Archive
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White out to chalk up win
STEVE WHITE hopes to break his managerial duck as Chippenham Town make the daunting trip to Havant & Waterlooville tomorrow. The Bluebirds' performances have improved under White's leadership, but for all the endeavour, Chalky's charges have yet to
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Perfect party is a treat for school's special students
Ref. 28227-2STUDENTS at Swindon College made it a Christmas to remember for Brimble Hill School pupils when they organised a party. "It was the best party that has been organised for our children," said support teacher Sue Podmore. "Every single child
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Skidmore's still aiming high
MANAGER Gary Skidmore says Biddestone need to re-find their form at Devizes Town Reserves tomorrow if they are to compete at the top end of the Wiltshire League. Biddestone slipped to third place after Saturday's 1-1 draw at home to Corsham Reserves,
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Young are worst as drink-driving rises
DRINK-DRIVING levels have rocketed in north and west Wiltshire with young drivers taking over as the worst offenders. From April to October drink-drivers made up one in every 10 people arrested, with nearly double the number of positive tests compared
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Center Parcs is floated
CENTER Parcs UK was floated on the London Stock Exchange yesterday after being sold in a £285m deal. Former owners MidOcean Partners have sold the holiday chain to newly-formed company Arbour and bosses hope its new public company status will give it
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Christmas in prison
Mum Claire Bowler may have to spend Christmas in prison after her appeal against a conviction for arson was deferred because the paperwork was not ready. Mrs Bowler, 36, of Beaulieu Road, Toothill, is said to be devastated not to be reunited with her
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Weekend teams
SATURDAY Devizes v Swanage & Wareham, away, Dorset & Wilts Cup: Jona Manu, Richard Casseldon, Mike Thomas, Darren Burbidge, David O'Sullivan, Sean O'Sullivan, Tom Collins, Ben Barnes, Ian Cater, Mark Stowell, Shaun KIngsley, Tim Alchin, James
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Fryer fire leaves van out of action
A MOBILE chip van worker set fire to his own vehicle when he left a deep fat fryer on while moving between pitches. Passing motorists flagged down a Mr Chips mobile van at Staverton after spotting flames pouring out the back, and smoke coming from the
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Versatile Ford is a real snip says manager
KELVIN Highmore believes he has landed a real bargain in former Corsham Town defender Graham Ford. Ford played the last 25 minutes on Saturday after replacing Glenn Armstrong and once he regains full match fitness the Calne Town boss says he will be a
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You're going to the pantomime
THE picture we published of those sad little faces who could not go to their pantomime obviously moved many readers several immediately contacted Moredon Junior School and offered them a chance to go to the show. Youngsters were offered tickets, transport
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A perfect Christmas present
IT is the Christmas present we thought the people of Swindon would not be given. Only three weeks ago the trustess of the Heritage Lottery Fund seemed doubtful that we would get the £3.5 million needed to restore Lydiard Park to its full glory. But now
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Look Who's Back!
SAMMY IGOE'S likely inclusion against Plymouth Argyle tomorrow will leave a delighted Andy King with a full complement of fit and suspension-free troops for the first time since August. The 28-year-old midfielder (pictured right) was awaiting the results
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Town to hold own market
STALLHOLDERS in Westbury have vowed to fight after the financial backers for the farmers' markets pulled the plug on the town's monthly Friday market. A lack of traders and a fall in customers this year forced Wiltshire Farmers' Market Association to
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What else is there to do?
I HAVE lived in Headlands Grove for the past 20 years. When my children were toddlers, I used to take them to the swing park behind Wheeler Avenue/Jefferies Avenue mentioned in your article on Monday. It has never been well used. I now walk through there
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Baby of the year runners up
Ref. 28254-1NOT far behind the winners are the six competition runners up. In the newborn to nine-month group, they were Cameron Bryant, five months, and Kai Gilligan, 10 months. Kai's mum, Debbie Murphy, 26, of Bruce Street, Rodbourne, said she and partner
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Swindon host county derby
SWINDON and Wootton Bassett's second strings go head-to-head in the Dorset & Wilts 2nd XV Cup this weekend while their respective first teams await news of who they will face in their knockout competition. Wootton Bassett make several changes to a
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One step ahead of the rest
Bearing in mind the ongoing discussion concerning the Vision for Trowbridge, an important government document was published on October 14. From the Summer of 2004, all local authorities will have to prepare Local Development Frameworks for the future
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Three week wait for a doctor
WILTSHIRE TIMES EXCLUSIVE: SICK residents in Melksham are being forced to wait for up to to see their doctor. Patients blame the closure of the overnight minor injuries unit at the town's hospital and overstretched doctors for the delays which have left
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Pregnant teen sent to prison
A PREGNANT teenager who launched a vicious attack in the house of a woman she called a friend has been jailed for a year. Cachelle Wilson threatened her victim Marcella Higgins with further violence if she told the police, but she had already reported
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Captain hopes for a change of luck
BLUEBIRDS' stand-in skipper Wayne Thorne believes the team just need a bit more luck to end their bad run. Thorne has been deputising for Martin Paul in the past couple of weeks, but is due to return the armband tomorrow. The consistent left back produced
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School is set for a special Christmas
Pupils at the Chalet School have got a busy week ahead of them. The special school in Liden, for children with complex learning difficulties, is set to benefit from the Evening Advertiser's Christmas Appeal this year. But at the moment all its attention
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£3.5m
£3.5m Against all odds, lottery grant is won to restore Swindon's Lydiard Park. AGAINST all the odds, a lottery windfall has been won for the restoration of Lydiard Park, one of Swindon's rare historic jewels. Some £3.5 million has been put aside by the
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Police get £70,000 for Special Constables
POLICE in Wiltshire have been handed almost £70,000 to recruit an extra 75 part-time bobbies. The Government has stepped in with the cash after a slump in the number of special constables. Figures published in March this year showed the county had 154
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Change of fortune: The teachers' view
Ref. 28207-94TIM Hurr is the newest addition to the teaching team, having started in April. The Year 6 teacher admits that arriving at a school with a poor history was a shock, but adds that it has been great watching things turn around. "Obviously I
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Barbers branches out
THREE partners in a Calne-based barber-shop business have celebrated their first anniversary by opening another branch. Martyn Penny of Southwick, Deborah Cartledge of Chippenham and Philip Neale of Calne have opened The Barber Shop Trio in The Shires
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Crackdown on town yobs
COMMUNITY leaders have launched a crackdown on a gang of youths causing havoc in Westbury. Police, youth workers and councillors joined forces to try to put an end to anti-social behaviour plaguing the town at a meeting on Tuesday night. Pippa McVeigh
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Meet the red hot chilli peppers
LONGLEAT has always been the home of the wild and exotic but now a family-run business has made a name for itself growing the hottest chilli peppers in the world. Tasting the chillis described as 'molten lava' is not recommended but a scorching summer
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Maniacs put me off driving
CAN I express my anger at two motorists who almost killed me and my family today. Both instances occurred between the Magic Roundabout and St Joseph's Lower School at 11.45am. The first motorist was a female driver in a Volvo estate who was obviously
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Bradford can't Hyde their joy at first win
BRADFORD on Avon players were celebrating at the weekend as they earned their first three points of the season with a 5-3 home win over FC Chippenham in the under 11s Blue Division of the Wiltshire Times and Chippenham News Mid-Wilts Youth and Minor League
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Pig farmer still getting complaints
UNPLEASANT smells from a pig farm have lead to renewed calls for a farmer to clean up his act. Nicholas Compton, of Fairfield Piggeries, Bradford Leigh, has already been served with an odour abatement notice ordering him to do something about the smell
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Phone scam is a hoax
AN URGENT warning to all telephone users against a scam costing up to £500 has proved to be phoney. Wiltshire Police had issued a caution to phone users that a recorded message reporting the winning of an all-expenses paid holiday added between £260-500
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Police slam public for walking on by
DETECTIVES investigating two alleged robberies in Trowbridge town centre have criticised passers-by for turning a blind eye. Up to seven people were spotted on camera walking just metres away from where a 45-year-old man was allegedly attacked and robbed
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Festive hamper snatched
SCROOGE-style thieves stole a Christmas hamper from a Trowbridge doctors' surgery just days before it was due to be given away in a raffle. Members of the Patients Voice were raffling off a £40 hamper to buy new equipment for the Bradford Road Surgery
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Holistic not specific
SURELY Cllr Biddulph must know that Catholic doctrine regards as sinful all sexual activity outside marriage. If any Catholic priest has told him otherwise it is contrary to encyclicals such as published by Pope Pius XI and others. One must view Catholic
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Brass band festivities
SWINDON Pegasus brass band is presenting a Christmas cavalcade on Sunday at 7pm at St Mark's Church in Church Place, Swindon. Tickets are £6 and £5 for concessions, and include a programme and light Christmas refreshments. They can be booked on 01793
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The Wiltshire Times goes snooker loopy
Top snooker players are coming to Trowbridge thanks to the Wiltshire Times. World number one Mark Williams, five-times league champion Stephen Hendry, and veteran Steve Davis are in the star-packed line-up. As well as bringing top-drawer talent to the
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A very good Christmas in prospect
A CAMPAIGNER who helped raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for the Prospect Hospice is moving on. Gillian Richardson, who has been community fundraiser for the hospice for five years, is to step down ahead of its 25th anniversary year in 2005. Ms Richardson
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Mark bids to keep pressure on rivals
MARK Hodkinson is looking for Bradford Town to increase the pressure on their championship rivals by keeping their unbeaten run going until Christmas. Saturday's 2-1 win at Marlborough Town meant Bradford have now gone six games without losing and manager
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Barbers branches out
THREE partners in a Calne-based barber-shop business have celebrated their first anniversary by opening another branch. Martyn Penny of Southwick, Deborah Cartledge of Chippenham and Philip Neale of Calne have opened The Barber Shop Trio in The Shires
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Building work 'is damaging habitat'
THE firm charged with protecting wildlife on the edge of a Warminster industrial estate has denied its work is damaging the environment. Chalkhill Environmental Consultants is working with Prospect Land, which plans to expand Crusader Park on the west
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New manager's criticisms are just not White
AS a Chippenham Town FC supporter I was very disappointed when Tommy Saunders left the club. However, Steve White appeared to be a professional replacement, and with a heavy heart I continue to support the team in the hope that they will start climbing
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Burglar is spared jail
A YOUNG woman who burgled two houses in Bradford on Avon has avoided Christmas behind bars after failing to turn up for a pre-sentence report. Swindon Crown Court was told Maria Mularczyk overslept and missed her appointment with the probation service
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Barnstaple Town 1, Melksham Town 1
STEVE Peglar secured a valuable away point for Melksham on Saturday when he pounced on a defensive error. His 55th minute strike cancelled out Barnstaple's opener from 18-year-old Rob Guppy as Nigel Tripp's depleted side held on for the draw. Melksham
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How much longer to wait?
IT has probably escaped your notice but on December 9 it is five months six if you add on the month's notice given since the disgraceful closure of Trowbridge Lifestyles, commonly known as Shopmobility. During the early part of this period, West Wiltshire
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Full bus may mean long walk
CHILDREN travelling between Melksham and Bradford on Avon could be forced to make their own way to school because there is no more space on a bus. The 40-seater bus which takes pupils who are not entitled to free transport from Melksham and Bowerhill
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Christmas dinner for hungry pack
FIFTY hungry Trowbridge cubs tucked into an early Christmas feast despite fears a lack of facilities might leave them hungry. Cub leaders with Trowbridge 1st pack wanted to lay on a feast for the eight to 10-year-olds but were worried a lack of cooking
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Tax dodger escapes prison
A COUNCIL tax dodger from Southwick has been handed a suspended prison sentence for avoiding payments in excess of £1,100. Emma James, 36, of Chantry Gardens, was sentenced to 45 days imprisonment but the jail term was suspended as long as she pays £80
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A happy new year for club
A free family drop-in club in North Swindon is to continue into the New Year. Supporting Our Kids, or SOKs, was set up to encourage families to work together on projects and coursework. SOKs members enjoy the use of eight computers, free Internet access
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Look Who's Back!
SAMMY IGOE'S likely inclusion against Plymouth Argyle tomorrow will leave a delighted Andy King with a full complement of fit and suspension-free troops for the first time since August. The 28-year-old midfielder (pictured right) was awaiting the results
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Skaters step up bid for facilities
SKATERS from across Swindon will be getting together next week to show how much Swindon needs a permanent indoor skate and bike park. From Wednesday skaters of all ages will be meeting at the former railway museum in Faringdon Road. The event is organised
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Tax warning for firms
A TAX specialist at Swindon-based accountants Morris Owen claims that small, owner-managed companies look set to be hit by new taxes in the 2004 Budget. The 2002 budget introduced significant tax incentives which created a wave of incorporations in the
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Holistic not specific
SURELY Cllr Biddulph must know that Catholic doctrine regards as sinful all sexual activity outside marriage. If any Catholic priest has told him otherwise it is contrary to encyclicals such as published by Pope Pius XI and others. One must view Catholic
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Finance firm's acts of charity rub off on contractor
ZURICH delivered Christmas early for The Prospect Hospice when, accompanied by contractors from Huntswood, they served up a generous cheque for £2,367 together with elevenses. Staff from Swindon-based Zurich and their contractor colleagues from Huntswood
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Missing the point
I was most interested to read the views of councillor Terry Chivers in 'A363 Junction 'Lethal'' (Wiltshire Times, December 5). Although I am sure Cllr Chivers has the public's best interests at heart, I believe he has missed a fundamental point. In my
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You will go to the panto
Ref. 28248-63CHILDREN who were stranded after a mix-up kept them away from a pantomime are happy again, thanks to Swindon people's kindness and a little help from the Evening Advertiser. They have been overwhelmed with offers of shows, transport and financial
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War is declared on the spam nuisance
MANY businesses are not aware of the forthcoming implementation of new Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations according to the Institute of Directors. The IoD claims that many businesses do not know about, or understand, what yesterday's legislation
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It was all cherished once
ON December 3, a long letter from John Hunter was printed in your newspaper. Alongside was a pastoral scene at Coate. I believe the essence of Mr Hunter's message was: l It is a shame to cover green fields with bricks and mortar l When members of the
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A303 shut after lorry collision
A LORRY smash killing both drivers and described as 'total devastation' caused tailbacks across Wiltshire on Saturday. Wreckage from a head-on collision between two articulated lorries on the A303 at Willoughby Hedge near West Knoyle at 5.30am kept the
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Percival smashes manager's record
TROWBRIDGE Town boss Neil Kirkpatrick is determined his young side will keep their feet on the ground ahead of tomorrow's game at home to Marlborough. Saturday's match at Shrewton saw Trowbridge's second 8-0 win of the season after having earlier thrashed
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Imber on TV
The story of ghost village Imber will be featured in a BBC television programme in the New Year. The documentary by filmaker Mark Kidel will follow the history of the village and include the concert by composer Giya Kanceli in August.
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Phone scam is a hoax
AN URGENT warning to all telephone users against a scam costing up to £500 has proved to be phoney. Wiltshire Police had issued a caution to phone users that a recorded message reporting the winning of an all-expenses paid holiday added between £260-500
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Disabled access at play park
A PLAY roundabout for children in wheelchairs has been installed in a park in Stratton St Margaret. The facility, at Meadowcroft Recreation Ground, is the first of its kind in Swindon. Rain has delayed the laying down of safety surfaces, which need to
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Calne set for youth launch
CALNE, struggling for senior players over the past few seasons, are to launch a junior section on January 10. The Dorset & Wilts Division One side will host their open day at John Bentley School, with Premiership leaders Bath lending their support
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Westbury 10-3 Dorchester
A MUCH-IMPROVED Westbury side saw off the challenge of league title contenders Dorchester on Saturday. The former South West Division Two side with just one defeat in the league this season, were expecting an easy win and after 10 minutes took the lead
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Badman set to return after injury lay-off
THE Bluebirds treatment room is finally beginning to empty and manager Steve White could be boosted by the return of midfielder Mark Badman this week. The former Bath City player has not started a game for the Bluebirds since August when he suffered a
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Snooker stars come to town
SEVEN of the world's top snooker players are coming to Trowbridge, thanks to the Wiltshire Times. We are bringing the 2004 Premier Snooker League to the Civic Hall in February as part of our 150th anniversary celebrations. World number one Mark Williams
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Bristol Manor Farm 2, Calne Town 1
CALNE Town were left cursing their luck after Manor Farm's fortunate winner compounded a match which saw them without three first choice defenders after just 12 minutes. Manager Kelvin Highmore had already reshuffled his side after skipper Darren Smart
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Cadbury Heath 2, Westbury United 3
THREE goals in the space of nine second half minutes saw Westbury climb above home side Cadbury Heath in the Screwfix League Division One table. This was the second successive game that Westbury have come back from 2-0 down and manager Derek Graham is
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Corsham Town 3, Willand Rovers 0
DAVE Kilmurray was the star of the show as Corsham Town made it six wins on the bounce with a 3-0 home triumph over Willand Rovers on Saturday. Before the game much had been made of the visitors' strike duo of Steve Ebdy and former non-league footballer
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We'll pull through this together, says Hopkins
DEVIZES Town manager Dave Hopkins says he is not feeling the pressure despite watching his side lose five matches in a row. The Nursteed Road club's promising early season form has wilted and two defeats in four days this week has seen them drop into
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Barnstaple Town 1, Melksham Town 1
STEVE Peglar secured a valuable away point for Melksham on Saturday when he pounced on a defensive error. His 55th minute strike cancelled out Barnstaple's opener from 18-year-old Rob Guppy as Nigel Tripp's depleted side held on for the draw. Melksham
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Pope leads the way as Combe go nap
CASTLE Combe tuned up for tomorrow's titanic A and B Cup first round showdown against bitter rivals Broughton Gifford with a 5-0 win over Freshford United. A first half hat-trick from James Pope, who added a fourth goal after the break, and a single from
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Stiles clears tricky Junior Cup hurdle
CHRIS Stiles scored his fourth hat-trick of the season to sweep Broughton Gifford into the Wiltshire Junior Cup quarter-finals with a tremendous 7-0 giant-killing triumph over County League Division One Westside. Tom Staddon and John Hubbard established
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A perfect Christmas present
IT is the Christmas present we thought the people of Swindon would not be given. Only three weeks ago the trustess of the Heritage Lottery Fund seemed doubtful that we would get the £3.5 million needed to restore Lydiard Park to its full glory. But now
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Haircuts raise cash for cancer
BREAST cancer patient Liz Bishop found the perfect way to say thanks to the hospital which helped save her life. She presented a £1,500 cheque to the Royal United Hospital's Forever Friends Appeal following a series of sponsored headshaves at The Tavern
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Mark bids to keep pressure on rivals
MARK Hodkinson is looking for Bradford Town to increase the pressure on their championship rivals by keeping their unbeaten run going until Christmas. Saturday's 2-1 win at Marlborough Town meant Bradford have now gone six games without losing and manager
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Percival smashes manager's record
TROWBRIDGE Town boss Neil Kirkpatrick is determined his young side will keep their feet on the ground ahead of tomorrow's game at home to Marlborough. Saturday's match at Shrewton saw Trowbridge's second 8-0 win of the season after having earlier thrashed
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Building work 'is damaging habitat'
THE firm charged with protecting wildlife on the edge of a Warminster industrial estate has denied its work is damaging the environment. Chalkhill Environmental Consultants is working with Prospect Land, which plans to expand Crusader Park on the west
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Call for traffic calming
CAMPAIGNERS in Chitterne say a recent speed survey proves the urgent need for traffic calming measures in the village. Residents want to see changes including a speed camera implemented to enforce the 30mph limit on the B390 in the village near Warminster
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Canaletto inspires children's project
CREATIVE children from Codford have turned their village school into a classic piece of Italian art. Following a trip to London's National Gallery in September, pupils at Codford Primary School began a project based on a painting called The Stone Mason's
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Famous chef gets top job in local pub
CELEBRITY chef Anthony Worrall Thompson is getting ready to cook in a Heytesbury pub. The TV chef was named yesterday as executive head chef at the Angel Coaching Inn responsible for setting menus and running the kitchen. Customers will be made meals
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Meet the red hot chilli peppers
LONGLEAT has always been the home of the wild and exotic but now a family-run business has made a name for itself growing the hottest chilli peppers in the world. Tasting the chillis described as 'molten lava' is not recommended but a scorching summer
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Outrage at plans for new sex shop
SEX shop bosses are targeting Warminster in a bid to open a new town centre store selling adult material. Three locations in the town have already been looked at after a company made an inquiry to West Wiltshire District Council. Adult shop bosses and
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Royal award for voluntary work
PRINCESS Diana memorial awards have been dished-out to young people in west and north Wiltshire. Trowbridge A-level student Katherine Wheeler, 17, was one of six recipients of the prestigious award, recognising outstanding achievements in young people
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War is declared on the spam nuisance
MANY businesses are not aware of the forthcoming implementation of new Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations according to the Institute of Directors. The IoD claims that many businesses do not know about, or understand, what yesterday's legislation
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£1.2m
Gordon Brown promises us extra cash to cushion tough council tax rises. CHANCELLOR Gordon Brown has promised Swindon an extra £1.2 million to cushion residents against a crushing council tax rise. This will be Swindon's share of the £350 million cake
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Thieves dump Christmas post
Ref. 28230-52A CHRISTMAS post box, made by Swindon Scouts, has been found dumped in wasteland after being stolen from sheltered housing in Moredon Pensioners in Chiltern Gardens, in Wickdown Avenue, had placed their cards in the box last week, expecting
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Change of fortune:The governor's view
Chairman of the governors Geoff Bladon-Howell has been on the board for five years and is one of the few to have witnessed the dark days. "If you were a time traveller and could wander back a few years you would not recognise the place. It has changed
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Pig farmer still getting complaints
UNPLEASANT smells from a pig farm have lead to renewed calls for a farmer to clean up his act. Nicholas Compton, of Fairfield Piggeries, Bradford Leigh, has already been served with an odour abatement notice ordering him to do something about the smell
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Graham's setting his sights on final
WESTBURY United manager Derek Graham is calling on the town to come out in force and get behind his team tomorrow as they aim for Upton Park in the FA Vase. Westbury will fly the flag for Wiltshire as the county's only remaining side in the competition
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Architect has fresh take on Mills project
A NEW architect has been hired by developer Taylor Woodrow to join the Kingston Mills project in Bradford on Avon. Residents have now been promised a new set of plans for the site by spring 2004. Edward Nash from Bath will work on rethinking the area
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When you've got to glow
A PLUMBER in Bradford on Avon has hit on a great way to solve the eternal problem of what to get for the man who has everything this Christmas. Ian Pritchard runs his own plumbing and heating business in Bradford and has just secured UK distribution rights
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Families move in to low-cost homes
A NEW development in Bradford on Avon could provide more options for people on low incomes in a town notorious for its escalating property prices. The £1.4m development was officially opened last week and several families have already moved in. Six flats
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Patient services put in jeopardy
SUPPORTERS of Bradford on Avon Hospital are worried there are plans in the pipeline to cut services. Members of the League of Friends of Bradford Hospital have bombarded West Wilts MP Dr Andrew Murrison with letters expressing their concern that outpatient
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Families move in to low-cost homes
A NEW development in Bradford on Avon could provide more options for people on low incomes in a town notorious for its escalating property prices. The £1.4m development was officially opened last week and several families have already moved in. Six flats
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Can't see the shop for the tree
I saw your story about Bastins and the Christmas tree in the centre of Trowbridge (Wiltshire Times, December 5) and have thought for many years that it doesn't serve much of a purpose. It never looks very nice in the day and how many people are in town
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Thanks for support
The Meningitis Trust would like to take this opportunity to thank readers in south west England for helping FOCUS DIY stores raise £21,121 towards the Support for Life appeal. Stores across the UK held fun days in September and raised an amazing £100,000
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Corsham 18, Minety 25
MINETY ambushed Corsham on their own Lacock Road ground after a topsy-turvy Dorset and Wilts Division One match on Saturday. Corsham started the stronger of the two sides, but Minety's defence held firm and it was they who took the lead when James Tweedale
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How much longer to wait?
IT has probably escaped your notice but on December 9 it is five months six if you add on the month's notice given since the disgraceful closure of Trowbridge Lifestyles, commonly known as Shopmobility. During the early part of this period, West Wiltshire
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A dog is for life not for cruel puppy snatchers
IF any of your readers are thinking of buying a puppy for Christmas please be warned: puppy thieves work in Wiltshire. On January 7 our beautiful 10-week-old Labrador Georgie was stolen from our car in West Lavington. She had only been left for five minutes
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New manager's criticisms are just not White
AS a Chippenham Town FC supporter I was very disappointed when Tommy Saunders left the club. However, Steve White appeared to be a professional replacement, and with a heavy heart I continue to support the team in the hope that they will start climbing
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Corsham Town 3, Willand Rovers 0
DAVE Kilmurray was the star of the show as Corsham Town made it six wins on the bounce with a 3-0 home triumph over Willand Rovers on Saturday. Before the game much had been made of the visitors' strike duo of Steve Ebdy and former non-league footballer
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Etheridge nets top title with carp catch
THE midweek open match at Ivy House Fishery produced some good sport with reasonable catches of carp. Gary Etheridge, of Devizes, won with an all-carp catch weighing 48lb 9oz, taken on waggler fished pellets on a 14 hook. Elgin matchman Pete Connor took
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Change of fortune:The governor's view
Chairman of the governors Geoff Bladon-Howell has been on the board for five years and is one of the few to have witnessed the dark days. "If you were a time traveller and could wander back a few years you would not recognise the place. It has changed
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Change of fortune: The teachers' view
Ref. 28207-94TIM Hurr is the newest addition to the teaching team, having started in April. The Year 6 teacher admits that arriving at a school with a poor history was a shock, but adds that it has been great watching things turn around. "Obviously I
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Those dark day days are over
Ref. 28207-81Back in 1998, Nythe Primary School was deemed to be failing and was facing closure. Now, in the latest league tables, it is among the six best in Swindon. KEVIN SHOESMITH reports on the school's change in fortune in the past five years. NYTHE
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Captain hopes for a change of luck
BLUEBIRDS' stand-in skipper Wayne Thorne believes the team just need a bit more luck to end their bad run. Thorne has been deputising for Martin Paul in the past couple of weeks, but is due to return the armband tomorrow. The consistent left back produced
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Village website picks up an international award
A former RAF engineer who set up a village website as a hobby has won an international award. Andy Humm's Lyneham Wiltshire & Beyond site has received a silver award from the US-based World Wide Web Awards. The website, at www.lynehamvillage.com,
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For Ollie read Goldilocks
Ref. 28250-20GOLDILOCKS can't wait until tonight when the pantomime featuring her and the Three Bears opens at the Wyvern Theatre. Vicky Binns, 21, better known as Ollie Reynolds of Emmerdale, is in the starring role. Other members of the all-star cast
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Crossing bid follows crash
THE mother of a 10-year-old girl knocked down outside her school is spearheading a campaign for a pedestrian crossing there. Claire Milsom is calling for action after her daughter Jaye was thrown onto the bonnet of a car in the accident outside the gates
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£1.2m
Gordon Brown promises us extra cash to cushion tough council tax rises. CHANCELLOR Gordon Brown has promised Swindon an extra £1.2 million to cushion residents against a crushing council tax rise. This will be Swindon's share of the £350 million cake
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Change of fortune:The parents' view
Ref. 28207-66Mum NICKI STEPTOE, 26, of St Katherine Green in Covingham, has a son. Lima, six, at the school. She said: "The change has been phenomenal. Liam has really blossomed. "It's a very friendly and loving school and everyone works together. "The
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£3.5m
£3.5m Against all odds, lottery grant is won to restore Swindon's Lydiard Park. AGAINST all the odds, a lottery windfall has been won for the restoration of Lydiard Park, one of Swindon's rare historic jewels. Some £3.5 million has been put aside by the
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Weekend teams
SATURDAY Devizes v Swanage & Wareham, away, Dorset & Wilts Cup: Jona Manu, Richard Casseldon, Mike Thomas, Darren Burbidge, David O'Sullivan, Sean O'Sullivan, Tom Collins, Ben Barnes, Ian Cater, Mark Stowell, Shaun KIngsley, Tim Alchin, James
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Royal award for voluntary work
PRINCESS Diana memorial awards have been dished-out to young people in west and north Wiltshire. Trowbridge A-level student Katherine Wheeler, 17, was one of six recipients of the prestigious award, recognising outstanding achievements in young people
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Pub is having a white Christmas
CHANCES of snow falling in Trowbridge over the next two weeks are growing slimmer by the day but staff at one town pub are already looking forward to an odds-on white Christmas. Steve and Lynne Rainey, who manage the Black Horse, have installed a snow
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Skater boys get £20,000 new park
VILLAGERS finally got to road test the new Edington skate park at the official opening ceremony on Saturday. On hand to open the park was Ian Chorley from St Albans who donated £2,000 anony-mously after praising the youngsters' fund-raising efforts in
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Action on trouble hotspots
A CRACKDOWN on shoplifters, thieves and drink-fuelled thugs is planned for Trowbridge in the run-up to Christmas. Police are stepping-up patrols of town centre car parks and streets throughout December to combat shoplifters, drink-related crime and vehicle
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Poster competition boosts the disabled
PUPILS at Uplands special needs school, in Swindon, were invited to London to chat with some of the country's key decision makers. The trip last Wednesday followed a visit by headteacher Mary Bishop, who had been asked to meet Colin Balmer, the managing
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Boy sleeps during theft
A burglar who crept round a sleeping eight-year-old child to rifle through a wallet and steal cash has avoided jail. Stuart Duggan, 25, of Ashton Street, Trowbridge, was confronted with the child when he broke into the house in Ashley Close, Bradford
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Friend joins rugby squad for victory parade
IT IS definitely a case of not what you know but who you know for a Trowbridge man who has scored the job of a lifetime as unofficial photographer for the England World Cup squad on their victorious return to Britain. David Betteridge, 45, of Hawthorn
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Pregnant teen sent to prison
A PREGNANT teenager who launched a vicious attack in the house of a woman she called a friend has been jailed for a year. Cachelle Wilson threatened her victim Marcella Higgins with further violence if she told the police, but she had already reported
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Police slam public for walking on by
DETECTIVES investigating two alleged robberies in Trowbridge town centre have criticised passers-by for turning a blind eye. Up to seven people were spotted on camera walking just metres away from where a 45-year-old man was allegedly attacked and robbed
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Police are criticised by family
THE family of a man arrested after his friend was found dead in a Trowbridge flat have attacked police for the way the case was handled. Daryl Hulbert, 38, was arrested for breach of the peace after Richard Hillman, 34, died on his floor in Langford Park
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Christmas dinner for hungry pack
FIFTY hungry Trowbridge cubs tucked into an early Christmas feast despite fears a lack of facilities might leave them hungry. Cub leaders with Trowbridge 1st pack wanted to lay on a feast for the eight to 10-year-olds but were worried a lack of cooking
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Snooker stars come to town
SEVEN of the world's top snooker players are coming to Trowbridge, thanks to the Wiltshire Times. We are bringing the 2004 Premier Snooker League to the Civic Hall in February as part of our 150th anniversary celebrations. World number one Mark Williams
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Saturday's local football fixtures
DR MARTENS LEAGUE Premier Division: Dover v Grantham; Havant v Chippenham; Hednesford v Cambridge City; Hinckley v Dorchester; Merthyr Tydfil v Nuneaton; Moor Green v Chelsmford; Stafford v Eastbourne; Tiverton v Newport Co; Welling v Bath City; Weymouth
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Lisle returns Justin time for struggling Devizes
DEVIZES Town boss Dave Hopkins believes tomorrow's trip to fellow strugglers Elmore is a must-win game. Hopkins' side have joined the Devon outfit in the Premier Division's bottom three after five straight defeats. But the Devizes manager hopes the return
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Title Target
HIGHWORTH boss John Fisher insists the Hellenic Premier Division title is still within reach despite a mid-season blip at the Rec. Fisher's side are without a win in five, collecting just three points out of a possible 15 to leave them 13 adrift of leaders
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White out to chalk up win
STEVE WHITE hopes to break his managerial duck as Chippenham Town make the daunting trip to Havant & Waterlooville tomorrow. The Bluebirds' performances have improved under White's leadership, but for all the endeavour, Chalky's charges have yet to
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The Wiltshire Times goes snooker loopy
Top snooker players are coming to Trowbridge thanks to the Wiltshire Times. World number one Mark Williams, five-times league champion Stephen Hendry, and veteran Steve Davis are in the star-packed line-up. As well as bringing top-drawer talent to the
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Architect has fresh take on Mills project
A NEW architect has been hired by developer Taylor Woodrow to join the Kingston Mills project in Bradford on Avon. Residents have now been promised a new set of plans for the site by spring 2004. Edward Nash from Bath will work on rethinking the area
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Don't miss 'Bill' at the Rec
A REMINDER that Bath fans can see the Rugby World Cup up close when the trophy (right) is paraded in Bath on January 17. The Webb Ellis Cup, or 'Bill' as it has been nicknamed, will appear at the Rec when Bath play their Parker Pen Challenge Cup second
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Etheridge nets top title with carp catch
THE midweek open match at Ivy House Fishery produced some good sport with reasonable catches of carp. Gary Etheridge, of Devizes, won with an all-carp catch weighing 48lb 9oz, taken on waggler fished pellets on a 14 hook. Elgin matchman Pete Connor took
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We'll pull through this together, says Hopkins
DEVIZES Town manager Dave Hopkins says he is not feeling the pressure despite watching his side lose five matches in a row. The Nursteed Road club's promising early season form has wilted and two defeats in four days this week has seen them drop into
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Appeal for road crash witnesses
TRAFFIC police are appealing for witnesses to a head on crash between a car and a van on the A361 yesterday. The collision, between a black VW Golf driven by Highworth man aged 31 and a blue Ford Transit van, driven by 32-year-old Wantage man, happened
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School trio win England trials
YOUNG hopefuls Lawrence Hughes, Oliver Rose and James Thompson are this weekend bidding to take a step closer to their dreams of playing for England. Hughes, Rose and Thompson have been picked to go to trials for the England U18 rugby squad in Bristol
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Full bus may mean long walk
CHILDREN travelling between Melksham and Bradford on Avon could be forced to make their own way to school because there is no more space on a bus. The 40-seater bus which takes pupils who are not entitled to free transport from Melksham and Bowerhill
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Baby of the year runners up
Ref. 28254-1NOT far behind the winners are the six competition runners up. In the newborn to nine-month group, they were Cameron Bryant, five months, and Kai Gilligan, 10 months. Kai's mum, Debbie Murphy, 26, of Bruce Street, Rodbourne, said she and partner
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Enjoying the light fantastic
Ref. 28237-29SANTA is alive and well and living in Gorse Hill and working hard to raise cash for the Prospect Hospice. Jayne and John Flatt, whose home in Gipsy Lane currently boasts a grotto, have managed to accumulate more than £800 in donations since
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Perfect party is a treat for school's special students
Ref. 28227-2STUDENTS at Swindon College made it a Christmas to remember for Brimble Hill School pupils when they organised a party. "It was the best party that has been organised for our children," said support teacher Sue Podmore. "Every single child
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Pension rise will not help
A SWINDON pensions campaigner has slated a new rise in the pension as peanuts. Pensioners are to get a £2.15 rise in their weekly State pensions next year, Chancellor Gordon Brown's pre-budget announcement said this week. This will mean a single pensioner
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Teenage drugs runner gets jail sentence
TEENAGE drugs runner Christopher Cox has been jailed for two years after he was caught ferrying more than £5,000 worth of cannabis across Swindon. The 18-year-old, of Heywood Close, Penhill, who was also banned from driving at the time was caught with
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Police get £70,000 for Special Constables
POLICE in Wiltshire have been handed almost £70,000 to recruit an extra 75 part-time bobbies. The Government has stepped in with the cash after a slump in the number of special constables. Figures published in March this year showed the county had 154
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Scout stamps go on sale
THE second Stratton Cubs and Beavers will be selling the Scouts Christmas stamps at Somerfield's, Hyde Road in Stratton St Margaret tomorrow and Sunday. Stamps priced 15p will be on sale on both days from 11am to 3pm. The last day for posting in the special
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Building site warning to youngsters
WITH the Christmas holidays approaching, a construction firm owner is renewing his call for parents and teachers to warn children away from playing on dangerous building sites. John Rawlinson, regional managing director of Bluestone, which has offices
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Skaters step up bid for facilities
SKATERS from across Swindon will be getting together next week to show how much Swindon needs a permanent indoor skate and bike park. From Wednesday skaters of all ages will be meeting at the former railway museum in Faringdon Road. The event is organised
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A303 shut after lorry collision
A LORRY smash killing both drivers and described as 'total devastation' caused tailbacks across Wiltshire on Saturday. Wreckage from a head-on collision between two articulated lorries on the A303 at Willoughby Hedge near West Knoyle at 5.30am kept the
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Poems sell at auction for £36,000
Ref. 28084-26A RARE book of poetry by James Joyce sold for £36,000 when it was auctioned in Swindon £16,000 more than was expected. Pomes Pennyeach, one of only 25 copies printed in 1932, was one of a collection of lots at Dominic Winter Book Auctions
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Brass band festivities
SWINDON Pegasus brass band is presenting a Christmas cavalcade on Sunday at 7pm at St Mark's Church in Church Place, Swindon. Tickets are £6 and £5 for concessions, and include a programme and light Christmas refreshments. They can be booked on 01793
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A happy new year for club
A free family drop-in club in North Swindon is to continue into the New Year. Supporting Our Kids, or SOKs, was set up to encourage families to work together on projects and coursework. SOKs members enjoy the use of eight computers, free Internet access
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Village split over extension to hotel
CONTROVERSIAL plans for the major conversion of a rural hotel, a protected building with historic status, will be considered by Swindon councillors next week. And if members of the planning committee follow their officers' advice, they will approve the
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What a difference five years make
l June 1998 School is put in "serious weaknesses" by HM Inspectors. l November 1998 Nythe is spared the axe, due in part to the campaign by the Nythe Action Group (NAG). Plans finalised to close Oakfield and Gilberts Hill schools. l March 2001 NAG re-forms
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Change of fortune:The parents' view
Ref. 28207-66Mum NICKI STEPTOE, 26, of St Katherine Green in Covingham, has a son. Lima, six, at the school. She said: "The change has been phenomenal. Liam has really blossomed. "It's a very friendly and loving school and everyone works together. "The
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It's not the same for all of us
MAY I congratulate Mayor Derek Benfield on the swift treatment his wife received at our great new state-of-the-art hospital. It's a shame we don't all get the same service as the Mayor of Swindon and his family. Perhaps if his wife had spent 77 and a
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School trio win England trials
YOUNG hopefuls Lawrence Hughes, Oliver Rose and James Thompson are this weekend bidding to take a step closer to their dreams of playing for England. Hughes, Rose and Thompson have been picked to go to trials for the England U18 rugby squad in Bristol
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Date
Proud to be English
Well done to Coun Mike Bawden for persuading the powers that be at the Civic Offices to break with protocol and fly the England flag to honour our rugby team The team did us proud, and it's great to show our appreciation for their efforts in this way.
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From little acorns . . .
AMONG all the good news about the progress of primary schools in Swindon revealed in the latest league tables, I feel special mention should be made of Oaktree Primary. In the past three years, Oaktree has progressed year after year and the most recent
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Trowbridge under 16s 0, Melksham/Devizes under 16s 32
THE COMBINED Melksham/Devizes team made it two wins out of two in the Wiltshire Cup competition with a comfortable victory over their west Wiltshire neighbours. This came despite being forced to field two newcomers, including under 15 Ollie Downton, and
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It was all cherished once
ON December 3, a long letter from John Hunter was printed in your newspaper. Alongside was a pastoral scene at Coate. I believe the essence of Mr Hunter's message was: l It is a shame to cover green fields with bricks and mortar l When members of the
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What else is there to do?
I HAVE lived in Headlands Grove for the past 20 years. When my children were toddlers, I used to take them to the swing park behind Wheeler Avenue/Jefferies Avenue mentioned in your article on Monday. It has never been well used. I now walk through there
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Missing the point
I was most interested to read the views of councillor Terry Chivers in 'A363 Junction 'Lethal'' (Wiltshire Times, December 5). Although I am sure Cllr Chivers has the public's best interests at heart, I believe he has missed a fundamental point. In my
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Trowbridge 7, Devizes 15
WITH both teams looking to consolidate their position in the league and with local passion evident this was to prove to be a bruising and physical encounter. The opening 10 minutes were played at a frenetic pace with both teams looking to play expansive
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Corsham 18, Minety 25
MINETY ambushed Corsham on their own Lacock Road ground after a topsy-turvy Dorset and Wilts Division One match on Saturday. Corsham started the stronger of the two sides, but Minety's defence held firm and it was they who took the lead when James Tweedale
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Wimborne 17, Chippenham 34
CHIPPENHAM made it eight league wins out of eight on Saturday with a battling performance away at Wimborne. Selection for the coaching team was a headache with several players out injured or unavailable including skipper Rupert Crockett with a neck injury
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£90,000 a year for the new man
Swindon Council has appointed Gavin Jones as Director of Cultural Change. The job was created in Sep-tember as part of the council's staff restructure and was advertised at £90,000 a year. Mr Jones will lead more than 500 council staff covering a wide
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For Ollie read Goldilocks
Ref. 28250-20GOLDILOCKS can't wait until tonight when the pantomime featuring her and the Three Bears opens at the Wyvern Theatre. Vicky Binns, 21, better known as Ollie Reynolds of Emmerdale, is in the starring role. Other members of the all-star cast
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Plan for 40 homes
A WESTBURY firm's plans to build a 40-home estate on part of its site off Station Road have cleared the first hurdle, after town councillors raised no objections to the scheme. The development on the ALH site, which is tucked away near the railway bridge
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From little acorns . . .
AMONG all the good news about the progress of primary schools in Swindon revealed in the latest league tables, I feel special mention should be made of Oaktree Primary. In the past three years, Oaktree has progressed year after year and the most recent
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Date
Call for traffic calming
CAMPAIGNERS in Chitterne say a recent speed survey proves the urgent need for traffic calming measures in the village. Residents want to see changes including a speed camera implemented to enforce the 30mph limit on the B390 in the village near Warminster
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Christmas fair fun
TEMPTED by fresh home-made produce and impressive prizes, hundreds of people visited the Christ Church Fair at St Margaret's Hall, Bradford on Avon on Saturday morning. Christ Church supporters raised around £2,000 for the church fund with stalls and
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Keynsham Town 3, Melksham Town 1
MELKSHAM Town are now fourth from bottom of the Screwfix Premier Division after being outplayed at Keynsham on Wednesday night. The Somerset side begun the game one place and one point behind Nigel Tripp's men, but their greater desire saw them run out
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Is The Laverton a white elephant for Westbury?
OH dear, vituperation and ingenuousness are the only responses by town councillors to a letter criticising the taking over of The Laverton by Westbury Town Council. I actually attended the meeting on November 3 when the decision was taken, and none of
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Trowbridge under 16s 0, Melksham/Devizes under 16s 32
THE COMBINED Melksham/Devizes team made it two wins out of two in the Wiltshire Cup competition with a comfortable victory over their west Wiltshire neighbours. This came despite being forced to field two newcomers, including under 15 Ollie Downton, and
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Takeaway bid 'sheer lunacy'
CIVIC leaders in Melksham are vowing to fight against another plan for a takeaway in the town because they say there are already too many. Town councillors have objected to an application for a fried chicken takeaway in King Street because it is already
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You're going to the pantomime
THE picture we published of those sad little faces who could not go to their pantomime obviously moved many readers several immediately contacted Moredon Junior School and offered them a chance to go to the show. Youngsters were offered tickets, transport
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In sixty years this couple have seen life
Ref. 28229-17TOMORROW sees the wedding anniversary of a couple whose 60 years of blissful marriage has seen them live in some of the most exotic and dangerous places in the world. Peter and Joy Ells, who live in Deansfield, Cricklade, met in Egypt in
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Hall plan steaming onwards
VILLAGERS have organised a festive steam train trip to raise cash for improvements to their 18th century community hall. Surveyors deemed the village hall in Bulkington unsafe for public use after studying the floorboards and closed the hall 10 weeks
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Finance firm's acts of charity rub off on contractor
ZURICH delivered Christmas early for The Prospect Hospice when, accompanied by contractors from Huntswood, they served up a generous cheque for £2,367 together with elevenses. Staff from Swindon-based Zurich and their contractor colleagues from Huntswood
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Rail firm's punctuality is getting worse
ONLY two out of three trains coming through Swindon are on time. The latest figures have been released by the Strategic Rail Authority and show that First Great Western's punctuality record is getting worse last year 74 per cent of trains were on time
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Teenage drugs runner gets jail sentence
TEENAGE drugs runner Christopher Cox has been jailed for two years after he was caught ferrying more than £5,000 worth of cannabis across Swindon. The 18-year-old, of Heywood Close, Penhill, who was also banned from driving at the time was caught with
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Terry's step up title bid with 4-0 victory
TERRY'S continued their impressive run in the Premier Division of the Vanitec Computers sponsored Chippenham Sunday League, dispatching Hullavington with two goals in each half to earn a 4-0 win. Terry's took the lead after five minutes, when Jake Gaines
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Famous chef gets top job in local pub
CELEBRITY chef Anthony Worrall Thompson is getting ready to cook in a Heytesbury pub. The TV chef was named yesterday as executive head chef at the Angel Coaching Inn responsible for setting menus and running the kitchen. Customers will be made meals
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Sunday's local football fixtures
SWINDON SUNDAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE Knock Out Cup 2nd Round (ko 10.30am): Wroughton WMC v Innogy Holdings; South Marston v Penetrators; AFC Royston v Innogy; Alanbrook v Plough Highworth; Deers Leap v Pewsey Saints; Jovial Monk v Windmill; Wanborough v Tran
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When you've got to glow
A PLUMBER in Bradford on Avon has hit on a great way to solve the eternal problem of what to get for the man who has everything this Christmas. Ian Pritchard runs his own plumbing and heating business in Bradford and has just secured UK distribution rights
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Stiles clears tricky Junior Cup hurdle
CHRIS Stiles scored his fourth hat-trick of the season to sweep Broughton Gifford into the Wiltshire Junior Cup quarter-finals with a tremendous 7-0 giant-killing triumph over County League Division One Westside. Tom Staddon and John Hubbard established
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Trowbridge 7, Devizes 15
WITH both teams looking to consolidate their position in the league and with local passion evident this was to prove to be a bruising and physical encounter. The opening 10 minutes were played at a frenetic pace with both teams looking to play expansive
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Date
Cadbury Heath 2, Westbury United 3
THREE goals in the space of nine second half minutes saw Westbury climb above home side Cadbury Heath in the Screwfix League Division One table. This was the second successive game that Westbury have come back from 2-0 down and manager Derek Graham is
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Christmas appeal is a huge success
OPERATION Christmas Child volunteers helped spread joy to needy children by delivering gift-filled boxes by hand. Judith Whalley and Hilary McFall flew out to eastern Europe last week to help distribute parcels packed in Britain. Mrs Whalley, of Westbury
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Foul play as football field is left in a mess
FOOTBALL teams in Melksham could be forced to stop using a playing field because it is covered in dog mess. Terry Fallows, secretary of the Chippenham and District Sunday Football League, said referees had threatened to postpone matches involving the
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Badman set to return after injury lay-off
THE Bluebirds treatment room is finally beginning to empty and manager Steve White could be boosted by the return of midfielder Mark Badman this week. The former Bath City player has not started a game for the Bluebirds since August when he suffered a
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Date
What a difference five years make
l June 1998 School is put in "serious weaknesses" by HM Inspectors. l November 1998 Nythe is spared the axe, due in part to the campaign by the Nythe Action Group (NAG). Plans finalised to close Oakfield and Gilberts Hill schools. l March 2001 NAG re-forms
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Date
Pub is having a white Christmas
CHANCES of snow falling in Trowbridge over the next two weeks are growing slimmer by the day but staff at one town pub are already looking forward to an odds-on white Christmas. Steve and Lynne Rainey, who manage the Black Horse, have installed a snow
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Date
Badman set to return after injury lay-off
THE Bluebirds treatment room is finally beginning to empty and manager Steve White could be boosted by the return of midfielder Mark Badman this week. The former Bath City player has not started a game for the Bluebirds since August when he suffered a
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Date
New boss pleased by team's attitude
STEVE White says he has been delighted with the response of his players during his short reign at Hardenhuish. The Chippenham Town boss is still waiting for his first win, but believes the signing of Swindon Town youngster Ian Herring will provide a vital
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Date
Badman set to return after injury lay-off
THE Bluebirds treatment room is finally beginning to empty and manager Steve White could be boosted by the return of midfielder Mark Badman this week. The former Bath City player has not started a game for the Bluebirds since August when he suffered a
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Date
Crackdown on town yobs
COMMUNITY leaders have launched a crackdown on a gang of youths causing havoc in Westbury. Police, youth workers and councillors joined forces to try to put an end to anti-social behaviour plaguing the town at a meeting on Tuesday night. Pippa McVeigh
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Date
Support for town upgrade
BUSINESS leaders have pledged their support to the development of Westbury town centre. Westbury Chamber of Commerce has donated £1,200 to the councillors and announced its backing of the recent town centre development plan. The plan was the culmination
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Date
Center Parcs is floated
CENTER Parcs UK was floated on the London Stock Exchange yesterday after being sold in a £285m deal. Former owners MidOcean Partners have sold the holiday chain to newly-formed company Arbour and bosses hope its new public company status will give it
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Date
Plan for 40 homes
A WESTBURY firm's plans to build a 40-home estate on part of its site off Station Road have cleared the first hurdle, after town councillors raised no objections to the scheme. The development on the ALH site, which is tucked away near the railway bridge
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Date
TV show boosts family-run firm
A FAMILY-run fruit and veg business transformed by a BBC television show is recommending the makeover to other struggling companies. George Brown & Sons, based in Trowbridge, featured on BBC2's I'll Show Them Who's Boss and is now a thriving business
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Centre's bid to find homes for rabbits
A RESCUE centre nursing abandoned rabbits has appealed for more animal lovers to come forward claiming thousands of pets have already been abandoned this month. Cottonfields Rescue Centre, Westbury, is currently full with 35 rabbits but staff fear many
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Date
Town to hold own market
STALLHOLDERS in Westbury have vowed to fight after the financial backers for the farmers' markets pulled the plug on the town's monthly Friday market. A lack of traders and a fall in customers this year forced Wiltshire Farmers' Market Association to
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Date
Little stars work to get new home
STARRY-eyed toddlers turned a blank wall into a Christmas collage in a bid to buy a new classroom on Monday. Youngsters at Kingfisher pre-school, at Bitham Brook Primary School, in Westbury spent three weeks decorating stars to raise sponsorship. The
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Skater boys get £20,000 new park
VILLAGERS finally got to road test the new Edington skate park at the official opening ceremony on Saturday. On hand to open the park was Ian Chorley from St Albans who donated £2,000 anony-mously after praising the youngsters' fund-raising efforts in
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Date
Jackson wary of Aldbourne
Cricklade Town are looking to get back in action this weekend following three weeks without a Wilts Premier game, writes RAY BURROUGHS. They entertain Aldbourne and boss Graham Jackson is hoping his side can continue where they left off. "We just got
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Date
Enjoying the light fantastic
Ref. 28237-29SANTA is alive and well and living in Gorse Hill and working hard to raise cash for the Prospect Hospice. Jayne and John Flatt, whose home in Gipsy Lane currently boasts a grotto, have managed to accumulate more than £800 in donations since
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Date
Patient services put in jeopardy
SUPPORTERS of Bradford on Avon Hospital are worried there are plans in the pipeline to cut services. Members of the League of Friends of Bradford Hospital have bombarded West Wilts MP Dr Andrew Murrison with letters expressing their concern that outpatient
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Date
Congratulations on Zoe campaign
I've been following the Justice for Zoe campaign on your website and I think you are doing a wonderful job. It's amazing how so many people stop and pay attention to what is going on with the campaign and help in every way they can to get justice for
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Wimborne 17, Chippenham 34
CHIPPENHAM made it eight league wins out of eight on Saturday with a battling performance away at Wimborne. Selection for the coaching team was a headache with several players out injured or unavailable including skipper Rupert Crockett with a neck injury
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Date
Appeal for road crash witnesses
TRAFFIC police are appealing for witnesses to a head on crash between a car and a van on the A361 yesterday. The collision, between a black VW Golf driven by Highworth man aged 31 and a blue Ford Transit van, driven by 32-year-old Wantage man, happened
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Date
Angry Tripp will make big changes after defeat
NIGEL Tripp is promising to ring the changes ahead of Melksham Town's game at home to second placed Brislington in the Screwfix Direct League Premier Division tomorrow. The Melksham manager slammed his team's lack of fight in their 3-1 defeat at Keynsham
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Date
New forum opens doors
THE headquarters for a new health watchdog have opened up in Melksham. Offices for Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Forums covering Avon, Somerset and Wiltshire, have opened in Spa Road. The new initiative, which has replaced Community Health Councils
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Date
Sam's ready for relegation dogfight
NEW signing Sam Allison says he is determined to help the Bluebirds get off the bottom of the Dr Martens Premier Division. The pacey striker, who made his debut from the bench on Saturday, signed last week on a non-contract basis and is determined to
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Date
New boss pleased by team's attitude
STEVE White says he has been delighted with the response of his players during his short reign at Hardenhuish. The Chippenham Town boss is still waiting for his first win, but believes the signing of Swindon Town youngster Ian Herring will provide a vital
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Date
Scout stamps go on sale
THE second Stratton Cubs and Beavers will be selling the Scouts Christmas stamps at Somerfield's, Hyde Road in Stratton St Margaret tomorrow and Sunday. Stamps priced 15p will be on sale on both days from 11am to 3pm. The last day for posting in the special
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Date
Village website picks up an international award
A former RAF engineer who set up a village website as a hobby has won an international award. Andy Humm's Lyneham Wiltshire & Beyond site has received a silver award from the US-based World Wide Web Awards. The website, at www.lynehamvillage.com,
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Date
Lisle returns Justin time for struggling Devizes
DEVIZES Town boss Dave Hopkins believes tomorrow's trip to fellow strugglers Elmore is a must-win game. Hopkins' side have joined the Devon outfit in the Premier Division's bottom three after five straight defeats. But the Devizes manager hopes the return
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Date
Support for town upgrade
BUSINESS leaders have pledged their support to the development of Westbury town centre. Westbury Chamber of Commerce has donated £1,200 to the councillors and announced its backing of the recent town centre development plan. The plan was the culmination
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Date
Proud to be English
Well done to Coun Mike Bawden for persuading the powers that be at the Civic Offices to break with protocol and fly the England flag to honour our rugby team The team did us proud, and it's great to show our appreciation for their efforts in this way.
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Looking for Willoughby
A cat owner is asking people to keep their eyes peeled for 18-month-old Willoughby. Philippa Wall, 33, of Hythe Road, Old Town, last saw the black cat on November 28. She said: "His right ear flops over at the top a little bit. He loves people and will
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Crockett comeback
UNLUCKY Alex Crockett plans to press his claims for a regular spot in midfield by helping Bath complete part two of an Italian demolition job tomorrow (2.15pm). The second leg of the Parker Pen Challenge Cup first round tie against L'Aquila may be a formality
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Young are worst as drink-driving rises
DRINK-DRIVING levels have rocketed in north and west Wiltshire with young drivers taking over as the worst offenders. From April to October drink-drivers made up one in every 10 people arrested, with nearly double the number of positive tests compared
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Haircuts raise cash for cancer
BREAST cancer patient Liz Bishop found the perfect way to say thanks to the hospital which helped save her life. She presented a £1,500 cheque to the Royal United Hospital's Forever Friends Appeal following a series of sponsored headshaves at The Tavern
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Foul play as football field is left in a mess
FOOTBALL teams in Melksham could be forced to stop using a playing field because it is covered in dog mess. Terry Fallows, secretary of the Chippenham and District Sunday Football League, said referees had threatened to postpone matches involving the
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North Dorset 18, Cooper-Avon Tyres 14
PLAYING up the slope and into the wind, a workmanlike performance saw CATS control Saturday's Dorset and Wilts Division One game, only worrying the coaches with their indifferent line-out play. Although enjoying good ball and all the territory, CATS could
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Kim's singing success
SINGER Kimberley Seviour beat more than 2,000 singers to come third in a national karaoke competition, Karaoke Krazy. The 18-year-old of Beanacre, near Melksham, won £500 in holiday vouchers by performing Shirley Bassey's Big Spender and Pink's classic
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Gym school appeals for sponsorship
A TOP gym school is appealing for sponsorship from businesses to help pay off a bank loan. The Wiltshire School of Gymnastics, Melksham, urgently needs financial backers to help keep costs down. The gym recently made boys' coach Levente Molnar-Schondorfer
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New forum opens doors
THE headquarters for a new health watchdog have opened up in Melksham. Offices for Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Forums covering Avon, Somerset and Wiltshire, have opened in Spa Road. The new initiative, which has replaced Community Health Councils
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Gym school appeals for sponsorship
A TOP gym school is appealing for sponsorship from businesses to help pay off a bank loan. The Wiltshire School of Gymnastics, Melksham, urgently needs financial backers to help keep costs down. The gym recently made boys' coach Levente Molnar-Schondorfer
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Takeaway bid 'sheer lunacy'
CIVIC leaders in Melksham are vowing to fight against another plan for a takeaway in the town because they say there are already too many. Town councillors have objected to an application for a fried chicken takeaway in King Street because it is already
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Bypass is almost complete
WORKMEN are laying the final stretches of a long-awaited bypass scheme near Melksham. Just over 1km of the 4.5km-long Semington bypass is left to build and engineers hope the road will be open early in the new year. Work began on the project in February
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Three week wait for a doctor
WILTSHIRE TIMES EXCLUSIVE: SICK residents in Melksham are being forced to wait for up to to see their doctor. Patients blame the closure of the overnight minor injuries unit at the town's hospital and overstretched doctors for the delays which have left
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Swindon's very own superhero
Ref. 28241-33 Name: Nicola Cowling Age: 27 Employer: Head Start Tuition So what do you actually do? I own, manage and teach at Head Start Tuition, providing after-school tuition for children aged 4 to 18 What do you hate most about your job and be honest
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Swindon's very own superhero
Ref. 28241-33 Name: Nicola Cowling Age: 27 Employer: Head Start Tuition So what do you actually do? I own, manage and teach at Head Start Tuition, providing after-school tuition for children aged 4 to 18 What do you hate most about your job and be honest
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In Safe Hands
SUPERMARINE have lost their most consistent defensive performer for six weeks but he leaves the club in safe hands. Steve Davies will be exploring Australia when his teammates travel to Gresley Rovers tomorrow but the centre half has helped his estranged
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Centre's bid to find homes for rabbits
A RESCUE centre nursing abandoned rabbits has appealed for more animal lovers to come forward claiming thousands of pets have already been abandoned this month. Cottonfields Rescue Centre, Westbury, is currently full with 35 rabbits but staff fear many
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Pension rise will not help
A SWINDON pensions campaigner has slated a new rise in the pension as peanuts. Pensioners are to get a £2.15 rise in their weekly State pensions next year, Chancellor Gordon Brown's pre-budget announcement said this week. This will mean a single pensioner
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Crossing bid follows crash
THE mother of a 10-year-old girl knocked down outside her school is spearheading a campaign for a pedestrian crossing there. Claire Milsom is calling for action after her daughter Jaye was thrown onto the bonnet of a car in the accident outside the gates
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Anger as A36 scheme hangs in the balance
ROAD safety campaigners have slammed the Government for delaying an announcement on whether it will back improvements to a stretch of the A36 known as Death Valley. Ministers were due to say if the scheme would get provisional backing this month, but
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Christmas appeal is a huge success
OPERATION Christmas Child volunteers helped spread joy to needy children by delivering gift-filled boxes by hand. Judith Whalley and Hilary McFall flew out to eastern Europe last week to help distribute parcels packed in Britain. Mrs Whalley, of Westbury
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TV show boosts family-run firm
A FAMILY-run fruit and veg business transformed by a BBC television show is recommending the makeover to other struggling companies. George Brown & Sons, based in Trowbridge, featured on BBC2's I'll Show Them Who's Boss and is now a thriving business
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Canaletto inspires children's project
CREATIVE children from Codford have turned their village school into a classic piece of Italian art. Following a trip to London's National Gallery in September, pupils at Codford Primary School began a project based on a painting called The Stone Mason's
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Craig squares up to the Queen of Mean
A FACE-TO-FACE meeting with TV's reigning Queen of Mean should come equipped with a government health warning. Anne Robinson is unquestionably the acid-tongued quiz host she is made out to be and much, much more. After squaring-up to her as a contestant
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North Wilts League face busy period
THE North Wilts & District Youth League representative teams face a busy time next week. The under 11s and 12s take on their Swindon Centre of Excellence counterparts at the County Ground on Monday (6pm start), while the under 11s move on to face
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Young are worst as drink-driving rises
DRINK-DRIVING levels have rocketed in north and west Wiltshire with young drivers taking over as the worst offenders. From April to October drink-drivers made up one in every 10 people arrested, with nearly double the number of positive tests compared
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Full bus may mean long walk
CHILDREN travelling between Melksham and Bradford on Avon could be forced to make their own way to school because there is no more space on a bus. The 40-seater bus which takes pupils who are not entitled to free transport from Melksham and Bowerhill
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Pope leads the way as Combe go nap
CASTLE Combe tuned up for tomorrow's titanic A and B Cup first round showdown against bitter rivals Broughton Gifford with a 5-0 win over Freshford United. A first half hat-trick from James Pope, who added a fourth goal after the break, and a single from
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It's better to be over cautious than risk lives
The Red Cross has not 'banned nativity scenes for fear of offending other faiths' (Wiltshire Times, December 5). Neutrality for the Red Cross is not 'political correctness,' nor is it a recent policy. It is a fundamental principle of the largest humanitarian
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Bypass is almost complete
WORKMEN are laying the final stretches of a long-awaited bypass scheme near Melksham. Just over 1km of the 4.5km-long Semington bypass is left to build and engineers hope the road will be open early in the new year. Work began on the project in February
