Archive
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Former RAF base must be sustainable
GAZETTE & HERALD: RAF Lyneham's days as an operational airforce base may be numbered following a Government decision to site new aircraft at Brize Norton in Oxfordshire but a task force set up to fight for Lyneham's future believes it could still
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Festival drops talent contest
GAZETTE & HERALD: North Wiltshire District Council has pledged the show will go on, despite the sudden departure of festival chief Steve Cox. The council has rallied its forces, determined the North Wiltshire Festival 2004 should be a showcase for
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Kids join celebration
Ref. 12444/02GAZETTE & HERALD: Staff and children at Leapfrog Day Nursery celebrated its fourth birthday with a party and games on Monday. The nursery on Bath Road, Chippenham, cares for about 160 children aged from three months to school age on weekdays
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Marathon will be in Kate's memory
GAZETTE & HERALD: Father and son duo, Richard and Tim Dutton, from Chippenham, are training hard for the Flora London Marathon, to raise money in memory of their daughter and sister, Kate, who tragically died from meningitis and septicaemia at just
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Troubled festival will still go ahead, but it'll be shorter
GAZETTE & HERALD: NORTH Wiltshire Festival will go ahead, but it will only be staged for two days instead of three, and there will not be a talent search competition. But North Wiltshire District Council said this week it is pulling out all the stops
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Shoppers help arms campaign
Ref. 12429/01GAZETTE & HERALD: FIFTY shoppers were 'shot' for Amnesty International last weekend at the Buttercross in Market Place, Chippenham, in a bid to control the arms trade. Their photographs were taken by the North Wiltshire branch of the
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People power wins on smoking at caf
Ref. 12390/1GAZETTE & HERALD: EMERY Gates' new controversy-dogged caf Boswells has stubbed out its unpopular smoking area in a dramatic U-turn just days after opening for business in Chippenham. The caf sparked up a row with local traders and customers
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Little fighter faces open heart surgery
Ref. 11393/2GAZETTE & HERALD: The family of little Beth Picter hope a major operation due to take place next week will transform the life of their daughter who was born with a rare heart problem and a chromosone condition which has affected her growth
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Arson attack on family a mystery
GAZETTE & HERALD: A family of six whose home was attacked by arsonists last Saturday, say they have no idea who would want to threaten their lives. Alan and Karin Needham and two of their four sons were asleep at their home in Malmesbury Road, Chippenham
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Bio-energetic therapy - a holistic approach to healing
Amanda Hibbert, bio-energetic therapist at the Lavender Centre, Salisbury. DA5023P3Lesley Bates discovers that a little resistance goes a long way IT'S not my normal practice to balance an orange on my stomach while someone pushes my arm down towards
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Primary school is set to finish earlier on Fridays
GAZETTE & HERALD: Colerne Primary School is proposing to finish at midday on Fridays to give teachers more preparation and marking time. The school governors have put forward the idea of starting the school day at 8.30am allowing for an early finish
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Target dates set for Goldiggers contract
North Wiltshire District Council was due to exchange contracts with developers Tribecka Land Ltd for the lease on Goldiggers yesterday. The future of the deal was in doubt after Tribecka missed a deadline to exchange contracts but district council leader
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Troubled festival will still go ahead, but it'll be shorter
NORTH Wiltshire Festival will go ahead, but it will only be staged for two days instead of three, and there will not be a talent search competition. But North Wiltshire District Council said this week it is pulling out all the stops to deliver a first
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College head has resigned
SALISBURY College principal Howard O'Keeffe has resigned, following months of controversy surrounding his position. In a statement to the Journal last week, the college's board of corporation said a mutual agreement had now been made. "The board has accepted
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Hefty repair bill as four classrooms are ransacked
TWO schools and a playgroup in Harnham have been left with hefty repair bills and two cameras to replace after someone broke into four mobile classrooms at the Saxon Road site. The culprit is thought to have been a homeless man, who bedded down for the
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Skate plans move ahead
PLANS for a £1.4 million skateboard, BMX and in line skate park at Pewsey are moving forward despite difficulties in obtaining funding. Businessman Mike Dymond, who is helping the youngsters with their scheme, told the Gazette this week: "We are still
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Council to take over troubled Five Rivers
SALISBURY district council is taking over the management of the troubled Five Rivers leisure centre. The council's cabinet has decided not to renew the contract with Leisure Connection, the company that has run the complex since 2002, when the £6.5m swimming
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Hi-tech studio is open to all
Ref. 12449/02A RECORDING studio at the Shak youth development centre in Pewsey is available for use by anyone in the community. The hi-tech studio has been fitted out with top equipment, thanks to generous grants from the Arts Council, the Doc Couch Trust
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Residents 'kept in the dark'
COUNCILLORS have been criticised for failing to keep residents of Amesbury informed about what is happening, particularly concerning development of the town centre. Tony Pryor-Jones, a founder member of the Vision of Amesbury group and leading light of
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Councillor pleads for youth facilities
AN impassioned plea for money to be spent on providing facilities for the young people of Amesbury was made by a town councillor last week. Deputy mayor of Amesbury Jan Swindlehurst told the March meeting of the town council that any money spent on keeping
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Theft is cruel blow
Ref. 12454/1DISABLED grandmother Cynthia Highton said her faith in human nature has suffered a big blow after the battery from her mobility scooter was stolen. Lifelong asthma sufferer Mrs Highton, 70, who also has a heart problem, was attending a service
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Store move seals fate of Redworth House
AFTER years of speculation and debate, Amesbury's Redworth House is closing next month to allow for the redevelopment of the Co-op supermarket. The building, which is shared by the Citizens' Advice Bureau and both Wiltshire county and Salisbury district
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Leaders showing their title pedigree
CRAWLEY Town dispelled any theories that their appearance at the top of the Dr Martens Premier Division was a one-off after an emphatic 4-0 win at Chelmsford City on Monday night. Crawley had beaten previous leaders Weymouth 2-1 at home on Saturday in
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'Crowd can help us win,' says Horgan
MIDFIELDER Gary Horgan belives the Hardenhuish Park fans can make a real difference when the Bluebirds face Crawley on Saturday. Although he has only been with the club for less than two seasons he is well aware of the fan fervour that drove the team
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'Come and back us,' says boss White
CHIPPENHAM boss Steve White is calling on fans to turn out in force for his team's vital game at home to league leaders Crawley Town on Saturday. Town's 2-0 win at Grantham has moved the club out of the bottom four and into the play-offs for the new Conference
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By-election looms near
The eagerly-contested Abberd ward by-election in Calne takes place next Thursday and Labour candidate Stephen Foxcroft has urged voters to oppose the 'hatred' of the BNP. Echoing public protests made in Malmesbury two weeks ago, Mr Foxcroft said: "I urge
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Football club baled out in use of school
YOUNG footballers who had to stop training at Malmesbury School after a swingeing hike in hire charges, have been baled out by North Wiltshire district councillors. Group 4, which is responsible for hiring out rooms at the school, increased the cost of
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Gardens set to open despite the protests
Benches behind the abbey at the Cloister Gardens at Malmesbury look set to be returned and the nearby Jubilee Gardens reopened, despite protests from the police and residents. Malmesbury police said crime has fallen dramatically at the notorious boozing
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Children draw from books
Ref. 12439/1Children at Oaksey Primary School celebrated World Book Day by drawing their favourite characters from books. All the children at the school, aged between four and eleven, entered a competition to draw on large A3 sheets of paper. Headteacher
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Campaign swells as signatures pour in
Ref. 12433/1CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save Devizes and Malmesbury maternity units from closure have been taking to the streets to collect more than 2,000 signatures for the Gazette's petition. The Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust is currently
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Double win at Crufts
Ref. 12465/05DOG owner Helen Brand took both her dogs to Crufts and came back with a double certificate of commendation for one and the trophy for best of breed for the other. Mrs Brand, whose husband Corporal Nick Brand is in the Royal Electrical Mechanical
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College head has resigned
SALISBURY College principal Howard O'Keeffe has resigned, following months of controversy surrounding his position. In a statement to the Journal last week, the college's board of corporation said a mutual agreement had now been made. "The board has accepted
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Hefty repair bill as four classrooms are ransacked
TWO schools and a playgroup in Harnham have been left with hefty repair bills and two cameras to replace after someone broke into four mobile classrooms at the Saxon Road site. The culprit is thought to have been a homeless man, who bedded down for the
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Backing on primary school's new site
KENNET district councillors have come out in favour of a scheme to move St Peter's Primary School to a new site on the other side of Devizes. Responding to a consultation paper from Wiltshire education authority, councillors backed the second of three
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Twickenham joy for Emily, but the Irish spoil England's party
TRIUMPH and disaster rode hand-in-hand for England's rugby players at Twickenham. It was a weekend most would remember as the one when England suffered a shock 19-13 Six Nations defeat on their home turf at the hands of a battling Irish team. But it was
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College head has resigned
SALISBURY College principal Howard O'Keeffe has resigned, following months of controversy surrounding his position. In a statement to the Journal last week, the college's board of corporation said a mutual agreement had now been made. "The board has accepted
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Felting company to move out
A BUSINESS that has been in Wilton for more than 160 years is to move out, allowing 62 homes to be built on its site. Salisbury district council has approved EV Naish Ltd's plans - the biggest planning application ever put forward for Wilton. The company
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Hefty repair bill as four classrooms are ransacked
TWO schools and a playgroup in Harnham have been left with hefty repair bills and two cameras to replace after someone broke into four mobile classrooms at the Saxon Road site. The culprit is thought to have been a homeless man, who bedded down for the
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Bemerton close in on final date
BEMERTON will take a slight ad-vantage into the second leg of their Wessex League Cup Semi-final after a shock 2-1 first leg victory away at AFC Totton. Western Way will host what promises to be a thrilling second leg on Tuesday, March 23 (7.45pm). In
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Key objector National Trust makes its case
BATTLELINES over the future of Stonehenge were drawn this week, as a key opponent to the scheme, the National Trust, presented its case. The charity, which owns much of the land surrounding the monuments, argues the Highways Agency's plans for a 2.1km
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Twickenham joy for Emily, but the Irish spoil England's party
TRIUMPH and disaster rode hand-in-hand for England's rugby players at Twickenham. It was a weekend most would remember as the one when England suffered a shock 19-13 Six Nations defeat on their home turf at the hands of a battling Irish team. But it was
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Battling Whites see off Hastings
Leigh Phillips expresses delight at levelling the scores. DA5051P10A VIRTUOSO performance from Leigh Phillips helped Salisbury City record their first win in five games, ironically against Hastings United, the last side they beat, writes Ryan Lovejoy.
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The Mine Sweeper
Most employees and some employers are not aware employees generally have a right to access the information in their personnel files. This right of access under the 1998 Data Protection Act applies whenever personnel files are kept in a filing system under
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Councillor helps with fight for birth unit
Wootton Bassett has got behind the Gazette's campaign to save the Malmesbury Maternity Unit. Town councillor and mother-of-two Kerrie Dixon has been distributing posters and petitions to the town shops, and has already had a good response. She said: "
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Council to examine takeaway facilities
COUNCILLORS have decided to carry out a review of the number of takeaways in Wootton Bassett after one shop has applied for a late licence. Spurred to action after kebab shop, Oscar's Grill, applied for a late licence, North Wiltshire District Council
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We're so flushed by our rare loos
Ref. 29467-42A SWITCHED-ON customer has flushed out a real gem in the gents of a Wootton Bassett pub. For years drinkers at The Sally Pussey Inn in Swindon Road have been spending a penny in the avocado-coloured urinals blissfully unaware that they may
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By George, Highworth through to final date
NORTH WILTS YOUTH LEAGUE: IT was a big day of cup semi-finals this weekend, including the Evening Advertiser- sponsored under 10 competition. The final will see Highworth Juniors from the North Division meet Stratton Juniors from the Central Division.
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Bakali books cup place for village team
TROWBRIDGE LEAGUE: HILPERTON United's 18-year wait to appear in a Trowbridge League cup final is over, thanks to striker Sami Bakali those hat-trick clinched a Division Two cup final clash with North Bradley Saints. Bakali recovered from a collision with
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County names Big Four goals
The four most pressing issues facing Wiltshire have been set out in a new document. The Big Four are health, training, reducing rubbish and making towns and villages more pleasant places in which to live. Coun Jane Scott is Leader of Wiltshire County
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Stratton's fine run ended by Bradford
WILTSHIRE LEAGUE: BRADFORD Town proved a thorn in AFC Stratton's side again beating the Premier Division leaders 2-1 on Saturday to end Stef Kuczynski's team's long unbeaten league run. Having beaten Stratton in the cup and drawn in the league earlier
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Benger fight back to record derby victory
CHIPPENHAM SUNDAY LEAGUE: SUTTON Benger were forced to switch their game to the home of opponents Somerford and were rewarded with a 2-1 success which came after five straight defeats in Division Two of the Vanitec Computers-sponsored Chippenham League
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Battle lines drawn over scheme for canal marina
GREEN campaigners on both sides of the Wiltshire-Berkshire border have joined forces in a bid to stop a marina being built on the Kennet and Avon Canal near Froxfield. West Berkshire Council has given outline consent for the marina at Freeman's Marsh,
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Melksham Town 2, Brislington 0
SCREWFIX PREMIER DIVISION: MELKSHAM Town manager Nigel Tripp thanked former striker Gary Banks for motivating his team to victory on Saturday. Banks launched an attack on his former teammates after making the move to Calne Town, and Tripp believes a lot
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New calls for CCTV after run of thefts
A SPATE of daylight thefts from Marlborough shops has again sparked off demands for the town to have a security camera system. Kennet is the only district in Wiltshire where the towns do not have CCTV systems. Occasionally privately run cameras installed
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I'm the wench with a wrench
Ref. 29453-23HELEN Richell is the only female plumber on her foundation course at Swindon College but she's not round the U-bend, she's determined to cut it in this male-dominated profession. Single mum Mrs Richell, 36, from Old Walcot, has already launched
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Titles have been read to shreds
NONE of the volumes which were on the shelves for public use when Park Library opened remain. They have long since been, as library manager Caroline Blake puts it, read to shreds by thousands of eager library users. Records of what the library users of
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Teddy bears' picnic delight
GAZETTE & HERALD: IF you go down to The Green in June you're sure of a big surprise as children and parents gather for a special teddy bears' picnic. The teddy bears' picnic was planned to be a family day during carnival week last year, but was washed
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Vision all set to come true
GAZETTE & HERALD: CONTRACTORS hope plans to change a grassy field into a wild flower meadow will come to fruition in the summer. The Castlefields Canal And River Park project was awarded an £8,480 grant in January from the People's Places scheme.
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Drugs den tenant is kicked out of flats
GAZETTE & HERALD: THE person who ran a notorious Calne drugs den, nicknamed Curry's because of the electrical goods seen going in and out, has been evicted. The address, in a block of flats called Pym House, in Abberd Way, was a regular target of
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Skateboarders may share the BMX bowl
GAZETTE & HERALD: THE solution to Calne's skate park conundrum may have been sitting under the noses of townsfolk for the past five years. Calne Town Council has promised youngsters a skate park and has investigated a host of sites in the town, even
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Standing room only for fashion special
Ref. 12432/3GAZETTE & HERALD: SIXTH-formers raised more than £1,800 at a fashion show and variety night at John Bentley School in Calne last week. The night was such a success that spectators paid to stand at the back of the hall after all the seats
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Tenant complains he is living in hell
Ref. 12440/3GAZETTE & HERALD: A housing association tenant in Calne has complained he is living in a house from hell and needs a catalogue of repairs done. James and Linda Frayne, along with their two children aged ten and 13, moved to their home
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Ambulances need home
WILTSHIRE St John Ambulance is urgently searching for a new home to accommodate its two Devizes-based Crusader ambulances. The ambulances are used extensively for supporting the Wiltshire Ambulance Service by providing a patient transport service. The
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Increase in number of prison incidents
INCIDENTS of misbehaviour among inmates at Erlestoke Prison has quadrupled, according to a report by the prison's Independent Monitoring Board. The board said the number of reportable incidents has gone up from seven to 28. Reportable incidents range
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Electrician is cleared of theft
ELECTRICIAN Vernon Guerri-Buckland has been cleared of being involved in stealing paving slabs from a stone mason company. The 43-year-old was accused of two counts of theft of stone together with Stephen Johnstone, the yard manager for Holley Hextall
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Anger as county does U-turn on traffic poll
KENNET District Council has complained to the county highways authority after it refused to carry out a survey into how new housing in Devizes would impact on traffic on London Road. At Thursday's meeting of Kennet's planning policies executive committee
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Backing on primary school's new site
KENNET district councillors have come out in favour of a scheme to move St Peter's Primary School to a new site on the other side of Devizes. Responding to a consultation paper from Wiltshire education authority, councillors backed the second of three
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Gazette readers can win museum funding
The Gazette has joined forces with a Devizes museum to help it win a maximum grant next year. Anyone who goes to the museum with a copy of the paper will be allowed in for free. LEWIS COWEN joined children from St Joseph's School to see what it has to
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Mums kept in dark over maternity choice
THE quality of care in the Devizes Hospital maternity unit is second to none yet not enough mothers know about it. At a consultation meeting in Pewsey on Tuesday on the future of maternity services, mum Emma Miles of Pewsey said she received fantastic
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The register office razed
CONTRACTORS moved on to Browfort site last week to demolish the remains of the Devizes Register Office which was hit by a tree during gales in February. Peter Smith, of Wiltshire County Council, said: "Until we know how much we are getting from the insurance
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Highworth slump again
HIGHWORTH'S disappointing Hellenic League run continued last night with a 3-1 defeat at struggling Pegasus Juniors. After conceding defeat in the Premier Division title race, John Fisher hoped that his troops would play without pressure. No such luck.
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Future of clinics not yet certain
THE future of several outpatient clinics at the proposed new hospital in Devizes hangs on securing a diagnostic and treatment centre. Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust wants the centre to be based at the proposed new hospital in Green Lane
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Campaigner talks to meeting
CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save the Devizes Maternity Unit from closure are invited to a public meeting on Saturday. DASH2 (Devizes Action to Save Our Hospital) has organised the meeting at The Bear Hotel, Devizes, at 3pm, and Devizes MP Michael Ancram will
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Sixties star heads to town
SIXTIES rock and ballad heart-throb Craig Douglas will be performing in Marlborough on March 20. Douglas will be headlining a rock and rhythm and blues concert organised by the Rotary Club to raise funds for a sitting out area for patients and visitors
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Thriving keep fit suite to be extended
KENNET is apologising in advance for disruption at the Marlborough Leisure Centre over the next few weeks when the fitness suite will be extended. The fitness suite can no longer cope with demand, said Kennet's marketing manager Pip Applegate. Ms Applegate
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OAP walks border trail for autism boy
Ref. 12415/3A 79-YEAR-OLD Devizes man is undertaking a marathon sponsored walk to raise cash so that a two-year-old local boy can get treatment for autism. John "Mac" McKinnon, from Broadleas Road, will set out on the 120-mile trail along Offa's Dyke
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Cabbie's licence fury
Ref. 12452/1TAXI drivers have reacted angrily to plans by Kennet District Council to increase their fees by more than 200 per cent. The first that Devizes taxi drivers knew of the impending changes was when the Gazette showed them a council press release
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Sportsman used his own gun to kill himself
Country sports agent William Bond killed himself with the shotgun that he often used out shooting, an inquest heard. Shooting was one of his main passions in life, the inquest was told. Mr Bond, 33, who had recently moved to Ogbourne St Andrew from London
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This will take some stubbing out!
Ref. 29470-35SMOKERS across Swindon tried to stub out the habit yesterday as part of National No Smoking Day. The day was marked at Tinkers Lane surgery in Wootton Bassett where the doctors' practice and neighbours from Jones Pharmacy joined forces to
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Name our new kids on block
Ref. 29443-58THERE are plenty of signs that spring is just around the corner at Roves Farm. The farm and visitor centre near Swindon has already welcomed newborn lambs and hosts of daffodils. But this week staff at the farm, outside Highworth, were pleasantly
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Bus company celebrates a golden year
Ref. 29473-28BUS passengers may find themselves riding in a golden carriage during 2004. Actually, it's one of four new single-deckers being brought in by Thamesdown Transport to replace ageing double-deckers. The firm has painted one of the vehicles
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Bridge shut for a month
THE footbridge across Princes Street in the centre of Swindon will be closed for four weeks from Monday while a £99,500 refurbishment takes place. People will have to cross the road at the pedestrian crossing at Regent Circus. There will also be some
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£71k to prepare us for terror threat
THE Government is refusing to give Swindon any extra money for protection against terrorism. Swindon Council's annual meagre government grant of £71,355 will remain the same for the next year, until March 2005. With inflation currently running at 2.4
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On a knife edge over council tax
THE Government is expected to announce this weekend whether or not it will be capping Swindon's council tax. Council leader Mike Bawden (Con, Old Town and Lawn) is bracing himself for a nail-biting few days. If the Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott
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Dragons to race
THE third annual Coate Water Dragon Boat Race has been announced for Saturday, June 12. The race, in boats based on traditional Chinese rowing vessels, is held in aid of the British Heart Foundation. Teams of 11 people are invited to take part, and raise
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He wandered like Wordsworth, then snapped!
Ref. 29454-59EVENING Advertiser chief photographer Stuart Harrison was wandering, lonely as a cloud, the other day. As he floated on high or rather, at a height of about 16 inches in his car past a verge near the Marriott Hotel in Marlborough Road, he
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We will keep banning the prostitutes
Ref.9853-07A prostitute who was jailed last year for breaching an order banning her from the centre of town has been issued with yet another banning order. And Matt McCue, the man who set up Street Watch to monitor the activity of hookers, pimps and men
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Women go out looking for a spot of trouble
COUNCILLOR Jemima Milton (Con, Wroughton and Chiseldon) has been looking for trouble. And Inspector Wendy Grant, who has just taken over responsibility for policing central Swindon, has been helping Coun Milton to find it. The two women, chaperoned by
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Ships' statistics
G SCOTT'S letter of February 25 on query on fighting ships in book called All the World's Fighting Fleets 6th edition, HMS Malcolm was Campbell class 1,500 tons 332 feet overall. Five 4.7 inch guns. One 3inch AA. Six (triple) deck torpedo tubes 40,000
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Money is no god
WHAT interesting reading your story of Rich and Rebecca Lehmann made. Not often does one hear that money is not a priority but being happy is. Rich and Rebecca: may your happiness long continue. (Mrs) GWEN POWDITCH Moredon
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Will the cash be there to pay for university?
THE information source for the University of Bath's plan to move into Swindon makes positive noises about funding, all sounding as if being granted the funding in a certainty, a mere formality. However, in the real world, the financial outlook is much
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Scooters are set to return
GAZETTE & HERALD: SHOPPING mobility scooters locked away following a row between the council and Emery Gate, should be available to shoppers again from April 2. The scooters and wheelchairs have been in the basement of Emery Gate since September 2003
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Blow for children as dream trip is delayed
GAZETTE & HERALD: Needy children have been left disappointed and angry after their adventure of a lifetime to New Zealand was called off at the last moment because it had not received clearance from the county council. Chippenham-based charity Kandu
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Avon 3, Chippenham 55
CHIPPENHAM'S defence of the Bath Combination Cup began comfortably with a win over Somerset Premier League side Avon. Chippenham opened the scoring in the first minute with a try from winger Darren McMillan. After three minutes Chippenham were penalised
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Chippenham's youths storm into final
CHIPPENHAM U14s booked their place in the Wiltshire Cup Final with a 36-0 victory away to Devizes. Chippenham proved too strong ultimately for the home side and ran in six unanswered tries. First-half tries came from winger Ollie Morris and back-row trio
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Devizes 25, Wootton Bassett 14
CAPTAIN James Gaiger's return after injury inspired Devizes to a storming victory in a tight encounter. Gaiger's second-half introduction, alongside scrum-half Tom Collins proved to be the game's turning point. Within seven minutes of their appearance
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Historic day for youngsters
CALNE Rugby Club will make history on Sunday when the junior section plays its first ever game. Calne U14s play Melksham at 10.30am on the Recreation Ground, in Anchor Road and the team's coaches are looking forward to seeing the raw talent on display
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Good press
SO often it's bad news that gets the publicity. Here's a different story. On Tuesday evening last week my wife suddenly needed medical attention. It came, in an impressively swift and co-ordinated way from the Savernake Minor Injuries Unit nurse on the
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Join march
Probably the most important event this year is the National March to take place in London on March 20. It marks a year since the commencement of war in Iraq and the continued disruption to the lives of its beleagured peoples. It will be part of the global
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Many thanks
ON Saturday, February 28 at approximately 10.30am I suffered a fall at the top of The Brittox in Devizes. Through your paper I would like to thank all those who helped me at the scene, especially the nurse who stayed with me until the ambulance arrived
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Gypsies face notice to quit
GAZETTE & HERALD: THREE weeks after deferring the case over human rights issues, councillors are expected to serve a notice to quit on a family of gypsies living at Pudding Brook. Last month, the Skeet-Smith family won a reprieve against being evicted
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Ice fan's quest
GAZETTE & HERALD: STRETCHING out on a sun-drenched beach with a pina colada is most people's idea of a relaxing holiday. But not for former Chippenham police superintendent Roger Greenslade, who spent two weeks braving Antarctica's icy winds, stormy
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Top marks for school
GAZETTE & HERALD: THE teachers and pupils of Lyneham Junior School are feeling flushed with success after Ofsted inspectors heralded it as "an exciting and dynamic place to learn". The school in Preston Lane, Lyneham, was visited by inspectors on
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Tyre scenario makes Yes Minister sketch
The March 4 edition of the Gazette mentioned my concern that the burning of tyres and Recycled Liquid Fuels (hazardous waste), by Lafarge's Westbury cement works would adversely affect our children's health. Tyre burning gives off very fine sooty particles
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Improve facilities for those in need
As a town councillor, I am well aware that much has been written and said about the future of a Tourist Information Centre (TIC) in Marlborough. I am also well aware that decisions were made by Kennet District Council to close the George Lane TIC in an
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Target dates set for Goldiggers contract
GAZETTE & HERALD: North Wiltshire District Council was due to exchange contracts with developers Tribecka Land Ltd for the lease on Goldiggers yesterday. The future of the deal was in doubt after Tribecka missed a deadline to exchange contracts but
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Dance led to love
GAZETTE & HERALD: THEIR eyes first met at a dance at the Locarno in Swindon and 50 years on, Gene and Pam Rickels celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. Now living in Florida, the couple met on November 25, 1952, when Mrs Rickels (ne Ball) was
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Patient had to spend six days on a trolley
GAZETTE & HERALD: Lyneham mother June Rogers was forced to spend almost a week on a trolley in the Great Western Hospital because no-one could find her a bed. The 41 year-old NVQ assessor was rushed to hospital from her home in Lyneham with acute
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Pubs bar man for year after alleged assault
GAZETTE & HERALD: STEFAN Seeger has been banned from the town centre's pubs for 12 months after he allegedly broke two windows and assaulted a pub owner. Seeger, 29, from The Causeway, Chippenham, is the first person to be banned under the new Pub
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Big smiles as Lydia beats another bug
Ref. 12464/2GAZETTE & HERALD: LYDIA Cross was all smiles again this week after being rushed to hospital with laryngitis. The panic-stricken parents of the three-year-old from Chippenham took her to Bristol Royal Infirmary on Friday night, after she
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Teen booze is seized
Ref. 12458/1GAZETTE & HERALD: POLICE seized more than 80 bottles and cans of alcohol from children as young as 14 on Friday night, as part of a new crackdown on under age drinking. Police said they were shocked by the sheer volume of alcohol confiscated
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American Dream
Ref. 29481-70TOWN striker Mark Draycott is hoping that nothing can be finer than scoring goals in Carolina. The 19-year-old Swindonian has agreed a one-year contract with United States Division One side Wilmington Hammerheads. Although disappointed that
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Family thanks pub's big hearted regulars
Ref. 12413/1GAZETTE & HERALD: THE parents of toddler Zara Walker, who suffers from a rare genetic disorder, say the generosity of fundraising regulars at their local pub has left them overwhelmed. Cheryl Walker, 29, and her 35-year-old husband Alistair
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Warning went unheard
JUSTICE FOR KATE: A Bed & breakfast that housed Kate Walsh warned the council that she needed extra support, just months before she died of a suspected heroin overdose. Sixteen-year-old Kate was sent to The Abalone B&B by Swindon Borough Council
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Housing scheme helps homeless
A new leasing scheme set up by Westlea Housing Association will provide new temporary homes for the homeless and provide an alternative to bed and breakfast accommodation. Teenage mum Toni Atkins is the first person to benefit from the new project run
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Marketing to begin on cattle market site
NORTH Wiltshire District Council was obliged to take on outside consultants to help draw up a marketing brief for the livestock market site in Cocklebury Road, Chippenham, because of staff shortages. Coun Toby Sturgis said the council was not allowed
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Patient had to spend six days on a trolley
Lyneham mother June Rogers was forced to spend almost a week on a trolley in the Great Western Hospital because no-one could find her a bed. The 41 year-old NVQ assessor was rushed to hospital from her home in Lyneham with acute pain in her kidneys and
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Future of clinics not yet certain
THE future of several outpatient clinics at the proposed new hospital in Devizes hangs on securing a diagnostic and treatment centre. Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust wants the centre to be based at the proposed new hospital in Green Lane
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Festival drops talent contest
North Wiltshire District Council has pledged the show will go on, despite the sudden departure of festival chief Steve Cox. The council has rallied its forces, determined the North Wiltshire Festival 2004 should be a showcase for business and entertainment
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Cash put aside for subsidence
North Wiltshire District Council has set aside £650,000 towards tackling the subsidence of land near homes in Churchill Close, Calne. Council leader Coun Ruth Coleman said there was a possibility repairs could be undertaken. "I don't want to raise hopes
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Brave mother battled the odds
Supermum Sonia Chant (right), with her daughter Shellie. DA5054P2BRAVE mum-of-six Sonia Chant has battled against the odds, dealing with everything life has thrown at her. Her sheer courage and determination have earned her the title Supermum of the Month
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Key objector National Trust makes its case
BATTLELINES over the future of Stonehenge were drawn this week, as a key opponent to the scheme, the National Trust, presented its case. The charity, which owns much of the land surrounding the monuments, argues the Highways Agency's plans for a 2.1km
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Rude awakening as road dug up at 2am
Ref. 12469/2FAMILIES living in the High Street in Pewsey were appalled when a gang of workmen arrived to excavate the road at 2am. It wasn't just the rude awakening which stunned residents, but the fact that the road had been resurfaced just days before
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Drivers face more roadworks misery
MORE road closures face drivers on the busy A303 over the coming months, as work continues to complete the slip roads being constructed at the Solstice Park junction in Amesbury. The westbound carriageway of the A303 will close at 10pm tomorrow, Friday
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Camping shop folds its tent for good
Time to put your feet up: Peter Cox, who is closing Edlas, the camping and outdoor gear shop in Winchester Street, Salisbury, and retiring. DA5021P3OVER the past 20 years, Peter Cox has heard all the jokes there are about camping. That is the period he
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Bumper gate is expected
CHIPPENHAM officials are expecting one of the club's biggest crowds of the season on Saturday. Crawley are expected to bring more then 500 supporters to Hardenhuish Park and the Bluebirds' recent surge in form, coupled with the fact Swindon Town are away
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Griffin is on course to reach his target
STRIKER Charlie Griffin won't say what his goals target for the season is but he says he is making good progress towards it. The former Swindon and Woking forward bagged his 17th goal of the campaign at Grantham, and might have had a hat-trick if it wasn't
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Market shut after arrears
THE operator of the former Malmesbury Sunday market, which owes the town council around £1,800, has been shut down in Tetbury due to non-payments. Landmark Events moved its Sunday market from Malmesbury to Tetbury after it was closed down in the wake
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Sporty school goes for gold
Ref. 12423/1MALMESBURY Primary School has become one of only eight schools in the South West to be awarded the Activemark Gold award from Sport England. The honour recognises the school's efforts to provide lots of out-of-hour sports as well as a varied
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Clerks' complaints are not being investigated
The local government Ombudsman has confirmed that it will not be investigating complaints made against Malmesbury Town Council. Town clerk Edward Ferguson and deputy clerk Sue Webb complained of discrimination, harassment and interrogation to the Standards
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BNP takes council meeting by surprise
Five members and supporters of the British National Party made a surprise appearance at a Malmesbury Town Council meeting on Tuesday. The BNP members offered a challenge to deputy mayor Patrick Goldstone, who was absent from the meeting. Coun Goldstone
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Tributes paid to horsewoman
Heartfelt tributes have been pouring in following the death of horse rider Fiona Gale who suffered from a debilitating form of asthma. Miss Gale, 30, was found dead on railway tracks a mile east of Alderton Tunnel last Wednesday morning. Malmesbury Police
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Pupils given lesson in how to keep safe
CHILDREN at Cranborne Middle School have been raising funds and awareness of personal safety in memory of murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler. By charging pupils 50p for phone-tagging, and staging a non-school uniform day, the school raised nearly £250 for
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Parents voice rat run safety fears
Quidhampton residents who are concerned about the amount of traffic passing through their village.DA5044P3CHILDREN and parents walking to and from St John's First School in Lower Bemerton are risking their lives because drivers don't take care, according
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School makes voucher plea for film quest
Ref. 12461/2St Bartholomew's Primary School children are getting ready to challenge the likes of Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorcese when they begin to make their own films. The children are collecting Tesco tokens for a digital film maker that will
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Primary school is set to finish earlier on Fridays
Colerne Primary School is proposing to finish at midday on Fridays to give teachers more preparation and marking time. The school governors have put forward the idea of starting the school day at 8.30am allowing for an early finish each Friday. Head teacher
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Toddlers to get free nursery education
All three-year-olds in Wiltshire will be eligible for free nursery education from April 1 thanks to more than £800,000 of extra funding from Wiltshire County Council. All three-year-olds will be entitled to five sessions per week each lasting at least
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Top marks for school
THE teachers and pupils of Lyneham Junior School are feeling flushed with success after Ofsted inspectors heralded it as "an exciting and dynamic place to learn". The school in Preston Lane, Lyneham, was visited by inspectors on December 1 and 2 last
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Battling Whites see off Hastings
Leigh Phillips expresses delight at levelling the scores. DA5051P12A VIRTUOSO performance from Leigh Phillips helped Salisbury City record their first win in five games, ironically against Hastings United, the last side they beat, writes Ryan Lovejoy.
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Guinness is key to high spirits
100-year-old Elizabeth Cleasby, of Brympton, with her daily bottle of Guinness. DA5058P1DANCING, laughing and a daily dose of Guinness ensured Elizabeth Cleasby reached her 100th birthday in great spirits. There can't be many 100-year-olds who are the
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Cannings case prompts nationwide review
CASES in which children have been taken into care on the basis of disputed medical evidence are to be reviewed, following Salisbury mother Angela Cannings' acquittal last year. Children's minister Margaret Hodge has written to local authorities asking
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Victorious Shrewton stay on course to retain the cup
SHREWTON United under-tens have booked a place in the semi-finals of the Andover Testway League Cup after seeing off a spirited quarter-final challenge from Test Valley Lions. The Lions started brightly and forced Shrewton onto the defensive. Two quick-fire
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Durrington are sitting pretty at the top
PFC Durrington are now four points clear at the top of the Premier Division after putting five past title rivals Meadow Park without reply. Durrington have two games in hand and a superior goal difference to second-placed Park. Harnham are not quite out
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Slow start proves costly
LAVERSTOCK & Ford were unfortunate not to cap their last home game of the season with a win against a resilient Fleet Spurs. The contest proved the proverbial game of two halves with Fleet dominating the first period. Laverstock were behind within
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Camping shop folds its tent for good
Time to put your feet up: Peter Cox, who is closing Edlas, the camping and outdoor gear shop in Winchester Street, Salisbury, and retiring. DA5021P3OVER the past 20 years, Peter Cox has heard all the jokes there are about camping. That is the period he
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Downton fail to open up a gap
BOTTOM of the pile Whitchurch United plunged Downton back into danger with a well-deserved win at Wick Lane. The Robins' third consecutive defeat comes after an impressive run that looked to have hauled them clear of the basement dwellers. Gary Blenkarn
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Park-and-ride work adds to traffic fears
WILTON town councillors say starting work on the area's new park-and-ride scheme could signal traffic chaos. While the Skew Bridge development continues, commuters are already facing long delays. Following news that the government has released £8.2m to
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Dour display leaves 'Quins empty-handed
BOTH these sides could meet again in the final of the Sydenhams Wessex League Cup, but judging by this showing, it could prove a rather dull affair. The first 45 minutes saw numerous schoolboy errors with neither side registering a shot on goal. Despite
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Tiger's feat for Louisa
RISING equestrian star Louisa Lockwood's eventing season got off to the best possible start when she won on her first ride at her first event of the year. Tiger Shark, a nine-year-old gelding bought just before Christ-mas, won his novice class at Surrey's
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Topping-out ceremony for theatre's roof
STUDIO Theatre toasted the roof over its head last week, at a topping-out ceremony to mark completion of the first stage of building its new home. Studio's president, singing star Rosemary Squires, and Mayor of Salisbury Bobbie Chettleburgh were there
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David's double
SALISBURY golfer David Hut-ton continues to make a name for himself as he attempts to qualify for the European Tour. Last week he triumphed at the Wiltshire Matchplay Champion-ship at Bowood Golf Club, defeating Broome Manor's Steve Robertson by two and
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Villagers' traffic worries
LONGSTANDING concerns about the volume of traffic going through Quidhampton have been heightened since roadworks at nearby Skew Bridge have led to more drivers finding a quicker route to Salisbury through the village. One little boy has been knocked off
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Council to take over troubled Five Rivers
SALISBURY district council is taking over the management of the troubled Five Rivers leisure centre. The council's cabinet has decided not to renew the contract with Leisure Connection, the company that has run the complex since 2002, when the £6.5m swimming
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Parents voice rat run safety fears
Quidhampton residents who are concerned about the amount of traffic passing through their village.DA5044P3CHILDREN and parents walking to and from St John's First School in Lower Bemerton are risking their lives because drivers don't take care, according
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Teams hotfoot it to town hall
WILTSHIRE GWR FM and Age Concern Swindon have joined together to stage what could be the hottest local event of the year the Fire Walk Challenge. The challenge takes place alongside the Town Hall in Regent Circus at 6pm on Friday, April 23 St George's
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Future bright for IT in south west
A survey has revealed the technology triangle between Swindon, Gloucester and Bristol is the top choice for technology entrepreneurs, despite the fact local councils and colleges continue to overlook their contribution to the regional economy. Laurence
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School makes voucher plea for film quest
Ref. 12461/2St Bartholomew's Primary School children are getting ready to challenge the likes of Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorcese when they begin to make their own films. The children are collecting Tesco tokens for a digital film maker that will
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What's in a name?
According to references in the Norman Gelb book Dunkirk HMS Malcolm was in fact a destroyer and HMS Bideford was a sloop. ANDREW HIND Penhill
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Books brought to life
CHILDREN from all over the county took on the roles of their favourite book characters to mark National Book Week. At St Mary's School in Marlborough lessons held every day last week revolved around books, their authors and illustrators. On Monday the
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Six of the best for Devizes
MID-WILTS YOUTH AND MINOR LEAGUE: DEVIZES Town Youth are through to the under 15s cup final in the Wiltshire Times and Chippenham News Mid-Wilts Youth and Minor League. In a surprise result Devizes ran out clear 6-0 winners against Trowbridge Town Youth
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Toddlers to get free nursery education
All three-year-olds in Wiltshire will be eligible for free nursery education from April 1 thanks to more than £800,000 of extra funding from Wiltshire County Council. All three-year-olds will be entitled to five sessions per week each lasting at least
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Top post up for grabs
AN advert will be placed shortly in a health trade magazine inviting applications for the job of joint chief executive for Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust and West Wiltshire Primary Care Trust. Kennet and North Wiltshire PCT has been without
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Blow for children as dream trip is delayed
Needy children have been left disappointed and angry after their adventure of a lifetime to New Zealand was called off at the last moment because it had not received clearance from the county council. Chippenham-based charity Kandu Arts was planning to
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Fisher waves white flag in title battle
HELLENIC LEAGUE: JOHN Fishers admits his Highworth side will not win the Hellenic Premier Division this season but he thinks he knows who will. A 2-0 home defeat by Southall on Saturday left Highworth's title dreams in tatters and prompted Fisher to tip
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Former RAF base must be sustainable
RAF Lyneham's days as an operational airforce base may be numbered following a Government decision to site new aircraft at Brize Norton in Oxfordshire but a task force set up to fight for Lyneham's future believes it could still have an important role
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Pewsey Vale 1, Wootton Bassett 0
HELLENIC LEAGUE: BARRY Flippance's winner gave Vale a hat-trick of victories over Wootton Bassett at the recreation ground. The game began badly for Pewsey when they lost defender Alan Blake with an injury in the first minute. They brought on the up and
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Top dogs lap up their run of Crufts success
Ref. 12387/3ONCE again dog breeders from across Wiltshire have done the county proud at Crufts, the world's greatest dog show. Among the successful entries in the Devizes area was Gill and Gary Gray's German Shepherd bitch Lindella's Love Me Do at Slatehouse
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Corsham Town 3, Weston St Johns 0
SCREWFIX FIRST DIVISION: TWO goals from Alan Griffin took Corsham to a comfortable victory on Tuesday night. After beating second place Bitton on Saturday Corsham continued where they had left off and were never in danger of losing to their Bristol opponents
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Melksham Town 2, Brislington 0
SCREWFIX FIRST DIVISION: CALNE banished the memory of last Saturday's eccentric draw at home to Weston St Johns with a comfortable win against strugglers minehead. Returning striker Glenn Armstrong, who is back after an unsuccessful spell with Swindon
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Corsham Town 2, Bitton 0
SCREWFIX FIRST DIVISION: A DEBUT goal from Ben Highmore helped Corsham Town to an impressive victory on Saturday as they put a dent in Bitton's title challenge. The turning point of the match came on the stroke of half time when Mark Davis was sent off
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Devizes Town 0, Bridgwater Town 2
SCREWFIX PREMIER DIVISION: FED-UP boss Dave Hopkins says his loyalty to the club is being severely tested after being let down by players at the last minute. He was left with just nine players available on the eve of the home clash with fifth-placed Bridgwater
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Stores' weekend teen booze ban
Sainsbury's Tom MahonSUPERMARKETS in Devizes are to ban anyone under 21 from buying alcohol in their stores after 3pm on Friday and Saturday as part of a campaign to cut under-age drinking. Bill Baldwin, manager of Sainsbury's in Devizes, confirmed that
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Regular readers at Cavendish Square
Ref. 29410-18USERS of the library come from all backgrounds, so there are no typical ones. One of the more frequent users is Nadine Marshall, 63, of Ainsworth Road, who gets through a book every two or three days. Most of her reading material much of
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40 years of stories
Ref. 29381-09The Park Library has been helping to entertain its community through the fads - from Beatrix Potter to Harry Potter. BARRIE HUDSON reports IT has spanned the decades between the Beatles and Beyonce. Its shelves have groaned with the works
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We're so flushed by our rare loos
Ref. 29467-42A SWITCHED-ON customer has flushed out a real gem in the gents of a Wootton Bassett pub. For years drinkers at The Sally Pussey Inn in Swindon Road have been spending a penny in the avocado-coloured urinals blissfully unaware that they may
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Doctors call for alcohol health warnings
SWINDON doctors have demanded tough government action to tackle growing alcohol-related health problems. South Swindon MP Julia Drown yesterday handed a petition to the House of Commons, signed by more than 500 medics asking for cigarette-style health
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Drug smuggler loses appeal against sentence
A DRUG smuggler whose attempt to bring £1 million worth of cannabis into Guernsey was scuppered when a boat was wrecked, didn't get a day too long behind bars, judges ruled yesterday. Matthew Le Gallez, whose addresses were given as Groundwell Road, Swindon
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Joanna can be offered support
Ref. 29461-12SHOULD police locate where Joanna is, one of the powers open to them is to enforce a Police Protection Order, which gives them the power to take Joanna into their care before handing her over to her parents or social services. Jean Pollard
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Have you seen Joanna?
Ref. 29461-08THE parents of missing teenager Joanna Ludlow fear she could be lying dead just like tragic Highworth girl Kate Walsh whose body was found in a seedy town centre squat. Joanna, 15, has disappeared from home. She is known to take drugs and
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Cash put aside for subsidence
GAZETTE & HERALD: North Wiltshire District Council has set aside £650,000 towards tackling the subsidence of land near homes in Churchill Close, Calne. Council leader Coun Ruth Coleman said there was a possibility repairs could be undertaken. "I don't
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Launch date for new cinema is put back
GAZETTE & HERALD: PLANS for the triumphant return of the silver screen to Calne in a state-of-the-art mobile cinema have suffered further delays. Calne Town Council has pledged £10,000 to the project, which it hoped would be ready to premier the latest
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Police are red-faced on missed passenger
GAZETTE & HERALD: WILTSHIRE Police has expressed regret and embarrassment after an unconscious woman involved in a car accident, lay undiscovered in the damaged vehicle until she reached a breakdown garage. Superintendent Peter Russ issued a statement
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Nursery pair win NVQs
Ref. 289976GAZETTE & HERALD: NURSERY staff have worked overtime to win their NVQ qualifications and prove that child care is a profession that demands respect. The founder of Key Day Nurseries, Gillian Key, has been awarded her NVQ level five in management
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Kennet surprise leaves buses threatened
LOCAL transport campaigners have expressed concern that the bus services around Devizes could be hit by Kennet District Council's decision to withdraw £105,000 in funding from rural bus services. Although Kennet is not obliged to contribute towards funding
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Band battle boosts fund
YOUTH pop bands battled it out against each other and raised money for a sports area in Urchfont. The battle of the bands competition featured five local bands and took place at Lavington School on Friday night. More than 200 teenagers enjoyed the performances
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Finance bid on new homes
THE Devizes-based Silbury Group, which has Sarsen Housing Association as a subsidiary company, has secured interest savings of £250,000 a year. The terms include a lower interest rate, increased loan facility and simplification and relaxation of existing
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Date for work on water main
WESSEX Water will wait until the schools' Easter holidays before laying a new water main in the centre of Devizes. The 250mm main goes from the Crammer pond, across the Green, up Southbroom Road to the Southgate roundabout on the A360. Work on the new
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Allotment battle on new site is thrown out
FORMER Spitalcroft allotment holders have been dealt a blow by a Government inspector who has ruled that a developer can create allotments at land off Windsor Drive, Devizes. Planning permission is not needed for the allotments as it is agricultural land
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Rising Sun pub is set to ascend yet again
THE Rising Sun, always one of the most popular pubs in Devizes, is to rise again on Good Friday. The new landlord, Brian Foster, proprietor of Devizes Snooker Club, has reached agreement with owners Punch Taverns to reopen what was, until July last year
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Carnival has launch party
DEVIZES Carnival committee hosted various local firms as they held a launch party last Friday. Although the carnival does not get under way until August the committee wanted to establish interest from companies interested in sponsoring carnival events
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Health staff revel in roomier new surgery
Ref. 12405/1A NEW surgery serving patients in the West Lavington area has opened. The Courtyard Surgery, which has 2,500 patients, is on the site of the former Fussell Wadman garage in High Street, West Lavington. It has replaced the Littleton Panell
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A nice try Rhian
CLOSE friends and rugby fanatics Rhian Maxwell and Danny Williams were treated to a dream day at a rugby international match thanks to Rhian's knowledge of the game. Rhian and Danny, both sixth formers at St John's School in Marlborough, were given celebrity
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Children send birds
Ref. 12359/2PUPILS at Rowde Primary School have raised over £300 for the charity Send a Cow which gives farm animals to people in poor countries. The children were set a target of £60 to buy a flock of chickens, but they excelled themselves by raising
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Campaign swells as signatures pour in
Ref. 12433/1CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save Devizes and Malmesbury maternity units from closure have been taking to the streets to collect more than 2,000 signatures for the Gazette's petition. The Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust is currently
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Karate belt for boy who fought cancer
Ref. 12471/1Schoolboy Peter Johnson has been through more in his young life than many people have to endure in a lifetime but he has refused to let cancer beat him and has shown his battling spirit by gaining a top karate honour as LEWIS COWEN reports
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Stores' weekend teen booze ban
Sainsbury's Tom MahonSUPERMARKETS in Devizes are to ban anyone under 21 from buying alcohol in their stores after 3pm on Friday and Saturday as part of a campaign to cut under-age drinking. Bill Baldwin, manager of Sainsbury's in Devizes, confirmed that
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Hunt is on for silent villains
VILLAINOUS characters are needed to take part in re-enactments of trials that took place in Marlborough in the 19th century. The trials will be the culmination of the town play, Wheels of Time, that will be one of the highlights of the celebrations in
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New calls for CCTV after run of thefts
A SPATE of daylight thefts from Marlborough shops has again sparked off demands for the town to have a security camera system. Kennet is the only district in Wiltshire where the towns do not have CCTV systems. Occasionally privately run cameras installed
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Quiet thieves loot machine
SOFTLY-softly thieves broke into a Marlborough hotel on Sunday night by getting in through a leaded glass window. Police said there would have been little noise created as the thief or thieves pulled the glass out of the soft lead at the Bear Hotel. Once
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Cabbies angry at licence fees hike
TAXI and private hire car operators say they will be forced to put up fares because of a 200 per cent increase in licence fees proposed by Kennet District Council. News of the planned rises in licence fees was broken to operators in Marlborough by the
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Devizes miss out on final
DEVIZES AC, on top of their game all season and winners of the local Upper Thames Angling Times Winter League in fine style, failed to book a place in the national final. The Devizes team could only finish last on virtually their own water, the Kennet
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Ice skating can lead to a career
Ref. 29483-11An interest in skating can often lead to bigger things. Lesley Norfolk-Pearce, who lives in Lydiard Millicent, has been an ice-skating coach for around 30 years. She said the Friday night's events were a good way for Swindon's youngsters
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Friday night chill
Ref. 29417-03Disco is now even cooler than it ever was at least for the hundreds of teenagers who go to the Link Centre each week.ANTHONY OSBORNE reports TEENAGERS from across Swindon are swapping their Friday nights in front of the TV to take to the
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No radiology shortage here
SWINDON'S Great Western Hospital has a thriving radiology department despite the current national shortage of qualified staff. The Government will spend £3m targeting school-leavers and X-ray specialists who have left the NHS to tackle the national shortfall
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Councillors go back to school for finance classes
COUNCILLORS in Swindon are to be given a lesson in how local authorities are run. A seminar on the financial nuts and bolts of a council's financial operation will be staged for councillors later in the year at the Civic Offices in Euclid Street, Swindon
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Stores stage daffodil day
MARIE Curie shops in Swindon and Wootton Bassett are holding their annual Daffodil Day on Saturday. The shops, in Victoria Road in Swindon and Wootton Bassett High Street, will be selling the usual bric-a-brac and clothing, and there will also be a cake
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Snuggle up with ted at story time
CHILDREN are invited to bring their teddies along to their local library to listen to fairy stories as part of Wiltshire's Bedtime Reading Week. Libraries across the county are holding the storytime sessions complete with cups of hot chocolate and torches
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Retirees do their bit to help save small birds
BIRD-lovers at a retirement complex are doing their bit for conservation. The group, who live at Goddard Court in Swindon, say they are worried about the unexplained decline in numbers of the smaller native species. They called in Derek Lyford, an officer
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Lyneham workers still up in the air
THE 3,500 personnel at RAF Lyneham are still waiting for a clear picture of exactly how and when they are to move when the Wiltshire base closes in 2012. A complex plan of how the base would wind down is being produced by a Ministry of Defence team and
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Herc clocks up 50,000 flying hours
RAF Lyneham's new fleet of Hercules aircraft has achieved a landmark 50,000 hours in the air. The fleet of C-130J Hercules transport planes achieved the milestone in February and celebrated on Tuesday with a special low flypast over the base. Since the
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Victory in fight for fast surfing
WROUGHTON residents will finally be able to log on to broadband internet services next week after a two-year campaign. The technology, which allows subscribers to surf the web at high speeds, is so costly to set up that BT insisted in 2002 that 300 people
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The right job for you?
AN OPEN day to help people who have been unable to work because of ill health or disability is to be held in Swindon. It will be hosted by Jobcentre Plus and is aimed at anyone who is considering returning to work after time out due to sickness or disability
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Shop opens to the beat of its own drum
Ref. 29449-81TWO Swindon musicians have decided to drum up business doing what they do best. Andy Wraight and Martin Ranscombe are launching their own drumming business Drum Company UK on Saturday, March 20. They will open a specialist drum shop and studios
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Cheers! Regulars dig deep to raise money for good causes
DRINKERS at the Red Lion in Cricklade have raised more than £1,550 for charity through the pub's weekly meat draw. The money will benefit the Royal National Lifeboat Institute, which is the pub's nominated national charity this year. Other fundraising
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Police warn of zero tolerance
Ref. 29482-25The softly softly approach is over for motorists who flout the law by using their mobile phone while driving. Now fines will be issued to anyone caught. POLICE are set to launch a blitz on motorists who drive while using mobile phones. Although
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Help Trust survey the spring flowers
VISITORS to Lydiard Park can currently see and smell huge swathes of snowdrops currently carpeting the grounds of historic Lydiard House. Meanwhile, Sunday sees Wiltshire Wildlife Trust begin a spring flower survey at the park, beginning at 2.30pm. The
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Falklands hero talk to ladies
WAR hero Simon Weston, who was burned when the Sir Galahad was bombed during the Falklands War, has a date to be a guest at an appeal dinner in Swindon. The event on June 26 will raise money for Weston Spirit, a charity he set upto help youngsters who
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Old girls invited
MAY I through your paper invite all old girls from Tolworth Girls School, Surrey, to the annual reunion on Friday April 23, 2004. Tickets may be obtained by ringing Cynthia Hall on 0208 390 0465. JANE SAUNDERS TOGA Chairman
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Bravo, youngsters
MY friends and I spent a recent Sunday evening at the concert given by the Swindon Youth Orchestra at Blunsdon House. We had the most enjoyable evening and the orchestra was sensational. To all those young men and ladies may we say thank you for such
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Don't blame us for meal change
WITH reference to the letter in the Evening Advertiser in response to the article entitled "Dinner Ladies to Learn Fate." I am afraid that Mr Rudd has got this completely wrong. Swindon Services are not responsible for providing the money for school meals
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Runners needed to enter the New York marathon
MENCAP, the UK's leading charity for children and adults with a learning disability, is looking for runners to take part in the New York City Marathon in November, 2004. This is an experience you will never forget. Your run will take you through all five
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It's not just pensioners who are angry over tax
It is not just thousands of pensioners who are incensed at the council tax rises of Swindon council. How are the citizens of Swindon meant to swallow these increases for yet another year when it is obvious that no substantial percentage of the increase
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All change on Swindon's platform four
HAVING looked at the photo of platform four of Swindon station what a transformation. I can remember when it was a fish dock. All Swindon's fish was loaded onto same, most of the fishmongers was Quality Ltd Wallis & Archers. I worked on Swindon station
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Music event was a success
ON Friday, February 27 I hosted Music Nite, a fundraising event at St John's School to raise money for my trip to India. I am going with a multi-national organisation called Teaching and Projects Abroad which has organised my travel, accommodation, my
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War memories
On May 24, 1941, the Royal Navy battle cruiser HMS Hood was sunk by the German battleship Bismarck 1,415 men were lost in this country's largest single-ship loss of the war. The HMS Hood Association wishes to create a photographic memorial to these men
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Much abuse
I WAS horrified to see that a recent investigation into one of Marks & Spencer's major duck suppliers uncovered shocking scenes of animal suffering. The filmed report by animal group Viva! found ducks crammed into dirty sheds in their thousands, dead
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Marketing to begin on cattle market site
GAZETTE & HERALD: NORTH Wiltshire District Council was obliged to take on outside consultants to help draw up a marketing brief for the livestock market site in Cocklebury Road, Chippenham, because of staff shortages. Coun Toby Sturgis said the council
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Keep it local
WHAT a strange world we're living in! St Peter's School in Devizes is short of pupils and the suggestion is to move the school across town to prospective pupils. In Rowde there's talk of moving the village school to a greenfield site because they have
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Family appalled at dentist's brush off
GAZETTE & HERALD: SPECIAL needs pupil JJ Angel has been removed from his dentist's patient list after an accident involving his father caused him to miss a check-up. John and Kerena Angel, parents of the 16-year-old, told how they were left shocked
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Trainer's life
I'M trying to gather together details of the life of the great Beckhampton trainer Fred Darling. I'm particularly interested in learning from anyone whose relatives worked for Darling and might be able to provide any recollections. If any reader would
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Don't let standards slide
I have just attended the consultation meeting in Devizes for maternity services. In Australia (where I'm from) these units are as scarce as hen's teeth. Occasionally when they do exist they are very small (they usually take only two families at a time
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Gambler's overdose probably accident
GAZETTE & HERALD: GAMBLER Michael Wickham died from an overdose of prescribed drugs leaving behind debts of £57,000, an inquest at Chippenham heard last week. But deputy assistant Wiltshire coroner Richard Van Oppen said there was no evidence to suggest
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Time for a new Magna Carta to protect us
I READ with amazement that Kennet District Council have billed Marlborough's 800th anniversary organisers £8,700 for road closures (Gazette, March 4). The celebrations by the community will reflect the town and its fascinating history. The 800th anniversary
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Good job Jeeves
GAZETTE & HERALD: BY Jeeves, what a wonderful pad! Jon and Sally Jeeves, who spent a year-and-a-half and £142,000 renovating a derelict dairy, have been crowned winners in the housebuilders' equivalent of the Oscars. The couple from Leigh Delemere
