GAZETTE & HERALD: SUB Postmaster for Pewsham Post Office, Howard Greenman said he is waiting for confirmation from Post Office Ltd before he responds to claims he was planning to sell off his branch all along. He has refused to give his side of the
GAZETTE & HERALD: Traffic gridlock in Chippenham could have dire consequences for the town's traders in the run-up to Christmas, a town councillor has warned. Already lengthy traffic queues have plagued the Bath Road in and out of the town with construction
GAZETTE & HERALD: NEGOTIATIONS are currently underway between the owners of Methuen Park and a number of major hospitality chains, which could result in a second hotel for Chippenham. A one-acre block, which lies between the Focus DIY store and the
14281/2GAZETTE & HERALD: FURIOUS residents are demanding to know why Kington St Michael has been hit by six power cuts since July. It has affected the primary school badly and has also resulted in thousands of pounds worth of lost business at the
GAZETTE & HERALD: Plans to build over 150 new homes on the site of the old Allington School in Chippenham have been given the green light despite concerns about flooding. Developers Redrow Homes will build 118 new homes on the 3.8-hectare site, ranging
GAZETTE & HERALD: A HIGH Court judge has ruled that mother-of-two Helen Cooper, who died from breast cancer two weeks ago, was given negligent and misleading advice by the Royal United Hospital in Bath over her treatment. Mrs Cooper's grieving husband
Diana Scott and her longed for daughter, GraceGAZETTE & HERALD: Amazing baby Grace, born more than two years after the death of her father Peter, has come home from hospital with her delighted mother Diana to a warm welcome from all her friends. The
BUSINESS bosses and charity chiefs have been toasting the success of this year's Swindon Cares Week. From designing Christmas cards, to cycling in the cold, and being quizzed on general knowledge, thousands of you have dug out notes and coins to give
Derek Benfield, then the mayor of Swindon, with his wife Pamela and charity ball organiser Rob Harman at last year's eventFOLLOWING the success of this year's Marriott Charity Ball, organisations can now apply for a share of the money raised by next year's
FOR many disabled people, music is the only way of communicating. That is why Debbie Wolfsohn, of Purton's Music Alive charity, is so delighted that the group is to receive vital funding from this year's Marriott Charity Ball. The £4,000 the group has
WHEN it comes to the bottom line, Rosemary Hawthorne knows her pantaloons and divided drawers from her bloomers and knitted knickers. She'll be showing off her underwear - and her expertise in its history and development - at the Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne
TASTER sessions of complementary therapies and holistic healing, tarot readings and palmistry, plus workshops, demonstration and free talks are all wrapped up in Salisbury's first One Source Mind, Body and Spirit Festival at Salisbury City Hall next weekend
GAZETTE & HERALD: About 750 residents 'posted' their views on Corsham during three community days run by the Corsham Area Community Partnership. The comments, stuck on special boards in the Martingate Centre, gave views on a wide range of issues,
GAZETTE & HERALD: Corsham motorist Nathan Law has been jailed for 22 months after he deliberately rammed a police patrol car during a late night chase. The 21-year-old, who at the time was banned from driving, also admitted taking revenge on a woman
Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator Ian Luddington has become the latest victim in a spate of rural burglaries. Mr Luddington, 34, was at home watching television at around midnight on September 27, when thieves escaped with a triple-locked horsebox parked
NORTH Wiltshire MP James Gray will today attend a memorial service in London for Norris McWhirter, co-founder of the Guinness Book of Records. The service will be held at St Martin in the Fields at 11am. Mr Gray said Mr McWhirter was a friend who he deeply
SENIOR Tories gathering in Bournemouth have spoken of their secret passion for pop music but North Wiltshire MP James Gray dismissed the admissions as 'nonsense' and said his constituents should judge him on his work, not his taste in music. In a move
Thrilled residents of Newton Grove, Malmesbury, are delighted their persistent lobbying has paid off after North Wiltshire District Council reversed its decision to make a play area smaller. Executive members of the district council made a U-turn on the
14245/2THERE has been no excuse for a dirty car in Pewsey this week after the village firefighters turned their hoses on more than 90 vehicles on Saturday. They were taking part for the first time in the national Car Wash Day in aid of the Fire Service
STRIKER James Constable says he and his teammates felt as if they had let everyone down after throwing away Saturday's cup tie . He said: "This defeat is hard to take as we all felt that we let the club down and could have gone further in the FA Cup.
FORMER Swindon Town striker Mark Draycott has joined Chippenham on trial after playing in the American A league. Draycott, 19, attended his first training session on Tuesday night after returning to England last week. He has just finished the season in
SOLIHULL assistant manger Robin Judd thinks marking James Constable will be his side's priority as they look forward to the visit of Chippenham on Saturday. The Bluebirds beat Solihull 2-1 in their first encounter this season, with Constable grabbing
CHIPPENHAM Town manager Steve White has hit back at claims he dropped two of his team because they had been out drinking. Reports and rumours on the Chippenham Town fans' website had said that club captain Wayne Thorne and brother Gary were both dropped
CHIPPENHAM Town fans have been accused of attacking Lymington and New Milton officials after their stormy FA Cup tie on Saturday. But Chippenham, who were beaten 3-2, have defended their supporters. They have passed on four letters of complaint from fans
A WOMEN'S group learnt how to cut a good figure when a speaker gave a talk about bras and underwear. Twenty members of Crudwell Ladies learnt some tips from Lyn Young, who runs Keynsham-based business, Perfect Fit. Mrs Young specialises in fitting bras
THE Wardens and Freemen of Malmesbury took their annual oath at a ceremony last Wednesday. More than 260 townspeople now belong to the institution and there are four grades; commoner, landholder, assistant burgess and capital burgess. Commoners have to
A Wincanton articulated lorry struck a beam on the Kingway Bridge, on the A429, near Corston around 11am this morning. The lorry's trailer was badly damaged in the incident but the driver is not believed to have been hurt. Malmesbury police went to the
14238/1/ASCountess June Badeni has achieved every writer's dream by having her work included in the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. The 79-year-old from Norton, near Malmesbury, wrote about English poet Alice Meynell, of whom she published a
CORONER Richard van Oppen said there was no way of knowing why motorist Albert Trebilcock failed to stop at the Purton junction of the B4696 on January 26 this year. Mr Trebilcock, 65, of Bendy Bow, Oaksey, was killed outright in the accident, which occurred
14288/1Conker games will continue as normal this weekend at Westonbirt Arboretum despite one school forcing conkers players to wear eye goggles as a safety restriction this week. Headteacher Shaun Halfpenny sparked howls of derision by ordering children
STAFF at NatWest's Salisbury branch are celebrating the fact that, according to their customers, they are tops for customer service. More than 20 customers took the time to submit a nomination form to the bank, recognising the service that the team at
Greeting visitors to Expo were assistant city centre manager Claire Usher, city centre manager Lindsey Brown, chamber of commerce executive officer Delia Hembury (right) and her assistant Liz Paddock. DA6464P01GREETING visitors to Expo were the ladies
Salisbury Hospice fundraising co-ordinator John Lakeman shows off its Christmas card, featuring a picture by Journal chief photographer Roger Elliott, on the hospice's stand at Expo 2004. DA6464P16THERE was only one charity represented at Expo and it
ON the night before Expo organisers, exhibitors and their guests gathered at the Medieval Hall in Salisbury for a party. The event, attended by the Mayor of Salisbury, Jeremy Nettle, was sponsored by HSBC in Salisbury and the guest speaker was the bank's
FA VASE and Wessex League double winners Winchester City strolled around Western Way on Saturday with confidence and gave Bemerton Heath Harlequins a football lesson. The visitors opened strongly with slick passing and movement. Inside the opening 12
THE Wheatsheaf Cabin Crew came through a stern test at home to Overton 36-15, in spite of being locked at 0-0 at half-time on a blustery day, which made kicking difficult. The visitors broke the deadlock, capitalising on sloppy tackling to open the scoring
POTENTIAL snooker stars of the future were cueing up in Salisbury at the weekend for their first ranking competition of the season. The Junior Cuestars tournament is run through a series of competitive events for eight to 21-year-olds, held at Salisbury
October 7 2004: RUNNERS taking part in Swindon's first half marathon should receive their race packs within the next few days. More than 12,000 applications have been received at Nationwide HQ for the Evening Advertiser-backed event, which takes place
SALISBURY Rugby Club will go into this weekend's top-of-the-table clash with Chippenham with confidence sky-high, after they demolished league strugglers Amersham and Chiltern 51-3 at home, writes Sarah McQuillen. Delighted captain Dave Bell hailed his
DAIRY farmers from Wiltshire have been offered a free bus to the Milk Development Council's first national Dynamic Dairying conference. There will be transport running from South Wales, through Swindon and then to Ardingly in West Sussex, for the conference
SHARON Charity, the prospective Parliamentary Labour candidate for Devizes, challenged Health Secretary Dr John Reid at the party's annual conference in Brighton to back the appeal to save Devizes Maternity Unit. Mrs Charity, a mother of two from Market
Motorcycle tyres may need to be checked as the warmer weather approaches, warns the Retail Motor Industry Federation. During the winter months, wear and damage to tyres can go unnoticed. Riders should always ensure that their tyres are safe and legal,
Reading your favourite book undisturbed in the library is a similar experience to driving the VW Bora, silent and comfortable. ANDY TATE takes it for a drive about town It is tempting to dismiss the VW Bora as boring and not just because of its outstanding
With many of the UK's new drivers - amounting to more than a million in the past year - likely to be hiring unfamiliar cars for holiday driving, driver training experts BSM are warning them to carry out a few basic checks before handing over any hard-earned
RAC welcomes the consultation announced today concerning a new sliding scale of fines and penalty points for speeding motorists: RAC's Rebecca Bell said; "Though no one condones speeding, it's a reality on our roads so we think most motorists will welcome
LIBRARIES want parents to sign up their tiny babies as members in the quest to find the youngest book borrower in Wiltshire. The competition, run by Wiltshire County Council, will coincide with National Bookstart Day tomorrow. Librarians will be looking
NORTH WILTS JUNIOR LEAGUE: U17 - Shaw scored five times in each half to retain leadership of the division with Stratton Juniors B. Finding the net for Shaw were Adam Legg (4), Dan Hiscocks (3) Bruno Pileggi (2) and an own goal. A hat-trick from Rory Sproule
A PLAN for a speed limit on the A4 London Road hasbeen slammed Chippenham town councillors who fear the limits are not low enough and do not go far enough. The new proposals, put forward in the wake of the Gazette's A4 safety campaign, include the lowering
U11 KNOCKOUT CUP: THE match of the first round turned out to be the game between Greenmeadow B and Highworth Juniors. The two sides shared seven goals, with Highworth edging it by a last-minute winner to make it through to the next round. Callum Hector
THERE wasn't a horse in sight, but a record number of teams and runners turned out for the 21st annual Rotary Horseless Team Event at Badminton. Honours went to a team from Nationwide building society in Swindon, which scooped the business trophy, while
TROWBRIDGE LEAGUE: A SHAUN Sheppard double after a Mark James penalty had erased the first, took Blue Circle to the top of Division Two at Seend United Res playing their fifth successive home game. FC Northbridge remain rooted at the foot of the table
WILTSHIRE LEAGUE: CRICKLADE Town trailed by four goals at one stage in their match with visitors Corsham Town Reserves and, despite a spirited reply in the second half, ran out of time and were beaten 4-3. The visitors took a two goal lead at the break
BIDDESTONE were denied a point by their own crossbar against high flying Dawlish on Saturday. Right on full time defender Adam Gainey cracked a shot against the woodwork, which would have capped an excellent second half effort from the home side. The
PERHAPS the Devizes squad should take up mountaineering, because that's what they seem to want to do. According to frustrated manager Mark Godley, his team must stop giving themselves a mountain to climb if they want to win games after another spirited
NEW Highworth signing Jamie Mills made a winning start against the club from which he joined. The midfielder was instrumental in the 2-0 Premier Division win over Wantage just days after leaving the Oxfordshire outfit. He missed a good early chance but
14241/2The magic of the FA Cup came to Corsham on Saturday as a record-breaking crowd crammed into the Southbank but the team's dream came to a disappointing end. Corsham were not the walkover the Conference South outfit might have expected and the home
THERE was a ghoulish shock in store for Gazette cameraman John Myers when he downloaded photographs taken during a ghost hunt at the famously haunted Red Lion pub in Avebury. One of his photographs taken of a mirror in the pub restaurant shows a gruesome
THERE will be by-elections to fill a vacant seat on Marlborough Town Council and one for the Kennet District Council Ogbourne ward. Nominations closed at noon on Friday and there were three candidates for each seat. The town council east ward vacancy
OCTOBER 4 - 9 2004, BATH: The nightmare of life in the First World War trenches and the appalling sacrifice of young lives are vividly recalled in RC Sherriff's drama. Set in a dugout on the front line, it centres on the officers and how they cope, or
Ref. 26705-17BRAVE Abigail Taylor-Silk from Wroughton undergoes another three-week course of chemotherapy today. The 14-year-old Ridgeway pupil, who suffers from Hodgkins Disease, will travel to Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital each Thursday for the treatment
MORE than 50 floral tributes have now been left at the scene where murder victim Mick Love, 40, died in Cannon Street. Swindon band Charred Hearts are planning to pay their tribute by holding a fundraising gig in their friend's memory. Police have renewed
AIRCREWS from RAF Lyneham went to Northern Ireland to help in the rescue of a Canadian submarine crew. A Hercules aircraft from the Wiltshire base flew to Ballykelly airfield near Londonderry with several large life rafts in case of emergency. The stricken
A MAN has spoken of his anger after a driver knocked down his brother and left him for dead. Andrew Ryder, 42, was cycling back from work along Kingsdown Road on 12.20am on Tuesday when the hit and run driver struck. He was hit from behind and knocked
SARAH Webster's two-week holiday hell is finally over. Last night Post Office bosses finally backed down and agreed to cover the teenager's £20,000 medical costs. The 18-year-old from Cricklade suffered horrific injuries after falling 30ft from a hotel
Ref. 72583-58 Lionel StarlingSWINDON'S town centre has become a no-go zone for the over 30s according to the council's licensing chief. Only a small proportion of residents feel brave enough to venture out after dark because of growing drunken disorder
GAZETTE & HERALD: British Show Jumping Association judge Tony Bott spent two weeks in Athens for the Paralympic Games and declared it the best ever. Mr Bott, 69, from Anchor Road in Calne, has travelled all over the world judging and stewarding equestrian
GAZETTE & HERALD: Calne Town Council is offering the chance for someone to be £1,000 better off this Christmas. To raise money for the Calne Christmas Celebration the council is selling raffle tickets for £1 each in an attempt to make this year's
GAZETTE &HERALD: Disappointed residents are set to approach Somerfield with the aim of working with the store to resolve issues surrounding new illuminated signs in the town's conservation area. Residents were upset after the district council overruled
GAZETTE & HERALD: The mother of former St Mary's, Calne, Schoolgirl Emma-Kate Lacey is closely following her daughter's progress in the Global Challenge. Miss Lacey is four days into her racing for the Global Challenge and the crews have already been
GAZETTE &HERALD: Calne Football Club has been inundated with offers of help a week after its vintage tractor was set alight causing £3,000 damage. Football club chairman Steve Walker said members had been astounded with the support local people have
14252/1GAZETTE & HERALD: Animals great and small braved the rain to attend an animal blessing at St Peter's Church, Blackland in Calne. The blessing was originally a suggestion from Isabella Gage, who is a churchwarden for St. Peter's Church, five
GAZETTE &HERALD: John Bentley School competed in the Greenpower Challenge on Sunday September 19, finishing halfway down the field but gaining the fastest lap. The school's team, which consisted of the year nine gifted and talented group, a group
14278/6GAZETTE & HERALD: The 30th Calne Music Festival has opened with a very successful first week with some events sold out. So far audiences have been treated to a host of the region's best acts including a world premiere of music by internationally
GAZETTE &HERALD: Police are investigating an attack on the Beversbrook Allotments in north Calne, after another case of what they described as mindless vandalism. On Thursday September 30 some sheds were damaged and the members' hut had a fire extinguisher
14277/2GAZETTE & HERALD: Fourteen years after the idea was spawned, the Earl of Kerry unveiled the Calne Heritage Centre on Tuesday, 100 years after his great-great-uncle laid the foundation stone for the building in which it presides. Over 80 councillors
Lee WinterGAZETTE & HERALD: CORONER Richard van Oppen has recorded a verdict of accidental death on metal worker Lee Winter, who died after plunging through the roof of the building where he worked, during a drunken prank. At the inquest in Salisbury
THE official opening of a new doctors' surgery in Market Lavington will mark the end of a five year project. The purpose built surgery opposite the entrance to the Fiddington Clay estate replaces the cramped and inaccessible GP surgery in Church Street
A GOVERNMENT planning inspector will determine if bookmakers William Hill can open an office in Devizes town centre. William Hill has appealed against the refusal of planning permission by Kennet District Council. William Hill wants to open a bookmakers
TOWN councillors in Marlborough have refused to reconsider their decision not to fell or trim trees that are keeping light from old people's homes. On Monday Coun Peggy Dow, chairman of the town council recreation and amenities committee, asked members
A NEW forum for working women in the county was launched in Devizes recently with the first meeting of the Wiltshire Business Women's Network at the Corn Exchange. More than 80 business women from all over the county met to discuss matters common to them
A DEVIZES councillor is appealing to colleagues on Kennet District Council to resist pressure to introduce "decriminalised" parking in the district. Jeff Ody, the member for Devizes South, says that parking attendants will be under pressure to maximise
THE Harrow restaurant at Little Bedwyn and the Barge pub at Honeystreet have both won top awards. The Harrow carried off a top prize in a leading international competition, the Trophee Gosset Celebris 2004, run by champagne makers Gosset to find the restaurant
PUBLICANS are to be encouraged to give their views about whether CCTV is needed in Devizes. Devizes and District Licensee Association is to invite a representative of Devizes Development Partnership (DDP) to a future Pubwatch meeting. DDP has formed a
14287/2KENNET Citizens' Advice Bureau volunteer Laura Naylor has won a national award for research she has done on helping young people with learning difficulties and mental health problems. Miss Naylor, 22, who lives in a village near Devizes, has been
AT least 200 jobs will be created at the proposed world class hotel and golf complex at Tottenham House in Savernake Forest, it was revealed this week. The £70 million scheme will provide an assured future for the Grade I-listed building that is on the
SHARON Charity, the prospective Parliamentary Labour candidate for Devizes, challenged Health Secretary Dr John Reid at the party's annual conference in Brighton to back the appeal to save Devizes Maternity Unit. Mrs Charity, a mother of two from Market
14248/2FOR their 55th annual exhibition members of Marlborough Artists decided on some changes. Traditionally the art group, whose members have to live within 25 miles of Marlborough, held their exhibitions in St Peter's Church. This year it was held
Cats Protection is offering free neutering for cats over six months old, providing you are unemployed, a pensioner or receive benefits. To take advantage of this, cat owners must contact their local vet to confirm they are aware of the scheme, and book
14263/4ACCOMPLISHED wildlife artist Joanna May has had one of her paintings sold for charity at a Christie's auction for £3,200. The painting of a zebra by Miss May, whose Studio Gallery is in Hughenden Yard in Marlborough, was sold in aid of Cancer Research
ANYONE in the Swindon area wanting to give blood will not be short of opportunities this month. Sessions will be held at Purton Village Hall on Monday, October 18, from 1.15-3.25pm and 4.30-7.15 pm, and at the Evangelical Church Hall, Worsley Road, Freshbrook
TOURIST shop owner Brian Ashley is claiming parking signs put up by the National Trust are driving visitors away from Avebury. Avebury, as a survey published in the Gazette last week revealed, tops the league table of popular tourist attractions in Wiltshire
The two winners of Portable DVD players have been announced as Diane Winsbury and Rosemary Nevison. The pair, both from Swindon, each won a top-of-the-range DVD player worth £500, courtesy of Fish Brothers Renault, of Paddington Drive. Mrs Winsbury, of
JUST minutes after the Gazette arrived to inspect a disabled toilet in Marlborough, cleaning materials, chairs and a stepladder that had been obstructing it were removed. Val Compton discovered the toilet tucked away in Hughenden Yard at the back of WH
A MAN was hit by a bus in Gorse Hill. The accident happened in Cricklade Road around 5.15pm on Tuesday and caused long delays. The 37-year-old Worcester man was in Swindon for the day on business. The bus was pulling off from the side of the road from
THE axe is still hanging over three Swindon post offices. Senior Post Office officials say they are still considering the fate of the branches in Clifton Street, Ferndale Road and Oxford Road. Last month the Advertiser accompanied pensioner Gordon Walters
HEADteacher Patrick Hazlewood has taken the pioneering step of making a DVD to support St John's bid for a new £20m single site school. The £11,000, three minute disc is the latest move by the Marlborough school to gather support for its plans that have
A MIX-UP, which resulted in a pensioner receiving letters from Swindon Council addressed to his dead wife, has been sorted out. Former RAF serviceman Jim Broadfoot, of Bruton Walk, Park South, broke down in tears every time he received mail. Following
THERE was a ghoulish shock in store for Gazette cameraman John Myers when he downloaded photographs taken during a ghost hunt at the famously haunted Red Lion pub in Avebury. One of his photographs taken of a mirror in the pub restaurant shows a gruesome
SWINDON golfer David Howell will partner Pulp Fiction star Samuel L Jackson, right, during a four-day championship which starts today. Howell, who helped Europe to retain the Ryder Cup in America last month, will partner the actor for three days in the
Ref. 72602-23A BUS passenger in Swindon is puzzling over the mysterious disappearance of the bus stop she used five times a week. Parent Sarah Odey has been left scratching her head after the stop in Towcester Road, Coleview, vanished. The 29-year-old
A SWINDON pre-school has celebrated its second birthday with a successful Ofsted inspection. Staff at Even Swindon Early Years Centre were praised in the report for the "welcoming, stimulating and safe environment, good relationships with children, well
TURN your hand to drawing and take part in The Big Draw a national event run by The Campaign For Drawing. Swindonians can take part by dropping into Swindon Museum and Art Gallery in Bath Road, on October 16. People of all ages are asked to draw their
Ref. 72594-08THE ringleader of a rebellion against a school ban on kissing and cuddling has spoken about the protest which got him suspended. Rebel student Damien Hawkins, 15, organised the mass walkout at Warneford School, in Highworth. About 200 youngsters
Forcespenpals.co.uk will be one year old on November 6. We are celebrating with a big party, in a top hotel in Bridlington, on the East Yorkshire coast. Lads who were based out in Iraq will be joining us, as well as members of the Armed Forces based all
THIS letter comes following the sad loss of William H Reeves, who was well known within the Pinehurst Community as Bill. Bill will always be remembered for all his hard and caring work in Pinehurst. He was the first secretary for the Pinehurst Community
SWINDON Gateway continues to be a contentious issue, representing, as it does, a Coate buried beneath urban development. I think most Swindonians will deplore this threat to one of the loveliest areas within the borough. The University of Bath has demanded
AS someone who has been made redundant four times in four years I was glad to see the job fair had come to Swindon. I was greeted by several companies with "you are just the person we are looking for" and "with these qualifications you should have no
AS Environment Citizen Of The Year I was appalled to read Derek Benfield's letter about the Save Coate petition. It has come to something when a leading light in the local Labour party sides with the Tory leader to try to discredit the work carried out
With reference to PG Horsnall's rather sneering letter last week, I wonder how he would like to be categorised as a "doer" or a "destroyer". Unfortunately, it is impossible if you are a "doer" not to make waves and come in for a lot of stick. I could
THE board of Kennet and North Wilts PCT, by failing at their meeting on September 28 to make a decision on what health services are to be provided for Devizes and the community area, have left questions to which the people I represent need to have answers
GAZETTE & HERALD: YOUNG Wiltshire footballers are looking for a good result on Sunday when they fundraise at the last giant car boot sale of the season at Castle Combe circuit. The Castle Combe Colts Football Club members will be out in force, hoping
THE immaculate right boot of Andrew Donegan inspired Calne to an emphatic win. The club's vice-presidents were treated to a superb display, which Donegan orchestrated, although it was hooker Mike Palfrey who opened the scoring in the fourth minute with
Malmesbury's victory maintains their two point advantage at the top of the league and Aldbourne arrived with a makeshift pack which strongly missed a second line-out specialist. Paul Steen fought for every front ball with Malmesbury's Tom Neal, but the
GAZETTE & HERALD: MOTHER-OF-ONE Jayne Knight used the flat key she had been left by a holidaying friend to steal his benefits book. Knight, 39, then pocketed the money due to him by cashing the cheques in the book at Lowden Post Office in Chippenham
GAZETTE & HERALD: After three years of successful Sutton Benger Extravaganzas, festival mastermind Trevor Knowlden is bringing the idea of a nightclub to the village hall for Christmas. Mr Knowlden is planning to turn Sutton Benger's village hall
With Bournemouth losing, Wootton Bassett missed their opportunity to top the league when they narrowly lost at home 11-10 to Sherborne. Bassett went in front when with a well-struck penalty from Jack Ricketts. Minutes later Sherborne matched that, but
14253/01IT'S unfortunate for Devizes this league hasn't adopted the bonus point system. Then at least they would have opened their account for the season. In the Zurich premiership, a bonus is awarded for scoring four tries or losing by seven points or
OVER the past year the state of the Salisbury Road roundabout on the A4 has gradually deteriorated. Since January I have tried via Clarence to get a storm drain unblocked. It now has weeds growing through the grill and winter awaits. Furthermore, having
ONE of your correspondent's (letters, September 30) commenting on the accusations against the current Mayor of Marlborough suggests that he should carry the can if the accusations are proven, another says that the accusing councillor should resign if
AFTER yet another fantastic evening of jazz at the Cellar Bar of the Bear Hotel I must express my appreciation to all concerned. This is just what Devizes needs a friendly meeting place. The atmosphere is sizzling! As with all excellent innovations it
GAZETTE & HERALD: STAFF at the Little George pub, on New Road, Chippenham, have very good reason to celebrate in style this week, after the pub scooped the prestigious Best Marketing Pub of the Year award. They beat off tough competition from pubs
I would like to express a heartfelt thank you on behalf of the villagers of Heddington and Stockley to the Ambulance Service. At the village Harvest Supper on Friday night a gentleman collapsed and it was necessary to use the emergency 999 service. From
I would like to take the opportunity to reply to PG Horsnall's letter in last week's Gazette in which, as a council tax payer, he expresses his concerns about me. I am more than happy for him to get in touch with me via the town council offices so that
GAZETTE & HERALD: A Chippenham man is facing the prospect of a jail term after pleading guilty to being involved in supplying class A drugs. Russell Bond admitted his part in supplying ecstasy and cannabis when he appeared before a judge at Swindon
NEW homes in return for a spacious, modern and updated school could be the shot in the arm that Rowde needs. The fabric of this village started to tear quite a few years back, very like the steady crumbling of the school structure. We first lost the garage
I wish to correct the landowner's assertion (Gazette, September 30) that the oak trees in Shovel Wood he is proposing to cut down were "planted by man approximately 75 years ago". I asked Mr Ken Edwards who was born in Little Cheverell and he remembers
GAZETTE & HERALD: The fate of Goldiggers still hangs in the balance as district councillors decided to postpone yet again a decision to demolish the former cinema and nightclub. Members variously branded the planned replacement building ugly and ghastly
I think I speak not just for myself but also for many local people in this market town, as I write to you to appeal not to close the Post Office branch in Eastleigh Road, Devizes. You obviously have no idea how drastically this latest threat to one of
14208/2GAZETTE & HERALD: CHILDREN at Frogwell School in Chippenham celebrated World Language Day with a festival of words and flavours from France, Italy and Wales. French, Italian, Welsh and sign language were the subjects of the day. Youngsters
GAZETTE & HERALD: Friends and family were overcome with emotion at the Salvation Army's Citadel at Foghamshire in Chippenham on Monday, as they celebrated the life of Kevin Woodward, who died of a suspected heroin overdose three weeks ago. They described
GAZETTE & HERALD: A mother of two from Stanton St Quintin will be taking on a mighty physical challenge when she joins the 2005 Marathon de Sables, a 150-mile race in searing heat across the Sahara Desert. Superwoman Trudi Knight, 43, will be joining
10896/6GAZETTE & HERALD: GLAMOUR model Lynsey Pearce is off to university to realise her dreams of becoming a police officer. But instead of taking out student loans, the brainy brunette will be paying for her studies with topless modelling assignments
GAZETTE & HERALD: A CHIPPENHAM College student has told how he suffered a panic attack after being robbed and punched in the face on Monday afternoon. The 17-year-old, who does not want to be named for fear of reprisals, was walking home from the
14296/1GAZETTE & HERALD: HOMEOWNER Andrew Saye is so desperate to climb the property ladder that he's raffling off his £110,000 home in a £5-a-ticket internet draw. Office manager, Mr Saye, 32, has owned his one-bedroom house in Pewsham, Chippenham
IN the last 14 years Swindon's annual Charity Ball has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for good causes. And as the ball, which was founded by the Swindon Rotary Club in 1989, approaches its 15th year, organisations once again have the chance to
Venue . . The Marriott Hotel Ref: 26206-6SHARES of the proceeds of next year's Marriott Charity Ball await local good causes. Charities are invited to apply to be one of the beneficiaries. This year's ball, held at the hotel in May, raised a record £44,000
GAZETTE & HERALD: The Corsham Millennium Players will be celebrating the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's Hamlet with performances at Hartham Park and Grittleton House School. All proceeds from the play will be shared equally between Corsham Comprehensive
GAZETTE & HERALD: A mass brawl outside a pub in Box has left Morry Jones facing the prospect of a prison term. The 28-year-old is accused of wading into the fight which had spilled on to the A4, and using a cosh to viciously hit a man over the head
ACTING chief executive Bob Holt fears Town's attempt to sign Bristol City striker Christian Roberts may be delayed or even scuppered by the postponement of Sunday's League One clash with Sheffield Wednesday. Holt last night confirmed that an offer had
GAZETTE & HERALD: Burglar Benjamin Quarmby who drove a car at the landlady of the Royal Oak pub in Corsham High Street as she tried to prevent him escaping with thousands of pounds worth of property, has been jailed for four-and-a-half years. The
GAZETTE & HERALD: A young chef from Lucknam Park Hotel, Colerne, won third prize in the waiting section of the national finals of the Young Chef Young Waiter contest this week. The Rt Hon Richard Caborn MP presented Franco Caruso, 23, with his prize
14286/2GAZETTE & HERALD: KEN and Kath Fleming celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on Saturday, 50 years after honeymooning on a rainy campsite in Weston- super-Mare. But the sun is still shining brightly in their relationship. "There is no
Staff at North Wiltshire District Council hope to become fitter and healthier thanks to an initiative aimed at getting them out of their cars and on to their feet. The project is organised by Wiltshire Health Promotion Service, in partnership with the
14193/1Artists, sculptors and crafts people threw open their doors and welcomed visitors for the ArtsNoW Trail 2004. Arts North Wiltshire, an organisation promoting art and artists in the district, organised the trail to celebrate the visual arts. The
14226/2PUPILS at Rushall School in the Pewsey Vale, are settling into a new £400,000 extension which has considerably increased its facilities. These include a new hall, extra offices, a reception area and gallery area and a new ITC suite. The school,
DROPPED skipper Wayne Thorne said he was devastated as he watched his side crash out of the FA Cup from the bench. It is an experience Thorne does not want to go through again. He was dropped after being told by Steve White his performances had fallen
MIDFIELDER Scott Walker says the harsh lessons he learnt on will be passed on to the youngsters he trains. As well as playing for Chippenham Town Walker, 24, also coaches promising youngsters at Exeter City. He said: "I always try to take something from
MILITANT pro-hunter Jamie Murray Wells says the time for peaceful protests is over and only action can stop Parliament banning fox hunting. Businessman Mr Murray Wells, from Shipton Moyne, was kicked out of the Labour party conference in Brighton last
Thrilled residents of Newton Grove, Malmesbury, are delighted their persistent lobbying has paid off after North Wiltshire District Council reversed its decision to make a play area smaller. Executive members of the district council made a U-turn on the
Incensed Minety villagers say the latest judicial decision making illegal gypsy camps across the country untouchable is another blow to residents' rights and proves the Government is squarely behind the gypsies. Appeal Court judges last week ruled to
14237/1Frustrated Corston residents say drivers speeding on the A429 through the village are making their lives a misery. The noise of the traffic has forced residents to sleep at the back of their houses and install secondary glazing, costing hundreds
Mayor Patrick GoldstoneMALMESBURY Mayor Patrick Goldstone is in trouble again for not being in the right place at the right time. Wootton Bassett Mayor Sue Cooksley and a group of schoolchildren were among those left waiting when Coun Goldstone failed
Wootton Bassett Cricket Club handyman Rod Smith had a dream day out at Lord's on Monday when he was nominated for the English Cricket Board clubman of the year award. Smith, 52, was among 300 others who had been nominated for the honour, and despite not
Find out how liquor, entertainment, indoor sport and some hot food licensing is set to change. The first public meeting has been arranged for Tuesday, October 12, at Avonway Community Centre, Fordingbridge, from 6-7.30pm.
THE fate of the two-day meeting that was to be the crowning glory of Salis-bury Racecourse's season is hanging in the balance. Torrential rain left the Netherhampton track completely waterlogged ahead of its prestigious 'Ascot' fixture - the richest and
SALISBURY City manager Nick Holmes jetted back into the UK hoping to see his side progress safely to the next round of the FA Cup, writes Mike Turner. However, a late mistake proved costly and enabled Screwfix West-ern League opponents Frome Town to snatch
UPMARKET clothing chain Austin Reed, which has a store in Swindon's Designer Outlet Village, has announced "unacceptable" half-year losses of £2.7 million. But it said there was good news because research showed a strong loyalty among existing customers
Saints stars of the future? Stavanna Read and Emma Jones who have joined Southampton's prestigious centre of excellence. DA6502P1.TWO Forest schoolgirls have secured places at Southampton Football Club's prestigious centre of excellence, writes Jonathan
MOTOROLA, which has a network infrastructure plant at Groundwell in Swindon, has sold more than 20,000 Terrestrial Trunked Radios (Tetra) to the emergency services in the Netherlands. Motorola's MTH800 Tetra handset is also used by the Metropolitan Police
HEALTH & BEAUTY FEATURE: These days we are often too busy juggling work, social lives and families to take time out to pamper ourselves and recharge our batteries, writes Lisa Flynn. I'm definitely guilty of this, rushing here there and everywhere
EMMA Ward has been appointed as Transform Medical group's patient care co-ordinator for Swindon. Emma, 32, will be running satellite clinics throughout the south west for Transform, which is one of the leading cosmetic surgery providers in the UK.
EFFORTS to give both older and younger workers an even break have won a Swindon recruitment specialist a national award. Blue Arrow, which has offices in Commercial Road, has been recognised in this year's Age Positive Recruitment Awards in the category
THE official opening of a new doctors' surgery in Market Lavington will mark the end of a five year project. The purpose built surgery opposite the entrance to the Fiddington Clay estate replaces the cramped and inaccessible GP surgery in Church Street
Oxford, Swindon & Gloucester Co-op has bought the .coop domain name to permanently safeguard the name for the international Coop movement. The .coop name was launched in 2002 so co-operatives could have their own identity rather than having to be
DENTISTS may choose to leave the National Health Service when new contracts due to come into force in October next year, Kennet and North Wilts Primary Care Trust has been warned. Andy Sprod, who delivered a paper on the allocation of dental access funds
A SWINDON surveyor has warned companies not to panic if they are told they have asbestos in their buildings. This year has seen the phased introduction of the Asbestos at Work regulations, which have tightened up the rules on checking for asbestos. In
Has your bath got a wild streak? You may need the services of Swindon's bath tamer. Anna Stowe's fledgling enterprise, Born Again Baths, rejuvenates bathrooms using specialist chemicals. Anna, pictured left, of Liden, wanted to begin a new venture that
Anyone who has ever bid farewell to a car may have wondered what happens once it has been towed away. Cars can survive can be made to survive for many years. But even the oldest of old bangers will one day have to give up the gas and opt for a trip to
Analysis of the top ten reasons why candidates fail the UK practical driving test proves that learner drivers need to make far more effective use of their eyes, say driver training experts BSM. The Driving Standards Agency's national figures indicate
AquadaNew technology could soon bring a whole new meaning to the term 'fully comprehensive' says Hyperformance. It would be hard enough trying to explain to your insurer that you'd been run off the road by a pink Rolls Royce, but how about one that flies
Vauxhall AstraAUGUST might have been the wettest weather on record, but nothing could put a dampener on Vauxhall sales. Figures just released show that Vauxhall overtook its main rival to become the best selling automotive brand in the UK and took a massive
MID- WILTS YOUTH AND MINOR LEAGUE: CRICKLADE started well in their home game against Salisbury City Juniors in the under 17s Blue Division of the Wiltshire Times and Chippenham News Mid-Wilts Youth and Minor League, taking the lead with a powerful shot
U11 KNOCKOUT CUP: HUNGERFORD Town have had a good start to the season and their league form was carried over into the first round of the cup, running out 7-1 winners over Highworth Town. Jake Cotrrill (4), Jack Harrison, Ben Preston and Sam Jubb scored
DENTISTS may choose to leave the National Health Service when new contracts due to come into force in October next year, Kennet and North Wilts Primary Care Trust has been warned. Andy Sprod, who delivered a paper on the allocation of dental access funds
Families across Wiltshire are leaving their cars at home and stepping out on to the pavement for International Walk to School Week. This year's International Walk to School Week, this week, focuses on raising the status of walking, by comparing it to
14250/5ASCHIPPENHAM SUNDAY LEAGUE: THE top flight produced 36 goals from just five matches as top scorers Box Rovers' 10-3 defeat of Trowbridge Harriers shot them to the top of the Premier Division for the first in three years. Rovers' win was never in
The Crimestopper's phone line for people wishing to report anonymous information on criminal activities, will be going 24 hours a day from this Sunday. The move is part of Wiltshire Crimestopper's on-going campaign to stamp out crime. The facility, which
ROGER Waymouth has stepped down as director of finance and resources at the Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust. Mr Waymouth had been on leave following the conclusion of an investigation by the Audit Commission into why the trust unexpectedly
WILTSHIRE and Swindon Fire Authority has appointed a new assistant chief fire officer. Peter Baxter will take up his job on October 18 and moves to Wiltshire from Buckinghamshire where he has served his entire 26 years in the fire service. Mr Baxter fills
Striker Ben Highmore came to his uncle's rescue six months after dramatically walking out on the club with two goals in his first game since transferring from Corsham Town last week. Calne went into the break two goals down on Saturday and then the young
STEVE Wootton may have managed his last game at Pewsey if a meeting with chairman Rob Thompson went as expected last night. Wootton, who has had two spells as manager, said: "I need to talk to everyone involved before I make my mind up. There were a few
14240/9CORSHAM'S biggest fan Pak Chan was guest of honour for the club's big day on Saturday. Mr Chan, who runs the Hong Kong House Takeaway in the town, was presented with a plaque by club chairman Colin Hudd before the game. Mr Chan, 62, was disappointed
KENNET Action for Single Homeless (KASH) threw open its doors for people to find out about the work it does. KASH held an open day last Thursday at its offices and drop-in centre in Station Road, Devizes. Videos and displays were played and visitors were
THE INTERNET is helping a Swindon company train its staff, based all over the country. Infinite, a company involved in product promotion and training, is based in South Marston Park. Colin Stone, human resources director, said: "Around 90 per cent of
PENSIONERS will still get their flu jabs, in spite of yesterday's decision to ban a major supplier of the vaccine. Oxford-based Chiron has had its licence to manufacturer Fluvirin suspended for three months. Swindon health chiefs have promised that all
Ref. 26204-99AN emergency operation could be launched over the next few days to save fish in a problem pond. Swindon Council contacted the Environment Agency for help after noticing that Claridge's Pond off Swindon Road, in Lower Stratton had gone a peculiar
GAZETTE &HERALD: Determined young people's snooker group, Make Or Break, has been given a boost with the news that it is to receive £7,000 through network funding for its proposed snooker hall. The snooker hall, to be based in an old first floor office
14234/2GAZETTE &HERALD: As part of a year learning about Africa, Holy Trinity School is raising money to send a cow to Africa, joining with Calne and Blackland Parish Council's appeal to give a goat. The idea is to raise money to buy a cow or a goat
Psychologist Anselm Boyes, who turned to crime after getting involved in drugs, has been given a chance to rebuild his life. Boyes, 37, went on a string of offences including stealing a purse from a woman shopper in Devizes and a prescription pad from
FATHER-OF-TWO Ryan Linsley hit out and spat at police after a Christmas decorating session with his girlfriend, followed by drugs and drink binge, spiralled into a row. Linsley, 25, of Beckhampton Road, Devizes, appeared before Chippenham magistrates
THERE will be by-elections to fill a vacant seat on Marlborough Town Council and one for the Kennet District Council Ogbourne ward. Nominations closed at noon on Friday and there were three candidates for each seat. The town council east ward vacancy
DEVIZES Snooker Club will close in January next year and the site will be redeveloped for housing. Club owner Brian Foster has exchanged contracts with Surrey-based developers James Cubitt Homes Limited. He has owned the club for eight years but claims
TOWN councillors in Marlborough are asking planners to bring a halt to building modifications that they say are spoiling the historic appearance of the High Street. Humberts estate agency is moving to new premises in the town and the owner of its office
A SWINDON school will be the brief centre of attention at England's World Cup qualifier with Wales at Old Trafford on Saturday when two of their teachers pick up a prestigious award on their behalf. Even Swindon Junior's Head of PE Wayne Smith and Colin
SAILOR Jon Duffield and his crew on board the BG Spirit endured a stormy start to the Global Challenge yacht race but they are currently in fourth place. The race began on Sunday from Portsmouth and the 11 yachts caught the tail end of Hurricane Lisa
FORMER TV presenter David Vine hosted a pub quiz that helped raise a total of more than £6,000 for the Jeans 4 Genes charity in Ramsbury on Friday. The former BBC snooker and skiing front man was questionmaster for the quiz in the Bell Inn in Ramsbury
SIX old stables in Aldbourne that housed American soldiers during the Second World War are about to be flown across the Atlantic. The 80-year-old rickety, tin-roofed stables are to be rebuilt at Taccoa, Georgia, home of the legendary 506 Parachute Infantry
14271/1URI Geller demonstrated his power to bend spoons to people in Devizes. Mr Geller was with Britain's Most Haunted programme makers when they spent the day at the Black Swan Hotel in Devizes Market Place. Mr Geller claims to have psychic powers to
ANTI-social behaviour orders do not have a long-term effect on persistent offenders, Devizes police inspector Pete Bowerbank told town councillors last week. Mr Bowerbank, who is station officer in New Park Street, said persistent offenders could be locked
14269/1PUB managers Ben Cox and Heather MacNaughton were forced to abandon their planned wedding in Cuba when Hurricane Ivan struck, but against the odds they managed to organise a ceremony in Spain. The couple, who run the Black Swan Hotel in the Market
14272/2DISABLED grandmother Gladys Gibson who needs to be hooked up to oxygen all the time, tried to fight off teenage burglars who broke into her home in Seend. Despite her courageous efforts the two got away with £1,500 in cash and several pieces of
SWINDON'S oldest tenants' group has been wound up because of a lack of support. The Pinehurst Tenants' Association, was originally founded in 1932. It was formally dissolved at a special general meeting held at Pinehurst People's Centre on Monday. The
14275/1LAST year's Mayor of Marlborough Bill Cavill has found himself at the centre of a colour row. It's because his photograph that appears in a gallery of former mayors in the town hall council chamber is the only one in colour. All the other pictures
POLICE are still investigating a Purton primary school headteacher who was suspended during the summer. It is believed Barry Knock, headteacher of St Mary's Primary School, was suspended in June after a pupil made an allegation against him. The school
DOZENS of businesses in Marlborough, including the town's main post office in the High Street, were forced to close yesterday when contractors at the college struck a power cable. Contractors working on Marlborough College's new art school building in
A MASSIVE 90 per cent of Swindon residents agree that it would be bonkers to ban school pupils from playing conkers. Readers responding to an Advertiser poll said the traditional game should be allowed to continue in playgrounds. Although the game is
TURNERS Tackle and Bait kept up their wonderful run on the River Thames when they won the first round of the Angling Times League (Upper Thames Division) with a runaway 104 points. They also had three anglers out of the top five. No stranger to the Thames
Ref. 72555-10POET Tony Hillier has some simple advice for aspiring wordsmiths. "You are the boss and if you think it's right it is. "When you finish reading this article pick up a pen and get writing." Today is National Poetry Day and the theme for this
RUNNERS taking part in Swindon's first half marathon should receive their race packs within the next few days. More than 12,000 applications have been received at Nationwide HQ for the Evening Advertiser-backed event, which takes place on October 17.
Ref. 72607-09CEREBRAL Palsy sufferer Tim French fears that following the closure of a disabled-friendly petrol station he will struggle to fill up his car. The 54-year-old wrote letters to Esso begging them not to shut their garage in Swindon Road, Stratton
A MAN was more than twice over the drink-drive limit when he was found asleep in his car after a bust-up with his girlfriend. Scott Clark, from Wroughton, jumped in his car and drove off after assaulting his girlfriend at the couple's home. The 32-year-old
A COUGH medicine firm has launched its fourth annual quest to find Britain's finest families. The Veno's Family in a Million 2004 is intended to recognise families who stick together through thick and thin, no matter what life throws at them. Regional
DISNEY character Piglet is playing a major role in a borough council prosecution against a stallholder accused of selling counterfeit mobile phone covers. Trading standards officers discovered the fakes, bearing registered trademarks, when they raided
Ref. 72567-04THEY may make some people's skin crawl but three brown rats will be taking starring roles in the George Orwell classic 1984 tonight. The Old Town Theatre Company is tackling the chilling thriller at the Swindon Arts Centre in their latest
Ref. 72597-17MP Julia Drown bought the first Christmas cards as a Swindon charity shop began trading for the festive season. Cards for Good Causes runs the shop at the Tourist Information Centre in Regent Street and last year raised just under £7,000
A RELIGIOUS follower refused to see his probation officer because the worker was going through a sex change. Magistrates were told that Nigel Coleman's reason for not turning up for the interview was because sex change was against his religious beliefs
I was privileged to watch the Pegasus Brass Band at the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon and I was overwhelmed to see the quality of the band and the age ranges incorporated. The portfolio of music ranged from the classical Lawrence Of Arabia to a tribute to
On reading the article in the Gazette on September 30 that Devizes Town Council is concerned a committee could bring about the cloning of Devizes against its wishes, they are right to be concerned. A bespoke committee, formed in Devizes, as a part of
GAZETTE & HERALD: A man who drove on the motorway while disqualified because his pregnant girlfriend was unwell appeared before Chippenham magistrates on Tuesday facing three charges. Darrell Andreas, 22, of St Bartholomew's Terrace in Rochester,
CORSHAM Rugby Club maintained their 100 per cent start to the season with both their first and second string sides winning again on the weekend. Corsham firsts dispatched Hungerford 83-0 in a one-sided league encounter, and with the second grade victory
Following a succession of penalties, Maidenhead found themselves in the Chippenham 22, creating a opening for their fly-half to score a converted try under the posts. Following a period of pressure, Chippenham won a scrum and Mike Boddington picked up
Chippenham came back to form with a very satisfying win away from home over St Ivel Barbarians. It was St Ivel who opened the scoring in the first minute, kicking a penalty after Chippenham were caught offside in the centres. But after five minutes a
The combined team finally found a winning formula when their virtually full-strength squad overturned neighbours Trowbridge in this Dorset and Wilts Merit Table match. In poor conditions, the combined team looked sharp in the early exchanges. Their nerves
GAZETTE & HERALD: Detailed plans for Wiltshire's new £11.6 million Record Office and Heritage Centre on the controversial cattle market site in Chippenham have been submitted to North Wiltshire District Council. Wiltshire County Council has pressed
I WOULD like to respond to P G Horsall's letter of September 30, for while Marlborough Town Council seems to have a self destruct wish this thankfully it is not the norm. Councillors, when elected, put themselves between a rock and a hard place wishing
GAZETTE & HERALD: The much-loved former teacher and deputy head of Hardenhuish School, Peter Thompson, who died in a car accident in 1993, will be remembered at the official opening of the Peter Thompson Hall. The Chippenham secondary school decided
GAZETTE & HERALD: Speed dating has arrived in Chippenham and reporter RONAN MCCAUGHEY went along to find out if the path of true love can run smooth when couples only have a few minutes to impress. YOU could perhaps see corporate high flyers in London
