June 5, 1970

MELKSHAM: Old pupils returning to the former Shurnhold School, Melksham would have a few surprises in store. In September 1969 the school became comprehensive, and changed its name to the George Ward School, to commemorate its first chairman, who remained in office until his death in February 1969. Previously pupils transferred to grammar schools or colleges of further education for sixth form studies, and to take GCE A-levels but now its all systems change at George Ward - in more ways than one! A-levels courses are now available at the school, as well as other sixth form courses and preparation for university or college entrance. Technical courses directed towards ONC or OND courses leading to more advanced study after school will also be available. Special emphasis will be placed on an "open" sixth form where children will be able to obtain a broad general education, together with academic qualifications. At the lower end of the school changes have also been taking place. Gone is the rigid system of streaming. Instead, entrance is based on reading age and children are only placed in very broad bands of ability. The only grading is in such subjects as mathematics and languages where it is necessary to confirm that a child has passed each stage before progressing. The old classrooms have been gutted to provide new science laboratories. The school will be divided into three sections, upper, middle and lower, each with its own building and head but also have its own dining facilities. In the words of the headmaster, Mr Clark, Wiltshire County Council have been generous in providing money for what must be one of the most progressive and go-ahead schools in the county.

WILTSHIRE: The 17th annual seaside holiday organised by the Wiltshire County Council welfare committee took place recently when 958 persons from all over the county were transported to Paignton by train and coach. Accommodation had been booked for them in 63 hotels at reduced charges and arrangements were made for coach tours, sea trips, visits to the zoo, all at reduced rates. The weather was delightful and enjoyed by all. The highlight of the holiday was the specially arranged variety show at the Festival Theatre. Welfare chairman Brigadier and Mrs Wort expressed the thanks of the holiday makers to the Paignton hoteliers and all who had contributed to the success of the occasion.

June 8, 1990

BRADFORD ON AVON: Embarrassed council officials have apologised to dozens of house-holders kept awake by a party on civic land. The noise from amplifiers used by rock group Infernal Din was heard miles away in Batheaston and all over the Monkton Farleigh area. Police were called and council officers summoned from their beds to try to sort out the situation. They found a few dozen revellers in their teens and mid-20s with tents, a mobile generator, loud music and drinks enjoying a 21st birthday party round a bonfire on land near Farleigh Rise. Organiser Nicola Binks from Oldfield Road, Bath, told them that she had written consent from West Wiltshire District Council to have the party on the land. The unnamed member of staff who agreed the site could be used had not taken into account the nuisance such an event might cause. The only major problem had been the level of sound carried down the valley across Bathford and Batheaston as well as the immediate area.

June 10, 2005

WESTBURY: Lafarge Cement Works in Westbury has been given a formal warning after failing to report high emission levels. The Environment Agency issued the warning to the factory after brick dust levels were exceeded in 2003. The offence has been recorded and further breaches of the permit could lead to more formal action. EA area manager Tony Owen said: "Our main concern was the failure to report one minor exceedance of a cement dust limit. This is a breach of Lafarge's permit and as such we have decided to issue a formal warning." The Air That We Breathe campaign group has fought to lower emission levels from the factory for years. Chairman David Levy wants to see further action taken. "They have to try and lower emissions as much as possible."