Stories for 24 July 2003

Amesbury News

Ex-Porton scientist at centre of political row

PORTON Down has paid tribute to a former head of microbiology at the establishment, biological weapons expert Dr David Kelly, who was found dead on Friday.   more...

Armed robber strikes at shop

A MANAGER was subjected to a terrifying ordeal at the hands of a man wielding a gun, as she opened the Spar shop at Boscombe Down on Monday morning.   more...

Town's popular priest retires

FATHER John Quinn, popular Roman Catholic priest in Amesbury for the past 29 years, is retiring after more than 40 years in the priesthood.   more...

Soldiers swap arms for aprons

CARTER Barracks, Bulford Camp, was a hive of culinary activity last Wednesday, as some of the British Army's leading chefs convened to battle it out in a cookery competition.   more...

Workmen unearth Bronze Age remains

A COMPLETE skeleton of a Bronze Age man dating back to 2,000 BC and buried with a beaker pot has been unearthed near Amesbury.   more...

Teachers raise funds for cancer unit

TALENTED fundraisers have been singing a merry tune to support a colleague suffering from breast cancer.   more...

A feast of football at fun day

YOUNGSTERS were able to enjoy a feast of football when Amesbury Town football club held its annual fun day on Sunday.   more...

Long service to RNLI rewarded

TALENTED fundraisers have been singing a merry tune to support a colleague suffering from breast cancer.   more...

Violence helps push city crime up ten per cent

CRIME in Salisbury is up an alarming 10 per cent, despite the city's remaining one of the safest places to live.   more...

Bath Leisure

Is it calm after the storm?

REVIEW, The Fight for Barbara, DH Lawrence - Bath Theatre Royal: The life and work of writer DH Lawrence has long held an intense fascination for me, so the chance to see the world's first production of his play The Fight For Barbara promised to be a real delight.   more...

Business News

All work and no play for bosses

MANY small business bosses are missing out on their summer holidays because they can not afford to take time off, research shows.   more...

Pre-emptive measures

BIBBY Factors has compiled a list of top tips to help avoid the pitfalls:   more...

Less rail commuter grumbles

FIRST Great Western, one of the train operators servicing Swindon station, said that there had been a drop in the number of customers complaining about the company last year.   more...

New businesses compete for cash prize

Wootton Bassett Chamber of Commerce is to launch a competition for new businesses today, in an attempt to attract investment into the town.   more...

New horses on horizon

TWO new white horses are to appear in the Wiltshire countryside when the Marlborough business park opens.   more...

Pub closes as licensee resigns

THE owners of Munnelly's Bar in Southbroom Road, Devizes, say it will stay a pub despite the resignation of licensee Bill Montgomery.   more...

Winemaker takes a bow

A Vineyard is celebrating its fruity success after winning a silver and gold prize in an annual wine challenge.   more...

Make mine a double says boss

SOME people will go to any lengths to boost their business, but two Wiltshire publicans have gone beyond the call of duty.   more...

Laura Ashley to go

Laura Ashley is to close its store in Homebase at Hathaway Retail Park in Chippenham, even though a major revamp is taking place. It was due to move to a newly built mezzanine floor.   more...

More help for holidays

New Chippenham firm Global West Travel has proved a success in its first 11 weeks ­ and now it is introducing a range of accessories for holiday-makers.   more...

Honour for photographer

PHOTOGRAPHER Chris Burfoot has been awarded a prestigious Associateship by the Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain.   more...

Firms are given the Queen's Awards

REPRESENTATIVES from Devizes company Omitec, and Dyson in Malmesbury, met the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at a reception for the winners of the Queen's Awards for Enterprise.   more...

Business boom for mobile phone firm

BOSSES at Trowbridge-based Virgin Mobile are celebrating the company's latest performance figures which show it continues to be the fastest growing mobile firm in the UK.   more...

Calne News

Victim of vicious attack to leave town

CALNE factory engineer Duncan Haig, who was savagely beaten by a shovel-wielding builder outside his home, is moving away to escape the memories of his violent ordeal.   more...

Dad tells of despair after car is torched

DAD Alan Sealy has told of his struggle to see his estranged four-year-old daughter after thieves stole his car and set it ablaze.   more...

CCTV staffing trial is hailed

VOLUNTEERS manned Calne's CCTV monitoring station on Friday in the first of a series of trials, which could lead to 24-hour manned surveillance of the town centre.   more...

Future looks good for Futa

MUSICIAN Nola Marshall and husband Steve were dining at the hotel Fawlty Towers, in the Gambia, when they heard Senegalese band Jelitara Futa for the first time.   more...

Council acts to safeguard allotments

THE future of Calne's new allotment site has been safeguarded by the town council's decision to designate it as statutory.   more...

Chamber flies flag for town

Retailers and residents got together for an evening at Springfield School as part of a new initiative to raise awareness about Calne.   more...

Police under fire after boys vandalise centre

FURIOUS town councillor Mercy Baggs is rallying public support to insist policing in Calne's town centre is improved after vandals damaged Calne's drop-in youth centre.   more...

Mean machines roar in for bikers' jamboree

CALNE'S rally driving mayor Tony Trotman swapped the roll cage for a hog when he swept through town on a Harley-Davidson, flanked by other bikers, to open the annual motorcycle day.   more...

Oh yes, we do like to be beside the seaside

Wiltshire is seen as an affluent county with few of the problems associated with the inner city but as two charities reveal there are many hidden problems and poor families in desperate need of a holiday. LILY CANTER and SARAH SINGLETON report.   more...

Builder is sent to jail for attack with spade

Builder Michael Wells has been jailed for eight months after he attacked a man with a shovel during a row over a blocked road.   more...

Chippenham News

Alarm centre seeks recruits

HANOVER Housing, which established a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week emergency alarm monitoring centre five years ago in Chippenham, is looking to recruit new staff.   more...

Employee wins trip of dreams

HSBC employee Sara Davidson, who lives in Chippenham, will soon be swapping her desk in Newmarket to join Earthwatch scientists in studying birds of the Tanzanian forest.   more...

Fear for hospital as ward is closed

KENNET and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust has denied that services are being run down at Devizes Hospital following the closure a 20-bed ward last week.   more...

Contest for new postcard

ARTISTS are being invited to enter a competition to create a postcard scene based on Lydiard House.   more...

Fears more jobs will go

AN insider at RAF Lyneham's largest contractor claims the actual number of job losses will be larger than was admitted last week.   more...

Make mine a double says boss

SOME people will go to any lengths to boost their business, but two Wiltshire publicans have gone beyond the call of duty.   more...

Thrills, spills and lots of laughs at circus

ESCAPOLOGIST Dan Dare stunned the crowds inside the big top at Happy's Circus, in Sutton Benger, near Chippenham, when he shook off his handcuffs and chains to escape from his exploding prison.   more...

Call for locals to carry out speed checks

Volunteers armed with speed guns could be out on the roads targeting irresponsible drivers, if North Wiltshire district councillor Dick Tonge wins support for his plans.   more...

Touch of South Seas adds to fun

BUCKLEY Barracks in Hullavington got a taste of the exotic on Saturday, when a troop of six Fijian wives performed traditional dancing at the camp's cultural day.   more...

Winemaker takes a bow

A Vineyard is celebrating its fruity success after winning a silver and gold prize in an annual wine challenge.   more...

Church challenge

The Rev David Slater, minister of the Station Hill Baptist Church, has challenged North Wiltshire District Council to think again about the use of the Goldiggers building.   more...

Builders to be targeted

North Wiltshire District Council is set to blitz illegal building work using a £124,000 cash injection from a planning development grant.   more...

Hunt on for pick of crop

Green fingered North Wiltshire residents are invited to take part in the 2003 North Wiltshire Flower Festival.   more...

Historic viaduct at risk, says watchdog

The Brunel-built railway viaduct in Chippenham is among a host of North Wiltshire landmarks identified as being at risk by history watchdog, English Heritage.   more...

Teenager jailed for stabbing good Samaritan

A TEENAGER faces at least 11 years in jail after being found guilty of murdering good Samaritan, Liam Attwell, who went to the aid of a group of Chippenham youngsters.   more...

Farmer admits caravan attack

ANGRY farmer Ian Stevens acted in the heat of the moment when he drove a baling spike into a caravan where a mother and her baby were cowering inside, a court was told.   more...

Girl honours Sir Stanley

TEENAGER Kitty Smith will be cutting the turf at the site of Chippenham's new playing fields after dreaming up the name of Stanley Park for the major project.   more...

Family tax credit is paid to wrong mum

MOTHER-OF-TWO Maria Watson, who has spent the last seven months trying to get the Inland Revenue to pay the family tax credit payments due to her, has discovered the money was sent to another family.   more...

Man attacked in town centre

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a man was mugged and assaulted in River Parade, Chippenham, in the early hours of Saturday morning.   more...

Date is set for work to start on play fields

Work on the newly-named Stanley Park, Chippenham's flagship playing fields project, is due to start on August 4, despite a shortfall of some £350,000.   more...

Young arsonists fire popular river bridge

A FIRE which caused thousands of pounds of damage to a Chippenham bridge is believed to have been caused by arsonists.   more...

Beware the cash machine con gangs

POLICE are appealing for people to be extra vigilant when using cash machines after £950 was stolen from a 64-year-old woman's bank account in a suspected Lebanese loop scam.   more...

Pedal power helps charity

YOUNG cyclist Luke Johnson, nine, has raised more than £200 for charity in a 27-mile bicycle challenge.   more...

Postman out of hospital

POSTMAN Phillip Burry, whose bicycle was in collision with a car in Marshfield Road, Chippenham, last Wednesday afternoon, is back at home in Plantation Road after six days in hospital.   more...

LA to Wiltshire village

BESTSELLING author Susan Lewis, famous for a string of romantic thrillers, has abandoned the sunny, star-studded climes of Los Angeles to take up residence in a country house in Yatton Keynell.   more...

TV guru sends couple in search of good life

WHEN bed and breakfast owners John and Joyce Bennett agreed to take part in a television series on relationships, they never realised just how much it would change their lives.   more...

Honour for photographer

PHOTOGRAPHER Chris Burfoot has been awarded a prestigious Associateship by the Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain.   more...

Kids' design for quiet spot

THE ribbon was cut on a new quiet area in the gardens of Ivy Lane School last week.   more...

Pupils jump for joy at new equipment

REDLAND School pupils have been reaping the rewards of a year's fundraising by their parents, with some fun and games on their new gym equipment.   more...

Legendary band to play

Folk rock band Fairport Convention will be starring at a multiple sclerosis benefit gig in Chippenham on October 25.   more...

Pupils' rainbow day for a special friend

THE children of Langley Fitzurse CE Primary School said a fitting goodbye to a light of their lives this week, when they held a rainbow-themed memorial day for cancer victim, Diane Schofield.   more...

Young newshounds make the headlines

BUDDING journalists at Kington St Michael Primary School are celebrating a real scoop after winning the Gazette and Herald's Hold the Front Page competition.   more...

Corsham News

Shop theft scam

CORSHAM Police have warned traders to be vigilant after three walk-in thefts from shops.   more...

Ctfc Sport

Bluebird flying to Korea for Britain

CHIPPENHAM Town midfielder Ellis Wilmot will not be involved in their opening day clash at league favourites Nuneaton Borough.   more...

Towler is relieved to be back in defence

SATURDAY'S friendly at Elmore marked the joint return of the Bluebirds' influential defenders Colin Towler and Tom Gould.   more...

Marksmen go head to head

CHIPPENHAM Town's friendly clash at Basingstoke Town on Saturday looks set to be a shoot-out between the twi team's strikers.   more...

Paul puffs his way back on to scoresheet

HOT-shot Martin Paul is hoping for a feast of goals this season after returning to action with a double strike for the Bluebirds at the weekend.   more...

Bookies' price is about right

BOOKMAKER Skybet has installed Chippenham as 16/1 shots for the Dr Marten's Premier Division title this season.   more...

Saunders' ultimatum to unsettled keeper

FED-UP boss Tommy Saunders has given unsettled keeper James Bittner a week to make a decision on his future.   more...

Devizes News

Driver freed after crash

A 36-YEAR-OLD woman had to be cut free by firefighters after her car crashed into a wall and ended up on its roof on the A360 between Devizes and Potterne at 11.15am on Thursday.   more...

Pub closes as licensee resigns

THE owners of Munnelly's Bar in Southbroom Road say it will stay a pub despite the resignation of licensee Bill Montgomery.   more...

Family's agony as Charlotte weakens

THE family of terminally ill Charlotte Wakeham are not giving up hope despite being told that she has two to three months to live.   more...

Linpac refute FC sale bid

THE owner of Devizes Football Club ground says it was not consulted by club chairman Chris Belcher over a plan to sell the site .   more...

Cruelty case is dropped

THE trial of Devizes farmer Richard Lewis, 36, of Dundas Close, who had denied a charge of causing unnecessary suffering to a bull calf, collapsed on Wednesday when the RSPCA prosecutor offered no further evidence.   more...

School on target for sports bid cash fund

IF Devizes School succeeds in its bid for sports college status it will be down to the enthusiasm and support of the local community, said headteacher Malcolm Irons.   more...

Akela enjoys a Mexican party

THE 3rd Devizes Cubs have bid an emotional farewell to Julie Midcalf who has been their leader, or Akela, for the last 13 years.   more...

Top marks for town primary

ST JOSEPH'S Roman Catholic Primary School in Devizes, has received glowing reports in its latest Ofsted inspection.   more...

Top marks for town primary

ST JOSEPH'S Roman Catholic Primary School in Devizes, has received glowing reports in its latest Ofsted inspection.   more...

Skateboard club offer is won from governors

GOVERNORS of Devizes School have held out a glimmer of hope for hundreds of young skateboarders who lost their park 15 months ago.   more...

Fault causes power failure

VILLAGERS in Urchfont had to endure more than 12 hours without electricity after a fault developed on high-voltage cables on Monday.   more...

No call to lose first link with exchange

A PIECE of Devizes history has disappeared without trace following the recent renovations at the town's branch of the Cheltenham and Gloucester.   more...

Legion memorial

THE Devizes branch of the Royal British Legion celebrated its 80th anniversary last week by planting a tree on the Green.   more...

Pre-school set to shut as pupil numbers fall

PUDDLEDUCKS pre-school in Bath Road, Devizes, is closing after 27 years because of falling numbers.   more...

Silver choir shines out

DEVIZES Town Hall was packed on Saturday night for the silver jubilee concert of Devizes Chamber Choir, conducted by David King.   more...

Make mine a double says boss

SOME people will go to any lengths to boost their business, but two Wiltshire publicans have gone beyond the call of duty.   more...

Concern as prison governor moves on

THE independent monitoring board of Erlestoke Prison, near Devizes, is to write to Home Secretary David Blunkett complaining about the removal of their governor Claudia Sturt after less than a year in post.   more...

Market cancelled

FOLLOWING the recent debacle when a Continental market in Devizes turned out to have only three stalls, Devizes Development Partnership has cancelled one due to take place next month.   more...

Scout leader remembered

SCOUT leader Fred Oliver will be remembered by generations of Sea Scouts after a safety boat was named in his memory last week.   more...

Future of units rests on two new surveys

TWO separate reviews are to take place on the future of community maternity units, including Devizes and Malmesbury.   more...

Firms are given the Queen's Awards

REPRESENTATIVES from Devizes company Omitec, and Dyson in Malmesbury, met the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at a reception for the winners of the Queen's Awards for Enterprise.   more...

Drunken man in disco assault

CONSTRUCTION worker Shane Smith was so drunk that he could not remember head-butting a girl he hardly knew at a disco.   more...

Cancan kicks in school hols

THERE was more than a taste of Ooh La La at All Cannings Primary School near Devizes last week as the school enjoyed a French week in the run-up to the school holidays.   more...

Pupils show they can do

PUPILS at Potterne Primary School near Devizes helped a local company celebrate the production of its billionth aerosol can last week by taking part in a special competition.   more...

Plea after gang of tricksters strikes

CONMEN preying on the elderly have been in action again in the Avebury area. Two elderly women in Avebury Trusloe and in Winterbourne Monkton have been the latest targets for bogus callers.   more...

Ploughing reaps a cash crop for charity

FOR every furrow ploughed by vintage tractors at Burbage at the weekend pounds rolled in for the British Heart Foundation.   more...

The last laugh

DOUG Bower, who claims to have been Britain's first crop circle hoaxer, has been on the Marlborough Downs showing a Japanese film crew how it's done.   more...

Battlefield tour's rally good

Drivers of classic cars navigated their way across Wiltshire's battlefields in a military history themed road run on Saturday.   more...

Vicar asks for a delay before new TV series

A SECOND series of the BBC's hit A Country Parish, featuring Seend vicar the Rev Jamie Allen, has been put on the back burner at the request of the star himself.   more...

Crusader is ready to roll

WILTSHIRE St John Ambulance has a new state-of-the-art Crusader ambulance, thanks to the Andover-based HSA Charitable Trust.   more...

Secret garden blooms again

A REMARKABLE renovation project came to fruition on Tuesday with the official reopening of the Victorian walled garden in the grounds of Rowdeford School.   more...

Young newshounds make the headlines

BUDDING journalists at Kington St Michael Primary School are celebrating a real scoop after winning the Gazette and Herald's Hold the Front Page competition.   more...

Oh yes, we do like to be beside the seaside

Wiltshire is seen as an affluent county with few of the problems associated with the inner city but as two charities reveal there are many hidden problems and poor families in desperate need of a holiday. LILY CANTER and SARAH SINGLETON report.   more...

Well behaved kids get award

A NEW scheme to reward pupils for good behaviour on school buses has more than halved the number of incidents of bad behaviour.   more...

Info line for youth

A NEW free and confidential information and advice line called On-Line will give young people in Wiltshire a seven day service.   more...

Chief is to retire in face of rapid change

Fire chief Neil Wright, who is retiring this year, fears the future amalgamation of fire control centres under a new Government plan, could cost lives. He also fears rapid change could be damaging. LEWIS COWEN reports.   more...

Teachers show how computers can help

WILTSHIRE teachers and education experts shared their expertise at a major school computer conference in Bristol.   more...

Council members vote for a pay rise

WILTSHIRE county councillors have voted themselves a 12.5 per cent increase in their basic allowance following a review by an independent panel.   more...

Crack down on tyre waste

The practice of burying waste tyres in Wiltshire's landfill sites will be phased out over the next three years.   more...

Devizes,Calne,Chippenham,Marlborough,Highworth,Corsham,Malmesbury,Wootton Bassett News

Why landowners have a grievance

A CHIPPENHAM farmer has admitted driving his tractor fitted with a spike into the side of a gipsy caravan after being incensed that it was parked in his field.   more...

Tourists ­ who needs them?

MARLBOROUGH is accepted as being one of Wiltshire's biggest tourist attractions and so what does Kennet District Council want to do? Close its popular Tourist Information Centre of course.   more...

Devizes,Calne,Marlborough,Highworth,Chippenham,Corsham,Malmesbury,Wootton Bassett News

Trust wants to save the hospital as well

Two letters were recently published in the Gazette commenting on the Save Our Hospital petition handed to me on behalf of the Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust.   more...

Chronicle of base missed out top era

The chronicle of important dates at RAF Lyneham (Gazette July 10) omitted the most prestigious period during the base's long and distinguished career.   more...

GPs make list decision

I THINK Lewis Cowen's article (Gazette July 17) gave the impression that the PCT is responsible for closing doctors' lists.   more...

We are all being let down

I AM sure people must recover far better and more quickly when they are cared for in a hospital near to their own home than in one which it them and their visitors up to one or even two hours or more to reach.   more...

Slow is also risky

Again we see some drivers ignoring the speed limits on the A3102 between Lyneham and Calne.   more...

Festival success

This year's Devizes Festival has had more full houses than any other year.   more...

More parking means more chaos

In response to comments in two recent letters regarding parking at Avebury during the solstice, I feel it is important to set out the National Trust's current position on parking over that period.   more...

Traffic solution

IN early 1998 Sainsburys opened its doors in the centre of Calne ­ the area of heaviest traffic   more...

Thanks for cash

RECENTLY a collection was made at Sainsburys Supermarket at Cepen Park South, Chippenham and on behalf of the local committee I should like to extend my very grateful thanks to Sainsbury's for granting us permission to collect at their premises. Their support is greatly appreciated.   more...

Lights are a help

WHAT a welcome sight to see work started on the long overdue repairs to Kingsbury Street.   more...

Danger junction

HOW I endorse the comments made by Annie Richards in her letter to the Gazette on July 3 concerning the dangerous junctions on to the A4 between Manton and Beckhampton.   more...

Highworth News

Splashing out on a pool roof

Ref. 25851-18Highworth residents are unleashing their creative skills to raise cash for a new pool roof.   more...

Malmesbury News

Invalid couple's break-in shock

MULTIPLE sclerosis sufferer Peter Philpot was horrified after a burglar climbed into his bedroom while he was sleeping and stole cash he had saved up for his wife.   more...

Airshow organiser reduces road chaos

Villagers were relieved that the traffic problems they anticipated on the Malmesbury route to RAF Fairford did not happen last weekend.   more...

Family homeless after car hits house

A family of six have been left homeless for months after a car smashed into their home on Saturday, leaving it too unstable to live in.   more...

Council considers street drinking ban

TOWN councillors in Malmesbury have expressed reservations about a total ban on drinking on the streets.   more...

Future of units rests on two new surveys

TWO separate reviews are to take place on the future of community maternity units, including Devizes and Malmesbury.   more...

Firms are given the Queen's Awards

REPRESENTATIVES from Devizes company Omitec, and Dyson in Malmesbury, met the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at a reception for the winners of the Queen's Awards for Enterprise.   more...

Pupils make festival music

PUPILS at Burton Hill House School performed songs, dances and musical pieces at the Wiltshire Music Festival last week.   more...

School show is a sell-out

CREATIVITY and innovation were the key focus of the end of year musical production at Hullavington School.   more...

Malmesbury news in brief

The Alderton Village Pond and Green charity is looking for funding to buy five more ducks for the pond, which is classed as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There are more than 12 different species of duck on the pond at present and the charity would like to buy four more varieties.   more...

Teeming with talent

Hundreds of proud parents, relatives and friends packed Dauntsey's School's Memorial Hall for the summer festival of music organised by West Wiltshire Young Musicians.   more...

Busy rural shop is up for sale

SHERSTON shopkeeper Roger Clements is selling up after 21 years. Mr Clements, 61, has decided to retire for health reasons.   more...

Dogs top for obedience

IT was waggy tails all round when all 20 dogs entered into the good citizen awards at Malmesbury and District Dog Club.   more...

Community mosaic plan

THE Young Craft Group in Sherston is seeking £350 funding to run a six-day workshop during the summer holidays.   more...

Marlborough News

Mum appeals for the chance of life

MARLBOROUGH mum Gillian Hackney, who suffers from a rare degenerative genetic lung condition, has appealed for the gift of life.   more...

Mystery over barn blaze

FIRE investigators are sifting through the charred remains of a barn that was destroyed by fire at Ogbourne St George on Saturday.   more...

Outcry at bid to shut centre for tourists

KENNET District Council has been slammed for its total lack of consultation over a proposal to shut Marlborough's tourist information centre.   more...

Matron's 100 happy returns

FORMER Savernake Hospital matron Mabel Blackwell was delighted when former nursing colleagues visited her on her 100th birthday.   more...

New horses on horizon

TWO new white horses are to appear in the Wiltshire countryside when the Marlborough business park opens.   more...

College reveals plan for new music school

A ROW broke out over Marlborough College's latest building plan for a new music school even before town council planners started their meeting on Monday.   more...

The last laugh

DOUG Bower, who claims to have been Britain's first crop circle hoaxer, has been on the Marlborough Downs showing a Japanese film crew how it's done.   more...

Author's novels help bridge two cultures

Rural Wiltshire may seem a world away from the challenges of life in China during the Cultural Revolution, but writer Liu Hong has drawn on her own Chinese heritage as well as a love of England and its language, to become a successful novelist.   more...

Council looks at setting up trust

MARLBOROUGH Town Council is to look into setting up a trust to take over the running of the town hall.   more...

Cycle target draws near

FIVE intrepid school leavers from St John's in Marlborough hope to have reached John O'Groats today (Thursday) after cycling from Land's End.   more...

Ploughing reaps a cash crop for charity

FOR every furrow ploughed by vintage tractors at Burbage at the weekend pounds rolled in for the British Heart Foundation.   more...

Pewsey News

Fanfare for launch of Quiet Lanes project

A NEW safer roads initiative was launched in the Pewsey Vale on Friday urging all road users to "share with care".   more...

Broadband fight hots up

IF more computer users in Pewsey register an interest in Broadband the service could be provided within as little as three months, campaigners claim.   more...

Sally game to weave a web of intrigue

ARACHNAPHOBES beware, a new spider board game has been invented by Pewsey fifth former Sally Mortimer.   more...

Boss may quit village lacking Broadband

BUSINESSMAN Rob Thompson has said he will have to consider moving his business out of Pewsey if the village does not get Broadband Internet connection very soon.   more...

Salisbury News

Deep sea tragedy kills city rugby club player

A POPULAR Salisbury rugby player has died in a deep-sea diving tragedy off the coast of Iraq.   more...

Thugs beat motorist at roadside

A YOUNG man spoke this week of how he became the victim of a vicious attack by four thugs as he drove home to Salisbury on Sunday evening.   more...

Ex-Porton scientist at centre of political row

PORTON Down has paid tribute to a former head of microbiology at the establishment, biological weapons expert Dr David Kelly, who was found dead on Friday.   more...

Solar power plan launched

THE future looks bright for a team of green enthusiasts who have joined forces to land a major grant, which they hope will turn Salisbury into the solar energy capital of the south.   more...

Violence helps push city crime up ten per cent

CRIME in Salisbury is up an alarming 10 per cent, despite the city's remaining one of the safest places to live.   more...

Colourful procession

GLYNIS Lockhart married her son at Salisbury register office on Saturday when she conducted the marriage ceremony between Alistair Lockhart and his fiancee, Emma-Jane Baggs.   more...

Team's challenge

SPECTACULAR attractions welcomed hundreds of visitors to this year's new-look Fordingbridge Show.   more...

Man critically ill after crash with police car

A MAN is critically ill in hospital after his car and a police car were involved in a head-on collision on the road between Sixpenny Handley and Cranborne last week.   more...

City MP reopens band hall

SALISBURY MP and former tuba player Robert Key got to grips with a trumpet on Saturday, to mark the official opening of the refurbished band hall in Downton.   more...

Sport Angling

Are there mystic pegs at Ivy and Wick lakes?

IT seems as though peg numbers 23 and 24 are the hot pegs, not only at Ivy House Lakes but also at South Cerney's Wick Water top lake.   more...

Sport Bowls

County's men are one step from final

A PLACE at Worthing in the national finals next month beckons for the winners at Wiltshire men's championship semi-finals on Sunday.   more...

Wiltshire 98, Hanpshire 146

WILTSHIRE ladies hopes of reaching Leamington again and regaining the Johns Trophy are over for another year.   more...

England call for young duo

WILTSHIRE'S top two young bowlers Neil Hope and Russell Francis have been selected to represent England   more...

Cann can ­ Peter leads Churchways comeback

Stratton Churchways A and Faringdon finished all square on 77 shots each in the latest matches in the Swindon and District Four Rink Bowls League, writes RAY BURROUGHS.   more...

Sport Cricket

Wiltshire Cricket League

THE meeting of the top two at Collingbourne resulted in a win for Calne which moved them back to the top of Division One.   more...

County cricket

WILTSHIRE will be without their leading batsman and bowler when they travel to play Cornwall at Camborne in their Minor Counties Championship match on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.   more...

Wiltshire under 17s v Bedfordshire under 17s

A SUPERB unbeaten 218 by Corsham youngster Andy Davis helped Wiltshire to their first league win for over three years in a thrilling match against Bedfordshire.   more...

Fifties and Fives

Batting:   more...

Swindon Evening League

IN a rain affected week only two of the top Division One matches were played but they each had significant outcomes.   more...

Corsham v Taunton St Andrews

CORSHAM'S title hopes suffered a massive dent at the weekend after a superb individual performance from Somerset all-rounder Keith Parsons proved to be the difference as they crashed to defeat against Taunton St Andrews .   more...

Malmesbury v Marlborough

A SECOND straight victory for Malmesbury in Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Division Two was earned courtesy of a good display in the field, with all chances taken for a change.   more...

North Wilts Junior League

Under 11s - CHIPPENHAM Arrows consolidated their position at the top of the table with a nine wicket success at Wootton Bassett.   more...

Box v Hinton Charterhouse

AN UNBEATEN 50 from Barry Maggs took Hinton Charterhouse to a five wicket win at Box in Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Division Two.   more...

Chippenham v Ilminster

CHIPPENHAM'S promotion hopes were dealt a severe blow at the weekend as they crashed to a narrow defeat to rivals Ilminster in the Stroud and Swindon West of England Premier Division Two.   more...

Chippenham v Swindon

CHIPPENHAM have become the first winners of the Portman Building Society County under 15s Knockout cup.   more...

Chippenham v Westbury

CHIPPENHAM enjoyed a thrilling win over close rivals Westbury in the Bath League Cup.   more...

Sport Football

Hughes is in to bag ace Bevan

CIRENCESTER Town boss Brian Hughes has had a mixed week in the transfer market after snapping up one target and seeing another slip away.   more...

Reserve tie for Stratton

AFC Stratton, formerly Stratton Crosslink and beaten favourites last season, have been drawn against Shrewton United Reserves in the second round of the Wiltshire League's Corsham Print Senior Cup.   more...

Crisis club chief runs out of allies

BELEAGUERED Devizes Town chairman Chris Belcher was ostracised by many stalwarts from his own club before the friendly match against Bristol City.   more...

Vale moving the goalposts

PEWSEY Vale's first scheduled pre-season game match ended goalless ­ because the club's goalposts didn't arrive in time.   more...

Youth side in urgent plea for new players

A CHIPPENHAM boys' football team urgently needs new players so they can continue to run two sides at under-13 level.   more...

Good sports need help

NEW players are being urged to join Bromham Boys Football Club who recently won an award at the White Horse six-a-side tournament in Calne recently.   more...

Corsham Town 1, Trowbridge Town 2

COLIN Bush's first game in charge of Corsham Town has given the new manager a clearer picture of the task ahead of him.   more...

Hellenic League

PEWSEY Vale boss Steve Wootton is looking forward to watching his first choice strike force of Barry Flippance and Craig Wall run rings around opposition defences next season after they both signed up again.   more...

Bromham get warmed-up

WILTSHIRE League Division One side Bromham kick off a week of friendlies tomorrow night with a game at home to Broughton Gifford.   more...

Calne Town 10 Clanfield 0

IF THIS had been a boxing match the referee would have quickly put a stop to the bout as two goals in the opening ten minutes left Clanfield clinging to the ropes.   more...

North/West Wiltshire XI 0, Bristol City 4

A CROWD of 250 turned out at Devizes Town FC on Thursday night to watch a mixture of local non-league players make Second Division side Bristol City work hard for their win.   more...

Girls on the ball at Spitfires' festival

LADIES FOOTBALL: SWINDON Spitfires rounded off a successful season with a footballing feast at the weekend.   more...

Sport Rugby

Rugby players appeal

RICKLADE Rugby Club are in the second week of their pre-season training. The Dorset & Wilts Division 2 club, who have acquired a scrummachine, welcome players on Tuesdays and Thursdays (7pm start). Further details from Jason on (01793) 752974.   more...

Swindon News

Bars have brought area back to life

I wanted to write in reply to the latest criticism of the pubs down Fleet Street and Bridge Street that was featured in the paper about the regeneration plans for our town.   more...

Forget pensions ­ crime pays better

CALLING all old age pensioners. Sign up today and become members of the OAPSBU (The Old Age Pensioners Swag Bag Union) and set out on a life of crime with an abundance of rewards which will make your present pension look sick.   more...

A public inquiry is demanded

THE damning indictment contained in your reports concerning "crumbling schools" in Swindon; presumably built under the aegis of Wiltshire County Council building inspectors demands nothing less than a public inquiry. (EA, June 19).   more...

Free green bags

I WRITE with regard to the above and in response to Miss Packer's letter.   more...

We want to marry

Ref. 25835-10ANDY Shaw and Gary Napier want to be married.   more...

Call for closer link with Europe

FORMER Swindon mayor Stan Pajak (Lib Dem, Eastcott) will tonight call for a debate on further integration with the European Union and will urge fellow councillors to adopt a pro-European stance.   more...

Steam rail restoration group hit by break-ins

VOLUNTEERS at a Blunsdon steam railway restoration charity are at the end of their tether after being hit by three break-ins.   more...

Back in the red

SWINDON'S Great Western Hospital finances have slipped back into the red, just months after the trust freed itself from debt.   more...

NHS reforms were rushed says report

HEALTH service reforms have been botched, according to a damning report by an influential parliamentary committee.   more...

Children get glammed and glittered up for holidays

Ref. 25825-44Children at Rodbourne Cheney Primary School will welcome the summer holidays with vibrant hands - thanks to Georgina Akers.   more...

Big top fun is helping our appeal

SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: Circus fans will be rolling up to the big top this summer and helping the Swindon Cancer Appeal at the same time.   more...

New building planned for school site

COUNCIL planners have approved a multi-million pound scheme to merge a school split over two sites and create state-of-the-art sports facilities.   more...

Love at first sight for diamond couple

Ref. 25822-22A COUPLE who fell in love at first sight were today celebrating 60 years of marriage.   more...

Splashing out on a pool roof

Ref. 25851-18Highworth residents are unleashing their creative skills to raise cash for a new pool roof.   more...

Trim Jenny set for a challenge

Ref. 25807-11JENNY Lawson lost four stone to be able to take part in fundraising events like Cycle For Life being held on Sunday.   more...

School wins top award for quality of its teaching

AN INFANT school finished the school year on a high by picking up an award for the quality of its teaching.   more...

Disabled complex to be built

DISABLED people in Swindon will benefit from a purpose-built sheltered accommodation complex in Abbey Meads.   more...

Wedding wishes for top bride

LOVE and best wishes are being sent from as far away as Australia for the Evening Advertiser Bride of the Year.   more...

Rachael carries on toasting life

Ref. 25821-10KIDNEY patient Rachael Bowden has been given a bravery award because of the courageous way she deals with her condition.   more...

Alfie brings a cheer to children's ward

Ref. 25816-32ALFIE the Adver Alligator brought a smile to children's faces at the Great Western Hospital.   more...

Girls get pat on the back

GIRLS from the 1st Stratton Rainbows raised almost £300 for a children's cancer charity.   more...

Nikki says farewell to special `family'

Ref. 25828-09A HEADTEACHER said an emotional farewell to pupils on her last day at school following her resignation over mounting bureaucracy in education.   more...

Leaflet warns of the dangers of getting too much sun

LEAFLETS warning of the potential dangers of too much exposure to the sun are being made available at Swindon Council outdoor playschemes this summer.   more...

Taken over

At bottom of the league tables, no-one will deny Headlands School needs to improve. But despite some progress made over the past two years, the council has decided to put it under the control of the Local Education Authority.   more...

Man still fights for life after fall

The man who fell down the stairs of the Brunel Rooms nightclub is still fighting for his life.   more...

Are you the lady in Jilly's book?

Jilly Cooper has contacted the Evening Advertiser in a bid to track down a Swindon woman whose story features in her latest best-seller Pandora.   more...

Noises over plan to upgrade sound system

COUNCIL leader Mike Bawden (Con, Old Town and Lawns) will be quizzed tonight about why the authority needs to spend £50,000 upgrading its sound system in the council chamber.   more...

`I didn't think she'd jump' says boyfriend

PAUL Bowell, who is accused of paralysing his girlfriend, has told a court he had no idea she would jump out of his moving car.   more...

Classic sax appeal

Ref. 25840-27A FORMER Stratton St Margaret schoolgirl cannot wait to make a name for herself in the world of classical music.   more...

Watercolours up for grabs

A HOST of British and continental watercolours were today expected to go under the hammer in Swindon.   more...

Your guide to summer fun

Ref. 24882-2Wondering what the children are going to do during the holidays? ALEX EMERY comes up with few bright ideas to help you.   more...

Fathers' Time is a nice idea says Paul and his son Tom

Ref. 25812-23Househusband Paul Hemming, 35, has been attending Fathers' Time with son Thomas, three, since the sessions began 11 weeks ago.   more...

Sad news for school pupils and teachers

ONE would need a heart of stone not to feel for the pupils, headteacher, staff and governors of Headlands School today.   more...

Westbury News

Family's agony as Charlotte weakens

THE family of terminally ill Charlotte Wakeham are not giving up hope despite being told that she has two to three months to live.   more...

Wiltshire News

The last laugh

DOUG Bower, who claims to have been Britain's first crop circle hoaxer, has been on the Marlborough Downs showing a Japanese film crew how it's done.   more...

Wiltshire Sport

Mooney worry

TOMMY MOONEY heads Town's growing list of casualties and manager Andy King has said two loan signings are an absolute necessity as he prepares his squad for the visit of Portsmouth tomorrow night.   more...

Wootton Bassett News

Girl's battle against ill-health nets award

WOOTTON Bassett School student Rachael Bowden has been nominated for an award for her fight against kidney failure.   more...

Anger at council's lack of support

Wootton Bassett Town Council has criticised North Wiltshire District Council's attitudes on employment and environmental issues affecting the town.   more...

Wait for mast news goes on

Wootton Bassett residents are still waiting to be told whether they will have a 100 ft mast installed behind their homes.   more...

New businesses compete for cash prize

Wootton Bassett Chamber of Commerce is to launch a competition for new businesses today, in an attempt to attract investment into the town.   more...

  
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