Stories for 5 August 2005

Bath Leisure

Film review - Herbie: Fully Loaded (U)

I always think you can judge the success of a kiddie movie by the buzz they give off as they leave the cinema.   more...

Bradford On Avon News

Teen in robbery ordeal

A TEENAGER was robbed, beaten to the floor and kicked in the face in a town centre assault. The 16-year-old was attacked on the town bridge in Bradford on Avon on Sunday by a pair of thugs who stole his wallet and personal CD player.   more...

Cyclists raise £3k

TWO friends cycled the length of the country, covering more than 1,000 miles, to raise £3,000 for charity. Isabel Martindale, 64, and Richard Craft, 57, of Bradford on Avon, rode from Lands End to John O'Groats last month.   more...

Hospice cash joy after pub efforts

Paul Smith, second left, receives the cheques from landlords John Harris, right and Jackie Rossi and, left, Iain Forbes who has since grown back his beard (30753)A GOOD cause persuaded a man who had been bearded for 24 years to submit to the razor. Iain Forbes, 57, shaved off his beard to raise money for the Dorothy House Hospice, Winsley, supported by staff and fellow regulars at the Beehive pub, Bradford on Avon.   more...

Business News

Rate drop good for small firms

SWINDON'S business leaders have welcomed the Bank of England's first interest rate cut for two years.   more...

Apex figures add up after internal buyout

A COMPUTER firm based near Swindon has undergone a management buyout.   more...

Get a plan ready to manage crisis

ALMOST half of small firms do not have a plan to deal with an emergency or crisis, new research shows.   more...

Is your office fit?

THE BBC is to look at the state of Wiltshire's workplaces.   more...

Bassett book boost

NORTH Wiltshire District Council is launching a booklet aimed at promoting businesses in Wootton Bassett.   more...

Sale boost for charity

A SUPPLY and distribution firm in Trowbridge will be holding a fundraising warehouse sale tomorrow to raise money for Cancer Research UK.   more...

The signals are good

Ugo and Kirsten Jonathan who took over The Railway Inn, Westbury two weeks ago, are pictured with their son Henderson (30754)A COUPLE are hoping to preserve the friendly atmosphere of the Railway Inn, Westbury, after taking over as the new owners.   more...

Pupils hear benefits of being bi-lingual

STUDENTS have been given a lesson on the uses of languages in the workplace as part of an innovative new scheme.   more...

£1,000 start-up prize

A FRENCH cafe in Warminster has won first prize in the Start Up business awards. Bosses of Le Café Journal, in the High Street, were presented with a cheque for £1,000 on Friday.   more...

Calne News

Firm fined after fish are poisoned

CHIPPENHAM NEWS: A FARM company has been fined £12,000 after a slurry spill left thousands of fish floating dead on Bowood Lake.   more...

Chippenham News

£32m - What PCT chief must save to keep her job

Carol ClarkeNORTH Wiltshire's health chief has admitted her job is on the line unless she pulls services out of a £32m black hole of debt within three years.   more...

Gumbuster's sticky problem

CHIPPENHAM NEWS: A CHEWING gum busting machine that cost taxpayers £12,000 has blown up after less than a month's use.   more...

Park roundabout closed off after safety alert

CHIPPENHAM NEWS: A CHILDREN'S roundabout has been closed off days after it was installed because it failed safety tests.   more...

Corsham News

Tunnel Vision named best beer

Mark Hempleman-Adams, left, and Marshall Ewart of The Bear at Box with their CAMRA award (30760/3)CHIPPENHAM NEWS: A LOCALLY brewed one-year-old beer has scooped top prize in a real ale show. Tunnel Vision, brewed by Box Breweries, won the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Beer of the Festival award at this year's Chippenham Beer Festival.   more...

Village says thanks to handyman Bill

Colerne Parish Council chairman Richard Tonge congratulates handyman Bill Dyer (17383/3)CHIPPENHAM NEWS: A HANDYMAN has been praised for all his hard work in helping Colerne win the Best Kept Village award.   more...

Hit-and-run victim vows to rebuild life

CHIPPENHAM NEWS: A DRINK-driver has been spared a jail sentence after a court heard his attempted murder prompted him to kick a 30 pints a day cider habit.   more...

Health News

£32m - What PCT chief must save to keep her job

Carol ClarkeNORTH Wiltshire's health chief has admitted her job is on the line unless she pulls services out of a £32m black hole of debt within three years.   more...

Alert on alcohol abuse

A NEW campaign has been launched to help young people understand the effects that excess alcohol can have on themselves and other people.   more...

Melksham News

Innocent

Colin Lewin, who has been cleared of murder, pictured with his daughterFACTORY worker Colin Lewin has been cleared of the savage murder of a beloved dad. Mr Lewin, 35, worked at Cooper-Avon Tyres in Melksham and was accused of murdering Swindon father-of-two Mick Love.   more...

No place to hide for yobs

A sign on a lamp post in Bowerhill explaining the new police powersGANGS of yobs on a residential estate were targeted under new police powers brought in this week. Teenage vandalism, fighting and underage drinking have blighted the Bowerhill estate in Melksham for four years.   more...

Dream comes true for brave Mandy

Mandy in the hot seatSINCE she was a little girl Mandy Pantall has dreamed of achieving her pilot's licence. She was well on course after learning to fly gliders aged just 14.   more...

Tributes paid to popular man, 58

Andy MissenA BLACKSMITH who was well known for his charity work has died aged 58. Andy Missen, of Woodrow Road, Melksham was a keen member of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (RAOB) and worked to raise funds for local charities.   more...

Commuters face rail cuts misery

COMMUTERS in west Wiltshire are facing cuts in train services from December next year. The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) has announced that trains running from Westbury and Melksham will be affected.   more...

A first aid first!

Sub officer Mike Radcliffe and station commander Steve Pearce with, in the background, Gareth Saunders and Paul Gates of Wiltshire Ambulance Service and assistant chief fire officer Peter Baxter (30761)MEMBERS of the emergency services are working together to better serve the community.   more...

Summer fete set for 56th outing

ONE of the oldest summer fetes and flower shows in the county will celebrate its 56th year this month. The Seend Flower Show, opened by fete princess, Samantha Wooster, will be held on August 13.   more...

Sport Cricket

Wiltshire call-up for Blackburn

WILTSHIRE have recalled opening batsman Kevin Blackburn as they bid for their first win of the season in the Minor Counties championship this weekend.   more...

Gloucestershire fight back in Hampshire clash

ALEX Gidman and Steve Adshead led a Gloucestershire revival at Cheltenham to ensure their match against Hampshire remains evenly balanced.   more...

Swindon need a `high five'

Having failed to beat the weather last weekend, Swindon will be looking to get their promotion challenge back on track against Colwall tomorrow.   more...

Hopeful Howell targets NEC comeback

DAVID HOWELL aborted his comeback to competitive golf on the eve of the Johnnie Walker Championships at Gleneagles ­ but still plans to fly out to America next week.   more...

Sport Football

Last chance!

CIRENCESTER Town entertain Bristol Rovers in their final pre-season friendly tomorrow.   more...

Last friendly

SUPERMARINE meet Cove from the Combined Counties League in their last pre-season friendly at Hunts Copse.   more...

Vase heroes back

TOMMY Saunders manages a Chippenham Town side one more time this weekend as local football pays tribute to one of its favourite sons.   more...

Seven clubs want to join expanding league

THE McGuinness Trading Ltd-sponsored Frome Sunday League is to expand for the new season. At the league's annual meeting applications were received from seven new clubs, and one from Witham Friary, who were looking to rejoin after a spell in the Blackmore Vale League.   more...

Swindon News

Council should have saved cash

TODAY I read with disbelief the appointment of the new Swindon Council directors.   more...

This is not good care of patients

I NOTICE patients are having trouble getting an appointment with their GP due to the newly introduced Government targets.   more...

I thought this letter was a joke

AFTER I had read the letter from Coun Mallinson (August 2), I first looked to see if it was April 1.   more...

Tragic waste

WE live in the block of flats where the recent fatal motorcycle accident happened, and saw the devastation of the accident.   more...

Make it central

IF Swindon needs a university it should be built in town. Young people need the eating and drinking places for their social life.   more...

Make it weekly

IN response to some letters you've published, yes the bins are a good idea, if they were collected weekly.   more...

Few sari sights

PLEASE could I say a big thank you to Swindon Council and the Mela Committee for the wonderful day out at the Town Gardens.   more...

Woman is spared jail term

FALLEN high-flier Amanda Jones stole model trucks from a family who had taken her in and sold them on internet auction site eBay to pay off debts, a court heard.   more...

Everest trip for diabetic

Kevin Hayes is preparing to get to the top of Everest Picture Ref: 78741-76AUGUST 5, 2005: DETERMINED Kevin Hayes says suffering from diabetes won't stop him conquering Mount Everest.   more...

Family of 17 prepares for first sibling marriage

PREPARATIONS are underway for the wedding of the first child from Swindon's biggest family to get married.   more...

Woman rescued in BHS lift emergency

FIREFIGHTERS had to rescue a woman trapped in a lift at a town centre shop.   more...

Stephanie makes it into final

Stephanie Baldwin Picture Ref: 78456-25SWINDON beauty Stephanie Baldwin has made the final of a lads' magazine beauty competition.   more...

Licensed to thrill

Bond girls Caroline Munro and Trina Parks, with Steve Goss Picture Ref: 78737-34HOLLYWOOD glitz and glamour swept through Swindon with the arrival of not one, but two Bond girls.   more...

Tony takes over the chains

The new president of Swindon Old Town Rotary club, Tony Wall, left, receives his chain of office from last year's president John PoolmanTHE new president of the Rotary Club of Swindon and Old Town has received his chain of office at special handover ceremony.   more...

Teacher's explosive new book

Picture Ref: 78720-82REMEMBER, remember the fifth of November, Gunpow-der, treason and plot.   more...

Lauren Keane on her iPod

Picture Ref: 78725-3IT was music to Lauren Davidge's ears when she was told that she was to receive an Apple iPod from a Swindon Advertiser competition.   more...

`We break the speed limit less'

DRIVERS in the south west are the least likely to break the speed limit ­ with just 11 per cent regularly exceeding the limit.   more...

We warned it would happen

Jon Pierce Picture Ref: 78728-84WARNINGS that someone could die at the Whitehouse Bridges junction were given weeks before motorcyclist Trevor Gibbs was killed in a crash at the spot.   more...

Beauty spot sex attacker strikes again

Picture Ref: 78736-67WOMEN have been warned to be careful after two attacks in a Swindon park.   more...

Russian plan to take over town

SWINDON would have been a high-priority target in the event of a Cold War attack.   more...

Ooh la la ladies!

From the left, Gemma Roberts, Dorinda Moffatt, Kim Dempsey and Lisa Cox Picture Ref: 78708-95FOUR Swindon women are doing all they can-can for charity by staging a Moulin Rouge fundraising event.   more...

`Use shock as wake-up call'

Children as young as 12 can now get pregnancy testing kits and emergency contraception at chemistsNEWS that girls of 12 can get the morning after pill at their local chemist should serve as a wake-up call to society, says Swindon's bishop.   more...

Last warning for pubs and restaurants

Council licensing officer Lionel Starling Picture Ref: 72583-51A LAST-MINUTE rush of applications from pub and restaurant owners for new licences is expected ahead of the deadline.   more...

Town most dangerous to gay folk

Helen ThompsonTHERE are more prosecutions for gay hate crimes in Wiltshire than anywhere else in the south west, new figures have revealed.   more...

Hospital will need to grow

THE GREAT DEBATE: Swindon councillor Owen Lister, who is also a former GP, shares his thoughts on the university proposals. Much has been written about Coate in the past week or so, and the proposed development there of a university in addition to housing, but to date one aspect of this development has been completely overlooked, namely the need for expansion of the Great Western Hospital site.   more...

Trowbridge News

Exposed

Hayley RichardsA DRINK-driver could face perjury charges after claiming he was a cousin of tragic Hayley Richards in a "despicable" plea to magistrates.   more...

Brave Barbara lives life to the full

Barbara Osmond, left, and her daughter Sarah Curtis, who took part in the Race for Life (30769)CANCER has not stopped one woman living life to the full or from raising money for others with the disease.   more...

Couple all smiles after wedding win

Stephanie Cockbill and Darren Wing with their daughter Lillie-Anna (30770)A COUPLE are a step closer to their dream wedding after battling it out to win the Wiltshire Times' wedding competition.   more...

Seven-year campaign ends in shop victory

Ines Crucefix, chairman of the Steeple Ashton Village Shop Association, right, with John Aeberhard, outside the building where the shop will be (30767)A SEVEN-year battle for a new village shop has ended in victory as campaigners have secured a grant of nearly £60,000.   more...

One fur the records?

Owner Jennifer Lewis keeps an eye on elderly Squido Photo: Glenn Phillips (30772)SQUIDO the cat is scratching at the door of the record books as he enters the 24th year of an extraordinary life.   more...

New CCTV plan aims to target crime hotspots

CRIME hotspots could be targeted by roving CCTV cameras in an attempt to crackdown on thugs and vandals who have been making lives a misery.   more...

Pervert preyed on tan studio

Louise HuddA PEEPING Tom who spied on a naked woman at a tanning studio was spotted when he almost fell through the ceiling.   more...

Council confirms pollution misery

RESIDENTS on a Trowbridge street have been told their gardens contain `unacceptable levels' of contamination and fear they may have to pay thousands to put it right.   more...

Audrey takes the plunge

Audrey GriffithsA PENSIONER who abseiled down a 90ft cliff has raised more than £1,000 for charity. Audrey Griffiths, 68, of Longfield Road, Trowbridge, took the plunge to help the Children's Hospice South West raise £15m for a new care home.   more...

Mass brawl on troubled town estate

POLICE arrested six people after a mass brawl on a troubled estate on Monday. About 20 young people were involved in the fight in Francis Street, on the Seymour Estate, and residents say they have been plagued by anti-social behaviour for years.   more...

Plans unveiled for riverside revamp

An artist's impression of how the Wicker Hill area of Trowbridge will look in the futureA rundown area dominated by a disused toilet block could be transformed into a charming riverside oasis. Artist's impressions of how the town bridge area of Trowbridge could look have been unveiled once it has been landscaped.   more...

The hunt is on for Employee of the Year

THE hunt is on for the best employee in the area and a once in a lifetime trip to Las Vegas is on offer for the lucky, and deserving, winner.   more...

Sale boost for charity

A SUPPLY and distribution firm in Trowbridge will be holding a fundraising warehouse sale tomorrow to raise money for Cancer Research UK.   more...

Town Hall proposals on show

INITIAL plans to revamp Trowbridge Town Hall have been well received by the public. Early proposals for uses of the building went on display at the West Wilts Show at the weekend.   more...

Laughs galore as jovial Duke gets ball rolling...

The Duke of Westminster sees the funny side as he walks around the showground with Mike Williams, president of the Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce (17367/10)WEST WILTS SHOW 2005: THE ninth annual West Wilts Show got off to a spectacular start with a colourful parade and a grand opening ceremony led by a very jovial Duke of Westminster.   more...

Bradfordians get chatting

The Hawaii girls from Bradford on Avon hope the rain will stay away (17367/38)WEST WILTS SHOW 2005: CHINA, cheese and cycles were the highlights of the Bradford on Avon tent at the West Wilts Show. Tillions china shop was voted the best stand in the tent but there was plenty more on offer.   more...

Three days of fun as thousands enjoy show

Jo Almabi with his eagle owl Oscar at the show (17367/69)WEST WILTS SHOW 2005: THE different cultures of Trowbridge were reflected in this year's show tent and young and old alike made the most of the chance to show off what the town has to offer.   more...

Show tastes sweet

Sammy Connor with Westbury Beekeepers member Arthur Goodhead (30755/16)WEST WILTS SHOW 2005: FUN and interaction were the aims of the Westbury tent with activities and entertainment for all the family.   more...

Rain fails to dampen spirits

Midge Ure hit the high notes during his performance at the show on Friday night (30756/07)WEST WILTS SHOW 2005: FROM the dizzy heights of organising the Live 8 concerts to Trowbridge bandstand is quite a leap but rock legend Midge Ure was happy to be in the town.   more...

Home from home

Debbie and Danielle Clark at the Arc Theatre stall (17367/60)WEST WILTS SHOW 2005: VISITORS to the Melksham tent at the West Wilts Show were invited to build their own dream home this year.   more...

Warm welcome

Children show off the t-shirts they decorated at the Arc Theatre stand (30755/05)WEST WILTS SHOW 2005: BELLS rang out from the Warminster marquee at the West Wilts Show as the town crier gave guests his traditional rousing cheer.   more...

Funnel vision

The funnel cloud makes its way through west Wiltshire Photo: Glenn Phillips (30765)A FREAK cloud formation left onlookers wondering if they were about to be hit by a tornado on Monday.   more...

Commuters face rail cuts misery

COMMUTERS in west Wiltshire are facing cuts in train services from December next year. The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) has announced that trains running from Westbury and Melksham will be affected.   more...

Licensing deadline arrives

LICENSEES of pubs, restaurants and shops are putting their businesses at risk by failing to apply for new licences.   more...

Families' relief as bomb resort girls return home

Kathryn Tuck with her mum Helen Donovan at last weekend's West Wilts Show (17372)THREE young holidaymakers who were caught in the middle of the Sharm el Sheikh bombings arrived home safely but emotionally scarred this week.   more...

Armed police on patrol at rail stations

WILTSHIRE is not immune from the dangers of terrorism despite remaining a safe place to live, according to a police chief.   more...

Alert on alcohol abuse

A NEW campaign has been launched to help young people understand the effects that excess alcohol can have on themselves and other people.   more...

Trowbridge,Bradford On Avon,Melksham,Warminster,Westbury News

Racing ruined

I HAVE been watching racing at the Castle Combe circuit since 1952 and I am disappointed that a handful of people can spoil the enjoyment of thousands over the noise level of the F3/GT meeting in June.   more...

Civic Hall upset

We would like to say how disappointed and disgusted we were with the way the Cabaret Night at the Civic Hall in Trowbridge, held on July 30, was "managed".   more...

No protection

It was only a matter of time before a member of the Government stepped outside the sensible and considered approach adopted by the polictical parties following the terror attacks on London.   more...

Biggest and best

This year's West Wilts Show really was the biggest and best yet! My thanks and congratulations go to all the District Council staff involved in making this such a fantastic showcase for West Wiltshire.   more...

Dangerous site

EIGHT hundred years of treasured county archives should be in safekeeping in a place giving maximum security and protection, away from a risk situation that could be hazardous or perilous to those records and the lives of staff and general public.   more...

Pulling together

AS a new resident of Bowerhill, it is reassuring to hear that the local authorities and police are pulling together to combat the annoying and petty crimes being committed by a few apprentice thugs.   more...

Thanks, readers

My sister Jacky and I are off to India on September 9 for one month to visit the village of Burlavaripalem, Andhra Pradesh where the Elizabeth-Ann Trust Fund is raising money for a Loo Project to raise money for 100 loos (each loo costs £74).   more...

Fish feel pain too

I was very concerned to see that the Environment Agency is encouraging angling as a past time. Surely people can think of more productive things to do with their spare time than to cause physical harm and suffering to fish and destroy our riversides in the process.   more...

Well done, Hills

Recently, I had the dubious `pleasure' of using a recycling centre in Liverpool. It was not a nice experience, although they had skips for the usual green, wood, plastic, etc they also had a heap used to dump what looked like any household waste.   more...

Warminster News

Tickets go sky high for `free' event

TICKETS for the first ever global aerobatic competition have been sold on the Internet for up to £70 after more than 700,000 people applied for just 40,000 places.   more...

Duo guilty over drug `factory'

POLICE in Warminster have urged the public to be `extra vigilant' after the discovery of a cannabis factory in the town.   more...

Enthusiasts put on a vintage performance

Rosemary Noble with her Norton motorbike and meerkat (17366/06)History went on the move as vintage vehicles of every description turned up at a village pub. The event was the 22nd anniversary of the Noggin Natter and Nosh, a vintage evening held every July at the George Inn at Longbridge Deverill.   more...

Traders `under threat' over car parking charge

BUSINESSES in Warminster say their futures are under threat after the district council refused to review car-parking charges in the town until the end of September.   more...

Westbury News

Weekend of arrests confirm alcohol fears

A SPATE of drink related offences in Westbury have fuelled fears about a summer of booze-fuelled crime in the town.   more...

Jane's in the pink for charity

Jane Cryer & Sue WoodhouseWHEN secretary Jane Cryer took part in a fundraising walk for breast cancer she had no idea that two months later she would need treatment for the disease.   more...

Bypass views aired at meeting

A MEETING to discuss improvements in air quality in Westbury this week turned into another debate over the long-running bypass issue in the town.   more...

Commuters face rail cuts misery

COMMUTERS in west Wiltshire are facing cuts in train services from December next year. The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) has announced that trains running from Westbury and Melksham will be affected.   more...

Alcoholic fined for bomber slur

A NOISY alcoholic who was thrown out of a Wiltshire train station hurled abuse at local police officers for failing to catch the London bombers.   more...

On the Ball...

YOUNG footballers will have the opportunity to improve their skills this August when Westbury hosts the Alan Ball Football Academy.   more...

Boundary changes discussed

NEW ideas to solve the ward imbalance in Westbury are to be put forward to the town council.   more...

Wiltshire News

Exposed

Hayley RichardsA DRINK-driver could face perjury charges after claiming he was a cousin of tragic Hayley Richards in a "despicable" plea to magistrates.   more...

Wiltshire Sport

Make it a good start!

A CAMPAIGN is generally viewed as a marathon in football circles but Andy King is looking to his new-look side to make a sprint start in the quest for League One honours.   more...

  
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