Your Swindon
Get involved: send your photos, videos, news & views by texting 'SWINDON NEWS' to 80360 or email »
Stories for 5 June 2003
Amesbury News
Sisters reunited after lifetime apart
TWO sisters separated for nearly 50 years and who each thought the other was dead have been reunited. more...
Buster's trout pout
AN 11-year old Golden Retriever bit off more than he could chew on Saturday after a casual swim in the Avon at Durrington netted him a 6lb rainbow trout. more...
Paws in the pews at furry blessing and Top Hat day
IT was hats off to our four-legged friends at this year's Netheravon top hat day on Saturday. more...
Inquest: asbestos led to death
THOUGH former shipbuilder Peter Walker did not handle asbestos, he worked alongside men lagging ships' boilers and pipes with it, an inquest heard on Friday. more...
Elderly man died of natural causes
A VERDICT of natural causes was recorded at a Salisbury inquest on an elderly man who died after falling outside his home on Salisbury Plain. more...
Postal service among country's worst
FIRST class postal services in Salisbury are among the 20 worst performing postcode areas in the country for delivering next-day post. more...
Anglers angry at restock ban
A RESTOCKING ban looks set to be imposed on Salisbury Angling Club leaving club members bewildered and angry. more...
SDH extends parking
A NEW car park extension with 252 spaces has opened at Salisbury District Hospital for patients, visitors and staff. more...
Bath Leisure
Pianist rises to a challenge
BATH FESTIVAL: Contemporary Music Weekend, Sarah Nicolls, piano, Guildhall more...
Candlelight shows off Camerata's fine quality
BATH FESTIVAL: Bath Camerata by Candlelight, Prior Park Chapel more...
Business News
High Street sales prospects gloomy
CONDITIONS on UK high streets have improved but retail sales growth is modest compared with last year, according to the Confederation of British Industry's latest survey. more...
Dressing down is going out
HUMAN resource specialists are giving the thumbs down to dressing down days according to a survey. more...
Cable and Wireless job shock for town
THE future of 150 jobs at telecommunications giant Cable and Wireless' Swindon operation is in question. more...
Carnival cash from vacuum
MALMESBURY Carnival has had a £2,000 cash injection from vacuum cleaner manufacturer Dyson. more...
Amanda gets set to party
A NEW business that has been set up in Verwood looks set to become a big hit with little girls and their mums. more...
A chance for directors to discover their skills
BUSINESS Link Berkshire and Wiltshire is offering company directors the chance to find out how good they really are at their job. more...
Conference will support female entrepreneurs
NETHERAVON entrepreneur Selaine Messem will be supporting the Business Women on the Move conference, which takes place in Hampshire later this month. more...
Senior partner is first from outside family
CHRIS Macey, senior partner of Salisbury accountants Fletcher & Partners, hosted a party at the city's Medieval Hall for more than 100 clients and business contacts to celebrate the firm's 103rd birthday. more...
New partner at solicitors
A SOLICITOR who joined Salisbury firm Whitehead Vizard less than three years ago has been made a salaried partner. more...
Former city firm wins international award
A COMPANY that started trading in Salisbury seven years ago has won one of the heating industry's most prestigious international awards. more...
Businesses asked to take part in survey
BUSINESSES on Churchfields industrial estate, Salisbury, are being urged to take part in a survey. The 2003 survey, conducted by the South Wiltshire Economic Partnership, will ask a number of questions, including whether businesses are happy with their location. more...
Calne News
Duck dash reels in the cash
CALNE went quackers on Saturday when thousands of ducks competed in the Lion's annual duck race on the River Marden. more...
Family's holiday plan wrecked by joyriders
A family's holiday savings went up in smoke when joyriders stole their car and left a burnt out shell as a Bank Holiday crime wave rocked Calne. more...
Couple drive into future
DRIVEN by dreams of becoming driving instructors, husband and wife Gareth and Joanne Mott put their future on the line to take their final exam. more...
Witnesses wanted
CALNE Police are appealing for witnesses after a motorist rammed a police car, leaving the officer with whiplash injuries. more...
Party for the whole week
IN a break with tradition, this year's Calne Carnival will feature a week of events rather than just one day. more...
Allotment land sale probe by auditor
THE District Auditor will launch an investigation this month into allegations of malpractice surrounding the sale of the Newcroft Allotments by Calne Town Council. more...
Surgery at the supermarket
CALNE Town councillors are set to begin regular ward surgeries outside Sainsbury's to answer questions and give townsfolk the opportunity to voice concerns. more...
Building more than houses
A state-of-the-art housing estate in the heart of Calne, using the latest environmentally friendly technology, was officially opened on Wednesday. more...
Mobile cameras move in on the county's speeding drivers
Speeding drivers in Wiltshire caught out by mobile cameras are receiving hefty fines and driving bans. more...
Chippenham News
Shopper shook as he used false card
UNEMPLOYED Londoner John Gee lost his partner and their 17-month-old child when he shamed them by attempting to steal from a series of Chippenham shops, a court heard. more...
OAP fighting dirty over missing duvet
PENSIONER Arthur Holt's routine trip to the dry cleaners turned into a nightmare that lasted six months and ended up in court. more...
Wheelie bins coming
More than 48,000 wheeled dustbins should be on the streets of North Wiltshire by November. more...
Plan to cut need for emergency call outs
A new scheme for a county-wide emergency call-out service for doctors has been welcomed by beleaguered Wootton Bassett GPs. more...
Patients vent their anger at health chief
THERE were angry exchanges at St Paul's Hall last Wednesday night, when 300 patients gathered to grill health chief Barbara Smith about the fate of Marshfield Road Surgery. more...
It's perfect harmony
NEW music sensation Jamie Cullum had a packed Crudwell Village Hall in raptures when he performed in an unrehearsed concert with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra on Saturday. more...
Developer threatens crayfish habitat
VILLAGERS in Slaughterford are fighting a war of attrition against developers, who threaten to destroy the fragile ecological habitat of its mill a haven to some of Britain's most endangered creatures. more...
Chairman acts fast over plans outburst
NORTH Wiltshire's District Council's new planning committee chairman was forced to take drastic action last Wednesday night, when frustrated applicants staged a protest. more...
Pupils help make banner
Creative youngsters have designed a historical banner depicting stories of their local heritage and presented it to the village museum at Castle Combe. more...
Lyneham lands star role in TV series on life in RAF
ANYONE who thinks the RAF's transport fleet lacks glamour should stay tuned to a new television series about RAF Lyneham called Airbase. more...
New skate plan skids to a halt
PLANS to build a new skatepark at Westmead have already hit the skids, with furious residents vowing to fight it all the way. more...
GP says his patient was sent away
Patient Kathy Jefferies says she was refused treatment at Chippenham Community Hospital on Sunday because her GP is Dr Barney Williams. more...
Man bailed after rape allegation
A 41-year-old man was arrested and released on police bail on Saturday, May 31, pending further inquiries after a woman alleged she was raped at The Pines Hotel, Chippenham, that day. more...
Deadline looms for nightclub developer
Golddiggers developer E & J Commercial Property has one week to make the full payment for the building, otherwise it will lose the contract. more...
Royal party treat for girl
LITTLE Danielle Hooke's dreams came true when she went to Buckingham Palace to meet the Queen and present her with a posy of white peonies. more...
And for my next trick magician escapes crash
VETERAN magician Ali Bongo had a miracle escape after a lorry crushed the driver's side of his Daimler Jaguar when he was on the way to meet Prince Charles at Highgrove. more...
Skateboard boy sets barn ablaze
A 12-YEAR-OLD skateboarder admitted causing a fire that burned down a barn belonging to councillor Toby Sturgis, causing £40,000 damage. more...
Hot competition as chefs go into battle
TOP chefs from across the county slugged it out on Tuesday in Wiltshire's first ever competition to see who is king of the kitchen. more...
Redundancies at Wiltshire College
ABOUT 13 members of staff could be made redundant to cover a £1.8million deficit at Wiltshire College. more...
Residents fight for parking
CHIPPENHAM residents are demanding that the proceeds from a car park being sold off for housing by the county council are ploughed back into their community. more...
Street entertainers give towns a boost
SHOPPERS are being tempted into Chippenham with street entertainers and new Sunday opening hours. more...
Hall is back in the groove
AMBITIOUS plans are under way to transform the Neeld Hall into a major concert and community venue. more...
Teen mum admits to dealing drugs
A GYM-SLIP mum turned to selling hard drugs to fund her cannabis habit, Swindon Crown Court was told. more...
Brigade's warning over fake safety call
FIREFIGHTERS are warning residents to be wary of bogus phone callers trying to find out about their homes. more...
Jobs look safe after Securicor buyout
THE future of 500 jobs at Securicor Information Systems look safe for the moment, after a ten-month management buy-out was finally signed and sealed on Monday. more...
Hopes wilt for success at national contest
LESS than a year after it withdrew from the South West in Bloom competition, Chippenham Town Council has also pulled out of Britain in Bloom, blaming the county council for a lack of support. more...
Corsham News
Young journalists are on the write lines
Young journalists selected to produce a new youth magazine put their skills into practice at the hi-tech Corsham Media Park last week. more...
Adventurer set for flight after bad weather delays
Explorer David Hempleman Adams is hoping to set off on his Atlantic balloon challenge at 2am tomorrow, after a week of delays due to bad weather. more...
Popular man's death remains a mystery
Family and friends of Richard Bligh, 24, who drowned while on a working holiday in Florida, have paid tribute to a man who lived an adventurous life. more...
Team undertakes mountain challenge
THREE months after she is due to give birth, Lady Venetia Fuller from Box is planning to climb to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa to raise money for a homeless people's charity. more...
Group starts green website
Neston Recycling Group has launched a website to encourage local people to help make their home the most environmentally friendly village in Britain. more...
Devizes News
Thugs in attack on Indian waiter
POLICE are hunting six men who launched an unprovoked attack on Indian restaurant worker Raju Ahmed in the early hours of Friday morning. more...
Woman's body found in canal
DEVIZES Police searching for a missing 81-year-old woman from the Devizes area have found a body in the Kennet and Avon Canal at Foxhangers. more...
Business offers site for town's skatepark
BUSINESSMAN Steve Brooks is offering land on the outskirts of Devizes for a skateboard park. more...
Garden turns back the clock
HARRY Dodson, presenter of TV's The Victorian Garden, this week visited the Victorian garden at Rowdeford School, near Devizes, which dates back to 1889. more...
Owners distraught after dog dies in car
DEVIZES veterinary surgeon Ed Davies has warned owners of bulldogs, Pekinese or pugs to keep them cool in hot weather after a bulldog died in the back of a well-ventilated car being driven in the area. more...
Smart move in job quest
CAR park attendant Tim Merritt went to work dressed in a suit in a bid to find a new job. more...
Villagers sign up to double as life-savers
MARKET Lavington residents have been the first in the county to sign up for a new scheme in which ordinary people attend medical emergencies in their own area. more...
Samba band upbeat after lottery grant
DEVIZES Samba Band have plenty to bang the drum about this week after it learned it has been awarded £4,795 in the latest round of the National Lottery's Awards for All scheme. more...
Police alert on sneak thief
POLICE are warning of sneak thief after he stole a purse containing £40 from an 83-year-old woman in Market Lavington last week while he pretended to inquire about gardening work. more...
Man given counselling
Mark Hiscock, of Roseland Avenue, Devizes, has been put on a community rehabilitation order after he was drunk and disorderly in the town's Market Place twice in seven days. more...
Fringe offers free music, from samba to classical
DEVIZES FESTIVAL 2003: OVER the next three weeks Devizes is offering possibly the best programme of free events anywhere in the South West as part of the Devizes Festival fringe. more...
Bishop helps to serve meals on wheels
THE newly appointed Bishop of Kasese, in Uganda, Bishop Jackson Nzerebende, and his wife Dorothy saw how the British institution of Meals on Wheels operates in the Devizes area last week. more...
Speeding minister pleads for road ban
CHURCH minister the Rev Rico Tice begged magistrates to disqualify him for speeding to set an example to his flock but he escaped a ban. more...
Town reveals 12-year plan
THE blueprint for development in the Devizes area in the next 12 years has been published. more...
Autumn trial date for major
MAJOR Charles Ingram from Easterton, near Devizes, pleaded not guilty to five new charges in regard to home insurance policies when he appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court last Thursday. more...
Club bats for college bid
DEVIZES School's bid for sports college status got a boost from a local sports club this week when Ed Davies, the chairman of Bishops Cannings Cricket Club, handed over a cheque for £1,500. more...
Solicitor fights to keep her licence
SOLICITOR Jane Hickman claimed misleading road signs led to her speeding through Avebury. more...
Sign of the times as garage set to vanish
RETIRED car dealer Tom Fussell has spoken of his regret that Chirton garage, which he spent most of his adult life building up, will probably have to be demolished to make way for a housing development. more...
Popular man's death remains a mystery
Family and friends of Richard Bligh, 24, who drowned while on a working holiday in Florida, have paid tribute to a man who lived an adventurous life. more...
Cathedral welcomes Matthew to the choir
TALENTED ten-year-old Matthew Wright from Poulshot has just been admitted as a chorister at Salisbury Cathedral. more...
Posy ring goes into museum
A RARE gold "posy" ring found by local man Peter Cawley at Avebury has been acquired by Wiltshire Heritage Museum, in Devizes. more...
Stalked shop owner is selling up
SHOP owner Maddie Leighton is so anxious to sell up her costume hire business before stalker Nicholas England is released from prison that she says she is willing to accept any reasonable offer. more...
Drug addict handed a lifeline by magistrates
DRUG addict Jonathan Clarke, who has 31 previous drugs convictions, has been given a lifeline by magistrates after he admitted possessing drugs. more...
Contracts exchanged on new school
DEVIZES MP Michael Ancram visited Rowde on Friday to witness the exchange of contracts between the governors of Rowde Primary School and developers Persimmon Homes, who have agreed to build a new school on a greenfield site on the Devizes edge of the village. more...
Farmers celebrate success of lifeline
AN enterprise which proved to be a lifeline to farmers during the dark days of BSE, celebrates its fourth anniversary on Saturday in Devizes. more...
Maureen beats the yo-yo diet
MUM Maureen Hunter was determined she would not approach her half century this summer as "fair, fat and fifty." more...
Voluntary vital lifeline
National Volunteers' Week will act as a focus for people who give up their time to help others in a huge variety of ways. LEWIS COWEN meets one group, whose members devote their time to helping stroke victims. more...
New CPRE chairman demands answers
Sir Nigel Thompson, the former Government task force chairman in Kosovo and Serbia is to be the new chairman of the Council For The Protection Of Rural England. more...
Patients vent their anger at health chief
THERE were angry exchanges at St Paul's Hall last Wednesday night, when 300 patients gathered to grill health chief Barbara Smith about the fate of Marshfield Road Surgery. more...
Witnesses plea after road rage attack
POLICE are appealing for any witnesses to a road rage attack on a lone woman driver at Berwick Bassett on Friday, May 30. more...
Vandals make meal of raid
POLICE hope they are hot on the trail of vandals who broke into a village hall and used its microwave to warm their supper. more...
Plan to cut need for emergency call outs
A new scheme for a county-wide emergency call-out service for doctors has been welcomed by beleaguered Wootton Bassett GPs. more...
Luke's leap raises cancer charity cash
SIXTH former Luke Bolton has come back to earth with a jolt after having his head in the clouds. more...
Hot competition as chefs go into battle
TOP chefs from across the county slugged it out on Tuesday in Wiltshire's first ever competition to see who is king of the kitchen. more...
Mobile cameras move in on the county's speeding drivers
Speeding drivers in Wiltshire caught out by mobile cameras are receiving hefty fines and driving bans. more...
Adventurer set for flight after bad weather delays
Explorer David Hempleman Adams is hoping to set off on his Atlantic balloon challenge at 2am tomorrow, after a week of delays due to bad weather. more...
Murder still a mystery
TV filmmakers have called in the Gazette and Herald to help solve a horrific murder mystery from more than 140 years ago. more...
Redundancies at Wiltshire College
ABOUT 13 members of staff could be made redundant to cover a £1.8million deficit at Wiltshire College. more...
Stars turn spotlight on Riverbank project
ACTOR Nigel Havers has not only consented to be a patron of the proposed £4.5 million Riverbank theatre/cinema in Marlborough, he has given a further pledge. more...
More help for children
A conference on how to help children deal with traumatic events in their lives will be held in Tidworth on June 12. more...
Volunteers urged to take up school role
WILTSHIRE County Council is looking for people to volunteer to become school governors. more...
Devizes,Calne,Chippenham,Marlborough,Highworth,Corsham,Malmesbury,Wootton Bassett News
Row must not harm patients
SOME people love him and some hate him but maverick GP Barnie Williams brings out strong feelings in lots of people. more...
Praying for a ban
POLICE are clamping down on speeding drivers by putting a number of mobile cameras. Most people if caught are angry that they have to pay a fine and get three points put on their driving licence. more...
Devizes,Calne,Marlborough,Highworth,Chippenham,Corsham,Malmesbury,Wootton Bassett News
Road safety scheme puts pupils in danger
I think a round of applause must be due to the Highways Authority for coming up with such a devilish new road layout in Chippenham, along a short section of the London Road towards Calne. more...
We are fighting to get the best care
DASH 2 committee members are saddened Keith Davison (Gazette letters May 29) has failed to grasp the significant recognition and concessions DASH 2 has already received from the Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust. more...
We need more say
I was both surprised and disappointed by the recent personal attack on me by Coun Ray Parsons in the letters columns of the Gazette. more...
Thanks for cash
I WISH to thank the people of Devizes who supported Devizes RBL table top cake sale and street collection on May 31 in aid of our benevolent fund. Your generosity was much appreciated. more...
Gingells meet up
WE had a Gingell Reunion in the Corn Exchange, Calne on May 25 and raised £95 for the Parkinson Disease Society. more...
Think about it
IF Devizes Hospital closes what will happen, for example, to an elderly stroke victim, unable to make himself a dinner who would be left for many hours if his wife, as happened last week, had to go to Bath, Swindon or Salisbury hospitals for a minor injury? more...
Assembly myths
In reply to Richard Pierce's letter of May 29, my dear Mr Pierce if you wish to fly off on your mythical dragon to consult with Alfred the Great, please feel free to do so. more...
County praised
Through the Gazette I would like to say to the people of Wiltshire what a glorious county you have. more...
Help was valued
During a collection made at Devizes Guardians' public meeting of March 25 regarding the future of Devizes Hospital it was stated that any donations exceeding the cost of venue hire would be given to Devizes Hospital Action Trust. more...
Electrifying scheme
It was heartening to read the Gazette's article on the furniture recycling charity Waste Not Want Not, which highlighted that by refurbishing unwanted goods, tonnes of waste can be diverted away from our rapidly filling landfill sites. more...
Festival praise
Despite the criticism levelled at local businesses regarding poor support for Chippenham Folk Festival, I would like to congratulate Chris and Mick at The Old Road Inn, hopefully on behalf of anyone who visited the pub over the weekend. more...
Fluoride choice
THE threat of fluoridation of our water once again rears its ugly head. more...
Put safety first
With respect to those who oppose the safety mast at Great Bedwyn station one thing appears to have been forgotten the improved safety factor to the public at large. more...
Highworth News
Thank god
This teen terror will no longer be able to cause havoc in Highworth for at least three months. The 15-year-old has been sent to a young offenders' institute after bringing misery to the town by causing a nuisance at school, shops and at church. He pulled a knife on one boy. However the courts have ruled that we cannot identify him. more...
Malmesbury News
Skateboard boy sets barn ablaze
A 12-YEAR-OLD skateboarder admitted causing a fire that burned down a barn belonging to councillor Toby Sturgis, causing £40,000 damage. more...
It's Arsenal nil as shirt is a school auction flop
A SIGNED Arsenal team shirt and football failed to attract a single bid in a charity auction run by Malmesbury's Burton House School. more...
Town's fight for more car parking hots up
THE pressure is mounting on North Wiltshire District Council to provide extra car parking spaces in Malmesbury. more...
Appeal for witnesses to attack on woman
POLICE are investigating claims that a woman was attacked in the Cloister Gardens behind Malmesbury Abbey on Friday. more...
Mrs Morris is ready for her toughest test
DRIVER Julian Marshall is hoping a 40-year-old Morris Minor will help him raise cash for a youth charity when he takes it on a gruelling 850-mile trek from one end of Britain to the other. more...
Carnival cash from vacuum
MALMESBURY Carnival has had a £2,000 cash injection from vacuum cleaner manufacturer Dyson. more...
It's perfect harmony
NEW music sensation Jamie Cullum had a packed Crudwell Village Hall in raptures when he performed in an unrehearsed concert with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra on Saturday. more...
Plans for school are on display in village
PLANS for the new Sherston School will be on display in the village hall this week after being submitted for planning approval to the district council. more...
Youth vows to give up drugs
TEENAGER Adam Stannard vowed to give up drugs after police arrested him after a drunken fracas in and discovered ecstasy tablets in his pocket, a court heard. more...
Pensioner foils third raid bid
CRUDWELL: A women of her 80s was the victim of an attempted burglary for the third time in a year on Wednesday. more...
Have your say
MALMESBURY Residents are being invited to have their say on the promotion of Malmesbury, by joining the Town Forum. more...
Mast will go soon
A mast constructed on Filand's Farm, Malmesbury, is temporary, the town council has said. more...
Riders saddle up for charity
CYCLISTS of all ages will be braving saddle sores at the Crudwell Le Mans 24-hour bike ride, when it starts on Saturday. more...
Canine competition
JUNE 7, CORSTON: The Companion dog show will be held at Kingway Barn near Corston on Saturday in aid of The Independent Flatcoat Retriever Rehoming organisation. more...
Peruvian kids inspired love
INTREPID Germaine Kemble of Sherston has returned after working with mentally and physically disabled children in Peru for six months. more...
Fire brigade in hunt for recruits
WILTSHIRE fire brigade is launching a recruiting drive to find volunteers to become retained firefighters in Malmesbury and Cricklade. more...
Marlborough News
Driver faces jail over dad's death
TRUCKER Ian Lawrence faces jail after falling asleep at the wheel and killing Marlborough father-of-two Nick Hall. more...
Lost girl found safe
LITTLE Charley-Jo Stagg happily played dressing up in a charity shop in Marlborough unaware that a police search including the force helicopter was taking place for her. more...
Boy puts players on marks for marathon
SCHOOLBOY Kieron Grove was at the start of a 24 hour darts marathon on Saturday evening to raise funds for research into children's heart problems. more...
River crew fish out junk
WHAT a load of rubbish. . .that's exactly what district council workers found when they trawled the River Kennet in Marlborough. more...
Marlborough news in brief
The carnival committee has notified traders that it has applied for the formal road closure for carnival day. more...
Jungle survivor to run marathon
STUDENT Tom Merriott, who three years ago was fighting for his life in a South American jungle hospital, is gearing up to run in the New York Marathon in November. more...
Stars turn spotlight on Riverbank project
ACTOR Nigel Havers has not only consented to be a patron of the proposed £4.5 million Riverbank theatre/cinema in Marlborough, he has given a further pledge. more...
Fast turn around
WILTSHIRE'S only working windmill at Wilton saw what was believed to be a unique event on Saturday when flour was milled and baked into a loaf in one day. more...
Bike trek is to be annual
A GRUELLING 100 mile cross-country bike ride that took in Marlborough at the weekend is expected to become an annual event. more...
Luke's leap raises cancer charity cash
SIXTH former Luke Bolton has come back to earth with a jolt after having his head in the clouds. more...
Witnesses plea after road rage attack
POLICE are appealing for any witnesses to a road rage attack on a lone woman driver at Berwick Bassett on Friday, May 30. more...
Farmers set for street market
Jo Ripley of the Friends of the Earth, who organise Marlborough's Farmers' Market on the second Saturday each month, said they are welcoming competition. more...
Hit-run smash
A breakdown truck owned by Whatleys of Pewsey was involved in a hit and run accident at the Goerge Lane/Pewsey road roundabout in Marlborough on Friday when it was struck by a blue Peugeot 405 saloon car that failed to stop. more...
Villagers angry as petition over trail bikes fails to prompt council action
VILLAGERS in Easton Royal are amazed county council officers are pigeon holing their petition calling for action of trail bikers who tear through the village. more...
Melksham News
Fall down stairs killed husband
RICHARD Campbell, 61, died after he broke his neck falling down the stairs in the middle of the night, an inquest heard. more...
Maureen beats the yo-yo diet
MUM Maureen Hunter was determined she would not approach her half century this summer as "fair, fat and fifty." more...
TV vicar entertains the village children
SEEND'S rector, the Rev Jamie Allen, will host children's entertainments in the vicarage garden as part of Seend Open Gardens weekend at the end of June. more...
Cathedral welcomes Matthew to the choir
TALENTED ten-year-old Matthew Wright from Poulshot has just been admitted as a chorister at Salisbury Cathedral. more...
Actress back in the county
ACTRESS Frederica Dunstan, who played leading roles at the Wharf Theatre in Devizes, is set to return to the county next month with a theatre company she helped to found. more...
Pewsey News
Diabetes sufferer steps out for charity
DIABETES sufferer Alexa Scott-Dalgleish, nine, was joined by her family when she put her best foot forward to raise funds for research into the condition on Sunday. more...
Farmer on his bike for charity
FARMER Tim Carson is to take part in a 250-mile sponsored bike ride across South Africa despite suffering a serious back problem that brought his own sporting career to an end. more...
Vandals make meal of raid
POLICE hope they are hot on the trail of vandals who broke into a village hall and used its microwave to warm their supper. more...
Mini tribe in tots' pow-pow
CHILDREN from Oare Pre-school have been taking part in a Native American style pow-wow. more...
Eagle eyes sought
PEWSEY Police hope residents in Rawlins Road may have seen a stone thrown through the window of a parked Fiat Uno van at about 10pm on Monday. more...
Hit-run smash
A breakdown truck owned by Whatleys of Pewsey was involved in a hit and run accident at the Goerge Lane/Pewsey road roundabout in Marlborough on Friday when it was struck by a blue Peugeot 405 saloon car that failed to stop. more...
Salisbury Features
Equine tooth care straight from the horse's mouth
Equine dental technician Nikki Hatton says "Oh you've just missed the gory bit," having removed a large horse tooth. I can feel my knees weaken but put on a brave face. more...
Landlady wins AA prize
MAKING her bed and breakfast business a "real home from home" has earned Sixpenny Handley landlady Ann Inglis a place in the top 20. more...
Salisbury News
Sisters reunited after lifetime apart
TWO sisters separated for nearly 50 years and who each thought the other was dead have been reunited. more...
Postal service among country's worst
FIRST class postal services in Salisbury are among the 20 worst performing postcode areas in the country for delivering next-day post. more...
Defiant gran hits back at tormentors
PLUCKY grandmother Jose Busby hit back this week at young tormentors who have been making her life a misery. more...
Jubilee award for city charity
FIFTY years to the day since her coronation the Queen has honoured the Salisbury-based Trussell Trust with her Golden Jubilee Award for voluntary service in the community. more...
Anglers angry at restock ban
A RESTOCKING ban looks set to be imposed on Salisbury Angling Club leaving club members bewildered and angry. more...
Traditional celebrations enjoyed all day long
VILLAGERS in Great Wishford could not have hoped for a better afternoon of weather last Thursday, as their Oak Apple Day celebrations continued back at home. more...
Army major on five new charges
ARMY Major Charles Ingram has appeared in court to face five new charges relating to a £32,000 insurance fraud. more...
Two killed, 15 hurt in minibus crash
TWO people died and 15 were injured following an accident on Tuesday involving eight vehicles - including a lorry and a minibus, on the A36 Salisbury to Southampton road at Wellow. more...
SDH extends parking
A NEW car park extension with 252 spaces has opened at Salisbury District Hospital for patients, visitors and staff. more...
Buster's trout pout
AN 11-year old Golden Retriever bit off more than he could chew on Saturday after a casual swim in the Avon at Durrington netted him a 6lb rainbow trout. more...
Salisbury Sport
Hamptworth duo eye up St Andrews final
TWO Hamptworth Golf Club members have qualified for the semi-finals of the largest competition for club golfers in the world. more...
High score but no win
Cricket more...
Records tumble at Nomansland
RECORDS were broken at Nomansland as the home side recorded an emphatic win over Old Basing II. more...
Batting in the sun
Hampshire League - North West Division Three more...
Keen interest
TEENAGE cricketer Matthew Hicks from Winterbourne Gunner will be keenly following the progress of his South African coach Martin van Jaarsveld in the one-day NatWest triangular series with Zimbabwe and hosts England which starts on June 28. more...
South Wilts turn up the heat
SOUTH Wilts registered another superb performance to defeat last season's champions Havant in a thrilling match at Lower Bemerton. more...
Fovant chalk up a win
Fovant 178 bt Cerne Valley 129 more...
Fourth wicket stand saves day
Breamore (21pts) 162-6 bt Four Marks 142-9 (7pts) more...
Top British stars head for Wilton
SOME of the top British equestrian stars are heading to Salisbury at the weekend for the annual Wilton Horse Trials, writes Mike Turner. more...
Under starter's orders
SALISBURY Racecourse is gearing up for two meetings in the space of six days. more...
Blencowe en route to Silverstone
TISBURY race ace Alan Blencowe will be looking to continue the form which has seen him climb to third in the Green Flag BTCC production drivers standings when he heads to Silverstone this weekend. more...
Golf day tees off for charitable cause
HIGH Post Golf Club today stages the inaugural Salisbury Journal/High Post Corporate Golf Chall-enge with organisers so confident that the event will become an annual one that next year's date has already been provisionally booked. more...
Lucky Rob's the king of the Castle
SHREWTON-based driver Rob Horsfield will be looking to consolidate his leads in both the Monoposto and Formula Honda Champ-ionships, when he races at Cadwell Park later this month. more...
Tie-break trauma for tennis players
TIE-BREAK therapy and recovery positions will have been in greatest demand after the highs and lows of the weekend Hants and IOW League action in the hottest conditions of the year so far. more...
Judo youngsters make the grade
THE Mayor of Salisbury Cllr Sue Mallory was on hand to present the medals to local judo stars who shone at the first Low Grade Open Championships held at Five Rivers Leisure Centre. more...
Rod & Line - by Roland Batten
Mammoth haul for Simon more...
Sport Angling
Carp haul makes winner a big cheese
SOUTH Cerney AC, who have gone from success to success over recent years, have come up with the goods again with the introduction of more fish in their Wick Water Fishery and Ham Pool situated near their very popular clubhouse. more...
Sport Bowls
County battle is set to be a family affair
THE Wiltshire bowls squad will keep it in the family this weekend, after naming a father and his two sons in their line up for a crunch cup clash. more...
Warren's delight at home international call-up
STEVE Warren has been selected for the England side for the first time following a highly successful trial over the Bank Holiday period. more...
Sport Cricket
Perry leads run feast as Biddestone go top
WILTSHIRE CRICKET LEAGUE: NORTH Wiltshire rivals Biddestone, Westinghouse and Calne are the early pacesetters in Division One. more...
Former champions sent tumbling out
Goatacre v Bredon: GOATACRE suffered a double disappointment at the weekend as they lost in both the Wiltshire and Gloucestershire Division One and the National Village Knockout Cup. more...
Woodmancote v Marlborough
WITH the first sign of sun for the season, Marlborough skipper Tom Norris lost the toss and his team were asked to field in sweltering conditions. more...
Malmesbury v Apperley
A DISAPPOINTING performance with bat and ball from Malmesbury at the weekend saw the home team slip to a second league defeat. more...
Young pair complete a rare ton up double
NORTH WILTS JUNIOR LEAGUE: Under 13s: CHIPPENHAM entertained Erlestoke in a match dominated by two outstanding innings. more...
Dumbleton v Devizes
TWO evenly matched sides contributed to an enthralling game, which was eventually won by Dumbleton thanks to a match winning performance from Zimbabwean Englebrecht. more...
Wales v Wiltshire
RECORDS tumbled as Wiltshire made a successful start to their Minor Counties championship campaign with an emphatic victory over Wales at Pontypridd. more...
Downend v Chippenham
ANDY Dawson bowled a dazzling spell to set up Chippenham's eight wicket win in Premier Division Two of the Stroud and Swindon West of England League. more...
Devizes v Westbury
A BELLIGERENT belligerent 56 from Andy Hodder helped Devizes to ease past Westbury in the preliminary round of the Jack Wilcox Trophy on Thursday. more...
Box v Marshfield
AN impressive tight spell of bowling from Ben White set up a win for Marshfield by six wickets over local rivals Box in Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Division Two. more...
Kwik cricket final showdown
THE county final of a national Kwik Cricket competition is due to take place at Devizes Cricket Club on Friday June 20. more...
Hussey's spree as Glos bowlers toil
NORTHANTS opener Mike Hussey put the Gloucestershire bowlers to the sword to score an unbeaten 169 in Northants' 348-5 on the opening day of their Division Two match at Gloucester. Phil Jaques also continued his fine start to the season with 75. more...
Sport Football
French show a little flair at tournament
THERE was plenty of French footballing flair on parade at Biddestone last weekend, but it was a local side that stole the glory at the annual La Fleche soccer festival. more...
New league is kicking off
THE DIGS six-a-side soccer league is coming to Devizes after a successful season in Swindon. more...
Pavilion gets under way
HIGHWORTH Junior Football Club's eight-year dream of a pavilion finally got under way yesterday. more...
Players pack tournament
HUNDREDS of young footballers will converge when AFC Corsham hold their annual six-a-side tournament this weekend. more...
Sport Rugby
Kljusko goes after 28 years
PETE Kaljusko has stepped down as chairman of Corsham Rugby Club after 28 years' service. more...
Fidler makes Bath switch
Rob Fidler has joined Bath after he was told by Gloucester that they were unable to offer him a new deal. more...
Tough start for Old Boys
PROMOTED Swindon College will start life in Southern Counties South with a tough away assignment at Tadley when the new Powergen South West Division league rugby season kicks off in September. more...
Local Rugby Fixtures 2003-4
South West 2 East more...
Swindon News
Make the most of the time you have
READING through the columns of the Evening Advertiser I came across an article under Problems Solved, questions and answers by Fiona Caine (Saturday May 31). more...
Trainspotters are getting a hard time
I WRITE in support of trainspotters. These people normally stand at the platform ends, well away from any position where they could interfere with the workings of the railway, are often better informed in matters of the timetable etc, than many staff and just wish to carry out their hobby of taking numbers and photographs of trains. more...
Prostitute jailed, but clients go free
WITH reference to the Advertiser news that a foolish misguided girl has been sent to prison for prostitution at a cost to the taxpayer of about £200 per week, yet her clients, who are 100 per cent responsible for her profession existing, get away scot free. more...
Asylum seekers put our own house in order first
IF David Rowlands (EA May 23) thinks that his explanation why asylum seekers and refugees come to this country will satisfy the many thousands of people who oppose their entry then he is barking up the wrong tree. more...
Sack confusion
WITH regard to the letter from Mr Theo Godfrey, May 22. Firstly, I would like to thank Mr Godfrey for his kind comments about the Council, in general, giving value for money. more...
A great break
THE Meningitis Trust would like to thank everyone who whipped up a froth, stirred up a crowd and made a difference in an instant by holding a coffee break event in the South West. Thanks to you and more than 1,100 groups of coffee breakers across the country, we've raised more than £80,000 to help the fight against meningitis. more...
Tax free days
Why did we not celebrate Tax Freedom Day this year? more...
Crass stupidity
IF you watch television you have probably noticed that 1,400 teachers are to be made redundant for various reasons, but mainly because our schools cannot afford to pay them. more...
`Our school is beyond repair'
FAIR DEAL FOR OUR SCHOOLS: THREE years ago Wroughton Infant School was in line to be demolished and completely rebuilt. more...
TV magician hurt in road accident
VETERAN magician Ali Bongo has been discharged from Swindon's Great Western Hospital after being injured in a road accident. more...
Bid to unravel Roman mystery
EXPERTS from English Heritage are hoping to solve a small piece of the mystery surrounding the Roman site at Groundwell Ridge. more...
Robbed, beaten and left to die
A DOORMAN is considering leaving his job after he was beaten and robbed of £1,000. more...
Methodists remember the work of evangelist John Wesley
Wootton Bassett Methodists are planning to spread the message, `Jesus loves You!' to remember the work of evangelist John Wesley, whose tercentenary is this year. more...
Spreading the word via satellite TV
A SWINDON pastor is spreading his message on Sky TV. more...
Country park wins another accolade
ONE of Swindon's favourite playgrounds has become the first British winner of an international Blue Flag award for inland beaches. more...
Ring found in field will have pride of place in museum
A 17th century ring made by a Marlborough goldsmith is set to have pride of place in a Wiltshire museum exhibition. more...
Cinema trip a bit special
CHILDREN from a Park South school have been on a visit to a cinema, courtesy of a firm of opticians. more...
Anniversary of D-Day is remembered
CEREMONIES are due to take place in Swindon commemorating the 59th anniversary of the biggest seaborne invasion in the history of warfare. more...
Dancers turn on the tap charm
A GROUP of Swindon dancers have been chosen to appear in a professional show at the Wyvern Theatre. more...
Teen sets up home by football ground
A teenager who left his family home after a row is living rough in a tent near the County Ground. more...
Generous Scout supporters boost group with £700 donation
SUPPORTERS of the 1st Wootton Bassett Scout Group have donated a cheque for £700. more...
Male cancer highlighted at event in Parliament
MEN'S cancer was under the spotlight at a Cancer Research event at the House of Commons. more...
Taking animal antics into Noah's Ark
A menagerie of animals paid a visit to children at the Noah's Ark Nursery in Okus Road. more...
Join in Forest Festival fun
The fifth annual Forest Festival, billed as Swindon's biggest green family event, is being held this year at the Lawns in Old Town on Saturday, August 30. more...
A pub where quality counts
AN OLD Town pub ranks among the best in the country for serving good beer. more...
A birthday treat is given to Macmillan
SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: A DEVOTED Macmillan supporter turned her birthday into a fundraising event. more...
Illness claims push bills up
SUCCESSFUL compensation claims over illnesses such as the Swindon Disease, mesothelioma, have raised companies' insurance premiums by up to half in the last year. more...
Officials kick off work on £573,000 sports pavilion
Work has started on a £573,000 sports pavilion in Highworth. more...
Thank god
This teen terror will no longer be able to cause havoc in Highworth for at least three months. The 15-year-old has been sent to a young offenders' institute after bringing misery to the town by causing a nuisance at school, shops and at church. He pulled a knife on one boy. However the courts have ruled that we cannot identify him. more...
Firm owner waits for fraudster's sentencing
HAULAGE firm owner John Keeping is waiting to find out whether a woman who stole £164,196.34 from his business while his wife was dying of cancer will be jailed next week. more...
Pilot scheme will bring caretakers to the streets of Penhill
Uniformed caretakers are preparing to take to the streets of Penhill. more...
Have you seen him?
Main picture shows the wound from the attack on the womans neck. INSET: The attacker.POLICE today released this artist's impression of the man who attacked and robbed a woman in her own home. more...
GP's taste of his own medicine
A FAMILY doctor is dieting as an example to his patients - as the Government considers moves to penalise patients who fail to take responsibility for their health. more...
African band cancels tour after lead singer's death
LEGENDARY South African township jive band The Soul Brothers have had to cancel an Old Town Bowl appearance following the death of their lead singer. more...
The winners and losers
FAIR DEAL FOR OUR SCHOOLS: THE Government gives to schools with one hand and takes away with the other. That is the verdict of headteachers who are battling to bring Swindon's schools up to scratch with a fraction of the cash afforded to most towns and cities. more...
Extra cash targeted at specific schools
FAIR DEAL FOR OUR SCHOOLS: A FLAGSHIP Government scheme that has succeeded in raising standards throughout the country is coming to Swindon. more...
We are not prepared to accept this
THE people of Highworth could tell you his name because he has blighted their lives for longer than anybody can reasonably be expected to endure in a supposedly decent society. more...
Bullying is not the best way
THE suggestion that fat people and smokers should be pressured by the NHS to change their unhealthy lifestyle might seem attractive at a first glance. more...
Trowbridge News
Council's chief joins bike riders
WILTSHIRE County Council's chief executive, Dr Keith Robinson, will join members of his staff and the public to cycle 26 miles from County Hall, in Trowbridge, to the Bustard Hotel, near Larkhill, as part of National Bike Week next week. more...
Wiltshire News
Skateboard boy sets barn ablaze
A 12-YEAR-OLD skateboarder admitted causing a fire that burned down a barn belonging to councillor Toby Sturgis, causing £40,000 damage. more...
Wiltshire Sport
Another Luke
PORTSMOUTH'S Luke Nightingale and Danny Murphy of Queens Park Rangers will attempt to impress Andy King during pre-season and earn themselves contracts at the County Ground. more...
Wootton Bassett News
Affordable homes fill a need in town
WOOTTON Bassett has just seen the completion of five new affordable homes, which the town council hopes will enable young people to stay in the town and get their own homes. more...
Veterans to meet Queen
John Beauchamp, of Lime Kiln, Wootton Bassett, will be presented to the Queen after a British Korean Veterans' Association parade in London. more...
Plan to cut need for emergency call outs
A new scheme for a county-wide emergency call-out service for doctors has been welcomed by beleaguered Wootton Bassett GPs. more...
Local Advertisers
Local Information
Enter your postcode, town or place name
