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Stories for 4 September 2003
Amesbury News
Plain's plague of flies receding
THE plague of flies affecting the Collingbournes is finally subsiding after causing more than three weeks of misery for people living in the area. more...
Home buyers camp out to bag bargains
FIRST-TIME buyers have been queueing up for the chance to snap up a home for just £99 down. more...
Closed byways anger residents
TWO Salisbury Plain residents have accused the military of "creating precedents", after the Larkhill and Westdown ranges were closed to walkers last month. more...
GP returns from Iraq
A GP sent to rescue soldiers injured during the Iraq conflict has safely returned to Salisbury after spending five months in the war zone. more...
Family reunited after Dubai jail hell
A ROCKBOURNE man who spent six and a half years in a Dubai prison was finally reunited with his family on Monday. more...
Venture has beer appeal
ONE of Salisbury's best known charities is launching a new fundraising initiative that is bound to go down well with the city's beer drinkers. more...
Blue light day a success
BAD weather stayed away long enough to ensure Tidworth's blue light day was a success. more...
Gibraltar to be in same Euro region as Salisbury
UNLIKELY as it may sound, Gibraltar is to be included in the same constituency as Salisbury in next year's European elections. more...
Beatles' stout words for sale
A UNIQUE beer pamphlet, signed by three of the four Beatles during their stay at the Antrobus Arms Hotel in Amesbury in 1965, is expected to fetch up to £1,500 when it comes up for auction at Sotheby's in London later this month. more...
Bath Leisure
Concert for a cause
SEPTEMBER 13, BATH: ON September 13, local singers Suzanne Hillier and Annette Barker, accompanied on piano by Edna Blackwell, will be hosting a special charity concert at the Rondo Theatre, Bath, to raise funds for the Research Institute For The Care Of The Elderly. more...
Business News
A rare chance to clean up with those dirty office cups
THEY are the bane of every workplace staff room unwashed coffee cups that have been allowed to fester and putrify by colleagues out of touch with modern standards of hygiene. more...
Feather in your cap with Queen's award
SWINDON businesses need to be less bashful and more willing to blow their own trumpets according to the Queen's Award office, which organises the annual Queen's Award for Enterprise scheme. more...
Signs manufacturing poised for comeback
UK engineering firms have begun to experience the first signs of a turnaround in their fortunes for more than two years, industry figures showed. more...
Change of note for former EMI building
THE decision to allow cash and carry giants Makro Self Service Whole-salers Ltd to use the former EMI building has been welcomed by one Swindon planner - because it means the end of a long drive to Bristol. more...
Calne News
Baton record challenge
THOUSANDS of volunteers are being sought across Calne to take part in a unique world record attempt. more...
Fundraisers canter round the white horses
ENERGETIC youngsters scaled new heights last week when they put on their walking boots and climbed Wiltshire's eight white horses to raise money for charity. more...
Burglary shock puts victim in hospital
A 67-year-old man was admitted to hospital after the shock of a burglary at his home caused him to have an acute angina attack. more...
£15,000 gems go missing
SINGLE mother Angela Fry, 46, was devastated when £15,000 of jewellery disappeared without trace from her home. more...
Dumped wrecks pose threat to youngsters
COUNCILLORS in Calne are concerned about the safety of children playing on four abandoned cars that have been left dumped behind shops for months. more...
Elderly scared by street yobs
ELDERLY residents living in Honeymead say they are too frightened to go out at night because their road is being targeted by unruly youths. more...
Pet dog escapes death sentence
Ref.10768WIDOWER John Porter's much loved dog, Casey, which bit a jogger on the leg, has been given a reprieve by a Chippenham court. more...
Missing Siamese found safe
A runaway, whose disappearance three weeks ago prompted a massive search of Calne, has been found safe and well after living rough. more...
Chippenham News
Didn't we have fun this summer holiday?
YOUNGSTERS dusted off skates and scooters to celebrate the end of the long summer holidays with rollerdiscos. more...
Council gears up for a major inspection
NORTH Wiltshire District Council is to face its first major inspection to check out its performance and award an overall grade. more...
Homeless numbers are set to increase
THE number of people without a home in north Wiltshire is set to increase because of Government cuts to social housing funding, district council leader Coun Ruth Coleman has said. more...
Doctor says trust will not let him come back
CONSULTANT gynaecologist Peter Schlesinger has accused Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust of conspiring to keep him from returning to work after being cleared of sexually abusing a ten-year-old girl. more...
Inspiration in the garden
TWO garden design students from Wiltshire College, Lackham, have won prestigious places in this year's Student Challenge Gardens Competition at the National Amateur Gardening Show at the Bath and West Showground in Shepton Mallett. more...
Teams' coach trip proves hard work
CARNIVAL week celebrations in Aldbourne kicked off on Sunday with teams of men and women taking a coach trip the hard way. more...
Club-goer in ID row fined £175 for abuse
AN enraged reveller shouted foul-mouthed abuse at club doormen when they refused him entry, after he had spent £14 on a taxi to go home and fetch his passport as identification, at their suggestion. more...
Survivor Emily is off to school
Ref.10722A LITTLE girl who endured 23 operations, including open heart surgery, before she was three years old, has defied the odds to join the hundreds of other children going to school for the first time today. more...
Makeover for maths room
PUPILS returning to Hardenhuish School in Chippenham after their summer break may be surprised to see the school has undergone a makeover. more...
Books probe into Westlea
WESTLEA Housing Association has called in independent investigators to audit its books following allegations of discrepancies in contractual work. more...
Skate park builder is to advise on site
A SKATE park builder is to investigate the site at Westmead, Chippenham in an attempt to move the campaign forward. more...
Man who sold drugs to youth is set free
A MAN who sold drugs to a schoolboy in a Chippenham shopping centre has walked free from court. more...
Ex-boss slams firm's decision to relocate
THE founder of Chippenham factory, Eaton MEM, which last week laid off 83 workers, has slammed its decision to switch production to Hungary. more...
Campaign to lower your blood pressure
CHIPPENHAM's Safeway supermarket is joining the Know Your Numbers campaign, in a bid to encourage people to check out their blood pressure and protect their health. more...
Policemen's lives in focus
VISITORS can learn about the life of a nineteenth century Wiltshire policeman at a new exhibition in Chippenham. more...
Vandal attack on play area
A CHILDREN'S playground that has been repeatedly targeted by vandals has been trashed and littered with debris yet again. more...
Star helping kids to join dream trip
ACTOR Jerome Flynn was mobbed by teenage fans when he presented awards at a charity event in Chippenham on Sunday. more...
Bottle plan helps elderly
AGE Concern in Chippenham is launching a new Bottle In The Fridge campaign in a bid to improve the health and safety of vulnerable people living on their own. more...
Cleaner admits fraud
PUB cleaner Stephen Jonathan Eacott, who signed on for income support while earning £25 a week working for the Kingfisher pub in Chippenham pleaded guilty to four charges of benefit fraud. more...
Mayor's fund to treat patients
THE former Mayor of Chippenham, Richard Meek, will this week present a cheque for £4,800 to his chosen charity, The League of Friends of Chippenham Hospital. more...
New store broadens choice for customers
WOMEN'S affordable clothing retailer Bon Marché has become the latest addition to Emery Gate shopping centre. more...
Positive role for churches
CAPMAIGNER for social change, Steve Chalke, will be talking in Chippenham about the role of the church in bringing about positive change in communities. more...
Can you spot an ancestor?
A huge collage of historic local photographs is on display in a special exhibition at Chippenham Heritage Centre in the hope that people can identify the faces. more...
Corsham News
Getting all fired up for Civil War demos
THE sound of gunfire will shake Corsham on Saturday when the Sealed Knot give a demonstration of Civil War arms. more...
Traders indignant at parking charges
TRADERS in Corsham's Martingate Centre are up in arms about a plan to charge them for car parking space behind their shops. more...
Work starts on BMX track
WORK has finally started on the Corsham BMX ramps, which will provide hundreds of youngsters with a much-needed recreation facility. more...
Ctfc Sport
Goodman is among old pros at Stafford
CHIPPENHAM Town travel to Stafford Rangers this weekend to take on one of the fancied teams for the league title. more...
New mascot needs to find itself a name
FANS attending Chippenham Town's home game with Hednesford last Saturday could not have failed to notice the larger-than-life bluebird strutting around in the club's home strip. more...
Happy Harry's battle
MIDFIELDER Mark Harrington has described the spirit in the Chippenham dressing room as fantastic and said the players are now looking to up their performances and start winning. more...
Keeper still expecting wins to come
BLUEBIRDS goalkeeper Mark Hervin kept the opposition strikers out for the second time this season on Saturday and is delighted with the way he and his defenders are performing. more...
Visitors halted by Thorne in the side
SATURDAY'S draw with Hednesford gave Chippenham another clean sheet thanks in so small part to the continued superb form of full-back Wayne Thorne. more...
Defender is hoping to make an imact
CHIPPENHAM boss Tommy Saunders has moved to bring former Southampton teenager Andy Robertson to Hardenhuish and the defender is looking to make an early impact. more...
Devizes News
Miracle escape
Ref.10766LORRY driver Malcolm Chant has told how he fled from his blazing truck after arsonists set it alight while he slept. more...
Dogs left out in cold by football officials
SIXTY dog owners and their pets were left fuming after being locked out of their regular meeting place at Devizes Town Football Club. more...
Court issues first ever order to curb the yobs
WILTSHIRE'S Chief Constable Dame Elizabeth Neville has welcomed the granting of an interim post-conviction Anti Social Behaviour Order on Devizes man Scott King. more...
Council's no to call for CCTV
TRADERS have slammed a decision by Kennet District Council not to introduce CCTV in Devizes despite a spate of vandalism. more...
Guides' dream of new home set to be dashed
Ref.10752DEVIZES Guides' dream of building a Guiding centre on the outskirts of the town look set to be scuppered by planners at Kennet District Council. more...
Munnelly's all set for a change of name
MUNNELLY'S Bar, in Devizes, is to reopen in November with a new name. more...
Lampposts must be axed
FOUR ornamental lampposts in Potterne farmer Martin Bodman's drive must be removed, a Government planning inspector has ruled. more...
Bright spark for 50 years
LONG serving electrician Trevor Nutland has retired after 50 years' service with the same Devizes firm. more...
Beer festival helps young
FINE beer enthusiasts will be helping to put new fun into a thriving village pre-school on September 13. more...
Patients queue for hours for NHS dentist
DOZENS of people queued up in Devizes on Monday to register with an NHS dentist. more...
Work to start on waste unit
WORK will start next month on building a £700,000 household recycling centre for Devizes. more...
Blood donors are thanked
TWO employees of Kennet District Council have received awards from actresses in T series Casualty for their commitment in giving blood. more...
Ponies weave their magic
CHARLOTTE Wakeham, the eight-year-old who has an inoperable brain tumour, enjoyed meeting more ponies last week. more...
Safety first for new councillors' surgeries
TWO newly elected Kennet councillors with adjoining wards in the Pewsey Vale are to start holding monthly surgeries for their electors. more...
Record of fire cover in village unearthed
ARCHIVISTS have uncovered new evidence of how people in Market Lavington fought fires in the 17th and 18th centuries. more...
PC's rescue award
HEROIC police officer Roland Jones is to receive a top award for rescuing a suicidal woman from the canal at Semington. more...
Ex-race horses win generous backing
Ref.10748THE number of visitors at the annual open day at the Greatwood racehorse rescue centre on Sunday was down, although they more than made up for it by their generosity. more...
Bid to crackdown on town centre drinkers
LEGAL history was made in Wiltshire when magistrates granted an Anti-Social Behaviour Order on alcoholic Scott King. more...
Not much to go on after loos are taken
THIEVES drove away a 25-foot long £11,000 mobile toilet trailer, which was waiting to be pumped free of sewage after an engagement at the White Horse Show at Uffington. more...
Motorway roadwork will cause big delays
MOTORISTS are in for months of delays as more roadworks are planned on the M4. more...
Farmers start to quit crisis torn milk plant
THE future of the £44 million United Milk plant is looking sour as farmers are bailing out as receivers try to negotiate a rescue package. more...
Launch of new county guide
A NEW guide to help parents and their children find out about school transport services has been launched by Wiltshire County Council. more...
Evacuees take trip down memory lane
Ref.10736A GROUP of elderly school chums went back to class for the day at the village where they were sent to escape the horrors of the Blitz. more...
Carer who stole from MS sufferer avoids jail
CARER Ellen Townsend plundered hundreds of pounds from the bank account of a wheelchair bound multiple sclerosis sufferer to help deal with her own financial problems. more...
Slimming leader plans tank tribute
SLIMMING World leader Carole Millard is getting behind the wheel to raise money in memory of one of her members who died of cancer earlier this year. more...
999 boss plans service changes
TROUBLE-SHOOTER Tim Skelton has spent the first two weeks of his new job at the helm of Wiltshire Ambulance Service meeting staff and visiting stations across the county. more...
Mars seekers are buzzed
A COUPLE have spoken of their terror as they were buzzed by a military helicopter as they held an evening countryside vigil for the planet Mars. more...
Arts take to the road on visitsto villages
TOP acts will be taking centre stage in Wiltshire villages as Rural Arts Wiltshire launches its autumn programme. more...
Family life in Manhattan?
CHANNEL 4 is looking for a Wiltshire mum from a rural family to take part in a new one-off documentary featuring a mum-swap with a Manhattan family. more...
Spice Girl's solo is not a hit
POODLE Spice Girl is in disgrace with her owners Pam and John Desmond after taking herself for an eight-mile walk. more...
It's the first day of term for everyone
THE summer holidays are drawing to a close and hundreds of children are about to embark on exciting new chapters in their lives. more...
Big foot forward
NORTH Wiltshire MP James Gray has thrown out a challenge to his Wiltshire parliamentary colleagues to join him on a 50-mile walk for charity in a year's time. more...
Devizes,Calne,Chippenham,Marlborough,Highworth,Corsham,Malmesbury,Wootton Bassett News
CCTV should be installed
WE could well have been reporting a double murder today after arsonists torched two lorries parked in Station Road car park in Devizes. more...
Silly to stay quiet
EVERYONE in Marlborough is delighted that Marlborough College will be home to Princes Eugenie for the next five years. more...
Devizes,Calne,Marlborough,Highworth,Chippenham,Corsham,Malmesbury,Wootton Bassett News
Old pool site could be skatepark venue
We were sorry to read about the closure of Malmesbury outdoor pool in last week's Gazette. more...
Memorial to cherished babies has been ruined
We represent "Cherish," a group of parents who have had babies who have died. more...
Small town is not set to join recycling scheme
I welcome the article on the introduction of the kerb-side recycling scheme published in last week's paper. more...
Rethink on waste
The decision of nightclubs in Chippenham to give up serving drinks in glasses is no doubt going to be a deterrent for mad psychos who attack people with glasses. more...
Job is to serve
I refer to an article which stated no member or officer was available for a public meeting to consult on the closure of the Marlborough Tourist information Centre. more...
Is it best value?
Castle Combe Parish Council has recently received from North Wiltshire District Council its Best Value Performance Plan 2003/4. more...
Disabled play part
I was pleased to see The European Year of Disabled People featured in this year's excellent Devizes Carnival procession. more...
War tales wanted
Testimony Films is currently making a six part HTV series to commemorate the 60th anniversary, in 2005, of the end of the Second World War. more...
Carnival delight
I am lost for words, but as a new arrival in Devizes, I cannot let last Saturday evening go by without saying "thank you all" for such a wonderful spectacle as the carnivalparade. more...
Devastated by loss
To the heartless person who ran down my tabby cat leaving her dead in the middle of the road on The Windsor Drive Road, Bank Holiday Monday 25 August at approximately 7am. more...
Lock-out leaves dog class fuming
May I through your paper apologise to all members of the Marlborough and District Canine Society who turned up at Devizes Football Club on Monday night to recommence their ringcraft and obedience training, only to find that we were locked out. more...
Highworth News
A fresh view of farm life
Ref. 26426-83GOVERNMENT minister Ben Bradshaw got to grips with life down on the farm when he visited Highworth. more...
Malmesbury News
Just time for one last dip...
Ref.10764AS the last gallons of water drained from Malmesbury open-air pool this week there was a feeling of sadness across the generations who had used it for more than 40 years. more...
Vicar says use church or lose it
THE Rev Malcolm Ross, vicar of Foxley and Alderton, has warned parishioners if they don't use their church they could lose it. more...
Family heirlooms stolen in burglary
AN elderly woman has been left distraught after more than £70,000 worth of family heirlooms and jewellery were stolen from her house near Norton last week. more...
Graffiti is last straw
POLICE are trying to trace the perpetrators of obscene graffiti that has appeared on the underpass bridge on the Malmesbury bypass. more...
Soap fanatic's birthday treat
SOAP mad Elliott Curtis of Malmesbury has been inundated with cards from the stars of Eastenders and Coronation Street for his 30th birthday. more...
Gardeners try to end planning debacle
CELEBRITY gardeners Barbara and Ian Pollard are hoping a planning application will put an end to their dispute with North Wiltshire District Council. more...
Kerbside recycling thrown into doubt
KERBSIDE recycling in Malmesbury has been thrown into doubt by Liberal Democrat-led North Wiltshire District Council. more...
Memorial is rededicated
THE memorial to children in the Memorial Gardens at Malmesbury Abbey that was smashed by vandals last month was rededicated at a special ceremony on Sunday. more...
Magic sweeps into town with carni val
Ref.10741HARRY Potter floats, jugglers and jazz bands entertained the crowds crammed into the streets of Malmesbury for this year's carnival parade on Saturday. more...
Festival offers a feast of free jazz
FANS of boogie woogie, Dixieland and delta blues, will all be catered for at Malmesbury Jazz Festival from September 12 to 14. more...
Marlborough News
Council outcry at state of town
THE neglected appearance of Marlborough's famous wide High Street is nothing short of disgusting and off-putting for visitors claims town councillor Hilary Cripps. more...
Thief makes off with ring
POLICE launched a manhunt from the sky and on the ground in Marlborough on Monday after a thief snatched a £10,000 diamond ring from David Dudley jewellery shop. more...
Fencer's lucky escape
FENCING contractor Martin Kemp had a miraculous escape from serious injury when he became trapped between a JCB and a fencing post at Baydon on Monday. more...
Fun day a great success
THE first ever public event organised by a new Marlborough residents association turned out to be a resounding success on Sunday. more...
Deer adds the comic touch
Ref.10715THERE was a distinctly Monty Python touch when one of the classic comedy team, Terry Jones, was making a serious history film in Savernake Forest last Thursday. more...
Art school glass front accepted by council
A PLAN for the new art school for Marlborough College, which features a curved glass front, have been accepted by town councillors despite the fact the building is in a conservation area. more...
Family follows dream to new life in France
Ref.10720PHILIP Brown, 12, and his brother Daniel, four, have started at new schools in France this week as they and their parents Tony and Louise start a new life abroad. more...
Plan for yet more homes
A PLAN for 12 flats on a site where developers originally wanted to build five town houses, have also been opposed by Marlborough town councillors. more...
Boundary walk in need of marshals
MAYOR of Marlborough, Bill Cavill, is desperately seeking volunteers to act as marshals for the annual Beating the Bounds event on October 5. more...
Perils of flying the flag at the town hall
Ref.10717EVERY time a flag is raised on Marlborough Town Hall caretaker Alan Brown has to undertake an obstacle course that would make a Royal Marine flinch. more...
Going up or coming down
TOWN councillors in Marlborough believe a new building tucked away in one of the alleyways behind the High Street has been built one storey too high. more...
Tight security for princess' first day
A MASSIVE security operation swung into place when Princess Eugenie, granddaughter of the Queen and sixth in line to the throne, began life at Marlborough College on Tuesday. more...
Council in quandary over home for the TIC
A SUGGESTION that the Marlborough Tourist Information Centre could be relocated to the town hall has found little support from town councillors. more...
Blue and gold centenary
THE Rotary Club in Marlborough is planning to turn the town gardens into a sea of blue and gold, the club colours, for its centenary in 2005. more...
Pewsey News
Water carnival boosts restoration ambition
CANAL enthusiasts are hoping to rekindle the success of bygone water carnivals on the Kennet and Avon Canal at Pewsey Wharf. more...
Salisbury News
Family reunited after Dubai jail hell
A ROCKBOURNE man who spent six and a half years in a Dubai prison was finally reunited with his family on Monday. more...
Biker late for his own funeral as police stop hearse
OLD biker Dick Howell was given a colourful send-off when his family arranged for him to travel to his funeral in a motor-cycle hearse. more...
Mugger in knife attack on doctor
SECURITY is being reviewed at Salisbury District Hospital after a doctor was robbed at knifepoint. more...
GP returns from Iraq
A GP sent to rescue soldiers injured during the Iraq conflict has safely returned to Salisbury after spending five months in the war zone. more...
Rescue bravery leads to awards
A SALISBURY police officer who rescued an injured teenage girl trapped in a partially submerged car in Laverstock is to receive two top lifesaving awards, with Royal approval. more...
Gibraltar to be in same Euro region as Salisbury
UNLIKELY as it may sound, Gibraltar is to be included in the same constituency as Salisbury in next year's European elections. more...
Water wheel centre of attention
A DOWNTON landmark has returned to the village to become a permanent reminder of the days when top-quality leather was produced in the riverside Downton tannery. more...
Venture has beer appeal
ONE of Salisbury's best known charities is launching a new fundraising initiative that is bound to go down well with the city's beer drinkers. more...
Great steam age returns for fair
FOR the thirty-fifth year running, thousands of visitors congregated on a massive 500-acre site in Tarrant Hinton last week to witness what is widely recognised as Europe's leading steam event. more...
Beatles' stout words for sale
A UNIQUE beer pamphlet, signed by three of the four Beatles during their stay at the Antrobus Arms Hotel in Amesbury in 1965, is expected to fetch up to £1,500 when it comes up for auction at Sotheby's in London later this month. more...
Juniors show off new strip
Salisbury Sport
Rain fails to spoil fine day's racing
THE first rain at Salisbury Racecourse for more than four weeks arrived just five minutes before the opening race on Thursday's meeting. more...
Louisa hopes for more of same
LOUISA Lockwood heads to the Blenheim Petplan International horse trials next week looking to continue the fine form she showed at this year's Badminton event. more...
Belgian date for Mark
A SHREWTON teenager and his horse are to represent Great Britain at the 2003 European Young Riders TREC Championships being staged in Belgium tomorrow and Saturday. more...
South Wilts fail to spoil BAT's party
SOUTHERN League champions BAT Sports were presented with their newly acquired trophy before the game and then proceeded to dish out a final day drubbing to South Wilts in front of a large crowd. more...
Franks' six wicket haul ensures victory
NOMANSLAND won the toss in their final North Division One match of the season and chose to bat at Farley on a wicket affected by the heavy rain on Thursday and Friday. more...
Defeat means Fovant settle for second
Christchurch 205 bt Fovant 89 more...
It's Wilkie
FORMER British international swimmer David Wilkie was at High Post Golf Club last week to see a field of 90 women golfers compete for a place the final of the Health Perception Ladies' Championship of Great Britain & Ireland. more...
Cup of joy for City and Heath
THERE was FA Cup joy for Salisbury City and Bemerton Heath Harle-quins on Saturday as both of the area's top teams progressed through the preliminary round stage of the famous competition. more...
Oak clash gets season under way
SALISBURY Rugby Club kick off their 2003-4 league campaign on Saturday with a home clash against newly-promoted outfit Oakme-dians, writes Mike Turner. more...
More riches on offer at Salisbury
THE most valuable day of the season at Salisbury Race-course takes place today with £100,000-worth of prize money on offer. more...
Whites hoping to clip Angels' wings
SALISBURY City, buoyed by their FA Cup success against Odd Down Athletic last weekend, turn their attention back to the league on Saturday for a visit to current joint-leaders Tonbridge Angels, writes Mike Turner. more...
Triple salvo by 'Stock sinks high-flying Fleet
Hampshire League Division One more...
Tennis ace Keith is tops yet again
SALISBURY tennis legend Keith Richardson, ladies' champion Liezl Cuff and her doubles partner Kay Williamson stole the limelight with two titles each on Sunday at River-side Tennis Club's 2003 Finals Day. more...
New team on board
SALISBURY Rugby Club have announced an all new coaching team for the new season, which starts on Saturday. more...
Rod & Line by Roland Batten
Luncheon meat bait tempts a real giant more...
Sport Bowls
County is beaten in national semi-final
WILTSHIRE failed in their bid to win the Middleton Cup for the second time . more...
Cheney are crowned 4-Rink League Champions
Rodbourne Cheney are Champions of the Division One of the Stroud & Swindon sponsored Swindon & District 4-Rink Bowls League after winning all 22 matches. more...
Sport Cricket
Biddestone win title with last day victory
WILTSHIRE CRICKET LEAGUE: BIDDESTONE have won the Division One championship after a dramatic final day to the league season. more...
Devizes v Colwall
ON a day of fluctuating fortunes for Devizes, they lost their unbeaten home record and the top spot of the Gloucester and Wiltshire League, but secured second place and possible promotion. more...
Gloucester City v Marlborough
MARLBORROUGH brought the 2003 league season to a finish in fine style at Gloucester City, winning by 135 runs. more...
Wootton Bassett v Goatacre
A RUN OUT in the final over of the match gave Goatacre the vital point that ensured they remained in Wiltshire and Gloucestershire Division One as they defeated already relegated Wootton Bassett by 14 runs on Saturday. more...
Landmark ton for Rhodes
Jonty Rhodes marked his last season as a Gloucestershire player by passing 1,000 first-class runs with his third century after Derbyshire had won the toss at Bristol. more...
Sport Football
`I'll Fight Ban'
BANNED Footballer Mark Elsworth has vowed to take his case to the national FA in a bid to clear his name. more...
Chippenham grab another draw
CHIPPENHAM Town collected their fifth draw from six Dr Martens Premier Division games after squandering a two-goal lead at struggling Newport County last night. more...
Croft team keep looking
CROFT Under 12s are looking for an enthusiastic and committed goalkeeper and several other players for various positions for the new season. more...
Chaotic start to new season
CHIPPENHAM SUNDAY LEAGUE: THE new campaign of the Vanitec Computers-sponsored Chippenham Sunday League got off to a chaotic start, with several clubs facing fines for breaching league rules. more...
Bridgwater Town 0, Corsham Town 1
CORSHAM manager Colin Bush was singing his players' praises after they produced a gritty performance to cause an FA Cup upset against their hosts. more...
Mooney double brings awayday joy
Keynsham Town 1, Devizes Town 2 more...
Almondsbury Town 1, Pewsey Vale 4
PEWSEY'S up and down start to the season continued on Saturday when they travelled to Almondsbury and came away with a convincing win. more...
Paulton Rovers 2, Calne Town 0
CALNE conceded their first goals of the season as they were knocked out of the FA Cup by Screwfix Premier Division Paulton. more...
Melksham Town 0, Mangotsfield United 4
MELKSHAM Town's FA Cup dream is over for another season after Mangotsfield United secured their place in the first qualifying round with a comfortablevictory at the Conigre on Saturday. more...
Sport Rugby
Corsham are planning for a party season
CORSHAM are hoping to celebrate a happy and healthy 40th anniversary, both on and off the field. more...
Chippenham hoping to plug all the gaps
CHIPPENHAM, despite a few summer departures, will start their South West Division 2 East campaign in confident mood. more...
Fijian influence will power Devizes' promotion hopes
DEVIZES will once again boast a South Sea Islands influence as they try to make the leap from Southern Counties South mid-table dwellers to promotion-chasers. more...
New coach sets the tone
ONE look at Marlborough's new coach gives a pretty good indication of the club's future ambitions Steve Ralph-Bowman has been drafted in to help oversee the club's Dorset and Wilts Two North push. more...
Swindon News
Hazards are waiting for a fatal accident
SO as from September 1, we have safer streets. I don't think so. more...
Native Americans need to be included
I REFER to Doreen Dart's letter in relation to breaking down barriers and promoting racial harmony. more...
Thanks GWH
RECENTLY, I have been a patient in the new Great Western Hospital and would like to write a letter of appreciation through your newspaper. more...
Death penalty
CAPITAL Punishment was regarded as a lawful consequence and deemed commensurate to the worth of the human life taken by the act of murder. more...
Hope they stay
JUST a short note in appreciation of your coverage of the plight of the Simpson family at Barbury Castle. more...
No cars there
SO the new traffic wardens started work last Monday. more...
A chance to check if your blood pressure is going through the roof
A SHOP in Swindon is teaming up with the Blood Pressure Association to offer free blood testing during National Blood Testing Week. more...
High price of selling fake goods
Ref. 26468-05A TOWN centre clothing store has been left with a legal bill of more than £18,000 after a director pleaded guilty to selling counterfeit goods. more...
Prison warning to car boot trader
AN UNEMPLOYED man caught selling fake Harry Potter DVDs has been warned he faces prison. more...
What a brilliant result for Phil
AN AUCTION of football memorabilia raised £4,500 for a spinal operation that could help a bedridden Moredon man walk again. more...
Weeds sow seeds of controversy ...
Ref. 26425-40CONSERVATIONISTS have launched a stinging attack on Swindon Council for failing to remove poisonous ragwort from a nature reserve. more...
Shedding a little light on a dark menace
Ref. 26350-9Millions of people across the country suffer from migraine which can knock a grown man down like a feather. more...
Easing the pain for families of the elderly
ELDERLY people were asked their views on how to achieve a dignified death for a recent major study financed in Swindon. more...
Art cycle gets boost
A VISUAL arts project for young people in the Parks area of Swindon can go ahead now that it has the backing of a local business. more...
Charity gets boost from Rotarians
Ref. 26474-06THE Rotary Club of North Wiltshire has donated £4,000 to help disadvantaged people in Swindon. more...
Change of note for former EMI building
THE decision to allow cash and carry giants Makro Self Service Whole-salers Ltd to use the former EMI building has been welcomed by one Swindon planner - because it means the end of a long drive to Bristol. more...
Brave Eddie loses battle with cancer
A lifelong member of a Swindon working men's club has lost his battle against cancer. more...
A fresh view of farm life
Ref. 26426-83GOVERNMENT minister Ben Bradshaw got to grips with life down on the farm when he visited Highworth. more...
John dispels image of a boring anorak
JOHN Stretton dispels the image of trainspotters being boring anoraks - not least because he used to be a bank manager in a pinstripe suit. more...
Signal of better days ahead for Steam
STEAM could soon get a new exhibit in the form of an original Great Western Railway signal box. more...
Grant for nursery
Ref. 26472-39WALCOT is to get a new pre-school nursery thanks to a National Lottery grant. more...
Rachael inspires tutor to wall walk
Ref. 26456-23IT'S a teacher's job to inspire their students to go on and achieve great things. more...
Experts give their views
TWO Middle East experts will be addressing a meeting organised by Swindon Stop the War Coalition. more...
Science Museum opens its doors
The Science Museum at Wroughton will be throwing its doors open for free between Friday, September 12 and Monday, September 15. more...
Cash is up for grabs
COMMUNITY groups in Cricklade in need of funding are being invited to apply for cash from North Wiltshire District Council. more...
Board works together to make our lives safer
THE police, the prison service and representatives of the crown and magistrates court services were among those at the first meeting of the Wiltshire Local Criminal Justice Board. more...
Free training for volunteers
VOLUNTEERS for a leading cancer charity are being offered the chance to gain vocational qualifications in retail without having to pay for them. more...
There's so many toys to put a spin on for young Ilyess
Ref. 26479-14TEN-YEAR-OLD Ilyess Ben-Arabia is preparing to do battle at the Beyblades Championship this month. more...
Civic leaders seek solution
WOOTTON Bassett could become a dormitory town of Swindon if it does not solve its employment crisis. more...
Kelly inquiry
THE Iraq weapons expert Dr David Kelly came to Swindon to see a friend just a few days before he was found dead, the inquiry in London heard yesterday. more...
Patient's protest
Ref. 26482-86Maria Chivers, who recently suffered a suspected heart attack, has staged a sit-in at the Great Western Hospital after staff lost her records and failed to make appointments. more...
I'll fight to clear my name says footballer
Ref. 26494-32BANNED Footballer Mark Elsworth has vowed to take his case to the national FA in a bid to clear his name. more...
Councillor furious over drugs mess
Ref. 26493-17A FURIOUS councillor hijacked last night's Swindon Council cabinet meeting to illustrate what he claimed was proof the Conservative administration was starting to slash budgets. more...
Double blow at troubled school with resignation
TROUBLED Headlands School has been dealt a double blow before the start of the new school term with the resignation of chairman of governors Herman Boston. more...
Doctor on misconduct charges claims he did nothing wrong
A DOCTOR facing misconduct charges in front of a General Medical Council tribunal yesterday claimed he had done nothing wrong. more...
Brought to book
A HOUSEWIFE and mother of four tried to con more than £1.5 million from Allied Dunbar using what her lawyer called a "muddle" at the company to manipulate a bond she held. more...
Full-time fathers
Ref. 26458-23FATHER FEATURE: For a growing number of children in Swindon, it is dad who they run to when they need a cuddle during the day. And now support for these stay-home fathers is more readily available. VICTORIA TAGG reports. more...
`My boys are full of energy, so it must be catching'
Ref. 26419-2FATHER FEATURE: With two sons to look after, single dad Michael Wolf is rushed off his feet. And that suits him fine. more...
Atlas Syndrome hits `new men'
Fathers' development worker Edd EdgellFATHER FEATURE: Fathers are seeking help for stress, in a bid to become perfect `new men.' more...
Hospital must sort this out
A HOSPITAL patient in any town, in any country, should not have to resort to a five-and-a-half hour sit-in to get adequate treatment. more...
Headlands School
THE chairman of governors at Headlands School, Herman Boston, has followed the lead of headteacher John Wells and parted company with the school. more...
Wiltshire News
Brought to book
A HOUSEWIFE and mother of four tried to con more than £1.5 million from Allied Dunbar using what her lawyer called a "muddle" at the company to manipulate a bond she held. more...
Wiltshire Sport
Milner Signs In
LEEDS UNITED'S James Milner has jumped at the chance to join Town for a month and that is music to the ears of Andy King. more...
Wootton Bassett News
Civic leaders seek solution
WOOTTON Bassett could become a dormitory town of Swindon if it does not solve its employment crisis. more...
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