Devizes Opportunity Centre has thanked the community for helping renovate its soft play area. The pre-school for children with special educational needs in Belle Vue Road had suffered from condensation. A total of £4,457 was raised to
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Frog leaps to success at Burbage school
Leavers from Burbage Primary School got together with those from Pewsey Vale to put on a pantomime-style production. The Frog Prince starred Megan Borras as Aurora - the butterfly painter; Ben Pinder as Dennis the Dragon; Alice Howe as Queen
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Fly high in the name of Jack in Wiltshire
Motocross riders who took part in a practice day on July 4 have raised £2,000 for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance Appeal. Nearly 100 riders took part in the day, organised by Devizes Motocross Club. The land was supplied free of charge by
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New Devizes radio launches
When Devizes’ Fantasy Radio hits the air it will not be all music. Members of the Wharf Theatre went to radio boss Phil Dawson’s studios in Poulshot to record a number of one-act plays to go out on Sundays in August. The station goes
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Flowers bloom on waste in Devizes
Volunteers from all walks of life have put the finishing touches to a garden in Devizes for people with dementia. The outside space at Alzheimer’s Support day club in Sidmouth Street was mostly concrete and mud when the club started up 18 months
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Your memories ... of the WI
Members of Box WI, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year, have been looking at the minutes taken in 1930. The newly-formed group had a programme of soft slipper and sweet making, Poor Law reform, home nursing, agricultural and
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Kevin blazes ahead
Kevin Dickens is lovingly restoring one of Marlborough’s former fire engines that his late grandfather Jack Bull served on in Marlborough from 1967 to 1984. Mr Dickens, 23, works in on the meat and bread counter in Waitrose in Marlborough but
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Sheila Andrews
Sheila Andrews, 81, who lived in Wootton Bassett for most of her life, was noted for her kindness and unstinting service to others. She moved with her family from Ludgershall in 1938, and attended the National School( now the Civic Centre). She
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Stuart Kidson-Trigg
Former Marlborough entrepreneur Stuart Kidson-Trigg has died suddenly at the age of 60 in America. Mr Kidson-Trigg was the son of John and Molly Trigg who had a confectioners and boutique respectively in Marlborough High Street in the late
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Mark Davies
Environmental scientist Mark Davies died in his sleep at his home near Aldbourne last week aged 47. His family has received scores of sympathy cards from villagers showing the esteem in which he was held. Dr Davies and his wife Sandy
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Gerald “Basil” Chapman
One of the great characters in the Devizes area, Gerald “Basil” Chapman, has died at the age of 75. Mr Chapman, who lived in Erlestoke, was a talented artist and linguist who intercepted Russian military broadcasts while serving in the Royal
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Serious crash closes road at Stanton St Quintin
The A350 at Stanton St Quintin has been closed in both directions after a crash this morning. Police are warning drivers to avoid the area after the accident just after 7am. They say the road could be closed between the Esso garage and junction 17 of
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Two more heroes flown home to Wiltshire today
Two soldiers killed in Afghanistan while saving a wounded comrade during a firefight with the Taliban are to be repatriated in Wiltshire today. Corporal Matthew Stenton, The Royal Dragoon Guards and Lance Corporal Stephen Monkhouse, 1st Battalion
