Archive
-
Date
Lackham students dig for second victory
CHIPPENHAM NEWS: GREEN fingered students are hoping to successfully defend their crown at a national gardening competition. Lackham College pupil Ruth Collins is among 10 of the best gardeners in the country taking part in the Students Garden Challenge
-
Date
Storm sends sewage pouring into shops
CHIPPENHAM NEWS: WATER bosses are trying to discover why shops on Chippenham High Street were flooded by sewage. A river of raw sewage affected seven shops and fabric shop Roseby's will be closed for over three weeks to undergo a refit. On Sunday experts
-
Date
Swindon face crunch battle against leaders
Swindon face their biggest game of the season when they face league leaders Biddestone at the County Ground in Glos/Wilts Division 2. The league is still wide open and a win for either side will put them in the driving seat for promotion with the season
-
Date
Plan to share
CHIPPENHAM NEWS: A CORSHAM councillor has challenged his colleagues to start car sharing. The results of a car parking survey of businesses in Corsham town centre were discussed at a meeting of the transport working group at the end of July. Corsham town
-
Date
Leisure specialist awarded 10-year contract
TEAM Leisure is celebrating winning a ten-year contract from Sandy Balls Holiday Centre, near Fordingbridge, to manage and operate its family fun centre. Team Leisure specialises in the design and operation of amusement arcades and leisure activity centres
-
Date
Manufacturer ready for big expansion
MAHLE Filter Systems UK, of High Post, which was given the go-ahead by Salisbury district council to expand its manufacturing operation last month, will create 50 new jobs as part of the scheme. Mahle, which specialises in the production of air, oil and
-
Date
Police warn of internet scam
WILTSHIRE Police are warning firms in the county to be on their guard if contacted by a company offering to register their web address. A Wiltshire firm was contacted earlier this month by a company offering to register its domain name, or web address
-
Date
'I've been to London to meet the Queen'
A WOMAN who works at an award-winning Melksham company won a ballot to visit the Queen. Julie Abbott, 44, who works for Checkmate UK Ltd, said it was "just wonderful" when her name was picked out of a hat, meaning she would represent the company at Buckingham
-
Date
Firm expansion
FROZEN food giant Lyons Seafoods looks set to get approval for revised plans to transform its Warminster base. West Wiltshire District Council gave the company permission to develop the land next its Fairfield Road premises in March. Lyons hopes to double
-
Date
Pervert faces new charges
A SWIMMING coach jailed for a string of sex assaults on a 13-year-old girl faces fresh charges of producing indecent photos of children. Stephen Hartley, formerly of Hawkeridge Park, Westbury, appeared before Chippenham magistrates on Friday charged with
-
Date
Fairytale fun
Darcey Bradley, fiveWESTBURY Library went puppet crazy on Saturday as children and their parents created their own fairies. Ten families took part in the two-hour session led by artist and storyteller Kathy Kelly in what was a new venture for the library
-
Date
Searle targets a trip to Lord's
WILTSHIRE warmed up for Sunday's Minor Counties Knockout Trophy semi-final with a nine wicket championship win over Shropshire on Tuesday. Shropshire went into the match at Corsham in second place in the Western Division and unbeaten all season but an
-
Date
Bradley claim cup win
NORTH Bradley lifted the Wessex Midweek League knockout cup after a dramatic last ball victory against Westbury at Trowbridge cricket club. In a match that was delayed 30 minutes due to the Wiltshire's Air Ambulance landing on the pitch after a nearby
-
Date
Skipper confident after sixth victory
WARMINSTER put themselves in pole position in the race for promotion on Saturday with a comprehensive seven-wicket win at home to title rivals Stroud. Their sixth win in a row saw them leapfrog their opponents and second placed Redmarley to the top of
-
Date
Burger lifts gloom at County Ground
CORNELIUS Burger helped Trowbridge to a vital 58-run win at home to fellow strugglers Goatacre on Saturday, but they are still two victories away from guaranteeing Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Division One safety. The South African all-rounder scored
-
Date
Skipper baffled by inconsistent form
CORSHAM captain Neil Shardlow is at a loss to explain his side's stuttering season after Saturday's four-wicket defeat at Taunton. Corsham have been unable to string together a good run of results this season and again, after a good result at home to
-
Date
Bates happy after a hat-trick of wins
CHIPPENHAM captain Richard Bates hailed his side after their six-wicket win at Ilminster made it three consecutive victories. Just a few weeks ago Chippenham were flirting dangerously with relegation from West of England Premier Division Two but a resurgence
-
Date
Leaders canter to ten wicket victory
DIVISION Seven leaders Trowbridge A made light work of Bath Civil Service 2nds' challenge as they bowled them out for 62. Ron Bathe (28) top scored while Dirk Kemp took 3-18 and Stephen Chalk 3-25. Dave Gibson (26 not out) and Steve Neate (27 not out)
-
Date
Storey books the win for Beanacre
BEANACRE won for only the second time and although they are still rooted to the foot of the Division Two table their win has dragged their opponents Seagry down to ninth, two points adrift of Burbage. Seagry made a useful 222-3, with Alex Farraday contributing
-
Date
Bassett victory over leaders opens door for Rodbourne Cheney
Wootton Bassett A upset Cricklade, leaders of Division One of the Swindon & District Four Rink League, running out narrow 78-72 winners. The leaders picked up four points for winning on two rinks, but the defeat left Rodbourne Cheney in the driving
-
Date
It's strictly for the birds
BEANACRE cricket captain Andy Footner had enough trouble with a duck on Saturday, without having to worry about a swan. Beanacre's Wiltshire League match against Seagry had to be halted several times to clear the invader off the pitch before the RSPCA
-
Date
Health forum
A MELKSHAM-based health partnership forum has this week launched its own website. The Health Advocacy Partner-ship is a not-for-profit company formed to support the recently established patient and public involvement in health forums (PPIF). The forums
-
Date
Houses objections
ANGRY residents turned out in force on Monday to protest against a plan to build four new houses next to their Melksham homes. People living in Addison Road and Southbrook Road spoke out at a meeting of Melksham Town Council. They are worried if a planning
-
Date
Arrests of organised crime ring
THE sharp eyes of a Melksham police officer may have brought an end to an organised crime ring. PC Mark Wallace spotted a van police had been trying to trace in connection with an incident at Sainsbury's, in Chippenham, parked at the supermarket's Melksham
-
Date
Flats get green light
CONTROVERSIAL plans for seven more new flats on land off Peel Close in Verwood have been given the go-ahead by East Dorset district council. The planning committee agreed to the application from Bloor Holdings despite angry protests from Verwood town
-
Date
Guild keeps up tradition with anniversary show
28546/2AN exhibition of traditional spinning, weaving and dyeing has gone on display in Lacock. To celebrate 40 years of the Wiltshire Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers a four-day interactive museum is being held at Lacock village hall. The show includes
-
Date
Fete and flowers at Seend
A FANCY dress parade will kick off festivities in Seend tomorrow as the village holds its 55th annual flower show and the summer fete. The Westerners show team will recreate scenes for the old Wild West, the Bassett Allsorts dog teams will demonstrate
-
Date
Project's planning wrangle
A NURSERY project in Melksham has won the support of town councillors in an attempt to sort out a planning wrangle in time for it to open in September. Building work on the new neighbourhood nursery, next to Lowbourne Infants School, is well under way
-
Date
Visitors recall bygone days
Charlie Hathaway with an old cider jar, from Withers of Fordingbridge, on his stand. DA6129P10TIME slipped back more than half-a-century in a small part of the New Forest last weekend, bringing back memories and creating an air of nostalgia. The village
-
Date
Anger at 'atrocious' out-of-hours GP service
A SICK pensioner in Ringwood was left waiting five and-a-half hours with breathing difficulties before being seen by a doctor from Blackpool. The doctor was covering the new out-of-hours service in Ringwood and Fordingbridge and made a 520-mile round
-
Date
Hundreds in the running
AUGUST 13: INTEREST in the Swindon Half Marathon is spreading beyond the county. The 13-mile run, hosted by the Evening Advertiser, Swindon Council and Nationwide Building Society, takes place on Sunday, October 17. There will also be a 4.3-mile fun run
-
Date
Treatment centre plan in pipeline
MELKSHAM Hospital could be in line for a new diagnostic centre that would mean some patients would not have to travel to Bath for minor procedures. West Wiltshire Primary Care Trust is carrying out a review of all health services in the district and,
-
Date
Man Friday
Garry Whitaker, Age 37, working for Halcrow Group, Burderop Park, Wroughton. SO WHAT DO YOU ACTUALLY DO?: I'm responsible for the company's external communications. WHAT DO YOU HATE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB AND WHY?: Emails I get so many! I'm really keen that
-
Date
Register or pay the fine
A BUSINESS group is warning all new companies to make sure they register quickly with the Inland Revenue or face an automatic fine. The Forum of Private Busi-ness is warning all firms whether sole traders, partner-ships or limited companies to ensure
-
Date
Groups will work as one
Volunteer groups in west and north Wiltshire have joined forces to ensure the restoration of a former waterway. Members of the newly-formed Melksham, Chippenham and Calne branch of the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust have agreed to concentrate their efforts
-
Date
Untaxed vehicles targeted
A CRACKDOWN on untaxed vehicles has been extended throughout west Wiltshire. The project to tackle abandoned and unlicensed vehicles began in the Studley Green and Broadmead areas of Trowbridge in February. Its initial success means the scheme has now
-
Date
Ranger for open spaces
A NEW ranger has been appointed to look after some of west Wiltshire's best-loved countryside. Leo Wirtz, senior countryside ranger, is responsible for managing and improving Barton Farm Country Park in Bradford on Avon and the Bratton Camp open space
-
Date
Search begins for the county's bonniest baby
Today we celebrate the launch of Baby of the Year 2004. Every year hundreds of beautiful babies have their photographs taken and our readers vote on who they want to crown Wiltshire's bonniest. This year we are working in association with The Shires shopping
-
Date
Shake-up at council as new cabinet is announced
A NEW-LOOK cabinet at West Wiltshire District Council has been unveiled prompting fears of a Tory takeover. Six of the eight cabinet posts are now held by Conservative councillors, despite the party holding only a one-seat advantage. Leader Tony Phillips
-
Date
Force takes diesel option
WILTSHIRE police has become the first force in the UK to select a diesel model as a rapid response car. The force has chosen the Honda Accord Tourer I-CTDi as part of an attempt to extend the force's use of diesel vehicles. Steve Botham, force fleet and
-
Date
Only promotion will do this time
WESTBURY United manager Derek Graham believes promotion is a must this season as his side prepare for their Screwfix League Division one opener at home to Ilfracombe. After a dramatic collapse at the end of the last campaign saw them slip from the top
-
Date
Longleat halt sex website
LONGLEAT has been removed from a website advertising spots where strangers can meet for lurid sexual encounters known as 'dogging'. The stately home near Warminster was listed among 21 UK beauty spots favoured for the late night practice brought into
-
Date
Call to scrap car charges
TWO Warminster traders say the introduction of car parking charges has backfired and are calling for them to be scrapped. Mark Brassington and Jacqui Cawston, who run Jacqueline's Restaurant and Tea Rooms, wrote to West Wiltshire District Council and
-
Date
United win the race to sign Burns
AFTER weeks of uncertainty Lee Burns has finally decided on his future and signed for Westbury United. The former Chippenham Town captain has been in demand ever since he quit Odd Down but this week he committed himself to Westbury to bolster their Screwfix
-
Date
Councillor hits back after row
CONTROVERSY continued to plague Warminster Town Council planning committee on Monday with one member claiming his absent colleagues had let the public down. At the previous meeting two weeks earlier Cllr Andrew Davis stormed out of the council chamber
-
Date
Firm expansion
FROZEN food giant Lyons Seafoods looks set to get approval for revised plans to transform its Warminster base. West Wiltshire District Council gave the company permission to develop the land next its Fairfield Road premises in March. Lyons hopes to double
-
Date
Webb hits the mark to complete Town move
ALAN Webb celebrated sealing a move to Corsham Town on Saturday with the decisive goal in their 2-0 win at home to Swindon Supermarine. The former Purton striker scored his second goal in two pre-season matches after Dave Kilmurray had given the hosts
-
Date
Corsham Centre remain six-a-side kings
CORSHAM Centre claimed the Ken Clarke Memorial six-a-side title for the second successive season at West Lavington on Sunday. They showed their dominance as six-a-side specialists as their A and B sides battled it out in the final, with the A team lifting
-
Date
New boy Rob sets target of 30 goals
ROB Ivermee is gunning for the 30-goal mark this season as he attempts to fire a new look Melksham Town up the Screwfix League Premier Division table. The former Bemerton Heath Harlequins striker has started his career at Melksham in blistering fashion
-
Date
Surgery on move
PLANS to move a Warminster doctors' surgery to the town's community hospital took a step forward on Monday night. Smallbrook Surgery, which cares for over 3,000 patients at its base in Boreham Road, is due to transfer to the hospital from October. The
-
Date
Top striker will miss first game of season
BRADFORD Town boss Mark Hodkinson believes tomorrow's Wiltshire Premier League opener at Stratton is vital for their promotion hopes. Despite being the first game of the season, Hodkinson has targeted Stratton as one of their main challengers and believes
-
Date
Soldiers get messages from home
BLACK Watch soldiers serving in Iraq this week received a morale-boosting radio broadcast from their families in Warminster. Messages from their loved ones were aired on British Forces Broadcasting Services Radio on Sunday after producer Charlotte Cross
-
Date
Mum has winning recipe
28547/2A BABY food recipe devised by Warminster mum Marta de Oliveira is to be stocked in supermarkets all over the country. The mother-of-two's Pumpkin and Lamb Dinner recipe has won a Heinz competition to find the best home-made baby creations. Miss
-
Date
Another biker is killed on the A36
A MOTORCYCLIST was killed on the A36 near Warminster in a smash police have called one of the most harrowing. John Laurence, 43, from Stoke Gifford, Bristol, died instantly when his Ducati was involved in a head-on collision with a Vauxhall Frontera,
-
Date
Horror plunge as balcony collapses
A MAN fell 12ft after a balcony rail gave way at a Warminster shopping centre. John Symons, a van driver, had to be airlifted to Salisbury District Hospital on Monday after suffering three fractured vertebrae in the accident at the Three Horseshoes Mall
-
Date
I was left for dead
WILTSHIRE TIMES EXCLUSIVE: STAB victim Matthew Tee has spoken for the first time about the savage bottle attack that almost killed him. Mr Tee, 29, could have bled to death from deep slash and stab wounds to his hand, arm, chest and head inflicted in
-
Date
Planning boss has own bid turned down
THE chairman of a council planning committee has had his own planning application rejected. Cllr Jocelyn Feilding, who has been chairman of Bradford on Avon Town Council's planning committee for about three years, hopes to build a terrace with a fountain
-
Date
Museum 'too small' for relics
A LARGER museum site is needed in Bradford on Avon to display larger exhibits and attract more visitors, according to the chairman of the museum society. Mervyn Harris believes more visitors would be attracted if there was more space to display in the
-
Date
Twin towns celebrate 35-year friendship
15659VISITORS from Bradford on Avon's German twin town arrived to celebrate 35 years since the charter was signed linking the two towns. Nearly 50 people came from Norden, a remote town in the north west of Germany, on Thursday. Bradford's mayor, Vicky
-
Date
September dates for services
AS a result of you being supplied with the incorrect information, your article headlined Bells to ring at St Giles (Wiltshire Times July 30) states that a service will be held in Imber Church on August 15. This, in fact, is not the case, and I would like
-
Date
Knitters are so grateful
THANK you for publishing my appeal for knitting wool for Operation Christmas Child. The response has been fantastic up to Sunday evening 21 calls, and I am still going round collecting. This will keep our knitters going for a long time, which we needed
-
Date
Children's play area would be such a wise investment
I AM writing in response to the letter regarding the home zone in College Road/Beech Grove. My father-in-law lives adjacent to the play area and I have noticed the decline. The fact that it can't be safe for children with all the cars that drive through
-
Date
Pledging support for the smokers
I'm fed up with these anti-smoking do-gooders, all those who complain no doubt are car owners. What I say to them is get rid of your cars and buy a bicycle or an electric vehicle. Some days going in to town the fumes that are emitted from your vehicles
-
Date
Town centre is dying out
IN the first quarter of 2000 we wrote to the town and district councils forecasting that shops would close in Warminster due to the proposed parking charges being implanted on April 1 2002. An auspicious date? Well, just over two years later there are
-
Date
Appeal for boycott
PEOPLE of Trowbridge and surrounding districts, we (the old age pensioners) need you to support us against the tyranny of Tesco who are buying up small stores all over the country and then closing the small post offices within. These small post offices
-
Date
Shopper's faith in humanity restored
I WAS spending the afternoon with my daughter and grandchildren, we are from Bristol, and decided to do a little afternoon shopping in Chippenham. We sat down on a bench opposite Dixons for a rest. From there we went on to do more shopping, and soon realised
-
Date
Ghosts of the past resurface in play
UNTIL SEPTEMBER 4 2004, BATH: One of Noel Coward's best-loved comedies, Blithe Spirit, starring Penelope Keith and double Olivier award winner Joanna Riding opens at the Theatre Royal Bath next week as part of The Peter Hall Company 2004 season. This
-
Date
Rogue builder is spared jail term
Ref. 9687-2A ROGUE builder who took cash deposits from potential clients and never carried out the required work has escaped jail. Former Salvation Army officer Brian Timbrell, 63, of Oakford Walk, Walcot, appeared for sentence at Oxford Crown Court yesterday
-
Date
Ferreting around for his family
Ref. 71722-42VETS at Thameswood Small Animal Hospital are ferreting around trying to find a home for their new furry friend. Nicknamed Frodo by practice nurses, the albino ferret was first seen in a road near the practice in Purton Road, Moredon, last
-
Date
And the wards came tumbling down
Ref. 71739-3ONE of Swindon's most distinctive landmarks is no more. Princess Margaret Hospital's foundation stone was laid in May 1957 by the royal whose name it bore. Having served thousands of Swindonians, it closed its doors at 7am on December 3, 2002
-
Date
Banned a week after test
A YOUNG motorist from Trowbridge was caught drink-driving just seven days after passing his test. Daniel Mercer, 21, was handed a 16-month driving ban by magistrates after police stopped his Vauxhall Nova in Trowbridge town centre. Magistrates in Chippenham
-
Date
Council's bid to ban A boards
ADVERTISING boards on the streets of Trowbridge could be a thing of the past if councillors vote for a ban. Some town councillors are calling for a total ban of advertising boards on the town's streets, because of their hindrance to wheelchair users,
-
Date
Road shut to repair drainage
FLOODING on a village road between Holt and Staverton could be a thing of the past if roadworks to repair drainage have the desired effect. The B3107, between Holt and Staverton causeway, a regular casualty of flooding, is shut until the end of August
-
Date
Another setback for shops plan
A DEVELOPER'S bid to build more shops on a Trowbridge housing estate has been scuppered for a second time. Marshgate wants to add three shops to the existing village centre on Paxcroft Mead, but the project has stalled again, despite council planning
-
Date
Aussie Mick reads from his Big Book
15648/2POETRY lovers of all ages were entertained by Wiltshire's Australian poet, Mick Leigh, at the mobile library in Holt on Saturday. Mr Leigh, wearing his Aboriginal hat, read about 10 poems from his new book The Big Book Of Bonza Poems. He said it
-
Date
Burglars steal antiques and jewels
TREASURED heirlooms, antiques and jewels worth thousands of pounds have been stolen from an elderly couple in Trowbridge. The couple, in their 80s, discovered burglars had looted their Hilperton Road home after returning from a weekend away. Burglars
-
Date
Club fears vendetta as vandalism continues
OFFICIALS at Trowbridge Town Football Club could bring in police to investigate whether someone is waging a vendetta against their Woodmarsh ground. Steel bolts were loosened on a covered stand being built on the North Bradley site, prompting fears the
-
Date
Walk to see creatures great and small
15660WILDLIFE lovers in Trowbridge were treated to two walks geared at showing-off the wealth of species living in the county town. A bat and moth walk was held on Friday night with a dragonfly hunt in Biss Meadows the next day. Frank Lowe, a local moth
-
Date
OAP calls for people power as she plans Tesco boycott
28543/1A PENSIONER is rallying support for a one-day boycott of Tesco's Trowbridge store in protest at the supermarket chain's plans to close two west Wiltshire post offices. Diana Griggs, 71, has organised a boycott of the County Way supermarket on Monday
-
Date
Title favourites Stratton face Bradford in match of the day
MATCH of the day on the first day of the Plaister Autos Wiltshire League tomorrow could well be at the Premier Club, where last season's Premier Division runners-up, AFC Stratton, entertain Bradford Town, writes RAY BURROUGHS. Bradford were the Premier
-
Date
Nobby's boys set to make club history
CORSHAM Town make the long trek to Torrington for their first ever Screwfix League Premier Division fixture. Manager Nobby Bush said: "This is an historical weekend for the football club and I hope we produce a performance to live up to it. "We've had
-
Date
Ciren embark on Premier adventure
CIRENCESTER TOWN begin life in a new division with an equally new mentality. Brian Hughes' Centurions enter the top flight of the Southern League with a reputation for free-flowing, attacking football. But Ciren fans looking forward to another abundance
-
Date
Adventurous leaders wanted
ADULTS with a keen sense of adventure are needed to help run Highworth Scouts. The pack needs leaders who are able to start when meetings are resumed in Septem-ber. Camping, sailing, canoeing and trekking are just a few activities helpers get to enjoy
-
Date
Care home manager and son remanded on bail
THE former manager of a care home and her son have been remanded on bail charged with fraud and deception offences. Anne Watton, 62, of Queen Elizabeth Road, Cirencester, and her 41-year-old son David, of Ashfield, Ashton Keynes, were told by Cheltenham
-
Date
Streetwise GPs sought
HEALTH bosses are to be given access to a £9 million cash pot to recruit NHS staff from working-class backgrounds. And Wiltshire has been chosen to spearhead one of nine country-wide schemes. The Government under pressure to improve the NHS is anxious
-
Date
Hundreds in the running
INTEREST in the Swindon Half Marathon is spreading beyond the county. The 13-mile run, hosted by the Evening Advertiser, Swindon Council and Nationwide Building Society, takes place on Sunday, October 17. There will also be a 4.3-mile fun run and a two-mile
-
Date
Village enjoys an open day
Visitors are invited to discover a picturesque village at Coleshill open day. Various activities are being organised, including guided walks, open gardens, tractor rides and art and craft displays. Admission to the village, near Highworth, is free and
-
Date
Man took pictures up the skirts of shoppers
A MAN was arrested after he was was spotted taking pictures up women's skirts in a supermarket. Staff at the Asda store in West Swindon detained the man after CCTV footage showed him sneaking up to female shoppers and poking a camera phone under their
-
Date
Something on offer for everyone at Steam museum
Over the next few months, Swindon's Steam Museum will be hosting a large number of topical events. Starting on August 21 and running every fortnight until November 20, the museum is giving people the chance to meet the previous employees of the GWR railway
-
Date
Unfair criticism
I WOULD like to say a big thank you to Mr Waddel, his surgical team and all the nurses in the day surgery department. My mother had surgery on Friday, August 6. She was treated with the utmost care and respect by everyone she met that day and nothing
-
Date
Keep streets clear
I would like to suggest that Tony Foss direct his wardens to spend less time in car parks and concentrate more on the less lucrative but surely more important task of keeping traffic flowing in Swindon. Commercial Road seems as congested as it ever was
-
Date
Violence in schools
THROUGHOUT the whole country there have been 13,000 schoolchildren suspended for violent attacks on other pupils, and there were 4,000 schoolchildren suspended for attacks on adults in the schools. Clearly across the country there is a serious problem
-
Date
Don't keep vilifying Ron over his mistake
POOR Ron Atkinson, vilified for a mistake in making an off the cuff remark that he thought was private, and on finding it was not so private, losing his job and now an attempt to stop his after dinner speeches slot as well. I have news for the so politically
-
Date
Teams and fixtures
TEAMS Swindon 1st v Biddestone home (meet club 12.30pm): John Baden, Darren Rourke, Matt Baker, Matt Barrett, Will Nichols, Antony Spencer, Andy Staff, Liam Tucker, Roger Willoughby, Mark Watts, Mo Zohaib. Scorer I Titcombe. 2nd v Dumbleton away (meet
-
Date
Beauty tips from an expert
Sarah Third with make-up artist Joseph. DA6099P3 When an internationally-renowned make-up artist arrived in town to hand out the star treatment, Lesley Bates was on hand to measure the results. INTERNATIONAL make-up artist Joseph is the man responsible
-
Date
Big Headache
SEAN O'Hanlon is a major doubt for tomorrow's encounter with the Milton Keynes Dons, leaving manager Andy King with a thoroughly decimated back line. The former Everton man will be given a very late fitness test after picking up a dead leg during Wednesday
-
Date
Tarmac bid is facing the axe
CHIPPENHAM NEWS: A DECISION to replace a paving stone surface in historic Corsham town centre with tarmac in a road safety scheme may be reversed. Work began at the end of May to improve the zebra crossing and widen footways in Pickwick Road, Corsham,
-
Date
£14K CSA blunder
28549/2CHIPPENHAM NEWS EXCLUSIVE: A FATHER-OF-TWO has been billed more than £14,000 for the upkeep of a child he has spent four years proving is not his. Stephen Hall, 37, of Tellcroft Close, Corsham, took a DNA test last year that showed with 98.9 per
-
Date
Wheelie bins come at a price
THOUSANDS of households promised new wheelie bins are being hit with a £25 bill. Over the past 10 months bins have been delivered to 53,000 homes throughout north Wiltshire to replace black bag collection. An advice package sent to homes across the region
-
Date
Manager facing selection poser
CHIPPENHAM Town boss Steve White faces some difficult decisions today ahead of his side's opening Southern League Premier Division match at Dunstable Town tomorrow. Last night's training session was his last chance to cast an eye over the summer trialists
-
Date
It's a big job for a small squad
THE depth of Steve White's squad this season will be tested early on as the Bluebirds face six matches in the next 16 days. The Chippenham boss has already admitted fears about his squad being too small and the tough start could make these fears a reality
-
Date
Law limits disposal of hazardous wastes
THE Environment Agency is urging businesses that create hazardous waste to consider the impact of new legislation governing the disposal of such material. It is also reminding them of their obligation to handle waste safely and responsibly and only give
-
Date
Awards focus on women
NOMINATIONS are now being sought for the NatWest everywoman Awards, 2004. The awards, now in their second year, celebrate the successes of the UK's one million businesses owned by women. They are designed to highlight the efforts and achievements of all
-
Date
Accountants given support
THE Institute of Chartered Accountants has launched Young Professionals to support chartered accountants in the years immediately after qualification. Andrew Baigent, chairman of the institute's younger members' focus group, said it "will bring real benefits
-
Date
Rapid growth continues
AN ESTATE agency that was established in Salisbury only two years ago has grown so quickly it has moved to larger premises. Bassets Sales and Lettings began life next to the Gala bingo club, on the corner of Endless Street and Chipper Lane, and earlier
-
Date
Attic find reveals village's past secrets
28531Pensioner Keith War- burton discovered a 100 year old guide to the village while clearing out his late father-in-law's possessions. The book, entitled Beauties of Bratton, was published in 1906 and is written almost entirely in poetry. Written by
-
Date
Wish yule were here
Santa shapes up ready for a busy DecemberSANTA is continuing to bombard a Bratton pub with postcards from his travels around the globe. Pictures of the model Father Christmas, who disappeared from The Duke after a New Year's Eve party, are reaching the
-
Date
Blood tests may help protesters halt trial
CAMPAIGNERS looking to stop a Westbury cement works burning waste products are urging residents to have their blood tested for toxic chemicals. Lafarge Cement is due to begin a six-month trial burning recycled liquid fuel (RLF) next year and maintain
-
Date
Dad puts his son on the right track
15645A FATHER and son from Trowbridge are hoping to head in the right direction with the launch of a new sign-making business. Greg Suggitt, 47, a comedian and singer, is giving his 22-year-old son Gregory a helping hand with the launch of Unique Sign'z
-
Date
It's full steam ahead for Fat Controller
13794/2POSSIBLY the first-ever private train service in the country is on line to start in the New Year after Pewsey businessman Rory Webster received an encouraging reaction from local commuters. Mr Webster has now set an expected start date of January
-
Date
White Horse in the final line-up
WESTBURY'S White Horse has made it to the short-list in the search for Wiltshire's favourite heritage landmark. Twelve sites are battling to be the people's choice as the winner of the Window on Wiltshire's Heritage poll. The poll was launched in 2002
-
Date
In-form More misses out on a century
WINSLEY crashed to a six-wicket defeat at Portishead on Saturday despite the best efforts of their Indian all rounder Kunal More. More, who has been enjoying a prolific season with the bat, scored more than half his side's runs, finishing on 94 not out
-
Date
Village side back on top
OPPORTUNISTIC fielding by Biddestone's Mike Lodder secured an eight run win at home to Wootton Bassett on Saturday as they regained their top spot in the Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Division Two. Having won promotion from the Wiltshire League last season
-
Date
Breet eyes a place in top three
JOE Breet scored an unbeaten 98 to steer Westbury to a four wicket win at Hanham on Saturday and keep alive their hopes of a top three finish. The Westbury captain kept his head at a time when his fellow batsmen had lost theirs in pursuit of the 184 run
-
Date
Cherhill shot out for just 50
DIVISION Three leaders Avebury struggled for runs at home to Cherhill and had Andrew Blake (36) and Greg Dix (26) to thank as they reached 149-8 with Les Welling taking 3-25 in 15 accurate overs. When Cherhill batted they had no answer to Rob Gater who
-
Date
Gas firm causes gridlock
ROADworks are causing chaos in Melksham town centre as temporary traffic lights lead to gridlock in the streets. Town councillor Vic Oakman this week condemned the decision to undertake several major road projects in the town during the busy summer months
-
Date
Appeal lodged after bird of prey plan turned down
GILES Talbot, the owner of the former New Forest Owl Sanctuary, has lodged an appeal against the planning decision made last month by New Forest district council. The council's planning development control committee voted against the application made
-
Date
Brush with power lines kills vulture
A TANZANIAN white-back vulture met an untimely death in Bransgore last week, after soaring high on thermals and coming to land on power lines. Falconers from the bird of prey centre, near Ringwood (formerly the New Forest owl sanctuary), were flying Steptoe
-
Date
Children enjoy helping those less fortunate
28545/2CHILDREN at a Melksham nursery have been doing their bit to help youngsters in India get an education. Pupils at Snapdragons Nursery each paid £1 to take part in a different activity every day this week to help expand the Tulsi Shisu Mander School
-
Date
No help for officer as he is attacked
THE cries for help from a police officer under attack from a suspected shoplifter in Melksham were ignored by passers-by. PC Oliver Rudland was trying to arrest a 14-year-old outside Clinton Cards, at the Avon Place precinct on Tuesday, when the youth
-
Date
Treatment centre plan in pipeline
MELKSHAM Hospital could be in line for a new diagnostic centre that would mean some patients would not have to travel to Bath for minor procedures. West Wiltshire Primary Care Trust is carrying out a review of all health services in the district and,
-
Date
Alcohol seized by officers
POLICE confiscated over 30 bottles and cans of alcohol from teenagers who are too young to drink in Melksham on Friday. The group of about eight youngsters were drinking in a field behind Cornflower Way at about 9pm when they were challenged by officers
-
Date
Horses reign supreme at show
Noelia Aragon, with Bernard and Juame Monzo. DA6116P6THIRTY magnificent horses became stars last week as the European touring equestrian show, Spirit of the Horse, delighted audiences in a specially adapted outdoor theatre at Somerley Estate, near Ringwood
-
Date
Man receives praise for dedicated work
Councillor Steve Bailey, with some of the skateboarding crew at the newly opened Phobia skatepark, Fordingbridge. DA6121P02ONE man's dedication to providing new facilities for youngsters in Fordingbridge has received unbridled praise. With the opening
-
Date
Gang goes on rampage in a forklift truck
28536VANDALS have caused up to £20,000 of damage after going on the rampage in a forklift truck on a Melksham building site. Police were called to the new Westinghouse Brakes factory, at the Bowerhill Industrial Estate, on Sunday afternoon after reports
-
Date
Celebrations as skatepark is opened
Action at the Phobia skatepark, which is now open for business in Fordingbridge recreation ground. DA6121P04SKATERS in Fordingbridge are riding high after their new state-of-the-art skatepark is finally opened. The Phobia Skatepark, in the recreation
-
Date
Race on to find fastest growing firms
THE search is on for the fastest-growing com-panies in Swindon and the South West. The Technology Fast 50 is compiled annually by business advisers Deloitte. Last year the South West had one of the country's highest levels of quick-growing companies,
-
Date
New guide aims to help parents back into work
Ref. 71741-87 Bridging the gap . . . branch manager Claire Bishop-Apsey and consultants Andrea Rains and Linda AkehurstA NEW guide aims to help parents who have taken a long family break to get back into work. To take the edge of what can be a daunting
-
Date
Calling former Cornish flyers
RAF St Eval was situated about nine miles from Newquay, along the rugged Cornish coastline, and became operational in 1939, with the arrival of 217 squadron which had Anson aircraft, and soon became the largest Coastal Command station. It remained a busy
-
Date
Carers' rights
CARERS in west Wiltshire are celebrating a new Act of Parliament aiming to improve their rights. The Carers (Equal Opport- unities) Act, which will come into force in April next year, means carers will have to be told about their rights and have more
-
Date
Team's success
THE Wiltshire probation area has leapt up the national ratings to 13th out of 42 areas. The probation team has been named the most improved in England and Wales during 2003/4. Diana Fulbrook, chief officer for Wiltshire probation area, said: "Everyone
-
Date
Changes to housing register
PEOPLE on the housing register are to get more choice in where they live. West Wiltshire District council is changing the way it operates its housing register to allow people to chose the home they want to live in, rather than just the area. Under the
-
Date
Help at the touch of a button
A MOBILE phone with a built-in panic button came to the rescue of a female car park enforcement officer who was under attack. The West Wiltshire District council employee was issuing a ticket in Church Street car park in Trowbridge when the car owner
-
Date
Drink a toast to latest fundraiser
Organiser Debbie FoxROMANTIC couples from around Wiltshire will soon have the chance to relive the happiest day of their lives and raise money for the Wiltshire Times 150 Fund at the same time. The Wedding Summer Ball at Trowbridge Civic Hall next month
-
Date
New camera aims to put brakes on speeding drivers
15652A NEW mobile speed camera mounted on a motorbike has caught nearly 1,000 motorists in just 38 hours on Wiltshire's roads. The camera, which is catching up to 50 speeding drivers a day, has attracted criticism from motoring groups as being a money-making
-
Date
City move in for Town starlets
TROWBRIDGE Town's pre-season preparations have been disrupted by the loss of four of their young players to Bath City Youth. Adam Shackell, Matt Minnus, Lee Burke and Dan Shanley have all decided to try and further their career at Twerton Park but Trowbridge
-
Date
Late arrivals boost newcomers
GARY Skidmore believes he has a stronger squad now than he did last season, despite the loss of several key players. The Biddestone boss was in defiant mood ahead of tomorrow's trip to Dawlish, his side's first ever game in the Screwfix League, and insisted
-
Date
Nicholas swap upsets Bush
JACK Nicholas signed for Biddestone this week despite being issued with an ultimatum by his former Corsham Town boss, Colin Bush. Bush told the 17-year-old defender that if he signed Screwfix League forms for Biddestone he would not allow him to continue
-
Date
Let's get tough, says Highmore
KELVIN Highmore has demanded more mental toughness from his players this season in a bid to wipe out their customary Jekyll and Hyde performances. The Calne Town boss was continually frustrated last campaign by his side's inability to put together a good
-
Date
Calne Town 2, Wootton Bassett 0
GLENN Armstrong continued his good pre-season form with a brace on Saturday as Calne finished their warm-up schedule in style. The striker has now bagged six goals in six friendly matches and looks to have regained the form that made one of the league's
-
Date
Op for Colonel
AN ARMY colonel seriously injured in a road accident near Warminster has had an operation to reattach part of his arm. Paramedics had to amputate Col John Ibbotson's limb at the elbow at the scene of the crash between Longbridge Deverill and Maiden Bradley
-
Date
Harrison's bidding to make up lost time
JAMIE Harrison can't help thinking what might have been, but the midfielder will start this season with renewed determination after signing for Melksham Town. As Harrison was sealing the switch from Corsham Town this week, former team-mate Danny Coles
-
Date
Bid to tidy town centre
WARMINSTER town centre is looking very shabby and needs to attract new businesses, a group of traders has claimed. The newly formed Warminster Independent Traders Association believes one solution to the problem would be to appoint a town centre manager
-
Date
Red tape holds up Melksham's plans
MELKSHAM Town are facing a race against time to get their new Cameroon midfielder signed ready for tomorrow's Screwfix League Premier Division opener at Exmouth. Paulin Mbakop, who has played top flight football in Cameroon alongside former Chelsea star
-
Date
Staff in training for survival challenge
A TEAM of five Warminster Hospital workers are bracing themselves for the rigours of an SAS survival weekend. The health and social care staff are heading to Cumbria next month for a two-day challenge that will raise funds for the brain injury charity
-
Date
Request to remove altar cross
A PROPOSAL to remove the altar cross in a Saxon church has worried town councillors. The planning application by trustees of the Church of St Laurence, Bradford on Avon, a Grade I listed building, includes a request to remove a stone cross put above the
-
Date
Windows to be protected
A CHURCH will have metal guards on six of its windows if a planning application is accepted. The black-coated stainless steel window guards would be fixed on the windows of the Holy Trinity Church in Bradford on Avon to protect them against damage. Church
-
Date
Hunt after attempted break-in
A POSTMASTER is conducting his own search for witnesses after an attempted break-in at his post office. Bill Sherman, postmaster at Trowbridge Road Post Office, Bradford on Avon, said the intruders tried to break in during the early hours of the morning
-
Date
Atworth is the top village
ATWORTH has been named the best large village in Wiltshire in this year's Best Kept Village competition. The village beat off the competition from Colerne, Ramsbury and Whiteparish in the contest, organised by the Campaign to Protect Rural England and
-
Date
Town council by-elections
CANDIDATES have been nominated for town council by-elections in Trowbridge and Bradford on September 2. Three candidates have been nominated for each vacant seat. For the Trowbridge College ward seat, left vacant by the resignation of Steve Squires, Arthur
-
Date
Battle to perform in Barn
A TWO-YEAR battle with English Heritage has left a theatre group unable to use a 14th century venue. The Bradfordians Dramatic Society first used the Tithe Barn, in Bradford on Avon's Barton Park in 1998 for a production of The Merry Wives Of Windsor.
-
Date
Fully booked for festival
28539/2ABOUT 100 literary hopefuls have entered a competition as part of Bradford on Avon's seven-day book festival in September. The Bradford Book Bang has been organised by Roger and Hazel Jones, who own Ex Libris Bookshop. The couple, who have lived
-
Date
Mobile worries
Town councillors voiced disappointment over the poor condition of mobile classrooms at St Laurence School, Bradford on Avon. But councillors agreed they had to renew permission for the school to use them because otherwise there would be a shortage of
-
Date
Fight on to protect Gap from the developers
WHAT a crafty lot the planners at West Wiltshire District Council are. First it was called the Hilperton relief road and just going through the Gap fields and now suddenly it has become the Trowbridge relief road picking up the traffic from West Ashton
-
Date
Minority seems to rule
MANY people have expressed concern that Wiltshire council tax payers' interests are being sacrificed to those of Swindon with the proposal to relocate the record office. The county council is prepared to allow the minority partner, Swindon, to dictate
-
Date
Cinema - Catwoman (12A)
Judging by Catwoman's scathing reviews from the American critics, you could be forgiven for thinking that this action adventure, inspired by the DC Comics character of the same name, is the worst blockbuster of the year. In fact, King Arthur still proudly
-
Date
Band has sweet smell of success
AUGUST 14 2004, BATH: AFTER a very well received set at the Trowbridge Beach Party last weekend the Grand Rose Band will be wowing audiences at Moles Club, Bath tomorrow night. The four-piece all live in and around Bath and their influences include Bob
-
Date
Row led man to damage vehicles
A man who caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage to neighbours' cars after a row with his parents has been convicted of criminal damage. Michael Tkaczyk snapped wing mirrors and kicked the bodywork of vehicles parked close to his home in Old Town in
-
Date
Fun on the farm is a big hit with kids
Ref. 71720-51JUNK sculpture, games, story telling and campfire singing all had a common purpose on two special days at Lower Shaw Farm. They kept summer holiday boredom firmly at bay. And the Lower Shaw Farm Children's Project Autumn Activity Days were
-
Date
Come on, Ron
FOOTBALL pundit Ron Atkinson should come to Swindon Town, according to the results of the Advertiser's phone poll. When Swindon Town announced it had invited Big Ron to a sporting dinner earlier this week, anti-racism campaigners in the town were outraged
-
Date
Post offices set to close
THREE post offices in Swindon will shut by Christmas barring a miracle. Today, after weeks of speculation, the Evening Advertiser can reveal the branches earmarked for closure. They are: Ferndale Road, Oxford Road and Clifton Street. All three are expected
-
Date
The day our world collapsed
Ref. 30562-88In part two of our exclusive talk with the family of Amanda Edwards, her parents speak of the day their worst fears were confirmed. TINA CLARKE reports THE look on the face of the family liaison officer was enough to tell Lee Edwards that
-
Date
Dealers of death
Addicts in Swindon are being warned a batch of potentially fatal heroin may be on sale in the town. The contaminated drug identifiable by its orangey-pink colour has been mixed with the tranquilliser Valium, which greatly increases the risk of an overdose
-
Date
Firm to help council reach recycling goal
28528/2WASTE management firm Douston has boosted a pro-recycling campaign in west Wiltshire by moving to the county town. The Bristol-based company has opened a new depot in Riverway, Trowbridge, which will help West Wiltshire District Council meet its
-
Date
Spate of vehicle break-ins
A GANG of professional thieves could be responsible for a string of car break-ins across Trowbridge. Stereo equipment, CD players and a handbag were stolen from seven cars at the weekend and police believe the offences could be linked. Scene of crime
-
Date
Fire destroys boat in garage
Children raised the alarm when a fire broke out at a garage in Trowbridge. A boat stored in the garage in Newleaze, Hilperton, was destroyed in the blaze on Wednesday afternoon. Children playing close by saw smoke seeping from the garage door just after
-
Date
Bid to get fit for trek in wilderness
15643/06A CARER from Trowbridge who works with autistic adults is raising money for a five-day trek to Cuba to raise awareness of the condition. Teresa Hibbs, 22, of Gloucester Road, will fly to the Cuban wilderness in November to face a gruelling nine-hour-a-day
-
Date
82-year-old man to do parachute jump
AN 82-year-old man from Holt will jump 10,000ft out of a plane next Saturday to raise money for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, despite only being able to walk with the aid of crutches. Jeffrey Jones, of Bradley Lane, who walks with two crutches
-
Date
Activity treats for special youngsters
28542/2CHILDREN with special needs have been entertained in a two-week programme of events and activities in Trowbridge. West Wiltshire Special Needs Activity Scheme has been held at Walwayne Court Primary School for over sixes and Stepping Stones Infant
-
Date
Seaside feel to Tin Tots event
28530FACE painting and bouncy castles helped drive away the summertime blues as children flocked to a church fun day in Trowbridge. Tin Tots parent and toddler group, based in Hilperton, celebrated its second annual fun day at St Mary's Church on Monday
-
Date
Two injured in crash
15654/06A COACH firm owner is counting the cost after one of his vehicles was involved in a three-vehicle crash near Trowbridge. Two people suffered back and neck injuries in the crash near Southwick, on Satur-day, while the 50-year-old coach driver,
-
Date
All the fun of the seaside in a park
15649/11CROWDS made the most of the sunshine on Saturday when Trowbridge Park was transformed into the seaside for the third annual beach party. Nearly 3,000 people took advantage of the glorious weather to join in the fun. Steve Nash, Trowbridge Town
-
Date
Fight breaks out at town's beach party
VIOLENCE marred the third annual beach party in Trowbridge park as a brawl broke out just yards from families. A 51-year-old man suffered serious eye and facial injuries after allegedly being kneed in the face during the fight, which broke out close to
-
Date
I was left for dead
WILTSHIRE TIMES EXCLUSIVE: STAB victim Matthew Tee has spoken for the first time about the savage bottle attack that almost killed him. Mr Tee, 29, could have bled to death from deep slash and stab wounds to his hand, arm, chest and head inflicted in
-
Date
Three out for Marine's trip to Bedworth
SWINDON Supermarine boss Mark Collier has underlined the importance of making a good start in Division One West, but his preparations have been hit ahead of the opening game. Marine travel to Bedworth tomorrow, without a trio of key players so an already
-
Date
Fashion help at hand
People with disabilities who have difficulty finding clothes which both accommodate their disability and look stylish are invited to try a specialist service. Dressability, based at the Pinehurst People's Centre, is open by appointment on weekdays. It
-
Date
Money given to bus firms soars
THE cost of providing bus services in Swindon has soared by 70 per cent, Government figures have revealed. According to the Department for Transport, the council handed out £655,000 in 2002/2003 to private bus firms. During the previous year, 2001/2002
-
Date
Firm donates money to stop solvent abuse
Ref. 71444-29 Chris Harding and Emma Gilbert from Reckitt with Re-Solv director (centre) Warren HawksleyCLEANING product manufacturer Reckitt Benckiser has donated thousands of pounds to a charity which helps prevent substance abuse among young people
-
Date
A whole world of summer that's all year round
Ref. 71719-21SOME creatures love the summer, some prefer the winter and some never notice because it's warm all year round where they live. That is the case with the butterflies, moths and other exotic creatures at Studley Grange Butterfly World. Whether
-
Date
Police to get new powers of arrest
SWINDON police say new powers of arrest will be a vital tool in the fight against crime. The Home Office is proposing that all offences be made arrestable. As the law currently stands, police can only make an arrest where the crime carries a maximum penalty
-
Date
Day at the races was a winner for golden couple
Ref. 71717-31WHEN Jackie Dwyer was first introduced to her future husband as "our nipper" she didn't think she stood much chance of impressing him. But on Saturday Jackie and husband Joe will be celebrating 50 years of wedded bliss. The couple, of Lychett
-
Date
Driving licence age should be raised to 25
I REALLY do think the letter from Suzanne Blake, (EA Mon, Aug 2) was rather unfair. Please Suzanne, don't condemn all us elderly drivers because of one elderly lady's carelessness. I'm sure the majority of elderly drivers are compassionate, and courteous
-
Date
Easy to say wrong thing
WE object to Ron Atkinson's visit to Swindon. Well excuse me, who is the 'we'? Not me for sure. I care not if he comes to Swindon or not, so don't speak for me. For heavens sake protesters get off your racial high horse and stop making a career out of
