Wiltshire | Archive | 2004 | November

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Stories for 25 November 2004

Business News

You can join IT wages survey

THE first detailed look at computing salaries in Swindon is about to be launched.   more...

Poster warns of on-site ladders

PosterHARD-HITTING posters in anticipation of new ladder laws are available.   more...

Stationery move

WH Smith has named Severn Trent chief executive Robert Walker as chairman.   more...

Longer Latitude

COMPUTER hardware and software wholesaler Latitude has bought the long leasehold interest in 1,600sq ft offices at Unit 3 in The Meads business centre in Ashworth Road, Swindon, for more than £175,000   more...

Highly Intelek

INTELEK ­ this month named one of the south west's fastest growing technology firms by Deloitte and Touche ­ has released interim results for the six months to the end of September.   more...

Poor receptions

GWR, which runs a commercial station in Wiltshire, said the radio advertising market is in difficulties after revenues in October and November fell.   more...

Malaysia better than Malmesbury

Fuming Malmesbury councillors say it is a slap in the face for a Dyson spokesman to say production quality has improved since the company switched manufacturing from Malmesbury to Malaysia.   more...

Toast to new beauty outlet

14698/01THE Body Shop, the latest shop to come to Chippenham, was opened in Emery Gate on Thursday. Louise Giles, who has been a manager at Body Shop for four years is delighted Chippenham can finally reap the benefits of the eco-friendly products.   more...

Top apprentices are future of industry

WILTSHIRE'S budding engineering and manufacturing high-fliers received official recognition at a special prize-giving ceremony in Chippenham last week.   more...

Mum beats illness for four-year college bid

GOING back to college as a mature student is a challenge in itself ­ but as a mum-of-two suffering from Multiple Sclerosis, it takes a certain amount of determination.   more...

Success in exams for financial staff

STAFF at Monahans, the chartered accountant and business advisory group, have achieved great success in recent exams they have taken.   more...

Redundant Santa is back

ANOTHER Calne business took pity on Chippenham's Santa Claus this week and offered to put him up for the night.   more...

Business told to check rate

OVER the next few months around 40 per cent of businesses face the prospect of a substantial rise in business rates.   more...

Calne News

Transplant girl wins trip to see Pooh Bear

14763/3GAZETTE & HERALD: CALNE liver transplant girl Lauren Emery, five, and her family have been given the chance to go on a dream trip of a lifetime to Disney World.   more...

Football club shown the red card at home

14761/1GAZETTE & HERALD: Calne Town Football Club is furious after a sign banning its players and supporters from using a car park was put up its own social club committee.   more...

Food bank scheme to support the needy

GAZETTE & HERALD: POORER families in Calne could get a helping hand from a `food bank' which would be modelled on a successful scheme already operating in Salisbury.   more...

Teacher escapes jail on child porn charges

GAZETTE & HERALD: A TEACHER who had hundreds of indecent images of children stored on his home computer has walked free from court.   more...

Expert presides over charity battle of wits

GAZETTE & HERALD: Antiques Roadshow expert Clive Farahar was the quizmaster when more than £6,000 was raised for Breast Cancer Haven at a charity event held at St Mary's School in Calne.   more...

Artist goes for the treble

GAZETTE & HERALD: Artist Carol Kibble is having a positive response to her third exhibition of the year. Following similar displays in Bradford on Avon and Newcastle, her new exhibition takes place at Calne Library and runs until December 4.   more...

Friends pay tribute to devoted musician

14700/1GAZETTE & HERALD: HUNDREDS of mourners gathered on Friday to pay their respects to a man whose friendship knew no bounds.   more...

Chance to log on and learn

GAZETTE & HERALD: INTERNET surfers from as far away as America have been logging onto the new website launched last month by John Bentley School, Calne.   more...

Gazette grants give boost to community

GAZETTE & HERALD: Calne Physically Handicapped Club is just one of a number of community groups from around the west that are celebrating after being awarded a grant by the Gazette's owner.   more...

Cars News

Mitsubishi Outlander: One hot hybrid

DAVID says: "I thought you said you were getting a 4x4," said my daughter, slightly disappointed that the drive was not filled by a huge, mud-munching monster motor.   more...

Tiny car grows smarter

DAVID says: The words pocket rocket have been applied to all sorts of cars over the years - now there is a vehicle that can claim the name for itself.   more...

Nissan's X-TRAIL leaves rivals trailing

DAVID says: Nissan's X-TRAIL has blazed an award-winning trail for the Japanese car maker in off-road sales.   more...

Chippenham News

Anticipated exhibition opens

14663/1GAZETTE & HERALD: A major exhibition celebrating the life and work of acclaimed teacher, artist, conservationist and peace activist Robin Tanner was launched during the Christmas lights festivities in Chippenham on Friday.   more...

Campaign launched to combat shop theft

GAZETTE & HERALD: POLICE in Chippenham have re-launched a successful poster campaign in a bid to combat shoplifting over the Christmas period.   more...

Arts festival a winner at pulling in crowds

GAZETTE & HERALD: INTERNATIONALLY renowned pianist Howard Moody has come to the rescue of the Townley String Quartet, after soloist Christopher Kent injured an arm falling from his horse.   more...

Saved (for now)

THE Gazette's campaign to save maternity units in Devizes and Malmesbury has helped earn a reprieve of 12 months but the fight must go on to ensure its long-term future.   more...

`I can promise pain' says health boss

Carol ClarkeNEW health boss Carol Clarke, who has been given the task of rescuing Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust from financial disaster, is undaunted by the enormous task facing her.   more...

Money man called in to help PCTs

FINANCIAL troubleshooter Derek Harvey has been called in to help cash-strapped health bosses. He has been asked to sort out the financial crises at Kennet and North Wiltshire and West Wiltshire PCTs.   more...

Council kicks off festivals

YOUNGSTERS are being encouraged to get active and sporty in a series of new sports festivals, organised by North Wiltshire District Council.   more...

Deadline for cash grants

MONEY for local community projects is available from North Wiltshire District Council but groups must act fast to get their applications in on time.   more...

Gran is run down on zebra crossing

Flowers at the Langley Road crossing (14766/2)GAZETTE & HERALD: GREAT-GRANDMOTHER Beryl Jefferies died after being hit by a car on a zebra crossing just yards from her home in Chippenham.   more...

Clubbers flock to tribute to top DJ

Travis Bryan's girlfriend Charlotte Richings and his DJ friends Vince Macari and Chris Hunt prepare to celebrate his life at Friday's gigGAZETTE & HERALD: Friends and family packed out a nightclub last week in memory of top West DJ Travis Bryan. Mr Bryan, 32, who lived with his father Joseph at Little Down, Chippenham, and was known as DJ Truss, died when his car collided with a tree near Marlborough on November 14.   more...

Campaigners turn to sorcery for salvation

14752/01GAZETTE & HERALD: As doomsday looms for Chippenham's Goldiggers building, protesters have enrolled a white witch in their battle against the forces of demolition and development.   more...

Driven by pedal power

14422/02GAZETTE & HERALD: MUM Cara Mead, who is raising money for the Gazette's Lydia Cross Appeal and the Meningitis Research Foundation, is busy building up her muscles ready for her fund-raising event in spring next year.   more...

Cruel thieves steal from needy children

GAZETTE & HERALD: THIEVES who rifled through charity boxes filled with gifts for needy children in some of the world's poorest countries have been branded sick and heartless.   more...

Toast to new beauty outlet

14698/01GAZETTE & HERALD: THE Body Shop, the latest shop to come to Chippenham, was opened in Emery Gate on Thursday.   more...

Mum's African appeal bid

GAZETTE & HERALD: MUM Judy Morris was so moved by the plight of Kenyan youngsters she and her family met on holiday she is setting up a support network to help them.   more...

OAP robbed in her home

GAZETTE & HERALD: AMBULANCE crews had to treat an elderly Derry Hill woman for shock after three people tricked their way into her home and pushed her to the ground.   more...

With love from me to you

14703/1GAZETTE & HERALD: BIG-HEARTED pupils at two Chippenham schools have pulled out the stops for Operation Christmas Child, filling more shoe boxes than ever before.   more...

Appeal is still up in the air for barred GP

GP Barney WilliamsGAZETTE & HERALD: With just two weeks to go until the appeal deadline, GP Barney Williams has still not decided whether to challenge a decision by the General Medical Council to strike him off for professional misconduct.   more...

Corsham News

100 reasons to celebrate

14686/2GAZETTE & HERALD: FRIENDS and family of Mary Bond threw a surprise party last week to celebrate her 100th birthday. Mrs Bond, who now lives at Claremont Nursing Home in Corsham, reached her centenary last Tuesday.   more...

Teacher escapes jail on child porn charges

GAZETTE & HERALD: A TEACHER who had hundreds of indecent images of children stored on his home computer has walked free from court.   more...

Girl, four, may have millions in trust fund

GAZETTE & HERALD: A HIGH Court has said a Corsham mother was not to blame for her child being born brain damaged after she was involved in a car accident while pregnant.   more...

Redundancy for 15 staff

GAZETTE & HERALD: CORSHAM plastics firm United Polymers has announced 15 redundancies due to ongoing financial losses. The company went into administration in October, leaving 65 staff fearing for their jobs.   more...

Royal Mail plan to shut sorting office

GAZETTE & HERALD: Plans to close Corsham's Royal Mail delivery office have provoked dismay and outrage among local people, who fear the proposals would lead to a poorer service.   more...

Ctfc Sport

`We've been too slack at the back' says Herring

DEFENDER Ian Herring said the draw on Saturday felt more like a defeat after Chippenham conceded with the last kick of the game.   more...

There's no place for racism in football

STEVE WHITE COLUMN: I DID not get round to seeing the England versus Spain friendly but heard about the disgusting incidents concerning Shaun Wright-Philips and Ashley Cole.   more...

Chippenham Town 1, Grantham Town 1

A DRAMATIC last gasp own goal denied the Bluebirds all three points on Saturday. Chippenham took a deserved lead in the second half thanks to superb free kick from midfield ace Scott Walker.   more...

Davidson thrilled to win his first start

MIDFIELDER Lee Davidson said the nerves kicked in when he was named in the Chippenham starting line up for the first time this season.   more...

Jones hopes to turn pro

BRISTOL Rovers youth player Sam Jones is still confident of earning a professional contract at the end of the season despite sitting on the bench for Chippenham.   more...

Premier Shield defence starts now

CHIPENHAM start their defence of the Wiltshire Premier Shield when Ryman Premier Division side Salisbury City pay the Hardenhuish a visit on Tuesday night.   more...

Kirk's loan move is off

BEN Kirk's proposed loan deal to Mangotsfield looks to be off according to the talented midfielder. The Southern League West side contacted Chippenham two weeks ago about taking the youngster on loan, but Kirk has not heard from them since.   more...

Devizes News

Saved (for now)

THE Gazette's campaign to save maternity units in Devizes and Malmesbury has helped earn a reprieve of 12 months but the fight must go on to ensure its long-term future.   more...

Mums praise wonderful staff

SINCE the possibility was raised back in January 2003 that the maternity units in Devizes and Malmesbury could close many campaigners have given birth again.   more...

School moves home

14701/1 PUPILS at Chirton Pips Pre-school watched with excitement on Thursday as the new mobile classroom that they will be sharing with the village primary school arrived.   more...

Survey reveals huge increases in traffic

TRAFFIC in the London Road area of Devizes has increased by more than a quarter in the last four and a half years, according to a survey carried out last week by residents.   more...

Farmer files planning appeal

AN appeal against refusal of planning permission for 22 homes in the centre of Urchfont, near Devizes, is not meant to be the end of discussions between the landowner and villagers.   more...

Street festival lights the way to Christmas

14776/02DEVIZES' first ever Christmas Festival hits the streets of the town tomorrow night as 300 local people prepare to take part in a spectacular lantern-lit parade.   more...

Freaky Friday

14721/01THERE were some queer goings on in Marlborough and Devizes on Friday but then it was Children in Need day when literally anything went.   more...

Victim's £1.6 million compensation

PASTOR'S daughter Emma Hamilton, 25, has received a £1.6 million out of court settlement following a car crash that left her with serious head injuries.   more...

Hanged man was innocent, judge says

DEVIZES solicitor Tim Prees has said the half sister of a man hanged for the alleged murder of his wife and baby is disappointed at the failure to have her brother's case referred to the Court of Appeal, but this has been softened by a definitive statement of his innocence.   more...

Rotary dinner to mark a 45th year

DEVIZES Rotary Club next week celebrates 45 years of service to the local community with a gala dinner at the Bear Hotel.   more...

Sanctuary shuts door to any new stray cats

LORRAINE Spencer, the founder of cat refuge Devizes Kats and Kits in Care, says she will not be taking in any more waifs and strays.   more...

Big boost for fund

A FUND set up in memory of ten-year-old Devizes schoolboy , who lost his battle against brain cancer in September, has received a £4,500 boost from runner Chris Simkins.   more...

Lotto winners' hunt goes on

VICTORIA and Jason Jones, the newlywed Devizes couple who won £2.3 million on the National Lottery last month, are actively looking for a new home together in the Devizes area.   more...

Gala date for magical coach

BROMHAM furniture maker Mark Wilkinson has given a hand-made full-sized Cinderella coach to charity. Mr Wilkinson, who recently won a lifetime achievement award from the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers, gave the coach for a charity auction at the Natural History Museum on December 7.   more...

Carnival boss bids farewell

DEVIZES Carnival committee chairman Ian Hopkins bade farewell last Thursday saying that he is leaving the carnival in considerably better condition than when he joined six years ago.   more...

Call to art lovers to support local work

DEVIZES art lovers should put their money where their mouths are and support local artists, says Juliet Reid, the proprietor of the Wine Street Gallery.   more...

Old jobs lure back partners

KERRY Osbourne and Gillian Smith have sold Food Glorious Food in Snuff Street, Devizes, just 16 months after opening the popular sandwich shop.   more...

Writer's in with a Finnish

MILES Kington, a former editor of Punch magazine and the man who invented Franglais, comes to Devizes next month as a guest of the Devizes-Tornio Twinning Association.   more...

Regiment is under threat

DEVIZES Town Council has agreed to take up the cudgels in defence of the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire (RGBW) Regiment, thought to be under threat from defence cuts.   more...

Drink driver gets warning

DRINK driver Sandra Smith who moved away from Devizes without telling the probation service has been told to co-operate or spend Christmas in prison.   more...

Driver committed nine offences in six weeks

MOTORIST Barry Cooper has had a driving ban extended after he committed nine driving offences in six weeks.   more...

Church closes for Christmas

ST John's Church, Devizes, will be closed this Christmas for probably the first time in its 870-year history.   more...

`I can promise pain' says health boss

Carol ClarkeNEW health boss Carol Clarke, who has been given the task of rescuing Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust from financial disaster, is undaunted by the enormous task facing her.   more...

Threat to the right to vote

THOUSANDS of people in Kennet could lose their right to vote in forthcoming elections, the district council has warned.   more...

Money man called in to help PCTs

FINANCIAL troubleshooter Derek Harvey has been called in to help cash-strapped health bosses. He has been asked to sort out the financial crises at Kennet and North Wiltshire and West Wiltshire PCTs.   more...

Teacher is banned for drink driving

TEACHER Margaret Skelton has lost her driving licence and may lose her job after she pleaded guilty to driving with nearly twice the legal limit of alcohol in her system.   more...

Showdown looms as two sides stand firm

14773/03HUNTS in Wiltshire will be out in force on February 19, even though the sport will by then be illegal. This week Beaufort Hunt secretary Nigel Maidment said he expected a big turn out for the hunt on the day the blood sport is banned.   more...

Toys piling up at the Gazette

Teddies and board games, dolls, dominoes and toiletries have been piling up at Superdrug stores and the Gazette offices for the Christmas Toy Appeal.   more...

Easier access to bestsellers

LIBRARIES are launching a new service to make it easier to borrow the latest best sellers. Wiltshire County Council is running a pilot Fastback book scheme at libraries including Chippenham and Devizes.   more...

Backwards walk to give needy children small step forward

WEARING his favourite Bart Simpson boxer shorts over his trousers, Chippenham schoolboy Brad Terrell set himself the challenge of walking backwards round his estate to raise money for Children in Need.   more...

Circuit help for charities

TWO Wiltshire charities have praised Castle Combe racing circuit for its support in helping them raise more than £5,000 of urgently needed funds.   more...

A service for rail disaster

THE Bishop of Reading, the Rt Rev Stephen Cottrell, has extended an invitation to all to attend a church service in memory of all those who died in the rail crash at Ufton Nervet on Saturday, November 6.   more...

Great Bustard project takes another big step forward

DESPITE attacks by foxes and accidents involving barbed wire, the project to reintroduce the Great Bustard to Salisbury Plain is well on course for a successful conclusion.   more...

Warning over sales bullies

WILTSHIRE Police are warning people about unscrupulous companies who use fear of crime to persuade older and vulnerable people to buy their security products.   more...

Farmer's boy tells of rural hardship

PENSIONER Ben Spreadbury has recorded his life story both in print and on tape so that future generations know what Wiltshire farmworkers endured in the days between the Depression and the Second World War.   more...

Breaking out for charity

A SPONSORED breakout, where students travelled as far away from Wiltshire College as possible in 14 hours, has raised hundreds of pounds for charity.   more...

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

Traffic levels on roads increasing

Last Thursday, the Save Our Spitalcroft community action group carried out a traffic count on the London Road in Devizes and at all the junctions which will be affected by the building of 158 homes on the former allotments.   more...

Top priority will be to minimise disruption

I am writing to set the record straight over Royal Mail's intentions for the Malmesbury delivery office. We are currently in the process of developing a business case to combine three North Wiltshire delivery offices: Malmesbury, Chippenham and Corsham into one new unit.   more...

Record office could be at risk from fires

The health problems associated with relocating the Wiltshire and Swindon Record Office next to the major electrical distribution sub-station in Cocklebury Road in Chippenham have appeared in the press.   more...

What is the consequence?

I wonder how many of your readers remember the game of consequences? It would appear that many of our MPs have never played yet alone understand what consequences are.   more...

Not a doctor

MAY I refer to articles in the Gazette and Herald on to the Devizes Hospital situation and quoting the Minister of Health as Doctor Reid.   more...

Ring is lost

DURING the evening of November 12 I lost a gold signet ring marked HGS which was a 21st birthday gift to my father from his parents.   more...

Great result

THE Poppy Appeal in Burbage, Easton Royal and Cadley has raised £1,728.87, an excellent result. Thank you very much to all those who so generously gave their time and money to the appeal.   more...

Date sought

IF the person who originally provided the photograph of the Swindon Christmas market Young Farmers' Club prizewinners (Gazette, November 4) has the date of this occasion, I will be pleased if they will ring me on (01672) 562181.   more...

Dray defence

IN reply to K R Mann's attack on the Wadworth shire horses "trundling through Devizes streets", may I point out to him that horses have more rights to use our streets and roads than any vehicle.   more...

Many thanks

My brother and I would like to thank you for the attendance at the funeral of my mother, Rose Wheatland. You made it a very special day for us, her family, a day of celebration of her life.   more...

One in favour

AS a regular reader of the letters in your paper, last week the letter referring to the proposed speed limit in Devizes was of interest.   more...

Ironic timing

THE decision of the Royal Mail to close Eastleigh Road Post Office in Devizes is a blow, especially as Tesco had responded positively to local views.   more...

What a team

I wish to thank all the staff at the Great Western Hospital in Swindon for the excellent treatment which I received whilst I was a patient there.   more...

Act will only be confusing

Tony Blair has kept a promise. After allowing a free vote ten times on hunting the Queen has given Royal assent to the ban. So it was irresponsible of our MP James Gray to encourage disobedience of the law by his "Cry havoc and let loose the dogs of war".   more...

Education News

School moves home

14701/1 PUPILS at Chirton Pips Pre-school watched with excitement on Thursday as the new mobile classroom that they will be sharing with the village primary school arrived.   more...

Health News

Money man called in to help PCTs

FINANCIAL troubleshooter Derek Harvey has been called in to help cash-strapped health bosses. He has been asked to sort out the financial crises at Kennet and North Wiltshire and West Wiltshire PCTs.   more...

`I can promise pain' says health boss

Carol ClarkeNEW health boss Carol Clarke, who has been given the task of rescuing Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust from financial disaster, is undaunted by the enormous task facing her.   more...

Saved (for now)

THE Gazette's campaign to save maternity units in Devizes and Malmesbury has helped earn a reprieve of 12 months but the fight must go on to ensure its long-term future.   more...

Malmesbury News

Saved (for now)

THE Gazette's campaign to save maternity units in Devizes and Malmesbury has helped earn a reprieve of 12 months but the fight must go on to ensure its long-term future.   more...

Last post for hub of village

14702/1Sherston shopkeeper Roger Clements has retired from running the village post office after 20 years of service. Mr Clements, 62, and his wife, Mary, handed over the reins to Bristol couple, Paul and Gail Mathers, last Thursday.   more...

Sorting office plans raise fears over jobs

Malmesbury postmen will have their jobs safeguarded if the town's sorting office is transferred to Chippenham, according to Royal Mail officials.   more...

Mums praise wonderful staff

SINCE the possibility was raised back in January 2003 that the maternity units in Devizes and Malmesbury could close many campaigners have given birth again.   more...

Toddlers get a new play area

14720/01A toddler zone has been reopened at St Aldhelm's Mead, Malmesbury, after vandals destroyed the previous play equipment about a year ago.   more...

Malaysia better than Malmesbury

Fuming Malmesbury councillors say it is a slap in the face for a Dyson spokesman to say production quality has improved since the company switched manufacturing from Malmesbury to Malaysia.   more...

Walk-in thief grabs clock

Police are hunting for a thief who stole a £5,000 Georgian clock after brazenly walking through the open front door of villager Roger Miller's home.   more...

Town hits target to deck walls with lights

MALMESBURY will be decked with Christmas lights this year, thanks to the generosity of local companies, groups and individuals.   more...

Celebrity couple seek the quiet life

Celebrity couple Neil and Christine Hamilton hope to quietly slip into their new £1million manor house home near Malmesbury by Christmas ­ despite devoting much of their time to media work.   more...

War grave's faithful attendant dies

VILLAGER Majorie Dolman, who lovingly tended the grave of a First World War soldier for more than 80 years, has died at 99.   more...

Plea to draw more tourists

Traders say that Malmesbury is North Wiltshire's best-kept secret and more needs to be done to raise the tourist profile of the town.   more...

Marlborough News

Water firm faces crash questions

Travis Bryan's girlfriend Charlotte Richings and his DJ friends Vince Macari and Chris Hunt prepare to celebrate his life at Friday's gigTHE scene of last week's death crash at Ogbourne St George was close to a water leak that had gone un-repaired for weeks and possibly months, it has been revealed.   more...

Freaky Friday

14721/01THERE were some queer goings on in Marlborough and Devizes on Friday but then it was Children in Need day when literally anything went.   more...

Boy on ASBO denies breach

MAGISTRATES have said they will lift youth court restrictions on identifying a 14-year-old if he is convicted of breaching an anti-social behaviour order.   more...

Pupils dig in for tree week

14770/01PUPILS at Shalbourne School have been busy planting trees this week. It's National Tree Week and the 29 pupils have all had a hand in planting ten trees in the school grounds.   more...

Concert aids hospital

TICKETS have gone on sale for one of the most popular events in the Marlborough calendar, the Friends of Savernake Hospital Seasonal Concert.   more...

Funding cutback forces charity to halt work

FORMER addicts helped to turn their lives around by the Savernake Forest-based Amber Foundation have appealed for it to be saved.   more...

Crushed car driver in fight for life

A driver was yesterday fighting for his life in hospital after his car was crushed partly under a lorry and against a wooded bank at Marten, near Burbage.   more...

Merlin's magic pantomime fun

John Yeats gets to grips with the character of baddie Baron ShoutemdownTHE first town pantomime for many years in Marlborough is all due to a rainy spell in Shropshire, says its writer and director David Sherratt.   more...

Residents fear cars may delay ambulance

FAMILIES have revived the Ducks Meadow Residents' Association following concern over parked cars obstructing access to their homes.   more...

Appeal after perfume theft

POLICE are appealing for any witnesses who saw a shop assistant struggling with a shoplifting suspect to come forward.   more...

Pewsey News

Assault out of character

A WATER bailiff from Enford, near Pewsey, said he did not remember assaulting his wife and step-daughter after getting more drunk than he had ever been in his life.   more...

Salisbury Features

The naked body as a work of art

Another year, another nude calendar. But as these ladies told Lesley Bates, Salisbury College is a little different   more...

Love affair with Hebridean island revealed in book

John Ogg and his wife, Doreen. DA2328P2Lesley Bates meets a retired eye surgeon who has spent the past 40 years lovingly restoring a croft house on the isle of Coll.   more...

Salisbury Sport

Alan closes season with Brands victory

RACE ace Alan Blencowe has enjoyed a dream finale to his troubled season.   more...

Duo's driving ambition reaps rich rewards

Young golfing hot-shots James and Hannah Turland with their coach Mark Ingram. DA6831P6.TALENTED twins James and Hannah Turland are making their mark on the international golf scene - together, writes Sarah McQuillen.   more...

Royal win for Salisbury

SALISBURY'S promising run of results in Powergen South West Divison Two (East) continued with a fine win over Windsor, writes Sarah McQuillen.   more...

Twenty years on and they're still bowled over

On the mat. Mayoress Sue Nettle, Five Rivers IBC president Keith Spear, Mayor Jeremy Nettle and junior members Thomas Warner and Ashley Plumb. Staff pictures by TOM GREGORY DA6832P1FIVE Rivers Indoor Bowls Club threw open its doors on Saturday to celebrate its 20th birthday in style.   more...

Party time

Amesbury skipper Steve Reeves and City captain Aaron Cook with match officials Mark Saxby, Roger East, Brendan Malone and eight-year-old mascot Connor Humphries. DA6850P5SALISBURY City enjoyed a confidence-boosting 5-1 win at Amesbury Town on Tuesday night but failed to spoil the hosts' centenary party.   more...

Sport Football

Corsham duo step closer to dream

CORSHAM youngsters Scott Lye and Jamie Lyons are one step away from representing England Schoolboys.   more...

Hammond full of praise

DEVIZES School's Sixth Form football team lost a two goal lead to go crashing out of the Association National Cup on Monday.   more...

Purton on the Wain after loss at home

WILTSHIRE LEAGUE: AFC Stratton, Cricklade Town and New College all had their games postponed in the Premier Division leaving Purton Reserves to carry the flag for the local sides.   more...

Box reach for the top after easy win

CHIPPENHAM SUNDAY LEAGUE: THE league suffered its worse week so far this season for postponements with just under half of the planned matches being lost for one reason or another.   more...

Billett is just the ticket

TROWBRIDGE LEAGUE: TWO goals from Mark Billett sent shock waves through the league as Division Two strugglers FC Northbridge knocked out A and B Cup holders Rudloe in the second round.   more...

Pewsey Vale 3, Tuffley Rovers 1

PEWSEY finally lifted themselves off the bottom of the GLS Hellenic Premier Division after coming back from a goal behind on Saturday.   more...

Late strike heats up race

A LATE Mark Stevens goal kept Shrivenham in the race for the Hellenic League title as their top-of-the table showdown with Trowbridge ended in a stalemate.   more...

Frome Town 3, Devizes Town 1

DEVIZES manager Mark Godley paid homage to his depleted side after he insisted that they showed commitment, desire and effort.   more...

Westbury United 0, Calne Town 3

THE Glasgow derby resulted in the blues of Rangers convincingly beating the green hoops of Celtic, and it was a similar result in the Wiltshire derby on Saturday.   more...

Corsham Town 4, Bridport 1

THIS scoreline is becoming manager Colin Bush's favourite result as it was the third match in a row that Corsham had won 4-1.   more...

Melksham 2, Barnstaple 0

MELKSHAM won their second game in a row for the first time this season with a battling performance on Saturday.   more...

Minehead 2, Biddestone 1

MINEHEAD adapted to the weather conditions best as Biddestone lost an early lead on a wet Saturday afternoon.   more...

Backwell United 2, Corsham Town 2

CORSHAM sneaked a point on Tuesday night in a controversial game that saw manager Colin Bush and striker Toby Colbourne both sent off.   more...

Sport Rugby

Chippenham 13, Marlow 0

AFTER almost stumbling in recent weeks, Chippenham held onto their second place in the league at Allington Field on Saturday against one of the sides poised to overtake.   more...

Redingensians 3, Wootton Bassett 28

Wootton Bassett jumped to joint first in Southern Counties South after a superb victory over Redingensians and Frome's defeat at Dorchester.   more...

Dorset and Wilts U18 12, Berkshire U18 7

DORSET and Wilts officials are expecting strong representation in the South West team to attend the England trials in December after another perfect run of results this season.   more...

Minety 0, Devizes 18

Even the ducks were running for cover in Minety as the wind driven snow and sleet ensured the weather was the winner on the day despite Devizes taking the league points.   more...

Corsham are top despite no games in three weeks

CORSHAM returned to the top of the league on Saturday without the team taking to the field.   more...

Strugglers looking to appoint a new coach

Marlborough Rugby Club are desperately trying to find a new head coach after the departure of Steve Ralph.   more...

Devizes 3rd 0, Malmesbury 43

Five of Malmesbury's seven tries were scored by the backs despite the bitterly cold and wet weather, showing their free flowing game is effective in all conditions.   more...

Quartet tackle Forest challenge

FOUR members of SLOG (Swindon Locality Orienteering Group) travelled to the Forest of Dean for a Western Night League event.   more...

Regional call for David

WOOTTON Bassett, Marlborough and Chippenham will all have representatives at the South West Under 18 trials.   more...

Swindon News

Workers should not get sick pay

I REFER to the report on November 17 titled `Staff moral is at rock bottom' in which Labour Councillor Andy Harrison claimed that staff morale at Swindon Borough Council is at an all time low.   more...

Venue that's a jewel in the crown

I REFER to a reader's letter which questions the lack of entertainment (music) venues in Swindon. I am writing to praise a venue in Swindon, the Arts Centre.   more...

Traffic jams can only increase

YET again there has been another accident on the motorway bridge in North Wroughton.   more...

Playtime over

FOUR hundred plus children wandering around bored or sitting at home playing computer games. Is this what Swindon Council wants? The Play Station had its budget cut by £50K this year and it is facing another cut next year. This will make it impossible to run summer play schemes next year.   more...

Postman hero

I WOULD like to put my comments to postal deliveries, made by Roger Ferris, Old Town, Yvonne Edginton and Roger Everall, Old Town.   more...

Wrong priority

THE government spent seven years talking about fox hunting. I am neutral in that debate, my great grandfather was killed in the hunt, thrown from his horse.   more...

Law is flouted

I SEE that thousands of drivers are flouting the law by using mobile phones while driving. I have seen drivers approaching a junction not only using their phones but smoking as well and if a child rushed out it could be fatal.   more...

Driver cleared of wrongdoing

Mitchell McCarthyTHE mother of a boy killed on a busy Swindon road overcame her grief to embrace the driver of the car that struck him.   more...

`I'll keep running my shop'

SHOPKEEPER Azim Khan has vowed to continue running his store ­ despite this week's terrifying hammer attack.   more...

Families fly off for a date with Santa

Ref. 73524/5 The Quelch and Batemans families off to LaplandCHRISTMAS has come early for two Swindon families who jet off to Lapland today.   more...

Preparing for a polar challenge

Ref. 73517-10WOOTTON Bassett sports physiologist Dominic Haigh is using hi-tech methods to help competitors prepare for a 320-mile race through a hostile environment.   more...

Come on, name the champs

IT'S time to sing the praises of all those unsung heroes of Swindon!   more...

Bullies make life a misery

Ref. 43488-20WORRIED mother Emma Churchill has pulled her son out of school because of persistent bullying.   more...

MP's bushmeat fears

ACTION must be taken to stop dangerous imports of illegal bushmeat, MP James Gray has urged in a Commons motion.   more...

Trip into time

RARE 19th century pictures of the doomed Crystal Palace are now available for all to enjoy on English Heritage website.   more...

Street wardens stay on patrol

THE STREET warden programme in Parks and Walcot will continue next year despite Government funding ending in March.   more...

Blackout!

Ref. 73518-168ANOTHER Swindon street has been branded a danger zone because of faulty street lights.   more...

TV viewer likely to left empty-handed

A SWINDON resident who fell foul of TV shopping channel Auctionworld is unlikely to receive compensation after it announced it has gone into administration.   more...

Burglars make it a hat-trick

ELDERLY residents of a sheltered housing complex have been burgled for a third time just hours after thieves snatched their Christmas bazaar raffle prizes.   more...

It's a wrong number when you ring A&E

The telephone number for A&E at the Great Western Hospital in the recently published Patient Prospectus is incorrect and anyone ringing it will get the number unobtainable tone.   more...

Thief snatches juggler's music

Ref. 73510-38THIEVES hit the wrong note with juggler Jacob Hirsch- Holland by stealing his stereo and CDs just before the start of his circus skills class.   more...

Help disadvantaged children celebrate Christmas

CHRISTMAS APPEAL: THE Evening Advertiser is hoping to stir up Swindon's festive spirit for our annual Christmas Appeal.   more...

Bid to improve life in Penhill

A COMMUNITY action plan is set to breathe new life into Swindon's most deprived neighbourhood.   more...

Be a lord and lady of a ring

FROM a young age a lot of girls dream of a fairytale wedding that they can cherish for the rest of their lives.   more...

Help disadvantaged children celebrate Christmas

THE Evening Advertiser is hoping to stir up Swindon's festive spirit for our annual Christmas Appeal.   more...

Hunter injured

A HUNTSMAN was airlifted to hospital with suspected spine and rib injuries after falling from his horse.   more...

Shaw donation

A charity is to receive a boost through the Tesco Express store in Shaw due to open on Monday.   more...

Suspects get bail

TWO men suspected of an armed robbery at a Swindon Kentucky Fried Chicken have been released on police bail   more...

£1.6m for drink accident victim

SWINDON solicitor Brigitte Chandler won £1,625,000 in an out-of-court settlement for the victim of a drunk driver.   more...

`Beirut' flats on hold

Plans to build 125 flats in Stratton St Margaret have been deferred.   more...

Singers pool talent

THERE will be no silent nights when singers from the Thamesdown Choir take to the stage.   more...

Seminar over Muslim police

A NATIONAL seminar looking at the experiences of Muslim police officers is to be held in Swindon.   more...

It's go for karting

SWINDON Council has allowed an old aircraft hangar to be used for go-karting.   more...

Up for junction

Councillors have given a thumbs-up to construction of a new junction to serve housing developments in Covingham.   more...

Helping Santa

SANTA'S little helpers will be dishing out mince pies and sherry on December 1 when his Gipsy Lane grotto is lit up for the first time this year.   more...

Flexible service for passengers

A door-to-door flexibus service will be available from Monday, November 29, for people who do not have access to transport.   more...

Present is correct

STRUGGLING to find an original Christmas present for a loved one?   more...

Sparkling flowers

BRINGING in the Sparkle is the title of a Christmas flower arranging   more...

Chris to sell furniture at Camden Market

CHRIS Evans has hired a pitch at Camden Market in north London to sell unwanted furniture and possessions after his split with Swindon singer turned actress Bille Piper.   more...

Cash raised for cat charity

CAT lovers will be selling goods to raise funds for their charity next month.   more...

We need to slash £10 million

Councillor Mike BawdenA document leaked to the Adver has revealed Swindon Council is considering axing 125 jobs and making £10.3m worth of cuts from services.   more...

Views from Tory, Labour and Liberal councillors

TORY councillor Nick Martin, the cabinet lead member for finance and chairman of the Budget Strategy Task Group, said: "These are only proposals that are being discussed before being finalised and put before the cabinet. The person who leaked this document really jumped the gun.   more...

Kids could be out on streets

Ref. 12989-74THE report is far-reaching, touching many different departments.   more...

Some of the cuts being considered by the council

Housing: Reduction in temporary accommodation budget of £60,000.   more...

Mothers' pride

Ref. 73509-21BABIES were gurgling with delight after scooping awards in a Swindon competition.   more...

Roll of baby honour

The full list of winners is: 19 to 36 months   more...

Suspended Tesco staff supported by their union

THE organiser of the union representing Tesco workers suspended from the Ocotal Way store says he hopes the investigation will be thorough but concluded sooner rather than later.   more...

Message of hope

AMNESTY International has launched its annual greetings card campaign to send messages of support to people around the world facing persecution, torture and other human rights abuses.   more...

Aids quiz to help school pupils

LUNCHTIME quizzes will help Swindon pupils get the message about Aids.   more...

Tourism News

Plea to draw more tourists

Traders say that Malmesbury is North Wiltshire's best-kept secret and more needs to be done to raise the tourist profile of the town.   more...

Wiltshire News

Saved (for now)

THE Gazette's campaign to save maternity units in Devizes and Malmesbury has helped earn a reprieve of 12 months but the fight must go on to ensure its long-term future.   more...

Wiltshire Sport

For Pete's sake!

ANDY KING admits he will be disappointed in the extreme if the performances of Sean O'Hanlon this season haven't caught the eye of England Under 21 manager Peter Taylor.   more...

Wootton Bassett News

Inn takes tough line following car crimes

14756/01Business partners Norah Thomas and Mike Randall have installed extensive new security measures at Sally Pussey's Inn to counter a spate of car crime.   more...

Hunter injured

A HUNTSMAN was airlifted to hospital with suspected spine and rib injuries after falling from his horse.   more...

Work is to start soon on new cycleways

Work is set to begin on making Wootton Bassett a happier, safer place for cyclists. Next month alterations will begin on widening paths and making safer places for cyclists to cross the town's High Street.   more...

CCTV may be upgraded

Wootton Bassett's CCTV system may soon be in line for a £25,000 digital upgrade. The 13 cameras, which are controlled from the town council offices, are monitored by a team of volunteers and footage is recorded and stored on video tape.   more...

Views on future of the cemetery are needed

Wootton Bassett Town Council is urging more residents to voice their views on the issue of the town's cemetery.   more...

Students turn into teachers

Parents and teachers sat quietly and listened to pupils in a special assembly at St Bartholomew's Church of England Primary School last week.   more...

Santa set to come to town

In just over a week Wootton Bassett will welcome Santa to the town with a spectacular Christmas lights evening.   more...

Club spotlight: Seahorse Dive Club

Club name: The Seahorse Dive Club. Number of Members: 42. Meeting place: Meetings are held every Saturday night at the Lyme Kiln Centre in Wootton Bassett.   more...

  
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