Archive

Stanton St Quintin swimming instructor Martin Sugden told a court of his shock and surprise when he was arrested for murdering Corsham rugby player Donavan Van Lill who disappeared on March 3, 2010. Sugden told the court he was stunned when he was arrested

TOP pony showjumper Jessica Mendoza was in flying form at the Addington Manor Pony Premier Show, held near Buckingham, writes KATE HEALEY. The show was the last in the series of British Showjumping (BS) ‘Pony Premier’ shows, designed as an early-year

CALNE'S Julia Kiruchina led the top class of the day at West Wilts Equestrian Centre’s senior BS (British Showjumping) meeting at Holt, writes KATE HEALEY. She saw off a strong challenge from West Wilts regular winner Bina Ford in the Newcomers and 1.10m

Bath Drama have taken Dylan Thomas’s classic radio play and turned it into a vibrant visual feast. You can immerse yourself in pre-war small-town Wales as the 22 strong cast populates the mythical village of Llareggub, bringing the extraordinary swathe

A nightclub owner has denied ever knowing South African Donavan Van Lill at the trial into his murder. Mike Rosser, who owns Karma, was giving evidence at Bristol Crown Court where Stanton St Quintin swimming instructor Martin Sugden is charged

Wootton Bassett Light Operatic Society will stage the popular musical, Annie, at the Memorial Hall, Station Road, on April 14 to 18, at 7.30pm, and a Saturday matinee, 2.30pm. This lively, upbeat show, set in New York in 1933, has wonderful songs, including

As a 90-year-old with over 70 years driving vehicles, including bren gun carriers, articulated lorries and motorcycles, I consider myself a competent driver, even though I gave up my licence last year. However, this did not prepare me for the hazards

Voluntary Action Kennet and its predecessor Kennet Rural Development Agency have been important support organisations for voluntary and community groups across the former Kennet district area. It is therefore with much sadness we find ourselves

The Lions Club of Calne would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the people of Calne who so generously contributed to the emergency collection we had to raise funds for those so severely affected by the Japanese tsunami and earthquake

I was disappointed to read in last week’s Gazette that Marlborough Town Council is unwilling to support our local children’s school, preferring a relief road. In hard economic times Dr Patrick Hazlewood needs support and credit for creating

I am writing in sorrow and disgust rather than anger, after reading about the Christmas lights committee and the reported comments of the chairman. Marlborough traders, when the majority were local family firms, always supported both financially

It seems to me that the most important issue confronting the residents of Chippenham at the moment is the prospect of large scale estates being developed around the margins of the town, destroying it as a market town. In view of this you might

We were delighted that we have been nominated by your readers as the Best Family Day Out here at the House and Best Golf Club in the Health, Beauty & Entertainment category. So, this line comes with thanks to you and your team for promoting the competition

I find figures and balance sheets difficult to understand at the best of times and PCT figures always baffle me. Last week I read the headline, “Wiltshire NHS is forced to cut £34m” and according to the Gazette & Herald report, “NHS Wiltshire is still

The recent well-attended health and adult social care event held in the Neeld Hall in Chippenham a couple of weeks ago gave the local community the opportunity to speak with local service providers and community groups. It also gave the organisations

I read your article concerning the fact that Marlborough town councillors have decided that a relief road skirting St John’s School grounds is more important for the town than extra playing fields. Apparently the relief road is needed to facilitate the

Many thanks to the gentleman who took the time in taking my handbag to the customer service department at Sainsbury’s, Bath Road, Chippenham, on Monday, March 21 at around 7pm. After a very stressful weekend I popped into Sainsbury’s to do a little shopping

Although Wootton Bassett is in no sense a part of either Swindon town or borough our official Royal Mail address does, in fact, include Swindon. I understand this is because of the location of our main Royal Mail sorting office there. As pretty well

There are times when the affairs of State are so pressing and so complex as to seem almost impossible of fair solution. George Osborne’s Budget last week was as good as it could possibly be with the national coffers close to empty. It was a business

The number of foster carers in Wiltshire is critically low. There is currently a shortage of more than 8,200 in England and a shortfall of 600 in the south west alone. As a south west-based fostering agency, we are appealing to your readers to join

MANTON-BASED New Zealand international Jonelle Richards was among the winners at the Land Rover Gatcombe Horse Trials, held on the Princess Royal’s estate. Richards led from the opening dressage phase in an Intermediate section, for up and coming horses

Models of Wootton Bassett town hall and high street made in the 1970s-1990s are to go on display. The three models are being exhibited in a free Brilliant Bassett display at the town hall on High Street. The model of the town hall, as it was in 1970

DEVIZES judoka Tom Reed is hoping the knee ligament injury that sidelined him for almost two months is finally behind him as he prepares for April’s European Championships. The 25-year-old injured himself at January’s British Trials at the English Institute

Lime Kiln Leisure Centre, which was badly damaged by a fire in December, re-opened on Monday. The sports hall, gym, squash court and dance studio were not directly damaged by the fire and were refurbished. The re-instatement of the swimming pool will

Councillor Charles Vernon has defended his actions in holding a private meeting with a builder over a new supermarket for Malmesbury. The town councillor said he is angry that notes documenting a meeting with builder and garden centre owner

A team of airmen from RAF Lyneham is taking on a gruelling 1000-mile fitness challenge in a bid to raise £10,000 for charity. The eight-strong unit, from 33 Engineering Support Squadron will attempt the ultra duathalon, which involves a 20km run, 80km

THERE were some fantastic games on League Cup semi final weekend, none more so than between Larkhall U14 and Trowbridge Wanderers. Both teams missed golden opportunities to take the lead but with five minutes to go before the break Ruby Goodman put

CHIPPENHAM captain Nigel Stonham insisted his team should hold their heads up high despite defeat in the biggest match in their history on Sunday. Stonham’s men lost out 4-2 to Kent side Burnt Ash (Bexley) in the semi finals of the England Hockey National

AT a packed Bristol Crown Court, Stanton St Quintin swimming instructor Martin Sugden told the jury he fantasised about killing his Olympiad work colleague Donavan Van Lill but never carried it out. There was standing room only in the public

A toddler who fell from a bedroom window in Moorlands, Chippenham, on Tuesday is still at the Royal United Hospital in Bath. The two-year-old boy fell from the first floor window, landing on a patch of grass at the front of the house. Neighbour

PROMOTER Keith Mayo says his professional shows could become a regular fixture in Chippenham, ahead of next month’s Rumble by the Avon. The April 30 show is the second Mayo fight night to take place at the Olympiad Leisure Centre, with the

The Crown, New Park Street, Devizes. (01380) 722692 The Crown in Devizes has a reputation as a favourite night spot with the under-30s, or those who, after a few drinks, think they fit this bracket. But go at lunchtime or before the dance floor

ADIE Mings admitted a “moment of magic’’ had decided the crunch promotion battle with Chesham but insists his Bluebirds side won’t be found wanting for effort in the Premier Division run-in. Lewis Powell curled home a sensational 30-yard free kick seven

THE first big flat race of the season, that got underway at Catterick earlier in the week, is the William Hill Lincoln Handicap at Doncaster on Saturday. Sometimes called a bookmakers’ bonanza a maximum of 22 runners go to post, while making the race

I’M a bit disappointed about the result on Tuesday but I can’t fault the attitude or the commitment of my players at all. After the game, I could see how disappointed they all were and it was so refreshing to hear how much they wanted to win and how

CHIPPENHAM Town are offering reduced season ticket prices for fans next month, as they look to give their finances an end-of-season boost. Bluebirds fans who purchase season tickets for next year before May 1 can save up to almost 13 per cent off the

Plans to convert a barn at Ogbourne St George into four holiday lets are being recommended for approval by Wiltshire Council’s eastern area committee tonight. The application has been made by Sonia Wright who runs a nursery at Southend, however, the

CORSHAM footballer Matt Ralph is finally experiencing the pain of defeat after suffering his first loss in the Chippenham & District Sunday League for more than 160 league games. The 23-year-old, also joint-manager of Premier Division Corsham Centre,

This week has been dominated by debates on the Budget, which finally culminated in a series of votes late on Tuesday night. I was able to speak during the debates as well as in the media and said that given the limited financial choices available, the

There was good news in last week’s budget for families, motorists and businesses. The fuel duty cut will bring welcome relief to many and the raising of the personal allowance – a Liberal Democrat priority – will let low and modestly paid people

Wiltshire couples planning their big day flocked to The Manor House Hotel in Castle Combe on Sunday for the Gazette’s wedding fair. They were able to get advice on everything from hair and make-up to cakes and photographs in the luxurious setting of

The mother of murdered Sian O'Callaghan has described news of her daughter's death as "the worst of the worst" she could imagine. Sian O'Callaghan, a personal assistant from Swindon, went missing from the town's Suju nightclub on March 19. Her body

MIKE Hartley reckons his side’s thrashing of high-flying Lydney Town on Saturday had been on the cards for some time. Vics recorded just their fourth win of the season thanks to a brace from Simon Griffiths and goals from Ed Wilkins, Alan Hawthorne and

MEL Gingell hailed his side’s finest performance of the campaign as proof of what a full-strength Corsham outfit can achieve. Craig Gingell, Kris Beasley, Ollie Webb and Aaron Ledgister were all on target as the Wiltshire men swept aside Farm, who are

PEWSEY Vale boss Adi Holcombe is simply hoping that his side can keep on winning as they look to succeed in the Wessex League Division One promotion battle. Pewsey picked up their eighth victory from the last 10 games with a 7-0 demolition of struggling

BASSETT were undone by two early second-half goals to leave them still needing points to be absolutely sure of avoiding an immediate return to Division One West. Carl Davies gave the visitors the lead, but Bassett were level by half time as Alex Green

CALNE Town joint-boss Jeff Roberts says his team have begun to discover the fighting spirit to be successful in the Toolstation League First Division. Calne have now gone five games unbeaten, Dan King and Glenn Armstrong netting for the Lilywhites although

ASSISTANT boss James Dore reckons Devizes got a taste of their own medicine as struggling Roman Glass grabbed victory at Nursteed Road on Saturday. Ray King gave the home side the lead, but the Bristol visitors turned it around in the second

ADAM Young claims that his Melksham Town side played well despite their 1-0 loss to promotion-chasers Bridport on Saturday. Defender Matthew Condliffe netted the only goal of the game for the hosts, with an effort that looped over Melksham keeper Nick

Anti-cuts protesters who attended the rally in London on Saturday have hit out at anarchists for hijacking media attention away from their action. Labour Party members from the Chippenham and Devizes constituencies were among up to half a million people

Chippenham's River Festival has received a boost from Ivensys Rail which has agreed to sponsor the raft race again. Emery Gate and Borough Parade have also sponsored the event, which takes place on August 27 and 28. This year’s raft race will be only

Folk fans determined to see Steeleye Span in Chippenham in May will need to be by their telephone or computer on Saturday. Tickets for the band that will headline this year’s Chippenham Folk Festival on May 30 go on sale at 10am at £16 each

Grants for sporting and leisure pursuits were approved by Devizes Area Board at its last meeting. Bishops Cannings Cricket Club received £3,415 towards the purchase of two sight screens, a mobile practice net and the resurfacing of the worn artificial

CHIPPENHAM'S boys relay squad took gold and silver at the Wiltshire BAGCAT Championships. The 13/14 squad of George Claverley, Matthew Hare, Peter Holden and Jon Branston were second behind Trowbridge in the 4x100m freestyle relay, but later won the 4x100m

An inquest was opened yesterday morning into the death of Wiltshire deputy chief constable David Ainsworth, who was found hanged in his garage in Potterne last week. Coroner David Ridley recorded that prior to the arrival of acting detective chief inspector

Teenagers were not only daubing graffiti inside Marlborough town hall on Sunday they were being encouraged to do it. They also took part in street dance lessons as part of an event organised by the We Love Marlborough arts promotion group. Students

U9 Division One An outstanding free kick from Oscar Toropov-Shilling earned Devizes Town Youth a point against Trowbridge Wanderers, Matthew Morris on target for Trowbridge. FC Chippenham stayed four points clear at the top after running out

About one in every four electors in Aldbourne turned out to vote in a referendum to see whether they were prepared to pay a higher council tax to keep their library as it is currently run. The unofficial poll organised by Aldbourne Parish Council was

The funeral of six-year-old Finlay Connor, who died as the result of a collision with a school bus, will be held at St Mary’s Church at Woodborough on Saturday. His mother Nicola, who received serious abdominal, leg and head injuries in the

Lavington School pupil Kate Armitstead was overwhelmed to meet the Queen on Tuesday after winning a competition through the TV programme Blue Peter. Kate, 12, from Wedhampton, near Devizes, is the winner of the 12 to 14 year category in the competition

Teenager Robert Dobie, who nearly died at Christmas two years ago after contracting virulent food poisoning, was at the NEC in Birmingham last night as a guest of his heroes McFly. He met the group when they made promotional visits to Marlborough and

It might be a sign of advancing age or retreating patience, but I’ve reached the point where my deepest held convictions have sunk without trace. Once I was such a woolly liberal you could have knitted me into a cardi. I had as many Make Love, Not War

This snapshot of a very successful local rugby team brought memories flooding back for Corsham town councillor Chris Stewart, who was one of its members. It shows the Chippenham Boys School rugby team who in 1972 were unbeaten for the whole

Former headteacher Marjorie Cox died on March 14 at the age of 95. She trained as a teacher in 1936, and held various posts, culminating in 25 years as headteacher of Islip Manor Infants School, Greenford Middlesex. She and her husband,

This picture of printers at the Wiltshire Gazette and Herald was taken about 60 years ago. The premises where the printers worked are still at the back of the Gazette offices in the Market Place. In those days, long before computers,

Maths teacher Allan Chiles was given a musical farewell at his funeral on Tuesday. Students from Malmesbury School performed songs, poetry and instrumental music at the service for the former head of department and deputy head. Mr Chiles

Peggy Griffin, nee Hibbert, who has died aged 75, met her husband Harvey when they were both pupils at Chippenham Secondary Modern School in Station Hill. They began courting when Mr Griffin was 17, and Mrs Griffin, 16, and were married three years

Cmdr William Burling Tributes have been paid to Commander William Burling, who died on March 8 at the age of 77. He enjoyed a long and varied career in the Navy, from 1948 to 1993, witnessing nuclear testing off Australia and taking part in the Suez

Former advertising executive Shirley Pickett, who retired to Devizes to concentrate on painting, has died at the age of 81. She was born in Cardiff on August 18 1929 and, after a spell in teaching, moved into commerce. Her subsequent