Stories for 29 September 2005

Business News

End of the line for current Civic Type-R

A POPULAR sports car built in Swindon by Japanese car firm Honda has rolled off the production line for the final time.   more...

Laws hit business

COMPANIES in Swindon and the Thames Valley are feeling the pinch. A Thames Valley CBI survey, which includes Swindon, says businesses blame government policies for their inability to compete.   more...

Health DVDs will cover conditions

A SWINDON firm specialising in multimedia replication has announced a new partnership with a health film maker.   more...

`Popstar' interview technique increase

BUSINESSES may be allowing the X-Factor to creep into their job interviews.   more...

Traders launch petition against parking charges

Malmesbury traders say their businesses are haemorrhaging because visitors are refusing to pay £4-a-day charges in the Station Road Car Park.   more...

Horse race specialist solicitors riding high

THE Marlborough office of solicitors Withy King has been credited as having one of the country's finest law teams dealing with horse racing and bloodstock issues.   more...

Woman, 21, takes the top customer services title

VODAFONE UK team leader Jennifer Walker of Chippenham has been named young customer service professional of the year.   more...

Calne News

Carnival queen takes over the whole county

Town mayor Cathy Bowyer and carnival queen Lyndsey McRae at Calne Carnival in June 16555/11GAZETTE & HERALD: CALNE Carnival Queen Lyndsey McRae has beaten off fierce competition from across the county to be crowned the Wiltshire Queen.   more...

Residents fear trouble as hotel licence granted

GAZETTE & HERALD: NEIGHBOURS fear long nights of disturbance after the White Hart Hotel in Calne was granted a licence extending alcohol sales to a first-floor room capable of holding 100 people.   more...

Good grounds to run

Some of the 540 runners set tingoff on a ten kilometre run around Bowood House which included a mix of roads, grass, woodland and lawn tracks 17360/1GAZETTE & HERALD: THE beautiful surroundings of Bowood Estate played host to hundreds of people running in support of a cancer charity on Sunday.   more...

Man loses part of his ear during an attack

GAZETTE & HERALD:A 28-YEAR-OLD man lost a large portion of his ear after a savage attack in the centre of Calne during the early hours of Saturday.   more...

Deputy in charge as school fails to find head

GAZETTE & HERALD: GORDON Trafford, acting head teacher at John Bentley School, Calne, will continue in his role for another year until a new head is appointed.   more...

Village helps war children

GAZETTE & HERALD: THE people of Cherhill have been turning out to offer their support to a charity that protects children living in a forgotten war zone.   more...

Parents go back to school again

Patricia Dioton is shown school work by son, James 17339/2GAZETTE & HERALD: PARENTS of pupils at Priestley School, Calne, rolled back the years when they took part in their children's lessons at an open morning.   more...

Neighbours fight plans to demolish 14 garages

GAZETTE & HERALD: PEOPLE who live in Page Close, Calne, have got together a petition against plans by a housing association to replace 14 garages with two houses.   more...

Popular jazz and blues acts booked for festival

GAZETTE & HERALD: MUSIC lovers are getting all jazzed up ahead of Calne's upcoming Music and Arts Festival. The event begins on Friday, October 7, and will heavily feature a wealth of talented, local jazz performers.   more...

Cars News

End of the line for current Civic Type-R

A POPULAR sports car built in Swindon by Japanese car firm Honda has rolled off the production line for the final time.   more...

Chippenham News

Kidney transplant man is sailing to help others

GAZETTE & HERALD: JUST 13 years ago Peter Cavaciuti found it hard to imagine surviving the next few months, let alone realising a lifelong dream of sailing around the British coastline.   more...

Bricklayer in court on drink drive offences

GAZETTE & HERALD: SELF-employed bricklayer Graham Murrish drove his car while uninsured and with almost three times over the legal limit of alcohol, magistrates were told.   more...

Benefit cheat is fined £400

GAZETTE & HERALD: A woman on benefit who failed to notify North Wiltshire District Council when she started a new job was fined £400 by Chippenham magistrates last week.   more...

Mum sobs in court as she admits offences

GAZETTE & HERALD: MUM Rachel Dobson sobbed in court as magistrates heard about her troubled past on Thursday.   more...

Crews return to scene of fire

GAZETTE & HERALD: CHIPPENHAM firefighters returned to Langley Road almost 12 hours after extinguishing a fire there to fit free smoke detectors.   more...

Fake water officials steal £140

GAZETTE & HERALD: WILTSHIRE police have renewed their concern about distraction burglaries after another elderly couple were targeted last week.   more...

Crews return to scene of fire

GAZETTE & HERALD: CHIPPENHAM firefighters returned to Langley Road almost 12 hours after extinguishing a fire there to fit free smoke detectors to every home.   more...

Carpet retailer moves to town

GAZETTE & HERALD: National retailer Allied Carpets has moved to Chippenham town centre and will open its doors to the public tomorrow.   more...

Festival looks to future

GAZETTE & HERALD: The organisers of the Eddie Cochran Festival 2005 have declared the event a huge success and thanked everyone who supported them in the celebration of the life and music of the 1950s' music legend.   more...

Varied musical extravaganza to raise money for charity

GAZETTE & HERALD: FANS of live music are in for a treat next month as Chippenham Lions Club puts on a musical extravaganza to raise money for charity.   more...

Major shake up needed for refuse collection

North Wiltshire's refuse service needs a radical overhaul to make sure council tax payers get the best and most economic service, according to lead member Coun Sylvia Doubell.   more...

Diary exposes the grim life of Stalinist Russia in 1930s

AN epic collection of diary extracts revealing a Corsham man's adventure across Stalinist Russia in the 1930s has been gathering dust at a north Wiltshire archive.   more...

Libraries spread learning message

LIBRARIES in Chippenham and Malmesbury are marking Family Learning Week with a variety of opportunities to find out more about a range of topics.   more...

Benefits cheat is fined £200

BENEFIT cheat Sylvia Skitsas has been fined £200 after failing to declare that her partner had moved in with her.   more...

Circuit pulls plug on F3 noise battle

Howard Strawford, Castle Combe circuit owner, with barrister Rupert Warren and consultant Mark Chick 30475/1GAZETTE & HERALD: PROTESTERS who revved up an anti-noise campaign against Castle Combe racing circuit were celebrating victory yesterday.   more...

Pair celebrate 60 years together

Ben and Nellie Shiles with the congratulation card they received from the Queen 17367/2GAZETTE & HERALD: DIAMOND couple Ben and Nellie Shiles celebrated 60 years of marriage on Monday.   more...

4,500 extra new houses planned

GAZETTE & HERALD: THOUSANDS of new homes could fill Chippenham's green fields over the next 20 years if recommendations put forward by Wiltshire County Council are adopted in the emerging Regional Spatial Strategy.   more...

Bus driver says health rules put his job at risk

Bus driver Mark JonesGAZETTE & HERALD: DIABETIC bus driver Mark Jones is afraid his health and livelihood is being put at risk because new rules by Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust only allow him to test his blood sugar levels twice a week.   more...

Runner sets his sights on second marathon

Peter Francombe of Sutton Benger is preparing to take on the New York marathon inorder to raise £4,000 in aid of the charity Shelter (17364/017)GAZETTE & HERALD: NOT content with completing the London Marathon, IT manager Peter Francombe is jetting across the pond to run 26 miles around the Big Apple in November.   more...

Making an impression

GAZETTE & HERALD: Dead Ringer Jon Culshawe made a big impression on Chippenham schoolgirl Poppy Singleton Hoare when she met him on Blue Peter on Monday.   more...

Checkmates

Youngsters concentrate on their strategy 17351/4GAZETTE & HERALD: CHESS champions of the future gathered in Chippenham on Saturday for their first fun day.   more...

200mph racing car tops display

GAZETTE & HERALD: MOTOR racing fans will have to be quick if they want to see a world-famous car when it stops in the town tomorrow.   more...

Pupil wins a top award for teaching grown ups

GAZETTE & HERALD: BUDDING engineer Edward Smith has scooped a top award for his work helping mums and dads get to grips with the world of computers.   more...

Primary school unveils massive improvements

Headteacher Hilary Walton, seated centre, with pupil Tia Alexis at the opening of the new Key Stage 2 Food Technology SuiteGAZETTE & HERALD: A SPECIAL open day was held at Redland Primary in Chippenham on Wednesday as it celebrated the completion of a huge refurbishment that has changed the face of the school.   more...

Corsham News

Illusion of mechanical art in playground

Hannah, Paige, Aiden, and Sam with sculptor Richard Cooper and dismembered motorcycle at Corsham Primary School (17365/2)GAZETTE & HERALD: CORSHAM Primary School pupils were all revved up this week when an impressive optical illusion was created in their playground.   more...

Cash crisis threatens jobs at tourist centre

GAZETTE & HERALD: TWO jobs could be axed at Corsham Tourist Information Centre in a bid to keep costs down, it has been revealed.   more...

Mothers open a gift business

GAZETTE & HERALD: TWO Corsham mums have proved women can multi task by juggling a new business and five children between them.   more...

Phone mast application is a pole too far for town

GAZETTE & HERALD: A PLANNING application for a twelfth mobile phone mast in Corsham has been called absolutely ludicrous by town councillors.   more...

Nursery needs extra space

GAZETTE & HERALD: DUE to a high demand for childcare in the town a Corsham nursery has applied for planning permission to build an extension.   more...

Devizes News

Shock as man is found drowned

The canal near Prison BridgeTHE spotlight has returned to the regime at Green Lane Hospital in Devizes after it was suspected that a body found in the Kennet and Avon Canal on Monday evening may be that of a missing patient.   more...

Hero of burning tank

Maisie McCann and Lavington School friends (17383/4)STAFF and students at Lavington School were this week basking in the reflected glory of the courageous actions of former pupil Joe McCann.   more...

Auctioneers sever link with the Titanic Society

Auctioneer Andrew Aldridge reflects on the success of the many sales of Titanic memorabilia that his family's firm has hosted (17340/4)DEVIZES auctioneers Henry Aldridge and Son are to end their five-year relationship with the British Titanic Society, operating their annual sales of marine memorabilia at the Southampton Hilton Hotel.   more...

Glorious grub

Sharon Hookings from Tallywacker Farm exhibits organic vegetables (17343/002)THE first ever Devizes Food and Drink Festival has been hailed a great success, with virtually every event sold out.   more...

Family says pleas for help went unanswered

SCOTT King, the first in the county to be the subject of an Anti Social Behaviour Order, was made a scapegoat to discourage others, his family say as they come to terms with his death last week in a Swindon car park.   more...

Wacky fashion show draws in the crowds

From left, Micaela Owen, Gillian Trotter and Pippa Jones model their latest creations at a charity fashion show, which raised £1,200 for the Shaw Trust (17335/07)AN astonishing £1,200 was raised for the Shaw Trust charity from a wacky fashion show by the banks of the Kennet and Avon Canal last week.   more...

75 years and rugby club is still Rollin' along

Rollin' Stone Mark Smallman with Geoff Collins, Rick Kibby, Ash Rogalski, Charlie Rudler, Simon Hall and Ray Taylor of Devizes Rugby Club 17338/2DEVIZES Rugby Club starts off its 75th anniversary season by presenting the Rollin' Clones tribute band in concert at Dauntsey's School Memorial Hall on Saturday, October 29.   more...

Anger as village pub is able to open to 2.30am

RESIDENTS of West Lavington are banding together to monitor late-night activity in the village after the Stage Post pub was given permission to extend its opening hours to 2.30am at weekends.   more...

Young hopefuls have stars in their eyes

The finalists for the talent contest gathered in the barn at the Old House in Parsonage Lane, where the final is due to take place on October 8 (17356/1)FIFTEEN talented youngsters from the Devizes and Lavington area are getting ready to perform before Jonathan Shalit, the man who discovered singing sensation Charlotte Church.   more...

Drivers face yet more months of roadworks

DEVIZES motorists will have to gird themselves for another round of roadworks in the area as Wessex Water undertakes essential work to water mains between Bromham and Rowde.   more...

Pressed for cash

A GROUP of pupils from Dauntsey's School spent much of their summer holidays this year climbing the three highest peaks in the British Isles.   more...

Sporting stars help celebrate

DEVIZES School's new sports teaching facility will be officially opened on October 6 and many of the school's former pupils who have succeeded in the world of sport have been invited.   more...

Prince sees executives take strain on Plain

STAFF from Wiltshire Constabulary's HQ in Devizes were among 80 county employees who met Prince Edward on Salisbury Plain at the weekend.   more...

Morrisons to close for revamping changes

THE former Safeway supermarket in Estcourt Street, Devizes, will close for four days at the end of October while it undergoes a rebranding to a Morrisons store.   more...

Shire horse Buscot dies following heart attack

A PALL hung over the stables of the famous Wadworth's shire horses in Devizes this week after the sudden death on Saturday of 14-year-old Buscot.   more...

Challenge on traffic chaos

WILTSHIRE County Council is to be asked what it is doing about the growing traffic congestion on London Road, Devizes, before 1,000 new homes are built in the area.   more...

Three reasons for actor to reflect on his success

AT the tender age of 74, actor George Baker shows no signs of slowing up as three of his current projects launch on the same day.   more...

Asbestos roof £30,000 appeal

THE Nursteed Centre in Devizes, which has provided facilities for disabled groups for the last 21 years, is having to raise £30,000 to replace its ageing asbestos roof.   more...

World Cup on show at club

DEVIZES Rugby Club has scored an enormous coup. The William Webb Ellis Trophy, the Rugby Union World Cup, will be on show at its headquarters in London Road this weekend.   more...

Opera group tackles spectacular Tales of Hoffman

THE Devizes-based White Horse Opera is making the final adjustments to its annual production, Offenbach's The Tales of Hoffman, to be performed at the Corn Exchange on October 12, 14 and 15.   more...

New benefit rules leave worker penniless

A DEVIZES landscaping worker laid off for the winter has been told he will have to wait two months before he gets an interview to assess his needs.   more...

Appeal after car accident

A COUPLE from Melksham have appealed to the elderly woman driver of the car which collided with their vehicle in the centre of Devizes last week to make contact with them.   more...

Housing group grows bigger

THE Devizes-based Aster Group, the parent company of Sarsen Housing Association, has grown even bigger this week after it announced another housing association was joining it.   more...

Fun fellow needs love

KENNET District Council's animal welfare officer Lucinda Haynes has appealed for help in finding a good home for a homeless but affectionate little dog.   more...

Canalside pub is to be allowed to open longer

OBJECTORS to the popular canal-side Barge Inn at Honeystreet being allowed to stay open as late as 3.30am on bank holiday weekends made their case to Kennet Licensing Panel on Monday.   more...

Get weaving

Nicky Johnson is pleased with the basket base she wove (17331/1)THOUSANDS of visitors will soon be able to see a vast array of plants and trees at Westonbirt Arboretum ablaze with autumn colour.   more...

Merging forces will bring benefits, says the federation

WILTSHIRE'S police authority will have to show that amalgamating the county's force with one or more of its neighbours will produce real benefits for local people, says the Police Federation.   more...

Helping to make dreams come true in community

ONCE again the Gannett Foundation, the charitable arm of the publishers of the Gazette and Herald, is offering grants of up to £5,000 ­ or even more ­ to community groups to help them make their dreams come true.   more...

Hospital closures still a reality to save money

THE chief executive of Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust has again hinted that local community hospitals must close if it is able to provide a proper service without maintaining a huge deficit.   more...

Reporter to compete in top Press challenge

Rachel WilliamsAMBITIOUS young Gazette reporter Rachel Williams has been named as one of ten finalists in a nationwide search for the editorial stars of tomorrow.   more...

Health service blitzes diabetes

Doctors and nurses across Wiltshire are working hard to ensure patients with diabetes are diagnosed at the earliest possible stage.   more...

Now you can carry a first aider with you

WILTSHIRE St John Ambulance is offering a service enabling county people to download first aid advice to their portable MP3 players or mobile phones.   more...

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

Motives do not benefit town

I was surprised to read that Devizes Development Partnership was being given the running of The Shambles indoor market on Wednesdays.   more...

What will residents gain for their extra money?

Reference your article on 22 September 22 (page 21) on boundary changes in Chippenham, I wish to make the following comments:   more...

Support our traders

A town, district and county council is responsible to the ratepayers in an open and accountable way that is verifiable and transparent.   more...

Hidden agendas

The Gazette & Herald published last Thursday carries a story that the Chief Constable of Wiltshire's excellent police force has three months to convince the Home Secretary that his force should not be merged with at least two, possibly eight others.   more...

Defend our force

Recent press on the amalgamation of police constabularies has been unhelpful, offering only vague references to the need for a more responsive force in the event of situations such as those which arose around the need for G8 protection duties and a major disaster occurring in the capital city.   more...

No sympathy here

Due to all the adverse publicity that has been given recently to Mercury Ward at Swindon's Great Western Hospital, I felt I had to write and offer some defence.   more...

Cycle rights unclear

As a keen cyclist, I welcome the cross-party support for proposals, contained in Part 6 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill, to end the questionable legal practice which has allowed motorised users to claim rights to damage the countryside thanks to historic use by horse-drawn carriages.   more...

Way out for pupils

Is it any wonder that truancy is on the increase when a school like St John's Lower School choose not to keep their boundaries in a good state of repair?   more...

Country desecrated

Many congratulations on an excellent free supplement `Wiltshire from the Air' (Gazette, September 22).   more...

Yesterday's children

Were you a child in the first half of the 20th century? We are looking for people to take part in an ITV documentary series about a lost world of childhood in the West Country. Perhaps you were brought up by the sea, in the city, or maybe an orphanage, were evacuated during the war, or had memorable holidays?   more...

Relive school days

There will be a school reunion held at the Literary Institute in Northgate Street in Devizes at 8pm on Saturday, October 22.   more...

Join Great Wall trek

I would like to invite readers to join the Marie Curie team who will be taking part in the Great Wall of China Trek in October 2006.   more...

Good Samaritan?

ON Tuesday morning I had the misfortune of tripping over a paving slab outside Tesco's in Devizes. I fell heavily and being in my 70s was badly shaken and could not get up without help.   more...

House has moved

In your otherwise excellent supplement of last week showing photographs of Wiltshire from the air, you included a photograph of Marlborough High Street with a caption which included the words "The historic Merchant's House is in the centre of the picture".   more...

Town not relevant to residents

Concerning your September 22 article `Council hits back as boundary row hots up' I'm sorry to learn that Coun Sandie Webb became `incensed' at the last town council meeting about the issue of the Cepen Park South being absorbed into Chippenham Town.   more...

Education News

Don't miss out on places

VITALITY FEATURE: A NUMBER of Chippenham children who lost appeals to get into the town's secondary schools have had to start the new term out of town.   more...

Lessons for all

VITALITY FEATURE: The John Bentley School is set to lead an extended schools cluster in Calne. Extended schooling is provided when a key school such as John Bentley opens for longer hours and makes its services more widely available to young people and the broader community.   more...

The best start in life

Portia Cox (17341/04)VITALITY FEATURE: FROM small and humble beginnings in a converted house in the gloomy days of the Second World War St Francis School at Pewsey has grown into one of the premier prep schools in the West.   more...

Choosing childcare

Feel confident in your choice of childcareVITALITY FEATURE: Choosing childcare is time consuming, but don't be tempted to go for the first arrangement that turns up. The Daycare Trust offers guidelines to help you find what you want.   more...

The `three Rs'

Supplementary education can help your childVITALITY FEATURE: For some children the start of a new school year gives a sense of familiarity and stability, however for others it can be a daunting time, which can bring anxiety.   more...

Learning give their best

Stonar offers its pupils a wide range of subjectsVITALITY FEATURE: AN Independent day and boarding school set in 80 acres of fields, parkland and gardens and close to Bath, Stonar gives its female pupils the chance to live and work in stunning countryside.   more...

Is your child reaching his real potential?

Independent schools can provide a broader range of subjectsVITALITY FEATURE: Your child's education is one of the most vital factors that can contribute to a happy, fulfilled life.   more...

Happy pupils

At Wigwam (17227/3)VITALITY FEATURE: Heywood School, of Corsham, educates children from three to 11 years old. The school considers it a privilege to share the confidence of the very young in its nursery school and prepare them for entry to the main school at the age of four plus.   more...

Small classes

VITALITY FEATURE: King Edward's School is an independent, co-educational day school overlooking the beautiful Georgian city of Bath.   more...

Menu shapes up

Dan Draper takes advantage of the new menu at The Shak (17257/02)VITALITY FEATURE: YOUNGSTERS turning up to the Shak youth club at Pewsey Sports Centre were in for a surprise. For not only had the two coffee bars been given a facelift, but there was a host of healthier options on the menu.   more...

Feed the mind

VITALITY FEATURE: With the new school year having only just begun, it's worth focusing on how children can get the most out of their school day.   more...

New chapter

An artist's impression of the new campusVITALITY FEATURE: Swindon College's exciting new campus at North Star Avenue will open in September 2006 and visitors to the College's open evening on Wednesday October 12 will be able to see the building work in progress as well as finding out about the wide range of courses on offer.   more...

Added value

Abbeyfield School had high value added scoresVITALITY FEATURE: Britain's Best Schools ranking is the icing on the fifth birthday cake for Abbeyfield School. The school, in Chippenham, celebrates its fifth birthday this month, having opened in September 2000 as Wiltshire's newest purpose built comprehensive school.   more...

Halfmarathon News

Event needs help to run smoothly

Runners taking part in last year's Swindon half marathon Ref: 72982-39SEPTEMBER 29: WHETHER you are a runner who didn't make it to the post box in time or a self-confessed couch potato ­ you still have the chance to take part in this year's Swindon half marathon.   more...

Health News

Ward for elderly to close in few weeks

Staff nurse Lorraine McCallum (17389/1)Health chiefs have stunned nurses, patients and carers by proposing to close a ward for the elderly at Malmesbury Hospital from November.   more...

Malmesbury News

Ward for elderly to close in few weeks

Staff nurse Lorraine McCallum (17389/1)Health chiefs have stunned nurses, patients and carers by proposing to close a ward for the elderly at Malmesbury Hospital from November.   more...

Traders launch petition against parking charges

Malmesbury traders say their businesses are haemorrhaging because visitors are refusing to pay £4-a-day charges in the Station Road Car Park.   more...

School children evoke an African mood

Pupils participating in a creative African workshop, from left, Rosemary Tian, oboe; Eve Hedderwick, flute; Arianne McAllister, violin; Susannah Lowe, xylophone; Danielle Smith, triangle; Zoe Crocker, drum; Holly Carlton, recorder; and Fay Stepp, cymbals (17370/2)Minety schoolchildren have had a great time learning about African culture by taking part in a musical workshop.   more...

Teenagers in hospital after drugs `handout'

A Malmesbury woman has been dubbed a danger to young people, after three teenagers alleged she gave them around 20 prescription drugs.   more...

New alert on bogus collectors for charity

Malmesbury police say conmen have been trying to dupe more townspeople into buying tickets for the National Deaf Children's Society.   more...

Open verdict on officer's death

A YOUNG Army officer found hanged in his bedroom had warned this would be his last year alive and sent a list of funeral requests to a friend, an inquest heard.   more...

Revived arts festival launch

Artists, musicians and historians will be among the guests seeking to entertain Sherston villagers at an arts festival next week.   more...

Celebrity prizes up for grabs at auction

A Malmesbury actor has collected a collection of top prizes from pop and television stars for a celebrity auction he is hosting.   more...

Marathon pray attracts 100

A MARATHON prayer session in Malmesbury drew to a close after 100 hours last week. Over 100 people participated over the four days from noon last Wednesday to 4pm on Sunday at the Le Flambe Christian Centre.   more...

Residents angry at housing plan

Elderly residents in Sherston have described a plan by Westlea Housing Association to demolish 22 rented garages to build low-cost houses as appalling.   more...

Marlborough News

Fury over tennis courts bid grows

PROTESTERS who packed a public meeting in Marlborough this week have demanded the town council halt negotiations with the tennis club which could result in floodlit courts near their homes.   more...

Classic car wrecked as flames engulf garage

Jim Sprules with all that is left of his classic MG Midget after a fire destroyed his garage and part of his bungalow roof on Monday evening (17376/4)FIRE swept through the loft of a bungalow in Burbage on Monday evening after spreading from an adjoining garage.   more...

Expelled college pupil fights to go back

THE battle by expelled Marlborough College student Rhys Gray to be reinstated revolves around his attitude rather than his aptitude for work, a court has been hearing.   more...

Undressed for frills

PROFESSIONAL men in Marlborough are waiting with trepidation to see how they will look wearing pink frilly knickers in a charity calendar due out in a fortnight.   more...

Noel takes a stroll around

FORMER TV show presenter Noel Edmonds was one of three judges who made an unannounced visit to Marlborough on Tuesday to see if it is Britain's favourite market town.   more...

Danger fear as tanker gets stuck on hill

FAMILIES living beside one of Marlborough's busiest roads fear it is only a question of time before there's an accident involving a runaway lorry.   more...

Canalside pub is to be allowed to open longer

OBJECTORS to the popular canal-side Barge Inn at Honeystreet being allowed to stay open as late as 3.30am on bank holiday weekends made their case to Kennet Licensing Panel on Monday.   more...

Walk is the star

THE work of two Wiltshire men has been given the seal of approval by TV travel expert Michael Palin.   more...

Christmas card shop set to open

THE charity Christmas card shop that runs in St Peter's Church in Marlborough every year will be opening on October 8.   more...

Dutch golfers have high time

A GROUP of Dutch golfers calling themselves Effe Weg ­ the equivalent of Just Popping Out ­ have been paying a second visit to Marlborough this week.   more...

Pewsey News

Police appeal for witnesses

POLICE are appealing for witnesses to an incident in which a public bench was set on fire in Rectory Grove, Pewsey, during the night following the carnival.   more...

Landlords encouraged to help the homeless

Landlords in Pewsey are being asked to make their property available to homeless families. The idea has come from two district councillors, Anne Hayhoe and Jerry Kunkler, who are holding a forum for landlords to encourage them to let any spare accommodation to homeless families.   more...

Fire engine on 999 call crashes

FIREfighters from Pewsey escaped injury yesterday when their fire engine was in a collision with a tractor while responding to a chemical incident at an old people's home in Marlborough.   more...

Salisbury Features

Artists open homes to exhibit works

A veritable feast of artworks will be on display for two weeks from Saturday as Salisbury's inaugural City Art Trail opens with more than 60 artists exhibiting in some 30 venues and all easily accessed by foot, bicycle or bus.  more...

Salisbury News

Black Death test was kept secret

PORTON Down was at the centre of a fresh controversy this week, after newly declassified documents revealed a germ warfare test went seriously wrong 50 years ago.   more...

Mailshots are heavy on funds

THE organisers of the charity fundraising Rockbourne Fairs say the vagaries of post office scales have cost the charity dear - after it was rocked by a bill for nearly £1,000 more than usual to cover postage for its annual mailshot.  more...

A303 upgrade at Stonehenge under review

A TIMETABLE is to be announced for the detailed review of plans to upgrade the A303 trunk road past Stonehenge.  more...

Consultants' £200,000 to help 'vision'

ENGAGING consultants to develop a long-term vision for Salisbury will cost £200,000, it was revealed at a full meeting of Salisbury district council this week.  more...

School "propelled into upper ranks"

THE academic year 2004/5 was one of building, planning and ultimately another year of outstanding success, as students at Bishop Wordsworth's School "propelled the school into the upper ranks of state schools nationally," said headmaster Stuart Smallwood last Thursday.  more...

Fun lovers get into party spirit

EVEN though a shortage of organisers and volunteers threatens the future of Tisbury Carnival, the fun-loving folk of the village turned out in their droves to prove that their enthusiasm for the fiesta is undimmed.  more...

Olympic stars give school a sprint start

STARS from athletics and rugby helped a Durrington School to celebrate its new status as a sports college last week.  more...

Sport Angling

Devizes Red off to a flyer in Wessex League opener

THE new series of the North Wessex Winter League got off to a flying start on the River Thames at Radcot and Clanfield.   more...

Sport Football

Devizes Town 0, Torrington 0

A BOTTOM of the table clash between Devizes and Torrington ended with the teams sharing the points, although the hosts will feel it was two points dropped after dominating the game.   more...

Montague switch inspires Pewsey to victory

PEWSEY Vale kept their unbeaten home record intact with a workman-like win over struggling Clanfield.   more...

Highworth Town 1, Tiverton 7

THREE days after Highworth Town's juniors had their goalposts pinched it was the senior side's turn to find their nets under siege.   more...

Calne Town 2, Willand Rovers 0

CALNE'S midfield duo of Danny Jones and Ben Moore orchestrated their club's first home league win of the season against high-flying Willand Rovers on Saturday.   more...

Clevedon United 4, Biddestone 1

TIREDNESS was the main reason given by boss Graham Learmonth after Biddestone's first defeat under his stewardship on Saturday.   more...

Corsham Town 0, Welton Rovers 1

CORSHAM Town chief Colin Bush said his side "received a kick up the backside" on Saturday after a 1-0 home defeat to Welton Rovers.   more...

Gingell's young guns march on

WILTSHIRE U18s ran out comfortable 3-0 winners on Saturday over their Cambridgeshire counterparts despite having five first choice players missing through injury.   more...

Ace Ashford lights up cup tie with four goal haul

WILTSHIRE LEAGUE: GARY Ashford proved to be the match winner for Aldbourne, scoring four of his side's goals in their 6-1 victory over Pewsey in the Corsham Print Senior Cup.   more...

Legend Shilton hosts training

ENGLAND goalkeeping legend Peter Shilton passed on tips from a 30-year career to young footballers from Pewsey Vale Youth on Saturday when he attended their training session.   more...

Sport Rugby

Rugby fever as World Cup rolls back into Devizes

DEVIZES Rugby Club President Rod Brown said he was delighted the club had been chosen to host the Webb Ellis Trophy on Sunday.   more...

Chippenham 21, Weston Super Mare 37

PLAYING their first home match in South West One and in front of a large enthusiastic crowd, Chippenham upped their game against Weston Super Mare.   more...

Clarke's try settles derby for Development Squad

CHIPPENHAM'S Development Squad triumphed 10-0 over Wootton Bassett at Allington Field. Bassett put plenty of pressure on the home side in the first half but their defence held Bassett at bay.   more...

Rampant Tigers run-in ten tries

IN an outstanding display of rugby, Marlborough Tigers got their season underway with a crushing 52-0 victory over Supermarine U13s.   more...

Devizes 9, Frome 11

A CROWD of more than 150 saw Devizes lose narrowly to Frome even though they were in the visitors' half for much of the game.   more...

Minety 0, Calne 7

A DOGGED and determined defensive effort from Calne was enough to see off Dorset & Wilts One North contenders Minety, after centre Guthrie Holliday broke the home team's defence to score in the third minute.   more...

Corsham 15, Blandford 14

CORSHAM played their get-out-of-jail card to good effect as they clinched a one-point home victory over Blandford on Saturday.   more...

Swindon 20, Slough 19

SWINDON continued their impressive start to the season in Southern Counties North with a third successive win over Slough which now sees them hold third place on points difference.   more...

Swindon News

Work together for the pupils

WITH regard to the article MP under fire for organising meeting. I would like to correct Coun Perkins on one fact.   more...

We need nurses not televisions

I have great sympathy with Nicholas Gough and his situation at the Great Western Hospital having had to spend several times in his situation on the newly named trolley beds with no access to nursing facilities other than at the times when more able patients could help.   more...

We must not let evil flourish

CALLS for the general public to step in and become involved where a crime is being committed, remind me of the occasion when I came forward as a witness in a violent assault.   more...

Great school

I WRITE in response to Michelle Tompkins article Cash will beat children's tears, concerning the proposed closure of Windmill Hill school.   more...

Right to life

WHATEVER Dr Owen Lister said, or did not say, it is wonderful to see so many people proclaiming the right to life for all children.   more...

Happy to go

RE: P Gunther's packing offer (SA Friday, September 23). I would love to move to a housing association sheltered accommodation in the city of Oxford.   more...

Fair for all?

YOUR columns report that in response to criminal activity at the Liden Tesco Express store Inspector Paul Hawkins states that his officers are opting for a softy-softly approach.   more...

Peace at last for this community

Severn Avenue in Swindon.This week heroin addict Mark Ellis, who wasted his £80,000 inheritance on drugs, was sent to prison for 12 months. Here Gareth Bethell reveals how the community that he cast a shadow over for too long can finally breathe a sigh of relief.   more...

Campaign to help women pull through

Danielle with her mum Pauline Nevison Ref: 99495-29A SWINDON mum and her daughter have linked `pinkies' to launch Cancer Research UK's new breast cancer campaign.   more...

Close as it will be

MarsMany of us may not be aware of it, but November 7 heralds a significant astronomical event. And Wroughton will be at the centre of it.   more...

Event needs help to run smoothly

Runners taking part in last year's Swindon half marathon Ref: 72982-39WHETHER you are a runner who didn't make it to the post box in time or a self-confessed couch potato ­ you still have the chance to take part in this year's Swindon half marathon.   more...

Council shelves its debt

SWINDON Council is writing off nearly £3m of debts. But the authority says the huge figure does not mean it has suddenly got worse at collecting its debts.   more...

Ellen has the right spirit

Ellen Howard, who is appearing on TV on Saturday.A YOUNG Swindon actress will be floating onto TV screens this weekend. Ellen Howard, of Westlea, is appearing as a ghost in ITV's new drama Afterlife.   more...

Fine art on display

One of the competition entries Ref: 99479-28STAFF at an art and craft shop have been overwhelmed by the number of local artists who have entered a competition they organised.   more...

Big wake up on that special day

AS the World's Biggest Coffee Morning draws near, a Swindon company will be setting a table for 500 people.   more...

Runners are big hearted

Justin Watts and Pete Harris with youngsters from the Mitchell McCarthy Soccer Centre Ref: 99496-5TWO Swindon runners have put in a marathon effort to help a friend in need ­ by raising hundreds of pounds for a special needs football team.   more...

Litter louts are rubbish say infants

Coun Dilley and Colebrook Infants at the River Cole Ref: 99484-14YOUNGSTERS at a Swindon school have been learning to look after the environment thanks to a councillor.   more...

Seeing the points of traffic light cameras

MOTORISTS who drive through red traffic lights at Park Lane and Queens Drive are being watched.   more...

Teachers loophole is closed

MP Anne Snelgrove is celebrating after ministers caved in to her demands to change their controversial city academies policy.   more...

Train strike cancelled

THERE will be no strikes at First Great Western. As we reported in the Advertiser last Thursday Swindon was on the verge of commuter chaos as rail staff threaten industrial action.   more...

Couple deny animal cruelty charges to pet

A SWINDON couple taken to court by the RSPCA have denied animal cruelty.   more...

Woman accused of benefit theft

A PINEHURST woman accused of stealing £36,000 in false benefits has appeared at Swindon magistrates' court.   more...

Motorbikes stolen

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after thieves made off with two motorbikes.   more...

Chemical spillage at nursing home

FIREFIGHTERS from Swindon have had to deal with a chemical spillage at a nursing home.   more...

Monthly property prices in slight dip

HOUSE prices fell again in September, according to Nationwide's monthly analysis. The building society, which has its headquarters in Pipers Way, issues a report each month which is seen as the benchmark throughout the industry.   more...

Police helping to promote racial equality

WILTSHIRE Police has been working to strengthen the way it tackles race hate crime, supporting victims, and promoting race equality.   more...

What genius left us out?

SWINDON...AND PROUD OF IT: OUTRAGED is the only way to describe how the people of Swindon felt after discovering the town has been left off a map marking Isambard Kingdom Brunel's strongest links.   more...

Circus from Russia with love

The Moscow State Circus Ref: 99469-18CROWDS have been dazzled at the Moscow Sate Circus. The show, based at the Westcott Recreation Ground, last came to the town in 2002.   more...

Council to use private sector

SWINDON Council is to bring in a private company to help speed up its recovery plan. The authority says it does not have the capacity to make all the changes on its own.   more...

Police want to ban this man from all UK football matches

Mark McKegney stands outside Swindon Magistrates Court Ref: 99464-35THIS is the man Swindon police say has been causing trouble at the County Ground for the last 10 years.   more...

`I just do not feel safe here'

A STUDENT who came to Swindon from Kenya, to go to university, says she no longer feels safe in the town after being attacked.   more...

Beyond the pale

Alice Moss, left, and a fellow fan of Justin Hayward, aboveFANS from across the globe are getting ready to descend on the town to see Swindon singer Justin Hayward.   more...

School deal is `just a kick in the teeth'

Pam Durston with her children Fraser, 7, and Bethany 5, oppose the proposed closure of Windmill Hill School Ref: 99307-28ANGRY Windmill Hill School parents could be handed a concession ­ to keep their teachers, governors and school name.   more...

That's my boy!

Walker Stevenette with his father Simon, haematology clinical nurse specialist Jasmine Herbden and haematologist consultant Dr Atheron Gray Ref: 99494-64SWINDON...AND PROUD OF IT: AFTER staff on the Osprey and Dove wards at the Great Western Hospital helped his dad recover from cancer, Thomas Stevenette wanted to say thank you.   more...

Lister may quit as a councillor

Coun Owen Lister and, below, how he defended himself in Saturday's Advertiser Ref: 99425-35DISGRACED councillor Owen Lister is considering resigning. Coun Lister, who caused outrage with his comments about disabled children, has already been forced to quit Swindon's Conservative group and resign as deputy mayor.   more...

Wiltshire News

Circuit pulls plug on F3 noise battle

Howard Strawford, Castle Combe circuit owner, with barrister Rupert Warren and consultant Mark Chick 30475/1GAZETTE & HERALD: PROTESTERS who revved up an anti-noise campaign against Castle Combe racing circuit were celebrating victory yesterday.   more...

Wiltshire Sport

Devlin takes on new role at County Ground

ADVERTISER EXCLUSIVE: MARK Devlin was expected to `re-sign' for Town today as the club's new associate vice-chairman.   more...

Wootton Bassett News

Rugby friends play tribute match

Trevor GibbsRUGBY fans gathered for a minute's silence in Wootton Bassett to mark the memory of Trevor Gibbs on Sunday.   more...

Family makes a fitting tribute to motorcyclist

Motorcyclist Stephen `Lofty' Vincent was given a fitting funeral on Thursday when his coffin arrived at the church in a side car.   more...

  
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