Stories for 28 March 2003

Bath Leisure

Playing God is not an easy job

APRIL 5, BATH: The Mysteries, Theatre Royal Bath: THERE can't be many people who have played the role of God before, but Vumile Nomanyama not only plays the part of God but also that of Jesus in the Biblical production The Mysteries, which comes to the Theatre Royal Bath next week.   more...

Be happy

MARCH 28 & 29, BATH: Sixteen Types Of Happiness, Rondo Theatre Bath: Big State Theatre, the makers of the darkly comic hitting Dennis and the Frantic Spaghetti Weston-Super-Mare return with a comedy that takes on the big questions and comes up with at least 16 answers.   more...

Bradford On Avon News

Police can't find that elusive clue

TRAINED police forensic teams working on the Melanie Hall inquiry could finish their pain-staking search within days.   more...

Friends have a great year

HOSPITAL volunteers have celebrated another successful year of fundraising, which has seen them buy thousands of pounds of equipment to help care for patients.   more...

Green fun day

CARING for the environment is the theme of a Green fun day in Bradford on Avon on April 12.   more...

Blackbud have the right taste

INTERNATIONALLY acclaimed jazz pianist Jason Rebello, from Bradford on Avon, has put so much faith in a band from west Wiltshire that he has promised them an interview with a top record producer in London.   more...

Easter egg run will be dedicated to Nick

AN annual Easter egg run to Bristol Child-ren's Hospital is to go ahead this year, despite the death of its organiser.   more...

Motorbike stolen

Thieves stole a broken-down motorbike from a verge on the A385, between Bradford on Avon and Farleigh Wick.   more...

Teens facing jail for cadet leader attack

Steven RoseTHREE teenagers who systematically kicked an air cadet leader while he lay curled up on the ground are all facing a jail sentence for their role in the gang attack.   more...

Three years of work on show

NEEDLEWORKERS in Bradford on Avon have seen the fruits of three years hard work go on public display.   more...

Business News

Small firms hit by car charge blow

Proposals by Swindon Council to reduce parking spaces in the town centre while increasing parking charges in those areas where parking remains have angered the Federation of Small Businesses.   more...

Breakfast club ready to Make It Happen

A BUSINESS breakfast club has launched its annual award scheme to boost the careers of local businesswomen.   more...

New site for vehicle group

COMMERCIAL vehicle supplier the Tom Gallagher Group is investing £2m in new premises at Westmead Industrial Estate in Swindon.   more...

Corporate golf challenge gets national recognition

ORGANISERS of a major new charity golf competition are delighted that the event is to receive national recognition.   more...

Pensioners adapt to life on low income

THE south west's retired people have an average disposable income of £13,652.   more...

Printers state-of-the-art upgrade

SPEEDYPRINT printers and stationers of Salisbury have a new state-of-the-art digital large format copier.   more...

Business mentor appointed

THE Institute for Independent Business has appointed a new accredited executive associate to its southern central team.   more...

How Army picks best

SENIOR business managers from Wiltshire have discovered first hand how the Army selects the best talent for future officers.   more...

Free seminars

FREE seminars advising employers of how developments in the Employment Act 2002 can impact on their businesses are being held in Trowbridge and Chippenham.   more...

Insurance costs considered

FINANCIAL services provider Co-operative Insurance Society has unearthed a piece of history that shows that home insurance has risen relatively little in price over the last 100 years.   more...

Free advice at end of phone

BUSINESS Link Wessex has launched a telephone advisory service.   more...

Carpet takes map theme

WILTON Carpet Factory has completed one of its most interesting contracts ­ the carpet for the new library at Swiss Cottage in London.   more...

Firms add to festival funding

A REPORT by Arts & Business, the organisation that develops partnerships between business and the arts, shows that investment in the southern region during the financial year 2001/2 was more than £4 million.   more...

Website seminar

COMPUTER company Craven-plan of Swallowcliffe is holding its latest seminar today entitled 101 Ways To Promote Your Website.   more...

FP cuts bonus rate again

SALISBURY-BASED insurance and investment company Friends Provident has dealt a double blow to savers and policy holders by announcing a further cut in bonus rates and warned future dividends were in doubt.   more...

Top tips to cut your tax bill

A DIRECTOR at Smith & Williamson, the financial services group with a branch in Salisbury, has come up with ten top tax tips for businesses in the run up to the April 5 tax year end.   more...

Trade is strong at farm shop

A CHIPPENHAM farmer is enjoying more trade than ever because he says people want to know the origin of their food.   more...

Calne News

Suspected arson

Fire broke out in boarded up factory premises at Calne on Tuesday.   more...

Cinema could be a reality

PLANS to provide Calne with a regular cinema have moved a step closer after councillors agreed to back the cinemobile project.   more...

Chippenham News

Trade is strong at farm shop

A CHIPPENHAM farmer is enjoying more trade than ever because he says people want to know the origin of their food.   more...

Eggs-tra special delivery

A GIANT rabbit hopped his way along to Redland Primary School in Chippenham and gave children an early Easter treat.   more...

Sudden end to inquest

POLICE will re-investigate the death of a 20-year-old crack cocaine user found dead on a sofa at a Chippenham house.   more...

Teachers and governors join in the fun

CHILDREN at Kings Lodge Primary School, Chippenham have the chance to exercise their creativity skills every week with a new initiative designed to bring pupils together.   more...

Chicago Rock may take site

THE developer of Chippenham's former Goldiggers nightclub says a detailed planning application will be handed over in two weeks.   more...

Final call to design stadium

YOUNG football fans have their last chance this week to come up with ideas for a new stadium for Chippenham Town.   more...

Jail term for bank robbery

A ROBBER has been jailed for three years after a court heard he made off with £1,000 from a building society.   more...

Theatre to play town

A NEW theatre company launches in Chippenham next week with four days of performances.   more...

Farmers horrified by plan to redevelop cattle market

PLANS to develop the Cocklebury Road site in Chippenham has stirred up an angry response from farmers.   more...

Warship asbestos kills navy hero

WILTSHIRE TIMES EXCLUSIVE: A ROYAL Navy engineer who fought in the Falklands war died as a result of coming into contact with deadly asbestos spores on military warships.   more...

Search for helpful man

POLICE are searching for a Good Samaritan who may be the vital link in solving a daylight raid on a clothes shop.   more...

Corsham News

Corsham station project delayed

A LEADING rail passenger watchdog has backed the case for Corsham station by condemning the government decision to cancel the Oxford to Bristol service.   more...

Man punched in face in fracas

A 32-year-old Corsham man was assaulted in a Westbury pub on Sunday night. The victim was drinking in The Hollies, in Westbury Leigh, when he was repeatedly punched in the face.   more...

Car is set ablaze

CORSHAM Police are hunting for arsonists who put an armchair onto the bonnet of a BMW and set it ablaze. Hundreds of pounds worth of damage was caused to the BMW 325, which was parked in Long Close Avenue.   more...

Police step up patrols

GANGS of up to 50 youths are causing problems in a north Wiltshire village.   more...

Ctfc Sport

Final call to design stadium

YOUNG football fans have their last chance this week to come up with ideas for a new stadium for Chippenham Town.   more...

Devizes News

Chiefs acknowledge criticism

AMBULANCE chiefs have acknowledged criticism about management practices and bullying following an inspection by a health watchdog.   more...

Drive News

Why women drivers are better than men

FOR years, women motorists have suffered jokes from men about their driving ability. A recent survey of 1,000 drivers, conducted by Green Flag Motoring Assistance and the road safety charity Brake, has revealed that women are actually safer on the roads than men, in many ways.   more...

Ford launches the Streetka's desire

FORD'S first European two-seat roadster, the sexy new Streetka convertible, is officially on sale in the UK from this month, priced from £12,495 on-the-road.   more...

Alfa diesels go on sale

DIESEL-engined versions of the Alfa Romeo 147, 156 and 156 Sportwagon, which are selling strongly in European markets, have been on sale in the UK since mid-March.   more...

Audi's 5-litre V10 is on show

AUDI showed its new Nuvolari quattro concept at this month's Geneva Motor Show.   more...

First UK Ford with in-car DVD as norm

THE Ford Fusion+ is the latest edition to the Fusion range and the first UK Ford with a standard DVD entertainment system.   more...

Castle Combe hosts tourers

A UNIQUE event, which gives classic, sports and specialist car owners the opportunity to experience the thrill of motorsport takes place at Castle Combe circuit on Sunday March 30.   more...

BMW's Z4 means business

THE BMW Z4 is a breathtaking experience on the road, appealing to all your senses, and although it is not due here until June, for the sports car connoisseur the wait will be worthwhile.   more...

Customer thumbs up for Islington Citroen

LOCAL Citroen dealership, Islington Citroen, of Trowbridge has achieved a Citroen Masters of Quality Award for 2002/03.   more...

A hundred years on the open road

Two giants in the world of wheels are celebrating their centenaries this year, and both aim to mark their heritage in style, with lavish commemorative events.   more...

Go on this safe driving scheme and save cash

a new scheme to help encourage safer driving has been launched by Swindon Council.   more...

Swindon's Honda wins more praise

Japanese car-manufacturer Honda has been named at the winner in four categories in the Auto Express Driver Power Survey 2003.   more...

Just a slight hitch with the windows!

Writing about cars doesn't have to be a male domiated profession. Women may not be too interested in the torque and bhp, but they certainly know what they like in a motor. MARION LANGFORD took to the road in a SEAT Cordoba to see what it could do   more...

Iraq News

`Morale is high but some families are frightened'

MARCH 28: AN army wife has polished up her computer skills so she can send daily emails to her husband in Iraq.   more...

Breaking the grip of Saddam's army

MARCH 28: WILTSHIRE troops are playing a key role on the battlefield in Iraq.   more...

War protesters go on the march

HUNDREDS of Wiltshire peace protesters have taken part in demonstrations against the war in Iraq.   more...

Westbury white horse defaced

MARCH 28: ANTI-WAR protesters have defaced one of Wiltshire's famous landmarks.   more...

Melksham News

Tip-off for drugs raid

TEENAGE drug supplier Jack Isaacs told a mother-of-three he was going to petrol bomb her Melksham flat in a series of terror threats.   more...

Players remember tragic knife victim

FAMILY and friends of knife victim Paul Rodgers helped raise hundreds of pounds for his four children by holding a pool tournament in his memory.   more...

Assault after footie match

FOOTBALL fan Michael Sparks knocked-out a rival football player in a Melksham supermarket.   more...

Tribute to hearts babies

A MEMORIAL to remember children affected by the Bristol Heart Babies scandal will be unveiled to the families in a touching tribute next month.   more...

Cause of death stays unknown

THE death of a 50-year-old woman, found slumped on the toilet at her Melksham home, will remain shrouded in doubt.   more...

Reward for finding hat

WEST Wiltshire's Mr Christmas has offered a £250 reward after his trade-mark tinsel trimmed hat covered in star autographs was stolen in Melksham.   more...

Easter egg run will be dedicated to Nick

AN annual Easter egg run to Bristol Child-ren's Hospital is to go ahead this year, despite the death of its organiser.   more...

Woman set for jail term

NON-PAYMENT of council tax has led to a three-month suspended prison sentence for a Melksham woman.   more...

In memory of a best friend

TWO best friends of young Melksham meningitis victim Daniel Higgs have raised hundreds of pounds in his memory.   more...

Plans for a French market

PUBS and shops in Melksham are being urged to turn French for a three-day event in May if they manage to beat apathy and the war.   more...

Summer of discontent

LENGTHY roadworks could effectively seal off parts of Melksham as a summer of tailbacks and congestion looms.   more...

Melksham tightens its security

A THIRD surveillance camera could be on line in Melksham by the end of next month.   more...

Sport Angling

It's a century for Blagdon Lake

THURSDAY is the big day for all trout fishermen, with the opening of the new season on the Bristol Water fisheries at Chew, Blagdon, the Barrows and Litton.   more...

Sport Football

Showdown!

IT'S crunch time for the Premier Division title chasers this week as Stratton Crosslink take on Wroughton.   more...

Bassett boys face Fairford derby match

Wootton Bassett, who failed to halt second-placed Carterton Town in mid-week, face local rivals Fairford Town.   more...

All the weekend football fixtures

DR MARTENS LEAGUE   more...

Marine ready for acid test

IT is no exaggeration to suggest that Swindon Supermarine face their biggest game of the season tomorrow.   more...

Cannonball to be fired? Striker listed

CHIPPENHAM TOWN boss Tommy Saunders has reacted to his side's sorry spell of form by slapping a star name on the transfer list.   more...

Ciren looking to stay competitive

CIRENCESTER host Solihull tomorrow in a game that has little relevance at either end of the Western Division.   more...

Chairman set to quit as Devizes crisis deepens

FORGET about relegation, Devizes Town are flirting with extinction after more boardroom tremors this week.   more...

Frankly speaking

FORMER England and Leicester City striker Frank Worthington will be the guest speaker at Trowbridge Town Youth's Sportsman's Dinner at Trowbridge Civic Hall on Tuesday April 8.   more...

Town could get second cup chance

TROWBRIDGE Town will discover today if they are to be reinstated in the Wiltshire Senior Cup.   more...

Collins adds to leaders' tally

SKURRAYS WILTSHIRE LEAGUE: ALL three top sides in the Skurray's Wiltshire League Premier Division chalked up maximum points to keep the title race wide open.   more...

Stratton Crosslink 1, Trowbridge Town 0

SKURRAYS WILTSHIRE LEAGUE: FOR the second week running, Trow-bridge were made to pay for missed opportunities as they crashed to defeat in this Premier Division clash.   more...

Team Bath 3, Melksham Town 1

SCREWFIX DIRECT LEAGUE: TEAM Bath had to fight hard for victory, coming from a goal down at the break to do it.   more...

Just third time lucky

MID-WILTSHIRE SUNDAY LEAGUE: BOTTOM-of-the-table Trowbridge Wanderers collected only their third win of the season with a 5-1 victory over fellow strugglers Fox and Hounds.   more...

Three year record comes to an end

TROWBRIDGE LEAGUE: AN early goal from Joel Grogan and a late deflection off Jeremy Curtis earned The Deverills Reserves the distinction of ending the 30-match unbeaten league run of Dynamo West End.   more...

Wiltshire under 18s 2, Devon under 18s 1

COUNTY FOOTBALL: MANAGER Mel Gingell is preparing to rebuild his successful Wiltshire under 18s squad after seeing them finish the season on a high note with a home victory over Devon.   more...

Sport Rugby

Trowbridge 23, Old Culverhaysians 13

TROWBRIDGE came back from 10-0 down to reach the semi-finals of the Bath Combination Cup with a hard earned victory.   more...

The smallest beat the rest

YOUNGSTERS from a small War-minster school without a playing field of their own have won a county rugby tournament.   more...

Girls lose out

THE South West (North) under 16 girls' team, which included Rebecca Lamb, of Trowbridge, lost 17-0 to the South East (West) at Nailsea and Backwell on Sunday.   more...

Sam joins the honours list

CHIPPENHAM'S production line of young talent has been recognised once again with the news that under 16 ace Sam Alford has received an England call-up.   more...

Weekend Rugby Teams

Chippenham 1st v Wimborne, away, meet 11am at the clubhouse for a 2.30pm kickoff. Team: B Stephesn, W Newson, T May, K Thornton, B Shuker, J Gibbon, S Sherratt, I McNerlin, T Dunford, T Lloyd, J Barnes, D Reynolds, G Trewartha, M Towl, J Barnard. Subs: Eddie Smith, Adam Mings, Paul Baker   more...

Swgolfer News

Golfing legend coaches players

ENGLAND golfing legend Gary Wolstenholme assisted several members of the Gloucestershire county team at a special coaching and playing day at The Players' Club at Codrington.   more...

A great start at Canford Magna

MICHAELWerner collected his first Bournemouth Alliance trophy for a decade, thanks to a magnificent start at Canford Magna.   more...

Langmead wins Devon PGA with two-under par 66

JON Langmead (Hele Park) carded a two-under-par 66 to win the Devon PGA medal by two shots at Staddon Heights.   more...

Winners in Morocco

CANFORD Magna pair Peter Cook and Eric Cross returned to Bournemouth with a huge silver salver after winning a new competition in Morocco.   more...

Sponsors help West PGA top £325,000

NEW sponsorships ensure professional golfers in Wales and the West will play for a prize fund exceeding £325,000 for the seventh successive year.   more...

Horses for courses at Burghill Valley

BURGHILL Valley GC, situated four miles north of Hereford, are hosting a unique event called The Burghill Valley Handicap Chase Open to be staged over the May Bank Holiday, May 25-26.   more...

Long-serving pro retires

LILLEY Brook's Forbes Hadden, who is the longest-serving professional in the West Region, is retiring when he reaches the age of 64 in September.   more...

Captain takes 19 attempts at drive-in

STEVE Taylor, the new Chipping Sodbury captain, eventually clipped the ball 208 yards down the 17th fairway beneath the clubhouse balcony ­ but it was his 19th attempt at his drive-in.   more...

New captain for Honiton drives into office

HONITON'S new captain Terry Linsdell (pictured) drove into office in the traditional way. Geoff Banks accurately forecast where the drive would end up so took the customary prize.   more...

Goodey's run continues

ROBIN Goodey (Royal North Devon) won the final Devon PGA winter medal at Churston with a level par 70.   more...

Farrington's Aces

FOUR Farrington members celebrated holes in one in recent weeks and Adrian Raikes has created history by being the first player to par the 17th hole in a competition.   more...

Solheim Cup beckons strong women's team

THE Solheim Cup is the women's equivalent of the Ryder Cup and generates almost as much excitement.   more...

Honorary life membership for Ralph Robertson

RALPH Robertson, one of Wiltshire's best known golfers and administrators, has been made an honorary life member of Ogbourne Downs.   more...

Swindon News

USA was there in world war 2

With regard to the This is Wiltshire article "Peace Protestors Take To The Street," no, Americans don't expect to get their way all the time. But they do expect that people they helped in two World Wars to extend them some courtesy in difficult times.   more...

It might be started but it's still not right

THE protest movement is still strong.   more...

Blame the left for problems

EVEN by the standards he has set for himself in previous letters, the latest ranting by Peter Smith is high on the scale of hysteria.   more...

How much support for the troops after the war?

BUSH and Blair have lost the argument about their attack on Iraq. Now they try to silence opposition by saying "keep quiet and support the troops." But how far do these war mongers support the troops.   more...

People still can't find way to steam

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...

There are plenty of cuts that can be made

THE people of Scotland are funded per person by this government to the tune of £1,010 ­ this explains why there are no university fees in Scotland or why there are no charges for OAP care home treatment.   more...

No slavish obedience here

I FEEL I must have a right to reply to Mr Ratcliffe's letter (EA March, 24) naming me.   more...

Get rid of council tax

SWINDON has always been an overrated town. The old system was most unfair.   more...

Artists are wanted to support our schools

MY name is Harry Enfield and I'm writing with a plea to fellow artists to support Big Arts Week 2003.   more...

Ambulance service criticised in report

WILTSHIRE Ambulance Service has been condemned in an official report for having autocratic management and out of date equipment.   more...

Combined emergency control centre set to be approved

PLANS for a new £25 million police and ambulance HQ in South Marston look set to be approved second time around by council planners.   more...

A challenge to help the Prospect

RUGBY players, policemen, sailors and skydivers are uniting to launch this year's Prospect Hospice Challenge Appeal.   more...

Surgery and library plan

A DOCTORS' surgery and a library could be added to the Pinehurst People's Centre.   more...

Make a treat for your mum

Children can make a Mother's Day treat at the Swindon Museum and Art Gallery this Sunday.   more...

Traders back parking plan for Old Town

TRADERS have welcomed a plan to introduce pay and display street parking in Old Town.   more...

Adver helps add minibus to fleet

A MINIBUS sponsored by the Evening Advertiser has been handed over.   more...

Larger than life and inspired by 19 aunts

SWINDON-born artist Anna Mazzotta draws inspiration from her 19 Italian aunts to create paintings inhabited by powerful female characters.   more...

Pond life will be revived by trust

A CONSERVATION area could soon be turned into a thriving habitat for the endangered great crested newt.   more...

Check out your blood pressure in free check

WOOTTON Bassett Mayor Peter Roberts has had his blood pressure checked to support a stroke awareness campaign being run by Wootton Bassett Rotary Club.   more...

More people than ever working from home

ANALYSIS by the GMB General Union shows that over two million workers in England now work mainly from home.   more...

Residents have their say

Residents in Penhill will have a chance to have a say about services in their area at a meeting being held on April 5 at the John Moulton Hall.   more...

Backlog of claims is beginning to clear

LIBERATA is showing signs of turning around the huge benefit claims backlog at Swindon Council left by WS Atkins.   more...

`Brilliant' family man Kevin dies aged 43

The father of 10-year-old Katy Dean, who desperately needs a liver transplant, has died.   more...

Club and fans dig deep for Prospect

PROSPECT Hospice was handed a cheque worth £3,000 following a whip-round at Swindon Town.   more...

Attack on pub is the final straw

A CRICKLADE couple want the town to be policed by officers from Swindon after a man was nearly shot with an airgun.   more...

Monday is D-Day for doggie bins

MERLIN Waste is the new company charged with collecting the contents of Swindon's dog waste bins.   more...

Personal reasons to raise charity cash

A CHARITY fashion show, in memory of newsreader Fiona McDiarmid, raised £1,475 for Breakthrough Breast Cancer.   more...

Social services head has been appointed

THE new head of Swindon Council's beleaguered social services department was due to be announced today.   more...

Respect and equality is the key to a successful marriage

A COUPLE who first met when they were school children today celebrate their Golden Wedding anniversary.   more...

Help Norman race to the Pole and raise money for more good causes

ACTION man Norman Butler is fighting against the clock to compete in his next awe-inspiring challenge.   more...

Last chance for election

ANYONE who wants to stand in next month's parish, district and borough council elections has until Tuesday to lodge their nomination.   more...

River folk fight the evil stoats in the classic Wind in the Willows

PUPILS at St Joseph's Lower School in Swindon take to the stage tonight to recreate the children's classic Wind in the Willows.   more...

Housing for elderly to be built on park

CRICKLADE parents are unhappy with plans to build sheltered flats on a green space and play area opposite the town's junior school.   more...

Save money on your wedding at hospice's bridal boutique

THE Prospect Hospice is to set up a bridal boutique next month.   more...

Rail work to affect trips to London over Easter

FIRST Great Western is advising customers to reserve seats on its Easter services between London, South Wales, South West England, the Thames Valley and the Cotswolds, as there is likely to be high demand.   more...

A mammoth effort for Comic Relief

STAFF at the Grove Beefeater restaurant in Swindon's Drove Road are thanking customers for helping the firm to raise £100,000 so far for the 2003 Comic Relief appeal.   more...

Kenyan school almost built

THE progress of a school building project in the Kenyan capital was the subject of a recent talk to Chiseldon Wives' Club by Mike Welsh from the Rotary Club of Swindon Old Town.   more...

Five-year ban for alcoholic

Honda worker Andrew Moore has been banned from the road for five years after a court heard he was driving while more than three times over the drink drive limit.   more...

Unwanted tools can be put to such good use

PEOPLE should get tooled up when they venture into the town centre, according to Swindon Rotary Club.   more...

Exhibition worth its weight in gold

THE role of gold in the development of photography is the theme of a forthcoming exhibition at a Wiltshire museum.   more...

Life goes on

SWINDON CANCER APPEALValerie Evans spent years supporting cancer charity Macmillan, then found she had breast cancer herself. Today, she tells why everyone should get behind our £600,000 appeal   more...

Facts about breast cancer

SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women, with 38,000 new cases diagnosed each year in the UK.   more...

Rail museum cafe runs out of steam

THE cafe at Swindon's Steam museum will close on Sunday, leaving the museum without any refreshment facilities.   more...

Scheme to tackle tearaways falls flat

A SECOND government scheme to tackle teenage troublemakers appears to have flopped in Wiltshire, according to latest figures.   more...

15 reasons to smile

Photo courtesy of David Cruickshanks/Scope features.com.SUPERMUM Sue Povey has 15 reasons to celebrate Mothers' Day.   more...

Mechanics' mystery buyer to reveal identity soon

THE agents handling the purchase of the crumbling Mechanics' Institute have promised to reveal the identity of the new owners within days.   more...

The angels at the end of the phone

SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: Cancer sufferers regard their Macmillan nurses as guardian angels.   more...

Macmillan:`You know you are in safe hands'

SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: SWINDON mayor Stan Pajak has already raised hundreds of pounds for Macmillan.   more...

Your nearest collection box

SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: Macs News Whilestone Way   more...

Steam ­ we must find a solution

THERE is a dreadful inevitability to the news that the cafe at the Steam museum is to close indefinitely.   more...

Happiness is 15 children

A HUNDRED and fifty tiny fingers, a hundred and fifty tiny toes ­ although some of them are not so tiny these days.   more...

Trowbridge News

Players remember tragic knife victim

FAMILY and friends of knife victim Paul Rodgers helped raise hundreds of pounds for his four children by holding a pool tournament in his memory.   more...

Vision for town is now in sight

A TEAM of 20 consultants has started work on creating a Vision For Trowbridge alongside promises that the £0.5m project is more than just talk and will lead to a better future for the county town.   more...

Daylight robber to go to jail

Bag snatcher Wayne Gulliver has been jailed for a year after a court heard how he robbed an old lady in broad daylight.   more...

Heartache for betrayed gran

THE GRANDMOTHER of gambling addict Richard Mizon has not forgiven him for stealing hundreds of pounds from her bank account.   more...

Activist honoured 200 years after death

THE memory of a trades union martyr who was executed 200 years ago was honoured in Trowbridge on Saturday.   more...

Two years in prison for night-time burglar

A TROWBRIDGE man has been jailed for two years after a court heard how he made off with more than £1,000 worth of property in a spate of break-ins.   more...

Police warning

POLICE are warning people to be wary of street salesmen after electrical tools were seized in Trowbridge on Tuesday.   more...

Teens facing jail for cadet leader attack

Steven RoseTHREE teenagers who systematically kicked an air cadet leader while he lay curled up on the ground are all facing a jail sentence for their role in the gang attack.   more...

Easter egg run will be dedicated to Nick

AN annual Easter egg run to Bristol Child-ren's Hospital is to go ahead this year, despite the death of its organiser.   more...

Tony is honoured for his community voluntary work

COMMUNITY volunteer Tony Buckingham has received Trowbridge's top accolade for his work in the town.   more...

Upset over Zoe killer sentence

THE KILLER of schoolgirl Zoe Evans will not have a minimum jail sentence set until a new judicial body is set up later this year.   more...

Aspiring players' fun day

YOUNG footballers aiming to bend it like Beckham, score like Owen or save like Seaman will be able to hone their skills at a fun training day in Trowbridge.   more...

Attackerfoiled in bag grab

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after an attempted robbery in a Trowbridge alleyway.   more...

Golden jubilee for a navy life

A STALWART of Trowbridge Sea Cadets received a surprise this week when he was given a Golden Jubilee award for his service to the group.   more...

Gary's Big Apple trip

FOR Gary McLaughlin fitness is a way of life, but the New York marathon is going to be a challenge.   more...

Hiccup over martial arts

PLANS for a martial arts training and holistic treatment centre on the outskirts of Trowbridge have run into problems.   more...

Dolphins help little Leanne

DOLPHIN therapy in the USA has been a great success for a disabled Trowbridge schoolgirl and her parents.   more...

`Morale is high but some families are frightened'

AN army wife has polished up her computer skills so she can send daily emails to her husband in Iraq.   more...

Communities get more beat cops

A WILTSHIRE police initiative to build stronger community links has been criticised by the Police Federation.   more...

Chiefs acknowledge criticism

AMBULANCE chiefs have acknowledged criticism about management practices and bullying following an inspection by a health watchdog.   more...

Health project

A PROJECT bringing primary care and mental health services together in west Wiltshire has been featured in a national conference on the future of psychiatry.   more...

People of Wiltshire awards

REALITY TV vicar the Rev Jamie Allen has launched a county-wide search to find Wiltshire's unsung heroes.   more...

Making sure that children are given help

PARENTS of children with disabilities in Wiltshire are horrified that a charity providing the help and support they need might have to cut services due to a lack of cash.   more...

West Wilts show aims to be biggest yet

THE countdown to this year's West Wilts show, sponsored by the Wiltshire Times, began this week.   more...

Wiped off map

WEST Wiltshire MP Andrew Murrison has criticised plans by the government to erase parish boundaries from Ordnance Survey maps.   more...

Reward for finding hat

WEST Wiltshire's Mr Christmas has offered a £250 reward after his trade-mark tinsel trimmed hat covered in star autographs was stolen in Melksham.   more...

Dotty sale prices

DESIGNER clothes will be on sale at dotty prices in the latest drive to raise cash for a west Wiltshire hospice.   more...

Breaking the grip of Saddam's army

WILTSHIRE troops are playing a key role on the battlefield in Iraq.   more...

Police can't find that elusive clue

TRAINED police forensic teams working on the Melanie Hall inquiry could finish their pain-staking search within days.   more...

Joint 999 dispute ongoing

A DISPUTE over the new Wiltshire joint emergency service control room rumbles on despite preparations for its May opening.   more...

Students to fight it out

STUDENT businesses from across Wiltshire will be vying for the top prize at the Young Enterprise area final in Trowbridge next week.   more...

Beware the bogus clubs

WILTSHIRE Trading Standards officers are warning people to be wary of schemes that promise years of luxury holidays.   more...

999 dispute rumbles on

A DISPUTE over the new Wiltshire joint emergency service control room still rumbles on despite preparations for its May opening.   more...

Lander is retiring

COUNTY council environment chief Richard Lander is to retire after 28 years and will return to his roots in Cornwall at the end of the month.   more...

Cash Union to give help

CREDIT Unions are on their way to west Wiltshire with the first one due to be launched in Melksham this summer.   more...

105 mph gets a 56 day ban

MOTORIST James Richman was clocked at 105mph by cameras installed by the Wiltshire and Swindon road safety camera project.   more...

Have you had your say yet?

THERE are just a few weeks left for patients to comment on the care they have received at the Royal United Hospital, Bath.   more...

Improve the cancer care

CANCER patients in Wiltshire have been given the chance to have their say on the quality of their local services.   more...

Name and shame crusade praised by police and RAC

THE Wiltshire Times campaign to name-and-shame drink-drivers, brought to you by This is Wiltshire, has received widespread acclaim from road safety campaigners and police officers.   more...

Gardeners wanted to help landfill sites

KEEN gardeners who recycle their kitchen rubbish could help a Wiltshire wildlife group with their next research project.   more...

Trowbridge,Bradford On Avon,Melksham,Warminster,Westbury News

Arsonists could kill next time

WESTBURY residents are living in fear of another arson attack in the town. There have been 31 fires in the area since last November and police admit they are no closer to catching those responsible.   more...

Is this real purpose?

Wiltshire police are hoping a new initiative will help them to fight crime and build stronger links with the community.   more...

Are town's hot potatoes linked?

The two recurrent themes of the Wiltshire Times letters pages are the so-called Vision for Trowbridge, and the removal of the County Records Office from the town.   more...

Fury over council tax bills

I WAS surprised to find there were no letters of protest against the 11 per cent council tax increase in last week's (March 21) Wiltshire Times. Perhaps your readers, like myself, were still in a state of shock or perhaps visiting their bank manager to negotiate a loan. Bang goes my OAP increase.   more...

Annoyed about council tax

I received today 20-3-03 my council tax bill for 2003-2004. At band B, my bill is £904, only it isn't as due to the fact that there is a three-month backlog of paperwork at the council in Chippenham, they still have me as being on benefits, even though I'd phoned to notify them I'd returned to work in December and again in January when I received a notification of entitlement. They now expect me to pay the arrears I owe them through their inept management of resources.   more...

Record office queries

IF, as Cllr Scott claims, all the north Wiltshire dominated Cabinet did was confirm the record office bid, then why did the county council send out a press release headed `Record office bid approved by county council cabinet'? To approve something means to give the go ahead, surely? If the Cabinet had not approved the bid then it would not be able to sell the land to the county council.   more...

`War is about power and control'

It seems to me this immoral, illegal war that has gone ahead without UN backing is more about control and power for those who set themselves up as world leaders.   more...

Anger over `disgusting muck' we breathe in

IF smoke from tyre burning at Westbury is supposed to disperse way above us and be `safe', how come I've smelt strong burning rubber many, many times on Salisbury Plain and nearby villages of West Lavington, Cheveril, Marston, Worton, Erlestoke, Edington, Potterne, Poulshot, Tinhead, Market Lavington, Easterton, Urchfont, Seend, Bulkington, Bratton and Keevil.   more...

Can you help with Vespa search?

I'm writing in the hope some of your readers may be able to help me. For some time now I have been building up a collection of Vespa Club memorabilia and, in particular, a collection of the metal cog-shaped badges made to commemorate club events or rallies or to show allegiance to a particular branch of the club.   more...

Support troops, and hope for their safe return

WE write as parents of a serviceman serving in the Gulf, neither highly politically motivated or enthusiasts of war.   more...

Support the troops

Dr Andrew Murrison, the Conservative MP for Westbury, is to be congratulated on his vote against the government ­ and against the wishes of his own party leadership ­ in opposing military action in Iraq.   more...

We all have connections with the troops

I am writing to you today regarding Wiltshire giving support to our services serving in the Gulf.   more...

I lost friends on September 11th

Do people forget the September 11? I don't, I lost friends.   more...

Warminster News

Car driver left man for dead

ROOKIE driver Gareth Larmour will pay £300 compensation to a soldier he mowed down in a hit-and-run crash.   more...

Work due on danger flats

RESIDENTS living in a block of flats in Warminster are relieved that work will finally start on improving their dangerous living conditions.   more...

Warning after bag snatch

WARMINSTER Police are warning visitors to beauty spot Cley Hill to take precautions against car thieves.   more...

Bail for robber

A 24-year-old woman who stole from three villas at Longleat's Center Parcs complex has been released on bail pending sentence.   more...

cctv guard for church

A WEST Wiltshire church could become the first in the region to install CCTV cameras after vandals caused more than £5,000 worth of damage.   more...

Mill rises from the ashes

THE owners of a timber mill destroyed by fire two years ago are optimistic about the future now their new building has opened.   more...

Westbury News

Hot pursuit

RESIDENTS living in Westbury fear somebody could be killed the next time a serial arsonist strikes in the town.   more...

Westbury white horse defaced

ANTI-WAR protesters have defaced one of Wiltshire's famous landmarks.   more...

Helping out the Chernobyl victims of nuclear radiation

A CHARITY based in Westbury is sending a lorry load of aid to Chernobyl this week.   more...

Work to disrupt trains

DUE to engineering work the there will be changes to the late evening train service between Bristol Temple Meads and Westbury tomorrow and Saturday April 5.   more...

Dave and the Druids back after 40 years

MEMBERS of 60s beat group Dave and the Druids are getting back together for a special one-off charity gig.   more...

Assault in pub

A 32-year-old Corsham man was assaulted in a Westbury pub on Sunday night. The victim was drinking in The Hollies, in Westbury Leigh, when he was repeatedly punched in the face.   more...

Clubber gets big ban

LABOURER Andrew Sims has been banned from driving for 25 months for driving home from a Westbury nightclub.   more...

Assaults on two people

A TEENAGER was repeatedly punched in the face during an unprovoked street assault in Westbury.   more...

Wiltshire News

Warship asbestos kills hero

WILTSHIRE TIMES EXCLUSIVE: A ROYAL Navy engineer who fought in the Falklands war died as a result of coming into contact with deadly asbestos spores on military warships.   more...

Communities get more beat cops

A WILTSHIRE police initiative to build stronger community links has been criticised by the Police Federation.   more...

Chiefs acknowledge criticism

AMBULANCE chiefs have acknowledged criticism about management practices and bullying following an inspection by a health watchdog.   more...

Wiltshire Sport

I Want To Stay

ERIC SABIN is anxious to extend his English adventure but admits he is still unclear whether he will be gracing the County Ground stage next season.   more...

  
Restrict search to 28 March 2003