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Stories for 04 March 2004
Amesbury News
Bridge over troubled dual carriageway
The new bridge is lifted into position. DA5008P17THE six-mile stretch of the A303 trunk road between Parkhouse and Amesbury might have been peaceful over the weekend but the same could not be said for roads through Amesbury, the Bourne Valley and in and around Salisbury. more...
Body's defences to be measured
JUST how healthy are you? more...
Trust promotes renewable energy source alternatives
WITH gas and electricity prices continuing to rise, the Energy Saving Trust is advising businesses to invest in renewable energy, such as solar power. more...
Entries available for national training awards
THIS year's National Training Awards are now open for entries. more...
Corporate rebranding completed
PAUL Sample Corporate Communications Ltd, of Salisbury, has completed a three-year corporate re-branding of Headway, the brain injury association. more...
Arts partnership wins top award
THE partnership between Salisbury company Personal Pension Management Ltd and Salisbury Playhouse rose to new heights last month with the presentation of an Arts & Business National Award. more...
Bus company cautious about changes
THE Go Ahead group, which bought the Wilts & Dorset Bus Company last August, has made few changes to it, says boss Alex Carter. more...
Calne News
A long road to nowhere
GAZETTE & HERALD: Jason King got into trouble as a teenager, taking drugs and drinking to escape small town boredom. Here he tells LILY CANTER of his search for a buzz, his life of crime and his fears for the friends whom he left behind. more...
Teacher faces jail on drug charges
Teacher Richard Gledhill has been warned to expect a prison term after pleading guilty to abducting young boys and giving them drugs. more...
Sisters' horsey tale is a real family effort
Ref. 12357/2Talented horse-loving sisters Cathy Groves and Georgie Welch have created a book together about their mother's riding school in Heddington Wick. more...
Grand carnival will be bigger and better
PLANS for Calne Carnival 2004 have finally been revealed, with plenty of chances for the whole community to get involved. more...
Pupils enjoy their success
Ref. 12306/9Pupils are St Margaret's Preparatory School in Calne are celebrating a string of successful scholarships. more...
Training scheme helps firm keep staff
A pilot training scheme has helped Calne plastics company Deceuninck keep hold of half of its workforce. more...
Lions donate far and wide
Calne Lions Club decided on donations to four organisations totalling £800 at its monthly meeting last week. more...
Mum upset with youths at disabled play area
THE mother of a disabled boy is upset about teenagers who have been congregating at the new specialist playground for disabled children. more...
Past tightens grip on Nazis
A play depicting the experience of fleeing Nazis in the aftermath of the Second World War will be holding its opening night in Calne. more...
Chippenham News
Taking the plunge to help tumour boy
GAZETTE & HERALD: GAYE Richards a civil servant at RAF Lyneham is appealing for sponsorship for a parachute jump she is doing for George Mitchell, the two-year-old who has a brain tumour. more...
Job losses at factory stun the workforce
GAZETTE & HERALD: TIME-keeping, attendance records and education levels may be used to decide which 130 workers lose their jobs at the chicken processing factory Faccenda, a worker claims. more...
Broke bones in partner's hand
GAZETTE & HERALD: A 32-YEAR-OLD Chippenham man told a court he had broken bones in his girlfriend's hand during a row because she was always winding him up. more...
Village will lose its GP surgery in three weeks
GAZETTE & HERALD: PATIENTS of the Cantax Surgery in Lacock have been dealt a blow by health bosses who agreed to the closure of the surgery at the end of March. more...
Gang admits mugging man
GAZETTE & HERALD: A gang of youths mugged a 22-year-old man in Chippenham town centre and tried to rob two others, a court heard. more...
A tribute to two Stirlings
GAZETTE & HERALD: A NEW boardroom, the Stirling Suite, named in honour of motor-racing legend Stirling Moss, will be opened at Castle Combe circuit on March 12. more...
£3,000 handed out in grants
GAZETTE & HERALD: Chippenham Town Council handed out nearly £3,000 in grants to local community projects, including a £,1000 award to Chippenham's popular annual folk festival. more...
Coffee at last?
GAZETTE & HERALD: AFTER months of building work and controversy, Emery Gate's new café will open its doors tomorrow. more...
Medieval ring finder strikes gold again
GAZETTE & HERALD: METAL detecting enthusiast Christopher Chandler has struck gold with the discovery of another medieval ring in a field near Chippenham. more...
TV date in Madrid
GAZETTE & HERALD: BACK at work following a televised blind date in Madrid, beauty shop owner Laura Tinson said she is still looking for love. more...
Party is over for festival leader
Steve CoxNorth Wiltshire Festival 2004 is in jeopardy after project leader Steve Cox made a shock decision on Friday to resign. more...
Trust `making laughing stock' of consultation
Ref. 12400NORTH Wiltshire MP James Gray blasted the consultation on proposals to close Malmesbury Maternity Unit a disgrace, as health chiefs came under fire for severe cuts to services at the hospital. more...
Organiser leaves festival in council's hands
After North Wiltshire Festival organiser Steve Cox walked out, reporter SARAH SINGLETON spoke to North Wiltshire District Council about whether or not they can keep it alive more...
Kids can't get in the swim at £2.3m pool
SHERSTON Primary School children cannot swim at Malmesbury's new pool because no instructors have been found to teach them. more...
Mum struck by brutal attacker
Ref. 12398/1SHERSTON mother-of-three Lynette Willetts was hit on the head with a brick in an unprovoked attack outside her house at Green Lane on Saturday. more...
Bid to boost ethical trade
Ethical consumers are celebrating Fairtrade Fortnight in north Wiltshire, with 2004 marking the 10th birthday of Fairtrade. A number of Fairtrade events will be held over the next two weeks, giving people opportunities to try out many of the 180 products carrying the Fairtrade mark. more...
Families' anger over mast plan by homes
GAZETTE & HERALD: FAMILIES have spoken out against a plan to build a telephone mast just yards from their homes. more...
Dream bike snatched
GAZETTE & HERALD: WELDER Steve Walker worked double shifts for months and cashed in his wife's motorbike to buy his dream motorcycle, but it was stolen the day after he got it. more...
Party is over for festival leader
Steve CoxGAZETTE & HERALD: North Wiltshire Festival 2004 is in jeopardy after project leader Steve Cox made a shock decision on Friday to resign. more...
Organiser leaves festival in council's hands
GAZETTE & HERALD: After North Wiltshire Festival organiser Steve Cox walked out, reporter SARAH SINGLETON spoke to North Wiltshire District Council about whether or not they can keep it alive more...
Victorious candidate blasts his rivals for `smear'
GAZETTE & HERALD: LIB Dem Paul Fox's victory in last week's Chippenham Sheldon Ward by-election has been tainted by accusations of a smear campaign against him. more...
Postmaster foils raid on village post office
GAZETTE & HERALD: POSTMASTER Steve Cardwell told how he was left shocked and splattered with blood after an attempted raid on his store. more...
Lydia's very own chocodile party
GAZETTE & HERALD: LITTLE Lydia Cross has had a busy few days. First she had the excitement of sharing her third birthday with the Gazette's mascot Gilbert. more...
Thieves steal charity's radio
Ref. 12347/1GAZETTE & HERALD: Thieves stole a radio, which volunteers say kept them going, from a charity shop. Chippenham's Red Cross shop manager Valerie Guttridge, 30, said everyone who works at the shop is "gutted" by the theft. more...
Firefighter hurt in crash
GAZETTE & HERALD: ONE fire officer was slightly injured and the driver of a milk tanker was taken to hospital, following a collision on the A350 near the Plough crossroads on Monday morning. more...
Sadness as head retires
GAZETTE & HERALD: TRIBUTES have been pouring in to Rowdeford School headteacher Glen Darnell after the announcement that he has resigned his post because of the stress-related illness he has suffered since September. more...
Buddy website is a major hit
GAZETTE & HERALD: FORMER Hardenhuish School pupil Mark Payne missed his drinking buddies so much when he moved to Newbury that he set up a website dedicated to finding new pals. more...
Corsham News
Man who grew own cannabis is fined
GAZETTE & HERALD: Builder Jason Crook pledged to stop smoking cannabis after police raided his home and discovered 14 cannabis plants in his bedroom, a court heard. more...
Residents say fight will go on
GAZETTE & HERALD: Campaigners against a housing development in Corsham say they will carry on fighting, despite planning permission having been granted for 78 homes. more...
Police asked not to leave
GAZETTE & HERALD: CORSHAM councillors have asked for assurances of a continued police presence in the town, after the Priory Street Police Station site was tagged for future redevelopment. more...
Ctfc Sport
Player in fracas with club stewards
A REFEREE'S assessor will be checking to see is he should report Hinckley defender Andy Penny after he was involved in a fracas with two Chippenham Town stewards on Saturday. more...
Mings may be back in play-offs showdown
ADIE Mings' biggest regret about his move to Weston-super-Mare is that he didn't get chance to say goodbye to the Chippenham supporters, but he could still be back at Hardenhuish Park in the play-offs. more...
We must fight says Charity
DEFENDER Simon Charity believes his side have ten cup finals between now and the end of the season and the departure of chairman Malcolm Lyus will spur them on to do well. more...
Birdy left bemused by role as wise old owl
STRIKER Martin Paul is not afraid to make his voice heard in the dressing room when things are going wrong, and it is all with manager Steve White's blessing. more...
Constable is learning to play the hard way
YOUNG striker James Constable's football education was furthered at the school of hard knocks on Saturday. more...
A chance to make amends
THIS weekend's trip to Grantham gives Chippenham a chance to put right their poorest 45 minutes under boss Steve White, he says. more...
Devizes News
Move for school is on the cards
GOVERNORS at St Peter's Primary School in Devizes are considering an offer to move the school lock, stock and barrel to a site at Quakers Walk. more...
Contestant makes finals in love match
ERLESTOKE woman Emma-Louise Ryan could soon become a household name as a television programme previously shown on a digital channel is to be screened on BBC1. more...
Canal trust fury over parking charges
MEMBERS of the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust are furious that the district council is considering introducing parking charges outside their headquarters at Devizes Wharf. more...
Magic of Merlin set to open in the town
Ref. 12362/2THE first new restaurant in Devizes for some years is due to open its doors later this month, in time for Mothering Sunday. more...
NHS trust challenged on closure of baby unit
Mothers, midwives and residents expressed anger at proposals to close Devizes Maternity Unit at a public meeting yesterday in the Corn Exchange, Devizes. more...
Surgery stalwart moves to pastures new
Ref. 12348/1BARBARA Crisp, office manager at the St James' Surgery in Gains Lane, Devizes, said a fond farewell to her colleagues at a party in her honour at the Castle Hotel last Friday. more...
School sued over abuse
A DEVIZES man who claims he was sexually abused as a schoolboy has launched a claim for £100,000 compensation. more...
Plans for new school placed in jeopardy
Ref. 12358/2KENNET District Council's insistence on its 50-50 ratio of affordable houses to commercial market houses is putting in jeopardy plans to build a new school in Rowde, say school governors. more...
Museum's cash threat
Ref. 12384/1WILTSHIRE Heritage Museum in Devizes has been set a target by Wiltshire County Council and Kennet District Council of getting a total of 20,000 visitors through its doors by March 31 or lose its annual grant. more...
130 years of school history on the line
One of Devizes' best known primary schools that has seen its pupil numbers drop in recent years may move to the other side of town. LEWIS COWEN looks back to the early days of St Peter's School and its staff more...
Police caught on hop over helmets
FIVE TV crews descended on Devizes Market Place on Tuesday afternoon as Wiltshire Constabulary showed off the new-style helmets that all their officers could be wearing before long. more...
Trader traumatised by publishing scam
Ref. 12363SMALL businesses in the county are being targeted by a host of illegal scams and some sharp practices just short of being illegal, warn Wiltshire trading standards officers. more...
Carnival's appeal for business backing
DEVIZES Carnival is appealing for companies to sponsor the different events planned this year. more...
All aboard in retirement
DEVIZES' deputy town clerk is to retire at the end of the month after nearly 17 years with the town council. more...
Feast for everyone in festival line-up
HIGH living, controversy, drama, dance and first class music of all sorts are the potent blend for this year's Devizes Festival programme. more...
Liquid fuel burning trial given go-ahead
HEALTH chiefs have raised no objections to Lafarge in Westbury trialling the burning of Recycled Liquid Fuel (RLF). more...
Manager for town centre
DEVIZES Development Partnership is currently interviewing candidates for the post of town centre manager, and says the successful applicant could be in post within a few weeks. more...
Council's policy on catering unchanged
DEVIZES Town Council is to continue allowing only approved caterers to use its facilities at the town hall and Corn Exchange despite complaints. more...
Museum gets own website
ONE of Wiltshire's smallest museums, Market Lavington Village Museum, now has its own website. more...
Death charge is dropped
CONTRARY to a report in last week's Gazette & Herald we have been more...
Man cleared of PCs' assault
MAGISTRATES have cleared Phillip Marshall of assaulting two police officers in an incident in Devizes. Marshall, of Rendells Court, Devizes, pleaded not guilty to throwing his bicycle at PC Tom Kinderman and punching PC Adam Hall. more...
Manager on trial for thefts at work
DEVIZES Round Tabler Stephen Johnstone pilfered cash and stone from his employer, a jury at Swindon Crown Court was told. The 42-year-old was yard manager for Holley Hextall Ltd at Heddington Wick, near Bromham. more...
Finnish opportunity open to professional artists
PROFESSIONAL visual artists in Kennet have been invited to apply for an artist's residency in Finland. more...
Wilts Express change
ONE of Wiltshire's most popular bus services, the Trans Wilts Express 49 service, from Trowbridge to Swindon via Devizes, was changed on Monday because traffic congestion has been delaying buses. more...
Move to boost broadband
LOTS of Wiltshire enterprises are using broadband Internet technology to boost business and now a new initiative has been launched to help more join the high-tech revolution. more...
Pupils enjoy healthy week
PUPILS at Bishops Cannings Primary School have been learning about staying healthy. more...
We are watching
Ref. 12349Wiltshire and Swindon Safety Camera Partnership has been in the national spotlight for recruiting civilian staff to boost its team but as NIGEL KERTON reports its new mobile speed traps are all about stopping accidents and not making money from fines. more...
A very special breed
After a hard day at the office or on the factory floor most people are happy to put their feet up at home. But for one special group of Wiltshire people another job awaits. CAMERON RAMOS joined a group of Special Constables on night duty to find out what their uniformed role involves. more...
Back home from Iraq
SEVEN Territorial Army reservists, including two from Wiltshire, have been demobilised from operations with coalition forces in Iraq. more...
Grants again on offer for local charities
THE Gannett Foundation has thrown scores of Wiltshire charities lifelines and it wants to help more worthy causes. Last year the foundation, which is the charitable arm of the Gazette and Herald's parent company, donated more than £10,000 to local charities. more...
Top volunteer for St John
THE commander of Wiltshire St John Ambulance has announced he will be retiring from the post next year. more...
Cut out smoke for day
PUBS, clubs and restaurants in the county are being urged to impose a trial smoking ban in their premises this Wednesday, which is National No Smoking Day. more...
Joint boss will not lead trusts to merge
HEALTH chiefs have denied that appointing a joint chief executive for Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust and West Wiltshire Primary Care Trust will lead to the trusts merging. more...
Council tackles benefits backlog
District councillors last week agreed to fund two extra posts to help process housing benefit claims in an attempt to deal with the three-month backlog of applications waiting to be processed. more...
Children's fund cut back
HELP to the children of impoverished families in the county has been hit by cuts to Wiltshire Children's Fund. Staff at the fund, led by the children's charity Barnardo's, have been left reeling by cuts to the government-sponsored scheme. more...
Top dogs to collar awards
Dog owners are getting ready for the biggest showing event of the year and Gazette reporters spoke to the owners of the pampered pooches to find out what taking part in Crufts really means. more...
Devizes,Calne,Marlborough,Highworth,Chippenham,Corsham,Malmesbury,Wootton Bassett News
No way to justify hospital changes
"HEALTH CHIEFS" say that changes will provide a better service. The overriding reason for wanting to change is to "provide a better service for patients" (Gazette, February 5). more...
Time come to abolish old-fashioned `hut tax'
KENNET District Council is now using reserves to save themselves from government capping of council tax. more...
Development would destroy village nature
AS a lifelong resident of Pewsey it is sad to note that certain people are once again trying to blight this lovely village with a totally impractical development. more...
Rise disguises service cuts
THE fact that council tax for the coming year has been increased by only five per cent over existing levels will, I am sure, gratify many members of the local community. more...
Call for help
TWO years ago I became a member of our carnival committee, may I say a very enthusiastic one as well, hence the success of our carnival. more...
Royal relief
I AM delighted that HRH The Prince of Wales is to visit Marlborough as part of our 2004 celebrations. more...
In agreement
CAN I break what was a long standing habit and agree with K. R. Manns (letters, February 26) regarding council tax. more...
Be fair to all
I hope the BNP candidate will not be elected to Calne Town Council but in our democracy he must be allowed to try. more...
Rise earlier
PERHAPS Steve Pascall (letters, February 26) should rise a little earlier. I have frequently seen our excellent road sweeper working in the High Street first thing in the morning. more...
Many thanks
STEVE and Della Moran of Moran's Caterers of Distinction, London Road, Marlborough would personally like to thank everyone who supported and helped with their fundraising project for the Marlborough Minis Rugby Club. more...
Help young
I FIND it hard to believe that a refusal has come through from the council to build a skateboard park at Green Lane playing fields, Devizes. Is the meaning for playing fields not for sport and play? more...
Brief pause
I have decided to deal with Steve Pascal's letter from last week privately. If Mr Pascall really did not understand my letter which seemed perfectly clear to most then he knows where to find me. more...
What's price of plant care?
TWO weeks ago I visited Focus at London Road, Devizes and noticed in the outdoor area for plants three shrubs. more...
Education News
Ofsted praises rising standards
OFSTED inspectors have praised rising standards at Downton School and the leadership of new headteacher Jenny Lawrie. more...
College is keeping things lively
SALISBURY College is teaming up with BumbleBee Promotions to keep live acts playing in the city while the Arts Centre remains closed. more...
St Osmund's school is `well-led'
SAINT Osmund's Roman Catholic Primary School, in Salisbury, has been hailed as a very well-led school, providing good value for money. more...
Highworth News
Family begins battle to get hostel moved
JUSTICE FOR KATE: OUR Justice for Kate Walsh campaign started in earnest this week, as grieving parents Debbie and Anthony Walsh delivered posters and petitions to shops, pubs and community centres. more...
Malmesbury News
Mum struck by brutal attacker
Ref. 12398/1SHERSTON mother-of-three Lynette Willetts was hit on the head with a brick in an unprovoked attack outside her house at Green Lane on Saturday. more...
Trust `making laughing stock' of consultation
Ref. 12400NORTH Wiltshire MP James Gray blasted the consultation on proposals to close Malmesbury Maternity Unit a disgrace, as health chiefs came under fire for severe cuts to services at the hospital. more...
History and guide in one
Ref. 12329/3A NEW Malmesbury Guide was released last week featuring essential information and history about England's oldest borough. more...
Hunt started for dealer who evades sentencing
MALMESBURY drug dealer Robert Lewis is being hunted by police after he failed to turn up for sentencing at Swindon Crown Court on Monday. more...
We've won in black and white
Ref. 12399/2MALMESBURY drama group the Athelstan Players have won an acting competition in Swindon for the first time in six years. more...
Unruly youth could be put on special order
Police want an anti social behaviour order placed on 16-year-old Malmesbury youth if he is found guilty of firearms offences and assaulting police officers. more...
Kids can't get in the swim at £2.3m pool
SHERSTON Primary School children cannot swim at Malmesbury's new pool because no instructors have been found to teach them. more...
Mum protests against BNP
MOTHER Megan Mahon said she would leave Malmesbury rather then have her three-year-old daughter exposed to the British National Party menace if the extreme-right wing party came to power. more...
Found with Xmas gift of cannabis
CHRISTMAS Day turned sour for 23-year-old Lee Wodecki when police unwrapped a present he was delivering to a friend and found a cache of drugs. more...
BNP meet in secret to avoid protestors
The BNP tells reporter CAMERON RAMOS it chose a secret location to guarantee members' safety, while protestors accuse it of being afraid to air views publicly more...
Hall plan is grounded
THE Malmesbury Town Hall Action Group is concerned that North Wiltshire District Council is holding up plans for the building's redevelopment. more...
D-Day on new school plans
PLANS to develop the abandoned Filands site in a linked scheme to build a new primary school at Tetbury Hill and pay off debt on the new comprehensive school at Corn Gastons will be decided upon next Thursday. more...
Marlborough News
Son steps in as dad retires
Ref. 12409-1TIM Smith has become the third generation to run Smith's, his family's greengrocery business on Marlborough High Street, with the retirement this week of his father. more...
Town hall loos plan flushed out
PLANS to do away with one of the busiest public toilets in Marlborough to make way for a new tourist information centre and council offices, have been slated by local traders. more...
School homes plan on show
PLANS for the proposed housing development on the St John's lower school site in Chopping Knife Lane in Marlborough get their first public airing on Tuesday. more...
OAP's death investigated
POLICE are investigating the death of 95-year-old Doris Strutt who was found dead at her home in Marlborough by a neighbour last week. more...
Big bill hits 800th fun
MARLBOROUGH 800th anniversary organisers have been hit with a massive £8,700 bill from Kennet District Council for road closures. more...
Centre of excellence for training of carers
Ref. 12377/2THE pioneering mental health team for the elderly at Savernake Hospital in Marlborough has opened a new training centre for people who look after dementia sufferers. more...
Manager pursues thief after till snatch
SUPERMARKET manager Chris Baker gave chase after a thief snatched a bundle of notes from one of his tills on Tuesday afternoon. more...
Rousing call for battle to end world poverty
WITHIN hours of speaking in Marlborough on Wednesday last week, former Cabinet Minister Clare Short found herself locked in a battle of words with Prime Minister Tony Blair. more...
Skate plan hits the skids
TOWN councillors in Marlborough are having second thoughts about paying for an environmental assessment before a skateboard ramp is provided at Rabley Wood View. more...
Police appeal after crash
POLICE want to hear from anyone who was driving along the Tidworth to Ludgershall road on Sunday evening and may have seen a silver Peugeot in the minutes before it crashed killing one of its occupants. more...
Planners recommend councillors say yes to cottage division
PLANS to restore a pair of old cottages on Wellington Place, off Marlborough High Street, are upsetting neighbours. more...
Mum-of-four may face jail
A MOTHER-of-four from Broad Hinton, near Marlborough, could face a jail sentence after she pleaded guilty to driving with more than three times the legal amount of alcohol in her system. more...
Youth get improved facilities in revamp
THE Youth Centre in Marlborough is undergoing its most extensive refurbishment since it opened 30 years go. more...
Cuts in the ambulance cover are opposed
TOWN councillors at Marlborough have expressed their opposition to any curtailment or reduction in ambulance services in the town. more...
Pewsey News
OAP scared by burglar
POLICE have released this artist's impression of a burglar who climbed into the home of a 81-year-old Pewsey pensioner at 4pm on February 9. more...
Dinner lady is a star for a day
Ref. 12360/2LONG serving school dinner lady Lin Bessant was given a celebrity send-off on her last day at Upavon School. more...
Salisbury Features
Three-year story of village where `much has happened'
Authors Lynette Nelson and Audrey McBain.DA4929MENTION Teffont in Hollywood and more than one Oscar winner could probably tell you about the hospitality at Howard's House, the exclusive country house hotel in Teffont, which has entertained the likes of Nicole Kidman, Tom Cruise and Sir John Gielgud. more...
Salisbury News
Implant allows deaf mum to hear at last
Karen McDonnell, who can hear thanks to a cochlea implant, at home in Fugglestone Red, Salisbury, with her children James and Sophie. Picture: HERBIE FATHERLY DA5017THE sound of her children's laughter is something Karen McDonnell never dreamed she would hear. more...
Druids speak of sacred pathways
DRUIDS have expressed concern about how a tunnel underneath Stonehenge would be constructed but say they support the principle of improving the significant spiritual site. more...
City road sealed off as two parapets dislodged by snow
Firefighters check the dangerous parapets at the Old Library Chambers in Chipper Lane. SNOW not only caused havoc on the roads last week, it was responsible for dislodging a parapet on the top of one of Salisbury's most beautiful buildings, creating a major safety hazard. more...
Body's defences to be measured
JUST how healthy are you? more...
Trust promotes renewable energy source alternatives
WITH gas and electricity prices continuing to rise, the Energy Saving Trust is advising businesses to invest in renewable energy, such as solar power. more...
Entries available for national training awards
THIS year's National Training Awards are now open for entries. more...
Corporate rebranding completed
PAUL Sample Corporate Communications Ltd, of Salisbury, has completed a three-year corporate re-branding of Headway, the brain injury association. more...
Arts partnership wins top award
THE partnership between Salisbury company Personal Pension Management Ltd and Salisbury Playhouse rose to new heights last month with the presentation of an Arts & Business National Award. more...
Bus company cautious about changes
THE Go Ahead group, which bought the Wilts & Dorset Bus Company last August, has made few changes to it, says boss Alex Carter. more...
Salisbury Sport
Frosty day for challenge heat
A rally car slices through the snow at the launch of the 2004 Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge. DA5003P13A SNOW-FROSTED Somerley Park provided a scenic backdrop for the launch of the 2004 Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge. more...
Duo set for Twickenham test
ENGLAND return to Twickenham on Saturday for their first meaningful game at the home of the sport since being crowned world champions, writes Sarah McQuillen. more...
Robins run ends at Brock'
DOWNTON'S impressive four-game unbeaten run came to an abrupt halt away to Brockenhurst, who prevailed 2-0 at Grigg Lane. more...
Harlequins out-gunned by fluent Winchester
HARLEQUINS did not start too well as FA Vase semi-finalists and promotion favourites Winchester City pressed from the off. more...
Depleted City face a battle with Hastings
SALISBURY City will be looking to re-ignite their promotion challenge this week with two games in five days, writes Ryan Lovejoy. more...
Double joy for slow to start Salisbury
SALISBURY men enjoyed a victorious weekend, beating lowly Gosport in a league match before progressing to the semi-finals of the Wiltshire Cup, thanks to a 7-3 win over West Wilts. more...
United hit three then step off the gas
SHREWTON United's up-turn continued as they beat Street 3-2 at home to leapfrog their opponents and go ninth in the table. more...
High five for table toppers
SHREWTON United un-der tens maintained their three-point lead at the top of the Andover Testway League with a 5-0 success at Vernham Dean. more...
Holmes confirmed for St Mary's
SALISBURY City boss Nick Holmes has been named as one of the players taking part in the testimonial for former Southampton favourite Danny Wallace. more...
Bartlett makes his presence felt
AMESBURY Town overcame a stuttering start to see off struggling Brading Town, with two stunning strikes from Lee Bartlett and a Neil Sole header. more...
Snow halts Town's run
THE snow put paid to in-form Ring-wood Town's fixture against Lymington Town on Saturday, giving them some respite ahead of a busy week. more...
'Stock given a lesson in finishing
LAVERSTOCK & Ford were soundly beaten 5-1 away to last season's Divi-sion One champions Hayling United. more...
Sport Angling
Fish aplenty as ice is broken
AFTER breaking the ice at South Cerney AC's Wick Waters match lake poor results would have been expected, but 27 anglers out of the 30 that fished the three-way Angling Times Club Super Cup caught 317lb of fish. more...
Sport Cricket
Taylor pots a dinner date
TWO well-known sporting faces will be dropping into Dauntseys School in West Lavington for Bishops Cannings Cricket Club's Sportsman Dinner. more...
Sport Football
Marine bring losing streak to an end
TOMMY SAUNDERS' three-pronged attack reaped some reward last night as his Supermarine side's 2-2 home draw with lowly Cinderford stemmed a six-game losing streak. more...
Boss's anger at approach
SCREWFIX PREMIER DIVISION: ANGRY Devizes Town manager Dave Hopkins is to ask his club officials to make a complaint about Odd Down after claiming they made an illegal approach for club captain Brad Newman. more...
Badgers head to Chippenham
THE Badgers, the team made up of presenters and ex-pros from Sky Sports' Soccer AM, are coming to play a charity game at Chippenham Town's Hardenhuish Park on Sunday March 28. more...
Abingdon Utd 1, Pewsey Vale 0
HELLENIC LEAGUE: PEWSEY Vale left Abingdon's North Court Road still looking for league survival points,after losing to Anaciet Odhiambo's 44th minute goal. more...
Highworth facing battle for the title
HELLENIC LEAGUE: HIGHWORTH boss John Fisher has admitted that his troops face an uphill battle in their quest for the Hellenic Premier Division title after falling to a 2-1 loss at lowly Shortwood. more...
Corsham Town 0, Clyst Rovers 0
SCREWFIX FIRST DIVISION: CORSHAM Town boss Colin Bush has given young striker Alan Griffin permission to train with Chippenham Town but the 20-year-old will stay at Corsham until the end of the season. more...
Melksham Town 0, Barnstaple Town 2
LES PHILLIPS CUP: NIGEL Tripp is already looking ahead to next season after his Melksham Town side crashed out of the Les Phillips Cup quarter-final on Saturday. more...
Calne Town 3, Weston St Johns 3
SCREWFIX FIRST DIVISION: THE last words manager Kelvin Highmore said to his men as they left the dressing room after half-time, when they were 2-0 up, were: "Don't concede an early goal, the next one is crucial.'' more...
Devizes want momentum
SCREWFIX PREMIER DIVISION: DEVIZES Town boss Dave Hopkins is hoping to keep the momentum of his side's excellent 3-0 win over Bishop Sutton, despite having to cope with an enforced week's break. more...
Stratton stretch lead to 13 points
WILTSHIRE LEAGUE: AFC STRATTON were made to pull out all the stops to beat Biddestone 2-1 in a closely-fought game at the Crosslink Centre. more...
Ashton move up with surprise away victory
CHIPPENHAM SUNDAY LEAGUE: AN EXCELLENT all-round team performance saw Steeple Ashton see off the challenge of Christian Malford in Division Two of the Vanitec Computers-sponsored Chippenham Sunday League. more...
English on target for the new champions
NORTH WILTS YOUTH LEAGUE: TWO goals from Sam English were enough to give Westlea Wanderers a 2-0 home win over nearest rivals Highworth Juniors and the under 13 Division One championship. more...
Gifford come out on top in village battle
TROWBIDGE LEAGUE: CHRIS Stiles, a surprise omission from the starting line-up, came off the bench to help Broughton Gifford take another step towards regaining the Division One crown. more...
Tributes are paid to league president
TRIBUTES have been paid to former Wiltshire Football League president and former secretary Pete Ackrill, 66, after he collapsed and died in the gym on Thursday. more...
Wroughton home in on title
MID-WILTS YOUTH AND MINOR LEAGUE: WROUGHTON Juniors are on the brink of lifting the under 15s Red Division title in the Wiltshire Times and Chippenham News Mid-Wilts Youth and Minor League. more...
Sport Rugby
Trowbridge U16 5, Chippenham U16 46
CHIPPENHAM stormed in fron tin this Wiltshire Cup thanks to Jason Deamer's early try. Lloyd Wiltshire made the conversion but Trowbridge were soon back in cntention when they scored an unconverted tryu. more...
Devizes U12 17, Trowbridge U12 38
THE played their first game on a full-sized pitch for the first time and struggled to cope with the wide open spaces. more...
Chippenham 31, Frome 10
CHIPPENHAM were caught napping as Frome raced in front after the home side conceded a penalty for holding the ball on the floor. more...
Wootton Bassett 19, Cricklade 24
CRICKLADE coach Gavin Russ was treated a rollercoaster ride by his team on his 40th birthday. After storming in front Criocklade threw their lead away, only to snatch it back before the end of the game. more...
Malmesbury 15, Walcott Old Boys 3rd 29
WALCOTT opened the scoring in the first five minutes after a defensive debacle in front of the home sides line. more...
Chippenham Ladies 50, St Ivel Barbarians 5
CHIPPENHAM Ladies hosted St Ivel Barbarians for their return league fixture. more...
Swindon News
Why should we pay for their rise in expenses?
AS a single pensioner living on my own I am both angry and surprised by the article of Michael Litchfield on councillors' allowances. more...
We respect confidentiality as much as GPs
Re: A tonic GPs don't want more...
Still waiting for car to be removed
NOW I am aware of why the street wardens are so ineffectual. more...
School meals are important
I write following Mr Rudd's letter (EA, March 1). more...
Bleeding us dry
I REALLY do disagree with the comments made in the letter by I J Howard in the letters dated February 27. more...
Thanks for help
IT was reported in the Evening Advertiser in January that our recruitment of volunteers banner had been stolen from Great Western Way. Thank you to some of your readers who contacted me with suggestions about its whereabouts, but unfortunately it could not be found. more...
Excellent care
I RECENTLY spent seven days in Falcon Ward at the Great Western Hospital while undergoing a minor operation. more...
Mystery ships
WHILST reading the letters in Tuesday's Advertiser, February 25, more...
Red Arrows celebrate 40 high-flying years
THE Royal Air Force's aerobatic team will celebrate its 40th anniversary at the Kemble Air Day 2004 in June. more...
Experts look at violence in the home
Solicitor General Harriet Harman and Swindon Women's Refuge manager Jenni Manners are sharing a stage in Swindon today to talk about the forgotten victims of domestic violence. more...
Parents learn the generation game
Ref. 29331-28 Ravi Panesar and her daughter JagiTEENAGERS are often accused of speaking a different language from their parents. more...
Work starts soon on £110,000 country park road
WORK on building a road from Mouldon Hill Country Park to the Northern Orbital Road is due to start on Monday. more...
Intel chips in for good cause with marathon
Fitness fanatics from Swindon-based hi-tech company Intel are preparing to swap computer screens for running shorts at next month's Bath half marathon more...
Disco on ice is cool for youngsters
YOUNGSTERS are voting with their feet and getting their skates on for fun-filled disco nights at Swindon's Link Centre. more...
Pastel master shares secrets
PASTEL artist Christine Russell is to give a masterclass for fellow artists in Highworth. more...
`Scottish' conman is sent on his way
A MAN with a Scottish accent wearing a blue boiler suit called at a house in Shrewton Walk, Penhill, claiming to be from the electricity board on Monday morning. more...
Gang goes on robbery spree
A GANG of yobs travelled to Chippenham where they mugged a 22-year-old man and tried to rob two others, a court heard. more...
Children enjoy the entente cordiale on exchange trip
Ref. 29356-25CHILDREN from Ashton Keynes' French twin town are learning all about life in the English village this week. more...
Festival to give your mind, body and soul a workout
SWINDON's first Holistic Health Festival will be held this weekend. more...
Now work is a joy for this couple
Ref. 29263-12Few people are lucky enough to make a career out of their hobby but that is exactly what Rich and Rebecca Lehmann are doing. more...
Step out for charity
A MOTHER'S Day Crocus Walk in aid of the Breakthrough Breast Cancer charity will be held at Coate Water Country Park. more...
Spotlight shines on talented youngsters
Ref. 29360-56Dorcan Performing Arts Group will be on stage soon with a production of pure genie-ous. more...
Bidders push up prices of historic items
A PHOTOGRAPH album crammed with images of Sir Winston Churchill has been auctioned for £16,500 in Swindon. more...
What is your body saying?
Ref. 29361-15A SUCCESSFUL bid to bring science lectures to the drinking public was all down to body language. more...
Friend is guilty of accepting trainers
A MAN took part in a shopping spree with credit cards his friend stole from a woman's handbag, a court heard. more...
Preparing for parade
PREPARATIONS for a second D-may parade in Penhill on June 6 are under way. more...
Concert note
THE Central Band of the RAF will be playing military favourites in a charity concert at the Wyvern Theatre. more...
Vandals to face zero tolerance
Ref. 29342-55TOOTHILL'S new police officer has promised a zero-tolerance approach to vandals in an attempt to make the village centre safe. more...
Is your literary knowledge up to scratch?
If you can tell Dickens from Dostoyevsky and Cookson from Cornwell the Wiltshire library quiz is just for you. more...
Big demand for festival tickets
A LITERATURE Festival appearance by the author of a Whitbread Prize-winning novel set in Swindon has had to be moved to a larger venue. more...
Opera stars will shine at charity feast
Some of the country's brightest opera stars are to sing in Swindon this weekend. more...
£5.5m paid towards costs of policing Fairford during war
THE Government has agreed to pay the bulk of the cost of policing RAF Fairford during the Iraq war according to Cotswold MP Geoffrey Clifton-Brown. more...
Branching out into childcare
Ref. 29340-4A NURSERY where parents have a direct input into how their children are educated opens to the public in Walcot at the end of the month. more...
150 jobs to go at college
Ref.29370-06 College Principal Mike HopkinsCOLLEGE JOBS EXCLUSIVE: A new approach to teaching is the reason that has been given for staff numbers being cut at Swindon campus. more...
What the lecturers have to say about the losses
Ref. 29377-17COLLEGE JOBS EXCLUSIVE: NICOLA Daucey, a tutor based at the Regent Circus campus, says that college staff are owed an apology. more...
Swindon College FACTFILE
COLLEGE JOBS EXCLUSIVE: Swindon College has 3,000 full-time students and 12,000 part-timers more...
Akers Way body may soon be identified
21630-45 - Detective Inspector Paul JenningsTHE detective trying to identify the man found dead in Moredon is hoping for a of a result by the weekend. more...
Work begins on Lydiard project
WORK has started on a multi-million pound project to restore Lydiard Park's historic gardens. more...
Soccer star was over drink limit
21148-115 & 26324-15 INSET: Jimmy DavisA MANCHESTER United and England star who had a three- month loan stint at Swindon Town FC was twice over the drink drive limit when he died in a 120mph crash. more...
Call goes out for runners in fancy dress to join race
There is still time for people to get their entry forms in for Highworth Running Club's 19th annual five-mile run. more...
It's your £270,000 birthday present
Ref. 29362-14 Rachael Tabel and Ray Smith of M and R Food ServicesIt's almost a year since we launched the Swindon Cancer Appeal. ALEX EMERY looks at some of the events planned to keep the drive for funds in top gear. more...
Anger at plan for 24 homes
A GROUP of Old Town residents has collected 100 signatures on a petition opposing plans for a new housing development they say will badly affect their homes. more...
Wiltshire News
Mum struck by brutal attacker
Ref. 12398/1SHERSTON mother-of-three Lynette Willetts was hit on the head with a brick in an unprovoked attack outside her house at Green Lane on Saturday. more...
Wiltshire Sport
Best Shot
A`SUPER' star, his manager and several unsung heroes are determined to make Swindon Town simply unbeatable for the remainder of the campaign. more...
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