Archive

MARK Cooper was delighted to see Swindon Town finally become the 32nd team to book their place in the second round of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy with victory at Newport County. Goals from Jonathan Obika and Andy Williams put Town in control at

Tom Bassam runs the rule over the Town player's performances from their 2-1 win over Newport. Tyrell Belford (booked) Given a rough start by the physical County strikers but settled well. Distribution was good and he even had time to pull for

SWINDON showed a lot of character as they held on to maintain their 100 per cent start with a 25-13 win at Maidenhead. After going down to 13 men for the last 10 minutes the Greenbridge Road side had to dig deep to keep Maidenhead at bay and secure

SEAN Millwaters was left frustrated on Saturday after watching his Supermarine side get narrowly beaten 29-24 by Corsham. Despite the defeat Supermarine have lifted themselves off the bottom of the Southern Counties South table by picking up two

WILTSHIRE Police have arrested a 25-year-old man from Swindon after a woman was assaulted. After an earlier appeal, the 25-year-old handed himself in at Gablecross police station and was arrested for assault. The incident took place on September

SWINDON Town survived a late scare to book their place in the second round of the Southern section of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy with victory at League Two Newport County tonight. With Mark Cooper shuffling his pack due to the absences of Massimo

A GROUP of travellers who pitched up at the Rivermead Industrial Estate over the weekend have until 9pm tonight to move elsewhere. A group of caravans was spotted in Rivermead Drive on Sunday with their presence being reported to Swindon Council

THE family of Becky Godden-Edwards family have been fighting for more than three years for justice to finally be served on her killer, and mum Karen Edwards has welcomed every fresh piece of the puzzle. The news that detectives may have pinned

DETECTIVES investigating the murder of Becky Godden-Edwards have revealed more than 600 items have been recovered from a pond in Ramsbury where the boots of murdered Sian O'Callaghan were found.  Earlier this year, around 60 items of female clothing

WILTSHIRE Police have arrested a 25-year-old man from Swindon after a woman was assaulted. After an earlier appeal, the 25-year-old handed himself in at Gablecross police station and was arrested for assault. The incident took place on September

WITH only a few weeks until a bid is formally submitted, New College are confident they will be able to get the support needed for a new free school. The college is looking to open a secondary school in North Swindon, which is facing a huge shortage

WILTSHIRE Police is appealing for information following an indecent exposure in Swindon. The incident took place on Friday, September 12, at approximately 5.30pm in the Lawn Woods. A group of girls were walking along the Lawns when they saw

In reply to Mr GA Woodward (SA September 15), he is correct to be concerned that the NHS is under threat from the EU trade deal being discussed with the USA. The European Union want their free trade area to be expanded to include the USA. Part

Re ‘Bigotry is repulsive’ (SA August 1) from Sue Hammond. She states: ‘You criticise Helen and you presume she has not ‘studied the scriptures.’ I never said that. I said: ‘I would have thought at least studied part of scripture to have rejected it

Seven years ago, I set up the Stelios Award for Disabled Entrepreneurs with the charity Leonard Cheshire Disability to recognise the many talented, ambitious and inspiring disabled people who have set up their own businesses. This year’s award

You ran a story on September 12 about a high van getting stuck under White House Bridge. You didn’t mention (maybe you are not aware) that the flashing warning sign just before the traffic lights on Station Road has been out of action for some weeks

I was quite bewildered by reports on the food provided by Great Western Hospital, just couldn’t understand it. I was admitted to GWH in June 2008 and stayed for six months. I found the food quite good and nourishing, it was all cooked and hot on delivery

I was saddened to read in your recent article that a 17-year-old New College, Swindon, student was rushed to hospital with meningitis. Everyone at Stroud-based Meningitis Now wishes the student, of Lawn, the best for a speedy recovery. Meningitis

THERE is a compelling case for PCSOs to be given greater powers to deal with nuisance drivers outside school gates, as is to be proposed at tomorrow’s council meeting. People in Swindon, and especially those living near schools, are only too aware

Why is it every time I write criticising the Webbs, Peter Smith of Woodside Avenue predictably pops up like a Jack in the Box? Is he related to them? Or do they belong to the same club perhaps? As for being ‘signally unsuccessful in not answering

The world has become a much more dangerous place because of laws passed by the European Union. EU law is obsessed with the rights of the individual over the rights of the majority, and this has led to an increase in violent crime all over the world

Guy Green says he completely agrees with my letter saying that if the government extends the life of Parliament beyond its maximum of five years, it will be in effect be carrying out a coup and I am glad that he agrees. Unfortunately he does not

Through your network I am wondering if any of your senior readers remember a poem about Hiawatha? I recall learning it at school some years ago – I am fast approaching 93 years old, although I do not feel like it! The school in question was

The European Union has expanded to include the poor country of Croatia. The EU now consists of 28 countries and there are plans for additional EU eastward expansion to evertually include Turkey. Croatia has a very long border with Bosnia. Bosnia

I came home from my local on Saturday night, turned on the television to read the Sunday newspaper headlines as is my normal custom and to say I was stunned, shocked, angry and greatly saddened, would be an understatement. I cannot think of a worse

On September 15, a friend I went to a public house in West Swindon for a midday meal and a chat, and while we were there we observed two young lads, in their middle/late 20s, both from Hungary, or so they said, come into the bar. One was carrying

On September 15, a friend I went to a public house in West Swindon for a midday meal and a chat, and while we were there we observed two young lads, in their middle/late 20s, both from Hungary, or so they said, come into the bar. One was carrying

IT seems battle lines are currently being drawn at Nova Hreod. On one side are some parents who suggest unfair and redundant rules are being imposed on their children, to the detriment of their education. An especially troubling matter is the

Why is it that many people engaged at high level in what are supposed to be our public services, seemingly have an affliction that prevents straightforward thinking? When things go wrong – ranging from incompetence to wide ranging systematic cover-ups

The leader of the council adopts a very interesting position with regard to his priorities in the spending of Swindon council tax payers’ hard earned pounds. In his latest column he makes an astute observation – "the more we spend looking after

I was sad to hear on the news that 50 dogs had died in a fire at Manchester Dogs Home, 150 more rescued, some injured and traumatised. Has anyone asked why there are so many dogs and other animals in so many shelters throughout the country?

Steve Nibbs, your reply to my letter (September 10) was the type of letter we have come to expect from you. You appear to call me a liar with regard to reading the Bible, you also appear to call me unintelligent, a low life and a bluffer. Why

During the recent school holidays my family and I embarked upon our annual day trip to Weston-super-Mare, totally unaware of the shocks in store that awaited us since last year’s visit. It would appear that without fail Somerset Council adds another

Musicians who create tribute bands to their music heroes have rarely worked with them, or been in almost daily contact, but Greg Alcock from Limehouse Lizzy, was guitar tech for Brian Robertson of Thin Lizzy. Not only did Greg absorb the technicalities

I wonder if many of your readers are as confused as I am when thinking what the Conservative Party stands for, seeing that an election is looming. When they first came to power in 2010, they did what they said on the packet: l Slashed public building

Mark Seagroatt and Roy Walker richly deserve their honours from the chief fire officer of Oxfordshire. In addition to saving two lives, they helped the rest of us keep in sight the fact that there is still room for human beings to act with humanity

Those who profess to be Christian, to be followers of Christ, and who rush to pass judgment of others seem to have conveniently forgotten the words of their Lord: “Let those of you without sin cast the first stone.” It should not fall to non-believers

I have a theory. There are certain religions in this country that treat women as second class citizens to put it in the mildest terms possible. Make no mistake; these persecuted females will eventually turn on their male bullying masters. Mark my words

On Thursday, of all days, when the people of Scotland went to the polls to decide our future, the last thing I expected to receive from Companies House when incorporating a company was the message “The nationality specified is not a valid nationality

Smoking is dangerous enough; it’s written in bold print on every packet of cigarettes across the country that smoking kills. And with an estimated 114m fake and unregulated cigarettes sold each year across just a few London boroughs (Southwark; Bexley

With regards to Mary Gladman’s letter (SA September 17) concerning yet another high-sided vehicle hitting one of Swindon’s low bridges. I wrote a letter to the Adver a few months ago asking the council to put their thinking caps on to try and solve

Reference your front page story of September 17. I have been a shopkeeper for 40 years trading on a main road in Old Town. As the amount of traffic has increased, so have the parking restrictions. I have to load and unload my vehicle but am careful

The Swindon music scene lends its backing to a number of charities, but there is one support group that is close to the hearts of many musicians thanks to young Morgan Sharp. Morgan has Goldenhar Syndrome which broadly speaking means bone abnormalities

KEVIN and Caroline Macdivitt are lucky to be alive after a horrifying road accident. The cyclists were apparently struck by a van, and each suffered dreadful injuries which could easily have been even worse. It would be entirely inappropriate

Now that the votes have been counted and the results published, perhaps it’s time for some of us to take notice of the outcome and rethink our position on Europe. Our canny Scottish friends were not taken in by all that nationalistic, chauvinist

The EU is cancelling the system of paper tax discs for the road fund licence from October 1, 2014. Article 91 of the Lisbon Treaty requires the EU to create a common road transport policy to include VAT, vehicle taxes and fuel taxes. The RAC

In answer to Steve Nibbs’ question, (why do I respond to his attacks on the Webb's), I have responded to a number of his letters, some when he was attacking the Webb's and some when he wasn’t. If I responded it was first because his subject was

I AM increasingly aware of the increasing competition to Royal Mail by other postal companies. Residents generally rely on their local postie to deliver their mail, but companies such as TNT plan to expand in urban areas from 3,000 employees to

I would like to tell your readers about a fun children’s charity event I am supporting again in October. Humphrey’s Pyjama Week, in aid of The Children’s Trust, is an annual fundraiser from October 6-10, for nurseries, playgroups and primary schools

I NOTE that in the letter from Wiltshire Council asking for opinions on which rubbish collection service should be suspended during the winter, there is great play made of the “free service” which we now enjoy. I would like to sign up for this

The National Autistic Society is calling on people affected by autism to nominate individuals and services that have made a difference to their lives for the third annual Autism Professionals Awards. We know that groundbreaking work in the field

THROUGH your letters page may I take the opportunity to highlight the wonderful service provided by the responder button that my wife and I have in our flat. I was taken very ill in the early hours two weeks ago and our wonderful neighbour activated

AS we get older we sometimes have senior moments, like the afternoon of Saturday, August 9 when I arranged for £150 to be dispensed at the cashpoint outside WH Smith in Marlborough, only to forget to pick it up. As soon as I realised, I checked

Mr Avenell, in his letter ‘Visit Specsavers’ of September 12, in reply to an excellent letter from Pete Smith, says he never made derogatory remarks on would-be asylum seekers at Calais in his letter of August 30, ‘Mark sickens me’. Okay Mr Avenell

Terry Hayward is quite right to criticise the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), the trade deal that is being negotiated in secret between the EU and the USA. However, he allows his dislike of the EU to cause him to underestimate

WE are confident that sisters Michelle Lovell and Tracey Gardner will be reunited. We also wouldn’t be surprised if the means necessary for the reunion are assembled by sundown today. Why? Because our readers, as they have on countless occasions

RAIL passengers are currently being told to expect delays between Swindon and Bristol Parkway after a person was hit by a train. There are currently no services to Gloucester as this station is closed and road transport is currently being arranged

This has been the summer of our discontent; bad news stories have followed each other across the headlines. Is the world going to the dogs, or are things pretty much as they always were, a mixture of the dramatic and the mundane? Whilst we are

I am a proud season ticket holder at Swindon Town FC and Saturday’s performance at the County Ground was the best I’ve seen since the Glenn Hoddle days. It was that good. The Town simply outclassed Sheffield United with a scintillating display.

I sat up all night on Thursday, running into Friday past dawn, watching my country, Britain, step back from the catalyst of disintegration. Mr Salmond almost succeeding where the might of the Nazi military machine and the atrocities of the IRA

DETECTIVES from Wiltshire’s Major Investigation Team are seeking information regarding a car that may relate to the Becky Godden-Edwards (aka Rebecca Godden's) murder. The car, a silver Volvo, is believed to have been in the Swindon area in 2002

A WROUGHTON nurse joined the disaster relief efforts in the Philippines by hand-delivering £4,000 worth of medical equipment to a hospital in the country to improve health services in rural areas. Ed Sipoy, a charge nurse of the BMI Ridgeway Hospital

The Importance of Being Earnest Theatre Royal Bath until Saturday, September 27 FROM the moment Nigel Havers, aka actor Richard Oldfield, entered the stage in period costume (save for some fiery red Nike trainers) with a sound technician in tow

There is a new interest and openness today about the world's most fearsome mystery – where we go when we die. Invariably a taboo topic, death has lately come into its own as a conversation piece. However, death comes in various packages: people

THE volunteers at the Queens Park Cafe are shocked that the venue was broken into early on Sunday. What makes the loss and damage especially galling is that only hours earlier the cafe had been the centre of an event intended to promote peace around

Feeling a bit down, not got much cash in the bank, worried about an illness, don’t like the idea that this life is all we have? You can find peace with the ‘Winners’. Any problem you have can be solved, any unmet want or desire can be fulfilled

Dan - who has gone from period drama suitor to gun-wielding action star in new thriller The Guest - plays Sir Lancelot in the third instalment of Ben's Night at the Museum franchise. In The Guest, which opens in cinemas on Friday September 5, Dan plays

Kate Winslet and Alan Rickman close the Toronto International Film Festival with the premiere of A Little Chaos.

ROBINS boss Alun Rossiter has issued a heartfelt appeal to Swindon's speedway fans to play a crucial role as his side prepare to battle Coventry Bees in the Elite League play-off semi finals. Rossiter's men will face the Bees home and away in the

IN THE opposing dugout tonight will be an old friend of Town boss Mark Cooper in Justin Edinburgh. The pair spent a brief period of time together at Southend United back in 1990. Cooper on loan from Exeter and Edinburgh coming through the ranks

JUSTIN Edinburgh believes Newport County’s Johnstone’s Pain Trophy tie with Swindon presents a genuine opportunity for his side to reach the second round. Newport are currently mid-table in League Two but are on a five-game unbeaten run, mostly

MARK Cooper insists he has no urge to chop and change his starting XI too dramatically for tonight’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy clash with Newport County. Competition rules mean the Town boss has to field six of the players that either started against

TOWN skipper Nathan Thompson believes tonight’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy clash with Newport presents a chance for some his less established teammates to make a name for themselves. He would no better than most. Thompson made his debut as a youngster

TONIGHT Swindon Town start a journey that offers their players arguably the easiest opportunity to reach Wembley in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, something Louis Thompson is desperate to do. The JPT, often derided and certainly not a big draw,

SWINDON Town may be forced into changing a winning formula for their Johnstone’s Paint Trophy clash with Newport this evening. A combination of injuries and suspension leaves Mark Cooper with only two fully fit central midfielders, Massimo Luongo

SWINDON Wildacts D-man Alex Symonds says they cannot get carried away by how they have started the new season. The Link Centre side will head to Sheffield Steeldogs on Sunday on the back of two successive away wins - against reigning champions

DONOVAN George’s manager Michael Kinsch says that they are still committed to giving Kelvin Young a shot at the world title. ‘Da Bomb’ George claimed the IBO super-middleweight crown last month in his hometown of Chicago with a points victory over

MANAGER Pete Milhench is thrilled that his Supermarine Sports side weren’t knocked off course last weekend as their trip to Trowbridge Town was hampered by transport troubles. Supermarine only arrived at Trowbridge’s Woodmarsh ground ten minutes

SPECTRUM returned to winning ways at the weekend when they beat DJC Marlborough 2-0 at home in the Premier Division. Despite being without a recognised goalkeeper – being forced to play an injured defender in between the sticks – Spectrum defended

WANBOROUGH cancer survivor and mother-of-two Elizabeth Ewart has been named the Daily Telegraph’s Volunteer of the Year. The 43-year-old received her award from London Mayor Boris Johnson in a ceremony at City Hall last week. She was nominated

SWINDON under 15s held on for a 24-19 victory over their Avondale counterparts. Neither side were able to break the deadlock in the opening 20 minutes with both teams defending well. It looked as if it was going to be 0-0 at half time until

NATIONWIDE were presented with their Swindon and District League winners medals at the annual awards night. The event, held at the Southbrook Inn, saw the Division One winners, along with Division Two champions Sanford Link and Division Three table-toppers

A GROUP of travellers have moved onto a site in Swindon, prompting concerns from nearby residents. The group pitched up at the Rivermead Industrial Estate on Sunday. Six caravans were spotted parked in Rivermead Drive with their presence being

VOLUNTEERS from Queen’s Park Cafe have been left shocked after it was broken into a short time after hosting an event aimed at promoting peace. The wooden hut was targeted on Sunday evening with £200 worth of stock being taken and around £300 worth

The Swindon Flames were well represented in this year’s Regional Tournaments held at the Midland Roller Arena. There were seven players from the club representing the SASH (Southern Region) across the three age groups. The most successful age

TEAMS are being sought to compete in a football tournament raising money for Swindon Carers Centre and Alzhemier’s Support UK. The eight-a-side event is taking place at the County Ground extension between 5.30pm and 9.30pm on Friday. It is

A MUCH-changed Raychem A side claimed a 69-37 win over Nationwide A. Lizzie Boston and newly married Chelsey Fizgibbon returned to the side, however, defender Jacqui Sealey was unavailable, saving her legs for the Bristol half marathon. With

A KEY document outlining where development in Swindon will take place over the next decade has been given broad approval. The Local Plan gives direction for major house-building projects, such as Tadpole Farm and the Eastern Villages, up until

SWINDON Supermarine J under 11s cruised into the third round of the League Cup with a 5-1 success over Division Three outfit South Cerney. Luke Legg gave Supermarine the lead after the South Marston side had been piling on the pressure on their

JOHN Fisher knows his side will have to be at their best if they are to maintain their fine start to season tonight. The Worthians welcome Binfield to the Elms in Hellenic League Premier Division knowing that a win could send them top of the pile

GREYHOUND have gotten out of the traps quickly this season and are the early pace-setters in Division One. After beating last season’s champions AFC Gas on the opening day of the season, they continued their impressive start with a 13-1 win over

THE Swindon Sunday League game between Swindon United and Stratton Saints in Division Four had to be called off after striker James Saunders suffered a horrific leg break. Saunders, who scored in Swindon & District League George Thomas/Don

SWINDON Spitfires moved two points clear at the top of the South West Women’s League Premier Division following their 2-0 win over Downend Flyers. After a fairly even opening half hour, the only chances of note were Downend’s Hayley Bullock testing

Swindon Spitfires under 16s racked up a 9-1 win over Bath City in the Wiltshire Girls League. Fielding two new signings, Megan Ricketts and Shannon Gilbert, Spitfires opened the scoring when a Charley Reynolds corner was parried by the keeper and

CHILDREN’S cancer charity CALM is encouraging all the families they have supported in the past 30 years to come together for a special reunion. The Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Movement – a parent-led support network – was established 30 years

A CELEBRATION breakfast awaited those who put their best feet forward and walked to school. Goddard Park Community Primary School, in Welcombe Avenue, Swindon, launched a five-minute walk zone with a special day on Friday to encourage children

SWINDON Council is set to formally support plans to merge Wiltshire and Dorset Fire services to cut costs. Wiltshire Fire and Rescue is facing a cut in funding from central government, leaving it in danger of eventually going bankrupt. In a

LOVERS of poetry and music are in for a rare treat at the Phoenix Theatre next month. As part of Swindon Festival of Poetry, American poet Don Share, editor of Poetry Magazine and the Poetry Foundation in Chicago, will join former XTC keyboardist

WORK on a multi-million pound project to ease traffic movement in Swindon started yesterday and drivers are being warned of possible hold-ups. The Bruce Street Bridges are set to be converted into a single roundabout while work further along the

WOOTTON Bassett Children’s Centre has been shortlisted for a grant of up to £3,000 and is appealing for the community to get behind their bid to land the cash. The centre has a chance to receive a grant from the Lloyds Bank Community Fund 2014,

APPRENTICES were given some hard-earned recognition at an awards ceremony last week. Swindon College’s annual Apprenticeship Awards took place on Thursday, with 22 awards handed out by employers. Family, friends and Swindon College staff joined

AN amphetamine user who set his home ablaze in ‘a cry for help’ has saved up while on remand in prison to repay the council for what he has done. Stephen McGruddy doused towels in white spirit before starting the early morning blaze at his Pinehurst

LAWYERS representing Jason Voong are seeking to reduce culpability for charges of murder and attempted murder on grounds of diminished responsibility. Voong, 28, of Southbrook Street Extension, Swindon, appeared late at a court hearing in Bristol

FEARS of homophobia within Britain’s police forces are not shared by Wiltshire Police’s LGBT officer, Lee Hare. Many gay and lesbian police officers still fear the consequences of revealing their sexuality as they rise through the ranks, according

THE widow of former Wanborough parish councillor Bill Suter said that the summerhouse built in his memory was a fitting tribute to the lawn bowler. Bill was chairman of Wanborough Bowls Club since they were set up in 1999, and the club and his

TWENTY YEARS after the death of beloved Swindon Town physio Kevin Morris, his daughter has urged men to open up about depression. In the wake of high-profile names in sport and television, including Gary Speed and Robin Williams, taking their own