Archive
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Bravery award for officer
15888/2GAZETTE & HERALD: A POLICEMAN who jumped on the back of a mechanical digger being driven by a man determined to kill himself has been commended for his bravery. Sgt Martin Alvis, 40, of Grittleton, near Chippenham, received a certificate of
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Cricket appeal
Winterbourne Bassett Cricket Club are looking for new members. The team play in the Swindon & District Evening League on Thursdays and play friendlies to a good standard at weekends. Anyone interested in joining should contact club captain Ian Sharpe
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It's as you were
TOWN are aiming to net 4,000 season-ticket holders for the 2005-06 campaign after announcing a price freeze today. The club is clearly targeting those who pledge their money up front in a bid to generate vital summer revenue. Town are losing around £750,000
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Community spirit makes a dream come true
15854/1GAZETTE & HERALD: EIGHT-year-old Danielle Simpkins will finally get the specialist pushchair she needs thanks to Corsham's Green Ginger health food shop. Owners of the shop, based in the Martin Gate centre, took it upon themselves to raise
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Teenager beats Dad's polar record
GAZETTE & HERALD: ALICIA Hempleman-Adams is home safe and sound from a major expedition but only after her explorer father David, nearly mounted a rescue operation. Alicia's family at home in Box, were fearing the worst for four days when they hadn't
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Clean up your act
BUSINESSES and fast food outlets should lend a hand clearing up North Wiltshire's litter to improve the district's image, the Chippenham area committee says. Members of the North Wiltshire District Council committee took the opportunity of a review of
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We're so grateful for nursery's help
15892/1The world of autistic Oscar Blackler has been transformed by Springboard Nursery but his place is under threat as Zo Mills reports AN overwhelming sense of relief swept Greg and Katie Blackler when their treasured only child Oscar was diagnosed
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Who is the answer to our prayers?
NORTH Wiltshire's election hopefuls were put on the spot amid the splendour of Malmesbury Abbey on Monday evening. More than 70 people heard them delivere prepared answers to questions submitted in advance at the Question Time organised by Malmesbury's
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Few leads to dognappers
Paul and Debbie DowseTHE mystery of who kidnapped and demanded a ransom for the return of a china greyhound from a Pewsey pub has deepened. The 15 inch ornament was dognapped from behind the bar in the Greyhound pub on April 1. Paul and Debbie Dowse who
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Help at hand for students
STUDENTS at Pewsey Vale School and former pupils receiving further education can apply for cash grants to help with their studies. The grants are made annually by the Doreen King Foundation, set up by the late Mrs King, who chaired the governors at Pewsey
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Auctioneers say hello to telly's good buys
A NEW style of television antiques show has been filmed at Pewsey's auction rooms. Channel 4 has already run a successful pilot for a new series to be called Natural Born Dealers. Last week the recording team was at the Jubilee Auction Rooms run by David
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South African partnership
Plans to forge a partnership link between the people of Malmesbury and their South African counterparts have received a boost. Accompanied by his wife Margaret, Coun Ray Sanderson will visit the South African town of Malmesbury on April 27 for three days
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Trust's sums didn't add up
FEARS were raised by health bosses that anticipated savings would not materialise just six weeks after the decision was made to close Devizes and Malmesbury maternity units . The Gazette has obtained information from internal e-mails and reports released
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Royal reward for firm founded by inventor
15918/6SEEDS of success sown by farmer turned inventor Alvan Blanch, reaped a reward this week when the company he founded more than 50 years ago won a Queens Award. Today the crop processing firm, in Chelworth near Malmesbury, is run by his son Andrew
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Good neighbours rescue pensioner
15928/01Caring Malmesbury neighbours rushed to help pensioner Bill Poole when he collapsed to the ground with pneumonia. Neighbour Rachel Wilson discovered the 73-year-old in a heap near his home in St John's Street around 11.30am on April 11. The florist
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South Wilts get their man
SOUTH Wilts Cricket Club have landed a major coup, completing the signing of Western Australia left-handed batsman Chris Rogers. A gritty and determined top-order batsman, Rogers has scored almost 3,600 Pura Cup runs for Western Australia and, in recent
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Rates for detecting crimes are improving
Distraction burglaries in Wootton Bassett remain a police priority after annual figures have shown an increase in the number of cases where elderly residents have fallen prey to visiting conmen. A new report, presented to the town council by Wootton Bassett
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Surgery's heartfelt thanks
There's a new buzz in the air at Tinkers Lane Surgery after the donation of a quick start defibrillator by Wootton Bassett Rotary Club. The new machine replaces a much older and heavier one and its arrival has been met with excitement by the doctors and
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Councillors pin hopes on community facility
Community groups in Wootton Bassett could be set for a massive boost if hopes for a new community centre with better facilities and easier access come to fruition. Wootton Bassett Town Council is keeping its fingers crossed that Station House, located
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Pupils become pen pal experts
15916/1Pupils at St Bartholomew's Church of England School have been keeping the postman busy as they rush to get the news from pen pals in a Zambian school. Over Easter deputy headteacher Sue Lear and teachers Sally Fulling, Chris German and Charlotte
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Is there no love in Wootton Bassett?
Gill HughesSingletons in Wootton Bassett have shunned the chance of finding Mr or Mrs Right begging the question as to whether love has died in the market town. Gill Hughes had big plans for a romantic candle lit evening of wining and dining leading to
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Toddle in to help Barnado's kids
HUNDREDS of toddlers across Wiltshire will be putting their best foot forward in this year's Foresters Big Toddle to raise money for children less fortunate than themselves. Parents are invited to support the annual sponsored walk for the under fives,
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Bid to boost benefits
More than 15,000 Wiltshire pensioners are missing out on claiming benefits such as pension credit, according to Age Concern Wiltshire. This may be because they don't know that they are entitled to claim, or may find the system too complicated. Some pensioners
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Custom cars take to track
CROWDS of custom car enthusiasts are expected at the South West's biggest showcase of personalised cars at Castle Combe circuit on Saturday. More than 60 owners' clubs throughout the region are taking part in the day, which gives enthusiasts the chance
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County churches welcome choice of pope
ROMAN Catholic priests across Wiltshire have expressed their delight at the choice of the new Pope. Joseph Ratzinger, 78, was chosen on Tuesday as the 265th Pontiff. Father Martin Griffin, the priest in charge at the Church of the Immaculate Conception
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M-way go slow urged in protest at cameras
15931/5CHIPPENHAM man Robin Summerhill is urging motorists to join him in a slow protest drive along the Wiltshire stretch of the M4 next weekend to rally against the new speed cameras. Mr Summerhill, of Birch Grove, feels so strongly about the cameras
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Help for work to protect vole
WORK on improving the habitat of the water vole Wiltshire's most endangered mammal is being helped by a £500 donation from Wessex Water. Wiltshire Wildlife Trust received the Watermark Award for its work in managing land adjacent to By Brook between Ford
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Binmen are to work over bank holidays
KENNET District Council has ended all confusion over waste collections on weeks when there is a bank holiday by arranging for their binmen to work on bank holidays. As from May Day bank holiday on Monday May 2, residents' waste in the district will be
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Kennedy's on the trail
CHARLES Kennedy named North Wiltshire as a prime target for the Liberal Democrats during a visit to the constituency. The Lib Dem leader was speaking after he met residents at Burnham House nursing home in Malmesbury yesterday. He was in the constituency
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School row battles on
Jane Eatwell with daughters Rosie, 10, and Sophie, 8 Picture Ref: 77087-11IRATE mums cornered education bosses last night and gave them a ticking-off for keeping them in the dark over plans to shut their primary school. The public gallery was packed as
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First shots fired in Coate battle
Coate Water viewed from Great Western HospitalCONTROVERSIAL plans for a university at Coate Water have taken centre stage at a meeting about Swindon's future. Professor Glynis Breakwell, the vice-chancellor of Bath University, told the gathering Bath
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Taylor gave me the creeps recalls neighbour
Kathy Breski who used to live next door to Craig Taylor Picture Ref: 77086-36CRAIG Taylor was a geeky man who gave women the creeps. When he moved next door to Kathy Breski, she thought he was an odd but friendly neighbour. She was a young mother living
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We need to feel safe
PAEDOPHILE CASE: CAMPAIGNER Sara Payne whose daughter Sarah was killed by sex offender Roy Whiting says a new law giving details of paedophiles living in the community would help stop serial paedophiles like Craig Taylor of Eldene from preying on children
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Doing the business
After quizzing the election candidates on education, health and policing, today we turn to business and the economy. The Adver's business reporter Tom Morton set these five questions for the North Swindon candidates. Is British manufacturing in difficulty
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Who is the answer to our prayers?
GAZETTE, APRIL 21: NORTH Wiltshire's election hopefuls were put on the spot amid the splendour of Malmesbury Abbey on Monday evening. More than 70 people heard them delivere prepared answers to questions submitted in advance at the Question Time organised
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Kennedy uses his charm
GAZETTE, APRIL 21: NINETY-year-old Mary Wicks was so taken with Lib Dem leader Charles Kennedy she said she'd fall in love with him if she were a few years younger. Mrs Wicks met the Liberal Democrat leader when he made a fleeting visit to Burnham House
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Neighbours win battle on pub's 3am closing
GAZETTE & HERALD: Owner of Calne's White Hart Hotel Donal O'Dwyer says he is considering selling the building after magistrates turned down his appeal against the decision to extend his public entertainment licence to 3am. Mr O'Dwyer, who spent more
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14-year-old held after car smash
GAZETTE & HERALD: A 14-YEAR-old boy who crashed the car he was driving was captured by an off-duty policeman when he tried to flee the scene. The schoolboy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is believed to have bought the car for £60 before driving
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Disabled man terrorised by unruly gang of youths
GAZETTE & HERALD: A 50-year-old disabled man from Calne is living in fear because ten youths are terrorising him. Robbie Cooper, from Bishop Road, also said police should be reacting more quickly. He claims it took six months for an officer to meet
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Playtime over as developer clears away park
GAZETTE & HERALD: Playtime is over for children on a Lower Compton housing estate. Annington, which leases former Ministry of Defence housing, decided a play park on the estate was no longer needed and pulled down the slides at the site. However,
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Arms police surround home after death threat
GAZETTE & HERALD: A JEALOUS ex-boyfriend is believed responsible for sparking a major armed police alert in Calne on Sunday night. It is alleged a man claimed he had a gun and was threatening to kill his former partner . On Sunday evening police were
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Town will fight parking meters
TOWN councillors fear their opposition to car parking charges in the Market Place has not been taken on board by Kennet District Council. Kennet councillors are due to discuss setting up a pay and display meter in the Market Place and charging 30p for
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Woman dies at French clinic
THE funeral of Kirstie Lucas, a 34-year-old Devizes woman who died after a two year battle against cancer, will be held tomorrow at St Peter's Church, Devizes, at 11.30am. Miss Lucas died at a clinic in France on April 8. She was formerly manageress of
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Air alert after TV is snatched
WILTSHIRE'S police helicopter was instrumental in the arrest of a couple who allegedly stole a TV from Woolworths in Devizes on Saturday and made off with it. Police were informed at about 12.30pm that the man and woman had entered the store and made
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How would you protect our maternity unit?
In the run-up to the election the Gazette asked the candidiates in the Devizes constituency what they would do to protect Devizes Hospital's maternity unit, which provides care for mums and babies from across the Kennet area Michael Ancram (Conservative
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Shop to assist youth
15939/03VILLAGERS at West Lavington are being urged to do their shopping over the Internet to help raise £60,000 to build a new youth club in the village. West Lavington Youth Club's own shopping website www.buy.at/WLYC was launched in the function room
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New homes may turn town into a dormitory
Landmark planning decisions mean hundreds of new homes are planned for one area of Devizes. LEWIS COWEN looks at the implications FEARS that Devizes could become a dormitory town, where people work and shop in other towns but come to the area just to
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Affordable homes put new school in jeopardy
THE proposed new St John's School could be doomed unless the district council drops its demand for a minimum 50 per cent affordable homes on its site in Chopping Knife Lane, Marlborough, said head Patrick Hazlewood this week. The planned new school to
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Mysterious perch man's challenge on name
15921/1A MYSTERIOUS angler who haunts the towpath of the Kennet and Avon Canal near Prison Bridge, Devizes, is offering a unique prize for a very unusual competition. The local man, simply known to the angling fraternity as the Perch Man, because of his
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Trust's sums didn't add up
FEARS were raised by health bosses that anticipated savings would not materialise just six weeks after the decision was made to close Devizes and Malmesbury maternity units . The Gazette has obtained information from internal e-mails and reports released
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Cheque boost but people are missing Links
15899/1ALTHOUGH Devizes and District Link can rely on financial support from the community it serves, it is having a crisis of volunteering. It was feared that the good neighbour scheme, which offers help with transport to elderly and disabled people
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Gazette journalists' hat trick of accolades
THE Gazette's man in Marlborough and Pewsey over most of the last four decades, Nigel Kerton, has been presented with a Rotary International Centenary Community Award. The framed certificate was presented to the father of two yesterday by local Rotary
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Learning scheme a year old
A SCHEME to encourage people to learn new skills is celebrating its first birthday. Swindon's Learning Ambassadors were first recruited a year ago. The role of the first 17 ambassadors was to encourage others in their community to learn something new.
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Thug sentenced today
A THUG who threw a policewoman onto the ground as he was chased by officers after a domestic bust-up is due to be sentenced at Swindon Crown court today. Christopher Jones, 22, of Edington Close, Freshbrook, pleaded guilty to actual bodily harm last week
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Walker is in need of support
VOLUNTEERS are needed to play a small part in a marathon walk to raise money to help people needing bone marrow transplants. On Thursday, April 28 Karen Churches begins her marathon walk from John O'Groats to Land's End. The Anthony Nolan Trust is looking
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Two boys attacked
TWO young lads were attacked while walking along Cricklade Road in Pinehurst. The boys suffered facial and head injuries in what police are treating as an unprovoked attack. Both men were white and one was pushing a mountain bike. One was short with spiky
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Sacred music is to grace village
THE Anselm Singers of Harrow, London are coming to Wroughton. The group will present Musica Deo Sacra, a concert of acapella sacred and secular music. The Parish Church of St. John the Baptist and St. Helen, Wroughton, will be moving to the music of William
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Singing Julia out of office
YOUNG people in Swindon will have a new meeting place, starting tonight. The Parks Youth and Sports Centre, at Marlowe Avenue, is launching a brand new dance studio tonight, which will be open to any youngsters in east Swindon. They will practise DJ-ing
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Rare goodies up for grabs
Jackie Wrayy and Sandra Herbert Picture Ref: 77073-16SWINDON'S multiple sclerosis centre is gearing up for its bumper charity auction next Friday. The Swindon Therapy Centre For Multiple Sclerosis has now received all the goods it was promised, as well
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Flying skills to be sky high
A KITE extravaganza will be coming to Swindon next month. The festival will be free to visitors for the first time this year. And it will be the 15th Swindon Kite Festival to be held at the Science Museum in Wroughton. The event has become a popular family
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Doing the business
After quizzing the election candidates on education, health and policing, today we turn to business and the economy. The Adver's business reporter Tom Morton set these five questions for the North Swindon candidates. Is British manufacturing in difficulty
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Fundraiser will be missed by all
Geoffrey Gambrill feeding the pigeons as they flock to his wheelchair Picture Ref: 20430-19A WELL-KNOWN Swindon fundraiser has died after a ten-year battle with prostate cancer. Geoffrey Gambrill, one of the town's most high profile poppy sellers, died
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School goes to top of the class
Beechcroft infants School head Lynne Harper and pupils celebrate Picture Ref: 77056-30STAFF and pupils at a Swindon infants school are celebrating after scoring reasonable marks in their latest Ofsted report. Beechcroft Infants School was described as
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Is it typical?
I HOPE the Swindon workforce isn't typified by the staff of the locally-based TSP book club who keep billing me for a book they haven't sent me. I SMULLEN Headingley Leeds
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Real angels
I WAS recently taken into the Great Western Hospital as an acute emergency with serious breathing problems. I would like to say thank you to all the doctors and nursing staff on Saturn Ward for the wonderful care and attention I received. They did all
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Flying the flag for St George
WELL done to Rex Barnett and Michael Brightman of the Patriot Arms in Chiseldon for encouraging St George's Day celebrations on Saturday. There will also be celebrations in Swindon town centre and I hope to see people wearing red roses to show they are
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Wake up, get up and do protest
WHAT'S up with the citizens of our great town? We moan and groan about council, rates, taxes, refuse collection, road congestion, car parking housing, rents, etc, etc, in pubs, workplaces and homes. We know things are not right, but we do nothing. I myself
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Brazilian challenge
As April marks Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, I am writing to let you know about a fantastic new fundraising challenge in support of the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK. The fund was set up after the death of my husband, Bobby, who died from bowel
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Traffic stagnation
The recent letter from Steve Hulbert (Gazette, April 14) fills me with confidence, that I am not alone in thinking that all Chippenham, North Wiltshire and even Wiltshire county councillors are pedestrians. I was thinking of proposing a giant referendum
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Trio line up for concert
GAZETTE & HERALD: THREE popular Wiltshire musicians will be sharing the stage at a concert at the Cause in Chippenham on April 30. Mike Scott, who lives near Bath will be headlining, with a host of songs up his sleeve designed to bring in the laughs
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Car boot sale to boost hall fund
GAZETTE & HERALD: A MAJOR refurbishment project for Yatton Keynell village hall will get a much-needed boost from the next giant carboot sale at Castle Combe circuit on Sunday. The village's recreation association is part-way through an upgrade, which
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Festival rolls out barrels
GAZETTE & HERALD: REAL ale enthusiasts are busy rolling out the barrels and dusting off the glasses in readiness for Chippenham's 14th annual Beer Festival this weekend. Organised by the North West Wiltshire branch of the Campaign for Real Ale, the
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Girl banned from fitness class calls for shake-up
GAZETTE & HERALD: TEENAGER Lillie Griffin, who was turned away from an aerobics class because she was too young, has called for leisure centres to "shape up" to the demands of youngsters. Lillie, 14, of Swindon Road, Langley Burrell, and a friend
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More patrols needed
How long will it be before an accident is caused by panic braking? Most motorway bridges have been modified or signed to prevent the motoring public from parking on them. This cost money and so there had to be justification for doing it. It was to stop
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Speed is not the issue but poor driving standards
I am trying to understand why there is now a major speed camera operation on the M4? I have been looking at the accident statistics and have found out that many of the fatalities have nothing to do with speed. For instance two people were killed when
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Heading northwards
GAZETTE & HERALD: Hardenhuish sixth former Sam Tyndall will be truly chilling out this summer as he heads towards the North Pole. Sam, 17, of Greenway Park, Chippenham, will set off in July to Svalbard, one of the most northerly islands in the world
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Cancer cheat mum lied to me says her daughter
Rebecca CussGAZETTE & HERALD: THE 16-YEAR-old daughter of Chippenham cancer cheat Caroline Morgan says she was fed the same pack of lies as everyone else. Rebecca Cuss, who lives with her dad in Wantage, Oxfordshire, contacted the Gazette after reading
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Road rejected ten years ago now deemed vital
GAZETTE & HERALD: RESIDENTS in Monkton Park are demanding a second access road into the cul-de-sac before 300 new homes are built after turning down the opportunity 10 years ago. Although no plans have been approved, the Cocklebury Road site has been
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We're so grateful for nursery's help
15892/1GAZETTE & HERALD: The world of autistic Oscar Blackler has been transformed by Springboard Nursery but his place is under threat as Zo Mills reports AN overwhelming sense of relief swept Greg and Katie Blackler when their treasured only child
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Gang fight on estate leaves three injured
GAZETTE & HERALD: TWO rival gangs wielding iron bars and a machete clashed on a quiet Chippenham estate on Sunday afternoon, leaving three people injured. The violent fracas erupted at Hill Rise after a long-running disagreement between two youths
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M-way go slow urged in protest at cameras
15931/5GAZETTE & HERALD: CHIPPENHAM man Robin Summerhill is urging motorists to join him in a slow protest drive along the Wiltshire stretch of the M4 next weekend to rally against the new speed cameras. Mr Summerhill, of Birch Grove, feels so strongly
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Taylor lifts Hampshire
Hampshire and Durham maintained their flying starts to the new Frizzell County Championship season with emphatic bowling performances. First Division Hampshire ran through the Sussex batting order at Hove, bowling the hosts out for 252 despite 104 from
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Talent scouted for jazz festival
GAZETTE & HERALD: THRONGS of talented musicians will shortly be signed up for the second Corsham Jazz Festival. Plans are advancing for the musical extravaganza but chairman of the event Mark Sammut is appealing for donations to make it a great success
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More media is your business
GAZETTE & HERALD: Business people in Corsham were given advice on how to grab the headlines and receive publicity when they gathered for a breakfast organised by the chamber of commerce. Business men and women from Corsham and Chippenham listened
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Rocky start to a new life as gardener admits theft
GAZETTE & HERALD: Gardener Rocky Johnstone moved to Corsham looking for a new life until he stole a Honda motorcycle worth £300 from a lay-by. The 21-year-old from the Thingley caravan site in Corsham appeared at Chippenham Magistrates' Court last
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Wrapping up poverty
GAZETTE & HERALD: NESTON Church was bound in a huge banner as part of a global campaign to wrap up world poverty last week. The enormous ribbon, decorated by children from the toddler group, primary school and Brownie club was wrapped round the church
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Council grant affords much needed housing
GAZETTE & HERALD: THIRTY-SIX affordable homes will be built in Corsham within the next two years. North Wiltshire District Council agreed to allocate the remaining £797,674 needed to develop the site for all the homes at Pockeredge Farm. Now it is
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Postmaster fights masked raiders
15930/4GAZETTE & HERALD: A VALIANT 75-year-old postmaster punched his attacker as he was being robbed early yesterday morning. Richard Tovell, joint owner of Prospect Post Office with his wife Olive, was callously tied up and robbed of thousands of
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Recalling the joint that was jumping on a Saturday night
Amesbury's ballroom is no more but the memory lingers on, Lesley Bates discovered John looks at the picture (inset) of himself with Ray Ellington. DA7714P3LOOK along the High Street in Amesbury and there is no visible sign of the place that, half a century
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Developers withdraw plan
Protesters are celebrating a victory over developers, now controversial plans to amend planning conditions to allow the building over 90 new houses off Rowden Lane have been withdrawn by Laing Homes. The scheme for development on various plots along the
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Gazette journalists' hat trick of accolades
THE Gazette's man in Marlborough and Pewsey over most of the last four decades, Nigel Kerton, has been presented with a Rotary International Centenary Community Award. The framed certificate was presented to the father of two yesterday by local Rotary
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Anonymous letter saddens publican
LICENSEE Ant Brooke says he is horrified that his attempts to make one of the Pewsey Vale's most popular pubs even better have been construed as desecration. The allegation has been made in an anonymous letter circulating in Bottlesford, copies of which
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Council clerk in top three
Studious Malmesbury official Sue Webb has received recognition for becoming one of the cleverest clerks in north Wiltshire. Deputy town clerk Mrs Webb has obtained a certificate in local council administration from the Assessment and Qualifications Alliance
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Developer fined over windows
Ignoring planners has landed Malmesbury property developer Frank Faryab with a bill of nearly £8,000. And the 56-year-old, of Oxford Street, was told he faced a three month jail term if he didn't pay a £4,000 fine within the next two months. Faryab was
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Nurse rallies support for Sri Lankan hospital
Hullavington nurse Sarah Bolton is preparing to help Sri Lankan doctors and patients struck by the tsunami disaster by donating over £2,000 of hospital equipment. She will buy basic lifesaving equipment for the hospital such as gloves, ophthalmic devices
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Conman lodged false insurance claim
Malmesbury conman Peter Zak lied about being banned from the road after he was involved in a car accident that landed him in hospital. And the the 47-year-old businessman from Barley Close, Malmesbury, then launched a £32,708 insurance claim which included
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Kennedy uses his charm
NINETY-year-old Mary Wicks was so taken with Lib Dem leader Charles Kennedy she said she'd fall in love with him if she were a few years younger. Mrs Wicks met the Liberal Democrat leader when he made a fleeting visit to Burnham House Nursing Home in
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Firefighters free swan
Malmesbury firefighters rescued a swan caught up in fishing wire in the River Avon around 8pm last Friday. Malmesbury police alerted the fire crew to the problem. Chief firefighter, Wayne Jones, said: "The swan had become entangled in fishing line and
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Town hall uncertainty a threat to museum
Artefacts donated to the Athelstan Museum by generations of local people could be disposed of by the district council, amid uncertainty over the future of Malmesbury town hall. A cash-injection of £770,000 is needed to bring the hall into line with disability
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Europrint firm is set to expand
SWINDON'S Europrint has launched a new company providing promotional items. Gifthorse at www.gifthorse.co.uk offers more than 1,000 products and is a move for the company beyond design and printing. Director Mark Gray said: "It is a promotional products
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Former Nationwide building is key to regeneration
APARTMENTS can now be bought in the former Nationwide Atrium building in Princes Street. When finished, the Atrium building named Paramount by builders Swan Hill will feature 200 flats and commercial space for shops or offices on the ground floor. Prices
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Kick-start your business ideas
THE country's first walk-in business start-up shop is due to open next week. The Opportunity Shop, run by start-up advisers InBiz, aims to help people plan, market and run their own business, and is in Cavendish Square in Park South. It's thought to be
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Plenty to play for says Nick
City's Scott Bartlett races down the wing during Monday's 2-0 friendly win against Finnish Division Two side Vasa IFK. Leigh Phillips and Matt Tubbs were on target for the Whites. DA7778P5SALISBURY City manager Nick Holmes was not best pleased after his
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Rage at tunnel plan continues
Proposals for a tunnel under the M4 near Wootton Bassett seem set to go ahead despite ongoing objections from local campaigners. The tunnel, which would link Croft Road with the Front Garden development, has been causing controversy in Wootton Bassett
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Ironman has made it
Ironman Graham Moates has said that nothing could ever have stopped him from completing his charity triathlon as he battled to raise money for friends and family suffering from cancer. Mr Moates, 35, of Brynard's Hill, Wootton Bassett, staggered over
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M-way go slow urged in protest at cameras
15931/5CHIPPENHAM man Robin Summerhill is urging motorists to join him in a slow protest drive along the Wiltshire stretch of the M4 next weekend to rally against the new speed cameras. Mr Summerhill, of Birch Grove, feels so strongly about the cameras
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Warning over caravan thefts
DIVISIONAL police are warning caravan owners to be on the look-out for thieves after 13 caravans valued at £112,000 have been stolen so far this year. Most of the thefts have been from rural locations, including Shaw, Seend, Ashton Keynes, Box, Christian
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Special needs group requires a couple of willing volunteers
GAZETTE & HERALD: Two special volunteers are needed to help a charity offering vital services to children with special needs. Hop, Skip and Jump, based near Kingswood, provides day care and supervised play for children and young people with life limiting
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Hunt fans vow to keep riding out
The hunting season has drawn to a close at the end of the sport's most dramatic months and despite February's ban two local hunts are vowing to continue their beloved pursuit. The Avon Vale and Beaufort hunts have continued to meet despite the Government's
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Appeal after theft at store
POLICE investigating a theft from the London House store in High Street, Netheravon on March 9 have released CCTV images in an attempt to identify the offenders. At about 2.15pm two men entered the store together. One of them distracted staff, and the
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Kicked in the head
PINEHURST man Paul Stanners put the boot into an unconscious reveller after a fracas outside a nightclub, a court heard. The 36-year-old had already punched Ricky Cook to the ground outside the Casbah in John Street before kicking the prone man in the
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Brave Danika helped at the hospital
Danika Schofield who won the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Award in 2003 Picture Ref: 30449-3IN 2003 Danika Schofield, who battled Hodgkin's lymphoma, won the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Award in recognition of her work with other sick youngsters
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Lauran earns 'royal' award
Lauran Cornock working on a quilt Picture Ref: 77074-12A TEENAGER from Swindon has become the second girl at her secondary school to win a Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Award. Lauran Cornock follows in the footsteps of fellow Ridgeway School pupil
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Police plea for help to find flasher
A MAN has been seen indecently exposing himself near a Gorse Hill school. Police are appealing for information after the man, in his 50s, exposed himself on a footpath between Chapel Street and Edinburgh Street near Gorse Hill Junior School. The flasher
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Police asked to go out on limb
GAZETTE & HERALD: Councillor John Ireland claims residents are fed up with youngsters vandalising trees at Bremhill View. Coun Ireland said the patch of grass in the housing estate is beautiful when the trees are out and not vandalised. He said all
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Crusade is run with girl power
GAZETTE & HERALD: A 15-YEAR-OLD from Calne is on a crusade to provide more facilities for girls in the town. Kayley Raeburn, from MaAughley Square, stood up at the town's annual meeting on April 11 and said: "Sometimes: girls just want time to themselves
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Group back fields plan after club's bombshell
GAZETTE & HERALD: Calne Town Council's sports facilities working group unanimously backed plans to continue with the Beversbrook Playing Fields Project with Calne Town Football staying put at Bremhill View. The town council's sports facilities working
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Journalist's own battle for vital war memories
DEVIZES journalist James Harrison has been tasked with co-ordinating a unique initiative to record the reminiscences of people in the West who lived through the Second World War. Mr Harrison, a BBC employee for more than 18 years, is the regional co-ordinator
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Food company says future safe
THE management of Hygrade Foods has denied rumours that the company, taken over by a Danish firm last year, is planning to close its plants in Devizes and Chippenham. The cooked meats firm, privately owned for many years by businessman John Bigwood, was
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Cleaners at work deter anti-social behaviour
THE presence of street cleaners during the evening may be responsible for a drop in anti-social behaviour in Devizes, the town's police chief said this week. Kennet District Council has increased the hours for its street cleaners to 10pm in Devizes and
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Women take heed: Your race for life is underway
THE Race For Life is on and hundreds of women have signed up to take part in the Cancer Research UK fund raising run in Marlborough on May 8. There will be two other Races For Life on June 4 and 5 at Lydiard Park in Swindon. So far about 700 women have
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Plot too small for two homes
TWO into one won't go say Marlborough town councillors when it comes to trying to get two homes built on one small plot. On Monday the town council planning committee agreed to object to plans by Mark Lovelace Ltd for two houses on land adjacent to 1
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Lost tapes of Bowie's classic found in attic
Tim DawTHE master tape of a classic song by David Bowie, missing for over 30 years, has turned up in Devizes. A woman from Melksham came into Simplee Sell, the Devizes-based company that helps vendors sell items on the internet auction site eBay, with
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Mailbags are snatched
DEVIZES police are investigating if the theft of £4,000 from a bank account was a result of mail being stolen from a postman's bike. Mailbags have been stolen on two successive Saturday mornings just as postal workers were beginning their rounds. On Saturday
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Sudden death of village stalwart and twins' dad
Michael HuntTRIBUTES have been paid to builder Michael Hunt who died suddenly despite desperate attempts to save him by staff at Gaigers in Devizes and paramedics. Mr Hunt, who lived in All Cannings with his wife, Sue, died of a heart attack. He was 57
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On the scarecrow trail for the eighth year
15861/03Urchfont Scarecrow Festival, which was the first in Wiltshire, takes place over the May Day bank holiday. For the eighth year, visitors will go on a trail round the village one of the most popular in the Devizes area to identify the scarecrows
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Solicitor to call it a day after 40- year career
Richard FordSOLICITOR Richard Ford is to retire from full time practice in Marlborough after more than 40 years. Mr Ford will continue as a part time consultant with Wood Awdry and Ford in Kingsbury Street. At the age of 67 the father of three sons who
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Scooter man loses his appeal on drink drive
Tom Hodkin and Guy TaylorCARPENTER Tom Hodkin has failed in his appeal to get his conviction for being drunk in charge of a motorised scooter for the disabled overturned. Hodkin, of Nursteed village, has been given a 12 month driving ban for the offence
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Builder is convicted of sex assault on girl, 17
James WallingtonBUILDER James Wallington could be sent to prison for sexually assaulting a 17-year-old woman in Devizes. Wallington, 63, of Radnor Place, Melksham, had denied the charge but was convicted by magistrates after a trial at Devizes on Tuesday
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Pensioner's home wrecked by blaze
15926AN 89-year-old woman was left homeless after the house she has lived in for 65 years was badly damaged by fire on Tuesday afternoon. Margot Ann Bennett, who was awarded with the MBE for her work with the government intelligence services MI5 and MI6
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Families up in arms over school time traffic chaos
15929/02FAMILIES are threatening to take the law into their own hands over traffic problems in roads leading to St John's upper school in Marlborough. Headteacher Patrick Hazlewood acknowledges the situation is bad. "The fact there has not been a serious
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Solicitor dies in skiing accident
Ian GardenerST MICHAEL'S Church in Aldbourne was packed on Friday for a thanksgiving service for solicitor Ian Gardener who died in a skiing accident. The 36-year-old died after falling while on a skiing holiday in Switzerland. He leaves a widow, Vivian
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Walker gets set for a treadmill trek
TWO determined women are embarking on a fundraising mission ahead of their trek across the Great Wall of China. Nicki Styles, 31, and her aunt Gillian Hoare, 41, are going to China in October to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital, in London.
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Ball bids to beat its own record
THE great and the good of Swindon will be gathering this Saturday for the annual Evening Advertiser-backed charity ball. The ball will be held at the Marriott Hotel and will attract business leaders, civic dignitaries as well as partygoers with the aim
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School's bargains and organic food
A MINI organic farmers' market is coming to Old Town. The market will take place at Lethbridge Primary School in Lethbridge Road on Saturday from 11am until 2pm. It has been organised by the Friends of Lethbridge Primary School and will feature stalls
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Kite festival is all set to take flight
THE Science Museum in Wroughton will be hosting a free Swindon Kite Festival on May 7 and 8. Professional and amateurs alike will be showing off their skills with people coming from across the world. There will also be model rocket launches and children's
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Runners on their marks
Women at the start of last year's raceTHOUSANDS of women have already signed up to take part in this year's Race for Life. The women-only event is raising money for Cancer Research UK. This year is the sixth time the race has come to Swindon's Lydiard
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'Cameras help to cut speeds'
PC Neil Turner with one of the cameras Picture Ref: 76961-25SPEEDS on the Swindon stretch of the M4 have reduced dramatically since last week's launch of safety cameras, it has been claimed. The Wiltshire and Swindon Safety Camera Partnership is already
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Mum backs son's aid to killer wave victims
Anne Read whose son Chris is in Thailand helping tsunami victims Picture Ref: 77058-16A SWINDON mum has vowed to continue funding her son's charity mission in Thailand in spite of running up credit card debts. Anne Read, 57, has so far spent £3,000 on
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Threat to kids' diet
Carol Ann Fear with her children Jake and Ellina Picture Ref: 77082-04A FAMILY moved to their new house because it was close to allotments but now the site could be sold. Carol Ann Fear of Pine-hurst Road says the proximity of Pickard's Field played a
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Children's square deal puts charity in the spotlight
Year 1 and 2 pupils Mikey Nee, six, Ella Grist, seven, Jake Southwood, seven and Mia O'Sullivan, sevenSCHOOLCHILDREN have been learning about mental illness with the help of a Swindon charity. Twigs, based in Cheney Manor, is a horticultural and arts
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'Don't rub salt into the wound'
Ayzee Hyner with her children Gemma, 9, and Callum, 8 Picture Ref: 77048-60A NUMBER of parents have written to us expressing concern over the closure of Salt Way Primary School. As talks continue over its future, mum Ayzee Hyner, of Middleleaze, tells
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Disappointed
I MUST say I am utterly disappointed with the minority of vandals who live in Park South. On Sunday April 17 a group of teenage boys and a girl thought it would be funny to push down the trees on the green along Cranmore Avenue. Have they got nothing
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We must unite to save the green spaces
I ATTENDED both public meetings last week about the proposed sell off of allotments. More than 300 people were at the meetings, and putting party politics aside, the Labour councillors for Western should be congratulated for starting this campaign. One
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Dads should be listened to
WITH reference to your article in last week's Evening Advertiser regarding Lee and Justin on the roof top dressed as Batman and Robin. I feel these dads who have exhausted all avenues in order to see their children are being let down by the system. I
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Will treasure photo
I am currently compiling my family tree and have been passed a cutting from the Chippenham edition of the Gazette and Herald. I don't know what date it was as it was cut round the border but the title was 'Volunteer Army' and had been submitted by Mr
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Food company says future safe
GAZETTE & HERALD: THE management of Hygrade Foods has denied rumours that the company, taken over by a Danish firm last year, is planning to close its plants in Devizes and Chippenham. The cooked meats firm, privately owned for many years by businessman
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Do prove me wrong
MAY I firstly state that I am a massive Calne Town FC fan as well as a fan of sport within the immediate Calne area. I have no hidden agenda. Therefore with reference to the ongoing saga of developing sports pitches at Beaversbrook I would like to ask
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Let soldier rest in peace
GAZETTE & HERALD: Ninety years ago this week Lance Corporal Joseph Stanley Victor Fox was blind folded, tied to a stake and shot at dawn by a firing squad formed by fellow servicemen. On April 20, 1915 the 20-year-old from Chippenham was executed,
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Volunteers' great job
CHIPPENHAM Link Transport would like to thank everyone who supported their spring afternoon tea when £175 was raised towards funding our organisation. As usual our team of helpers did a sterling job and we look forward to seeing our friends at the next
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No care for property
YOUR front page article in last week's Gazette and Herald about the damage to a tree on Devizes Green caused by Wessex Water shows just how little care they have for the environment and other people's property. This is the latest episode in the saga of
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Princess to open new transport depot
GAZETTE & HERALD: BOSSES at road haulage giant Wincanton Plc say they are delighted that Princess Anne has agreed to cut the ribbon at the firm's new offices in Chippenham. The Princess Royal will officially open the new premises at Methuen Park on
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Carry out analysis
In the article on M4 cameras (Gazette, April 14) Mr Frampton of the Wiltshire and Swindon Safety Partnership is quoted as saying, in his reply to the Association of British Drivers, "that the police have investigated the cause of all fatal crashes we
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All for transparency
There is a great deal of self righteous indignation from both parties of the Safety Camera Partnership and their new operation on the M4. What is required is transparency in the following areas: How many lives are estimated to be saved in a three-month
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Students win Princess' award for charity work
GAZETTE & HERALD: SIX students at Hardenhuish School in Chippenham have won the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Award. The students were given the award for raising £15,000 for the Meningitis Research Foundation over the last three years. Helen
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Time for a protest
Following the introduction of mobile speed cameras on the M4, I cannot be alone in thinking that enough is enough. We now have mobile speed cameras on a road that a recent EU report held up as one of the safest motorways in the country. I'm not saying
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Remember couple with smile
THE families of Nicky Gough and Colette Holbrook would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who sent cards, flowers and tributes to us. It is impossible for us to thank you all individually as we were completely overwhelmed by the realisation of how
