Wiltshire | Archive | 2002 | November

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Stories for 28 November 2002

Amesbury News

School begins new era

A NEW era is to open up for Stonehenge School in Amesbury, as governors and staff bid for Specialist School status.   more...

Call-outs for green goddesses

MILITARY firefighters reported this week that they had dealt with only a handful of incidents since the start of the latest Fire Brigades' Union strike last Friday.   more...

Brave Jack loses fight for life

LITTLE Jack Spayes, the terminally ill boy whose determination to enjoy every moment of his short life touched the hearts of Journal readers, has died peacefully, with his family at his bedside.   more...

Soap star at lights switch-on

GLOWING wands changed hands at high speed as children begged their parents for spending money when they packed Salisbury's Market Place last Thursday for the switching-on of the city's Christmas lights.   more...

Licences damage charities

EVENT organisers claim that charities will suffer if government proposals are given the go-ahead to make churches obtain an entertainment licence to stage concerts.   more...

Floods could be on the way

PEOPLE living on low-lying ground or whose homes and businesses are near any of south Wiltshire's five rivers are being advised today to be prepared for flooding.   more...

Bath Leisure

Spy remake resonates with new found clarity

AUSTRALIAN director Phillip Noyce is having a very good year ­ the sort of year that resuscitates a flagging career and makes Hollywood sit up and take note once more.   more...

Bradford On Avon News

Star gives blessing to ambulance fund

ACTOR Brian Blessed will be speaking at a special event to raise money for St John Ambulance at the Wiltshire Music Centre at Bradford on Avon on January 12.   more...

Business News

£24bn borrowing to fund hole in budget

Despite public finances being set to plunge £20 billion into the red this year, South Swindon MP Julia Drown has welcomed Chancellor Gordon Brown's pre-Budget report to Parliament as being cautious but rightly optimistic about the economy.   more...

Thring Townsend appoints two partners

Solicitors Thring Townsend has appointed two new partners.   more...

Married pair share top job

MARRIED couple Simon and Sarah Truelove like each other's company so much that they have started working together at the Swindon Primary Care Trust.   more...

Wedding planning UK first for Jill

THE first person from the UK has been made a member of America's leading accredited wedding planning organisation ­ and she's from Salisbury.   more...

Hotel hosts a big thank you

THE White Hart Hotel in Salisbury hosted an executive club evening last week to thank the companies who regularly use the hotel's accommodation and conference facilities.   more...

Agency welcomes tourism boost

THE south-west regional development agency and South West Tourism have welcomed government moves to boost tourism in the region.   more...

Opinions wanted on £3m skills project

BUSINESSES in Wiltshire are invited to give their views on a proposed £3million project which may help employers trying to meet skill shortages.   more...

Calne News

History book tells volumes

A BOOK chartering more than a 1,000 years of Calne's history was presented to the town in the library on Thursday.   more...

Tickled pink to aid charity

SIXTH formers from John Bentley School, in Calne, were tickled pink by the amount of money they raised for breast cancer research in a special lunchtime party.   more...

Sheep killed as lorry overturns in pile-up

HUNDREDS of sheep were rescued after the lorry transporting them to an abattoir tipped over in a multi-vehicle collision on the A4 at Pewsham on Thursday.   more...

Rudolph and pals will light up town

RUDOLPH the reindeer and his friends are back topping the bill, after last year's foot and mouth outbreak forced the cancellation of their appearance at Calne's Christmas lights ceremony.   more...

Court finds son not guilty

Gary Naldi walked free from court after the Crown Prosecution Service offered no evidence over a charge of burglary at his mother's house in Calne.   more...

Wet walk threat for festive shoppers

CHRISTMAS shoppers heading for Calne town centre on foot risk being soaked by cars driving through puddles which have collected in the road.   more...

Panto fun at school fair

ST Dunstan Primary School in Calne is holding a Christmas Fair on Friday from 6pm to 9pm, which will be opened by the Calne Players' pantomime dame. The school choir will sing some carols and Santa Claus will be bringing his quacking ducks with him.   more...

Car windows smashed

VANDALS caused £400 of damage when they smashed the rear and side windows of a blue Ford Fiesta parked in Linden Close at 1am on November 17.   more...

Suzuki vandalised

Vandals caused £250 worth of damage to a burgundy four-wheel drive Suzuki parked in Newbury Avenue in Calne in the early hours of Thursday morning when they twisted the bull bars at the front.   more...

Treat for music lovers

CLARINETTIST David Campbell will be giving a recital with pianist John Flinders. in Marden House on Sunday at 3pm.   more...

Driver's wallet swiped

THIEVES stole a wallet containing a bank card and £15 in cash from the jacket of the driver who left his Parcel Force van momentarily unattended in Broken Cross, Calne earlier this month.   more...

Off-roaders under fire over damage to byways

VILLAGERS fear an ancient track in Stockley could suffer the same fate as a byway in Heddington, which they say was destroyed by off-road vehicles.   more...

Major in death crash `has cheated justice'

THREE mothers say Army major Giles Stibbe flouted justice to escape sentence in connection with a car crash in which their children died.   more...

Police use old rule to curb yob behaviour

CALNE Police have developed an innovative new means of curbing anti-social behaviour in the town using an old piece of legislation.   more...

Chippenham News

Scouts call it checkmate

EIGHT Scout packs assembled in Chippenham on Saturday to pit their wits in a chess and draughts tournament.   more...

Store unveils its new image

CHIPPENHAM'S town centre supermarket Somerfield has been relaunched this week after undergoing a £500,000 facelift.   more...

Beat party blues

MENCAP members will be enjoying a Christmas party at Corsham's Flamingo nightclub in Chippenham on Monday, but it could be the last.   more...

Burial fees may rise

A HIKE in burial fees could be on the cards as Chippenham Town Council considers raising fees and charges in 2003/04. The amenity committee was last night due to consider raising interment fees for London Road Cemetery.   more...

Charge for town info

CHIPPENHAM residents who want copies of the town council documents may have to pay for them.   more...

Bank delivers a treat

BARCLAYS Bank in Chippenham treated 30 pensioners to a fish and chip lunch on Tuesday for the bank's Make A Difference Day.   more...

Plan to ease parking

CHIPPENHAM councillors are checking out ways to relieve parking congestion at John Coles Park. Options include extending the car park into the play area, building a new one, or introducing charges.   more...

Winner will light up town

YOUNGSTERS will be brightening up the streets of Corsham when the winner of a painting competition switches on the Christmas lights on December 6.   more...

Public continues to boost pickets' spirit

NOVEMBER 28, CHIPPENHAM: CHIPPENHAM'S firefighters have been overwhelmed with gifts and messages of goodwill from the public as they continue to strike for an improved pay deal.   more...

School celebrates after Ofsted report

STAFF and pupils at St Peter's Primary School in Chippenham are jubilant after Ofsted inspectors gave them a glowing report.   more...

Stars and Santa give town carnival spirit

THE advent of Christmas was announced officially in Chippenham on Friday in the carnival atmosphere of the town's switch on ceremony.   more...

Designer's driving ambition

CONSTRUCTED in absolute secrecy for two years in the heart of Wiltshire, the motor-industry's best-kept secret was unveiled at this year's Motor Show in Birmingham last month.   more...

Chassis scores well on speed and safety

THE design team of the Invicta S1 says the sports car will accelerate from 0 to 60mph in five seconds and to 100mph in 11 seconds, with a top speed of more than 170mph   more...

Town's new website

CHIPPENHAM Town Council is celebrating the launch of its new website, with lots of features about the town, forthcoming events, amenities and services.   more...

Firemen's hot favourite

THERE'S nothing like a man in uniform to set a woman's pulse racing ­ but it was the firefighters' turn for a treat when they judged Chippenham's Miss Slinky competition.   more...

Songwriter in concert

SINGER-Songwriter Bruce Davies will appear in concert at the Cause in Chippenham on Wednesday next week.   more...

Flowers plan is approved at last

AN inquiry into plans for the former Flowers scrapyard site inquiry was cancelled at the last minute when developers finally reached agreement with North Wiltshire District Council.   more...

MP quizzes Commons on airport cover up

NORTH Wiltshire MP James Gray has tabled questions in the House of Commons to discover why there was no consultation over plans to build a major new airport at Hullavington.   more...

Farm plans meet protest

PLANS to use two redundant farm buildings at Eastcourt Farm, Crudwell, for storage and distribution have raised a storm of protest from villagers and the parish council.   more...

Fire hazard plea

PEOPLE are being urged to take extra care when putting out household refuse for collection during the firefighters' strike because it could create a fire hazard.   more...

Notice board on the Net

SHERSTON is part of a pilot scheme to provide internet sites for local communities in north Wiltshire.   more...

Jail for nine dealers snared in drug blitz

NINE people caught in a police operation to crack down on heroin dealing in north Wiltshire have been sent to prison.   more...

Leisure boss resigns

THE managing director of north Wiltshire's leisure centres, Adrian Jones, has resigned, saying the company needs someone with a fresh approach.   more...

Schools mourn brilliant pupil

HUNDREDS of mourners packed a funeral service yesterday to pay tribute to a brilliant 17-year-old student, Tim Piper, who took his own life at his Lacock home last Wednesday.   more...

DIY giant signs up for £10m retail park

A MAJOR new retail park could bring hundreds of new jobs to Chippenham if it wins district council approval next week.   more...

Brave mum's party present

THE Tiley family enjoyed a marvellous party to celebrate mum Dawn Tiley's recovery from leukaemia ­ and raised more than £1,200 for medical equipment in the process.   more...

Cash boost for playing fields hangs in balance

CHIPPENHAM'S new playing fields could enjoy a major cash boost if Wiltshire County Council agrees to hand over £220,000 from the sale of the old Allington School site.   more...

Rail chaos as tunnel closes

THOUSANDS of commuters faced chaos yesterday after all services were cancelled at Chippenham Station after the emergency closure of Box tunnel.   more...

Debate over cuts

THE town council has called for a public meeting so people can air their fears over plans to modernise the mental health service after Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust put together plans to tackle a financial shortfall.   more...

Stallholders hit out over French market

TRADERS at Chippenham's Friday and Saturday market are angry at a decision by the town council to allow a French market to set up shop in the High Street.   more...

Girls set example

TWO Chippenham girls were so upset about the rubbish dumped in a wood they decided to clear it up.   more...

`Invaders' get dressed to kill

PUPILS enjoyed a victorious Viking Day at St Mary's School last Thursday and impressed teachers with their homemade costumes.   more...

Guilty plea on robbery

A MAN who robbed a 76-year-old woman in a church graveyard has been remanded in custody after admitting the offence at Swindon Crown Court.   more...

Christmas boxes hit a record total

CHIPPENHAM'S United Reformed Church has received a staggering 2,000 shoe boxes packed with presents to be dispatched to destitute and needy children in eastern Europe.   more...

Traders' eastern adventure trip

CHIPPENHAM market traders rallied round strawberry growers Cliff and Mandy Besley, to boost their plan to make a trip to Borneo to raise money for Leonard Cheshire Homes.   more...

Youths cause more trouble

PEOPLE living on Chippenham's Pewsham estate say teenagers are making life such a misery they want to move away from the area.   more...

Viking gala has plenty to Bragg about

CHIPPENHAM'S mighty Viking weekend and ship burning ceremony will feature on a new television series written and presented by Melvyn Bragg.   more...

Pets get the chip

The RSPCA is holding a special micro-chipping session for cats and dogs at St Paul's Church Hall, in Malmesbury Road on Saturday December 7.   more...

Charity hands out £16,000 good cheer

THE trustees of the Borough Lands Charity awarded more than £16,000 to local groups and individuals at its November meeting. Welfare grants totalling £9,000 were made to 17 individuals for goods such as cookers, fridges and mobility scooters.   more...

Candlelight alert

TWO green goddesses were despatched to Revolutions Restaurant in New Road, Chippenham at 11.15pm on Tuesday after a candle started a small fire, but the fire was put out by restaurant staff before they arrived.   more...

Santa on wheels

THE Lions Club will be escorting Father Christmas around the town for the annual festive charity collection.   more...

Festive park free

EXTRA parking spaces have been made available to cope with the Christmas shopping season. There will be 80 weekend spaces at Wiltshire College Chippenham and behind Avon Bridge House, Bath Road.   more...

Corsham News

Married pair share top job

MARRIED couple Simon and Sarah Truelove like each other's company so much that they have started working together at the Swindon Primary Care Trust.   more...

Ctfc Sport

Robinson forced to call time on career

MARK Robinson will quit Chippenham Town after Saturday's FA Trophy second round clash with Aylesbury United to concentrate on his new career as a personal fitness trainer.   more...

Rivals spy a Trophy upset

FORTHCOMING OPPONENTS: CHIPPENHAM Town can move a step closer to a date with one of the Nationwide Conference big guns if they can overcome Ryman Premier Division outfit Aylesbury United in the second round of the FA Trophy at Hardenhuish Park on Saturday 30 November.   more...

Griffin back with goal `assist'

CHARLIE Griffin made a triumphant return to the Bluebirds frontline on Saturday 23 November after having a major hand in Matt Rawlins' dramatic late winner at Hardenhuish Park.   more...

Davies on course to return by Christmas

CHIPPENHAM skipper Gareth Davies could be back in the Bluebirds' starting eleven in time for the hectic Christmas period as he continues his recovery from a groin injury.   more...

Now let's go for the title, says goal hero

MATCH-WINNER Matt Rawlins has set his sights on the Dr Martens Premier Division title after sending Chippenham to their highest league position of the season on Saturday 23 November.   more...

Badman hails team spirit

MIDFIELDER Mark Badman admitted the Bluebirds' lofty Premier Division perch had taken him by surprise following his summer move from rivals Bath City.   more...

Midweek date

CHIPPENHAM Town resume their Dr Martens League programme with a trip to seventh placed Crawley Town on Tuesday 3 December night, kick-off 7.45pm.   more...

It's party time

CHIPPENHAM Town will hold their Christmas party at the town's new Fizz Bar on Monday December 16, start 8pm.   more...

Devizes News

Farewell to family with heart of gold

MORE than 150 family and friends of fire victims Dawn Hughes and her three children flocked to say their final farewells on Monday.   more...

Drug dealer let out of prison

DRUG dealer Scott King, who was jailed for six months for offering to supply heroin and failing to surrender to bail, has been released just six weeks into his sentence.   more...

Sparing men the blushes...

DEVIZES businesswoman Karen Beater has come up with an idea to spare the blushes of men wanting to buy something lacy and sexy for their wives for Christmas.   more...

Authority chairman negotiates on strike

JERRY Willmott, the chairman of Wiltshire and Swindon Fire Authority, was due in London today to resume negotiations with the Fire Brigades' Union on the fire strike.   more...

Close shave for Charlotte

BILL Wakeham, the father of terminally ill Charlotte, had his head shaved to raise money for the charity set up in his daughter's name.   more...

Funeral of fire victims

THE funeral of Dawn Hughes, 31, and her three children, Danny, Matthew and Teegan, who were killed in a fire at their home at Sleight on November 15, took place on Monday at Basingstoke Crematorium.   more...

New look store opens its doors

THE new look Somerfield store in the High Street which has been closed for nearly a month re-opens on Wednesday at 9am after a £1.1million refurbishment.   more...

Parking rules will penalise commuters

NEW street parking restrictions in Devizes will be imposed next February.   more...

Vandals ruin floral display

DEVIZES fundraiser Mary Nutland is determined to carry on with her floral displays despite three vandalism attacks last week.   more...

OAP pinned against shop by runaway car

A PENSIONER escaped serious injury last week when she was hit by a car which ran out of control in the Wharfside courtyard in Couch Lane, Devizes, and thrown against a shop window.   more...

Young and old warm to pearl of a knitter

GARMENTS knitted by an 89-year-old in Devizes have been appreciated as far afield as Bosnia and Afghanistan, and blankets and bonnets have benefitted new-born babies at Devizes Maternity Unit.   more...

Second cycle way planned

TRAFFIC schemes in Devizes costing more than £450,000 are planned by Kennet District Council next year.   more...

Italian plate taken

AN appeal has been made for witnesses to a shoplifting incident at Cygnets in Old Swan Yard, Devizes last Thursday.   more...

Burglaries linked

POLICE are linking a burglary and an attempted burglary at houses in Netherstreet, Bromham last Thursday. It is not yet known what was stolen in the burglary.   more...

Town officers on the move

IT is all change for four officers at Devizes Borough Police Station in New Park Street.   more...

Woman arrested

AN 18-year-old woman has been charged with two shoplifting offences following thefts from Woolworths and New Look in The Brittox on Monday.   more...

Christmas market to be biggest show yet

DEVIZES Development Partnership has given itself `a logistical nightmare' tomorrow when it stages the biggest Christmas market the town has seen.   more...

Behind the wall

HYGRADE Foods in Devizes has applied for permission to build a 30 metre long, ten foot high wall in Nursteed Road.   more...

Car hits pensioner

A PENSIONER was taken to hospital after a runaway car pinned her against the wall of a shop at Wharfside, Devizes.   more...

New recruits step forward to save Wrecks

DEVIZES' male majorettes, the Major Wrecks, are looking forward to next season after six new men joined the troupe.   more...

New parking rules

NEW parking regulations in Devizes are to be introduced to curb all-day parking on some streets.   more...

A festive note for the air ambulance

THE Boys Brigade Old Boys Band will open its Christmas programme with carols and popular festive music in the Market Place at the switching on of the town's lights tomorrow.   more...

Author sheds light on war

TOUCHING memories of those who lived through the horrors of the Second World War have been compiled into a book by Upavon mother of-three Charlotte Fyfe.   more...

Thieves take caravan

THIEVES stole an 18 foot Wilk Deluxe caravan worth £6,900 from the driveway of a home in Green Lane Great Cheverill some time between 8.30am and 2.30pm on November 20. Items inside the caravan included an awning, a portable television and sleeping bags.   more...

Assault is investigated

POLICE are investigating a 22-year-old woman's claim that she was assaulted while waiting at a bus stop in High Street, Market Lavington.   more...

Evacuees reunited with wartime `mum'

WARTIME evacuees Jean Brown and Kathleen Adkin returned to the Devizes home they lived in 61 years ago.   more...

Results of skate study

THE results of a feasibility study looking at the possibility of creating an indoor skate park facility at the Southbroom Centre, Devizes will be discussed in a few weeks by a working group involving representatives from the county council, district and town council and skatepark users   more...

Vandals damage screen

DAMAGE worth £50 was caused to the windscreen of a Peugeot 306 parked in Oak Close, Bishops Cannings, between 10.30pm last Friday and 1pm on Saturday. Any witnesses are asked to contact Devizes Police on (01380) 722141.   more...

Cash aid for bowls club

MEMBERS of the Upavon Short Mat Bowls Club last week celebrated receiving a grant of £2,450 from the National Lottery's "Awards for All" Programme.   more...

Shop goes nationwide

DEVIZES trader Ray Parsons was featured in a national television report about shopping.   more...

TV stardom for singers

SINGING stars from the Devizes area are appearing on a 40-minute TV special due to go out on HTV tomorrow.   more...

Plea as crash shuts road

DEVIZES police have appealed for witnesses to a three-car pile-up that closed the A360 Salisbury road between Potterne and Black Dog crossroads, near Lavington, for four hours.   more...

Arrests over child porn

A CIVILIAN worker at Wiltshire police headquarters in Devizes is among 14 people arrested for allegedly downloading child pornography from the Internet.   more...

Young sleuths clue up on police work

FIVE young winners of Wiltshire Constabulary's Crime Busters competition were thrilled when they were given a VIP tour of police headquarters in Devizes.   more...

Tributes flood in to musician and rider

TRIBUTES have been paid this week to Ralph Merrett, the former speedway rider and comic musician, who died in hospital last week aged 75.   more...

Major in death crash `has cheated justice'

THREE mothers say Army major Giles Stibbe flouted justice to escape sentence in connection with a car crash in which their children died.   more...

Children in need of hosts

A CHARITY that hosts children from the region of the former Soviet Union devastated by the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear plant 16 years ago, has appealed to families in Devizes and Marlborough to open their homes to the youngsters.   more...

Photographer spots the birdie

EXOTIC visiting geese, who normally live and breed north of the Himalayas, were spotted last week on the Crammer pond in Devizes by Gazette photographer Colin Kearley.   more...

Peter's recipes for good health

DEVIZES' own TV chef, Peter Vaughan, is taking part in a national campaign to raise public awareness of the dietary condition Coeliac, where sufferers are unable to tolerate products containing wheat and gluten.   more...

Fire chief thanks council for support

WILTSHIRE'S chief fire officer, Neil Wright, publicly thanked Kennet District Council last week for its support in allowing three of its employees to drop whatever they are doing and leap into action as retained fire fighters.   more...

Off-roaders under fire over damage to byways

VILLAGERS fear an ancient track in Stockley could suffer the same fate as a byway in Heddington, which they say was destroyed by off-road vehicles.   more...

Military firefighters welcome day's training

MILITARY firefighters said they felt more prepared for an eight-day strike after a day's intensive training on Salisbury Plain.   more...

Highway initiative sparks criticism

PLANS to stop replacing white centre line markings on Wiltshire's roads have been attacked as dangerous.   more...

Book images inspire cards

A RARE collection of Victorian children's books owned by Wiltshire County Council's library service has provided the inspiration for a new series of Christmas cards.   more...

Government slated on foot and mouth chaos

DEVIZES MP Michael Ancram has welcomed a report from the European Parliament that condemns the Government's delay in introducing restrictions during last year's foot and mouth epidemic.   more...

Running plan up in the air

RUNNERS planning to take part in the London Marathon next year have been asked to consider supporting Wiltshire's life saving air ambulance as their good cause.   more...

Appeal on £20,000 of stolen antiques

ANTIQUE furniture worth almost £20,000 has been stolen in a raid on a country house on the Wiltshire-Berkshire border.   more...

Devizes,Calne,Chippenham,Marlborough,Highworth,Corsham,Malmesbury,Wootton Bassett News

Is this really proper justice?

DRUG dealer Scott King was one of those caught in a police swoop during the successful Operation Ardent in September and when he was jailed for six months in October, the officers who caught him were entitled to believe he was out of harm's way for a while.   more...

Hats off to engineer

IN a week where that great engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel came second in the Great Britons poll, it is great to see entrepreneur and engineer Michael Bristow making a success of a brave venture.   more...

Devizes,Calne,Marlborough,Highworth,Chippenham,Corsham,Malmesbury,Wootton Bassett News

Firecrews are better off than many people

Further to the articles on the fire strike my husband and I would like to say we are very much against this strike for the following reasons:   more...

Ruling is part of school ethos

It is disappointing to read the comment on extreme hairstyles (November 14).   more...

£21,500 is not a pittance to struggling pensioners

SO Firefighter Haines thinks £21,500 is a pittance.   more...

Sculpture should be reconsidered

FURTHER to recent correspondence in the Gazette I would like to express concern as to the manner in which the idea of the proposed sculpture to celebrate Marlborough's 800th year anniversary would appear to have been approached.   more...

Can we have rethink?

IS it too late for the people of Marlborough to be given the chance to appeal publicly, if they wish against the decision by the 2004 organising committee and the town council to accept the free gift of sculpture commemorating the 800th anniversary of our charter?   more...

School will last

I WAS intrigued by the Gazette's report on the latest proposal for Rowde School.   more...

Praise for bus

I would like to congratulate everyone at the Wiggybus for their steadfast work over the last three years.   more...

Fine hit us hard

We visited Swindon's Princess Margaret Hospital for the 15th time in ten weeks, and will be going there for some time yet as my husband is quite ill.   more...

Call to Freemen

HAVING read about yet another plan for more houses in Malmesbury, this time on the site of the Suffolk Arms, I want to ask one question. Where are the Warden and Freemen of Malmesbury in all this?   more...

Parking puzzle

It is always a rare pleasure to visit Marlborough; would that I could do it more often.   more...

Parking is vital

IN the advertising features (Gazette November 21), emphasis is placed on car parking facilities in Chippenham at The Olympiad and council offices at the weekend, both quite a distance from the actual town centre.   more...

Thanks for cash

I would like to thank the people of Devizes and the surrounding villages who gave so generously to the Poppy Appeal and helped to raise more than £12,000.   more...

We need new airport

I READ with interest the NIMBY approach to transforming RAF Hullavington into a commercial airport. I think it is an excellent idea for the following reasons:   more...

I did not vote for tax increase for library

AT Calne Town Council's meeting of November 18 2002 the council voted by a majority of six votes to four on the adoption of the new budget.   more...

People are not prepared for rise

So, Councillor Derek Quinn thinks that the residents of Calne will be prepared to pay a one-off 35 per cent increase in the town council precept for the council tax next year.   more...

This is political suicide

With reference to the recent article in the Gazette on November 21 regarding the refurbishment of Calne's old library.   more...

Air health views

I am delighted that at the full Chippenham Town Council meeting on November 20 my fellow councillors supported my expression of extreme concern that a public meeting in Chippenham was not part of the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Trust's consultation process.   more...

Hospital needed

I CURRENTLY attend Rowden Hill Chippenham Hospital mental health day hospital.   more...

Malmesbury News

Tributes paid to primary teacher

MOURNERS packed into Malmesbury Abbey on Tuesday to pay tribute to teacher Lizzy Evans, who died suddenly aged 49.   more...

MP quizzes Commons on airport cover up

NORTH Wiltshire MP James Gray has tabled questions in the House of Commons to discover why there was no consultation over plans to build a major new airport at Hullavington.   more...

Panto should be real beauty

THE curtain goes up on Althelstan Players' pantomime Sleeping Beauty in Malmesbury tonight (28 November).   more...

Support is mustered in fight for Broadband

A CAMPAIGN has been started to bring Broadband internet access to Malmesbury.   more...

Fury as drivers use disabled parking bay

CANCER sufferer Sue Gardner says inconsiderate drivers are parking in the disabled bays on the High Street near Gable House Surgery in Malmesbury .   more...

Farm plans meet protest

PLANS to use two redundant farm buildings at Eastcourt Farm, Crudwell, for storage and distribution have raised a storm of protest from villagers and the parish council.   more...

Police have new a weapon in youth crime fight

POLICE are to arm themselves with a new weapon to fight the increasing problem of youth crime in Malmesbury.   more...

Challenge for new head

THE Walter Powell School in Great Somerford has appointed Terry Hall as its new headteacher.   more...

Small shops feel the pinch

THE Chamber of Commerce is worried about the decline in business in the shops around The Triangle in Malmesbury.   more...

Anger over drivers

CANCER sufferer Sue Gardner has hit out at selfish drivers who park in the disabled bays on the High Street near Gable House Surgery.   more...

£6,180 of power tools are stolen

BURGLARS stole power tools worth £6,180 from an industrial unit at Chelworth Manor in Crudwell on November 20. The thieves used a bladed instrument to force open a door into the workshop.   more...

Shops get ready for shopping night

SHOPS will be open from 6pm until 9pm in the annual Christmas late night shopping in Malmesbury next Friday, December 6.   more...

Santa is dropping in

FATHER Christmas will be at a Christmas bazaar at the Charlton village hall this Saturday from 2.30pm. Cakes, teas , a tombola and Christmas raffle will all be available.   more...

Wake up for the panto

THE Athelstan Players will be performing Sleeping Beauty as their annual Christmas pantomime tonight and tomorrow at 7.30pm and Saturday at 2.30pm and 7.30pm in the Malmesbury town hall.   more...

Christmas concert

MALMESBURY singers present a programme of Christmas carols featuring the conductor Iain Duff and the organist John Hughes at the abbey on December 7 at 7.30pm.   more...

Ceramics on display

THE Laurels Pottery in Seagry will be displaying their range of ceramics at their annual Christmas sale at the Seagry and Startley village hall on December 7.   more...

Marlborough News

Village faces bid for phone mast

TELECOM giant Hutchinson 3G wants to put up a mobile phone mast in the middle of Manton, close to homes and the primary school.   more...

Police act to counter increase in shoplifting

POLICE are to revamp Marlborough's Store Watch scheme to counter a rise in shoplifting, particularly by thieves from outside town.   more...

Injured women rescued from car crash wreckage

TWO women were taken to hospital following a three-vehicle pile-up on the A346 Marlborough to Salisbury road at Postern Hill on Tuesday 26 November.   more...

Vandals leave damage trail

POLICE have appealed for witnesses to a trail of damage caused around Marlborough in the early hours of Saturday morning.   more...

Library gets a young reader

WHEN Wiltshire Libraries ran a competition to find their youngest reader, they can't have expected the winner to clock in at just three days old.   more...

Harry's magic inspires artist

THE phenomenal success of Harry Potter is rubbing off on wildlife artist Joannah May.   more...

Long wait for Broadband

INTERNET users in Marlborough could face a lengthy wait to get the faster Broadband service from BT.   more...

New trials help boost memory of elderly

THE pioneering Oaks Ward at Savernake Hospital in Marlborough has embarked on more groundbreaking trials aimed at helping to restore memory for Alzheimer's sufferers.   more...

Cash aid for youths

ALDBOURNE parish council is donating £100 towards a youth service scheme to introduce the arts and drama to young people in the area following a request from Marlborough area youth worker Jan Edwards.   more...

Steamed up over a name

MARLBOROUGH Town Council is in favour of calling the new development in London Road after the first self-propelling vehicle to have driven up the hill.   more...

Time to get in the spirit of Christmas

CHRISTMAS comes to Marlborough on December 5 when the town's community partnership launches its Spirit Of Christmas celebrations,   more...

Landlord has bottle for world yacht race

PUB landlord John Jones will be swapping the warmth and comfort of his thatched inn with its log fires for the icy spray and late winter storms in the Atlantic.   more...

River project nets award

THE project to restore a length of the River Kennet near Marlborough has won a national environmental award for Thames Water.   more...

Birdie in hand

STAFF at the Riverside Vets surgery in Marlborough are looking for the owners of a friendly blue budgerigar that was found in the local area about ten days ago.   more...

Farmer's wife dies

FARMER'S wife Joan Flippance, who lived in the Pewsey Vale since arriving as a Land Girl in the Second World War, has died, aged 80, at Swindon's Princess Margaret Hospital following a short illness.   more...

Ring rounded up

AN engagement ring with a diamond type stone and a gold band has been handed in at the village police station about a month after being found on a Marlborough-Pewsey bus.   more...

Objection to plan to alter pub front

MARLBOROUGH town council planners have objected to plans to alter the front of the Royal Oak public house in the High Street because it would result in the loss of the `bottle glass' window.   more...

Expensive yellow line

A NEW yellow line scheme to deter motorists from parking along the main road in Avebury through the village will cost between £3,000 and £5,000 the parish council was told.   more...

Ab Fab fundraiser

ST Katharine's School in Savernake is holding an Absolutely Fabulous Christmas party on December 13, 7.30pm, at Marlborough Town Hall.   more...

High Street to close

THE High Street in Marlborough will be closed to through traffic from 4pm on December 5 for the Spirit of Christmas late night shopping extravaganza.   more...

Phone mast inquiry

AVEBURY Parish Council received a preliminary inquiry about the possibility of siting a mobile phone mast at Galteemore Farm and members observed that a similar plan for West Kennett was turned down because it, too, was in the World Heritage Site.   more...

Tannery site concern

MARLBOROUGH town council planning committee has resolved to object to the former tannery offices in Angel Yard being demolished and replaced with three flats for Raglan Housing Association on the grounds that the building is listed and it would involve the unnecessary loss of a building which could be renovated and still provide accommodation.   more...

Thanks sent to police

AVEBURY parish council has given an official vote of thanks to the police for helping control the busy biker nights in the village on Wednesday nights. The police recently held a speeding survey in the area.   more...

Meeting over meetings

THERE is to be a special meeting of the town council on December 9 at 7pm to ratify changes to standing orders that lay down how the council and its meetings are run.   more...

Flooding precautions

AVEBURY parish council has arranged for a supply of sandbags to be made available in the event of flooding and these are being stored by the National Trust and are available from its Avebury office on request.   more...

Trench filled in.. dug up

AVEBURY parish council has been given the news that following a number of complaints a water authority trench at Trusloe has been reinstated ­ but it is going to be dug up again soon for a larger main to be installed.   more...

Children in need of hosts

A CHARITY that hosts children from the region of the former Soviet Union devastated by the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear plant 16 years ago, has appealed to families in Devizes and Marlborough to open their homes to the youngsters.   more...

New link with Finland

FINLAND came to Marlborough this week when food ingredients company Danisco hosted a meeting between the mayor of the Finnish town Naantali, and Mayor of Marlborough, Coun Margaret Boulton.   more...

Melksham News

Army gains confidence as routine is established

PLAYSTATION game FIFA World Cup Soccer is helping Army green goddess crews on standby in Melksham to ease the tension in their 12-hour shifts.   more...

Pewsey News

Navy larks as `copter visits

PUPILS at St Francis Preparatory School in Pewsey were thrilled when a Royal Navy Sea King helicopter landed in the grounds.   more...

Queen lights way

THE Christmas lights go up on December 1 in Pewsey and carnival queen Emma Dainton will turn on the village's Christmas lights at 6pm in the Market Place.   more...

Farmer's wife dies

FARMER'S wife Joan Flippance, who lived in the Pewsey Vale since arriving as a Land Girl in the Second World War, has died, aged 80, at Swindon's Princess Margaret Hospital following a short illness. The funeral will take place on Tuesday at 2.15pm at Salisbury Crematorium.   more...

Tables are turned on Portman protester

PROBABLY the only woman who has ever led a sit-in by customers at a building society office received an award from grateful Pewsey people last Wednesday.   more...

Parents are bringing vandals into village

YOBS who gather in Pewsey are taken there by their parents who think they are going to the youth club, claims parish councillor Alex Carder.   more...

Cash aid for bowls club

MEMBERS of the Upavon Short Mat Bowls Club last week celebrated receiving a grant of £2,450 from the National Lottery's "Awards for All" Programme.   more...

Council's concern over traffic lights

PEWSEY parish council remains unhappy about the timing on the new traffic lights in Wilcot Road.   more...

Council may quit

PEWSEY parish council is considering quitting the Wiltshire Association of Local Councils to save its annual subscription of £500 after discovering that all the advice it needs is available from the Society of Local Clerks.   more...

Route plan for disabled

DISABLED people will be able to visit the beautiful countryside around Pewsey if a planned access route becomes reality, says the Pewsey Area Community Trust.   more...

Salisbury Features

Agriculture expert is game for wildlife

TERESA Dent laughs when asked if she is working in a man's world.   more...

Homecoming for art legacy

THREE pictures have been added to Salisbury's renowned Edwin Young collection of watercolours after they were spotted in an auction catalogue.   more...

Salisbury News

Everest drama has a happy ending

A SALISBURY supermarket manager told this week of the miraculous coincidence that saved his life after he was taken ill on Mount Everest.   more...

Brave Jack loses fight for life

LITTLE Jack Spayes, the terminally ill boy whose determination to enjoy every moment of his short life touched the hearts of Journal readers, has died peacefully, with his family at his bedside.   more...

School takes high-tech approach

A SALISBURY school is leading the way in providing state-of-the-art security to protect its pupils, staff and buildings.   more...

Soap star at lights switch-on

GLOWING wands changed hands at high speed as children begged their parents for spending money when they packed Salisbury's Market Place last Thursday for the switching-on of the city's Christmas lights.   more...

Call-outs for green goddesses

MILITARY firefighters reported this week that they had dealt with only a handful of incidents since the start of the latest Fire Brigades' Union strike last Friday.   more...

Debbie's national award

SALISBURY District Hospital's breast service co-ordinator, Debbie Postlethwaite, is runner-up for a national award.   more...

Licences could damage charities

EVENT organisers claim that charities will suffer if government proposals are given the go-ahead to make churches obtain an entertainment licence to stage concerts.   more...

Mollie, 80, goes for a spin

GOOD sport Mollie Donnett rolled back the years when her family arranged for her to mark her 80th birthday by reliving her youth and taking a spin through the district on the back of a giant motorbike.   more...

Floods could be on the way

PEOPLE living on low-lying ground or whose homes and businesses are near any of south Wiltshire's five rivers are being advised today to be prepared for flooding.   more...

Bell appeal on target

BELLRINGERS are going like the clappers to raise £35,000 to restore the bells of St Thomas's church, Salisbury.   more...

Student in fashion finals

A SECOND-YEAR fashion student from Salisbury College could be the winner of the prestigious Young Designer of the Year 2002 Competition.   more...

Salisbury Sport

What a difference 4 months makes

Salisbury's rise to the summit was halted by treacherous weather conditions at the weekend, as their game at Ashford Town was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.   more...

Keeper saves Wimborne

HEROICS from the young Wimborne keeper frustrated Salisbury and gave Wimborne a much needed first league win of the season.   more...

National Cup challenge for school's runners

TWO teams from one Salisbury school have battled through to the finals of the TSB National Schools' Cross Country Cup, writes Caroline Rippier.   more...

Teamwork earns a vital three points

Salisbury 1st XI 3 Petersfield 1st XI 1   more...

Convincing win by ferocious Salisbury

Salisbury 22 Windsor 10Rugby:AFTER the previous week's lacklustre performance, Salisbury captain Don Parsons' pre-match team talk was not for the faint hearted. But it was direct and effective, for Salisbury came out with the red mist already over their eyes and a determination to win that has so far been absent this season.   more...

Weather makes it a miserable football weekend

Few teams played at the weekend due to atrocious weather conditions, and Bemerton Heath Harlequin's game at BAT was struck down. The reserves managed to play though, at home to BAT's reserves, and they served up a 3-3 thriller.   more...

Rod and Line

with Roland Batten   more...

Sport Football

Bluebirds through to next round

A brilliant Steve Brown double illuminated Hardenhuish Park last night and edged Chippenham Town a step nearer to Dr Martens Cup glory.   more...

Baverstock quits ahead of Vase tie

DEVIZES Town caretaker manager Pat Slattery is not predicting a mass exodus of players following the decision of Ray Baverstock to quit the club after only 15 weeks in charge.   more...

Sutton Coldfield 9, Swindon Supermarine 0

SWINDON Supermarine sank to an all-time low on Saturday after a humiliating 9-0 defeat at mediocre Sutton Coldfield.   more...

Vics looking for new boss

BRIAN Slade has resigned as chairman of Hellenic League First Division outfit Malmesbury Vics due to his growing work commitments.   more...

Highworth Town 1, Wantage Town 1

A GOAL from Justin Miller with the last kick of the game enabled Highworth Town to salvage a point against bottom-but-one side Wantage Town.   more...

United owe it all to O'Pray

FREE-SCORING Westbury United romped to their fifth First Division win of the season on Saturday with a 5-2 success at faltering Ilfracombe Town.   more...

Devizes Town 0, Keynsham Town 2

RAY Baverstock's short-lived spell in the Nursteed Road hotseat ended on a low note as he saw his Devizes Town side slump to their fourth home defeat of the season on Saturday 23 November.   more...

Corsham skipper quits in search of medal double

CORSHAM Town are set to lose captain and midfield powerhouse Nigel Curtis to runaway Screwfix Direct Premier Division league leaders Brislington.   more...

Calne Town 5, Weston St Johns 2

GLENN Armstrong continued his goal spree with a hat-trick as Calne Town's sixth win on the trot moved them up to the dizzy heights of seventh spot in the Screwfix Direct League First Division table.   more...

Hellenic hot-shots

ALTHOUGH Highworth struggled to hit the target on Saturday23 November, their forwards Paul Day and Matt Saye figure prominently in the list of the Hellenic League's top marksmen.   more...

For he's a jolly good Fellows

YOUTH FOOTBALL: AFC CORSHAM and FC Chippenham A met for the second time in as many weeks in a first round tie in the first round of the Wiltshire Times and Chippenham News Mid-Wilts Youth and Minor League under 11s cup.   more...

Ladies at home

WOMENS FOOTBALL: CHIPPENHAM Town Ladies resume their Wiltshire County Women's League campaign with a home game on Sunday when they entertain Keynsham Town Reserves at Christian Malford, kick off 2pm.   more...

Chippenham Sunday league round up

THERE were shock results in the first round of the PPL Presto Print sponsored Knockout Cup as Second Division sides Biddestone Social Club and Wingfield sent Division One clubs Colerne A and Atworth United crashing from the competition.   more...

Champions see off the challenge of rivals

SKURRAYS WILTSHIRE LEAGUE: WATERLOGGED pitches were the order of the day with just three games getting the go ahead.   more...

Swindon Minors League round up

EASTVILLE Boys continued their pursuit of the under 16 title with a resounding 10-2 win at Eldene to close the gap on leaders Purton.   more...

Peters' treble wins cup tie

SWINDON AND DISTRICT LEAGUE: GREEN Baize and GW Bar served up a seven-goal cracker in their Adver Cup tie on a surprisingly firm pitch.   more...

Hot-shot Day hits six more

SWINDON SUNDAY LEAGUE: IN-FORM Paul Day continued his scoring streak with a six-goal salvo to help Jovial Monk to an 8-0 victory at lowly Grosvenor in their Division Five encounter.   more...

Villagers get their kit off to help find new African stars

THE names of former World Footballer of the Year George Weah and Chippenham and District Sunday League side Hullavington Village FC are not often used in the same sentence.   more...

Sport Rugby

Wootton Bassett 6, Trowbridge 0

WOOTTON Bassett dumped dangerous visitors Trowbridge out of the Dorset and Wilts Vase with a hard-fought 6-0 win.   more...

Wootton Bassett Ladies 2nds 3, Newent Ladies 2nds 0

LEAGUE leaders Bassett maintained their position at the summit after victory over fellow high-flyers Newent 2nds.   more...

Devizes 3rds 0, Salisbury 3rds 24

MINETY RUGBY: A DEVIZES side comprising both youth and experience could not contain a Salisbury outfit who made the most of the opportunities.   more...

Catt's on the prowl for third away success

MIKE Catt is on course to lead Bath's bid for a third away win of the season at Sale tomorrow night ­ before stepping out his club's domestic and European campaigns for up to a month.   more...

Chippenham 39, Grove 7

GRANT Trewartha helped himself to a brace of tries as Chippenham maintained their South West Two promotion push with this home victory.   more...

Chippenham 2nds 26, Barton Hill 0

CHIPPENHAM 2nds produced a disciplined performance to clinch victory over Barton Hill at Allington Field.   more...

Minety 11, Swindon College OBs 21

MINETY'S record-breaking 11-match winning run finally came to an end as they bowed out of the Dorset and Wilts Vase at the second round stage.   more...

Bassett boys break century mark

JUNIOR RUGBY: WOOTTON Bassett's junior teams marched on, both the under 15s and under 13s maintaining their unbeaten records, with the younger age group smashing the century barrier.   more...

Flower blossoms with try double

JUNIOR RUGBY: CHIPPENHAM under 12s emerged undefeated from their two games against Cleeve on Sunday.   more...

Tag team glory for Warneford

FORMER England and Bath great Ben Clarke was in Swindon yesterday to oversee the grand finale at Innogy's Tag Rugby Festival.   more...

Swindon News

Road tax checks victimise the poor

I WOULD like to add to the debate on "car tax dodging", as it is so quaintly called.   more...

And they call this a rural idyll

THE Vale of White Horse Local Plan is welcomed as a carefully considered and sensible way forward.   more...

An open and shut case

The closure of Lady Lane can in no way be justified just because residents were naive enough to believe a builder when they bought their houses. I trust these same residents whined as much at the time the same builders tore down the beautiful broadleaf copse to make way for their houses.   more...

How the council saved £2.75m a year in interest

IN reply to J Olding's query regarding the fate of the money from the sale of the Brunel Centre. The answer lies in an article the Advertiser published last November.   more...

Make a wish list happen

The people of Swindon have come up trumps for the Evening Advertiser Christmas Appeal.   more...

Town's commuters face more misery

RAIL commuters from Swindon have been enduring more misery because of technical problems on the tracks.   more...

Nursing homes crisis for Swindon old folk

NURSING homes in Swindon are filling up with patients from the neighbouring counties of West Berkshire and Hampshire.   more...

Lesson for teachers in keeping control

A WORLD expert on children's behaviour came to Swindon to show teachers how to deal with unruly pupils.   more...

Sing song is set to make a new world record place

SCHOOL children from Swindon are taking part in a mass Simultaneous Sing on December 9 in a bid to help set a new Guinness World Record and to raise money for the national charity Sargent Cancer Care for Children.   more...

Woodwork eviction back on the table

PROPOSALS to demolish part of Pinehurst People's Centre could lead to the eviction of a woodwork therapy project.   more...

Keep the keys to the car, says Honda to the Mayor

HONDA has confirmed its intention to keep providing the mayor with a civic car.   more...

Email voting set to return

VOTING by email looks set to return to Swindon for the May 2003 Swindon Council elections.   more...

Brunel's files reveal legacy

A unique collection of documents featuring the work of Isambard Kingdom Brunel ­ the man credited with putting Swindon on the map ­ is being unveiled today.   more...

Tributes to great thespian

ONE of Swindon's best known and most respected amateur actors, producers and set designers has died at the Prospect Hospice at the age of 74.   more...

Melinda is backed by her old college

STUDENTS from Melinda Messenger's old college are backing her all the way in the Celebrity Big Brother house.   more...

Husband and wife share their home and one job

HUSBAND and wife team Sarah and Simon Truelove share everything ­ including their job.   more...

Design your badge and win a bike

YOUNG people in the Parks and Walcot East areas of Swindon are being asked to design a badge for the local council run Junior Wardens scheme.   more...

Programme launched for arts centre

The programme for the new season at the revamped Swindon Arts Centre is out this week.   more...

Chance to see the Lord of the Rings new game

WEST Swindon library is holding a free games workshop event on Friday evening between 5pm and 8pm.   more...

If you could see what I can see...

There's more to opening a brand new hospital than moving in all the equipment.   more...

MP steps in to sort it out

Energy companies have been switching gas and energy supplies to people in Swindon without telling them what they were doing.   more...

A warm welcome all round as second centre opens

A SECOND Welcome Centre has officially opened its doors to the parents and children of Park South.   more...

Sex pest warning

TWO men are now being sought by police in connection with a spate of indecent exposures in Swindon.   more...

Digging in for a long winter

STRIKING firefighters say their resolve has been strengthened following a threat of job cuts from the Government.   more...

Making town's streets safer

ONE of Swindon's pioneering team of street wardens was today singled out for a national award.   more...

Paramedic faces trial over road crash death

A PARAMEDIC accused of killing a woman while driving his ambulance to an emergency is to face a trial.   more...

Think hard before you buy a pet

THE RSPCA has again urged people in Swindon to act responsibly as Christmas draws closer.   more...

Foster carers to receive extra cash

FOSTER carers in Swindon are set to receive a rise in their weekly allowances to help attract more people to the job.   more...

Appeal for roof at open air pool

HIGHWORTH open-air pool needs a roof if it has any chance of recouping financial losses and staying open.   more...

Dancers ready to take on the world

IRISH dancing teacher Michael McInerney is on top of the world this week.   more...

Reducing the risk to the minimum

A rare court order obliges a known paedophile has been ordered to stay away from children. Debbie Waite has the story.   more...

No easy answers to this problem

It is reassuring to know that the authorities are doing their utmost to protect children in the community.   more...

Modernise to keep asset

THE swimming pool at Highworth Rec is a great asset to the town and needs to modernise to stay that way.   more...

Trowbridge News

Paramedic faces trial over road crash death

A PARAMEDIC accused of killing a woman while driving his ambulance to an emergency is to face a trial.   more...

Wiltshire News

Drug dealer let out of prison

Scott KingGAZETTE & HERALD EXCLUSIVE: DRUG dealer Scott King, who was jailed for six months for offering to supply heroin and failing to surrender to bail, has been released just six weeks into his sentence.   more...

Wiltshire Sport

Dan's my man

DANNY Invincible will be offered a fresh deal in the next few days as Andy King bids to keep the Australian at the County Ground.   more...

Wootton Bassett News

Relatives could get keys to cemetery

QUESTIONS have arisen over who should own special "radar" keys allowing access to the town cemetery in Cricklade.   more...

Boundaries may change for voters

PEOPLE living in Wootton Bassett could eventually find themselves as part of a smaller Parliamentary constituency.   more...

A Dickens of a good idea for fun

WOOTTON BASSETT's annual Dickensian Evening takes place on December 6. The High Street will become a pedestrian only area between the mini-roundabout and Station Road, from 5.30pm.   more...

  
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