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Stories for 15 September 2005
Business News
Don't fall into software trap
COMPUTER firms could be putting themselves at risk by failing to secure copyrights when creating new software. more...
Electricity firm npower were batting for the right side
THE England cricket team's success in the Ashes has given a huge boost to its Swindon-based sponsors. more...
Power breakfast goes on the menu
IF you're a business owner who likes their bacon and eggs then a new networking group might be for you. more...
Staff get cycling
STAFF from chartered accountants Monahans will be cycling from their Glastonbury branch, through Wiltshire to Swindon to raise money for Cancer Research. more...
Number of job seekers continues to increase
THE number of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance has risen for the seventh consecutive month. more...
Small scale plans
DEVELOPMENT of devices on microscopic scale could be big news for South West firms. more...
Hair salon set to move
Deborah Pearce, Anna Williams, Lisa Rake, Louise Wade, Alex Fruen and Scott Green will move in once renovation work is completed 17261/02AS SOME shops in Devizes struggle to find new tenants one town centre building has been immediately snapped up. more...
Retailer blames market for loss of sales
Businessman Andy Somers says he is losing hundreds of pounds a week in trade because of the farmers' market in Malmesbury. more...
Dyson motor to cut pollution
MALMESBURY inventor James Dyson is considering revolutionising the car industry with a digital motor normally used in his vacuum cleaners. more...
Calne News
Boy critical after 50ft tree plunge
GAZETTE & HERALD: A 14-YEAR-OLD boy is in hospital with life threatening injuries after plunging 50ft from a tree at the weekend. more...
Fear of sex fiends forces school to lock grounds
Priestley Primary School headteacher Andy Marsh-Ballard has decided to secure the gate to the school grounds with a padlock 17252/1GAZETTE & HERALD: FEARS that children could be at threat from sex offenders and other criminals have led Priestley School in Calne to lock its gates. more...
Steaming into history
Historian Don Lovelock makes a nostalgic return to Black Dog Halt. 17255/01 The 40th anniversary of the closure of Calne station brings back memories of Wiltshire's railway heyday as Gordon Simpson reports. more...
Panic at the pumps
Drivers queue for fuel at the Total garage in Northgate Street, Devizes, on Monday as fears grow of a shortage caused by blockades at refineries (17251/1)GAZETTE & HERALD: HAULIERS, taxi drivers and farmers have all been hard hit by soaring fuel prices, described by Chancellor Gordon Brown as as serious as the oil crisis of the 1970s. more...
Pub extensions heighten fears
GAZETTE & HERALD: RESIDENTS are worried that noise and disturbance will increase if the White Hart Hotel in Calne is granted a new licence extending alcohol sales to a first floor room, capable of holding an extra 100 customers. more...
Babies pick up the skill of sign language
GAZETTE & HERALD: PARENTS are being given the opportunity to learn how to communicate with their babies through sign language. more...
Fire cuts short bands contest
GAZETTE & HERALD: LAST Thursday's Battle of the Bands semi-final at the Little George pub, Chippenham, had to be cut short after a fire in a toilet. more...
Playgroup seeks funds for move to school
GAZETTE & HERALD: CHERHILL Playgroup is seeking funds to allow it to relocate from the village hall and offer a full day care service. more...
Huge family gathering after years of research
SEVEN years of research by Mary Whitehead brought a family together in Calne last week. more...
Two year ban for drink driver
GAZETTE & HERALD: Graham Skuse, 52, from Stokes Croft, Calne, was banned from driving for two years after he drove home from a pub while over the limit. more...
Festival feast of the classics
GAZETTE & HERALD: LOVERS of classical music are in for a treat at next month's Calne Music and Arts Festival. more...
Chippenham News
Have you seen this man?
Theft of petrolGAZETTE & HERALD: POLICE hunting three thieves have released pictures of them in a bid to trace them. more...
Councillors plead for help to keep CCTV going
GAZETTE & HERALD: THE CCTV system in Chippenham has been given a reprieve for another six months but councillors have warned they need support to keep it going after the end of March. more...
Town to pay for `no entry' signs
GAZETTE & HERALD: TRAFFIC will soon be banned from using The Hamlet as a rat run after town councillors voted to pay for No Entry signs at the Langley Road entrance. more...
Beat the summertime blues
GAZETTE & HERALD: Rock'n'roll fans will be dusting off their drapes and polishing their vintage motors in readiness for this weekend's celebration of 1950s' pop culture, the Eddie Cochran Festival. more...
Heritage open days at historic church
Tim Hicks and Liz Stokes give guided tours of St Andrew's Church. 17234/1GAZETTE & HERALD: ST Andrew's Church in Chippenham celebrated its long centuries of history during three National Heritage Open Days at the weekend. more...
CD tribute to skateboarder
GAZETTE & HERALD: FRIENDS and family will this weekend celebrate the launch of a CD in memory of free spirit Neil Cole. more...
Student plucks all the right strings
GAZETTE & HERALD: Budding designer Henry Dodsonmissed out on the coveted Audi Design Foundation National Young Designer of the Year title on Friday but returned home to Chittoe, near Chippenham, in a positive mood having reached the last five. more...
Mayor launches broadband for all project
GAZETTE & HERALD: Chippenham Mayor John Scragg launched an innovative community broadband project at Chippenham Town Hall on Tuesday. more...
Quest to secure Foamhenge moves forward
The quest to bring Foamhenge to Wiltshire will take another step forward next month when Carol O'Gorman of North Wiltshire District Council meets up with representatives from Webber International, in a bid to secure weather-proofing for the huge replica of Stonehenge. more...
Mum's text pest ordeal
Niccola Strange received nearly 70 lewd text messages 17274/03GAZETTE & HERALD: A MOTHER-OF-TWO was inundated with lewd nuisance phone texts after giving her details to a Homebuy salesman. more...
CAB is there to help whatever the problem
Volunteers at the Chippenham CAB office. 17247/1 GAZETTE & HERALD FEATURE: The CAB offers advice on a wide range of problems but relies on volunteers. Zoë Mills reports on their work. more...
Woman launches crusade to re-open toilets
Councillor Nina Phillips is campaigning to reopen the toilets at Chippenham Bus Station after they were closed due to the cost of vandalismGAZETTE & HERALD: COUNCILLOR Nina Phillips has launched a one-woman crusade to get the toilets at Chippenham Bus Station reopened. more...
Panic at the pumps
Drivers queue for fuel at the Total garage in Northgate Street, Devizes, on Monday as fears grow of a shortage caused by blockades at refineries (17251/1)GAZETTE & HERALD: HAULIERS, taxi drivers and farmers have all been hard hit by soaring fuel prices, described by Chancellor Gordon Brown as as serious as the oil crisis of the 1970s. more...
Belly dance for Springboard
GAZETTE & HERALD: BELLY dancers the Sahara Sisters will be shimmying their way through a fundraising party for the Gazette's Springboard Appeal. more...
Resignation threat over problems at Olympiad
GAZETTE & HERALD: TWO Chippenham town councillors have threatened to resign from the Olympiad Advisory Committee because they feel it is a waste of time . more...
Thieving gang target womens' handbags
GAZETTE & HERALD: WILTSHIRE police have sent letters to every supermarket and charity shop in the county after a shock spate of purse thefts in the Chippenham area. more...
Big Ted signals the launch of new challenge
Big Ted stops off at Chippenham Railway Station and chats to its manager Mark Prescott about his new fundraising day, TBDO, on October 14 (17264/4)GAZETTE & HERALD: The Forever Friends Appeal's cuddly mascot, Big Ted, stopped off at Chippenham Station on Tuesday to meet Great Western staff and train for the charity's region-wide fundraising day, TBDO! more...
Hercules hero given award for courage
David SteadGAZETTE & HERALD: DAVID Stead, one of the heroes of January's Hercules tragedy, has been awarded posthumous recognition for his exceptional flying skills, extraordinary courage and outstanding leadership. more...
Tempers flare as fuel panic hits garages
GAZETTE & HERALD: PANIC buying has resulted in petrol pumps running dry in Chippenham as well as frayed tempers on the forecourts. more...
Corsham News
Festival delights jazz buffs from nine to 90
From right, Pete Nicholson and Simon Grimes of the Gaulois Brothers playing Django-style jazz (17232/16) GAZETTE & HERALD: HIPS swung, toes tapped and hands clapped in Corsham as hundreds of revellers enjoyed the second annual jazz festival at the weekend. more...
Families slam council for ignoring mast fears
GAZETTE & HERALD: Disillusioned families in Hatton Way, Corsham fear that a battle to try and stop a mobile phone mast may fall on deaf ears. more...
Panic at the pumps
Drivers queue for fuel at the Total garage in Northgate Street, Devizes, on Monday as fears grow of a shortage caused by blockades at refineries (17251/1)GAZETTE & HERALD: HAULIERS, taxi drivers and farmers have all been hard hit by soaring fuel prices, described by Chancellor Gordon Brown as as serious as the oil crisis of the 1970s. more...
Resident to launch petition to slow traffic
GAZETTE & HERALD: A PICKWICK Road resident has vowed to launch a petition to get traffic calming after weeks of peace on the busy stretch in Corsham. more...
Tribute paid to Army major
GAZETTE & HERALD: SOLDIERS at the Colerne Army barracks are mourning the death in a road accident of one of their colleagues, Major Carl Maycock. more...
Sealed Knot marches in
GAZETTE & HERALD: The sound of gunfire will resound around the ancient walls of Corsham this weekend when English Civil War re-enactment group, the Sealed Knot, gives a demonstration of arms. more...
Van misses tot in car free area
GAZETTE & HERALD: TWO-YEAR-OLD tot Rebecca Miljan had a lucky escape after a van driver almost run her over. more...
Coping at the double
Twins Edward and Angus. 17248/2GAZETTE & HERALD: EMMA Bollen, a mother of twins, wants to invite mums expecting two tots to a helpful class. more...
Devizes News
Heart swap boy is having a ball
Oscar, left, and his brother, Ralph, who underwent a successful heart transplant, enjoy a happy moment in their garden 17254/9FOUR-YEAR-OLD Ralph Bergqvist is living life to the full again after undergoing a heart transplant, and his recovery has amazed family and friends. more...
It's blooming beautiful
Mayor Peter Evans with the Britain in Bloom cup 17265/2DEVIZES has continued its winning ways in the Britain in Bloom competition. In the regional competition the town was awarded the Sargent Cup for winning its class for towns with voters of between 10,000 and 11,999. more...
Panic at the pumps
Drivers queue for fuel at the Total garage in Northgate Street, Devizes, on Monday as fears grow of a shortage caused by blockades at refineries (17251/1)HAULIERS, taxi drivers and farmers have all been hard hit by soaring fuel prices, described by Chancellor Gordon Brown as as serious as the oil crisis of the 1970s. more...
Garages normal as fuel panic subsides
FILLING stations in Devizes are getting back to normal after a flurry of panic buying by motorists. more...
Police foil rave on the Plain
WILTSHIRE police say they foiled a planned rave that they suspect was due to take place at Pear Tree Hill, Great Cheverell, near Devizes, at the weekend. more...
Council told to police disco troublemakers
DEVIZES Town Council could face a bill running into thousands if its door staff at the Corn Exchange patrol the Market Place after closing time. more...
Hair salon set to move
Deborah Pearce, Anna Williams, Lisa Rake, Louise Wade, Alex Fruen and Scott Green will move in once renovation work is completed 17261/02AS SOME shops in Devizes struggle to find new tenants one town centre building has been immediately snapped up. more...
Food tickets go like hot cakes
LOCAL lovers of all things culinary are being warned to book their tickets for next week's programme of events in the first Devizes Food and Drink Festival. more...
Youth project provides village sport for all
Teenagers now have a new £32,000 sports facility in the village thanks to the efforts of a group called Youth of UrchfontTWO years of hard work have paid off for young people in Urchfont who now have an area where they can play sports. more...
Police first to fly flight simulator
WILTSHIRE Police's air operations unit became the first in Europe to use a flight simulator last week. more...
Police appeal on arson case
ARSON victim Michael Hobbs remains in hospital but is recovering from his injuries. Mr Hobbs, 62, suffered burns to his hands, feet and body when he tried to put out a fire in his bungalow in Hillworth Road, Devizes. more...
Respite care home planned
A NEW respite care centre for adults with learning disabilities is set to be built on the site of Southbroom Junior School, Devizes. more...
Bishop salutes church stalwart's selfless work
CHURCH stalwart Richard Tickell is to receive a personal award from the Bishop of Salisbury, the Right Reverend David Stancliffe. more...
Mayor sings the praises of town's gardeners
THE winners of this year's Devizes In Bloom received their awards on Friday evening at the town hall. more...
Silence angers protesters
RESIDENTS in London Road, Devizes, are furious at what they say is a refusal by Kennet District Council to provide information about the proposed Quaker's Walk development. more...
Mum's false benefits claim
DEVIZES mother-of-two Emma Booth failed to declare her second job for three years while she received benefits, magistrates were told. more...
Councillor is fined for selling out of date food
KENNET district councillor Andrew Connolly has been prosecuted for selling food after its use-by date. more...
Call to replace Brittox seats
KENNET District Council says it does not have enough money to replace three benches which were vandalised in The Brittox. more...
Fly tippers are fined more than £20,000
KENNET District Council has warned it will be taking a strong line on fly tipping after Chippenham magistrates convicted an Upavon farmer and a local building firm last week. more...
New union boss wants less emphasis on tests
TEACHER Jane Bennett from Devizes has become president of the third biggest teaching union, the Association of Teachers and Lecturers. more...
Wartime memories are reborn across Atlantic
FATHER and son Keith and Stephen Sowerby leave Aldbourne this week to rebuild the barn used by the famous Easy Company of the 101st American Airborne Division before their part in the D-Day invasion of Normandy. more...
Care charges may rise to ease £4m overspend
CLOSING hospital beds and treating more people in their own homes is leading to a cash crisis at Wiltshire County Council. more...
Health chiefs under fire for wasting scarce funds
CASH strapped Kennet, North and West Wiltshire Primary Care Trusts, which are planning to close community hospitals, have produced a glossy leaflet for their 2,700 employees encouraging them to think about changing jobs. more...
CAB is there to help whatever the problem
Volunteers at the Chippenham CAB office. 17247/1 FEATURE: The CAB offers advice on a wide range of problems but relies on volunteers. Zoë Mills reports on their work. more...
A successful show
Ashley Kennet, nine, and Sophie Peers-Weaver, 11, both of Swindon, try out the bikes (17242/02)The first ever emergency services show in Wiltshire has been described as a fantastic success. more...
Children's centres for deprived areas
PLANS are under way to establish children's centres in deprived areas of Wiltshire. more...
Duchess to be patron of youth charity
The Duchess of Cornwall has agreed to become the patron of Youth Action Wiltshire, which provides training, information, sporting and creative activities to youth clubs and projects. more...
Saddle up in safe knowledge
A new range of cycle training courses for people who would like to bike in safety will be provided by Wiltshire County Council. more...
Education News
School could close in education shake-up
WINDMILL Hill Primary School is set to close under the latest council plans for West Swindon schools. A new report recommends that Freshbrook and Windmill Hill schools are replaced by one school on the site of Freshbrook Primary School. more...
Halfmarathon News
A race against time for entries
Paul Tollafield in the skeleton outfit he is planning to wear while running the Swindon Half-marathon Ref: 99280-70SEPTEMBER 15: RUNNERS had better be quick if they want to take part in this year's Swindon Half- marathon. Backed by the Advertiser, the event on Sunday, October 16 promises to be even bigger than last year. more...
Highworth News
Warden and new sign for graves...
Leanne Wheatley with her daughters Chloe and Mia Ref: 78645-19PEOPLE who watch the Royal International Air Show at Fairford from Highworth cemetery have been asked to behave respectfully. more...
Don't let us have another Kate
Kate WalshCALLS are being made to clear an area rife with drug dealers in Manchester Road yards from where tragic Kate Walsh met her end. more...
Malmesbury News
School plans take safe step forward
Malmesbury Primary headteacher Jeff Staton, county councillors and officers look at the new school scheme two years agoTHE safety of children during the building of a new £2.5 million primary school in Malmesbury is to be safeguarded with a network of footpaths. more...
Phone mast flies into flak
Controversial plans to put three phone masts on a water tower in Malmesbury have been opposed by town councillors. more...
A successful show
Ashley Kennet, nine, and Sophie Peers-Weaver, 11, both of Swindon, try out the bikes (17242/02)The first ever emergency services show in Wiltshire has been described as a fantastic success. more...
Panic at the pumps
Drivers queue for fuel at the Total garage in Northgate Street, Devizes, on Monday as fears grow of a shortage caused by blockades at refineries (17251/1)HAULIERS, taxi drivers and farmers have all been hard hit by soaring fuel prices, described by Chancellor Gordon Brown as as serious as the oil crisis of the 1970s. more...
Petrol buying panic eases
The panic buying that gripped Malmesbury motorists has eased, according to filling station workers in the area. more...
Cyclists of all ages come together for church
Cyclists taking part in the Great Cycle Ride including race organiser Hope Carpenter, back left (17243/1)Three tots and an 80-year-old pensioner were among the participants in this year's Great Cycle Ride from Crudwell church. more...
Dyson motor to cut pollution
MALMESBURY inventor James Dyson is considering revolutionising the car industry with a digital motor normally used in his vacuum cleaners. more...
Warning over raffle scam
A GANG of conmen posing as representatives of the National Deaf Children's Society have been duping townspeople into buying tickets for a raffle that does not exist. more...
Adventurer to take on high altitude challenge
Adventurer Rory Sweet has ditched plans to break a world freefall record from the edge of space preferring to break a world altitude record instead. more...
Pub's bid to open longer fuels fears over noise
Malmesbury residents say they will be kept awake by drunken louts if the district council extends opening hours at The Smoking Dog pub. more...
Abbey in need of volunteers
More stewards are needed at Malmesbury abbey if the famous building is to remain open to townspeople and visitors. more...
Wind turbines to be looked at
Malmesbury town councillors want to take leaf out of the book of their German twin town and use wind turbines to become more energy efficient. more...
Retailer blames market for loss of sales
Businessman Andy Somers says he is losing hundreds of pounds a week in trade because of the farmers' market in Malmesbury. more...
Join walk for Alzheimer's
Alzheimer's Disease sufferers and their carers are hoping to raise awareness about the disease by taking part in a sponsored walk around Westonbirt Arboretum. more...
Marlborough News
Garage cashes in on the fuel panic
Some in Marlborough feel the prices at Dean's Garage give a bad impression of the town (17270/15)FUEL prices at Marlborough's London Road garage hit a record high of a whopping £1.08p a litre yesterday as proprietor Zubair Dean cashed in on the petrol panic. more...
Town shame as disabled battle an obstacle course
Reporter Lewis Cowen has to heave Barry Elliis in his wheelchair over a kerb. 17246/3BARRY Ellis knows that his home town of Marlborough is a friendly, welcoming place, but getting around in a wheelchair is another matter. more...
Panic at the pumps
Drivers queue for fuel at the Total garage in Northgate Street, Devizes, on Monday as fears grow of a shortage caused by blockades at refineries (17251/1)HAULIERS, taxi drivers and farmers have all been hard hit by soaring fuel prices, described by Chancellor Gordon Brown as as serious as the oil crisis of the 1970s. more...
Bid to downgrade road through heritage site
Downgrading the main road through Avebury and initiating park and ride schemes to bus visitors in from Marlborough and Devizes are among recommendations in a far-reaching report on the future of the World Heritage Site. more...
Cyclists face long haul
From left, Marie Cure co-ordinator Claire Cusack, Lady Cardigan and cyclists Dione Johnson and Jane Nicholson (17225/01)LADY Cardigan has signed up as one of 500 British riders to undertake a trans-Europe cycle ride in aid of the Marie Curie Cancer Care next year. more...
Chance to see £4m opals
MARLBOROUGH jeweller David Dudley is one of just three premises in the United Kingdom selected to exhibit the £4million Rainbow Collection of black opals from Lightning Ridge in Queensland, Australia. more...
Anguish over dog snatch
Rosa and William McWilliam with a picture of Hamish 17273/2A FAMILY in Baydon is appealing for the return of six-month-old Scots terrier Hamish, stolen from outside his home on Saturday. more...
Church award salutes author
RAMSBURY church historian Barbara Croucher is to be one of the first recipients of a special award just initiated by the Bishop of Salisbury, the Rt Rev David Stancliffe. more...
Plan to stop town river from being dark dump
ONE of Marlborough's greatest assets, the River Kennet, is overlooked, unregarded and in need of tender, loving care, says a group that has already had much success in rejuvenating parts of the river in its more rural stretches. more...
Man chopped protected trees
A NEW resident of Ogbourne St George landed up in court after he chopped down trees that were protected. more...
Prince to drop in on firm
THE Duke of York is to visit a Ramsbury company today to see how their pioneering work is saving lives around the world. more...
Disco divas get dancing again
THE monthly discos designed to discourage young people from hanging around in public areas in Marlborough have started up again and are proving as popular as ever. more...
Pewsey News
Corking good fun
Members of the All Stars from the Royal Oak, Wootton Rivers get the race off to a stylish start (17223/14ALTHOUGH Pewsey Carnival wine race was organised as a warm-up to the Wheelbeero Race the following week, last Thursday's event drew more than 70 entries and was almost as much of an attraction as tonight's extravaganza. more...
Bombshell for carnival on eve of big parade
AS organisers of Pewsey Carnival approach the culmination of their annual celebrations, they were dismayed to hear that the store in which they wish to house all their equipment may be in jeopardy. more...
Panic at the pumps
Drivers queue for fuel at the Total garage in Northgate Street, Devizes, on Monday as fears grow of a shortage caused by blockades at refineries (17251/1)HAULIERS, taxi drivers and farmers have all been hard hit by soaring fuel prices, described by Chancellor Gordon Brown as as serious as the oil crisis of the 1970s. more...
Help needed to trace antiques
The Royal Doulton balloon seller that was takenANTIQUE dealers and collectors have been asked to watch out for items stolen in a burglary in Raffin Lane, Pewsey. more...
Dog owner appeals on cruelty conviction
CANCER sufferer Kathryn Johnson, 56, formerly of East Chisenbury, near Upavon, is to relaunch her appeal after she was convicted in her absence of causing cruelty to her seven dogs. more...
Food challenge inspires young to skip the junk
IT was working with children from troubled backgrounds that made it obvious to Pewsey-mum Belinda Chandler that many of their problems were rooted in what they had to eat. more...
Shak youth club takes healthy food route
James McAlrine, Munibi Ramoni, Laura Davenport, Sophie Guildford and Vicki Osland try the fruit option at The Shak youth club in Pewsey. 17257/3YOUNGSTERS turning up to the Shak youth club at Pewsey Sports Centre were in for a surprise. more...
Sport Angling
Top catch from super Reeves
AFTER their disappointing national performance the Peatmoor Juniors came bouncing back to win the NFA Junior Regional Championships on Bathampton's AC Hunstrete Lakes. more...
Sport Cricket
Cricket boom can only boost national game
ENGLAND and Gloucestershire cricketer Jon Lewis believes that the Ashes triumph will see a huge boost in local cricket. more...
Time to capitilise on overwhelming interest
SCHOOLS and cricket clubs in Wiltshire have been urged not to let the enthusiasm generated by England's historic Ashes win slip away. more...
Sport Football
Wedding bells ringing louder than three points
THE bells could be tolling for Devizes this weekend as a wedding has severely depleted their squad for the daunting trip to title contenders Bideford. more...
Chippenham Sunday League
Premier Division more...
Wiltshire League
ALDBOURNE put the skids under Wilts Premier leaders Corsham, inflicting the first defeat of the season on the visitors. more...
North Berks League
PHIL Riding and Oliver O'Hanlon hit a goal apiece in as many second-half minutes to give Ardington and Lockinge a 2-0 victory over last season's Division One runners-up Faringdon Town. more...
Swindon Supermarine 1, Melksham Town 0
FA CUP: MELKSHAM boss Kelvin Highmore has praised his players for battling their hearts out in an agonising FA Cup loss to Swindon Supermarine. more...
Biddestone 0, Almondsbury 0
BIDDESTONE manager Graham Learmonth has pointed to the increased confidence of his side, following the departure of Gary Skidmore, as the reason for their upturn in fortunes. more...
Corsham Town 1, Willand Rovers 1
CORSHAM'S unbeaten start to their league campaign was extended after a 1-1 draw against high-flying Willand Rovers. more...
Goals galore in North Wilts
CHIPPENHAM Wanderers edged a thrilling nine-goal encounter with Swindon Badgers 5-4 in Sunday's North Wilts league clash. more...
Swaddon nets four as Cricklade put any doubts to rest
ANY remaining doubts that Cricklade would struggle to come to terms with life in the Hellenic League were finally quashed as Graham Jackson's men destroyed Middle Barton 9-1. more...
Pewsey Vale 3, Malmesbury Victoria 3
PEWSEY Vale where left to contemplate what might have been after letting a 3-1 lead slip through their fingers on Saturday, allowing Malmesbury to salvage a draw at the Recreation Ground. more...
Lardner expects a good Vase run
CALNE manager Robbie Lardner has told his players that there is nothing stopping them from having a good run in the FA Vase if they can overcome Wellington on Saturday. more...
Mid Wilts Youth League
CORSHAM AFC Jaguars won 5-1 at Chippenham Town Youth thanks to goals from Lewis McCarran, John Hardy (2), Patrick Grieshaber and man of the match Harry Clarke. Luke Panes replied for Chippenham. more...
Sport Rugby
Corsham get RFU Seal of Approval
CORSHAM Rugby Club's future looks bright after the club achieved an impressive first at the weekend. more...
Wootton Bassett 0, Minety 39
MINETY notched their second successive win of the season without conceding a single point after a 39-0 away win at Wootton Bassett 2nd. more...
Trowbridge 25, Corsham 29
CORSHAM opened their account in Southern Counties South with a hard-earned victory at Trowbridge. more...
Double delight for Supermarine
SUPEMARINE'S first and second teams clinched victories at the weekend. more...
Devizes 40, Cooper Avon, Melksham 22
DEVIZES recorded their second consecutive league win in a game full of incident. more...
Marlborough 40, Swindon 3rd 5
MARLBOROUGH began their league campaign with a good victory over Swindon 3rds. more...
Maidenhead 20, Chippenham 5
CHIPPENHAM'S first game in South West One ended in defeat but for manager Robbie Spiers it was not all doom and gloom. more...
Captain King leads by example
CHIPPENHAM'S second string thumped visitors Whitehall 40-3 after full back Warbuton had touched down within six minutes. more...
Coach Jerry hails class act
CHIPPENHAM'S young guns lit up Allington Fields with 1 61-3 victory over Swanage and Wareham. more...
Swindon News
Guided tour is just joke
I've just stopped laughing about the article in the Advertiser on September 9. MP Anne Snelgrove would take James Gray on a guided tour of Swindon and would try to include a match at the County Ground as part of the tour. more...
Note that I did not say this
IN the past few months I have really appreciated the Advertiser's help with my campaign against the O2 mast on Akers Way, Moredon. more...
Idiotic insult
JAMES Gray's arrogant and appalling insult to the people of Swindon was yet another example of his idiotic ramblings whenever he is let out on the airwaves or in print. more...
I like my town
MY name is Melissa Gooch and I am 10 years old. I am quite upset with an article that was in the Swindon Advertiser Thursday, September 8 ("I don't like Swindon I think it's a dump."). more...
It is a dump
REFERRING to other letters about Swindon, I too think Swindon is a dump. Just look at it, there are no jobs, yobs hanging around places, drunkenness. more...
Good news
HOW nice to read in the Swindon Advertiser on Friday September 9 that Richard McCarthy had his lost wallet returned to him by David Reeves, who drove to Bristol to hand it to him in person. more...
Public cash
HAVING read of the person who defrauded the council of £47,000 and was given a suspended sentence, can the council confirm it will be seeking to initiate civil proceedings to ensure this public money is reclaimed? more...
Another chapter in the life of ye old book
William MorrisA GEM in Swindon's history has been found in the basement of a church in Canada. A book by William Morris, the man who started the Advertiser in 1854, was lying in a heap of old dusty volumes at a sale in Toronto. more...
No time for taking it easy
Stretch like this Instructor Gail Judd, left, and Sylvia Delfino at a yoga class Ref: 99273-45PEOPLE across Swindon took 15 minutes out of their day to take part in this year's Get Active Day. Young and old from across the town took the chance to try new activities yesterday like belly dancing and Tai Chi. more...
A race against time for entries
Paul Tollafield in the skeleton outfit he is planning to wear while running the Swindon Half-marathon Ref: 99280-70RUNNERS had better be quick if they want to take part in this year's Swindon Half- marathon. Backed by the Advertiser, the event on Sunday, October 16 promises to be even bigger than last year. more...
A waste of space?
People relax in Swindon's Queens ParkSwindon is under fire again, this time for not having enough public spaces. Isabel Field and Dave Andrew look at whether the claims are justified. more...
Age Concern's move will help
Number One has no stairs Ref: 99279-34SWINDON Age Concern is finally on the move after a nine-year search for a new home just 100 metres down the road. more...
Caffeine day to hit cancer
From left, Abby Hewlett, Con Fernandez and Kerry Pimble of the Hillman Partnership Ref: 99274-19SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: Excitement is brewing as the town's big businesses prepare for a caffeine explosion to help raise money for the Swindon Cancer Relief appeal. more...
Grants offer for charities
From left, Prospect Hospice driver Cliff Workman, Gill Pryor, the manager of the Wootton Bassett Prospect shop and driver Howard Bowbrook with the Get Your Kit Off bags the hospice bought the last time it received a grant from the Gannett FoundationTHOUSANDS of pounds are up for grabs for charities in Swindon. more...
Save land as a tribute to poet
A NEWLY formed conser-vation trust is hoping it can help to save land around Coate Water. more...
Having a ball to support good causes
WE are looking for the worthy causes which can benefit from next year's Charity Ball in Swindon. more...
School could close in education shake-up
WINDMILL Hill Primary School is set to close under the latest council plans for West Swindon schools. A new report recommends that Freshbrook and Windmill Hill schools are replaced by one school on the site of Freshbrook Primary School. more...
Get spaced out on astronomy course
A SURVEY by New College has found over 70 per cent of students would rather be astronauts than celebrities. more...
Get peace of mind at library sessions
TWO events aimed at improving people's emotional well-being are lined up. Mind and Body at the Library an innovative scheme which helps people with the stresses of everyday life is holding two sessions at North Swindon Library on September 27 and October 1. more...
Builders will be able to take their shirts off
ONE of Swindon's Euro MPs is celebrating after the `sunshine directive' was watered down. more...
Coate in spotlight
THE Tuesday Topical Debate on SCB Radio is looking at the proposed Coate Development. more...
Man threatened to kill himself
OFFICERS from Swindon Police had to stop a man from jumping to his death from a bridge over the M4 yesterday. more...
Ozzy tells tales of his marriage
OZZY Osbourne says he sometimes hates being married to wife Sharon. According to an internet site he said: "Some days we don't talk. more...
Bike was ablaze
FIREFIGHTERS were called to a motorcycle fire in Peatmoor during the early hours of yesterday morning. more...
Keith's on show
KEITH Floyd is appearing at the Arts Centre on Devizes Road on November 5. Floyd is best known for presenting 19 food series on TV and publishing over 20 best-sellers. more...
Delays may be on the horizon
RAIL passengers who are travelling from Swindon to Southampton on Wessex Trains should expect longer journeys this autumn. more...
Nell's rear is the best of the year
Nell McAndrew has been crowned this year's Rear Of The Year. The 31-year-old model shared the honour with singer Will Young. more...
Art on display
SWINDON Artist Society is holding a painting exhibition at Wroughton Library from September 16-23. more...
Farmers' market's bid to ban bland food
THE organisers of Swindon farmers' market are urging people in the town to ban bland food. more...
Top architect to speak at event
GEORGE Ferguson, the influential president of the Royal Institute of British Architects is to speak in Swindon today. more...
Brigade appoints a new deputy
OXFORDSHIRE'S Fire and Rescue Service has announced the appointment of a new second in command to Chief Fire Officer John Parry. more...
Enjoy a night at the proms with band
THE Wyvern Theatre will be the venue for a Proms Night Spectacular held by the Swindon Pegasus Brass Band. more...
Counsellor needed for new position
THE Willows Counselling Service is looking for a mission development manager. The part-time post would suit someone that is self-employed. more...
Morley cabaret
BROADCASTER, journalist and author Sheridan Morley will be in cabaret at the Wyvern Theatre tomorrow at 7.30pm. more...
Rock legend at rail convention
THIS year's Swindon Railway Convention is this weekend at the STEAM museum. Pete Waterman, of 80s hit factory Stock, Aitken and Waterman, will be attending the event again with his model locomotives. more...
Stalling tactics
HOOK and District Women's Institute is holding a tabletop sale on Saturday, October 8 at 2pm. The event takes place at Hook Village Hall. more...
Charity concert
THE Pegasus Brass band is coming to Marlborough. The charity concert in St Peter's Church on Saturday, September 24 is in aid of the Riverbank theatre. more...
Wonder Woman joins hit musical
FORMER Wonder Woman star Lynda Carter is making her West End stage debut joining the cast of smash-hit musical Chicago. more...
Keynote concert
A CONCERT has raised more than £1,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. Singer Louise Lloyd, 21, organised the concert at Blunsdon House Hotel. more...
Visa roadshow comes to town
A VISA roadshow will be held in Swindon tonight. The event, which runs from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at Savernake Street Social Hall, was organised by South Swindon MP Anne Snelgrove. more...
Prince Charles gets in on act
THE Prince of Wales has recalled his days as an actor after watching youngsters perform at the oldest and most complete working Georgian theatre in Britain. more...
Nursing students' hard work pays off
NURSING students will celebrate their graduation in Swindon today. About 30 adult nursing students at the Swindon campus of Oxford Brookes University will graduate in Oxford tomorrow. more...
Move fast and be in running
ENTRIES for this year's Cricklade Half-Marathon have come from as a far afield as Wales and the Midlands. more...
A healthy day for all
RESIDENTS in Penhill have the chance to get fit and have fun this weekend. A free activity day is being held at Penhill Park on Saturday from 11am until 2pm. more...
All the fun of the fair
PEATMOOR Community Primary School is holding its autumn fair tomorrow. more...
Appeal to find lost student
THE family of a Liverpool student who disappeared while in Crete are hoping holidaymakers from the Swindon area may have information about him. more...
Ramble on with walkers
SWINDON'S ramblers are holding a special week to give people an opportunity to try out country walking. more...
Wind project to breeze in
GREEN Amps, a Ramsbury-based wind energy firm, will be presenting its proposals at a meeting in Broad Blunsdon next month. more...
Aircrew helps launch appeal
AIRCREW from RAF Lyneham have helped to launch a Royal Air Force Association Appeal in Blackpool. more...
I will stand by my brother says Paul
MUSIC legend Sir Paul McCartney has vowed to stand by his brother after he was accused of groping a waitress. more...
Talk for society
THE Swindon branch of the Wiltshire Family History Society is meeting this evening. It meets at 7.15pm in the Gorse Hill Community Centre. more...
Brize Norton moves to Fairford for runway work
AIRCREWS from Brize Norton were due to make a temporary move to Fairford. more...
Charity concert
THE Pegasus Brass Band will be giving a charity concert in St Peter's Church, Marlborough on Saturday, September 24 in aid of the Riverbank project. more...
Phone threat
RESIDENTS in Covingham have days to comment on plans to remove a payphone. British Telecom is removing the phone from St Paul's Drive. more...
McKee for kids
Not Now Bernard, by David McKee, is being brought to life at the Arts Centre next month. more...
Quick draw
BUDDING artists are invited to a painting and drawing class at the Arts Centre. The course is run by Laurie Plant on Tuesdays at the centre in Devizes Road, Old Town. more...
TV host's diet row broadside
TV presenter Fern Britton has hit back at her critics in the row over her weight. The voluptuous This Morning hostess has been slated for claiming diets don't work and declaring herself happy with her size. more...
Campaigner says Europe controls law
A SWINDON peer says a new ruling means the European Union now decides who goes to prison. more...
Volunteer rangers needed
RANGERS in Swindon are calling for more help from volunteers. more...
Time to put the grey matter to the test
CHISELDON Primary School is holding a quiz night on Friday, October 14. The regular quiz master, Paul Boyles will be in the chair and will have range of questions for all taking part. more...
Get wise to the wonders of our woodlands
THE Local Enterprise and Vocational Employment Scheme is inviting people to get involved in a Woodland Wise event. more...
Don't let us have another Kate
Kate WalshCALLS are being made to clear an area rife with drug dealers in Manchester Road yards from where tragic Kate Walsh met her end. more...
Rail firm pays out
Compensation Victor Ing, who is suffering from asbestos-related disease, and below working on a steam train in 1958 Ref: 99281-38A FORMER Swindon railway worker, who was exposed to asbestos, has won a legal battle against his old employers. more...
Army tightens rules on low flying
ARMY top brass have agreed to tighten rules on low flying planes and helicopters. The move approved by the Ministry Of Defence comes just weeks after a woman was injured when a helicopter flying low over Wroughton spooked her horse. more...
£1 million - That's how much speeding drivers in Wiltshire give to the Treasury
SPEEDING motorists in Wiltshire paid more than £1m into Government coffers in only a year, it has been revealed. more...
Pub is the toast of real ale buffs
Doug Watkins, landlord of the Check Inn in Wroughton Ref: 99272-82FOR locals it's a cosy place to meet with friends and family where all the troubles of the world can be forgotten. But for real ale lovers it is a beacon of all that is good. more...
New nursery faces closure
Youngsters have fun at the newly opened Noah's Ark nursery. From left Joshua Mooney, Eden Chapman and Harry Mason. Ref: 99257-15A BRAND new nursery could soon be closed down, just days after opening its doors. Brian and Caroline Hammond owners of Noah's Ark Nursery in Wroughton have pumped nearly £600,000 into the venture. more...
Heading for an Arctic role
Wincent Kordula plans to embark on a charity trek to the top of the world Ref: 99265-14THE treacherous conditions of the North Pole do not scare a Swindon man who is embarking on his first ever expedition. more...
Petrol protest's empty promise
THINGS are getting back to normal that is what most garages in Swindon were saying last night. more...
CD tribute to missed skate fan
Neil ColeA SWINDON teenager who tragically died in a skateboarding accident will be remembered at the launch of a special CD. more...
Swindoncares News
Charities get help for happy Christmas
Michelle LeightonSEPTEMBER 15 2005: SWINDON charities will be given a Christmas boost thanks to a family fun run. The Swindon Cares charities will all benefit from the fancy dress fun run through the town centre at the end of November. more...
Wiltshire News
£1 million - That's how much speeding drivers in Wiltshire give to the Treasury
SPEEDING motorists in Wiltshire paid more than £1m into Government coffers in only a year, it has been revealed. Speed camera fines in the county earned Chancellor Gordon Brown £1.1m in 2003/04. more...
Wiltshire Sport
Support for King!
Andy King, pictured, has received chief executive Sandy Gray's support to turn Town's results aroundANDY King continues to enjoy the support of his chief executive with supporters not managers the present focus in the boardroom. more...
Wootton Bassett News
Play park is planned
TWO of Wootton Bassett Town Council's committees meet tonight in the council offices in Station Road. more...
French market comes to town
A FRENCH market is being held in Wootton Bassett on Sunday. The event takes place around the Town Hall area of the High Street, and will run between 10am and 4.30pm. more...
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