Your Swindon
Get involved: send your photos, videos, news & views by texting 'SWINDON NEWS' to 80360 or email »
Stories for 20 March 2003
Amesbury News
Council suspends 'bullying' whistle blowers
FOUR members of staff have been suspended by Salisbury district council after going public with complaints accusing council bosses of harassment and workplace bullying. more...
£3.8m plan brings arts centre into 20th century
SALISBURY Arts Centre is about to turn itself Inside Out ready for a multi-million-pound project that will transform the former church into a venue fit for the 21st century. more...
Judge to retire from the Bench
SALISBURY'S resident Crown Court judge and the city's honorary recorder, Judge David Maclaren Webster QC, is retiring in April after nearly 40 years on the Bench. more...
Stones 'project' takes to the road
A MOBILE exhibition of the Stonehenge Project began a 12-day tour of the surrounding area on Monday. more...
CamR to get three new labs
PORTON Down's Centre for Applied Microbiology and Research (CamR) has commissioned three new laboratories to help develop a treatment for the human form of mad cow disease. more...
Tim lands RAF career
AMESBURY teenager Tim Burgess is embarking on an air force career after completing his trade training. more...
Chamber of commerce celebrates first year
TIDWORTH & District Chamber of Commerce has rounded off its first year by making a donation of £2,500 to Castledown School, Ludgershall. more...
MBE honour for civil servant
A CIVIL servant from Netheravon has been awarded an MBE in recognition of his deployment to Afghanistan. more...
Business News
Tackling the age barrier
The Nationwide Building Society's chief executive officer was today making an impassioned plea for all employers to commit to age equality in the workplace. more...
Top man when it comes to IT sales
Jason Unsworth, sales executive with Swindon-based Blick UK, has been officially recognised as the UK's top IT sales person. more...
Health club's owner creates a big splash
TYCOON Eddie Shah has grand plans for the Wiltshire leisure industry after opening his new luxury health and leisure club at Wootton Bassett. more...
More than 140 jobs in store at supermarket
SAINSBURY'S supermarket in Chippenham closed its doors for eight days yesterday so that a £9 million rebuilding scheme can receive its finishing touches. more...
Manager to boost the town's prosperity
DEVIZES should have its own town centre manager to spearhead efforts to rejuvenate retail activity by late August or early September. more...
On air to beat criminals
LIFE for the criminal has been made more difficult in Devizes as many shops have signed up to the Storenet radio surveillance system. more...
Warnings on security
BUSINESS chiefs in the south west have been told they must play a key role in the war against terrorism. more...
Entries now invited for ideas competition
BUDDING entrepreneurs in Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have the opp-ortunity to turn their ideas into commercial reality. more...
Firms resist euro
SMALL and medium sized enterprises in the south west are still saying no to the euro. more...
25-year contract boosts QinetiQ
THE future of QinetiQ's test and evaluation services run from Boscombe Down has been secured after defence minister Lewis Moonie signed a 25-year contract worth up to £5.6 billion. more...
Book awards for Ottakar's
OTTAKAR'S bookshops, based in Salisbury, have won Bookselling Company of the Year at the British book equivalent of the Oscars. more...
Hamper company offers a taste of Dorset's finest
PRODUCERS of fine food and drink in Dorset now have a new way of marketing their wares, following the launch of the Dorset Hamper Company. more...
Former architect takes helm
DEVELOPMENT company Fieldfare Properties of Salisbury has a new man at the helm. more...
FP's `best ever' quarter
FRIENDS Provident has announced new life and pensions business premiums increased by 11 per cent to £1,744 million for 2002. more...
Partnership is a creative force
A PARTNERSHIP between Salisbury Playhouse and Personal Pension Management Ltd was cemented last week with the launch of two creative business projects. more...
Calne News
Olympic medalist wins floating voters
OLYMPIC gold medallist Duncan Goodhew caused a splash with Calne schoolchildren when he visited the town to promote a charity swimathon. more...
Volunteers needed for homework sessions
THE library in Calne is appealing for volunteers to support its successful homework club, the first of its kind to be launched in the county. more...
Work starts on cemetery
WORK is set to start on an extension to Calne's cemetery within the next two weeks. more...
Gardeners win back their old allotments
ELDERLY allotment holders in Calne are celebrating after a landmark concession by councillors means they can return once again to their town centre plots. more...
True blue teen aims to renew faith in politics
THE youngest Conservative in Wiltshire, Paul Smith from Calne, is appealing for young people to join the party and have a voice in politics. more...
Market offers belles blooms
CALNE bid the continental market a hearty `bienvenue' when it visited the town on March 8 and 9 laden with freshly-baked croissants and other gastronomic treats. more...
Teddies get a carnival tea
IF you go down to the Green in June you're sure of a big surprise - as children and parents gather for a special teddy bears' picnic. more...
Pet in the doghouse as thieves hit home
A FAMILY dog left home alone while its owners went to work failed to raise the alarm when burglars struck. more...
BNP marches west
FEATURE: IT seemed all very cloak and dagger as we met up at the rendezvous point in a car park near Bath. more...
Chippenham News
WAR: `Say no' camp growing daily
AS the prospect of war comes closer, people from across north Wiltshire have been flocking to join a Chippenham anti-war group. more...
WAR: The teams gear up to carry out their jobs
HUNDREDS of military personnel from RAF Lyneham are scattered throughout the Gulf region, fully prepared to carry out a wide range of duties when war breaks out. more...
WAR: Families anxious as war gets closer
LIFE at home is tough for partners and families as they anxiously await news of the impending war. more...
North Wiltshire tries a softly-softly approach
NORTH Wiltshire MP James Gray is backing the fight to save Malmesbury Hospital, but unlike his Devizes counterpart believes a softly softly approach is the right option. more...
Tractor Ted in the running for award
MUM Alexandra Heard's brainchild, Tractor Ted, has made her a runner up for a prestigious business award more...
Massive waste tip will be full by 2005
AS North Wiltshire District Council launches a major campaign to encourage residents to think more carefully about recycling, Hills Waste has opened another giant hole in the ground to swallow up north Wiltshire's mountain of waste. more...
Our freaky Friday
SCIENCE teacher Rob Kerr of Sheldon School in Chippenham had a close shave for Comic Relief, losing his 12-year-old beard for charity. more...
Clean-up begins as travellers move away
A MASSIVE cleanup operation was carried out on Monday after travellers left a car park covered in human waste and animal excrement. more...
Mobile cameras put focus on road safety
ACCORDING to police, people who complain about speeding drivers through their own town or village are often the ones who are themselves responsible for speeding. more...
Morale is high amid the desert storms
SERVICE families in North Wiltshire were yesterday waiting anxiously for news as their loved ones in the Gulf prepared for war. more...
Patients win GP more time
FAMILY GP Barney Williams says his Chippenham practice has been given a stay of execution, thanks to patient power. more...
Knifepoint raid victim calls for security cameras
ENGINEER Jamie Reynolds is calling for more security in Chippenham after he was held up at knifepoint at a cash machine in the town. more...
Terror as armed robbers hit pub
STAFF suffered a terrifying ordeal when they were held up at gunpoint by hooded robbers who have been targeting family restaurants. more...
Couple sift through charred possessions
TWO weeks after losing their Castle Combe home and two pet puppies in a ferocious fire, Hilary Baker and Mac Turner have at last been given the go-ahead to sift through their charred belongings. more...
Upset son made hoax bomb call
HOAX caller Gareth Filer told police he had planted a bomb in Chippenham as a cry for help, a court heard. more...
Town council rejects plan
CORSHAM Town Council is opposing a landowner who wants to use his industrial land for shredding motor tyres. more...
Chaotic road investigated
RESIDENTS have willingly signed a petition to ask for parking restrictions on their road. more...
Scouts have a high old time
CHIPPENHAM'S Scouts have scaled the world's highest mountain, Everest, three times - without even setting foot in Nepal. more...
Council may dish the dirt
BOX Parish Council is considering a name and shame campaign to expose owners who let their dogs foul on the recreation ground. more...
Prayers for peace planned
AS tensions mount in the Gulf region, a special church service offering prayers for peace will be held at St Andrew's Church, in Chippenham, on Sunday. more...
Rethink on health plans `not hopeful'
CONTROVERSIAL plans to close Rowden Hill House in Chippenham are to be reviewed, mental health chiefs have announced, but campaigners still fear the worst. more...
New galleries draw the crowds to centre
VISITORS are pouring in to see exhibits and special displays in Chippenham Heritage Centre's £400,000 extension. more...
More than 140 jobs in store at supermarket
SAINSBURY'S supermarket in Chippenham closed its doors for eight days yesterday so that a £9 million rebuilding scheme can receive its finishing touches. more...
Students get behind lens
TALENTED media students from Wiltshire College, Chippenham, have been trying out the director's chair to make two professional videos. more...
Lucky escape for dad who didn't buckle up
CHIPPENHAM dad Darren Kitson said he felt lucky to be alive after a driver ploughed into the side of his car on Sunday night. more...
Mayor signs off in style
THE Mayor and Mayoress of Chippenham, Richard and Karin Meek, are holding a charity dinner dance in aid of The League of Friends of Chippenham Hospital to celebrate the end of their year in office. more...
Corsham News
`New look store will be worth the wait'
THE £1.5m extension of Somerfield is causing chaos for Corsham shoppers but it will all be worth it in the end, according to store manager Peter Dobin. more...
Morale is high amid the desert storms
SERVICE families in North Wiltshire were yesterday (Wednesday) waiting anxiously for news as their loved ones in the Gulf prepared for war. more...
Town council rejects plan
CORSHAM Town Council is opposing a landowner who wants to use his industrial land for shredding motor tyres. more...
You're off your trolley
SUPERMARKET worker Nicci Cann was left with her head in the clouds after she was chosen to take part in a daredevil wing walk stunt. more...
Chaotic road investigated
RESIDENTS have willingly signed a petition to ask for parking restrictions on their road. more...
Council may dish the dirt
BOX Parish Council is considering a name and shame campaign to expose owners who let their dogs foul on the recreation ground. more...
Our freaky Friday
SCIENCE teacher Rob Kerr of Sheldon School in Chippenham had a close shave for Comic Relief, losing his 12-year-old beard for charity. more...
Festival team takes on arts centre
THE trustees of the Pound Arts Centre in Corsham have decided to resign and hand over the reigns to the Corsham Festival trustees. more...
Ctfc Sport
Tweddle is on move again to rivals Bath
FORMER Chippenham Town hero Steve Tweddle has broken the hearts of Bluebirds fans by signing a 14-month contract with bitter rivals Bath City. more...
Defenders blasted by furious Saunders
CHIPPENHAM boss Tommy Saunders blasted defenders Wayne Thorne and Tom Gould for the blunders that cost his side three points. more...
Charity calls for last effort
SIMON Charity has urged his team mates to bounce back from the disappointment of Saturday's defeat. more...
`Shearer and Henry wouldn't score here'
TOP scorer Martin Paul believes the Bluebirds' tried and tested style of play is starving both him and strike partner Adie Mings of goalscoring opportunities at Hardenhuish Park. more...
Mings aiming for a top ten
STRIKER Adie Mings has set himself a ten-goal target for the season after drawing another blank in the home defeat against Halesowen on Saturday. more...
Andrews has his eye on a new contract
SHANE Andrews is gunning for a new contract with Chippenham Town as he continues his recovery from a long-standing back injury. more...
Devizes News
Yet more agony
THE family of Gill Barter, the young mum murdered by her long-time partner two years ago, has lost everything in a catastrophic fire at their home yesterday morning (Wedesday). more...
Pupils in playtime protest for peace
MARCH 20: AS the country yesterday prepared to go to war, soldier's daughter Kimball Lacey led a protest of pupils calling for a halt to hostilities. more...
Homes given the go-ahead
A PLANNING inspector has given the go-ahead for the site of a former jam factory at Easterton to be developed, despite fears over safety. more...
OAP wakes to garage blaze
PENSIONER Barbara Lewin has praised the firefighters who saved her home from being engulfed in a blaze that destroyed her garage and car in the early hours of Saturday morning. more...
Manager to boost the town's prosperity
DEVIZES should have its own town centre manager to spearhead efforts to rejuvenate retail activity by late August or early September. more...
Entire town centre set to become a 20mph zone
MOTORISTS will be restricted to 20mph in Devizes if plans being considered by Kennet District Council are passed. more...
Thief strikes as girl sleeps
BURGLAR Nigel Stickley snatched a gold necklace from beside a sleeping girl, Salisbury Crown Court heard on Friday. more...
On air to beat criminals
LIFE for the criminal has been made more difficult in Devizes as many shops have signed up to the Storenet radio surveillance system. more...
Walk is in aid of MS group
PEOPLE are being encouraged to walk around the boundaries of Devizes to raise money for Mayor Catherine Brown's appeal. more...
Opportunity knocks in skatepark quest
THE search for a site for a skateboard park in Devizes has thrown up a new location. more...
MPs back Blair, despite fears
DEVIZES MP and Shadow Foreign Secretary Michael Ancram voted with the Government for war in Iraq. more...
HOSPITAL CAMPAIGN: Town needs hospital in modern premises
DEVIZES MP Michael Ancram has urged Health Secretary Alan Milburn to step in and save Devizes Hospital from closure. more...
HOSPITAL CAMPAIGN: Health minister is told: `Devizes was betrayed'
This is the full text of a hardhitting letter that Devizes MP Michael Ancram sent to health secretary Alan Milburn. more...
HOSPITAL CAMPAIGN: Two public meetings on threat to hospital
TWO public meetings are being held in Devizes to discuss the threats to the community hospital. more...
On death row?
THE Assize Courts, one of Devizes' most prominent buildings, could go on deteriorating for many more years, it was revealed this week. more...
Worker in fall from building recovers
A BUILDING worker had a lucky escape on Tuesday March 18 when he fell two and a half metres from first-floor level at the Crammer Court site in Church Walk, Devizes, on to solid concrete. more...
Theft victims may sue leisure centre
SUSAN Burford of Market Lavington is taking legal advice after she and four other people lost belongings when lockers were broken into at Devizes Leisure Centre. more...
Quiz show major had debts of than £50,000
MARCH 20: AN army major and his wife had debts of more than £50,000 when he allegedly cheated his way to the top prize on Who Wants to be a Millionaire?, a court heard today. more...
Former head picks up OBE at the Palace
LIZ Templar, the former headteacher of Urchfont Primary School near Devizes, received her OBE from The Queen at Buckingham Palace last week. more...
Town may get radio station
DEVIZES could have its own radio station as the Radio Authority has identified the town as a suitable place for an FM licence. more...
Pupils stage hour-long demo for peace
MARCH 20: HALF of the pupils at Lavington School took part in a protest against the war in Iraq yesterday. more...
Anti-war protester refuses to pay taxes
ANTI-WAR protester Robin Brookes, of Market Lavington, is refusing to pay his taxes because he disagrees with the Government's policy on war with Iraq. more...
Shooting stars
A NEW type of sports teaching for under fives has been successfully pioneered at Lavington Pre-School by Pewsey soccer trainer Matthew Rushton. more...
Strike by fire crews looms in HQ row
THE prospect of another national fire strike has receded but local action by Wiltshire full-time firefighters seems increasingly likely. more...
Quiz show major had debts of than £50,000
MARCH 20: AN army major and his wife had debts of more than £50,000 when he allegedly cheated his way to the top prize on Who Wants to be a Millionaire?, a court heard today. more...
You're off your trolley
SUPERMARKET worker Nicci Cann was left with her head in the clouds after she was chosen to take part in a daredevil wing walk stunt. more...
BNP marches west
FEATURE: IT seemed all very cloak and dagger as we met up at the rendezvous point in a car park near Bath. more...
A full house of fun
FEATURE: FORGET wine bars, pubs and clubs, today's young women are all heading down the bingo for a night of clickety click and two fat ladies. more...
Clean-up begins as travellers move away
A MASSIVE cleanup operation was carried out on Monday after travellers left a car park covered in human waste and animal excrement. more...
Rules altered over asbestos
NEW Government regulations to cut down on the risk of exposure to asbestos, and methods to dispose of the dangerous material, will be explained at a workshop at Kington Manor on Thursday March 27. more...
Schools granted £86,000 for green travel schemes
SCHOOLS in Wiltshire are to receive a total of £86,613 in funding for projects to encourage environmentally friendly travel. more...
Festival team takes on arts centre
THE trustees of the Pound Arts Centre in Corsham have decided to resign and hand over the reigns to the Corsham Festival trustees. more...
Getting to nose you
FUNDRAISERS painted offices, shops, factories and schools red as they sniffed out money for Comic Relief. more...
Devizes,Calne,Chippenham,Marlborough,Highworth,Corsham,Malmesbury,Wootton Bassett News
Now head must receive support
THIS week headteacher Maran White has told the Gazette of her ordeal facing assault charges after being accused of slapping colleague Anne Williams. more...
Our prayers go out
OUR thought and prayers go out to all of the families in and around Swindon whose loved ones are involved in the Iraqi conflict. more...
Running for agood cause
ON Sunday thousands of people, including a team from the Gazette, took to the streets of Bath to run 13.1 miles. more...
Devizes,Calne,Marlborough,Highworth,Chippenham,Corsham,Malmesbury,Wootton Bassett News
Chicane fails to slow our speeding drivers
I would like to comment on the traffic calming matters for Pewsham that were mooted in the Gazette two weeks ago. more...
Health chiefs should listen to the patients
MY wife and I have just received letters from the Kennet and North Wiltshire PCT regarding Dr Williams of the Marshfield Road Practice in Chippenham. more...
Is film a solution to health care crisis?
Closing local hospitals and creating bigger central ones does not make sense for a number of reasons. more...
Sarcasm falls flat
IF Oliver Pike thinks that the way to combat criticism about Malmesbury's Old Corporation is by being sarcastic, then he is sadly mistaken. more...
Why no backing?
INSTEAD of criticising people who highlight their lack of activity in the community in Malmesbury, why don't the Old Corporation do something about it? more...
Help boost town
We are all rightly focused on National and International developments at present, but it would be a pity if our focus detracts from participation in the coming local council elections on May 1, a few weeks away. more...
Church facts
AS previous owners of the former United Reform Church in Corsham my wife and I read with interest the Gazette's article relating to the development of the graveyard and the comments made by local people. more...
Praise for staff
AS readers will know, shopping at Sainsbury's in Chippenham has not been easy for the past six months. more...
Bad move for all
THE proposed move of Chippenham skateboard park to the Westmead location I find unbelievable. more...
Comments unfounded on record office plan
The wholly unfounded comments from DM Colcomb about the Record Office project in last week's Gazette cannot be allowed to pass without reply. more...
A health complex could aid patients and bosses
FOLLOWING discussions with the Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust, it is apparent that its current financial shortfall has got to be addressed in this year's ensuing budgets, and if we are not careful the easy option of closing community hospitals and centralising services will seem an increasingly attractive proposition. more...
Re-education of GPs might help save unit
I wish to support Alice Charlwood's comments (Gazette, March13,) regarding Devizes Maternity Unit being a well kept secret. more...
End `consultation', try banging heads
Following what seems like an endless consultation process, it is clear that Devizes is being softened up for the loss of its hospital (Gazette March 13.) more...
Hospital closure will lead to bed blocking
It was with surprise and sadness that my wife and I read the article about Malmesbury Hospital in the Gazette when we were last down in the area. more...
At last views on rail museum are wanted
AT last Swindon Borough Council is willing to listen to the views of the people in Swindon about Steam. more...
Disabled space should be fenced off from rest
I welcome the news that Asda Wal-Mart is doing something to help disabled drivers by having an eight-person baywatch patrol. more...
Pension rise won't even buy sandwich
MUCH has been written and I expect more letters will be penned about the plight and struggle of old age pensioners. more...
Iraq News
Strike one
MARCH 20: Image courtesy of Gannett News Service It is 5.25 this morning in the Persian Gulf as the first US missile streaks from the USS Bunker Hill towards Iraq, signalling the start of the war to oust Saddam Hussein. more...
Anti-war protester refuses to pay taxes
MARCH 20: ANTI-WAR protester Robin Brookes, of Market Lavington, is refusing to pay his taxes because he disagrees with the Government's policy on war with Iraq. more...
Pupils in playtime protest for peace
MARCH 20: AS the country yesterday prepared to go to war, soldier's daughter Kimball Lacey led a protest of pupils calling for a halt to hostilities. more...
MPs back Blair, despite fears
MARCH 20: DEVIZES MP and Shadow Foreign Secretary Michael Ancram voted with the Government for war in Iraq. more...
Students do a bunk for war protest
MARCH 20: STUDENTS at St John's School, Marlborough defied teachers to take an unauthorised break for an anti-war demonstration on Tuesday. more...
`Say no' camp growing daily
MARCH 20: AS the prospect of war comes closer, people from across north Wiltshire have been flocking to join a Chippenham anti-war group. more...
Families anxious as war gets closer
MARCH 20: LIFE at home is tough for partners and families as they anxiously await news of the impending war. more...
The teams gear up to carry out their jobs
MARCH 20: HUNDREDS of military personnel from RAF Lyneham are scattered throughout the Gulf region, fully prepared to carry out a wide range of duties when war breaks out. more...
Morale is high amid the desert storms
MARCH 20: SERVICE families in North Wiltshire were yesterday waiting anxiously for news as their loved ones in the Gulf prepared for war. more...
Prayers for peace planned
MARCH 20: AS tensions mount in the Gulf region, a special church service offering prayers for peace will be held at St Andrew's Church, in Chippenham, on Sunday. more...
The teams gear up to carry out their jobs
March 20:HUNDREDS of military personnel from RAF Lyneham are scattered throughout the Gulf region, fully prepared to carry out a wide range of duties when war breaks out. more...
TA troops put on 24-hour alert to help out
March 20:SWINDON TA platoons are now on 24-hour notice to handle major incidents such as terrorist attacks. more...
MPs back Blair, despite fears
March 20:DEVIZES MP and Shadow Foreign Secretary Michael Ancram voted with the Government for war in Iraq. more...
Prayers for peace planned
March 20:AS tensions mount in the Gulf region, a special church service offering prayers for peace will be held at St Andrew's Church, in Chippenham, on Sunday. more...
`Say no' camp growing daily
March 20:AS the prospect of war comes closer, people from across north Wiltshire have been flocking to join a Chippenham anti-war group. more...
Families anxious as war gets closer
March 20:LIFE at home is tough for partners and families as they anxiously await news of the impending war. more...
B-52s are now armed and ready for action
MARCH 20: A convoy of lorries was seen heading towards B-52 bombers at RAF Fairford yesterday as the countdown to war in Iraq entered its final hours. more...
Muted protest as bombs arrive
MARCH 20: PEACE protesters camped at RAF Fairford fell into a sombre mood as they watched bombs arrive at the air base. more...
Campaign for peace stepped up
MARCH 20: Protesters in Swindon have pledged to continue to voice their opposition to military action in Iraq. more...
Helping people afflicted by war
MARCH 19: A MINE clearance specialist is preparing to enter Iraq on a post-war humanitarian crusade. more...
Malmesbury News
Housing protest wins final battle
MINETY villagers are celebrating after their four-year fight to stop plans for 34 houses on land at Sawyers Hill and Webb's Lane has ended in victory. more...
MP backs Iraq war as county prepares
SERVICE families in north Wiltshire were yesterday awaiting anxiously for news as their loved ones in the Gulf prepared for war. more...
Debate goes to Commons
NORTH Wiltshire MP James Gray has accused Health Minister Hazel Blears of not caring about the future of Malmesbury Hospital. more...
Gypsies move in near old school site
THE morning after gypsies set up camp in fields in Malmesbury near the old school at Filands on Sunday, there was an accident at the site. more...
Up the pole with no phone
A CRASH at Little Somerford left 19 residents at Hill House unable to telephone relatives for a week. more...
Timetable for new school is unveiled
A NEW CofE primary school could be built to replace the current building on Tetbury Hill by 2005 in a timetable recommended in a report to Wiltshire County Council. more...
Neighbours deny that house is a drugs den
FRIENDS and neighbours of Malmesbury mother Karen Laker who was accused of using her home as a drugs haven for teenagers, have rallied round to give her support. more...
Cash target as Belize beckons
RECTOR'S son Chris Raven is aiming to raise £3,500 to venture into the rainforests of Belize. more...
New artery for charity
THE Malmesbury branch of the British Heart Foundation has been resurrected after a two-year lapse and is looking for committee members. more...
Marlborough News
Meeting in bid to keep town hospital
MAYOR Margaret Boulton wants people from the Marlborough and Pewsey area to show their support for keeping a working hospital at Savernake by attending a public meeting in the town on Monday. more...
Teacher for deputy mayor
RETIRED teacher and college lecturer Graham Francis has been selected as the next deputy mayor of Marlborough. more...
Students do a bunk for war protest
STUDENTS at St John's School, Marlborough defied teachers to take an unauthorised break for an anti-war demonstration on Tuesday. more...
Painter back to show work
PIONEERING artist Abigail Durrant is living out the career she always wanted as a child. more...
Plea for help in bid to save old bridleway
Marlborough town councillors have agreed to back a fight to prevent a bridle path being opened to vehicles. more...
New steps to democracy
YOUNG people attending Marlborough Youth Centre in St Margarets Mead have elected their own committee so that they can have a say in how it's run. more...
Sale benefits mums' trust
FAMILIES are being asked to support fundraising by the Marlborough branch of the National Childbirth Trust to help it provide services for mothers. more...
Pewsey News
Battle of words over Tinhenge
A PUB frequented by corn circle enthusiasts, including actors Goldie Hawn and her husband Kurt Russell, is at the centre of a canal feud. more...
Young swimming ace is a real showstopper
DANIEL Stewart, 15, has been asked to swim at the Ideal Home Show. more...
Meeting in bid to keep town hospital
MAYOR Margaret Boulton wants people from the Marlborough and Pewsey area to show their support for keeping a working hospital at Savernake by attending a public meeting in the town on Monday. more...
Shooting stars
A NEW type of sports teaching for under fives has been successfully pioneered at Lavington Pre-School by Pewsey soccer trainer Matthew Rushton. more...
Salisbury Features
Chopping down forests of fear
WITH air travel becoming cheaper and easier the world is getting smaller, but for me, the world remains a very large place. more...
Day off once a year to visit their mothers
MOTHERING Sunday is the fourth Sunday of Lent. Although it is often called Mothers' Day, it has no connection with the American festival of that name. more...
Salisbury News
Appeal to heroes of dramatic fire rescue
AN injured driver has made a plea from his hospital bed for the heroic passers-by who saved him from his burning sports car to contact him. more...
Council suspends 'bullying' whistle blowers
FOUR members of staff have been suspended by Salisbury district council after going public with complaints accusing council bosses of harassment and workplace bullying. more...
£3.8m plan brings arts centre into 20th century
SALISBURY Arts Centre is about to turn itself Inside Out ready for a multi-million-pound project that will transform the former church into a venue fit for the 21st century. more...
Anger at grazing proposals
SALISBURY district council's proposals to introduce livestock to Middle Street meadows in Harnham has sparked outrage. more...
Judge to retire from the Bench
SALISBURY'S resident Crown Court judge and the city's honorary recorder, Judge David Maclaren Webster QC, is retiring in April after nearly 40 years on the Bench. more...
Two more city sub-post offices forced to close
TWO more of Salisbury's sub-post offices are faced with closure in April, as the nation's network of branches struggles to stay afloat. more...
Summer start for work on new school building
WORK is to start in July on a new £700,000 classroom block for Downton School. more...
Salisbury Sport
Football
Striker Phillips opens his account for City more...
Football
Below par Heath disappoint again more...
Football
Laverstock stay three points clear more...
Football
Shane's double delight more...
Football
Tyronne's double keeps City in hunt more...
Women's rugby
Emily heads to Hong Kong more...
Rugby
Gutsy Salisbury so close to causing upset more...
Tennis
Century stand for Roger more...
Badminton
Double depends on 'Stock more...
Bowls
Five Rivers Indoor Bowls Club latest more...
Horse racing
Saint Mick splashes out on new stud farm more...
Junior football
Lloyd bags the winner more...
Football
Salisbury & District Football League more...
Hockey
Men and women fall to table toppers more...
Rod and Line
Biggin Hill angler lands a big 'un more...
Sport Angling
Haul of bream wins at Benger
COTSWOLD Angling star Eamon Byrne landed a massive 65lb 8oz of bream to win the Isis AC traditional last-day match on the River Avon at Sutton Benger. more...
Sport Cricket
Light shines on cricketers
CRICKETERS at Dauntsey's School are hoping bring a taste of the World Cup to Wiltshire when they stage their first-ever floodlit match on Tuesday 25 March. more...
Chameleon in cup shock
THE Swindon League's Knockout Cup has progressed to the quarter-final stage, with New Asians the only casualty among the fancied sides. more...
Sport Football
Belcher quits as fans turn on him
SCREWFIX PREMIER DIVISION: ALI Belcher has left cash-strapped Devizes Town by mutual consent after becoming the scapegoat for fans unhappy with the way his father Chris is running the Screwfix Direct Premier Division club. more...
Cup rivals share the honours
YOUTH FOOTBALL: TWO of the strongest teams in the Wiltshire Times and Chippenham News Mid-Wilts Youth and Minor League met in two epic cup semi-finals, with honours ending even. more...
Devizes Town 1, Trowbridge Town 0
GOALKEEPER Warren Jackson produced an inspired display as Devizes Town edged past their Wiltshire League visitors to book a Wiltshire Senior Cup semi-final date with Calne Town. more...
Highworth Town 0, Melksham Town 4
HIGHWORTH manager John Fisher is looking to beef up his lightweight side after seeing his hopes of silverware dashed by Melksham at Nursteed Road, Devizes, on Tuesday 18 March. more...
Striker enjoys a perfect Day with six-goal thrashing
HELLENIC LEAGUE: PAUL Day was in fine form for Highworth Town, bagging a hat-trick in his side's 6-0 away win over Pegasus Juniors. more...
Pewsey Vale 4, Wantage 1
AN inspired substitution from manager Steve Wootton helped Pewsey record their first Hellenic Premier Division points in more than two months on Saturday 15 March. more...
Larkhall Athletic 0, Calne Town 1
JAMES Lye was hailed as the best left winger in the Screwfix Direct First Division by joint-boss Kelvin Highmore after his wonder goal gave Calne Town yet another win on the road. more...
Corsham Town 0, Bitton 2
SCREWFIX DIVISION ONE: CORSHAM co-manager Dave King labelled his side's performance as the worst he has seen this season as Bitton eased to victory at The Southbank. more...
Corsham Town 2, Exmouth Town 1
RUSSELL Lodge and Rob Humphries were on target as Corsham rocked title-chasing Exmouth at The Southbank on Saturday 15 March. more...
Hillier at the double as Sports reach final
FIRST Division Maud Heath Sports, who lifted the WG Parr Trophy in 1997 and 2000, are through to this year's final after a comfortable 3-0 semi-final win over North Bradley. more...
Unbeaten Eastville celebrate league win
SWINDON MINORS LEAGUE: EASTVILLE Boys have been crowned under 12s Division Two champions after stretching their 100 per cent record to 16 games. more...
The wonders from Woolies
SWINDON AND DISTRICT LEAGUE: WOOLWORTHS are the Division Two champions after beating their nearest rivals, Queenstown Reserves, 4-1. more...
Leaders keep their foot on the pedal
SKURRAYS WILTSHIRE LEAGUE: PREMIER Division leaders Shrewton United kept the goals flowing with a 5-3 away win over Bradford Town. more...
Rivals set for cup showdown
MID-WILTSHIRE SUNDAY LEAGUE: SELECTABOOK and The Dolphin will contest the final of the Linpac Sports and Social Cup after both ran our comfortable winners in their respective ties. more...
Sun fail to shine in top of the table tie
SWINDON SUNDAY LEAGUE: DIVISION Five leaders Queensfield recorded what could be a crucial 2-1 victory over nearest rivals Sun Inn Coate to open up a six-point lead. more...
Swindon Supermarine 0, Weston-super-Mare 2
DR MARTENS WESTERN: MARINE stay nine points adrift of Western Division safety after late salvo undid their good work. more...
Huge cash windfall will boost tiny club
YOUNG footballers in Highworth will soon have access to modern new changing facility thanks to a cash boost of almost £500,000. more...
Sport Rugby
Youngster's first taste of the big time
SIMON Whatling took another step towards achieving his goal of a rugby career on Saturday when he was selected in Bath's 22-man matchday squad for their Zurich Premiership clash against Northampton. more...
Club building for place among elite
CHIPPENHAM Rugby Club are hoping a united front will bring national league rugby to Allington Field within five years. more...
Devizes 20, Westbury 10
DEVIZES were made to work hard for their victory over a Westbury side determined to avoid a repeat of their heavy defeat at the hands of the Saddlebacks earlier in the season. more...
Chippenham 19, Swanage and Wareham 20
SOUTH WEST TWO EAST: CHIPPENHAM were left to rue missed chances as promotion-chasing Swanage and Wareham took the honours at Allington Field. more...
Chippenham 2nd 32, Keynsham 2nd 24
SOUTH WEST TWO EAST: CHIPPENHAM 2nd produced some of their best rugby of the season to overcome Keynsham's second string on Saturday. more...
Walcot 17, Chippenham 3rd 5
SOUTH WEST TWO EAST: DAVE Burrows' early try was all Chippenham thirds had to show for their efforts. Burrows drove down the short side to give his side the lead. Walcot broke out to level the scores before the break. more...
Chippenham U14s 24, Devizes U14s 0
JUNIOR RUGBY: CHIPPENHAM U14s made it a cup double on Sunday 16 March as they added the Wiltshire Cup to their trophy cabinet. more...
Chippenham U13s 56, Devizes U13s 5
JUNIOR RUGBY: CHIPPENHAM U13s will face Trowbridge in the last four of the Wiltshire Cup on Sunday after a comprehensive victory over Devizes in their final pool match. more...
Chippenham U11s 12, Walcot Under 11s 36
JUNIOR RUGBY: CHIPPENHAM U11s tasted defeat in their first match under the club's new mobile floodlights. The home side could only manage a solitary unconverted try. The second half mirrored the first with more tries from Walcot, one of which was converted. more...
Mini bonanza
PUPILS will kick off a mini rugby festival at Devizes Sports Club on April 2. more...
Supermarine 8, Minety 15
DORSET AND WILTS TWO NORTH: AN outstanding performance from Supermarine was not enough to stop a resilient Minety completing their clean sweep of 12 wins in 12 games in the league this season. more...
Supermarine 2nd 12, Minety 2nd 22
DESPITE missing several key players and being behind at half-time, Minety's second string staged an impressive second half fightback to make it six wins on the trot. more...
Marlborough 27, Colerne 32
MARLBOROUGH were denied their first league point since January 4 as spirited visitors Colerne grabbed only their second Dorset and Wilts Two North victory of the campaign. more...
Bicester 0, Swindon 13
SOUTHERN COUNTIES NORTH: SWINDON'S first attempt at goal was only a metre inside the opposition's half but Nathan Waite cleared the crossbar to give his side the lead. more...
Juniors enjoy day of success
YOUTH RUGBY: DEVIZES U10s saw their hopes of victory in the Warminster Festival on Sunday dashed by a golden try in the final. more...
Swindon News
This is okay, this is not
Having lost a court battle regarding standards of dress for staff working with the Department of Works and Pensions that male staff are no longer obligated to wear ties and could even wear a kilt to work. more...
Why do they not learn from their car park errors?
I AM pleading to the council officers to think hard before they build any more public buildings with inadequate parking. more...
How to put the steam back into railway museum
AT last Swindon Borough Council is willing to listen to the views of the people in Swindon. If they had done this in the first place they would not have the problems they face today and would not have wasted our money. more...
George Bush world leader or playboy?
GEORGE Bush junior squandered his extremely privileged upbringing on booze and a playboy lifestyle until his daddy decided it was about time he did something useful with his life. more...
Bed shortages
I feel I am qualified to comment on Karen Byrne's position regarding her mother Mrs Stack. more...
Man of promise?
IN the attempt to enact a regime change in Iraq. the USA and British Government has engaged in the practice of arm twisting which surely renders null and void any free vote in the United Nations Assembly. more...
Holidays planned
WHY are your readers so surprised at the antics of the Conservative councillors at the budget meeting? They did exactly the same thing last year. more...
Last Supper has its lost lustre restored
AFTER nine years of waiting, a missing masterpiece finally looks set to return to Purton parish church. more...
Professional painter to give art classes
A SERIES of art classes is being held at a gallery in Old Town. more...
Top children's author to visit Swindon twice
BEST-SELLING children's writer Jacqueline Wilson is making two visits to Swindon. more...
Station fails government `secure' test
SAFETY measures at Swindon railway station are not recognised by the Government's "secure station" standard. more...
Owner's warning over cat poisoning
THE mysterious and fatal poisoning of two cats has left their owner shocked and worried for other animals. more...
Courts in the county are getting offenders to pay up
COURTS in Wiltshire have won praise after successfully cracking down on offenders refusing to pay their fines. more...
Badminton became a love match
DOUG and Betty Davis first met as partners in a badminton tournament and were today celebrating 60 years of marriage. more...
Saturday dance led to 50 years of romance
JOYCE and Gerald Spackman are celebrating half a century of marriage with friends and neighbours. more...
Just one show for High Spin Dance co
ONE of the country's leading dance companies gives its first performance in Swindon tomorrow. more...
Waiting to help others
DISABLED powerlifter Keith Bell is waiting to discover if he has qualified as a sports coach. more...
Cutting workload will solve teacher crisis
THE president of the National Union of Teachers says Swindon's crisis level teacher shortage could be solved by encouraging more into the profession. more...
Getting ready for the big duck race
FINAL preparations are being made for the third annual Swindon Old Town Rotary Club charity duck race which will be held on May 26. more...
Lorry driver is jailed for assault
LORRY driver assessor John Melville is starting a year in jail after admitting assaulting a man on a Swindon street. more...
Rabbit really a bank man in disguise
BARCLAYS Bank worker Mathew Collins will be swapping his suit and tie for a rabbit costume to launch a fundraising drive for charity. more...
Accordions for Age Concern
The Kennet Accordion Orchestra is to give a performance at the Coleview Community Centre in Towcester Road on Wednesday, April 2, to raise money for the Stratton branch of Age Concern. more...
A study in footballinb robotics
ROBOTS replaced players at the County Ground as part of an education exercise. more...
Street Watch team is proving big success
PEOPLE in a neighbourhood battling to drive out street prostitutes claim to be winning. more...
Mayor will pack your bags and shave his legs
A TOWN mayor is to shave his head and pack shopping bags to raise money for charity. more...
Paedophile faces three years jail
A MAN found with 44,000 pornographic images of children on his computer is facing jail. more...
Concern over missing pony
AN APPEAL for information about a stolen miniature Shetland pony has been renewed by the Wiltshire farmer who owns her. more...
Pupils set to battle it out in road safety quiz
SCHOOLCHILDREN will be battling it out in the finals of a road safety quiz next week. more...
`It was the worst night of my life'
A WOMAN whose ex-boyfriend drove his people-carrier through the wall of her house says she has nightmares and flashbacks. more...
Campaign for peace stepped up
Protesters in Swindon have pledged to continue to voice their opposition to military action in Iraq. more...
Muted protest as bombs arrive
PEACE protesters camped at RAF Fairford fell into a sombre mood as they watched bombs arrive at the air base. more...
B-52s are now armed and ready for action
A convoy of lorries was seen heading towards B-52 bombers at RAF Fairford yesterday as the countdown to war in Iraq entered its final hours. more...
Down memory lane
While the history of Swindon and its environs can be traced to before the birth of Christ, the emergence of the town as the crucible of the railway industry coincided with the dawn of photography. That has allowed some 160 years of Swindon's evolution to be charted by the dedicated historians of the Swindon Society, which this year celebrates its 30th anniversary. more...
Shots are fired at pre-school
VANDALS have fired an air rifle at the windows of a pre-school. more...
Council appoints its chief executive
SWINDON Council has officially endorsed the appointment of Simon Birch as its new chief executive. more...
`Elated' head is back at school after ordeal
MARAN White, the headteacher who was cleared of assaulting a member of her staff, has been reinstated as headteacher of Robert Le Kyng Primary School. more...
Firefighters reject pay offer
FIREFIGHTERS in Swindon remain defiant in their cause for more pay but are accepting the cancellation of today's planned strike. more...
Fire guts derelict flat
A DERELICT flat in Gorse Hill was gutted by a fire which left nearby shops filled with smoke. more...
Pray for a quick end to conflict
THE bombs are landing, the troops are on the move and the unthinkable has become a horrifying reality. more...
Wiltshire News
Strike one
Image courtesy of Gannett News Service It is 5.25 this morning in the Persian Gulf as the first US missile streaks from the USS Bunker Hill towards Iraq, signalling the start of the war to oust Saddam Hussein. more...
Wiltshire Sport
Parkin's new goal
SAM PARKIN has vowed to soothe supporters' frayed nerves before preparing for a more `consistent' goalscoring campaign next year. more...
Wootton Bassett News
Health club's owner creates a big splash
TYCOON Eddie Shah has grand plans for the Wiltshire leisure industry after opening his new luxury health and leisure club at Wootton Bassett. more...
Skate plea is turned down
WOOTTON Bassett Town Council amenities committee has declined an invitation to help fund an indoor skate park which may be established by Calne Town Council at Porte Marsh Industrial Estate. more...
Landlord is hungry to recruit new chef
DESPERATE landlord Simon Collins is in dire need of a chef after spending almost a year advertising for someone to help run his kitchen. more...
Local Advertisers
Local Information
Enter your postcode, town or place name
