Archive
-
Date
At last we might get the answers
IT is good news that a Serious Case Review will be held to investigate the death of teenager Kate Walsh who died in a squat after a suspected drug overdose. There will be a detailed examination of the facts surrounding the tragedy. Now we might get some
-
Date
Meet the Englishman who lectured Scots on bagpipes
Northumbrian pipe maker Jim Bryan. DA3117P5A MELANCHOLIC siren starts up and transports the listener into another world - it is a beautiful, haunting sound. "I shan't forget when I first heard the pipes," says the creator of the resonance, Jimmy Bryan
-
Date
GAZETTE & HERALD - Saboteur foils the black and white con
AN elderly man has sabotaged a promotional stunt that turned Cherhill White Horse into a black and white panda. A marketing company working for Fiat, gained permission from the Cherhill White Horse Restoration Group, to temporarily convert the landmark
-
Date
GAZETTE & HERALD - Scouts plan big reunion
Scouts ancient and modern will get together to celebrate nearly a century of Corsham scouting at a special event in July. Members of the 1st Corsham Scout Group (Lord Methuen's Own) are arranging a reunion for all Scouts and ex-Scouts from the group's
-
Date
Toffee Treat!
TOWN were hoping to complete the loan signing of Everton defender Sean O'Hanlon this morning. Providing Football League approval is received, the 21-year-old Liverpudlian is likely to go straight into the squad for the clash with Notts County at Meadow
-
Date
CHIPPENHAM NEWS - Councillor's bid to keep station open
A CAMPAIGN is under way to prevent Corsham Police Station closing for all but two hours a day. As revealed in last week's Chippenham News, a review of front office staffing is likely to see police bosses slash the number of hours a day the Corsham station
-
Date
CHIPPENHAM NEWS - Tributes to talent of tragic guitarist
MUSIC legend Peter Gabriel is reportedly devastated after a promising young guitarist was found hanging from a rafter at his recording studios in Box. The 53-year-old rocker, a former member of Genesis, was elsewhere in the country when the tragedy happened
-
Date
Villagers 'demonstrate sympathy' for manager
Chairman of Fovant parish council Nigel Knowles (centre) with Pembroke Arms landlord Tony Weston and protesting villagers, on Saturday morning. DA4740P1A LARGE group of Fovant villagers braved the cold on Saturday morning to show their support for sacked
-
Date
Centre will open soon
A purpose built centre detailing Westbury's past and present is due to open this spring. Westbury Visitor Centre will be situated in the High Street and Westbury Heritage Society will sign a three-year lease on the property after building work has finished
-
Date
Fewer take sickie
Too many people may now be going to work when they would be better off recovering at home, rather than infecting their colleagues, says the TUC. Sickness absence at work last year was the lowest since CBI surveys began and fell six per cent from the previous
-
Date
Motorist banned
FORMER stunt man Victor Willis kept driving even after a police stinger shredded the tyres of his four-wheel drive jeep in a bizarre incident near Westbury. The 49-year-old, from Broughton Gifford, was ordered to complete 100 hours community service and
-
Date
Play will stress training needs
Employers are being invited to a watch a short play which demonstrates how a business can make expensive mistakes when its employees lack essential skills in literacy or numeracy. No Problem? will be performed by professional actors at Wiltshire College's
-
Date
Court rule favours businesses
BUSINESSES in the south west have won the latest stage of a court battle to get money from the Government for their help during the foot-and-mouth crisis. A court ruling on Friday means the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs was in
-
Date
Touch screen plea
THE public are being asked to assist a Trowbridge firm with research designed to improve access and usability of touch screens for disabled visitors to museums across the west country. Enthuse IT Ltd, which is behind the research project, specialises
-
Date
Free financial survey as first birthday gift
A FINANCE company in Trowbridge is celebrating its first year of trading under a new name with an offer of a free financial survey for prospective clients. Kings Court Financial Planning LLP, previously Wiltshire Financial Services Ltd, aim to help customers
-
Date
Home for elderly faced with closure
HOUSING bosses are clueless over how to save a threatened care home for the elderly after failing to halt dwindling numbers. Clover Grass Court, in Bratton, has been faced with closure for almost a year but now West Wilts Housing Society has admitted
-
Date
Pupils get creative during activity week
Ref. 27802REGULAR lessons were put on hold this week as Westbury Junior School pupils got their creative juices flowing. The school's Creativity Week, which finishes today, has seen pupils sample 23 different activities ranging from African drumming to
-
Date
Police need public's help
POLICE in Westbury are becoming increasingly frustrated with the stony silence they are meeting as they try to investigate a series of crimes in the town's Oldfield Park area. Since the New Year police have received several reports of burglaries and criminal
-
Date
Family terrorised by teenage gangs
A FAMILY living on a Melksham estate say they are being terrorised in their own home by teenage gangs. David Clark and Clare Marriott, from the Forest estate, said the teenagers hurl abuse at them, kick footballs at their house and car and smash glass
-
Date
Cuts close doors to the unemployed
THE JobCentre in Melksham faces the axe because there is not enough money to keep it running. People who use the office to sign on and hunt for work will have to travel to Trowbridge or Devizes for help. The closure is part of a national move away from
-
Date
Girl Friday
Ref. 28531-11Name: Charlotte Crabb Age : 22 Employer: Nationwide Building Society So what do you actually do? work in Nationwide's Press Office, managing the administration processes of the office and also work on local and regional news stories about
-
Date
Get a handout from the lovely taxman
Small businesses could receive up to £825 from the taxman if they submit forms on-line, reports the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. The Inland Revenue has announ-ced plans to award small businesses cash rewards to submit PAYE forms P14
-
Date
Employers should have no problem getting the message
Employers are being invited to watch a short play that demonstrates how a business can make expensive mistakes when its employees lack essential skills in literacy or numeracy. No Problem? will be performed by professional actors at Wiltshire College's
-
Date
Plea to firm to come clean on emissions
THAT you have not heard any further about Lafarge's cement kilns at Westbury and their desire to burn hazardous wastes alongside 4,000,000 tyres per annum is not because of a lack of opposition. Dr Andrew Murrison raised a list of serious concerns about
-
Date
Rosy report on area's economy
The economy of Swindon and the South West will out-perform the national recovery in 2004, putting it among the UK's top three growth regions, according to the senior economist with property consultants King Sturge. In his annual assessment of the region's
-
Date
Lottery cash joy for clubs
A TREATMENT centre for multiple sclerosis patients and an after-school club saved from closure are among the big winners in this year's Lottery funding. Thousands of pounds are being pumped into charities in west Wiltshire thanks to the Awards for All
-
Date
High praise for donors
BLOOD donors in north and west Wiltshire have been praised for keeping stocks healthy over Christmas. The National Blood Service has picked out residents in Calne for praise after 155 people turned up including 11 new donors. Many blood donor sessions
-
Date
Snooker contest is right on cue
KEEN snooker fans could win a frame against the world's best players as part of celebrations marking the 150th birthday of the Wiltshire Times. Big snooker names including Jimmy White, Stephen Hendry, John Higgins and Marco Fu are coming to Trowbridge
-
Date
Melksham Town 0, Barnstaple Town 0
GARETH Evans was Melksham's hero on Saturday as the goalkeeper produced three point blank saves to earn his side a point. The result means Melksham drop down a place to 16th in the Screwfix League Premier Division and manager Nigel Tripp admits he was
-
Date
Thomas is bidding to make up lost time
AFTER a two year absence from competitive football, Neil Thomas is determined to make the most of his move to Melksham Town. The Welsh midfielder impressed on his full debut in Melksham's 2-1 Les Phillips cup win over Calne Town on Monday night and is
-
Date
Decision day looms for teenage hitman
SCORING goals seems to come easily to Tom Pang, but the young striker admits deciding who to play for next season will be a lot more difficult. Pang, 19, has scored 30 goals in just 18 appearances for Bradford Town in the Wiltshire League this season
-
Date
Highmore set to make team changes at Calne
KELVIN Highmore is looking to make changes to his Calne Town side both on and off the field ahead of tomorrow's trip to Wellington. The Calne manager has been frustrated by their recent run of inconsistent results and admits it is time to review things
-
Date
Amesbury Town 2, Westbury United 3
WILTS SENIOR CUP: TWO goals in the last two minutes spared Westbury's blushes on Saturday as they staggered their way into the quarter final of the Wiltshire Senior Cup against their lower league opponents. Hampshire League Amesbury, who played the last
-
Date
Ballinger's double stuns league leaders
YOUTH FOOTBALL: TROWBRIDGE Town Youth suffered their first defeat of the season in the under 16s Blue Division of the Wiltshire Times and Chippenham News Mid-Wilts Youth and Minor League when they went down 3-2 to Shaw and Whitley. The game was very even
-
Date
Photographer is first in the UK
A PHOTOGRAPHER from Warminster has beaten 1,600 other entrants to scoop a major prize. David McGirr has won the UK Wedding Award at the 2003 Master Photographer of the Year. He received a further two merits of excellence and his photographs have been
-
Date
Japanese-style maths provides the answer
Ref. 14588MULTIPLICATION tables and long division are being being made simpler at a Japanese maths club in Warminster. Kumon Educational, based at The Athenaeum Centre, is running after- school clubs for children of all ages, teaching different levels
-
Date
Pensioners fight council tax hike
PENSIONERS battling against spiralling council tax are taking their fight to the House of Commons. Over 400 Warminster pensioners signed a petition campaigning for fairer tax, which was handed to the government by MP Andrew Murrison this week. Now the
-
Date
Widow's thanks to town
THE widow of a Bradford on Avon trader killed in a car accident on Christmas Day has thanked the people of the town for their support. Clive Freeman, 74, proprietor of the Roundabout bookshop, Silver Street, died in hospital in Northamptonshire after
-
Date
Officers hunt for driver
POLICE in Bradford on Avon are trying to trace a hit and run driver who almost took the door off a parked car while the owner was inside. Katie Stratton had parked her car on Winsley Road and was leaning into the back seat to get out her shopping on Tuesday
-
Date
An important history lesson
ON January 27 every year we mark national Holocaust Memorial Day. The Holocaust was a defining event of the 20th century. It represented the evil ideology and actions of an unspeakable regime that rode roughshod over humanity and human dignity. Many sorts
-
Date
No more excuses
YOU report that Warminster Town Council has earmarked £10,000 for traffic calming measures. I hope they have more luck than Hilperton Parish Council. We budgeted £10,000 in March last year, due to our concerns with speed of traffic through the village
-
Date
Fighting for free speech
The Kilroy affair exposes the dangerous and growing threat to the right to free speech. Those who wish to curtail this fundamental hallmark of a free society currently represent the greatest danger to our democracy as they slowly succeed in suppressing
-
Date
Decision is reprieve for residents
The developers Gallagher and Heron's outline application to build 88 houses on the west side of Paxcroft Mead was granted by the Planning Committee back in June 2003. One of the conditions was that access should be via Cusance Way as well as via Walmesley
-
Date
Why was wall left to collapse?
I FELT I had to write to let people know of events that happened prior to the wall of Rosemount, Stradbrook, Bratton, collapsing (Wiltshire Times, January 16). On August 18 2003 I had a note delivered to Cllr Gladys Drewett to raise my concern over the
-
Date
A swell party!
JANUARY 26 - 31, BATH: If you fancy a night of vol au vents and one too many G&Ts, take a trip to the Theatre Royal Bath this month. Because Beverley, played by Lizzy McInnerny, is having a party from January 26 until 31. But the play is called Abigail's
-
Date
Willing and able
ALTHOUGH we were on different sides of the political fence, I was surprised to hear of Sandie Webb's resignation as Wiltshire county councillor for Chippenham's Sheldon Division. Her record as a local councillor (and former mayor of the town) is an example
-
Date
Ex-Bill star has a ball in new role
UNTIL JANUARY 31, BATH: FOR 10 years Huw Higginson was a familiar face on our TV screens as PC George Garfield in the ITV drama series The Bill but in 1999 he decided to hang up his policeman's uniform to pursue other acting ventures. The latest of these
-
Date
Cancer man wins payout
Ref. 28753-61A MAN who spent 44 years at the Railway Works has received £120,000 from British Rail after contracting the Swindon Disease. Keith Freeman is the latest sufferer of mesothelioma, a deadly cancer of the lung linings, to be awarded damages.
-
Date
Swindon child molester has jail sentence cut by three years
A CHILD molester convicted of sexually assaulting three children has won a cut in his jail term following a judge's ruling at the Appeal Court. Cyril Edwards, 33, of Gresham Close, Walcot, was jailed for nine years at Swindon Crown Court in December 2002
-
Date
Police called after suspected stabbing
A MAN is believed to have been stabbed at a take-away in Faringdon Road yesterday. Police and paramedics were called to the Pizza Go Go restaurant around 4.30pm. Shocked passers-by saw a man lying on the floor inside with blood pouring from the side of
-
Date
Here is the news, we're 150 soon
THE Evening Advertiser is next month celebrating 150 glorious years of bringing the news to the people of Swindon. And we need your help to mark this special anniversary with your views on Swindon's past, present and future. The Swindon Advertiser and
-
Date
The message on cannabis is still the same
POLICE in Wiltshire are warning cannabis users that they could still be arrested when the drug is reclassified. In a controversial move, the Government is downgrading the drug from Class B status to Class C. As of next Thursday, cannabis will be ranked
-
Date
Weekend fixtures
POWERGEN SOUTH WEST DIVISION Powergen South West 2 East: High Wycombe v Swanage & Wareham; Marlow v Wimborne; Oakmeadians v Reading Abbey; Salisbury v Maidenhead; Stow-on-the-Wold v Chippenham; Windsor v Frome. Southern Counties South: Bournemouth
-
Date
author in the name game
Ref. 24507-04LOLA Vavoom Road or Braxton Hicks Street could be the eye-catching addresses of residents moving into new estates in Swindon. They are characters from Jasper Fforde's best selling books, which are set in a surreal version of mid-1980s Swindon
-
Date
Kate: there will be review
AN investigation will start next month to discover what different agencies knew about Kate Walsh's drug addiction before her death. The 16-year-old from Highworth was found dead in a Manchester Road squat after it is believed she took a drugs overdose
-
Date
Counties edged out
Dorset & Wilts went down 19-13 to the University of Bristol in their latest warm-up match in midweek. Tuning up for this season's County Championship campaign, the combined counties found themselves struggling to match the pace of the students in
-
Date
Bassett go with Flo
Wootton Bassett make the long journey south to face Dorchester in this weekend's Southern Counties South game. The match promises to be a tough one, and coach Graham Stickler has made two changes from the squad that defeated Devizes two weeks ago. In
-
Date
Criminal damage admitted
A FACTORY worker from Trowbridge who threatened to throw himself off a fire brigade training tower has pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage. Ross Grant, 29, from Charlotte Square, admitted tearing a lightning conductor off the tower when he appeared
-
Date
'Being a paramedic meant everything'
SACKED paramedic Ian Fitzgerald believes he is ready for a long fight to bring his former employers to account. Mr Fitzgerald, of Barn Glebe, Trowbridge, said he was desperate to get back to work as a trainee paramedic with the Royal Berkshire Ambulance
-
Date
Prizewinner will be pretty in Pink
Ref. 27806A TEENAGER from Trowbridge has won a costume worn by one of Pink's dancers at last year's Brit Awards ceremony after entering a radio competition. Amie Goodwin, 19, scooped first prize in the competition, run by Vibe 101, winning the Queen's
-
Date
Support for talk show host
A TROWBRIDGE woman has vowed to continue lobbying the BBC in the wake of the resignation of presenter Robert Kilroy-Silk. Sarah-Jane Newbury, who has appeared on the presenter's daytime talk show several times over the years, feels he has been unfairly
-
Date
Rothschild plan to be discussed
TROWBRIDGE businessman Thomas Rothschild could be the first developer to fall victim to the Vision for Trowbridge framework. Mr Rothschild has submitted a second set of plans for a tourist information centre and exhibition hall on the site of public toilets
-
Date
New headteacher for John of Gaunt School
A NEW headteacher has been appointed at The John of Gaunt School, Trowbridge. Andy Packer, 46, will join the school in September, replacing acting headteacher Lyn Sharpe. He said: "I'm fully aware of the fantastic work that everybody at John of Gaunt
-
Date
Chippings put bikers in fear
MOTORCYCLISTS are calling for drastic safety improvements on a dangerous stretch of road before it claims a life. Trowbridge bikers have labelled the A366 between Monkton Farleigh and Wingfield a death trap, accusing road bosses of using cheap surfacing
-
Date
Cash boost will keep Arc afloat
LOTTERY funding has provided a lifeline to the only theatre in Trowbridge. The Arc Theatre was thrown into crisis last year after it was revealed cash-strapped Wiltshire College would no longer be providing them with a £50,000 annual subsidy. Now the
-
Date
Another setback for development
BOSSES behind a multi-million pound housing and retail project on the Ushers brewery bottling plant have said it could be another 18-months before work gets under way. A public inquiry will take place in May into Mystique's plans for the site after Deputy
-
Date
Campaigners call for better school safety
Ref. 14583THE chairman of governors at a Trowbridge primary school said a serious accident is waiting to happen unless a crossing is installed for pupils and parents. Campaigners for the crossing outside Newtown Primary School handed in a 400-name petition
-
Date
Protesters celebrate as pigeons are saved
PIGEONS in Trowbridge have been given a last-minute reprieve after town councillors voted to gun for the elderly feeders instead. While animal rights protesters celebrated a victory for the pigeon population, a storm was brewing between town councillors
-
Date
Daunting test for Hopkins' Devizes
DEVIZES face the daunting prospect of travelling to Premier Division title favourites Bideford tomorrow. The league leaders are among the favourites for this season's FA Vase and have been beaten just once this term. Manager Dave Hopkins welcomes back
-
Date
Give us the answers
Around the world our soldiers are respected for their professionalism but they are jokingly called 'the borrowers' because of their lack of kit. It is time for this joke to end because as shocking claims surrounding Warminster soldier Albert Thomson revealed
-
Date
Tax bid to gain cash
THE former head of Swindon Council's finances believes a backwards move is the only way forward for the local taxation system. Keith Lawrence, who was an audit and financial officer with councils for 31 years, thinks if business rates were kept locally
-
Date
Art for all at Joan's classes
MODERN artist Joan Miller is inviting painters to join her weekly class. It is open to people of all abilities whether pupils want to learn the basics or have some experience and want some guidance. Joan runs an adult education art class at Swindon College
-
Date
Emma walks her way to a century
Ref. 28752-80EMMA Porte's pioneering spirit took her to America during the roaring twenties. She returned to the UK with a husband and two children a decade later. Last night members of her family gathered at the Badbury Court Care Centre, Chiseldon,
-
Date
It's the Front Garden show
A DEBATE on one of the most controversial planning applications in Swindon's history takes to the stage at the Wyvern Theatre tomorrow. The 617-capacity theatre, which recently hosted the pantomime Goldi-locks and The Three Bears, will be turned into
-
Date
Charity suffers a double blow
Ref. 28738-13A CHARITY which helps families had its premises burgled days after learning it could be closed because of cost cutting measures by Swindon Council Home-Start's Milton Road building was ransacked and burglars took £200 cash, a combined video
-
Date
Send your support to our boys in Iraq
THE Evening Advertiser wants to hear from families of Swindon servicemen and women stationed in Iraq ahead of a special mission to the Middle East. Next month, Adver journalist Giles Sheldrick and photographer Matthew Swingler will travel to Basra in
-
Date
One sensible decision at last
While I'm against the amount of failed asylum seekers being allowed to stay in this country like Sheikh Abu Hamza, I'm absolutely delighted that the Home Office has agreed that Inna can stay. Hers was a unique case and to have sent her back to the Ukraine
-
Date
Why would signs cost £20,000?
Leaving aside the merits of opening bus lanes to all vehicles between 7pm and 7am (what was wrong with restricting this to motorcycles and hackney carriages?) I am bemused that signage to show the proposed changes will cost £20,000. It is the spending
-
Date
Standards slip back to Dickensian times
IMAGINE the scene: a cold winter morning and old men and women are being turned out of their homes into a cold and uncertain future. Is this Dickensian London? No, it is Swindon in 2003. Imagine children going into a cold school with no prospect of a
-
Date
GAZETTE & HERALD - Appeal for town heroes
NOMINATIONS are being invited for one of Chippenham Town Council's prestigious Civic Awards. The accolades, which were set up to celebrate unsung heroes, will recognise people who have made a contribution to the advancement, well being and welfare of
-
Date
CHIPPENHAM NEWS - Mum and pupils learn together
PARENTS, children and carers were invited to a unique family learning event at a primary school in Chippenham. St Paul's Primary School opened its doors to pupils and their parents on Saturday and they were invited to create a family story together. Groups
-
Date
CHIPPENHAM NEWS - Cyclists can share views
CYCLISTS in Chippenham will be able to have their say on facilities in and around the town at a new forum run by Wiltshire County Council. The cycle liaison panel will give cyclists an opportunity to voice their opinions on current facilities and plans
-
Date
CHIPPENHAM NEWS - Spice up your Thai with language lessons
BILINGUAL Sophia Morris is offering people in Chippenham a taste of Thailand. The 22-year-old, who moved from Asia to Audley Road in December, is offering Thai lessons to residents. Mrs Morris will attempt to teach people the language through conversation
-
Date
CHIPPENHAM NEWS - Man found goods in bushes
RECOVERING drug addict Andrew Bloxsome escaped jail after admitting handling more than £1,000 of goods stolen from a Chippenham home. Bloxsome, 19, claimed to have found the haul, which included jewellery, DVDs and a TV, in a bush. He then gave most of
-
Date
CHIPPENHAM NEWS - Costs could be a problem
WHEELCHAIR USERS: BUSINESSES in Chippenham fear they will struggle to introduce new measures for improved disabled access. From this year, under the government's Disability Discrimination Act, businesses have to make reasonable changes to ensure they
-
Date
CHIPPENHAM NEWS - Getting to grips with life in a wheelchair
WHEELCHAIR USERS: CHIPPENHAM NEWS reporter Ben Payne experiences what life in Chippenham is like in a wheelchair. Although he found the town is disabled-friendly, he uncovered some worrying problems. LOSING the ability to walk for just one hour made me
-
Date
CHIPPENHAM NEWS - New hall is put to very good use
A NEW £240,000 extension has changed the face of a primary school near Chippenham. Building work at Langley Fitzurse Primary School started in June and the finishing touches are being put to its new hall, entrance foyer, offices, storeroom and kitchen
-
Date
CHIPPENHAM NEWS - Call for visionary plan to revitalise Chippenham
A VISIONARY plan could change the face of Chippenham if it receives the backing of local people. Town and district councillor Ross Henning hopes to spark talks about the long-term future of the town to boost its viability. He is calling for the town,
-
Date
Local themes for street naming
A FANTASY looks set to come true for novelist Jasper Fforde who sets his books in a surreal version of Swindon. For some of his characters may be immortalised further in the street names of future estates. It may sound outlandish to see life imitating
-
Date
GAZETTE & HERALD - Woman is given a chance to avoid jail
A judge has put off sentencing a Corsham woman who set light to her former boyfriend's house after getting a second opinion on her mental health. Judge John McNaught told Angela Webb that she would not be sent to prison if she managed to stay clear of
-
Date
CHIPPENHAM NEWS - Awards recognise pupils' hard work
HIGH-ACHIEVERS at Corsham School have been recognised for their hard work at an awards presentation evening. Trophies were handed out to 249 students at the ceremony last week. Awards for each subject taught at the school were presented and special prizes
-
Date
GAZETTE & HERALD - Defendant claims blackmail over child porn
A Corsham man caught with sickening child sex images on his computer has walked free from court. Stephen Dowle claimed he was being blackmailed by a former girlfriend's partner when police confronted him with the evidence. But on the morning of his trial
-
Date
GAZETTE & HERALD - Villagers to star in Japanese film
Villagers in Colerne will get a Japanese perspective on life in their rural community when a programme made about the village is screened in the village hall on Saturday night. Around 120 people are expected to attend the event and organisers anticipate
-
Date
GAZETTE & HERALD - Musician is found hanged in studios
GUITARIST James 'Jimmi' Lawrence from one of Britain's most talked about up-and-coming rock bands, Hope of the States, was found hanged at Peter Gabriel's recording studios in Box. Fellow band members discovered the 26-year-old's body hanging from roof
-
Date
CHIPPENHAM NEWS - Police warning to anti-social youths
POLICE are cracking down on troublesome gangs in Corsham's Martin-gate precinct by handing out a series of public order warnings. A total of 19 youths were given warnings on Friday night after several shoppers were harassed in Newlands Road car park.
-
Date
Young musicians prepare to do battle
HUNDREDS of teenage rock fans will invade Westbury on Monday as Matravers School hosts its third annual Battle of the Bands contest. Ten bands featuring pupils from across the county will be competing for the coveted title, with not a cover version in
-
Date
Warning to dog owners as Dalmatians are shot
A DOG owner from Edington is warning people to keep their pets on a tight leash after his pedigree Dalmatians were shot by a farmer who caught them attacking his sheep. Brother and sister George and Daisy, both 14 months, were shot by Jonathan Corp on
-
Date
Firm's early alarm system is the key
A TROWBRIDGE security firm is stepping in after discovering Wiltshire police no longer keeps records of who runs business properties. ShopWatch Security System Ltd is launching an interactive key-holder record service, which staff hope will prove vital
-
Date
Baby weighs in at 12lb 3oz
SHOCKED dad Chris Taylor had to make an emergency shopping trip for bigger baby clothes after wife Donna gave birth to their 12lb 3oz son. Mrs Taylor knew baby Joseph would be on the large side, but his sheer bulk meant he had to be delivered by caesarean
-
Date
Staying awake to raise money
Ref. 27812SIX teenagers will be struggling to keep their eyes open during lessons at Matravers School today after going without sleep for 48 hours. The sixth formers stayed awake from 7pm on Tuesday until 7pm last night to raise funds for their trip to
-
Date
Kieran's family to fight on
THE parents of a young meningitis victim have vowed to carry on raising awareness of the deadly disease that killed their son. Kieran Smith, from Melksham, was just 20 when he was struck down by a killer strain of meningitis in November 2001. His mother
-
Date
Stonar into the top 10
THERE are celebrations all round at Stonar School this week. The school in Atworth, near Melksham has received news that one of its pupils has been accepted at Oxford and the work of other students has pushed the school to a high place in the Government's
-
Date
Plea for damages review
A MELKSHAM woman who lost her daughter in the Bristol Royal Infirmary heart scandal is backing parents all over the country claiming compensation for their children's lost organs. Thousands of families whose relatives had organs taken without consent
-
Date
Teenagers assaulted by gang
TWO teenagers are recovering after being attacked in Melksham town centre. The youngsters, aged 16 and 17, were set upon as they walked through the Market Place, between 10pm and 11pm, on Friday. Police spokesman Steve Drage said: "This was a particularly
-
Date
Wild West stars in school show
Ref. 27818PUPILS at the George Ward School, Melksham are getting ready to take to the stage. Over 40 youngsters have been rehearsing for their forthcoming production of Calamity Jane for the past four months. Helen Bilkey, head of music at the school,
-
Date
Inspired by challenges
A YOUNG Melksham girl was so inspired with a trip organised by her school she drew a picture that will now appear on certificates for those who took part. Tamara Hardwidge, who is in Year 7 at George Ward School went on the two-day activity break with
-
Date
Councillor's son in drink-drive shame
WILTSHIRE TIMES EXCLUSIVE: A WEST Wiltshire councillor has spoken of his teenage son's shame after he wrote off his car in a drink-drive smash near Trowbridge. Melksham town and district councillor Richard Wiltshire praised the Wiltshire Times' name-and-shame
-
Date
Villagers 'demonstrate sympathy' for manager
Chairman of Fovant parish council Nigel Knowles (centre) with Pembroke Arms landlord Tony Weston and protesting villagers, on Saturday morning. DA4740P1A LARGE group of Fovant villagers braved the cold on Saturday morning to show their support for sacked
-
Date
Give It Up plea
WEST Wiltshire MP Dr Andrew Murrison is supporting Give It Up for the Children, the national fundraising event for children's charity NCH, joining celebrities Damon Hill and Leo Sayer. Anyone wishing to take part should get themselves sponsored to give
-
Date
Tightening up on new gun laws
A new law cracking down on illegal guns could see jail sentences of up to 10 years unless firearms certificates are updated. It is now an offence to make, sell or buy a gun with a self-contained gas cartridge after Government laws were introduced on Wednesday
-
Date
Turn to CAB for support
PEOPLE with complaints or concerns about their NHS treatment can now get help from the Citizens Advice Bureau. Anyone who lives in Wiltshire can use the new Independent Complaints Advocacy Service, which is free, independent, impartial and confidential
-
Date
Cuts mean town faces big rise
GOVERNMENT funding cutbacks have left West Wiltshire District Council over £800,000 short for next year's budget. The council has been forced to try and find ways to save money to avoid a huge council tax increase in 2004/5. Council leader Tony Phillips
-
Date
Families sent out supplies
FAMILIES of servicemen who braved the Iraqi conflict have reacted with despair over fresh news of equipment shortages in the gulf. Soldiers from across west Wiltshire were called up for war but many relatives left waiting at home were forced to buy and
-
Date
Wife's bid for probe over shot soldier
THE wife of a soldier who lost his leg fighting in Iraq is demanding an investigation into claims the limb could have been saved if medics had been carrying the right equipment. Colour Sergeant Albert Thomson, 35, of Warminster, was shot four times in
-
Date
Councillor's son in drink-drive shame
WILTSHIRE TIMES EXCLUSIVE: A WEST Wiltshire councillor has spoken of his teenage son's shame after he wrote off his car in a drink-drive smash near Trowbridge. Melksham town and district councillor Richard Wiltshire praised the Wiltshire Times' name-and-shame
-
Date
Banks needs to get himself fit says manager
NIGEL Tripp has reacted with indifference to Calne Town's approach for midfielder Kevin Banks. Calne made their interest official on Wednesday, but the Melksham Town manager made it clear he would not lose any sleep if Banks decided to leave. He said:
-
Date
Skidmore happy as poor run ends
PLAISTER AUTOS WILTSHIRE LEAGUE: GARY Skidmore could not hide his relief on Saturday after his Biddestone side returned to winning ways with a 3-0 Premier Division win at home to Pewsey Vale. After an impressive start to the season that saw them as high
-
Date
Town FC bids to develop ground
TROWBRIDGE Town could be just one step away from playing Screwfix Direct League football at their Woodmarsh ground next season. After gaining permission from their landlords, Trowbridge Town Council, the club is to put in a planning application today
-
Date
Playtime pirate fun at school
SCHOOLCHILDREN are getting ready to set sail in the playground after kind donations from parents and volunteers. Pupils decided to use cash raised by the Friends of Sambourne School to buy a pirate ship for the play area. The ship cost the Warminster
-
Date
Gardening con
Police in Warminster are warning elderly people to be on their guard after an 88-year-old woman from Victoria Road handed over £30 to a man claiming to be a gardener who walked off without carrying out any work on midday Wednesday. A man from Frome was
-
Date
Help save citizens from the slammer
Ref. 27809Warminster's town crier Phil Seddon is calling on Wiltshire Times readers to help him escape the long arm of the law. He will be one of a team of 'criminals' arrested on February 4 to raise funds for the Forever Friends Appeal at Bath's Royal
-
Date
Inquiry into claims
ALLEGATIONS a Warminster soldier lost his leg because of a lack of equipment has added to mounting pressure on Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon. This week war widows Samantha Roberts and Tracey Pritchard have called for the resignation of the MP after the
-
Date
Wife's bid for probe over shot soldier
THE wife of a soldier who lost his leg fighting in Iraq is demanding an investigation into claims the limb could have been saved if medics had been carrying the right equipment. Colour Sergeant Albert Thomson, 35, of Warminster, was shot four times in
-
Date
Councillor's son in drink-drive shame
WILTSHIRE TIMES EXCLUSIVE: A WEST Wiltshire councillor has spoken of his teenage son's shame after he wrote off his car in a drink-drive smash near Trowbridge. Melksham town and district councillor Richard Wiltshire praised the Wiltshire Times' name-and-shame
-
Date
Giles brace foils leaders
SWT held leaders Park Boys to a 2-2 draw in their latest Swindon Sunday Six-a-Side League encounter. The top-table match produced an end-to-end affair, with each team taking the lead at one stage. Steffan Giles was named man of the match after his two
-
Date
First aid sessions
HOW to save someone's life in an emergency is the theme of a series of events being organised by Bradford on Avon Lions Club in association with St John Ambulance. The Breath of Life joint project aims to give people the chance to learn about resuscitation
-
Date
Shop still opens up after fire
A POWER surge could be to blame after fire broke out at a Bradford on Avon newsagents leaving shop owners without electricity. The fire started in a back room of the Jones' Day and Night store in New Road, at about 9pm on Monday. Two fire engines from
-
Date
Burglar escapes jail term
A BRADFORD ON AVON woman who broke into two houses while the occupants slept upstairs has walked free from court. Maria Mularczyk was on a cocktail of drink and drugs when she burgled a total of four houses to fund her drug addiction, Swindon crown court
-
Date
Charity's big thank you to fundraisers
AS we approach the time where we all pause to reflect on our activities and achievements over the past year I would like to publicly thank all of your readers who have supported the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC). Thanks
-
Date
Tax rise is beyond a joke
I DON'T believe it, another council tax rise of seven per cent extra, £55 a year more. When will Wiltshire County Council use their common sense and return to reality? We, the people of Wiltshire, can't afford this heavy tax rise any more. It's getting
-
Date
Cinema - The Human Stain (18)
Coleman Silk (Hopkins) is a professor of classics at prestigious Athena College, where he is is revered by students and staff alike. During a lecture, he makes an innocuous comment about two absent students which is misconstrued as a racist remark. The
-
Date
Hostel's sense of community is alive and well
I AM writing with regard to the article Family's Despair at Living in Hostel (Wiltshire Times, January 16). I have been in Hillside since October 2003. I am in a single room with my six-week-old son and share my facilities ie kitchen and bathroom with
-
Date
War stories brought to life
JANUARY 29, TROWBRIDGE: Wartime memories will be aroused when the Ministry of Entertainment's production, Doodlebugs And Bogeymen comes to the Arc Theatre next week. Based on true stories and set to the music of the era, the play takes a light-hearted
-
Date
Beware the killers in your cupboard
Ref. 28734-04The sudden death of 13-year-old Gary Perring after he inhaled aerosol spray has prompted his aunt to warn of the killers lurking in many homes. Gary's family told the Evening Advertiser yesterday how the Bradon Forest School pupil collapsed
-
Date
Are we finally on the road to recovery?
Ref. 28743-1Michael Litchfield recently returned as the Evening Advertiser's political correspondent after a break of two-and-a-half years. Today, he gives you a taste of his new weekly column, Litchfield on Friday WHEN I left Swindon, one mischievous
-
Date
Weekend teams
Devizes RFC Devizes v Tadley (home, ko 2.30pm): James Plank, Nathan Murdoch, Charlie Rudler, Mike Walsh, Tim Alchin, Shaun Kingerley, Mike McCrum, Mosese Navunisaravi, David O'Sullivan, Alex Bennett, Richard Casselden, Tom Collins, Darren Burbidge, Inia
-
Date
Swindon to play host to students
SWINDON have lined up a friendly against Bristol University tomorrow. After their hard-fought Dorset & Wilts Vase victory over Melksham's Cooper-Avon Tyres last weekend, Swindon are without a fixture in Berks, Bucks & Oxon Division One, and have
-
Date
Marine facing survival fight
SUPERMARINE forwards coach Andy Sear admits tomorrow's home clash with Calne is a key moment in his side's season. Win and Marine can justifiably claim to have a fighting chance of avoiding the drop from Dorset & Wilts One. Lose and the South Marston
-
Date
Don't leave petty cash
POLICE in Trowbridge are warning retailers to stop leaving petty cash in their stores overnight after burglars broke into a town centre hairdressers. Raiders broke into the Hair Garden in Castle Street in the early hours of Thursday morning, taking petty
-
Date
Bell tolls on 100-year-old village school
A primary school which has been at the heart of village life for 100 years has been forced to close its doors amid accusations of managerial negligence. Wiltshire County Council took the decision to shut St Mary's C of E Primary School in Steeple Ashton
-
Date
Panto cast will stand and deliver
THE tale of dashing highwayman Dick Turpin is visiting Southwick next week with the opening of the annual pantomime in the village hall on Wednesday. The production, performed by the Southwick Entertainers, opens with a preview for charity groups and
-
Date
Charge denied
A 22-YEAR-OLD Trowbridge man denied a racially aggravated public order charge when he appeared before Chippenham magistrates. Trevor Spooner, of Timbrell Street, is accused of using racist language during a row with a shop worker in Newtown. Spooner denied
-
Date
Three fires at bed firm
FIREFIGHTERS have tackled three blazes in the space of five days at the Airsprung factory in Trowbridge. The first fire was tackled on Thursday morning as smoke filled the factory, but four days later fire crews were called back to put out a similar blaze
-
Date
Support needed for caf
A TROWBRIDGE internet caf designed exclusively for disabled people could have its future secured if businesses in the town give it their support. Wiltshire county councillor Jeff Osborn is fighting to save the caf from closure but there is only enough
-
Date
Nature reserve needs nurturing
FUNDRAISERS hoping to build a £260,000 nature reserve in Trowbridge are stepping up their campaign to turn their dream into reality. Volunteers behind the Hope Nature Centre project, earmarked for empty land at Southwick Country Park, are halfway towards
-
Date
100-year-old Ellen still cooks for son
Ref. 27800A DAILY glass of blackcurrant squash could be the secret to a long and happy life says a Semington woman who celebrated her 100th birthday on Thursday. Ellen Hiscocks celebrated the milestone with her family at home and was inundated with flowers
-
Date
Veteran's disgust at Wacko Jacko badge
A DECORATED army veteran from Trowbridge has condemned king of pop Michael Jackson for wearing his regiment's badge during a court appearance on child sex charges. Ex-army captain Richard Nicholson MBE said he felt 'physically sick' after spotting Jackson
-
Date
Woman continues fight to save embryos
THE woman at the centre of a ground-breaking legal challenge to decide if she can ever have a child of her own has been given the right to carry on her fight. Natallie Evans, from Trowbridge, has been given leave to appeal against the High Court decision
-
Date
Man to appear in court on a string of charges
SIEGE suspect Robert Smith is due to appear before Swindon Crown Court today to face a string of kidnap and robbery charges. Smith, 42, is accused of kidnapping two sisters and one of their boyfriends from a house in Dursley Road in November and could
-
Date
All the weekend's other local football fixtures
SWINDON & DISTRICT LEAGUE Advertiser Cup Quarter Finals: Queensfield v Westlecott Utd; Westwood v Southbrook Utd; Barron Heating v County Ground; Windmill v County Ground Res. George Thomas/Don Rogers Cup Quarter Finals: Woolworths Res v Bulldog;
-
Date
Standing Firm
FAIRFORD manager Mark Webb is preparing to fend off the vultures that are set to swoop for star striker Phil Corcoran. The forward has been in sensational form since rejoining the club from Wilts League Stratton a month ago, helping the Cinder Lane side
-
Date
Wroughton facing tough test at title-chasing Trowbridge
Wroughton are on their travels again this weekend when they visit Trowbridge Town in what could be their toughest assignment of the season so far, writes RAY BURROUGHS. Manager Chris Pethick is looking forward to the challenge and is hoping his troops
-
Date
Charlie on song for Bluebirds
CHARLIE GRIFFIN admits he is playing the best football of his Chippenham Town career and the in-form hitman aims to shoot down one of his former clubs tomorrow. The Bluebirds continue to look for their first home win in the Dr Martens Premier Division
-
Date
Griffin and Robison return for Cinderford trip
CIRENCESTER can make it sweet 16 if they avoid defeat at old rivals Cinderford tomorrow. Brian Hughes' side are unbeaten for a club record 15 games in the Western Division following the 2-0 win over Gresley Rovers last weekend. With Cinderford languishing
-
Date
Young guns for another chance
ALAN YOUNG is keen to help Tommy Saunders rediscover his winning ways, but admits his assistance will only be temporary. Saunders moved quickly to snap up Young after starting his Hunts Copse managerial career with a disastrous 6-0 defeat at Halesowen
-
Date
Councillor sets right example
Too often parents are quick to resolve themselves of responsibility when their children do something wrong. District and town councillor Richard Wiltshire is not one of those parents. Rather than simply condemn his son for writing-off his car in a drink-drive
-
Date
Rixon grabs the jackpot with fine carp haul
THE Viaduct Fishery open match on Wednesday produced fair weights, but the 'golden peg' £500 was not won, although Dave Stockton came close to winning from the designated peg. Avon Angling matchman Tony Rixon again hit the jackpot with an all-carp catch
-
Date
Roadshow to wheel out the facts about new bins
A ROADSHOW about the introduction of wheelie bins in Wootton Bassett rolls into town this week. Residents will be able to see the new green 180-litre containers, which take up to three sacks of rubbish, before they are delivered to homes on Monday, Feb-ruary
-
Date
Staff vote to strike on pay
Ref. 28514-6JOBCENTRE staff have voted to go on strike next week over a pay dispute. Swindon members of the Public and Commercial Services Union are to join a national two-day stoppage on January 29 and 30. They are hoping they will have enough support
-
Date
But hi-tech voting system fails
THE American-styled electronic voting and counting pioneered in the UK in Swindon's two council by-elections yesterday was lucky for Labour. Sinead Darker and Des Moffatt held the Central and Western wards for Labour with comfortable majorities, defying
-
Date
A legacy here to stay
J ADAMS (EA letters, Jan 12) needs reminding that it was a Tory government which broke the link between wages and pensions, robbing pensioners of more than £20 per week. That doesn't mean I agree with current policy. I hoped Labour would restore the link
-
Date
Chance for us to prosper
I would like to comment on your article on 'Tesco third time lucky'. I understand Tesco has been lucky and permission has been granted good luck to them. Now we have to be positive over this in the Gorse Hill area and realise it will bring even more people
-
Date
Balshaw back in the running
IAIN Balshaw insists that thinking of England is the last thing on his mind as he prepares for his return to Bath colours. The World Cup winner is pencilled in for a 40-minute run-out for his club in the Parker Pen Challenge Cup quarter-final first leg
-
Date
Southmead 5, Trowbridge 27
TROWBRIDGE RUGBY: TROWBRIDGE travelled to Bristol on Saturday for this friendly match and came away with a comfortable victory. The visitors dominated play for long periods but failed to convert their domination into the points it deserved. Captain Barry
-
Date
CHIPPENHAM NEWS - Bike ride for appeal
Solicitor Kevin Dobson has kicked off the new year with a bike ride to raise funds for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance Appeal. The Chippenham-based solicitor was one of more than 1,250 riders who took part in the Salisbury Plain challenge, a series of mountain
-
Date
CHIPPENHAM NEWS - New name for Honda dealership
A CAR dealer with a branch in Chippenham is changing its name as part of a deal to make it the largest Honda group in the south west. Honda dealer Morning Star, which also has a branch in Cheltenham, will soon be known as Amethyst Motor Company Ltd. Dealer
-
Date
CHIPPENHAM NEWS - Trust joins fight to save surgery
Residents in Lacock hope an offer from the National Trust will save their threatened village surgery. The preservation group says it will let out an alternative building if it means saving the service. The current surgery, at Cantax House, which has 305
-
Date
GAZETTE & HERALD - Pair lose jobs but had to sell off £1 bargains
SHOCKED staff at Oxford Menswear in Emery Gate, Chippenham, who were given just a few hours notice that they were losing their jobs, say their bosses have now vanished without paying them money owed. Manager Simon Moore, 26, and assistant manager, Sonia
-
Date
CHIPPENHAM NEWS - Writing contest inspires pupils
Ref. 27799TWO budding writers at Redland Primary School in Chippenham have scooped awards in a national competition. Leanne Scoynes and Kelly Garrett, both aged 11, were singled out as shortlisted winners in the Write Here Write Now competition run by
