Archive

  • Race circuit's bid to overturn noise order

    CHIPPENHAM NEWS: A LEGAL battle to overturn a noise restriction on racing at Castle Combe circuit began on Wednesday. The circuit is appealing against North Wiltshire District Council's noise abatement order imposed earlier this year. The order means

  • Young designer is dressed for success

    Holly Simpkins wears the prizewinning design she created herself - a bell-shaped light blue felt dress (30468/2)CHIPPENHAM NEWS: TEENAGER Holly Simpkins could be on her way to fame and fortune after winning a fashion competition. The 18-year-old, of Elm

  • Go-slow protest against cameras

    CHIPPENHAM NEWS: HUNDREDS of motorists will stage a go-slow along the M4 to campaign against speed cameras tomorrow (Saturday). Organiser Robin Summerhill, of Chippenham, is opposing seven new speed cameras installed on the Wiltshire stretch of the motorway

  • Stoddard in for Swindon

    Swindon complete their final preparations for their West of England season tomorrow as they travel to Biddestone for a friendly. Spinner Zohaib is the only absentee, slow left-armer Paul Stoddard coming in. WEEKEND TEAMS Swindon v Biddestone (away, meet

  • Theatre dream is a step closer for Ruth

    20-year-old Ruth Morrison has won a place at one of the world's top drama schools (16934/2)CHIPPENHAM NEWS: A YOUNG woman's dream could come true if she can raise more than £30,000 to pay for a place in one of the world's top drama schools. Ruth Morrison

  • Go-slow protest against cameras

    HUNDREDS of motorists will stage a go-slow along the M4 to campaign against speed cameras tomorrow (Saturday). Organiser Robin Summerhill, of Chippenham, is opposing seven new speed cameras installed on the Wiltshire stretch of the motorway. The 52-year-old

  • Boy scam warning for OAPs

    POLICE are warning pensioners in north and west Wiltshire to watch out for a distraction burglar using an eight-year-old boy. A woman and boy struck at two homes in Luggershall and Marlborough on Monday evening, and police fear they could be heading to

  • An Express delivery

    A PROJECT to bring a community centre and nursery to an estate is to get a cash boost from a new supermarket. The Tesco Express store on Leigh Park, Westbury, will be officially opened on Monday and staff will present £500 to the Leigh Park Community

  • Would you like a ribbon cut?

    Debbie Wickham, of Stepping Stones which benefited from the charity cash raised at the opening, with owners Paul Silk, manager Cheryl Spirit and staffHAIR Like Silk won the trade race to be the first shop to open on a west Wiltshire housing estate. The

  • Free treatments at health centre

    AN ALTERNATIVE medicine centre will be providing free sample treatments including massages and physiotherapy at its open day next month. Green Tree Health, part of the Station Approach Health Centre in Bradford on Avon, provides a range of classes including

  • An Express delivery

    A PROJECT to bring a community centre and nursery to an estate is to get a cash boost from a new supermarket. The Tesco Express store on Leigh Park, Westbury, will be officially opened on Monday and staff will present £500 to the Leigh Park Community

  • New solicitor

    A CALNE law firm has appointed a newly qualified solicitor following an 18-month training scheme. Monica Dogra, 26, has joined Wiltshire law firm Goughs Solicitors at their Calne office, specialising in employment law.

  • On the move

    A family firm that has been in business for nearly 25 years is moving next month. Theraposture is leaving its factory and offices on the Warminster Business Park for a larger purpose- built site at Northacre on the edge of West Wilts Trading Estate, Westbury

  • Chalky plays part in campaign

    CAMPAIGNERS against a proposed bypass will be taking to the streets tomorrow (Saturday). Chalky the pantomime white horse will be in Westbury town centre from 10am until midday collecting letters of protest against Wiltshire County Council's planning

  • Would you like a ribbon cut?

    Debbie Wickham, of Stepping Stones which benefited from the charity cash raised at the opening, with owners Paul Silk, manager Cheryl Spirit and staffHAIR Like Silk won the trade race to be the first shop to open on a west Wiltshire housing estate. The

  • Pub reopens and vows to get tough on drugs

    A PUB landlord has vowed to make a fresh start after a lengthy battle with police nearly cost him his licence. The Ludlow Arms, in Market Place, Westbury reopened on Monday after a truce was called between the Morris family, who own the pub, and police

  • Pollution campaign calls for cash help

    ENVIRONMENTAL pressure group The Air That We Breathe is calling on supporters to put their money where their mouth is. The group, which campaigns against alleged harmful emissions from Westbury cement works, is embarking on a concerted fundraising crusade

  • Farmer's plea for drivers to slow down

    A farmer has warned someone will be killed if drivers who keep crashing into his fields are not more careful. Stan Painter, 63, estimates the Peugeot 106 that ended up on his land at Glenmore, near the Ham, Westbury, at the weekend was about the 50th

  • Deer rescued in pool drama

    A FAMILY who went to confront an intruder in their garden were surprised to find a young deer thrashing around in their swimming pool. Gill Mead, 49, had been reading in bed when she heard movement in the garden of her home in High Street, Dilton Marsh

  • High hopes as league opens for Jubilee year

    WILTSHIRE CRICKET LEAGUE: THE 25th season of the Crusader Sport Wiltshire Cricket League opens tomorrow, with events already planned to mark the Silver Jubilee. Among the events organised are a couple of matches between League XIs and invited opposition

  • Indian cuisine is a part of town's life

    AN Indian restaurant is going from strength to strength, having spent 15 years at the heart of the community. Gias Uddin, owner of the Refa Tandoori in Market Place, Melksham, moved to the town from Bangladesh 15 years ago. To celebrate the curry house's

  • Mentally ill mum left hospital and burned to death

    A MENTAL health hospital has come under scrutiny again after a depressed mother who had been sent there for her own safety walked out and burned herself to death. The family of Ranjit Dhariwal, 47, of Larch Close, Melksham, want to know why and how she

  • Man dies at wheel after heart attack

    A PENSIONER died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car while on the way to a funeral. Marcus Horton, 78, stopped at a garage on the outskirts of Melksham to ask for directions to West Wiltshire Crematorium, in Semington, just moments before he died

  • £1m bid for new school

    EDUCATION bosses will submit a £1m funding bid to build a new building for children at two merging primary schools. Lowbourne Primary and St Michael's Junior schools will merge to become The Manor Church of England Primary School in September, operating

  • Shop man tells of knife terror

    Thayaparan Parthipan, owner of Bowerhill Post Office & Stores A SHOP owner attacked by a man wielding a knife has started a petition urging the community to support him against local yobs. Thayaparan Parthipan, owner of Bowerhill Post Office &

  • Plumbers will not be on tap in future

    WILTSHIRE will be short of 176 plumbers by 2008 unless 35 people are attracted into the profession each year in the county. That's the warning from New Career Skills, which provides training in plumbing, carpentry and electrics for people who want to

  • New director for insurance group

    THE Heath Lambert insurance group has appointed Stephen Wood as the managing director in Swindon. The move is tied to the recent launch of a unified national strategy for the group's UK branch network under one core brand, Heath Lambert National. Heath

  • Building firm nets award for its staff

    ADS Building Contractors, of Wootton Bassett, has been awarded the Investors In People standard. The firm believes it is one of the first building companies in the area to achieve this standard and it says it wants to dispel the poor reputation of the

  • Advert appeals to town's Poles

    AN employment agency is using foreign languages to find new recruits for the first time. The agency, Resource Industrial Recruitment, based in Halifax, is asking for order picking staff for a unnamed household name retail company based in the Dorcan area

  • Celebrations for patron saint

    Miles takes on the role of St George with Kate and Libby as damsels (30442/2)THE flags were out at the weekend as people across the county celebrated St George's Day. At Staverton Primary School on Friday children aged from six-11 put on a concert and

  • You're safer in Wiltshire

    NEW figures suggest Wiltshire could be the safest county in England and Wales. According to police figures crime levels dropped and detection rates rose from April 2004 to March 2005 compared to the previous year. The total number of crimes fell by seven

  • Trowbridge League

    VICTORY in tomorrow's Division One showdown with Rudloe will put North Bradley Saints on the threshold of a historic treble. A local derby double in four days over Trowbridge United with Scott Askew collecting four and Chris Fardell three in the 9-2 aggregate

  • Broughton lift KO Cup

    BROUGHTON Gifford made it third time lucky as they beat Rudloe 2-0 at Chippenham Town on Wednesday night to lift the Fox Leisure and Sportswear UK Ltd-sponsored Knockout Cup. The Division One champions had already played two cup finals in the last fortnight

  • Elmore facing no-show fines

    DEVON side Elmore are facing fines of up to £2,000 after calling off their match at Westbury United twice in five days. Elmore called off Saturday's game at 10.30am on Saturday, claiming they had only eight players available and the match was rearranged

  • Melksham Town 5, Brislington 0

    KRIS Beasley struck twice on Saturday as Melksham put some breathing space between themselves and the relegation zone. The Wiltshire youth midfielder scored the second and third goal after Nick Rideout's opener to give the hosts a 3-0 half-time lead.

  • Police hunt for chubby flasher

    POLICE are hunting a fat-faced flasher who exposed himself to a woman as she was cycling in Longbridge Deverill. The man, who is believed to have been driving a blue Ford Mondeo, struck at 8.55am on April 14. He is described as white, 30-years-old, 5ft

  • Brave officers will never be forgotten

    THE SISTER of a Wiltshire police officer killed by a teenage burglar said it was a "great honour" to have his name included on a national memorial. Gina Derry, 43, said she was overwhelmed after the Queen unveiled the UK's first memorial to police officers

  • Pupils' authentic French visit

    Veronica Wallace and Joel Boehler whose French-style cafe is proving a hit with students in Warminster who are learning the language (30472/1)CHILDREN had a taste of French language and culture at a Warminster caf this week. Pupils from Warminster Prep

  • Town is 'left out' of Brunel's party

    Box tunnelCHIPPENHAM NEWS: CHIPPENHAM has been left out of a year-long party to celebrate railway engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel's 200th birthday. The West Country engineer is famous for designing and building the Western Arches, the Box tunnel and

  • Confusion reigns on parking

    WEST Wiltshire District Council has been forced to take down signs marking out part of a road as residents-only parking, after the county council said it owned the land. St Margaret's Hill, in Bradford on Avon, is used for parking by people visiting the

  • Sting in the tale!

    A JAZZ musician who has returned to west Wiltshire after touring with Sting said he is looking forward to performing in his home town. Jason Rebello, who lives in Bradford on Avon, played alongside the rock legend for 18 months, and shared the stage with

  • They've scone and done it again

    The best cream tea in Britain is served up at the Bridge Tea Rooms in Bradford on Avon by Lisa Beard, Carole and Richard Whale and Liz Tracey (16951)A TOWN tearoom has been placed on a par with top London venues including the Ritz and the Dorchester hotels

  • Sue's once in a lifetime experience

    Sue Glanville, right, who led the expedition in the Himalayas with some of the party. From left, Laura Bates, Sophie Holles, Bethan Marshall and Louise Thomas (30433)TREKKING to heights of 10,000ft and sleeping by rivers may not sound the ideal way to

  • Man stabbed as gang fight causes chaos

    WARRING former crime partners brought chaos and violence to a west Wiltshire street but only one man has ended up in court. Residents in Southville Road, Bradford on Avon, were terrified when a fight between seven men broke out near Aldhelm Court sheltered

  • Kennet faces much higher demand for postal votes

    APPLICATIONS for postal votes in Kennet have increased by around 200 per cent. Officials at Kennet District Council were finalising the number of applications yesterday but said they had received more than 11,000. This compares with the 3,700 postal votes

  • Action needed on danger road to help elderly

    I WAS visiting my mother over Easter. She lives off the Hilperton Road and sometimes needs to cross over to get to the post office on St Thomas Road. For elderly people crossing that very busy road it is a nightmare! There is a very long stretch with

  • Dracula - Theatre Royal Bath

    MAY 2-7 2005, BATH: DRACULA descends on Bath next week as Colin Baker stars in a chilling new adaptation of Bram Stoker's classic horror. Colin plays the role of Van Helsing and is delighted with the part. "It's a classic part to play as everyone knows

  • New candidate wants to see money abolished

    ADVER, APRIL 15: Another candidate has come forward to contest the North Swindon seat. The other candidates, who were profiled in the Adver on Monday, are Mike Evemy (Lib Dem), Andy Newman (Socialist Unity), Robin Tingey (UKIP, Justin Tomlinson (Con)

  • Wardens set to patrol Monday

    Bank Holiday parking Picture Ref: 77209-278A MOTORING organisation has warned drivers to take care to avoid getting a parking ticket this Bank Holiday Monday. In some boroughs parking on holidays is free, but many, including Swindon, charge. Paul Watters

  • Teenager charged over gun

    A TEENAGER has been charged with possession of an imitation firearm after an Adver story. The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was arrested by armed police on Wednesday. He has been bailed to appear at Swindon Youth Court on May 4.

  • Pint-sized bikers warned by police

    Youngsters in Pinehurst Picture Ref: 77204-17POLICE have vowed to put the brakes on louts who are racing illegal motorbikes around parts of Swindon. Despite several warnings in the Advertiser, yobs are still using estates and parks as racetracks for mini

  • Pensioner accused of indecent assault on children

    A PENSIONER faces nine charges of indecent assault on children under the age of 14. Reginald Smith, 76, who lives in The Groves, off Whitworth Road, appeared at Swindon Magistrates Court yesterday. He faces six charges of indecent assault on two young

  • Theft is a step in the right direction

    Wayne Rose Picture Ref: 77205-08NUISANCE beggar Wayne Rose, dubbed the Crying Boy, has moved from pestering the public to stealing and according to his solicitor it is a step in the right direction. Rose, 26, of Silverton Road, Park North, pleaded guilty

  • Counties seek to improve

    DORSET & Wilts head coach Martin Hill is hoping for a big improvement on his side's 2004 campaign as the County Championship gets under way this weekend. The Twin Counties travel to Southampton to take on Hampshire tomorrow (3pm) in the new-look County

  • Doing the business

    ADVER, APRIL 21: After quizzing the election candidates on education, health and policing, today we turn to business and the economy. The Adver's business reporter Tom Morton set these five questions for the North Swindon candidates. Is British manufacturing

  • Bath eye play-off as relegation issue is decided

    BATH RUGBY: BATH can wrap up a play-off spot tomorrow but could find themselves merely among the supporting cast in a Zurich Premiership relegation thriller. Leeds Tykes are the visitors to the Rec (3pm), the Yorkshire side also chasing a win to totally

  • Ready for the vote

    ADVER, APRIL 28: WITH just one week to go until polling day it's a busy time for Alan Winchcombe. Swindon's acting deputy returning officer is responsible for making sure everything goes right on May 5 which involves a lot of planning. And that planning

  • Minister praises our campaign on crime

    ADVER, APRIL 29: A GOVERNMENT minister has praised the Adver for its backing of Swindon's crime hotline. Hazel Blears, minister for crime reduction, visited the town yesterday to back Anne Snelgrove, Labour candidate for South Swindon. And she was impressed

  • Sue's once in a lifetime experience

    Sue Glanville, right, who led the expedition in the Himalayas with some of the party. From left, Laura Bates, Sophie Holles, Bethan Marshall and Louise Thomas (30433)TREKKING to heights of 10,000ft and sleeping by rivers may not sound the ideal way to

  • Playgroup's Ofsted boost

    UPPER Studley playgroup is celebrating this week after receiving a good Ofsted report. The group, based at the Baptist Church Hall, in Frome Road, Trowbridge, caters for children aged between two and four. Play leader Lynne Chisling, said: "We are pleased

  • First-time voters speak out

    AS the General Election grows closer many young people are preparing to cast their vote for the first time. This week we spoke to sixth formers from The Clarendon College in Trowbridge, about politics and their worries about crime and security in the

  • Mechanic took own life after credit card debts

    WIDOW: Wendy Cullen was disappointed the coroner didn't make more of the crippling debt her husband built up (30470) A MOTOR mechanic killed himself after building up £130,000 of credit card debt, an inquest heard on Tuesday. Richard Cullen, 65, was found

  • Sibling rivalry at North Wilts showpiece

    Mr Lever might as well take his sleeping bag to the County Ground tomorrow. It's the North Wilts Youth League's cup finals weekend and all three of his sons are in action over the two days and all for different clubs. Eldest son Ewan will be playing in

  • Bond St vice girls concern

    STREET LIFE: Bond Street resident Scott Harvey-Davies (16292)PROSTITUTES on street corners, vandalism and drunks are forcing people living on a crime ridden street to think of moving. Bond Street in Trowbridge has become a mecca for criminals and the

  • Mentally ill mum left hospital and burned to death

    A MENTAL health hospital has come under scrutiny again after a depressed mother who had been sent there for her own safety walked out and burned herself to death. The family of Ranjit Dhariwal, 47, of Larch Close, Melksham, want to know why and how she

  • The winner takes all

    THE Southern League fixtures secretary deserves a big pat on the back. At the start of the season no-one else would have foreseen Histon versus Chippenham as a final-day Premier Division title decider. Tomorrow the two teams go head to head level on points

  • Put pets on show

    DOG owners can show off their posh pooches at a show in South Marston on June 26. There will be three rings at the dog show for greyhounds, lurchers, whippets and any other breeds. For each class there will be three prizes, plus four rosettes. And there

  • Police prepare to move into new station

    OFFICERS from Swindon police are preparing to move into their new headquarters on the eastern edge of the town. They are on the move because facilities at two of the town's three police stations Westlea and Fleming Way are now deemed outdated and unsuitable

  • Bus text messaging service fails to take off

    A SCHEME to get more people on the buses using text messaging has not gone down as well as hoped. The £10,000 scheme the largest of its kind in the country was launched by Swindon council and the town's bus operators last October. It allows bus users

  • Hospital service calls for helpers

    THE British Red Cross urgently needs more volunteers for its Home from Hospital Service, which operates from the Great Western Hospital in Swindon. This free service offers practical help and emotional support to vulnerable people in the first few weeks

  • Sports car has wheels stolen

    A SET of four exclusive sport model alloy wheels have been stolen from a sports car in Bridgemead, Swindon. The silver Renault Clio car was parked in the car park of Fish Brothers in Paddington Drive when the wheels were stolen. The four wheels are worth

  • Catwalk dream is a step closer

    Picture Ref: 76835-28AN aspiring model is hoping for her big break after taking to the catwalk in an international competition. Helenka Nowicka, of Chamberlain Road, Stratton St Margaret, jetted off to the Caribbean island of Martinique for two weeks

  • Nice beer, shame about the legs...

    Arkell's head brewer Don BracherTHE sunshine months are finally here and to celebrate Swindon brewery Arkell's has launched its summer beer. And Arkell's head brewer Don Bracher has taken time out from work to down a pint from the first cask of this year's

  • First aid pair net top award

    TWO students from Swindon's New College went to Buckingham Palace to collect the highest award a St John Ambulance cadet can achieve. Jasmine Edwards, 17, from Lyneham, and Martyn Masters, 18, from Rodbourne received their Grand Prior award from Princess

  • Boundary battlefield

    Swindon's growing ambitions will be a big issue for county council candidates WHEN Wiltshire voters go to the polls on May 5 they will not just be making their choice in the General Election. Wiltshire County Council elections are being held on the same

  • Nothing fishy about safe sex message for students

    Picture Ref: 77107-63A SIX-FOOT tall lobster has visited students at New College to spread the word about safe sex. The Lobster of Lerve, along with a 6ft inflatable condom, were at the college as part of its Health Week. Members of Swindon's Teenage

  • Service is not so rubbish now

    HAS Swindon Council finally got it right? Rubbish piled in St Austell Way earlier this month Picture Ref: 77010-7Nearly a month after the start of its new rubbish and recycling scheme the council says it has experienced ten days of teething problems,

  • Designs on science

    Picture Ref: 77007-9YOUNGSTERS have been getting scientific and arty at the same time. Primary school children from across the Swindon area have helped decorate the outside of a special science van which will be touring around schools in the borough.

  • Give us a chance

    Dean Ash Picture Ref: 77052-07Swindon man Dean Ash, 27, found himself with no job, no money and no roof over his head. The 27-year-old spent eight months on the streets. Here he shares his personal experience and thoughts on homelessness with Advertiser

  • Speed kills

    I AM fed up with sad people bleating about speed cameras. Speed kills, they are for safety, not revenue. These people would save themselves the cost of a lot of petrol if they stop putting other road users at risk with their speed and keep within the

  • Job well done

    I WOULD like to compliment the council on its recycling and refuse scheme. We have had no issues with the change of day of our refuse collection or the recycling day chosen for us by the council. I appreciate that the council may not have done such a

  • Shake-up is planned for new season

    RUGBY chiefs are set to add a third tier to the local league structure for the 2005-06 season. Second and third teams from Chippenham and Devizes, plus second strings from Wootton Bassett, Swindon College Old Boys, Corsham and Bradford on Avon could be

  • Fine all the cyclists on pavement

    I TOTALLY agree with cyclists being fined £30 when riding in the shopping/pedestrianised area, a deterrent which I feel is totally overdue. I also feel that cyclists should have this fine applied when cycling on all pavements not just the Brunel shopping

  • Please practise what you preach

    MY business is recycling printer cartridges and I recently learned that Swindon Council buys new cartridges rather than recycled ones. I was interested to see the April edition of the council's Swindon News publication which highlights the importance

  • Bath under 14s 0, Chippenham under 14s 17

    CHIPPENHAM made a slow start, with the forwards particularly looking sluggish and slow to get to the break-down. When they did manage to put together several good phases of play, Bath struggled to defend. Richard Thatcher opened the scoring just before

  • Cooper-Avon 9, Chippenham 2nds 12

    CHIPPENHAM 2nd team captain David Williams announced his retirement from senior rugby after leading his team to victory in their final game. Cooper-Avon took a 6-0 lead with two penalties, but Chippenham hit back with club veteran Chris Mooney going over

  • Brothers pick up trophies

    BROTHERS Tim and Ed Minty collected awards at Corsham rugby club's end-of-season presentation dinner on Saturday. First team second row Tim was voted players' player of the year, while team-mate and prop Ed collected the most improved player award Chris

  • Youth stole £500 from 80-year-old

    CHIPPENHAM NEWS: A THIEF believed to be as young as 14 stole hundreds of pounds from a pensioner after distracting her in a shop. The 80-year-old woman from Chippenham was shopping in Woolworths, in High Street at 1pm on Friday when a teenager approached

  • Go-karts set to take to streets

    CHIPPENHAM NEWS: Formula 1 racing is set to come to Chippenham High Street this summer. The town council has joined forces with the town centre partnership and Wiltshire College Lackham to host a go-kart race day in August. The Gravity Race will be launched

  • Camilla hate mail is passed on to police

    Reporter Matt Wilkinson hands over the poison pen letters about the Duchess of Cornwall, inset, to Trowbridge police (30473/2)CHIPPENHAM NEWS: SICK hate mail sent to the Chippenham News has been handed over to help police investigate threats made against

  • Town is 'left out' of Brunel's party

    Box tunnelCHIPPENHAM NEWS: CHIPPENHAM has been left out of a year-long party to celebrate railway engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel's 200th birthday. The West Country engineer is famous for designing and building the Western Arches, the Box tunnel and

  • Celebrations for patron saint

    Miles takes on the role of St George with Kate and Libby as damsels (30442/2)CHIPPENHAM NEWS: THE flags were out at the weekend as people across the county celebrated St George's Day. At Staverton Primary School on Friday children aged from six-11 put

  • Tsunami aid to be thrown away

    CHIPPENHAM NEWS EXCLUSIVE: TONS of unwanted aid donated for the tsunami appeal will be thrown in the bin next week, relief bosses have warned. More than 120 palettes of aid donated by Chippenham schools, households and charities destined for Sri Lanka

  • League bank on support from Lloyds

    THE Cotswold District Cricket Association has agreed deals with four new sponsors ahead of their packed 2005 schedule. LloydsTSB will be sponsoring the Saturday League, which this year has a total of 31 teams organised into three divisions, including

  • 'Communities and the family are a priority'

    WILTS TIMES, APRIL 22: DR ANDREW Murrison has had four years' experience as an MP for west Wiltshire and his skill and professionalism were obvious as he sped around on the campaign trail. It was hard to keep up with the energetic 43-year-old, as he zoomed

  • Child's play

    STEVE Jenkins is anxious to arm his young daughter Millie with classroom bragging rights when she returns to lessons at her Huddersfield school on Monday morning. The Welsh defender is desperate to play against his old club tomorrow and was hoping his

  • Tax rises to cover TIC running costs

    CHIPPENHAM NEWS: Corsham residents could face tax rises to pay for their tourist information centre. The town council is considering whether it can take on the running of the TIC, which costs £50,000 a year. Currently funded by North Wiltshire District

  • Choice to change world?

    Candidates for the North Wiltshire constituency had the chance to give their views on a number of world issues as SARAH SINGLETON reports. Global warming, world poverty and human rights were the hot topics at a public meeting with North Wiltshire's five

  • Indian cuisine is a part of town's life

    AN Indian restaurant is going from strength to strength, having spent 15 years at the heart of the community. Gias Uddin, owner of the Refa Tandoori in Market Place, Melksham, moved to the town from Bangladesh 15 years ago. To celebrate the curry house's

  • Mite-y army wages war

    Bug busters at Dyson's Malmesbury factory are trying to beat the dust mites that cause allergic reaction but the breakthrough comes at a price as RONAN McCAUGHEY discovered. "Nasty little buggers," was a German journalist's reaction to being told by a

  • Advice on offer at Arc seminars

    A SERIES of seminars offering free business advice will be held at the Arc Theatre next month. Jointly organised by BLB Solicitors, Monahans and HSBC Bank, the seminars are designed to help businesses become more successful, covering a range of topics

  • Workers buy-out looks to future

    FIVE senior employees at a design, marketing and PR firm have successfully completed a management buy-out. The employees recruited the help of financial advisors Monahans and lawyers Withy King to complete a buy-out of Superior Creative Services, in Hercules

  • They've scone and done it again

    The best cream tea in Britain is served up at the Bridge Tea Rooms in Bradford on Avon by Lisa Beard, Carole and Richard Whale and Liz Tracey (16951)A TOWN tearoom has been placed on a par with top London venues including the Ritz and the Dorchester hotels

  • Champions and newcomers off to a fine start

    REIGNING champions Chippenham made a winning start in the under 15s division of the Wiltshire Youth Cricket League as they beat visitors Wootton Bassett by 10 wickets. Batting first, Bassett were undone by the bowling of Marcus Brown (3-5 in five overs

  • Wiltshire to go all out for title

    THERE will be mixed feelings for Russell Rowe at South Wilts on Tuesday as he leads his Wiltshire side out for their C&G Trophy first round tie against Kent. The Wiltshire captain will be bursting with pride at captaining his county at the home of

  • Ready to rumble?

    PROFESSIONAL wrestling will to return to Melksham next month featuring a 20-man fight. Battle For The Belt on May 22 at the Assembly Hall will feature 30 of the top stars of British wrestling and will include a 20-man 'Royal Rumble'. It will raise money

  • Pupils get down to business

    A GROUP of school students has been getting a taste for business. Thirty Year 10 GCSE German students from Kingsdown School in Stratton spent the day at Intel and spoke only in German. They had the opportunity to use German in a business environment,

  • Tsunami funds top £130,000

    NEXT week is Red Cross Week and this year's theme is to thank all those who have given generously to the charity. The Red Cross collection for the Tsunami Appeal in Wiltshire raised £130,000, of which £20,000 was collected in the first few days after

  • Hundreds turn out to see Mill proposals

    The model of Kingston Mill development on display in Bradford on Avon (30446)MORE than 1,000 people cast their eye over an exhibition laying out proposals for a major development at the heart of a west Wiltshire town. Kingston Mill in Bradford on Avon

  • Team engineers victory

    BUILDING a spacebuggy was the challenge for budding young engineers at the weekend. Eight primary schools from north and west Wiltshire competed in the local heats of the annual Junior Engineers for Britain K'Nex Challenge at St Augustine's Catholic College

  • Boy scam warning for OAPs

    POLICE are warning pensioners in north and west Wiltshire to watch out for a distraction burglar using an eight-year-old boy. A woman and boy struck at two homes in Luggershall and Marlborough on Monday evening, and police fear they could be heading to

  • Brave officers will never be forgotten

    THE SISTER of a Wiltshire police officer killed by a teenage burglar said it was a "great honour" to have his name included on a national memorial. Gina Derry, 43, said she was overwhelmed after the Queen unveiled the UK's first memorial to police officers

  • Trowbridge Town 5, Cheltenham Saracens 3

    AN Adam Nunn double helped Trowbridge Town recover from two goals down on Saturday to keep their slim championship hopes alive. Needing a win to keep the pressure on leaders Shrivenham, the Bees were stunned when the visitors raced into a 3-1 lead just

  • Hook Norton 0, Trowbridge Town 3

    TROWBRIDGE Town finished their season on a high on Wednesday night but will have to wait to see whether they have done enough to claim the Division One title. A brace from Matt Cooper and a goal from Daniel Barnes moved the Bees two points clear at the

  • Corsham chasing a double celebration

    PLAISTER AUTOS WILTSHIRE LEAGUE: CORSHAM Town Reserves look set to follow the example of their first team colleagues by bringing some silverware to the Southbank. The clubhouse may soon have to find room to display the Wilts League Premier Division trophy

  • Brislington 2, Melksham Town 2

    LEE Burns has urged his young guns to stay focused for their last two games of the season after watching them edge closer to Screwfix Premier Division safety on Tuesday. Ahead of tomorrow's trip to Bridport and Monday's trip to Torrington, Melksham are

  • You're safer in Wiltshire

    NEW figures suggest Wiltshire could be the safest county in England and Wales. According to police figures crime levels dropped and detection rates rose from April 2004 to March 2005 compared to the previous year. The total number of crimes fell by seven

  • Brave officers will never be forgotten

    THE SISTER of a Wiltshire police officer killed by a teenage burglar said it was a "great honour" to have his name included on a national memorial. Gina Derry, 43, said she was overwhelmed after the Queen unveiled the UK's first memorial to police officers

  • Tsunami aid to be thrown away

    CHIPPENHAM NEWS EXCLUSIVE: TONS of unwanted aid donated for the tsunami appeal will be thrown in the bin next week, relief bosses have warned. More than 120 palettes of aid donated by Chippenham schools, households and charities destined for Sri Lanka

  • Perrin quits Forest Green

    A HOST of non-league clubs have been put on red alert after goalkeeper Steve Perrin's decision to turn his back on a chance to play full time football. After six years in the Conference with Forest Green Rovers, Perrin turned down the offer of a new contract

  • Residents' flood fears

    THE future of a piece of green belt land hangs in the balance after one planning application was turned down and another taken to appeal. People living near a proposed multi-million pound business park on land off Bradford Road, Trowbridge, fear if it

  • Church is latest recruit to chamber

    A CHURCH has joined a regional chamber of commerce to forge better links with its town. Holy Trinity Church, in Bradford on Avon, has decided to join the Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce. Canon Bill Matthews said: "We wish to show our interest

  • Brave officers will never be forgotten

    THE SISTER of a Wiltshire police officer killed by a teenage burglar said it was a "great honour" to have his name included on a national memorial. Gina Derry, 43, said she was overwhelmed after the Queen unveiled the UK's first memorial to police officers

  • Hundreds turn out to see Mill proposals

    The model of Kingston Mill development on display in Bradford on Avon (30446)MORE than 1,000 people cast their eye over an exhibition laying out proposals for a major development at the heart of a west Wiltshire town. Kingston Mill in Bradford on Avon

  • Thanks to all

    MY husband and I would like to thank everyone who attended our charity dance at Spencers Sport and Social Club, Melksham. We raised £905 for the heart unit at the Royal United Hospital, Bath. Thanks again. JIM AND EILEEN ALLSWORTH

  • Awful facilities

    HOW many of your readers stand in the gents toilet in The Shires and are absolutely disgusted with the smell that predominates? And what is that you are standing in? Water, or urine? With shops that sell food in the area, it is not very hygienic. I wrote

  • Call to bring back the short sharp shock for street crime

    IT IS about time that this country took back control of the streets from the yobs. There seems an ever growing number of undisciplined yobs who cause trouble for ordinary people. These yobs are not bored, but have come to realise that they can get away

  • Choose MP to aid poor

    CAMPAIGNERS in Bradford on Avon are working hard to support the Make Poverty History campaign and are planning a Make Poverty History Day on May 7 when there will a packed programme of events in Westbury Gardens and Town Trail with interactive displays

  • Safe housing is a basic human right all deserve

    IN the Wiltshire Times Mr Baldy from Broughton Gifford is quoted: "People who live in villages where they have paid for the privilege deserve to live somewhere safe and secure." This privilege has led to the very decline in village life Mr Baldy claims

  • Students prepare for their first time

    ADVER, APRIL 15: BEFORE last year's US presidential elections an unusual incentive was used by a campaign to encourage young Americans to vote. By signing up to the Votergasm website politics-enthusiasts could pledge to withhold sex from a non-voter as

  • Berger and Michaels pull out of festival

    TWO guests due to appear at the Swindon Festival of Literature have pulled out. John Berger and Anne Michaels were to appear together on Saturday, May 14 at the Community Crossroads, Faringdon Road. Festival organiser Matt Holland said: "They both send

  • More memorabilia to be returned

    A PRIVATE collector who outbid a group of Swindon supporters for Town memorabilia has agreed to donate it all to the County Ground. As revealed in yesterday's Adver the fans, led by Chris Scott, managed to rescue six of the 14 lots of Harold Fleming's

  • Man on death crash charge

    A SWINDON man accused of causing death by dangerous driving on a Woking road has been bailed to appear at Guildford Crown Court on Thursday. Pascal Di Pierro, 22, of Burford Avenue, is accused of committing the offence on Shores Road, Horsell, on October

  • Old masters are real gift

    Museum assistant Maria Bastin with one of the paintings Picture Ref: 77210-162SWINDON has been told it can keep a priceless collection of family portraits. For years their future in the town has hung in the balance. But Sarah Finch-Crisp, keeper of Lydiard

  • Every vote will count in town

    ADVER, APRIL 20: THE fight to win political control of Swindon is still wide open, according to a new report. The Electoral Reform Society claims battles in 424 UK constituencies two thirds of the total number of seats in the UK are foregone conclusions

  • Eyes on the law

    ADVER, APRIL 20: : In the third of a series of features on key issues in the general election, the focus turns to policing. Sgt Richard Moorhouse, of Swindon police, set today's questions for the seven South Swindon candidates. Sgt Moorhouse is the Swindon

  • Battle for the North

    ADVER, APRIL 26:Six candidates answer the questions at the election hustings at Penhill Primary School - TUITION fees, war and global warming were all debated as the Evening Advertiser gave readers the chance to quiz their election candidates for the

  • Snelgrove refuses to be drawn on Iraq war

    ADVER, APRIL 27: SOUTH Swindon's Labour candidate has come under fire for refusing to say whether she supports Tony Blair's decision to invade Iraq. Anne Snelgrove is one of 17 new Labour candidates who are refusing to state whether they agree with the

  • Kennet faces much higher demand for postal votes

    GAZETTE, APRIL 28: APPLICATIONS for postal votes in Kennet have increased by around 200 per cent. Officials at Kennet District Council were finalising the number of applications yesterday but said they had received more than 11,000. This compares with

  • How to help world's poor

    GAZETTE, APRIL 28: Candidates in the Devizes constituency joined a debate to give their views on tackling poverty overseas. NIGEL KERTON reports. THE four Devizes Constituency parliamentary candidates shared a platform at Marlborough on Thursday to talk

  • Choice to change world?

    GAZETTE, APRIL 28: Candidates for the North Wiltshire constituency had the chance to give their views on a number of world issues as SARAH SINGLETON reports. Global warming, world poverty and human rights were the hot topics at a public meeting with North

  • Centre of attention

    TENANTS with West Wiltshire Housing Society are celebrating the launch of a new resource centre. The centre, in Manor Road, Trowbridge, has been updated to make it accessible to wheelchair users as well as prams and pushchairs. John Alford, chairman of

  • Team passes screen test

    A BREAST cancer survivor this week said a big thank you to the team who diagnosed her. Valerie Trowers, 54, visited the breast cancer screening team at Trowbridge Community Hospital on Monday with a bunch of flowers. She said: "I wanted to say thank you

  • Firefighters quick off the mark

    FIREFIGHTERS leapt into action on Saturday after a road crash right outside their station. Officers administered emergency first aid to a biker in his 20s after a car and a bike collided in Hilperton Road, Trowbridge. The crash happened just after 5.30pm

  • Death verdict

    A 65-YEAR-OLD man was dead for at least two weeks before anyone realised. Leslie Applegate, of Dursley Road, Trowbridge, was discovered slumped dead in a dining room chair in November after neighbours realised they had not seen him for at least two weeks

  • Plans for new rugby ground

    RUGBY players could be playing on a new ground before the end of next year. Trowbridge Rugby Football Club has submitted a joint planning application with developers Caldecotte Consultants to build new grounds on the outskirts of Hilperton, off the A361

  • Residents' flood fears

    THE future of a piece of green belt land hangs in the balance after one planning application was turned down and another taken to appeal. People living near a proposed multi-million pound business park on land off Bradford Road, Trowbridge, fear if it

  • Fun and games at party

    Green Shoots celebrates its birthday (30443/1)PIRATES, fairies and clowns celebrated the first birthday of a pre-school on Friday. Children and staff at the Green Shoots pre-school, Trowbridge, dressed up and were entertained by the Sunshine Clowns, party

  • Four deny Asa attack charges

    Asa FreemanFOUR teenagers have denied taking part in an assault that left a young man in a coma. Lee Frisby, Paolo Rossi, Joel Bailey and Shane Flexon, will face a crown court trial after pleading not guilty to causing grievous bodily harm to 32-year-old

  • Awards honour for local heroes

    WINNERS: All the recipients of the Civic Awards given out by Trowbridge Mayor Grace Hill last week. They include the Wiltshire Times' Trevor Porter who took this photo (16938)THREE teenagers who sprung into action when a pensioner was knocked down by

  • Rare bats delay 550-homes plan

    A RARE species of bats has put a proposed 550 home development on hold. An application by Persimmon Homes to build the homes on land south of Paxcroft Mead, in Green Lane, Trowbridge, was deferred by West Wiltshire District Council on Thursday for more

  • Tony 'Mourinho' ready for final

    Don't be surprised if you see Tony Bedwell out shopping for a long grey woollen coat before long. It seems the manager of Green Baize is slowly morphing into Jose Mourinho. After leading his side to the Wiltshire Sunday Cup last week, Bedwell like his

  • Do Shrivvy want it enough?

    SHRIVENHAM boss Alan Dyton has questioned his players' commitment even though they are on the verge of lifting the Hellenic One West title. Victory at lowly Adderbury tomorrow will seal the crown and Dyton is looking for a big improvement after a couple

  • Hanging in the balance

    Wootton Bassett host Highworth in a crucial end-of-season derby two teams with very different agendas. Bassett, 1-0 losers at Carterton last night, are resigned to finishing in the drop zone and only a league reshuffle can save them from the plunge. Highworth

  • Cup next for promoted Calne

    CALNE bid to end a fabulous week by booking their place in the Les Phillips Cup final. Kelvin Highmore's men sealed promotion to the Screwfix Premier on Tuesday after Steve Casey headed in the only goal against Larkhall. A semi-final trip to Backwell

  • Pressure mounts in Wilts Prem

    New College, Calne and Corsham all had their midweek games called off due to the weather, putting more pressure on the sides in the run-up to the end of the Wilts Premier campaign, writes RAY BURROUGHS. New College would appear to have the hardest challenge

  • How to help world's poor

    Candidates in the Devizes constituency joined a debate to give their views on tackling poverty overseas. NIGEL KERTON reports. THE four Devizes Constituency parliamentary candidates shared a platform at Marlborough on Thursday to talk primarily about

  • Gary makes good use of his local knowledge

    COMPETITORS in the Ivy House Fishery Wednesday open match enjoyed some good sport. Venue specialist Gary Etheridge, from Devizes, chalked up another fine victory with a mixed bag of carp and silver fish weighing 61lb, taken on pole-fished sweetcorn on

  • Fewer go to hospital

    PATIENTS will only be referred to hospital if absolutely necessary. Swindon Primary Care Trust the body responsible for GP surgeries wants to save £10 million in 2005/06. One of the ways it is hoping to achieve that is by focussing its attention on community-based

  • Flying visit by Potter star

    THE organisers of this year's Royal International Air Tattoo are expecting a flood of Harry Potter fans at the event as one of the film's stars is making an appearance. And the star will be available to sign books on the same day that the latest in the

  • M-way tunnel plan opposed

    SWINDON Council will have a fight on its hands if it continues with plans to build a tunnel under the M4. The Campaign to Protect Rural England was angered by the proposal which was announced at last week's full council meeting. And the CPRE says the

  • Feed back - Edited by Cath Turnbull

    DICK Illing rang to thank the Adver for putting his question to the South Swindon election candidates. Mr Illing, a Gulf War veteran, contacted us because he wanted to ask the candidates for their views on Gulf War Syndrome. Their answers appeared in

  • Cricket star to open new canal bridge

    A NEW bridge over the Thames and Severn Canal by the Cotswold Water Park will be opened by the former England cricketer Jack Russell tomorrow. The building of the Spine Road Bridge will enable cyclists and walkers to safely use the towpath below, leading

  • Dancers get first break

    Picture Ref: 77102-13YOUNG people in the Parks area of Swindon have a got a brand new dance studio. The studio is based at the youth and sports centre on Marlowe Avenue. And at its launch young djs and dancers turned out to see what was on offer. Two

  • Protest against museum plan

    SUPPORT is growing for a protest group against the expansion of the Wroughton Science Museum. Residents in villages, including Uffcott and Broad Hinton, are concerned about the development of the museum's new Creative Planet project, which would see it

  • Man cites his 'no worries' attitude for reaching 100

    Frank Cole at his 100th birthday party Picture Ref: 77203-76A MAN always said he would live to 100 because he wanted a card from the Queen. And when it finally arrived Frank Cole said "good on you, girl." Frank celebrated his birthday at George Tweed

  • Man's £33k benefit con

    A TOOTHILL man faces jail after cheating the state out of more than £33,000. Royston Major claimed incapacity benefit to which he was not entitled for almost nine years. The 59-year-old pleaded guilty to a series of offences at Swindon Crown Court. Major

  • Don't be too concerned

    RATES of breast and lung cancer have doubled worldwide in the past 30 years, new research shows. But health bosses in Swindon say we should not be too alarmed by the figures. Cancer Research UK says more than 1.1m cases of breast cancer are now being

  • Surgeons save Town star's foot saved by surgery

    FORMER Swindon Town star Bryan Hamilton is making a good recovery after a horrific gardening accident. The midfielder, who left the County Ground in 1980, feared he may never walk again when a lawnmower blade shredded his left foot. The accident happened

  • Thank you

    I WOULD like to add a message in reference to the "Driver's lucky escape'' article on page 2 of Saturday's Evening Advertiser. I am the driver who was involved in the accident. I would like to take this opportunity to give my sincere thanks to all of

  • Safety review

    I HAVE just read about the unfortunate accident at the junction of Groundwell Road and Drove Road. As both a regular pedestrian and car user at this junction I'm afraid that it was only a matter of time before a serious accident occurred here. Crossing

  • Smugglers home with the goodies

    MINI RUGBY: TROWBRIDGE under 10s have returned home after a successful weekend trip to the Isle of Wight festival. They started with a very good win against a strong and physical Broadstreet team, the only try coming from Fraser. Trowbridge came up against

  • Thanks for helping our youngsters

    MAY I say a few big thank yous on behalf of the Friends of Brimble Hill Special School. As reported in the Advertiser last week Patsy Maloney organised a fund-raising evening in Cricklade on Friday, April 22. The night featured raffles, auctions, music

  • Promotion is a gift for CATs

    COOPER-Avon Tyres are looking forward to next season in the Southern Counties League after being gifted a surprise promotion. Mark Simmons' side finished this campaign runner up in Dorset and Wilts Division One and were set for a promotion play-off against

  • Pensioners injured in bus crash

    CHIPPENHAM NEWS: A RUNAWAY minibus carrying nine elderly passengers hurtled down a hill and across two lanes of traffic before crashing into a wall. The passengers, all aged between 79 and 91, were on their way to the Thursday Luncheon Club at Rotary