Archive
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Don’t demolish iconic building
A PETITION has been launched to save the Locarno following an application to knock it down. Land owner Gael Mackenzie has recently submitted an application to Swindon Council, through site developer Steve Rosier, asking permission to demolish the listed
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Clubhouse bid is taking shape
PLANS have been submitted for a new clubhouse at Wootton Bassett Rugby Club’s new home at Ballards Ash. The club, which is hoping to move out of its premises in Stoneover Lane in time for their next season at the end of the year, has handed
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Sporting youngsters speed up in aid of charity
YOUNGSTERS at Meadowpark School and Nursery have done their bit for charity – and got some exercise at the same time. Parents watched as the children, aged between four and eight, walked a mile around the field near the leisure centre in aid of Sport
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Man tells of amazing recovery from brain injury
WHEN fit and healthy dad Steve Smith began to suffer severe headaches back in 2008, little did he know that his life was about to change forever. When the pain suddenly became excruciating, Steve’s wife Jean called an ambulance and he was taken to Great
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The battle is on for council seats
PARTIES are stepping up their campaigns for the local election on May 3 after Swindon Council officially invited nominations for candidates. The electoral services team published the notice of election, which means candidates have until noon
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Kind stores ensure beat bobby has bike
A BIKING beat bobby has benefited from the generosity of local stores after he appealed to them for help in patrolling his new patch. Community Support Officer Julian Randall-Stratton needed a new bicycle so he could cover more ground on his new patch
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2012 events to be discussed at Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Area Board
A number of grants for special events to mark the 2012 celebrations will be discussed at the Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Area Board tomorrow (March 28). Pedestrian crossings, speed limit reviews and grants for community groups are some of the
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Last orders as pub gets £150k facelift
LAST orders will be called at the Harvester pub in West Swindon next month as it closes for a £150,000 makeover. New televisions, new furniture and a refurbished bar are just some of the features being added to the pub in West Swindon Town
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Reggae DJ’s battle as carnival is axed
A VETERAN reggae DJ says he is fighting to keep the music alive after Swindon’s Afro-Caribbean carnival was axed for another year. Michael Carty, better known as MC Ranks, also spoke out about a lack of diversity in the town's music scene.
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LOOK GOOD FEEL GOOD: No more hair scares
How often do you spend looking in the mirror bemoaning your hairstyle – or total lack thereof? Try 26 years of your life! The average British female suffers from at least three bad hair days a week, according to a recent survey by Mark Hill. That’s
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LOOK GOOD FEEL GOOD: Be sure to ski safe
Millions of families will be heading off for an Easter skiing holiday before the end of the season and there are few things as exhilarating as gliding through the white stuff, enjoying the mountain scenery. But skiing and snowboarding are
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LOOK GOOD FEEL GOOD: A spoonful of sugar could be the death of you
If you take sugar with your tea or put it on breakfast cereal, think on – you may be ingesting a poison. A new report claims sugar is a toxin, and not just because of those empty calories that cause weight gain. Scientists from the University
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SPRING LIFE: Plant now, enjoy later
We take a look at the hot bulbs for months ahead and offer tips on how to plant them The daffodils are only just in bloom, but you should be ordering your summer bulbs now if you want to add pizzazz to your plot in the warmer months. Bulbs, corms
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SPRING LIFE: Clean up to sell up
Spring is here at last, and spring cleaning is never more essential than when it comes to selling your home. Small changes can make a huge difference to your property’s appearance and will stand you in good stead to make that all important
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SPRING LIFE : Time to scrub up
The start of spring is the perfect excuse to strive for a fresh-faced glow. We asked a top beauty experts for her cleansing advice Know your skin Just as you need detergents and cleaning cupboard essentials for a spring tidy, your face needs the
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SPRING LIFE: The perfect Pippa bum!
‘Rear of the year’ Pippa Middleton swears by it, so just how good is pilates at helping you achieve that perfect bum? Pilates guru Margot Campbell and KATE WHITING explain why it’s the perfect exercise for everyone As recommendations go, none could
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SPRING LIFE: Snooze in style
March is National Bed Month so celebrate by turning your bedroom into a super sanctuary. We’ve asked three designers to reveal their secrets for a beautiful bedroom Rachel Ashwell She’s the designer whose name is synonymous with the trend for ‘
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SPRING LIFE: Pins & needles
Clare Nasir thought the outlook was set fair when she landed her dream job in television, and believed that one day a family would complete her happiness. But her path to motherhood has been fraught with difficulty – at one stage she feared
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When Town were denied Cup glory
As Swindon go in search of another trophy for the cabinet, the corresponding weekend in 1910 saw the club attempt to get to the final of the game’s premier cup competition – the FA Cup. There was no Wembley Stadium in those days, the final being staged
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Words express a once familiar sound
CAN readers of Remember When name the author of an anonymous poem celebrating the Railway Works and its hooter? We hope so, because although plenty of people have tried to solve the mystery, the identity of the bard is as elusive as ever. Called Do
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We know the roads but who’s listening?
Police Inspector Roger Bull spoke well at the South Swindon Locality Meeting. He said that “local people are best placed to know the roads” and it was “important that they raise concerns where they exist as prevention is better than cure”. He was
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A scaled down plan will save our history
Derelict as it is, the old Corn Exchange and Town Hall building is one of the few truly identifiable and historic buildings remaining in Old Town. It is an inherent part of the historical complex which, with the High Street and Wood Street, characterises
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Way back when things were on track
It’s a little known fact, but one weekend in May 1892, once it was decided that Brunel’s broad gauge was to be replaced by narrow gauge, 177 miles of mainline was reduced from the former to the latter in a little under 48 hours. In one weekend a whole
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Rides of Respect were heartwarming
My third Ride of Respect and a very emotional ride once again. Thanks to everyone involved for a truly worthwhile cause. Also thank you Royal Wootton Bassett and the surrounding villages for your support, it was fantastic. It’s time to move on now
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Vote us in and we vow to do a better job of it
In the Council Elections on May 3, Swindon residents will have a big decision to make about who they want to run their local Council. The Conservatives, led by Councillor Bluh, have said that if they retain control of the council they will provide the
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PREDICTIONS LEAGUE: Latest Results
SWINDON Town were denied claiming some early silverware on Sunday after they lost 2-0 to Chesterfield in the final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy. An Oliver Risser own goal and a Craig Westcarr strike was enough to ensure it was the Spireites who lifted
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Theatre company needs a chopper
Disco fever is about to hit Swindon when Boogie Nights - The 70s Musical bursts on stage in full technicolour flares, platforms, afros and chopper bikes. Pollyann Tanner, founder of the Empire Theatre Company, is hoping to swap tickets to the musical
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PREDICTIONS LEAGUE: Latest Results
SWINDON Town were denied their first silverware of the season on Sunday after they lost 2-0 to Chesterfield in the final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy. An Oliver Risser own goal and a Craig Westcarr strike were enough to ensure it was the
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Woman praises refuge for saving her life
A MUM has told how she helps other victims of domestic violence at the women’s refuge she credits with saving her life. The volunteer fled her family home in East London, grabbed her son from school and drove west with no idea where they were going to
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Array of music on offer in Swindon
Some top drawer music unfolds this week in Swindon, kicking off tonight with the Mike Burney Trio. Mike was in 1960s pop idol Billy Fury’s band before joining Roy Wood in Wizzard. He is featured on the recording of I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every
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Youngsters brighten up Steam with show
CHILDREN from Revolution Performing Arts put nerves aside as they gave a dazzling performance to a 500-strong audience at the weekend. About 150 youngsters aged four to 11 took to the stage at Steam for their annual show. And for the first time ever
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Pete’s brother drops in
SImon Towshend, younger brother of The Who guitarist Pete Townshend, is heading for Swindon this week, fresh from his stint on Tommy the US tour, with The Who. Simon will be performing songs from his new solo album, Looking Out Looking In,
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A chance to learn about animals over Easter break
A SERIES of free pet workshops for children are being held throughout the Easter holidays to celebrate National Pet Month. Pets at Home, at St Margaret retail park, is running the sessions at 3pm every day during the holidays, to educate and inform
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Be safe not sorry over the Olympics
EMPLOYERS across the town are being urged to make sure they have proper first aid cover in place when millions of people get struck by Olympics fever. Leading first aid charity St John Ambulance is advising businesses to start preparing now for any
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Jury find man guilty of rape
A MAN has been found guilty of raping a woman after a night out at a popular town centre club. Fareed Issa Tariq, 32, of Hawfinch Close, was found guilty of one count of rape by a unanimous jury verdict at Swindon Crown Court yesterday. They returned
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Revolution in Steam by youngsters
CHILDREN from Revolution Performing Arts put nerves aside as they gave a dazzling performance to a 500-strong audience at the weekend. About 150 youngsters aged four to 11 took to the stage at Steam for their annual show. And for the first time ever
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Councillors launch crackdown on eggs sales
COUNCILLORS have hatched a plan to curb youths bombarding houses with eggs – by stopping them from buying them in the first place. Attacks on homes in Covingham and Liden have spiked in recent weeks, prompting ward councillors to raise a motion at Thurday
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Spring into gardening centre for some top tips
WILTSHIRE gardeners keen to get the most from their plots this spring are invited to a special gardening celebration next month. Swindon Garden Centre will be offering keen and amateur gardeners free tips and advice during its Spring Gardening Celebration
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Domestic abuse under the spotlight
DOMESTIC violence will come under the spotlight at a meeting tonight. The Safer and Stronger Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee will receive a full response to the Scrutiny Review on Tackling Domestic Abuse from Coun Colin Lovell, Swindon Council's
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Q-ing up for fun
HOWEVER much you think your life sucks, chances are it will never be as bad as that of the inhabitants of New York’s ficitional Avenue Q. The Tony award-winning musical started it’s run at the Wyvern Theatre last night to raucous laughter and
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First wish on the list fulfilled for cancer sufferer Will
CAR enthusiast Will Gibney has crossed the first item off the wish list he compiled after being diagnosed with a rare and incurable cancer. The 28-year-old, who grew up in Old Town, was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma last year and has compiled a
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Add a splash of colour to eggs this Easter
FAMILIES are invited to create eggstravagant Easter egg decorations at the Swindon Museum and Art Gallery. The venue, in Old Town, is hosting a workshop on April 4 which has been inspired by its collection of colourful 20th century art. A spokesman
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Children learn all about life in Philippines
FILIPINO food was on the menu for children at Holy Rood Junior School when they learned all about life in the Phillipines. Children at the school took part in traditional dancing, singing and sampled traditional food on Friday with the help
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Night’s a Roaring success
ALMOST a hundred people packed out Commonweal School on Friday to show their support for the Old Town Festival. The event, an evening of Roaring 1920s cabaret, was attended by mayor Ray Ballman, leader of Swindon Council Rod Bluh and the town Carnival
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Q-ing up for fun
HOWEVER much you think your life sucks, chances are it will never be as bad as that of the inhabitants of New York’s ficitional Avenue Q. The Tony award-winning musical started it’s run at the Wyvern Theatre last night to raucous laughter and applause
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Independent councillor signs up to UKIP
AN independent councillor has announced that he is to join UKIP with immediate effect. Coun John Short (Highworth) sits as an Independent on Swindon Council, having been elected as a Conservative in 2006. He became disillusioned with the party and
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Developer is ready to transform the Oasis
THE £65m overhaul of the Oasis leisure centre is a step closer after leases between the council and a private developer were signed. The scheme, which will include an indoor ski slope, indoor arena and water park, will now press ahead after Moirai Capital
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Keeper sent to jail over assault
SWINDON Supermarine’s goalkeeper has been jailed for more than a year after a man was left with a broken jaw in an unprovoked attack. Kent Kauppinen, who once won an award from Wiltshire police, then assaulted the victim’s girlfriend during
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School budget cuts approved
SCHOOLS serving some of Swindon’s most deprived areas have had their budgets slashed by hundreds of thousands of pounds. Funding meant for children from deprived backgrounds will be spread move evenly among educational institutions after a new system
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Gran thanks people who helped after she was hit by car
A GRANDMOTHER has thanked the people who came to help her after she was knocked down while using a zebra crossing in the town centre. Patricia Drewitt, who lives in the town centre, was crossing the road between Regent Circus and Crombey Street when
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New champ Kelvin is on the defensive
KELVIN Young is already thinking about the first defence of his Southern Area super-middleweight title after beating Martin Robbins at the Oasis on Friday night. The Swindon fighter kicked on from the sixth round after his opponent edged the opening
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NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL: Marine plunged into another goalkeeper crisis
SUPERMARINE were last night frantically searching for a goalkeeper - not for the first time this season - ahead of their Southern Premier trip to Leamington this evening. Marine have lost the services of Kent Kauppinen after the young stopper
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WILTSHIRE LEAGUE: Wroughton fail to find cutting edge
WROUGHTON took a point away from their Wiltshire Premier encounter with Wilts Calne Town, but boss Wayne Long was disappointed not to secure all three. The hosts took the lead towards the end of the first half when Anton Webb let rip with a cracking
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NORTH BERKS LEAGUE: Faringdon move into third
FARINGDON Town climbed up to third in the North Berks Football League Division One following a 2-2 draw with Long Wittenham Athletic. Gary Sutton and Dan Courtney were on target for Faringdon, while Andy Sutherland clambered off the bench to score twice
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SWINDON & DISTRICT LEAGUE: Honours even for Old Town and DJC
OLD Town and DJC Marlborough could not outmuscle each other in a physical Swindon & District League Premier Division encounter. Marlborough started the brighter and took the lead inside five minutes. But Old Town got themselves into the game and equalised
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DARTS: Tony's perfect nine
TONY Clark was disillusioned with darts following a disappointing spell in the PDC, but a spectacular nine-dart finish in a club tournament over the weekend has reignited the youngster’s passion for the sport. The 21-year-old was playing
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Trophy trauma will not taint title tilt
GOALKEEPER Wes Foderingham is confident that Swindon’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final disappointment will not throw them off track in the league. Town were sunk 2-0 by Chesterfield at Wembley and now have nine games left of their League Two
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We'll bounce back - Caddis
INJURED skipper Paul Caddis is determined to play his part in helping the Swindon squad get over their Wembley heartbreak and focus on winning the League Two title. The 23-year-old missed out on the chance to lead his side out for the Johnstone