There's a programme on a chain-smoker on Channel 4. The smoker in question is thirteen years old. And he has been smoking since the age of eight. I was obviously a late developer as I didn't have my first cigarette until I was fifteen. I'll discuss underage
Police evacuated 100 homes in Wootton Bassett this afternoon, after a chemical scare led to a massive security alert. On the advice of bomb disposal teams, residents were escorted from their homes, after suspicious substances were discovered in a shed
Families have been allowed back into their homes after a chemical scare. Bomb squad officers were called to Wootton Bassett when chemicals were found in a garden shed today. Police said the substance was not hazardous, but was being taken away for
Living with your mum, Glastonbury and Spongebob Squarepants. Spot the odd two out. Singer/songwriter Newton Faulkner is due to play at the 12 Bar in Swindon on Sunday just a week after two sets at Glastonbury. The festival appearance sets the 22
Residents in Wootton Bassett have been evacuated from their homes after a chemical spill at a house in Ryeland Way. The evacuation of 100 houses began just 15 minutes ago and police have cordoned off the area surrounding Everleigh crescent, Queen's Road
More than 70 passers-by on Chippenham High Street stood silently and prayed for missing Madeleine McCann before releasing 50 yellow balloons on Friday. The event, one of 300 similar displays held at midday worldwide, marked the 50th day since the four-year-old
The last artefact documenting the history of Wiltshire has been transferred to its new home in Chippenham. Since the new Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre was built in Cocklebury Road on the site of the old cattle market in February, staff have
A mini opera season opens next week at the Rondo Theatre in Larkhall, Bath. On July 6 Chansons Cordiales presents an evening of song ranging from the operatic arias and duets of Mozart and Handel, through Puccini, Bizet, Délibes, Offenbach, Strauss,
Have you ever dreamed of being Steven Spielberg, or a film star? Yourfilm are running their second free media event called Make YourFilm for young people in Swindon and across Wiltshire. The event will run for two days, June 30 and July 1 at Create
Riveting entertainment was provided in the Clarendon Players' excellent production of Murder in Green Meadows, at the Memorial Hall, Wootton Bassett. This cleverly crafted thriller, by distinguished American playwright Douglas Post, was ably co-directed
Ellen Lissimore, who has died just months shy of her 107th birthday, was born in 1900 in Castle Coombe where she lived until she was a teenager. After her mother died she moved to live with her sister in Stroud where she met her first husband Richard
Respected canal enthusiast Peter Lindley Jones has died aged 80. Mr Lindley Jones, of Devizes, had been involved with the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust since the 1960s. He was vice-chairman of the Newbury branch and latterly joined the Devizes branch
A large congregation attended the funeral of Bill Twigg, 77, at St Bartholomew's Church, Wootton Bassett. The eulogy was given by Mr Twigg's brother-in-law, Eric Potts. Mr Twigg's unexpected death resulted from a major heart attack, after recent surgery
Doting granddad Bernard Nobbs, who spent his entire working life on farms, has died at the age of 75. Since leaving school until his retirement Mr Nobbs, who lived at Southgrove, Burbage, worked on farms in the Marlborough/Pewsey Vale area. He died
A group of lecturers at Wiltshire College who are opposed to the potential merger with Salisbury College are urging their union to intervene. The lecturers, who wish to remain anonymous, are claiming Salisbury College is suffering financially and are
Youth clubs out in the sticks in places like Netheravon depend on people like Kevin Whitehorn to bring in some outside expertise. And, of course, there would be no Mr Whitehorn attending remote and rural youth clubs without Kev's Van. The Gazette is
This could easily be me feeling the pressure whilst everyone is under control, but does anybody else think that exams like GCSEs are taken too early? Before I start, I am not aiming to change the system or anything because I'm sure it has it's reasons
CHRIS Rhodes warmed up for the European Championships in Denmark with a comfortable victory at his home event on Sunday. The MAD-Tri ace cruised to victory in the Marlborough Triathlon in one hour, 24 minutes and 35 seconds. The 27-year-old will
CONFIDENT Toby Ulm believes he can win European Championship gold for Great Britain. The Swindon Harrier, from Stockwell Road in Devizes, qualified for the main event by cruising to victory in the 400m hurdles in a personal best time of 51.60 seconds
Devizes Festival organisers say this year's event was a success. The festival finished on Sunday and featured more than 30 music and arts events. Ticket sales were up by 200 on last year, with a total of 3,500 tickets sold, and more than 25 per cent
Students have been showcasing their work in an exhibition at the Chapel wine bar as part of this week's Corsham Festival. Almost 20 pupils from Corsham School selected their finest photographs to display in the unique exhibition. Family, friends, staff
Young people from north Wiltshire's youth theatre ActNoW opened Corsham Festival on Saturday with two pieces of street theatre. The youngest group performed in the graveyard opposite Somerfield, a mystery play about strange goings on in a museum. An
Charles Kennedy's easy going laid-back approach went down well with the 170 or so members of the audience at the Corn Exchange on Saturday night. His admission that he might have had to put a call through to me last week to cancel as he fully expected
FRIDAY, JULY 27: Balkan Beat Box (Israel/USA), Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba (Mali), Bobby Friction & Nihal (UK), Chambao (Spain), Daara J (Senegal), Daby Touré (Mauritania), DJ Shantel (Germany), Dulsori (Republic of Korea), El Tanbura (Egypt), Ensemble
One of the UK's largest school uniform retailers is set to launch a new range in Woolworths with a national trial in the Chippenham branch. The National Schoolwear Centre, which has about 60 stores nationwide, will open a new one-stop shop' service in
Wiltshire's very own Charlotte Church is set to thrill the crowds at the popular Proms at Lacock Abbey on Saturday July 7. The event, being sponsored by the Gazette, will feature 18-year-old soprano Rhiannon Lambert from Melksham, who has never sung
Virtual recluse Venetia Joinson who had a drinking problem, was found dead with an electric cable around her body an inquest heard on Monday. Mrs Joinson, 89, lived alone at The Cleavers in Burbage. There were no relatives or friends at the inquest
WILTSHIRE County Council may have to look again at the junction in Bromham which their contractors have been working on for the last six months. As work approaches completion on the £140,000 contract at the junction of the A342 and A3102, it appears
Hundreds of mourners are expected to pay tribute to motorcyclist Carl Denley at his funeral in Chippenham on Tuesday. Widow Nina Denley is inviting anyone who knew her husband to pay their respects at St Andrew's Church, Market Place, Chippenham, at
Just when I was thinking that the torrential rain was, well, putting a bit of a dampener on the summer, it turns out that it is actually A Good Thing, because it means it's finally worthwhile for my husband to buy a waterbutt. We've argued for years
I've just heard that Asda will not be coming to Chippenham now, as the planners have refused the application. What is going to happen to Chippenham town centre? This would have lifted the town from its despair. Already there are a number of shops empty
I read with interest your story Fall from grace' in last week's edition reporting that James Gray, North Wiltshire's MP, had been "sidelined" when Conservative leader David Cameron visited the constituency. As your report stated, Mr Gray's sidelining
We wish to express our disgust at the letter of the week in last week's Gazette. Saskia Charity, whom I'm sure is a very pleasant person, has no idea why many parents choose to send their beloved, but in no way spoilt, children to Dauntsey's School.
On behalf of the students, staff and governors at Burton Hill School, I would like to thank those who came to our farewell garden party on June 16 and for their marvellous support. The garden party was an opportunity to celebrate the great work of the
With reference to the recent decision by the officers of the district council to turn down Asda in their attempt to build a much needed store in the heart of Chippenham. The problems of access will not help the traffic situation, however the council
We have been concerned to see a number of letters in the local press from correspondents who, when commenting on the submission for one council to replace the existing five in Wiltshire, have misrepresented the financial position of the county council
There was a time when public officials actually apologised when they let the public down. Quite clearly those days are gone so far as our Primary Care Trust is concerned. Chairman Tony Barron told us that no services would be removed until an alternative
On Thursday morning I cut my finger severely and bled profusely. Luckily I had Savernake Accident and Emergency available to help me. I managed to get to the hospital very quickly and within 20 minutes I was able to go about my business knowing that I
Having had the privilege of teaching environmental science for a short time to the students of St John's, Marlborough I am concerned to learn that they are to be forced to watch the Al Gore film An Inconvenient Truth. I gather no balancing film to this
As one of the senior students at Devizes School, I am writing on behalf of Devizes School sixth form with reference to a headline article in the Gazette and Herald (June 14). The students in the sixth form were shocked to read: "Devizes School is to
Although I am no longer a councillor I was one for 12 years prior to standing down at the last election. Now Mr Evens implies it was only for the money (letters, June 21). I am happy to explain why there have been redundancies. It is the continued
AS he watches Reading's Leroy Lita bang in the goals in the Premiership and for the England U21s, Chippenham Town newboy Tom Jacobs tries to use it as inspiration. The former Bristol City trainee played up front with the livewire Lita at Ashton Gate
WILTSHIRE athlete Hannah Thompson produced a superb all-round performance to win the inter girls' heptathlon title at the South West Schools' Multi Events Championships. Thompson swept to victory with a series of performances in the seven-event discipline
SWINDON Robins boss Alun Rossiter is bracing himself to be without Tomasz Chrzanowski for tonight's "must-win" clash at Ipswich. Chrzanowski is still struggling to be fit for the clash after a bout of tonsillitis. The Polish rider has been a key
How do you get small children interested in opera? Corsham festival has the answer. Get them to write a prologue. Community involvement is one of the secrets of the success of Corsham festival. Martin Read, the composer of Rainforest, spent
Not to be missied - we're holding a jumble sale on Saturday at 10am at Devizes Scout Hall on Southbroom Road. Be early to get the bargains!
Forecasts of more heavy rain this weekend has prompted the Met Office to issue a severe weather warning. South west England, including Wiltshire, are among the areas at risk of flooding, with up to 50mm of rainfall predicted to fall. Forecasters
It will be the end of an era for women in Devizes and the surrounding area when maternity beds are closed on Saturday. Despite 20,000 people signing a petition to save Devizes Hospital's popular baby unit, Wiltshire Primary Care Trust will close its
Organisers of the Kennet Kanter are hoping for good weather. Last year runners battled the heat, and with the recent heavy rain the organisers are hoping for something in between. The event is this Sunday starting at 11am from The Green in Devizes.
A centre for disabled people was forced to shut after vandals smashed more than 40 windows in three days. The Middlefield Centre in Hungerdown Lane, Chippenham, has a history of vandalism and break-ins. Sue Headlows, who helps run the centre, said:
The new Calne Leisure Action Group will present its rescue bid for White Horse Leisure Centre to North Wiltshire District Council tomorrow. Members of the group will meet NWDC executive member for leisure Viv Vines to discuss its plans to reinstate the
One of Chippenham's oldest residents has died - just months shy of her 107th birthday. Ellen Lissimore, 106, died after a short spell in hospital following a fall and a bout of pneumonia. The pensioner had lived through two World Wars and spent most
Devizes Ambulance Station has lost a front line emergency crew during the day. Instead of two day crews operating from the station in Bridewell Street, there is now only one. The night time crew remains. The ambulance service said ambulance crews respond
Wootton Bassett Carnival will go ahead this year, following a period of uncertainty. The town's flagship event had been under threat after last year's committee had decided to forgo it this year. Former chairman Diana Williams had said they were planning
The Lansdowne Strand Hotel in Calne is once again set to become home to a family brewery after being bought by Swindon brewery Arkell's. The Stratton brewery has extended its pub estate further south into Wiltshire by purchasing the town's largest hotel
Cancer sufferer Louise Gorry is launching her own paranormal investigation team in Calne in a bid to raise money for charity. The 38-year-old has just raised nearly £1,000 for Breakthrough Breast Cancer with a ghost hunt at the White Hart Hotel in London
One in ten residents in Kennet seek help from the Citizens' Advice Bureau, nearly half of them for serious debt problems. As the workload on the volunteer advisers increases, the Devizes organisation has appealed for more volunteer help. An application
mugger Aaron Sharpe has been given a 30-month prison sentence for robbing pensioner Eileen Kucharek. Sharpe, 20,of Silveston Way, Malmesbury, left Mrs Kucharek with a broken arm and dislocated shoulder when he snatched her handbag, as she walked to church
Doctors are worried that the closure of the Chippenham day hospital could lead to a significant drop in services. The Chippenham day hospital is set to close its doors next week. The services on offer, such as basic treatment for pensioners after a
Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay brought his F-Word programme to the area this week, but not for its most appetising feature. The Channel 4 show, broadcast on Tuesday, featured the slaughter of two lambs Mr Ramsay had been rearing. He brought the animals
Sacked firefighter Graham Loney said he believes the fire authority has taken an easy line by agreeing to part company with deputy fire chief Eugene Johnson. This week the Wiltshire and Swindon Fire Authority issued a statement from its chairman Coun
Hopes that motorists in Malmesbury would be given half-an-hour free parking at Cross Hayes have been dashed by Wiltshire County Council. North Wiltshire District Council had asked its senior parking officer Chris Major to negotiate alterations in the
Calne Carnival has been cancelled after fears that severe rain and wind will washout the popular event. Organiser Jill Martin made the announcement yesterday saying she's bitterly disappointed that she has had to call it off. But far from forgetting
The family of motorcyclist Carl Denley who died after hitting a skip last week are launching an appeal in his name. The Carl's Family Appeal will initially help devastated wife Nina through this difficult time. Speaking to The Gazette and Herald for
The body of the 153rd serviceman to die in Iraq has been flown home. Corporal John Rigby died on his 24th birthday after being wounded by a roadside bomb on Friday. His body was flown from Iraq on a Hercules aircraft and arrived at RAF Lyneham in
War heroes were honoured for their bravery at a special celebration to mark National Veterans Day yesterday. Twenty-four of the town's veterans attended a church service at St Mark's Church before congregating at the Royal Naval Association Club in
The family of a lorry driver killed in an accident have paid tribute to a loving father and husband. Dad-of-four Paul Miles, 45, died on Saturday when his lorry collided with another vehicle at a roadblock on the A417. His wife Lesley, 45, said that
The Wootton Bassett Road leading into Swindon was closed this morning when a lorry hit the railway bridge. The incident happened at about 3.30am. The lorry has been removed but there is still debris on the road. Rail services are not affected.
Balaclava-clad men claiming to be police forced their way into an elderly man's home at 3am yesterday morning. The pair told the shocked pensioner they were officers and showed some form of ID before ransacking the house in Affleck Close, Swindon looking
A fleet of double decker buses introduced only last month have been taken off the roads because they have caused damage to trees. Swindon-based Stagecoach invested £500,000 into the route 49 service, from Trowbridge to Swindon, but has now replaced
The county council is to spend £75,000 towards improving the way it deals with pothole problems. The authority's cabinet agreed at a meeting on Tuesday to spend £536,000, out of a fund of £888,000 put aside in this year's budget for a development fund
The death of a Chippenham pensioner has raised serious concerns about the standard of care at a local home for the elderly, an inquest has heard. Betty Margaret Robinson, a sociable 89-year-old who liked knitting, died in hospital after a seven-week
