Stories for 22 September 2005

Business News

Row over Zurich redress deadline

ZURICH has come under fire from a Swindon mortgage complaints company for saying many mortgage holders have run out of time to claim compensation for mis-sold policies.   more...

It's safety first for firms at roadshow

BUSINESSES in Swindon can learn how to keep themselves and their customers, safe.   more...

Honda could be hit by Euro law

A EUROPEAN Union directive could damage the business of one of Swindon's biggest employers.   more...

Staff do IT at home

TOMORROW is the last chance for companies to sign up for a scheme that could mean an £800 Christmas computer bonus for their staff.   more...

`Breakages cost shops a fortune'

CLUMSY staff and customers cost businesses more than £65m a year, according to Zurich.   more...

Becky on mission

SWINDON'S Bloor Homes helped student Becky Mitchard travel to Kenya this summer and refurbish a primary school in the small town of Chuka.   more...

Royal salute to new technology

The Prince with one of the hydrogel dressingsPRINCE Andrew expressed his admiration for the technology developed by a Ramsbury firm which supplies special material for treating serious burns and wounds when he visited last Thursday.   more...

Businesses vow to fight new parking charges

Corsham Chamber of Commerce has vowed to fight controversial new parking charges introduced into the town.   more...

Bar launched in old chapel

AWARD-WINNING entrepreneurs Gary Moules and Philip Taws celebrated the opening of their new bar in a 200-year-old former chapel last week.   more...

Carpet shop showcases historical features

THE renovation and refurbishment of Chippenham's historic Orwell House is almost complete ­ and on September 30 Allied Carpets will be open for trading in the new-look premises.   more...

Family firm closes for business after 92 years

IT will be the end of an era next month when Bucklands, the Devizes family shoemenders and retailers, shuts its shop in Maryport Street after 92 years in business.   more...

Don't be fooled by myths about taxman

ACCOUNTANTS are warning people to beware the myths that are circulating about calculating tax, as the September 30 deadline draws near for returning self-assessment forms.   more...

Benefits for ambassadors

CITY centre manager Lindsey Brown will be guest speaker at Salisbury Business Networking Club Ambassadors' breakfast meeting tomorrow at the Grasmere House Hotel in Harnham.   more...

Corporate demand grows

STAGECRAFT, the Salisbury staging and live events company, is celebrating 25 years in business.   more...

Truckers' healthy route

Truck drivers Martyn and Craig Evans with general assistant Kathy Hammond (17317/01)Truckers have been pushing aside fry-ups, burgers and chips in favour of something a little healthier to eat at the M4 Truckstop near Chippenham.   more...

Parking charges are a farce, say retailers

FURIOUS retailers in Malmesbury have criticised the district council's new car park charges.   more...

Explaining pensions

SOUTH Wiltshire and Kennet Learning Partnership is hosting its latest Learn About Workshop on September 22 at the Morrison Hall in Salisbury.   more...

Toolkits to help develop

Hugh Davies & Co, Chartered Accountants of Salisbury, has introduced a range of management consultancy services for local businesses.   more...

On the trail of website award

A COUPLE from Mere, who designed the website for their business, are finalists in the South West Tourism Website of the Year competition.   more...

Calne News

Joy all round in pub battle

RELIEVED residents have claimed the decision to extend the licensing hours of the King George in Calne by a minimal amount as a victory.   more...

Chippenham News

Credit union to open weekly

GAZETTE & HERALD: A NEW credit union is opening in Chippenham next week, giving clients access to savings and low-interest loans.   more...

Loss of Littlewoods will leave a void at centre

Diane MooreGAZETTE & HEARLD: The loss of Chippenham's flagship store Littlewoods could leave a void in the Borough Parade shopping centre and cost the town shoppers, retailers fear.   more...

Ghost school set to be closed

GAZETTE & HERALD: MAUD Heath Primary School in East Tytherton has been entirely abandoned by pupils, and on Monday a recommendation for closure will be put before Wiltshire County Council's school organisation committee.   more...

Touch of Eastern delight for Springboard

The belly dancing Sahara Sisters staged a hafla. 17267/13BELLY dancers shimmied their way to raise funds for the Gazette's Springboard Appeal on Tuesday, hoping to add to the current total of just under £23,000.   more...

Camilla helps self-harm charity in groom's name

A CHARITY struggling to support people who self harm has been stunned by a donation from Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, in memory of former client Fiona Gale, who took her own life last year.   more...

Shake-up in services

A MINORITY of community hospitals look likely to be spared in a reform of health services in the Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust and the West Wiltshire PCT.   more...

Benefit fraud claims delay

BENEFIT fraud inspectors found North Wiltshire District Council was taking so long to process claims because of IT problems and staff shortages.   more...

Students win garden awards

FOUR Wiltshire College Lackham students walked away from the National Amateur Gardening Show in Bath with medals for their student challenge gardens.   more...

Party guest lands in court

Drug addict Elizabeth Reeves, who is struggling to kick her habit, landed in court for driving a car at a party without a licence or insurance and crashing it into a wall.   more...

Toilets campaigner flushed with success

A CAMPAIGN to re-open public loos at Chippenham Bus Station has taken a step forward following a decision by North Wiltshire District Council's overview and scrutiny committee to set up a working party.   more...

Primary schools face a tough start

GAZETTE & HERALD: One village school near Chippenham has closed and another put into special measures after head teachers left at short notice.   more...

Scan gets thumbs up

Back row from left, Shauna, Maddy, Lewis, and front, Kieran, pupils at Redland Primary SchoolGAZETTE & HERALD: UNIQUE electronic fingerprinting technology is being piloted for the first time in a British school at Redland Primary in Chippenham.   more...

Best friends sob as they recall car crash tragedy

Inseparable sweethearts Nicky Gough and Colette HolbrookGAZETTE & HERALD: BEST friends of sweethearts Nicky Gough and Colette Holbrook sobbed after they told an inquest how they saw the couple die in a car accident.   more...

Loving uncle runs marathon to support niece

Lee Sheppard will be running the half marathon in Bristol to raise money for the muscular dystrophy campaign. His niece, Amanda suffers from the diseaseGAZETTE & HERALD: CHIPPENHAM uncle Lee Sheppard is running the Bristol half marathon in aid of his niece, Amanda Bowyer.   more...

Farmers horrified after intruders cut calf's throat

GAZETTE & HERALD: DAIRY farmers Max and Vicky Sealy were left horrified when they found a calf trussed up with its throat cut.   more...

Suicide victim rang his mum

GAZETTE & HERALD: THE family of suicide victim Christopher Perry have spoken of their shock after he was found hanged at his home.   more...

Man lucky to be alive after 25ft plunge

GAZETTE & HERALD: REVELLER Rob Leveridge says he is lucky to be alive after falling 25ft from a wall and becoming trapped between two buildings on Saturday.   more...

Pervert admits porn charges

GAZETTE & HERALD: CHIPPENHAM man Ian Dixon will be sentenced at Swindon Crown Court after pleading guilty to possessing indecent images of children.   more...

Family traumatised by suicide

Bonita Andre, left, the sister of Christopher Perry, and his former girlfriend, Danielle FerrisGAZETTE & HERALD: TRAGIC Christopher Perry called his mum and his ex-girlfriend before committing suicide in his Chippenham home on Monday afternoon.   more...

Nightclub relaunches with pole dancing

GAZETTE & HERALD: TWO professional pole dancers will perform at the launch of the new-look Buds 2000 nightclub tomorrow.   more...

Parents criticise drug culture that killed son

GAZETTE & HERALD: THE parents of Kevin Woodward, who died of a drug overdose last year, have said they wish others would learn from his stupid mistake.   more...

Call for traffic lights as friends struck by car

Edward King and Vicky Darby were struck by a carGAZETTE & HEARLD: BEST friends Edward King and Vicky Darby say they are lucky to escape with their lives after a car driven by an elderly woman collided with them on a zebra crossing on Friday.   more...

Festival shows undying love for Cochran

GAZETTE & HEARLD: PARTYGOERS rocked around the clock for three days at the annual Eddie Cochran festival held in Chippenham.   more...

OAP fears plan could make her housebound

GAZETTE & HERALD: DISABLED pensioner Stella Hulme fears being left housebound if the garage in which she keeps her electric scooter is knocked down by Westlea.   more...

Man bailed after sex assault at night club

GAZETTE & HERALD: A 19-YEAR-OLD Chippenham man has been released on police bail after three girls claimed he sexually assaulted them at a nightclub.   more...

Council hits back as boundary row hots up

GAZETTE & HEARLD: Chippenham Town Council has hit back at allegations it charges a lot of money but supplies very little, made in the run-up to a controversial boundary change.   more...

Centenary to be celebrated

GAZETTE & HERALD: Ivy Lane Primary School in Chippenham will be celebrating its centenary in 2007 ­ and the heritage centre is working with the school on a range of events to help commemorate a century of education.   more...

Corsham News

Why did they do this to me?

Chris Mackie still bears the scars of the unprovoked attackATTACK victim Chris Mackie has told how he was left in a pool of blood after ten thugs beat him up.   more...

Businesses vow to fight new parking charges

Corsham Chamber of Commerce has vowed to fight controversial new parking charges introduced into the town.   more...

Fundraisers get up steam to salute Brunel

BOX will be letting off steam next year if a team of enthusiasts get their way.   more...

Neighbours bid to end parking nightmare

A CORSHAM couple have applied for planning permission to create a parking bay in their front garden because they are fed up with speeding motorists crashing into their cars.   more...

Bar launched in old chapel

AWARD-WINNING entrepreneurs Gary Moules and Philip Taws celebrated the opening of their new bar in a 200-year-old former chapel last week.   more...

Couple seek to return to B&B

A BOX couple are dreaming of starting their own bed and breakfast business for the second time around.   more...

Civil War battle is fought over again

FIERCE fighting broke out in Corsham at the weekend as enthusiasts re-enacted a Civil War battle.   more...

Devizes News

Army hero killed in air accident

Lt Col BucklowFAMILY and friends have paid tribute to Army hero Lieutenant Colonel Ian Bucklow after he died from injuries sustained in a paragliding accident.   more...

Action looms on danger bend after 20th smash

WILTSHIRE County Council is to resurface a stretch of the unclassified road between Black Dog crossroads and Worton, near Devizes, after the 20th crash in the last 12 months.   more...

New governor has faith in prison opportunities

Doug Moon is the new man in charge at Erlestoke PrisonERLESTOKE prisoners do not go in for grassing up other inmates but they are encouraged to do a bit of therapeutic feedback.   more...

Persistent offender is found dead in car park

THE death of persistent offender Scott King just hours after being released from prison has shocked his friends in his home town Devizes.   more...

School trust bows out with generous gift

Devizes School Trust handed over a new minibus on Monday. From left, Malcolm Irons, head teacher; Anne Taylor, governors' chairman; John Jones, trust treasurer; Sue Marshall, director of sport, and pupils Gemma Lane and Elisha Hughes-RowlandsDEVIZES School Trust, which has raised £70,000 for school equipment over the last 22 years, has been wound up.   more...

Bell tower diners get a taste of the high life

Roger Day, left, and Keith Browning serving hors d'oeuvres on top of the bell towerDEVIZES diners had a wonderful view to go with their haute cuisine as the town's first food and drink festival got under way on Monday.   more...

Merger sparks fear over future of police HQ

CONSERVATIONISTS fear the Devizes police headquarters site could be sold housing if a merger of Wiltshire Constabulary goes ahead.   more...

Strike called off at Morrison's

STAFF at Morrison's supermarket in Devizes drew a sigh of relief yesterday after industrial action, which would have threatened the store's rebranding, was called off.   more...

Dark days of war on the Kennet and Avon Canal

THE Devizes-based Kennet and Avon Canal Trust has appealed to Wiltshire people for their memories of the canal during the Second World War.   more...

Quiz will help boost a fund set up for children

A FUND set up in memory of a ten-year-old Devizes boy who died of cancer a year ago has already raised over £26,000 for local children's charities and is about to raise much more.   more...

Traffic fears at respite home

RESIDENTS in Nursteed Road have have spoken of their concerns over the proposed building of a ten-bed respite care home for adults with learning disabilities.   more...

The wanderer returns to take on local pub

MOTHER-OF-THREE Sarah Luckett has returned to Britain after 15 years to take over the Cross Keys pub in Rowde, near Devizes.   more...

Travellers leave contested site

TRAVELLERS who had taken over the former Bureau West site on Horton Road, Devizes, moved on before Kennet District Council could serve notice on them last week.   more...

Flats plan for former church

THE former United Reformed Church in Northgate Street, Devizes, could be about to enter a new phase of its life after its owner applied to convert it to six flats.   more...

Shortage of cash forces charity to cut sessions

THE organisation running a drop-in centre for homeless people in Devizes is appealing for money from the community to ensure the centre stays open.   more...

Family firm closes for business after 92 years

IT will be the end of an era next month when Bucklands, the Devizes family shoemenders and retailers, shuts its shop in Maryport Street after 92 years in business.   more...

Shambles set to open to public on extra day

DEVIZES Development Partnership is to take over the running of The Shambles indoor market for a six month trial.   more...

Royal salute to new technology

The Prince with one of the hydrogel dressingsPRINCE Andrew expressed his admiration for the technology developed by a Ramsbury firm which supplies special material for treating serious burns and wounds when he visited last Thursday.   more...

Shake-up in services

A MINORITY of community hospitals look likely to be spared in a reform of health services in the Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust and the West Wiltshire PCT.   more...

Chief has three months to prevent force merger

CHIEF Constable Martin Richards has three months to come up with convincing reasons to prevent Wiltshire's police force being merged with Hampshire and Dorset.   more...

Opinion divided on the merger of health trusts

MERGING primary care trusts in Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire will bring savings of £10million, a meeting of Wiltshire County Council was told.   more...

Chance to help shape future of planning

Local people can have their say about changes made to a planning blueprint setting out the future of Wiltshire.   more...

Preparing to tackle the winter roads

WILTSHIRE'S fleet of gritting lorries is getting ready for anything the winter weather may throw at them.   more...

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

Action group may feel it is rowing against tide

ARK member Geoffrey Findlay raises valid points in last week's issue on the deterioration of the River Kennet. Indeed, the decline of the stream has been steadily progressive for years.   more...

Conversion niggle

At a time when the whole community is crying out for the construction of starter homes and young Wiltshire couples are desperately trying to get on the housing ladder, I was sorry to see that one of the estate agents   more...

Do your bit to help

Devizes Fairtrade Group is working towards Devizes becoming the second Fairtrade Town in Wiltshire. The town council is backing the bid and now serves only Fairtrade products in its public buildings.   more...

Back door to homes

Regarding the letter from Nick Maurice, `What is land's fate?' (Gazette, September 15).   more...

Our town being milked dry

Is it any wonder that those who might object to planning applications and changes in Malmesbury appear to have lost heart?   more...

Thanks for support

May I thank the various co-ordinators who circulated an open letter concerning the Pewsey centre regeneration and the Whatley Cultural Centre and all those allied to the arts and other interested people who sent a written reply supporting the concept and visions of the future that I have drawn. A display of these has been set up in the Pewsey Heritage Centre for public viewing.   more...

Weighing up costs

The proposed development of a new St John's School in Marlborough has raised many questions. The development, costing £21 million, will only be made possible by building two housing developments, one at Chopping Knife Lane and one at Orchard Road. This will cause mayhem in the town.   more...

Grumbles pay off

I am delighted to write thanking the Highways Department of Wiltshire County Council for resurfacing Brook Street in Chippenham from Redland Primary School to Woodlands Road.   more...

No other option

After much deliberation during the last six months, I have arrived at the conclusion that I am unable to satisfactorily balance my role as a   more...

School's duty of care

In response to the article which appeared in last week's Wiltshire Gazette & Herald regarding the locking of gates at Priestley School, I wish to reiterate the main reason for the decision to lock the gates was the extra security of the children whilst they are in school, and was dismayed by the exaggerated headline.   more...

Spend money wisely

Whilst chatting to a friend the other day she told me how her mother- in-law aged 90 had had her purse taken on a busy market day in Devizes.   more...

Views were spot on

Joe Merton (letters, September 15) is spot on. Thank goodness someone has spoken out against the arrogant rural lobby at last.   more...

A lack of acumen

Your reports by Jill Crooks, on September 15, were quite revealing.   more...

Halfmarathon News

Last chance to enter for race

SEPTEMBER 22: IT'S the last chance for runners who want to take part in this year's half marathon to get their entries in.   more...

Highworth News

Death led to extra nurses' training

NURSES received extra training at the Great Western Hospital following the death of Jean Evans ­ who died after a routine operation, an inquest heard.   more...

Malmesbury News

Drugs fear after youth arrested

RESIDENTS in Athelstan Road, Malmesbury, fear their street is becoming a hotbed of illegal drug activity.   more...

Rocket wows pupils

Peter Stayer of the Starchaser team with pupilsSTARSTRUCK pupils at Malmesbury School were given a glimpse on Monday of the largest rocket ever to be launched from mainland Britain.   more...

Camilla helps self-harm charity in groom's name

A CHARITY struggling to support people who self harm has been stunned by a donation from Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, in memory of former client Fiona Gale, who took her own life last year.   more...

Michael flies through to a magical world

Michael Moore will play the role of Peter Pan's brother, JohnMALMESBURY School pupil Michael Moore, 13, will play Peter Pan's brother, John, at this year's Wyvern Theatre Christmas pantomime.   more...

Parking charges are a farce, say retailers

FURIOUS retailers in Malmesbury have criticised the district council's new car park charges.   more...

Residents angered after pub gets late extensions

DESPONDENT Malmesbury residents are facing disturbance late into the night after the Smoking Dog pub was granted an extension to its alcohol licence.   more...

Sufferer's support for young arthritis battler

THE family of four-year-old Benjamin Anderson, who suffers from chronic arthritis, have been told to keep their spirits up by the mother of another former sufferer.   more...

Cyclist returns from big trip

A GRUELLING cycle ride through Wales by Malmesbury man Sam Evans has raised more than £3,000 for charity.   more...

One hundred hours of prayer

A MARATHON prayer session in Malmesbury drew to a close after 100 hours at the weekend.   more...

Bids open for hospital work

THE three organisations that will be bidding to carry out the £6million redevelopment of Malmesbury Hospital have been announced.   more...

Marlborough News

Sex romps shock in town gardens

The Priory Gardens are a popular haunt for young people, but some abuse the peace of the groundsGIRLS as young as 13 have been having sex in the Priory Gardens in Marlborough where fences have been smashed and plants trampled by vandals, town councillors have heard.   more...

Mums rap school for failing to act on bully

THREE 12-year-old girls have been kept home by their parents this week because they said St John's School in Marlborough had failed to react to bullying allegations.   more...

Councillors go gunning for dalek eyesore

TOWN councillors in Marlborough want to know whey they were not consulted before the computerised information kiosk was put up outside the library in the High Street.   more...

Burglar alarm proves its worth

POLICE say the efficacy of burglar alarms was left in no doubt when intruders left a large country house empty handed.   more...

Residents rally support in battle of tennis courts

Residents of Barrow Close and Elcot Lane are calling for the tennis court scheme to be droppedPLANS to provide new floodlit tennis courts on the Elcot Lane playing fields in Marlborough have upset residents.   more...

Army hero killed in air accident

Lt Col BucklowFAMILY and friends have paid tribute to Army hero Lieutenant Colonel Ian Bucklow after he died from injuries sustained in a paragliding accident.   more...

Funds for war zone children

A live phone link-up will give local people a unique opportunity to find out at first hand about the lives of Ugandan children threatened with abduction in a forgotten war zone.   more...

Royal salute to new technology

The Prince with one of the hydrogel dressingsPRINCE Andrew expressed his admiration for the technology developed by a Ramsbury firm which supplies special material for treating serious burns and wounds when he visited last Thursday.   more...

Pewsey News

Better than all rest

Jackie Darkens, Jessica Darkens and Tilly Davenport paws for thought as they present their striking Cat in the Hat entryTHE carnival procession at Pewsey on Saturday was a riotous success, a feast of sights and sounds.   more...

Concern over police delay

ANGRY parish councillors in Pewsey are demanding to know why police failed to apprehend any members of a group of up to five men who started a fire in Rectory Grove on Sunday.   more...

Toilets deal in jeopardy

PARISH councillors in Pewsey say it's possible they will pull the plug on negotiations with Kennet District Council about taking over the village's public conveniences.   more...

Plays promote tolerance

Sally Sanders, Kate Adams and Kieran Buckeridge from Salisbury Umbrella (17312/18/PM) HUMOROUS scenarios created by playwright Annie Pearson were used at Pewsey on Monday to help get across the message of tolerance and understanding on issues including race and homophobia.   more...

Burglar alarm proves its worth

POLICE say the efficacy of burglar alarms was left in no doubt when intruders left a large country house empty handed.   more...

Council elects three members

THREE new members have been co-opted to fill vacancies on Pewsey parish council.   more...

Village groups win funding

TWO community organisations in Pewsey have benefited to the tune of £3,300 each from Government funding.   more...

Sport Angling

Tackle and Bait boys sneak Thames crown

THIS year's Thames Team Championships proved a very close encounter on the river between Kelmscot and Rushey.   more...

Sport Cricket

Vince proves pundits right with tour call-up

CHIPPENHAM cricketer James Vince was presented with his West of England cap by Ashes hero Ian Bell after being selected for the squad to tour the West Indies next April.   more...

Lewis down but not out after winter tour snub

JON LEWIS has admitted his disappointment at being left out of England's one-day squad for the tour of Pakistan this winter ­ but insists he hasn't given up hope of resuming his international cricket career.   more...

Winterbourne make use of home advantage in cricket sixes

WINTERBOURNE Bassett triumphed in their own annual six-a-side cricket tournament at the weekend.   more...

Sport Football

Boss Sheridan vows to reverse fortunes

DEVIZES manager Nathan Sheridan has called for his young side to deliver in Saturday's crunch match against rock-bottom Torrington.   more...

Young guns having a ball at Devizes

DEVIZES Town Youth have been celebrating donations from local companies that have provided 30 match balls and 250 training balls for its teams this season.   more...

President takes control during search for chairman

FORMER Corsham Town chairman John Gingell has returned to the role in an acting capacity while the club look for a permanent successor to Colin Hudd.   more...

Rowde Dynamos 4, Corsham Park Rangers 6 aet

ALI Duncan's hat-trick fired Corsham Park Rangers to a thrilling 6-4 extra time win at Rowde Dynamos in the Eric Hughes Memorial Knockout Cup.   more...

Chippenham Sunday League

Eric Hughes Memorial KO Cup: Melksham-based Parsons Nose sprung a major surprise by dumping out top flight West Lavington in the first round on Sunday.   more...

Welland Rovers 3, Calne Town 1

MISSED chances led to missed progress and missed cash as Calne Town crashed out of the FA Vase at the first stage.   more...

Biddestone 1, Chard Town 1

BIDDESTONE boss Graham Learmonth is hoping the return of a fit Luke Gullick could help his attacking ability ­ although he dismisses his side has become too negative.   more...

Old Woodstock Town 3, Pewsey Vale 1

PEWSEY defender James Blake took the bragging rights over his father, Alan, after being named his side's man-of-the-match on Saturday.   more...

Fisher under fire as Highworth crumble

JOHN Fisher admits that he may have done the wrong thing extending his stay in the Highworth hotseat.   more...

Time to turn draws into wins

CORSHAM chief Colin Bush has called on his team to be ruthless in front of goal and turn the draws into wins ­ starting this Saturday.   more...

Melksham Town 3, Willand Rovers 1

MELKSHAM manager Kelvin Highmore praised his goalkeeper Gareth Evans after seeing his side climb to third in the Toolstation Premier Division.   more...

Bideford 8, Devizes Town 1

DEVIZES manager Nathan Sheridan sent boys to do a man's job on the North Devon coast on Saturday but his team was left all at sea as they floundered to a humiliating defeat.   more...

Mid Wilts Youth League

MAX Bush claimed five goals while Ben Wickens blasted a hat-trick as White Horse Juniors U12 defeated ten-men FC Chippenham 9-1 in the Green Division. Georgie Dolman got the other for Horse.   more...

Sport Rugby

Wootton Bassett 34, Corsham 13

CORSHAM stumbled out of this year's Powergen Intermediate Cup at the first hurdle as they went down 34-13 to fellow Southern Counties South side Wootton Bassett.   more...

Marlborough 18, Pewsey Vale 22

PEWSEY'S domination in the pack saw them overcome a stubborn Marlborough side in the first round of the Powergen Junior Vase.   more...

Walcot 31, Chippenham 13

CHIPPENHAM suffered an embarrassing defeat at neighbouring Walcot in the Intermediate Cup.   more...

Junior Rugby

CHIPPENHAM'S U16 proved too strong for neighbours Corsham as they romped to a 47-0 Wiltshire Cup victory.   more...

Puddletown 0, Minety 49

THE day after the club chairman's wedding was probably not the ideal date on which to play an important first round cup tie, but Minety soon shook off the effects of the long journey to Devon and the previous day's extensive celebrations.   more...

Dorset & Wilts Three North

DEBUTANT Lee Myring opened his Calne try scoring account on the back of a fine all round performance as the second team earned their first win of the season against Wiltshire Constabulary.   more...

Tough cup draws for local teams

BOTH Swindon and Wootton Bassett will hosts higher-league opposition in the second round of the Powergen Intermediate Cup next month.   more...

Swindon News

Novel way to stop snatchers

I HAVE a few items I would like to air.   more...

Nature is being destroyed

I HAVE just received the latest newsletter from Friends of the Ridgeway and all local authorities have agreed to ban four wheel drives during the winter except Swindon Council, as they argue that the repairs have been done.   more...

Space travel isn't odd any more

IT is heartening to note that 70 per cent of New College students would rather be astronauts than celebrities.   more...

Not a minority

RE: DON'T Listen To Minority (Wednesday Sept 14).   more...

It's so smelly

SWINDON is not such a paradise to live in if you have to use the Fleming Way underpass to town. It stinks bad enough to make you retch.   more...

Proud parent

I AM writing in amazement at the ignorance of some people.   more...

Road jams are up 13 per cent

Mannington roundabout, West Swindon. Ref: 21347-31ROAD congestion has soared by 13 per cent in Swindon in the last eight years prompting urgent calls for road charging.   more...

Lib Dems campaign for police

A CAMPAIGN to save regional police forces was launched by the Liberal Democrats to fight against merger plans which could affect Wiltshire.   more...

Soccer-mad priest leaves

Father Kevin HennesseyA FOOTBALL-MAD priest who made his mark in Swindon has quit the town for pastures new.   more...

Two injured after cars collide outside school

TWO people were taken to hospital last night after a car crash outside a Swindon school.   more...

Police talk man off multi-storey

POLICE managed to rescue a "disturbed" man who was threatening to jump off the Wyvern multi-storey car park in Islington Street.   more...

Police clear out the crackhouse

TINFOIL, junk and dirt ­ that was the scene that greeted police officers entering a Swindon crackhouse.   more...

Fraud mum avoids jail

Michelle Nunn: Liar and a cheat to gain £18,000A SWINDON woman who admitted to benefit fraud has been sentenced to 240 hours community punishment.   more...

Honda could be hit by Euro law

A EUROPEAN Union directive could damage the business of one of Swindon's biggest employers.   more...

Exhibition puts art work in the spotlight

Former Kingsdown school pupil Sam Elcocks.ART student Sam Elcocks has decided to give something back to the school that first inspired her, by holding an art exhibition demonstrating the importance of secondary teaching.   more...

Historic stone is already protected

CAMPAIGNERS are celebrating after discovering a milepost they want to save is already protected.   more...

Cheaper fares are available

FIRST Great Western is changing its ticket system to offer passengers thousands of extra discounted seats every day.   more...

Pupils to report on green news

STUDENTS from across Swindon are being given the chance to become trainee journalists for the day.   more...

Last chance to enter for race

IT'S the last chance for runners who want to take part in this year's half marathon to get their entries in.   more...

Star raises a cup to appeal

CELEBRITY hairdresser Gina Akers is giving her support to a fundraising drive in aid of the Swindon Cancer Appeal.   more...

Reflecting on a peaceful day

PEOPLE in Swindon were urged to think peaceful thoughts as part of the UN International Day of Peace.   more...

`Profoundly disabled children should be guillotined'

Owen Lister SWINDON'S deputy mayor is facing calls to step down after allegedly making disparaging remarks about disabled children.   more...

`I just hate all coppers'

Elaine Evans explains to our reporter Kevin Shoesmith why she just can't help assaulting the police. Ref: 99382-39A MOTHER of five, convicted on four different occasions of assaulting police officers, has declared that she "hates all coppers".   more...

Police seek help to catch bag thief

Police officers PC Paul Matthews and PC Pat Salter speak to members of the public about the bag snatch. Ref: 99385-42POLICE stopped passers-by in Freshbrook last night in the search for a ruthless bag snatcher who left a 79-year-old seriously injured.   more...

Car park death man identified

POLICE have identified the body of 33-year-old man found in a Swindon car park as Scott King, the first man in Wiltshire to be given an Anti-Social Behaviour Order.   more...

Walkout threat over hours row

Passengers at Swindon railway station. Ref: 24980-20SWINDON is on the verge of commuter chaos as rail staff threaten industrial action.   more...

Now that was our brave boy

Carol and Andrew Waters of the Royal Oak. Ref: 99386-21A SOLDIER from Swindon has been hailed a hero for his part in the daring mission to rescue two SAS hostages in Iraq.   more...

Melinda serves up a treat

MELINDA Messenger is one of a host of stars who are helping people to cook up a storm in the kitchen while helping a children's charity at the same time.   more...

Spate of thefts hits bowls club

Swindon Bowls Club members Eric and Brenda Fishlock, Peter Stone and Muriel and Kenneth Fisher.Refs: 99367-91PENSIONERS at a Swindon bowls club are under siege from local youths.   more...

Bob's gift to hospital

Bob Hinton with stoma nurse Judy Hanley. Ref: 99365-24A WANBOROUGH pensioner sacrificed his 80th birthday presents to say thank you for the wonderful hospital treatment he has received.   more...

Tourism News

On the trail of website award

A COUPLE from Mere, who designed the website for their business, are finalists in the South West Tourism Website of the Year competition.   more...

Wiltshire News

Sex romps shock in town gardens

The Priory Gardens are a popular haunt for young people, but some abuse the peace of the groundsGIRLS as young as 13 have been having sex in the Priory Gardens in Marlborough where fences have been smashed and plants trampled by vandals, town councillors have heard.   more...

Wiltshire Sport

You `Bully'

Jaime KingAN independent investigation has begun into claims by British swimmers, including Swindon's three-time Olympian Jaime King, that national performance director Bill Sweetenham is a "bully".   more...

Wootton Bassett News

Mayor appeals for help to save town's carnival

WOOTTON Bassett's colourful carnival may become a thing of the past unless new volunteers are found, Mayor Chris Wannell has warned.   more...

Youngsters design their own playground

Pupils at Noremarsh Farm in Wootton Bassett with their teacher Sue VictoryWootton Bassett councillors are tonight expected to back the final plans for a £40,000 re-modernisation of the Old Court play area as chosen by local schoolchildren.   more...

War memorial copy unveiled

Councillors will visit an Oxford Primary School next week for the unveiling of a replica sculpture of Wootton Bassett's War Memorial.   more...

Tree felling will allow bluebells to grow by lake

JUBILEE Lake will be surrounded by bluebells, hazel trees and thriving wildlife under Wootton Bassett town council's plans to transform the area into a local nature reserve.   more...

Disruption fears

WOOTTON Bassett High Street is set to face congestion problems when major repair work begins on the town's sewage system.   more...

Drivers rush to fill up with cheap fuel

MORE than 100 drivers filled up their tanks with cheap petrol on Monday, thanks to GWR FM.   more...

  
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