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Stories for 7 August 2003
Amesbury News
Gas drama keeps 150 out all night
MORE than 150 residents were evacuated from their homes and forced to spend the night in emergency accommodation, after a gas pipe was severed. more...
Funds crisis hits city transport plan
A GOVERNMENT-BACKED plan for ridding Salisbury of its crippling traffic problems was thrown into doubt this week, after it was revealed funds are drying up. more...
Billy 'The Whiz' smashes blind speed record
A FORMER soldier smashed the blind solo world land speed record on Saturday, when he blasted down the main runway at Boscombe Down at over 170mph. more...
A life spent in uniform
THE adage that old soldiers never die couldn't be truer for Warrant Officer Brain Stoddart, who, after leaving the regular army, found that the Territorial Army could offer plenty of opportunities to continue in uniform. more...
Children enjoy summer lessons
THERE are so many gifted and talented youngsters in the Amesbury area that a special summer school had twice the number of applicants for the spaces available. more...
Village groups benefit from record donations
DONATIONS totalling more than £3,600 are being distributed to groups in Figheldean following the village's record-breaking summer fair last month. more...
Tragic week of motoring accidents
IT has been a tragic week for Salisbury motorists, after an eight-year-old boy and a pensioner lost their lives in separate accidents and another six people were seriously injured in a series of crashes. more...
City man detained in Belgium in connection with murder
A SALISBURY man has been arrested in Belgium in connection with the murder of a more...
Patients satisfied
SOUTH Wiltshire's GP and dental practices have been given a vote of confidence by patients. more...
Business News
Zurich jobs threat
MORE than 60 jobs hang in the balance after Zurich Financial Services based in Swindon announced the closure of its Zurich Life Assurance division, following its sale to Swiss Re, the world's largest life and health reinsurer. more...
Free export guide for businesses
MANY business owners and managers do not consider exporting their products or services abroad because of fears about difficulty and expense of trading overseas. more...
Calne News
Surgery repairs mean cut in service
SERVICES will be reduced at Calne's Patford House Surgery next week, when it is temporarily closed for essential refurbishments. more...
Campaign for road crossing goes on
TOWN councillors have vowed to continue their fight to install a pedestrian crossing and improve safety on Calne's London Road. more...
Decision on police station
THE future of Calne's police station in Silver Street will be decided at a meeting of the Wiltshire Police Authority next week. more...
Students go Dutch with a giant mural
STUDENTS from Calne's John Bentley School have created an enormous mural depicting life in Holland as part of an international project aiming to build bridges between schools. more...
Auditor clears town over allotments sale
AN auditor has cleared Calne Town Council of allegations of malpractice surrounding the sale of the Newcroft allotments. more...
Youngsters enjoy all the fun of the circus
FORTUNATELY for relieved parents, lion taming and the high trapeze were not included in a special circus skills course organised for Calne children. more...
Library wins design award
Ref.10457CALNE'S Millennium Library has been recognised in a prestigious UK-wide awards scheme that highlights the best in architecture and environmental design. more...
Friends pull out the stops
A working group has been set up to complete the £250,000 restoration of the Harris organ at St Mary's Church, in Calne. more...
Play area suits special kids
CALNE'S vision of a playground for able bodied and special needs children can now become a reality, thanks to a successful double cash bid. more...
Boy conquers dyslexiato step into spotlight
Ref.10401A 16-year-old boy, who has spent his life struggling with severe learning difficulties, has won a place on a prestigious acting course. more...
Chippenham News
Grant lets village set example
NESTON Recycling Group is delighted to have received a £1,500 grant from the district council to fund its village green day. more...
Farewell song for caretaker
Ref.10474CARETAKER Brenda Kembrey, who has spent the last 34 years keeping Crudwell School spick and span, retired on her 65th birthday. more...
Youth club is set up to combat vandalism
VILLAGERS in Minety, who have suffered a spate of vandalism including an attempt to set fire to the school, are hoping a new youth club will go some way to tackling the problem. more...
Man beats neighbour after sex taunts
PAUL Ingman savagely attacked his neighbour in a drunken rage after he taunted him with claims that he was sleeping with his girlfriend, a court was told. more...
Grants offer for groups
COUNCILLORS are appealing to community groups to come forward with more grant applications. more...
Joe proves he's a real whizz kid
BOWOOD'S Space Dive super slide has proved the final frontier for many brave adventurers but for its 1.5 millionth guest it was a walk in the park. more...
Pets given a free check
TRAVELLERS stopping off at the Leigh Delamere service station on the M4 took the opportunity to have their dogs checked over at a PDSA PetCheck at the weekend. more...
Top union rep fights Lyneham job losses
WORKERS fighting redundancies at RAF Lyneham's largest contractor will be boosted by a visit from a leading trade union representative. more...
Village guns for speeders
NORTH Wiltshire District Council wants to talk to police about involving community volunteers in running local speed checks. more...
Nestonauts beam up to station in space
BUDDING Neil Armstrongs were due to be beamed up to the International Space Station last night as Neston School pupils spoke to NASA astronauts on an amateur radio. more...
Holiday fun in the country
AN array of colourful kites will be flying over Lackham Country Park on Sunday when the White Horse Kite Flyers put on a display. more...
£10,000 for games area
TEENAGERS in Lacock will soon have a multi-use games area now North Wiltshire District Council has agreed to make a £10,000 grant. more...
Kids dice with death in river
Ref.10507WEILS'S disease victim Martin Dacre has warned that dozens of youngsters swimming in the River Avon are dicing with death. more...
Gardeners commended
Ref.10503GARDENING enthusiasts adorned Chippenham with a spectacular array of flowers in this summer's Chippenham In Bloom competition. more...
Florrie has big appetite for life
Ref.10456FLORENCE Julians celebrated her 100th birthday with a party and a visit from the Mayor of Chippenham Desna Allen at St Clements Court. more...
Family baffled after mum's shock death
A GRIEVING family may never know how mother-of-two Jane Manning died from acute alcohol poisoning five days after the death of her mother. more...
Teacher joinswoods project
A teacher at a Chippenham primary school has won an Earthwatch Environmental Award and the opportunity to join leading scientists on a field research project. more...
Illness delays sentencing
A CROWN court judge adjourned the case against Chippenham man David Gascoigne after hearing that the 25-year-old had a stomach bug. more...
History all set to go on show
THE historic council chamber in Chippenham's ancient timber-framed Yelde Hall could soon be open to the public. more...
Confused ghost got cross over changes
A WOMAN says a ghost in her renovated Chippenham home subjected her and her partner to nightmarish paranormal attacks. more...
Man took life after marriage break-up
COLIN Scott, a 57-year-old Brinkworth man, took an overdose of anti-depressants two years after the break-up of his marriage, an inquest at Chippenham Magistrates Court heard on Thursday. more...
Revellers pack park on fun day
Ref.10479CROWDS turned out for Chippenham's annual Family Fun Day in glorious sunshine on Sunday afternoon. more...
Gardeners can blossom
Chippenham's beautiful gardens were brought into the limelight in this year's Chippenham in Bloom competition, organised by the town council. more...
Corsham News
Mother is let off jail term
YOUNG mother Amanda Freegard has received a six month Community Rehabilitation Order following an ongoing dispute in which she threatened to kill her husband. more...
Man admits benefit fraud
PENSIONER Antonio Ciriello could face a prison term for cheating the state out of thousands of pounds in benefits. more...
Almshouses need guides
HISTORY enthusiasts are needed to join a team of guides at the Lady Margaret Hungerford Almshouses in Corsham. more...
Police hit back at critics who claim vandalism is ignored
POLICE have hit back at complaints that they are not tackling vandals, by saying the crimes were not reported. more...
Former town chapel to be new restaurant
A NEW restaurant could be the latest addition to the £3 million makeover of the former Corsham Precinct. more...
Chef gives empty pub a Flemish identity
CHEF Jerry Edwards, 36, has completely revamped The Packhorse Inn in Corsham, and given it a new identity. more...
Ctfc Sport
Saunders' battle to keep hold of players
CHIPPENHAM Town were this week facing a fight to hold onto two of their players following bids for Tom Gould and Matt Rawlins while manager Tommy Saunders admitted he had failed in an attempt to bring back a crowd favourite. more...
Devizes News
Mystery on pub bidders
MYSTERY surrounds one of the Devizes businessmen vying to take over Munnelly's Bar in Southbroom Road, which closed three weeks ago. more...
Churchyard sex attack on tourist
A GERMAN language student was put through a terrifying ordeal when she was sexually assaulted in broad daylight in a Devizes churchyard. more...
The Dalek sees red
COACH driver Brian Jackson became a star at the weekend as a determined exterminator. more...
Jazz in the moat a swinging success
DEVIZES Castle moat could be used for more community events but general access to tourists is not on the agenda, according to Robin Taylor who lives at The Gatehouse. more...
Man charged on race attack
MARK Few, of Snuff Street, Devizes, appeared in court on Monday following an alleged assault on an Indian restaurant waiter in the town. more...
Gangs of drunk louts frighten off tourists
Ref.10486LATE night hooliganism in the town centre is discouraging tourists from coming to Devizes, say the new managers at one of the town's hotels. more...
Hanging baskets stolen
THE president of Devizes Chamber of Commerce, Jo Edwards, has called for a CCTV system to be put back on the agenda after hanging baskets were stolen last week by vandals. more...
Vandalism a major problem
THE number of burglaries has dropped in Devizes but criminal damage is on the increase. more...
No cheer over real ale at award-winning pub
MEMBERS of the Devizes branch of the Campaign for Real Ale were accused of being smug and aggressive when tasting the beer at an award-winning pub in the area last week. more...
Carnival callfor disabled
DISABLED campaigner Barbara Williams is calling on people with disabilities to join her in Devizes Carnival procession on August 30. more...
The drunken dozen
THE police realised that the problem of drunkenness in Devizes had got out of hand when they were called to deal with someone who was drunk at 9am in the town centre. more...
GP takes it easy after 30 years
Ref.10467DOCTORS and staff from Southbroom Surgery and Devizes Hospital joined with patients and friends to say goodbye to Dr Stephen Siggers who has retired from general practice after 30 years. more...
Police want new car park
WILTSHIRE'S chief constable Elizabeth Neville is asking Wiltshire Police Authority to agree to the building of a new car park at police headquarters in London Road, Devizes. more...
New book celebrates sports life in the town
THREE years of intensive research by local sports historian Rick Kibby are about to bear fruit with the publication of an exhaustive history of sport in Devizes and district. more...
TV vicar and family enjoying their break
THE Rev Jamie Allen has contacted the office of the Bishop of Salisbury as he and his family take three months' leave of absence from the parishes of Seend, Poulshot and Bulkington. more...
Village hall cost must be met by land sale
A NEW community hall is unlikely to be built in Market Lavington unless land on the site is sold off for housing, a meeting in the village was told last week. more...
Disgrace of Nato adviser
A NATO adviser is likely to be sent back to the United States in disgrace after he admitted being drunk at the wheel of his car in Marlborough. more...
All the fun of the fair at fete and flower show
VILLAGERS in Seend are preparing for their village fete and flower show on Saturday. more...
Madagascan mission for conservationist
FORMER Dauntsey's student Alison Judge from Ramsbury is about to return to one of the most exotic but poorest parts of the world. more...
Producer's wife in court
TV producer's wife Rosetta Gutteridge, of Market Lavington, near Devizes, escaped a driving ban after admitting speeding. more...
Carer who stole frompatient escapes jail
A Bromham carer who pocketed hundreds of pounds from a multiple sclerosis sufferer she was looking after, has been told she won't face a prison term. more...
Maternity services surveys all set to start
THE long-awaited maternity survey that will determine the future of Devizes and Malmesbury maternity units is to start in the next two weeks. more...
Troubleshooter to rescue 999 service
A NEW boss has been appointed to troubleshoot at Wiltshire's zero-star rated ambulance service in a bid to turn around its performance. more...
Fire support help appeal
WILTSHIRE Fire Brigade is looking for volunteers to help man its new Fire Victim Support Unit. more...
Tragic chain of eventsled to death of biker
AN inquest into the death of motorcyclist James Barnett, who died two days after Christmas, recorded a verdict of accidental death. more...
Teacher aids Caribbean kids
WILTSHIRE teacher Jeanne Bergin is to fly out to the Dominican Republic next month to volunteer her skills for two years to a small, poverty-stricken community. more...
Gypsy mum protests over right to settle
THE family of a gypsy woman who has been refused permission to join them on a caravan park claim the county council is guilty of racial harassment. more...
Treats for the troops
SHELAGH Phillips was delighted to receive thank you letters from two Colerne soldiers after she sent them goodies as part of the Gazette's Treats For The Troops campaign. more...
Parents urged to back Net campaign
MOTHER-of-three Tessa Colson is joining the campaign for greater child protection on the Internet. more...
Challenging the seven seas
It will be ten months of sheer hard work with none of the comforts of home. But as CAMERON RAMOS discovered, Pat Green can't wait to set sail on the race of a lifetime. more...
Croppie makes it across pond
WELL known crop circle maker Matthew Williams has been dubbed a "merry prankster" by legendary American rebel, Paul Krassner. more...
Rail timetable altered
FIRST Great Western, the rail franchisee that operates trains between London Paddington and the West Country, is introducing a special timetable to minimise the effect of speed restrictions due to high temperatures across the region. more...
On the track of the big cats
In the past five years there have been 60 sightings of big cats across Wiltshire. LILY CANTER reports on the on-going quest to find tangible evidence of the existence of these mysterious beasts roaming the countryside more...
Devizes,Calne,Chippenham,Marlborough,Highworth,Corsham,Malmesbury,Wootton Bassett News
Time to stop 999 equalling a zero
A NEW broom has been brought in to sweep out the cobwebs at Wiltshire's troubled ambulance service and it is hoped that Tim Skelton can do just that. more...
Pregnant pause for maternity
THE long-awaited maternity survey that will determine the future of units in Devizes and Malmesbury is now out. more...
Devizes,Calne,Marlborough,Highworth,Chippenham,Corsham,Malmesbury,Wootton Bassett News
Better training is key to reducing crashes
I am writing in response to the story headlined "widow's tragic warning" in last week's Gazette. more...
Better training is key to reducing crashes
I am writing in response to the story headlined "widow's tragic warning" in last week's Gazette. more...
Dash 2's questions have been answered
The letter from DASH 2 published last week over Paula Winchcombe's name contained serious inaccuracies that may have misled many of your readers. more...
Burning question
THE members of Devizes Guardians have been monitoring the situation at Westbury Cement Works for some time. more...
Vicar burdened
I WOULD like to clarify a few points arising from the Gazette's report last week headlined "Mystery as TV vicar walks out." more...
Cottage history
THE Gazette's feature regarding a thatched cottage in Wood Lane reminded me of a possible and tenuous link with my parents. more...
Why we miss out
THE reason the Welsh are able to spend, spend, spend on their roads and anything else they feel like, Mr Belk, (Gazette July 31), is due to the Barnett Formula, introduced in the late 1970s for an intended temporary period to balance Government spending with actual needs in Scotland and Wales with England. more...
Hospital is vital
I am sure people must recover far better and more quickly when they are cared for in a hospital near to their own home than in one that takes them and their visitors up to one or even two hours or more to reach. more...
Traffic lights would be a mistake on this road
MANY residents of 47 Bristol Street in Malmesbury are outraged by the intention to place traffic lights on Bristol Street, a residential road that leads out of Malmesbury towards Sherston. more...
Solution is needed to road's tragic toll
I have just arrived back from holiday and seen the article in the Gazette on yet another accident on the Derry Hill/Studley section of the A4 and last week's letter from Andrew Warner on the same topic. more...
Highworth News
Market manager plans a musical retirement
Ref. 22944-4HIGHWORTH and Wootton Bassett market manager Dennis Williams will retire from managing both markets at the end of the month. more...
Malmesbury News
Tributes paid to road crash victim
TRIBUTES have been pouring in for 37-year-old Malmesbury woman Angela Eldridge, who was killed in a road accident at Callows Hill in Brinkworth. more...
Homes on pub site would be too dense
A GROUP of residents has spoken out against a scheme to build 19 houses on the site of the Suffolk Arms at Tetbury Hill in Malmesbury. more...
Beware, blind hedgehog
A SIGN warning drivers to avoid a blind hedgehog around Mill Lane, Corston, was put up by caring residents last week. more...
Making a final splash
Ref.10508THE people of Malmesbury have been flocking in their hundreds to cool down at the open air pool as temperatures soared across Wiltshire. more...
Man beats neighbour after sex taunts
PAUL Ingman savagely attacked his neighbour in a drunken rage after he taunted him with claims that he was sleeping with his girlfriend, a court was told. more...
P-p-pick up a penguin story
Ref.10480CHILDREN aged between four and seven enjoyed a story trail involving kiddies book Penguin Post at Malmesbury Library on Monday. more...
Marlborough News
Tributes flood in for crash victim
TRIBUTES have been pouring in for 37-year-old coach company worker Angela Eldridge, who was killed in a road accident while on her way home from her job in Aldbourne. more...
New nursing home on way
THE ageing county council-run Coombe End House nursing home in Marlborough is to be replaced by a larger and more efficient building, it was confirmed yesterday. more...
Fury at tourist centre closure
ANGER is growing over the decision to close the Marlborough Tourist Information Centre, which town councillors have been told is irreversible. more...
Police say thanks for alert over suspect callers
POLICE have said a big thank you this week to public-spirited citizens who reported a suspicious van in the St Martin's area of Marlborough on Monday. more...
Police ask callers: Please be patient
POLICE have issued a new non-emergency number to be used when the main switchboard number is engaged. more...
Town flies flag for Fairtrade
The town council has formally declared Marlborough to be a Fairtrade town. more...
Girl drove truck to Baghdad under fire
TWO years ago Natalie Bull was a school leaver whose biggest excitement had been playing soccer with a girls' side in Ramsbury. more...
Earl wins his court battle to overturn driving ban
LORD Cardigan has been saved from a driving ban after successfully appealing against the sentence at Swindon Crown Court. more...
Town snubbed in cultural report
COUNCILLORS at Marlborough have slammed a county council document for making the town look like a cultural vacuum. more...
Mail for their eyes only
TOWN councillors in Marlborough have found themselves enveloped in a row over who should open their mail. more...
Blacksmith forges trans-Atlantic links
BLACKSMITH Eddie Payne from Aldbourne has been forging links across the Atlantic with colleagues in Canada. more...
Pewsey News
Controversial all-weather pitch opens
Ref.10428THE controversial sale of a section of the playing field at Devizes School was claimed to be completely justified on Monday when a £525,000 all- weather pitch was officially opened. more...
New queen's just like mum
Ref.10483PEWSEY'S new carnival queen Danielle Robb could have been forgiven if she had a touch of déjà vu when she was selected. more...
Riders support air ambulance
A SPECIAL charity evening at Pewsey Vale Riding School at Stanton St Bernard, near Devizes, has raised more than £1,000 for local charities. more...
Big time hope for rock band
Ref.10395INNOVATIVE Pewsey rock group 8th Fret has won a Battle of the Bands contest, which the youngsters hope will launch them into the big time. more...
Canal revives carnival spirit
TEA room and boat shop owner Graham Lee is reviving a once popular waterside carnival at Pewsey Wharf. more...
Legion salutes Poppy Day stalwart
Ref.10505ONE of Pewsey's best-known carnival stalwarts Cossor Goldsworthy has been presented with a long service award for 50 years' service as a Poppy Day collector. more...
Charity moves on
LOCAL charity Wiltshire Access Consultancy has moved to Pewsey. more...
Salisbury Features
Helping spread support message
EVERY girl needs a little support but, depending on the degree of sporting activity we indulge in, some of us need more than others. more...
More apprentices taken on
PERSIMMON Homes, the UK's second largest housebuilder, is increasing its number of apprentice and graduate placements during 2003, as part of the company's commitment to tackling the current skills shortage in the UK construction industry. more...
Salisbury News
Funds crisis hits city transport plan
A GOVERNMENT-BACKED plan for ridding Salisbury of its crippling traffic problems was thrown into doubt this week, after it was revealed funds are drying up. more...
Gas drama keeps 150 out all night
MORE than 150 residents were evacuated from their homes and forced to spend the night in emergency accommodation, after a gas pipe was severed. more...
Green-fingered success
GREEN-FINGERED Susan Bugden's dedication to making her front garden look beautiful paid off this year, for it gained her top prize in the annual Salisbury district council gardens competition. more...
Billy 'The Whiz' smashes blind speed record
A FORMER soldier smashed the blind solo world land speed record on Saturday, when he blasted down the main runway at Boscombe Down at over 170mph. more...
Toy guns: danger of armed response
WILTSHIRE police are urging parents not to let their children play with replica or ball-bearing guns, after an increase in the number of cases where armed units have been called to deal with young people brandishing realistic-looking weapons. more...
Hot shot AJ bags world title
A FORMER clay pigeon champion is back on top of the world after returning to the sport as a veteran. more...
Horror as young man steps in front of train
A YOUNG man died after being struck by a train at Salisbury Railway Station on Saturday afternoon. more...
Arts Centre close to £½ handout
SALISBURY Arts Centre is on the brink of getting a £½m-plus handout, thanks to a decision by Salisbury district council's cabinet. more...
City man detained in Belgium in connection with murder
A SALISBURY man has been arrested in Belgium in connection with the murder of a more...
Patients satisfied
SOUTH Wiltshire's GP and dental practices have been given a vote of confidence by patients. more...
Tragic week of motoring accidents
IT has been a tragic week for Salisbury motorists, after an eight-year-old boy and a pensioner lost their lives in separate accidents and another six people were seriously injured in a series of crashes. more...
Salisbury Sport
Phil sets new personal best
NEW Forest Cycling Club's Phil Gates was pleased to improve his personal best ten-mile time on Sunday in the Salisbury Road Club-promoted East Dorset Cycling Association event staged at Andover. more...
Louisa's so close to glory
LOUISA Lockwood and Opposition Summertime continued their recent run of success, mounting a strong challenge at Gatcombe Park at the weekend. more...
Rich pickings at stake as Salisbury prepares for seasonal highlight
SALISBURY Racecourse's richest ever race is the centrepiece of its annual two-day August meeting which opens on Wednesday, writes Mike Turner. more...
South Wilts in a spin as derby clash ends all square
THE last all-day `time' fixture of the season was played under brilliant sunshine at Havant Park. more...
Williams ensures Flamingo suffer again
THE importance of South Wilts II's match with Flamingo could not be over-estimated. In football parlance it was a relegation six-pointer that they simply had to win. more...
Top two clash in final
SALISBURY & District Wednesday Evening League runners up South Newton beat the 2003 champions, Breamore at the South Wilts Cricket Ground last Wednesday to secure the HK Robinson Trophy. more...
Racing fan Doug dies
MANY in the horse-racing world were last week mourning the death of race-going lottery winner Doug Wood, after he died suddenly. more...
High five for Richard
EXCELLENT bowling from Richard Colbourne set up Damerham's victory over Michelmersh & Tims-bury II in the Hampshire League Regional Division Four West Central. more...
Park's last ball drama
AFTER a cautious start on what looked like a bowler-friendly wicket, Hampton Park found themselves up against it at 25-3 against Fair Oak III. more...
Second defeat
THE Cerne Valley captain didn't have to think twice before inviting Fovant to bat first on a rapidly drying wicket. more...
Kelly's Parisian delight
RISING athletics star Kieren Kelly produced his best ever performance when he represented Great Britain at the European Youth Olympics in France last week, writes Mike Turner. more...
Blencowe gears up for next challenge
TISBURY race ace Alan Blencowe faces a fresh challenge this weekend when he competes in rounds 13 and 14 of the Green Flag British Touring Car Championships at Snetterton. more...
Alderbury bowlers triumph
ALDERBURY quartet Jerry Woolley, Allan Wilson, Peter Frost and John Webb won their Wiltshire Bowls Asso-ciation Championship fours final in dramatic style on Saturday, beating Purton in a thrilling tie that was only settled by an extra end. more...
Countdown to big kick off continues
AN expectant crowd of 610 at Old Sarum was made to wait on Monday evening as the Bristol City team arrived after the scheduled kick-off time of 7.45pm, for their friendly with Salisbury City. more...
Closing date nears for cup entries
THE Nadder Valley Foot-ball League are urging clubs interested in competing in their two cup competitions in the coming season to return their entry forms as soon as possible. more...
Summer training is paying off
SALISBURY Hockey Club players displayed some good pre-season form in a 13-team round robin tournament at the weekend. more...
European Tour trio among Pro-Am entries
THREE former European Tour golfers are among more than 160 players at tomorrow's Pro-Am tournament at Salisbury & South Wilts Golf Course. more...
Salisbury quartet into last eight
A LONG drive to Essex was rewarded with a place in the quarter-finals of a national competition for Salisbury's Over 40s ladies team on Sunday. more...
Rod & Line by Roland Batten
Carp with a passion for fruit is caught more...
Sport Angling
Secretary Pete turns up the heat to win tench cup
CONDITIONS were far from ideal for South Cerney AC's Tench Cup at Wickwater on Sunday. It was hot and sunny, and the 23 anglers who fished struggled to catch tench. more...
Sport Cricket
Prodigy gets West call-up
CRICKET prodigy Liam Dawson has taken another step towards his dream of playing the game professionally by being selected to represent the West of England. more...
John's 76 not out!
CRICKET-mad John Wilson is well on the way to a century, but not the sort usually associated with the sport. more...
Lewy cautious in final bid
GLOUCESTERSHIRE were looking to bounce back from their National League setback today by booking an end-of-season Lord's final. more...
Sport Football
Nathan on target for Bluebirds
CHIPPENHAM Town were comfortable 4-1 winners over Screwfix Direct League side Westbury in last night's friendly at Hardenhuish Park. more...
Chairman facing axe at crisis club
SCREWFIX PREMIER DIVISION: DEVIZES Town Chairman Chris Belcher has failed to meet the Football Association deadline to prove the club was legally turned into a limited company and is now set to be ousted on Monday night. more...
Sport Rugby
Rookies in for a week of fun and coaching
THE Gazette and Herald's Rugby Skills Week kicks off on Monday at Chippenham Rugby Football Club Allington Field ground. more...
Swindon News
Just think why the bumps are there!
THE much publicised speed bumps in the Covingham area have attracted much adverse criticism from local motorists. more...
In praise of a very special Reverend
THE in-depth article by Shirley Mathias (EA, August 2) painting a written portrait of the Rev Derryk Evans was a breath of fresh air and absolutely fascinating. more...
Help new buyers
SO I see that Swindon Council is likely to propose yet another council tax rise (EA August 2). more...
Let's hope they find more!
MUCH has been written about the competence of senior officers and councillors who claim to have the skills required to run our local authority. more...
Let me carry on
I fully agree with the comments of Dave Tilbury regarding the Ridgeway (Access for All, EA, August 1). I myself ride a motorcycle on unsurfaced roads and can see why people can become upset at the state of it in several areas. more...
Reunion invite
COULD you help us with our search for ex-pupils of British Forces Schools in Germany. Due to the nature of moving with forces families every couple of years we are struggling to find many ex-pupils who may well wish to attend two reunions that are to be held in 2004. more...
A big thank you
COULD I thank everyone who contributed to the door to door Christian Aid collection in May in Swindon and villages around. A great total again this year £29,528.09. Many areas of Swindon are without collectors. If you live in one of these areas and would like to help with this valuable work please contact your local church as they organise their local area. It would be good to hope to get over £30,000 next year. Thank you. more...
Correct address
ON July 19 you published details of the Mailing Preference Service in the Know Your Rights column. more...
A big boost for research
THE Economic and Social Research Council, based in swindon, has announced nine new professorial fellowships. more...
Green advice
A scheme is being run for those wishing to find out how to be more environmentally aware in their everyday life. more...
Ice is in big demand at the shops
SWINDON is chilling out and investing in ice to combat the hot weather. more...
Bokka gets hot under the feathers
Ref. 26057-52WITH temperatures to rival the African jungle, even parrots are struggling to cope with the heat. more...
They're just the tops!
Ref. 26016-87SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: MACMILLAN supporters in Marlborough raised £1,400 for our appeal by holding a street collection and a car boot sale. more...
Next time it will be £60
Ref. 26074-31WARNING leaflets the size of parking tickets are being put on parking offenders' windscreens ahead of Swindon Council's take over of traffic warden duties on September 1. more...
The stamp of approval
Ref. 26069-10A UNIQUE slice of history is being preserved in a new issue of stamps. more...
Snapper Tom wins by a nose
BUDDING Paparazzi Tom Dickinson has exposed his poor dad and bagged himself a photography prize. more...
`Missing' millions: A bit of confusion
FORMER director of resources Ian Thompson thinks the conundrum of Swindon Council's missing £2.5 million is nothing more than a little simple confusion. more...
A day dedicated to child's play
Ref. 26076-102CHILDREN in Swindon basked and played in sunshine to mark the Playday national play celebration yesterday. more...
Clever clogs
Ref. 260668-53MOST youngsters would do anything to avoid school in the summer holidays. more...
Cash threat to street wardens
THE pioneering Parks and Walcot street wardens could be out of work in the New Year victims of Swindon Council's tightening its purse strings. more...
Market manager plans a musical retirement
Ref. 22944-4HIGHWORTH and Wootton Bassett market manager Dennis Williams will retire from managing both markets at the end of the month. more...
Local RAF officer gets top training position
AN RAF squadron leader from Wroughton has been appointed to one of the RAF's most prestigious jobs. more...
Village all set for big parade
VILLAGERS bearing torches will parade through Purton on Saturday in a procession to raise funds and awareness of St Mary's Church. more...
E-voting election success
SWINDON Council's pioneering electronic voting scheme has been hailed a success even though turnout at the recent borough elections was one of the lowest in memory. more...
A show of solidarity
Ref. 26059-08A PETITION against the planned eviction of a tenant farming couple from land near Barbury Castle has been handed over to Swindon mayor Derek Benfield. more...
Asbestos experts ready with claim help
AN EXPERT compensation firm specialising in asbestos-related claims is holding advice sessions in Swindon this week. more...
No Mini-feat for two on honeymoon trip
Ref. 26071-36A MINI-MAD couple are hoping to find the road to true happiness as they take to the highway to compete in a gruelling 2,500-mile road race. more...
Buurglars beware - Operation Delta is after you
Ref. 26055-01Burglary rates in Swindon are rising at an alarming rate and police are now set to take action with the launch of a special project. TAMASH LAL and ANDY TATE report more...
Don't do it!
That's what Swindon businesses, which have £500,000 ready to spend, told the council after it pulled out of a project to renovate Lydiard Park. more...
Mercy is shown to recovering addict
Ref. 25620-3A RECOVERING heroin addict who committed "an appalling catalogue of petty crime" has walked free from court. more...
Miracle girl set to start school
Ref. 26066-48A LITTLE girl who defied the odds to battle back from a life-threatening illness is looking forward to starting her first day at primary school next month. more...
So where have all the crowds gone?
ORGANISERS of two of the area's largest events have been asking where the crowds were after suffering drastically reduced turnouts. more...
Burglars beware - Operation Delta is after you
Ref. 26055-01Burglary rates in Swindon are rising at an alarming rate and police are now set to take action with the launch of a special project. TAMASH LAL and ANDY TATE report more...
Precautions that will keep thieves at bay
Tips for beating the burglars include: more...
Diamonds and the Stones are forever
Ref. 26023-08A GUITAR signed by three of the Rolling Stones, and autographs of Beatle John Lennon and Great Escape star Steve McQueen have gone on sale at the Infinitely Better shop. more...
Hairdresser makes the cut for finals
A HAIRDRESSER is making headway in one of the biggest national hairdressing competitions. more...
Think of the good Lydiard Park will bring
IF Swindon's business community is pledging to put £500,000 cash towards a scheme to restore Lydiard Park, there must be a serious conviction that the project would reap enormous benefits for the town. more...
Courage against the odds
IN a world where so many stories seem to have sad endings, and where the good seem prone to not winning, people such as little Hannah McCarthy are a breath of fresh air. more...
Wiltshire Sport
Town heading for 10,000 target
SWINDON Town could be heading for a magical five-figure County Ground crowd for Saturday's opening Nationwide Division 2 encounter against Sheffield Wednesday. more...
Wootton Bassett News
Time travel day a medieval Mecca
Ref.10472WOOTTON Bassett went back to Chaucer's day on Sunday, with its annual medieval festival. more...
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