Stories for 12 January 2006

Amesbury News

Town's council tax to increase by 9.7 per cent

AMESBURY residents face a town council tax hike of more than nine per cent this year the second year running the council has voted through a rise well above the rate of inflation.  more...

Calne News

Smiles as rosy-cheeked girl loses her birthmark

BEAMING with pride, courageous Fynamore schoolgirl Ellie Brown went back to class on Thursday for the first time in months.  more...

Students rewarded for success

STUDENTS at John Bentley School, Calne, were rewarded for achievements over the past year at their annual presentation evening.  more...

Champagne to kick off auction

THE Friends of Heddington School are putting the final touches to preparations for a fundraising ball and auction.  more...

Woof, woof interpreted for bemused dog owners

DOG lovers have often wondered what their pets are trying to say, but now thanks to dog behaviour counsellor Christine Emerson's new DVD they may be able to find out.  more...

Scouts’ postal service success

CALNE Scouts have raised just over £366 from the 22nd year of running their increasingly popular Christmas card delivery service.  more...

Chippenham News

Is three years all his life is worth?

Drink driver Sadie Brimble has been jailed for three years after admitting causing the death of Chippenham man Michael Reynolds in a hit and run smash.  more...

Charity rugby match in memory of popular mum

A POPULAR mum who lost her battle with cancer last October has been remembered at a charity rugby match.  more...

Store workers’ anger

Staff at Littlewoods face a bleak midwinter as all 29 employees will lose their jobs on unlucky Friday the 13th.  more...

Cancer con woman is jailed for duping lovers

Cancer con woman Caroline Morgan has been jailed for 18 months after admitting pocketing nearly £30,000 in a series of deceptions.  more...

Man remanded in kidnap case

A 24-YEAR-OLD Chippenham man accused of rape, kidnap and child abduction has been remanded in custody by a Crown Court judge.  more...

Cheeky chipmunk gatecrashes King Kong

A CHEEKY chipmunk sauntered into Chippenham cinema to watch a screening of blockbuster King Kong on Thursday evening.  more...

Mobile workers brighten up children’s lives

REDLAND Nursery in Chippenham has been given a colourful uplift after a team of volunteers spent a day painting murals and designs at the playgroup.  more...

Rotary hits its funds record

Champion fundraisers at the Rotary Club of Chippenham have achieved record results over the last year and donated tens of thousands of pounds to both local and international charities.  more...

St John’s cadet is in UK title contention

CHIPPENHAM teenager Gabrielle Flexer has been nominated for the prestigious title of St John Ambulance National Cadet of the Year.  more...

Last ditch bid to save garages

A SIXTY signature petition has been sent to North Wiltshire District Council ahead of last night's decision on whether to demolish a block of garages.  more...

Morris man’s legacy to help Cambodian school

WIDOW Margaret Jensen has spoken of her pride in a school set up in rural Cambodia in memory of her much-loved husband Hans.  more...

Missing boy in kidnap alert got lost in history

A PETRIFIED mum feared that her eight-year-old son had been kidnapped and killed after he disappeared for seven hours.  more...

Love spans 65 years

Devoted couple Phyllis and Ted Slade celebrated an amazing 65 years of marriage yesterday.  more...

RAF officer tells how he rescued bomb survivor

PICTURE the scene bodies buried by debris, survivors staggering around and two men sitting on a bench casually chatting about their families.  more...

Corsham News

Praise for school where everyone has a voice

Staff, pupils and parents at Corsham Regis primary school are celebrating an Ofsted report that praises the leadership of head teacher Lindsay Wood and the school's calm but purposeful environment.  more...

Drug addict stole from parents to fund habit

Heroin addict Daniel Archard stole a laptop computer belonging to his parents in order to fund his £50-a-day addiction, a court heard.  more...

Steaming back to their heritage

Children in Box will be invited to learn more about Isambard Kingdom Brunel and the village's steam heritage as part of the Steam Back to Box project.  more...

Pavilion hopes high as new plan takes shape

Box councillors have stood firm despite a massive set-back last year in their plans to re-build a multi sports pavilion and have put together an ambitious new scheme.  more...

Kids wanted to join Snow White

TICKETS are now on sale for what is being billed as the show of the year in Box the annual panto.  more...

Devizes News

Apprentice loses two of his fingers

APPRENTICE Ben Nolan is recovering in hospital after severing two of his fingers while working on a guillotine at T H White in Devizes.  more...

Mystery as headteacher quits village school post

ANDREW Hodder, who was Devizes Cricket Club chairman and club captain last year, has quit as headteacher of a village school in mysterious circumstances.  more...

TV medium possessed by town’s old haunts

TV medium Derek Acorah collapsed after claiming he was possessed by an evil spirit when he came to Devizes on a ghost hunt.  more...

Man pleads guilty to sex with girl aged 13

FORMER mayor's officer Robert Hale has been warned he could face a jail term after admitting having sex with a thirteen-year-old-girl.  more...

Ticket machine idea under fire

DEVIZES Town Council is to object to proposals by Kennet District Council to put ticket machines in the town to regulate parking.  more...

Global circumnavigation with Phileas Fogg

STAFF at Devizes Library dressed up in Victorian costume to highlight the Jules Verne's book Around the World in Eighty Days.  more...

Tribute to a dedicated, caring English teacher

POPULAR Devizes School teacher Debbie Nichols has died after battling cancer. Mrs Nichols, the mother of four, died aged 50 on December 18, after being diagnosed with cancer.  more...

Man for trial on sex charge

FAIRGROUND worker Jonathan Neate, 23, has pleaded not guilty to a charge of sexual activity with a child.  more...

Saboteurs wreck plant and lorries at Hopton

ANOTHER Devizes firm has been at the receiving end of deliberate sabotage, just weeks after an attack on Wiltshire Waste Recycling's depot.  more...

Sheltered home for demolition

A PLAN to replace St Mary's House sheltered home in Potterne with affordable homes has been approved. Following concerns raised by residents, Sarsen Housing Association amended the plan.  more...

Kind-hearted readers’ gifts

PEOPLE who were angry at the theft of a bottle containing money for brain injured children have been making further donations .  more...

New estate agreed if parking is increased

PLANNING permission will be granted for new homes on the former Kverneland agricultural machinery site in Devizes if the developer increases the number of parking spaces.  more...

Journalist asks the questions

NATIONAL journalist Lester Middlehurst will be quizmaster at a quiz night being held at the George and Dragon pub in Rowde.  more...

MP slams health spending differences

DEVIZES MP Michael Ancram has criticised the Government for spending less on health services in his constituency while more money is spent in the Prime Minister's constituency in Durham.  more...

Bring on the pumpkin coach

THE Wharf Theatre in Devizes is taking a bold step backwards and returning to the old-fashioned pantomime based on a children's fairy tale after many years of presenting other forms of festive entertainment.  more...

Getting in dance rhythm

NEW dance classes are to be held in Devizes by Swindon Dance. A free taster day will be held on Saturday January 21 at the Corn Exchange from 10am to 5pm. This will be followed by five weekly classes on Wednesday mornings.  more...

Chef cooks up treat to celebrate village store

EVERYONE who helped establish the new community store in the village of All Cannings, near Devizes, received more than just a warm welcome at the official opening on Saturday.  more...

A dramatic look at crime

YOUNG people in Devizes and other towns in Kennet are being invited to take part in a drama project on the subject of crime.  more...

Drunk man sexually harassed girl, 17

Building worker Daniel Bevan, who subjected a 17-year-old girl to an ordeal of sexual harassment in broad daylight in Devizes town centre, has been given a two-year conditional discharge.  more...

Gazette Chippenham Town Fc

Left wing alliance for the brothers in arms

FOOTBALL became a real family affair for brothers Nick and Alex Stanley after they each signed for Chippenham Town within a week of each other.  more...

Welcome Matt for Rawlins

ALAN Griffin believes the return of Matt Rawlins is good news for Chippenham, even if he is a threat to his place in the starting lineup.  more...

Chippenham Town (0) 4, Swindon Supermarine (1) 1, Chippenham win 5-2 on aggregate

NEW signing Matt Rawlins marked his return to Hardenhuish Park with a debut goal, as Chippenham cruised into the final of the Wiltshire Premier Shield.  more...

Chippenham Town 1, Grantham 0

CHIPPENHAM survived a late rally from Grantham to seal their fourth win on the spin on Saturday.  more...

Points on offer on the road

THE first of two away games for Chippenham over the next week comes at mid-table Halesowen Town on Saturday.  more...

Gazette Film Reviews

Film review - Jarhead (15)

BASED on Anthony Swofford's memoirs as a marine during the Gulf War, Jarhead is a harrowing account of a conflict hidden from the world.  more...

Film review - Memoirs Of A Geisha (12A)

ON the surface at least, Rob Marshall's lavish adaptation of Arthur Golden's intoxicating bestseller could not be more strikingly different to fellow Oscar hopeful, Jarhead.  more...

Gazette Football

Devizes Town 0, Radstock Town 1

MISSED chances cost Devizes dear on Tuesday night as they went down to a single goal to Radstock Town.  more...

Calne Town 0, Odd Down 1

CALNE'S superb two month unbeaten run came to an end on Saturday at the hands of Odd Down.  more...

Keynsham Town 1, Melksham Town 1

MELKSHAM Town boss Kelvin Highmore was delighted at the performance of a young side,.  more...

Draw keeps champions’ form on the upturn

REIGNING Premier Division champions Highworth Town continued their upturn in fortunes with a deserved point in a 1-1 home draw against high-flying North Leigh.  more...

Hungerford 0, Pewsey Vale 3

PEWSEY Vale boss Dave Turner has put his side's return to winning ways down to a bit of extra experience in the team.  more...

Biddestone 1, Warminster 2

BIDDESTONE were wondering how they didn't win as they crashed out of the Wiltshire Senior Cup at the quarter final stage.  more...

Cheltenham Saracens 4, Malmesbury Vics 0

MALMESBURY Vics fine run of five wins on the spin came to a shuddering halt, as Cheltenham Saracens hammered them on Saturday.  more...

Gazette General Sport

Ice stars set for Winter Olympics

SKELETON BOB: SHELLEY Rudman has overcome a late injury scare to join fellow Wiltshire slider Kristan Bromley in the Team GB Winter Olympic squad.  more...

Gazette Nostalgia

Nostalgia - 12 January 1906

28 December 1905 - Devizes: The Mayor followed his laudable predecessors in forming a fund, the object of which was to provide against any poor person going without a Christmas dinner.  more...

Gazette Obituaries

OBITUARY: Denis Sweasey

TRIBUTES have been paid to the dedication of former Pewsey parish councillor Denis Sweasey, who died on Monday.  more...

OBITUARY: Fred Mundy

GREAT grandfather Fred Mundy from Marlborough died at Great Western Hospital on Friday, on his 92nd birthday.  more...

OBITUARY: Linda Hinton

More than 250 people attended the funeral of Linda Hinton (ne Hopkins), 56, at St Bartholomew's Church, Wootton Bassett, last Wednesday.  more...

Gazette Sport Darren Perrin Column

Please stop worrying about Salisbury City

PEOPLE have got to stop worrying about Salisbury City. The bottom line is that we cannot influence what happens to their results, apart from when we play them on February 11.  more...

Gazette Sue Pycroft Column

Cat problems

He pushes open the door, walks across the room leaving wet footprints on the tiles and pulls a warm towel off the radiator.  more...

Gazette Swindon Town Fc

Clinic offers Roberts best chance in booze battle

CHRISTIAN Roberts is heading to the best place possible, according to his manager Iffy Onuora and Sporting Chance chief Peter Kay.  more...

I drank 15 pints a day

CHRISTIAN Roberts was drinking 15 pints a day before reaching breaking point.  more...

Big Ron show follow’s Ramsey’s lead

RON Atkinson will do for Swindon Town what Gordon Ramsay does for ailing restaurants.  more...

Rolling back years in Kent

ONCE upon a time fixtures between Swindon and Gillingham were a biannual event, but Saturday's trip to Priestfield will be the first for Town since 1987.  more...

Letters

Think again on refuse plan

KENNET District Council will introduce in July a fortnightly collection of household waste first week landfill, second week recycled waste.  more...

Time to get tough and fight for a traffic survey

YOUR readers can be excused for being confused by all the reports they have read about planned new housing estates along London Road in Devizes, as the impacts are only gradually being understood.  more...

Refusing to listen

I AM utterly appalled by the head-in-the-sand arrogance of Wiltshire County Council in refusing to accept there are very serious current and future traffic problems in Devizes, especially along the London Road, in spite of more than ample expert visual and statistical evidence to the contrary.  more...

Fly in face of sense

I HAVE been surprised to learn that the developers are planning to build the proposed new school on Quakers Walk in such close proximity to the police helicopter landing pad.  more...

Brain teaser thanks

WE would like to extend our thanks to Lewis Cowen for devising (and marking) Sam's Big Film Quiz. The quiz raised an impressive £390, all of which will go to the Sam Waters Memorial Fund, a fund set up for helping local children.  more...

Police merger fears

CHARLES Clarke, in a breathtaking display of arrogance and contempt for public opinion, has vowed to press ahead with merging police forces, including Wiltshire.  more...

Prejudice rules day

I WRITE to express my dismay at the degree of myopia and narrow local prejudice displayed by both Kennet District Council and Marlborough Town Council in relation to the proposed redevelopment of the Chopping Knife Lane site.  more...

Educational divide

WHEN will the powers in charge come the conclusion that one size does not fit all.  more...

Rail link to Heathrow

FORTY years ago this April, Lavington lost its railway station through a policy of cost cutting. What was left of local trains to Reading and London was cut back to Bedwyn, while few long distance trains called at Pewsey.  more...

Meters not answer

YOUR article regarding the traffic expert for the Trust for Devizes was just stating the obvious. The traffic situation is known to all and will not be helped by the future number of houses allowed, particularly by the Planning Inspectorate, which is well over that allowed for in the Local Plan.  more...

Thanks to everyone

I WOULD like to thank Sainsbury's manager and staff for allowing the Rainbows, Brownies and Guides to do bag packing prior to Christmas.  more...

Malmesbury News

War medal thief spurned by family

David Hunt says his nephew deserved to be sent back to prison after he stole his grandfather's war medals and sold them for just £10.  more...

It’s good for the brain

STAR jumps and step-ups will be on the cards for pupils at St Joseph's Primary School as aerobics classes become a part of their working week.  more...

Drunken prank ends in roof top rescue

Internet tycoon James Murray-Wells will not be facing any charges after a drunken prank to raid a girls' school ended in a roof top rescue and a broken ankle.  more...

Missing woman found in Leeds

A 22-YEAR-OLD woman from Oaksey who went missing on Tuesday has been reunited with her family.  more...

Film crew catch couple’s flood crisis on camera

MALMESBURY couple April and Alan Stoneham not only had to cope with their newly converted home being flooded in a freak accident, but also with a film crew capturing the whole event.  more...

£3m restoration plan for abbey takes a step forward

A £3 million project to extend Malmesbury Abbey takes a step forward this month when the organisers seek planning permission from the district council for the scheme.  more...

Plea to spend money locally

Alan Woodward, chairman of Malmesbury's Chamber of Commerce, has outlined his thoughts for future economic growth in the town.  more...

Hazard as motorists avoid paying parking fees

Motorists are creating a potential safety hazard by parking their cars alongside Malmesbury cemetery, says town councillor Ray Sanderson.  more...

Eccentric pair claim: ‘We’re just ordinary’

Celebrity couple Neil and Christine Hamilton have laughed off being named in the top 20 of the world's most eccentric stars saying they are just ordinary people who have had extraordinary things happen to them.  more...

Plea to support cancer project

Malmesbury businessman Badrul Amin hopes the people of North Wiltshire will continue to support fundraising efforts in 2005 to build Bangladesh's first cancer hospital.  more...

Marlborough News

Trucker is jailed after fatal crash

Trucker Mark Kinderman has been jailed for 18 months after falling asleep at the wheel of his lorry and causing a pile-up in which a 55-year-old man died.  more...

Mystery as headmaster quits village school post

VILLAGE school headteacher Andrew Hodder has quit in mysterious circumstances.  more...

New status breaks down language barriers

ST John's School in Marlborough is celebrating gaining its second specialty status, this time in languages. The grant maintained comprehensive school was awarded technology status in 1998.  more...

Former mayor wins the fight to clear his name

AFTER an almost year long fight to clear his name, Marlborough town and district councillor Bill Cavill has been exonerated by a local government standards tribunal.  more...

Man is quizzed on horse thefts

THE observations of an off-duty police officer in an area where horse blanket thefts have become prevalent resulted in the arrest of a suspected thief on Tuesday.  more...

Amateur dramatics set to make comeback

A NEW drama group has been set up in Marlborough after a break of many years since the town's former dramatic and operatic society folded.  more...

Pair accuse council of abusing the planning process

A COUPLE from Axford, near Marlborough, face fines of up to £20,000 or six months in prison if they are found guilty of breaching planning laws in refurbishing their Grade II* listed home.  more...

Bricklayer banned for 20 months for drink driving

APPRENTICE bricklayer Adam Henderson will have to get a lift to building sites after pleading guilty to driving with twice the legal limit of alcohol.  more...

Motoring News

Ollie moves into showroom role

Ollie Thurston has been promoted to sales executive at Westover Toyota, in Castle Street, Salisbury.  more...

Ollie moves into showroom role

Ollie Thurston has been promoted to sales executive at Westover Toyota, in Castle Street, Salisbury.  more...

Ollie moves into showroom role

Ollie Thurston has been promoted to sales executive at Westover Toyota, in Castle Street, Salisbury.  more...

New Forest Letters

Parking clocks a temptation

IT is strongly advised by police and, indeed, it is just common sense, not to leave valuables on display in parked vehicles.  more...

This salt-of-the-earth family should not be victimised

THIS is in reference to your article on Mr Colin Shutler's mobile home, sited at his father's farm (Forest Journal, December 29).  more...

New Forest News

Police probe arson link

A SPATE of fires that have destroyed barns and outbuildings across the New Forest, causing hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of damage, could be the work of a serial arsonist.  more...

You make me feel like dancing

A DOG tossed aside by its former owner and left abandoned in an animal rescue centre has staged a remarkable reversal of fortune and is heading off to the big time to tackle the world's best at the famous Crufts show.  more...

Mum hits out at ambulance service shortage

A MOTHER has slammed Hampshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust after she was told she would have to wait more than 40 minutes after dialling 999 for paramedics to treat her son after he suffered a serious asthma attack.  more...

Police patrols just a 'ghost force'

FORDINGBRIDGE mayor Jeremy Whiteley has described police patrols in the town as a "ghost force" ahead of a special meeting with Hampshire police area Inspector Gerry Hutchings.  more...

Pewsey News

Cheers for 25 years

Pub landlord Jerry Kunkler was hoping that his 25th anniversary of taking over the Moonrakers at Pewsey would go unnoticed.  more...

Staddle stone theft warning

POLICE in Pewsey are warning home owners with staddle stones outside or in their gardens to ensure they are secured.  more...

Lighting team brave the cold

TWELVE members of Pewsey Carnival lighting team turned out in the cold on Sunday morning to take down the village's Christmas lights.  more...

New walking trail will boost Vale’s economy

A NEW 11-mile path proposed in the Pewsey Vale will be unique because the entire route will be accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs.  more...

Road Tests

A bold new year for the boxy Fusion

Ford's new kind of vehicle for a new way of life' Fusion, five-door holdall on wheels, has just been given a 2006 face-lift.  more...

Salisbury Children'S Page

Christmas fun continues for our prizewinner

Hi, everybody, and a very warm welcome to the Journal Gang.  more...

Salisbury City Fc News

Haddow for England

SALISBURY City's Alex Haddow has been named in the England Futsal squad for the DSF Tournament in Dubai later this month and the home internationals in February against Finland.  more...

Canvey Island segregation/ground directions

SALISBURY City supporters heading to Canvey Island on Saturday for the FA Trophy tie should note that a number of special arrangements are in place.  more...

Canvey revisited - why Tommy Widdrington remembers Park Lane well

THE thought of returning to Canvey Island certainly brings back mixed feelings for Salisbury City's player-coach Tommy Widdrington.  more...

Canvey flutter anyone?

CANVEY Island rightly go into Saturday's FA Trophy second round tie as favourites, but anyone fancying a flutter on The Whites might like to know that the city's newest bookmaker is offering 7/2 on the Southern League Premier Division leaders causing an upset.  more...

Canvey flutter anyone?

CANVEY Island rightly go into Saturday's FA Trophy second round tie as favourites, but anyone fancying a flutter on The Whites might like to know that the city's newest bookmaker is offering 7/2 on the Southern League Premier Division leaders causing an upset.  more...

Salisbury Letters

Many thanks, readers, for kindness once again

MAY we thank once again the very generous readers who donated so many gifts for the Journal's Christmas present appeal.  more...

Bible has plenty to say on sexual matters

FOR whatever reason, Martin Mottram (Postbag, December 29) seems to be indulging a form of wishful thinking if he believes Jesus had "nothing to say" about homosexuality.  more...

Salisbury News

Sports centres saved by 'people power'

SPORTS enthusiasts are jubilant after people power' persuaded Salisbury district council not to close Tisbury sports centre and Durrington swimming pool.  more...

Tragedy of elderly widow who lay dead at home for nearly a month

THE bodies of an elderly widow and her beloved Scottie terrier lay undetected in their Salisbury home for nearly a month before anyone realised she had died.  more...

Non-urgent hospital referrals are banned

CASH-STRAPPED South Wiltshire Primary Care Trust has banned GPs from referring non-emergency cases for hospital treatment as it battles to balance its books.  more...

Non-urgent hospital referrals are banned

CASH-STRAPPED South Wiltshire Primary Care Trust has banned GPs from referring non-emergency cases for hospital treatment as it battles to balance its books.  more...

Rapist dragged girl along by the hair

A DANGEROUS rapist who attacked a Salisbury teenager in an alleyway behind St Thomas' Church was told by the city's resident crown court judge on Tuesday that he faces a life sentence.  more...

Revellers criticised for abuce of 999 service

DRUNKEN revellers who repeatedly call 999 demanding assistance have been criticised by Wiltshire Ambulance Service.  more...

Stfc Headlines

Third time lucky?

IFFY Onuora may answer old pal Paul Smith's come and get me' plea and ensure a case of third time lucky for Town.  more...

Get quality not quantity

ALAN Reeves says quality rather than quantity is the priority during January with a fine balance needing to be struck in order to have a competitive yet harmonious squad.  more...

Curo played role in Thorpe deal

TONY Thorpe has revealed that former Town teammate Jamie Cureton played a role in his short-term switch to Colchester United.  more...

Curo played role in Thorpe deal

TONY Thorpe has revealed that former Town teammate Jamie Cureton played a role in his short-term switch to Colchester United.  more...

Take it one game at a time!

FOCUS on the short term and the long term will take care of itself is Iffy Onuora's message to Jamie Cureton.  more...

Swindon Business Headlines

Town firm nets £3m contract

SWINDON'S oldest and most respected building company, Beard, has been awarded the £3m contract to develop the Bath Post Office and breathe new life into that part of the city.  more...

Difficulties ahead if interest rates are not cut, says TUC

The South West's economy faces difficulties in 2006 unless interest rates are cut, the TUC has warned.  more...

Accolade for our designer outlet

WHEN it comes to specialist shopping then Swindon is right among the best of the best.  more...

500th customer stores up a party

Max Self Storage in Cirencester has welcomed its 500th customer.  more...

Swindon Football

White’s not interested in Merthyr job

Former Chippenham boss Steve White has distanced himself from the vacant managerial post at Merthyr Tydfil.  more...

Swindon General Sport

Melbourneand all that Jazz!

SWIMMING: The Adver's new sports writer ANDY CRYER meets Tigersharks' swimmer Jazz Carlin as she prepares to represent Wales in March's Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.  more...

Jamie’s fight for funding

BOXING: SWINDON boxer Jamie Cox's dream of bringing back a medal from the Commonwealth Games in March has been hit by a funding freeze.  more...

Swindon Letters

£800,000 gift from cameras

SAIRA Khan, the communications manager for the Camera Unit is being less than honest in her assertion that there is no relationship between police numbers and the use of cameras.  more...

Law makers are mostly to blame

THE Work and Pensions Secretary, John Hutton, recently said that he was considering tagging fathers who fail to pay maintenance.  more...

Tabernacle would be a focal point

THE concept of resurrecting the old Baptist Tabernacle as a centre-piece in the Swindon regeneration programme is a brilliant and inspired proposal.  more...

Why we should come out of EU

G SCOTT (Letters, January 6) recommends that we vote for UKIP. Unfortunately, this would be a wasted vote since this party is split by a leadership dispute and unlikely to get many MPs.  more...

ID card tricks

SOUNDING more like a fictional part of the TV comedy "Yes Minister" than a real government organisation the Department of Constitutional Affairs has now recommended giving local authorities powers to impose fines of £2,500 if you do not have an ID card.  more...

Spelling issues

GREENGROCERS' apostrophes have become something of a national institution in the teaching of English language.  more...

Swindon News

Terrified staff tied up by armed gang

RAIDERS armed with iron bars held up staff at a cash and carry wholesalers in Swindon on Monday night.  more...

BB star set to reveal all

IF MP George Galloway gets out of the Big Brother house unscathed, he has a date at the Wyvern Theatre Swindon.  more...

‘I want my wife to give me another chance’

SWINDON Town striker Christian Roberts hopes the treatment he is to receive for alcoholism will persuade his wife to give him a second chance.  more...

Death of singer and opera lover

POPULAR singer and opera lover June Jones formerly Borelli has died at the age of 75.  more...

Stabbed man may have been alive, witness says

FATHER-OF-TWO Mick Love may still have been alive when an off duty policeman first spotted his body lying in a Swindon street, an inquest heard.  more...

Police have exhausted lines of inquiry

COLIN Lewin, who was acquitted of the murder of Mick Love, has returned to work and says he is now just trying to get on with his life.  more...

Man in court on bail charge

A MAN who was bailed for alleged driving offences has been back in court after breaking a condition of his release.  more...

Support growing to restore Tabernacle

AN OXFORD archaeology expert has thrown his weight behind a campaign to restore the Baptist Tabernacle to Swindon.  more...

Cancer group raises £500,000

THE Swindon branch of the Breakthrough Breast Cancer charity has become the first in the country to raise £500,000.  more...

Blair’s Respect plan takes on town’s yobs

PRIME Minister Tony Blair has paid a visit to Swindon to explain why it deserves respect.  more...

Revived school set to become first academy

"OUR pupils come first" is the message from Headlands School after plans to transform it into an academy were unveiled by Swindon Council.  more...

Eggpie the crow flies off to learn how to be wild

Eggpie the crow, once mistakenly thought to be a magpie, is this week learning the ways of the wild after a tearful farewell from his adopted Swindon family.  more...

Alex makes his million!

CRICKLADE student Alex Tew, who created a website to stave off student debts, has become a dollar millionaire.  more...

Cash & Carry robbers 'will strike again'

THE security manager at a cash and carry where staff were attacked before being bound and gagged by armed robbers, says the gang will strike again.  more...

Bashed bridge victim No 143

ONE of Britain's most bashed bridge has claimed its 143rd victim.  more...

Witness plea for ram raid

POLICE have appealed for witnesses to a ram raid at Blunsdon Market.  more...

Home time

LEARN how to make homes for garden creatures at an event to be held on January 22.  more...

Is this the face of the future?

SWINDON could be playing host to major events if plans to merge the Wyvern Theatre and Civic Offices and open a conference centre come off.  more...

Samaritans in appeal for help

SWINDON Samaritans are holding an open evening tonight in a bid to recruit new volunteers.  more...

Reveller attacked

POLICE are hunting for a gang of men who severely beat up a reveller over the festive period.  more...

'Luckiest man in town'

POLICE say a judge who let a drug addict burglar walk free from court got it wrong.  more...

Going to prison can be the easy option

SOLICITORS working in Swindon's courts said not going to prison was often the tougher option for drug addicts going through the justice system.  more...

Burglar raided homes

A HEROIN addict burglar who stole thousands of pounds worth of property from homes in Swindon has been released on bail by a judge.  more...

Addicts need to be ready to quit

PEOPLE whose criminal behaviour is fuelled by their drug addiction have to be ready to change, believes Swindon Druglink.  more...

Wren flies off to the Tories

A FORMER Labour councillor has defected to the Conservative group amid rumours that there could be more changes to come on Swindon Council.  more...

Wardens ‘a success’

A NEIGHBOURHOOD warden pilot scheme organised to tackle local environmental and quality of life issues around West Swindon and the Railway Village has been a great success according to Swindon Council.  more...

Pool hit by cash crisis

AMBITIOUS plans to revamp a leisure centre in Highworth may be scuppered if more cash cannot be found.  more...

Happy 100th!

A man whose false teeth saved him from death in World War Two has celebrated his 100th birthday.  more...

Diversion signs not seen by drivers

POLICE in Wootton Bassett have hit out at lorry drivers for adding to traffic problems in the town by not reading diversion signs.  more...

Will an Asbo solve his problem?

HOMELESS people who have taken shelter in a town centre car park could soon be hit with anti-social behaviour orders banning them from the building.  more...

Baffled by a book mix up

A PENSIONER is fed up of books turning up on his doorstep that he doesn't want.  more...

Baffled by a book mix up

A PENSIONER is fed up of books turning up on his doorstep that he doesn't want.  more...

Cruelty cases rise fourfold

ANIMAL cruelty cases have jumped almost fourfold in Swindon, an MP has warned.  more...

A chance for men to find health advice

MEN in Swindon can get free advice about lifestyle and health issues from the Health Hydro.  more...

Pleas made for more lifesavers

BLOOD donor nurses are calling out for people to come forward as part of the Advertiser's Give Blood and Save a Life Campaign.  more...

Rock gig to raise cash for Brandon

NICKI Styles who is raising money for the Great Ormond Street Hospital is calling for as many people as possible to attend a fundraising gig.  more...

Fears over places at new school

THERE are fears that if Commonweal School moves its catchment area will change.  more...

Work gives way to play

PRIMARY school children in Wanborough have been enjoying a new play area thanks to years of hard work by the village's parish council.  more...

Alex makes his million!

CRICKLADE student Alex Tew, who created a website to stave off student debts, has become a dollar millionaire.  more...

Alex makes his million!

CRICKLADE student Alex Tew, who created a website to stave off student debts, has become a dollar millionaire.  more...

Alex makes his million!

CRICKLADE student Alex Tew, who created a website to stave off student debts, has become a dollar millionaire.  more...

Alex makes his million!

CRICKLADE student Alex Tew, who created a website to stave off student debts, has become a dollar millionaire.  more...

Alex makes his million!

CRICKLADE student Alex Tew, who created a website to stave off student debts, has become a dollar millionaire.  more...

Readers split over schools’ scheme

PEOPLE in Swindon are narrowly against plans to turn Headlands School into an academy.  more...

Power plan has wind in its sails

A SHARE issue designed to raise funds for the UK's largest community-owned wind farm near Swindon has reached the £1m mark.  more...

Charity needs foster carers

A 13-year-old who has been moved from home to home is desperate to find a family to love him.  more...

Madam says she will sue

FORMER brothel madam Donna Powell is taking Swindon-based bra company Triumph Internat-ional to court.  more...

Alex makes his million!

CRICKLADE student Alex Tew, who created a website to stave off student debts, has become a dollar millionaire. And he says he still cannot believe his newfound wealth.  more...

Parents can have their say on plans for schools

SWINDON'S MPs will be holding a meeting for parents and teachers on the Government's plans for schools.  more...

Swindon Theatre & Arts

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - Immanual Church Hall

JANUARY 12 TO 21, 2005, SWINDON: Swindon's Ann Pidgeon has been a member of the Immanuel Dramatic Society for the 50 years it has been running.  more...

Wiltshire News

Driver is charged with kidnap and sex assault

A TWENTY four-year-old man from Newport in South Wales arrested after a police chase ended near Marlborough has been charged with the kidnap and sexual assault of a three-year-old girl.  more...

Three award nominations for former soldier

NETHERAVON-based former Army captain James Blunt and K T Tunstall, whose brother Dan is tennis coach at Devizes Leisure Centre, are among rock stars nominated for this year's Brit Awards.  more...

Chance to quiz police officers

WILTSHIRE residents will soon have the chance to put their concerns to senior police officers involved in policing their local areas.  more...

Princess Royal to open new treament centre

WILTSHIRE will get a royal visit from Princess Anne next month. The Princess Royal will be in Swindon on February 28.  more...

Murder case comes to trial

THE trial is due to start today of Michael Clarke, accused of murdering his parents, Milroy and Jean, at the home they shared in Berryfield Park, Melksham, in December 2004.  more...

Learn to dance in Zero Gravity

WILTSHIRE Youth Arts Partnership (WYAP) is holding an exciting eight-week youth dance programme as part of its Zero Gravity Project.  more...

New court for alleged war crimes hearing

A NEW military court martial centre complex being built on Salisbury Plain is expected to be the venue for one of the Army's most high-profile trials when it opens in the summer.  more...

Stars greet the ancestors

As two celebrities set off to discover their roots SARAH SINGLETON looks at the growing popularity of branching out into family history.  more...

Roots reach back to migrant farmhands

Many other Wiltshire people have also committed time, effort and resources on the quest to discover their family histories and now there is more help available than ever before, making it easier to access records and make contact via the Internet.  more...

Date set for by-election following resignation

The date for a by-election following the resignation of James Elford after just four months as a North Wiltshire district councillor has been set forFebruary 23.  more...

Woottonbassett News

Mayor goes lollipop

Wootton Bassett Mayor Chris Wannell has volunteered his services as a lollipop man as the town gets to grips with its troublesome new one-way system.  more...

Little fighter turns his life right around

After seven operations, nine-year-old Daniel Wheeler is bouncing back to fitness and learning to ride a bike.  more...

Pensioner left without flu jab as supplies run out

Tinkers Lane practice manager Sandra Walklett has apologised to 98-year-old Nell Garrett for not yet receiving her flu jab due to a national shortage of the vaccine.  more...

Mum carries on fundraising

A charity night in aid of the Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital will be held later this month in Hook, near Wootton Bassett.  more...

Pupils go behind the scenes of business

Twelve budding Richard Bransons from Wootton Bassett School will this month begin their insight into the business world with sights firmly set on securing their first million.  more...

Beaming with pride over hall

Mayor Chris Wannell says that Wootton Bassett Town Hall is looking as good as it has done for years and that money will continue to be spent to keep it that way.  more...

Teenage carer praises his friends

Teenager Matthew Kendrick desperately misses his mother but says he wouldn't want her back for all the world because he now knows that her suffering is over.  more...

  
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