Stories for 16 September 2004

Bath Leisure

Painful home truths

UNTIL SEPTEMBER 18 2004, BATH: Arthur Miller delivers life in the raw. His work contains humour, angst, hope and despair, not necessarily in equal proportions   more...

Business News

Disabled by ignorance

MORE than half of small businesses in Swindon have not even started thinking about how to meet new health and safety regulations coming into force next month, according to a survey.   more...

Institute of Directors keen to network for new members

A BUSINESS lobby group hopes by attracting new members it can develop closer links with firms in Swindon.   more...

Hairdressing school opens for business

BUDDING hairstylists can aim to be a cut above the rest by attending a new training school in Swindon.   more...

New eBay drop-off shop takes strain out of selling

DEVIZES is at the forefront of the internet revolution with the opening of the very first eBay drop-off shop in the county and reputedly the largest in Britain.   more...

Calne News

Kids get mobile park but will have to pay

14064/1GAZETTE & HERALD: YOUNGSTERS in Calne could soon be able to enjoy a mobile skate park twice a week but they will have to pay for their fun.   more...

First town youth festival is a hit

GAZETTE & HERALD: YOUNGSTERS had a chance to try out the new mobile skate park this Saturday as well as experience what else Calne had to offer them at the inaugural Youth Festival.   more...

Renowned pianist's concert for church

GAZETTE & HERALD: ONE of the world's most travelled musicians, Roman Rudnytsky, is set to tickle the ivories in Calne to help out some friends.   more...

Canal lock restoration

GAZETTE & HERALD: A CANAL in Calne that was abandoned in 1913, is getting a facelift thanks to a group of volunteers.   more...

World acclaim for school

GAZETTE & HERALD: CALNE'S John Bentley School has been awarded the prestigious International Schools Award by The British Council.   more...

Passengers evacuated from coach

GAZETTE & HERALD: Calne bus passenger Martyn Jackson was one of four people evacuated from a Swindon bus after it caught fire yesterday.   more...

Rough water ahead

GAZETTE & HERALD: Former St Mary's, Calne, Schoolgirl Emma-Kate Lacey is only a month away from racing 30,000 miles around the world against prevailing winds and currents.   more...

Chippenham News

Postmaster is suspended

GAZETTE & HERALD: Christian Malford village post office has been closed and the sub postmaster Kevin May suspended, after financial irregularities showed up during an audit.   more...

Christmas to come early

GAZETTE & HERALD: Summer is barely over but plans are already well underway for the Chippenham Christmas lights switch-on.   more...

Exhibition to salute work of top artist

GAZETTE & HERALD: The life of Chippenham artist, teacher and luminary Robin Tanner will be celebrated in an exhibition at Chippenham Museum and Heritage Centre in October.   more...

MP hopes base may win eight-year reprieve

GAZETTE & HERALD: NORTH Wiltshire MP James Gray is hoping RAF Lyneham could be in line for a further eight years' reprieve, after rumoured plans to extend the service date of the C130K Hercules.   more...

Allotment sheds raided

GAZETTE & HERALD: ANGRY allotment holder, Malcolm Welling is fuming after his shed containing thousands of pounds worth of tools was broken into last week.   more...

Young people given promise

GAZETTE & HERALD: Opportunity, achievement and accessibility are at the heart of a new charter for young people.   more...

Four days non-stop art

The range and talent of North Wiltshire's artists will be celebrated at a four-day event for ArtsNoW, the network for the artists working in the district.   more...

New magistrates bear witness to revolution

The popular image of a magistrate is of an elderly, upper class, male. DEBBIE WAITE spoke to some of North Wiltshire's newest recruits and found the image was far from the truth   more...

GPs in charge of new out-of-hours service

A new out-of-hours GP service for people needing urgent medical treatment will take over the whole of the Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust area on October 1.   more...

Hospital fight

TIM Boucher, the chairman of the Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust, has announced he is to retire from the trust.   more...

Council chief in hurricane ordeal

An idyllic holiday in Florida came to a dramatic and tempestuous end for North Wiltshire District Council chief executive Bob Marshall when he was caught up in the devastation caused by Hurricane Francis.   more...

Help online for electors

North Wiltshire District Council is updating its register of electors and this year residents with no changes to report can register using a freephone telephone number or on-line.   more...

Friends battled to save pal's life

Police tape seals off the entrance to Chippenham Town HallGAZETTE & HERALD: FRIENDS battled to save the life of 41-year-old Gary Broadbery after he was hit by an out of control car while walking his dog in Chippenham on Sunday.   more...

Fears as man found dead from overdose

14084/1GAZETTE & HERALD: SHOCKED neighbours of Kevin Woodward, who died of a suspected drugs overdose on Saturday, told how their lives were made hell by the throngs of people going to his house for 12-hour drink and drug binges.   more...

Dental nurse died in holiday accident

GAZETTE & HERALD: The 21-year-old Chippenham woman who was killed in a head-on collision on the A303 on September 6 has been identified as dental nurse Amy Steel.   more...

Chemical alert

14112GAZETTE & HERALD: Eight staff were rushed to hospital with sickness and firefighters wearing protection suits were drafted in after a chemical spillage sent noxious fumes seeping through Boots the Chemist in Chippenham yesterday.   more...

Look lovely for Lydia

14047/2GAZETTE & HERALD: HAIRDRESSER Emma Hudd realised her dream of opening her own salon this week and to celebrate she wants to hear from people eager to have their hair styled for an excellent cause.   more...

Music fan could hit 50 Cent in hip pocket

GAZETTE & HERALD: A RAP-MUSIC fan, who was knocked unconscious when world-famous rapper, 50 Cent, flung his microphone into the audience at the Reading Festival, is suing the star for compensation.   more...

Rob's new zest for life

14102/2GAZETTE & HERALD: Last September, chronically-ill Rob Vincent received a kidney from his dad, Eddie. Now the father-of-two is back to fitness and enjoying life.   more...

Reinstated doctor is in party mood

GAZETTE & HERALD: Chippenham GP Dr Barney Williams will be handing over his out-of-hours care to the new company, after a long-running dispute with the PCT about his ability to provide an adequate service.   more...

Readers give helping hand

14033/1GAZETTE & HERALD: NURSERY owner Christine Hughes, whose business was almost destroyed by arsonists, has been moved to tears by the kindness shown by Gazette readers.   more...

Storm-hit canoeists saved by lifeboat

GAZETTE & HERALD: A Chippenham man and a fellow canoeist from Cardiff were the subject of a daring rescue by lifeboat men on Saturday, after their fragile craft were swept out to sea by storm force gales.   more...

Thousands expected for Cochran festival

GAZETTE & HERALD: ROCK 'n' Roll superstar Little Richard will be jetting into Britain next Friday for his much-awaited concert in Monkton Park.   more...

Plan of action for troubled estate

GAZETTE & HERALD: Residents, councillors, police officers and representatives of local organisations put their heads together at a meeting on Monday in an attempt to improve the quality of life on a Chippenham housing estate.   more...

Post Office's bosses snub protest meeting

GAZETTE & HERALD: POST Office bosses snubbed 100 Pewsham residents who turned out to pledge their support for their local branch this week.   more...

Corsham News

Pair win through to catering's cup final

Jean Jacques DaniloGAZETTE & HERALD: CHEF Franco Caruso and waiter Jean Jacques Danilo are set for hospitality stardom after winning a place in the national finals of the prestigious Young Chef Young Waiter competition.   more...

Kids given early mark option for the Friday

GAZETTE & HERALD: A ground-breaking change of school hours at Colerne primary school, which ends lessons at 1.30pm on Fridays, has attracted the attention of education experts at the Innovation Unit of the Department for Education and Skills (DFES).   more...

Jazzy launch for booklet

GAZETTE & HERALD: A new booklet packed with information about Corsham creators, makers and growers will be launched at the first Corsham International Jazz Festival tomorrow.   more...

Meeting held for residents

GAZETTE & HERALD: SANCTUARY and Westlea Housing Associations are hosting a neighbourhood watch meeting and barbecue at Pockeridge Road Community Centre on Tuesday, September 28, from 6.30pm.   more...

Ctfc Sport

Hervin eyeing up USA offer

CHIPPENHAM could lose goalkeeper Mark Hervin at the end of the season as he pursues his dream to coach in America.   more...

Hervin is on spot to save first penalty

GOALKEEPER Mark Hervin reaped the benefits of changing his penalty tactics when he saved a spot kick at Bedford on Saturday.   more...

Playing is no problem for busy Wilmot

MIDFIELDER Ellis Wilmot says teaching PE and playing for Chippenham take up most of his spare time but he would not change it for the world.   more...

Club's race against time to raise £9,000

CHIPPENHAM are facing a race against time to raise more than £9,000 to buy new safety barriers and the club is appealing to fans for their help.   more...

Thorne's pledge to learn from mistakes

CAPTAIN Wayne Thorne believes his team will not repeat the mistakes they made at Bedford on Saturday.   more...

Rookie loves a rollicking

YOUNG midfielder Lee Davidson says coming to Chippenham has made him a better player, even though he has only made a handful of appearances so far.   more...

Bitton face a tough battle

Chippenham Town face Screwfix Premier League strugglers Bitton in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup on Saturday.   more...

Devizes News

Sam's memorial will help others

Sam WatersA SPECIAL fund to help children in the Devizes area is to be set up in memory of ten-year-old Sam Waters who died on Friday of brain cancer.   more...

Appeal will make NHS history

CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save Devizes and Malmesbury maternity units from closure are hoping that Health Secretary John Reid will back the appeal that is to be made by Wiltshire County Council.   more...

New eBay drop-off shop takes strain out of selling

DEVIZES is at the forefront of the internet revolution with the opening of the very first eBay drop-off shop in the county and reputedly the largest in Britain.   more...

Green fingered success

GARDENING enthusiasts were rewarded for their efforts in this year's Devizes in Bloom competition.   more...

Cellar bar is in the swing

THE gamble taken by Andrew and Angela McLachlan in opening a jazz club in the cellar bar at the Bear Hotel in Devizes is paying off, if Saturday night's opening concert was anything to go by.   more...

Villagers vow to save medieval woodland

VILLAGERS at Little Cheverell, near Devizes, have launched a campaign to prevent a swathe of ancient oak woodland being cut down for lumber.   more...

Mobile skate park ends two year search for site

DEVIZES Town Council this week agreed to sign up to a scheme that will bring a mobile skate park to the town for two sessions a week.   more...

Hospital fight

DEVIZES MP Michael Ancram has demanded an assurance that a replacement Devizes Hospital will be built on land earmarked at Green Lane.   more...

Village hall reborn

14060/1VILLAGERS celebrated the re-opening of Bishops Cannings parish hall on Saturday after a major refurbishment.   more...

Chaos on roads is primary concern

CONGESTED roads were the overriding concern of people who attended a public consultation in Devizes.   more...

Caught out rabbit bowls over radio team

THE sad tale of the rabbit that was incinerated ­ along with £60,000 of groundsman's equipment ­ at Devizes Cricket Club has been a hot topic for discussion on Radio 4's Test Match Special.   more...

Card thief's £600 spree

THIEF Christopher Wilson who spent more than £600 on a stolen debit card gave himself up to police.   more...

Guardians in election race

DEVIZES Guardians, the pressure group set up in the wake of the felling of trees in the Market Place in 2001, is planning to field at least one candidate in next year's county council elections.   more...

Star's PR man takes sacking in his stride

GEOFF Baker from All Cannings, near Devizes, has taken his sacking as public relations man for pop superstar Sir Paul McCartney philosophically.   more...

Petition backs call for a new school

ROWDE Primary School has started a petition to demonstrate how much support there is in the village for its plans for a replacement school.   more...

Does anyone know of fire?

A FORMER map expert who taught at an Army staff college which is now Erlestoke Prison is seeking information about the fire that destroyed the manor house on the site.   more...

Uninsured driver is spared road ban

MOTORIST Joseph Rowe who test drove his new car while not covered by insurance was caught by police doing a spot check.   more...

On catwalk for charity

A FASHION show is being held in Devizes to raise money for people with disabilities in Wiltshire.   more...

GPs in charge of new out-of-hours service

A new out-of-hours GP service for people needing urgent medical treatment will take over the whole of the Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust area on October 1.   more...

Council tax may rise by 12 per cent

KENNET District Council has adopted a financial strategy that could result in a council tax increase next year of 12 per cent.   more...

Charity throws open its doors

KENNET Action for Single Homeless is holding an open day at its drop-in centre at the Cromwell Rooms in Station Road, Devizes, on September 30 to allow people to find out more about its work.   more...

Campaigners blast Blair's hunting bill

Hunt supporters say the Government has its priorities wrong and have vowed to carry on hunting, even if it means breaking the law.   more...

Chief constable bids farewell to the force

Dame Elizabeth NevilleWILTSHIRE'S retiring Chief Constable, Dame Elizabeth Neville, will miss her colleagues at Wiltshire Constabulary but will welcome a bit more free time to indulge her pastimes, including horse riding.   more...

Motorway siege duty in a long black gown

There have been many noteworthy incidents during Dame Elizabeth's seven years at the helm, but one that makes her smile is the night of the M4 siege.   more...

Check your smoke alarm

Woolworths and Wiltshire Fire Brigade have joined forces to support a national campaign urging people to check their smoke alarm batteries and have 20 alarms, worth £9,99 each, to give away.   more...

Brush up on dental health

CHILDREN are being offered free toothbrushes and toothpaste if their school pilots a dental health programme.   more...

Friends help for elderly

A BEFRIENDING service for elderly people will be extending into north Wiltshire thanks to a £156,000 grant from the Big Lottery Fund.   more...

Kayak adventure

Three men are braving the chilly waters of the River Thames in kayaks in a bid to raise money for Cancer Research.   more...

Cameras praised

Wiltshire County Council's overview and scrutiny management committee has congratulated the Wiltshire and Swindon Safety Camera Partnership on a 64 per cent cut in personal injury accidents at speed camera sites.   more...

Lifeline for heart victims

The British Heart Foundation has launched the National Defibrillator Programme and awarded 24 defibrillators to Wiltshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust.   more...

Flying flag for Queen's Award

COMPANIES in Wiltshire are being encouraged to enter the prestigious Queen's Award for Enterprise.   more...

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

Help the disabled on their travels

Rarely have I read such a feeble excuse for ignoring the needs of the disabled as that vouchsafed by First Great Western in refusing to allow an electric invalid scooter on their trains.   more...

Record office not up to British Standard

IT is of great concern that the county council is ignoring British Standards 5454:2000 on record office locations. The Cocklebury Road site does not meet this standard.   more...

Fight ban on hunting and save country jobs

I employ several staff in the local area involved in the welfare of hounds and horses used for hunting.   more...

Road carnage must cease

I NOTE with great sadness yet another tragic accident on the A346 at Ogbourne St Andrew last week and I am sure that, having been through the overwhelming trauma myself, the thoughts of the townsfolk of Marlborough will be with the family at this sad time.   more...

Help needed

I am going to meet my MP Michael Ancram at the Breakthrough Breast Cancer Campaign's and Advocacy Network's annual lobby of Parliament, the Westminster Fly-In, and I want to take readers' opinions to the meeting.   more...

Song is heard

WITH reference to the article, Note of Concern for the Missing Skylarks on Marlborough Common (Gazette, September 2), Coun Bryan Castle says skylarks no longer sing over the common.   more...

Rude drivers

I must agree with Clare Greenland (Gazette letters, September 9). I, too, have had concerns about the speed of drivers in Wiltshire since moving to Devizes from London.   more...

At what cost?

FOR a short while on Saturday evening traffic returned to its normal sane and regular flow in Marlborough but on Sunday morning it returned to mayhem, which we understand is to last a further two weeks. Surprise, surprise!   more...

Many thanks

We hope everybody enjoyed Marlborough Carnival and to this end the carnival committee would like to say a big thank you to everyone who participated in this year's carnival activities and made them so enjoyable.   more...

Health first

WITH reference to the Opinion column in the Gazette & Herald of September 2, those members of the Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust who desire to become land agents should arrange the sale of Southgate House and West Wiltshire sites and use the proceeds to improve existing hospitals, not destroy them and leave.   more...

A novel idea

OLDER residents may remember Rendell's carnival float and their pretend airship R-102, pictured in the Gazette last week.   more...

Add cotton to organic list

Many readers will be buying organic food and drink because they are concerned about the effects of chemical farming upon both their health and the environment.   more...

Malmesbury News

Best gardens are rewarded

14097/2Creative children and gardeners were recognised at the Malmesbury in Bloom awards ceremony last Thursday night.   more...

Town rallies to save play area

Furious town councillors have united with residents to oppose Newton Grove play area being made smaller.   more...

Festival's foot tapping good

14065/1Malmesbury rocked and tapped its way through 12 wonderful jazz sessions at the weekend.   more...

Thieves smash way into three churches

THIEVES smashed their way into three village churches last week causing many hundreds of pounds worth of damage, and seized two antique tables.   more...

Clowning for the church

14068/2MORE than 60 enthralled children enjoyed a praise party of juggling, stories and funky music at Malmesbury Abbey on Saturday.   more...

Appeal will make NHS history

CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save Devizes and Malmesbury maternity units from closure are hoping that Health Secretary John Reid will back the appeal that is to be made by Wiltshire County Council.   more...

Villagers hire legal experts to argue case

Campaigners from the Minety Action Group want to spend £10,000 hiring a barrister and planning expert in their battle to remove a gipsy encampment from the village.   more...

Arnhem drop 60 years on

A CRUDWELL company is providing parachutes to enable 150 war veterans and 50 teenagers from across the UK to make a drop at Arnhem in Holland tomorrow as part of an historic recreation of Operation Market Garden 60 years ago.   more...

Commander hopes to be crowned crossword king

Crossword expert Mike Hardwick will be joining a battle of words on Saturday when he takes part in the final of the Bert Danher Prize Crossword Competition in London, organised by the Daily Telegraph.   more...

Business links with 14 towns

Business people say the decision by Malmesbury Chamber of Commerce to join its larger parent body will benefit the town.   more...

Mayor criticised over carnival quiz date clash

Supporters of Malmesbury Mayor Patrick Goldstone have defended his decision to host a carnival quiz in the town hall two weeks ago ­ despite North Wiltshire District Council debating plans for Malmesbury Hospital on the same night.   more...

End of line for charity

A charitable society is closing after 53 years because of a lack of numbers. The Malmesbury branch of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes will hold its last meeting on September 27 at the Duke of York Pub.   more...

Marlborough News

Chef returns with hot idea

14003/1FORMER Marlborough College executive chef Kenny Goldsmith is planning to return to the town to set up an academy to train chefs.   more...

Armed police in swoop on village

ARMED police descended in force on Great Bedwyn early on Sunday when shots were fired in the vicinity of the home of the daughter of Britain's top soldier.   more...

Services planned for road tragedy victims

Printha EllisA THANKSGIVING service for two of the victims of the triple-death crash near Marlborough last week will be held next Thursday in St Mary's Church.   more...

Students weigh in to fight for new school

14081/1VIRTUALLY all the students at St John's School, Marlborough, have signed a petition supporting the proposals for a single site school.   more...

Action group set to tackle traffic chaos

A MEETING set up to gauge local feelings about transport in Marlborough in the run-up to a county council consultation has resulted in the setting up of a community group to tackle problems of traffic congestion and parking in the town.   more...

Carnival caper

14067A LARGE crowd of spectators was disappointed to see one of the smallest carnival processions since the event was revived almost 30 years ago.   more...

Pair commended for outstanding bravery

14055/02MECHANIC Robert Groves and taxi driver Steve McRae have been rewarded for their bravery in helping rescue people from fires.   more...

Catwalk turn for hospice

14054/2A FASHION show in the Town Hall in Marlborough on Thursday raised about £750 for the Prospect Foundation.   more...

Silvery object in the sky baffles retired engineer

PENSIONER Les Sanderson has been left baffled by an unidentified flying object he saw from his Marlborough home.   more...

Pupils enjoy making noise

14056/2PUPILS at Avebury village school were encouraged to stamp their feet for a change last week.   more...

Fire crews praised for saving thatched home

A SPEEDY response by firefighters from Pewsey and Marlborough prevented a bedroom fire spreading at a thatched cottage at Burbage on Monday.   more...

Ex-sergeant dies aged 96

FORMER Marlborough police officer and bowls club stalwart Fred Mizen has died at the age of 96.   more...

Open verdict from inquest

WILTSHIRE'S deputy coroner, William Bache, has brought in an open verdict in the case of 95-year-old Doris Strutt, whose body was found at her Marlborough home in February.   more...

First class classics in new music season

MARLBOROUGH College Concert Society's 63rd season is about to get under way with a wonderful programme of first class classical music taking place in the independent school's Memorial Hall.   more...

Pewsey News

Queen of carnivals

14072TENSION is building in Pewsey for what is regarded by the village as the queen of Wiltshire carnivals that takes place on Saturday.   more...

Search is on for lost dog

AngusPOSTERS have been put up all over the Pewsey area by the Mann family in the hopes of finding their lost dog Angus, a tri-colour Jack Russell.   more...

Firm fined £3,000 for wrecking habitat

BUILDER Richard Dewey is considering whether to appeal after his firm was fined £3,000 yesterday for destroying a water vole habitat in Pewsey.   more...

Fire crews praised for saving thatched home

A SPEEDY response by firefighters from Pewsey and Marlborough prevented a bedroom fire spreading at a thatched cottage at Burbage on Monday.   more...

Nurse in bid to stop African brain drain

RETIRED nurse Maria Brennan is to enlist the support of MP Michael Ancram in her campaign to stop the trend of nurses coming from Third World countries to work in British hospitals and care homes.   more...

Salisbury Features

Keeping clothes in the family

Janet and Gail are delighted with their new clothes.IT was turning into a very girlie morning with mother and daughter Janet and Gail McKeown disappearing into the changing cubicles of Kew in New Canal, Salisbury with armfuls of clothes and emerging dressed to the nines.   more...

Salisbury Sport

Whites and Harlequins chase their cup dreams

Harlequins supremo Steve Slade.SALISBURY City and Bemerton Heath Harlequins head off on the FA Cup glory trail this weekend, writes Mike Turner.   more...

Double delight for South Wilts

SOUTH Wilts ensured the 2004 season will go down as one of the most memorable in the club's history when they added the inaugural Southern Electric Super Fours crown to their league title.   more...

Free kicks undo all City's hard work

SALISBURY City suffered their second successive home defeat on Tuesday night when early pace-setters Yeading visited Old Sarum, writes Mike Turner.   more...

Roger shares special cup final memories

ONE of Salisbury's most famous refereeing sons Roger East shared his memories of patrolling the line at the FA Cup final when he was guest of honour at South Wilts Referees' Society's monthly meeting.   more...

No regrets as Mitch moves on

REFLECTING on his decision to step down as manager of Downton after three years at the helm, Mitch Blake has admitted that he had taken the club as far as he could.   more...

Champions save the best till last

Champions. Some of the victorious South Wilts players at the end of season dinner last Friday (10th).CHAMPIONS South Wilts finished the 2004 season in style by adding the inaugural Premiership Cup to the Southern Electric Premier League title they secured last month.   more...

Last-minute heartache as Salisbury denied win

A LAST-DITCH penalty try by old rivals Wimborne denied Salisbury a win in their first home game of the new season.   more...

Sport Angling

Heath on top with chub haul at open

THERE was a fine turnout of 94 anglers for the Swan Hotel, Radcot, sponsored Open on Sunday held on the River Thames between Radcot and Clanfield.   more...

Sport Cricket

Lewis decides to stay with Gloucs

Swindon seamer Jon Lewis has signed a new three-year contract to keep him at the Gloucestershire until 2007.   more...

Sport Football

So that's what a win feels like

WHILE the fancy foreigners of Arsenal were battling to go a year without a defeat Calne Sunday FC were setting another rather less salubrious record last season.   more...

Anger as Saunders uses text to quit

FORMER Chippenham Town boss Tommy Saunders has been labelled a disgrace by chairman John Langdon after quitting the manager's job at Bitton by a text message just six days after accepting it.   more...

Match was top quality theatre on a big stage

HIGHWORTH graced Twerton Park for their first qualifying round tie and the Swindon side served up a thriller fit for the auspicious surroundings.   more...

Shrivenham seconds too good at Ross

DESPITE missing 11 first-teamers, Shrivenham sneaked a 2-1 win at Ross Town in Division One West.   more...

Hungerford 2, Pewsey Vale 0

PEWSEY boss Steve Wootton has brought in two new defenders to fill the gaps left by suspensions and injuries.   more...

Devizes Town 1, Backwell United 0

DEVIZES boss Mark Godley praised his team's passion and team spirit after they battled their way to narrow victory at Nursteed Road on a cold Tuesday evening.   more...

Devizes Town 1, Bishops Cleve 1

AN heroic ten-man Devizes earned themselves a draw on Saturday despite having a man sent off when Dan Slattery brawled with opposition players early in the second half.   more...

Biddestone 2, Radstock Town 3

BIDDESTONE boss Gary Skidmore was left stunned after his side came back from 2-0 down, missed a chance to win the game and then gave away a soft goal in the last seconds.   more...

Wadebridge Town 0 Corsham 2 aet

EXTRA time goals from 17-year-old Jamie Lyons and 18-year-old Gary Blackwood sealed victory for Corsham after they had been given a torrid time by their South Western Premier Division opponents on Saturday.   more...

Dawlish 0, Calne 0

AN outstanding performance from centre-back Darren Smart earned Calne a point but could not ensure they stayed top of the division.   more...

New boss delighted with first victory

WILTSHIRE LEAGUE: NEW AFC Stratton boss Tony Dyer got off to a good start, his side turning in a workmanlike performance to beat local rivals Cricklade Town 2-1.   more...

Pilot flying high as Rovers are dumped

CHIPPENHAM SUNDAY LEAGUE: FOURTH Division AFC Pilot created the biggest shock of the round when they ended First Division Semington Rovers' interest in the competition.   more...

Eight see red

HILPERTON United and Apetito, with maximum points from three opening games, head Divisions Two and Three on a day eight players saw red.   more...

Devizes ease home to first day victory

ALL games in the under 16s Blue Division of the Wiltshire Times and Chippenham News Mid-Wilts Youth and Minor League were decided by a one goal difference.   more...

Sport Rugby

Wootton Bassett 3rd 0, Malmesbury 25

Malmesbury boast a perfect league record after two matches, this time overcoming Wootton Bassett away from home at Ballards Ash on Saturday.   more...

Corsham 34 Westbury 3

CORSHAM kicked off their Dorset and Wilts Division One North campaign with a comprehensive defeat of Westbury at Lacock Road on Saturday.   more...

Walcot 3rd 5, Corsham 2nd 10

CORSHAM'S second stringers battled their way to an impressive 10-5 win at Bath side Walcot in a hastily arranged fixture against their thirds.   more...

Chippenham 42, Amersham and Chilton 17

CLAIMS from Chippenham manager Robbie Spiers that his side are a totally different team this season seem to be substantiated by this second league win.   more...

Calne 17, Cooper Avon Tyres 17

After being forcefully beaten, both home and away, by Cooper Avon Tyres last season Calne showed that their well reported whirlwind like pre-season was not propaganda.   more...

Devizes 18, Bournemouth 32

DEPLETED Devizes were given a lesson in finishing by a powerful Bournemouth side who made the long trip from the south coast on Saturday.   more...

Wootton Bassett 14 Frome 8

Basett took the spoils and the points in a very evenly match. It was the home side who scored first with number eight Neil Smith going over after an excellently worked backs move by flyhalf Pete Thornton.   more...

Swindon News

Talk to staff to find reason for absences

I WAS intrigued by the recent article on high levels of absenteeism at Swindon Council.   more...

Help stop age discrimination policies

congratulations to the Swindon trio in their 50s who successfully completed their HNC course in stitched textiles and are now exhibiting their work in West Swindon prior to setting up in business (Adver September 8).   more...

Protests over skydiving plane must be in writing

THE article about the problem of the skydiving plane omitted the main purpose of the letter on which the piece was based.   more...

Family's tribute made my task worthwhile

AS a Marie Curie Cancer care fundraiser I was humbled and grateful to read the letter from your recently bereaved correspondent thanking the Community Nurses, Crisis Care Team and the Marie Curie Nurses for their support as they cared for her loved one at home.   more...

Walkers at risk

SOME years ago it was decided that the area around Canal Walk/Regent Street/Bridge Street would become a bike-free zone in which cyclists would have to dismount if they wanted to enter.   more...

Fight for TV

I, TOO, was baffled as to why we are now getting Central via Sky so after reading Mr Izquerdo's letter on 9/9/04 I decided to ring Sky.   more...

News is here

Regarding the letter headlined Wrong channel, from Paul Izquerdo, I am able to get on Sky both ITV West News and South Today.   more...

Shop gripes

I AM one of those soon to be extinct shoppers who pays quickly with real money.   more...

Drunk stranger terrorises dad

TWO children were left terrified when a drunken stranger turned up on their doorstep and assaulted their father, a court heard.   more...

Pupils sweep up with school jobs

Ref. 72206-05WHEN students at Ridgeway School put down their pens they pick up mops and dusters.   more...

Fat Controller steams in to meet his fans

Ref. 72224-2THOMAS the Tank Engine fans had a real treat when the Fat Controller turned up at the Early Learning Centre.   more...

Warning about credit card con

THE victim of an attempted credit card scam is warning Swindon residents to be on the lookout for bogus callers.   more...

We're the richest and the poorest

Ref. 31073-60THE gulf between rich and poor areas of Swindon has been highlighted in a new report into poverty.   more...

Who has the write stuff?

Ref. 72197-31SEXUAL orientation, personality traits and even health problems can all be detected in the way a person puts pen to paper.   more...

Ex-employee slams council's sick record

Ref. 72177-102AN EX-street warden who quit because her job was so stressful says she's not surprised by the council's sky-high sickness record.   more...

Council has plans to convert site into 700 new homes

A PLANNING brief which could pave the way for 700 new homes to be built on the Burma Castrol site is set to be approved next week.   more...

Support is available for fire victims

Ref. 72218-11A CHIP pan burst into flames in a dramatic display of how easily people can be left homeless by fire.   more...

Tip-off leads to police drug haul

TIP-offs from Advertiser readers led to a drugs bust in which heroin worth £500 was seized.   more...

Appeal for witnesses to robbery

POLICE have made a fresh appeal for help in tracing a robber who knocked a restaurant manager unconscious.   more...

A car with a future

Ref. 72222-22SWINDONIANS will have the chance to go back to the future when a very unusual sports car goes on sale.   more...

Ellie's on her marks for run

Ref. 72227-12KEEN runner Ellie Vincent was among the very first to sign up for the Swindon Half Marathon.   more...

Appeal for witnessesto robbery

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after two men pushed a clubber to the ground and stole his wallet and mobile phone.   more...

OAP denies sex charge

A PENSIONER from Wroughton is to face trial by jury after pleading not guilty to sexually assaulting a young girl.   more...

Help beat the yobs

Anti-social yobs can ruin lives and shatter community spirit.   more...

Here for the beer

Ref. 72220-12ONLY two of Swindon's pubs appear in the latest edition of the Good Beer Guide published by the Campaign for Real Ale.   more...

Travel agents brew up to help cancer charity

INDIVIDUALS and businesses across Swindon will be sticking the kettle on to raise cash for Macmillian Cancer Relief.   more...

Incest shame

In April 2003 an inquiry began into how a man fathered six children by his own daughter. It slowly rumbles on. Today child abuse charities warned the delay is putting vulnerable youngsters at risk.   more...

Spot checks to help beat the super bug

Ref. 71288-05A TEAM of health watchdogs will be carrying out spot checks at the Great Western Hospital to stop outbreaks of the hospital superbug MRSA.   more...

Prolific burglar back in prison

Peter SmithOne of Swindon's most prolific housebreakers ­ who committed more than 70 burglaries in the town ­ is back behind bars.   more...

Teenager claims he was dragged around by shopper

POLICE are investigating claims that a teenager was dragged around a Swindon supermarket by an irate shopper.   more...

Keep kids away from video nasties says PM

THE Prime Minister told the House of Commons that adults should be able to choose whether they watched the gory video game blamed for inspiring a brutal killing, but that children should be protected from it.   more...

Mystery missive is found in desk

A LETTER written in Swindon in 1912 has turned up by chance in an antique desk in California.   more...

Commuters left fuming by delays

TRAIN delays and cancellations left commuters at Swindon Station fuming during peak travelling times.   more...

Heaven for railway enthusiasts as classic locomotive steams in

Ref. 72204-09PREPARATIONS are in hand for the exciting arrival of the City of Truro locomotive this weekend.   more...

Britain's favourite gardener re-visits Swindon

CELEBRITY gardener and television presenter Alan Titchmarsh must be keen on the Swindon area.   more...

Wiltshire News

Campaigners blast Blair's hunting bill

Hunt supporters say the Government has its priorities wrong and have vowed to carry on hunting, even if it means breaking the law.   more...

Wiltshire Sport

Transfer saga continues as Town up Darius bid

GILLINGHAM chairman Paul Scally has promised Town a decision on Darius Henderson by the weekend after rejecting Bob Holt's initial offer.   more...

  
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