Weather
Chippenham, Devizes and Wiltshire news, sport, classifieds and more from the Gazette and Herald
Get involved! Send photos, video, news & views. Text WILTS GAZETTE to 80360 or email us
Stories for 20 May 2004
Amesbury News
Community saddened by closure of Catholic church
Durrington Roman Catholic ChurchAN air of sadness hangs over the Roman Catholic community in Durrington as churchgoers see their 43-year-old church boarded up and for sale on the open market. more...
Link road raises more concerns
SALISBURY district council risks legal redress if it continues to ignore vital safety guidance concerning the construction of a new link road, an Amesbury resident claimed this week. more...
Business News
Networkers get inspired by business mentor
Swindon networking organisation www.ecademy.com celebrated its new venue at Swindon Town Football Club with a talk this week by inspirational speaker and business mentor Jim Cronin. more...
Supermarket to have a shake up
The new chief executive of Sainsbury's has unveiled a shake-up of the company's management team after seeing profits for the last year slide 2.9 per cent. more...
Calne News
Teenager killed in rooftop prank
Lee Winter, right,with his friend Stuart Bartlett.GAZETTE & HERALD: A PRANK turned to tragedy for 18-year-old Lee Winter, who fell to his death through the roof of the factory where he worked in the early hours of Sunday morning. more...
Factory closes as workers hold a vigil
GAZETTE & HERALD: LML Products, the factory where Lee Winter worked, closed on Monday as a mark of respect. more...
Ex-Mayor's anger as home is raided
FORMER Calne Mayor Mercy Baggs spke of her distress and anger after returning home on Sunday to discover she had been burgled. more...
Full marks for school despite its buildings
GAZETTE & HERALD: HEADTEACHER Graham Templeman believes Springfields School, Calne, needs to be completely rebuilt despite an excellent Ofsted report. more...
Brave Domonic steps out to help hospital
PLUCKY Domonic Ubhie-Webb, who suffers from an incurable genetic disorder, has vowed to walk six miles from his Lyneham home to his grandmother's in Calne, to raise cash for a new children's hospital. more...
Two women lead town
GAZETTE & HERALD: LIBERAL Democrat Carol O'Gorman was elected Mayor of Calne last week, despite being opposed by Conservative nominee Roy Golding. more...
Colour blooms in the spring
Bowood's Rhododendron Walks have opened to the public for another colourful season. more...
Old fire station looks set to be sold
GAZETTE & HERALD: Councillors have agreed in principle to sell off the former Calne fire and ambulance station. more...
IT firm wins people award
GAZETTE & HERALD: LEADING Microsoft Business Solutions provider, Alpha Landsteinar Limited has been awarded the Investors in People Standard. more...
Report delays sentencing
GAZETTE & HERALD: A Calne man who stole a case containing a Bible has again been released on bail so a psychiatric report can be made on him. more...
Chippenham News
Town is all ready to look blooming lovely
MILD weather and plenty of rain means that many gardens are already blooming with colour and it is hoped that many of the town's keen horticulturalists will be showing off their good work by entering this year's Chippenham in Bloom competition. more...
Big turn-out for teens bar
GAZETTE & HERALD: ABOUT 50 teenagers turned out for the first under-18s night at Chippenham's Fizz Bar on Tuesday. more...
Law has let down my husband says widow
GAZETTE & HERALD: WIDOW Christine Smith, whose husband Geoffrey was killed in a horrific three-vehicle smash on the A4 in September, has slammed the legal system that allowed the man responsible for the accident to walk free. more...
Anger as old bakery blocks proposals
GAZETTE & HERALD: THE latest in a series of applications to develop a site near Chippenham Job Centre fell by the wayside when planners said the proposals were detrimental to a former Victorian bakery. more...
Swan foiled by lack of roof runway
A swan was unable to clear for takeoff from the roof of Lloyds Bank in Chippenham on Friday because its runway was too short. more...
Court gives club wrong licence
MISTAKES by magistrates that have led to Buds being able to open as late as London nightclubs and after midnight on Thursdays, will finally be resolved in court next week. more...
Reid returns our petition on closures
HEALTH Secretary John Reid has refused to get involved with the campaign to save Devizes and Malmesbury maternity units from closure. more...
Council jibes on absences
RUTH Coleman, North Wiltshire District Council's leader, swept to victory in a re-election vote despite jibes by members about frequent absences. more...
Gazette campaign gets result
Highway officers are hoping to compile a road safety plan for the A4 between Chippenham and Calne by the end of the summer. more...
IT's a winner
STEVE Pearce, a depot attendant at North Wiltshire District Council's cleansing and amenities department, is one of seven national winners of the Learning Works Awards 2004. more...
Putting on show
THE quest is on to find the best front garden in North Wiltshire. more...
Funding help is at hand
community and voluntary groups are being invited to step forward and apply for funding towards a community facility or project. more...
Rally proves steam is still on the boil
Thousands of steam and vintage vehicle fans took advantage of the glorious sunny weather to visit the Castle Combe circuit over the weekend for the 19th annual rally. more...
New school kitchens are too hot for pupils
Pupils learning to cook have complained of feeling faint and some have even had to go out for air due to a fault in the ventilation systems at three new schools. more...
MP witness to attack on PM
North Wiltshire MP James Gray witnessed an attack on Tony Blair yesterday afternoon when a father's rights group threw a purple paint ball at the Prime Minister. more...
Stanley Park is on target for September
STANLEY Park, north Wiltshire's biggest outdoor sports complex, is on target to open in September. more...
Big boost for town as HQ nears completion
An artist's impression of Wincanton's headquartersGAZETTE & HERALD: TRANSPORT giant Wincanton has chosen Chippenham over Trowbridge and Somerset as the base for its new multi-million pound headquarters. more...
Home ends a 41-year wait
13018/2GAZETTE & HERALD: A Chippenham playgroup's dreams of finding its own home have come true after a 41-year wait. more...
Young son saves mum and pets from blaze
Quick-thinking 11-year-old William Young saved his family and pets from a fire that gutted their living room on Monday night. more...
Boxing fan brutally attacked in car park
GAZETTE & HERALD: POLICE are hunting two attackers who left a 24-year-old boxing fan unconscious and critically injured in a sports centre car park on Saturday night. more...
Booze ban amended so son can aid mother
AN alcoholic who was put on an anti-social behaviour order to try and stop his drunken behaviour has been allowed to go shopping with his mum. more...
School cook designs menu for boy's allergy
Today is National Coeliac Day, and in Chippenham one little boy who lives with the condition will be tucking into his school dinner confident it will not be endangering his health. more...
Brave Domonic steps out to help hospital
PLUCKY Domonic Ubhie-Webb, who suffers from an incurable genetic disorder, has vowed to walk six miles from his Lyneham home to his grandmother's in Calne, to raise cash for a new children's hospital. more...
Tyre-slash cabbies' licences suspended
GAZETTE & HERALD: TWO former Home James cabbies, who disabled half their ex-boss's cars when they went on a tyre-slashing rampage, have been banned from driving taxis for two months. more...
From air to wall display
AN imposing aerial photograph of Chippenham town centre, once rescued from a rubbish skip, will have a place of honour in the Museum and Heritage Centre. more...
Man is found unconscious
THREE men were arrested after a pub-goer was knocked unconscious on the Town Bridge on Saturday night. more...
Bid to rescue Goldiggers
CAMPAIGNERS trying to save the Goldiggers building from demolition are holding a public meeting tomorrow to rally support for the cause. more...
The ginger menace
GAZETTE & HERALD: A terrified postwoman is refusing to deliver mail to a house in Cepen Park because of a frightening cat. more...
Tragedy haunts RAF man, court told
GAZETTE & HERALD: SERVICEMAN John Plant said he could not remember causing the three-vehicle smash on the A4 last September, which killed Geoffrey Smith, a court heard. more...
Chance for singers to win holiday in New York
GAZETTE & HERALD: Wannabe pop idols are invited to step forward for a chance to hog the limelight in a competition organised by the Little George pub in Chippenham. more...
Corsham News
Granny knocked out after hitting pothole
GRANDMOTHER-of-three Sandra Callaway narrowly escaped death when her bicycle struck an enormous pothole. more...
Falklands veteran admits sex attacks
GAZETTE & HERALD: Falklands veteran Timothy Harker is facing the prospect of a lengthy prison sentence after admitting a string of sex attacks on two young girls. more...
Council stalwart goes after 19 years
IT'S the end of an era for Corsham Town Council, with the retirement of Coun Anne Aust. more...
Corrie's cabbie girl in the driving seat
GAZETTE & HERALD: Coronation Street star Sue Cleaver is urging local women to buckle up and get into gear for the drive of their lives. more...
Hunt's on for road rage woman
POLICE are appealing for witnesses to the alleged assault of a woman motorist by another woman driver in Corsham on Friday. more...
Businesswoman says show was worth risk
SINGLE mum Colette Mallon has been overwhelmed by the response to the Channel 4 episode of Risking It All, which featured her and her business partner Betsi Hughes' struggle to open a new business. more...
Devizes News
Man is jailed for attack on girl, 4
Robert CaldwellPaedophile Robert Caldwell whose victims included a four-year-old girl from Devizes has been jailed for 12 years. more...
Schools jump for joy
13090/2TWO local schools are to build long- overdue sports halls after they were awarded £1m in National Lottery cash between them. more...
Mayor's fund goes to children with special needs
DEVIZES Opportunity Centre for children with special educational needs will benefit from money raised during Paula Winchcombe's mayoral year. more...
New hope for fight to save post office
30470/9CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save the post office in Eastleigh Road, Devizes have taken heart from the success of protesters in Swindon. more...
Woman trips on pothole
A VISITOR to Devizes' Thursday market is nursing bruises and torn ligaments after catching her foot in a pothole in the Market Place. more...
Stars top the bill in village's concert
BIG STAR: Charles DanceTV heartthrobs Charles Dance and Simon Shepherd top the bill in a star-studded concert to take place at Dauntsey's School in August to support young people in the village of West Lavington. more...
Hot date at cinema for cult comedy
DEVIZES is one of the few market towns in Wiltshire still to be able to boast its own cinema, but more than that, it has its own lively and popular film club. more...
TV vet to open new school science block
13082/2TV VET Trude Mostue is coming to Devizes next month to open the comprehensive school's new science block. more...
Pupils dance old and new
13081-3BOLLYWOOD dancing and maypole dancing are two of the highlights at the annual May fair of Dauntsey's Aided Primary School in West Lavington. more...
Reid returns our petition on closures
HEALTH Secretary John Reid has refused to get involved with the campaign to save Devizes and Malmesbury maternity units from closure. more...
Appeal after knife threat
DEVIZES police have appealed for witnesses to an incident in the town centre when a 15-year-old boy was threatened with a knife. more...
`Snub' to town's plea on traffic congestion
TOWN councillors who feel they are being fobbed off by Wiltshire County Council over their concerns about traffic congestion in Devizes are to invite a senior official to meet them. more...
Mum of two is the Labour candidate
MARKET Lavington resident Sharon Charity has been selected as the Labour Party's Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Devizes. more...
DEVIZES FESTIVAL: Team come up with a winning combination
ONCE again Devizes will host a wide range of musical and artistic events as the town's Festival 2004 opens for business. more...
DEVIZES FESTIVAL: Lightnin' set to strike
THERE has always been room for popular music of all sorts at Devizes Festival, but blues has proved especially popular and on this year's programme there is plenty for the blues aficionado. more...
Drunk arrested after refusing to go away
DRUNKEN Peter Brinkworth was arrested by police when he repeatedly got in their way while they were dealing with a violent incident in Devizes. more...
Give your pet a tooth scrub
THE Estcourt House Veterinary Centre in Devizes is supporting dental health for animals by running a painting competition for local schools. more...
Pub regulars help museum
PUB regulars have raised money to look after and extend the collection at Wiltshire Heritage Museum in Devizes. more...
Patient slams `disgusting' hospital food
VAL Compton was so revolted at the overcooked food she was served while a patient at the Great Western Hospital in Swindon that she was prepared to go on air to complain. more...
County's fire crews join 999 only stand
FIREFIGHTERS across Wiltshire are only responding to 999 calls in an unofficial dispute triggered by the suspension of 19 firemen in Salford. more...
Storming the beaches of French red tape
In 1944 thousands of men stormed the Normandy beaches risking their lives in a bid to end the war. more...
Roxy joins ranks as pioneer female
WILTSHIRE Constabulary prides itself on being an equal opportunities employer and this extends to the force's dog section. more...
Bid to boost butterfly numbers
LEADERS of Wiltshire's local authorities and conservation groups were digging in for butterflies at the launch of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty management plan last Wednesday. more...
Victims of crime to be offered more help
VICTIMS of crime will be offered more support following the renewal of a service level agreement between Victim Support and Wiltshire police. more...
Eye in the sky to a briefcase
LIVE video footage sent from Wiltshire Police's helicopter can now be relayed to a screen contained in a briefcase. more...
Bus fares to rise
Fares on the Wilts and Dorset buses are set to rise from Sunday. more...
Conmen in triple strike
POLICE believe a trio of conmen may be behind a series of burglaries at the homes of elderly people on Monday. more...
We wheelie don't want these bins in our road
FAMILIES living in a pretty Malmesbury close are outraged that their front gardens have been spoilt by unsightly wheelie bins. more...
Dog tied up and left in layby
RSPCA officers say the person who abandoned a dog in a layby on the A4 is guilty of a callous act. more...
Three held after chase with police helicopter
MORE than a dozen police officers including dog handlers, plus the Wiltshire Police helicopter, descended on the village of Rowde in the pursuit of suspected burglars. more...
Guardian for the landscape
The beautiful landscape of Wiltshire is to have its own countryside guardian. more...
Teenager appeal
AN appeal has been made for people to consider fostering young people, especially teenagers. more...
Devizes,Calne,Marlborough,Highworth,Chippenham,Corsham,Malmesbury,Wootton Bassett News
Make more of our attractive town
The recent royal visit of HRH the Duke of Edinburgh was diabolically advertised. more...
Waste plant should go on an industrial site
The recent events in Bromham have saddened me terribly. I agree that change is not always wrong, but in this case change would be wrong. more...
Fully endorse right to freedom of speech
Last May I was privileged to be elected as a Marlborough town councillor. I was elected as an Independent candidate. more...
Vote was not taken fairly
AS a lifelong resident of Bromham I was disappointed to read your report stating that Mark and Cynthia Wilkinson have abandoned their idea for an energy plant in the village. more...
Many thanks
THANKS to the continued efforts of our stalwart local coordinators, their helpers, the many volunteers in and around Devizes and our many friends, we have once again an excellent result to report. more...
Police boost
YOUR encouraging report from three north Wiltshire towns funding to support new community support officer to fill gap by lack of Bobbies on the beat will I am sure be fully supported by the long suffering public. more...
Roll on 2005
Coun Scott has said that Chippenham is the most "cost effective" Records Office location. more...
Oppose plan
CAN I alert the Devizes public to the fact that fresh from the recent skateboard park fiasco it is now proposing further alarming depredations in Hillworth Park. more...
Great night
the Christina Jackson concert, which was held at Marden House, Calne on May 7 in aid of Save the Children, raised £342.50. more...
Much upset
I would like to condemn the idiots who broken into my parents' home on Sunday morning, May 16 in Calne. more...
Only effective opposition
RECENT coverage in the Gazette and Herald has been given to the attitudes of the British National Party and UK Independence Party in their approach to the forthcoming European elections. more...
Education News
Gifts add to school fun
Hughen and Joyce Riley, from the Silver Plough pub, with pupils from Exeter House who will benefit from the jeep donation.IT is playtime at Exeter House special school following a generous donation of trikes, jeeps and a basketball hoop. more...
Pupils celebrate report
A SCHOOL which just three-and-a-half years ago suffered the dubious distinction of becoming the first secondary in Wiltshire to be placed in special measures, was this week celebrating an upbeat Ofsted report. more...
Halfmarathon News
Get your shoes on
Swindon's charity half marathon makes a comeback this year and runners can look forward to accurate timings with the help of a microchip more...
Malmesbury News
A wheel menace
13105/2FAMILIES living in a pretty Malmesbury close are outraged that their front gardens have been spoilt by unsightly wheelie bins. more...
Forging bonds with Europe
13062/2MALMESBURY mayor Patrick Goldstone treated youngsters from the twin town of Neibull in Germany to a tour around the town hall last week. more...
Reid returns our petition on closures
HEALTH Secretary John Reid has refused to get involved with the campaign to save Devizes and Malmesbury maternity units from closure. more...
Police are called to son's row with mum
POLICE officers used CS gas to calm down 20-year-old Jonathan Skillern when an argument with his mother sparked a furious outburst, a court heard. more...
Mourners to wear pink to honour girl who loved life
Friends and family are planning to pay their final respects to murdered nursery nurse Amanda Edwards at her funeral on Friday. more...
Councillor defends his decision on bird farm
A controversial planning application to modernise Minety chicken farm has been granted despite fears that it will create more traffic and more offensive smells. more...
Mum's fight for son on TV
CAMPAIGNING mother Iris Baker appeared on GMTV this morning, talking about her fight to bring her imprisoned son Nick home from his Japanese jail hell. more...
Warning as fireworks blow a hole in shelter
Police fear someone could be injured or killed after fireworks set off by pranksters blew a hole through the roof of a village bus shelter in the sleepy village of Oaksey. more...
Treasure in the attic?
MALMESBURY will have its own antiques roadshow when experts from Hilditch Auctions provide free valuations for family treasures. more...
New mayor denies calling police `pigs'
13026/1PATRICK Goldstone has pledged to continue as Mayor of Malmesbury amid allegations he called the police `pigs' in the abbey last month. more...
Temporary car park is given the green light
A temporary extension to the Station Yard car park in Malmesbury has been given the go-ahead by planners despite fears it will lead to the destruction of a part of the river valley. more...
Artist's view of town's characters to go on show
AN exhibition in memory of artist Colin Forward will open to the public at Malmesbury Library on Saturday May 29. more...
Views sought on new hall
THE Malmesbury Town Hall Action Group is seeking the views of users to identify their needs. more...
Marlborough News
Biting Becks is spared by court
13104DOG owner Fiona Campbell fought back tears of joy when magistrates decided that her dog Becks should not be put down. more...
Mums back clamping so children can play safely
RESIDENTS of Kelham Gardens in Marlborough have backed the clamping of vehicles parked near their homes because they say children can now play safely without fear of being knocked down. more...
Mayor is accused of gagging councillors
MAVERICK town councillor Richard Allen has hit out at what he sees as an attempt to gag himself and his fellow council members who wish to express their views through the columns of the Gazette and Herald. more...
Royal visit is so hush hush
A SECURITY blanket thrown over the visit of Prince Charles to the Marlborough 800 celebration next month has been described as illogical by a leading townsperson. more...
Mums survey breastfeeding
TWO young mums Maria Watson and Rachel Hingley are carrying out a survey on every shop and café in Marlborough today to check on breast feeding facilities. more...
Historic High Street still at risk from fire
Fire engines attending to the High Street fire in 1998MORE than 40 per cent of Marlborough's historic buildings are not properly protected from fire, the town's fire forum has revealed. more...
Town is like a mini New Orleans, says organiser
The annual jazz festival in Marlborough has earned the town the reputation of being a mini New Orleans, organiser Nick Fogg claims. more...
Fun, games for everyone
CELEBRATIONS to mark the 800th anniversary of Marlborough receiving its royal charter in 1204 will get under way between Thursday, June 10 and Sunday, June 20, with a wide range of first-class events and entertainments taking place throughout the town. more...
Developers' patience plea
Developers of Coombe End House residential home have appealed to residents of St Margaret's Mead for patience during the year-long renovation project. more...
Memories of town recorded onto disc
Memories of Marlborough, as told by people who recall the town from their childhood and youth, have been recorded on CD. more...
Pewsey News
Prison officers give Lottie a new chair
TEN-year-old Lottie Rapson, who suffers from a disorder that makes walking progressively difficult, has a brand new electric wheelchair. more...
Salisbury News
It's hot in the city tonight
The Courgettes in perfect harmony at the Cat Tavern. DA5528P07They came, they played, they conquered. Joanna Snell enjoyed. more...
Cathedral notes
Morning Worship with Holy Communion is at 7.30am each weekday, usually in the Trinity Chapel. more...
Sport Cricket
Earle's a winner
YOUNG Courtney Earl is being tipped for a bright future in the game after producing a sensational performance for Calne U13s on Sunday. more...
Hinton Charterhouse v Wootton Bassett
BASSETT travelled with a full strength team and were looking to get the season off too a good start following the disappointment of two cancelled games. more...
Swindon District U11 v North Wilts District U11
THE Swindon District side finally got to put their talents to the test against their compatriots from the North Wilts. more...
Dwason on form
CAPTAIN James Vince (72) and Tom Young (25) helped Chippenham make an impressive 125-3 in their 20 overs. more...
Devizes U15 v Corsham U15
A STUNNING innings from Lee Pitman with 45 not out swept Devizes to a comfortable victory. more...
Wiltshire Cricket League
Division One more...
Cinderford St John v Malmesbury
MALMESBURY suffered a disappointing loss on Saturday when they were all out for 112 chasing Cinderford's total of 197. more...
North Wilts Youth Cricket League
U11 more...
Wiltshire v Nottinghamshire (Played at Trent Bridge)
A FEW weeks ago Corsham wicketkeeper Neil Shardlow was watching England's Chris Read keep wicket in Barbados. On Monday he was playing against him at Trent Bridge for Wiltshire against Nottinghamshire. more...
Corsham v Downend
RAIN had put paid to Corsham's cricket for the previous two weekends but they did manage to kick-start their season with a win against Downend at Station Road on Saturday. more...
Chippenham v Weston-Super-Mare.
CHIPPENHAM finally got their season under way and started well picking up a 47-run win over Weston at Hardenhuish. more...
Marlborough v Swindon
SWINDON were asked to bat first and Australian opener Rourke was quickly into his stride, making a useful 44 before being caught by home skipper Navid Ahmad off the bowling of Vinay Sharma. Earlier, George Fox had trapped Will Nichols for 8. more...
Wilts and Glos Division One
GOATACRE won the toss and batted first against Redmarley who were division 1 winners in 2003. more...
National Village Championship
GOATACRE came away fromold rivals Redlynch on Sunday with one of the largest victory margins in the history of the competition. more...
Woodmancote v Biddestone
BIDDESTONE were victorious at Woodmancote in their first ever Wilts and Glos league game. more...
Sport Football
Tournament is a real scorcher
THE heat was on for more than 200 junior teams who took part in three sun-drenched days of football at FC Chippenham Youth's 14th annual six-a-side competition. more...
We won the cup
Mid-Wilts Youth League: IT was a day of drama in high temperatures as the county's youth sides battled it out during the Mid Wilts Minor League cup final weekend. more...
The men from the league say we're up
Screwfix League: CORSHAM Town received the news they were hoping for on Thursday when they were told they have won promotion to the Premier Division. more...
Wiltshire U18 4 Gloucestershire U18 3
MEL Gingell's Wiltshire U18 side have crowned a magnificent season by becoming South West champions. more...
U17s will have new league for next term
Youth football: LEAGUE football for U17 sides will be back on the menu next season following a Wiltshire County Football Association survey. more...
Happy faces at Gateway
THERE were happy faces all around when Chippenham Town Supporters' Club held their annual friendly match with the Chippenham Gateway Club last Thursday. more...
Towler is a Bush target
TWO outgoing Chippenham Town players have been the subject of transfer speculation this week. more...
Swindon News
We need trams or light rail not mini-monorail
NOT again! I read in your columns with horror the latest idea for solving Swindon's transport problems a mini-monorail! more...
Will the players be rubbish at The Tip?!
If Swindon Town Football Club moves to Sparcells will their new ground be known as The Tip? more...
Six months is not long enough for stealing from anglers' club
As the previous chairman of Plaums Pit AC and, also, chairman of Swindon Fisheries Management Group, I am writing from the Philippines to express my dismay and anger at the UK judicial system. more...
Animal testing protest call
ON Saturday, events will be taking place all over the UK and in dozens of countries across the world to protest at Procter & Gamble's animal testing policies. more...
Parking questions
S V Colley's letter of May 17 arguing against the building of a Park and Ride car on hospital land at Commonhead begs two questions: more...
I won't buy bags
How good of John Short to reply in person to my complaint about the black bags. Let me firstly answer Mr Short's piece about it being unfortunate that I will not purchase black bags. more...
Thanks to doctors
I WOULD like to thank very much my GP, consultant, the doctors and nursing staff who were involved with my recent operation at the Great Western Hospital, which was for bowel cancer. more...
So grateful . . .
COULD I please, through your letter page, thank the people who came to my aid on Thursday May 4. more...
Comrades-in-arms
30452-19TWO old comrade have had an emotional reunion nearly 60 after they fought alongside each other in the Battle of Normandy. more...
Millionaire Major told he must pay out
TELEVISION quiz cheat Major Charles Ingram was told by three appeal judges that he must pay the financial penalty for his fraud in spite of other personal debts of more than £300,000. more...
Man had sex with boy, 15
RODNEY Barlow has been jailed for 18 months after a court heard how he struck up a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old boy. more...
Cheers! I would just love to stay
DEREK Benfield's year as mayor of Swindon is nearly up. But the 71-year-old loves the job so much that he would jump at the chance to spend some more time in the top seat. more...
Making science popular
A BESTSELLING author who lives near Swindon has set up a website about his favourite type of reading popular science. more...
Police back civilian help
27244-28POLICE in Swindon have strongly defended the use of controversial civilian patrol wardens. more...
Drivers caught speeding through Avebury
THREE local drivers have been punished for speeding in a 30mph zone. The motorists were caught breaking the speed limit in Avebury on January 12. more...
`We must tighten security' says MP
Concerned . . . Michael Wills MPSwindon MP Michael Wills has called for new security for the Prime Minister, after yesterday's paint bomb attack in the Commons. more...
FBU to vote over strikes
SOLDIERS with Green Goddess fire engines could take to the streets once more next month. more...
Get your shoes on
Swindon's charity half marathon makes a comeback this year and runners can look forward to accurate timings with the help of a microchip more...
Chance to become a little arty and crafty
PEOPLE can try their hand at a range of arts and crafts free of charge next month. Swindon Council will be holding a series of have-a-go sessions from June 12. more...
Bring back our railway station
A RAIL passenger group has called for a new station at Wootton Bassett. And local people plan to use the report by the Western England Rail Passengers' Committee as a weapon to get the station re-opened on the site of the old station which is now derelict. more...
Second time rhyme
THE winner of the Swindon Poetry Slam will be performing at Borders bookshop next week. more...
Awards for refugees
PEOPLE who have escaped persecution and repressive regimes will celebrate their educational achievements on Friday. more...
Just the ticket
TICKETS are selling fast for Highworth Twinning Association's French evening. more...
Trust claims hospital guide is outdated
A HOSPITAL guide claiming Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust has the region's lowest level of patient satisfaction is outdated, the trust's chief executive says. more...
Services move
SWINDON Services' call centre will be running a reduced service from 3pm on Friday. The centre, which takes calls for the services arm of the council, is moving from the Barnfield tip to Waterside Park in Cheney Manor. more...
Rail crash widow finds love
GILL Brain has found love again seven years after losing her beloved husband in a rail crash. more...
Deadline for Locarno deal
Mike BawdenA DEADLINE has been imposed for a deal to be signed over the arson-hit Locarno. more...
Billie dismisses rift rumours
BILLIE Piper has dismissed rumours of a rift with her husband Chris Evans. The Swindon-born pop star turned actress was spotted alone in a London café. more...
Glittering prizes
SWINDON'S £1 million diamond heist may have been masterminded by a gang of professional jewellery thieves. more...
Big step to my dream
Picture: COLIN ADAMSIT'S D-DAY: STEPPING onto the lush turf at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff under the gaze of the Red Army is David Marsh's dream of heaven. more...
What are the odds on Town?
IT'S D-DAY: BOOKMAKERS across Swindon are expecting a flurry of late bets today, ahead of the big match. more...
Birthday boy cheers them on
MP Michael WillsIT'S D-DAY: MICHAEL Wills says victory at the Withdean Stadium would be the icing on his birthday cake. more...
Brave Danika receives Princess Diana award
Teenage cancer battler Danika Schofield has received a Princess Diana award in recognition of her work with other youngsters. more...
Melinda dreams of lottery payout
MELINDA Messenger may have earned millions but that doesn't stop Swindon's golden girl from playing the national lottery. more...
Wiltshire News
Teenager killed in rooftop prank
Lee Winter, right,with his friend Stuart Bartlett.GAZETTE & HERALD: A PRANK turned to tragedy for 18-year-old Lee Winter, who fell to his death through the roof of the factory where he worked in the early hours of Sunday morning. more...
Wiltshire Sport
Eye for goal!
TOMMY MOONEY is confident that Town will not be left to rue two hard luck stories in less than a week as they prepare to do battle against Brighton tonight. more...
Wootton Bassett News
Bring back our railway station
A RAIL passenger group has called for a new station at Wootton Bassett. And local people plan to use the report by the Western England Rail Passengers' Committee as a weapon to get the station re-opened on the site of the old station which is now derelict. more...
Yabba dabba do!
Gloriously sunny weather ensured that hundreds of people flocked outdoors to see the Wootton Bassett carnival parade go by. more...
Local Advertisers
Local Information
Enter your postcode, town or place name
