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Stories for 26 June 2003
Amesbury News
Solstice celebration is "best in memory"
RECORD numbers flocked to Stonehenge this year to witness what has been described as the best summer solstice in memory. more...
A wizard night as Harry Potter casts his spell
HARRY Potter fever hit Salisbury in the small hours of Saturday morning, as fans of the eponymous hero queued patiently for the clock to strike midnight and bookshops in the city to open specially for this publishing sensation. more...
Grace, 92, joins in fun at carnival
YOUNG at heart Grace Staff (92) rolled back the years to join dozens of children in a carnival procession on Saturday. more...
Charity booth will highlight appeal
AS the Ace of Hearts appeal for a new cardiac unit goes from strength to strength, Salisbury District Hospital charity Share will now have a focal point for its fundraising activities, with the launch of a new charity booth in the main reception. more...
Girls hit fast lane with baby Beetle
TECHNOLOGY-minded girls from a Salisbury school will be firmly in the driving seat when they compete in a race at Silverstone. more...
City prepares for bloom contest
SALISBURY district council has been busily preparing plant towers, beds and hanging baskets in preparation for the judging of the annual Britain in Bloom competition next month. more...
Business News
An experience to be repeated
Swindon businesses looking for a cost effective and flexible solution to the summer resourcing nightmare should try their local colleges and universities, says Liz Rhodes, director of the National Council for Work Experience. more...
Helen has reason to celebrate
There are celebrations all round in Swindon this month for Helen Saunders, her employer Tesco and Swindon Services Enterprise Works. more...
Nationwide frustrated over signs
NATIONWIDE Building Society claims it has been frustrated in its attempts to have fee-charging cash machines identified clearly. more...
Double chance of a national award
A Swindon shopping park and supermarket have both been shortlisted in a national award scheme that recognises the best in retail property. more...
Traders back move for town manager
DEVIZES businesses have already pledged nearly £5,000 towards the appointment of a town centre manager, an essential if the town is to flourish in the future, according to Devizes Development Partnership. more...
Advertising boards are here to stay
ADVERTISING boards which obstruct the pavements in the centre of Marlborough, are there to stay councillors have been told. more...
Salad bar wins temporary reprieve
The salad and baguette store in Chippenham's Emery Gate shopping centrewas doomed to close on Tuesday, after shopping centre bosses gave the thriving business just seven days notice to leave the premises to make way for a new coffee bar. more...
Pub reopens door
MARDEN: The New Inn, renamed The Millstream, will reopen next Thursday in time for the village fete the following Saturday. more...
Jobs are safe as firm is sold
JOBS at the packaging company Linpac are safe despite the expected sale of the business, workers have been assured. more...
Pub set to aid playgroups
THE Kings Arms Hotel, in Malmesbury has started a summer fundraising spectacular in aid of two pre-schools. more...
Calne News
Tax claim doesn't add up
Mother-of-two Marina Clifford, who has been battling for three months for money owed to her by the Inland Revenue, has received a letter claiming her children do not exist. more...
Splendid Fords celebration centenary
CAR enthusiasts ensured the centenary celebration of Ford Cars went with a bang with a special birthday party at Atwell-Wilson's Motor Museum in Calne. more...
Councils act to stop the town's skaters
Anti-skating devices, which have stopped skaters damaging buildings in Calne town centre, are to be installed on other vulnerable structures. more...
Girls just wanna have fun
THE opening of the new sports centre and state-of-the-art swimming pool at St Mary's School in Calne created ripples of excitement at the all-girls school's Founders Day on Saturday. more...
Schools' link gets go-ahead
Two Calne schools that merged last September are now set to be physically linked. more...
Young bikers barred from wasteland track
THE furious parents of a group of young Calne motorbike riders, banned from practising in a patch of wasteland, claim their children have been victimised by North Wiltshire District Council. more...
Crash on the road to hell
THE A3102 between Lyneham and Calne witnessed yet another crash this week, when two cars collided outside the Duke Hotel at Hilmarton at lunchtime on Tuesday. more...
Councillors listen to views
CALNE'S Liberal Democrat councillors answered questions and listened to residents' concerns at their first public surgery. more...
News in brief
CALNE'S chamber of commerce has invited shoppers and residents to nominate a retailer of the year. The chamber is asking the public to vote for the shop, pub, restaurant, garage or service organisation that provides the best service. more...
Chippenham News
Website bombarded with traffic protests
AFTER the deaths of two RAF airmen on roads near Lyneham, 900 residents have bombarded the village website with calls for action on the blackspots. DEBBIE WAITE reports on the traffic crisis. more...
Child porn pilot at appeal court
LYNEHAM: A pilot whose career lies in ruins following his conviction for possessing explicit child porn, suffered a further setback at London's Court of Appeal today (Thursday) when he was told that when he is released on licence he will not be able to travel abroad. more...
Crimebusters celebrate
NEIGHBOURHOOD Watch in Wiltshire has come of age. more...
Officer joins homes forum
North Wiltshire District Council officer Roland Payne has been selected as the Wiltshire representative to serve on the Regional Housing Forum. more...
Crash on the road to hell
THE A3102 between Lyneham and Calne witnessed yet another crash this week, when two cars collided outside the Duke Hotel at Hilmarton at lunchtime on Tuesday. more...
Proms ticket theft
Police are asking people to check their tickets for Lacock Proms after a batch was stolen from an outlet. more...
Sports dream in the net with £1m grant
CHIPPENHAM'S young footballers could be enjoying fantastic new playing fields by September 2004 following a record grant worth nearly £1million from the Football Foundation. more...
Council pulling out of Goldiggers site deal
After three years sinking into a state of dereliction, the former Goldiggers nightclub's future is up in the air once again. more...
Police raid on drug dealers
POLICE have seized ecstasy and cannabis with a street value of £9,000 following a raid at an address in Pipsmore Road, Chippenham. more...
Charity finds site for community nursery
BARNARDO'S has identified a new site in Chippenham to build a 50-place community day nursery, but time is running out and the charity could lose vital funding if the scheme is not up and running by April 1 next year. more...
Judge says dealers should be deported
A JUDGE has recommended that two Jamaicans involved in dealing heroin and crack cocaine should be deported after they have finished their jail terms. more...
Boys tell thieves: We want our bikes back
PLAYMATES Kyle Lewkowicz and Matthew Steel have been left without wheels, after callous thieves rode off on their bicycles. more...
Salad bar wins temporary reprieve
The salad and baguette store in Chippenham's Emery Gate shopping centrewas doomed to close on Tuesday, after shopping centre bosses gave the thriving business just seven days notice to leave the premises to make way for a new coffee bar. more...
Canoeist uncovers human skull in river
CHIPPENHAM canoeist Martin Harrall got a gruesome surprise when he was clearing a section of the River Marden and came across a human skull. more...
Residents' tribute to their happy binman
FAMILIES in Corsham have paid their respects to their popular binman Chris Jefferies, by holding a collection in his memory. more...
Mum joins campaign for fair deal on drugs
Chippenham mother Julie Richards, who suffers from Crohn's Disease, has joined a national campaign for a fair deal on prescription charges. more...
Overcrowded school expands at last
A new era is dawning for Kings Lodge Primary School, in Chippenham, as staff and pupils prepare to move into new classrooms after years of lessons in mobiles. more...
So is our train service finally getting there?
A survey has shown that the First Great Western train service has the highest number of satisfied customers. LILY CANTER went to Chippenham railway station to find out what the passengers really think of the service. more...
Woman calls for yobs to be dealt with
HORRIFIED resident Shirley Chapman says drunken teenage yobs are turning Chippenham town centre into a no-go area and putting their own lives at risk. more...
Wonder drug gives publican new hope
AN experimental drug has given publican John Chester a new lease of life six months after he was diagnosed with a rare life-threatening lung disorder. more...
Runner's cash aids MS group
Runner Courtney Brightwell presented a cheque for £137.10 to North Wiltshire MP James Gray for the Chippenham MS Society. more...
Stars' glittering night
A SPECIAL awards ceremony to be held in Chippenham next week will celebrate the achievements of Wiltshire's community heroes. more...
Tablers come to Luther's aid
Following an appeal in the Gazette last week Chippenham Round Table has come forward with £500 to help pay for treatment for ten-year-old cerebral palsy sufferer Luther Frost-Barnes. more...
Shoplifter given final warning by judge
SECOND-TIME shoplifter Doreen Hoskins, of Chippenham, has been warned she will end up behind bars if she keeps on stealing from supermarkets. more...
Corsham News
Residents' tribute to their happy binman
FAMILIES in Corsham have paid their respects to their popular binman Chris Jefferies, by holding a collection in his memory. more...
Farewell to fine gardener
SCHOOL gardener Clive Pigott, 65, has hung up his trowel for the last time. more...
Kids give Hip Hop a spin
PUPILS at Corsham County Primary spent last Thursday learning some cool Hip Hop moves. more...
Fairer trade fight hots up
Corsham Christian Aid activists will be lobbying North Wiltshire MP James Gray on Saturday, for the Trade Justice campaign. more...
Women gear up to drive
The now-infamous Ladies Driving Challenge is revving up for September. more...
Restoration work gets prince's award
THE skillful restoration of Corsham's historic almhouses, from a state of dilapidation to their former glory has been recognised with a special award. more...
Ctfc Sport
Mings is ready for a bit of diplomacy
POWERHOUSE striker Adie Mings may not be the most subtle of players but in the coming season he will be learning the art of diplomacy as part of his new role as Chippenham Town's assistant manager. more...
Devizes News
Heroic trio save family from fire
QUICK-thinking Bob Picton has been praised for putting out a fire in his neighbour's house. more...
Tributes pour in to popular assistant
FAMILY and colleagues of shop assistant Ann Sainsbury have paid tribute to her after she died of a brain haemorrhage. more...
Harmony for baby eight
SUPERMUM Tracey Griffiths, who is backing the Gazette's campaign to save Devizes Maternity Unit from closure, has given birth to her eighth child. more...
Dog sniffs out thieves
A POLICE handler and his dog helped in the arrest of two intruders at Wadworth Brewery in Devizes. more...
Village has three top reasons to celebrate
VILLAGERS in Marden, near Devizes, will certainly have plenty to celebrate at the annual fete next week. more...
Student set for Chile trip
Tanya Howe, from Devizes, hopes her A-level Spanish will stand her in good stead when she heads off for Chile later this year to teach under-privileged children near the capital Santiago. more...
Mother's plea to aid children's hospital
DEVIZES mum Paula Matthews, who is trying to raise money to help the hospital that saved the life of her baby, has appealed for help. more...
King and his queen at fete
MORE than 250 people enjoyed the fun at Bishops Cannings Primary School's summer fair. more...
Fire family's return hopes
THE Barter family is hoping to move back to their home in Commercial Road, Devizes, before Christmas following the disastrous fire there in March. more...
Worker saved after plunge into 30ft silo
SPECIALIST firefighters had to be brought in to help rescue Rushall farm worker Richard Fry after he fell down a grain silo last Thursday. more...
Message has travelled time
A MESSAGE dated 1886, written by Devizes artisans, has been discovered during restoration work at a chapel in St John's Church. more...
Artists chosen by Academy
DEVIZES couple John Wragg and Deborah McCabe are each included among nine Wiltshire artists with pieces of work on show in the Royal Academy's summer exhibition in London. more...
Police officer is commended
DEVIZES-BORN police officer Jeffrey Weston has received a certificate of merit for his actions in calming down a knife wielding man. more...
TV wants wife swap recruits for series
WILTSHIRE people will have the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of TV cheat Major Charles Ingram and Big Brother ignoramus Jade Goody as Channel Four plans a new series of Wife Swap. more...
Jailbreak set to aid charity
THERE will be a mass jailbreak from Erlestoke Prison, near Devizes, next month, but it will all be in a good cause. more...
Bus fire sparks fears for disabled daughter
POTTERNE mum Yvonne Morley says it is only by luck that her 13-year-old disabled daughter was not caught in a fire that gutted a minibus in Chippenham last Thursday. more...
Traders back move for town manager
DEVIZES businesses have already pledged nearly £5,000 towards the appointment of a town centre manager, an essential if the town is to flourish in the future, according to Devizes Development Partnership. more...
Watchdog may lack real bite
A NEW health group which is being set up to monitor the delivery of services in Devizes has been accused of being a toothless tiger. more...
Red faces on market day
QUESTIONS are being asked after Devizes' latest Continental market collapsed in ridicule after just three traders turned up last Friday. more...
Report shows the successes
CHANGES to Devizes Market Place and the provision of mobile CCTV vans are among major achievements highlighted in Kennet District Council's best value performance plan, due to be published on Monday. more...
Jobs are safe as firm is sold
JOBS at the packaging company Linpac are safe despite the expected sale of the business, workers have been assured. more...
Boroughs' history to go on the Internet
THE history and origins of Devizes and Marlborough is now available to people all over the world via the Internet as part of a five-year community history project. more...
Watch that beer's buzz
ORGANISERS of Devizes Beer Festival have warned their customers to mind the strength of the beers they sample at Devizes Wharf on July 5, as some are stronger than they taste. more...
Dawn spectacular
FIFTY three cars left at the roadside by revellers attending the solstice celebrations at Avebury at the weekend were towed away on police instructions. more...
Village mourns children's favourite friend
VILLAGERS in Oxenwood are mourning the loss of one of the village's great characters, an army veteran called Tommy. more...
Villagers put on style
THE organisers of Bromham Carnival have hailed it as one of the best ever. more...
Dumped cars cost £45,000
DISPOSING of dumped cars has cost Kennet District Council taxpayers £45,000 in the last year, it was announced this week. more...
Pensioner is duped of £15
A BOGUS water board official has stolen £15 from a woman in her 90s living in Enford. more...
Police nip in the bud illegal rave at barn
POLICE have revealed they foiled an illegal rave near Avebury and closed it down within less than three hours of it being set up. more...
Balloonist flies with car
HOT air balloon pilot David Fish from Burbage has achieved a new record to add to his already impressive catalogue of world titles. more...
Trust's help sought to clean up heritage site
PARISH councillors in Avebury have criticised the National Trust for the "disgraceful" condition of their village, a World Heritage Site. more...
More roads set to be repaired
WILTSHIRE County Council is to repair more roads and aim to improve standards in schools. more...
Our Hege is a winner
GAZETTE photographer Hege Johnsen was named Britain's student photographer of the year. more...
Crimebusters celebrate
NEIGHBOURHOOD Watch in Wiltshire has come of age. more...
Road safety bid targets bald tyres
Badly worn and defective tyres will be the main focus of a high-profile road safety campaign to be mounted by Wiltshire police in July. more...
Devizes,Calne,Chippenham,Marlborough,Highworth,Corsham,Malmesbury,Wootton Bassett News
Ideas above their station
WE like to think that our local Government system is democratic, with fair elections and representation by the people of the people. more...
One in a million
IT is fantastic news that the Chippenham playing fields project has got a grant of £1 million from the Football Foundation. more...
Devizes,Calne,Marlborough,Highworth,Chippenham,Corsham,Malmesbury,Wootton Bassett News
Help us to capitalise on Riverbank project
THE launch of Marlborough's Riverbank project at the end of May was a tremendous success and we are very grateful for the excellent coverage in the Gazette. more...
Abbey Gardens are an asset to our town
If the leading figures in Malmesbury had half a brain, Malmesbury would be in danger of complete extinction. more...
Diplomacy is called for
IT appears that anyone who becomes successful in the town of Malmesbury can be assured than in the height of their success, some devious character will find that they have neglected to do some little thing or other, thus taking the edge off their success. more...
CCTV is no use
Les Welling makes the case for CCTV, not the first time this case has been made. more...
Waste of money
Devizes and district had very good courts at the Assize Courts building. There were two good court rooms and offices for the police etc. more...
Hard to swallow
I visited the new Bakers Oven café in Chippenham with my daughter. My daughter selected a sandwich from the cabinet and I chose a baguette. We also had a cup of coffee each. more...
Sort out eysore
CONGRATULATIons to Marlborough Town Council for making a start on clearing up the blight at Dobson's Garage. more...
Have say on GM
People have the opportunity until mid-July to respond to the Government-funded GM Nation? The public debate. more...
Humps ousted
An item in the national press quoted Barnet Borough Council as intending over the next three years to take out all humps and other forms of traffic calming. more...
Village success
Marden villagers have successfully completed their fundraising appeal of £40,000 for the repair to the church roof. more...
Assembly boost
THE letter from B D Coombs (Gazette 19 June) was interesting but some must beg to differ. more...
Signs mean our streets are now less cluttered
I FEEL I must respond to the recent letter published in the Gazette from Mr Ody, reputedly on behalf of the Trust For Devizes, as I was disturbed to read the inaccurate contents. more...
Bikers deserving of praise
ALL too often people have cause to complain about the manners of the young so it gives me great pleasure to tell you of an incident on the main road through our village the other day. more...
Police praised
On behalf of the chairman and members of Avebury Parish Council, I would like to say how pleased we were with the police presence and actions over the Solstice weekend here in Avebury. more...
Highworth News
Farm plan for green power wins backing
FARMER Rupert Burr is celebrating after Government officials approved his plans for an environmentally friendly, wood-burning power station. more...
Summer fun for everyone on offer
PEOPLE are invited to an afternoon of summer fun at Highworth Countryside Park in Pentylands. more...
Malmesbury News
Police in call for town booze ban
MALMESBURY police are calling for a public booze ban in the town after youths caused £1,000 damage to the cloister gardens. more...
Sufferer is given new hope, but it's at a price
THE Malmesbury mother of cerebral palsy sufferer Jonathan Frost has said a new treatment has massively improved her son's life, but is appealing for more money to continue with it. more...
Council co-option is dubbed `a farce'
THE conduct of Malmesbury Town Council has been called into question by candidates in the recent co-options, who labelled it a farce and a shambles. more...
Councillors dismiss offer of parking plot
`Thanks, but no thanks'. That was the response of town and district councillors to an offer of land for a new car park in Malmesbury. more...
Vicar opens new doors
BURTON Hill House School, in Malmesbury, welcomed Wiltshire's most famous vicar, Jamie Allen, to open the school fete on Saturday. more...
Village in harmony for festival
LEA will be alive with the sound of music as the fifth Musicalea festival kicks off next month. more...
Hall project a step closer
A NEW school hall at Luckington is a step closer to reality after plans were submitted for approval to North Wiltshire district planners this week. more...
Get ready to roll
CRY "C'est magnifique!" as men and women are bouled over by the Sherston Carnival next week. more...
Broadband win
Broadband will be available in Malmesbury from August 29, BT has said. It was announced last week that, after a six-month campaign to bring the high-speed Internet access to Malmesbury the trigger level of 350 registrations had been reached. more...
News in brief
CRUDWELL: Crudstock, a celebration of local musical talent featuring folk, rock and blues bands, will be held at the Plough Inn this weekend (June 28-29) from 2pm each day. more...
Pub set to aid playgroups
THE Kings Arms Hotel, in Malmesbury has started a summer fundraising spectacular in aid of two pre-schools. more...
Marlborough News
Driver in death smash is jailed
Nick Hall with his sons Freddie and GeorgeNO punishment would be enough for the trucker who killed Marlborough father-of-two Nick Hall after falling asleep at the wheel, said his grieving widow. more...
Mayor kicks ex-mayor out of council meeting
HISTORY was made at Marlborough on Monday when former mayor David Watson was ordered out of the council chamber during a town council meeting. more...
Plans for new school face funds shortfall
ST John's School in Marlborough may have to go cap in hand to the Government for a top up grant towards its proposed new single site building. more...
Hospital negligence cited in boy's death
The parents of a toddler who died from meningitis after a hospital failed to detect the tell-tale start of a rash, have won a legal victory. NIGEL KERTON reports on the outcome of a London inquest into the tragedy. more...
Advertising boards are here to stay
ADVERTISING boards which obstruct the pavements in the centre of Marlborough, are there to stay councillors have been told. more...
Summer burglars find homes easy target
POLICE say many families are easy prey for burglars because they leave their homes wide open to thieves. more...
Police nip in the bud illegal rave at barn
POLICE have revealed they foiled an illegal rave near Avebury and closed it down within less than three hours of it being set up. more...
Never on a Sunday plea on charges
TOWN councillors in Marlborough have voted unanimously against Sunday parking charges being introduced in the town. more...
Tots join the firefighters
THE fire station in Marlborough is desperate for recruits, but a group who showed great interest in the fire engines this week were rather on the young side to be firefighters. more...
Boroughs' history to go on the Internet
THE history and origins of Devizes and Marlborough is now available to people all over the world via the Internet as part of a five-year community history project. more...
Trust's help sought to clean up heritage site
PARISH councillors in Avebury have criticised the National Trust for the "disgraceful" condition of their village, a World Heritage Site. more...
Dawn spectacular
FIFTY three cars left at the roadside by revellers attending the solstice celebrations at Avebury at the weekend were towed away on police instructions. more...
Pewsey News
New route planned for safer carnival
THE carnival procession route in Pewsey is being changed for a one year trial to try to make it safer for spectators. more...
Head quits to save her voice
HEADTEACHER Judith Plant Cleall is having to take early retirement to save her voice. Mrs Plant Cleall has been at Pewsey Vale School for 23 years, the last 19 as its head. more...
Specialist thieves take all four alloys
Thieves have stolen all four alloy wheels from an H Registered Peugeot 205 parked at Stevens' garage off the North Street car park in Pewsey at the weekend. more...
Raffle nets £1,200
PEWSEY'S Puddleducks Pre-school summer raffle, to which local businesses generously contributed, raised £1,200 that will go towards educational equipment and playthings for the group. more...
Cash in any language
PEWSEY Vale School will be staging an International Community Event in conjunction with the Co-op outside the store on Saturday, June 28, July 5 10am-1pm to raise funds towards the school's application to become a specialist language college. more...
Churches' canal walk
The annual Pewsey and Swanborough churches team walk will take place on Saturday August 30 and will follow the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath from Pewsey Wharf to England's Bridge at Stanton St Bernard. more...
Salisbury Features
Hidden side to Ethiopia
By Clare Savage more...
OU computing degrees on offer
A NEW undergraduate computing degree is among the first developments in an extension to the computing curriculum at the Open University. more...
Salisbury News
A wizard night as Harry Potter casts his spell
HARRY Potter fever hit Salisbury in the small hours of Saturday morning, as fans of the eponymous hero queued patiently for the clock to strike midnight and bookshops in the city to open specially for this publishing sensation. more...
Solstice celebration is "best in memory"
RECORD numbers flocked to Stonehenge this year to witness what has been described as the best summer solstice in memory. more...
Police employ drugs dog
WILTSHIRE'S first drugs dog will be sniffing out criminals who take illegal substances into clubs and pubs. more...
Call to end trolley hazard
A SALISBURY councillor is demanding supermarkets take action over abandoned trolleys after three birds died when they became entangled in trolleys thrown into the river. more...
Girls hit fast lane with baby Beetle
TECHNOLOGY-minded girls from a Salisbury school will be firmly in the driving seat when they compete in a race at Silverstone. more...
Social work earns Terence an MBE
A GOOD Samaritan who has helped hundreds of homeless people and ex-offenders to find work has been rewarded for his dedication with an MBE. more...
Charity booth will highlight appeal
AS the Ace of Hearts appeal for a new cardiac unit goes from strength to strength, Salisbury District Hospital charity Share will now have a focal point for its fundraising activities, with the launch of a new charity booth in the main reception. more...
Grace, 92, joins in fun at carnival
YOUNG at heart Grace Staff (92) rolled back the years to join dozens of children in a carnival procession on Saturday. more...
City prepares for bloom contest
SALISBURY district council has been busily preparing plant towers, beds and hanging baskets in preparation for the judging of the annual Britain in Bloom competition next month. more...
Salisbury Sport
Shrews win trophy
SHREWTON United boys' under nines picked up their third trophy of the season when they won the RPM Andover six-a-side tournament. more...
South Wilts miss out as Thompson lets rip
SOUTH Wilts left the New Forest disappointed, dejected and defeated on Saturday after their game with Bashley ended on a sour note with the home side sneaking home with an over and three wickets to spare. more...
Challengers share honours
SOUTH Newton entertained Hampton Park last week with both sides vying for honours in this season's Salisbury & District Wednesday League. more...
Captain steadies ship before scoring winning run
AFTER last week's defeat, Hampton Park were determined to get back on the winning trail. And with an opening attack of Potter, 12-40-0, and Stafford, 12-32-3, they soon had the visitors reeling at 5-2. more...
Fovant deal with their demons
Fovant 130 beat more...
South Wilts Thirds crush opponents
SOUTH Wilts' thirds crushed the visiting US Portsmouth III to continue their impressive form at the top of Hampshire County Division Three. US were bundled out for just 99 as Mark Penny, 3-16, Craig Johnson, 3-19, and Matt Newman, 2-22, took the spoils. more...
Team work pays dividends
Nomansland 222-6 more...
Alan rocks at Rockingham
ous BTCC meeting, steered clear of a series of dramatic smashes, oil spills and even bolts of lightning to register his best ever performance. more...
Kieren's a real hot shot
HOT shot Kieren Kelly has been `putting' himself about by winning a host of medals at South West athletics championships. more...
Alderbury end 'heath's mighty run
CHAMPIONS-elect And-over A marched on, Alder-bury A sprung a surprise, and the juniors of Down-ton A edged closer to a title in a week of key results in the Sarum League. more...
Julie Czechs into fifth
SALISBURY triathlete Julie Dibens was in fine form at the weekend in the European Championships held in the Czech Republic. more...
Trophyman Cup draw is made
THE draw for the opening rounds of the Hampshire League's Trophyman Cup competitions have thrown up a number of interesting ties involving clubs from the area. more...
Rain halts final thriller
LDCC Fonthill 153-9 more...
Walker shines to win title
UPAVON'S Golf Club's annual championship played traditionally over 36 holes in one day took place earlier this month. more...
County side slip up in three-day challenge
WILTSHIRE lost this week's Minor Counties Championship match against Herefordshire at Corsham by six wickets. more...
Sport Angling
Young anglers flock to river
FIVE pints of live maggots were not enough to deter fascinated youngsters from swallowing a fishing workshop on the riverbank in Chippenham hook, line and sinker. more...
Carp catch wins the day
WITHERINGTON Farm near Salisbury came to life in the late afternoon for the Raychem match with weights of 60lb only claiming tenth place and over 1,000lb came out in total. more...
Sport Bowls
Shadwell shades it for county in cup win
WILTSHIRE pulled off a dramatic last-gasp victory over Worcestershire at Kidderminster to stay on course for the quarter-finals of the Middleton Cup. more...
Sport Cricket
Twin triumph takes Purton up the table
WILTSHIRE CRICKET LEAGUE: PURTON maintained their improved form in Division One with a comfortable 64 run home win against lowly Burbage and ER thanks to an excellent 100 not out from Sam Shepherd. more...
Wiltshire collapse to disappointing defeat
WILTSHIRE suffered a disappointing six wicket defeat in their Minor Counties Championship match against Herefordshire at Corsham on Tuesday. more...
Corsham v Cheltenham
CORSHAM'S title hopes were dealt another blow as they were held to a draw by leaders Cheltenham in the Stroud and Swindon Premier League Division One on Saturday. more...
Devizes v Bredon
AFTER last week's disappointing lose, Devizes were back in form again this weekend, with a comfortable four wicket win against visitors Bredon. more...
Lydney v Malmesbury
MALMESBURY slid down the Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Division Two table with another disappointing defeat on Saturday at Lydney. more...
First-teamers all present for cup clash
CORSHAM will put out their Sunday best as they continue their campaign in the National Club Knockout Cup. more...
All Cannings all conquering
PUPILS at All Cannings Primary School, near Devizes, are celebrating after their Kwik Cricket squad swept all before them and won their way into the regional final of a BBC-sponsored national competition. more...
Sport Football
Ciren's summer list
BRISTOL Rovers, Swindon Town and Conference side Woking have been lined up for pre-season friendlies at Cirencester Town's Corinium Stadium. more...
Time for Super sixes
ADULT teams can still enter the Swindon Supermarine six-a-side tournament at South Marston on Sunday, July 6. more...
Six-a-side Vics
MALMESBURY Victoria will hold their annual senior six-a-side tournamen ton Saturday, July 26. more...
A new look for Ferndale Rodbourne
FERNDALE Rodbourne Under 9s will have a new look thanks to their sponsors for next season. more...
Calne and Devizes get home draws
CALNE Town and Devizes Town have both been handed home draws in the first round of the Screwfix Direct League's Les Phillips Cup. more...
Trax start training
TRAX FC, of the Wiltshire League Junior Division 2, begin training on Tuesday, July 1, and are looking for new players. more...
Sports dream in the net with £1m grant
CHIPPENHAM'S young footballers could be enjoying fantastic new playing fields by September 2004 following a record grant worth nearly £1million from the Football Foundation. more...
We'll brake the Germans' hearts
A TEAM from Westinghouse Brakes will be representing England at a mini World Cup tournament in Germany next week. more...
Fans are urged to spend it like Beckham
YOUTH soccer club organiser John Etheridge believes a Manchester United shirt being auctioned tomorrow night proves that David Beckham knew before the end of the season he was leaving the club. more...
Malford's goal ace given top honour
CHIPPENHAM SUNDAY LEAGUE: GOAL machine Scott Evans, who scored 38 goals this season for his club Christian Malford, has netted Chippenham Sunday Football League's prestigious player of the season. more...
Organisers are overwhelemed
FIFTY-two teams suffering football withdrawal symptoms gratefully flooded into South Cerney for the village's annual six-a-side tournament. more...
Home teams given a tournament target
YOUTH FOOTBALL: HIGHWORTH Town's junior six-a-side tournament proved to be the biggest and best yet. more...
Organisers' hard work pays off
YOUTH FOOTBALL: WESTBURY Youth Football Club's teams were in impressive form at the clubs annual six-a-side tournament -reaching the final stages of the competition in four age groups. more...
Sport Rugby
Rugby women storm out to form new team
WOOTTON Bassett's women's rugby team has walked after complaining they were ridiculed by male officials. more...
College stars of the year
SWINDON College Old Boy's Rugby Club rounded off their season with their player of the year awards. more...
Swindon News
Steam takes priority over the Mechanics'
I have a good deal of sympathy with Mary Cockbill's nostalgic view of Swindon, and I too have fond memories of the Mechanics' Institute. more...
Not all gravestones are a danger
I read with interest the article that you printed regarding the removal of headstones at Wootton Bassett Cemetery, having brought the situation to your attention. more...
Cosmetics are still tested on animals
MANY people think that Britain is free of animal tested cosmetics. more...
Death penalty would help ease prison overcrowding
DR Eley should know that he speaks virtually for himself as many opinion polls show. more...
We'll have to pay
Full marks to E Fell (June 20, Evening Advertiser) for his letter regarding tax payers should not be subsidising inefficiency (although I regret that we will continue to do so). more...
Council tax rises
Here we go again. Labour out Tories in. more...
Meningitis guide
I am writing to ask for your help in getting a very important message across to early years professionals in your area. more...
Reunion was great
A BIG thank you to Mrs Da Cunha and staff of Gorse Hill Infants School for the lovely get together at the open day last Saturday. more...
Town is short of 12 doctors
SURGERIES are struggling to cope with a shortage of doctors. The Swindon Primary Care Trust has admitted that the town is 12 GPs short out of a total of 107, but stresses plans are in place to deal with the problem. more...
Child porn pilot fails in appeal bid
A FORMER RAF Lyneham pilot whose career lies in ruins after a conviction for possessing child pornography suffered a further set back at London's Court of Appeal. more...
Calendar girl Cindy . . . she's no boiler
A MODEL from Wootton Bassett is to appear in a new calendar. Cindy Oram, 24, is one of 12 aspiring models who have been chosen to appear on a calendar issued by a heating company. more...
Now it's the children who enjoy the health club culture
A SWINDON hotel is making fitness fun for children in a bid to boost the town's health. The Swindon Marriott leisure club, in Old Town, has launched a fitness club for five to 16-year-olds. more...
Why we don't want this £13m flyover
RESIDENTS living near the A419 Commonhead roundabout say the flyover being installed there to solve traffic problems will create chaos. more...
Who's for a coffee?
SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: The annual Macmillan coffee morning in Purton is once again going ahead to raise cash for our Swindon Cancer Appeal. more...
Chef Shaun gets his big break on TV
A YOUNG Wanborough chef could end up as the next Jamie Oliver after being chosen to star in a TV documentary. more...
Tenants voice their views on housing
COUNCIL tenants fired a volley of questions at civic leaders on the subject of housing during the first in a series of public meetings. more...
Help choose the first good citizens
NOMINATIONS are being sought for the first two Swindon Council Citizen Awards of the new mayoral year. more...
Your chance to taste the life at a Polish university
THREE people are being offered a rare chance to experience life at a Polish University thanks to former Swindon mayor Stan Pajak (Lib Dem, Eastcott). more...
All smiles at pre-school
A FIRM has stepped in to help after a vandal attack left pre-school children in tears. more...
Website for lovers of Wiltshire wildlife
A website that covers everything wildlife lovers need to know about Wiltshire has been launched. more...
Unease over plans for site
DRAFT plans for the redevelopment of Wootton Bassett's St Ivel site have been unveiled to the public for the first time, but several residents are voicing fears. more...
Fireman's joy as he lifts MBE
A Fireman who started his 29-year career in Swindon is celebrating being made an MBE. more...
A rose by any other name for Reg
A DIY centre worker has followed in the footsteps of the Queen and Paul McCartney by having a rose named in his honour. more...
Youngsters take part in science contest
A PRIMARY school has beaten competition from across the country to win a place in the finals of a national science contest. more...
Raiders startle staff after breaking into pub
TWO employees at a Swindon pub have spoken of their shock after a pair of masked raiders burst into the premises. more...
Teacher took his own life
A WOOTTON Bassett teacher took his own life by placing a plastic bin over his head while in a bath in a Cardiff hotel. more...
Ale and hearty!
A BREWERY claims real ale is gaining ground in Swindon just as real ale campaigners say traditional brews are the best value at the pumps. more...
Toby's obsession is driving Tasha mad
KEYRINGS, stamps and foreign coins are among some of the more traditional collections hoarded by enthusiasts, but a Swindon man can boast an unrivalled collection of mobile phones. more...
Beatles are big hit at Swindon auction
Beatlemania returned to Swindon as fans rushed to lay their hands on a rare piece of pop memorabilia at Dominic Winter Book Auctions. more...
Going green for a better style of life
ECO-FRIENDLY homes billed as providing low-cost accommodation for dozens of Swindon people on council waiting lists are nearing completion. more...
A train trip back in time
PRIMARY school children were transported back in time to experience life as wartime evacuee. more...
Sniffing them out
THE headteacher of a Swindon secondary school invited police to search the premises with a sniffer dog after suspending four pupils for drug misuse. more...
Number's up for cellular ops
CELLULAR OPS: Its futuristic building has been showered with awards and staff found it a pleasant place to work. But all this has come to an end with the announcement that Cellular Operations is to close its Swindon base at the year. JEREMY SMITH reports. more...
Support is promised for Cellular Ops staff
CELLULAR OPS: SWINDON was today still reeling from the shock decision by Vodafone to close Cellular Operations with the loss of 480 jobs. more...
This is bad news for jobs
CELLULAR OPS: Commenting on plans to close the company and the loss of jobs in the town, Swindon Council leader Mike Bawden (Con, Old Town and Lawns) said: "This is bad news for employment in the borough, especially in the context of an increase in unemployment in the past year. more...
How the company expanded
CELLULAR OPS: CELLULAR Operations is currently one of the largest independent service providers of cellular products and services for the UK's largest networks, Vodafone and O2. more...
A giant of the industry
CELLULAR OPS: Vodafone Group Plc provides a range of mobile telecommuni-cations services, including voice and data communications. more...
Doctor talks to parents on dangerous allergies
PARENTS of children with life-threatening allergies had the chance to quiz a leading physician on the subject. more...
Community's views on Centre of Excellence plan
A PRIMARY school is opening its doors to the community to seek people's views on a project that will make it a focal point for early learning. more...
Four ladies with tons to celebrate
SWINDON has its fair share of centenarians and four of them who live at the same home celebrated their long lives in style. more...
Sending out an important message
ST JOSEPH'S School is to be congratulated for its stance in inviting the Wiltshire Police Dog Team to search and clear its premises. more...
Flyover's better than nothing
WE are to have a flyover to alleviate the severe traffic problems at the Commonhead Roundabout, in spite of the fact that Swindon Council would prefer an underpass. more...
Wiltshire News
Driver in death smash is jailed
Nick Hall with his sons Freddie and GeorgeNO punishment would be enough for the trucker who killed Marlborough father-of-two Nick Hall after falling asleep at the wheel, said his grieving widow. more...
Wiltshire Sport
King sets sights on a double
PSYCHOLOGY student Andy King is confident of a double treat in time for the resumption of pre-season training. more...
Wootton Bassett News
Mum's pride as family gets to grips with three times tables
A year ago the lives of Neil and Alison Twine were turned on their heads by the arrival of triplets. STELLA TAYLOR went to join in birthday and christening celebrations and find out how they are coping. more...
Teachers in line for prestigious award
TWO teachers whose work has been instrumental in boosting their schools' fortunes are in line to receive prestigious awards. more...
Teddy bears' picnic
All young children, with parents or carers, will be welcome at the annual teddy bears' picnic pram service at St Bartholomew's Church on July 2, at 2pm. more...
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