Stories for 20 December 2007

Bradford News

We help to save lunch club for OAPs

A LUNCH club for elderly people in Bradford on Avon has been saved from closure after it appealed for volunteers to come forward in the Wiltshire Times.  more...

Bride Of The Year 2007

FINALISTS: Vicky Lewis and Simon Lowe

THE last of our four finalists are 21-year-old Vicky Lewis and 26-year-old Simon Lowe.  more...

Calne News

Trapped on allotment

A DISABLED woman was trapped in an allotment in Calne for two hours in the cold and dark after builders added an extra lock to gates to safeguard their materials.  more...

Chippenham News

Asda fights back

FAMILIES are preparing to fight a bid by supermarket giant ASDA to win Government support for a new store.  more...

Early gifts for winning stores

CHRISTMAS has come early for two shop owners in Chippenham after they won the best-dressed festive window display 2007.  more...

Kids take Bart to heart

Hundreds of children flocked to a Chippenham store to meet Bart Simpson at the weekend.  more...

Black Farmers clash with Asda

PROSPECTIVE Tory parliamentary candidateWilfred Emmanuel-Jones has slammed Asda over its plans for a new store in Melksham. The supermarket giant has formally submitted a planning application to build a 28,500 sq ft store on land off the A350 at the West of Midland Farmers roundabout, which would create 300 jobs. If planning permission is granted the store could open in 2009.  more...

Mast blights TV

Frustrated residents have complained that a new mobile phone mast is affecting their TV reception.  more...

Pub proprieter pays the price

The proprietor of a Chippenham pub today paid the price at London's High Court for playing music in the premises without a licence, even though he has now brought it up to date.  more...

Shed break-ins prompt warning

A SPATE of shed break-ins has prompted police in Calne to appeal to the public in the run-up to Christmas.  more...

Payout for asbestos victim's widow

THE widow of a Chippenham man who was exposed to asbestos while building homes for the local authority has won a "substantial amount" in damages.  more...

Chippenham Sunday League News

Bromham expect magic from Paget

THIRD Division Bromham, who are going through a bit of a bad time at the moment, have resigned 16-year-old Sam Paget.   more...

Competitions

Win a dream drive at Castle Combe

How about a New Year treat to beat those winter blues?  more...

Corsham News

MRSA victim home for Christmas

CORSHAM pensioner Don Stevenson is home in time for Christmas following a six-month ordeal in hospital.  more...

Devizes News

Happy slap attack

THE mother of nine-year-old Charleigh Millward says her daughter has been left traumatised by a happy slapping attack.  more...

Kiwi brews family link

A NEW generation of the Wadworth family has entered the business after the founder's great great grand nephew joined the company on work experience.  more...

Dads in paint attack

THE campaign group Fathers 4 Justice attacked the home of family court judge Sir Matthew Thorpe in Seend High Street on Sunday night.  more...

Bright sparks help spread festive joy

SHERSTON grandmother Sue Evans has, once again, spectacularly lit up her home for Christmas.  more...

Merged school is proud of excellence

OUR fact file is quite correct. Kennet Valley School does indeed have two addresses.  more...

Entertainments

Levellers to play at Larmer Tree

FESTIVAL favourites, The Levellers, have been booked for next year's Larmer Tree Festival.  more...

Strong performances all round

THE Winter’s Tale by William Shakespeare was performed by pupils of Bishop Wordsworth’s School and South Wilts Grammar School in four performances earlier this month.   more...

Back by popular demand

IF you are looking for a great alternative to pantomime this festive season, then look no further than Boncza & Lumley, back by popular demand in cabaret style at Salisbury Playhouse (Salberg Studio).  more...

Audience delight as musicians rise to challenge

SALISBURY Symphony Orchestra seems to thrive on a challenge and the varied programme for its concert on Saturday, November 24, proved just how far these talented musicians can go.   more...

Tribute night for club pioneer

A TRIBUTE night to the late Martin James and the music played at his former club Concordes was held at the Level 2 night club on Friday.  more...

Gazette Chippenham Town Fc

Video: Chippenham Town 0, Swindon Town 2

Watch exclusive Gazette match highlights of Chippenham Town's 2-0 home defeat to Swindon Town in the Wiltshire Premier Shield semi-final first leg on Tuesday, with commentary from Nick Mashiter.  more...

Gazette Film Reviews

Animated festive yarn hard on the ears

Alvin and the Chipmunks BABE, the 1995 Oscar-winning film, employed a trio of singing mice as the farmyard's Greek chorus.  more...

St Trinian's frothy and undemanding fun

GIRLS just wanna have fun in Oliver Parker and Barnaby Thompson's revival of the naughty hockey stick-wielding minxes, first immortalised in the cartoons of Ronald Searle.  more...

Gazette Football

Cruel decision wrecks hat-trick record bid

Sunday Football: Hot-Shot Craig Townsend was left heartbroken when cruelly denied an incredible league hat-trick record by a stoppage-time offside call.  more...

Gazette General Sport

Magic Michael tipped to fill Murray's boots

Aldbourne tennis starlet Michael Puttick has been tipped to follow in the footsteps of Andy Murray – and he is already setting his sights on the professional tour.  more...

Gazette Obituaries

Violet Lewis

The Rev Michael Pevy officiated at the funeral of Violet Lewis, 99, at the United Reformed Church in Wood Street, Wootton Bassett, where she worshipped throughout her long life.  more...

Bryan Coupe

RETIRED dental surgeon Bryan Coupe, a popular and much respected villager in Great Cheverell, has died at the age 80.  more...

Ron Breach

RON Breach, who could truly be called Mr Bromham, has died at the age of 83 after devoting most of his life to the village.  more...

Gazette Sport Adie Mings Column

The boys must look after their bodies over Christmas

All I want for Christmas is to have footballers who want to enjoy their football, want to win things and want to achieve.  more...

Gazette Swindon Town Fc

Williams focused on his football

Ady Williams says Swindon Town's players are not thinking about the club's on-going takeover saga – and are purely focused on their football.  more...

Fans demand clarity as takeover drags on

TrustSTFC has called for clarity as the takeover saga rumbles on at Swindon Town.  more...

Gazette Theatre & Arts

Traditional family fun and games are a hit

The Theatre Royal's reputation for great traditional family entertainment in its pantomime is enhanced once again with this year's show.  more...

Champagne start to the new year

One of those rare instruments whose sound is better known than its name, the cimbalom, features in the London Gala Orchestra's now familiar New Year's Day concerts in Bath and Salisbury.  more...

Ugly duckling waddles into affections

Honk!  more...

Journal Features

Rod's keeping up an age-old tradition

Tea towels and stripey kaftans have very little to do with modern shepherding, as Lesley Bates hears  more...

Letters

Vandalising attendants’ cars is unfair

Your headline "Motorists strike back" in last week's Gazette was misleading and irresponsible.  more...

Let allotments stay

I see that Devizes Town Council has rejected an idea to promote the allotment land at Windsor Drive for residential development.  more...

Paper boy, 80, retires

Things will never be quite the same again in Manningford Bruce.  more...

Thanks for prizes

may I express the thanks of the trustees of The Merchant's House in Marlborough to everyone who made our Christmas coffee morning such a success recently.  more...

Guidance for carers

It was brilliant to get coverage in the Gazette and Herald last week about Princess Anne but I was worried there may be carers out there who read the article and then wondered where to get help. All carers from the day are registered at Carers Support organisations throughout Wiltshire which provide advice, information and support to unpaid family carers. This can include: carer's social groups, days out, training, financial advice on carer entitlements, home visits, advocacy and signposting. If you are a carer or know someone who is a carer please get in touch.  more...

Musical invitation

On behalf of Devizes Town Band I would like to say thank you to everyone who has supported us in 2007, especially those who have joined our audiences again and again and given us so much encouragement. We hope we have given them enjoyment.  more...

Help continue work

May I thank your readers for the wonderful support they have given to our Tenovus shops at 20 The Brittox, Devizes and 5 Bank Street, Melksham over the past 12 months.  more...

Wife spared hassle

The season of peace and goodwill must have played a part last Saturday when my wife lost her purse in Sainbury's in Devizes and a gentleman who didn't leave his name found it and handed it in.  more...

Headline misleads

I refer to your article, page 46, December 13, under the heading Arthritis care boost'. This is misleading because it is not Arthritis Care receiving the money but Arthritis Research Campaign which is a separate charity.  more...

Nothing but closure

Thank you for highlighting the potential closure of the post office in London Road, Marlborough.  more...

Walk to next post office is unsuitable

As you have reported the Post Office has now announced which post offices it thinks are surplus to requirements, and this includes my local one in Bradenstoke.  more...

Pub is still missed

I read with interest your article reference post office closures in the December 13 edition.  more...

Carnival cash boost

The Tuesday Club wishes to thank Malmesbury Carnival committee for its generous donation to the club. A cheque was presented at the announcement of the Carnival's AGM and was received by Mike Scanlon, a member of the club, and has already funded a celebration luncheon in Luckington.  more...

Listen to the people

Where will our society end up? We have seen more effects on our community by the announced closure of yet more post offices. We have seen hospitals, police stations, armed forces etc all affected by cost cutting exercises. There comes a point when society must stand firm and stop further cutbacks.  more...

Year of huge success

This year the Poppy Appeal in Chippenham has surpassed all previous efforts and raised a magnificent £28,000.  more...

Long late-night walk

I go to Exeter regularly to visit a sick relation. Now I am 80 I have given up driving there and go from Pewsey station instead.  more...

Where are shoppers?

Oh dear, what has happened to Christmas trade in Devizes?  more...

Facts on new school

Thank you for your coverage of the Hans Jensen Trust and the school in Siem Reap, Cambodia in last week's Gazette and Herald.  more...

Is sell-off forgotten?

I read with interest your article (December 6) Blueprint for the park'.  more...

Malmesbury News

92-year-old terrified in house raid

BURGLARS who broke in to a terrified 92-year-old woman's home while she slept told her they were policemen.  more...

Town hall facelift forces tax increase

MALMESBURY Town Council has acknowledged taxpayers will be "hit hard" by a rise in next year's precept - mainly because of the rising cost of the town hall refurbishment.  more...

Strictly not for L drivers

BODYGUARDS across the world now have a new teacher - Malmesbury driving instructor Ray Sanderson.  more...

Marlborough News

Help in the case of floods

FAMILIES living in the most flood prone part of Marlborough have had their fears allayed over where to obtain sandbags over the Christmas holiday period.  more...

Outstanding example

FOLLOWING an Ofsted inspection, Great Bedwyn Primary has emerged as one of the top schools in the country.  more...

Melksham News

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...

School defends high-tech investment

A SCHOOL preparing to move to new premises in 2009 has defended its decision to splash out on new computer facilities.  more...

New school plan gets green light

PLANS for a new secondary school in Melksham have taken a big step forward.   more...

Peter Russell Column

We can finish fifth if we keep up the same level

Written by Wildcats general manager Steve Nell  more...

Ray Burroughs' Racing Column

Black Jack Ketchum could provide some festive cheer

The Andy Turnell-trained Blue Bajan looks set to run in the competitive novice hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day The talented Flat performer hardly came out of second gear to win at Leicester recently and although his jumping was not that special he was never in danger of being beaten.  more...

Robbo'S Column

We just can't afford to keep young stars

We should see the new owners come in this week and we are all desperate for it to happen.  more...

Salisbury Business News

Former pupils at Trethowans

FORMER Salisbury schoolgirl Lyndsay White has qualified as a solicitor in the litigation services group at Trethowans.  more...

Manitou links up with financial service group

A COMPANY that is familiar to many working in construction, agriculture and industry, has signed up financial services group Smith & Williamson, following its help with a competitive tender in French.  more...

Bid to win awards for excellence

NOW is the time to put your company's name forward for three business award schemes.  more...

Salisbury Children'S Page

Time to hang up your Christmas stockings

IT'S CHRISTMAS!  more...

Salisbury Letters

Hospital's closure is a rash decision

IT is hard to believe the Primary Care Trust has decided to close Fordingbridge Hospital to admissions pending the outcome of an inquiry into alleged poor quality of care by three members of staff.  more...

Stonehenge decision is a blessing in disguise

I SEE the powers that be have apparently scrapped plans for the expensive and impractical Stonehenge tunnel, which would not be either visitor or resident friendly.  more...

Salisbury News

'Ambulance service failed hurt boy, five'

A SOUTH Wiltshire school has made a formal complaint to ambulance chiefs after paramedics failed to arrive to treat a five-year-old boy badly hurt in a playground accident.  more...

Battle lines drawn over Post Office's proposals

HOUSEHOLDERS are being urged to "return to sender"  more...

Salisbury Rural Focus

Farmers urged to speak out over costs

LIVESTOCK farmers across the region are being urged to speak out over Government plans to transfer millions of pounds of the cost of dealing with animal disease outbreaks onto the industry.  more...

Save Our Post Office Campaign

Mayor leads charge to rescue post office

TOWN councillors are going to spearhead a battle to prevent London Road Post Office in Marlborough from closing.  more...

County united in battle

PEOPLE across north Wiltshire are gearing up for the battle to save their rural post offices.  more...

Support flooding in

VILLAGERS have rallied around owners of post offices that have been marked for the chop.  more...

Stand Point Column

Tozer off to Toon on the cheap

There were two pre-match stories at the County Ground last Saturday. One revolved around the on-off takeover saga concerning Andrew Fitton, while the other was the rumour that Ben Tozer would be announced as a Newcastle United player on Monday.  more...

Stfc News Headlines

Inland Revenue closing in on Town

THE Inland Revenue are closing in on Swindon Town as the ongoing takeover farce at the County Ground remains unresolved.  more...

Corr vows to play through the pain to help Town

BARRY Corr is determined to do what he can to help improve Town's current managerial duo's job prospects - even if that means playing with a broken back.  more...

SPORTSDESK COMMENT: Hurry up and sign or this club will die!

JUST what on earth is going on at Swindon Town Football Club?  more...

Conditional deal finally signed

A CONDITIONAL agreement has finally been signed by Andrew Fitton's consortium as their protracted Town takeover saga comes to an end.  more...

Swindon Business Headlines

The name of the game is franchising

With 93 per cent of all franchising units making a profit and the industry worth a record £10.8bn (£1.33bn in the South West), the lure of franchising as an attractive business venture has never been greater.  more...

Record year for Deloitte

Deloitte's corporate finance team in Bristol is celebrating a record-breaking year which saw a total of 14 deals completed - with a combined value in excess of £600 million.  more...

Insolvency cases set to rise

The number of companies becoming insolvent will rise in 2008 to its highest level since 2003 according to South West-based accountants and business advisers BDO Stoy Hayward. In 2007 BDO Stoy Hayward's Bristol office has handled over 25 corporate insolvencies, but it expects this figure to increase as the credit squeeze takes effect.  more...

Climb this mountain for success

Heng Genting Mountain Adventures are delivering the Sportsleaders UK basic expedition leaders' course in Swindon and North Wiltshire in the spring of 2008.  more...

Credit card companies told to slash their rates

The Forum of Private Business is calling for a European Union ruling forcing credit card companies to slash retailers' rates to be implemented in the UK. It would be an early Christmas present for smaller retailers, many of whom already take advantage of the FPB's discounted credit and debit card rates.  more...

Swindon Eating Out

The Arthouse Café, Melksham

ART and food have been combined to great effect at a Melksham gallery/café which is celebrating its six-month anniversary.  more...

So tasty it was hard to choose what to eat

When friends said they had heard good things about The Fox at Broughton Gifford we thought we'd give it a whirl and go with them.  more...

Swindon News

Teen death tragedy

TRIBUTES have been paid to "great person and friend" Stewart Aitken this week, after the 18-year-old, from Wootton Bassett, was found dead on Friday night.  more...

Big brother is watching . . . even more

BIG Brother is about to get bigger.  more...

Wish you were here

IT'S a town regularly mocked by those living elsewhere, but according to one hotel chain Swindon is fast becoming the place to be.  more...

Quo's Westonbirt date

LEGENDARY British rock band Status Quo will be visiting Westonbirt Arboretum for a tour date in the summer.  more...

Future of leisure centre looks richer

CRICKLADE Leisure Centre is set to expand, after receiving a £70,000 funding boost.  more...

Train service facing delays over holiday

WARNINGS have been sounded to rail users planning to use trains in and around Swindon over Christmas.  more...

Be taxi safe this Christmas

WITH the Christmas party season in full swing, the number of incidents involving bogus taxi drivers is set to increase.  more...

Top surgeon calls it a day

ONE of the town's top surgeons has put down his scalpel for the last time.  more...

Ever felt you were being watched...?

BIG Brother is about to get bigger.  more...

Friends shocked by Stewart's death

FRIENDS have paid tribute to Wootton Bassett teenager Stewart Aitken, who died tragically on Friday.  more...

Town honoured with tsunami building

NUMBER 51 - a new house in the port of Nizampatnam in India - proudly bears the name Swindon thanks to the fundraising efforts of the town's trio of Rotary clubs.  more...

Tree fire danger

IT takes 45 seconds for Christmas tree to be consumed in fire - and to destroy a living room.  more...

Man admits breaking into two houses

A MAN has been remanded in custody after admitting breaking into two houses while on early release from prison.  more...

MPs backing Farepak compensation claim

A CAMPAIGN to compensate victims of collapsed Westlea-based hamper firm Farepak is gathering pace, an MP said today.  more...

Teenager stole shop takings from car seat

TEENAGER Barry Barnett is facing the prospect of a lengthy jail term after admitting robbing a driver of a shop's takings The 19-year-old snatched a bag containing the cash in a daylight robbery at the back of a parade of shops in Walcot.  more...

There's snow doubt about it

PEDESTRIANS had to put their sure foot forward to negotiate a sprinkling of snow in the town centre.  more...

Academy's first term is a success

IN recent memory, Headlands School was failing and dubbed the worst in England due to its poor GCSE results.  more...

Gang batters man with baseball bat

A MAN was savagely beaten with a baseball bat and left unconscious on the street on his way home from a work's Christmas party.  more...

'We may be messy but we do care,' says haven boss

AN RSPCA inspector and two vets have revisited under-fire Swindon and District Animal Haven and taken three dogs away.  more...

Swindon Speedway

An Ace move for quiet man Gjedde

ROBINS boss Alun Rossiter insists Charlie Gjedde must "come out of his shell" after the Dane completed a surprise loan switch to Elite League rivals Belle Vue Aces yesterday.  more...

Risager joins Peterborough on loan

ROBINS asset Morten Risager has signed for Elite League rivals Peterborough Panthers.  more...

Swindon Xmas Tree Gallery

Laura Maynard's tree

This tall, festive fir was sent in by Laura Maynard  more...

Charmaine Hacker's tree

Charmaine Hacker opted for a black tree with a silver theme this year  more...

Janice Cutting's tree

Janice Cutting has this pretty tree standing in her Upper Stratton home  more...

Carl Oakes' tree

This minature tree is giving a festive feel to Carl Oakes and Lyndsay Ball's home, in Even Swindon  more...

S Mogg's tree

This gold and brown themed tree was decorated by Mrs Mogg, of Westlea  more...

Times Celebrating

MARRIAGE: Donna Corry & John Pocock

Miss Donna Corry, formerly of Wylye and Mr John Pocock, formerly of High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire were married on November 3, in Los Angeles, California.   more...

BIRTH: Leah Summer Louise Stewart

EARLY in her pregnancy first-time mum Maria Allen knew she was having a special Christmas baby, as she craved mince pies in the middle of summer.  more...

OBITUARY: Mr Ron Breach

RON Breach, who could truly be called Mr Bromham, has died at the age of 83 after devoting most of his life to the village.  more...

OBITUARY: Mrs Jill Vincent

A DEDICATED teacher and cricket fan has died from ovarian cancer at the age of 53.  more...

Times Features Down Memory Lane

Then & Now - Ship and Punchbowl, Warminster

Public houses in Warminster are continuing to provide a wealth of information for our Then and Now series.  more...

Nostalgia

Brian Wickham, of Bradford on Avon, has sent us another photo related to the Westbourne Social Club, featured recently in Down Memory Lane.  more...

Memories of Christmas in the 1920s

Kathleen White, of Bratton, a councillor for 25 years and a Freeman of the village, was born in 1919 and has written an account of what Christmas was like in the 1920s to demonstrate how different celebrating the festive season was then.  more...

Times Film Reviews

Alvin and the Chipmunks (U)

Three lively singing chipmunk brothers, Alvin the leader, Simon the genius, and the tender Theodore are living their lives in the forest storing nuts away for the winter, when one day their tree is cut down and carried off into the city to become a Christmas tree.  more...

St Trinian’s (12A)

The infamous school for young ladies, St Trinian's, is once again facing dire financial crisis.  more...

Times Football

Warminster deliver the goods

WARMINSTER Town manager Paul Newman reckoned his side played their best football of the season as they thrashed Laverstock and Ford 4-1 in the Wessex League Division One on Saturday.  more...

Corsham extend unbeaten home run

Corsham Town 2, Radstock Town 1. CORSHAM Town edged past Radstock Town in Saturday’s Toolstation League Premier Division match despite missing a host of first half chances.  more...

Good times ahead, says Ranger

Weston St Johns 1, Bradford Town 2. BRADFORD Town boss Paul Ranger has predicted good times ahead for his side after they recorded a 2-1 away victory over Weston St Johns in the Toolstation League First Division.  more...

Times Letters

Travellers’ tales

WITH regard to the front page on December 7, Crackdown on Travellers: the problem for travellers is that 90 per cent of all traveller planning applications are turned down and have to go to appeal, where as only 20 per cent of planning applications from the settled community are turned down, this is from official government figures.  more...

Housing crisis

THE property market is out of control. Houses keep costing more but why? Rented accommodation is now dearer than a mortgage. Many people nowadays have either a poor credit rating or are on poor pay rates.  more...

A thank you

HAVING just read the letter from Mrs Lewis appealing to the thief who did not return her shopping bag left hanging on her trolley has prompted me to write because last week I did the same forgetful thing and left a full bag of expensive items hanging on my Tesco trolley.  more...

School praised

WHEN asked by my friend's children to attend their Christmas play at Studley Green Primary, Trowridge, I really underestimated them.  more...

Try white lines

I READ in last week's Wiltshire Times that the A36 has claimed yet another life on the notorious Black Dog Hill.  more...

Christmas chaos

I HOPE Andrew Jones (Letters, December 14) will appreciate this Christmas Cracker in the spirit in which it is intended, but I do have a serious point if anyone has the Sense to See it.  more...

Well done Times

CONGRATULATIONS to the Wiltshire Times for once again leading the fight against the threatened closure of yet another of our valued and vital services, this time our local Post Offices.  more...

Festive wishes

WITH Trowbridge town centre bustling under a sparkling sheet of new Christmas lights and a Christmas tree to make any town proud, may I through your newspaper, and on behalf of Trowbridge Town Council, extend seasonal greetings to all the townsfolk of Trowbridge.  more...

Times Music

The Gig Guide

FRIDAY DECEMBER 21 Jazz at the Fat Fowl, an additional date added due to demand after last night's gig sold out. A very special Christmas treat with Jason Rebello, piano, Dave Whitford, bass, and Stephen Keogh, drums plus the launch of their new CD Jazz Rainbow. Adm £15 from (01225) 863111. The Fat Fowl, Silver St, Bradford on Avon, 7.45pm.  more...

Times Rugby

South West Under 16s squad named for Munster tour

THE South West Under-16 selectors have named a 40-man strong squad for their tour to Munster this weekend.  more...

Times Theatre

REVIEW: Aladdin

Until January 20, Theatre Royal Bath. NO-ONE is immune to the might of pantomime, not grumpy small boys, gloomy grandads dragged along on a family outing or doubting dads ‘not sure their children are old enough for this yet’ (grown-up code for ‘have I got to sit through this?’).  more...

Hansel and Gretel

Wednesday, December 19 until Monday, December 31, Circus Minimus, Thursday, December 27 until Sunday, January 6 the egg @ Theatre Royal Bath. The egg theatre has teamed up with the ever popular Lyngo Theatre to produce two shows to complement the Theatre Royal’s family pantomime in the Main House.  more...

Snow White & Babes in the Wood

Thursday, January 10 until Saturday, January 19; Thursday, January 31 until Sunday, February 3 Arc Theatre, Trowbridge. The Arc Theatre is offering a perfect New Year treat with two family pantos taking to the stage in January and February.   more...

Boncza and Lumley

Until Saturday, January 5, Salberg Studio, Salisbury Playhouse. This Christmas, Salisbury Playhouse will be presenting Boncza and Lumley: Back By Popular Demand, in the Salberg Studio until Saturday, January 5.   more...

Times Two

My Wiltshire Life - Ruth Gretton

RUTH Gretton, 48, is a Wiltshire woman through and through. Born in Bradford on Avon, she was brought up in Winsley, where her parents, Eunice and Derek Godfrey, still live.  more...

Times Wiltshire News

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...

Inside this week's Wiltshire Times

THIS week's Wiltshire Times and Chippenham News is packed with news, sport and features, plus there's a 28-page Christmas and New Year TV guide inside.  more...

Committee chief backs our campaign

THE chairman of West Wiltshire District Council's scrutiny committee has backed the Wiltshire Times' post office campaign.  more...

Trowbridge News

Pupils aim to beat the bullies

A PRIMARY school in Trowbridge has asked its pupils to come up with a guide to preventing bullying.  more...

Villagers in post office protest

VILLAGERS congregated around the door of their local post office with placards and posters on Tuesday in protest at its impending closure.  more...

£2.65m motor park plan revealed

WORK on a £2.65m motor park in Trowbridge is nearing completion and could be open by early next year.  more...

Victim's fury at 'big softie' judge

AN antiques shop owner who fended off a masked raider armed with an axe has called for a crown court judge to be struck off after he spared the culprit a prison sentence.  more...

Barman assaulted in pub raid

TWO men assaulted a barman and stole money from a pub cash till in Trowbridge on Friday.  more...

Westbury News

Pupil attack was just a prank

POLICE have issued a statement following an incident in which a Westbury schoolboy had his hair set alight as he walked down Springfield Road on Monday.  more...

Wilbur

BIRTHDAYS!

CONGRATULATIONS to our Junior of the Week Kyle Thompson, of Westbury, who wins a £5 voucher from The Toy Shop, plus two Happy Meals from McDonald's in Trowbridge, Melksham or Chippenham.  more...

Wiltshire News

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...

Debate on estate link-up plan

LINKING up roads on a Corsham estate to other parts of the town will be discussed by North Wiltshire district councillors next week.  more...

It only takes seconds . . .

IT takes 45 seconds for Christmas tree to be consumed in fire - and to destroy a living room.  more...

Rare voles spotted in Wiltshire waterways

Britain's most endangered mammal has been found alive and well in five of Wiltshire's waterways, a survey has revealed. The Wiltshire Wildlife Trust said it has discovered water voles living on the banks of the Kennet, the Avon, the Wylye, the Nadder and the Kennet and Avon Canal.  more...

Hercules crews play Santa

Servicemen and women from RAF Lyneham played Father Christmas and headed out to Iraq to deliver presents to troops.  more...

Watt a wonderful show

All over the county families are trying to outdo each other with their spectacular Christmas decorations.  more...

Plastic bag ban in Tisbury

If you're planning a shopping trip to Tisbury, you'd best not forget your shopping bags.  more...

Salisbury Journal Business

Former pupils at Trethowans

FORMER Salisbury schoolgirl Lyndsay White has qualified as a solicitor in the litigation services group at Trethowans.   more...

Manitou links up with financial service group

A COMPANY that is familiar to many working in construction, agriculture and industry, has signed up financial services group Smith & Williamson, following its help with a competitive tender in French.   more...

Bid to win awards for excellence

NOW is the time to put your company's name forward for three business award schemes.   more...

Salisbury Journal News

Battle lines drawn over Post Office's proposals

HOUSEHOLDERS are being urged to "return to sender"   more...

'Ambulance service failed hurt boy, five'

A SOUTH Wiltshire school has made a formal complaint to ambulance chiefs after paramedics failed to arrive to treat a five-year-old boy badly hurt in a playground accident.   more...

Swindon Advertiser Business

Spare a thought for the workers

As many workplaces prepare to shut down today for the Christmas break and thoughts turn to family and friends, mince pies and presents under the tree, the TUC is urging everyone to spare a thought for the 135,000 people who will be working this Christmas Day.   more...

Record year for Deloitte

Deloitte's corporate finance team in Bristol is celebrating a record-breaking year which saw a total of 14 deals completed - with a combined value in excess of £600 million.   more...

Insolvency cases set to rise

The number of companies becoming insolvent will rise in 2008 to its highest level since 2003 according to South West-based accountants and business advisers BDO Stoy Hayward. In 2007 BDO Stoy Hayward's Bristol office has handled over 25 corporate insolvencies, but it expects this figure to increase as the credit squeeze takes effect.   more...

The name of the game is franchising

With 93 per cent of all franchising units making a profit and the industry worth a record £10.8bn (£1.33bn in the South West), the lure of franchising as an attractive business venture has never been greater.   more...

Credit card companies told to slash their rates

The Forum of Private Business is calling for a European Union ruling forcing credit card companies to slash retailers' rates to be implemented in the UK. It would be an early Christmas present for smaller retailers, many of whom already take advantage of the FPB's discounted credit and debit card rates.   more...

At last longer holidays

Thanks to union campaigning and government action, the 2007 Christmas and Boxing Day bank holidays are the first that bosses won't be able to count against the European minimum of four weeks paid holiday.   more...

Time to shop a Scrooge

The TUC is today calling on the British public to Shop a Scrooge', and report unscrupulous bosses not paying the minimum wage this Christmas to the National Minimum Wage helpline - 0845 6000 678.   more...

Climb this mountain for success

Heng Genting Mountain Adventures are delivering the Sportsleaders UK basic expedition leaders' course in Swindon and North Wiltshire in the spring of 2008.   more...

Swindon Advertiser News

Gang batters man with baseball bat

A MAN was savagely beaten with a baseball bat and left unconscious on the street on his way home from a work's Christmas party.   more...

'We may be messy but we do care,' says haven boss

AN RSPCA inspector and two vets have revisited under-fire Swindon and District Animal Haven and taken three dogs away.   more...

Vandal moggy trashed my carpet

A TRES-PUSSING moggy ruined a cream carpet after sneaking into a great-grandmother's flat.   more...

Caring gifts for the homeless

CHILDREN from Ruskin and Beechcroft schools have done their bit for the town's homeless this Christmas.   more...

Compost is festive treat

CHRISTMAS leftovers could help Swindon gardeners to bumper harvests next year, say green experts.   more...

Plenty of Christmas cheer

PENSIONERS toasted Christmas with fine fare and music in Penhill.   more...

£17m hospital funding falls through

CHIPPENHAM Hospital will not receive the £17m extra funding it was hoping for.   more...

Stephanie's Christmas Cracker

AS it's Christmas I've been pulling lots of crackers to find a corker of a festive joke for you all to chuckle at over your turkey.   more...

MPs backing Farepak compensation claim

A CAMPAIGN to compensate victims of collapsed Westlea-based hamper firm Farepak is gathering pace, an MP said today.   more...

Police say: Just take it easy with the booze

POLICE have warned people celebrating the festivities in Swindon this weekend to show some restraint.   more...

News from Christmas past

Around Swindon   more...

Teenager stole shop takings from car seat

TEENAGER Barry Barnett is facing the prospect of a lengthy jail term after admitting robbing a driver of a shop's takings   more...

There's snow doubt about it

PEDESTRIANS had to put their sure foot forward to negotiate a sprinkling of snow in the town centre.   more...

Town honoured with tsunami building

NUMBER 51 - a new house in the port of Nizampatnam in India - proudly bears the name Swindon thanks to the fundraising efforts of the town's trio of Rotary clubs.   more...

Academy's first term is a success

IN recent memory, Headlands School was failing and dubbed the worst in England due to its poor GCSE results.   more...

Tree fire danger

IT takes 45 seconds for Christmas tree to be consumed in fire - and to destroy a living room.   more...

Be wise when using taxis this Christmas

WITH the Christmas party season in full swing, the number of incidents involving bogus taxi drivers is set to increase.   more...

Staff bid farewell to surgeon

ONE of the town's top surgeons has put down his scalpel for the last time.   more...

Man admits breaking into two houses

A MAN has been remanded in custody after admitting breaking into two houses while on early release from prison.   more...

Eileen and Bill celebrate 50 golden years

EILEEN Twyford had to wait three years before catching the romantic eye of her husband-to-be.   more...

Shoppers prepare for annual turkey queue

RESIDENTS in Wootton Bassett are sticking to a traditional Christmas this year with a record number of turkeys being sold in the town.   more...

Train service facing delays over holiday

Check the latest travel news in Swindon   more...

Large numbers expected for mass at Christmas

MASS congregation numbers are expected to surge in Swindon at Christmas due to the influx of immigrants.   more...

Swindon Advertiser Sport

Record breaker!

AMPNEY St Peter's Laura Bechtolsheimer had reason to celebrate after the 2007 Olympia International Horse Show, where she earned a British record score in the Grand Prix leg of the FEI World Cup dressage qualifier.   more...

Horwat focussed on league success

SHRIVENHAM boss Pete Horwat is relishing a return to Hellenic Premier League action tomorrow at home against Shortwood United, and insists his side will carry their FA Vase form into the tie.   more...

Webb eyes quarter final spot

THE Challenge Cup is Highworth Town's last chance of silverware this season, according to boss Dave Webb.   more...

Collier wants Marine up in lights

WITH Christmas just around the corner, Mark Collier believes the perfect festive present for Supermarine's players and fans would be to see their team up in lights.   more...

The Wiltshire Gazette And Herald News

Outstanding example

FOLLOWING an Ofsted inspection, Great Bedwyn Primary has emerged as one of the top schools in the country.   more...

Teen death tragedy

TRIBUTES have been paid to "great person and friend" Stewart Aitken this week, after the 18-year-old, from Wootton Bassett, was found dead on Friday night.   more...

Bright sparks help spread festive joy

SHERSTON grandmother Sue Evans has, once again, spectacularly lit up her home for Christmas.   more...

Future of leisure centre looks richer

CRICKLADE Leisure Centre is set to expand, after receiving a £70,000 funding boost.   more...

Merged school is proud of excellence

OUR fact file is quite correct. Kennet Valley School does indeed have two addresses.   more...

Mast blights TV

Frustrated residents have complained that a new mobile phone mast is affecting their TV reception.   more...

Town hall facelift forces tax increase

MALMESBURY Town Council has acknowledged taxpayers will be "hit hard" by a rise in next year's precept - mainly because of the rising cost of the town hall refurbishment.   more...

Strictly not for L drivers

BODYGUARDS across the world now have a new teacher - Malmesbury driving instructor Ray Sanderson.   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...

Quo's Westonbirt date

LEGENDARY British rock band Status Quo will be   more...

Debate on estate link-up plan

LINKING up roads on a Corsham estate to other parts of the town will be discussed by North Wiltshire district councillors next week.   more...

Plastic bag ban in Tisbury

If you're planning a shopping trip to Tisbury, you'd best not forget your shopping bags.   more...

Big brother is watching . . . even more

BIG Brother is about to get bigger.   more...

Trapped on allotment

A DISABLED woman was trapped in an allotment in Calne for two hours in the cold and dark after builders added an extra lock to gates to safeguard their materials.   more...

Black Farmers clash with Asda

  more...

Wish you were here

IT'S a town regularly mocked by those living elsewhere, but according to one hotel chain Swindon is fast becoming the place to be.   more...

Early gifts for winning stores

CHRISTMAS has come early for two shop owners in Chippenham after they won the best-dressed festive window display 2007.   more...

Pub proprieter pays the price

The proprietor of a Chippenham pub today paid the price at London's High Court for playing music in the premises without a licence, even though he has now brought it up to date.   more...

It only takes seconds . . .

IT takes 45 seconds for Christmas tree to be consumed in fire - and to destroy a living room.   more...

Dads in paint attack

THE campaign group Fathers 4 Justice attacked the home of family court judge Sir Matthew Thorpe in Seend High Street on Sunday night.   more...

Happy slap attack

THE mother of nine-year-old Charleigh Millward says her daughter has been left traumatised by a happy slapping attack.   more...

Kids take Bart to heart

Hundreds of children flocked to a Chippenham store to meet Bart Simpson at the weekend.   more...

Rare voles spotted in Wiltshire waterways

Britain's most endangered mammal has been found alive and well in five of Wiltshire's waterways, a survey has revealed.   more...

92-year-old terrified in house raid

BURGLARS who broke in to a terrified 92-year-old woman's home while she slept told her they were policemen.   more...

Hercules crews play Santa

Servicemen and women from RAF Lyneham played Father Christmas and headed out to Iraq to deliver presents to troops.   more...

Asda fights back

FAMILIES are preparing to fight a bid by supermarket giant ASDA to win Government support for a new store.   more...

Kiwi brews family link

A NEW generation of the Wadworth family has entered the business after the founder's great great grand nephew joined the company on work experience.   more...

Help in the case of floods

FAMILIES living in the most flood prone part of Marlborough have had their fears allayed over where to obtain sandbags over the Christmas holiday period.   more...

Watt a wonderful show

All over the county families are trying to outdo each other with their spectacular Christmas decorations.   more...

The Wiltshire Gazette And Herald Sport

Video: Chippenham Town 0, Swindon Town 2

Watch exclusive Gazette match highlights of Chippenham Town's 2-0 home defeat to Swindon Town in the Wiltshire Premier Shield semi-final first leg on Tuesday, with commentary from Nick Mashiter.   more...

Magic Michael tipped to fill Murray's boots

Aldbourne tennis starlet Michael Puttick has been tipped to follow in the footsteps of Andy Murray - and he is   more...

Cruel decision wrecks hat-trick record bid

Sunday Football: Hot-Shot Craig Townsend was left heartbroken when cruelly denied an incredible league hat-trick record by a stoppage-time offside call.   more...

Williams focused on his football

Ady Williams says Swindon Town's players are not thinking about the club's on-going takeover saga -and are purely focused on their football.   more...

Fans demand clarity as takeover drags on

TrustSTFC has called for clarity as the takeover saga rumbles on at Swindon Town.   more...

Wiltshire Times News

Pupil attack was just a prank

POLICE have issued a statement following an incident in which a Westbury schoolboy had his hair set alight as he walked down Springfield Road on Monday.   more...

Barman assaulted in pub raid

TWO men assaulted a barman and stole money from a pub cash till in Trowbridge on Friday.   more...

Warning to Plain offenders

MINISTRY of Defence Police are warning offenders to steer clear of Salisbury Plain after launching a crackdown on criminal activity.   more...

Homes project wins £128k grant

A PROJECT group has been awarded a grant of £128,000 to set up a new scheme for affordable housing in Wiltshire.   more...

New school plan gets green light

PLANS for a new secondary school in Melksham have taken a big step forward.   more...

Committee chief backs our campaign

THE chairman of West Wiltshire District Council's scrutiny committee has backed the Wiltshire Times' post office campaign.   more...

Wiltshire Times Sport

Today’s football fixtures

Football fixtures for December 22   more...

Boxing Day kick-off times

Football fixtures for December 26   more...

South West Under 16s squad named for Munster tour

THE South West Under-16 selectors have named a 40-man strong squad for their   more...

Wiltshire golfer named in England A squad

Wiltshire golfer Miles Mackman has been named in the 12-strong line-up   more...

Warminster deliver the goods

WARMINSTER Town manager Paul Newman reckoned his side played their best   more...

Novice wins Junior Kart Championship

A 13-year-old budding Lewis Hamilton from Tormarton who only   more...

Boxing Day Race Night at Badgers Hill

FROME Town are holding a Race Night after their Toolstation League Premier   more...

Cusick and Blackman crowned champions

Peter Cusick and Mel Blackman were pronounced 2007 Chippenham   more...

Corsham extend unbeaten home run

Corsham Town 2, Radstock Town 1   more...

Good times ahead, says Ranger

Weston St Johns 1, Bradford Town 2   more...

  
Restrict search to 20 December 2007