Archive
-
Date
£5.5m paid towards costs of policing Fairford during war
THE Government has agreed to pay the bulk of the cost of policing RAF Fairford during the Iraq war according to Cotswold MP Geoffrey Clifton-Brown. Having provided the Gloucestershire Constabulary with special grants of £1.25 million, the Government has
-
Date
Opera stars will shine at charity feast
Some of the country's brightest opera stars are to sing in Swindon this weekend. The operatic evening, hosted by Swindon Mayor Derek Benfield, promises to be a delight for all the senses as special guests take to the stage at the Hilton Hotel, in Lydiard
-
Date
Big demand for festival tickets
A LITERATURE Festival appearance by the author of a Whitbread Prize-winning novel set in Swindon has had to be moved to a larger venue. The box office of the Arts Centre was swamped with inquiries about Mark Haddon, a star attraction at the 11th Swindon
-
Date
Vandals to face zero tolerance
Ref. 29342-55TOOTHILL'S new police officer has promised a zero-tolerance approach to vandals in an attempt to make the village centre safe. PC Paul Phelps, who started work as the community beat officer for the area last week, intends to clamp down on
-
Date
Concert note
THE Central Band of the RAF will be playing military favourites in a charity concert at the Wyvern Theatre. RAF Lyneham is organising the event on Thursday, March 18 at 7.30pm. Tickets are £13 and are available by calling the Wyvern box office on 01793
-
Date
Preparing for parade
PREPARATIONS for a second D-may parade in Penhill on June 6 are under way. The procession and service, which follows in the wake of last year's successful event, is scheduled to be attended by the deputy mayor of Swindon, Peter Stoddart. Veterans from
-
Date
Bidders push up prices of historic items
A PHOTOGRAPH album crammed with images of Sir Winston Churchill has been auctioned for £16,500 in Swindon. The album of rare photographs had been expected to raise between £7,000 and £10,000. It was sold at Dominic Winter Auctions, in Maxwell Street.
-
Date
'Scottish' conman is sent on his way
A MAN with a Scottish accent wearing a blue boiler suit called at a house in Shrewton Walk, Penhill, claiming to be from the electricity board on Monday morning. Police say the bogus caller showed an identity card but did not gain entry. He was aged between
-
Date
Pastel master shares secrets
PASTEL artist Christine Russell is to give a masterclass for fellow artists in Highworth. She specialises in detailed still-life and expressionist pieces showing landscapes, room interiors and gardens, and her solo exhibitions have included one at Thornbury
-
Date
Work starts soon on £110,000 country park road
WORK on building a road from Mouldon Hill Country Park to the Northern Orbital Road is due to start on Monday. The project is expected to take about six weeks to complete and Swindon Council will be supervising the construction The scheme will provide
-
Date
Experts look at violence in the home
Solicitor General Harriet Harman and Swindon Women's Refuge manager Jenni Manners are sharing a stage in Swindon today to talk about the forgotten victims of domestic violence. The effects on children are the focus of the South West Regional Domestic
-
Date
Red Arrows celebrate 40 high-flying years
THE Royal Air Force's aerobatic team will celebrate its 40th anniversary at the Kemble Air Day 2004 in June. The Red Arrows spent many years at the Gloucestershire base before moving to their present home in Lincolnshire. This year the show is aiming
-
Date
Thanks for help
IT was reported in the Evening Advertiser in January that our recruitment of volunteers banner had been stolen from Great Western Way. Thank you to some of your readers who contacted me with suggestions about its whereabouts, but unfortunately it could
-
Date
Bleeding us dry
I REALLY do disagree with the comments made in the letter by I J Howard in the letters dated February 27. Frank Avenell has worked very hard for pensioners toward the reduction of the council tax and is not playing the pensioner card, whatever that is
-
Date
We respect confidentiality as much as GPs
Re: A tonic GPs don't want Business Daily, Feb 27: While I agree with Dr Peter Crouch that issuing Sick Notes is best left to GPs, as an Occupational Health (OH) Nurse with over 30 years experience, I cannot let pass his remarks that OH professionals
-
Date
Why should we pay for their rise in expenses?
AS a single pensioner living on my own I am both angry and surprised by the article of Michael Litchfield on councillors' allowances. To increase their allowances by 43 per cent (£227,000) in one year and then to say that they must close two care homes
-
Date
Help young
I FIND it hard to believe that a refusal has come through from the council to build a skateboard park at Green Lane playing fields, Devizes. Is the meaning for playing fields not for sport and play? Where are they going to propose? Somewhere inaccessible
-
Date
Many thanks
STEVE and Della Moran of Moran's Caterers of Distinction, London Road, Marlborough would personally like to thank everyone who supported and helped with their fundraising project for the Marlborough Minis Rugby Club. Friends, parents and visitors to the
-
Date
Chippenham Ladies 50, St Ivel Barbarians 5
CHIPPENHAM Ladies hosted St Ivel Barbarians for their return league fixture. Their first meeting earlier in the season was a very close affair but this time around, Chippenham showed their vast improvement through the season. This was underlined by an
-
Date
TV date in Madrid
GAZETTE & HERALD: BACK at work following a televised blind date in Madrid, beauty shop owner Laura Tinson said she is still looking for love. The 23-year-old owner of Nails.com in Sheldon Road, Chippenham, made her second appearance on ITV dating
-
Date
Malmesbury 15, Walcott Old Boys 3rd 29
WALCOTT opened the scoring in the first five minutes after a defensive debacle in front of the home sides line. The Malmesbury defence seemed to wait for each other to tackle the ball carrier, and of course he got through. Kevin Tillotson replied with
-
Date
Trowbridge U16 5, Chippenham U16 46
CHIPPENHAM stormed in fron tin this Wiltshire Cup thanks to Jason Deamer's early try. Lloyd Wiltshire made the conversion but Trowbridge were soon back in cntention when they scored an unconverted tryu. Ashley Hurcombe put the visitors further ahead but
-
Date
Be fair to all
I hope the BNP candidate will not be elected to Calne Town Council but in our democracy he must be allowed to try. To quote Voltaire "I disagree with what you say but I will defend to the death your right to say it." James Gray should not have refused
-
Date
In agreement
CAN I break what was a long standing habit and agree with K. R. Manns (letters, February 26) regarding council tax. But I must point out that there are very many who don't pay any council tax because of their low incomes and many more who pay a graded
-
Date
£3,000 handed out in grants
GAZETTE & HERALD: Chippenham Town Council handed out nearly £3,000 in grants to local community projects, including a £,1000 award to Chippenham's popular annual folk festival. The grants were agreed at a meeting of the Strategy and Resources Committee
-
Date
Royal relief
I AM delighted that HRH The Prince of Wales is to visit Marlborough as part of our 2004 celebrations. As a direct result of his visit you report that the railings in the High Street are to be repaired and repainted. Some of us have been banging on about
-
Date
Call for help
TWO years ago I became a member of our carnival committee, may I say a very enthusiastic one as well, hence the success of our carnival. I have taken on the role of carnival queen manager, a job I am enjoying very much, and last year proved to be another
-
Date
A tribute to two Stirlings
GAZETTE & HERALD: A NEW boardroom, the Stirling Suite, named in honour of motor-racing legend Stirling Moss, will be opened at Castle Combe circuit on March 12. Stirling Moss won several races there during his career, including setting three Formula
-
Date
Gang admits mugging man
GAZETTE & HERALD: A gang of youths mugged a 22-year-old man in Chippenham town centre and tried to rob two others, a court heard. Richard McKenzie, 21, of south London, Jelani Nicholson, 18, of Rolleston Street, Swindon, and a 15-year-old who cannot
-
Date
Development would destroy village nature
AS a lifelong resident of Pewsey it is sad to note that certain people are once again trying to blight this lovely village with a totally impractical development. I refer to what once was well-kept allotment gardens atop a prominent bank at the beginning
-
Date
Broke bones in partner's hand
GAZETTE & HERALD: A 32-YEAR-OLD Chippenham man told a court he had broken bones in his girlfriend's hand during a row because she was always winding him up. Adrian Mark Richards, of Sutherland Crescent, appeared before Chippenham magistrates on Monday
-
Date
No way to justify hospital changes
"HEALTH CHIEFS" say that changes will provide a better service. The overriding reason for wanting to change is to "provide a better service for patients" (Gazette, February 5). I have recently been sent from Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust
-
Date
Taking the plunge to help tumour boy
GAZETTE & HERALD: GAYE Richards a civil servant at RAF Lyneham is appealing for sponsorship for a parachute jump she is doing for George Mitchell, the two-year-old who has a brain tumour. George's parents, Fraser and Sophie Mitchell also work at RAF
-
Date
Buddy website is a major hit
GAZETTE & HERALD: FORMER Hardenhuish School pupil Mark Payne missed his drinking buddies so much when he moved to Newbury that he set up a website dedicated to finding new pals. The site, Drinkingbuddys.co.uk, which went live three weeks ago, has
-
Date
Firefighter hurt in crash
GAZETTE & HERALD: ONE fire officer was slightly injured and the driver of a milk tanker was taken to hospital, following a collision on the A350 near the Plough crossroads on Monday morning. A fire engine from Chippenham's Spanbourn Avenue station
-
Date
Lydia's very own chocodile party
GAZETTE & HERALD: LITTLE Lydia Cross has had a busy few days. First she had the excitement of sharing her third birthday with the Gazette's mascot Gilbert. Then she and her baby sister Millie were reunited with the ambulance technicians who rushed
-
Date
Organiser leaves festival in council's hands
GAZETTE & HERALD: After North Wiltshire Festival organiser Steve Cox walked out, reporter SARAH SINGLETON spoke to North Wiltshire District Council about whether or not they can keep it alive THE future of North Wiltshire Festival 2004 is under threat
-
Date
Party is over for festival leader
Steve CoxGAZETTE & HERALD: North Wiltshire Festival 2004 is in jeopardy after project leader Steve Cox made a shock decision on Friday to resign. Steve Cox was employed by North Wiltshire District Council to take the helm of the £100,000 business,
-
Date
Dream bike snatched
GAZETTE & HERALD: WELDER Steve Walker worked double shifts for months and cashed in his wife's motorbike to buy his dream motorcycle, but it was stolen the day after he got it. Mr Walker, 39, who has been riding motorbikes for 20 years, said he bought
-
Date
Families' anger over mast plan by homes
GAZETTE & HERALD: FAMILIES have spoken out against a plan to build a telephone mast just yards from their homes. Mobile phone company Vodafone has applied for planning permission to build a 15-metre mast 150 yards away from 13 homes at Ryley's Farm
-
Date
Police asked not to leave
GAZETTE & HERALD: CORSHAM councillors have asked for assurances of a continued police presence in the town, after the Priory Street Police Station site was tagged for future redevelopment. Following a review of the Urban Capacity Study, the station
-
Date
Residents say fight will go on
GAZETTE & HERALD: Campaigners against a housing development in Corsham say they will carry on fighting, despite planning permission having been granted for 78 homes. The district council development control committee approved the application at a
-
Date
Family begins battle to get hostel moved
JUSTICE FOR KATE: OUR Justice for Kate Walsh campaign started in earnest this week, as grieving parents Debbie and Anthony Walsh delivered posters and petitions to shops, pubs and community centres. The Gazette and Herald has joined forces with the couple
-
Date
Bus company cautious about changes
THE Go Ahead group, which bought the Wilts & Dorset Bus Company last August, has made few changes to it, says boss Alex Carter. Mr Carter, managing director of the £30m turnover company, said Go Ahead had deliberately held back from making dynamic
-
Date
Mum struck by brutal attacker
Ref. 12398/1SHERSTON mother-of-three Lynette Willetts was hit on the head with a brick in an unprovoked attack outside her house at Green Lane on Saturday. Mrs Willetts, 38, was returning home alone in her car after a night out at the Carpenters Arms
-
Date
Trust promotes renewable energy source alternatives
WITH gas and electricity prices continuing to rise, the Energy Saving Trust is advising businesses to invest in renewable energy, such as solar power. The trust's photovoltaic programme manager, Kirk Archibald, said that with predictions of wholesale
-
Date
Body's defences to be measured
JUST how healthy are you? You can find out in 15 minutes at the Milford Hall Hotel, in Salisbury, on March 10. There, Salisbury businessman Tony Kaye will demonstrate the BioPhotonic Scanner, the first of its kind in the world. The scanner, patented by
-
Date
Trust 'making laughing stock' of consultation
Ref. 12400NORTH Wiltshire MP James Gray blasted the consultation on proposals to close Malmesbury Maternity Unit a disgrace, as health chiefs came under fire for severe cuts to services at the hospital. Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust (PCT
-
Date
Dinner lady is a star for a day
Ref. 12360/2LONG serving school dinner lady Lin Bessant was given a celebrity send-off on her last day at Upavon School. Among those saying goodbye were Willy Wonka and Harry Potter and numerous other book characters. Mrs Bessant's final day last Friday
-
Date
OAP scared by burglar
POLICE have released this artist's impression of a burglar who climbed into the home of a 81-year-old Pewsey pensioner at 4pm on February 9. The man got in through an insecure window while she was having a nap. She awoke to find him searching her bedroom
-
Date
A chance to make amends
THIS weekend's trip to Grantham gives Chippenham a chance to put right their poorest 45 minutes under boss Steve White, he says. "We only played 45 minutes in that game and got what we deserved. Saturday gives us a chance to put that right,'' he said.
-
Date
We must fight says Charity
DEFENDER Simon Charity believes his side have ten cup finals between now and the end of the season and the departure of chairman Malcolm Lyus will spur them on to do well. "Malcolm going will be a spur for us because of what he did at the club. he wants
-
Date
Mings may be back in play-offs showdown
ADIE Mings' biggest regret about his move to Weston-super-Mare is that he didn't get chance to say goodbye to the Chippenham supporters, but he could still be back at Hardenhuish Park in the play-offs. "I hope it doesn't come to that, it would be really
-
Date
Player in fracas with club stewards
A REFEREE'S assessor will be checking to see is he should report Hinckley defender Andy Penny after he was involved in a fracas with two Chippenham Town stewards on Saturday. And Chippenham secretary Chris Blake has said the club is ready to mount a vehement
-
Date
D-Day on new school plans
PLANS to develop the abandoned Filands site in a linked scheme to build a new primary school at Tetbury Hill and pay off debt on the new comprehensive school at Corn Gastons will be decided upon next Thursday. North Wiltshire District Council delayed
-
Date
Hall plan is grounded
THE Malmesbury Town Hall Action Group is concerned that North Wiltshire District Council is holding up plans for the building's redevelopment. In January the council abandoned a £1.3m scheme to redevelop the town hall and gave Malmesbury just three months
-
Date
BNP meet in secret to avoid protestors
The BNP tells reporter CAMERON RAMOS it chose a secret location to guarantee members' safety, while protestors accuse it of being afraid to air views publicly A MEETING called for the British National Party in Malmesbury was hastily rearranged on Sunday
-
Date
Mum protests against BNP
MOTHER Megan Mahon said she would leave Malmesbury rather then have her three-year-old daughter exposed to the British National Party menace if the extreme-right wing party came to power. Mother and daughter turned out with other protesters to the Three
-
Date
Unruly youth could be put on special order
Police want an anti social behaviour order placed on 16-year-old Malmesbury youth if he is found guilty of firearms offences and assaulting police officers. If given it will be the first time a behaviour order has been placed on anybody in Malmesbury.
-
Date
Hunt started for dealer who evades sentencing
MALMESBURY drug dealer Robert Lewis is being hunted by police after he failed to turn up for sentencing at Swindon Crown Court on Monday. It is feared the 49-year-old Canadian may have returned to America after admitting dealing drugs to teenagers in
-
Date
Trust 'making laughing stock' of consultation
Ref. 12400NORTH Wiltshire MP James Gray blasted the consultation on proposals to close Malmesbury Maternity Unit a disgrace, as health chiefs came under fire for severe cuts to services at the hospital. Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust (PCT
-
Date
Mum struck by brutal attacker
Ref. 12398/1SHERSTON mother-of-three Lynette Willetts was hit on the head with a brick in an unprovoked attack outside her house at Green Lane on Saturday. Mrs Willetts, 38, was returning home alone in her car after a night out at the Carpenters Arms
-
Date
St Osmund's school is 'well-led'
SAINT Osmund's Roman Catholic Primary School, in Salisbury, has been hailed as a very well-led school, providing good value for money. The judgement has been delivered in a report by Ofsted inspectors, following a visit to the school in December. The
-
Date
Ofsted praises rising standards
OFSTED inspectors have praised rising standards at Downton School and the leadership of new headteacher Jenny Lawrie. In a report following their visit to the school, the leader of the 12-strong inspection team, said: "This is one school that really is
-
Date
Taylor pots a dinner date
TWO well-known sporting faces will be dropping into Dauntseys School in West Lavington for Bishops Cannings Cricket Club's Sportsman Dinner. Former world snooker champion Dennis Taylor and former Bath RFC and England prop forward Gareth Chilcott have
-
Date
Arts partnership wins top award
THE partnership between Salisbury company Personal Pension Management Ltd and Salisbury Playhouse rose to new heights last month with the presentation of an Arts & Business National Award. Known as the UK's most prestigious awards in their field,
-
Date
Body's defences to be measured
JUST how healthy are you? You can find out in 15 minutes at the Milford Hall Hotel, in Salisbury, on March 10. There, Salisbury businessman Tony Kaye will demonstrate the BioPhotonic Scanner, the first of its kind in the world. The scanner, patented by
-
Date
'Stock given a lesson in finishing
LAVERSTOCK & Ford were soundly beaten 5-1 away to last season's Divi-sion One champions Hayling United. The home team made the breakthrough on 15 minutes when 'Stock were caught square at the back and an incisive through ball ended with the ball being
-
Date
Snow halts Town's run
THE snow put paid to in-form Ring-wood Town's fixture against Lymington Town on Saturday, giving them some respite ahead of a busy week. They travel to Stockbridge on Saturday and Hythe & Dibden on Tuesday, both sides they beat 2-1 at home in October
-
Date
Holmes confirmed for St Mary's
SALISBURY City boss Nick Holmes has been named as one of the players taking part in the testimonial for former Southampton favourite Danny Wallace. The game, at The Friends Provident St Mary's Stadium, will raise money for Wallace, who suffers from multiple
-
Date
High five for table toppers
SHREWTON United un-der tens maintained their three-point lead at the top of the Andover Testway League with a 5-0 success at Vernham Dean. Brandon Mundy, Jamie Fry and Jordan Matthews gave them a first half lead with Christopher New-bury and Jamie Fry
-
Date
United hit three then step off the gas
SHREWTON United's up-turn continued as they beat Street 3-2 at home to leapfrog their opponents and go ninth in the table. The conditions did not help either side but the Shrews deservedly took the lead through Jess Walters' sublime finish. His strike
-
Date
Double joy for slow to start Salisbury
SALISBURY men enjoyed a victorious weekend, beating lowly Gosport in a league match before progressing to the semi-finals of the Wiltshire Cup, thanks to a 7-3 win over West Wilts. Sunday's cup match got off to a slow start. A patchy first half and a
-
Date
City road sealed off as two parapets dislodged by snow
Firefighters check the dangerous parapets at the Old Library Chambers in Chipper Lane. SNOW not only caused havoc on the roads last week, it was responsible for dislodging a parapet on the top of one of Salisbury's most beautiful buildings, creating a
-
Date
Duo set for Twickenham test
ENGLAND return to Twickenham on Saturday for their first meaningful game at the home of the sport since being crowned world champions, writes Sarah McQuillen. Ireland's visit for the eagerly awaited Six Nations clash provides a double celebration for
-
Date
Frosty day for challenge heat
A rally car slices through the snow at the launch of the 2004 Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge. DA5003P13A SNOW-FROSTED Somerley Park provided a scenic backdrop for the launch of the 2004 Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge. Mitsubishi proudly
-
Date
Implant allows deaf mum to hear at last
Karen McDonnell, who can hear thanks to a cochlea implant, at home in Fugglestone Red, Salisbury, with her children James and Sophie. Picture: HERBIE FATHERLY DA5017THE sound of her children's laughter is something Karen McDonnell never dreamed she would
-
Date
Wroughton home in on title
MID-WILTS YOUTH AND MINOR LEAGUE: WROUGHTON Juniors are on the brink of lifting the under 15s Red Division title in the Wiltshire Times and Chippenham News Mid-Wilts Youth and Minor League. They now need just one point from their remaining two games to
-
Date
Tributes are paid to league president
TRIBUTES have been paid to former Wiltshire Football League president and former secretary Pete Ackrill, 66, after he collapsed and died in the gym on Thursday. Ackrill, of Dallas Avenue, Swindon, had been secretary since 1981 but handed over to Jim Thorne
-
Date
Children's fund cut back
HELP to the children of impoverished families in the county has been hit by cuts to Wiltshire Children's Fund. Staff at the fund, led by the children's charity Barnardo's, have been left reeling by cuts to the government-sponsored scheme. The Wiltshire
-
Date
Gifford come out on top in village battle
TROWBIDGE LEAGUE: CHRIS Stiles, a surprise omission from the starting line-up, came off the bench to help Broughton Gifford take another step towards regaining the Division One crown. Gifford boss Stuart Irons - having seen two Simon Price headers, in
-
Date
English on target for the new champions
NORTH WILTS YOUTH LEAGUE: TWO goals from Sam English were enough to give Westlea Wanderers a 2-0 home win over nearest rivals Highworth Juniors and the under 13 Division One championship. With two cup semi-finals coming up Westlea will now be looking
-
Date
Council tackles benefits backlog
District councillors last week agreed to fund two extra posts to help process housing benefit claims in an attempt to deal with the three-month backlog of applications waiting to be processed. As well as setting aside £24,000 to fund the two posts councillors
-
Date
Cut out smoke for day
PUBS, clubs and restaurants in the county are being urged to impose a trial smoking ban in their premises this Wednesday, which is National No Smoking Day. Smoke Free Wiltshire co-ordinator Mike Jones said: "The hospitality trade can support the three-quarters
-
Date
Stratton stretch lead to 13 points
WILTSHIRE LEAGUE: AFC STRATTON were made to pull out all the stops to beat Biddestone 2-1 in a closely-fought game at the Crosslink Centre. The visitors had inflicted only the second defeat of the season on Trowbridge Town last week, and proved to be
-
Date
Top volunteer for St John
THE commander of Wiltshire St John Ambulance has announced he will be retiring from the post next year. Lt Col John Jago, who lives in Shrewton, has held the post for eight years and will retire on June 24, 2005. The commander is the principal volunteer
-
Date
Devizes want momentum
SCREWFIX PREMIER DIVISION: DEVIZES Town boss Dave Hopkins is hoping to keep the momentum of his side's excellent 3-0 win over Bishop Sutton, despite having to cope with an enforced week's break. With no game on Saturday he and fellow first teamers Nathan
-
Date
Calne Town 3, Weston St Johns 3
SCREWFIX FIRST DIVISION: THE last words manager Kelvin Highmore said to his men as they left the dressing room after half-time, when they were 2-0 up, were: "Don't concede an early goal, the next one is crucial.'' Four minutes later they were trailing
-
Date
Melksham Town 0, Barnstaple Town 2
LES PHILLIPS CUP: NIGEL Tripp is already looking ahead to next season after his Melksham Town side crashed out of the Les Phillips Cup quarter-final on Saturday. With his side just below mid-table in the Screwfix Premier League and now out of both cups
-
Date
Back home from Iraq
SEVEN Territorial Army reservists, including two from Wiltshire, have been demobilised from operations with coalition forces in Iraq. The most senior officer of the returning contingent in Iraq was Major Bill Ruthven, commander of 57 Signal Squadron at
-
Date
Pupils enjoy healthy week
PUPILS at Bishops Cannings Primary School have been learning about staying healthy. The pupils enjoyed a week long series of events last month that involved practitioners visiting the school and explaining what they do. The youngsters tried modern dancing
-
Date
It's your £270,000 birthday present
Ref. 29362-14 Rachael Tabel and Ray Smith of M and R Food ServicesIt's almost a year since we launched the Swindon Cancer Appeal. ALEX EMERY looks at some of the events planned to keep the drive for funds in top gear. THE Swindon Cancer Appeal is about
-
Date
Soccer star was over drink limit
21148-115 & 26324-15 INSET: Jimmy DavisA MANCHESTER United and England star who had a three- month loan stint at Swindon Town FC was twice over the drink drive limit when he died in a 120mph crash. An inquest in Oxford recorded a verdict of accidental
-
Date
Work begins on Lydiard project
WORK has started on a multi-million pound project to restore Lydiard Park's historic gardens. Workmen have started to clear dead wood and undergrowth from around the grounds of the Georgian country house, before a detailed assessment pencilled in to begin
-
Date
Swindon College FACTFILE
COLLEGE JOBS EXCLUSIVE: Swindon College has 3,000 full-time students and 12,000 part-timers It employs 1,100 people The college has two main sites at Regent Circus and North Star. Students are also taught at sites in Euclid Street and Ferndale Road A
-
Date
Training scheme helps firm keep staff
A pilot training scheme has helped Calne plastics company Deceuninck keep hold of half of its workforce. Funding from the Free2Learn Employer Training Pilot run by Wiltshire and Swindon Learning and Skills Council has helped to reduce staff turnover at
-
Date
Pupils enjoy their success
Ref. 12306/9Pupils are St Margaret's Preparatory School in Calne are celebrating a string of successful scholarships. The scholarships were awarded to Megan Burroughs, Camilla Hempleman-Adams, Georgine Hodson, Beverley Tsang, Alice Turnbull and Felicity
-
Date
Grand carnival will be bigger and better
PLANS for Calne Carnival 2004 have finally been revealed, with plenty of chances for the whole community to get involved. The Carnival Committee held a launch evening last Thursday revealing plans for the biggest ever Calne community event. Carnival activities
-
Date
Museum gets own website
ONE of Wiltshire's smallest museums, Market Lavington Village Museum, now has its own website. It has been created as part of Window on Wiltshire's Heritage, a major project which is being run by the county council and funded by the Lotto-backed New Opportunities
-
Date
Carnival's appeal for business backing
DEVIZES Carnival is appealing for companies to sponsor the different events planned this year. The free August bank holiday street festival which last year attracted 10,000 visitors will be one of the big attractions up for sponsorship. Others include
-
Date
Trader traumatised by publishing scam
Ref. 12363SMALL businesses in the county are being targeted by a host of illegal scams and some sharp practices just short of being illegal, warn Wiltshire trading standards officers. One trader in Devizes said she was driven to distraction and lost a
-
Date
Police caught on hop over helmets
FIVE TV crews descended on Devizes Market Place on Tuesday afternoon as Wiltshire Constabulary showed off the new-style helmets that all their officers could be wearing before long. Wiltshire is one of three forces nationally that are trying out the new
-
Date
Plans for new school placed in jeopardy
Ref. 12358/2KENNET District Council's insistence on its 50-50 ratio of affordable houses to commercial market houses is putting in jeopardy plans to build a new school in Rowde, say school governors. The governors of Rowde CofE Primary School have been
-
Date
Planners recommend councillors say yes to cottage division
PLANS to restore a pair of old cottages on Wellington Place, off Marlborough High Street, are upsetting neighbours. The owner of number 1/2 wants to divide it back into two properties. Marlborough Town Council supports the proposal, which goes before
-
Date
NHS trust challenged on closure of baby unit
Mothers, midwives and residents expressed anger at proposals to close Devizes Maternity Unit at a public meeting yesterday in the Corn Exchange, Devizes. If the proposals go ahead women would be transferred to Trowbridge or Chippenham maternity units
-
Date
Magic of Merlin set to open in the town
Ref. 12362/2THE first new restaurant in Devizes for some years is due to open its doors later this month, in time for Mothering Sunday. Merlins, in Long Street, is the brainchild of Lucy Bateman, ex-wife of Michael Reed, Andrew Lloyd Webber's worldwide
-
Date
Skate plan hits the skids
TOWN councillors in Marlborough are having second thoughts about paying for an environmental assessment before a skateboard ramp is provided at Rabley Wood View. All local authorities are being wary about providing new facilities like skateboard parks
-
Date
Canal trust fury over parking charges
MEMBERS of the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust are furious that the district council is considering introducing parking charges outside their headquarters at Devizes Wharf. Members of Kennet District Council's community development executive committee agreed
-
Date
Rousing call for battle to end world poverty
WITHIN hours of speaking in Marlborough on Wednesday last week, former Cabinet Minister Clare Short found herself locked in a battle of words with Prime Minister Tony Blair. The former Secretary of State for International Development was invited by the
-
Date
Move for school is on the cards
GOVERNORS at St Peter's Primary School in Devizes are considering an offer to move the school lock, stock and barrel to a site at Quakers Walk. If agreed a new school could be built in two years' time. The school, which recently enjoyed a glowing report
-
Date
School homes plan on show
PLANS for the proposed housing development on the St John's lower school site in Chopping Knife Lane in Marlborough get their first public airing on Tuesday. Crest Nicholson has been chosen by the governors of St John's School and Community College as
-
Date
Town hall loos plan flushed out
PLANS to do away with one of the busiest public toilets in Marlborough to make way for a new tourist information centre and council offices, have been slated by local traders. The idea of changing the use of the basement of the town hall has come from
-
Date
Sadness as head retires
GAZETTE & HERALD: TRIBUTES have been pouring in to Rowdeford School headteacher Glen Darnell after the announcement that he has resigned his post because of the stress-related illness he has suffered since September. Mr Darnell took over as headteacher
-
Date
Thieves steal charity's radio
Ref. 12347/1GAZETTE & HERALD: Thieves stole a radio, which volunteers say kept them going, from a charity shop. Chippenham's Red Cross shop manager Valerie Guttridge, 30, said everyone who works at the shop is "gutted" by the theft. Most of the shop's
-
Date
Postmaster foils raid on village post office
GAZETTE & HERALD: POSTMASTER Steve Cardwell told how he was left shocked and splattered with blood after an attempted raid on his store. Mr Cardwell, 47, has been running Yatton Keynell Post Office and Off Licence for seven years, after moving from
-
Date
Victorious candidate blasts his rivals for 'smear'
GAZETTE & HERALD: LIB Dem Paul Fox's victory in last week's Chippenham Sheldon Ward by-election has been tainted by accusations of a smear campaign against him. Mr Fox, who won the county council seat recently vacated by Sandie Webb, used his acceptance
-
Date
Best Shot
A'SUPER' star, his manager and several unsung heroes are determined to make Swindon Town simply unbeatable for the remainder of the campaign. It is a tall order but Andy King and his players are in no mood to surrender their long unbeaten run which now
-
Date
Three-year story of village where 'much has happened'
Authors Lynette Nelson and Audrey McBain.DA4929MENTION Teffont in Hollywood and more than one Oscar winner could probably tell you about the hospitality at Howard's House, the exclusive country house hotel in Teffont, which has entertained the likes of
-
Date
Man who grew own cannabis is fined
GAZETTE & HERALD: Builder Jason Crook pledged to stop smoking cannabis after police raided his home and discovered 14 cannabis plants in his bedroom, a court heard. Defending, Rodger Jones said that Crook, of No Notion Cottage, Corsham, started smoking
-
Date
Arts partnership wins top award
THE partnership between Salisbury company Personal Pension Management Ltd and Salisbury Playhouse rose to new heights last month with the presentation of an Arts & Business National Award. Known as the UK's most prestigious awards in their field,
-
Date
Corporate rebranding completed
PAUL Sample Corporate Communications Ltd, of Salisbury, has completed a three-year corporate re-branding of Headway, the brain injury association. Headway, a national registered charity, was set up to promote understanding of all aspects of brain injury
-
Date
Bid to boost ethical trade
Ethical consumers are celebrating Fairtrade Fortnight in north Wiltshire, with 2004 marking the 10th birthday of Fairtrade. A number of Fairtrade events will be held over the next two weeks, giving people opportunities to try out many of the 180 products
-
Date
Entries available for national training awards
THIS year's National Training Awards are now open for entries. The Learning & Skills Council, Wiltshire and Swindon, is encouraging companies and individuals to enter before the deadline of April 30. In 2003 the awards attracted more than 1,000 entries
-
Date
Kids can't get in the swim at £2.3m pool
SHERSTON Primary School children cannot swim at Malmesbury's new pool because no instructors have been found to teach them. Instead, the school has to bus pupils 14 miles to the Olympiad at Chippenham for their weekly half-hour swimming sessions. Head
-
Date
Organiser leaves festival in council's hands
After North Wiltshire Festival organiser Steve Cox walked out, reporter SARAH SINGLETON spoke to North Wiltshire District Council about whether or not they can keep it alive THE future of North Wiltshire Festival 2004 is under threat after project leader
-
Date
Party is over for festival leader
Steve CoxNorth Wiltshire Festival 2004 is in jeopardy after project leader Steve Cox made a shock decision on Friday to resign. Steve Cox was employed by North Wiltshire District Council to take the helm of the £100,000 business, leisure and community
-
Date
Bridge over troubled dual carriageway
The new bridge is lifted into position. DA5008P17THE six-mile stretch of the A303 trunk road between Parkhouse and Amesbury might have been peaceful over the weekend but the same could not be said for roads through Amesbury, the Bourne Valley and in and
-
Date
Constable is learning to play the hard way
YOUNG striker James Constable's football education was furthered at the school of hard knocks on Saturday. His growing reputation earnt him some unwarranted attention from the Hinckley defence, as well as a trip to the dentist on Tuesday after being thumped
-
Date
Birdy left bemused by role as wise old owl
STRIKER Martin Paul is not afraid to make his voice heard in the dressing room when things are going wrong, and it is all with manager Steve White's blessing. He has been charged by White to help gee up the younger players around him. "Steve has given
-
Date
Found with Xmas gift of cannabis
CHRISTMAS Day turned sour for 23-year-old Lee Wodecki when police unwrapped a present he was delivering to a friend and found a cache of drugs. A court was told that several days later police raided his home in Chedglow, Malmesbury, and found a tray of
-
Date
Kids can't get in the swim at £2.3m pool
SHERSTON Primary School children cannot swim at Malmesbury's new pool because no instructors have been found to teach them. Instead, the school has to bus pupils 14 miles to the Olympiad at Chippenham for their weekly half-hour swimming sessions. Head
-
Date
We've won in black and white
Ref. 12399/2MALMESBURY drama group the Athelstan Players have won an acting competition in Swindon for the first time in six years. Their performance of Heroes and Heroines by John Reason wowed judges at the Harold Jolliffe One-Act Play Festival in Swindon
-
Date
History and guide in one
Ref. 12329/3A NEW Malmesbury Guide was released last week featuring essential information and history about England's oldest borough. The free guide is an updated version of one released two years ago, which was a fantastic success, said town councillor
-
Date
College is keeping things lively
SALISBURY College is teaming up with BumbleBee Promotions to keep live acts playing in the city while the Arts Centre remains closed. The music will be aimed at 14 to 40-year-olds and will feature major bands as well as established local acts. Darren
-
Date
Bus company cautious about changes
THE Go Ahead group, which bought the Wilts & Dorset Bus Company last August, has made few changes to it, says boss Alex Carter. Mr Carter, managing director of the £30m turnover company, said Go Ahead had deliberately held back from making dynamic
-
Date
Corporate rebranding completed
PAUL Sample Corporate Communications Ltd, of Salisbury, has completed a three-year corporate re-branding of Headway, the brain injury association. Headway, a national registered charity, was set up to promote understanding of all aspects of brain injury
-
Date
Entries available for national training awards
THIS year's National Training Awards are now open for entries. The Learning & Skills Council, Wiltshire and Swindon, is encouraging companies and individuals to enter before the deadline of April 30. In 2003 the awards attracted more than 1,000 entries
-
Date
Trust promotes renewable energy source alternatives
WITH gas and electricity prices continuing to rise, the Energy Saving Trust is advising businesses to invest in renewable energy, such as solar power. The trust's photovoltaic programme manager, Kirk Archibald, said that with predictions of wholesale
-
Date
Bartlett makes his presence felt
AMESBURY Town overcame a stuttering start to see off struggling Brading Town, with two stunning strikes from Lee Bartlett and a Neil Sole header. Brading were ahead after 16 minutes when Sprooles took advantage of a mistake by Gareth Horner, but Bartlett's
-
Date
Depleted City face a battle with Hastings
SALISBURY City will be looking to re-ignite their promotion challenge this week with two games in five days, writes Ryan Lovejoy. Hastings United, the last team the Whites beat in the league, visit on Saturday before Wed-nesday's trip to Burgess Hill
-
Date
Harlequins out-gunned by fluent Winchester
HARLEQUINS did not start too well as FA Vase semi-finalists and promotion favourites Winchester City pressed from the off. James Domm kept out a number of fine efforts and his defenders also helped when he was beaten. Mark Daubney and Jamie Boswell cleared
-
Date
Robins run ends at Brock'
DOWNTON'S impressive four-game unbeaten run came to an abrupt halt away to Brockenhurst, who prevailed 2-0 at Grigg Lane. Dave Midgeley put them ahead after Jon Burton parried Dominic Bryant's header, and Nick Kemp clinched it on 75 minutes. Robins boss
-
Date
Druids speak of sacred pathways
DRUIDS have expressed concern about how a tunnel underneath Stonehenge would be constructed but say they support the principle of improving the significant spiritual site. Speaking at the inquiry on behalf of the Druid Network and British Druid Order,
-
Date
Top dogs to collar awards
Dog owners are getting ready for the biggest showing event of the year and Gazette reporters spoke to the owners of the pampered pooches to find out what taking part in Crufts really means. ONCE again, county dog breeders will be making the trip to the
-
Date
Ashton move up with surprise away victory
CHIPPENHAM SUNDAY LEAGUE: AN EXCELLENT all-round team performance saw Steeple Ashton see off the challenge of Christian Malford in Division Two of the Vanitec Computers-sponsored Chippenham Sunday League. Ashton, who were missing a number of key players
-
Date
Joint boss will not lead trusts to merge
HEALTH chiefs have denied that appointing a joint chief executive for Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust and West Wiltshire Primary Care Trust will lead to the trusts merging. The chairmen of both trusts spoke out after they endorsed the appointment
-
Date
Grants again on offer for local charities
THE Gannett Foundation has thrown scores of Wiltshire charities lifelines and it wants to help more worthy causes. Last year the foundation, which is the charitable arm of the Gazette and Herald's parent company, donated more than £10,000 to local charities
-
Date
Corsham Town 0, Clyst Rovers 0
SCREWFIX FIRST DIVISION: CORSHAM Town boss Colin Bush has given young striker Alan Griffin permission to train with Chippenham Town but the 20-year-old will stay at Corsham until the end of the season. Swindon Supermarine are among other clubs to show
-
Date
A very special breed
After a hard day at the office or on the factory floor most people are happy to put their feet up at home. But for one special group of Wiltshire people another job awaits. CAMERON RAMOS joined a group of Special Constables on night duty to find out what
-
Date
Highworth facing battle for the title
HELLENIC LEAGUE: HIGHWORTH boss John Fisher has admitted that his troops face an uphill battle in their quest for the Hellenic Premier Division title after falling to a 2-1 loss at lowly Shortwood. A late Chris Davis goal left the Swindon side languishing
-
Date
We are watching
Ref. 12349Wiltshire and Swindon Safety Camera Partnership has been in the national spotlight for recruiting civilian staff to boost its team but as NIGEL KERTON reports its new mobile speed traps are all about stopping accidents and not making money from
-
Date
Abingdon Utd 1, Pewsey Vale 0
HELLENIC LEAGUE: PEWSEY Vale left Abingdon's North Court Road still looking for league survival points,after losing to Anaciet Odhiambo's 44th minute goal. Vale got off to a poor start, giving away a free kick in the first minute just outside the box.
-
Date
Badgers head to Chippenham
THE Badgers, the team made up of presenters and ex-pros from Sky Sports' Soccer AM, are coming to play a charity game at Chippenham Town's Hardenhuish Park on Sunday March 28. Led by presenter Tim Lovejoy, the team often features the likes of former Manchester
-
Date
Boss's anger at approach
SCREWFIX PREMIER DIVISION: ANGRY Devizes Town manager Dave Hopkins is to ask his club officials to make a complaint about Odd Down after claiming they made an illegal approach for club captain Brad Newman. Hopkins claims the club apparently spoke to Newman
-
Date
Mum struck by brutal attacker
Ref. 12398/1SHERSTON mother-of-three Lynette Willetts was hit on the head with a brick in an unprovoked attack outside her house at Green Lane on Saturday. Mrs Willetts, 38, was returning home alone in her car after a night out at the Carpenters Arms
-
Date
Move to boost broadband
LOTS of Wiltshire enterprises are using broadband Internet technology to boost business and now a new initiative has been launched to help more join the high-tech revolution. Already companies like Calne's seed seller Meadow Mania and Sherston-based Wentworth
-
Date
Wilts Express change
ONE of Wiltshire's most popular bus services, the Trans Wilts Express 49 service, from Trowbridge to Swindon via Devizes, was changed on Monday because traffic congestion has been delaying buses. The main changes are that most buses will leave Devizes
-
Date
Finnish opportunity open to professional artists
PROFESSIONAL visual artists in Kennet have been invited to apply for an artist's residency in Finland. The offer would give the opportunity to stay and work in Devizes' twin town of Tornio from two to six months completely free. The successful artists
-
Date
Anger at plan for 24 homes
A GROUP of Old Town residents has collected 100 signatures on a petition opposing plans for a new housing development they say will badly affect their homes. The locals, who live along Devizes Road, Ripley Road and Avenue Road are objecting to a development
-
Date
Call goes out for runners in fancy dress to join race
There is still time for people to get their entry forms in for Highworth Running Club's 19th annual five-mile run. About 300 people are expected to take part in the event on April 25. Organisers say age and lack of speed are no barriers and anyone wanting
-
Date
Akers Way body may soon be identified
21630-45 - Detective Inspector Paul JenningsTHE detective trying to identify the man found dead in Moredon is hoping for a of a result by the weekend. Det Insp Paul Jennings said that he has had a good response from the public after an appeal for help
-
Date
What the lecturers have to say about the losses
Ref. 29377-17COLLEGE JOBS EXCLUSIVE: NICOLA Daucey, a tutor based at the Regent Circus campus, says that college staff are owed an apology. While she believes her own position is secure, Nicola, who teaches under 16 year olds, fears for her colleagues
-
Date
150 jobs to go at college
Ref.29370-06 College Principal Mike HopkinsCOLLEGE JOBS EXCLUSIVE: A new approach to teaching is the reason that has been given for staff numbers being cut at Swindon campus. STAFF at Swindon College have been told that 150 jobs are to be axed. The loss
-
Date
Past tightens grip on Nazis
A play depicting the experience of fleeing Nazis in the aftermath of the Second World War will be holding its opening night in Calne. The Watermill Theatre Touring Productions will return to Calne for one night to perform Mr & Mrs Schultz. The story
-
Date
Mum upset with youths at disabled play area
THE mother of a disabled boy is upset about teenagers who have been congregating at the new specialist playground for disabled children. Michelle Smith said during the half term holiday when the £12,000 playground was officially opened she was unable
-
Date
Lions donate far and wide
Calne Lions Club decided on donations to four organisations totalling £800 at its monthly meeting last week. The fundraising group is donating £250 towards the Disabled Sports, which will be held in Blackpool later in the year. A further £500, split 50
-
Date
Sisters' horsey tale is a real family effort
Ref. 12357/2Talented horse-loving sisters Cathy Groves and Georgie Welch have created a book together about their mother's riding school in Heddington Wick. The book is in honour of their mother, Isabella Gage, who runs the Children's Riding School. Mrs
-
Date
Teacher faces jail on drug charges
Teacher Richard Gledhill has been warned to expect a prison term after pleading guilty to abducting young boys and giving them drugs. The 48-year-old admitted four charges of supplying cannabis and three of child abduction when he appeared before a judge
-
Date
A long road to nowhere
GAZETTE & HERALD: Jason King got into trouble as a teenager, taking drugs and drinking to escape small town boredom. Here he tells LILY CANTER of his search for a buzz, his life of crime and his fears for the friends whom he left behind. Reformed
-
Date
Manager on trial for thefts at work
DEVIZES Round Tabler Stephen Johnstone pilfered cash and stone from his employer, a jury at Swindon Crown Court was told. The 42-year-old was yard manager for Holley Hextall Ltd at Heddington Wick, near Bromham. Also in court were fellow Round Tablers
-
Date
Man cleared of PCs' assault
MAGISTRATES have cleared Phillip Marshall of assaulting two police officers in an incident in Devizes. Marshall, of Rendells Court, Devizes, pleaded not guilty to throwing his bicycle at PC Tom Kinderman and punching PC Adam Hall. The magistrates convicted
-
Date
Death charge is dropped
CONTRARY to a report in last week's Gazette & Herald we have been informed that a charge of causing death by dangerous driving against Peter Huntley, of Blackberry Lane, Potterne, has been dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service. Huntley, 19, has
-
Date
Council's policy on catering unchanged
DEVIZES Town Council is to continue allowing only approved caterers to use its facilities at the town hall and Corn Exchange despite complaints. The council's recreation and properties committee reviewed the catering arrangements on Tuesday night after
-
Date
Manager for town centre
DEVIZES Development Partnership is currently interviewing candidates for the post of town centre manager, and says the successful applicant could be in post within a few weeks. The management committee of the organisation of business people, councillors
-
Date
Liquid fuel burning trial given go-ahead
HEALTH chiefs have raised no objections to Lafarge in Westbury trialling the burning of Recycled Liquid Fuel (RLF). Despite pleas from residents from Westbury and Devizes at a meeting of West Wiltshire Primary Care Trust last Thursday, the trust board
-
Date
Feast for everyone in festival line-up
HIGH living, controversy, drama, dance and first class music of all sorts are the potent blend for this year's Devizes Festival programme. The committee has announced the draft programme for 2004, which includes visits from pioneering feminist writer
-
Date
All aboard in retirement
DEVIZES' deputy town clerk is to retire at the end of the month after nearly 17 years with the town council. Mrs Theresa Coles came to Devizes when her husband Tim, who had been teaching with the British Army in Germany, took a job at a primary school
-
Date
Marine bring losing streak to an end
TOMMY SAUNDERS' three-pronged attack reaped some reward last night as his Supermarine side's 2-2 home draw with lowly Cinderford stemmed a six-game losing streak. Marine were on course for a second Dr Martens Western Division win since Saunders' arrival
-
Date
130 years of school history on the line
One of Devizes' best known primary schools that has seen its pupil numbers drop in recent years may move to the other side of town. LEWIS COWEN looks back to the early days of St Peter's School and its staff IF the option is taken to move St Peter's Primary
-
Date
Cuts in the ambulance cover are opposed
TOWN councillors at Marlborough have expressed their opposition to any curtailment or reduction in ambulance services in the town. Their comments follow the revelation in the Gazette that the Wiltshire Ambulance NHS Trust has ordered its ambulance crews
-
Date
Museum's cash threat
Ref. 12384/1WILTSHIRE Heritage Museum in Devizes has been set a target by Wiltshire County Council and Kennet District Council of getting a total of 20,000 visitors through its doors by March 31 or lose its annual grant. The total of £44,000 support that
-
Date
Youth get improved facilities in revamp
THE Youth Centre in Marlborough is undergoing its most extensive refurbishment since it opened 30 years go. The centre is closed temporarily while workmen carry out major work including the installation of a lift. Previously the two levels were only connected
-
Date
Mum-of-four may face jail
A MOTHER-of-four from Broad Hinton, near Marlborough, could face a jail sentence after she pleaded guilty to driving with more than three times the legal amount of alcohol in her system. Margaret Jones, 44, from The Croft, Broad Hinton, admitted drink
-
Date
School sued over abuse
A DEVIZES man who claims he was sexually abused as a schoolboy has launched a claim for £100,000 compensation. He is suing the Caledonian Asylum, which trades as the Royal Caledonian Schools Trust, and housemaster Allen Meredith, for damages for his injuries
-
Date
Surgery stalwart moves to pastures new
Ref. 12348/1BARBARA Crisp, office manager at the St James' Surgery in Gains Lane, Devizes, said a fond farewell to her colleagues at a party in her honour at the Castle Hotel last Friday. Mrs Crisp, who has spent 20 years looking after the health professionals
-
Date
Police appeal after crash
POLICE want to hear from anyone who was driving along the Tidworth to Ludgershall road on Sunday evening and may have seen a silver Peugeot in the minutes before it crashed killing one of its occupants. At about 8.30pm midway between the two villages
-
Date
Contestant makes finals in love match
ERLESTOKE woman Emma-Louise Ryan could soon become a household name as a television programme previously shown on a digital channel is to be screened on BBC1. Miss Ryan was one of 25 young women who took part in The Bachelor, a programme which was shown
-
Date
Manager pursues thief after till snatch
SUPERMARKET manager Chris Baker gave chase after a thief snatched a bundle of notes from one of his tills on Tuesday afternoon. Shoppers watched in amazement as Mr Baker and several customers ran from the Somerfield store and chased after the thief. The
-
Date
Centre of excellence for training of carers
Ref. 12377/2THE pioneering mental health team for the elderly at Savernake Hospital in Marlborough has opened a new training centre for people who look after dementia sufferers. On Monday, Dr Nick Maurice represented his family, who have been practising
-
Date
Big bill hits 800th fun
MARLBOROUGH 800th anniversary organisers have been hit with a massive £8,700 bill from Kennet District Council for road closures. Chairman Coun Graham Francis said the money will have to come out of the anniversary fund. He said as a result there would
-
Date
OAP's death investigated
POLICE are investigating the death of 95-year-old Doris Strutt who was found dead at her home in Marlborough by a neighbour last week. Mrs Strutt, who formerly ran a popular homemade sweet shop in the town, was found lying on the bathroom floor at her
-
Date
Son steps in as dad retires
Ref. 12409-1TIM Smith has become the third generation to run Smith's, his family's greengrocery business on Marlborough High Street, with the retirement this week of his father. Gerald Smith, 63, has taken early retirement as he suffers badly with arthritis
-
Date
Fish aplenty as ice is broken
AFTER breaking the ice at South Cerney AC's Wick Waters match lake poor results would have been expected, but 27 anglers out of the 30 that fished the three-way Angling Times Club Super Cup caught 317lb of fish. The event saw South Cerney, Abbey Lake
-
Date
Branching out into childcare
Ref. 29340-4A NURSERY where parents have a direct input into how their children are educated opens to the public in Walcot at the end of the month. The £900,000 nursery is the latest business venture for the Oxford, Swindon and Gloucester Co-op, which
-
Date
Is your literary knowledge up to scratch?
If you can tell Dickens from Dostoyevsky and Cookson from Cornwell the Wiltshire library quiz is just for you. Librarians at Wiltshire County Council have devised a prize challenge to test people's literary knowledge. The 20-question quiz is being launched
-
Date
Friend is guilty of accepting trainers
A MAN took part in a shopping spree with credit cards his friend stole from a woman's handbag, a court heard. Kris Cooper, 19, of Pinehurst Road, Swindon, travelled to Cheltenham on February 9 with his friend named only as Mr Dommett during the hearing
-
Date
What is your body saying?
Ref. 29361-15A SUCCESSFUL bid to bring science lectures to the drinking public was all down to body language. The Great Western pub, near Swindon station, played host to Dr Harry Witchel, a lecturer from the physiology department of the University of
-
Date
Spotlight shines on talented youngsters
Ref. 29360-56Dorcan Performing Arts Group will be on stage soon with a production of pure genie-ous. The pantomime Aladdin runs from March 10 to 12 at Dorcan Technical College, in St Paul's Drive, Swindon. The group is made up of youngsters, many of who
-
Date
Step out for charity
A MOTHER'S Day Crocus Walk in aid of the Breakthrough Breast Cancer charity will be held at Coate Water Country Park. The walk, on March 21, has been organised to support the charity's programme of researching and promoting awareness of an illness which
-
Date
Now work is a joy for this couple
Ref. 29263-12Few people are lucky enough to make a career out of their hobby but that is exactly what Rich and Rebecca Lehmann are doing. And their new lines of business are a far cry from their former jobs. The couple, of Stafford Street, Old Town, who
-
Date
Festival to give your mind, body and soul a workout
SWINDON's first Holistic Health Festival will be held this weekend. The festival, at the Oasis Leisure Centre, promises a host of healing, self-development and fun events. Holistic therapies aim to treat the body, mind and soul. Cherri Ann Matthews, a
-
Date
Children enjoy the entente cordiale on exchange trip
Ref. 29356-25CHILDREN from Ashton Keynes' French twin town are learning all about life in the English village this week. This year 42 youngsters aged 10 and 11 from Grandchamp des Fontaines near Nantes on the Atlantic Coast are staying with host families
-
Date
Gang goes on robbery spree
A GANG of yobs travelled to Chippenham where they mugged a 22-year-old man and tried to rob two others, a court heard. Richard McKenzie, 21, from London; Jelani Nicholson, 18, of Rolleston Street, Swindon, and a 15-year-old from Swindon who cannot be
-
Date
Disco on ice is cool for youngsters
YOUNGSTERS are voting with their feet and getting their skates on for fun-filled disco nights at Swindon's Link Centre. The weekly disco-on-ice event, which started last November, has been a huge hit and regularly attracts 600 youngsters a night. Coun
-
Date
Intel chips in for good cause with marathon
Fitness fanatics from Swindon-based hi-tech company Intel are preparing to swap computer screens for running shorts at next month's Bath half marathon The team will raise cash for the Anthony Nolan Trust, which provides bone marrow and stem cell transplants
-
Date
Parents learn the generation game
Ref. 29331-28 Ravi Panesar and her daughter JagiTEENAGERS are often accused of speaking a different language from their parents. Now a course aiming to bridge that generation gap has started in Swindon. Coping With Teenagers, a six-week course for adults
-
Date
Mystery ships
WHILST reading the letters in Tuesday's Advertiser, February 25, I noticed that Mr G Scott, Okus Road, mentioned that in the BBC's documentary Dunkirk that two ships, HMS Malcolm and HMS Bideford, were unknown. I have looked up the case and HMS Malcolm
-
Date
Excellent care
I RECENTLY spent seven days in Falcon Ward at the Great Western Hospital while undergoing a minor operation. The treatment which I received from doctors, nurses and auxiliary staff was really first class and I wish to express my thanks to them all. They
-
Date
School meals are important
I write following Mr Rudd's letter (EA, March 1). If it is possible to provide school meals at the existing price, with the existing staff at the same wages, then why are schools closing the service down for lack of cash and choosing instead to provide
-
Date
Still waiting for car to be removed
NOW I am aware of why the street wardens are so ineffectual. Over two weeks ago two female wardens were approached on the junction of Whitbourne/ Kingswood avenues. An abandoned vehicle was pointed out to them. They proceeded to take details, also saying
-
Date
What's price of plant care?
TWO weeks ago I visited Focus at London Road, Devizes and noticed in the outdoor area for plants three shrubs. They had blown over and the peat around the roots was missing, exposing the roots to the cold spring winds. In my opinion they would have been
-
Date
Brief pause
I have decided to deal with Steve Pascal's letter from last week privately. If Mr Pascall really did not understand my letter which seemed perfectly clear to most then he knows where to find me. I am pleased however to have made him smile one needs to
-
Date
Wootton Bassett 19, Cricklade 24
CRICKLADE coach Gavin Russ was treated a rollercoaster ride by his team on his 40th birthday. After storming in front Criocklade threw their lead away, only to snatch it back before the end of the game. Paul Howse put them ahead with a try that Danny
-
Date
Medieval ring finder strikes gold again
GAZETTE & HERALD: METAL detecting enthusiast Christopher Chandler has struck gold with the discovery of another medieval ring in a field near Chippenham. Last month a stunning 13th century gold stirrup ring, set with a sapphire, that Mr Chandler uncovered
-
Date
Chippenham 31, Frome 10
CHIPPENHAM were caught napping as Frome raced in front after the home side conceded a penalty for holding the ball on the floor. But with 15 minutes gone, Chippenham came back with an exciting try. Flanker Koroi Misimisi drove forward and offloaded the
-
Date
Devizes U12 17, Trowbridge U12 38
THE played their first game on a full-sized pitch for the first time and struggled to cope with the wide open spaces. Trowbridge ran the ball wide early in the game with Hugo O'Neill having to put in in a superb try scoring tackle within minutes of kicking
-
Date
Rise earlier
PERHAPS Steve Pascall (letters, February 26) should rise a little earlier. I have frequently seen our excellent road sweeper working in the High Street first thing in the morning. His work is not made any easier by the current crop of litter droppers.
-
Date
Coffee at last?
GAZETTE & HERALD: AFTER months of building work and controversy, Emery Gate's new caf will open its doors tomorrow. The change from the former Salad Select shop to the new caf with seating area hasn't been a smooth one. The project first came under
-
Date
Rise disguises service cuts
THE fact that council tax for the coming year has been increased by only five per cent over existing levels will, I am sure, gratify many members of the local community. However, it disguises losses for the community, who are receiving less breadth of
-
Date
Village will lose its GP surgery in three weeks
GAZETTE & HERALD: PATIENTS of the Cantax Surgery in Lacock have been dealt a blow by health bosses who agreed to the closure of the surgery at the end of March. The GPs who run the surgery applied to close the surgery because they say the building
-
Date
Time come to abolish old-fashioned 'hut tax'
KENNET District Council is now using reserves to save themselves from government capping of council tax. Apart from under-funding, one of the deficits arose from a pension fund. May we ask what was the amount of money that was used to top this up and
-
Date
Job losses at factory stun the workforce
GAZETTE & HERALD: TIME-keeping, attendance records and education levels may be used to decide which 130 workers lose their jobs at the chicken processing factory Faccenda, a worker claims. Last week group chairman Robin Faccenda called the cuts the
