Archive
-
Date
Penhill gets a helping hand
YOUNGSTERS ushered in a new era of improved childcare in Penhill by cutting the turf for a new nursery complex. Work has now started on the £1 million project to transform Penhill Community Centre, in Everleigh Road, into a modern facility offering a
-
Date
Talks on fighting vandalism in village
TALKS are to take place to see if a youth worker might be the answer to groups of youngsters gathering in Pewsey. Wpc Michelle Haley told the parish council last week that there was a continuing problem of vandalism in Pewsey, especially on Friday disco
-
Date
Final salute to war hero Jack
Ref. 27967-11FRIENDS and family of one of Swindon's best-known war veterans have vowed he will never be forgotten. Jack Howard, who served in both World War II and the Korean War, died suddenly at his home in Longleat Gardens, Penhill, days after taking
-
Date
Choir calls for more singers
THE Wessex Male Voice Choir is on the look-out for new talent - in the hope it will bring success in an international competition. The choir will be holding a recruitment evening on Tuesday at the Church of Christ the Servant, Elstree Way, Abbey Meads
-
Date
Visitors could see Archers' Golden Train
Ref. 27971-59ARCHERS brewery is planning to build a pub and a visitors centre that will complement existing shopping facilities and tourist attractions. The company has submitted a planning application to build the facilities on land next to the brewery
-
Date
Council to close two care homes
AN AXE continues to hang over six council-run residential nursing homes after it was decided two of them must close. A passionate bid to save them failed last night when Labour's Jim D'Avila could not convince the authority's Conservative decision-making
-
Date
Main makes a 30ft splash
THE PEOPLE of Wroughton could be forgiven for thinking a new water feature had been installed in the High Street. A fountain of water shot more than 50 feet when workers connecting new properties to the mains encountered problems. A team of contractors
-
Date
We're high in hi-tech workers
SWINDON is the centre for hi-tech industry in the south west. The proportion of people employed in these professions is twice as high as the national average. The town has a reputation for attracting highly skilled workers, with around 40 per cent of
-
Date
Couples find it difficult to afford to buy a house
Ref. 27964-06FINANCIAL COSTS OF LIVING IN SWINDON: SARAH and Mark have been going out for seven years and now want to buy a house together. They both have permanent jobs Sarah is a marketing assistant and Mark, a technologist and want to move out of their
-
Date
What price life in Swindon?
Ref. 27955-22Although we have a higher average wage than most, the picture is not as rosy as it may seem. Following a report revealing that workers in this area on average command higher wages than almost anywhere in the country, BHAVANI VADDE looks at
-
Date
Anger and upset as playgroup is hit by vandals
Assistant play leader Nicki Cook (left) and play leader Jo Thomson, of Puddleducks Community Playgroup in Harnham, survey the handiwork of vandalsVANDALS have smashed equipment belonging to a playgroup in Harnham, leaving children, parents and staff devastated
-
Date
Can you help survey on church attendance?
SOME weeks ago a unique survey was launched to identify why church-going is declining in Britain and Ireland. The response to this survey has been phenomenal. Because of this it seems worthwhile to provide this update and repeat the questionnaire. Church
-
Date
Cancer appeal
I AM writing to ask readers to support Cancer Research UK's Children's Cancer Month during December. Simply pick up the phone and call the Little Star Hotline on 08701 60 20 40 today to pledge a donation. Ronan Keating On behalf of Cancer Research UK
-
Date
A slow delivery
I HOPE you receive this letter before Christmas, of course, I'm sure you will but because of my recent experience, you can never be too sure. I posted a letter with a first class stamp, the correct address and post code on November 10, it arrived at its
-
Date
More Government cash is the answer
Mr Cook (November 19), claims that he fails to see the logic in a quote from me reflecting on the fact it was not logical to assume that councils right across the country were all getting it so wrong when setting the council tax rises above inflation,
-
Date
Why is the death penalty not always a deterrent?
YOUR correspondent Peter Heaton-Jones is of course quite correct the death penalty is not always a deterrent (EA November 18), but since few of us are anxious to die, his statement begs the question, why is it that the death penalty is not always a deterrent
-
Date
New timetable is a danger to children
PLEASE can you publish our concern over recent changes in Thamesdown timetable for bus No 22. More than 12 Common-weal school children are being left stranded at their Bath Road/Goddard Avenue stop for 40 minutes because they do not have enough time to
-
Date
Switched on
ON behalf of Chippenham Town Council and the Town Centre Partnership Sub-Committee I would like to thank everyone who supported the Chippenham Christmas Lights Switch On last Friday. Thanks to all who contributed towards the success of this event, including
-
Date
Golden recipe for success
Teenage chef James Baker from Aldbourne, near Marlborough, has cooked his way to gold and silver medals in two top culinary competitions. James, 17, works for defence catering company ESS Support Services Worldwide, part of Compass Group, at the Joint
-
Date
Market blunder
THE vast majority of people I have spoken to were of the opinion that the Malmesbury Sunday Market was the best thing that has happened to Malmesbury in years. I was always of the opinion that a majority carried the day. But apparently as far as the town
-
Date
Bridge of shame
BRUNEL, that great Victorian engineer, was designer of the Great Western Railway, which English Heritage now want to recognise as a World Heritage site. Isn't it wonderful that in the middle of Chippenham he has such a visible monument in the shape of
-
Date
Main makes a 30ft splash
THE PEOPLE of Wroughton could be forgiven for thinking a new water feature had been installed in the High Street. A fountain of water shot more than 50 feet when workers connecting new properties to the mains encountered problems. A team of contractors
-
Date
Fantastic event
CHIPPENHAM Arts Festival was a resounding success in this it's second year, and as Mayor I feel privileged have the opportunity to attend many of the events. However, during the interval of the Celebration of Youth at the Neeld Hall , I enquired of one
-
Date
What a send-off
I WOULD like to thank my many customers and friends for their presents and best wishes for my retirement after nearly 32 years on the fish stall The Shambles, Devizes, and to all the traders for their generosity. I shall miss you all. L WOOLLEY Marden
-
Date
News loos on the agenda
AFTER the public toilets at Cross Hayes in Malmesbury were voted bottom of the pile in the UK there has been movement to build new automatic loos. A committee set up to explore the issue has decided that a self cleaning toilet should be set up at Cross
-
Date
Twickenham clash means no Wilko at the Rec
BATH have backed the England versus New Zealand Barbarians clash on December 20 even though it is likely to deprive their own fans of probably their only chance to see World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson in action at the Rec this season. Wilkinson's Newcastle
-
Date
Devizes 3rd 20 Colerne 10
ENGLAND'S victory in the World Cup Final, watched by more than 250 members members and friends on the big screen at Devizes Sports Club, was a magnificent curtainraiser for those who stayed on to watch Devizes beat Colerne. In the first half Devizes heavier
-
Date
You've got my pen
WOULD the 'gentleman' who saw fit to relive me of a silver coloured and gold Parker pen from my bookstall in The Shambles shortly before midday on Tuesday November 18 care to visit my stall again as I have a book he could buy (if, indeed, such a word
-
Date
Generous friends
MAY I share Nigel Kerton's joy in the redevelopment of Savernake Hospital scheduled to start in January 2004. However, may I suggest that the best sentence in the Gazette's leader on November 20 is reworded as follows to give it historical accuracy. "
-
Date
Calne loses out
AS much as I support your Save Our Maternity Unit campaign I cannot but feel that the service provided for my hometown of Calne leaves us as very much the poor relations yet again. Proposals for the future of maternity units in Devizes and Malmesbury
-
Date
Plaque is wrong
NOW that the scaffolding has been taken down from the tearooms in St John's Street, Devizes, attention may be drawn to the faded notice on the wall which, with an arrow, directs visitors round the corner into St John's Alley, described thereon as 15th
-
Date
Vandals could force council tax bills up
A SPATE of vandalism in Calne has cost the town council more than £26,000 in insurance claims in the last three months. Deputy clerk Linda Wakefield now says she is worried the insurance premium may rise, causing the council to ultimately push up its
-
Date
Thanks for help
YET another Poppy Appeal and Remembrance time has passed. May I through your paper thank the people of Devizes and the surrounding villages, for their generosity yet again. We are still counting and have already exceeded last year's total. But the measure
-
Date
What is really going on?
I FEEL compelled to respond to Peter Furminger's comments in last week's paper regarding the proposed community hall in Market Lavington. I accept that, under guidelines recently introduced by the Charities Commission, the Trust do not need to hold a
-
Date
Choir calls for more singers
THE Wessex Male Voice Choir is on the look-out for new talent - in the hope it will bring success in an international competition. The choir will be holding a recruitment evening on Tuesday at the Church of Christ the Servant, Elstree Way, Abbey Meads
-
Date
We will be paying for short-termism
THE lingering death of Devizes Hospital, at the hands of the Primary Care Trust has gone on so long now that we are in danger of neglecting the enormity of the social vandalism involved. To remind ourselves: Devizes Hospital was originally planned and
-
Date
Ray bows out after 42 years
BANDMASTER Ray Clark bowed out after 42 years leading the Salvation Army's Chippenham Corps with a rousing musical flourish. The bandleader was joined by former bandsmen for a nostalgic concert at the Citadel in Foghamshire. Mr Clark, 73, of Deansway,
-
Date
Arts festival proves a draw
More than 2,000 people have enjoyed the varied events, concerts and productions in the second Chippenham Arts Festival and there is still one weekend to go. Many of the popular programme events have sold out, including a concert by the Dave Southall Big
-
Date
Fierce argument on pros and cons of war
The latest in a series of public debates in Chippenham provoked a passionate discussion about war. Kandu Arts for Sustainable Development initiated a series of debates at the Pack Horse pub in London Road to give everyone the opportunity to share their
-
Date
Generous children
Children at St Mary's School in Chippenham shared the generous spirit of Christmas through their magnificent effort for Operation Christmas Child. Pupils filled some 200 boxes with toys, gloves, sweets and other goodies for less fortunate children in
-
Date
Legend takes over at Town
FORMER Swindon Town legend Steve White has been given the job of rescuing Chippenham Town from relegation. White, 44, took over this week after Chippenham were flooded with applications for the manager's post in the wake of Tommy Saunders' sacking. Now
-
Date
PE teacher receives a gold award from Duke
Teacher Ben Venables has been awarded a gold Duke of Edinburgh Award from Prince Philip. Mr Venables, who is in his first year of teaching PE at Hardenhuish School, Chippenham, received his award at St James' Palace, London. Mr Venables said the Duke
-
Date
Couple win ice cool victory
A COUPLE finally took delivery of their new fridge after holding a peaceful protest outside Chippenham's Powerhouse. Ron May, 64, and his wife, Elizabeth, 59, who both suffer from ill health, ordered the American-style fridge in August before their planned
-
Date
More Government cash is the answer
Mr Cook (November 19), claims that he fails to see the logic in a quote from me reflecting on the fact it was not logical to assume that councils right across the country were all getting it so wrong when setting the council tax rises above inflation,
-
Date
Generous friends
MAY I share Nigel Kerton's joy in the redevelopment of Savernake Hospital scheduled to start in January 2004. However, may I suggest that the best sentence in the Gazette's leader on November 20 is reworded as follows to give it historical accuracy. "
-
Date
Good causes get cash boost
THIRTY-THREE local good causes shared in more than £10,000 of funds on Tuesday when Devizes Lions Club handed over cash raised by walkers on their recent sponsored walk over Roundway Down. Town mayor Coun Paula Winchcombe handed over the cheques at the
-
Date
Doorways to inspire art
Ref. 11590ARTIST Lucy Beacham was so impressed with the doorways in Devizes that she has painted a collage of her favourites. Miss Beacham, who had an exhibition in the Wine Street Gallery this summer, was inspired by the town centre's varied and fascinating
-
Date
Three new mental health teams on call
THREE new mental health teams have been set up in Wiltshire. The teams will cover Kennet, North Wiltshire, Swindon and West Wiltshire and have been set up by the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust. The new teams are part of the modernisation
-
Date
Taking on the muscle
HATS off to strongman Julien Cini, who is raising money for Brimble Hill special school. The former British arm wrestling champion is taking on all-comers next month in exchange for donations because his 22-year-old sister Rita, who has special needs,
-
Date
Brave Freddie inspires a festive fundraiser
IN a bright roomy kitchen at the top of Salisbury's Milford Hill, the conversation turns to rugby. I ask 12-year-old Freddie Vardigans if he has been watching the World Cup and he nods enthusiastically. His mother, Lola, beams. Freddie loves playing rugby
-
Date
Devizes Town 0 Paulton Rovers 1
DEVIZES Town responded to their 8-3 drubbing at the hands of Westbury with a gritty performance full of fire and passion against high-flying Paulton Rovers. It looked as if Devizes had done enough to take a share of the points after several close-scoring
-
Date
Putting cardboard to good use
JULIAN Newton of Aldbourne, near Marlborough, has won a hamper full of Fair Trade goodies in a prize draw organised by the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust's home composting team. Mr Newton was picked out of more than 1,000 respondents to a door-to-door survey
-
Date
Bridge of shame
BRUNEL, that great Victorian engineer, was designer of the Great Western Railway, which English Heritage now want to recognise as a World Heritage site. Isn't it wonderful that in the middle of Chippenham he has such a visible monument in the shape of
-
Date
Cold comfort
BRIAN Howard is relishing the prospect of a wet and chilly weekend in Hartlepool as many of his friends prepare for a sun-kissed international tournament in the United Arab Emirates. The 2003 World Youth Championships officially kicks off today, but Howard
-
Date
New assistant is ready to take on the big boys
NO ONE will be more determined to help Chippenham Town beat the drop than their new assistant manager Ron Needham. The 46-year-old was born and bred in Chippenham and is passionate about the club where he played as a ball-winning midfielder for 18 years
-
Date
GP under fire over maternity comments
CORSHAM GP Dr Simon Burrell came under attack from mums and midwives when he suggested that midwife-led maternity units in Devizes and Malmesbury relied on GPs to help if there was an emergency. Dr Burrell spoke at a meeting of the Kennet and North Wiltshire
-
Date
Bound over to keep peace
Aubrey Carter was bound over to keep the peace for a year by magistrates last week following a row with his wife at their home in Jasmine Way on October 3. Chippenham magistrates heard how Mr Carter, 31, and his wife Jennifer fought after she told him
-
Date
New timetable is a danger to children
PLEASE can you publish our concern over recent changes in Thamesdown timetable for bus No 22. More than 12 Common-weal school children are being left stranded at their Bath Road/Goddard Avenue stop for 40 minutes because they do not have enough time to
-
Date
Students discover different cultures
NATIVE American dream catchers, Indonesian music and Portuguese legends were some of the activities recently laid on for young pupils of a school. Visitors from around the world went to Covingham Park Infant School as part of One World Week. Song and
-
Date
Help us to prevent more carnage on A4
SLOW IT DOWN: THERE are just 21 days left to sign our petition demanding road safety improvements on the A4 between Chippenham and Calne before it is handed to Wiltshire County Council. The Gazette is campaigning to have more signs and road safety measures
-
Date
Festival promises a vast range of talent
North Wiltshire Festival 2004 has been launched with a fanfare and promises a high-profile extravaganza to showcase the many talents of the area. Talent will be the theme of North Wiltshire's bi-annual festival, which will take place on July 16, 17 and
-
Date
Pupils plant new ideas
PUPILS from Stanton St Quintin Primary School quizzed staff at a local nursery about all things horticultural. The youngsters visited Barbara Austin Perennials, the wholesale plant growers in West Kington. The keen young gardeners were given a guided
-
Date
TV major escapes jail term for deception
CHARLES Ingram, the disgraced former Army officer, has walked free from court without a fine or community sentence following his conviction on two counts of deception in relation to a home contents insurance policy. After deliberation, Judge Samuel Wiggs
-
Date
Anger and upset as playgroup is hit by vandals
Assistant play leader Nicki Cook (left) and play leader Jo Thomson, of Puddleducks Community Playgroup in Harnham, survey the handiwork of vandalsVANDALS have smashed equipment belonging to a playgroup in Harnham, leaving children, parents and staff devastated
-
Date
GP under fire over maternity comments
CORSHAM GP Dr Simon Burrell came under attack from mums and midwives when he suggested that midwife-led maternity units in Devizes and Malmesbury relied on GPs to help if there was an emergency. Dr Burrell spoke at a meeting of the Kennet and North Wiltshire
-
Date
Victory on horizon in battle for Broadband
A campaign to get Broadband for villages on the Woodborough telephone exchange is about to bear fruit, says leader Fiona Burgess. In September Mrs Burgess, who lives in Woodborough, discovered that no-one had started a campaign to get the fast internet
-
Date
Talks on fighting vandalism in village
TALKS are to take place to see if a youth worker might be the answer to groups of youngsters gathering in Pewsey. Wpc Michelle Haley told the parish council last week that there was a continuing problem of vandalism in Pewsey, especially on Friday disco
-
Date
Guides second bid to get purpose-built centre
DEVIZES Guides are to try again to get planning permission to build a new Guiding centre on farmland on the outskirts of the town. Their first attempt in September to win permission for a purpose-built centre on the 1.25 hectare site at Gypsy Patch on
-
Date
Stamping out fuel poverty in the region
DESPITE Wiltshire being one of wealthiest counties in England, some 22.5 per cent of its population nearly 140,000 people are deemed to be suffering from 'fuel poverty'. This means they spend more than ten per cent of their income to achieve adequate
-
Date
Fight for maternity units will continue
CAMPAIGNERS are urging people to continue the fight to stop Malmesbury Maternity Unit from closing as latest figures show the number of births at the units has already surpassed last year's total. Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust decided
-
Date
Bassett are facing drop
WOOTTON Bassett find themselves flirting with relegation again after a 3-1 Hellenic Premier Division defeat at in-form Brackley. Andy Baird proved to be the difference between the two sides, netting twice to leave Pete Yeardley's side fourth from bottom
-
Date
Fears over grant cut are dashed
WILTSHIRE'S Chief Constable Dame Elizabeth Neville cancelled a press conference on Thursday after hearing that the Government's financial settlement was higher than expected. The press conference had been called in response to speculation that, following
-
Date
Warning on resurfacing
POLICE are warning that rogue resurfacing teams are operating in the Pewsey area. Yesterday two men in a white X-registered Vauxhall Astra Envoy van on the Everleigh road offered cheap resurfacing to a farmer. Salisbury division police press officer David
-
Date
Councillor caught in drink-drive cover up
Neil Fraser pictured in June when he sought publicity in the Gazette for his business Channel Ports and WinesALDBOURNE parish councillor Neil Fraser lied to police as they probed the alleged theft of his wife's car, a court heard. Fraser, 44, was convicted
-
Date
Lyus can sleep easy over new signing
CHIPPENHAM Town chairman Malcolm Lyus believes he has the 'white stuff' to reverse the Bluebirds staggering dip in fortunes this season. Lyus said he had his best night's sleep for more than month on Sunday evening after Swindon Town football legend Steve
-
Date
New boss sets 13 wins as a target
NEW Chippenham Town boss Steve White is demanding 13 wins from his side's last 20 games to push them into the new Conference next year. The Swindon Town goalscoring legend, who is still a fans' favourite at the County Ground is demanding more self-belief
-
Date
Ray bows out after 42 years
BANDMASTER Ray Clark bowed out after 42 years leading the Salvation Army's Chippenham Corps with a rousing musical flourish. The bandleader was joined by former bandsmen for a nostalgic concert at the Citadel in Foghamshire. Mr Clark, 73, of Deansway,
-
Date
'I want to make the Bluebirds fly again'
ANDY DAVEY met new Chippenham Town boss Steve White after he took his first training session on Tuesday night and heard how the former Swindon Town goalscorer aims to revitalise the club. AS Chippenham Town battle to avoid relegation rueful Bluebird fans
-
Date
Council bid on more houses
KENNET District Council is on a collision course with Wiltshire County Council over the number of new houses to be built. Kennet is to press the county council to increase the number of new homes to be built in the district and reduce the amount of land
-
Date
Ex-Bishop's boy is a world cup winner
THE city of Salisbury was celebrating along with the rest of the country on Saturday as England's rugby stars got their hands on the Webb Ellis Trophy in dramatic style, writes Mike Turner. Jonny Wilkinson's last minute drop goal prompted whoops of delight
-
Date
Calendar a first for cot death charity
Calne design consultant Nick Belson, who lost his son to cot death, has inspired a baby calendar to raise money for an infant death charity. Illustrators from around the world have contributed to the calendar and all the proceeds will go to the Foundation
-
Date
Penhill gets a helping hand
YOUNGSTERS ushered in a new era of improved childcare in Penhill by cutting the turf for a new nursery complex. Work has now started on the £1 million project to transform Penhill Community Centre, in Everleigh Road, into a modern facility offering a
-
Date
Striking a blow for the Prospect
PUNCHES will be thrown for Wroughton's Prospect Hospice on Saturday in a charity fight night. Eddie Neilson Promot-ions are raising money for the charity by offering all wannabe boxers a chance to experience the thrill of the ring. The event will take
-
Date
Thanks for help
YET another Poppy Appeal and Remembrance time has passed. May I through your paper thank the people of Devizes and the surrounding villages, for their generosity yet again. We are still counting and have already exceeded last year's total. But the measure
-
Date
Training effort wins top award
TONY Robinson, of television's Blackadder and Time Team fame, has presented the first Employer Training awards to the cream of the Wiltshire business community including a fast-growing company from Salisbury. The ceremony, organised by the Learning and
-
Date
Pupils plant new ideas
PUPILS from Stanton St Quintin Primary School quizzed staff at a local nursery about all things horticultural. The youngsters visited Barbara Austin Perennials, the wholesale plant growers in West Kington. The keen young gardeners were given a guided
-
Date
Disabled parking
I READ with interest the statement by the Co-op that they are to provide disabled parking spaces at the store in Wroughton. This is to be welcomed but might I ask what their policy is for enforcement and to penalise those selfish people who take up a
-
Date
A man who enjoys life
BERNARD Sparks, who has just turned 103, is as sprightly as a youngster. The first world war veteran celebrated his birthday at his home in Ridgeway House in Wootton Bassett, surrounded by friends and wellwishers. He puts his good health down to fine
-
Date
Specials on line for award
A TEAM of five Special Constables from Wiltshire Constabulary's Melksham Division, which covers the area from Cricklade to Warminster, is competing for the Arthur Ellis Memorial Trophy. Forces across the South West compete for this annual award, which
-
Date
Prayers still on agenda
Prayers are still on the agenda at the beginning of North Wiltshire District Council meetings after a narrow majority overturned a motion to abolish them. The long-held tradition of sharing a prayer and reciting the Lord's Prayer came under threat because
-
Date
Couple win ice cool victory
A COUPLE finally took delivery of their new fridge after holding a peaceful protest outside Chippenham's Powerhouse. Ron May, 64, and his wife, Elizabeth, 59, who both suffer from ill health, ordered the American-style fridge in August before their planned
-
Date
Grieving father's plea for new law
GRIEVING father George Stephens wants a change in the law to see justice for his son David, who was killed in a car accident a year ago. He is furious that the lorry driver who was charged following the crash escaped with only a fine after a dangerous
-
Date
Twin twinges for brothers
FOOTBALLING twins Matty and Justin Messenger suffered injuries on the same legs, while playing for the same team on Saturday. In the second half of Pewsey Vale's 2-1 defeat at the hands of Hook Norton 30-year-old Matty went haring after a ball when he
-
Date
History of Wiltshire airfields revealed
MILITARY historian Rod Priddle's latest book Wings Over Wiltshire has taken six years of painstaking research to record the history of flying in the county. The result is a 396-page book that is a comprehensive study of Wiltshire's military airfields
-
Date
PE teacher receives a gold award from Duke
Teacher Ben Venables has been awarded a gold Duke of Edinburgh Award from Prince Philip. Mr Venables, who is in his first year of teaching PE at Hardenhuish School, Chippenham, received his award at St James' Palace, London. Mr Venables said the Duke
-
Date
News loos on the agenda
AFTER the public toilets at Cross Hayes in Malmesbury were voted bottom of the pile in the UK there has been movement to build new automatic loos. A committee set up to explore the issue has decided that a self cleaning toilet should be set up at Cross
-
Date
Villagers welcome back their postlady
Villagers will be glad to see 64-year-old postmistress Yvonne Collingwood back at her post in January after an emergency operation to replace her hip. Mrs Collingwood was in such pain that she had to take 12 painkillers and a dose of morphine to get through
-
Date
Boy who likes the high life
WALKING the high wire is as easy as ABC for 11-year-old Malmesbury School pupil Laci Fossett. He will be at the school for the next term as The Moscow State Circus rests up for its winter break in Oaksey for the next few months. Laci, who was born in
-
Date
Arrest Blair says vicar
PRIME Minister Tony Blair acted unlawfully in the war against Iraq according to Malmesbury vicar the Rev Sydney Hinkes. A letter handed to Swindon Police on Friday by Mr Hinkes and other members of Swindon Stop the War Coalition demanded Mr Blair be arrested
-
Date
Fight for maternity units will continue
CAMPAIGNERS are urging people to continue the fight to stop Malmesbury Maternity Unit from closing as latest figures show the number of births at the units has already surpassed last year's total. Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust decided
-
Date
Housing barred on site of former pub
Councillors decided the Suffolk Arms site at Tetbury Hill should not be included as an area for development in Malmesbury, but there was disagreement on the future of Filands. Both sites were under discussion as part of North Wiltshire District Council's
-
Date
Purton hit by hungry Pang with four goals
PURTON Reserves failed to keep tabs on Bradford Town's top scorer Tom Pang and the young striker scored four times in his side's 5-1 victory at the Red House. Pang struck twice in the first half to give the Town a 2-0 advantage at the break, but must
-
Date
MP says mums must fight on to save unit
DEVIZES MP Michael Ancram is preparing to take on the Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust over its proposals to merge Devizes Maternity Unit with the unit at Trowbridge. Mr Ancram is furious the trust is proposing to remove birthing and post
-
Date
More non jobs
I WOULD refer to the copy of a Daily Telegraph article which appeared in the Gazette recently. The article entitled Non Jobs of the Week referred to the five strategic managers to be employed by the NWDC at a salary of £60,000 plus a car. It must be recognised
-
Date
Town all set to get skatepark
Ref. 24725-08AFTER a long battle, skaters in Swindon are to get a permanent skatepark. Parish councillors in Stratton St Margaret have agreed to hand over £30,000 worth of ramps and jumps to Swindon Council, which will install them at the Oasis Leisure
-
Date
Flight checks
THE recent case regarding the alleged drinking of a British Airways pilot and co-pilot beggars belief. What if there was a near collision scenario with another plane, it does happen, which merited a split second decision, any pilot impaired with alcohol
-
Date
Your help is needed to create cyclepath
VOLUNTEERS are needed for a winter work day to help clear an overgrown railway path. Sustrans, the sustainable transport charity, are seeking helpers to clear vegetation on the Chiseldon to Marlborough railway path to create a cyclepath of December 6.
-
Date
You've got my pen
WOULD the 'gentleman' who saw fit to relive me of a silver coloured and gold Parker pen from my bookstall in The Shambles shortly before midday on Tuesday November 18 care to visit my stall again as I have a book he could buy (if, indeed, such a word
-
Date
Kicking up a victory storm
IF cheers from Wiltshire could not be heard in Sydney it was not for want of trying as fans around the county cheered on England in the Rugby World Cup. Devizes Rugby Club members are now back in England after a dream visit to the Rugby World Cup in Australia
-
Date
Bath expects
BATH'S England heroes have been challenged to balance the trappings of World Cup-winning fame with maintaining their club's spectacular start to the season. Head coach John Connolly admits he is expecting big things from the likes of Mike Catt, Mike Tindall
-
Date
Date is set for pool to open
Ref. 11561MALMESBURY's £3 million state-of-the-art indoor swimming pool will open on January 12. The pool has taken more than a year, 2,000 tonnes of concrete, at least 50 tonnes of steel and 60,000 bricks to construct. It will be one of only six pools
-
Date
Fight still far from being lost
THE fight goes on. That is the message that maternity campaigners in Wiltshire want to give to members of the Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Health Care Trust. Tears have been shed, tempers lost and voices raised following the announcement last week
-
Date
Council is under fire for closing market
MALMESBURY town council has come under fire for its handling of the introduction and eventual closure of the Sunday Market. The town council decided to close the market amid concerns from High Street traders that their business was suffering. This Sunday
-
Date
Wigs and costumes help set record
Firefighters from Boscombe Down who dressed up as superheroes during thier tour of the camp and AmesburyKIDNAPPING a mayor, dressing up in silly clothes or enduring the pain of having hair removed from various parts of the anatomy were just some of the
-
Date
Westbury Town 8 Devizes Town 3
WESTBURY had their keeper sent off before half-time but from the scoreline it looked as if Devizes were the ones a man short. Devizes Town assistant manager Shaun Moffat was left shaking his head in disbeleife after his side's display. He said: "We knew
-
Date
Time grows by
NEVER mind the scantily clad lovelies, the chocolate box kittens or the views of the Matterhorn the must-have calendar for 2004 contains stunning aerial photos of this year's crop circles. Whatever your opinion on how the circles are formed, there is
-
Date
Tickets for celebrity gala night going fast
Tickets are selling fast for a charity Christmas gala night starring celebrity guest Jerome Flynn. Kandu Arts, a charity that works with disadvantaged people, is organising the event at the Neeld Hall, in Chippenham, on December 21 to raise funds for
-
Date
Report gives primary school top marks
Inspectors have given top marks to Avebury Primary School. Headteacher Judy Gidzewicz, who starts a new job after Christmas, will leave behind a glowing Ofsted report. The inspectors' only criticism was a lack of teaching assistants but Mrs Gidzewicz
-
Date
Maternity unit battle steps up
CAMPAIGNERS are urging people to continue the fight to stop Devizes Maternity Unit from closing as latest figures show the number of births at the units is on course to surpass last year's total. Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust decided at
-
Date
Make sure you can deliver
CHRISTMAS deliveries are in doubt because of a shortage of drivers, warns Blue Arrow. The recruitment specialist, which has an office in Commercial Road, Swindon, has issued a call to action for qualified drivers to help local haulage companies deliver
-
Date
Hey, we've done it for the second time
Ref. 27894-50STAFF and pupils at Lainesmead Primary School are celebrating after winning a Basic Skills Agency quality mark for the second time. "The quality mark is an assurance to parents that we are providing high standards of teaching," said head
-
Date
Crucial home games for in-form Whites
SALISBURY City will look to continue their march up the Dr Martens Eastern Division table this week with two home games in five days, writes Mike Turner. Nick Holmes' side, unbeaten in their last six league outings, entertain Dartford on Saturday before
-
Date
Villagers' anger at surgery plan
Lacock residents are furious at plans to close their village GP surgery, leaving vulnerable elderly patients having to travel to Melksham to see a doctor. At a public meeting in the village hall last week more than 80 villagers expressed their anger and
-
Date
Business doctors say they can increase profits
Ref. 27957-82A CONSULTANCY firm, marketing itself as business doctors, held a presentation evening on Tuesday night at the Marriott Hotel in Pipers Way. Profit By Results says there is a huge demand in Swindon for a consultancy firm that works closely
-
Date
A prosperous New Year's on the way
SWINDON firms look to be in good shape for the New Year, according to a CBI survey. The twice-yearly research of 3,500 bosses across the UK published today predicts a bright future for south west businesses. While most regions expect slow export orders
-
Date
Minety 23 Calne 0
LOOKING relaxed and confident after a week's break, Minety made light work of this fixture against a makeshift Calne side. They scored a try in each half and calmly absorbed whatever Calne had to throw at them in between. Calne, who has asked for the
-
Date
Calne loses out
AS much as I support your Save Our Maternity Unit campaign I cannot but feel that the service provided for my hometown of Calne leaves us as very much the poor relations yet again. Proposals for the future of maternity units in Devizes and Malmesbury
-
Date
Festival promises a vast range of talent
North Wiltshire Festival 2004 has been launched with a fanfare and promises a high-profile extravaganza to showcase the many talents of the area. Talent will be the theme of North Wiltshire's bi-annual festival, which will take place on July 16, 17 and
-
Date
Night out is expensive
A WOMAN subjected an elderly disabled man to a frightening ordeal after mistaking his house for her ex-boyfriend's, magistrates heard. Janet McKee had been binge drinking when she hammered on the door of the house in Emlyn Square, breaking the glass.
-
Date
Awards mark achievement of kids in care
THE achievements of children and young people in the care of Wiltshire County Council were celebrated at an awards ceremony at Longleat House. The event was attended by 100 children and young people along with their carers, friends and families and GWR's
-
Date
Success for school
Staff and pupils at Hardenhuish School in Chippenham are celebrating the publication of a glowing Ofsted report. Inspectors praised the quality of teaching, inspirational leadership and excellent partnership with parents and the local community. Headteacher
-
Date
Villagers' anger at surgery plan
Lacock residents are furious at plans to close their village GP surgery, leaving vulnerable elderly patients having to travel to Melksham to see a doctor. At a public meeting in the village hall last week more than 80 villagers expressed their anger and
-
Date
New title for solicitor
ONE of three new Deputy Lieutenants of Wiltshire named this week is Marlborough solicitor William Wyldbore-Smith. Mr Wyldbore-Smith, who lives at Bremhill, is a partner in the Wood Awdry and Ford practice in Kingsbury Street and was previously with Wood
-
Date
Playtime is sweet treat
Ref. 11589/1THE Honey Bears Nursery will soon have a brand new play area thanks to a grant from the lottery. The nursery, based at Buckley Barracks, Hullavington, provides day care for children of military personnel and the local community. It is part
-
Date
Roads man could stop the madness
IT'S long been one of the ridiculous facts of daily life that utility companies and their contractors can dig up the roads without needing permission from the local council. Not only that, but there is no obligation for co-ordination so one week a gas
-
Date
Arrest Blair says vicar
PRIME Minister Tony Blair acted unlawfully in the war against Iraq according to Malmesbury vicar the Rev Sydney Hinkes. A letter handed to Swindon Police on Friday by Mr Hinkes and other members of Swindon Stop the War Coalition demanded Mr Blair be arrested
-
Date
Yes, we dare for Pudsey Bear
PEOPLE across Wiltshire took up zany challenges and did the most bizarre things on Friday, but it was all in a good cause as the cash poured in for Children In Need. Pet shop assistant Sadie Keonane, 26, from Rowde, near Devizes, spent her day off last
-
Date
Corsham 3 Larkhall Athletic 0
WINGER Frankie Coleman scored twice and set one up as Corsham Town cruised to victory against local rivals Larkhall Athletic. Both sides struggled early on to cope with the greasy conditions, and Corsham had to wait until deep into the second half before
-
Date
New post at association
SARSEN Housing Association, based in Devizes, has appointed Helen Hopgood to the new post of private sector leasing co-ordinator. The private sector leasing scheme works by getting in touch with owners of empty properties and asking them to long-term
-
Date
History of Wiltshire airfields revealed
MILITARY historian Rod Priddle's latest book Wings Over Wiltshire has taken six years of painstaking research to record the history of flying in the county. The result is a 396-page book that is a comprehensive study of Wiltshire's military airfields
-
Date
Fierce argument on pros and cons of war
The latest in a series of public debates in Chippenham provoked a passionate discussion about war. Kandu Arts for Sustainable Development initiated a series of debates at the Pack Horse pub in London Road to give everyone the opportunity to share their
-
Date
Council chief back at work after arrest
WILTSHIRE'S emergency planning chief Mark Kimberlin is returning to work almost a year after he was suspended during a police porn investigation. Mr Kimberlin, 47, was suspended by Wiltshire County Council following his arrest in January by police as
-
Date
New title for solicitor
ONE of three new Deputy Lieutenants of Wiltshire named this week is Marlborough solicitor William Wyldbore-Smith. Mr Wyldbore-Smith, who lives at Bremhill, is a partner in the Wood Awdry and Ford practice in Kingsbury Street and was previously with Wood
-
Date
Collectors honoured
POPPY Appeal collectors living in and around Shrewton have been honoured by the Royal British Legion for their long service in the annual collection marking Remembrance Day. The ten collectors have clocked up hundreds of years of service to the appeal
-
Date
Council is under fire for closing market
MALMESBURY town council has come under fire for its handling of the introduction and eventual closure of the Sunday Market. The town council decided to close the market amid concerns from High Street traders that their business was suffering. This Sunday
-
Date
Young text views on changes in county
THE voting age should be reduced from 18 to 16, a poll of young people in Wiltshire has revealed. In the mobile phone texting debate organised by Wiltshire County Council, 56 per cent of the young people from secondary schools who took part felt they
-
Date
Awards mark achievement of kids in care
THE achievements of children and young people in the care of Wiltshire County Council were celebrated at an awards ceremony at Longleat House. The event was attended by 100 children and young people along with their carers, friends and families and GWR's
-
Date
Top of table clash is a victim of the rain
CHIPPENHAM SUNDAY LEAGUE: THE top of the table battle between Box Rovers and Sherston Town was postponed by leaders Sherston, due to them having eight players playing for Malmesbury Town in the Arthur Shipway Cup. Winsley's ninth loss of the campaign
-
Date
Toys pour in for kids in Christmas appeal
CHRISTMAS TOY APPEAL: HUNDREDS of generous donations have helped to get the Christmas Toy Appeal off to a brilliant start. For the second year running the Gazette has joined forces with the Salvation Army to help spread good cheer to disadvantaged families
-
Date
TV major escapes jail term for deception
CHARLES Ingram, the disgraced former Army officer, has walked free from court without a fine or community sentence following his conviction on two counts of deception in relation to a home contents insurance policy. After deliberation, Judge Samuel Wiggs
-
Date
Corsham 3 Larkhall Athletic 0
WINGER Frankie Coleman scored twice and set one up as Corsham Town cruised to victory against local rivals Larkhall Athletic. Both sides struggled early on to cope with the greasy conditions, and Corsham had to wait until deep into the second half before
-
Date
Positive signs for struggling Circle
TROWBRIDGE LEAGUE: BETTER days are ahead that's the opinion of Freshford United boss Hugh Fulton, not of his own side but that of Division One basement rivals Blue Circle. After Freshford's 3-1 victory, fashioned by Matt Arnold's superb individual goal
-
Date
MP says mums must fight on to save unit
DEVIZES MP Michael Ancram is preparing to take on the Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust over its proposals to merge Devizes Maternity Unit with the unit at Trowbridge. Mr Ancram is furious the trust is proposing to remove birthing and post
-
Date
Wanted: a lot of memories
MEMORIES of Faringdon Road Park will be recorded at a special event on December 6. The People's Park project will record local people's memories of the park, as well as their ideas for its future use. A range of activities will be hosted in the former
-
Date
Catalogue firm jobs could be set to go
AROUND 150 jobs could be axed at a catalogue distribution warehouse on the Greenbridge industrial estate, trade unions are warning. Union chiefs fear the jobs at the Reality warehouse in Kelvin Road will be cut if the Government blocks a multi-million
-
Date
Getting the AIDS message across
Ref. 27970-21HEALTH workers are hoping World AIDS Day next week will help raise awareness of Swindon's growing HIV problem. Health workers will be distributing red ribbons and leaflets in the town as part of the annual awareness raising exercise on Monday
-
Date
Great farewell
MAY I say a big thank you to all friends and colleagues past and present, and from other Trusts who contributed to the wonderful gift I was presented with at my farewell party on November 19 I also received some lovely gifts from close friends. For those
-
Date
Village shock as tree axed
RESIDENTS were up in arms when North Wiltshire District Council felled a mature horse chestnut tree at Whitegates in Castle Combe without telling them. The tree, on district council owned land, was felled last week and sawn into logs without any warning
-
Date
Cancer appeal
I AM writing to ask readers to support Cancer Research UK's Children's Cancer Month during December. Simply pick up the phone and call the Little Star Hotline on 08701 60 20 40 today to pledge a donation. Ronan Keating On behalf of Cancer Research UK
-
Date
New block of flats is labelled an 'eyesore'
ONE of Marlborough's biggest eyesores has competition in the shape of a new building which has most of its windows bricked up, councillors claim. The three-storey block of six flats built for Kennet Housing Society in New Road in Marlborough competes
-
Date
Trust fails to reveal the savings
KENNET and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust wants to close Malmesbury Maternity Unit and remove birthing and in-patient post natal facilities from Devizes Maternity Unit because it says they are expensive to run. But what the report, which the trust
-
Date
Veterinary couple say goodbye
Craig and Janet Irvine-Smith outside the Stonehenge Veterinary HospitalA COUPLE who founded the Stonehenge Veterinary Hospital in Durrington 13 years ago are leaving at the end of this week. Craig and Janet Irvine-Smith arrived in England from South Africa
-
Date
Housing barred on site of former pub
Councillors decided the Suffolk Arms site at Tetbury Hill should not be included as an area for development in Malmesbury, but there was disagreement on the future of Filands. Both sites were under discussion as part of North Wiltshire District Council's
-
Date
Chef offers a healthy start
TV chef and healthy eating guru Peter Vaughan is offering shoppers a healthy way to start the day. Mr Vaughan, who owns and runs the Healthy Life shop and bistro in Little Brittox, Devizes, is serving up a healthy and substantial breakfast. The breakfast
-
Date
Plans for post office site are on hold
A MAJOR development for the town centre has been put on hold. Plans were unanimously passed for the long-awaited Phoenix Gate in Fleming Way on Tuesday but the premises have since been sold on. Now it is uncertain what will happen to the former post office
-
Date
Town all set to get skatepark
Ref. 24725-08AFTER a long battle, skaters in Swindon are to get a permanent skatepark. Parish councillors in Stratton St Margaret have agreed to hand over £30,000 worth of ramps and jumps to Swindon Council, which will install them at the Oasis Leisure
-
Date
Surgeon fled from hospital
A SURGEON trained in Swindon fled a hospital because the people who met him were not important enough, a tribunal heard yesterday. Consultant anaesthetist Ahmed Sharif is before the General Medical Council's professional conduct committee in London accused
-
Date
Catalogue firm jobs could be set to go
AROUND 150 jobs could be axed at a catalogue distribution warehouse on the Greenbridge industrial estate, trade unions are warning. Union chiefs fear the jobs at the Reality warehouse in Kelvin Road will be cut if the Government blocks a multi-million
-
Date
Sort it out!
SWINDON Council could soon employ a roads tsar to ensure that utility companies do not cause massive disruption by continuing to dig up roads without warning. New legislation announced in yesterday's Queen's speech included plans to give authorities the
-
Date
Top of table clash is a victim of the rain
CHIPPENHAM SUNDAY LEAGUE: THE top of the table battle between Box Rovers and Sherston Town was postponed by leaders Sherston, due to them having eight players playing for Malmesbury Town in the Arthur Shipway Cup. Winsley's ninth loss of the campaign
-
Date
Trust fails to reveal the savings
KENNET and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust wants to close Malmesbury Maternity Unit and remove birthing and in-patient post natal facilities from Devizes Maternity Unit because it says they are expensive to run. But what the report, which the trust
-
Date
Jazzing it up at new club
Calne jazz fans gathered for the first meeting of a new jazz club at the Jolly Miller pub last night. Piano, bass and drums were on hand for a jamming session, and jazz musicians were invited to play or sing. Jazz pianist James Harpham, who has just tutored
-
Date
Bound over to keep peace
Aubrey Carter was bound over to keep the peace for a year by magistrates last week following a row with his wife at their home in Jasmine Way on October 3. Chippenham magistrates heard how Mr Carter, 31, and his wife Jennifer fought after she told him
-
Date
Crucial home games for in-form Whites
SALISBURY City will look to continue their march up the Dr Martens Eastern Division table this week with two home games in five days, writes Mike Turner. Nick Holmes' side, unbeaten in their last six league outings, entertain Dartford on Saturday before
-
Date
Procession of lanterns to light up town
THE centrepiece of this year's Calne Christmas Lights switch-on event on Saturday will be a 'river of light', created when hundreds of residents parade through the town with handmade lanterns. Calne Town Council's community development officer Mark Wilkins
-
Date
We will be ready for Christmas
MECHANICS' Institute owner Mathew Singh has promised Swindon an early Christmas present when he submits a detailed application to planners next month. The 40-year-old businessman and his team of architects are preparing the plan which will explain exactly
-
Date
Hospital is vital
I WAS rather alarmed to read that Dash 2 were fearful that a proposed new care home scheme for Devizes could scupper the plans for a new Devizes Hospital. A new hospital will only have in-patient beds if a care home is built alongside it. We need the
-
Date
Chef offers a healthy start
TV chef and healthy eating guru Peter Vaughan is offering shoppers a healthy way to start the day. Mr Vaughan, who owns and runs the Healthy Life shop and bistro in Little Brittox, Devizes, is serving up a healthy and substantial breakfast. The breakfast
-
Date
Council 'no' to allowances
DEVIZES town councillors have ruled out receiving more allowances. Councillors were told that under new Government legislation town and parish councils now have the power to pay a basic allowance to all members. But, on November 18, members on the town
-
Date
Listen out for festive float
DEVIZES Lions' carol float will once again be bringing Father Christmas and festive music to the town. With a newly decorated, brightly lit float with its own Santa's grotto, it will be on the streets from 5.30pm until 8pm. All money collected will go
-
Date
Doorways to inspire art
Ref. 11590ARTIST Lucy Beacham was so impressed with the doorways in Devizes that she has painted a collage of her favourites. Miss Beacham, who had an exhibition in the Wine Street Gallery this summer, was inspired by the town centre's varied and fascinating
-
Date
School plan is revealed
A STRATEGIC development brief to pave the way for a new school and sporting facilities in Devizes will go up for public consultation shortly. The inspector who presided over the Kennet District Local Plan inquiry called on Kennet District Council to produce
-
Date
Chippenham U14s 62 Cinderford U14s 0
CHIPPENHAM'S Under 14s handed out a ten try demolition in an impressive display on Sunday to their visitors in a one-sided Bristol Combination Cup semi-final at Allington Field. The unfortunate recipients were Cinderford. The Cinderford team were never
-
Date
New figures show fall in crime
DAVID Lovibond's recent article in the Spectator, depicting Devizes as a sink of violence, drugs and anti-social behaviour, has ruffled feathers among those working to reduce crime in the area. Kennet Community Safety Partnership, set up under the Government's
-
Date
Villagers win round in battle for yard
GRATEFUL applause greeted councillors' decision to throw out a plan to build 22 houses on a derelict farmyard in the centre of the picturesque village of Urchfont, near Devizes. Members of Kennet District Council's regulatory planning committee met on
-
Date
Good causes get cash boost
THIRTY-THREE local good causes shared in more than £10,000 of funds on Tuesday when Devizes Lions Club handed over cash raised by walkers on their recent sponsored walk over Roundway Down. Town mayor Coun Paula Winchcombe handed over the cheques at the
-
Date
Disqualified driver escapes jail sentence
CHRISTMAS came early this year for the family of disqualified driver Dean Boniface, who magistrates warned could face jail when he was caught drink driving in October. The 42-year-old house restorer pleaded guilty at Kennet Magistrates Court, in Devizes
-
Date
Guides second bid to get purpose-built centre
DEVIZES Guides are to try again to get planning permission to build a new Guiding centre on farmland on the outskirts of the town. Their first attempt in September to win permission for a purpose-built centre on the 1.25 hectare site at Gypsy Patch on
-
Date
Top brass fall in
BRITAIN'S top soldier, General Sir Michael Walker, flew into Devizes last Thursday to officially open a £1.13 million cadet centre, the new home for the Devizes platoon of the Army Cadet Force and squadron of the Air Training Corps. It was not known until
-
Date
Festive spirit shines
THERE will be a real Spirit of Christmas about the late night shopping extravaganza in Marlborough next Thursday. The organisers are promising it will be the biggest and best event since its name was changed from the Victorian Evening to Spirit several
-
Date
Golden recipe for success
Teenage chef James Baker from Aldbourne, near Marlborough, has cooked his way to gold and silver medals in two top culinary competitions. James, 17, works for defence catering company ESS Support Services Worldwide, part of Compass Group, at the Joint
-
Date
Councillor caught in drink-drive cover up
Neil Fraser pictured in June when he sought publicity in the Gazette for his business Channel Ports and WinesALDBOURNE parish councillor Neil Fraser lied to police as they probed the alleged theft of his wife's car, a court heard. Fraser, 44, was convicted
-
Date
Gatecrashers are real cards
Ref. 11556-02THERE were a couple of uninvited guests at the Marlborough Town Hall register office when Karen Bewley and Chris Gale got married. Joining their family and friends were cardboard cut-outs of GWR breakfast show presenters Matt and H. Fifty
-
Date
Bid to ease nurses' fears over equipment
PROJECT manager Peter Williams has this week attempted to quell nurses' fears that outdated equipment from Savernake Hospital will be transferred to the new hospital. Nurses held a meeting at the hospital last week to air their concerns and later one
-
Date
Window work needs sponsors
St Sampson's Parish Hall , Cricklade, is still in need of £10,000 for its new windows. Donations made will be recorded for posterity. Sections of window cost £150 to fund while glass diamonds cost £10 to sponsor. If you would like to support the campaign
-
Date
Students discover different cultures
NATIVE American dream catchers, Indonesian music and Portuguese legends were some of the activities recently laid on for young pupils of a school. Visitors from around the world went to Covingham Park Infant School as part of One World Week. Song and
-
Date
Wigs and costumes help set record
Firefighters from Boscombe Down who dressed up as superheroes during thier tour of the camp and AmesburyKIDNAPPING a mayor, dressing up in silly clothes or enduring the pain of having hair removed from various parts of the anatomy were just some of the
-
Date
Getting the AIDS message across
Ref. 27970-21HEALTH workers are hoping World AIDS Day next week will help raise awareness of Swindon's growing HIV problem. Health workers will be distributing red ribbons and leaflets in the town as part of the annual awareness raising exercise on Monday
-
Date
We will be paying for short-termism
THE lingering death of Devizes Hospital, at the hands of the Primary Care Trust has gone on so long now that we are in danger of neglecting the enormity of the social vandalism involved. To remind ourselves: Devizes Hospital was originally planned and
-
Date
Groups camp in OAP flats
RESIDENTS at Field View House in Chippenham are becoming increasingly concerned about groups of people using their staircase at night. Field View House Association chairman Ken Stephens said elderly residents living in the flats were being regularly disturbed
-
Date
TV major escapes jail term for deception
CHARLES Ingram, the disgraced former Army officer, has walked free from court without a fine or community sentence following his conviction on two counts of deception in relation to a home contents insurance policy. After deliberation, Judge Samuel Wiggs
-
Date
Singing for twinning
A Christmas carol concert in aid of Chippenham Twinning Association will take place at the town's Cause Arts and Music Centre. The concert, organised by former Mayoress Karin Meek, will be an opportunity to listen to John Iles play the centre's new grand
-
Date
Playtime is sweet treat
Ref. 11589/1THE Honey Bears Nursery will soon have a brand new play area thanks to a grant from the lottery. The nursery, based at Buckley Barracks, Hullavington, provides day care for children of military personnel and the local community. It is part
-
Date
Children play with words
CHILDREN at Chippenham's Ivy Lane School dressed in costumes from around the world last week to celebrate reading. They were taking part in the school's book week which this year had a multicultural theme. The aim of the week is to encourage children
-
Date
Witnesses to thefts sought
CALNE police are making a fresh appeal for witnesses after a spate of thefts from village sheds and garages. The thieves have targeted insecure or poorly protected outhouses in Cherhill, Compton Bassett and East Tytherton and officers are urging the public
-
Date
Town yields secrets
The unearthing of 18th and 19th century pottery, bones and a Saxon stylus in an old cellar in Chippenham, is helping to piece together the town's history. SARAH SINGLETON looks at the importance of the finds. THE colourful pageant of Chippenham's past
-
Date
Devizes 3rd 20 Colerne 10
ENGLAND'S victory in the World Cup Final, watched by more than 250 members members and friends on the big screen at Devizes Sports Club, was a magnificent curtainraiser for those who stayed on to watch Devizes beat Colerne. In the first half Devizes heavier
-
Date
Is this little dog yours?
Ref. 27952-12DROVE Veterinary Hospital is searching for the owners of a dog believed to be lost rather than abandoned. The pet, believed to be a Maltese terrier cross, was handed to the stray dog warden at Drove by police after being found at Barbury
-
Date
Addict drove car at landlady after theft
A heroin addict who injured a landlady as he made his getaway following a break-in at her pub has escaped a jail term. Benjamin Quarmby left Julie Taylor battered and bruised after he struck her with her daughter's car as he made off in it with thousands
-
Date
Help us to prevent more carnage on A4
SLOW IT DOWN: THERE are just 21 days left to sign our petition demanding road safety improvements on the A4 between Chippenham and Calne before it is handed to Wiltshire County Council. The Gazette is campaigning to have more signs and road safety measures
-
Date
MP says mums must fight on to save unit
DEVIZES MP Michael Ancram is preparing to take on the Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust over its proposals to merge Devizes Maternity Unit with the unit at Trowbridge. Mr Ancram is furious the trust is proposing to remove birthing and post
-
Date
Legend takes over at Town
FORMER Swindon Town legend Steve White has been given the job of rescuing Chippenham Town from relegation. White, 44, took over this week after Chippenham were flooded with applications for the manager's post in the wake of Tommy Saunders' sacking. Now
-
Date
Training effort wins top award
TONY Robinson, of television's Blackadder and Time Team fame, has presented the first Employer Training awards to the cream of the Wiltshire business community including a fast-growing company from Salisbury. The ceremony, organised by the Learning and
-
Date
Young text views on changes in county
THE voting age should be reduced from 18 to 16, a poll of young people in Wiltshire has revealed. In the mobile phone texting debate organised by Wiltshire County Council, 56 per cent of the young people from secondary schools who took part felt they
-
Date
MP urges action to avert disaster
MP MICHAEL Ancram is putting pressure on Network Rail for a safer alternative to the notorious skew bridges at Burbage Wharf. He met the chairman of the company, Ian McAllister, this week and told him that he feared there would soon be a major disaster
-
Date
Boy who likes the high life
WALKING the high wire is as easy as ABC for 11-year-old Malmesbury School pupil Laci Fossett. He will be at the school for the next term as The Moscow State Circus rests up for its winter break in Oaksey for the next few months. Laci, who was born in
-
Date
Taking on the muscle
HATS off to strongman Julien Cini, who is raising money for Brimble Hill special school. The former British arm wrestling champion is taking on all-comers next month in exchange for donations because his 22-year-old sister Rita, who has special needs,
-
Date
Yes, we dare for Pudsey Bear
PEOPLE across Wiltshire took up zany challenges and did the most bizarre things on Friday, but it was all in a good cause as the cash poured in for Children In Need. Pet shop assistant Sadie Keonane, 26, from Rowde, near Devizes, spent her day off last
-
Date
Roads man could stop the madness
IT'S long been one of the ridiculous facts of daily life that utility companies and their contractors can dig up the roads without needing permission from the local council. Not only that, but there is no obligation for co-ordination so one week a gas
-
Date
Everywhere I go, my cut-out comes too
RAF Lyneham engineer, Paul Galliemore, who is one of 50 people to take up a radio challenge to take a cardboard cut-out of two new breakfast show presenters to as many interesting places as possible, has taken his on a far flung adventure. Sgt Galliemore
-
Date
Teachers get help with financing their homes
FINANCIAL COSTS OF LIVING IN SWINDON: PUBLIC sector workers such as teachers are also disadvantaged by the housing market. Laura Whateley has been teaching for three years and earns around £21,000. She bought a one-bedroom flat in North Street, Old Town
-
Date
Ratty takes to the stage
Athelstan Players are departing from the traditional Christmas panto for their seasonal production which starts tonight. Toad of Toad Hall is an adaptation of Kenneth Grahame's children's classic Wind in the Willows. The company of 17 children and 25
-
Date
A team are the Shaw things
NORTH WILTS YOUTH LEAGUE: RAIN had a major impact on the North Wilts & District Youth League for the first time, with 16 games postponed in total. The big game of the day in the under 16 division saw Shaw A meet stablemates Shaw B at Chestnut Springs
-
Date
Business doctors say they can increase profits
Ref. 27957-82A CONSULTANCY firm, marketing itself as business doctors, held a presentation evening on Tuesday night at the Marriott Hotel in Pipers Way. Profit By Results says there is a huge demand in Swindon for a consultancy firm that works closely
-
Date
Fight still far from being lost
THE fight goes on. That is the message that maternity campaigners in Wiltshire want to give to members of the Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Health Care Trust. Tears have been shed, tempers lost and voices raised following the announcement last week
-
Date
Surgeon fled from hospital
A SURGEON trained in Swindon fled a hospital because the people who met him were not important enough, a tribunal heard yesterday. Consultant anaesthetist Ahmed Sharif is before the General Medical Council's professional conduct committee in London accused
-
Date
Put down that pint, there's a game on...
CALNE'S rugby players could not face another drop after they were forced to cut short their world cup celebrations to play Minety. Many of the players started drinking in the Recreation Club before the England vs Australia final kicked off at 9am, and
-
Date
Firm's success hotline
WHILE employers like Dyson at Malmesbury are looking overseas for their workforce, husband and wife partners David and Jackie Crook, are enjoying seeing their company go from strength to strength in North Wiltshire. Mr and Mrs Crook, who live in Colerne
-
Date
Prayers still on agenda
Prayers are still on the agenda at the beginning of North Wiltshire District Council meetings after a narrow majority overturned a motion to abolish them. The long-held tradition of sharing a prayer and reciting the Lord's Prayer came under threat because
-
Date
Plaque is wrong
NOW that the scaffolding has been taken down from the tearooms in St John's Street, Devizes, attention may be drawn to the faded notice on the wall which, with an arrow, directs visitors round the corner into St John's Alley, described thereon as 15th
-
Date
Licence fees up
TAXI drivers, zoo keepers and tattooists face higher fees for licences next year. North Wiltshire District Council agreed the increases at a meeting on Tuesday. Hackney carriage and private hire licence fees will rise by 2.5 per cent in 2004/05 and miscellaneous
-
Date
Village shock as tree axed
RESIDENTS were up in arms when North Wiltshire District Council felled a mature horse chestnut tree at Whitegates in Castle Combe without telling them. The tree, on district council owned land, was felled last week and sawn into logs without any warning
-
Date
Licence fees up
TAXI drivers, zoo keepers and tattooists face higher fees for licences next year. North Wiltshire District Council agreed the increases at a meeting on Tuesday. Hackney carriage and private hire licence fees will rise by 2.5 per cent in 2004/05 and miscellaneous
-
Date
Community service on lookout for volunteers
A volunteer organisation which provides a good neighbour service is appealing for new recruits. Calne and District Community Link offers services from shopping trips and taking people to hospital appointments to gardening. But the service, which helps
-
Date
Wigs and costumes help set record
Firefighters from Boscombe Down who dressed up as superheroes during thier tour of the camp and AmesburyKIDNAPPING a mayor, dressing up in silly clothes or enduring the pain of having hair removed from various parts of the anatomy were just some of the
-
Date
£91,000 skatepark bid
A PLANNING application for a new skatepark in Chippenham could be submitted early in the New Year, says North Wiltshire district councillor Carol O'Gorman. She said she hopes to put in a bid for funding in next year's budget for the long-awaited skatepark
-
Date
Veterinary couple say goodbye
Craig and Janet Irvine-Smith outside the Stonehenge Veterinary HospitalA COUPLE who founded the Stonehenge Veterinary Hospital in Durrington 13 years ago are leaving at the end of this week. Craig and Janet Irvine-Smith arrived in England from South Africa
-
Date
There's a lot wrong with new hospital
THE new hospital has recently been in the news, from the excellent care provided for some patients while conversely a Unison report detailing the problems from staff working there. I hope a similar report is done from the patients and visiting relatives
-
Date
Drumming up a real good deal
Ref. 27946-36THE next generation of Ringo Starrs got on the beat with their new musical instruments this week, paid for by cash from a drum marathon. Swindon music teachers Paul Ashman and Andy Wraight took a workshop at Tick Tock Playgroup in Wroughton
-
Date
Warning on resurfacing
POLICE are warning that rogue resurfacing teams are operating in the Pewsey area. Yesterday two men in a white X-registered Vauxhall Astra Envoy van on the Everleigh road offered cheap resurfacing to a farmer. Salisbury division police press officer David
-
Date
Setback for college plans
Hopes of getting an outreach college in Pewsey have been dashed after Wiltshire College pulled out of talks. But now campaigners are going to approach Salisbury College instead. Talks have been taking place for some time with Wiltshire College at Chippenham
-
Date
MP urges action to avert disaster
MP MICHAEL Ancram is putting pressure on Network Rail for a safer alternative to the notorious skew bridges at Burbage Wharf. He met the chairman of the company, Ian McAllister, this week and told him that he feared there would soon be a major disaster
-
Date
Toys pour in for kids in Christmas appeal
CHRISTMAS TOY APPEAL: HUNDREDS of generous donations have helped to get the Christmas Toy Appeal off to a brilliant start. For the second year running the Gazette has joined forces with the Salvation Army to help spread good cheer to disadvantaged families
-
Date
Crook's £300 cashback haul
POLICE are seeking a cashback criminal who stole £300 cash and other items from stores around Devizes by using a stolen Switch card. The man used the card in four supermarkets in the town centre within half an hour on November 14, taking minor items like
-
Date
Children play with words
CHILDREN at Chippenham's Ivy Lane School dressed in costumes from around the world last week to celebrate reading. They were taking part in the school's book week which this year had a multicultural theme. The aim of the week is to encourage children
-
Date
Balloons to raise funds
THE Year 12 enterprise group at Devizes School will be joining forces with young charity fundraiser Michael Clark to raise money for terminally ill children at the town's Christmas Market tomorrow. The group, which calls itself No Nonsense, will be using
-
Date
Generous children
Children at St Mary's School in Chippenham shared the generous spirit of Christmas through their magnificent effort for Operation Christmas Child. Pupils filled some 200 boxes with toys, gloves, sweets and other goodies for less fortunate children in
-
Date
What price life in Swindon?
Ref. 27955-22Although we have a higher average wage than most, the picture is not as rosy as it may seem. Following a report revealing that workers in this area on average command higher wages than almost anywhere in the country, BHAVANI VADDE looks at
-
Date
Trophy is a chance for change of fortune
AFTER a string of disastrous league results new manager Steve White will hope to kick-start the Bluebirds poor season with a prolonged cup run. On Saturday Chippenham Town welcome Ryman League Premier Division side Basingstoke Town to Hardenhuish Park
-
Date
New assistant is ready to take on the big boys
NO ONE will be more determined to help Chippenham Town beat the drop than their new assistant manager Ron Needham. The 46-year-old was born and bred in Chippenham and is passionate about the club where he played as a ball-winning midfielder for 18 years
