Wiltshire | Archive | 2007 | December
THERE has been a lot of talk about Ben Tozer being watched by Premiership clubs but I'm sure it won't go to his head. more...
THE Lavington Christmas match fished on Sunday on Merritts and Ellis Lakes produced fairly even weights. more...
The Science Museum’s Inspired project might not have made the final four on the ITV People’s £50m Lottery vote but the plan is far from over. Ben Perrin reports more...
Photos of the fielding side flattened on the outfield of Kandy's Asgiriya Stadium to evade a large swarm of bees, during England's recent First Test against Sri Lanka, reminded me of a similar picture in the 1945 Wisden. more...
RODBOURNE Cheney Bowls Club are looking for bids for a signed Cristiano Ronaldo football shirt to raise funds to maintain their bowling green. more...
A CHANCE encounter on a Christmas shopping trip has left a couple searching for a Czech man living in the west Wiltshire area. more...
Plans to build 115 homes on former industrial land in Station Road, Calne, have been approved. more...
Calne deputy mayor Mercy Baggs has left the United Kingdom Independence Party after less than a year amid rumours of a bust up in the party. more...
Planners have finally agreed a scheme for 13 homes on the site of the Calne Local Centre despite protests about parking. more...
DEVELOPERS of an industrial wasteland in Calne are to reduce the number of affordable homes. more...
POLICE chiefs in Warminster have said more drugs raids will be carried out over Christmas after officers stormed a property in the town on Friday. more...
CHIPPENHAM firefighters were on hand to help a pensioner when shopping for their lunch in the town yesterday morning. more...
DARING duo Mark Hawkins and Andy Merrett are setting off on their Indian Rickshaw Run on New Year's Day The race begins in Kochi on India's West Coast on January 1 and is set to finish in Kathmandu in Nepal two weeks later. more...
A NOTORIOUS beggar known as Crying Boy is believed to have started targeting commuters at Chippenham railway station just months after being banned from Swindon station. more...
Hardenhuish School in Chippenham has been given planning permission to put up a wind turbine and solar panels. more...
Castle Combe race circuit has been given permission to hold corporate rallying days 40 times a year. more...
SANTA'S widow' Margaret Jenson is bringing festive cheer to children in Cambodia by helping to build a new school named in his memory. more...
ANGRY residents who live by the River Avon have spoken of their frustration at the lack of flood defences in Chippenham. more...
STAFF at a Chippenham company are celebrating after scooping a massive lottery win -just in time for Christmas. more...
CHIPPENHAM firefighters were on hand to help a pensioner when shopping for their lunch in the town yesterday morning. more...
MIKE Rogers, manager of Third Division AFC Melksham has turned to Kris Lawrie to help strengthen his back line. more...
Did you know, more than one in three from the South West (37 per cent) would rather have a gift card or voucher than a present chosen by someone else and 44 per cent said getting one shows that the giver really cares about what they wanted. more...
Now that the cold, dark weather is here, all thoughts turn to keeping cosy and snuggling up indoors in the warm. more...
You could be in with a chance of winning £30 to spend at ASDA in Trowbridge, just in time for Christmas. more...
Wadworth in Devizes was founded in 1875 and boasts an enviable tradition in the brewing of fine beers. more...
To celebrate the launch of its limited edition Festive Menu, McDonald's is offering three lucky readers a free Christmas meal for themselves and five friends. more...
Adventure addicts hooked on Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman's fantastic Long Way Down expedition will be thrilled to learn that Nissan, who provided two Patrols to support the team on its extreme journey, is releasing a number of Long Way Down Special Edition vehicles. more...
Start 2008 in style with the London Gala Orchestra's festive celebration of Viennese and popular classics. more...
EXPLORER Charley Brentnall will be braving the Antarctic next year on an expedition to preserve the hut used by Captain Robert Falcon Scott. more...
SIX people battled a blaze at their home in Euridge, Colerne this morning after their tumble dryer and washing machine caught fire. more...
SIX people battled a blaze at their home in Euridge, Colerne this morning after their tumble dryer and washing machine caught fire. more...
A rash of burglaries occurred between 3 and 4 pm yesterday. more...
THE £20,000 revamped Mini that superbike racer Ollie Bridewell aimed to restore before his death during practice at Mallory Park in July, will be on show in the Brittox, Devizes, next Thursday. more...
COMMUTERS in Devizes are girding themselves for at least two weeks of misery in the New Year as London Road is brought to a standstill by more roadworks. more...
VIOLENT crime in Devizes has shown a dramatic decrease this year. more...
FOUR people, three of them 16-year-old juveniles, were arrested after two taxi marshals were attacked in Devizes Market Place in the early hours of Saturday morning. more...
A WILTSHIRE delegation had a showdown meeting with Post Office bosses yesterday to demand the reasons for the Post Office closures. more...
WADWORTH'S new visitor centre in Devizes is expected to attract up to 25,000 visitors a year and bring more business to the town. more...
DEVIZES is fortunate to have had two pioneers of photography working in the town at a time of huge change in its history. more...
LOVE is in the air for two En Masse members, Lizz Warner and Kevin Badcock, pictured right. more...
EVERY year, as Christmas approaches, Salisbury is given an eagerly anticipated treat. more...
A MUSICAL about the first and final voyage of the Titanic? Difficult, surely, to treat such an epic tragedy with toe-tapping tunes, romantic duets and happy chorus lines. more...
THE spectacular setting of the Double Cube Room, baritone Jonathan Prentice and soprano Jayne Strand on sparkling form and Nessun Dorma for an encore, ensured this event was a night to remember. more...
IF you go down to Sherwood Forest today, you’ll be in for a festive surprise. more...
Adie Mings has warned some of his Chippenham Town players they have one more chance to prove their worth - or they are out. more...
KEVIN Lima's smart and sassy tale of a storybook princess at large in New York City cleverly upholds and subverts fairy tale conventions. more...
THIS routine animated morality tale has echoes of Pixar's A Bug's Life, featuring a discontented insect unhappy with his lot. Barry the bee (voiced by co-writer Jerry Seinfeld) yearns to be a pollen-jockey, a glamorous collector rather than a humble hive worker. more...
DUSTIN Hoffman sparkles in a charming tale with echoes of Willy Wonka and Miracle On 34th Street. more...
JOAQUIN Phoenix and Mark Wahlberg star as brothers on different sides of the law in this gritty tale set in 1980s New York. more...
Boxing: Jamie Cox says composure is the key after he continued his fledgling career with his fourth senior win on Saturday. more...
Speedway: Alun Rossiter has hit out at the Elite League's new points system that has decimated his Swindon Robins squad for 2008. more...
The church bells in Ramsbury, Aldbourne and Baydon rang out on Saturday to celebrate the life of George Albert Newman, 83, who died on November 27. more...
FORMER headteacher Alec (Mick) Mayland, who lived in Potterne, has died at the age of 91. more...
CHILDREN'S television entrepreneur Peter Orton died last Wednesday after an eleven-year battle with throat cancer. more...
STALL holders on Marlborough market put flowers on the space last Wednesday where John Burrett had sold household cleaning products for more than 30 years. more...
I'm going to rule myself out of the running for the England job now Fabio Capello looks like he's going to get it. more...
TEENAGER Chris Allen is desperate to hang onto his Swindon Town first team place after starring on his full league debut. more...
Andrew Fitton could be unveiled as Swindon Town's new owner tomorrow as his takeover nears completion and he starts to appoint his own board. more...
A new date has been announced for Swindon Town's home clash with Huddersfield Town. more...
Cinderella Wyvern Theatre Swindon Excitement reached fever pitch at the Wyvern, as light-wand waving youngsters yelled traditional pantomime catch-phrases at a volume which seemed likely to overstep Health & Safety guidelines. more...
Pinocchio Wharf Theatre, Devizes IT really is extraordinary how the Wharf Theatre in Devizes seems to have a bottomless wealth of acting talent to call on, no matter what age the part. more...
St Joseph's School dominated the Dauntsey's School hockey festival in Devizes last week. more...
Therasa Paul goes training with the volunteers who help Wiltshire police in the search for missing persons or vital evidence in criminal cases more...
THE torrential rain put paid to all but one fixture in the Sydenhams Wessex League programme on Saturday. more...
SHREWTON United's return to winning ways was delayed when their Toolstation League Division One fixture at Backwell United fell victim to the weekend weather. more...
SALISBURY Rugby Club's firsts secured their safe passage into the Dorset & Wilts Cup semi-final with a convincing performance at Swindon on Saturday. more...
THREE of Salisbury's youth sides braved the atrocious weather to take to the field at the weekend. more...
I AM writing in response to the article in last week's edition of the Wiltshire Gazette & Herald regarding the increase in the Calne town council's precept for the next year. more...
ON behalf of the Pewsey Area Community Trust organising committee, we would like to thank all those business and retail outlets, the voluntary organisations, like the local fire brigade and the ZIXWX Club, to name but two, and local people who either gave so generously, or helped put the Christmas lights up in torrential rain and high winds, and erected (and dismantled) the reduced tented village for Saturday's Christmas Fayre. more...
I WOULD like to thank the organisers of the Christmas Lights in Marlborough that some people are saying are the best in the West. more...
IT was good to see Calne get the cash for Castlefields. more...
IN your report on the proposed development of Chippenham's Bath Road car park, statements have been attributed to me that I did not make to your reporter. more...
ON November 24, a total of £1,154.97 was collected in the Brittox by members of Devizes fire station in aid of The Fire Services National Benevolent Fund. Despite two fire calls during collecting, this was one of our best totals, and we would like to thank everybody for their kind generosity. more...
THE players and adult volunteers of Bishops Cannings Youth Football Club would like to thank everyone who gave so generously to their fund raising appeal last Saturday December 8 when they bag packed for members of the public in Morrisons supermarket. more...
ON Saturday afternoon I joined over 150 residents of Lacock to protest against the proposed closure of the Post Office. more...
DURING the recent Poppy Appeal, there were many volunteers out and about armed with their collecting tins and winning smiles. more...
I SHOULD like to thank all the people that nominated and voted me Citizen of the Year in Marlborough. I was very moved and honoured to accept this award and switch on the Christmas Lights for 2007. more...
I WAS most interested to see the response Jenny Barker wrote to Muriel Clark's letter, the lady who showed concern over the way the Primary Care Trust were treating staff. more...
I WOULD like to thank everybody who came to the Devizes Town Mayor's Carol Concert on Thursday December 6. It was a very successful evening. more...
NOT one, but two intemperate letters about prisons and sentencing from Mr Hayter require a response. more...
I FIND myself in the unusual position of agreeing with a Conservative on the issue of party funding, by placing an individual limit on all donations, as proposed by James Gray MP in last week's column. more...
A working group has been set up to tackle controversial car parking issues in Malmesbury. more...
RESIDENTS living near the road that partially collapsed in Malmesbury last week are hoping for a speedy resolution to the problem. more...
HEARTLESS thieves have robbed an elderly Marlborough couple twice and taken all their money. more...
A VICTIM of assault has warned others to be careful when walking through the streets after he was attacked by two youths in Melksham. more...
HAVE you entered our Christmas tree competition yet? There's £100 worth of garden centre vouchers for the winner, not to mention the kudos of officially owning the best baubles in town. more...
THE Forest Journal and Avon Advertiser campaign to Save our Beds at Fordingbridge Hospital has attracted more than 600 sig natures of support, and readers have been telling of their experi ences of care there. more...
ANGRY pensioners are protesting at cutbacks to bus services that provide a lifeline to people living in the villages around Ringwood. more...
POLICE are calling for powers to confiscate alcohol in areas of Ringwood plagued by drunken anti-social behaviour. more...
HEAVY rain and high winds marred the fourth round of the Winter League Teams of Four competition at Witherington Farm on Saturday. more...
SALISBURY Hockey Club's men's first team was full of early festive spirit after securing a valuable three points in its final league fixture before Christmas. more...
Written by Wildcats general manager Steve Nell more...
The Boylesports International two day meeting gets under way at Cheltenham on Friday with prize money of £698,000 on offer over the two days. more...
I'm not going to lie, this time of year is a very difficult for me after my alcoholism. more...
ROWANMOOR Pensions, which has offices in Salisbury and Bolton, has celebrated its first anniversary by announcing profitable trading and plans for expansion. more...
TWO highly experienced solicitors have joined Bonallack & Bishop as part of the Salisbury law firm's plans to expand its services to the business community. more...
Hi everyone and welcome to the Gang Page. Have you all got advent calendars? By now you should have opened 13 of the doors - you're more than halfway there! more...
AT this time of the year, when we are all beginning to be so involved with the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, should we not take time to remind ourselves of the real meaning of Christmas? more...
CONSERVATIVE councillors have laid down a number of public challenges to our administration over council tax. more...
It's back to square one after minister scraps tunnel plan more...
AFTER the trials and tribulations of 2007 there were smiles on the faces of exhibitors, buyers and sponsors at the annual Salisbury Christmas Show at the city's Livestock Market. more...
This time last week the roof seemed to cave in on Town's takeover talks with Andrew Fitton, and there was an almost audible intake of breath from supporters when it was announced at the weekend that discussions had recommenced. more...
A HOST of Premier League clubs are circling the County Ground after watching Town's youngsters net a mouth-watering FA Youth Cup fourth round tie at home to Middlesbrough. more...
STANDING on the sidelines in his Jose Mourinho' style coat, Jeremy Newton would not have felt the County Ground chill as his Town starlets lit up the December night. more...
NICKY Hammond insists Reading still need to make a decision on Simon Cox's County Ground future - but pledged to do anything he could to help a "great club". more...
A new date has been announced for Swindon Towns home clash with Huddersfield Town. more...
Surveyors reported that house price growth remained negative for the fourth month in succession - but supply still remains tight, says RICS' UK housing market survey published today. more...
The popularity of Internet shopping continues to flourish, particularly over the festive period when many people log on to purchase their Christmas presents. Benefits of shopping online include its speed, ease of access and the fact that you don't have to spend time in over-crowded shops. more...
Further evidence of a slowdown in the economy was revealed today in the latest snapshot of the manufacturing sector from the CBI. more...
Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling said he is still considering consultations with various parties on the government's plans for a new capital gains tax regime and will therefore not publish his revised plans until the New Year. The announcement follows a previous undertaking that he would publish revised proposals before Christmas. more...
FAIRFORD completed their celebrations for the 2007 cricket season by collecting trophies awarded for winning both Division One and Division Seven at the recent County League annual dinner. more...
NEARLY a year after winning Best Sunday Lunch in the Best of Wiltshire Awards 2006, the Black Horse is continuing to enhance its reputation for fine food and a friendly atmosphere. more...
I had often walked past The Bistro and mistakenly assumed it was totally vegetarian. more...
NIGHTINGALES Squash Club are celebrating a successful return to the Wiltshire Leagues, with their first team winning Division One and the second string gaining promotion into Division Three. more...
IN the past I have been the victim of someone giving a false identity in the medical profession. The results of which almost turned out to be fatal. more...
I WOULD like to bring to the attention of your readers the TV programme Spooks. Excellent script, action and right up to date with reality in the world of today. more...
I SEE that some of our supermarkets and their cronies, after admitting to ripping us off with inflated milk, cheese and butter prices for two years, have incurred fines of £116m. more...
LAST Sunday, Anne Snelgrove, MP for South Swindon, and myself appeared on the BBC1 Politics Show discussing local government budget issues. more...
Mike Thomas (SA, December 7) presents a very gloomy doomsday scenario for the planet as greenhouse gas emissions allegedly create climate change and presage the end of the world as we know it. more...
MR Thomas's appeal for us to get on our bicycles may well prove to be a panacea for Swindon's current obesity problem but will hardly be of use in alleviating the effects of the current phase of climatic perturbation. more...
SO the ever-generous EU are to grant us £115m in respect of the flood disaster during the summer. more...
I WOULD like to thank the audiences who attended the Kentwood Show Choir's Christmas Cracker at the Wyvern Theatre for so generously donating the magnificent total of £575.10 to the Prospect Hospice. more...
I WOULD like to thank Andrea McGill, manageress of the Walcot Dome for giving the children such a lovely party - a disco, food galore and every child went home with a large selection box. more...
IN reply to the letter from Geoff Reid (SA, December 8) protesting about the collection of waste in alternative weeks, we all would agree with this. more...
Ali Cambell, lead singer of UB40, whose hit Red Red Wine was in the charts for two years, is now teetotal. more...
Electric City Lightsare currently supporting Orson on their UK tour, and are dropping into Oxford Academy on Friday December 14. They have been take on by Supervision Management who look after Kaiser Chiefs, Franz Ferdinand and Mumm-Ra. more...
Rob Dady is the lead singer and guitarist in a new band called The Immediate Sect, who are quintessentially English in their sound. more...
Monday Dec 17 Drunk in Public are making a welcome return to Swindon on Monday December 17 . more...
A HEARING specialist at the Great Western Hospital sold off NHS equipment on eBay to line his own pockets. more...
TWO libraries could soon be checking themselves out, if money saving plans get council backing. more...
DAVE Young thinks that it is just a matter of time before the musical talent in Swindon gets the nationwide recognition it deserves. more...
Trooper Timon Simpkins, of Lower Stratton, Swindon, is one of 70 soldiers taking part in this year's Army Ice Camp, in Calgary Canada. more...
STUDENTS will make a song and dance at Dorcan Technology College tonight. more...
PENSIONERS' campaigner Frank Avenell has described plans to ditch yet more post offices in Swindon as "outrageous". more...
A SENIOR hearing specialist at the Great Western Hospital has admitted selling NHS stock on eBay during work hours - then using hospital franking machines to send off his sales. more...
SUPPORTERS of an animal sanctuary which was filmed by animal rights activists have flocked to defend it. more...
TWO libraries could soon be checking themselves out, if money saving plans get council backing. more...
FRIENDS have been left with chilly heads after losing their hair for charity. more...
ANGELIC youngsters acted out a traditional nativity play. more...
THE "island of the Gods" is giving an international gathering of climate change campaigners a stunning backdrop for their debates. more...
MORE than 100 pensioners from across Swindon will enjoy a free Christmas lunch at the County Ground. more...
A WEST Swindon playgroup is celebrating being named top of the class by inspectors. more...
STUDENTS will make a song and dance at Dorcan Technology College tonight. more...
A GANG of youths have admitted violent disorder following a town centre incident in which a 37-year-old man was attacked. more...
PRAISE has been heaped on plans for hundreds of new homes, including a five-storey block of flats, to be built on a main road into Swindon. more...
AN accident in Groundwell Road has led to gridlock in central Swindon. more...
TEENAGER David Vinall has admitted possessing cannabis with the intent to supply. more...
TEENAGER David Vinall has admitted possessing cannabis with the intent to supply. more...
THE Salvation Army is presenting the magic of Christmas on Sunday. more...
A CYCLIST was left fighting for his life after colliding with a car and being flung 20 yards. more...
Diverse bands have strummed their stuff in a battle of talent. more...
STUDENTS on a performance course at Swindon College are putting the finishing touches to a show hitting the stage next week. more...
SEB Alden will don Swindon colours once again next year with the endorsement of two former world champions ringing in his ears. more...
ALUN Rossiter has declared himself "excited" about Robins' 2008 Elite League prospects after putting the finishing touches to the Swindon line-up this morning. more...
Lorraine Stagg, a Showroom Manager at Homebase at the orbital shopping park, sent in this tree.It was donated and decorated by her and fellow staff members Chris Easton and Suzie Hodges. more...
Ruth Yates, of Park South, thought it would make a change to turn christmas upside down this year with her 3ft upside down xmas tree. more...
Ruth Yates, of Park South, says that even if it fails to be a white christmas, at least she has her white tree. more...
Julie Poskitt, of Haydon Wick, has this tree in her conservatory more...
Julie Poskitt, of Haydon Wick, is feeling festive with this colourful tree more...
Carrie Basson from Pinehurst says: "This year I went for the black slender tree with lush black feathered lights and rattan light balls and the most elegant black fairy goth topper. I know it's not everyone's cup of tea but it is different and pretty. more...
Tracey Owen, of Westlea, has created a golden glow to her tree more...
Helen Spring of Stratton sent in this tree more...
The Hancock family from Corsham sent in this tree more...
Linda Tyson from Toothill sent in this tree more...
Linda Ellis from Old Town sent us this picture of her tree more...
Sainsbury's Stratton donated a Xmas tree and decorations to GWH children's outpatients. L-R are Ajay Kyson, Parys Fuller, Victoria White, Sandra Mitchell, Denise Bell, Declan Newman and Danielle Fuller more...
Mrs B Woodison, from Moredon, sent in a picture of her tree looking very tinselly more...
Sue Brown sent us this picture of the tree at Bevirs Solicitors in Swindon more...
Charlotte Wilks, of Grange Park, is feeling pretty in pink with her minature Christmas tree more...
Esther Newman, of Stratton-St-Margaret, sent in this picture of her tree more...
Miss Rachel Clarke and Mr Vincent Brown were married at Holy Trinity Church, Bradford on Avon, on September 29. more...
BABY Imogen was a late present for first-time mum Cheryl Perry, as she was born just one day after Miss Perry celebrated her own birthday. more...
KEEN gardener and active villager Mr Douglas Hardwidge of Whitley, near Melksham, died suddenly on November 6, aged 79. more...
LONG-STANDING Rotarian and former church organist Barrie Marsh died on Tuesday at the age of 75. more...
Chippenham Town 2, Banbury United 2. INJURY-HIT Chippenham Town played out their second stalemate in a row as they were held to a 2-2 draw by visitors Banbury United on Saturday. more...
We look at another public house this week in our Then and Now series in Warminster. more...
Thanks to K Hartley, of Seymour Road, Trowbridge, for this photo of the Black Swan Ladies Darts team, 1963-1964. more...
The photo below was brought in by Desmond Compton of Fairfield Farm, Bradford Leigh, who is pictured here in 1943, aged 12, with an evacuee called Jean. more...
SIMEON Allison has returned to Frome Town only a month after quitting Badgers Hill to join Southern League Paulton Rovers. more...
DEVIZES Town assistant manager Steve Hale admitted the club "weren't best pleased" after their game against Bishop Sutton was postponed on Tuesday. more...
CALNE Town defeated fellow midtable side Brislington 3-0 away in an impressive Toolstation League First Division win on Tuesday night. more...
BRADFORD Town have signed veteran striker Steve Tweddle from Toolstation League Premier Division neighbours Melksham Town. more...
WESTBURY United have signed midfielder Ashley Groves from Toolstation League Premier Division neighbours Melksham Town. more...
CORSHAM Town manager Mel Gingell was unhappy with the referee's decision to call off the Toolstation League Premier Division away game at Bristol Manor Farm on Tuesday because the pitch was too hard. more...
SPEEDWAY: The Swindon Robins have agreed deals with Mads Korneliussen, Seb Alden and Theo Pijper to complete their team-building jigsaw for 2008. more...
WELL done people of Wiltshire, you have recycled plastics, wood, paper, cardboard, metals and glass and according to the economics it has been worth around £4,000,000. more...
WILTSHIRE County Council has sent out a promotional flyer to local businesses with the slogan "Do you really need a car to pick up a stamp?" more...
WITH reference to Mr Ridley's response to my question as to why the whole of the community were not able to be together at the cenotaph on November 11 at 11am: as he stated 500 people, which included all local groups/old comrades and representatives of the armed forces were at St James', but there were approximately 80-100 people at the cenotaph and a further 40 plus outside St James' as the church was full. more...
FOLLOWING the horrific crash at Wingfield, on the very next evening while travelling from Wingfield crossroads towards Trowbridge one car overtook us at the site of the accident, then as we approached the top of the hill another car overtook us, narrowly missing a car coming in the other direction. more...
I AM not surprised that the Wilts & Dorset bus company feels that the X4 service is underused. I certainly use it rarely these days, even though often I would like to use the bus rather than a car. more...
I WAS shocked and deeply saddened to read of the death of Grace Hill. I have admired Grace for many years - she has been a true servant to the people of Trowbridge who gave of her time unstintingly. more...
HUNTS across the country have taken proper legal advice on all their activity since the Hunting Act came into force. They have informed the police where and when they are meeting and have successfully hunted across Wiltshire within the law. more...
MAY I express my sincere gratitude to everyone at Chippenham Town Football Club following my recent fall at the ground. more...
WE are not fortunate enough to live in your beautiful part of the world but I believe I/we may have a familial connection with some Crossmans in your area, and I would be so grateful to hear from them. Their initials are SJ and BA (Crossman). more...
MAY I please appeal to the person who found my Tesco for Life bag hanging on the trolley in Bradford on Avon Sainsbury's trolley bay at about 5pm on Saturday December 8. more...
ALL I want for Christmas is for the owners of the Rose and Crown, near the railway station in Trowbridge, to give the building a coat of paint. Thank you, Santa. more...
CHRISTMAS is rocking its way into the festive music scene: Friday night at the Mount Pleasant Club reggae master Delonzo Gee returns for what promises to be a superb night. more...
FRIDAY DECEMBER 14 Richard Leach's Seven Stars of Jazz, tickets/inquiries (01225) 400959. Mount Pleasant Social Club, Mount Pleasant, Bradford on Avon, 8pm. more...
ENTREPRENEUR Caroline Brown is a successful businesswoman and has held various fundraising events at her secondhand designer clothes store in Warminster to help raise money in support of a friend with breast cancer. more...
COUNCILLORS are urging the public to take action against supermarkets by returning their excess packaging to stores in a bid to cut down on household waste. more...
POST office staff have reacted with dismay after branches in Wiltshire earmarked for closure or replacement were revealed this week. more...
THE building work may have stopped but the planning process is still in motion at the controversial travellers site in Semington. more...
THIS week's Wiltshire Times and Chippenham News is packed with news, sport and features, plus we've a total of eight competitions - exclusive to readers of the Wiltshire Times and Chippenham News. more...
PEOPLE in Trowbridge are being asked for their views on what facilities and services should be provided in the new library. more...
THE official planning application for the £90m Waterside development in Trowbridge was submitted to the council's planning department this week. more...
A STUN gun capable of discharging 900,000 volts into a human body was found during a police raid on a house in Trowbridge. more...
A BOGUS caller struck at a property in Trowbridge this afternoon. more...
SCHOOLCHILDREN from Warminster have been enjoying a host of festive activities in the run-up too Christmas. more...
UNDERCOVER police officers targeted pubs and clubs in Warminster at the weekend as part of a covert observation scheme to tackle drink-related offences. more...
PLANS to build 38 sheltered apartments on the site of a demolished garage in Warminster have been given the go-ahead. more...
A MOTORIST has died following a crash on the A36 near Warminster yesterday. more...
A MAJOR revamp of Westbury Market Place moved a step closer this week when councillors backed a scheme for transforming the historic part of the town. more...
CONGRATULATIONS to our Junior of the Week Abigail Doughty, of Westbury, who wins a £5 voucher from The Toy Shop, plus two Happy Meals from McDonald's in Trowbridge, Melksham or Chippenham. more...
THE Home Secretary has left Wiltshire Police outraged and insulted after the announcement over a pay deal. more...
A MOTORIST has died following a crash on the A36 near Warminster yesterday. more...
WILTSHIRE Primary Care Trust has announced that nine of its 11 neighbourhood care teams started working extended hours from Monday. more...
PARENTS have spoken of their anguish as they wait to see if adult day centres will close. more...
PERFORMERS in a medieval Mummers Play say 21st century legislation is destroying their 11th century tradition. more...
CARS owned by parking attendants in North Wiltshire have been attacked, scratched and their tyres punctured by disgruntled motorists. more...
TOM Pearce does not just care for his daughter Ali, who has learning disabilities, but his wife Vonnie, who is confined to a wheelchair. more...
TOYS donated to the Christmas Toy Appeal have found their way under Christmas trees this week. more...
Fire crews from Wiltshire have spent the night tirelessly battling a blaze in northwest Hampshire. more...
WILTSHIRE police have set up a specialist squad to crack down on underage drinking. more...
SUPPORTERS of an animal sanctuary which was filmed by animal rights activists have flocked to defend it. more...
WOOTTON Bassett Town Council has agreed to reduce its council tax precept for the first time since the late 1980s. more...
ROWANMOOR Pensions, which has offices in Salisbury and Bolton, has celebrated its first anniversary by announcing profitable trading and plans for expansion. more...
TWO highly experienced more...
AS plans for the Stonehenge tunnel scheme lay in tatters this week, Salisbury MP Robert Key called on government ministers to set up a Stakeholder Task Force to piece together new solutions to the problems of the World Heritage site and the area's traffic nightmare. more...
HEAVY rain and high winds marred the fourth round of the Winter League Teams of Four competition at Witherington Farm on Saturday. more...
SALISBURY Rugby Club's firsts secured their safe passage into the Dorset & Wilts Cup semi-final with a convincing performance at Swindon on Saturday. more...
THREE of Salisbury's youth sides braved the atrocious weather to take to the field at the weekend. more...
SALISBURY Hockey Club's men's first team was full of early festive spirit after securing a valuable three points in its final league fixture before Christmas. more...
THE torrential rain put paid to all but one fixture in the Sydenhams Wessex League programme on Saturday. more...
SHREWTON United's return to winning ways was delayed when their Toolstation League Division One fixture at Backwell United fell victim to the weekend weather. more...
Further evidence of a slowdown in the economy was revealed today in the latest snapshot of the manufacturing sector from the CBI. more...
Surveyors reported that house price growth remained negative for the fourth month in succession - but supply still remains tight, says RICS' UK housing market survey published today. more...
Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling said he is still considering consultations with various parties on the government's plans for a new capital gains tax regime and will therefore not publish his revised plans until the New Year. The announcement follows a previous undertaking that he would publish revised proposals before Christmas. more...
The popularity of Internet shopping continues to flourish, particularly over the festive period when many people log on to purchase their Christmas presents. Benefits of shopping online include its speed, ease of access and the fact that you don't have to spend time in over-crowded shops. more...
SWINDON'S big-hearted residents have been invited to join a charity fun run in the new year. more...
TEENAGER David Vinall has admitted possessing cannabis with the intent to supply. more...
PRAISE has been heaped on plans for hundreds of new homes, including a five-storey block of flats, to be built on a main road into Swindon. more...
FRIENDS have been left with chilly heads after losing their hair for charity. more...
ANGELIC youngsters acted out a traditional nativity play. more...
TEENAGER David Vinall has admitted possessing cannabis with the intent to supply. more...
THE Salvation Army is presenting the magic of Christmas on Sunday. more...
A CYCLIST was left fighting for his life after colliding with a car and being flung 20 yards. more...
Diverse bands have strummed their stuff in a battle of talent. more...
THE "island of the Gods" is giving an international gathering of climate change campaigners a stunning backdrop for their debates. more...
STUDENTS on a performance course at Swindon College are putting the finishing touches to a show hitting the stage next week. more...
A CARE home boss and his employee have admitted leaving three of their residents locked in a car for hours after they went to a betting shop. more...
MORE than 100 pensioners from across Swindon will enjoy a free Christmas lunch at the County Ground. more...
A WEST Swindon playgroup is celebrating being named top of the class by inspectors. more...
MORE than 100 pensioners from across Swindon will enjoy a free Christmas lunch at the County Ground. more...
STUDENTS will make a song and dance at Dorcan Technology College tonight. more...
A GANG of youths have admitted violent disorder following a town centre incident in which a 37-year-old man was attacked. more...
Check the latest travel news in Swindon more...
GENERAL manager Steve Nell is confident his Wildcats can cope with the loss of Great Britain stars Matty Davies, Michael Farn and Joe White for this weekend's cup double against Wightlink Raiders and Guildford Flames. more...
MARTIN Peaple is targeting revenge against Phoenix as Swindon College continue their remarkable climb up the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Premier Division tomorrow. more...
SUPERMARINE boss Mark Collier insists that all thoughts of last month's tempestuous derby against Chippenham Town have been forgotten, as the sides meet again tomorrow. more...
ADIE Mings says his Chippenham Town players aren't interested in "personal vendettas" as they look to do the double over local rivals Supermarine. more...
FAIRFORD Town boss John Paget believes Alex Rudd's decision to sign for Shrivenham is purely a financial one, and is tipping the youngster to make a return to Cinder Lane in the near future. more...
SHRIVENHAM are hoping it is a case of second time lucky as they face "one of the biggest games in the club's history" tomorrow. more...
PURTON manager Chris Pethick is determined to put right one unwanted record in their local derby against Cricklade tomorrow. more...
NEW College host Purton Reserves this weekend - looking for three points to keep them in contention at the top of the Wiltshire League Premier Division, writes RAY BURROUGHS. more...
POLICE chiefs in Warminster have said more drugs raids will be carried out over Christmas after officers stormed a property in the town on Friday. more...
A NOTORIOUS beggar known as Crying Boy is believed to have started targeting commuters at Chippenham railway station just months after being banned from Swindon station. more...
FOUR people, three of them 16-year-old juveniles, were arrested after two taxi marshals were attacked in Devizes Market Place in the early hours of Saturday morning. more...
THE Home Secretary has left Wiltshire Police outraged and insulted after the announcement over a pay deal. more...
CARS owned by parking attendants in North Wiltshire have been attacked, scratched and their tyres punctured by disgruntled motorists. more...
TOM Pearce does not just care for his daughter Ali, who has learning disabilities, but his wife Vonnie, who is confined to a wheelchair. more...
A WILTSHIRE delegation had a showdown meeting with Post Office bosses yesterday to demand the reasons for the Post Office closures. more...
CHIPPENHAM firefighters were on hand to help a pensioner when shopping for their lunch in the town yesterday morning. more...
DARING duo Mark Hawkins and Andy Merrett are setting off on their Indian Rickshaw Run on New Year's Day more...
TOYS donated to the Christmas Toy Appeal have found their way under Christmas trees this week. more...
A MOTORIST has died following a crash on the A36 near Warminster yesterday. more...
WADWORTH'S new visitor centre in Devizes is expected to attract up to 25,000 visitors a year and bring more business to the town. more...
Hardenhuish School in Chippenham has been given planning permission to put up a wind turbine and solar panels. more...
WILTSHIRE Primary Care Trust has announced that nine of its 11 neighbourhood care teams started working extended hours from Monday. more...
WILTSHIRE police have set up a specialist squad to crack down on underage drinking. more...
DEVELOPERS of an industrial wasteland in Calne are to reduce the number of affordable homes. more...
WOOTTON Bassett Town Council has agreed to reduce its council tax precept for the first time since the late 1980s. more...
SANTA'S widow' Margaret Jenson is bringing festive cheer to children in Cambodia by helping to build a new school named in his memory. more...
Castle Combe race circuit has been given permission to hold corporate rallying days 40 times a year. more...
ANGRY residents who live by the River Avon have spoken of their frustration at the lack of flood defences in Chippenham. more...
A working group has been set up to tackle controversial car parking issues in Malmesbury. more...
RESIDENTS living near the road that partially collapsed in Malmesbury last week are hoping for a speedy resolution to the problem. more...
Plans to build 115 homes on former industrial land in Station Road, Calne, have been approved. more...
STAFF at a Chippenham company are celebrating after scooping a massive lottery win -just in time for Christmas. more...
Fire crews from Wiltshire have spent the night tirelessly battling a blaze in northwest Hampshire. more...
EXPLORER Charley Brentnall will be braving the Antarctic next year on an expedition to preserve the hut used by Captain Robert Falcon Scott. more...
HEARTLESS thieves have robbed an elderly Marlborough couple twice and taken all their money. more...
Planners have finally agreed a scheme for 13 homes on the site of the Calne Local Centre despite protests about parking. more...
COUNCILLORS are urging the public to take action against supermarkets by returning their excess packaging to stores in a bid to cut down on household waste. more...
STUDENTS will make a song and dance at Dorcan Technology College tonight. more...
PARENTS have spoken of their anguish as they wait to see if adult day centres will close. more...
A rash of burglaries occurred between 3 and 4 pm yesterday. more...
Trooper Timon Simpkins, of Lower Stratton, Swindon, is one of 70 soldiers taking part in this year's Army Ice Camp, in Calgary Canada. more...
SIX people battled a blaze at their home in Euridge, Colerne this morning after their tumble dryer and washing machine caught fire. more...
A HEARING specialist at the Great Western Hospital sold off NHS equipment on eBay to line his own pockets. more...
THE £20,000 revamped Mini that superbike racer Ollie Bridewell aimed to restore before his death during practice at Mallory Park in July, will be on show in the Brittox, Devizes, next Thursday. more...
COMMUTERS in Devizes are girding themselves for at least two weeks of misery in the New Year as London Road is brought to a standstill by more roadworks. more...
SUPPORTERS of an animal sanctuary which was filmed by animal rights activists have flocked to defend it. more...
PERFORMERS in a medieval Mummers Play say 21st century legislation is destroying their 11th century tradition. more...
DEVIZES is fortunate to have had two pioneers of photography working in the town at a time of huge change in its history. more...
TWO libraries could soon be checking themselves out, if money saving plans get council backing. more...
DAVE Young thinks that it is just a matter of time before the musical talent in Swindon gets the nationwide recognition it deserves. more...
VIOLENT crime in Devizes has shown a dramatic decrease this year. more...
Calne deputy mayor Mercy Baggs has left the United Kingdom Independence Party after less than a year amid rumours of a bust up in the party. more...
A new date has been announced for Swindon Town's home clash with Huddersfield Town. more...
Boxing: Jamie Cox says composure is the key after he more...
TEENAGER Chris Allen is desperate to hang onto his Swindon Town first team place after starring on his full league debut. more...
Adie Mings has warned some of his Chippenham Town players they have one more chance to prove their worth - or they are out. more...
Speedway: Alun Rossiter has hit out at the Elite League's new points system that has decimated his Swindon Robins squad for 2008. more...
Andrew Fitton could be unveiled as Swindon Town's new owner more...
FAULTY traffic lights on a notorious crossroads near Trowbridge were not repaired before a crash because council contractors do not work at the weekends. more...
IF there is a right time to have heart failure after dinner, it's when the Wiltshire Air Ambulance is flying over the pub you're eating in. more...
A TEN-year-old schoolboy from Calne has been commended for his bravery battling cancer. more...
A VICTIM of assault has warned others to be careful when walking through the streets after he was attacked by two youths in Melksham. more...
A MEMORIAL tree has been planted in memory of a popular former headteacher who died of cancer. more...
A MOTORIST has died following a crash on the A36 near Warminster yesterday. more...
SIX people battled a blaze at their home in Euridge, Colerne this morning after their tumble dryer and washing machine caught fire. more...
SCHOOLCHILDREN from Warminster have been enjoying a host of festive activities in the run-up too Christmas. more...
CORSHAM Cricket Club is on a mission to raise £35,000 to improve facilities for its players and local schools. more...
A BOGUS caller struck at a property in Trowbridge this afternoon. more...
CHIPPENHAM firefighters were on hand to help a pensioner when shopping for their lunch in the town yesterday morning. more...
CONTROVERSIAL plans for a wind turbine at Hardenhuish School in Chippenham were given the go-ahead despite concerns from residents living nearby. more...
THIS week's Wiltshire Times and Chippenham News is packed with news, sport and features, plus we've a total of eight competitions - exclusive to readers of the Wiltshire Times and Chippenham News. more...
CHANGES to bin collections has been blamed for a telephone caller having to wait more than 12 minutes to be connected to a member of staff at West Wiltshire District Council. more...
SIMEON Allison has returned to Frome Town only a month after quitting more...
The Swindon Robins have agreed deals with Mads Korneliussen, Seb more...
Swindon team boss Alun Rossiter says he feels very positive about more...
Boxing Day at Wincanton is always the highlight of the more...
DEVIZES Town assistant manager Steve Hale admitted the club "weren't best more...
CALNE Town defeated fellow midtable side Brislington 3-0 away in an more...
BRADFORD Town have signed veteran striker Steve Tweddle from Toolstation more...
WESTBURY United have signed midfielder Ashley Groves from Toolstation League more...
CORSHAM Town manager Mel Gingell was unhappy with the referee's decision to more...
BRADFORD Town manager Paul Range has put in seven days' notice of approach more...
FROME Town manager Andy Crabtree says he won't be fooled by opponents more...
CORSHAM Town clash with Radstock Town at The Southbank this afternoon in the more...
CALNE Town assistant manager Simon Hillier has warned his players to expect more...
BRADFORD Town play Weston St Johns today in their first match for three more...
LEE McMullen will be missing from the Devizes Town line-up for the first more...
THE year six team from Aloeric Primary School, Melksham, have won two more...
TROWBRIDGE League side The Lamb Inn are searching for a goalkeeper to play more...
Chippenham Town 2, Banbury United 2 more...
CHIPPENHAM Town defender Ross Adams admits injuries have troubled The more...
CHIPPENHAM Town boss Adie Mings said he would be interested in discussing a more...
BOOKER Woodford is out of the Trowbridge Town side tomorrow after breaking a more...
WARMINSTER Town face one of their toughest tests of the season tomorrow when more...
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