Archive
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Teenage cyclist fighting for life after accident
A TEENAGE cyclist is fighting for his life at Frenchay Hospital in Bristol tonight after coming off his bike in Faringdon Road shortly before 4pm. The 19-year-old is in a critical condition with serious head injuries, following a collision with
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Delays on A419 after crash
THERE are hold-ups on the A419 southbound near the Commonhead Roundabout following a collision between two vehicles. Police were called at 4.20pm following the crash between a silver Honda Civic and a white Fiat 500 Sport. An ambulance was
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Swindon social worker struck off after conduct hearing
SOCIAL worker Louise Emily Coghlan has been struck off the HCPC Register for failing to conduct statutory visits, act on a report of abuse and attempting to conceal her failings whilst working for Swindon Council. A panel of the HCPC Conduct and
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MENU: pub crawl
THE SWISS CHALET Chapel Street, Gorse Hill Tel: 01793 535610 WHAT’S IT LIKE?: The Swiss Chalet has built a reputation as the premier venue for live music in Swindon. The pub is as spectacular outside as it is inside – a sweeping roof
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MENU: Burns Night beauties
Sam Wylie-Harris suggests tipples to mark the birthdate of Scotland’s famous son Celebrated the world over, Burns Night – the birth date of poet Robert Burns – is always the perfect excuse for a Scottish-themed party, but this year, with January
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MENU: Eat your fish!
Smelly, expensive, bony... fish doesn’t always have the best reputation, but it’s packed full of nutrients and there’s a whole ocean of flavours to explore. Time to splash out, says Lauren Taylor Whether it was a whiffy, overcooked piece of haddock
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MENU: A real passion for food
AS I watched Ash cooking my wrap in the kitchen, I could see how much passion he has for his creations. My mouth was watering as I watched him crack the eggs into the pan, ready for my spinach, egg and mozzarella wrap. Ash talked about the
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MENU: Lunch time cracked
Ash Mistry’s interest in the humble egg led him into a catering business that’s a big favourite with gym bunnies and healthy eaters. EMMA DUNN went along to taste his creations WHEN Ash Mistry was made redundant from his job in the pharmaceutical
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Wildcats' face-off time in Telford confirmed
THE face-off time for Swindon Wildcats’ EPL meeting with hosts Telford on Tuesday has been confirmed for 7.30pm. Swindon will be hoping to reinvigorate their play-off drive with two points against a team that have strengthened significantly of
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MENU: Fresh & fullsome: is this the guilt-free takeaway?
Roosters Piri Piri 13-14 Fleet Street, Swindon, SN1 1RQ. Tel: 01793 491019 IT’S that time of year again when we tighten the pursestrings... and hopefully loosen our belts in the process. The office echoes to the sound of lettuce
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UPDATE: Cyclist in critical condition after Faringdon Road accident
A CYCLIST has been taken to Frenchay Hospital with serious head injuries after an accident on Faringdon Road this evening. The 19-year-old man is believed to have been riding his bicycle when he was hit by a lorry and is in a critical condition
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Man perverts course of justice with false rape claim
LESS than four weeks before apologising to his victims in the Adver, Rhys Carey perverted the course of justice with false allegations of rape against another man. The 22-year-old, whose last registered address was in Abberd Way, Calne, received
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MENU: Not just another Italian
Rustico 96-97 Commercial Road, Swindon, SN1 5PL Tel: 01793 251000 Bring on the competition... Swindon’s newest Italian has the recipe for success, says MICHELLE TOMPKINS WHO’D have thought Swindon could sustain yet another Italian
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MENU: The chef's table
Getting to know some of our best local cooks...this week it's the turn of BERNARD HORDIES, chef at Cakes And Ale, Devizes Road, Old Town. When did you first take an interest in cooking, and when did you decide you wanted to become a chef? In
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OFF TO MARKET: Happy New Year!
Market manager Kardien Gerbrands - aka Gerb - talks about what's going on at Swindon's farmers' markets. HAPPY New year! May I start by firstly apologising for the fact I missed last week’s column and secondly for the fact there were only eight
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A BIT OF A MOUTHFUL: Service with a perfect smile
Shareen Campbell and Phil Saunter, owners of Los Gatos and Bistro Les Chats in Wood Street, talk about life in the restaurant business. WRITING from Pennsylvania, USA, on Sunday, where last night it was -18ºC and today it’s not expected to rise
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Police appeal following outbreak of racist graffiti in Penhill
WILTSHIRE Police are appealing for witnesses and information following several incidents of abusive and racist graffiti being scrawled on homes in Swindon. Several families in Penhill have recently had their houses defaced with abusive slogans
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Go to the ball
CASTLE EATON: The next community visit from the Swindon North Neighbourhood Policing Team will take place on January 23 at the Castle Eaton Village Hall from 10am to 11am.
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Wassailers in High Street
WROUGHTON: An evening of wassailing is being held in the High Street tonight from 6.30pm. Lyrics will be provided and the Bang to Rites drummers will perform. It will be followed by an evening at the Brown Jack with music from Talis Kimberley.
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Roadshow serves up healthy advice
A TEAM that has helped and encouraged countless people to transform their lives will be out in force next week as part of a campaign designed to reinforce those New Year’s resolutions. Swindon’s Healthy Weight Awareness Week runs from Monday until
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Councillor welcomes plan for new play area
COUNCILLOR Nadine Watts has welcomed proposals for a new permanent play area in East Wichel. Coun Nadine Watts, who represents Old Town and East Wichel, raised concerns last year that there was not a single play area in the new development.
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VOLVO GOLF CHAMPIONS: Resurgent Howell moves up leaderboard
BROOME Manor pro David Howell fired a much-improved second round of three-under-par at the Volvo Golf Champions in South Africa this morning. The Swindonian could only go round in four-over yesterday and was virtually at the base of the 35-strong
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Open evening at College
EAST SWINDON: Swindon College will hold an open evening for prospective students on Wednesday, January 22 between 5pm and 7pm.
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Bring toys for GWH
SWINDON: The Great Western Hospital is appealing for donations of new toys to the Children’s Unit. To send a gift call 01793 604020 and ask for play specialist Theresa Wyatt. Alternatively, for any donations, contact Jennifer Green at fundraising
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Panto capers
TOWN CENTRE: Thames Water Amateur Theatrical Society will debut its 19th annual pantomime, The Princess and the Frog, on Friday, January 31 at 7.30pm at the Wyvern Theatre. Proceeds will go to Prospect Hospice, Macmillan and Babies in Buscot. Tickets
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Could you be a treasurer?
PENHILL: Penhill Community Café at John Moulton Hall is looking for a treasurer. The successful candidate will deal with accounts, be in charge of the till and petty cash. The treasurer must be available to attend the café committee’s monthly meetings
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Birthday bash
SWINDON: Swindon Folksingers Club are celebrating their 54th birthday today with a special event at the Ashford Road Club. Special guests are Martin and Shan Graebe. Tickets are £3.50. Contact Eric Stott on 01793 521301.
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Moving in a meter
TOOTHILL: Work has begun on the installation of an external water meter in Corfe Road. Thames Water does not anticipate any delays as a result of the work. Workers should be off the site by Monday.
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All about Prospect
ROYAL WOOTTON BASSETT: An information evening about Prospect Hospice will take place on January 29. Visitors will be able to find out how they can help their local hospice and what happens to money that is fundraised. Refreshments will be available.For
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Just answer a few questions
LAWN: A quiz night will be held on Thursday, January 30 at 7pm at the Lawn Community Centre in aid of the Thamesdown Hydrotherapy Pool appeal. The charity has launched a campaign to raise around £50,000 towards the refurbishment of its changing
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Letters to the editor: 10/1/2014
Don’t blame old Graham Carter’s column (SA 6 January) rightly highlights the disadvantages of belonging to the young generation of today. He states that the Prince’s Trust has recently published a report that one in 11 have “nothing to live
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School fence plan
STRATTON: Kingsdown School has been given permission to put up a 2.4 metre high perimeter fence around part of its playing fields. The fence will complete the current fence therefore providing a secure link around the whole school.
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Gas plant bid
BLUNSDON: An application to extend the life of the gas utilisation plant at the Chapel Farm Land Fill has been accepted by the council. The original application was due to expire in the summer but as the landfill, which is widely suspected of causing
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Travel for free by bus
SWINDON: People in Swindon are being encouraged to try commuting to work by bus for free. Swindon Travel Choices are running a series of drop-in sessions where employees working in the town centre can find out more about the offer and see if they
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Lydiard 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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Parish vacancies in Purton
PURTON: There are four parish councillor vacancies in Purton. Candidates must be able to spare two hours each week. To apply and for more details email clerk@purtonpc.eclipse.co.uk
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Speedwatch plea
LAWN: The new Community Speed Watch is looking for more volunteers. Contact John Roe on 01793 485082 or john.roe1@tiscali.co.uk, or Tracy Scott, on 01793 466239 or at tscott@swindon.gov.uk.
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Wood group's money mile
WROUGHTON: Campaigners trying to raise £30,000 to safeguard Kings Farm Wood will create a Mile of Money with donated coins from Ellendune to the Willow Brook Gardens on January 25 from 11am. Contact the parish office on 01793 814735 or email clerk
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Footpath repairs
STRATTON: Thames Water is carrying out work to reinstate the footpath in Oxford Road near Whilestone Way today. The work is due to finish on Tuesday but delays are possible.
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Chance to dance
TOWN CENTRE: Teenagers are being invited to attend street dance classes at Swindon Dance in Regent Circus. Youth Street Jam begins on Monday and runs every week with one session between 6pm and 7pm, until March 31. Contact 01793 601700.
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Access road shut
OLD TOWN: From today the access road to the back of properties in Victoria Road, leading from Hunt Street will be closed. Thames Water is repairing a sewer failure at the rear of number 51, and will close the lane until Tuesday.
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Work causes A420 delays
STRATTON: Drivers are being warned of delays on the A420 near Acorn Bridge, over the River Cole, while Vodafone carries out work. It is due to start today and continue until Tuesday.
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Children's charity launches adoption appeal
BARNARDO’S sixth annual Fostering & Adoption Week begins on Monday. The children’s charity will be campaigning on the urgent need for more foster carers across the UK, in particular the recruitment target of 575 more carers across Swindon and
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Chat with police
NORTH SWINDON: The next drop-in centre with the Swindon North Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team will take place on January 13 at the Chapel Street Community Centre. The meeting will take place from 7pm to 8pm. All residents are welcome along to
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Birthday party for Swindon 105.5
SWINDON: Community Radio Swindon 105.5 are celebrating their sixth birthday with a party at the New Century Club. The party takes place on February 14 and will feature a rock-n-roll theme complete with a disco and a comedian. Tickets are now on
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Bike stolen from school
NORTH SWINDON: An orange BMX has been stolen from the bike shed at Isambard Community School in Redhouse. The ‘stun’ bike has an orange frame and a black seat with orange trim. Police are reminding bicycle owners to ensure that they are locked
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Swindon singer raises £1,000 for GOSH
Singer Rod Wheatley has raised £1,000 in just two weeks over the Christmas period for Great Ormond Street Hospital. Rod, who runs Grumpy Old Man Entertainment, staged fundraising gigs at various venues including Sainsbury’s in Stratton, Maplin
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Threat to rob
ROYAL WOOTTON BASSETT: A 53-year-old man from Cricklade was arrested and charged with theft from a shop and burglary other than dwelling with intent to steal on Tuesday after he threatened to rob the Barclays bank in the High Street. Staff managed
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THE JUSTIN TOMLINSON COLUMN: Travel by train and you will see a better journey for your money
FOR many, this week was the first week back at work after the festive break and for Swindon’s thousands of commuters, the first week back on the train. January is the harbinger of New Year optimism, but also the rail fare rises that are an unpleasant
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Diesel thefts plea
HEADLANDS: Thieves broke into a depot at Headway in Headlands Industrial Estate overnight on Wednesday and stole £250 worth of diesel by breaking open petrol caps on vans. Witnesses are asked to call police on 101.
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Drivers see red
CHENEY MANOR: Police received calls to the junction of Derby Close and Cheney Manor Industrial Estate at 8.15am yesterday following reports that temporary three-way traffic lights were stuck on red, causing tailbacks. Swindon Council was notified.
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Tyres slashed
PINEHURST: Five cars had their front tyres slashed overnight on Wednesday into Thursday morning in Acacia Grove. House-to-house inquiries are being undertaken. Anyone who was in the area between 10pm and 4am should call police on 101.
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Teen facing theft charge
SWINDON: Robbie Asaw, 18, of Lee, South London, has appeared at Swindon Crown Court charged with stealing a mobile phone, purse and cash from Katherine Mobey on October 22. He was released on conditional bail until March 14.
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Warrant issued as robber fails to turn up in court
A JUDGE has issued a warrant for the arrest of a robber who is said to have failed to comply with the terms of his suspended sentence. Daniel Brown was put on a one-year jail term suspended for 18 months after admitting robbing a man in Gorse Hill
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Ice warning for motorists
MOTORISTS across the county are also being urged to drive carefully today as freezing temperatures are likely to cause icy conditions on already wet and flooded roads. With road surface temperatures forecast to drop below zero tonight, driving
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Arrest warrant issued as Swindon robber skips court
A judge has issued a warrant for the arrest of robber Daniel Brown who is said to have failed to comply with the terms of his suspended sentence. Brown, of Botley Copse, Peatmoor, was put on a one-year jail term suspended for 18 months after admitting
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Swindon roadshow serves up healthy eating advice
A team that has helped and encouraged countless people to transform their lives will be out in force next week as part of a campaign designed to reinforce those New Year’s resolutions. Swindon’s Healthy Weight Awareness Week runs from Monday until
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Squatters check in at bankrupt Swindon hotel
Drug users and squatters are breaking into and making a home for themselves at the former Menzies Swindon Hotel. The intruders have smashed rear windows to get into the abandoned four-star hotel on the corner of Fleming Way and Islington Street
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Charity launches fostering and adoption campaign in Wiltshire
Barnardos' sixth annual Fostering & Adoption Week begins on Monday. The children’s charity will be campaigning on the urgent need for more foster carers across the UK, in particular the recruitment target of 575 more carers across Swindon and
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Former Swindon Council leader in leukaemia battle
Colleagues have thrown their support behind Coun Mike Bawden, who has been diagnosed with leukemia. The former Swindon Council leader was diagnosed with the condition last week, and is undergoing urgent treatment. Coun Bawden, (Con, Chiseldon
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Hospital fundraising trek is a tale of three cities
A reformed couch potato who hopped on a bike last year and never looked back is urging Swindonians to embark on a 338-mile cycle ride to Belgium in aid of the Great Western Hospital. After 20 years spent mostly avoiding gyms and the great outdoors
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DAN THE FAN: Taking a punt on Barker as returning players offer squad a welcome boost
After a quiet week on the pitch at the County Ground, Town confirmed their first signing of 2014. 22-year old George Barker joins the club from Brighton & Hove Albion on an 18-month deal for an undisclosed fee. The striker joins Town after
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Cash-strapped parishes demand government grant from Swindon Council
Hopes are high that parish councils will soon receive 100 per cent of funds which have been given to them by central government. Swindon Council was the only local authority in England in 2013 to not pass on a grant from the Government, despite
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Swindon farmers' market cancelled for January over poor support
The Swindon town centre January Farmers' Market has been cancelled over poor public support and bad sales forecasts for the month. The weekly market, which takes place every Thursday in Havelock Square, was brought back to the town last October
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Sprinter Sacre confirmed for Cheltenham
SPRINTER Sacre features among 26 entries for the BetVictor Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival on March 12. Lambourn trainer Nicky Henderson’s superstar has questions to answer after being diagnosed with a fibrillating heart
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NETBALL: Moredon pipped by leaders
MOREDON A were beaten 38-31 in a top-of-the-table clash with Nationwide A in the Swindon & District Netball League Division One at the weekend. Moredon started the game just a single point behind the leaders and the hosts took control of proceedings
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VOLVO GOLF CHAMPIONS: Howell stutters with putter
A LACK of accuracy with the putter meant David Howell experienced a difficult first round at the Volvo Golf Champions yesterday. In his first 18 tournament holes of the year, the Swindonian carded a four-over-par 76 at Durban Country Club in South
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HELLENIC LEAGUE: Fisher concerned by suspension effect
HIGHWORTH manager John Fisher is concerned that last month’s ill-disciplined clash with Thame will cause major damage to his team’s campaign. Three Highworth players were sent off in the 2-0 victory on December 28 – while the hosts had four men
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HELLENIC LEAGUE: Turner ready to renew rivalries with Bassett
CALM Dave Turner says he is in a much better place to go up against his former club when Shrivenham host Wootton Bassett tomorrow. The Barrington Park boss openly admitted to being nervous when his new team took on Bassett at the back end of August
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SOUTHERN LEAGUE: Rain causes Bluebirds financial pain
CHAIRMAN Neil Blackmore fears postponements could cause Chippenham Town to feel the pinch but insists that it’s too early for his club to have any financial headaches. The Bluebirds have lost out on matchday revenue twice this week as both Tuesday
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Trust given power to protect stadium
SWINDON Town fans have been given the chance to have a say in the future of the County Ground after it was declared an asset of community value. The stadium is one of the first buildings in the town to be given the protected status by Swindon Council
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Fears over health fund
A GOVERNMENT fund created to join up health and social care services but based on performance could prove a poisoned apple for patients and the most vulnerable in Swindon. The £3.8bn Better Care Fund, to be launched in 2015, will pool the budgets
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Cash-strapped parishes demand Whitehall grant
HOPES are high that parish councils will soon receive 100 per cent of funds which have been given to them by central government. Swindon Council was the only local authority in England in 2013 to not pass on a grant from the Government, despite
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Lyle highlights need for momentum
GOALTENDER Stevie Lyle is confident that Swindon Wildcats have the capability to create significant momentum in the second half of the EPL season. The Link Centre team slipped out of the play-off places on Sunday and have not won back-to-back games
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Fojtik agrees to stay with Cats
DEFENCEMAN Tomas Fojtik has handed Swindon Wildcats a boost ahead of this weekend’s double-header with Sheffield by verbally agreeing to remain at the Link Centre for the remainder of 2013/14. The giant Czech joined on a temporary basis five weeks
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El Gabas makes Town exit
MOHAMED El Gabas is looking for a new club after leaving Swindon Town at the end of his short-term contract with the Robins. The Egyptian striker started just one game for Town after moving to Wiltshire from Belgian outfit Lierse SK in the summer
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HELLENIC LEAGUE: Hopkins expects full squad
ROB Hopkins expects to have plenty of players at his disposal if New College’s Hellenic League Division One West trip to Tuffley gets the go-ahead. The students have not played competitively since December 14 but inaction for the academy’s under
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SOUTHERN LEAGUE: Supermarine signed Flanagan on advice of Highworth boss
HIGHWORTH manager John Fisher played a key role in the process that led to Mark Flanagan signing at Swindon Supermarine this week. The defender had been playing for Hellenic League Premier Division side Oxford City Nomads before he put pen to paper
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Gallimore expects Ballards Ash to beat the elements
WOOTTON Bassett captain Tim Gallimore has sung the praises of his club’s new Ballards Ash facility, saying this weekend’s game against Wallingford would have stood no chance of going ahead at their old Stoneover Lane ground. Bassett, who moved
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Libraries party on
TWO libraries in Swindon celebrated birthday milestones yesterday. Moredon and Rodbourne Cheney Library celebrated its 40th birthday at its current site in Church Walk, after celebrating more than 60 years in the community. Many of the guests were
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Work under way to ease flooding
FLOOD victims in Wroughton have been given some relief as authorities have stepped in to solve the problem. Residents in Baker’s Road have been overwhelmed by floods all week as water from the nearby Overtown reservoir has come gushing around their
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You can help decide on councillors’ allowances
SWINDON Council are appealing for a member of the public to help decide how much councillors should get paid, as the council leader said members are reticent to accept any increase. Applications are being welcomed for those who are unaffiliated
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Gang of traffickers used town hotel
A GANG that trafficked dozens of Hungarian women into the country to work as prostitutes has been jailed for a total of 23 years following a Home Office investigation. Hove Crown Court heard how British national Victoria Brown, and Hungarians Mate
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Marathon runner aims to raise money for hospice
THE first anniversary of his partner’s death to ovarian cancer barely behind him, Warren Johnson will take to the streets of Bath to raise awareness of the fast-spreading disease and collect vital funds for the hospice which brought her comfort in
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Soldiers on manoeuvres in the middle of town
SWINDON acted as a warzone for apprentice army majors this week, with students from the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom training in the town. Students on the Intermediate Command and Staff Course at Shrivenham, from the army division of the
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Robins boss not fooled by Posh slump
PETERBOROUGH United may be lacking form going into their League One clash with Swindon Town tomorrow but Mark Cooper remains wary about a Posh squad packed full of talent. The London Road side visit the County Ground this weekend without a win
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Barker opens up over previous loan failures
AFTER two attempts at relaunching his career lower down the Football League which he brands as disastrous, George Barker is confident Swindon Town will provide him with the perfect platform to fulfil his true potential. Barker signed an 18-month
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Ferguson to ask Ajose for Swindon's secrets
PETERBOROUGH United manager Darren Ferguson will seek the advice of his Swindon Town mole, Nicky Ajose, ahead of his side’s trip to the County Ground tomorrow. Ajose spent four months with Town, scoring 10 times in 21 appearances for the Robins
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No Ngoo update after talks
MARK Cooper was unable to provide any update on the potential loan signing of Liverpool striker Michael Ngoo when he spoke to the local press on Thursday. The Advertiser understands Swindon Town chairman Lee Power spent Wednesday talking to the
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Cooper expecting interest in Cox
MARK Cooper expects there to be interest in Lee Cox during the January transfer window when the midfielder recovers from recent injury and illness. Cox, who has played just eight times in two years with Swindon Town since joining from Inverness
