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Stories for 22 July 2005
Bath Leisure
Film review - Fantastic Four (PG)
Any film with a title like Fantastic Four is setting itself up for a fall. Sadly, Tim Story's family friendly, comic book superhero romp falls hard and never looks capable of getting up again. more...
Bradford On Avon News
Kind Enid donates playhouse
Winsley Acorn Pre-school have a new playhouse thanks to local resident Enid Bemrose, top left (30728)PLAYTIME is now more fun for children in Winsley Acorn Pre-School after they were given a beautiful new Wendy house. more...
Hopes rise for surgery campaign
CAMPAIGNERS for a new doctors' surgery were celebrating victory in their first battle last week. more...
Talk to your Pc via video link-up!
POPPING down to the local police station could become a thing of the past, with top cops saying mobile phones and the internet are reducing the need for personal contact. more...
Pinhole show
AN exhibition of contemporary Pinhole Photography is taking place in Bradford on Avon. The Time of Light exhibition will run until August 20 at Ale and Porter Arts, in Silver Street. more...
Business News
Lawyers protect Intel trademark
INTEL has flexed its legal muscle to keep a tight rein on one of its trademarks. more...
Charities reap the dividends
Members of Oxford, Swindon and Gloucester Co-op are supporting charities by giving away just under £12,000 of their Co-op loyalty superdividend in one year. more...
Chance to meet up
THE Swindon branch of the Ecademy network meets on Monday at BSS House on the Cheney Manor Industrial estate at 6.30pm. more...
GIRL FRIDAY
Name: Mary Cutts more...
Business park bid rejected
CAMPAIGNERS against a proposed business park they say will increase flooding risk to their homes are celebrating after it failed to win official approval. more...
Top award for Conigre development
Newland Homes Ltd received the coveted Trowbridge Town Enhancement Award 2004 last week for its contribution to improving the architecture of the town. more...
Design house set to build on its success
ONE of the UK's leading creative design houses has launched a £2m investment programme after a management buy-out. more...
Peace of mind for motorists
Motorists can take advantage of a free 25-point safety check in time for the summer holidays, thanks to the opening of a new fast-fit centre in Trowbridge. more...
Chippenham News
Charity run is family's first
Helen Fletcher and granddaughter Shauna Ford, eight, who took part in the Race for Life for Cancer Research UK (30720/1)CHIPPENHAM NEWS: AN EIGHT-YEAR-OLD girl and her grandmother took part in the Race for Life to raise money for Cancer Research. more...
Lizzy's mission to help tsunami relief effort
CHIPPENHAM NEWS: AN INTREPID teenager is spending her three weeks' work experience helping with relief work in one of the countries devastated by the Asian tsunami. more...
Legal battle will end noise row
CHIPPENHAM NEWS: CASTLE Combe Circuit's battle to overturn a noise abatement order imposed by North Wiltshire District Council is expected to finish today. more...
Corsham News
Step back to schooldays
CHIPPENHAM NEWS: PAST students of a village primary school will be taken back in time at a reunion later this year where they could find themselves being taught by the pupils of today. more...
Melksham News
Factory man denies murder
Colin Lewin, 35AN EMPLOYEE at a Melksham tyres factory can be linked to the murder of a postal worker through phone records and CCTV camera footage, a court heard. more...
Safety fears as lorries use school street
WASTE trucks thundering along a residential street have come under fire from concerned residents and councillors. more...
Lifesaving message
Melksham Lion Roland Holdway with two of the Message in a Bottle containers (30703)FOR Robinson Crusoe and Swiss Family Robinson, it was a shot in the dark with no guarantee of success. But volunteers with Melksham Lions believe their Message in a Bottle scheme is a cast-iron lifesaver. more...
Homes delayed amid fears over NHS cover
A LACK of doctor and dentist facilities has put the brakes on a multi-million pound housing development. more...
Party time at town carnival
Steeple Ashton's Cathy Lazarus with her firework entry (17319/11)Thousands of people slapped on the sun cream and enjoyed the scorching weather at Melksham Carnival and Party in the Park on Saturday. more...
Closures `are done through the back door'
CONCERN is growing that health cutbacks are being forced through the back door without proper scrutiny. more...
Salisbury News
£2.6m vase smashes saleroom records
RECORDS tumbled - but, thankfully, the vase didn't - as a rare 14th Century Chinese piece sold for an astonishing £2.6m at a Salisbury auction on Friday. more...
Salisbury Sport
Woodhouse's 190lb haul lands the honours
BARBEL are beginning to make an appearance in the Avon with fish up to 12lb being caught from the Ibsley area. more...
Lashings stars set to lock horns once more
A BUMPER crowd is expected at South Wilts Cricket Club for the return of the world-famous Lashings side on Sunday. more...
Sport Angling
Bush finds the right tactics at Ivy House
THE Saturday open match at Ivy House fishery produced good sport, with carp and bream feeding. Mosella matchman Vic Bush won with a mixed catch of carp and bream weighing 70lb 8oz, taken on pole-fished worm and casters. more...
Sport Cricket
Perrin back for vital tie
WILTSHIRE have gambled on the selection of former captain Steve Perrin for Sunday's Minor Counties Knockout Cup semi final against Cornwall at Corsham. more...
Captain sets hissights on Lord's
RUSSELL Rowe insists his Wiltshire side are going into Sunday's Minor Counties Knock Out cup semi-final full of confidence despite this week's nine wicket championship defeat. more...
Wiltshire under 15s v Berkshire under 15s
WILTSHIRE completed a remarkable victory over Berkshire at Falkland. After winning the toss on a very good batting strip the Berkshire batsman batted with authority and amassed a daunting total of 278-5 declared after 52 overs. more...
Schofield targets first class return
Two former England spinners went head-to-head in this week's Minor Counties championship match at Trowbridge. ANDY CRYER caught up with them at the County Ground more...
Illy turning to new career
AFTER a playing career spanning more than 20 years, Richard Illingworth is set to hang up his boots and turn to a new role in the sport. more...
Ashford-Brown's in seventh heaven
CORSHAM CRICKET: JAMES Ashford Brown produced a destructive spell of seam bowling on Saturday as he finished with career best figures of seven for 28 to ease Corsham's relegation worries. more...
Joe re-writes record books
WESTBURY CRICKET: JOE Breet insisted he has played much better after re-writing the record books on Saturday with a virtuoso 211 not out. more...
Trowbridge make it four in a row
TROWBRIDGE CRICKET: RICHARD Holbrook hailed an "exceptional team performance" on Saturday as Trowbridge extended their winning run to four matches. more...
Adams isthe heroafter hisfirst ton
WARMINSTER CRICKET: MARK Coxon-Tenty has hailed Warminster opener Sean Adams a "revelation" after he scored his maiden century for the club on Saturday to set up a nine wicket win over Devizes. more...
Kunal promisingmore of the same
WINSLEY CRICKET: WINSLEY cricket fans will be breathing a collective sigh of relief after their Indian star Kunal More pledged his future to the club for as long as he is wanted. more...
Things are not so clever for Trevor
CHIPPENHAM CRICKET: TREVOR Lloyd is bidding to install more belief into his Chippenham side as the relegation battle hots up, but he admits he could be facing a losing battle. more...
Derby clash goes right down tothe wire
BIDDESTONE CRICKET: NERVES were the order of the day on Saturday as Biddestone sealed a thrilling final ball victory at Malmesbury to keep up the heat on their promotion rivals. more...
Baden wants Swindon to bounce back
SWINDON host fifth-placed Warminster tomorrow as the Glos/Wilts Division One title race hots up. more...
Cricket fun day at Dauntsey
DAUNTSEY Cricket Club are holding a non-cricketers' fun day to raise funds for the club. more...
Sport Football
Marine to keep eye on triallists
MARK Collier is closing in on some new signings ahead of the friendly visit of Pewsey Vale tomorrow. more...
Pratley is keepinghis options open
MATT Pratley's Calne Town future has been thrown into doubt after he played for Southern League Supermarine in their 2-0 win over Banbury on Tuesday night. more...
Dan's the man for Calne
DAN Lardner has joined forces with his dad again after signing Toolstation Western League forms for Calne Town. more...
Nathan flowers inpre-season friendly
IAN Diamond is looking forward to the new season full of confidence after a couple of new faces excelled in Trowbridge's first pre-season friendly on Friday night. more...
Highmore furious asSimeon joins Frome
MELKSHAM Town boss Kelvin Highmore has hit out at Simeon Allison, after the right winger moved to Frome Town this week. more...
Hilperton are the Real challengers
THE West Wilts five-a-side summer league, sponsored by Barber Shop Trio of Trowbridge, is currently in its tenth week. more...
Swindon News
This is a trial by rubbish!
THE recent changes to arrangements for refuse collection is very quickly becoming a health hazard with a large number of refuse sacks not being collected at all. more...
The wheelie bins work absolutely fine
I WRITE regarding the objections voiced on the trial of Wheelie Bins in West Swindon. more...
Fowl pastime
I WAS very puzzled by the letter from Mrs Bev Kirby. more...
Not first class
TWO postcards were dispatched from Eastbourne on July 5, 2005. Destinations, Germany and Swindon, Wilts, UK. more...
All star cast
I WAS fortunate to be in the audience last Friday at Ridgeway School, Wroughton. more...
Directory aid
I AM compiling a UK Motoring Directory for women and would welcome detailed contributions about good and bad garages in your area. Contact steph@foxyladydrivers.com or at 35 Goring Road, Steyning BN44 3GF and I'll send you my How to Survive the Garage Experience newsletter as a thank you. more...
Rights and wrongs
RE: Derek Benfield's letter July 16 in which he talks about democracy and democratic rights. more...
Can't you take this joke, Mike
RE: Heinz won't say sorry or pay up (Friday, July 15). more...
Leon's all a-quiver over the Red Arrows
Leon pictured next to the cockpit of an F-16 Fighting Falcon Picture Ref: 45875-65THE Red Arrows have some new fans, thanks to a Swindon Advertiser competition. more...
M4 speed traps are a `mistake'
A mobile speed camera parked on Hodson Bridge on the M4 Picture Ref: 76961-04NEW research from the Association of British Drivers has branded the M4 speed cameras in Wiltshire a massive mistake. more...
Smoke alarm work sparks an official visit
WILTSHIRE Fire Brigade's work to fit smoke alarms in homes has come to the attention of Government. more...
District council's new boss is named
THE new boss at North Wiltshire District Council is a former lawyer who is currently the chief executive of Maldon District Council more...
Bus pass scheme supported
CROSS-PARTY support has been given to a bid to persuade the Government to fund pensioner bus passes in full. more...
Police show off their new base
The exterior of the new police station Picture Ref: 78560-124POLICE have promised to be more accessible to the public once they move into their new £19.5m station. more...
Travellers to set up camp
A NUMBER of travellers have set up camp at a site on the edge of Cricklade. more...
It's Turkish delight for tourists
Charlotte Bizley of Travelcare in Newport Street with a sought-after Turkey brochure Picture Ref: 78545-36IT'S official the summer holidays are finally here and families across Swindon will be popping their buckets and spades in their suitcases and jetting off to warmer climes. more...
Youngsters stage a wizard performance
Children from Lethbridge School who are starring in a production of the Wizard of Oz Picture Ref: 78342-91CHILDREN from a Swindon Primary School have been following the Yellow Brick Road. more...
Vroom with a view
The Great Western Hospital as seen from the M4 which get a mention in M4 Sights Guide by Mike Jackson, right Picture Ref: 71504-11DRIVING past Swindon on the M4 usually means keeping your eyes on the road and negotiating lane closures and traffic jams. more...
No cuts to West trains
BUILDING a controversial cross-London rail link will not lead to a slashing in the number of of trains running between Swindon and the capital, a cabinet minister insisted. more...
Enthusiasts get steamed up about loco
The GWR tank engine at BittonRAILWAY enthusiasts in Bitton near Bath are excited by the arrival of a Swindon-built loco that has been rescued from the scrapheap. more...
Another star turn for Billie
Billie Piper in a scene from her new film Spirit Trap, which is out next monthBILLIE Piper is appearing in her first film starring role. more...
Babies look good
Shannon Cook has her photo taken, watched by mum Rebecca Arbon Picture Ref: 78501-29SO FAR, 250 babies have been queuing up to stake their claim to be the Advertiser's Baby Of The Year. more...
School Trip Caught In Tube Terror
Grace Kerrigan gets a hug from her mum Cathy when the St Joseph's School pupil returned from the London trip Picture Ref: 78566-151Thank God They Are All Safe... more...
Homes evacuated in bomb scare
Waiting for the all clear Joseph Goodright and his daughter Taylor and other residents in Moredon Road Picture Ref: 78565-99PASSENGERS fled a bus and about 100 people had to be evacuated from their homes after a suspect package was found on the vehicle. more...
Death of biker was accidental
Miles Tripp was an enthusiastic racerBIKER Miles Tripp who was killed in a motorcycle racing accident died accidentally, a coroner ruled. more...
Fireman cooks up a suprise for dinner lady
Barbara Owen and husband David with son Simon, a fireman, and grandchildren Jordan, 14, Danielle, 11, Elisha, 7, and Morgan, 12 Picture Ref: 78539-49WHEN Barbara Owen started as a school dinner lady there was not a sandwich in sight. more...
Home is trashed during break-in
Sue Duggan in her vandalised living room Picture Ref:78525-10A mother-of-four says the yobs who went on a £10,000 wrecking spree in her Swindon home have ruined her life. more...
Man charged after Big Top `spy' operation
Picture Ref: 78562-01A SUSPECTED thief has been charged in a secret operation after a spate of break-ins to Swindon's tented market. more...
`I did not kill the father of two children'
Mick Love Picture Ref: 72451-35THE man accused of murdering Swindon postal worker Mick Love had served time in prison for nearly severing a love rival's arm with a machete, a court heard. more...
Murder jury set to retire
Victim Lisa FlanaganTHE jury in the Lisa Flanagan murder trial was expected to begin considering its verdict today. more...
Trowbridge News
Final farewell to Hayley
Hayley's coffin is carried to Holy Trinity Church in Trowbridge (30699)POEMS, favourite songs and football shirts all played a part in the funeral of a popular mother-to-be. more...
Fun day is a big success
The Metallica Twirlers entertain the crowdsPEOPLE made the most of the sunshine as they enjoyed food, music and entertainment at the weekend. more...
Car park jumper had mental health history
The scene of the tragedyA WOMAN who died after throwing herself from the top of a 50ft car park had suffered years of mental health problems, an inquest heard. more...
Fiesta fun-time!
Mike Raven and Trevor Hill get dressed up at the Virgin Party (17321)BRAZILIAN music, a bucking bronco ride and delicious cocktails were among the treats on offer at a Latin American style bonanza for Virgin Mobile staff. more...
Court order forces travellers to leave
TRAVELLERS who caused a neighbourhood to live in fear have been kicked off their illegal campsite. Four caravans had been parked near the old A350 in Semington since Saturday. more...
Pre-school pupils graduate with honours
Children leaving the Just Learning Nursery in Paxcroft Mead were presented with graduation certificates. Photo: Glenn Phillips (30688)A GROUP of pre-school children were given the university treatment with a graduation ceremony held on Wednesday. more...
Security worker on arson charges
A TEENAGE security firm worker has appeared in court accused of a string of crimes including arson, making hoax calls and using racist abuse. more...
Food firm wins top award
Lord Lieutenant John Bush hands over the award to apetito chief executive Paul Freeston and staff members Harry Benstead, Jackie Romain and Brian La Combre (17330/06)apetito celebrated in style on Tuesday by inviting more than 200 customers, suppliers, local dignitaries and members of staff to a special lunch at the Civic Hall in Trowbridge. more...
Survey shows shortage of dentists
EIGHT out of ten people looking for an NHS dentist cannot find one, according to a survey carried out by the Citizens Advice Bureau. more...
Jennifer leaves on crest of a wave
Children from Cherry class say goodbye to their teacher Jennifer Williams, who retires after 19 years (30725)PUPILS at a primary school have bid farewell to a teacher who is retiring after 19 years service. more...
Dinner Sylvia do well?
Sylvia is given a big send off by pupils at West Ashton Primary School (30732)A LIFELONG tie to a village school is about to come to a bittersweet end for a long-serving dinner lady. Sylvia Mills, 65, has been a dinner lady at West Ashton School, Trowbridge, for nearly 31 years. more...
Business park bid rejected
CAMPAIGNERS against a proposed business park they say will increase flooding risk to their homes are celebrating after it failed to win official approval. more...
Raiders target charity
THIEVES targeted a charity project set up to help vulnerable and desperate teenagers get back on their feet. more...
Teenager jailed for robbing pensioner
A TEENAGER who robbed a 76-year-old man in his own home before going on a drunken joyride in the car he stole from him has been jailed for five years. more...
Theatre group's show doubles up
Tony Giddings plays Truffaldino with Phil Cooper as Florinda and Becky Curtis as Beatrice (17316)A THEATRE group is bringing Carlo Goldoni's comedy of disguise, deception love and longing to the stage for its summer production. more...
New plea as vandals target crime hotspot
PEOPLE living in a car crime hotspot are being urged to report any incidents to the police. The Newtown area of Trowbridge has been plagued by vandals who rip off aerials, smash wing mirrors and scratch the bodywork of cars parked in the area. more...
Hammer attack man escapes prison sentence
A TEENAGE thug who hit a man in the head with a hammer in a street brawl has avoided a jail sentence. Benjamin Pike used the tool to rain blows on victim Liam Smith in a brutal attack behind a kebab van in Trowbridge town centre. more...
New talks on revamp
NEGOTIATIONS with developers intending to transform a rundown area of Trowbridge are to begin in earnest. more...
Open door for teen drug use
A MAN who grew cannabis plants in his loft let three teenagers get high on the drug in his home. more...
Pupils hope to pass £12,000 screen test
STUDIO lights will soon be on budding young television and radio hopefuls at a town school. more...
EU rapped over town weeds
EU regulations have been blamed for untidy streets amid ongoing improvements in the county town. more...
Ethnic event offers a chance to make friends from other cultures
AN event to build friendship among different cultures will be held on Sunday. The Multi Cultural Event will have artefacts on display from various cultures, food, board games, ethnic music, henna tattooing and Arabic calligraphy. more...
Benefit loophole means home lies empty as families wait for housing
A LOOPHOLE in the system allowing people to claim housing benefit and be allocated a former council house, even if they do not live there and visit it just once every six weeks, has been branded a mockery. more...
Council pledge on affordable homes scheme
A MULTI-MILLION pound housing scheme has been given the go-ahead from councillors who claimed they would rather see "cars on the street than people". more...
Crime falls in county
DESPITE violent crimes in the UK topping the one million mark for the first time, police in Wiltshire are not bearing the brunt of the increase. more...
Police CCTV system first
POLICE in Wiltshire are the first force to adopt a unique CCTV system that should improve investigations. more...
Earn while you learn?
TEENAGERS in Wiltshire could soon be earning money to continue their education. The government funded education maintenance allowance will be paying students who qualify between £10 and £30 a week if they attend college or sixth form. more...
Tunnel project under threat
SOARING costs could threaten the future of a road tunnel project to take traffic under Stonehenge. more...
Weapons of Sound to push recycling message
Recycling band Weapons of Sound are helping Wiltshire go green with a musical extravaganza at this year's West Wilts Show. more...
Trowbridge,Bradford On Avon,Melksham,Warminster,Westbury News
Pick up litter
WE have some delightful countryside around Trowbridge used by cyclists, sports enthusiasts and dog walkers. Can I ask your dog-owning readership to take up the practice that lots of my fellow dog-walkers already pursue? more...
What a disgrace
I HAVE written to your newspaper before about the dumping of rubbish on the path that runs by the Longfield and Lavender Fields estates down to Tesco. more...
Swan attacked
I HOPE the swan mentioned in Letters last week is not the same that was being mauled/savaged by dogs on July 10, 9.45pm, in the River Biss, running from Longfield Country Park to the lake, Trowbridge Park. more...
Car park is ours
THEY have no rights to take away our multi-storey car park, this was given to the people of Trowbridge for a period of 99 years and this was only in the 1970s. more...
Who's the boss?
WITNESSING last Wednesday evening's West Wilts District planning committee meeting where the wants and needs of the residents of Paxcroft Mead and particularly those adjoining Leap Gate were utterly ignored despite well-presented and researched objections, I could not help but feel that I was also witnessing the death of democracy in our little part of the world. more...
Vote `eccentric'
THE saving grace of the recent decision to grant planning permission for the road across Hilperton Gap was that it would relieve a residential area of excessive HGV traffic. more...
Call for boycott
FURTHER to the debate concerning parking charges in Warminster. Since their introduction I have boycotted visiting the town if I cannot find a free space, and taken my trade elsewhere, even if inconvenient. more...
Save our town
I AM writing to bring to the attention of people in Bradford on Avon who care about our town the proposed development of the Keates Garage/Colour Development site. more...
Shame on them
THROUGHOUT our country and abroad from our Queen to schoolchildren, on Thursday we all stood for the two minutes' silence. Except it seems on a builder's site in Bratton. more...
Well done TIC
AFTER a recent holiday visiting relatives in Trowbridge, I recall with pleasure the general friendly and helpful attitude of shop assistants, especially when serving elderly people. more...
Fantastic show
I WOULD like to take this opportunity to express my delight in watching Newtown School's production of Toy Day. more...
Warminster News
`Blooming great' is show verdict
Diane Harding with her first prize winning hanging basket (30708)SUTTON Veny Flower Show was as colourful as ever this year as hundreds flocked to the popular event. more...
Pupils full of Eastern promise
James and Elisha in their Chinese costumes with the dragon (17315)CHINESE art, language and culture could be found in Crockerton Primary School last week. more...
Tributes as Mandy dies aged just 25
Mandy EllisA DISABLED-rights campaigner who battled a complex heart problem since birth has died aged 25. more...
Talk to your Pc via video link-up!
POPPING down to the local police station could become a thing of the past, with top cops saying mobile phones and the internet are reducing the need for personal contact. more...
Community radio goes live for all
WARMINSTER Community Radio will go live on the airwaves this month, serving the town and surrounding villages. more...
Westbury News
Reach for the sky
Dee PerkinsA WOMAN who lost her mother to cancer and has watched many of her friends suffer with the disease made a 13,500ft leap from a plane to raise cash for charity. more...
It's one giant leap for Luke
Luke Walker has gained a place at the Swindon Youth Dance Academy, reminiscent of the exploits of Billy Elliot, bottom right (30731)DANCE student Luke Walker has wowed judges to join a prestigious youth dance group. The 16-year-old, of Hawkeridge Road, Westbury, is a Year 11 pupil at Matravers School, Westbury. more...
Chernobyl children go potty for paint
Children from Belarus enjoy a pottery painting session at Optical Art in Westbury, one of several planned activities during their month-long stay in Wiltshire (30722)CHILDREN affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster spent the day at Optical Art in Westbury as part of a month long trip to boost their immune systems. more...
Kiln part of £10m plan
PRODUCTION has been heating up at Lafarge with the cement plant's newly refurbished kiln back in working order. more...
Roman finds go on show
Locals discover a rare coin collection (17302)ROMAN coins dating back nearly 2,000 years are on display in Westbury. They are part of a discovery of 5,500 coins, dated 300AD, which were found inside a 4th century Roman pot in a field in Chapmanslade. more...
Talk to your Pc via video link-up!
POPPING down to the local police station could become a thing of the past, with top cops saying mobile phones and the internet are reducing the need for personal contact. more...
Five alive as family celebrates
Baby Jessica Louise Hallett is cuddled by her mum Louise Styles. Also pictured are gran Dawn Hiscox, great-gran Margaret Styles and great-great-gran Dorothy Newman (30726)NEW baby Jessica Hallett has become the fifth generation of women in the same family. more...
Pensioners fight bid for restaurant
TWO pensioners fear their retirement may be ruined if plans to build a restaurant next door to their home are given the go-ahead. more...
End of era as Nigel retires
IT was the end of an era for a Westbury headteacher as he retired after 19 years at the helm. Nigel Gilhespy, who has been at Matravers School since 1986, was sad to leave but is looking forward to new opportunities. more...
Wiltshire News
M4 speed traps are a `mistake'
A mobile speed camera parked on Hodson Bridge on the M4 Picture Ref: 76961-04NEW research from the Association of British Drivers has branded the M4 speed cameras in Wiltshire a massive mistake. more...
Wiltshire Sport
Rory's bang in tune
Musical maestro Rory Fallon admits his manager's compliments are sweet listening after Andy King hailed his prolific striker as `head and shoulders' above his colleagues at the moment. more...
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