Stories for 18 December 2007

Angling

Whitcombe wins at Landsend Fishery

FISHING was very hard in the strong winds in the Landsend Fishery Winter League match and weights were generally very close.  more...

Bennett takes top honours

COMPETITORS enjoyed mixed sport in the Bathampton over 55s/disabled Christmas match fished at Bridge Pool on Thursday. Every competitor received a prize.  more...

Bradford News

Charity sends Xmas wishes from 5,000 miles away!

SENDING Christmas cards to friends and relatives in the UK from 5,000 miles away hardly seems like an economical thing to do.  more...

Bride Of The Year 2007

FINALISTS: Emma Playle & Jason Heron

THE second of our four finalists are 28-year-old Emma Playle and 31-year-old Jason Heron, from Liden.  more...

Chippenham News

Widow wins payout

The widow of a Chippenham man who died after being exposed to asbestos while working on houses for the local council has won a substantial payout.  more...

Popular Carols by candlelight

Festive folk are being invited to vote for their favourite Christmas carols - in true X-Factor style.  more...

Police crackdown on mini-bikes

POLICE are cracking down on youths riding mini motorbikes in the Hill Rise area of Chippenham after calls from angry residents.  more...

Families to benefit from new play area

FAMILIES in Lyneham will all benefit from outdoor activities when the new play area is built thanks to a lottery grant organised by the council.  more...

Police crackdown on mini-bikes

POLICE are cracking down on youths riding mini motorbikes in the Hill Rise area of Chippenham after calls from angry residents.  more...

Chippenham Sunday League News

Anxious wait for Corsham Centre

WILTSHIRE SUNDAY CUP: Corsham Centre face an anxious wait to see if they will get a place in the quarter-finals of the Wiltshire Sunday Cup without even kicking a ball.  more...

Devizes News

Police arrest biker after high speed chase

POLICE have arrested a 44-year-old biker after a chase through the Wiltshire countryside at speeds in excess of 100mph.  more...

Poison removed from court

THERE was consternation in Kennet magistrates' court on today when the bench withdrew while an empty canister of poison was removed from court.  more...

Gazette Chippenham Town Fc

Mings relishing tough Town test

Adie Mings says his Chippenham Town side can take inspiration from facing a strong Swindon Town side tonight.  more...

Gazette Rugby

Chippenham 2nd 14, Marlborough 32

Rugby: Marlborough completed the league double over an ill-disciplined Chippenham side on Saturday.  more...

Devizes 2nd 62, Swindon College 2nd 0

Rugby: Devizes 2nd completed the double against lowly placed Swindon College whitewashing them by 62 points to nil in a home game. The College couldn't match the power and work rate of the Devizes pack nor the individual skills of the threes.  more...

Double triumph for Chippenham U15

Youth rugby: Chippenham's Under 15 squad were able to field two teams to fulfil fixtures against Clifton and Corsham and both teams recorded fine victories. With seven regular players either not available or injured, the squad were only able to field the bare fifteen players needed for each team but they came through.  more...

Youngsters' mini rugby joy

Youth rugby: Chippenham Minis v Wootton Bassett Minis Chippenham U12s 9 -v- Wootton Bassett U12s 2 Chippenham's Under 12s turned out on Sunday morning to play their Wootton Bassett counter-parts which was the game re-scheduled from last week due to waterlogged pitch.  more...

Town finally set to seal deal

The Swindon Town takeover will be completed at 3pm today.  more...

Devizes youngsters end year in style

Results: Melksham 0 Devizes 25; Devizes 5 Avonvale 5; Melksham 0 Avonvale 10.  more...

Gazette Swindon Town Fc

Minutes tick by for Robins fans

Swindon Town fans are still being made to wait as the Andrew Fitton takeover is yet to be completed.  more...

Grahamcarter

Dreaming of a Sixties Christmas

Whatever happened to the magic of Christmas traditions? Hardly any of the things that made up a 1960s Christmas still matter today.  more...

Journal Football

Whites to host Chalke Valley in Hospital Cup tie

SALISBURY City will host Chalke Valley in the first round (quarter-final) of this season's Hospital Cup.  more...

Malmesbury News

Weekend fire in Corston

POLICE are investigating a suspected arson attack on a home in the normally tranquil village of Corston, near Malmesbury.  more...

Malmesbury man to appear on quiz show

TELLY addict Elliott Curtis will be competing for the title of Britain's Number One Soap Fan this Christmas.  more...

Second time is the charm

LYDIA Houghton is living proof that, sometimes in life, things are just meant to be.  more...

Marlborough News

Deputy mayor questions crime figures

DEPUTY mayor of Marlborough claims she is the victim of "a witchhunt" after another council claimed she had challenged the accuracy of crime figures.  more...

Melksham News

Chamber hits out over Asda plan

THE president of Melksham's Chamber of Commerce has hit back at Asda's suggestion that it overwhelmingly supports the supermarket's plans to build a new store on land off the A350.  more...

Council backs canal plan

A CHARITY that wants to restore a canal through the centre of Melksham has received a boost from a town council committee.  more...

New Forest News

Partial victory to retain buses

BUS users in Ringwood have won a partial victory in the battle to keep bus services that for many are their only way of getting to and from Ringwood.  more...

Pewsey News

Pewsey man testifies at inquest

An 18-year-old man from Pewsey has testified at the inquest into the death of a 17-year-old schoolmate.  more...

Readerspics

Trekking in Nepal

Home-Start volunteer Gay Oliver and her guide Pemba on her sponsored trek in Nepal  more...

Mexican jet trails

Vincent Jannetta from Old Town sent in this picture of early morning jet trails over a Mexican junction  more...

Salisbury City Fc News

Weymouth tickets now on sale

TICKETS are now on sale during usual office hours at the ground for Salisbury City's all-ticket Blue Square Premier match on Boxing Day with Weymouth (kick off 3pm).  more...

Hospital Cup draw

SALISBURY City will host Chalke Valley in the first round (quarter-final) of this season's Hospital Cup.  more...

Salisbury News

Angel at St Thomas'

A CHRISTMAS angel meant to perch on top of the Salisbury Guildhall has been forced to change course and instead make its landing at St Thomas' Church.  more...

College merger approved

GOVERNMENT approval has been given for the merger of Salisbury College with Chippenham-based Wiltshire College in what is described as a long-term strategy to provide one of the best General Further Education institutions in the South West.  more...

Save Our Post Office Campaign

Nettleton Shop one of country's best

Nettleton Village Post Office and Shop has been shortlisted at the country's best shop and post office following scores of letters of support from villagers.  more...

Stfc News Headlines

'The wait is over'

SWINDON Town's saviours will launch a new era at the County Ground today - with Dave Byrne looking to impress after officially joining the race for the managerial hotseat.  more...

Tozer has to earn his stripes

DAVE Byrne insists he has always had faith in Ben Tozer's "Premiership potential" but admits his St James' Park spell may be short-lived - for the moment at least.  more...

Billy and strong Swindon side out to prove a point

BILLY Paynter has warned Chippenham Town there will be no taking things for granted' tonight with Swindon's under-fire squad out to prove a point.  more...

'Conditional agreement' for Town by midday

A 'CONDITIONAL agreement' for Andrew Fitton's consortium to take control of Swindon Town will be signed by midday today.  more...

Deal to be completed at 3pm

THE Swindon Town takeover deal is expected to be completed at 3pm today, the Advertiser has been told.  more...

Fans are made to wait

TOWN fans are still waiting for the completion of the protracted takeover deal - with the 3pm deadline come and gone.  more...

The wait goes on

THE Town takeover will not be completed today as Andrew Fitton's consortium are made to wait for legal approval from the club's lawyers.  more...

Town in control after Premier Shield semi-final first leg

FORGOTTEN men Ibon Arrieta had Andy Caton were Town's match winners tonight as a strong Robins side beat non-league Chippenham Town 2-0.  more...

Swindon Business Headlines

Max makes the headlines

Waterman's CPM, is an environmental planning and design company which looks after the old as well as creating the new.  more...

Christmas Eve working is a waste

A new survey commissioned by Regus, the world's largest supplier of work space, reveals that Christmas Eve 2007 is set to be a complete waste of time and energy for businesses across the South West.  more...

Moneymen say 2008 will be tough

A survey published today by the Chartered Management Institute confirms that managers in the South West believe 2008 will be a tougher year for business. Many focus on the impact of rising business costs, higher levels of debt and a shortage of management skills.  more...

Don't let the banks make the decision

Research carried out by the Forum of Private Business has revealed that most of the smaller businesses surveyed want market forces to decide when to phase out cheques, rather than banks.  more...

The squeeze gets tighter, says CBI

Business growth predictions for 2008 have been downgraded for the third quarter running, due to continuing credit market difficulties and record oil price rises, allied to weaker domestic and global demand, according to the CBI in the Thames Valley.  more...

Love can be such a lottery

As a US woman prepares to sue her husband for her share of his recent lottery win which he kept secret from her, we may ponder how such behaviour fits with traditional marriage vows.  more...

Swindon Eating Out

Cosmo, Swindon

IT'S typical, you don't get any new restaurants for years and then half a dozen come along all at once!  more...

Swindon Letters

We are being short-changed by Labour Party

SOUTH Swindon Labour MP Anne Snelgrove seems to have hopelessly fallen for her own spin.  more...

It’s more than just a library

I AM dismayed to read in the Advertiser (SA, December 13) that the Old Town Library is again under threat of closure. I use it far more often than I do the central library as it is nearer my home and books are heavy to carry.  more...

Pearls of wisdom from TV blockbuster

HEROES had a beautiful and moving finale (SA, Barrie on the Box, Heroes come to the sharp point, December 5). Volume One was jam-packed with televisual gems and pearls of wisdom. We are fortunate to be blessed with imagination.  more...

Let’s have more facts than fiction regarding the EU

HOW ironic that Mr Berry says that we need more correspondence on the EU based on fact rather than fiction when his entire letter can be disregarded since it is unverified, and unprovable. Facts and figures quoted without their sources are meaningless.  more...

UK must make more products

WHY did Britain join the Common Market in 1972? The reason given by Edward Heath for joining was that it would be good for British industry and would help Britain's exports to Europe.  more...

Flying the flag for lifeboats

THE Swindon Branch of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution held a Flag Day on November 17.  more...

Victims of Bangladesh cyclone still need your help

Two weeks ago the Disasters Emergency Committee launched an appeal for the survivors of the Bangladesh Cyclone which has affected about five million people.  more...

Lots of pounds for the hounds

On behalf of Dogs for the Disabled, I would like to extend our grateful thanks to all colleagues, members and customers of The Midcounties Co-operative for their fundraising and support during the Pound for a Hound weekend (November 2 to 4).  more...

This Government is not fit for purpose

RECENT letters from M J Warner imply that he is blissfully unaware of the numerous disastrous mistakes made by this pathetic Government and its incompetent Prime Minister.  more...

Swindon Music

Durera at STFC Legends Lounge on Thursday December 20

Thurs Dec 20 Swindon bands Durera, The Shudders, The Purple Streams and Leningrad all get together in aid of the Prospect Hospice in Wroughton on Thursday December 20.  more...

Erin Bardwell Collective at 12 Bar, Swindon on Friday December 21

Friday December 21st SWINDON'S Mr Ska Erin Bardwell is playing back on home turf on Friday December 21 for a gig with a Caribbean feel at the Rockers Revolt Christmas Party.  more...

In It For The Money at Manor Farm, Swindon on Saturday December 22

Saturday Dec 22 In It For The Money are playing there last gig at the Manor Farm, Cheney Manor on Saturday December 22.  more...

Charity Gig on Sunday December 23 at 12 Bar, Swindon

Sunday Dec 23 Twelve year old Oli Herring from Swindon's Junior Rock School is hosting a gig to aid the Prospect Hospice in Wroughton.  more...

Gemma Atkins in Starlight Express at Oxford New Theatrae

Flicky Harrison Actress Gemma Watkins had never been on roller skates in her life - not even as a child - before she landed a leading role in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Starlight Express.  more...

Blaze Bayley from Iron Maiden at 12 Bar, Swindon on December 27

Christmas time, mistletoe and wine, children singing Christian rhymes - not quite the cool yule of a legendary head banger.  more...

Anthony Drew writer of Honk at The Watermill Theatre until January 5

The popular musical play Honk may be turned into a full scale film.  more...

Swindon News

Builder killed after Christmas party

PINO Mazzotta was trying to get home when his life was cut tragically short after a Christmas party.  more...

Action urged on floods

THE summer floods were a wake-up call and we must ensure there is not a repeat of the devastation.  more...

Fire in Cricklade road

Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service was called last night to reports of a severe fire in Cricklade Road, Swindon at 10:10.  more...

Campaign to save Callum

GENEROUS people have already pledged £40,000 to help young Callum Kaye leave the country for treatment.  more...

Burglar submits false confession

A burglar who tried to get another thief to confess for one of his break ins has been jailed for three years and four months.  more...

Painting returned to Lydiard House

A 17th century painting has been returned to it's home at Lydiard House and Park.  more...

Diesel shortage sparks panic at pumps

DRIVERS panic-buying diesel could leave the pumps dry in Swindon.  more...

Community spirit gives youngsters a festive treat

A PARTY made Christmas extra special for a group of children.  more...

Friends pay tribute to man killed in A419 crash

PINO Mazzotta was trying to get home when his life was cut tragically short after a Christmas party.  more...

Stable fire in Wanborough

FIREFIGHTERS are still at the scene of a barn fire in Wanborough as they carry out the last checks to make sure it has stopped smouldering.  more...

Tall order for Santa

Climbing a 100ft chimney in sub zero temperatures the week before Christmas isn't everyone's idea of a satisfying job, but to do it dressed as Father Christmas is certainly beyond the call of duty.  more...

Community gets together for tinsel and turkey

A COMMUNITY café welcomed the Mayor of Swindon and local residents for a Christmas lunch.  more...

Town stands still to mark repatriation of sergeant

THE High Street in Wootton Bassett once again came to a standstill yesterday as the body of serviceman Lee Johnson was repatriated into RAF Lyneham.  more...

New care home opens its doors

A NEW care home has opened up for Swindon's young people.  more...

Time for a healthier Wiltshire

COUNCILLORS are expected to give the green light to fund the development of a project aiming to making Wiltshire the healthiest county in England by 2014.  more...

Asbestos claim win for widow

THE widow of a Wiltshire man who was exposed to asbestos while he was working on the construction of local authority houses has won substantial damages.  more...

Spread a little joy

CHRISTMAS is coming, the goose is getting fat - so why not spread a little of that festive spirit and hold a get-together to raise money for the Prospect@Home appeal?  more...

Question Time under attack

A FORMER Swindon MP has complained to the chairman of the BBC Trust about the pro-Europe leanings of a panel on Question Time.  more...

Pupils' concert raises £500

PUPILS at Warneford School in Highworth have raised more than £500 for the NSPCC with a Christmas concert.  more...

Fingerprints nail burglar

A BURGLAR who tried to get another thief to confess to one of his break-ins has been jailed for three years and four months.  more...

£90m complex a step closer

A £90m development in Wiltshire has taken a step towards becoming a reality.  more...

Charity transport initiative flooded with festive requests

A CHARITY is helping to make Christmas shopping easier for disabled people in Swindon by providing a specially-adapted car to take them to nearby towns.  more...

Swindon Xmas Tree Gallery

Mr H Rodwell's tree

Mr H Rodwell's tree is baubling with festive cheer  more...

C Cotter's tree

This pretty tree was sent in by C Cotter  more...

Russell Osman's tree

This elegant gold fir was sent in by Russell Osman  more...

Amy Wilkins' tree

This pretty, festive tree is standing in the home of Amy Wilkins, of Even Swindon  more...

Tracey Holmes' tree

This colourful tree was sent in by Tracey Holmes, of Park South  more...

Scoop Magazine's tree

Sales executive Joanna Greenhalgh sent in this picture of Scoop Magazine's tree  more...

Karan Smith's tree

Karan Smith from Wroughton has her Christmas decorations all tied up  more...

Hannah Bain's tree

Twelve-year-old Hannah Bain shows true class with this tree  more...

Fay Pinnock's tree

Fay Pinnock from Swindon has a beautifully traditional tree  more...

Mrs J O'Shea's tree

Mrs J O'Shea, from Stratton, sent in this picture of her tree  more...

Peter and Sylvia Levett's tree

Peter and Sylvia Levett's tree is a golden treat  more...

Mrs Betterton's tree

Mrs Betterton, from Park South, is dreaming of a white christmas with this tree  more...

Roy Sherwood's tree

Roy Sherwood, from Coleview, already has some pressies under his tree!  more...

The Coulthard family's tree

The Coulthard family sent in this picture of their tree  more...

Dave Williams' tree

Dave Williams, from Westlea, went for a blue and silver theme this year  more...

Times Football

Sports through in extra-time

FROME Town Sports were made to fight all the way by Merriott Rovers in their Somerset Junior Cup clash.  more...

Barkley signs for Bradford

MIDFIELDER Peter Barkley has left Frome Town and signed for Toolstation League First Division side Bradford Town.  more...

Referee cost us the game, says Shanley

Oxford City Nomads 2, Trowbridge Town 1. TWO controversial refereeing decisions went against Trowbridge Town as they suffered a 2-1 reverse in the Hellenic League Division One West.  more...

Times Rugby

Trowbridge go three points clear at the top

Corsham 13, Trowbridge 29. TROWBRIDGE resumed their Southern Counties South campaign after a week’s break with a win at Lacock Road which enabled them to gain two points over both their main challengers, Wootton Bassett and Frome.  more...

Avent leads derby try spree

Corsham 2nds 39, Chippenham 3rds 0. CORSHAM 2nds dispatched their Chippenham 3rd neighbours in a full-blooded Dorset and Wilts Division Two North encounter at Lacock Road.  more...

You can put your shirt on Corsham Colts

Corsham Colts 32, Devizes Colts 7. CORSHAM Colts repaid new sponsors Q-Tech as they clinched victory over Devizes in their latest Wiltshire League outing.  more...

Chippenham retain unbeaten record

Chippenham 17, High Wycombe 5. CHIPPENHAM remain unbeaten in South East Two this season after they defeated High Wycombe at Allington Field on Saturday.  more...

Twin wins for under 15s

CHIPPENHAM'S under 15 squad were able to field two teams to fulfil fixtures against Clifton and Corsham and both teams recorded fine victories.  more...

Phipps scores double in cup triumph

Chippenham under 14s 19, Salisbury under 14s 10. CHIPPENHAM beat their old rivals in the final qualifying round of this season’s Wiltshire Cup.  more...

Derby win is Taylor-made

Chippenham under 13s 22, Corsham under 13s 15. THIS friendly between neighbours and rivals gave both sides the chance to mix-up the teams and give the development players a run-out alongside the more experienced players in the squad.  more...

Times Wiltshire News

Police authority 'performing well'

WILTSHIRE Police Authority is performing well, according to a report released yesterday by the Audit Commission.  more...

Wiltshire veg 'back from the dead'

A NUMBER of rare Wiltshire vegetable varieties have been named among 800 species highlighted as being brought back from the verge of extinction by a charity.   more...

Training course for community art groups

PLACES are now available for a special four-day training course that covers all aspects of planning, fundraising for and managing a community arts project.  more...

College merger approved

THE merger of Wiltshire College with Salisbury has been approved by Bill Rammell, the Minister of State for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education.   more...

Mobile phone winners revealed

THE first winners of the Wiltshire Times' mobile phone competition have been announced.  more...

Trowbridge News

Candle risk warning after fire alert

FIRE chiefs are warning people about the risks of using candles in the home, following a fire in a village near Trowbridge on Saturday.  more...

Duo set for rally challenge

WHILE many people tuck into their turkey left-overs on Boxing Day, two Trowbridge friends will be setting off for Timbuktu.  more...

Rivals offer gift to Tesco row couple

AN elderly couple told off by Tesco for spending too much time in the store have been handed an olive branch by one of the supermarket's main rivals, Asda.  more...

Bowyers blaze tackled

FIRE crews from Trowbridge were called to a blaze in an electrical vent at Pork Farm Bowyers in Stallard Street at around 1pm today.  more...

Warminster News

MP's battle for Army kids

SCHOOLS in Wiltshire with students from military families are being snubbed by the government for vital funding, according to a west Wiltshire MP.  more...

Attack man undergoes surgery

A 20-YEAR-OLD Warminster man is undergoing surgery to his face today after he was badly injured in an attack last night.  more...

Westbury News

Town's festive fun time

A COMMUNITY were getting their skates on this week for a festive celebration of Christmas in Westbury.  more...

Wiltshire News

Doherty to run marathon?

Rock star Pete Doherty has been spotted running in Marlborough, with his former landlord Ralph Bernard.  more...

Charity works to send bibles abroad

A Wiltshire-based Christian charity has used the launch of an alternative Christmas catalogue to raise money to send more than 2,000 bibles to China.  more...

Council says goodbye to long serving staff member

Tomorrow Kennet District council will say a fond farewell to one of its longest serving members of staff.  more...

Waterside development begins

THE £90 million Waterside development in Trowbridge has taken a significant step forward.  more...

Colleges to merge

Wiltshire College will merge with Salisbury College, it has been revealed today.  more...

Drink driver hits row of cars

POTTERNE High Street resembled a battle scene in the early hours of Sunday morning after a Rover coupe crashed into a line of parked cars.  more...

Lettings scheme to go ahead

The government will fund a new system for affordable housing in Wiltshire.  more...

Woottonbassett News

Town stands still to mark repatriation

THE High Street in Wootton Bassett came to a standstill yesterday as the body of serviceman Lee Johnson was repatriated into RAF Lyneham.  more...

Panic at the pumps

DRIVERS panic-buying diesel could leave the pumps dry in Swindon.  more...

Salisbury Journal News

College merger approved

GOVERNMENT approval has been given for the merger of Salisbury College with Chippenham-based Wiltshire College in what is described as a long-term strategy to provide one of the best General Further Education institutions in the South West.   more...

Angel at St Thomas'

A CHRISTMAS angel meant to perch on top of the Salisbury Guildhall has been forced to change course and instead make its landing at St Thomas' Church.   more...

Partial victory to retain buses

BUS users in Ringwood have won a partial victory in the battle to keep bus services that for many are their only way of getting to and from Ringwood.   more...

Salisbury Journal Sport

Hospital Cup draw

SALISBURY City will host Chalke Valley in the first round (quarter-final) of this season's Hospital Cup.   more...

Whites to host Chalke Valley in Hospital Cup tie

SALISBURY City will host Chalke Valley in the first round (quarter-final) of this season's Hospital Cup.   more...

Weymouth tickets now on sale

TICKETS are now on sale during usual office hours at the ground for Salisbury City's all-ticket Blue Square Premier match on Boxing Day with Weymouth (kick off 3pm).   more...

Swindon Advertiser Business

Love can be such a lottery

As a US woman prepares to sue her husband for her share of his recent lottery win which he kept secret from her, we may ponder how such behaviour fits with traditional marriage vows.   more...

Jason branches out

The man who has planted more trees than most people have had hot dinners has doubled his business in a little more than a year.   more...

Max makes the headlines

Waterman's CPM, is an environmental planning and design company which looks after the old as well as creating the new.   more...

The squeeze gets tighter, says CBI

Business growth predictions for 2008 have been downgraded for the third quarter running, due to continuing credit market difficulties and record oil price rises, allied to weaker domestic and global demand, according to the CBI in the Thames Valley.   more...

Don't let the banks make the decision

Research carried out by the Forum of Private Business has revealed that most of the smaller businesses surveyed want market forces to decide when to phase out cheques, rather than banks.   more...

1,000 new customers for Consortium

Leading schools supplier The Consortium, of Trowbridge, has won more than 1,000 new customers. less than six months after its launch into the Early Years sector.   more...

Despite the weather the pub battled on

Despite being flooded out during the summer rains, when The Carpenter's Arms at South Marston had more than two inches of water coursing through its ground floor, the pub has still won a five-star rating for its kitchens.   more...

Setting on his sights on expansion

A Wiltshire-based man who has become one of Britain's youngest and most successful entrepreneurs has set up a new operations centre in Swindon.   more...

Christmas Eve working is a waste

A new survey commissioned by Regus, the world's largest supplier of work space, reveals that Christmas Eve 2007 is set to be a complete waste of time and energy for businesses across the South West.   more...

Moneymen say 2008 will be tough

A survey published today by the Chartered Management Institute confirms that managers in the South West believe 2008 will be a tougher year for business. Many focus on the impact of rising business costs, higher levels of debt and a shortage of management skills.   more...

Swindon Advertiser News

Chemists open over Christmas

THESE are the opening hours for chemists over Christmas.   more...

Meet the Christmas babies

WHILE most of us were happy to receive a present from Santa, some lucky mums and dads got an extra special present this Christmas - from the stork.   more...

Chemists open over New Year

THESE are the opening hours for chemists over New Year.   more...

Did you get all you wanted?

SOMEONE once sang that all they wanted for Christmas was their two front teeth, and Mariah Carey insists all she wants for Christmas is you - but we want to know what you wanted!   more...

Fingerprints nail burglar

A BURGLAR who tried to get another thief to confess to one of his break-ins has been jailed for three years and four months.   more...

Greetings from the editor

HAPPY Christmas and festive greetings to all our Adver online readers.   more...

£90m complex a step closer

A £90m development in Wiltshire has taken a step towards becoming a reality.   more...

Test your brains with the Adverteaser

CHRISTMAS isn't all about relaxing, eating too much and cracking into the sherry, you know.   more...

Friends pay tribute to man killed in A419 crash

PINO Mazzotta was trying to get home when his life was cut tragically short after a Christmas party.   more...

Don't just sit at home all Christmas!

IF you don't fancy sitting at home eating pickled onions and pulling crackers all Christmas, why not get out and about?   more...

Tall order for Santa

Climbing a 100ft chimney in sub zero temperatures the week before Christmas isn't everyone's idea of a satisfying job, but to do it dressed as Father Christmas is certainly beyond the call of duty.   more...

Air show tickets set to take off

AEROPLANE fanatics are up in arms about plans to increase ticket prices for next year's Royal International Air Tattoo.   more...

Charity transport initiative flooded with festive requests

A CHARITY is helping to make Christmas shopping easier for disabled people in Swindon by providing a specially-adapted car to take them to nearby towns.   more...

Painting the town red...

MORE than 100 pensioners from across the town got into the Christmas spirit when they tucked into a festive lunch with all the trimmings.   more...

Community gets together for tinsel and turkey

A COMMUNITY café welcomed the Mayor of Swindon and local residents for a Christmas lunch.   more...

Council dreaming of a green Christmas

A WHITE Christmas may not be on the cards for Swindon, but the council is hoping households will make this festive season green.   more...

Pet Idol Poppy is your top dog

POPPY the dog has finally had some good news after a difficult year.   more...

Action urged to prevent more floods

THE summer floods were a wake-up call and we must ensure there is not a repeat of the devastation.   more...

Town stands still to mark repatriation of sergeant

THE High Street in Wootton Bassett once again came to a standstill yesterday as the body of serviceman Lee Johnson was repatriated into RAF Lyneham.   more...

'Pino's death has left a void in our hearts'

WHEN the Mazzottas sit down for their Christmas dinner in a few days' time there will not just be an empty place at their table, but a big void in their hearts.   more...

Laptops stolen by thieves

THIEVES stole thousands of pounds worth of laptop computers and mobile phones during a raid in Faringdon.   more...

Restored masterpiece back on show

A PAINTING depicting The Holy Family at rest on their flight into Egypt is back on display at Lydiard House after being fully restored.   more...

New care home opens its doors

A NEW care home has opened up for Swindon's young people.   more...

Time for a healthier Wiltshire

COUNCILLORS are expected to give the green light to fund the development of a project aiming to making Wiltshire the healthiest county in England by 2014.   more...

Asbestos claim win for widow

THE widow of a Wiltshire man who was exposed to asbestos while he was working on the construction of local authority houses has won substantial damages.   more...

Spread a little joy

CHRISTMAS is coming, the goose is getting fat - so why not spread a little of that festive spirit and hold a get-together to raise money for the Prospect@Home appeal?   more...

Question Time under attack

A FORMER Swindon MP has complained to the chairman of the BBC Trust about the pro-Europe leanings of a panel on Question Time.   more...

Pupils' concert raises £500

PUPILS at Warneford School in Highworth have raised more than £500 for the NSPCC with a Christmas concert.   more...

All aboard for Christmas

IF you wish to travel by train over Christmas, you will have to do so by the end of today as there are no train services tomorrow and barely any on Boxing Day.   more...

Stable fire in Wanborough

FIREFIGHTERS are still at the scene of a barn fire in Wanborough as they carry out the last checks to make sure it has stopped smouldering.   more...

Swindon Advertiser Sport

HOCKEY: Bassett grab away point

WOOTTON Bassett Ladies 1sts picked up a welcome point when they drew 3-3 at Lydney in West Clubs Premier Division 2.   more...

SPEEDWAY: Shake-up will make it tough

BSPA President Terry Russell insists the Elite League's new points system will bring increased competition in 2008, despite seeing his Robins have their wings clipped under the revised rules, writes GARETH MOORHOUSE.   more...

RUGBY: Plea for referees

THE Dorset & Wilts Society of RFU Referees is looking for new officials to help run the game at local level.   more...

The Wiltshire Gazette And Herald News

Popular Carols by candlelight

Festive folk are being invited to vote for their favourite Christmas carols - in true X-Factor style.   more...

Burglar submits false confession

A burglar who tried to get another thief to confess for one of his break ins has been jailed for three years and four months.   more...

Waterside development begins

THE £90 million Waterside development in Trowbridge has taken a significant step forward.   more...

Fire in Cricklade road

Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service was called last night to reports of a severe fire in Cricklade Road, Swindon at 10:10.   more...

Popular Carols by candlelight

Festive folk are being invited to vote for their favourite Christmas carols - in true X-Factor style.   more...

Deputy mayor questions crime figures

DEPUTY mayor of Marlborough claims she is the victim of "a witchhunt" after another council claimed she had challenged the accuracy of crime figures.   more...

Police arrest biker after high speed chase

POLICE have arrested a 44-year-old biker after a chase through the Wiltshire countryside at speeds in excess of 100mph.   more...

Poison removed from court

THERE was consternation in Kennet magistrates' court on today when the bench withdrew while an empty canister of poison was removed from court.   more...

Weekend fire in Corston

POLICE are investigating a suspected arson attack on a home in the normally tranquil village of Corston, near Malmesbury.   more...

Painting returned to Lydiard House

A 17th century painting has been returned to it's home at Lydiard House and Park.   more...

Police crackdown on mini-bikes

POLICE are cracking down on youths riding mini motorbikes in the Hill Rise area of Chippenham after calls from angry residents.   more...

Hot foot into New Year

DARING duo Mark Hawkins and Andy Merrett are setting off on their Indian Rickshaw Run today.   more...

Malmesbury man to appear on quiz show

TELLY addict Elliott Curtis will be competing for the title of Britain's Number One Soap Fan this Christmas.   more...

Widow wins payout

The widow of a Chippenham man who died after being exposed to asbestos while working on houses for the local council has won a substantial payout.   more...

Families to benefit from new play area

FAMILIES in Lyneham will all benefit from outdoor activities when the new play area is built thanks to a lottery grant organised by the council.   more...

Pewsey man testifies at inquest

An 18-year-old man from Pewsey has testified at the inquest into the death of a 17-year-old schoolmate.   more...

Drink driver hits row of cars

POTTERNE High Street resembled a battle scene in the early hours of Sunday morning after a Rover coupe crashed into a line of parked cars.   more...

Town stands still to mark repatriation

THE High Street in Wootton Bassett came to a standstill yesterday as the body of serviceman Lee Johnson was repatriated into RAF Lyneham.   more...

Panic at the pumps

DRIVERS panic-buying diesel could leave the pumps dry in Swindon.   more...

Second time is the charm

LYDIA Houghton is living proof that, sometimes in life, things are just meant to be.   more...

Campaign to save Callum

GENEROUS people have already pledged £40,000 to help young Callum Kaye leave the country for treatment.   more...

Lettings scheme to go ahead

The government will fund a new system for affordable housing in Wiltshire.   more...

Builder killed after Christmas party

PINO Mazzotta was trying to get home when his life was cut tragically short after a Christmas party.   more...

Charity works to send bibles abroad

A Wiltshire-based Christian charity has used the launch of an alternative Christmas catalogue to raise money to send more than 2,000 bibles to China.   more...

Action urged on floods

THE summer floods were a wake-up call and we must ensure there is not a repeat of the devastation.   more...

Have a green Christmas and a waste free New Year

The festive period is traditionally one of the busiest times of the year for refuse and recycling.   more...

Recycle your Christmas cards

The Woodland Trust has announced that people will be able to recycle their Christmas cards at all WH Smith high street stores and all major Tesco stores across the UK from January 2-31. Christmas cards can also be recycled at HRCs along with other cardboard.   more...

Colleges to merge

Wiltshire College will merge with Salisbury College, it has been revealed today.   more...

Doherty to run marathon?

Rock star Pete Doherty has been spotted running in Marlborough, with his former landlord Ralph Bernard.   more...

Council says goodbye to long serving staff member

Tomorrow Kennet District council will say a fond farewell to one of its longest serving members of staff.   more...

The Wiltshire Gazette And Herald Sport

Town finally set to seal deal

The Swindon Town takeover will be completed at 3pm today.   more...

Devizes youngsters end year in style

Results: Melksham 0 Devizes 25; Devizes 5 Avonvale 5; Melksham 0 Avonvale 10.   more...

Minutes tick by for Robins fans

Swindon Town fans are still being made to wait as the Andrew Fitton takeover is yet to be completed.   more...

Chippenham 2nd 14, Marlborough 32

Rugby: Marlborough completed the league double over an ill-disciplined Chippenham side on Saturday.   more...

Devizes 2nd 62, Swindon College 2nd 0

Rugby: Devizes 2nd completed the double against lowly placed Swindon College whitewashing them by 62 points to nil in a home game. The College couldn't match the power and work rate of the Devizes pack nor the individual skills of the threes.   more...

Mings relishing tough Town test

Adie Mings says his Chippenham Town side can take inspiration from facing a strong Swindon Town side tonight.   more...

Double triumph for Chippenham U15

Youth rugby: Chippenham's Under 15 squad were able to field two teams to fulfil fixtures against Clifton and Corsham and both teams recorded fine victories. With seven regular players either not available or injured, the squad were only able to field the bare fifteen players needed for each team but they came through.   more...

Youngsters' mini rugby joy

Youth rugby: Chippenham Minis v Wootton Bassett Minis   more...

Wiltshire Times News

Hotline set up for SOS calendar

A NEW telephone line has been set up by police for elderly people in Wiltshire to order a crime-busting calendar.   more...

Skydivers raise Dot House funds

A TRIO from Trowbridge has raised £1,425 for Dorothy House Hospice by jumping out of a plane from 15,000 feet.   more...

Restaurant wins top window prize

RESTAURANT Red or White in Trowbridge was judged the winner in an annual Christmas Window competition.   more...

Goodwill to all? I don't think so...

IT won't just be the weather that's icy this Christmas, as families in the West region brace themselves for some frosty festive feuding.   more...

Special car is big festive hit

A WILTSHIRE-based charity is helping to make Christmas shopping easier for disabled people by providing a specially adapted car to take them into nearby towns and cities.   more...

Bowyers blaze tackled

FIRE crews from Trowbridge were called to a blaze in an electrical vent at Pork Farm Bowyers in Stallard Street at around 1pm today.   more...

Attack man undergoes surgery

A 20-YEAR-OLD Warminster man is undergoing surgery to his face today after he was badly injured in an attack last night.   more...

Tributes to devoted teacher

A DEVOTED teacher at a village primary school has died.   more...

Rivals offer gift to Tesco row couple

AN elderly couple told off by Tesco for spending too much time in the store have been handed an olive branch by one of the supermarket's main rivals, Asda.   more...

£90m plan takes big step forward

THE £90 million Waterside development in Trowbridge took a significant step forward yesterday.   more...

Festive recycling plea

MORE than 6,000 tonnes of extra waste will be generated by households in Wiltshire this Christmas, according to new figures.   more...

Hill fall man rescued

FIRE crews from Corsham were joined by rope rescue teams from Chippenham and Trowbridge on Monday to rescue a man who had a bad fall.   more...

Mobile phone winners revealed

THE first winners of the Wiltshire Times' mobile phone competition have been announced.   more...

Black Farmer's clash with Asda

PROSPECTIVE Tory parliamentary candidateWilfred Emmanuel-Jones has slammed Asda over its plans for a new store in Melksham.   more...

Purse snatch op 'success'

AN undercover operation by police to catch purse-snatchers and shoplifters in Chippenham is being hailed a success.   more...

College merger approved

THE merger of Wiltshire College with Salisbury has been approved by Bill Rammell, the Minister of State for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education.   more...

Festive bin collection changes

REFUSE workers in north Wiltshire will be carrying out bin collections as normal over the festive period.   more...

MP's battle for Army kids

SCHOOLS in Wiltshire with students from military families are being snubbed by the government for vital funding, according to a west Wiltshire MP.   more...

Training course for community art groups

PLACES are now available for a special four-day training course that covers all aspects of planning, fundraising for and managing a community arts project.   more...

Wiltshire Times Sport

Referee cost us the game, says Shanley

Oxford City Nomads 2, Trowbridge Town 1   more...

Trowbridge go three points clear at the top

Corsham 13, Trowbridge 29   more...

Avent leads derby try spree

Corsham 2nds 39, Chippenham 3rds 0.   more...

You can put your shirt on Corsham Colts

Corsham Colts 32, Devizes Colts 7   more...

Chippenham retain unbeaten record

Chippenham 17, High Wycombe 5   more...

Twin wins for under 15s

CHIPPENHAM'S under 15 squad were able to field two teams to fulfil fixtures   more...

Phipps scores double in cup triumph

Chippenham under 14s 19, Salisbury under 14s 10   more...

Derby win is Taylor-made

Chippenham under 13s 22, Corsham under 13s 15   more...

  
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