Stories for 20 January 2005

Amesbury News

Burglars prey on city charity shops

DESPICABLE thieves have been raiding Salisbury's charity shops, taking cash and causing thousands of pounds' worth of damage.   more...

Bradford On Avon News

Bid NOW for signed Billie photos

FOLLOWING the massive success of our benefit gig, the Evening Advertiser is now hosting an auction with top prizes from celebrities up for grabs.   more...

Business News

WH Smith gets off the shelf

WH Smith might be getting back on track after a substantial profits improvement.   more...

Honda path to 200,000 cars a year

Honda CR-VMORE than 200,000 vehicles will be built by Honda this year in Swindon.   more...

Overheads affect JD Wetherspoon

PUB group JD Wetherspoon has shown an improvement in trading but said high overheads and strong price competition are causing it problems.   more...

Andrea's Choice

FIRST Choice Travel has appointed Andrea Clark as regional sales manager for the Avon region.   more...

Chamber offers new businesses a chance

Wootton Bassett Chamber of Commerce is searching for the town's hidden entrepreneurs by offering £1,000 worth of prize money to the best new business idea.   more...

Calne News

Fundraising school seeks fairy godmum

15135/03GAZETTE & HERALD: SPRINGFIELD'S School in Calne, for youngsters with emotional and behavioural problems, is appealing for donations to help it achieve its dream of becoming the country's first special needs sports college.   more...

Smoke alarm in flat saves life of blind man

15171/1GAZETTE & HERALD: A SMOKE alarm saved the life of a blind man in Calne, when fire broke out in his flat on Thursday.   more...

Traveller raises cash to build Nepalese orphanage

GAZETTE & HERALD: TRAVEL manager Valerie Parkinson from Studley is appealing for more help to build an orphanage in Nepal.   more...

Fascia turns visitors away

GAZETTE & HERALD: RESIDENTS and shop owners have said Somerfield's grey fascia is putting people off coming to the Mill Street area of town.   more...

Welcome dramatic influence in Calne

GAZETTE & HERALD: EQUITY member Levi Summers is attempting to set up a new dramatic group in Calne after moving to the area.   more...

Old buildings set for revamp

GAZETTE & HERALD: AT Calne Town Council's development control committee meeting on Tuesday night councillors voted to support the Lansdowne Strand Hotel's application to develop two outbuildings.   more...

Application comes in late

GAZETTE & HERALD: A TATTOO parlour in Calne could be closed as it applies for planning permission three months after it opened.   more...

Bid NOW for signed Billie photos

FOLLOWING the massive success of our benefit gig, the Evening Advertiser is now hosting an auction with top prizes from celebrities up for grabs.   more...

Chippenham News

Children are still in care

GAZETTE & HERALD: CHILDREN taken away from their parents by Wiltshire Social Services just days before Christmas are still in care this week.   more...

Camera shop falls victim to big rivals

GAZETTE & HERALD: CHIPPENHAM'S only independent photography shop has announced it will be closing its doors at the end of the month.   more...

Illegal car cruise is foiled by police

GAZETTE & HERALD: Police infiltrated Internet websites and thwarted an illegal car cruise that drew hundreds of cars to Chippenham on Sunday night.   more...

Brave tot New York bound

GAZETTE & HERALD: LITTLE fighter George Mitchell could be jetting off to New York in the next couple of weeks for life saving surgery on a brain tumour.   more...

New homes spark battle

GAZETTE & HERALD: CONTROVERSIAL proposals to demolish a bungalow in London Road and replace it with three houses have been recommended for approval at next week's planning meeting.   more...

Hospital trust sued for birth damage to baby girl

GAZETTE & HERALD: A NINE-year-old girl whose life was ruined after she was allegedly starved of oxygen when she was born at Chippenham Hospital is suing the NHS trust for potentially massive compensation.   more...

Police appeal for witnesses

GAZETTE & HERALD: POLICE are appealing for witnesses to a theft at a Westlea Housing Association building on Methuen Park.   more...

Beaufort Hunt donates carol fund to eye hospital

GAZETTE & HERALD: THE Beaufort Hunt Club presented member Brenda Hutchings with a cheque for £600 to pass onto Moorfields Eye Hospital in London where she was treated for a cancerous lump behind her eye.   more...

Ugandans try again to visit the town

GAZETTE & HERALD: A group of Ugandan visitors invited to Chippenham by local churches could be making a visit in June and July if visa applications are approved this time.   more...

Chance to join pancake race

GAZETTE & HERALD: Chippenham Town Council is looking for speedy pancake flippers to take part in the annual High Street pancake races on Shrove Tuesday.   more...

Bid NOW for signed Billie photos

FOLLOWING the massive success of our benefit gig, the Evening Advertiser is now hosting an auction with top prizes from celebrities up for grabs.   more...

Royal Mail is looking for a site to merge

ROYAL Mail has not given up on its plans to merge the sorting offices at Chippenham, Corsham and Malmesbury and is busy looking for a new site for the facility.   more...

Homes plan splits village

Plans for a controversial 17-house development in Luckington have been recommended for refusal by North Wiltshire District Council officers.   more...

MP slams ambulance merger bid

North Wiltshire MP James Gray has spoken out against plans to merge Wiltshire's ambulance service with its neighbours in Avon and Gloucestershire.   more...

No one's watching

The Chippenham CCTV control centreGAZETTE & HERALD: POLICE fear a rise in crime in Chippenham after councillors voted to axe £85,000 funding for the town centre's CCTV cameras.   more...

Golden days end in dust

15136/7GAZETTE & HERALD: THE former Gaumont cinema and Goldiggers nightclub is set to be reduced to a pile of rubble this week, leaving campaigners' plans to save the historic Art Deco building in ruins.   more...

Sweet guitarist adds his weight to effort

15172/1GAZETTE & HERALD: SWEET guitarist Andy Scott has been named as one of the stars taking part in a huge fund-raising concert backed by the Gazette in Chippenham on February 5 to raise funds for the Tsunami Appeal Fund.   more...

Explorer's £50,000 buys new ambulance

15131/1GAZETTE & HERALD: RECORD breaking explorer David Hempleman-Adams has reached another dizzy height ­ raising £50,000 to buy a new emergency vehicle for Chippenham's St John Ambulance.   more...

Dig reveals rich history of the town

15137/2GAZETTE & HERALD: Roman remains discovered in a Chippenham archaeological dig have given historians a new perspective on the town's distant history.   more...

Gift box finds a new friend

15152/02GAZETTE & HERALD: YOUNG Georgina Tucker was thrilled to receive a letter from a child in Montenegro, a state in former Yugoslavia, who was given her Operation Christmas Child box.   more...

Railtrack bodged arches say experts

GAZETTE & HERALD: Brunel's historic western arches, a prominent feature of Chippenham's architectural heritage, have been left bodged by Network Rail, according to historic buildings experts.   more...

Bittersweet decision on sports club's mast

DISAPPOINTED: Chris BlakeGAZETTE & HERALD: BOSSES at Chippenham Sports Club have decided goodwill comes before cash and turned down an offer of £60,000 for a radio mast at the town's football club.   more...

Hi-Lights put on panto fun

15129/2GAZETTE & HERALD: CINDERELLA will be the 25th pantomime for Chippenham Hi-Lights, with plenty of music, dancing and the traditional glittering costumes.   more...

The minister arriving late on platform one...

GAZETTE & HERALD: Transport Minister Tony McNulty was 25 minutes late arriving at Chippenham Station on Monday to officially open a £555,000 project designed to improve transport ­ because his train was delayed.   more...

Market's last call

15114/09GAZETTE & HERALD: GENERATIONS of farmers have used the livestock market in Chippenham. But in two weeks time the historic livestock market is to close to make way for the new Wiltshire and Swindon Record Office.   more...

Hungerdown Lane hit hard

GAZETTE & HERALD: POLICE have warned homeowners to be on their guard after a spate of 17 burglaries in the Hungerdown Lane area since the beginning of December.   more...

Corsham News

Head praises pupils for exam successes

15153/1GAZETTE & HERALD: THE Corsham School was brimming with pride on Thursday night as students from all year groups received rewards for hard work and achievement.   more...

Feast of theatre, dance and puppetry at centre

GAZETTE & HERALD: MAGICAL puppet theatre, African dancing and wry observations on Elizabethan life are just some of the treats on offer at the Pound Arts Centre in Corsham this spring.   more...

Pupil goes hungry due to spoon shortage

15178/3GAZETTE & HERALD: SIX-year-old John Godridge was forced to go without his favourite yoghurt two days in a row when his school ran out of spoons.   more...

Bid NOW for signed Billie photos

FOLLOWING the massive success of our benefit gig, the Evening Advertiser is now hosting an auction with top prizes from celebrities up for grabs.   more...

Ctfc Sport

Chippenham 4, Dunstable 1

VERTIGO is not something that seems to bother the players of Chippeham as they marched back to the top of the Southern Premier League.   more...

Badman looking for fitness

MIDFIELD general Mark Badman says he has a lot to do if he wants to get back into the Chippenham first team.   more...

I can understand players celebrating

STEVE WHITE COLUMN: A FOOTBALLER feels all sorts of emotions when he puts the ball in the back of the net.   more...

Chippenham Town 2, Cirencester Town 1

THE Bluebirds went racing through to the second round of the Southern League Cup thanks to ex-Chippenham midfielder Alan Bird.   more...

Constable's message to the manager

STRIKER James Constable hopes he has given manager Steve White some food for thought after grabbing a goal in his first start for a month.   more...

Brindley aiming to start a run Saturday

HEDNESFORD Town manager Chris Brindley has told his players they will need to put a run together soon if they are to finish the season in the play offs.   more...

Astley back after turning down move

GOALKEEPER Chris Astley's season long loan spell at Almondsbury collapsed this week after he rejected a permanent move to the Bristol outfit.   more...

Sorry Steve...

IN a story on the back page of last week's Gazette about the game at Bath City we quoted Steve White as saying he was happy to beat Bath at any time.   more...

Devizes News

Bones find in haunted pub

15164/1ANCIENT bones discovered at the Black Swan Hotel in Devizes have caused a stir. The small fragments of bones were unearthed when programme makers filmed a vigil in the cellar of the hotel.   more...

Fury at Market Place parking fee

MOTORISTS will have to pay to park in Devizes Market Place for the first time in the town's history. Pay and display ticket machines will now go up in the historic square despite years of opposition by town councillors, traders and residents.   more...

Blaze treated as suspicious

15121/1POLICE are investigating a suspicious blaze that destroyed 150 tonnes of straw, valued at between £4,000 and £5,000, in a Dutch barn at a farm in Coate, near Devizes, at the weekend.   more...

Skatepark may be launched by Easter

A MOBILE skate park is due to come to Devizes in the next few months. Organisers of the project have still to finalise a launch date but are hoping it will be around Easter.   more...

Ugly lights a waste of cash

OPPONENTS of Wiltshire County Council's plan to install 22 galvanised steel lamp columns on a 550 metre stretch of the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath say it would be a gross waste of £50,000.   more...

OAPs pledge cash to save allotment land

15134/1A GROUP of Devizes pensioners has pledged money to raise enough cash to buy the former allotment land at Spitalcroft, where a developer wants to build at least 150 homes.   more...

We all just want to help

SCHOOLBOY Liam Cutler was so affected by the miraculous escape of his "auntie" Sara Mapp in the tsunami disaster that he was prompted to raise money for other survivors.   more...

Sunrise for closed pub

THE Rising Sun in Devizes is to open for ther first time in six months when landlord Gary MacMartin, who runs The Four Seasons pub in the town, becomes the new licensee.   more...

Council breaks deadlock on hall and homes plan

MARKET Lavington parish councillors are to work closely with the trustees hoping to build a community hall in the village, in an attempt to break a ten-year deadlock.   more...

Pupils' poverty wrist bands win a reprieve

PUPILS at Dauntsey's School, near Devizes, were shocked to be told to take off white wristbands showing solidarity with the poor nations of the world because they are not part of the school uniform.   more...

Disabled man jailed over sick child porn

A 52-YEAR-OLD Devizes man who had more than 1,500 images of child pornography stored on his computers has been jailed for 15 months.   more...

Mayor's sorrow as battle to save post office is lost

MAYOR Margaret Taylor has expressed her deep disappointment after Post Office Ltd announced that the sub post office at the One Stop shop in Eastleigh Road, Devizes, will close permanently on February 21.   more...

Woman cons pensioner

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after an 80-year-old man had £100 stolen from his home in Devizes.   more...

Bid NOW for signed Billie photos

FOLLOWING the massive success of our benefit gig, the Evening Advertiser is now hosting an auction with top prizes from celebrities up for grabs.   more...

Bins may be emptied every second week

15155/01KENNET District Council is likely to bring in fortnightly collections of household waste as the only way to hit the Government's targets for recycling.   more...

Marina bid faces flood of protest

The area earmarked for the marinaPLANS for a new marina on the Kennet and Avon Canal at Crofton have won little support from residents, councillors and environmental groups.   more...

Son's goodbye

15118THE son of Roy and Joan Clarke, who has been charged with the couple's murder, said in a tribute read out at their funeral that he owes them everything and will miss them deeply.   more...

Schools are urged to help

MANALITO Chando, the joint chairman of the Wiltshire Mercy Appeal, is urging local schools to help rebuild schools and orphanages in Sri Lanka.   more...

Curb on the camera vans

CONCERN has been expressed at the reduction in visits to villages by mobile speed camera units. New rules coming into force in April mean that visits to sites where there is concern about speeding will be cut back dramatically.   more...

Help for women in fear of violence

WOMEN living in rural locations and suffering domestic violence can now access help and advice that could allow them to escape from physical and mental abuse.   more...

County council tax rise likely to be less than five per cent

WILTSHIRE County Council is likely to buck the trend of recent years and set a council tax increase of less than five per cent.   more...

Victims and witnesses to get better support

SOLICITOR General Harriet Harman MP visited Wiltshire yesterday to launch the county's new Witness Care Unit which will support witnesses and victims through court cases.   more...

Health bosses face £8.7m overspend

Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust will be working hard this year to balance its books. But it could be a difficult task ­ in this financial year, Kennet and North Wiltshire PCT is currently forecasting an overspend of £8.7 million.   more...

Protection law for water voles

WILTSHIRE Wildlife Trust has welcomed plans by the Government to increase legal protection for water voles.   more...

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

Traffic plans will mean roads chaos

I wonder how many people in and around Calne are actually aware of the drastic changes about to be imposed on the town at the behest of Wiltshire County Council and North Wiltshire District Council?   more...

Put money up to save Spitalcroft allotments

ARE the people of Devizes aware that we are in imminent danger of losing our Spitalcroft allotments forever?   more...

Council needs to set its priorities straight

Thank you for devoting space in last week's Gazette to the threat of lighting by the county council of the canal towpath.   more...

Wicked waste of public cash

Wiltshire County Council's proposals to spend £50,000 on providing lighting along the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath in Devizes would be a wicked waste of public money. The canal towpath is used by a small percentage of the population in daylight hours, what makes the council think more would want to use it after dark?   more...

Wake up to the commitment

OVER the past few weeks there have been some very good points made in readers' letters regarding local councillors. It can only be hoped that these points are noted.   more...

Voice views

RESIDENTS of areas affected by the proposed development of land off Quakers Walk in Devizes will have received a letter from Consensus inviting them to register their concern or interest in the principles of this development.   more...

Many thanks

TODAY when every bit of spare land is built upon, it is becoming increasingly difficult for people in the athletic fraternity to find land which is suitable and large enough to enable us to put on cross country events.   more...

In defence

I WRITE about the article in last week's Gazette about Jim Lynch, The Crown/Bar OC landlord.   more...

Unfair view

WE feel we must protest at what we feel to be an unfair and unbalanced vilification of Mr Lynch, the licensee of The Crown (Gazette, January 13).   more...

Find balance

Please allow me to reply to the personal attack in last week's letters. It was my choice to set aside a day per week (sometimes more) and to spend many hours with paperwork, phone calls, emails, visits ­ knowing the amount of money I would receive to help with this work.   more...

Bridging gap

Euclid's `Bridge of asses' has come to be far less of a problem than the `pons asinorum' now confronting our educators, bishops, playwrights, high-ranking politicians, BBC reporters and newsreaders.   more...

Stop trying to score points

The letters page of the Gazette and Herald last week highlighted the fact that we are again approaching an opportunity for people to exercise their vote, at least for county elections but probably also for Westminster.   more...

Highworth News

Bid NOW for signed Billie photos

FOLLOWING the massive success of our benefit gig, the Evening Advertiser is now hosting an auction with top prizes from celebrities up for grabs.   more...

Malmesbury News

Teacher quits to wash dishes

15138/1Slovakian immigrant Peter Rutkovsky has trebled his wages since he quit teaching and came to Malmesbury ­ by working as a dishwasher.   more...

Town votes for CCTV cameras

CCTV cameras are urgently needed in Malmesbury to make the community feel safer and deter criminals, according to the police and community groups.   more...

Nursery gets top marks

15139/01AN Ofsted report has given Seagry Pre-School top marks for providing high quality nursery education.   more...

Mayor apologises on parking hike bungle

Mayor Patrick Goldstone has apologised for misleading town councillors about proposals to increase car-parking charges in Malmesbury.   more...

Tools aid for skills course

15102/1Malmesbury School students will be taking a hands on approach to learning after receiving £150 to buy tools for a vocational skills course.   more...

Action group in bid to stop sale of town hall

Malmesbury Town Hall Action Group has come up with a radical last-ditch strategy to stop North Wiltshire District Council selling the building.   more...

Cash rolls in for fight against gypsy site

Minety campaigners have raised around £11,500 for their fight to remove a 56-strong group of gypsies from the village.   more...

Mini-referendum on traffic calming scheme

Sherston villagers are being asked to vote in a mini-referendum on whether to retain or remove a traffic-calming scheme.   more...

Cushions out?

Speed cushions could be removed from the streets of Malmesbury, according to town councillor Ray Sanderson.   more...

Popular amateur actor loses cancer fight

A 32-year-old Great Somerford man whose optimism and courage inspired many people, has died of Hodgkin's lymphoma, a form of cancer.   more...

Interim new deal on hall

USERs will continue to be able to book Malmesbury Town Hall until the end of September .   more...

Bid NOW for signed Billie photos

FOLLOWING the massive success of our benefit gig, the Evening Advertiser is now hosting an auction with top prizes from celebrities up for grabs.   more...

Marlborough News

Marina bid faces flood of protest

The area earmarked for the marinaPLANS for a new marina on the Kennet and Avon Canal at Crofton have won little support from residents, councillors and environmental groups.   more...

Village unites to push down the cost of fuel

15156/02Heating bills in homes in a village without mains gas are being slashed thanks to a bulk-buying idea thought up by a retired naval officer.   more...

Fitness leads to confidence

15115/1TAKING part in one of the martial arts can give children in particular the self confidence to help them overcome bullying says Marlborough policewoman Emma Brown.   more...

Market traders slam moves to shut nearby loos

TRADERS who run the stalls at Marlborough's Wednesday and Saturday markets are opposing plans to close the public toilets at the town hall.   more...

Parking fees set to go up

DRIVERS in Marlborough will have to pay up to 30 per cent more from April after Kennet district councillors reviewed parking charges across the area.   more...

Pupils help orphanage swept away by tsunami

PUPILS at Baydon St Nicholas School have helped raise £850 for the children in a Sri Lankan orphanage by selling unwanted gifts and running a tombola and raffle.   more...

Man drunk after losing his lodgings and job

A man living at a hostel for vulnerable young adults became drunk and abusive after he lost both his job and his lodging, magistrates were told.   more...

Houses will be obtrusive

TOWN councillors in Marlborough have sided with neighbours who say a plan to put two houses on a single plot at Upper Churchfields would be over development.   more...

Carry on with festive lights

A SUGGESTION that the town council should take over organising and erecting Marlborough's Christmas lights failed to get a glimmer of support from members on Monday.   more...

Conmen trick pensioner

A BURBAGE pensioner has been the victim of tricksters who claimed they were working on behalf of Sarsen Housing Association.   more...

Rotary takes over the chair

A CHAIR specially made for the chairmen of the former Round Table in Marlborough has found a new home with the Rotary Club.   more...

Bid NOW for signed Billie photos

FOLLOWING the massive success of our benefit gig, the Evening Advertiser is now hosting an auction with top prizes from celebrities up for grabs.   more...

Melksham News

Bid NOW for signed Billie photos

FOLLOWING the massive success of our benefit gig, the Evening Advertiser is now hosting an auction with top prizes from celebrities up for grabs.   more...

Pewsey News

Air your views on changes in the future

Pewsey residents are being given the opportunity to help create a blueprint for the future development of the centre of the village.   more...

Concerns grow for missing spinster

CONCERN was growing last night for missing Pewsey spinster Myrtle Pyburn, 82, who had not been seen since Friday.   more...

Objectors call for a public meeting

OBJECTORS to plans for a mobile phone mast are calling for a public meeting after claiming that the parish council is not representing their views.   more...

Plan to revive an old chapel

PARISH councillors at Pewsey are trying to get an old chapel in the village brought back into use.   more...

Bid NOW for signed Billie photos

FOLLOWING the massive success of our benefit gig, the Evening Advertiser is now hosting an auction with top prizes from celebrities up for grabs.   more...

Salisbury News

Burglars prey on city charity shops

DESPICABLE thieves have been raiding Salisbury's charity shops, taking cash and causing thousands of pounds' worth of damage.   more...

Funnyman breaks leg falling from unicycle

Jonathan the Jester with his leg in plaster, after falling from his 7ft unicycle. DA7221P1BEING a jester isn't all it's cracked up to be!   more...

Trust fund will help rebuild lives

Clare Allen Crook, with Daisy and William. DA7208P4POIGNANT photographs capturing the horrific aftermath of the Asian tsunami will be shown at a special exhibition raising money for Sri Lanka's victims of the disaster.   more...

Fundraising continues

Robbie Flanagan, of Woodlands Primary School, is donating his pocket money to the tsunami aid appeal. DA7209MORE than three weeks after the Asian tsunami, kind-hearted fundraisers have continued to come up with creative ways of helping the disaster victims.   more...

Spirit of music hall is brought to life

The Rt Hon Sidney Herbert MP (Robert Key MP) performs songs from Harrow School. DA7197P18THE re-creation of a 19th Century Victorian song-and-supper room had Salisbury MP Robert Key quite literally singing for his supper in cap, if not gown.   more...

Sport Angling

Cash raised for Tsunami

THE 30 peg sell-out event at Les Fearn's Westleaze Fishery exceeded expectations and raised £275 for the Asian tsunami appeal.   more...

Sport Football

Highworth tie for Cricklade

THE draw for the quarter-finals of the Wiltshire Senior Cup has been confirmed by the county FA and Cricklade have been rewarded for their giant-killing exploits with the plum tie.   more...

Abused referee walks out of match

A REFEREE is warning men in black are becoming a dying breed after constant abuse forced him to abandon his match eight minutes from time.   more...

Pratley commits his future to Calne

HOTSHOT striker Matt Pratley admits he made the hardest decision of his career in turning down a move to Southern League side Swindon Supermarine.   more...

England trial heartbreak

CORSHAM Town starlets Scott Lye and Jamie Lyons received the ultimate heartbreak after finding out they failed to get into the England Schoolboys squad at the last hurdle.   more...

Corsham Town 2, Pewsey Vale 0

CORSHAM continued their fine form after ousting a resiliant Pewsey side to reach the quarter finals of the Senior Cup.   more...

Devizes Town 2, Wootton Bassett 0

A DOUBLE from Jonathan Scott double sent Devizes through to the quarter finals of the Wiltshire Senior Cup on Saturday.   more...

Calne Town 2, Downton 0

SUPERMARINE transfer target Matt Pratley grabbed both the goals in this hard fought clash   more...

Biddestone 1, Cadbury Heath 1

BIDDESTONE go into Saturday's crucial bottom of the table clash with Saltash licking their wounds after an agonising last minute equaliser cost them their first win since October on Saturday.   more...

Kilmurry signs for rivals

CORSHAM Town striker Dave Kilmurry has signed for Screwfix Premier rivals Devizes. The striker has not been able to break into the Corsham first team since the arrival of Toby Colbourne from Westbury.   more...

Melksham Town 2 Cricklade 5

FURIOUS boss Nigel Tripp said he was left embarrassed by his players after Melksham sensationally crashed out of the Wiltshire Senior Cup to minnows Cricklade.   more...

Fisher says we were dire

HIGHWORTH did make it through to the third round of the Senior Cup as expected, but Wiltshire League Bradford gave them a scare in the process and a 3-0 win flattered the hosts.   more...

Weston's spot on to deny title chasers

WILTSHIRE LEAGUE: WITH leaders Bradford on Wiltshire Senior Cup duty, second-placed Corsham failed to take advantage and move up to pole position when they were held to a 3-3 draw by Bromham.   more...

Bullseye for Centre as they reach semis

CHIPPENHAM SUNDAY LEAGUE: CORSHAM Cricket Club will be joined by Corsham Centre, North Star A and Westbury Rangers A in the draw for the semi-finals.   more...

Westbury in pole position

TROWBRIDGE LEAGUE: WESTBURY United A start Saturday's Division Two Cup second leg as favourites to become the first finalists of the season.   more...

Town move within striking distance

MID-WILTS YOUTH AND MINOR LEAGUE: CHIPPENHAM Town Youth U12 need just two points from their last three games to clinch this season's Green Division title after running out 10-2 winners away to Westbury Youth.   more...

Sport Rugby

Centre coming up smelling of Roses

SIMON Whatling knows the ups and downs of professional rugby only too well, but he's definitely at the higher end of the emotional spectrum this week.   more...

Chippenham U14 7, Salisbury U14 7

CHIPPENHAM U14 coach Kevin Ingram believes his side experienced an injustice after the Wiltshire Cup was awarded to Salisbury on Sunday.   more...

Devizes U13 53, Corsham U13 0

DEVIZES completed the double over Corsham this season, after an excellent all round performance at the Chivers Ground on Sunday.   more...

Devizes 9, Redingensians 5

GETTING the ball wasn't the problem for Devizes on Saturday, but doing anything useful with it was.   more...

Wootton Bassett 22, Supermarine 7

GRIT and determination proved not quite enough for Swindon Supermarine to bridge the gap between themselves and higher league opposition on Saturday.   more...

Devizes U15 24, Corsham U15 7

IN October Devizes came away with a two point win against Corsham, and this was just as bruising a contest.   more...

Fairford U17 24, Pewsey Vale U17 36.

The long trip to the Gloucestershire borders was rewarded when early Pewsey pressure resulted in the ball being whipped along the back line to winger Matt Mercer for the first try.   more...

Salisbury 2nd 8, Chippenham 2nd 17

Chippenham booked their place in the second team cup final with this hard fought semi-final away win on Saturday.   more...

Calne 2nd 26, Swindon College 2nd 5

Calne's newly reformed second team earned their first victory of the season through an heroic defensive effort in a scoreless last quarter.   more...

Westbury U14 21, Wootton Bassett U14 5

WOOTTON Bassett U14s had hoped to bounce back from the bad luck of last week's encounter with Andover but it just wasn't to be at Westbury on Sunday.   more...

Old Culverhaysians 6, Corsham 18

CORSHAM set up a Bath Combination Cup meeting with Western Counties opposition Walcot after a victory at Old Culverhaysians on Saturday.   more...

Minety 19, Painswick 22

Painswick came from behind after the interval to win this cup contest by a narrow three-point margin in appallingly muddy conditions.   more...

Minety U13/14 36, Supermarine U13/14 12

Minety absorbed the early pressure from Swindon Supermarine and finished ahead 19-0 at half time in the match between the local rivals on the weekend.   more...

Swindon News

An insult to our senior citizens

I WISH to take issue with MJ Warner's letter in the Evening Advertiser, January 17 (Pension rise will be plenty.)   more...

Speech should not always be free

WITH regard to the article by Mr Andrew in the Evening Advertiser, January 14 (Don't like it, then just don't tune in.)   more...

Support for older residents

WE at Help The Aged were concerned to read in the report headlined "Bogus callers at large again" that men posing as water board officials are targeting older people in Swindon.   more...

Playing war

Re Harry Bromley's letter on Monday, headlined "Harry should have seen TV." Although I do not disagree with Mr Bromley's remarks, I do remember as a schoolboy in 1945 wanting a British soldier's toy tin helmet, which my mother could not afford.   more...

He was daft

I WAS totally amazed that Prince Harry could have been so daft as to choose a German uniform for a fancy dress party.   more...

A quiet time

Holocaust Memorial Day on January 27 will be marked in Swindon with readings, reflections and quiet time together at noon in the Friends Meeting House on Eastcott Hill.   more...

Celebrate peace

This year marks the 60th anniversary of one of the most significant events ever recorded in world history ­ the end of the Second World War.   more...

Give Prospect a late Christmas present

THERE is just over a week to go before the end of a scheme which is collecting unwanted Christmas presents so they can be sold to raise cash for charity.   more...

Market proves a big draw

THE first weekly farmers' market in Swindon is proving to be a success.   more...

Sell-off sounds the death knell

Ref. 75672-36BULLDOZERS could flatten buildings used to care for the elderly and disabled if a site near the town centre is sold off.   more...

Burns breakfast is good for business

THREE prospective parliamentary candidates for Swindon will experience a flavour of Scotland at a special Robert Burns business breakfast next week.   more...

Chance to brush up key skills

MEMBERS of the public are being offered the chance to learn computer skills at sessions run by Rodbourne Cheney Library.   more...

Footballers in search for a secretary

A NEW club secretary is being sought by Highworth Junior Football Club.   more...

Toddlers can be high flyers

Toddlers are invited to take part in introductory trampoline lessons in an initiative run by Swindon Council.   more...

Face the drop

WILTSHIRE Blind Association is looking for 100 people to abseil down the WH Smith building in Greenbridge on April 3.   more...

Police seize heroin haul

SWINDON DRUGS HOTLINE: THE crackdown on town-centre drug dealing is continuing ­ with seven new arrests.   more...

Gigs galore

TSUNAMI APPEAL: MUSICIANS in Swindon are tuning up for a fortnight of fundraising for the Asian tsunami appeal.   more...

Guitarists strike a chord

Ref. 75682-23TSUNAMI APPEAL: GUITAR wizards will be strumming up support for the appeal at a gig in Old Town.   more...

Check out the final amount

TSUNAMI APPEAL: SAINSBURY'S in Oxford Road has raised more than £12,000 for the tsunami appeal.   more...

Yoga workshop to lift appeal

A YOGA workshop has been organised to raise money for the tsunami appeal.   more...

`Leaflet is full of lies'

THE TORIES have been accused of twisting facts in an election leaflet.   more...

Making sure youngsters get the bear essentials

Ref. 75660-139TEDDIES which help keep children calm during times of trauma have been presented to the emergency services in Swindon.   more...

Search on for our community champions

COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS: TIME is running out to nominate the champion of your community for a special award.   more...

Taxing problem

Ref. 75644-9A RETIRED policeman who was summoned to court because of a council blunder has been told he does not have to appear, after the Advertiser intervened.   more...

Witnesses to get help

A NEW centre for victims and key witnesses of crime could help nail more wife-beaters, claims the boss of a women's refuge.   more...

By royal invitation

WILTSHIRE musician Jamie Cullum has been invited to perform at Buckingham Palace for the Queen.   more...

Girl walks tall with her poster

A WOOTTON Bassett schoolgirl is among the winners of a county-wide competition organised by Wiltshire County Council's health team and the Wiltshire Health Promotion Service for their Anti-Bullying Week.   more...

Furniture on fire

FIREFIGHTERS were called to deal with a fire involving patio furniture.   more...

Orange in the dark

MOBILE phone users on Orange were plunged into darkness when two of the masts covering the Swindon area were hit with technical problems.   more...

Tackling the yobs

PARISH councillors are meeting with the police next week to discuss anti-social behaviour in Haydon Wick.   more...

Name change for Hreod Parkway

PARENTS are being asked for their views on a school's new name.   more...

Painting a picture of today's soccer fan

TODAY'S average football fan wears Next clothes, holidays in the USA and drives a Ford, a new report showed.   more...

Traffic calming views wanted

VIEWS on traffic calming measures are being sought.   more...

Residents invited to share their concerns

POLICE will hold another monthly surgery for residents living in Gorse Hill next month.   more...

Scales of justice

FAT friends John Donaldson and Tony Scull will weigh-in at a diet class today.   more...

Get homework done at library

HIGHWORTH library is offering to help pupils with homework.   more...

Hi-tech lessons

New design and technology equipment has been installed at Churchfields School.   more...

Help is at hand for MS victims

The Swindon Therapy Centre for Multiple Sclerosis is holding a coffee morning on Friday, January 28.   more...

Bid NOW for signed Billie photos

FOLLOWING the massive success of our benefit gig, the Evening Advertiser is now hosting an auction with top prizes from celebrities up for grabs.   more...

Woman cop attacked by 14-year-old girl

A 14-year-old girl threw herself onto the bonnet of a police car then attacked a woman officer after threatening to kill her, a court heard. The teenager became angry after the officer and her colleague arrested a man who had been seen threatening a group of people with a metal bar in Swindon on December 30 last year.   more...

We'll clear it up for you

Ref. 75681-21A MAN who survives on benefits is complaining the council is charging him to remove rubbish near his home, which he says was left by drug dealers.   more...

Father faces jail after faking a bomb threat

DAD Darren Rogers faces the prospect of jail after he admitted leaving a fake petrol bomb at a house in Wootton Bassett with intent for people to think it would explode.   more...

Minister asked to set up special zones in schools

A YOUTH project group from Swindon will meet the government minister for children today in a bid gain funding for their work.   more...

Kids get kicks by flicking dogs' mess at friends

Ref. 75653-21CHILDREN are playing with dog faeces in a game that is not only disgusting but could lead to blindness.   more...

Brave Abigail overcome by kindness of villagers

Ref. 75680-78BRAVE Abigail Taylor-Silk felt like a true star when a limousine planned for a break to EuroDisney arrived at her door.   more...

Blunder leaves family in cold

Ref. 75677-29THE home of a 95-year-old man has been without heating for more than a week because of a breakdown in communication at British Gas.   more...

New chance for teenagers to acquire vocational skills

A course offering young people a second chance to go to college is being offered at Swindon College.   more...

Sam's dream to come true

Ref. 75670-08A woman who has been waiting to wed for nine years has won this year's Evening Advertiser Bride of the Year competition.   more...

Trowbridge News

Bid NOW for signed Billie photos

FOLLOWING the massive success of our benefit gig, the Evening Advertiser is now hosting an auction with top prizes from celebrities up for grabs.   more...

Warminster News

Bid NOW for signed Billie photos

FOLLOWING the massive success of our benefit gig, the Evening Advertiser is now hosting an auction with top prizes from celebrities up for grabs.   more...

Westbury News

Bid NOW for signed Billie photos

FOLLOWING the massive success of our benefit gig, the Evening Advertiser is now hosting an auction with top prizes from celebrities up for grabs.   more...

Wiltshire News

Bid NOW for signed Billie photos

FOLLOWING the massive success of our benefit gig, the Evening Advertiser is now hosting an auction with top prizes from celebrities up for grabs.   more...

Wiltshire Sport

Town boss slams Parkin transfer talk

ANDY KING has rubbished suggestions that Sam Parkin is bound for Premiership strugglers Fulham in a half-a-million pound move.   more...

Wootton Bassett News

People power led to fence win, claims MP

15141/1MP James Gray has described developer Wainhomes' decision to replace a controversial spiked metal fence in Wootton Bassett as a victory for people power.   more...

Fire officer launches bid for recruits

15146/1Mark Griffin, Wootton Bassett fire station's new sub officer, is hoping that restarting the station's social club will help bring in new recruits.   more...

Chamber offers new businesses a chance

Wootton Bassett Chamber of Commerce is searching for the town's hidden entrepreneurs by offering £1,000 worth of prize money to the best new business idea.   more...

Bid NOW for signed Billie photos

FOLLOWING the massive success of our benefit gig, the Evening Advertiser is now hosting an auction with top prizes from celebrities up for grabs.   more...

  
Restrict search to 20 January 2005