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Devizes News

• Fond memories shared of former Gazette journalist

  More than 80 friends and relatives attended St James’s Church in Devizes on Monday to pay tribute to veteran journalist John Leech. read more

• Hunt on for adult singers

  First Stages youth musical theatre is looking for adult cast members for its upcoming production of Simon May’s musical, Smike. read more

• £1m for much needed breaks

  More than 1,000 young people with special educational needs and disabilities, as well as their carers, are expected to benefit from short breaks and activities in Wiltshire this year. The council has committed £1million to maintain the service after ring fenced government funds ended last year. The activities and breaks for young people aged from toddler to 25 with special educational needs and/or disabilities include cycling, holiday clubs, pony riding, swimming, fishing and drama. This year more than 1,100 children and young people are expected to use the scheme with a full programme of events planned for the summer holidays. Wiltshire Council’s portfolio holder for children's services, Laura Mayes, said: “This scheme has proved invaluable for children with disabilities and their families and that’s why we were determined to keep it going once the government grant had come to an end. “They provide great fun and entertainment for the young people and give respite for the carers who devote so much time to looking after their loved ones.” Families and carers have the option to attend weekend and holiday clubs as well as using funding from the council called the “local offer” to spend on breaks that suit their child. Mum Alice Jackman of Trowbridge has seen how her 13 year-old autistic son has benefitted from the scheme. She said: “This is my first year using the funding, and it was a revelation. “It involves just one piece of paper and using an assessment that had already been done, and then the money was in my son's account within the month. “So far I have paid for him to have a weekend at a residential camp and to pay for his helper. He has also performed in a play thanks to special support. “And 32 hours of play rehearsals and performances later we have a deliriously happy boy. “It is liberating to be trusted to decide how best to spend the money to support my child and be able to make a decision in just one day.” Up to £600 is availble to families in a year, £50 a month. To find out more about the activities available over the summer hoilidays and the funding available for short breaks for young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities, visit the Wiltshire Parent Carer Council website at www.wiltshireparent carercouncil.co.uk read more

• Lorry driver escapes sudden blaze in Seend

  A fire destroyed a lorry and forced the driver to jump from his cab last Thursday evening in Seend. The Wiltshire Concrete lorry was passing through the village on the A361 at 5pm when the driver heard a loud bang and the cab filled with smoke, forcing him to pull over to a verge near The Bell Inn, jump from the vehicle and call emergency services. Police and the fire service both attended and the busy road was closed in both directions and traffic diverted until 7.15pm, as firefighters put out the blaze and made the scene safe. Two fire crews used breathing apparatus, two hoses and compound foam to extinguish the fire in the engine compartment of the lorry, which was transporting concrete. The exact cause of the fire in unknown, but is thought a fault in the engine was to blame. read more

• Day of personal development in Devizes

  The biggest conference on personal development to take place outside a major city is scheduled for Devizes next month. read more

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