Stories for 23 September 2005

Bradford On Avon News

Flower power keeps Charles, 90, at work

Charles Clarke is surrounded by bougainvilleas at the family nursery (17620/1)PLANT lover Charles Clarke started work more than 75 years ago, at the age of 14.   more...

Support boosts Friends' appeal

THOUSANDS of supporters have signed their names to a petition to save Bradford on Avon Hospital from closure.   more...

High cost of being too noisy

TWO noisy neighbours have been prosecuted for failing to turn their music down.   more...

Dancers to perform in city

FOUR elderly dancers will get the opportunity of a lifetime as they take to the stage at the Royal Albert Hall, London, this weekend.   more...

St Laurence street party

A STREET party is planned in Bradford on Avon tomorrow to mark a school's 25th anniversary.   more...

Business News

MP backs drive to net more trainees

Internet Age MP Anne Snelgrove meets PC MouseANNE Snelgrove came face to face with a computer mouse of a different kind when she visited Swindon's British Computer Society.   more...

Zurich looks further afield

ZURICH has opened talks about possibly linking up with a business services firm that specialises in outsourcing.   more...

Staff press Button

HONDA invited Formula 1 star Jenson Button to meet four of its major corporate accounts ­ Lex Vehicle Leasing, BT Fleet, National Grid and the AA.   more...

Property deals

TWO major Swindon buildings have changed hands in multi-million deals.   more...

Charges force shops to close

Lynne Rumens, who blames the closure of her shop Wear It in Westbury on higher parking charges (30915)TWO shops in Westbury have closed after seeing business slump following the introduction of higher car parking fees.   more...

Managers get into the swing

CROSS-DRESSING and singing was the name of the game at ASDA in Trowbridge on Friday, as staff raised funds for breast cancer charities.   more...

Cars News

And puppy makes eight

Trying out this new seven-seater, MICHELLE TOMPKINS soon found that driving was the easy bit. Keeping the kids quiet was another matter.   more...

Chippenham News

Memories of wartime

A FILMMAKER is appealing for wartime memories of Chippenham, Lackham and Lacock for two documentaries.   more...

Window cleaner warns of ad `scam'

CHIPPENHAM NEWS: A WINDOW cleaner is among hundreds of people claiming to have been conned by a magazine advertising scam.   more...

Corsham News

Jennifer gets her big acting break

A FORMER north Wiltshire schoolgirl will be joining hit TV soap Hollyoaks after she got her big break in the acting world.   more...

Water way to see the world

A FATHER-OF-THREE will battle giant waves, torrential rain and gale force winds as he takes part in a round-the-world yacht race.   more...

Reliving the English Civil War

CANNONS blasted and gunfire echoed from the barrels of 17th century muskets as the English Civil War was relived in north Wiltshire.   more...

War diary reveals Russia's cold heart

A DIARY has been discovered that details an epic intelligence mission through the heart of Communist Russia made by a north Wiltshire lieutenant.   more...

Melksham News

Police probe into death threat text

Hazel Ackland and her daughter Amy Kerswell (30888/2)A TEENAGER said she is a prisoner in her own home after death threats have been sent to her mobile phone.   more...

Man denies taking part in `terrifying' PO theft

A POSTMISTRESS told a court this week of the terrifying moments when two robbers raided her store and tied up her elderly stepfather.   more...

School puts on royal style for opening

Royal celebrations as staff and pupils unveil the new school sign (30898)CASTLES and kings were the theme at the opening of a Melksham primary school.   more...

Girl, 14, sells her first pop album for charity

A TALENTED young singer will launch her debut pop album on Thursday at a charity rock concert in Broughton Gifford.   more...

Vandalism forces kids off school bus service

VANDALISM has been blamed for an incident on a school bus in which a 12-year-old boy almost fell out of a broken window.   more...

Savage street attack by gang

AN Avon Tyres worker was left lying in a pool of blood after he was repeatedly kicked in the head by as many as 10 men on Saturday night.   more...

Salisbury Sport

Nick prepares Whites for FA Cup challenge

Salisbury City FC manager Nick Holmes has been preparing his team for a potentially lucrative venture into the FA Cup.  more...

Sport Angling

Smith tops ton mark at Bowood

CALNE members enjoyed some excellent sport on Sunday in their match fished at Bowood Lake, with bream feeding well.   more...

Sport Cricket

Parks first on the guest list

FORMER England, Sussex and Somerset wicketkeeper-batsman Jim Parks will be the guest speaker at the opening meeting of the autumn programme of the West of England branch of The Cricket Society.   more...

Vince wins place on Caribbean tour

FLINTOFF, Pietersen, Trescothick and co have all become household names this summer after helping England regain the Ashes for the first time in 18 years in a thrilling series.   more...

Double top for Aussie Darren

Swindon Cricket Club held a successful end-of-season dinner and dance at the Marriott Hotel.   more...

Sport Football

Cup challenge lifts Mark

SWINDON Supermarine boss Mark Collier admits his side's attempt to stretch their unbeaten run to 10 matches faces the sternest of examinations tomorrow.   more...

Response required

BRIAN Hughes is looking for `a response' from his players as they aim to extend their interest in the FA Cup tomorrow.   more...

Pewsey the next hurdle in Tony's `double' campaign

Aldbourne take a break from league action this weekend when they entertain Pewsey Vale in the second round of the Corsham Print Senior Cup, writes RAY BURROUGHS.   more...

Shrivenham rebuild after midweek reverse

ASSISTANT boss Tony Garland has backed Shrivenham to bounce back from their midweek defeat to leaders North Leigh when they host Abingdon Town tomorrow.   more...

Switch-around for the leaders

Supermarine return to league action after the disappointment of their Cup defeat against Bridport last week, and will be looking to extend their unbeaten league run and sustain their position at the top of Dorset & Wilts North I when they take on Wootton Bassett 2nd at home.   more...

Tough task for College

Swindon College Old Boys prepare to face their toughest opposition of the season so far tomorrow.   more...

Cooper is over a barrel

MEL Gingell has tipped Matt Cooper to be the key man if he is to realise his dream of guiding Wiltshire to the FA national youth title, but warns the fate of his side is in the hands of his county bosses   more...

Trowbridge Town 3, Easington Sports 0

NEIL Kirkpatrick has warned his Trowbridge Town side he may be forced to bring in new players as he loses patience with his current crop.   more...

Westbury United 4, Shaftesbury 0

PAUL Brickley hailed Wayne Wheeler's treble on Saturday as the best hat-trick he had ever seen as Westbury progressed to the second qualifying round of the FA Vase.   more...

Colbourne pleads for Bush to stay loyal

TOBY Colbourne believes Colin Bush has unfinished business at Corsham Town and is confident he will remain the manager at the Southbank at least until the end of the season.   more...

Bradford Town 1, Clevedon Town 1

FORMER Arsenal trainee Russell Milton has signed for Bradford Town as manager Mark Hodkinson looks to build on an encouraging start to the season.   more...

Bradford united in progress bid

BRADFORD on Avon youth have joined forces with Bradford Town in a bid to improve football in the area.   more...

Melksham Town 3, Willand Rovers 1

MICK Perrin has fallen back in love with the game of football after watching his Melksham Town side defy the critics to leapfrog Willand into third place in the Toolstation League Premier Division.   more...

Highmore has high hopes at Melksham

KELVIN Highmore believes Melksham have become a more attractive place to play in the last few weeks and admits their good start could make his job a lot easier.   more...

Trowbridge League

APETITO put their poor league form behind them to beat Frome Town Sports A 2-1 in the Fox Leisure UK Ltd of Westbury sponsored Knockout Cup.   more...

Sport Rugby

Trowbridge 13, Devizes 18 (aet)

BARRY Coombes insists his side have been given a huge "confidence booster" despite Saturday's heartbreaking extra- time Powergen Intermediate Cup exit.   more...

Chippenham under 15s 19, North Dorset under 15s 10

JUNIOR RUGBY: They started well and straight from the kick-off George Moore caught the ball and immediately put his team on the attack in the North Dorset 22 area.   more...

Corsham under 16s 0, Chippenham under 16s 47

CHIPPENHAM'S under 16 squad opened their season with a comfortable win at Corsham in a Wiltshire Cup group match.   more...

Poole 12, Calne 33

ANDY Donegan admits this season's Powergen Vase adventure is like a journey into the unknown after helping his Calne side to a comfortable first round victory on Saturday.   more...

Corsham 2nds 22, Old Culverhaysians 24

CORSHAM'S second string put up a gallant performance before losing out narrowly to a mixed Old Culverhaysians side.   more...

Salisbury Colts B 5, Melksham and Devizes Colts 12

THE combined Melksham and Devizes Colts team maintained their good start to the season in a well-contested match at Salisbury.   more...

Switch-around for the leaders

Supermarine return to league action after the disappointment of their Cup defeat against Bridport last week, and will be looking to extend their unbeaten league run and sustain their position at the top of Dorset & Wilts North I when they take on Wootton Bassett 2nd at home.   more...

Tough task for College

Swindon College Old Boys prepare to face their toughest opposition of the season so far tomorrow.   more...

Thompson move to Saints flank

England hooker Steve Thompson will line up in the back row for Guinness Premiership strugglers Northampton at Gloucester tomorrow.   more...

Swindon News

Children will pay the price

WHAT price a good education and the future of our children?   more...

Microlight was flown too low

I wonder why Mr Dudley Pattison (September 17) resorts to denigration?   more...

Who are the real vandals?

Ref: Pro life vandals in clinic attack, Adver September 17.   more...

Packing offer

I CAN offer a helping hand to the person of Chilton Gardens sheltered accommodation, who is not happy here.   more...

Stop the yobs

HOODED, on bikes, stealing bags from vulnerable people (SA Help Us To Catch This Gang, pages 4/5, Sep 17).   more...

We fight on say battling parents

Protest against the closure of Windmill School at the Civic Offices. Ref: 99405-7PARENTS against plans to close three west Swindon primary schools have been told to pick their fight more carefully.   more...

Desert rider back to help

Stuart Hepburn with (back) Karen Turner, Maggie Gill, Graziella Campisano and Kathie Bryan at the Chalet School. Ref: 99393-31CHILDREN at the Chalet School were overjoyed to meet one of the men who had travelled halfway across the world to raise money for them.   more...

ASDA doggie alert

Chloe Proctor with the dog she won at the event. Ref: 99406-50A PACK of guide dogs has been invited to the north Swindon ASDA store.   more...

Medals to form part of display

The football medals acquired by Swindon TownAFTER scooping footballing medals from before World War One Swindon Town Football Club is set to show off its history on a permanent basis.   more...

Vets off on Arctic roll

A SWINDON vet is to mark a miraculous recovery with a charity husky race around the Arctic Circle.   more...

Gran in long wait for bath

Doris Drew, 86, in her bathroom. Ref:99353-87A GREAT-grandmother has not been able to enjoy a bath since before Christmas.   more...

Did you see attack on woman?

SWINDON Police are appealing for witnesses following an assault on a 39 year-old woman on Thursday September 15, about 2.30pm in Fleet Street.   more...

Do you have the time to lend an ear?

AGE Concern Swindon is on the look out for at least 12 more volunteers to help with their volunteer visiting service.   more...

Road that recyclers can't find

Caroline Roberts and Helen Baldwin with their recycling boxe. Ref: 99379-19A LAWN resident feels Swin-don Council has forgotten her street exists.   more...

Anti-war march

Protesters will be joining an expected 100,000-strong demonstration in London tomorrow (Saturday) to demand British troops withdraw from Iraq.   more...

Wacky race fun on car-free day

IT wasn't quite like the Great North Run, or even the Swindon half marathon.   more...

Victim to throw a party to aid yobs

A MOVIE-THEMED party night will raise money for troubled youths this weekend.   more...

Two hurt after car accident

A FEMALE motorist is recovering in hospital after another woman drove in to her car.   more...

Posing for poverty

A STUDENT from Blunsdon has made a calendar to raise money for the Make Poverty History campaign.   more...

Triumph balloon can't take off

A HOT air balloon flight in aid of charity had to be postponed due to the wind.   more...

Chance to quiz editor

SWINDON Advertiser editor Mark Waldron will be appearing live on BBC Radio Swindon on Saturday.   more...

Should I have been left to die Dr Lister?

Furious Elliott Watling with his mother Gail, right, and grandmother Lynne Folland. Ref: 99402-24THIS is talented 11-year-old Elliott Watling. He can sing, he can dance, he can act and he achieves above average grades at school.   more...

OWEN LISTER OUTRAGE: Megan proves just how wrong Lister is

MEGAN O'Mahoney was born 16 weeks premature and given around a 30 per cent chance of surviving.   more...

OWEN LISTER OUTRAGE: `Lister should make a public apology'

Joe BackshellDISABLED Joe Backshell says it is worrying that a man in Councillor Owen Lister's position can hold such views towards disabled people.   more...

OWEN LISTER OUTRAGE: Councillors welcome decision to resign

COUN Owen Lister has stepped down as deputy mayor and is no longer a member of the Conservative Group after his comments regarding disabled children and premature babies.   more...

DR LISTER OUTRAGE: Waiting for an apology

Owen ListerSHAMED councillor Owen Lister has refused to apologise for his comments regarding disabled children and premature babies.   more...

Woman's death `was unnatural'

JEAN Evans' death was unnatural but accidental, an inquest has heard.   more...

Guess what, we've hit 70 years!

Les Axby,81, planted a tree outside school 70 years ago when he was the same age as Terence Harmsworth. Ref: 99364-54 PUPILS at Pinehurst Junior School have created their own virtual mini town in the corridors and rooms of their school.   more...

Bar evacuated as blaze breaks out

A BUSY town centre pub had to be evacuated after a fire broke out in the men's toilets.   more...

Biker's coffin carried on a Harley Davidson

Mr Vincent's son Jacob leads the sidecar funeral procession with Maria Ubhie-WebbMOURNERS were given a surprise at Stephen Vincent's funeral ­ his coffin arrived in a side car.   more...

Tourism News

A feast for the foodies

FOOD lovers have three weeks of days out with a gourmet theme to enjoy when three areas of Somerset showcase the best local fayre the county has to offer.   more...

Trowbridge News

Council doubts at PCT

TOWN councils across west Wiltshire have reacted angrily to the PCT's decision to close one hospital and scale down services at a second.   more...

Hands-on healthy eating

Chef Mark Bradbury introduces some of the children to fruit and veg (17627/1)A TOP chef gave a lesson on fruit and healthy vegetables to pre-school children on Tuesday.   more...

Hanged dad may have fought to save his life

A FATHER-OF-TWO found hanged in his garden shed could have changed his mind at the last minute, an inquest heard.   more...

Flower power keeps Charles, 90, at work

Charles Clarke is surrounded by bougainvilleas at the family nursery (17620/1)PLANT lover Charles Clarke started work more than 75 years ago, at the age of 14.   more...

Road safety is a top priority

TROWBRIDGE police have organised a road safety session at Conigre car park amid growing fears that young drivers are responsible for antisocial behaviour in the area.   more...

Hunt for source of insect plague

Richard ButtAN INVASION of flies in three villages has sparked a criminal investigation into the cause of the problem, which has prompted an unprecedented 140 complaints.   more...

Trevor is on top of the world

TOWN crier Trevor Heeks has put Wiltshire's county town on the map after shouting his way to a top title.   more...

Police probe into death threat text

Hazel Ackland and her daughter Amy Kerswell (30888/2)A TEENAGER said she is a prisoner in her own home after death threats have been sent to her mobile phone.   more...

Night club to hold evening for Hayley

A CHARITY evening in memory of Hayley Richards is being planned at a Trowbridge club.   more...

Future is brighter, says cop

THE departing inspector at Trowbridge police station has praised the town's ongoing transformation.   more...

Police crackdown on young racers

BOY racers are to be targeted in an education campaign after a crackdown resulted in more than 100 different offences being uncovered.   more...

Smoker quits after 30 years

Sue Davies has reached the semi finals of the Quitter of the YearHARD-hitting anti-smoking ads and the birth of her first grandchild have persuaded a woman to kick a 30-year smoking habit.   more...

Managers get into the swing

CROSS-DRESSING and singing was the name of the game at ASDA in Trowbridge on Friday, as staff raised funds for breast cancer charities.   more...

Veteran recalls the sadness of war

A WAR veteran from Trowbridge returned to Hong Kong this month to visit the graves of Allied soldiers.   more...

Witness plea

DETECTIVES are appealing for witnesses to an assault outside Chicago Rock Café in Park Road, Trowbridge, on September 11.   more...

Plastics blaze

TWO fire engines were called to extinguish an out-of-control bonfire in North Bradley on Monday afternoon.   more...

High cost of being too noisy

TWO noisy neighbours have been prosecuted for failing to turn their music down.   more...

Residents invited to have their say in town's future

TOWNSPEOPLE will have the chance to hear about developments in Trowbridge and have their say in the town's future.   more...

Dancers to perform in city

FOUR elderly dancers will get the opportunity of a lifetime as they take to the stage at the Royal Albert Hall, London, this weekend.   more...

Cash on offer for good cause

Terry Anderson of Brimble Hill Special School with the horse he was able to ride thanks to a grant from the Gannett FoundationTHOUSANDS of pounds are up for grabs for charities in Wiltshire.   more...

Police face forced merger

A MAJOR shake up of policing in Wiltshire is on the cards as forces across the country try to fight terrorism and serious crime.   more...

A job lot of advice

Mandy Paterson-Honor, director of sponsors White Horse Employment and Mike Williams, chief executive of Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce (17638a)THE Wiltshire Times and Chippenham, News Job Fair drew in the crowds yesterday by offering advice for jobseekers as well as people looking to start up their own firms.   more...

Roadside signs given all-clear

CONCERNS over roadside hoardings along the A36 have proved unfounded, say council officers.   more...

Twin bins go even further

FORTNIGHTLY rubbish collections will be introduced in three more west Wiltshire towns by next spring, as green bins for household waste are given to 30,000 more homes.   more...

Charges force shops to close

Lynne Rumens, who blames the closure of her shop Wear It in Westbury on higher parking charges (30915)TWO shops in Westbury have closed after seeing business slump following the introduction of higher car parking fees.   more...

Search to find town's Model of the Year hots up

Casting to find the Model of the Year 2005 is set to take place at The Shires shopping centre, Trowbridge, on Sun- day at 11am in the centre square.   more...

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

Anger at threat to hospitals

I WORK in Westbury Hospital. It is a wonderful place, well used and praised by all the patients who attend ­ many who have had bad experiences at the RUH.   more...

Friends' response

I FEEL I must respond to the letter submitted by Jane Paget and printed under the heading Careless Friends.   more...

Carnival, the Richards family and Splitz response

I FEEL I must respond to the comments of the chairman of the carnival committee, Steve Nash, with regard to the Richards family wishing to promote a local charity that does sterling work in connection with domestic violence.   more...

Car park fears

I WOULD like to express my concerns with the plans for a new multi-storey car park in Trowbridge. As much as I welcome a better car park I am concerned with the fact that as the multi-storey is the only free car park in Trowbridge the improvements will lead to it becoming a paid car park.   more...

Why one way?

AIR quality in Bradford on Avon is of real concern to the population of our town and, we hope, to our councillors.   more...

Green bible

THE Wiltshire Wildlife Trust recently published a booklet entitled Recycling Directory as part of its community waste minimisation project. Having acquired a copy I can best describe it as, no offence, the bible of recycling, every home should have one. In some 50 pages (all recyclable) it covers, in my opinion, every conceivable aspect of recycling that anyone who is in the least bit interested in the environment would wish to know.   more...

Feudal society?

SO if you are a Lord and friend of the heir to the throne, you can get a planning application through that has been opposed by a great many people and is against local planning guidelines (Cash-strapped Lansdowne wins planning battle, Sep 15).   more...

Real rural life?

THE Countryside Alliance said no one listens to them. We have listened to their tedious tattered arguments and rejected their plea that defenceless animals should be tormented for fun.   more...

Enough is enough

COUNTRYFOLK have always said that we don't understand them; well, perhaps we are finally beginning to, and it doesn't look particularly pretty.   more...

Vile, bloodthirsty mob

I SEE the hunting fraternity, having lost their right to rip wild animals apart for fun, are now trying to defend a new pastime called loophole-hunting   more...

Rockers' thanks

GWEN and the team would like to thank each and every one of you that supported us for the Eddic Cochran celebration 2005.   more...

Fight GM food

ONE of the few public statements that was made loud and clear to our politicians was no GM foods in our country. Tests were applied for but were not encouraged by the public so for several years this country was GM free.   more...

Stop shoots

NOW that the 2005 shooting season is about to begin, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation and other pro-shooting lobbyists are adopting a less than credible defensive posture ­ pretending that killing millions of birds for sport during the coming winter is a wholesome and environmentally friendly activity.   more...

Warminster News

Chicken run

PC Piers Webber, on patrol (30913)POLICE fear mobile phones are being used to film dangerous train dares, after up to 40 teenagers were seen taking part in a game of `chicken' on a railway track.   more...

Drinks ban kills cafe society plan

Veronica Wallace is unable to serve alcohol on the pavement (30911/2)A CAFÉ owner's vision to bring a continental touch to Warminster was dealt a knockout blow after councillors refused to change a bylaw banning alcohol on the town's streets.   more...

Pubs win fight for more time

A LANDLORD has been granted permission to extend the opening hours at his two Warminster pubs despite concerns over anti social behaviour and noise.   more...

Help for elderly is close at hand

AN elderly DJ who suffers from osteoporosis has urged other pensioners to keep their independence by seeking help from a national charity.   more...

Mad about animals

A MUM and daughter are dressing up as farmyard animals for a three-legged walk from Chapmanslade to Warminster.   more...

£100 fines for skipping school

PARENTS of persistent truants could be fined up to £100 if their children continue to skip school.   more...

MP backs farmers in fight over TB

WEST Wilts MP Dr Andrew Murrison met local farmers on Friday at the invitation of the National Farmers' Union in Warminster.   more...

Westbury News

Crowds march to save hospital

About 600 people took to the streets to try and save Westbury Hospital (17606/1/6)A CROWD of 600 protesters marched through the streets of Westbury on Saturday to show their support for the campaign to save the town's hospital.   more...

Council doubts at PCT

TOWN councils across west Wiltshire have reacted angrily to the PCT's decision to close one hospital and scale down services at a second.   more...

Charges force shops to close

Lynne Rumens, who blames the closure of her shop Wear It in Westbury on higher parking charges (30915)TWO shops in Westbury have closed after seeing business slump following the introduction of higher car parking fees.   more...

Illegal travellers leave site filthy after eviction

Travellers camped on the field near the roundabout opposite the Co-op supermarket (17592/2)DOZENS of travellers who descended on Westbury last week have left piles of rubbish behind after finally leaving the town.   more...

Neighbours fight for the right to sleep

POLICE and residents have objected to an application from a Westbury pub to stay open until 12.30am.   more...

Great end to Voyage

HUNDREDS of children in Westbury joined in the national Reading Voyage challenge to read six books over the summer holidays.   more...

Police face injury as attacks rise

POLICE in Westbury are concerned at a growing trend in attacks on officers by members of the public.   more...

Weeds must go, says tenant

The weeds growing profusely at the end of Mrs Williams' garden (17554/04)A PENSIONER from a Westbury housing estate says she is fed up with the jungle of weeds growing out of control at the end of her garden.   more...

Wiltshire News

Chicken run

PC Piers Webber, on patrol (30913)POLICE fear mobile phones are being used to film dangerous train dares, after up to 40 teenagers were seen taking part in a game of `chicken' on a railway track.   more...

Wiltshire Sport

What panic?

ANDY King could be forgiven for feeling under siege, yet insists spirits inside the four walls of the County Ground are not being sapped as he seeks to dim the glow of Bradford City's `Sam Parkin' tomorrow.   more...

Wootton Bassett News

Rugby fans pay tribute to friend

Bikers arrive for Trevor Gibbs' funera. Ref: 78815RUGBY fans will gather for a minutes' silence in Wootton Bassett to mark the memory of Trevor Gibbs this weekend.   more...

  
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