Archive
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Swindon Robins star ready to chase leader Doyle in Australian Championship
SWINDON skipper Troy Batchelor has insisted all the pressure is stacked on the shoulders of leader Jason Doyle going into round two of the Australian Championship tomorrow morning. Reigning champion Batchelor was bumped wide by his former Robins
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Letters to the editor 7/01/2014
Bus move madness I wish to respond to the article in your paper of 3 January 2014 about bus route changes being introduced by Thamesdown Transport. In particular I would like to express my concerns and that of Rodbourne residents about the
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MENU: A bit of a mouthful
Shareen Campbell and Phil Saunter, owners of Los Gatos and Bistro Les Chats in Wood Street, talk about life in the restaurant business The Grumpy Customer and the Restaurateur The other night a father arrived at Los Gatos, immediately complaining
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MENU: A bit of a mouthful
Shareen Campbell and Phil Saunter, owners of Los Gatos and Bistro Les Chats in Wood Street, talk about life in the restaurant business Feeling a lot, like Christmas! For most people Christmas is a time for eating and drinking and having fun with
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MENU: A bit of a mouthful
Shareen Campbell and Phil Saunter, owners of Los Gatos and Bistro Les Chats in Wood Street, talk about life in the restaurant business Who ate all the American Pies? We’re lucky enough to be recuperating from the stresses and strains of Christmas
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Wiltshire's groundbreaking new air ambulance is first of its kind
WILTSHIRE Air Ambulance Charitable Trust (WAACT) is leading the way with the selection of its new helicopter. The charity has chosen the Bell 429 helicopter to be its air ambulance when the contract for the existing shared helicopter with Wiltshire
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Flooding near Swindon causing train delays
FLOODING on the tracks between Swindon and Bristol Parkway is causing delays on trains to London Paddington and Cardiff Central. Although the flood waters have not quite reached the level of the rails, trains need to move slower through these areas
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Reis and Troy feature, Barker scores in development tie
TIJANE Reis and Troy Archibald-Henville both enjoyed gametime as Swindon Town were beaten 3-2 by Birmingham City in a development XI match this afternoon. George Barker got his Swindon career off to a good start with Town’s second goal of the game
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Environment Agency issues fresh warning ahead of further downpours
COMMUNITIES in Wiltshire, Hampshire and along the River Thames are being urged to remain prepared for more flooding for the remainder of the week. More unsettled weather over the next few days will see rain falling on already saturated ground increasing
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Robins react to alleged approach for Morris
SWINDON Robins have released a strongly worded statement regarding an alleged move by Premier League outfit Sheffield to sign Nick Morris. The statement, which states that Morris has asked to be allowed to join Sheffield, says it would be a "smack
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Witness appeal after car break in and assault
WILTSHIRE Police are appealing for witnesses following an alleged vehicle break in and assault. The incident took place on Gooch Street, Swindon, at approximately 8.30pm on December 27. It is alleged that a male was seen breaking into a Lexus
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SOUTHERN LEAGUE: Cirencester vs Hungerford postponed
CIRENCESTER Town's clash with Hungerford Town in the third round of the Red Insure Cup has been postponed. The game had been due to take place at the Corinium Stadium this evening but a waterlogged pitch has forced the cancellation. No new
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HELLENIC LEAGUE: Wantage vs Highworth postponed
HIGHWORTH Town's Floodlit Cup trip to Wantage Town, scheduled for this evening, has been postponed. A waterlogged pitch at Alfredian Park failed an inspection this afternoon. No new date has yet been announced for the fixture.
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Barker completes Swindon switch
SWINDON Town have confirmed the signing of striker George Barker from Brighton. As revealed by the Advertiser this morning, Barker comes to the Robins highly recommended by assistant coach Luke Williams. Barker will pen an 18-month contract
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Date for debate
WANBOROUGH: The next meeting of the parish council will take place on January 27 at 7.30pm. The meeting will take place in the Village Hall. For more information visit www.wanborough.info or call the clerk, Angela Raymond, on 01793 791904.
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Getting crafty
SOUTH MARSTON: Artistic types are encouraged to attend the next meeting of the Craft company on January 8. The meeting, which aims to inspire and encourage as well as provide a place to enjoy good company, will take place from 2pm to 4pm at Dryden
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Get checked over
SWINDON: Free NHS health checks for people aged between 40 and 74 are being offered through Healthwatch Swindon by community health provider SEQOL at 23 Brunel Plaza between 10am and 1pm on Thursday mornings. Booking is essential and appointments can
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Parish meeting
SOUTH MARSTON: The next meeting of the parish council will take place on January 21 in the Village Hall at 7.30pm and all are welcome to attend. For more information visit www.southmarston.org.uk or call Amanda Burchall on 07804 225571.
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Save our wood
WROUGHTON: Campaigners trying to raise £30,000 to safeguard Kings Farm Wood will hold a Mile of Money event on January 25, between 11am and 1pm. Villagers will be invited to donate enough to create a mile-long line of coins from Ellendune to the Willow
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Council matters
COVINGHAM: The next meeting of the parish council will take place at 7.30pm on January 13 at Covingham Park Junior School and all are welcome to attend. For more information visit www.covinghamparish.co.uk or email brian.osbourn@covingham-pc.co.uk.
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Wedding fair
LYDIARD: Lydiard House Conference Centre will host a wedding fair on January 12 between 11am and 3pm. Admission is free. For more details call 01793 466664.
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Petition for bus service
PURTON: The Youth Advisory Group of Purton & Cricklade, supported by Purton Parish Council, has launched a petition urging Stagecoach to continue running the 53 bus service to Cirencester in the daytime. The petition is available to sign at
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Exciting Exploits from World War II
The first meeting of 2014 for the Chiseldon Local History Group will be on Wednesday, January 15th when John Winterburn will be talking about ‘The Shetland Bus – SOE Operations in Norway in World War II’. John is a member of CLHG and a professional
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Have good Times
OLD TOWN: Newquay Times, a four-piece band playing original and cover songs with influences ranging from Tom Petty to Throwing Muses to The Cranberries, play at The Beehive, Prospect Place, on Friday, January 10, at 8.30pm for a free gig.
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Riffs is unplugged
HOOK: Acoustic session with various featured artists plus open mic spots takes place from 7pm, at Riffs Bar, Greatfield, on Friday at a free gig. Louise Latham will be previewing songs from her forthcoming album Crashing Angels as well as playing her
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Wiltshire to get new state-of-art air ambulance
The new Wiltshire Air Ambulance will be a state of the art helicopter and will be the first of its kind to operate as an air ambulance in the UK. The air ambulance currently operates as a shared helicopter with Wiltshire Police, an arrangement
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Skatepark to be considered
WEST SWINDON: The decision to build a skatepark in the area is on the agenda for the West Swindon Forum on Monday, January 13. Pressure from residents last year forced a review of the original proposal to build it at Salt Way Fields in Middleleaze
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Salsa sensation
SWINDON: Dance the night away to the latest salsa, merengue, bachata and reggaeton tracks with Latin DJ Hender from 8.30pm to 1am, with a salsa class at 9pm.The salsa night by Salsanativa takes place in The GW, Station Road, every Friday. For more
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Planning matters
WROUGHTON: The Wroughton Parish Council planning committee meeting will be held tomorrow at the Ellendune Community centre at 7.30pm. Items on the agenda include the proposed development of land east of Marlborough Road by Hunter Page Planning, and
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Learn a great range of skills
STANTON PARK: Youngsters are invited to spend the morning in a ranger’s shoes, and learn what skills are needed for the vocation. Between 10am and noon on Saturday, January 25 children aged 10 to 16, who must be accompanied by an adult, can meet
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Get fit and make life better for children
IF YOUR New Year’s resolution is to get fit in 2014, then why not do something for children by pulling on your running shoes and signing up for the Bath Half Marathon in 2014. The NSPCC is calling on people across Swindon to sign up for the 13.1
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Toys for hire
FRESHBROOK: Phoenix Toy Library is open from 10am, at the Freshbrook Community Centre, Worsley Road, every Friday for toy hire. Entry is £1 on the door.
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Karaoke Fridays
GORSE HILL: Karaoke Fridays is a regular draw for singers at 7.30pm, in the Swiss Chalet. Entry is free. Call 01793 535610.
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Adult pantomime
SWINDON: The curtain rises on the Adults Panto: Screwge, from 7.30pm, on Friday, in the Wyvern Theatre, when The Market Theatre Company distort the traditional story and pack it with corny jokes, raunchy plots and blatant sexual innuendo. Tickets are
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Folk duo's farewell
OLD TOWN: One of the country’s top folk duos is playing in Swindon as part of a farewell tour. Spiers and Boden – the highly respected traditional musicians John Spiers and Jon Boden – will be at the Arts Centre in Devizes Road on Tuesday, March
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Help out hospice
TOOTHILL: Prospect Hospice is looking to recruit volunteers at its recently-opened charity shop in Toothill. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Charly Rich on 01793 813644.
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Buying new is key to large savings
RESIDENTS who choose to buy brand new homes can save thousands of pounds on energy bills and maintenance costs, according to developers Taylor Wimpey. The average household’s dual-fuel energy bill at a new-build property built to current regulations
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Explore college
SWINDON: Prospective A-level students are invited to an open evening at New College on Wednesday, January 29 between 5pm and 9pm. For more details call 01793 611470 or email info@newcollege.ac.uk.
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Young at heart
SWINDON: A group of young performers at Miss Kel’s Dance Academy are still selling their Christmas charity single, Forever Young, in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital. The CD costs £5 and is available on www.misskelsdance.co.uk or www.facebook.com
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NHS Trust meets
SWINDON: The Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust board will meet in public at the GWH’s Lecture Hall 1, The Academy, on Thursday, January 9 between 2pm and 5pm.
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Council agenda
WROUGHTON: The next meeting of Wroughton Parish Council will be held on Monday, January 20 at 7.30pm at Ellendune Community Centre.
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Pooling resources
STRATTON: The Thamesdown Hydrotherapy Pool has launched a campaign to raise around £50,000 towards the refurbishment of its changing rooms. To donate to the charity visit www.thamesdownhydrotherapypool.com.
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Wi-Fi on two more buses
SWINDON: Wi-Fi has now been rolled out to two more bus services, numbers 11 and 12. Service 11 runs from the Haydon Wick to the Bus Station via Greenmeadow and Pinehurst while the number 12 travels from St Andrew’s Ridge to the Great Western Hospital
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Banks aid charity
RECYCLING banks at fire stations across Wiltshire have contributed to the Fire Fighters Charity raising over £1 million in just four years. The scheme focuses on textiles, including unwanted clothing, shoes and household items. Wearable items are
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Buses to run late at night
PASSENGERS on some Thamesdown services should be aware of amended timetables. Thanks to funding from Swindon Council, Services 19 and 22 will benefit from new late evening journeys on Mondays to Saturdays. Service 19, from Fleming Way to Sparcells
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Tax increase to keep us safe
WILTSHIRE Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson is consulting on a proposed increase in the police and crime element of this year’s council tax. He is considering an increase in the precept of £3.15 a year for a band D property. It
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Bird-feeding day
COATE WATER: Rangers at the park are hosting a bird-feeding event on Sunday between 10am and 1pm. Participants are asked to meet at Coate Water Ranger Centre and book on 01793 490150 or parksandwaste@ swindoncommercialservices.co.uk.
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Emergency work
KINGSHILL: Delays are likely on Kingshill Road near Grosvenor Road until topmorrow as Thames Water carry out emergency works to replace a manhole cover. Queries should be addressed to Thames Water quoting reference MU026001118WKQL--000001.
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Delays are likely
TOWN CENTRE: Motorists are warned delays are likely until Thursday on Drove Road near Dudmore Road as Wales and West Utilities trace and repair a gas escape. Queries should be addressed to Wales & West Utilities Ltd quoting reference XY241001002121151
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Top talk on the tudors
TOWN CENTRE: Robert Jago, archivist from the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre, will present a talk on the forgotten Tudors Edward VI and Mary I on Monday, January 27, at 1pm at the Central Library. Call 01793 463238 or email localstudies@swindon.gov.uk
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Stones roll into place
A MURAL painted by local artist Kerry McKenna has been unveiled at the entrance to Studley Grange Craft Village and Butterfly World. The project, called ‘Avebury By Moonlight’ and featuring the famous Avebury stones, was Kerry’s biggest to date
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Work resumes on Moat Pond
WORK on Moat Pond in Wroughton will be resumed this month after being delayed due to adverse weather conditions. Fencing around the site was removed at the end of last year exposing a seating area, which is now in use, and a dragonfly sculpture
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Father and daughter team up to raise cash
FATHER and daughter duo, Clarry Bean and Abby Mansi are launching their new professional vocal duo act in a fund-raising concert for Vasculitis UK at the Swindon Arts Centre. Clarry is well known on the Swindon music and art scene and was a former
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Council meeting
ROYAL WOOTTON BASSETT: The next amenities and planning meeting will take place on January 9 at 7.30pm in the Council Chamber at the Civic Centre in Station Road. For more information visit www.royalwoottonbassett.gov.uk.
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Police seek witnesses after Okus Road assault
WILTSHIRE Police are appealing for witnesses following an assault in Swindon. The incident took place in Okus Road, Old Town, shortly before 2am on Saturday, December 21, 2013. A lone female was walking home when she was grabbed from behind
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Whose dog?
TOOTHILL: A Jack Russell was found in Toothill Park during the afternoon of Christmas Day. The dog, possibly a cross, was wearing a black nylon collar but no tag. He is micro-chipped but the chip isn’t registered to anyone. Anyone with information
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Swim cancelled
SWINDON: The annual Swindon Sub Aqua Club sponsored swim down the River Thames, due to take place on January 12, has been postponed until the water level has dropped low enough for the event to be safely carried out.
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Equipment taken
ELGIN: Police were called to Safestyle UK in Elgin Industrial Estate at 8am on Sunday morning following reports of a burglary overnight between 7pm on Saturday and 8am on Sunday. Some money and electrical equipment was taken. Anyone who saw anything
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Window smashed
PARK SOUTH: At 2.30am yesterday morning, police were called to the Polish Community Centre after two men were caught on CCTV smashing a window at the building. Anyone with information should call police on 101.
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New Year's day attack
GORSE HILL: Between 1am and 1.10am on New Year’s Day, a man was walking alone along Whitehouse Road by St Mark’s Park when he was assaulted by a man who tried to drag him into an alleyway. Two men and a woman came to the victim’s aid and the suspect
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'Burglars' bailed
TOWN CENTRE: Four people have been released on police bail after being arrested in connection with a commercial burglary in the town centre last Thursday. After the burglary was reported at 9am, the four were arrested within an hour. They have now
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Charges of rape
SWINDON: Sydul Alam, 32, of Faringdon Road, and Notam Deb, 43, of Dryden Street, accused of raping a woman nearly four years ago have been released on bail by a judge. The pair are accused of carrying out the sex attack in May 2010. No charges were
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Two accused on benefits
SWINDON: Toni Smith, 35, and Andrew Verlander, 42, have appeared before a judge accused of claiming benefits they weren’t entitled to. They are said to have failed to declare they were living together when taking state handouts. It is said they
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£8,500 for Swindon rail worker deafened at work
A SWINDON man has reached an out of court settlement of £8,500 with British Rail after he became deaf following years of exposure to heavy noise at work. Aubrey Akers, aged 72, joined British Rail's Swindon works from school in 1956 and stayed
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Barker deal to be completed in next 48 hours
A DEAL is believed to have been agreed in principle which will see George Barker make the move from Brighton & Hove Albion to Swindon Town. As revealed by the Advertiser this morning, the Robins have been lining up a swoop for the young striker
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SOUTHERN LEAGUE: Chippenham vs Arlesey postponed
CHIPPENHAM Town are still waiting to play their first match of 2014 after tonight's Calor League Southern Premier Division clash against Arlesey Town was postponed. The Bluebirds haven't played since the 3-3 league draw with Frome Town at home
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I will get fit honest
GYMS across Swindon are currently dealing with a rush of people whose New Year Resolution was to lay off the cakes and get fit. I am one of those people. I promise that I shall embark on such a regime of fitness as has never been attempted by a man
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Commuters hit by heavy downpours and flooding
COMMUTERS were hit with severe delays around Swindon this morning as storms continued to batter the town. Many roads in and around the town have been hit by flooding, with the worst affected areas including Queens Drive, Tadpole Lane and Lechlade
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Biker escapes Royal Wootton Bassett crash with minor injuries
A BIKER made a lucky escape in a smash-up in Royal Wootton Bassett this morning. Wiltshire Police were called to the scene at 8.21am near the junction of the B4042 with Swindon Road after a motorcyclist collided with a car. The motorcycle
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PREDICTIONS LEAGUE: Bradford results update
PREDICTIONS LEAGUE: Bradford City plus December Results and Updates Apologies for the delay in posting the results for the Bradford City match. This was due to not being able to get hold of the official figure for the travelling fans. The official
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Swindon kids become published authors
A recently released anthology of short stories written and illustrated entirely by children from all around the world was released by Your Kids' Creations, a division of Melusine Muse Press. The anthology "The Talisman Chronicles: A Collection
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Lad beats handicap to sing his heart out
TAKING to the stage in front of 200 spectators, little Morgan Sharpe, who was born with a rare condition which left him with a missing ear and eye, had his audience in tears as he sang his favourite Christmas carol. Six-year-old Morgan may be among
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Housebuilder helps to make playtime more fun
CHILDREN at Wootton Bassett Infant School can make the most of their break time after a donation from Taylor Wimpey helped to fund new outdoor play equipment. The pupils can now enjoy a look-out tower with ladders and a sandpit, a play store shed
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Ranger departure inches closer
SWINDON Town are expected to formally announce the departure of Nile Ranger this week. The striker, whose regular absences from training have led Town to the point of no return, is understood to be in line to have his contract cancelled imminently
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Call to cap fares after price hike
AS the hike in train fares hit commuters in Swindon yesterday, the 20 per cent increase in four years was brought under the spotlight by Coun Mark Dempsey. Coun Dempsey (Lab, Walcot & Park North) visited the train station during both the morning
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ADVER SPORTS AWARDS 2013: The nominees
FIGURES from both ends of the sporting spectrum will be honoured at the Swindon Advertiser Sports Awards of the Year next month. The ceremony will see those in grassroots sport and elite level competitors honoured for their achievements. Two
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SKATER HOCKEY: New players wanted
SWINDON Skater Hockey Club are seeking new members at all age groups for the 2014 season. The club had a highly-successful season during 2013 with the club sending teams from all age groups to the national championships, with the juniors finishing
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NETBALL: Raychem start 2014 with a bang
RAYCHEM C started 2014 in the best way possible with a 37-23 victory over Abbey Meads C in Division Three of the Swindon & District Netball League Without a match since early December, Raychem started slowly but built a four-goal lead by half-time
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Brave dad takes his daughter down aisle
A BOUT of illness at the 11th hour nearly derailed the hurried wedding of Hayley Savory, who fast-tracked her special day in order to allow her terminally-ill father to walk her down the aisle. Gary Savory, 53, was diagnosed with stomach cancer
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CROSS COUNTRY: Gold for Lillie at South West Champs
RELISHING the mud and hills on a tough and traditional cross country course, Lillie Bellamy won the under 20 women’s gold medal at the England Athletics South West Cross Country Championships, writes KEVIN FAHEY. The 17-year-old Swindon Harrier
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CLUB OF THE WEEK: Slinn Allstars
FOUNDED in 2008 by a group of friends sitting round a table, Slinn Allstars running club is now the biggest of its kind in Wiltshire and recently won the England Athletics Regional Award for the South West region, writes LAURA LAMBERT. Through
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TV duo bring their expertise to town
TELEVISION antiques expert Thomas Plant will be in Swindon this weekend offering residents the chance to have their antiques valued. Thomas, an onscreen regular on the Antiques Road Trip, Bargain Hunt and Flog It! will be holding the valuation
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Down in the dumps day?
YESTERDAY may have been the most depressing day of the year, but many residents in Swindon were as upbeat as ever. January 6 was, for many, the first day back at work following the festive holidays, and often the day when the weather, financial
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Swindon Town eye move for Brighton's Barker
SWINDON Town have been tracking young Brighton & Hove Albion striker George Barker ahead of a possible move for the 22-year-old. The Advertiser understands Barker, who has yet to score a professional goal, is a target for the Robins in January
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We won't close our doors says charity
CONFUSION reigned yesterday as a charity for adults with learning disabilities embarked on a campaign to thwart council chiefs’ plans to shut it down – plans the local authority insist never existed. The Open Door Centre, at St Barnabas Church
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Motorists warned to expect delays as sewage investigation work begins
WORK on the Cheney Manor Flood Mitigation Scheme took a timely step forward yesterday as rain lashed down across Swindon in the latest instalment of the nationwide storm battering the country. Long delays can be expected along Rodbourne Road and
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Relief due from relentless rain
SWINDON should finally have some relief from the wet weather which has battered the town for the best part of two weeks from this evening onwards. Wind and rain conspired to put roof tiles and windows under serious pressure yesterday. Much of the
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Flood forces youth charity out of home
A YOUTH support charity has been flooded out of its home after recent storms tore part of the roof off and rainwater severely damaged the building and equipment. Swindon Ten to Eighteen Project (STEP) were one of several community groups left needing
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£25m project could help cut reoffending
WILTSHIRE constabulary and the region’s mental health service have welcomed a pioneering scheme to cut reoffending by deploying psychiatric nurses and social workers to police stations in Swindon. The £25 million pilot programme will be trialled
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Lucky escape for police officer on M4
THIS shocking picture shows the remnants of the police patrol car from which an officer escaped with only minor injuries after it was rear-ended on the M4. The constable, of Wiltshire Police’s Roads Policing Unit, managed to walk away from the
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NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL: Reserves on standby for Highworth
HIGHWORTH’S reserves are on standby to play in the first-team’s Hellenic League Floodlit Cup tie at Wantage tonight. However, first-team boss John Fisher feels the second-string will not be needed as he believes the third-round clash will be called
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ADVER SPORTS AWARDS 2013: Rossiter urges readers to nominate their heroes
PROUD Swindonian Alun Rossiter has urged Adver readers to get their nominations in for two special gongs at next month’s Swindon Advertiser Sports Awards of the Year. The Swindon Robins manager, triumphant in three categories last year, believes
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School rates ‘good’ again
INCREASING demands on staff and a harder line by Ofsted did little to topple Eldene Primary from its pedestal as the school maintained its ranking following a recent inspection. For the fourth time since the infant and junior schools merged to
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Boyzone sign up for concert in the forest
BOYZONE will perform at Westonbirt in July after announcing their Forest Live debut this summer. In a continuation of the celebration of their BZ20 anniversary, Ronan, Keith, Shane and Mikey will be performing in four spectacular woodland locations
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GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL: Wedge beat the weather (and Greendown) on muddy Sunday
WEDGE manager Craig Spreadborough admitted he was shocked that his team’s game against Greendown went ahead at all at the weekend. The Swindon Sunday League Division 5 fixture improbably beat the weather despite an almost complete wipeout of local
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Stalwart Stratford retires as Swindon Dolphin coach
AFTER 40 years of service, Tony Stratford has coached his last session at Swindon Dolphin, writes LAURA LAMBERT. The 72-year-old has devoted his time and energy to Dolphin since his eldest son learnt to swim at the club, but he has decided that
