Stories for 25 March 2004
Amesbury News
Busy Jean flies flag for active elderly
Active pensioner award winner Jean Jackson outside Amesbury Parish Church. DA5150P1SEVERAL mountain-bike rides, brass band rehearsals and responsibilities as verger of the parish church are all in a day's work for award-winning pensioner Jean Jackson. more...
Police face investigation
Gavin Burden, who alleges mistreatment by police officers. Picture by ROGER ELLIOTT DA5164P1A FOOTBALL fan is pressing for a full investigation into an incident at Salisbury railway station during which he alleges he and his parents were subjected to excessive and aggressive treatment by police. more...
Cyclist makes plea to road users
Chrissie Morgan.A CYCLIST who has battled back from breast cancer to train for a charity bike ride is urging all road users to take more care, after she had several near-misses on Salisbury's dangerous roads. more...
Bath Leisure
An epic West End musical from BODS
UNTIL APRIL 3, BATH: Bath Operatic and Dramatic Society present the musical Jesus Christ Superstar in a stunning new production at the Theatre Royal. more...
Business News
Workers want to defer retirement
The number of people working beyond standard retirement age is set to soar over the next few years, according to new research more...
Sponsors pick up duck bill
Ref. 24855-35SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: MORE than 50 businesses in Swindon have now pledged to support the Macmillan Nurses Appeal by sponsoring a drake (common name: a rubber duck) with Swindon Old Town Rotary Club. more...
The mine sweeper
The Equal Opportunities Commission has recently published research showing a substantial increase in the number of claims to the Employment Tribunal for pregnancy-related unfair dismissal. more...
Jess, 18, opens her own fashion shop
Ref. 12424/2GAZETTE & HEARLD: SHE may still be three years short of getting the key to the door, but that hasn't stopped 18-year-old Jess Purton becoming the youngest business owner in Chippenham. more...
Rail systems firm voted top for training
Staff at Westinghouse Rail Systems in Chippenham were celebrating success last week following the prestigious Business of the Year Award event. more...
Fairtrade bid gets up steam
Campaigners trying to secure Fairtrade status for Swindon need just three more cafes to offer their support. more...
New conservatory showroom opens its doors
A fabulous opening day is being held by Conservatory Sales Ltd and Leisure Building more...
Little and large in a big get-together
BUSINESS giants in Wiltshire had a chance to discover how they can help other companies during a meet the buyer day. more...
New cafe to open in Shires
A new restaurant could be open in The Shires shopping centre in Trowbridge in six weeks. more...
Agency has a new director
CASH set aside for entrepreneurs and companies seeking investment in the south west has been given new direction this week. more...
Yvonne has retirement in sight
Window dresser Yvonne Heath has celebrated 25 years with Wiltshire-based opticians Haine and Smith but has decided to retire. more...
Training rewards
Companies can enter the National Training Awards, a scheme to reward the region's best business and industrial training schemes. more...
Budget was `absolutely neutral'
CHANCELLOR Gordon Brown's eighth budget has been described as "absolutely neutral", by Salisbury & District Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Andrew Hodder. more...
Participants get measure of their natural defence systems
NEARLY 100 people went along to Salisbury's Milford Hall Hotel earlier this month to find out how healthy they were. more...
Awards to recognise best entrepreneurs
BRITAIN'S top new businesses and the entrepreneurs who run them are urged to put themselves forward for the HSBC Start-Up Awards, 2004. more...
Retailers urged to boost staff skills
SALISBURY retailers are being urged to train and develop their staff to improve their business performance. more...
Training for refuse collectors
TWENTY refuse collectors with Salisbury district council are training for a National Vocational Qualification in waste management. more...
Drivers warned of tax problems
ACCOUNTANTS Baker Tilly are warning company car drivers to check their PAYE tax codes for 2004/05, as they could be wrong in some areas. more...
Calne News
Mum talks about the heartache of ill child
Ref. 12547/1GAZETTE & HERALD: Holly Masson, aged six, has been suffering from cystic fibrosis since birth and now her mother feels it is time to educate pupils and staff at her daughter's school about the life-threatening illness. more...
Pupils take up watery theme
Ref. 12554/6GAZETTE & HERALD: Pupils at Cherhill School have been working with a professional artist to create books on a sea theme. more...
BNP vote increases in town's by-election
GAZETTE & HERALD: The British National Party has tightened its grip on Wiltshire after gaining an increased vote in the Calne by-election last week. more...
A final tribute to a man of many talents
David HemmingsA GALAXY of stars gathered at a London church yesterday to pay their last respects to actor David Hemmings, who spent his last years living in Calne. more...
Disabled may get safe place to leave buggies
GAZETTE & HERALD: A disabled access group wants to hear from buggy and wheelchair users who would like a safe place to keep their equipment when they catch the bus. more...
Council set to take action on subsidence
GAZETTE & HERALD: The district council has agreed in principle to undertake remedial work on a stretch of subsiding land behind houses in Churchill Close, Calne. more...
Animal rescue PC is the cat's whiskers
Ref. 12581/3GAZETTE & HERALD: POLICE officer Mark Pearce extended his job description to include feline protection last week after he rescued a cat knocked down by a car in Calne. more...
Neighbours object to plan
GAZETTE & HERALD: NEIGHBOURS are objecting to plans to build six homes on a busy stretch of London Road, Calne. more...
We made mistakes, admits 999 chief
GAZETTE & HERALD: THE acting head of Wiltshire Ambulance Service, Tim Skelton, has admitted that mistakes led to an unconscious woman laying undiscovered in a car following a road crash, but has defended the service's use of volunteer emergency personnel. more...
Bible theft man in court
GAZETTE & HERALD: THE case against a Calne man who stole a bible, has been adjourned so psychiatric reports can be prepared. more...
Widow's plea after accident tragedy
GAZETTE & HERALD: Widow Diana Hodgson has launched a campaign for a pedestrian crossing in Curzon Street, Calne, following the death of her husband Frank, who collided with a Ford Transit van while popping out for a newspaper. more...
Chippenham News
Animal rescue PC is the cat's whiskers
Ref. 12581/3GAZETTE & HERALD: POLICE officer Mark Pearce extended his job description to include feline protection last week after he rescued a cat knocked down by a car in Calne. more...
MS sufferer drank herself to death
GAZETTE & HERALD: A WOMAN who suffered multiple sclerosis for 15 years, and who had spent the last ten years in a wheelchair, drank herself to death, an inquest heard. more...
Jess, 18, opens her own fashion shop
Ref. 12424/2GAZETTE & HEARLD: SHE may still be three years short of getting the key to the door, but that hasn't stopped 18-year-old Jess Purton becoming the youngest business owner in Chippenham. more...
Two hurt as traffic gets back to normal
SLOW IT DOWN: Just days after road works were removed from the A4 near Chippenham a further accident happened on the blighted road. more...
Star collector targets town
GAZETTE & HERALD: Arthritis sufferer David Paterson will be collecting funds for charity at Focus DIY in Chippenham this weekend. more...
Cashier died after accidentaloverdose
GAZETTE & HERALD: WIDOW Della Morton suffered heart failure due to an overdose of anti depressant tablets and alcohol, an inquest heard but no evidence was found to suggest she had taken her own life. more...
Wishes of town are ignored, says mayor
GAZETTE & HERALD: Councillors opposing a housing development on the former Flowers scrapyard site in Chippenham say they can do nothing to stop it going ahead but they are still unhappy about it. more...
Knitter seeks fellow purls
GAZETTE & HERALD: MARGARET Tutka, an enthusiastic knitter who has provided blankets and infants' clothes for desperately poor immigrants over many years, is appealing for donations of wool so she can keep on making baby clothes for a maternity clinic in Israel. more...
Woman found after gas laert
GAZETTE & HERALD: LACOCK villagers have been left shocked and mystified after widow Margaret Gough was found dead at her home in the High Street on Sunday. more...
Fire walk for Lydia
Ref. 12567/01 FUNDRAISERS from all across North Wiltshire have already swelled the Lydia Cross Appeal fund to its current £7,800 but the question now being asked is: would you walk over hot coals for the plucky three-year-old? more...
On top of the world
Adventurer David Hempleman-Adams from Box was looking for a fresh challenge after claiming a new world altitude record by ascending more than eight miles in a hot air balloon. more...
Jobs on line at maternity
CLOSING Malmesbury and Devizes maternity units would mean 11 less staff being employed, it was revealed this week. more...
We made mistakes, admits 999 chief
GAZETTE & HERALD: THE acting head of Wiltshire Ambulance Service, Tim Skelton, has admitted that mistakes led to an unconscious woman laying undiscovered in a car following a road crash, but has defended the service's use of volunteer emergency personnel. more...
Campaigners take our petition to Parliament
Ref. 12538/2CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save the Devizes and Malmesbury maternity units will take their case to the House of Commons on Monday. more...
New team wins praise for lifting festival fog
The phoenix of a new North Wiltshire Festival is rising from the ashes of a near disastrous crisis of confidence and a resignation, according to district councillors. more...
Anguish as tot's vital heart op is called off
GAZETTE & HERALD: PARENTS Julie and Rod Picter were left devastated last week when a pioneering operation to ease their infant daughter's heart condition was cancelled at just an hour's notice. more...
Nursery blaze
GAZETTE & HERALD: FLAMES ripped through Forest Lane Nursery, Pewsham, on Tuesday leaving more than 70 children without childcare and the adjoining veterinary surgery in ruins. more...
Task force targets the menace of teenage arsonists
GAZETTE & HERALD: Police have set up a special task force to combat the activities of teenage firebugs believed to be behind a spate of arson attacks in Chippenham. more...
Courtney catches mum out with her arrival in the bathroom
GAZETTE & HERALD: BIG brothers Cameron and Connor Nolan were thrilled when baby sister Courtney arrived in time for breakfast even though they slept through her surprising and super-speedy delivery in the bathroom. more...
Fire walk for Lydia
Ref. 12567/01GAZETTE & HERALD: FUNDRAISERS from all across North Wiltshire have already swelled the Lydia Cross Appeal fund to its current £7,800 but the question now being asked is: would you walk over hot coals for the plucky three-year-old? more...
Fight for justice
GAZETTE & HERALD: BOMB victim Paul Lawrenson, who suffered appalling injuries, including the loss of his arm in the Bali blasts in 2002, has joined with MP James Gray to fight for the rights of other bomb survivors. more...
Tales of spider and dinosaur
Ref. 12535/1GAZETTE & HERALD: ENTHUSIASTIC bookworms at Charter School, Chippenham, dressed as their favourite literary characters to celebrate their book week. more...
Elderly theft victim tells of terror ordeal
GAZETTE & HERALD: A 93-year-old disabled widow has told how she sat helpless and terrified as she watched a burglar rifle through her belongings, looking for cash and valuables. more...
Post office is resurrected
Ref. 12570/2GAZETTE & HERALD: ALTHOUGH rural post offices are shutting down across the country, Kington St Michael has bucked the trend to resurrect its post office a year after it closed. more...
Joe drums up support for arts
GAZETTE & HERALD: A music teacher has set up a petition in Chippenham to gain support for a new music and arts centre in the town. more...
Speed cameras are smiles better
GAZETTE & HERALD: SPEEDING drivers racing though Lyneham last week were frowned at by two special signs, which have put the smiles back on the faces of villagers. more...
Theft blow to business
GAZETTE & HERALD: Thousands of pounds worth of conservatory furniture was stolen from Conservatory Sales just days before the revamped business was due to hold an open weekend. more...
Workers to leave as plant finalises move
GAZETTE & HERALD: WESTINGHOUSE Brakes has admitted it expects an exodus of disgruntled workers when it relocates to its new state of the art factory at Melksham in 2005. more...
Driver sees red at chaos
GAZETTE & HERALD: Faulty traffic lights caused chaos at a busy Chippenham roundabout on Friday night and Saturday morning, at the junction between Gladstone Road and Avenue La Fleche. more...
Kids' hearty exercise
GAZETTE & HERALD: PUPILS at St Mary's School in Chippenham have got the skipping bug after raising an estimated £800 in a charity skip-a-thon. more...
Corsham News
On top of the world
GAZETTE & HERALD: Adventurer David Hempleman-Adams from Box was looking for a fresh challenge after claiming a new world altitude record by ascending more than eight miles in a hot air balloon. more...
Still time to vote for comedy, urges actor
GAZETTE & HERALD: Yes Minister star Derek Fowlds believes his comedy may be pipped at the post by Only Fools and Horses in the BBC Best British Sitcom finale on Saturday. more...
Campaigners to warn about land
GAZETTE & HERALD: CAMPAIGNERS who lost their fight against a Corsham housing development will now devote their energy to warning new residents their homes are built on previously contaminated land. more...
Ctfc Sport
Tom bids to make up for bad miss
DEFENDER Tom Gould admitted he was gutted to miss a last minute sitter against Dover but is now hoping to make amends at Weymouth on Saturday. more...
Teenage hot shot is happy where he is
TEENAGE hot-shot James Constable has insisted the only thing on his mind is firing Chippenham into the Conference Two. more...
Paul looks forward to trip to the seaside
CHIPPENHAM striker Martin Paul has called on his team-mates to show no fear when they take on Steve Claridge's championship chasers Weymouth on Saturday. more...
Devizes News
Midwives jobs under threat
MIDWIVES and auxillary workers will lose their jobs if maternity units are closed in Devizes and Malmesbury it was revealed this week. more...
Hot grub back on menu
Ref. 12580/1A TRIAL scheme to reintroduce hot lunches at Bishops Cannings Primary School has been so popular it could become permanent. more...
Crash victim's father calls for a 30mph limit
GRIEVING father Michael Lynch is backing villagers in Market Lavington who want the 60mph speed limit at Spin Hill reduced to 30mph. more...
Campaigners take our petition to Parliament
Ref. 12538/2CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save the Devizes and Malmesbury maternity units will take their case to the House of Commons on Monday. more...
Return to spray
Ref. 12536/3A GROUP of veteran paddlers who took part in the Olympics of Rome in 1960 and Tokyo in 1964, are to take up the challenge of the Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race next month. more...
Mayor's fund boosts Badgers
Ref. 12486/1MEMBERS of Devizes Badgers, the junior branch of St John Ambulance, have been helped by a fund set up by former mayor Coun Ray Parsons. more...
Nursery wins Ofsted praise
Ref. 12533/2CHILDREN who attend Noah's Ark nursery school in the grounds of Wansdyke Primary School in Devizes are being given a good start in life, according to a report by the schools' inspectorate Ofsted. more...
Protection officers vet royal visit safety
THE Duke of Edinburgh's royal protection officer and a team of security police visited Wadworth's Northgate Brewery in Devizes yesterday in advance of the royal visit to the town on May 4. more...
Builder quits farm scheme
URCHFONT farmer John Snook has spoken of his disappointment and disillusionment after developer Charles Church withdrew from a scheme to redevelop a sensitive site near the famous village duck pond. more...
It's time to change the drinking `barns'
THE drinks industry must take its share of the blame for the anti-social behaviour that has blighted town centres, Don James, the chairman of the Devizes branch of the real ale campaigning group, CAMRA, has said. more...
Sheep farmer denies mistreating animals
FARMER Lance Beale denied putting a live sheep on top of dead sheep which were piled on a trailer. more...
Residents' approval for their new homes
THE first residents have moved into the redeveloped Crammer Court in Church Walk, the sheltered housing scheme for elderly people. more...
Heart run is family affair
NICOLA Breach is hoping to raise thousands of pounds for the British Heart Foundation in memory of her grandfather, former Devizes mayor Dick Breach, who died of a heart attack two years ago, by running the Flora London Marathon next week. more...
Pupils' sports coaching win
ST Joseph's RC Primary School in Devizes is planning to make sport even more exciting and rewarding for its pupils after scooping a £2,160 grant from the National Lottery-supported Awards for All. more...
New face of bank in town
BANKER Debbie Neale is the new manager at HSBC Bank in Devizes. Mrs Neale has taken over from Nigel Holman, who retired after being manager at the branch for ten years and with the HSBC for 37 years. more...
Step forward for St George
A COUNTRYSIDE walk has been arranged to honour Saint George and raise money for a local church. more...
Forum pushes for new traffic survey
LOCAL councillors have called on Wiltshire County Council to change its mind and undertake a traffic assessment of Devizes. more...
I did nothing wrong, says councillor
ROWDE parish councillor Ann Stradling believes she will be declared innocent of any wrongdoing by the Standards Board of England. more...
Map marks success of river campaign
Ref. 12574/1CAMPAIGNERS for the protection and improvement of the River Kennet have this week launched a pictorial map of the river from its source near Avebury to Hungerford. more...
Pupils enjoy trip to India
Ref. 12571/3PUPILS of Kennet Valley School were transported thousands of miles to India without leaving the comfort of their classrooms. more...
Hunt is on for unsung stalwarts of county
POPPING champagne corks heralded the start on Monday of this year's search for the local heroes who make Wiltshire so special as the 2004 People of Wiltshire Awards were launched. more...
A final tribute to a man of many talents
David HemmingsA GALAXY of stars gathered at a London church yesterday to pay their last respects to actor David Hemmings, who spent his last years living in Calne. more...
Three times the fun
Ref. 12537/2Lucy and Mike Curry were very apprehensive when an early scan showed that they were expecting triplets. more...
Council is urged to keep land GM free
WILTSHIRE environmentalists have accused Wiltshire County Council of dragging its heels over measures to keep the county GM free and called it the weakest link in the South West. more...
Cry of the destitute
WILTSHIRE sponsors of Albanian families, who live in the most deprived conditions of almost anybody in Europe, were last week given an insight into the families' lives. more...
Doomed school to relive its history
FORMER pupils of Steeple Ashton School near Trowbridge are invited to a celebration. more...
New shadow cabinet named
THE Liberal Democrats on Wiltshire County Council have announced the creation of a new shadow cabinet. more...
Appeal for riders
A charity is calling for riders to take part in Bristol's Biggest Bike Ride and help raise funds for brain injured children. more...
New group to help sufferers
THE Myasthenia Gravis Association is holding a meeting to try to set up a Wiltshire branch. more...
Hunt for Army pal
FORMER Wiltshire Regiment soldier, Dennis Fletcher, is trying to trace an old post-war Army pal. more...
Devizes,Calne,Marlborough,Highworth,Chippenham,Corsham,Malmesbury,Wootton Bassett News
Better road safety now at junction
Quite a coincidence that last week's edition of the Gazette and Herald carries a letter from a Devizes resident complaining about a new road crossing and the article of others campaigning for greater road safety near their school. more...
Everyone in community should pay for services
I WOULD wish to refer to my recent letter (Gazette, February 11) with reference to local taxation, the reaction to which was a thundering silence. more...
Reducing speed limit would make road safer
On Wednesday next week Wiltshire county councillors meet to decide which roads in the county need to have their speed limits reviewed. more...
Where is demanded parking?
While I can understand S. Bishop's annoyance over warning notices being issued to motorists illegally parked in the High Street (letters, March 18), I wonder where this parking being demanded is to be found. more...
Lost touch
The county council, with its ill-conceived record office project, seems intent on using the rural economy as a punchbag. more...
What's point?
ONCE again we are getting the usual excuses from our local councils blaming the Government for the exorbitant rises in council tax. more...
Charity status
HAVING observed Nigel Kerton's quirky reporting over a number of years, it does not surprise me to discover that he thinks that Wiltshire County Council is a charitable organisation. more...
Smile raised
IT amused me to read your article `School tough on alcohol' and headteacher Mr Irons' comments that he did not see why Devizes School should be responsible for drinking outside the school day when every Thursday when we drive past at break time on Nursteed Road there are hordes of teenagers smoking on the school premises. more...
No solution
I absolutely understand Mr Ody's frustration regarding the congestion on London Road (letters, March 18). more...
Work together
JEFF ODY is not alone in his concern about the increasing volume of commuter and through traffic using Devizes' arterial roads, and the imminent dislocation likely to occur when Wessex Water starts laying new water mains to cater for new housing developments predominantly adjacent to London Road. more...
Join crowds
SOME good news for the ratepayers of Marlborough, the Town Play, Wheels of Time, to be performed during the Charter Week celebrations in June, will cost the ratepayers not a penny. more...
Village objects to sacrifice
WITH reference to the headteacher of Rowde Primary School, Mr David Ball's, letter (letters, March 18) I believe that most of the residents of Rowde are not opposed to a new school in the village if it were needed. more...
Education News
Ofsted praise for Fox Cubs
A WINTERBOURNE pre-school has received a glowing report from Ofsted. more...
School faces up to Ofsted criticisms
STAFF and governors at a south Wiltshire school are working towards becoming a centre of excellence, despite being put into special measures. more...
Highworth News
Bringing hope to youngsters injured in war
A CHARITY which gives fresh hope to hundreds of children in the world's most violent hotspots is opening a shop in Highworth. more...
Consultants look at skate park scheme
SPECIALIST consultants have been brought in to advise on plans for Highworth's skate park. more...
Malmesbury News
Village hall left gutted by fire
CHILDREN and parents were left devastated by a fire that ripped through Hullavington Village hall destroying a playgroup's home and £10,000 of equipment. more...
Seatbelt call from mum after bus crash
STANTON St Quintin mother Sandi Christie is calling for seatbelts on buses on the school run to Malmesbury after her two sons narrowly escaped injury in a crash on Friday. more...
Jobs on line at maternity
CLOSING Malmesbury and Devizes maternity units would mean 11 less staff being employed, it was revealed this week. more...
Home working units win parish's backing
AN ambitious scheme to build 155 homes at the former Lucent site on the edge of Malmesbury has been supported by the parish council. more...
Campaigners take our petition to Parliament
Ref. 12538/2CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save the Devizes and Malmesbury maternity units will take their case to the House of Commons on Monday. more...
Mum plans journey of hope for jailed son
IRIS Baker, whose son Nick is imprisoned in Japan for drug smuggling, has called the first day of his appeal, a sickening farce. more...
Bikers bring cheer
Ref. 12540/1A CONVOY of bikers braved the bad weather last Saturday to give children at Burton Hill House School, Malmesbury, an early Easter treat. more...
Caution, frogs crossing
EIGHT-year-old Elliot Firth has put signs up urging drivers to slow down to stop squashing frogs crossing Hill Hayes Lane at Hullavington. more...
Councils dig in for boundary battle
THE battles lines are being drawn in Malmesbury Town Council's fight to extend the boundaries of the town into the neighbouring parish. more...
Burglars hit three farms
THE police are seeking witnesses after more than £13,000 worth of motor vehicles and tools were stolen from three farms in Sherston last week. more...
Royal backing for road safety scheme
PRINCE Michael of Kent launched a road safety initiative for children at Malmesbury C of E Primary School on Monday morning. more...
Second school reunion call
FORMER Malmesbury Grammar School pupil Pat Bunton is searching for classmates for a school reunion to be held this summer. more...
Marlborough News
Pub serves glass of acid in error
SINGER and songwriter Kerry Blower is still traumatised after being served a glass of acid cleaning fluid instead of water in a village pub. more...
Map marks success of river campaign
Ref. 12574/1CAMPAIGNERS for the protection and improvement of the River Kennet have this week launched a pictorial map of the river from its source near Avebury to Hungerford. more...
Yachtsman in rescue drama as storm hits
KEEN sailor Henry Pritchard found himself at the centre of an air-sea rescue drama in the Irish Sea last week. more...
Diggers move on to site of old hospital
Ref. 12523/02Diggers moved in last week to begin the demolition of the old wards and outpatients' unit at Savernake Hospital, Marlborough. more...
Traffic chaos brings town to a standstill
Ref. 12558/2TRAFFIC chaos that has been bringing Marlborough to a rush hour standstill in the past few weeks is being blamed on roadworks which have closed George Lane. more...
Help to catch crime gangs
GANGS of thieves are scouring the countryside around Marlborough and the Pewsey Vale looking for something to steal. more...
Jazz raises £54,440 for Amber charity
A MAJOR London jazz event has raised £54,440 for the Amber Foundation. Amber is a unique charity that rehabilitates young men and women with a variety of social problems. more...
Nursery is praised for stimulating its pupils
THE Bluebell Nursery at Lockeridge has sailed through an Ofsted inspection and emerged with a largely glowing report. more...
Jewellery break-ins likely to be linked
OFFICERS investigating break-ins at homes in Ramsbury and Aldbourne believe the same jewel thief or thieves were involved. more...
Man beaten with umbrella
POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a man was beaten to the ground by an attacker with a folded up umbrella in broad daylight in Marlborough shopping centre on Saturday. more...
Pewsey News
Cool thief is all of a sliver
A COOL thief broke into a kebab takeaway shop in Pewsey Market Place through an extractor fan grille. more...
Help to catch crime gangs
GANGS of thieves are scouring the countryside around Marlborough and the Pewsey Vale looking for something to steal. more...
Salisbury News
Police face investigation
Gavin Burden, who alleges mistreatment by police officers. Picture by ROGER ELLIOTT DA5164P1A FOOTBALL fan is pressing for a full investigation into an incident at Salisbury railway station during which he alleges he and his parents were subjected to excessive and aggressive treatment by police. more...
Cyclist makes plea to road users
Chrissie Morgan.A CYCLIST who has battled back from breast cancer to train for a charity bike ride is urging all road users to take more care, after she had several near-misses on Salisbury's dangerous roads. more...
Busy Jean flies flag for active elderly
Active pensioner award winner Jean Jackson outside Amesbury Parish Church. DA5150P1SEVERAL mountain-bike rides, brass band rehearsals and responsibilities as verger of the parish church are all in a day's work for award-winning pensioner Jean Jackson. more...
Budget was `absolutely neutral'
CHANCELLOR Gordon Brown's eighth budget has been described as "absolutely neutral", by Salisbury & District Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Andrew Hodder. more...
Participants get measure of their natural defence systems
NEARLY 100 people went along to Salisbury's Milford Hall Hotel earlier this month to find out how healthy they were. more...
Awards to recognise best entrepreneurs
BRITAIN'S top new businesses and the entrepreneurs who run them are urged to put themselves forward for the HSBC Start-Up Awards, 2004. more...
Retailers urged to boost staff skills
SALISBURY retailers are being urged to train and develop their staff to improve their business performance. more...
Training for refuse collectors
TWENTY refuse collectors with Salisbury district council are training for a National Vocational Qualification in waste management. more...
Drivers warned of tax problems
ACCOUNTANTS Baker Tilly are warning company car drivers to check their PAYE tax codes for 2004/05, as they could be wrong in some areas. more...
Salisbury Sport
Emily's two-try triumph
Salisbury's Emily Cooke (centre), who plays for Richmond, during England's clash against Wales in the Six Nations championships at the Stoop Memorial ground on Saturday. Inset: Emily sings the National Anthem before the match. Read Emily's reaction on page 93. Pictures by SARAH WILLIAMS.SALISBURY'S Emily Cooke scored two tries in the England women's rugby team's 53-3 win over Wales at The Stoop Memorial Ground, setting up a tantalising Six Nations decider against France on Saturday. more...
Bemerton victory sets up final clash
BEMERTON Heath Harlequins booked their place in the Sydenhams Wessex League Cup final with an exciting win over AFC Totton on Tuesday evening. more...
Holmes hopes for repeat victory
A TRICKY test at Ashford Town awaits Salisbury City on Saturday, as Nick Holmes hopes to take his men one step closer to promotion. Steve Strong's late goal saw the Whites narrowly defeat the Kent side 2-1 at Old Sarum in January. more...
Charity match kicks off
SALISBURY City manager Nick Holmes will put his boots back on for a charity football match at Old Sarum next month. more...
Team holds steady despite conditions
ON another very windy day at Picket Post, Ellingham and Ringwood fielded a mixture of first and second team players for the friendly with Andover 4th XV. more...
Junior players represent county
ENFORD kept their hopes of taking the first division title alive with a comfortable 4-0 win at Chalke Valley. Michael Martin (2), Steve Gregory and Mike Ford got the goals, writes Tom Duckham. more...
Best play of season as ladies thrash BAC
THERE were victories for the Salisbury men's and ladies hockey teams at the weekend, with the ladies playing their best hockey of the season to thrash higher-placed Bristol-based BAC 11-0, a side that were top a month ago. more...
Falcons retain division title
STONEHENGE Falcons have retained the Division One title with relegation now certain for Laverstock A and West Tytherley A. more...
Sport Football
Match for TV stars and former pros
TV stars and former pros will take to the field for a charity football match on Sunday to raise money to send youngsters in care on a life-changing trip to New Zealand. more...
Hopkins resigns as Devizes manager
SCREWFIX PREMIER DIVISION: THE pressure got too much for Devizes Town manager Dave Hopkins this week when he resigned his post. more...
Corsham Town 3, Shrewton United 1
WILTSHIRE SENIOR CUP: CORSHAM Town continued their fine season by marching into the final of the Wiltshire Senior Cup on Tuesday night. more...
Exmouth Town 2, Melksham Town 0
SCREWFIX PREMIER DIVISION: TWO individual errors cost Melksham a share of the spoils in a game that was ruined by gale-force winds. more...
Purton on top after draw with rivals Ross
WILTSHIRE LEAGUE: PURTON remain in the driving seat in the race for the Division One West title after pinching a 1-1 draw with close rivals Ross Town. more...
Pewsey Vale 1, Hungerford Town 1
PEWSEY picked up a very creditable draw against high-flying Hungerford last Wednesday and were unlucky not to do even better. more...
Rose sets his sights high
MALMESBURY Victoria are getting ready for one of their biggest games of the season. more...
Calne Town 0, Cadbury Heath 0
SCREWFIX DIVISION ONE: CALNE'S young side produced a performance full of resolve to earn a point against Cadbury on Tuesday night. more...
Street 3, Calne Town 1
SCREWFIX DIVISION ONE: TWO Street goals in the final five minutes ended ten-man Calne's three game winning streak. more...
Face to face with old mate
SCREWFIX PREMIER DIVISION: THERE will be some extra spice to Devizes Town's clash at Odd Down on Saturday when they come face to face with former skipper Bradley Newman. more...
United go through in extra-time cup upset
CHIPPENHAM SUNDAY LEAGUE: FOR a second week running the atrocious weather conditions reduced the fixtures of the Vanitec Computers-sponsored Chippenham Sunday League with the biggest casualty being the West End Wanderers clash with Chippenham Sports and Social Club in the semi-final of the Rainbow Launderette sponsored WG Parr Trophy. more...
Cricklade hit back to share the spoils
WILTSHIRE LEAGUE: HIGH winds and driving rain came out on top in the Wiltshire League, with just a handful of the scheduled fixtures getting the go-ahead. more...
Mainlink go through in shoot-out
INTERMACH LEAGUE: THIS year's Intermach Cup final will be between Mainlink and Lady Margaret following a dramatic finish to the second semi-final between Mainlink and Goatacre. more...
Ballinger is a chip off the old block
TROWBRIDGE LEAGUE: SEEND United's hot teenage property Luke Ballinger has become the latest tormentor of relegated Division One side Blue Circle. more...
Harlequins keep the pressure on leaders
MID-WILTS YOUTH AND MINOR LEAGUE: BEMERTON Heath Harlequins intensified the pressure on leaders Trowbridge Town Youth by running out 7-0 winners at home to Bath Arsenal in the under 16s Blue Division of the Wiltshire Times and Chippenham News Mid-Wilts Youth and Minor League. more...
Success for Swindon in girls' football
YOUTH FOOTBALL: WILTSHIRE schools have been taking part in the Coca-Cola National Schools Cup. Although some have fallen by the wayside in the south west knockout stage, Dorcan College girls from Swindon are through to the quarter-finals. more...
Sport Rugby
Malmesbury 7, Cricklade 15
SATURDAY'S match at The Worthies might as well have been played in a wind tunnel. more...
Corsham 5, Trowbridge 13
CORSHAM bowed out of the Bath Combination Cup following a disjointed game against Trowbridge. more...
Try count robs Chippenham
CHIPPENHAM took a squad along to the Wiltshire County Under 11s Rugby Festival at Bradford on Avon on Sunday and enjoyed a successful tournament. more...
St John's emerge with tournament win
YOUTH RUGBY: ST JOHN'S School, Marlborough, triumphed in an entertaining final of the Wiltshire Emerging Schools Under 12s tournament last Wednesday. more...
Chippenham U13s 0, Salisbury U13s 5
YOUTH RUGBY: CHIPPENHAM were left disappointed as they were edged out by Salisbury in this Wiltshire Cup final at Allington Field. more...
Cirencester Minis U11s 7, Chippenham Minis U12s 12
YOUTH RUGBY: WITH their respective age group opponents failing to turn up Chippenham took on a younger Cirencester opposition. more...
Salisbury 27, Devizes 0
DEVIZES failed to deal with the blustery conditions as well as their opponents and paid the penalty with a heavy defeat in this friendly. more...
Devizes 2nd 24, Chippenham 3rd 0
DEVIZES duly completed the double against Chippenham in this Bath and District Merit Table game played at the Chivers Ground on Saturday. more...
Unlucky colts out of Vase
WOOTTON Bassett Colts bowed out of the Dorset and WIlts Under 18 Vase without conceding a point. more...
Youngsters sign up for top rugby coaching
FOLLOWING the success of last year's Gazette sponsored Wiltshire Rugby Skills Week, the 2004 event is already being prepared. more...
Swindon News
Home owners facing road schemes threat
THERE has been a lot of newspaper coverage lately about proposed major road schemes in the area. more...
University should compromise or leave
VICE-chancellor Glynis Breakwell still insists that only Coate is suitable for Bath University. It's Coate or nothing. more...
Name homes
MY grandmother, aged 90, is a resident of one of the six council care homes. more...
Where's cash?
WHILE the Chancellor continues to pour billions into the NHS from increased National Insurance contributions, improvements, at best, are only marginal. more...
Aid appreciated
I WOULD so much like to thank the young man that came to my assistance on Tuesday, March 2 at about 6.20pm in Grange Drive, Swindon. My car broke down. It was cold and dark. I had no phone but this young man stopped, pushed my car to a safe area, phoned the breakdown services and afterwards checked all was well. more...
Thanks bagged
THE leaders and Cubs from Maurice Pack at 2nd Marlborough would like to thank all who gave generously during our bag packing at Waitrose. more...
Vote me out if you like, but don't then complain
A recent correspondent to your paper yet again accuses councillors of playing party games and not trying to improve the lot of those less fortunate. more...
The second most common cancer in men
SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: Prostate cancer is the UK's second most common cancer in men with more than 21,700 new cases diagnosed each year. more...
This is where your money goes
Ref. 29651-11SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: Macmillan nurse Anne Robertson has been helping cancer patients at the Great Western Hospital since April last year. more...
Delight at plan delay
CAMPAIGNERS against development on the Front Garden are delighted that the Government has extended the time it is taking on making a decision over plans for 4,500 houses. more...
Awards will reward our local heroes
NEWSQUEST'S vintage bus was touring the streets of Swindon yesterday promoting the People of Wiltshire Awards in the hope of finding Swindon's unsung heroes. more...
Fury at bank letters gaffe
A WIDOWER who has repeatedly received letters from the Halifax addressed to his dead wife says the financial giant has taken the human element out of banking. more...
Gift of a grand is a big helping hand for Samaritans
Ref. 29657-28Swindon Samaritans have a grand reason to celebrate thanks to a cheque from Swindon energy supplier RWE Innogy. more...
Public inquiry into rail scheme
A PUBLIC inquiry is to be held at the Civic Offices in Euclid Street on Tuesday at 10am to decide an appeal by Hanson Quarry Products Europe Ltd for change of use to a road rail interchange at land at Newcombe Drive, Hawkesworth Trading Estate. more...
Bride sets heart on fairytale look
Ref. 29032-20BRIDE Of The Year Louisa Curtis is keeping details of her wedding dress top secret. more...
Veterinary group makes shortlist of the best
A VETERINARY group with a branch in Wootton Bassett has been shortlisted as one of the best practices in the country. more...
Runners are sought to keep air ambulance flying
THE Wiltshire Air Ambulance Appeal is looking for keen marathon runners to help keep it in the skies. more...
Elvis plot thickens
MYSTERY still surrounds a series of sightings of rock 'n' roll legend Elvis Presley around Swindon. more...
Group slams the apathy of villagers
A project which aims to shape a rural community for future generations has met with apathy, says a group. more...
GP faces toughest race of all
A Swindon doctor and marathon runner is gearing up for the ultimate challenge a marathon in the Sahara Desert. more...
`Shopping is a nightmare for disabled'
Ref. 29669-9WHEELCHAIR user Shirley Jones is frustrated with the lack of shopping facilities for the disabled at Lidl supermarket. more...
Bringing hope to youngsters injured in war
A CHARITY which gives fresh hope to hundreds of children in the world's most violent hotspots is opening a shop in Highworth. more...
Pupils get ready to put their case before court
SCHOOLCHILDREN will be swapping the classroom for the courtroom later this week to take part in a mock trial. more...
More help needed
TERRY Rock operates a vital victim support service from a camper van but now he needs at least 10 more volunteers to extend the service. more...
Young players strike a chord
Ref. 29664-4SWINDON Music Festival is in full swing and scores of talented musicians are taking part. more...
Awards on offer for innovative local groups
SWINDON charity Citizens Online has joined up with computer firm AOL to launch this year's Innovation in the Community Awards. more...
Thousands miss out on flu jabs
THOUSANDS of pensioners in Swindon failed to get life-saving flu jabs, it has been revealed. more...
`Send a GM message to Tony Blair'
WILTSHIRE County Council has been urged to make a more public stand on keeping the county free from genetically modified crops. more...
One year, £350,200
Ref. 29448-11SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: Today is the first birthday of the Swindon Cancer Appeal. more...
Axe about to fall on historic club
Ref. 29672-10A WORKING men's club with 70 years of history is set to close unless it can find £12,000 within a fortnight. more...
Court remands murder charge man in custody
A MAN charged with murder after a stabbing in Swindon has appeared in court. more...
Children begging for new teachers
CHILDREN at a Swindon primary school gripped by recruitment problems have made an urgent appeal for teachers. more...
Beryl's battle to beat the cancer
Ref. 29658-24SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: BERYL Cotterill's poignant account of her fight against cancer was one of many which spurred fundraisers into action when we launched the appeal. more...
Nationwide staff rally round for our appeal
Ref. 23370-32SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: Nationwide Building Society knows more than most how money makes the world go round. more...
You are a generous lot
SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: ONE YEAR ON: March 2003 - Nationwide Building Society gave the appeal a huge boost from the onset with a massive £80,000 donation. more...
Keep the cash flowing in
Ref. 29621-22SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: Swindon freelance broadcaster Shirley Ludford is preparing to overcome a childhood fear and abseil 100ft in a skimpy cheerleaders outfit. more...
Battle to beat a killer
Ref. 14551-4SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: Prostate Cancer Awareness Week was launched on Monday to raise the profile of the condition, dubbed the silent killer. more...
Wiltsfest News
Coming soon...
Check here for details on Wiltshire Festival 2004... coming soon. more...
Location, location, location.
It's not just the mantra of estate agents but of film and TV producers the world over. Wiltshire has some stunning locations that have taken starring roles in both TV, Hollywood and even Bollywood productions. more...
Wiltshire News
Midwives jobs under threat
MIDWIVES and auxillary workers will lose their jobs if maternity units are closed in Devizes and Malmesbury it was revealed this week. more...
Wiltshire Sport
It's a Deal!
SEAN O'HANLON will become a permanent member of Andy King's squad today with the manager also hungry to secure another player ahead of the transfer deadline. more...
Wootton Bassett News
School council team addresses the issues
Members of Wootton Bassett School Council are being praised for the positive effect they are having on the town's wider community. more...
Town hall to keep its look
WOOTTON BASSETT Town Hall will be turning grey as part of major renovations, but the town council has reassured residents the colour change will only be temporary. more...
Veterinary group makes shortlist of the best
A VETERINARY group with a branch in Wootton Bassett has been shortlisted as one of the best practices in the country. more...
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