Archive
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Ideas for your big day
CHIPPENHAM NEWS: A WEDDING fayre gave couples the chance to see the latest range of outfits before their big day. The fayre, organised by Wishing Well Weddings, was held at the Olympiad Leisure Centre, in Chippenham, on Sunday. About 100 stands, manned
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Blood donor makes it 101 donations
CHIPPENHAM NEWS: A FORMER Westinghouse Brakes worker has received an award for making more than 100 donations to the National Blood Service. Malcolm Pearce, 69, who gave his first donation in 1955 while working for the rail giant in Langley Park, Chippenham
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Funding hope for walkways
CHIPPENHAM NEWS: A WORLD heritage site in Chippenham could soon benefit from thousands of pounds of funding. Town and district councillor Ross Henning is optimistic about securing cash to spruce up the Western Arches and fill in the dilapidated New Road
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Bluebirds told to turn down sound
CHIPPENHAM NEWS: OFFICIALS at Chippenham Town Football Club turned down the volume of their pre-match announcements last weekend after a resident complained about the noise. Officers from North Wiltshire District Council's environmental health department
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Man stole £5,000 jewellery
CHIPPENHAM NEWS: A MAN who snatched two rings from a Chippenham jewellers has walked free from court. Gareth Allen grabbed jewellery worth more than £5,000, before running away from Chas Hart Jewellers in Chippenham. But the 32-year-old was arrested after
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Taxi tyre slash spree 'was revenge attack'
CHIPPENHAM NEWS: CALLOUS vandals put a baby's life at risk and disrupted a school bus service for the disabled after going on a tyre-slashing spree in Chippenham. Six Home James taxis had their tyres slashed outside separate addresses around the town
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Fining the offenders
LET us not get carried away by the fact that Swindon police will soon have the power to slap £80 fixed penalty fines on yobs whose public order offences make other people's lives a misery. It sounds like a good idea. But it can work only if the boys and
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Close call that defied all logic
EVEN Swindon public library will not be closed after all. That is the good news. The bad news is how on earth it came to be included on the hitlist in the first place. The council has to find savings if it is to keep any tax rise for the next financial
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Explorer opens IT centre
CHIPPENHAM NEWS: RECORD-BREAKING adventurer David Hempleman-Adams dropped into Corsham yesterday to officially open a new IT centre. The balloonist and polar explorer, who lives in Box, cut the ribbon at Wiltshire College's new facility in the Martingate
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College shares 'academic expertise'
SARUM College, the ecumenical college in Salisbury Cathedral Close, has joined a partnership with Czech and Finnish Christian adult education institutions, as part of an international ecumenical conference programme. The college will be joining with the
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Nurse is reinstated
Marie Needham with her husband John, who acted as her defence spokesman. DA4788P2TISBURY staff nurse Marie Needham is celebrating the successful end of a four-year battle for justice, after the Nursing and Midwifery Council decided her name should not
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Team keen to take skills to Nepal
Army cadets Laura Cooper (left), Georgi Baker and Chantell Cook are hoping to go to Nepal. DA4760AWARD-WINNING first-aiders from Downton are among a team of Wiltshire Army cadets hoping to travel to Nepal this August and get practical experience of treating
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Young keeper has eye on Hervin's job
GOALKEEPER Eric Barrett arrived at Hardenhuish this week and immediately vowed Mark Hervin has a fight on his hands to keep hold of the number one shirt. Barrett, 19, has signed for Chippenham from Gloucester City reserves on a non-contract basis and
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Association bids to keep home open
HOUSING bosses are urging elderly people to come forward to save a threatened sheltered housing accommodation. Villagers and relatives reacted with despair this week over news that housing bosses are struggling to keep Clover Grass Court in Bratton running
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Warning to clubs
A VILLAGE social club is warning other west Wiltshire groups to watch out after receiving a bogus letter asking it to shell out £135 to avoid breaking the law. The scam letter, which has already been sent to businesses in the area, falsely claims that
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Tribute to modest flyer's wartime bravery
A WARTIME airman has been posthumously honoured in recognition of his contribution to Second World War. Reg Eastwick flew 56 sorties as a rear air gunner in Halifax and Lancaster bombers between 1943 and 1945. This was almost double the normal tour of
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Decision on site's future
THE battle to claim a religious site in Westbury is due to be resolved at a meeting in the town on Thursday. West Wiltshire District Council has already received a bid from Jehovah's Witnesses in the area for the site, which is due to be built on the
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Donations will help sick girl
SICK Belarusian schoolgirl Katya Shashkova is to spend a life-extending holiday in Westbury after Wiltshire Times readers responded to an appeal for help. Charity Chernobyl Children In Need is to bring 11-year-old Katya, who is battling leukaemia, to
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Spooky walk
Paranormal expert Michelle Slade is holding a ghost walk around Westbury on Tuesday. The walk, which is raising money for Trowbridge cubs, starts at 7pm at the Old Town Hall in the Market Place, and costs £2 for adults and £1 for children. Mrs Slade said
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Home front move for web supremo
A BUDDING internet entrepreneur has returned to his home town of Trowbridge to launch his latest business venture and is looking for local people to employ. Dominic Hayhoe, 33, has moved back to Trowbridge after spending five years in London and the south
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Organic puds move to Wilts
AN organic farm providing healthy morning meals is to grow crops for tasty puddings after a major expansion. Pertwood Partners, at Lower Pertwood Farm, has been making organic cereals for supermarkets around the country from its Wiltshire base for over
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Bands pull in the crowds at contest
Ref. 27836TEENAGE rock groups raised the roof at the third Matravers School annual Battle of the Bands contest on Monday. Over 200 teenagers turned up to the competition at the school in Westbury to watch 11 bands battle for the title. Winners Desid,
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Virgin is tops again
VIRGIN Mobile has announced that it has signed up more than half a million new customers in the last quarter of 2003. The Trowbridge-based firm runs the fastest-growing UK mobile network over the past two years, with a customer base now totalling 3,644,795
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Man's description helps police to catch burglar
Ref. 27840POLICE have praised a brave Westbury resident after his information helped them recover property stolen from a home in the town's Oldfield Park area. The man, who does not wish to be named, challenged a group of burglars he disturbed at the
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Stories brought to life at school's book week
Books have been brought to life at Westbury Infants School this week as pupils got to act out their favourite stories. The school's book week reaches its climax today when all 219 pupils and their teachers will dress up as book characters for a special
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Piece of metal found in ASDA chocolate bar
A TEENAGER from Westbury got more than he bargained for when he bit into a chocolate bar to find a piece of metal embedded in it. Liam Smith, 18, found the metal inside the ASDA own brand sandwich bar he had taken to work in his lunch box. Mr Smith's
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Climbers get to grips with competition
YOUNGSTERS from the George Ward School in Melksham are scaling the heights to follow in the footsteps of a former pupil. A team from the school came third at the Bristol and Area Inter-schools Climbing competition. The students have been inspired by the
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Campaign for bypass hots up
PROTESTERS calling for a bypass around Beanacre will be taking to the streets for the second time tomorrow. People living along the notoriously dangerous stretch of the A350 have stepped up their campaign in the wake of a three-car smash that claimed
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Repair work on sewers
URGENT work to repair Melksham's 100-year-old sewers is to begin this weekend. Wessex Water will be renovating pipes built in the early 20th century. A statement from the company said: "Camera surveys of the town's sewerage system have discovered structural
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Warning as distraction burglars target OAPs
POLICE are hunting for a gang of burglars who are targeting elderly people in west Wiltshire. Officers believe that two incidents in Melksham and Trowbridge could be linked to many others in the county and surrounding areas. In the first incident two
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Team keen to take skills to Nepal
Army cadets Laura Cooper (left), Georgi Baker and Chantell Cook are hoping to go to Nepal. DA4760AWARD-WINNING first-aiders from Downton are among a team of Wiltshire Army cadets hoping to travel to Nepal this August and get practical experience of treating
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Nurse is reinstated
Marie Needham with her husband John, who acted as her defence spokesman. DA4788P2TISBURY staff nurse Marie Needham is celebrating the successful end of a four-year battle for justice, after the Nursing and Midwifery Council decided her name should not
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Local taken over by the locals
Ref. 28802-20LOCALS at Swindon's Famous Ale House liked the pub so much, they decided to run it themselves. Drinking buddies Andy Brackenbury, Bob Clements and Gary Barnes have spent many hours putting the world to rights over a pint in the historic watering
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Health and safety laws being flouted
EMPLOYERS who flout health and safety laws must be seriously dealt with. That's according to the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL), who say too many bosses are getting away with a "rap on the knuckles". Responding to a Health and Safety Commission
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Esther is keen to get the ball rolling at Venues Unlimited
BUSINESSES in Swindon are being promised first class venues for their meetings. Venues Unlimited, which has its office in Wanborough, has announced a new procurement manager, Esther Hargreaves. Esther, 33, has risen quickly through the ranks of the company
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Donate your old mobile
CHILDLINE is calling on Wiltshire residents to help raise much-needed funds by donating their unwanted mobile phones and chargers. The children's charity is running its mobile phone amnesty throughout 2004, during which time each handset and charger could
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Seven-day challenge
HOT on the heels of Sir Ranulph Fiennes, two men will begin the challenge of a lifetime in west Wiltshire on Monday to complete seven marathons in seven days in seven different ways. Barry Matthews and Gary Jolliffe from Devon run EnduranceLife, a company
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Businesses can meet the buyer
SMALL firms from north and west Wiltshire will be able to tout for business from some of the region's big companys at an event in Corsham in March. The Meet the Buyer day at Hartham Park, on March 18, is the seventh such event organised by the Wessex
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Woman beat up 90-year-old
AVON woman Victoria Watts has been jailed for four years after a court heard how she beat a 90-year-old man in his home with his walking stick. Watts smashed the wooden staff into the man's head between 15 and 20 times. Envil Alford need 85 stitches to
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Reader's chance to take on champ
SNOOKER hopefuls who fancy their chances against one of the world's best players are invited to take part in an amateur competition to celebrate 150 years of the Wiltshire Times. An amateur league of one-frame matches will be held at Cooper-Avon Tyres
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Warning as distraction burglars target OAPs
POLICE are hunting for a gang of burglars who are targeting elderly people in west Wiltshire. Officers believe that two incidents in Melksham and Trowbridge could be linked to many others in the county and surrounding areas. In the first incident two
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Victory for school squad
Wiltshire Under 16 Football champions from The George Ward School in Melksham travelled to the Isle of Wight to gain another victory. Winning 1-0, the team returned to Melksham in a glow of glory knowing they had made history for the school. The dedicated
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United boss unfazed by fixture list
WESTBURY United face a busy few weeks but manager Derek Graham believes it will help his side climb up the table. Ahead of tomorrow's trip to Minehead, Westbury are in sixth position in the Screwfix first division but have as many as nine games in hand
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Jolly greengrocers dress up for charity
AN army of greengrocers swapped cabbages for camouflage on Saturday to raise £200 for a children's charity. Staff at Stokes Fruit and Veg store, in Warminster, dressed in military uniforms to launch a fundraising drive for the NSPCC Full Stop campaign
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Westbury United 3, Minehead 0
SCREWFIX DIRECT LEAGUE: A TOBY Colbourne hat-trick ensured Westbury United's promotion bid stayed on track on Saturday against lowly Minehead. The striker has now scored 21 goals in 20 appearances for Westbury this season and his profligacy has helped
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Wiltshire League
A FIVE-star performance from Bradford Town midfielder Adam Smith helped his side to a comfortable 10-0 home victory over Chiseldon Castrol on Saturday. Smith caused the visitors problems all afternoon from his right wing back role and his five goals were
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Don't give thieves an easy target
POLICE have warned people not to forget about crime prevention now the Christmas and New Year festivities have ended. A university lecturer's bag was snatched from his car in the car park at Cley Hill, in Warminster, on Sunday. The 61-year-old man from
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Kirkpatrick unfazed by squad's injury worries
TROWBRIDGE Town go into tomorrow's top-of-the-table clash at Stratton with a number of injury concerns but manager Neil Kirkpatrick believes all the pressure will be on their opponents. Stratton have a two point advantage over Trowbridge at the top of
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Bosses say ground not in their league
WILTSHIRE football managers have hit out at Trowbridge Town's attempts to get their current Woodmarsh home accepted into the Western League, claiming it would lower standards. After weeks of discussions with league officials, Trowbridge revealed to the
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Extra help to save cemetery
A BATTLE to save war graves from housing developers has been given a boost from Down Under. A cemetery for Australian and New Zealand soldiers built after the First World War has been threatened by plans to build nine houses on adjoining land. Now relatives
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Petition against houses
VILLAGERS have reacted with dismay over plans to demolish a block of garages in Codford accusing housing bosses of acting like developers. Over 40 residents have lodged a petition against plans by the West Wilts Housing Society to build three houses,
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Asbestos risk as blaze rips through barn
A BLAZE ripped through a barn in Corsley on Tuesday sending toxic smoke into the air around homes and the village school. The fire involved bales of straw and hay at Manor Farm, and fears about the high level of asbestos crackling in the barn roof forced
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Pensioner helps to expose fraud scam
Ref. 27835A CRIMEBUSTING pensioner is fighting back against fraudsters who are targeting elderly residents in a multi-million pound telephone scam. Disabled Bette Anderson, 83, of Ash Walk, Warminster, has been plagued with phone calls by Canadian fraudsters
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Trowbridge League
Newcomers FC Northbridge, with a five-goal league double, and Dilton Marsh closed in on the Division Three title race as leaders Seend Reserves slumped to a 1-0 home defeat by lowly Bromham. Kevin Hammersly's second half header produced one of the biggest
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I gave my kidney to save brother's life
WILTSHIRE TIMES EXCLUSIVE: TAXI driver Nigel Davis has given his brother the gift of life after undergoing transplant surgery to donate one of his kidneys. Mr Davis, 48, of Hilperton, underwent surgery at Southmead Hospital, Bristol, when surgeons removed
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School urgently needs new governors
Ref. 27841A BRADFORD ON AVON school needs volunteers to give something back to their community as school governors. Fitzmaurice Primary School urgently needs two new Local Education Authority governors to complete the 18-strong board. Chairman of Fitzmaurice
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Control birds humanely
I understand the full Trowbridge Council meeting recently handed back the decision to cull the pigeons in Trowbridge back to the committee chaired by Cllr James. I wasn't at the meeting, but it seems to me they have cleverly put Cllr James in the firing
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Road is like a gravel driveway
I AM writing to complain about the dreadful road resurfacing work being done in the west Wiltshire area and the fact that as a direct result of this work I almost crashed twice on the way home from Bath, despite driving at well below the speed limit.
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Does public opinion count?
REFERENCE the article in last week's Wiltshire Times about Trowbridge Town Football Club and their bid to develop the ground at Woodmarsh, North Bradley. Where has club chairman John Fitchen been over the past four years when he states: "We have got great
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Recipe 'an insult'
I am writing to complain about the recipe you had in the Wiltshire Times on January 16 for Moroccan pork. Myself and members of the Moroccan community found this to be insulting as it is a meat that is forbidden for us to eat as you know we are Muslims
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All aboard the HMS Pinafore
UNTIL FEBRUARY 7, BATH: Dr Who favourite Colin Baker appears in the Carl Rosa Company's new production of the Gilbert and Sullivan classic HMS Pinafore at the Theatre Royal Bath next week. This brand new production of Gilbert and Sullivan's much-loved
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Cinema - Big Fish (PG)
In telling the story of my father's life, it's impossible to separate fact from the fiction, the man from the myth. The best that I can do is tell it the way he told me... it doesn't always make sense, but that's what kind of story this is." Will Bloom
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Who is in the circle
LITCHFIELD ON FRIDAY: SHOOTING oneself in the foot is an occupational hazard of politics. Usually it is an accident, when a loose-cannon tongue becomes disengaged from the brain easily done in the fast lane of debate by motor-mouth politicians. Seldom
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Tax rise likely, despite government cash
The government has confirmed it will give more than £126 million to Swindon Council this year to fund services making a big council tax rise or swingeing cutbacks inevitable. Council chiefs had hoped to squeeze more cash out of officials, on top of the
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Snow trip offers home from home
FREAK snowy conditions almost forced a group of students to abandon a visit to Milton Keynes to go skiing. But the 13 youngsters left the icy hills of Swindon for the snowy slopes of Milton Keynes for a day of wintry fun. The travel and tourism students
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Local taken over by the locals
Ref. 28802-20LOCALS at Swindon's Famous Ale House liked the pub so much, they decided to run it themselves. Drinking buddies Andy Brackenbury, Bob Clements and Gary Barnes have spent many hours putting the world to rights over a pint in the historic watering
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Razor's odds to win I'm A Celebrity have lengthened
NEIL Ruddock's odds to win I'm a Celebrity have lengthened from 3-1 to 4-1. It follows a day in the jungle during which he kept a low profile after fumbling with glamour model Jordan two days ago but he couldn't resist giving his opinion when Viagra came
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Officers on patrol to dish out fines
Ref. 25559-13POLICE in Swindon will soon have the power to fine yobs up to £80 for public order offences. From April, officers patrolling Swindon town centre will be able to issue fixed penalty notices to law breakers in much the same way as Swindon Council's
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Saved from the axe
Ref. 28855-19Readers at one of three libraries facing the chop are told it will stay open. ONE of the three Swindon libraries on the council's hitlist for closure has won a last-breath reprieve. Following reports in the Evening Advertiser yesterday that
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Hooker John is new Bassett captain
Wootton Bassett meet Westbury in Southern Counties South at Stoneover Lane in front of what should be a good crowd, swelled by the Wootton Bassett Vice-Presidents, who will be hosting their third dinner of the season. Hooker John Biddy takes over as captain
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Swindon out to stun top team
THIRD-PLACED Swindon play host to leaders Beaconsfield in a crunch Berks Bucks & Oxon 1 game tomorrow. Swindon will be hoping to take away the unbeaten 11-match league record of their opponents. An injury to prop Steve Davis means a slight change
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Snow spells danger on our roads
Ref. 28840Drivers are five times more likely to skid on snowy or icy roads as they are on dry roads. And the number of accidents caused by wet road conditions more than doubles in winter. It is a dangerous time for drivers, but there are plenty of things
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Maternity unit to serve more mums
TROWBRIDGE midwifery staff promise a warm welcome to mums from Devizes if their local units are closed in a money-saving scheme. Trowbridge came out firm favourite to stay open in a recent review of maternity services but mums using units in Devizes and
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Moroccans in plea for new hall grant
CIVIC leaders are backing plans to build a centre for west Wiltshire's growing Moroccan community. Trowbridge has the second largest concentration of Moroccans in the UK and ethnic leaders have asked the Home Office for a grant to build a purpose-built
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Leaking roof stops play
MATCHES at the indoor Trowbridge Sports Centre have been called off because of rain. A leaking roof has meant some people who have booked courts to play badminton or five-a-side football have not been able to play. The roof was recently replaced because
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School will shut in April
GOVERNORS shut the doors on a 150-year-old village school on Thursday pledging the move is in the children's best interests. Wiltshire County Council had rubber-stamped plans to close Steeple Ashton C of E Primary School last week leaving governors with
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From The Shires to the sun
AFTER nearly 14 years watching the transformation of a former Trowbridge woollen mill buildings into a bustling shopping centre, The Shires manager Mike Murray is to retire. Mr Murray has managed the shopping centre since it opened in April 1990, but
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In line for Oscar
THE third Lord Of The Rings film could lead to a a famous Oscar night red carpet for a Holt man. Peter King has been nominated for best make-up for his work on Lord Of The Rings Return Of The King. Mr King's company, King and Turner, was chosen to design
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Woman fined for fraud
A TROWBRIDGE woman has been fined £500 after admitting she fraudulently claimed benefits. Christine Lancey Jones, 59, of Gloucester Road, pleaded guilty to three counts of giving false information in order to receive benefits at Chippenham Magistrates
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Pupils get their very own radio station
STUDENTS at the Clarendon School, Trowbridge, have taken to the airwaves on a newly launched radio station. Youngsters got their first taste of CSR (Clarendon School Radio) while they ate their lunch on Wednesday. The station is broadcasting throughout
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Devoted workers through to final 12
TWELVE finalists have been short- listed for this year's Trowbridge Employee of the Year contest and one of them will walk away with the first prize of a free trip to New York. They were chosen from around 40 people nominated by friends and work colleagues
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Karaoke king knocks 'em for six in Algarve national final
A STARRY-EYED karaoke king has been named the nation's best in a singing competition in Portugal. Ian Jones, 59, of Barnack Close, Trowbridge, regularly sings with the Starry Eyes Performance Foundation, an organisation that holds music workshops and
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Workers look on as colleagues lose jobs
A COMPANY in Trowbridge has come under fire from staff over its public handling of redundancies. One employee at Axxis International at the White Horse Trading Estate, were given the news in a glass-walled balcony office, in full view of others working
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Schools win funding for specialist status
TWO Trowbridge schools have been awarded specialist status, bringing in over £1million of government funding. The Clarendon School has gained specialist status in languages and The John of Gaunt School in science. Colin Kay, headteacher at the Clarendon
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Councillors hold fire on pigeons
THE decision on whether to prosecute three elderly women blamed for feeding pigeons in Trowbridge town centre will not be made until March. Town councillors voted against the culling of the birds and in favour of prosecuting those who feed them. But the
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Support rallies to help disabled girl
A FIVE-year-old Trowbridge girl who needs a new wheelchair has inspired a big fundraising effort around the town. Peaches Amor has West Syndrome, a rare form of epilepsy that has left her badly brain damaged. Her mother, Sharon, is determined that her
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Weekend football fixtures
SATURDAY SWINDON & DISTRICT LEAGUE Evening Advertiser Cup Quarter Finals Replay: Southbrook Utd v Westwood; County Ground v Barren Heating. Chairman's Jubilee Cup 3rd Round: Queenstown v SPM; Regent v Windmill; Zurich v Queenstown Res; Queensfield
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Show your mettle now Hughes
CIRENCESTER'S brilliant 15-match unbeaten run came to an end at Halesowen on Tuesday night now manager Brian Hughes is challenging his troops to respond in the desired manner when Yate visit the Corinium Stadium tomorrow. A 2-1 defeat at the Grove was
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'Have no fear'
TOMMY SAUNDERS believes his presence at Supermarine has added an unwelcome fear factor. Saunders has seen his new team lose three out of four Western Division fixtures since taking charge, with disappointing 1-0 defeats at home to Ilkeston and at lowly
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What price is brotherly love?
There can be few more philanthropic acts than donating one of your healthy organs to someone who needs it and it must be extra-special when it is your own brother who will gain a new lease of life from the transplant. With the advancement of medical science
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D-Day fallen remembered
Ref. 28850-58D-DAY veterans will lay a wreath in memory of fallen comrades to mark the 60th anniversary of the Normandy landings. On June 6, 1944, thousands of young men confronted the Nazi war machine head-on on the beaches of northern France. Thousands
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A second chance to get skills
YOUNG people who missed out on going to college in September are being given a second chance to gain a qualification this year. Swindon College has created a free course aimed at 16- to 19 -year-olds, which will start next month and run full-time for
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Dishing the dirt on dogs
Ref. 28834-14DOG owners in Cricklade have been warned to dispose of dog mess or face prosecution for carelessness. Cricklade Town Council has launched an awareness campaign after receiving numerous complaints, particularly from parents, that the town's
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It's good news for tenants
SWINDON Council's rent rise for its council houses is set to be below the national average. The average increase is proposed 4.68 per cent, which is less than the national average of 5.57 per cent. It will work out at about £2.41 extra per week on the
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Romany caravan to pitch up at school
A TRADITIONAL gipsy caravan will be built at Wroughton Infants' School to help celebrate its work with traveller children. For the last 30 years the school has worked with the Travellers' Education Council to make sure children staying at the Hay Lane
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Chance for a baby fades
Ref. 26537-27Infertile couples in Swindon fear a desperate shortage of egg donors will worsen dramatically when a Government decision to remove anonymity comes into force. The new rule covering sperm, egg and embryo harvesting kicks in from April 2005
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Co-op woos shoppers
Walcot's Co-op store has been re-opened following refurbishments. The new-look Co-op Late Shop, in Sussex Square, sells a wide range of fresh foods, including fruit and vegetables. It offers a range of chilled ready meals and a growing organic food range
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Fishing tribute to Clive
Ref. 28835-15Friends of angler and father-of-five, Clive Walsh, who was knocked down and killed on Great Western Way in Swindon in November 2002, will be raising money for his family tomorrow. Clive, who was 41 when he died, regularly met up with many
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Cultural officer gets warm welcome
ALL three group leaders on Swindon Council have joined forces to heap praise on Gavin Jones, the newly appointed officer in charge of cultural change. Council leader Mike Bawden (Con, Old Town and Lawns) said: "Gavin has the mix of dynamic business and
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More homes, but less water
I WRITE to you regarding the article in the EA on Jan 21 "River running out of water" concerning the Upper Thames Protection Society. The depletion of water levels due to increasing consumption and the effect of weather conditions should raise concerns
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Skateboard park will attract troublemakers
WHEN will those people who support the Haydon Wick Skateboard Park realise that those residents against it are not against the skateboarders and children having fun as suggested by T Hudson in Wednesday's Adver. We too agree these law abiding youngsters
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Bradford on Avon 43, Weymouth 10
BRADFORD on Avon coach Dave George believes tomorrow's match at Sherbourne could be the Dorset and Wilts Division one championship decider. After watching his side demolish bottom-of-the-table Weymouth, George turned his focus to tomorrow's crunch match
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Trowbridge 78, Bridgwater & Albion 2nds 12
TROWBRIDGE celebrated their second biggest win this season with a victory over a tricky B&A Second XV. Trowbridge expected a very hard game but by half time the score was 50-0. A first-half hat-trick of tries by winger Adam Sullivan and further tries
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Cooper-Avon Tyres 2nd XI 7, Westbury 2nd XI 26
WESTBURY made it four wins in a row on Saturday with a comfortable victory in the Bath Combination Merit Table Division two East. A lack of a front row for the visitors meant the match nearly had to be called off but a last minute re-shuffle gave the
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Bath to boot out Beziers
ANDREW Higgins has warned Beziers to expect Bath to be in a 'filthy' mood for their Parker Pen Challenge Cup quarter-final, second leg clash. Former Bristol flyer Higgins claims the Zurich Premiership leaders were dismayed by their performance during
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Church too small as congregation grows
CHIPPENHAM NEWS: A CHURCH in Chippenham is being forced to hire out bigger premises because its 'back to basics' type services have become too popular. Minister David Slater is shifting his Sunday service out of the Station Hill Baptist Church for four
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Fundraising to say thank you to hospital
CHIPPENHAM NEWS: A FUNDRAISING event helped take a Chippenham couple's minds off imminent open heart surgery on their one-year-old daughter. The Beaufort Hunt raised £800 for the Bristol Children's Hospital to help Julie and Rodney Picter, of Sherrington
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Teen working on skatepark design
CHIPPENHAM NEWS: A TEENAGER is helping to design Chippenham's new skatepark because he is fed up with youngsters having nothing to do in their spare time. Scott Green, 18, is working with Bristol-based Wheel-scape to come up with a plan for the proposed
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Schoolchildren get a taste of the Orient
CHIPPENHAM NEWS: CHINESE New Year celebrations got off to a cracking start at a primary school in Chippenham. Staff and children at Queen's Crescent School worked with local artist Su Briggs to make large sculptures of Chinese dragons, terracotta warriors
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Burglaries 'not one-offs'
CHIPPENHAM NEWS: HOMEOWNERS in Corsham are being warned to stay alert after two similar burglaries in the town. The burglaries, which took place within the space of five days, both saw the offender search the house before ignoring other property and leaving
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Penned in!
BRIAN HOWARD and Andy Nicholas are poised to pen new two-year deals at the County Ground. The two summer signings have become first team regulars and once the necessary i's have been dotted and t's crossed, they will be committed to Town until the end
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Comedy comes to the Oak
CHIPPENHAM NEWS: PART of a Corsham pub will be transformed into a nightclub tomorrow night as the Pickwick Theatre Company comes to town. Four men in tuxedos will be taking over the upstairs room at the Royal Oak pub in the High Street to stage the company's
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Event is all write on night
CHIPPENHAM NEWS: TRADE justice campaigners in Neston are organising a sponsored event with a difference on Friday they are not asking for money. Instead they are asking those who attend their Unfair Country Sports Evening to write letters to Tony Blair
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Improvements on track
CHIPPENHAM NEWS: PEOPLE power has paid off for a group of teenagers in Corsham who will now be able to use the town's BMX track safely again. The £10,000 facility next to the town's Springfield Leisure Centre opened for use in September. But when a security
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Swim coach jailed for abusing girl
CHIPPENHAM NEWS: A 48-year-old swimming coach who started having an affair with a 13-year-old girl has been jailed for three and a half years. Steven Hartley, who works for the MoD in Corsham and was a foster carer for the county council, began abusing
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Chalkie urges fans to chip in
BLUEBIRD fans could play a part in helping their side reach the new Conference League next season as the club launches the CHIP fund at tomorrow's match at home to Newport County. The Chippenham Help in Promotion fund has been set up by the club in a
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We're the team to fear says Gould
CHIPPENHAM Town have not started too many matches as favourites this season but ahead of tomorrow's match at home to Newport Tom Gould believes the Bluebirds are becoming the team to fear. After languishing at the bottom of the table for most of the season
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Paul has a point to prove
MARTIN Paul believes Chippenham Town's new attacking style would suit him down to the ground his only problem is getting the chance to prove it. The Bluebirds' striker has spent most of Steve White's two-month reign at the club sitting on the subs bench
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Plans still on drawing board
THE team given the task of developing Westbury town centre say they are determined to press on with the project despite recent setbacks. The proposals, detailed in a document called A Town Centre Development Plan for Westbury, include changing traffic
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Newly qualified
THE Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has congratulated newly qualified chartered surveyors in the region. Altogether 40 people from the south west passed the most recent RICS accredited exams, including Richard Pearce, of Parkman Property Management
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Wait for Lafarge verdict
RESIDENTS in Westbury could have to wait until the end of March to learn whether the town's cement works will be allowed to burn Recycled Liquid Fuel. Lafarge lodged an application to burn RLF for a six-month trial period last year, prompting concerns
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Factory's staff get courses
WORKERS at a Trowbridge firm are to be given the chance to learn new skills. Union representatives at Pork Farm Bowyers are working with the South West TUC's learning services team to provide courses for staff. TUC project manager Maggie Fellows said:
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Refurbished offices
CHIPPENHAM town planning consultant Willis & Co has moved into refurbished offices in The Causeway. The Grade II listed building, formerly part of a forge, was revamped by local property developers Lifespace Solutions. Managing director Marc Willis
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Graduate joins estate agency
Bradford on Avon estate agent Geoffrey Saxty has welcomed Tom Harding from Devon to his business. Mr Harding, a graduate in sports science and business management, is pursuing a career in estate agency after spending previous summer breaks in Bradford
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Children choose top books
YOUNG bookworms at Bratton Primary School are busy nominating their favourite novels for an upcoming awards ceremony. The pupils have been reading through a selection of children's books before delivering their verdict at the annual Carnegie Greenaway
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Youngsters celebrate Chinese New Year
THE Year of the Monkey began in style for youngsters in Westbury as the town library turned Chinese for the afternoon. This was the second year the library has celebrated Chinese New Year and the event on Thursday saw 18 four- to 11-year-olds and six
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Dog sniffs out crime
Ref. 27839FIVE-YEAR-OLD Sam proved his nose is still in fine working order when he led police to a stash of what they believe is cannabis resin. The English Springer Spaniel was called into action on Tuesday morning when police in Westbury carried out
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Swim coach jailed for abusing girl
A 48-year-old swimming coach who started having an affair with a 13-year-old girl has been jailed for three and a half years. Steven Hartley who was also a foster carer for the county council began abusing the child, 31 years his junior, before going
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Challenge to health boss on closure plan
PHIL Day, the health boss who is proposing closing Devizes and Malmesbury maternity units, got a grilling from councillors at a recent meeting. Mr Day, director of community services at the Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust, was told to justify
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Council awarded
MELKSHAM without Parish Council is to be presented with an award at County Hall, Trowbridge. The council is the first in Wiltshire to gain a quality status award, where town and parish councils have to meet strict guidelines set out by the government,
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Pupils juggle for creativity
JUGGLING, plate spinning and rocket building are some of the activities on offer at the George Ward School, Melksham tomorrow. The Melksham Saturday Academy is a monthly learning initiative that gives children and their parents the chance to learn a whole
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Thieves take equipment
BURGLARS stole £7,000 of equipment from a Melksham company. The thieves took disc cutters and chainsaws after breaking into Hussey and Greenhow Plant Ltd between 5pm on Thursday and 8am the following morning. Owner David Hussey said: "This sort of stuff
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Star wrestlers all set for Melksham show
National and international wrestling stars will soon be descending on Melksham in what promises to be one of the events of the year. The Outrage 2004 event will feature six wrestling bouts including an All Nations Heavyweight Championship match between
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Baby's months in intensive care
NINE-month-old Abbie Dark, from Melksham, has spent most of her life in hospital, with her parents only able to hope they can bring her home for her first birthday in April. Parents Rob and Beth have been juggling visits to the Bristol Children's Hospital
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Special accolade for one brave little girl
Brownie Peg Davison proudly shows off her Star of Merit, one of Girlguiding UK's highest accolades. Picture: ROGER ELLIOTT DA4727P1A NINE-YEAR-OLD Salisbury girl who demonstrated courage through the most difficult of circumstances has received one of
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Whites leave it late
That's my ball. City 'keeper Kevin Sawyer thwarts another Ashford attack. DA4803P12.AN INJURY-TIME goal by Salisbury City substitute Steve Strong ensured the club bounced back to winning ways against Ashford Town following last week's defeat at fellow
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College shares 'academic expertise'
SARUM College, the ecumenical college in Salisbury Cathedral Close, has joined a partnership with Czech and Finnish Christian adult education institutions, as part of an international ecumenical conference programme. The college will be joining with the
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Co-op woos shoppers
Walcot's Co-op store has been re-opened following refurbishments. The new-look Co-op Late Shop, in Sussex Square, sells a wide range of fresh foods, including fruit and vegetables. It offers a range of chilled ready meals and a growing organic food range
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New boss gets a 'golden hello'
Disgruntled shareholders of retailer WH Smith have failed to block a £2.6 million "golden hello" package for new chief executive Kate Swann. Voting at the group's annual general meeting in London revealed nearly 34 million shareholders had sought to kill
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Project wins more support
BRITAIN'S biggest county history project has been secured for another five years, thanks to a new partnership launched last week. Councils from across Wiltshire joined the University of the West of England to fund the next stage of the Wiltshire Victoria
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Help is available
PEOPLE with hearing impairments can now find out about the help and support available to them in Wiltshire's libraries. Displays entitled Do You Care? can be seen at Trowbridge, Melksham, Bradford on Avon, Warminster and Westbury libraries until the end
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Runners needed to keep funds healthy
THE Wiltshire Air Ambulance Appeal is calling on London Marathon runners to help keep its helicopter in the air. The charity needs to raise £320,000 a year to keep going and is looking for registered runners to help it reach this target. Anyone who comes
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Modellers can take to the sky
BUS drivers in Wiltshire are to be given training to learn how to deal with unruly pupils. Wiltshire County Council has set up training sessions to ensure that drivers feel well-equipped to deal with any incidents. Judi Gardner, customer service officer
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Cash needed for Splash
SUMMER may be months away but staff at annual holiday activity scheme Splash are already gearing up to help youngsters enjoy the long break. The holiday programme, now in its 15th year, gives youngsters aged from 10 to 16 the chance to take part in activities
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Police in hunt for Specials
POLICE in Wiltshire are looking for volunteers to become special constables. The force is holding a recruitment drive in February to let people know what is involved in being a volunteer officer. Wiltshire Constabulary has received nearly £70,000 additional
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Time for flytippers to clean up their act
ILLEGAL rubbish dumping is proving to be a huge problem all around north and west Wiltshire. Rubbish is often dumped by the side of country lanes where the offenders can empty out their cars or vans without being seen. County Councillor Nancy Bryant has
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Youth service hits the mark
A SURVEY of more than 2,600 young people in Wiltshire has shown the county's youth development service is on course to reach a Government target to ensure it works with enough young people. The survey of 13 to 16- year-olds showed that 25 per cent of
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Tribute to modest flyer's wartime bravery
A WARTIME airman has been posthumously honoured in recognition of his contribution to Second World War. Reg Eastwick flew 56 sorties as a rear air gunner in Halifax and Lancaster bombers between 1943 and 1945. This was almost double the normal tour of
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Beware of bogus callers
CREDIT card fraudsters are conning hundreds of pounds out of west Wiltshire residents in the latest telephone scam. Trading standards officers at Wiltshire County Council have warned of a new scam involving bogus credit card staff telephoning customers
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Youngsters design their dream beds
Ref. 27846ARTISTIC youngsters will be getting a comfortable night's sleep after dreaming up winning designs in a bed competition. Helen Clarke, nine, of Poulshot, won the contest, which was run by the Wiltshire Times with Airsprung Beds. The youngster
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Arctic weather hits Wiltshire
Ref. 27849THE main road between Dilton Marsh and Chapmanslade was due to reopen yesterday after a fallen tree blocked traffic in both directions. The tree fell across the A3098 at the junction between Chalcot Lane and Short Street at 6.20pm on Wednesday
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Expansion plan gets thumbs up
SCREWFIX Direct Western League clubs have given the go-ahead to attract new clubs into the league from the start of the next season but not at the expense of current standards. At a general meeting of clubs, held at Bridgwater on Monday, the league's
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Calne banking on Kevin to boost midfield line-up
KEVIN Banks signed for Calne Town from Melksham Town last night and the midfielder is hoping to push his new club towards a top six finish. The 20-year-old will go straight into the squad for Calne's Screwfix Division One match at home to Shrewton tomorrow
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Evans won't turn his back on Town
SCREWFIX DIRECT LEAGUE: MELKSHAM Town goalkeeper Gareth Evans is set to commit himself to the club until the end of the season by becoming the only player on contract at the Conigre. The club are offering him a contract for the rest of this campaign with
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Choir in search of singers
A CALL for volunteers with big voices to join a Warminster choir has been launched this week. The Athenaeum Singers are currently searching for new members in preparation for two major music concerts later in the year. Gavin Carr, musical director, said
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Rural views of county on display at library
AN exhibition of rural paintings by an award-winning artist is currently drawing the crowds to Warminster library. The gallery put together by Somerset artist Margaret Wickins includes 64 pieces of work in an exhibition called Paintings and Drawings.
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Trowbridge call meeting
TROWBRIDGE Town have called an extraordinary general meeting for February 10 to seek approval to apply with Trowbridge Town youth for Community Club status. This is part of the FA's Charter scheme aimed at raising standards in football. Community Club
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Modellers can take to the sky
MODEL aircraft fans have permission to fly over Brixton Deverill, despite villagers' fears that someone could get hurt. West Wiltshire District Council has given Lords Hill Model Flying Club a three-year extension to use Summerslade Down. Many villagers
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Tough times ahead for Biddestone
BIDDESTONE Town manager Gary Skidmore believes the next month will make or break his side's season. Saturday's 2-2 draw at Corsham Town reserves has seen them slip to fourth in the table and they now face the top three sides in their next five matches
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Money for new hall
AN army wife who lost her son to meningitis has said thank you to a kind-hearted friend by helping to fund a new school hall. Andrea Hasson, of Warminster, lost her 11-month-old son Ben last March but has donated £750 to The Minster Primary School. Cash
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Commons debate
OPPOSITION to a planned mobile phone mast in Warminster was the centrepiece of a health debate in the House of Commons. Many residents are concerned that a mast is earmarked for East Street near a conservation area and New Cross Primary School. MP Andrew
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Comrades pay tribute to soldier killed in Iraq
A WARMINSTER soldier has been killed while serving in Iraq just months before he was set to marry his fiance. Rifleman Vincent Windsor, 23, of the Royal Green Jackets based in Warminster, was killed in a vehicle accident in eastern Iraq on January 21.
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Villagers vow to save post office
Limpley Stoke residents could become stakeholders in their local post office in a bid to save it from closure. The post office and shop has been on the market for 18 months and could close unless a buyer is found. Commercial estate agents have failed
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New proposal for Kingston Mill site
A NEW way forward for the development of Kingston Mill in Bradford on Avon could be in the pipeline if residents and interested parties give it their backing. Bradford Town Council has agreed to support a proposal from the Bradford on Avon Development
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Initiative helps men to open up
A DRAMATIC increase in the number of young male suicides in Britain has led to a new initiative from a theatre group at St Laurence School, Bradford on Avon. With backing from Wiltshire Health Promotion Service and using funding from the Arts Council,
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A positive outcome to collapsed wall incident
I would like to offer some comments regarding the recent collapsed wall at Rosemount, Bratton. We were all shocked and upset for the owners that their lives should have been so violently disrupted, and whilst the blocking of the road did of course cause
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Too many roadworks
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I always thought that the council's Highways department was responsible for co-ordinating any planned roadworks to be carried out by their own personnel, contractors or other parties. Now it would appear that in the past week
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Let's look at planning system
FURTHER to the letter from Mr Collins regarding the Reprieve for Paxcroft Mead residents, I wonder if I could add some further information? As the seconder of the proposal not to remove the access condition for the new development I was as surprised as
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There's no need to close care home
I WAS astounded to hear about Clover Grass Court in Bratton and its potential closure. It is completely untrue that the housing association do not have a clue on how to keep it open. I have personally shown them options including advertising the fact
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Day of the big chill
Ref. 28849-23A fierce snowstorm transformed the landscape of Swindon into a classic winter wonderland in little more than an hour. Delighted children dusted off their sledges, but most car drivers were far from amused at the icy conditions. TAMASH LAL
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Local taken over by the locals
LOCALS at Swindon's Famous Ale House liked the pub so much, they decided to run it themselves. Drinking buddies Andy Brackenbury, Bob Clements and Gary Barnes have spent many hours putting the world to rights over a pint in the historic watering hole
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Rugby fixtures and teams for the weekend
FIXTURES Powergen South West Division Powergen South West 2 East: Chippenham v Salisbury; Frome v Stow-on-the-Wold; Oakmeadians v Marlow; Reading Abbey v Maidenhead; Swanage & Wareham v Windsor; Wimborne v High Wycombe. Southern Counties South: Ivel
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Sponsors sought
SWindon rugby club is looking for kit sponsors for its under 13 and 14 teams ahead of their tour to Sherborne and Bridport in April. The club is hoping for a company to sponsor the teams for their post-match polo shirts. This would cost in the region
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Young entrepeneurs showcase their skills
BUDDING young businessmen and women showcased their sales skills at the Young Enterprise Fair in Trowbridge on Saturday. Students from George Ward School in Melksham swept the board with a successful company selling personalised t-shirts. Teams of pupils
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Perform with the Pearlies
THE Pearlies entertainment group lowered the final curtain for Trowbridge couple Eve and Sid Lunt who retired after many years of loyal service. The group performs throughout Wiltshire, Avon and Somerset and now has vacancies for two or more people. Jeanette
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Starry Eyes season starts
A SCHEME designed to give budding singers and dancers the chance to take to the stage is celebrating its success with the start of a new season. The Starry Eyes Performance Foundation developed after plans four years ago to revive an annual talent show
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Record office bid rejected
CAMPAIGNERS in Trowbridge hope the Heritage Lottery Fund's decision to reject a £5m bid for a new record office in Chippenham will keep it in the county town. Protesters were celebrating on Wednesday after the HLF announced it would not be stumping up
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Date for embryo appeal
A WOMAN fighting for the right to have her own child has been given a date to take her case to the Court of Appeal. Natalie Evans, from Trowbridge, is to make a last ditch effort to save six frozen embryos being stored at a Bath clinic when she goes to
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Robbery attempt
A ROBBER threatened to stab a Tesco employee in the foot after a man tried to steal two boxed DVD players from the supermarket. The worker was trying to escort one of the robbers out of the store in County Way, Trowbridge, at about 9.15pm on Wednesday
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Greek trip gives key info to Rachel probe
POLICE investigating the death of student and possible drugs victim Rachel Whitear have interviewed one of the last people to see her alive. The Wiltshire detectives travelled to Greece to talk to Miss Whitear's former drugs counsellor about her state
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Rugby fan Maeve wins signed England shirt
Ref. 27843ENGLAND rugby hero Jonny Wilkinson is one of the players to sign a shirt won by a Trowbridge girl. Maeve Taylor, 13, won a competition held by the junior section of the England Supporters' Club to design a poster. She said: "I am really pleased
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Man on kidnap charges
THE case against a man facing kidnapping and robbery charges has been adjourned for 10 weeks so a psychiatrist can compile a report about him. Robert Smith appeared before Swindon Crown Court on Friday charged with a series of offences in Trowbridge in
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Hellenic Fixtures
CHERRY RED RECORDS HELLENIC LEAGUE Cherry Red Records Challenge Cup quarter final: Ross Tn v Didcot Tn. Supplementary Cup 1st round: Middle Barton v Penn & Tylers Green. Premier Division: Almondsbury Tn v Wootton Bassett Tn; Bishops Cleeve v Abingdon
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I gave my kidney to save brother's life
WILTSHIRE TIMES EXCLUSIVE: TAXI driver Nigel Davis has given his brother the gift of life after undergoing transplant surgery to donate one of his kidneys. Mr Davis, 48, of Hilperton, underwent surgery at Southmead Hospital, Bristol, when surgeons removed
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Back problem
WHILE most of Wootton Bassett's problems this season have been in attack, it is the defence that is causing manager Pete Yeardley grief this weekend. Yeardley's troops travel to fellow Hellenic Premier Division strugglers Almondsbury with the heart of
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Devizes' no to Perkins approach
MELKSHAM'S cheeky bid to prise midfielder Nathan Perkins from neighbours Devizes has been rebuked by Nursteed Road boss Dave Hopkins. Devizes entertain Barnstaple in the second round of the Les Phillips Cup tomorrow and Hopkins insists Perkins is going
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Kucynski sets his sights on leaders Trowbridge
AFC Stratton's long-awaited clash with Trowbridge Town scheduled for this weekend in what could well be a Premier Division decider. The home side lead the table by two points and Trowbridge who have a game in hand over the top side. "We will be looking
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Challenge to health boss on closure plan
PHIL Day, the health boss who is proposing closing Devizes and Malmesbury maternity units, got a grilling from councillors at a recent meeting. Mr Day, director of community services at the Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust, was told to justify
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White wary as County threaten Bluebirds' rebirth
STEVE WHITE'S reborn Chippenham Town side bid for their fifth straight win when Newport County come to Wiltshire tomorrow. A 4-0 win over the Welshmen in the Dr Martens Cup at the start of the month sparked the Bluebirds' rejuvenation and they start as
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An example to us all
We heard this week how 83-year-old Bette Anderson was not fooled when fraudsters tried to get her to hand over £1,000 in a telephone scam. She showed great initiative and managed to get the conmen on the phone to give her their details which she passed
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Secretary takes over
THE Swindon branch of the British Korean Veterans Asso-ciation has a new secretary. Bert Davey, 67, who lost his brother Tom in the 1950-1953 conflict, has been elected to take charge of the group. The former secretary, Jack Howard, died in November.
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Green campaign group is to fold
Ref. 28851-05THE Swindon branch of Greenpeace will fold unless new campaigners are prepared to take over the mantle. The campaign group was established in 2001 by Kate and Simon Linnegar of Stratton St Margaret, who wanted to join a local branch but discovered
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Enjoy a game of bridge
THE Mayor's charity bridge competition will be held tomorrow. The tournament, which has been running for eight years, takes place at the Civic Offices in Euclid Street and pairs and individuals have been invited to turn up and take part. It takes place
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A double for firefighters
Ref. 28861-6FOR the second year running firefighters from Stratton fire station have scooped the best new recruit in the country award the Silver Axe. Marcus Moore, 30, recently returned from his 14-week training course and was named as the firefighter's
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Petition is signed by 1,400
PENSIONERS demanding lower council tax rates have collected more than 1,400 names on a petition. Frank Avenell, 82, secretary of the Swindon Fairness for Pensioners' Group, says that the campaign has gone from strength to strength. Mr Avenell said: "It's
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Fans brave the snow to meet Stargate stars
Ref. 28858-44SCIENCE fiction fans flocked to Swindon town centre to meet stars from the cult TV series Stargate. Hundred of followers filled the Brunel Shopping Centre, many queuing for several hours, so they could catch a glimpse of Michael Shanks (Daniel
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Hysterical response to MP's comments
THE hysterical response from some quarters to the refreshingly common-sense remarks by Liberal Democrat MP Dr Jenny Tonge about Palestinian suicide bombers shows that hypocrisy and double standards are as rampant as ever in the country that went to war
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Cooper-Avon Tyres 16, Sherbourne 32
CATs coach Mark Simmons has tipped Sherbourne for the Dorset and Wilts Division One title after watching his side lose to them on Saturday. For the first 40 minutes it looked as though the hosts might carry out a shock win as they raced into a 16-5 half-time
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Olly keeps cool on England call
OLLY Barkley is refusing to get carried away after being called into England's Six Nations training squad. Barkley, capped once on a tour to North America in 2001, joined prop Matt Stevens, plus colleagues Iain Balshaw, Mike Catt, Steve Borthwick and
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Westbury 1st XI 28, Redingensians 1st XI 16
WESTBURY recovered from a slow start on Saturday to record an impressive victory against their Reading opponents but the day was marred by a serious ankle injury to captain Rob Starr. The match was delayed for 40 minutes while Starr received treatment
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World Cup on tour
THE Webb Ellis Cup is coming to Wiltshire in April as part of the Rugby Football Union's commitment to offer the game to new people and places. The four-month-long Sweet Chariot Tour will see the trophy won by the World Champions 2003 visit 290 venues
