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Stories for 15 July 2004
Amesbury News
Polo tournament gets a right royal soaking
Cousins in arms: Prince William and Zara Phillips share a word while playing for the Highgrove team.SPORTING young royals Prince William and Zara Phillips gave their all and joined in the fun at the annual Tidworth polo club spectacular on Saturday, despite the inclement weather. more...
Polo tournament gets a right royal soaking
Cousins in arms: Prince William and Zara Phillips share a word while playing for the Highgrove team.SPORTING young royals Prince William and Zara Phillips gave their all and joined in the fun at the annual Tidworth polo club spectacular on Saturday, despite the inclement weather. more...
Killer road claims yet another life
THE notorious A303 claimed another life this week - taking the death toll for the year to nine. more...
Business News
The last word on the South West area
A MASSIVE snapshot of Swindon and the surrounding area, covering everything from housing to crime, has been released. more...
Tyco team on top of the world
A TEAM from Tyco has raised more than £10,000 by completing the Three Peaks challenge. more...
Paul Archer from Lemon and Co solicitors takes a look at the legal minefield facing employers.
There is no general equal opportunities law that states that businesses must follow fair procedures when taking on new employees. However, there is legal protection for applicants who suffer discrimination based on their sex, race, disability, sexuality or religion/belief. more...
Big prize for small firm
SMALL family-run business Alford Technologies has won the Queen's Award for Enterprise. more...
Calne News
School's young stars of tomorrow shine out
13575/2GAZETTE & HERALD: Depression America was recreated in two sell-out performances of Annie at St Margaret's Preparatory School, Calne, at the weekend. more...
School refuses to lift sports day video ban
GAZETTE & HERALD: A dedicated father has been banned from filming his daughter competing in a school sports day for a second year by a school policy prohibiting the use of video cameras. more...
New town trail puts art firmly on map
GAZETTE & HERALD: The Calne Art Trail, which showcases 20 works of public art ranging from the 21st century to the ancient, was launched on Friday at the Old Vicarage. more...
Samba... no it's football!
GAZETTE & HERALD: PUPILS from Priestley Primary School learnt how to play football samba style last week when a Brazilian soccer scheme was introduced. more...
Alert neighbour stops possible fire tragedy
GAZETTE & HERALD: A man's life may have been saved after his neighbour alerted the fire brigade to a smoke alarm that had been ringing for over five minutes. more...
Telling sign of past is found
13571/1GAZETTE & HERALD: NEWSAGENT Richard Stigwood has made the news after a sign from the early part of last century was found. more...
School cuts paper chase
GAZETTE & HERALD: CALNE'S John Bentley School is turning to technology to try to ensure that letters to parents don't get lost on the way home with students. more...
Chippenham News
Drunken knife man left drivers in terror
GAZETTE & HERALD: DRUNK Julian Brokenshire was sprayed with CS gas after he threatened police officers with a Stanley knife and a chair leg, and attacked cars as they drove past him, a court has been told. more...
Three-year jail term for serial paedophile
GAZETTE & HERALD: SERIAL paedophile Kenneth Pylle, whose victims include a girl from Chippenham, has been jailed for three years after he was caught loitering around a children's play area. more...
Big prize for small firm
GAZETTE & HERALD: SMALL family-run business Alford Technologies has won the Queen's Award for Enterprise. more...
Massive drugs haul as police raid homes
GAZETTE & HERALD: FOUR MEN were arrested last week after a raid on their homes uncovered over a haul of what was suspected to be 300 ecstasy tablets and massive quantities of cannabis. more...
Women's role in spotlight
GAZETTE & HERALD: AUTHOR Mary Turner will be at Ottaker's in Borough Parade, Chippenham, for a book signing session. more...
Transport is brought alive
13604/01GAZETTE & HERALD: The history of transport comes into the spotlight in a free exhibition running at the Chippenham Museum and Heritage Centre until September 30. more...
Workers climb the big three
GAZETTE & HERALD: TWENTY-nine employees from Wavin Plastics Limited, Chippenham, set out on an enduring challenge to climb Britain's three highest mountains, and raised £4,000 for the WaterAid charity. more...
Council upset as appeal is rejected
North Wiltshire District Council leader Coun Ruth Coleman is bitterly disappointed that the council missed a "good" rating by just one point. more...
Plan for probation office is unveiled
UP to 360 offenders from across north Wiltshire are set to report to a new probation office building planned for Parkfields. more...
Last stand for play park
THE fight to save Newton Grove Play Park came to a head after campaigners made a passionate plea to Malmesbury Town Council on Tuesday for help. more...
Miracle baby for boat man's widow
13606/3GAZETTE & HERALD EXCLUSIVE: When Diana Scott's husband died of cancer two years ago, their dreams of having a child together would ordinarily have died with him. more...
Woman gassed herself
Margaret GoughGAZETTE & HERALD: WIDOW Margaret Gough was depressed when she gassed herself in the kitchen of her Lacock home, an inquest heard yesterday. more...
Police swoop on camp
GAZETTE & HERALD: BETWEEN 25 and 30 police officers swooped on the Olympiad car park in Chippenham to evict the 27 travellers that had set up residence there and refused to move on. more...
Chatroom man guilty of assault escapes jail
GAZETTE & HERALD: Chippenham man Simon Webb who had sex with a 14-year-old schoolgirl he met on an Internet chatroom has walked free from court. more...
Golden gesture
GAZETTE & HERALD: Farming couple David and Maureen Smith have donated all the proceeds from their golden wedding celebrations to the Gazette's Lydia Cross appeal. more...
The rot is about to set in throughout Lacock
GAZETTE & HERALD: Residents of picturesque Lacock will soon be rotting in a bid to protect the Wiltshire environment. more...
Mystery of M4 tragedy
GAZETTE & HERALD: Pensioner Joan Gover died in a head-on collision after making a U-turn on the M4. more...
Garden award blooming tops
13605/03GAZETTE & HERALD: Everything is blooming for gardening enthusiast Mary Lindsey, because her prize-winning garden has been named the best in North and West Wiltshire. more...
Farmer is released after only two days
GAZETTE & HERALD: BROMHAM farmer Lance Beale has been freed from jail after only two days. A crown court judge released the 53-year-old on unconditional bail until his appeal against conviction on animal welfare charges is heard. more...
Teacher resigns over girl pupil friendship
GAZETTE & HERALD: History teacher Simon Neil resigned from his post at Sheldon School on Friday following allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a 17-year-old sixth form girl. more...
Protesters march in mourning for lost GP
13593/4GAZETTE & HERALD: The grim spectacle of a mourning march startled shoppers in Chippenham High Street on Saturday, as patients of the town's Marshfield Road Surgery protested against the loss of their doctor. more...
Corsham News
Hurry up for fast lane, girls
15317GAZETTE & HERALD: Women drivers will have the chance to get behind the wheel of a fire engine, a 40-foot articulated lorry, a police car and a double decker bus in the charity Ladies Driving Challenge at RAF Colerne. more...
Explorer overcomes engine problems
GAZETTE & HERALD: Explorer David Hempleman-Adams has completed the first leg of his latest aero adventure, despite experiencing engine difficulties. more...
Ctfc Sport
Calne take local bragging rights with Rutty Cup win
Neither side is looking too deeply into Calne Town's penalty victory over their neighbours Chippenham Town in their annual pre-season fixture for the Fred Rutty Cup. more...
Rigorous pre-season campaigns for North Wilts clubs
FRESH from their battling penalty win over local rivals Chippenham Town, Calne Town are due to meet five more teams in the next four weeks as their pre-season preparations pick up pace. more...
Devizes News
More traffic hell for town
13611/3PEOPLE in the Devizes area are bracing themselves for yet more traffic chaos as Wiltshire County Council prepares to close eight miles of the A360 Salisbury road for five weeks. more...
Tributes pour in for opera stalwart
John AcresJOHN Acres, deputy head of Pewsey Vale School, and a stalwart of the Devizes-based White Horse Opera, has died of cancer that he may have been carrying for 24 years. more...
`Flying bishop' set to take charge of church
June OsborneST Peter's Church in Devizes is to receive a visit from a "flying bishop" after it decided to join an Anglican pressure group that is opposed to the ordination of women priests. more...
Sports and arts activity camp for kids
13540/1FOLLOWING the huge success of its inauguration last summer, Camp Xtra is once again taking place on the campus at Devizes School. more...
Teenage ID card fraud uncovered by police
THE future of proof-of-age identity schemes in Devizes pubs and clubs has been thrown in question after police questioned a 16-year-old girl in possession of a fake ID card at the weekend. more...
Blood donors brave storms to answer call
BLOOD donors in Devizes and West Lavington have been given a pat on the back for turning out in numbers at a time of the year when the blood service is most stretched. more...
Soldier's trial for assault
A SOLDIER serving in the Black Watch Regiment is to face trial by jury after pleading not guilty to carrying out a sex attack on a teenager. more...
Real life drama for war games
13580/1THE evacuation of Devizes Corn Exchange on Saturday morning after a fire alarm went off only added to the drama and excitement at Attack! 2004, the annual convention and trade fair organised by the Devizes and District Wargames Group. more...
Fun festival for Charter
MARKET Lavington is celebrating its medieval roots this weekend as it holds a festival to mark the 750th anniversary of its royal charter. more...
Actor's West End success
DEVIZES actor Stephen Carlile is about to embark on a thrilling new career as a West End impresario. more...
President will mark two major milestones
NEW president of the Rotary Club of Devizes, Peter Greed, will have two major anniversaries to mark during his year in office. more...
Drinking ban broken twice
SCOTT King who breached his anti social behaviour order by consuming alcohol in a public place in Devizes, had his case adjourned by magistrates in Chippenham. more...
Man forged prescription
A DRUG addict who forged a prescription to get hold of drugs he would otherwise not have been allowed, has been given a drug testing and treatment order. more...
Kings' men to join Santa
CAVALIERS could once again walk the streets of Devizes, 360 years after they ruled the town in the name of King Charles I. more...
Rain fails to ruin fête dash
DESPITE the return of traditional English summer weather rain and high winds Bishops Cannings church fête on Saturday was a roaring success. more...
Electronic tag for man in breach of order
A DEVIZES man will have to wear an electronic tag for the next four months after he breached a community rehabilitation order. more...
Bank holiday caused lapse
DEVIZES magistrates have congratulated a local woman who is successfully addressing her drug and drink problems, though she admitted breaching the terms of a community rehabilitation order. more...
Raining royals
ROYAL father, son and cousin braved a soaking on Saturday to turn out for Prince Charles' Highgrove polo team at Tidworth. more...
Cancer patients miss benefits
More than £13.6 million in disability benefits is going unclaimed by cancer patients in the South West, according to leading cancer care charity Macmillan Cancer Relief. more...
Nurses' success in the classroom
13567/2MATERNITY staff from hospitals across Wiltshire have been commended for the hard work they have put into their studies. more...
Garden award blooming tops
13605/03Everything is blooming for gardening enthusiast Mary Lindsey, because her prize-winning garden has been named the best in North and West Wiltshire. more...
WRVS volunteers thanked for service
13610/2THE Women's Royal Voluntary Service has been saying thank you to its Wiltshire volunteers after it quit its contract to deliver Meals on Wheels to vulnerable people in the county. more...
Police doing a good job
WILTSHIRE Constabulary is performing well across 12 out of 16 key areas of business with the remaining four areas ranked fair. more...
A community role for ex-punk rocker
Ruth JonesTHE newly appointed head of Devizes-based Wiltshire and Swindon Community Foundation, which supports hundreds of local good causes throughout the county, is a "punk rocker come good." more...
Mystery of M4 tragedy
Pensioner Joan Gover died in a head-on collision after making a U-turn on the M4. An inquest in Salisbury heard yesterday that no one knew why Mrs Gover, 73, of Withymead Road, in Marshfield, was using the motorway. more...
Dad's bid for ban on suicide websites
MARTYN Piper, whose 17-year-old son, Tim, killed himself in November 2002 after accessing a website giving details of how to commit suicide, met Home Office Minister Baroness Scotland this week as part of a campaign to ban the websites. more...
MPs call for an inquiry on liquid fuel burning
LOCAL MPs Michael Ancram and Andrew Murrison are calling for a full public inquiry into the burning of substitute fuels at Lafarge's Westbury cement works. more...
Access is easier to historic collection
VISITORS to Wiltshire's libraries will be able to get better access to the county council's historic photograph collection from this month. more...
Assault woman faces jail
A 20-YEAR-OLD Ludgershall woman has been told she faces a jail sentence after she pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer, her third such offence in six months. more...
Ailing grandmother irate at two-year wait for vital X-ray
GREAT Western Hospital is disputing grandmother June Patmore's claim she has been told she faces a further two-year wait for an X-ray for an embarrassing condition. more...
Firefighter to carry on blazing the trail
THE new deputy chief fire officer of Wiltshire, who made a name by scrapping the compulsory retirement age for retained firefighters, intends to carry on with the force's reputation for innovation. more...
Cheers to 250 years
PAST and present employees have been celebrating 250 years of Bowood only a day after the present marquis confronted a group of youths who were attempting to break into a car. more...
Marathon charity success
TWO Wiltshire charities have benefited from sponsorship raised by the husband and daughter of Chief Constable Dame Elizabeth Neville. more...
Happy birthday to caring staff
THE night owls of the Wiltshire care world are celebrating their 25th birthday this year. more...
Devizes,Calne,Marlborough,Highworth,Chippenham,Corsham,Malmesbury,Wootton Bassett News
Traffic-free town made a difference
Since the matter of street closures in Marlborough seems to be rumbling on, I would like to speak in favour of the closures. more...
Holiday season worst time for roadworks
Reading the public notices in last week's edition confirmed that we are in for a really delightful summer. more...
In the dark over ITV regions alterations
Many readers may have spotted that the ITV region on Channel 103 of their Sky digibox has suddenly changed from HTV West to Meridian. If they thought that channel 962, which used to be Meridian, has changed to HTV they will be disappointed, as they will find that option no longer exists. more...
Opposition to waste trial
RESIDENTS OF Edington have spoken out against Lafarge's plan to burn recycled liquid fuel at their Westbury plant. more...
Madcap plan
HAVE the officials at County Hall gone mad? I suggest they spend the day driving through the town centre and record the number of times they can travel at over 20mph from the south gate to Wadworth's. If it's in double figures I will give them wholehearted support. more...
Kind wishes
MAY I take this opportunity of thanking our very thoughtful customers for all their wonderful cards, kind wishes and generous goodies they showered on us last week, we really were overwhelmed. more...
Useful talks
MAY I express our thanks to Chris Carver and Angela Jordan for their excellent presentations to our Senior Section Unit (part of Devizes District Guiding Association.) more...
Many thanks
On behalf of the Devizes Branch Royal British Legion, I wish to thank the Devizes people who supported our tabletop cake sale and street collection, held on Saturday, July 3, in aid of branch funds. more...
Party's over
NOW the celebrations are over does it mean that Marlborough doesn't get cleaned, spruced up and painted for another 800 years? more...
Plan not PC
I BEGIN to wonder what the planners have against Devizes. Maybe it is not politically correct to have a pleasant market town set amongst the downs of a rural county? more...
Panic over
I WOULD like to express my sincere thanks to the people who came to my assistance last Friday morning, July 9, in Sainsbury's car park when my two-year-old son was choking. more...
Site update
MAY I, on behalf of the Campaign Against Residential Development (Community Hall Site) group, say thank you to the residents of Market Lavington. more...
Cash wasted?
WHEN the mini-roundabout and Pelican crossing at the Wick Lane junction with Potterne Road was built a Mr Parker from The Fairway questioned the safety and the reasoning behind this decision. more...
Small shops must survive
WHILST the Marlborough Charter deserved celebration, the closure of the High Street on a Friday and Saturday over two successive weeks was unacceptable to most independent traders. more...
Education News
Starring roles for children in royal visit
Five-year-old Rosie Boyagis-Cooper, youngest pupil at the school, hands the Duchess some flowers. DA5962P07TWO children played starring roles when the Duchess of Gloucester visited Sixpenny Handley First School on Thursday last week, to open its new extension. more...
Teacher gets lessons at hospital kitchen
SCHOOLTEACHER Mary Littleworth is top of the class when it comes to running a busy kitchen, after helping chefs prepare more than 2,000 meals for patients, visitors and staff at Salisbury District Hospital. more...
Special school is top of the class in poetry
CHILDREN from Exeter House special school have come top of the class in a national poetry reading event. more...
Pupils enjoy skills at multicultural day
Lavanya Ramakrishnan, of the Beeja Dance Company, teaches bharatanatyam dance to girls from St Edmund's Girls' School during the multicultural day. DA5900P2INDIAN dancing, Nigerian mask-making and African drumming were just some of the events at St Edmund's Girls' School, Salisbury, on Thursday, July 1, as part of a multicultural day. more...
School concert raises the roof
CHILDREN from Pitton Junior School and more...
Fete raises cash for computers
DESPITE some showers, children, parents and teachers alike enjoyed Dinton First School's fete. more...
Eight-year-old invites Salisbury mayor to fete
LITTLE George Beadle took it upon himself to invite a VIP guest to his school fete. more...
Focus on environment
MORE than 250 pupils from across Salisbury enjoyed a fun-packed day spent out of the classroom last Wednesday, as they took part in the annual Schools' Environment Day. more...
Health News
Cancer patients miss benefits
More than £13.6 million in disability benefits is going unclaimed by cancer patients in the South West, according to leading cancer care charity Macmillan Cancer Relief. more...
Nurses' success in the classroom
13567/2MATERNITY staff from hospitals across Wiltshire have been commended for the hard work they have put into their studies. more...
Highworth News
Recreation centre scoops award for excellence
Highworth Recreation Centre has been awarded a prestigious award providing excellent leisure facilities. more...
Malmesbury News
Burglars snatch family heirlooms
A SPATE of high value burglaries committed in the Malmesbury area last week has shocked and angered the community. more...
Final battle of the boules
13614/4An Anglo-French couple in Malmesbury are cementing their `Entente Cordiale' by leading the men's and women's boules teams in Sherston this weekend. more...
War reporter backs £3m abbey project
13572/3WAR reporter Kate Adie has agreed to become a vice patron of Malmesbury Abbey in a high-profile boost for its £3million restoration fund. more...
`Whirlwind' chooses a slower pace of life
Phil DrakeBurton Hill School's headmaster Phil Drake is retiring after 21 years leading the Malmesbury special needs school. more...
Top praise for tots' school
13553/1TODDLERS at Busy Hands Pre-School in Sherston are busy, happy little individuals, according to Ofsted inspectors. more...
Town decides to accept timely gift of pillar clock
CLOCK-WATCHERS will have more time to consider the meaning of life in Malmesbury after councillors agreed to accept a proposal for a new pillar clock from the Rotary Club of the South Cotswolds. more...
MP urges council to back maternity unit
SOUTH Swindon MP Julia Drown is urging Swindon Borough Council to back the campaign to save Malmesbury Maternity Unit. more...
Music will help boost woman's walk bid
Sharon MooreLANDLADY Sue Robson of The Saladin in Great Somerford is arranging a music night to boost her friend Sharon Moore's charity walk bid. more...
Running bid to back pupils
RUNNERS limbered up for a charity 10k fun run to raise money for Lea and Garsdon CE Primary School last Sunday. more...
Youth to get more say about their town
YOUNG people in Malmesbury are to get a bigger say in decision-making, following the Malmesbury Town Council Review. more...
Mother of Japan jail man waits for news
MUM Iris Baker will be anxiously waiting for news of her jailed son Nick's appeal hearing on Tuesday. more...
Last stand for play park
THE fight to save Newton Grove Play Park came to a head after campaigners made a passionate plea to Malmesbury Town Council on Tuesday for help. more...
Park pirates cause ruckus
OUT-OF-TOWN interlopers have been accused of taking over the parking spaces for Barley Close residents and creating a major safety hazard in the process. more...
Helping kids cook up healthy recipes
CHILDREN will soon enjoy the delights of cooking and eating healthily after a mobile cookery school based in Malmesbury won prestigious backing from The Prince's Trust. more...
Marlborough News
Tributes paid to popular teenager
TRIBUTES have been flooding in for popular teenager Chris Eastland, who was killed when his car plunged off the A4 near Marlborough. more...
Traders protest as jazz festival hits business
13591/3MARKET traders in Marlborough have again taken issue over the closure of the High Street, this time over restrictions caused by the jazz festival. more...
Crowds swing in the rain
The dispute over the road closures did not mar the enjoyment of the Marlborough International Jazz Festival for the thousands of people who flocked to it from all over the country. more...
Moped rider in arrest drama
A MOPED rider was arrested after an incident in Marlborough in the early hours of Sunday that caused PC Neil Hardman to dive out of the way. more...
Concerns voiced over `risky' loan to school
THE watchdog group, the Campaign to Protect Rural England, says Wiltshire County Council will be jumping the gun if it gives a £500,000 loan to St John's School, Marlborough. more...
St John's final plan for £22m new school
THE detailed planning application for the new single-site St John's School in Marlborough have been submitted to Kennet District Council this week. more...
Town council urged to put house in order
A GENTLE hint is being given to Marlborough Town Council by the town's unique Fire Forum that it should set a good example by getting its own house in order. more...
Artists throw open studios
THERE will be further opportunities this weekend and again the following weekend to view more than 40 artists and crafts people at work in their studios in the Marlborough area. more...
Chime of times may ring for charter
David SherrattA NEW clock that would chime the time on an historic bell at the town hall in Marlborough but never be seen is proposed as a memorial of the charter anniversary year. more...
Northwiltsfest News
Healthy take on lifestyle
JULY 15: HEALTH and fitness is another important theme for the festival. A team of experts will be found at the Business Village and the Community Village, and have plenty planned for all ages. more...
Family fun in `The Village'
JULY 15: A TASTE of life in North Wiltshire will be offered at the festival's Community Village, with all sorts of displays, family entertainment and local information. more...
Top names in musical line-up
JULY 15: SATURDAY night is music night at North Wiltshire Festival, when Monkton Park will be thronging with thousands of concert-goers eager to enjoy an evening of fabulous bands. more...
Business celebrates diversity and skills
JULY 15: THE wealth and diversity of commerce in north Wiltshire will be celebrated at the festival's Business Village, in Monkton Park. more...
All ready for launch
JULY 15: NORTH Wiltshire Festival 2004, a great celebration of commerce and leisure, community and art, will be launched tomorrow by Olympic gold medallist David Hemery. more...
Phoenix rises from ashes to defy all
JULY 15: THE last three months have been a whirlwind of planning, preparation and organisation for Graham Wilson, co-ordinator of North Wiltshire Festival 2004. more...
Bjorn Again to wow thousands of fans
JULY 15: NORTH Wiltshire Festival will reach a mighty climax on Saturday night when the spotlight falls on superstar Abba tribute band Bjorn Again. more...
Going green to beat the waste tip
JULY 15: A SERIOUS message about protecting the environment lies at the heart of North Wiltshire Festival 2004. more...
Pewsey News
Tributes pour in for opera stalwart
John AcresJOHN Acres, deputy head of Pewsey Vale School, and a stalwart of the Devizes-based White Horse Opera, has died of cancer that he may have been carrying for 24 years. more...
Crowds in the frame for art
13573/2THE first exhibition by Pewsey Vale School's GCSE art and design students proved a great success. more...
Meeting hears it's best to be ill in town
PARISH councillor John Thompson has issued the following advice to people living in Pewsey: "If you are going to have a heart attack don't have it here have it in Swindon." more...
Mother of two banned for drink driving
THE generous hospitality at a bridge evening led to a Pewsey mother-of-two losing her licence. more...
Salisbury Features
Bobbie's farewell hug to the city she loves
AT midday on June 5, Bobbie Chettleburgh handed over her chain of office to Jeremy Nettle, who became the 744th Mayor of Old Sarum. more...
There is more to life than the next fix
Lesley Bates talks to former heroin addict Rob Witt about making a fresh start. more...
Fashion at your fingertips
Lesley Bates talks to a woman who has nailed the art of manicures and now has her sights set on the Olympics. more...
Taking writing seriously
Author Juliette Mead tells Lesley Bates how she put herself in the line of fire in the name of research. more...
Every picture tells a story
Artist Vivien Walter paints a picture of life Down Under, reports Lesley Bates more...
Salisbury News
Polo tournament gets a right royal soaking
Cousins in arms: Prince William and Zara Phillips share a word while playing for the Highgrove team.SPORTING young royals Prince William and Zara Phillips gave their all and joined in the fun at the annual Tidworth polo club spectacular on Saturday, despite the inclement weather. more...
Killer road claims yet another life
THE notorious A303 claimed another life this week - taking the death toll for the year to nine. more...
Earl plays host to Aspel and Antiques Roadshow
The Earl of Pembroke (right) and cousin Sam Kelly pay the roadshow a visit. Ceramics expert David Battie is in the background."COME and have a little unpack," invited antiques expert Tim Wonnacott, patting the table in front of him - and a steady stream of visitors did just that when the BBC's Antiques Roadshow rolled into the grounds of Wilton House last week to record two shows for the autumn series. more...
Starring roles for children in royal visit
The Duchess applauds the chidren's singing.TWO children played starring roles when the Duchess of Gloucester visited Sixpenny Handley First School on Thursday last week, to open its new extension. more...
Weather stays fine for carnival fun
High jinks with Adrian White and Paul Mitchell. DA5979P7LADY luck was smiling on Wilton for the town's annual carnival. more...
Joie de vivre for French maids and musketeers
Matthew and Julia Judd.THERE was a sense of `Ooh la la' as the people of Pitton celebrated all things French on their carnival day. more...
Great village fire of 1754 remembered
VILLAGERS in Hindon turned out in force recently, to mark the 250th anniversary of the Great Fire of Hindon in 1754. more...
Cathedral Notes
Morning Worship with Holy Communion is at 7.30am each weekday, usually in the Trinity Chapel. more...
Web writing skills offered
THE next free seminar to be hosted by Cravenplan Computers of Swallowcliffe takes place on July 22. more...
Creativity on display
The Downton furniture makers and designers with their Clouded Blue chair. DA5839P3A SPECIALIST furniture business from Downton is one of 40 in the country to be invited to take part in an exhibition in Cheltenham next month. more...
Designer to help security expert
A DESIGN Company from Old Sarum has been appointed to help launch car security specialists Stoplock in Europe. more...
Award deadline approaching
SMALL and medium-sized businesses in the south-west are being urged to enter this year's e-commerce awards by the July 30 deadline. more...
Salisbury Sport
Fillies in fine fettle despite grey skies
LADIES' night at Salisbury Racecourse was a roaring success, with 5,800 stalwart racing fans donning their gladrags and defying the gloomy weather to turn out for the annual event.LADIES' night at Salisbury Racecourse was a roaring success, with 5,800 stalwart racing fans donning their gladrags and defying the gloomy weather to turn out for the annual event. more...
Kelly's Olympic dream hangs in the balance
Kelly MorganJAVELIN star Kelly Morgan faces a nervous wait to see if she has done enough to earn a place in the British team for this summer's Olympic Games after failing to to secure automatic selection at last weekend's trials, write Mike Turner and Sarah McQuillen in Manches-ter. more...
Kieren retains junior shot title
YOUNG athlete Kieren Kelly has ended his English Schools career on a high by retaining the shotputting crown, writes Sarah McQuillen. more...
Daryl hit by his own bike
THE wheels look to have come off Daryl Bolter's European Enduro Championship challenge. more...
Henrietta misses out on a medal
SALISBURY'S young long jumper Henrietta Paxton had a disappointing weekend at the Olympic trials in Manchester, narrowly missing out on a bronze medal. more...
Game, set and match to the inclement weather
BEATING the weather over the last few days has been as big a challenge for tennis players as winning on court. more...
Harlequins kick off with a home double
BEMERTON Heath Harlequins' Western Way ground will be a busy venue in the opening week of the 2004/5 season after the club were handed two home games in the space of four days. more...
Cannings lands Deacons honours
WHETHER it was the storms of last week or the cooler days and nights, fishing tailed off a little over the last few days. more...
Runaway horse rushes off for a night on the town
AN adventurous racehorse went the distance - and then some - when he escaped from Salisbury Racecourse and went on an hour-long spree, eventually turning up three miles away in Bouverie Avenue. more...
Sport Bowls
Selectors name Top Four team
WILTSHIRE'S Top Four team defeated Warwickshire 25-8 at the regional finals at Clevedon, only to lose 16-24 to Gloucestershire in the match that decided which team would go to the national semi-finals at Worthing. more...
Wiltshire's best bid for Worthing finals
THE latter stages of the Wiltshire bowls championships have got under way. more...
Sport Cricket
Annual six-a-side carnival
DEVIZES Cricket Club will be holding its annual six-a-side cricket tournament this Sunday. more...
Newcomer plays the key role in vital win
DESPITE wet and windy weather all week and several heavy showers in the morning, the Goatacre ground staff worked hard to ensure the best chance of a game between two teams desperate for points. more...
Lord's final dream is over for sad Goatacre
GOATACRE'S hopes of visiting Lord's again and lifting the National Village competition for a third time are over for another year. more...
Rain halts villagers' championship tilt
BIDDESTONE'S first team's local derby game at Marlborough fell foul of the sumer showers and was abandoned after 17 overs. more...
Chippenham go down in a close finish
CHIPPENHAM suffered an agonising defeat as they lost to Knowle on the penultimate ball of the match at Hardenhuish Park on Saturday. more...
Captain hits out after poor display
CORSHAM skipper Neil Shardlow was left disappointed as his side crashed to defeat against in-form Keynsham. more...
Sabres are put to the sword by Qureshi
YOUTH CRICKET: Under 11s - CHIPPENHAM celebrated their winning of the Bath League with a 36 run victory over Lansdown Sabres. more...
In-form Vince sets career best with 122
CHIPPENHAM maintained their position as leaders with a comprehensive victory over challengers Cannings. more...
Minety cruise to win after early shocks
MINETY batted first against Poulton in Division Three of the Cotswold League, but three early wickets went down for 20. more...
Marshfield go top with crushing win
ONCE again the weather played a large part in the weekend's fixtures, with more than a third of the game either abandoned or cancelled while a number of others were played over reduced overs. more...
Wiltshire are forced to settle for a draw
WILTSHIRE'S match against Cheshire at Alderley Edge on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday ended in a draw. more...
Glamorgan march on despite Lewis' haul
Swindon's Jon Lewis took 3-21 for Gloucestershire against Glamorgan in a Twenty20 tie at Sophia Gardens, but his side went down by 32 runs. more...
Sport Football
Star rise to the summit
NORTH Star Dynamos are back on top of the Leisure Leagues Premier Division, based at Abbey Meads School, after thrashing bottom-placed Curd FC 14-1. more...
Cricklade call
Cricklade Youth (under 17s) are looking for four or five players to bolster their squad for the forthcoming Mid-Wilts League campaign. more...
Mum's the word in badgers' sixes
BADGERS' girls proved they are one of the best female football teams in the South West at the weekend and their mums showed that they are fairly handy players too. more...
Calne take local bragging rights with Rutty Cup win
Neither side is looking too deeply into Calne Town's penalty victory over their neighbours Chippenham Town in their annual pre-season fixture for the Fred Rutty Cup. more...
Rigorous pre-season campaigns for North Wilts clubs
FRESH from their battling penalty win over local rivals Chippenham Town, Calne Town are due to meet five more teams in the next four weeks as their pre-season preparations pick up pace. more...
Clubhouse christening
DEVIZES Town Football Club said a huge thank you to its members and other sections of the community for pulling together to refurbish its lounge bar. more...
Grass roots goals
JUDGING from the young talent on show at Bromham Football Club's youth tournament, grass roots football in Wiltshire has never looked so good. more...
Malmesbury six-a-side carnival is a huge success fifth time running
With 175 teams from all over the south west and Wales, Malmesbury Youth Football club held their fifth annual six-a-side tournament on Saturday. more...
Sport Rugby
Maycock back with Swindon
SWINDON RFC may have found a solution to their fly-half conundrum with the return of 2001 Player of the Year Neil Maycock to the club. more...
Dorchester tester for Bassett
WOOTTON Bassett must travel to the south coast to start their Powergen Intermediate Cup bid. more...
Minety build for the future with new youth system
Minety Rugby Club have launched a new youth section this summer. more...
Swindon News
Unfair to name head unless proven guilty
I WRITE regarding the article on the suspension of Barry Knock, the headteacher of St Mary's CE Primary School. more...
Drivers should be warned of changes
I SAW the letter headlined `cameras add up to highway robbery' from J Driver in the Advertiser on July 13. more...
Time to make ID protest
MANY people probably haven't a clue about the Consultation On ID cards, that has a deadline of July 20 which is just five days away. more...
Hospital care was very good
I recently spent two weeks in the Great Western Hospital. I am not writing to slate it, like a lot of folk seem to do, but praise it. more...
Help wanted
Marlborough Arthritis Research Campaign need volunteers to raise funds to help cure arthritis. more...
Cash wasted
I WONDER why I am not surprised to read about Stratton St Margaret Parish Council's refusal to adopt a perfectly good playground which developer Wimpey has provided for the local community. more...
Taxing issue
I SEE the fatties and the greenies are having another go. more...
Purse lost . . .
TO the person who found my purse in Tesco, Ocotal Way, on Wednesday, June 30 please, if you still have it, I would dearly like it back. It contains sentimental things which I cannot replace. more...
Sweet sight
ON a visit to Coate Water a lovely sight came into view. Never have I seen a complete field of borage grown. more...
Lifesaver or a blot on the landscape?
THIS IS the first glimpse of the proposed flyover for the Commonhead roundabout which could be in operation by 2007. more...
Replacement chief executive for area NHS named
The new chief executive for the NHS in Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire will be Trevor Jones. more...
Keep very still
Ref. 71323-38 Jamie Leigh stuck in the middle with jugglers Kati and SeanSwindon's streets will be taken over by music, madness and Mombassan acrobats as this year's Summer Festival gets underway. more...
Praise for asbo operation
Leading law enforcement officers in Wiltshire have praised the recent success Anti-Social Behaviour Orders have had over the last three months. more...
Sign up to learn
SWINDON College is holding an early enrolment session for part time courses today. more...
Web wise Kayleigh nets prize
Ref. 71319-08INTERNET fan Kayleigh Fisher may be wise about the web but she still believes that online chat rooms should be banned. more...
Dig at the Ridge invite to children
CHILDREN have been invited to become an archaeologist for the day at the newly-discovered Roman baths at Groundwell Ridge this weekend, as part of National Archaeology Days. more...
Sad note for a songwriter
Ref. 71325-5SONGWRITER Patricia Woollatt is devastated after a bag containing her precious lyrics was stolen from under her nose. more...
Carnival attracts a top class entry of floats
Ref. 71274-26THIS year's Wroughton Carnival attracted 24 floats, including 16 motor floats and eight walking groups. more...
Footballers show their caring side
Ref. 71332-83SWINDON CARES: DRINKERS from the The Dolphin pub carried off the Swindon Cares football trophy with a one-nil victory against a team from the Cross Link Centre. more...
Fundraising is a fact for quiz teams
Ref. 71333-14SWINDON CARES: BRAINBOXES at Old Town off-licence Magnum added some fizz to Swindon Cares Week with a corker of a performance in a fundraising quiz. more...
Call to catch the lakeside thieves
Ref. 71313-41Thieves are putting lives in danger by stealing lifebelts from the side of a lake. more...
Cancer patients miss out on £13.6m in benefits
More than £13.6 million in disability benefits is going unclaimed by cancer patients in the south west, according to Macmillan Cancer Relief. more...
Recreation centre scoops award for excellence
Highworth Recreation Centre has been awarded a prestigious award providing excellent leisure facilities. more...
Tragic death drives Dave
Ref. 71328-14 Sue and Dave People with the donated hamperSWINDON engineer Dave Penman has helped hundreds of people cope with asthma since his brother Bill died of the condition, aged 29. more...
Blood donors needed to come forward in holidays
Blood donors across Swindon are being urged to roll up their sleeves this summer to help keep blood banks in the red. more...
Jury yet to decide in fight case
A WAITER has been cleared of trying to pervert the course of justice after an assault outside an Indian restaurant in Peatmoor. more...
Pub plate enjoys tour of the world
Ref. 71327-42FORMER boxing champion Peter Neal was knocked for six when he received a Wish You Were Here note . . . from a plate. more...
Come on Marlene, we're off to Swindon
A fun day based on the hit television comedy Only Fools And Horses will be held in Swindon later in the summer. more...
Swindon holds its very own Olympics!
Ref. 71320-63 Carlos Aguedo-Rodriguez enjoys competing during the mini OlympicsCHILDREN at the Croft Playgroup held their own version of the Olympic Games for their annual sports day. more...
A painting should awaken memories of school days
Ref. 71314-69AN ARTIST and a historian have put their talents to use to help a fresh fundraising appeal for the restoration of one of Cricklade's most historic buildings. more...
Tea time for the special volunteers who care
VOLUNTEERS who between them have delivered more than 120,000 meals on wheels have received awards for their efforts. more...
Vandal-hit pool looks to future
THAMESDOWN Hydrotherapy Pool is putting its recent trouble with vandals behind it at a 25th anniversary reception next week by launching a fund-raising mission. more...
Coate to host Big Bug Bonanza for wildlife fans
You can find out about the willife on your doorstep at the Big Bug Bonanza event at Coate Water on Thursday, which includes a minibeast hunt, pond dip and bumblebee survey. more...
Get on your bike to lend a hand to water fund
MOUNTAIN bikers are being sought to take part in a sponsored ride on the Ridgeway in aid of charity WaterAid. more...
Inquest told of hoist incidents
A CORONER has recorded an open verdict following the death of an elderly woman at the Great Western Hospital in September last year. more...
`Come visit Ocotal'
Ref. 28648-44THE people of Swindon are being urged to snap up the opportunity to visit Ocotal, our Nicaraguan twin town. more...
Superbug killed my dad
Ref. 71326-54SUPERBUG - MRSA: Swindon's Great Western Hospital needs to clean up its act and be more honest with the public about MRSA incidents. more...
MRSA infection among the worst in Europe
SUPERBUG - MRSA: British hospitals are said to have one of the worst MRSA infection rates in Europe, outstripping countries such as Greece, Romania and Bulgaria. more...
Blair is under attack
SUPERBUG - MRSA: Prime Minister Tony Blair was attacked over the Government's record in tackling hospital superbugs after a damning report accused NHS chiefs of letting infections run out of control. more...
Claire joins in the row
SUPERBUG - MRSA: Agony aunt Claire Rayner, chair of the Patients' Association, criticised Government plans to tackle the problem. more...
`Our figures are accurate'
SUPERBUG - MRSA: Chris Birdsall, spokesman for the Great Western Hospital, said that it was not possible to record all the cases of MRSA but that moves towards such a system were in the offing. more...
£2m unclaimed by pensioners
Older people in the Swindon area are missing out on £2 million a year in unclaimed Pension Credit. more...
Council services win praise
SWINDON Borough Council has earned itself a good report from quality assurance inspectors for five of its environment services. more...
Crash man proposes to partner
Ref. 30856BUILDER Michael McCann, who survived a horrific car crash that left his friend dead, has proposed to his girlfriend from his hospital bed. more...
Exclusion zones to keep away beggars and thieves
Ref. 71331-05EXCLUSION zones have been placed around two town centre cash points in the latest bid to crackdown on beggars and thieves. more...
Swindoncares News
Footballers show their caring side
Ref. 71332-83SWINDON CARES: DRINKERS from the The Dolphin pub carried off the Swindon Cares football trophy with a one-nil victory against a team from the Cross Link Centre. more...
Fundraising is a fact for quiz teams
Ref. 71333-14SWINDON CARES: BRAINBOXES at Old Town off-licence Magnum added some fizz to Swindon Cares Week with a corker of a performance in a fundraising quiz. more...
Wiltshire News
Miracle baby for boat man's widow
13606/3GAZETTE & HERALD EXCLUSIVE: When Diana Scott's husband died of cancer two years ago, their dreams of having a child together would ordinarily have died with him. more...
Wiltshire Sport
Up and About
ANDY NICHOLAS is already back on his feet following a successful cartilage operation and the youngster's impressive record as a speedy healer bodes well for his manager. more...
Wootton Bassett News
Sad note for a songwriter
Ref. 71325-5SONGWRITER Patricia Woollatt is devastated after a bag containing her precious lyrics was stolen from under her nose. more...
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