Issuu

West Swindon's Community Newspaper

THE

LINK

ARE YOU NEW HERE? Roger Ogle and Chris Wood are community workers employed by Thamesdown Council. If you've just moved to west Swindon they could help you with information about (nearly) everything. A useful handbook "Welcome to West Swindon" is also available. Ring them on 26161 extention 3191

February 1985 No 44

TOOTHILL • FRESHBROOK • WESTLEA • SHAW

THE PAPER THAT TOP PEOPLE READ

The Leader of Her Majesty's Opposition was caught reading allabout cable television in west Swindon on the back page of the December Link when he visited the area before Christmas.

Out of Work

IF you'd rather fill time than kill time, the WEA Unemployed Branch offers company, Interest and a bit of purpose in life.

During his visit he met children at the Dunwich Drive Playgroup and rtmbers of the Toothill Community Centre Management Committee. In Freshbrook, he called on the Giddings Family of Godolphin Close. (more photos on the centre page)

LINK ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING All readers of the Link are invited to attend an Annual General Meeting of the Link Community Newspaper on Tuesday 19th February,7.30pm in the Community Room at Toothill School. Following any Dusiness matters that will take place, there will be cheese and wine for all those who come. Hope you can.

Centre Delayed

Another setback in the completion of Westlea's Community Centre has taken place Although in limited use by a playgroup and a toddler group, full completion of the Upper Shaw Farm centre was about eight months behind schedule. Westlea Residents Association members know that the project from first design has been going on for 4 years with one delay after another.

Rising 5s Worry

Once again, parents witfl summer born children are concerned that they will not be able to go to school in April. Numbers of "rising fives" are again high and there is a risk that they may not be able to go Unfortunately a burst pipe on 19th or 20th until September. In the past January flooded the ground floor making it if one west Swindon primary unusable for some weeks until it dries out school cannot take rising 5s, The two user groups have been found space none do. thanks to the Head of Westlea School.

It's a small group of unemployed people who have made time to meet on Tuesday mornings (10 a.m. to noon) to think and talk on matters of common Interest - personal, practical and political. With backing from a WEA tutor/organiser the group is also planning its own programme of speakers, discussions and outings. There's no charge, and a welcome for any newcomers young or old, men or women, at the WEA Centre, 36a Regent Street, off the alleyway beside the ABC.

S4ec4ié ***

*** 6#eT

Spend 50p in the Freshbrook Community Centre Cafe between 11am & 12, 2-3pm and claim a FREE cup of tea. Save on heating, use ours free of che ****

1985 is International New Kickabout Areas Youth Year Since the summer, three new kickabout areas have been built in our area. They are at Aw The Link Centre (above), Bloomsbury Close (centre), and Oliver Tomkins School (bottom).

AwO

You CAN s€c, IS sor OF p:xj,s 'eLrS

',j€c. is

Too1u..."o4J14 C&JJQ...

If if

Tooth ill Youth Club opens on three ni0hts a week - ionday, Tuesday and .iriday. We desperately need to form a team of people to help supervise anci organise activities. You won't be alone, and you won't have to commit yourself to every week. And it can be great fun. If you think you might be interested in spending just a little of 1985 in the company of teenagers, please come to an informal meeting at Toothill Youth Club (at the farm on Bodiam Drive) Thursday, 14th FEB. 8p.m. or contact me, Rod Grant, on 487009 or 870440, or at the club on Tuesdays.

STOP DAMP MOULD AND ROT. • • •

Theriiiecon ai e he speo5ilists • RENT OR BUY. Write or in condensation 00011 of telephone for full details [3ritains roost advanced domestic detiurrirditici s. One coiripact Horiie Dryer gives whole hOli5e pruroLliorl

THEPECOfl

Missing kitten Missing since New Years Eve in the vicinity of 10, Grantham Close, Freshbrook, a small black and white kitten. Please call, or telephone on 611841. Small reward offered.

HO-MLDRYER

phone Swindon 73420 or 813439

Goats Milk for Sale Goats Milk is a healthy alternative to cows milk. More easily digested and can help conditions where a diet free of cows milk is recommended. Available frozen in 1 pint packs from: Mrs. P. Russell, Brookside, Washpool, Shaw Tel: 771116

FRESHBROOK j1 TAKE AWAY D

FRESHBROOK VILLAGE CENTRE FRESHBROOK, SWINDON, WILTS. Telephone (0793) 873178

1 A5 10 Lunch Box Special fl .40 incl.VAT 10—

Full menu available day and night

Valentines Dance The Freshbrook Village Group are pleased to present "ARAMiS", an award winning comedy showband at a Valentines Dance on SATURDAY 9th FEBRUARY at 8pm. Tickets are £2.50p from Freshbrook Community Centre.

\\\

OUR SCULPTOR JON BUCK Jon Buck, Swindon's first sculptor in residence has moved into the old hut on Dunwich Drive, Toothill. For 9 months, it will be his workshop and classroom. He writes "My job will be to function in two ways. First I should like to encourage anyone in west Swindon with an interest in making sculpture to come along to the studio and have a go! Or perhaps leaders of groups, teachers etc. may like to contact me with a view to becoming involved in some specific project they have in mind. I have set aside Thursdays & evening) and Fridays for this. The rest of my time I shall be employed on the second part of my committment. That will be to make my own sculpture to be sited somewhere within the west Swindon area and again I shall be seeking the co-operation and participation of residents schools, groups etc. in selecting subjects.

Sonofred Accounting The complete accountancy service

DAVE NORRIS

TEL: Swindon 46628

For friendly, informal, confidential assistance with your accounting records, annual accounts and tax affairs phone me anytime. NOW ' WE CAN OFFER:• Financial Tax Accounts • Tax Return assistance • Wages calculations

£1i

Book-keeping. Management Accounts. V.A.T. workings.

LASS

CUT TO SIZE

The residency is very much a new experience for me, as well as west Swindon and one I look forward to. I hope you will join me in helping to make a great success."

Thick or Thin, Large or Small, While You Wait or Prompt Delivery COMPETITIVE PRICES

SWINDON GLASS OKUS ROAD, SWINDON Tel. 20483 & 26480 aerobics stretch 'n' shape at Freshbrook Community Centre

I)ODYLINtS

(

Aerobics, Dance & Body Fitness

DAYTIME - Monday 10.30 - 11.30 a.m. EVENING - Tuesday 7.00 - 8.00 p.m. Further details please ring Sue Napper on Swindon 854042

be alive in 1 85

- look out for classes at Upper Shaw Farm

Beeb & Electron users Is there an Electronic Acorn Monster that dominates your life cutting you off from your nearest and dearest? Would you like to attend 'Group Therapy' sessions with others in a similar situation to discuss your problems, perhaps even get down to BASIC's? Then contact Nick(872810) or Andy (695719).

Ladies Keep Fit omen with small children have the chance

to get fit at Lyn Strange's Keep Fit class Wednesday 10.15 am. at Freshbrook Community Centre. 50p which includes care of children.

!A & J BUILDERS! BUILDING CONTRACTORS oN

9 New Road, :Purton,

3 Worsley Road: Freshbrook SWINDON

• SWINDON

• I

Tel: 1481088

Tel: 771028

YOUR LOCAL BUILDERS

U I I

U U I

I U

. WE

CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH ANY OF THESE U U SERVICES: I HOUSE AND GARAGE EXTENSIONS/REPAIRS:

•

NEW ROOFS AND REPAIRS

•

NEW WINDOWS

• ••

•

* * *

• I

• •• •

* *

ALTERATIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS

U U

FIREPLACES PAINTING & DECORATING (IN AND OUT) GARDEN WALLS AND FENCING PATHS, DRIVES AND PATIOS

. . U I I

GRANT WORK UNDERTAKEN

NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL

FREE ESTIMATES GIVEN--------

!r......IIIui....IIu.III.u.•.u.uui

Bringing up Baby If you are a mother in West Swindon and woul like to get together with other mums for a coffee and a chat, then why nocontact the National Childbirth Trust. We meet regularly in each others homes, witi our children. It is an opportunity for us to share experiences and for the children to have new playmates. The Swindon Branch of the NCT also offers ante-natal classes, post natal support, evening meetings on various interesting subjects, newsletters and social events. If you would like to know more, please contact Liz Donovan on 870902.

AKES'//fl'AY~'TOR& RH#AW&W Telephone.

w/17c1on 873000.

POST OFFICE *NEWSPAPES & MAGAZJNES FRESH FJUIT&VEGFOZEN FOODS DEPT* CONFECTION ERY WINES & SPUTS TOaaD FREEC4RPAP'/NG

V 7L149 4 WE

Kinnock Visit

eil Kinnock with young admirers at Toothill Community Centre (below and left), and with the Giddings of Freshbrook (bottom left)

The Church in WES TI, EA

We have been called a "Church in cardboard boxes". Certainly the pocession of Bibles, coffee cups, songbooks and toys every a Sunday to Westlea School may invoke images of the journey of the Children of Israel to the Promised Land. In a sense it is for God is building His Church in Westlea. We call ourselves the 'Church in Westlea' because we are just a part of the whole Churc and happen to live and worship in Westlea. The Church is part of the ecumenical project of West Swindon which means we believe that our shared love of Christ and His love for us is more important than denominational differences. The Church is served by the Toothill Church united team of Baptist,Church of England, Methodist and United Reform Ministers. In addition the Church in Westlea has three lay leaders who assist the Ministerial team.

SPECIAL NOTICE FRESHBROOK EVANGELICAL CHURCH INDUCTION OF REV. IAN BEEDHAM AS MINISTER to be held in the FRESHBROOK COMM.CENTRE) on SATURDAY 23rd FEBRUARY at 3pm. Guest Speaker: REV. GEOFFREY FEWKES BA BUFFET INCL. ALL ARE WELCOME SERVICES EVERY WEEK AS FOLLOWS: SUNDAY 10 am SUNDAY SCHOOL 11 am FAMILY SERVICE with creche 6.30 pmEVENING SERVICE MONDAY 7.00 pmENTERPRISE CLUB 8-12 YRS TUESDAY 8.00 pmFELLOWSHIP EVENING or s' further in s ormation rin- 693146 6012

ESTATE AGENTS, SURVEYORS, UCTIONEERS AND VALUERS.

TOWN SQUARE WEST SWINDON DISTRICT CENTRE FEL: 872222 (5 Lines)

/ / /

The Church in Westlea is but a few months old and uses Westlea County Primary School as its place - of Worship yet the growth in Spiritual and fellowship life of the Church means we have a job to keep up Whether you worship regularly or never darken the door of a Church you can be assured of a warm welcome at any of the events below:-

/ ,

Tuesdays 10.30 am - 12.00pm at 21, Springhill Close. Coffee Morning and Bible Study.

Wednesdays 7.45 pm. at 36, Moresby Close Bible Study and fellowship.

/ /

Sundays 10.45 am at Westlea County Primary School, Langstone Way;1st of Month - Holy Communion 3rd of Month - Parade Service 2nd/4thMonth - Morning Worship Weekly Creche and Sunday School For further information please contact::â€” Peter Lawrence on 872822

IF YOU ARE SELLING WE OFFER YOU ALL THE SER VICES YOU WOULD EXPECT FROM A LOCAL AGENT WITH THE MOST MODERN OFFICES IN THE SWINDON AREA. IF YOU ARE BUYING WE OFFER YOU A HUGE SELECTION OF PROPERTIES OVER A WIDE AREA FROM OUR NETWORK OF OFFICES.

Don't Dump It

Open Plan Living

There's no need to dump things when you no longer want them. Thamesdown Council's bul refuse service will remove large domestic items from your doorstep free of charge. Call 26161 Ext.3553. Less bulky refuse garden rubbish, smaller junk, engine oil can be taken to the tip at Barnfield Road which is open 7 days a week 8 am. - 6.m. SAVE AND RECYCLE

Fur ant & W, 41itm

= _

Established 1898 Vectis Court, 4 Newport Street, Old Town. Tel. 33301 124, Commercial Road, Tel. 33301 127, High Street, Wootton Bassett, Swindon. Tel. 850321

'U, Support your local waste savers

Save Paper and Glass

Two ways for re-cycling the world's resource are now available in West Swindon. Neil at Lower Shaw Farm (Tel: 771080) has set up a PAPER saving scheme. Proceeds from sales go to the Wiltshire Trust for Nature Conservation. Also at the rear of Toothill Village Centre there are three bottle bank skips for people who want to re-cycle GLASS. Why not try saving Paper and Glass. Re-cycling makes sense and money.

Swindon CND

West Swindon residents wishing to join in thE fight against the menance of nuclear war can contact the local CND group throught Paul Grigson, 49, Thornford Drive, Westlea. Tel: 870825. The group is to hold a Folk Concert near Wantage on February 2nd featuring Leon Russelson, Roy Bailey and Frankie Armstrong and it regularly donates food and other items to the Greenham Common peace camp.

Majorettes Surveyors. Valuers. Auctioneers. Estate Agents EVENINGS: Tel. 873358 or 870539

I am hoping to form a Majorette Troupe in West Swindon to be called the G.W.R.'s (Great Western Revellers) Any smart girls aged between 6 years and 16 years old who are interested and live in West Swindon please contact me,Mrs. Bridge, Prince Rupert Court, Freshbrook.

Peter Newson (Electrical) Ltd 221 KINGSHILL ROAD, SWINDON. TEL: THOUGHT ABOUT A SHOWER ? FULL RANGE OF SHOWERS PRICES FROM £59.95 OR BETWEEN £170 &

REDRING & SANTON IN STOCK INC. VAT CASH & CARRY £230 FULLY INSTALLED

XPELAIR FANS 10% DISCOUNT ON ALL MODELS RING 34303 OR CALL IN FOR MORE DETAILS OPENING HouRs MON -SAT 8.30AM TO 530PM

314303

FOR ALL THOSE ELECTRICAL THINGIES HOUSE WIRING CABLE AT GENUINE TRADE PRICES EXTRA POINTS & LIGHTS, IMMERSION HEATERS & COOKER SPARES/REPAIRS BARCLAY &

ACCESS

CARDS

WELCOMED

P W, rk 10 W 4

"1 Xt

LINK

Denise Wack

QV CENTRE le

FREELANCE HAIRDRESSING

OLD

SWINDON 812366

-BATIK E & SELBY ---

eople are being appointed to work at The Lini< very week as opening day nears. John Ietherington has come from Birmingham to be ce Rink Manager and Gordon Hicks has moved 'rom the Brighton Conference Centre to look ifter all the plant.

JOBS

ook out soon for advertisements in the :vening Advertiser for RECEPTIONISTS and £TIVITY ASSISTANTS who must have a Bronze ledallion from the Royal Life Saving Society. hey will take on general duties at the Rink, 'ool and around the centre. Also overnight LEANING staff will be required soon.

MANOR ROAD, WESTCOTT PLACE, SWINDON behind Mike Knight Tyres - Tel: 29352 E

ACCIDENT REPAIRS SERVICING --

-a-T. M0 M. W - - Tests -

_lIIIIIIIuIIIIIIIuIIIuIIIIIIIuuIIIIIuIuuIIIIuuIIIIuIIIIIIIIIIlIfl

SWINDON SOFT WATER Makes water softening simple

No 1 Best selling water softener in the UK

HERE'S SARAH Sarah Jennings, Community Activities Officer at The Link has now started work. She is interested in contacting local groups and would like to meet people interested in starting activities at the centre. She cam be contacted on 871212.

KINETI

The worlds mos advanced fully automatic non-electric meter-controlled system For a complete service In water softeners Service Installations - Rent Buy• DIY

Sales

Call BRIAN COX on SWINDON-27172

WHAT ABOUT BABIES

from Sue Bates, Cromwell, Freshbrook Whilst looking forward to the opening of the Link' Sports Complex in Westlea, I am wondering what facilities will be available for arents with babies and young children. I would ope to see, apart fromcreche facilities, a ell equiped room where parents can go to feed id change their children. It certainly would e nice for everyone to have the opportunity D use the facilities - including parents with ungsters

YOU'RE RIGHT hank you Medina Morgan of Vlarkenfield, oothill and Elaine Anderson of Lineacre lose, Freshbrook for your guesses. A Zamboni s indeed an ice cleaning and clearing achine and this one will be used to maintain he ice rink at The Link.

1u/

)cut

FOR ALL THE FAMILY Spe until end of February oijet Perming from f12 OAP's Perms from Tues. & Weds.

Shaw Cuts is close to the Nine Elms pub in Show. Take the Purton road at Tewkesbury Cross, next to The Link Centre and follow the road for -, mile to Shaw

The Shoo, V\ Shaw, Swindon,TeI: 771382

A CACTUS for Cable Pictured right is Steve Smith of CACTUS presenting a cactus to Sebastian Crawshaw, Chief Executive of Swindon Cable, in exchange for a Christmas card.

LETTER From: P.S. Dance, Speresholt, Toothill. Not more against cable television; WHAT CACTUS. Concern about CABLE Wait for it Television under SWINDON. Cable under Swindon, I thought I always wondered where their stdio was. Have they gone and built it right under my house without telling me- Can I expect my house to suddenly disappear; to be swallowed up by a vast television studio. After checking.if my insurance covered me for subsidence I realised the mistake. Perhaps it should read Concern About Television Under Swindon... CATCUS (mew, mew).

Since CONCERN. ABOUT CABLE TELEVISION UNDER TELEVISION came into being in November, the cable laying operation has greatly improved and so has consultation with residents. The company has reviewed all working practices an the sales force have been given informationfo householders about the laying of cable and where it will go etc. If you have problems o need information, call CACTUS on 870200 or 872282 or Graham Parsons on 615601.

I hear that CATCUS or is it CACTUS are asking for the donation of a real cactus so that they can use it on a street campagn. Someone should tell them that cactLcan be purchased quite cheaply in local shops.If CACTUS is holding a they come knocking on my door brandishing a PUBLIC MEETING cactus I will politely tell them where to 20th FEBRUARY on stick it They will be dragging me away from my cable T.V. As you can probably guess I am at 7.30pm in Freshbrook Community Centre to one of the no longer silent minority (if you Idiscuss progress to date. All those intercan think of a slogan for that, keep it to Fsted in the cable tv issue Prfa invited. yourself) who are pro-cable. Not that I agree with the mess they have made to the footpaths but I think we are cying over spilt milk, shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted. Are we not shouting at the wrong people? Where was our trusty council when they Dear Nrs.E.C. were really needed. The defenders of the free Thank you for your letter in support of Cabi were probably too worried with rate-capping TV. The Link cannot print letters submitted to get too involved with footpaths? without name and address and only in rare Well, the black snake wanders on. Is there cases will they not be printed. Opinions in anything that can be done at this late date? support or critical of others should be I think not HOW about making the best of a bad accredited to somebody. Please contact the job. After all thats what the British are Editor to discuss the publication of your supposed to be best at. letter in the next issue.

Dear Mrs E.C.

CACTUS supporter Steve Smith of Wentworth Park CONSERVATIVE PARTY comments: West Residents who would like to join are "Whether people want or should have cable invited to contact Councillor Andy Blunt, 22 television is not in question. That's their Chalgrove Field, Freshbrook, tel: 695719. choice and CACTUS does not wish to prevent that. 8ut as P.S. Dance recognises, the footpaths have been messed up and those who do not want cable TV have NO choice whether the pavement outside their house should be defaced. DRAMA GROUP There has been no local consultation - the A new drama group is being formed in the west Government supervises the award of franchises Swidon area The Great Western Players. to cable companies and specifically excluded People who would like to know more should local authorities from the process. It's a contact Gwen Gutteridge, 42 Benwell Close, sad reflection on the British that we just Westlea. sit back and be treated with such insult". The next Link will be out in the middle of March-closing date is March 1st. Copy to Roger Ogle, 13 Castle Bore, Freshbrook, Janice Oliver, 10 Rochester Close, Toothill or Nick Jansen, 6 Moresby Close, Westlea

LINK

•

f,reshbrook f ocus JANUARY 1985

Since the Freshbrook Village Group (FVG) Residents Association gave up responsibility for the temporary Community Centre (HUT), and moved into the NEW building, most of the time available to the Executive Committee (volunteers all) has been taken up with getting the new Centre organised. Recently, monthly meetings have reflected this and have consequently become 'bogged down' with management issues. All Residents of Freshbrook are members of the Village Group. It exists to represent the area and make Social, Cultural and Educational opportunities available to all Residents. But the Committee has been very concerned with the lack of interest shown by people in attending the monthly meetings. To this end, the Executive Committee are re-organising the meetings to encourage more participation from more people. Each monthly meeting will feature a SPECIFIC subject, and hopefully we will have a different guest speaker each month. The following are dates for your diary, do try and come along if you can, all of the meetings are held in the Freshbrook Community Centre 'small hall'.

FEB 8th

APR 3rd WHAT DO YOU THINK

A HEART FOR OUR CENTRE

OF THEM SO FAR?

There will be County Council and possibly For more than two years the FVG have been Thamesdown Council elections in May. been negotiating with Thamesdown Council Are you happy with the way you have been about the final plans for the 'Village Centre'. That is why the area in front of : represented? Do you know who your present Councillors the new Community Centre still looks the • are? way it does now. What have they been up to during the past Agreement has finally been reached and year? the Council Officers will be at the : Come along and ask them at this months meeting to discuss their plans for : meeting. landscaping, car parking, footpaths etc.. : Hopefully, work can start very soon and be finished in time for the Freshbrook Fun Week in June. Later in April the Freshbrook Village Group will be holding its Annual General MAR 6th A LINK WITH YOUTH Meeting where all residents will be invited to elect a new Executive Committee. 1985 is International Youth Year. We will be hoping to fill the following Are young people in Freshbrook getting • positions: a good deal? CHAIRMAN Should there be a Youth Centre available? VICE-CHAIRMAN Could more be done? What do you think? • SECRETARY TREASURER ALSO AND VARIOUS OTHERS What will the new LINK CENTRE have to If you want to get involved, here's your offer our area? opportunity - No experience necessary. We have invited the Centre Co-ordinator to this months meeting to tell us.

agm

ALL MEETINGS START AT 7:45pm • .••••.••...........

PHOTOCOPYING-6P PER COPY AT THE COMMUNITY CENTRE

THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT February 9th St. Valentines Dance and Cabaret Featuring the award winning Comedy Showband from Wales "ARAMIS" Tickets ÂŁ2.50* April 27th Country and Western Evening Featuring "COUNTRY CHOICE" Tickets ÂŁ2.00 June 22nd

Freshbrook Funweek Gala Dance Theme and artistes to be decided. This will be the culmination of a full week of entertainment Watch for details

tel 871017 WWW

SHORT TENNIS Is played indoors with a soft ball. It takes place every Saturday morning in the Community Centre: 10.00 a.m.-11.00 a.m. - 6-8 year olds. 11.00 a.m.-12.00 noon - 9-12 year olds. 50 pence per session.

ARAMIS" in concert

The Shape of Things to come On Wednesday 9th January we invited Mr. Jon Buck to our first 'new look' meeting. Jon has recently been appointed Thamesdown's Community Sculptor. His post will last for nine months and is funded by the Southern Arts Association. Jon showed residents slides of his work and also brought along a sample in the form of a pig made in resin. During his term of office he will hold workshops in Toothill's temporary Community Centre and will eventually produce a major work which will be sited in Freshbrooks 'Village Centre'. Jon may be contacted through the Jolliffe Studio. Tel. Swindow 26161 - ext. 3149.

IN THE PICTURE Freshbrook Village Group, on your behalf, is going to tackle the Council on any outstanding work in your area that affects the surroundings in which we live. The plan is to photograph the offending items as an aid to identification and ask the Council to take remedial action.

Caf eSpecial Offer Spend 50 pence in our Cafe during February between the hours of: 11.00 a.m. - 12.00 noon 2.00 p.m. - 3.00 p.m.

We have in mind such things as

and claim a free cup of tea.

Road signs I street names missing or vandalised.

Save on your heating bills.

Potholes not filled in.

Join your neighbours for a cup of tea and a slice of cake, and catch up on the local news and burning issues of the day.

Pavements not finished off. Litter unswept etc. If you know of anything you feel requires attention and that will help the general environment as a result, please contact Bob Harding on Swindon 693055 or any Freshbrook Village Group Committee Member.

SALES & WANTS AVERTISED IN THE CENTRE lOp PER CARD PER WEEK

West Swindon's Community Newspaper

THE Est. 1978 Circ. 6,300

March 1985 No. 45

Roger Ogle and Chris Wood are community workers employed by Thamesdown Council. If you've just moved to west Swindon they could help you with information about (nearly) everything. A -useful handbook "Welcome to West Swindon" is also available. Ring them on 26161 extention 3191 ;IIIPIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIllIIIIIIIUIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIlIIIII

TOOTHILL • FRESHBROOK • WESTLEA • SHAW

NEARLY FINISHED

Message From 10 DOWNING STREET

sent last month's Link which featured a photo of Neil Kinnock reading the paper to the Prime Minister Swindon's unique Sports-Leisure-Cultural-Community Centre asking if she would be kind :will soon open and we, the residents of west Swindon, are .:enough to let us a have a the lucky people to live on its doorstep. ,..similar picture. :

Eirst claim on the name

The Link newspaper cannot miss this opportunity to remind e received a reply from readers that we are responsible for naming The Link Centre. :Mrs. Thatcher's press office X. Last year we were joint winners in a name the leisure centre X. saying that the pressure on competition. Sharon McColl from Old Town, the other winner, time did not make the suggested the name after the newspaper in a friends house. request possible. However we From now on, The Link newspaper will print the date when it thanked for the copy was established as a little reminder that we have around and encouraged to keep going... longer than our expensive neighbour.

WEST SWINDON COMMUNITY FORUM ON THE COUNTY COUNCIL 17th April 7:30pm to 9:00pm OLIVER TOMKINS SCHOOL TO BE CHAIRED BY THE MAYOR OF THAMESDOWN Wiltshire County Council is responsible for providing some very major services to the residents of west Swindon. These are EDUCATION, SOCIAL SERVICES, ROADS & HIGHWAYS, YOUTH SERVICES, LIBRARIES and THE POLICE. What do you, residents of the area, think of the way the county council makes these services available? On Thursday 2nd May, elections will take place for two people to represnet west Swindon for the next four years on Wiltshire County Council. The candidates have been invited to present their views to the Community Forum on 17th April, to be chaired by Councillor H. Garrett, Mayor of Thamesdown. All west Swindon residents are invited to come and put questions to the people you will be asked to vote for in a few weeks time.

AII Residents Invited

SUGGESTED TOPIC BIBLE REFERENCE

ELORPHS

1) 2) 3) 4) 5)

Jericho Joshua Ch. 5v.13 etc. Destroyed Contest of the 1 Samuel Ch.17 etc. Century Secrets from John Ch.2. etc. the Servants Amazing Reunion John Ch.Il etc. Acts Ch.27 etc. No Lives Lost

TON

A E

LWTHE

M T Y

I . AGE:-

Start with the letter T in the top left-hand corner. Moving one space at a time (upwards, downwards, sideways or backwards but not diagonally) you can spell out the beginning of one of the most famous poems ever written followed by the name of the book of the Bible it is taken from, and the chapter number. Can you find the secret way?

NA ME:-

Any other Bible Story will be accepted. Competition for children up to 11 years. Colour in any way you wish. Send all entries to 'GOOD NEWS CENTRE', 11 Faringdon Road, Swindon. Prizes will be awarded for the best entries in two age groups - a) Under 8 years. 9 - II years.

L L A

ADDRESS:-

West Swindon's Community Newspaper

A&J

THE

LINK. Est. 1978 Circ. 6,300

YOUR LOCAL BUILDER

April 1985 No. 46

TOOTHILL • FRESHBROOK • WESTLEA • SHAW

Moments of Inspiration

A commuter's view of Toothill!

Flying High Speculation has been rife since the Evening Advertiser revealed on 1st April that a giant underground airport is to be built beneath fields between West Swindon and the P44 Motorway. The two mile long runway will cater for 200 jumbo jetsevery hour in a scheme backed by a Saudi-Arabian oil shieR. The Link has been able to discover further details of proposals surrounding the project. A Japanese motor bike manufacturer is teaming up with Jaguar cars to build a massive earth boring machine, probably in a factory next to Anchor Butter. The machine will allow the airport to be constructed completely underground. Freshbrook Community Centre is being considered as a terminus exclusive to British Airways passengers. A spokesman commented that the catering arrangements were just what they required. A new airline is also being planned. It will be called WOB Air (West of the Borough Air) but there are fears that the Windmill so painstakingly re-built with money from the Kuwait governmnek may have to be moved again to make way for the flight path.

Critics The Scheme is not without its critics. The Cable TV watchdog group CACTUS think there has been- enough underground boring already. Local pease activists suspect the airport

Picture courtesy of Evening Advertiser

COUNTY COUNCIL ELECTIONS MAY 2nd YOUR CANDIDATES see centre pages for details

All set for June

It's all happening on the gound floor of the the new West Link Centre. At the moment Swindon Library looks to be scheduled for an early June opening. With the shelving erected the newly appointed staff have had to put their skates on early to cope with the thousands of new books which are being delivered by the crate New staff include Rochelle Clarkson, assistant librarian and Isabel Mason, senior assistant. continued on page 2 could be a disguise for another cruise missile base., but Chairman of the Borough Council's Community Planning Committee, Cllr. Midwinter is confident that the proposals can be modified to meet the community's needs. "West Swindon community groups are very good at protesting against what they don't like. I am sure the commuinity will get the best possible deal The Link will try to keep readers in touch with this story which could run and run.

A Great Cause for Concern

For Sale

Before a very serious or even fatal accident occurs the Governors of Toothill School wish to express their dismay at the small minority of parents who after many written and verbal requests not to park their cars at or near the two entrances/exits at the Toothill School continue to do so. We have had several accidents where children have been injued and quite a few near misses. They could have been substantially reduced or even eliminated altogether with 100% cooperation of parents.

Mothercare Bouncing Cradle with toy attachment £9; Cindico Baby Bouncer £9; Baby Bath £3.50 - All as new Sterilising Unit £1.50: Variousknitted cardigans, Birth-i year, some never worn £4.50 Cot & Mattress £10; New Mattress (safety-type used 2 months) £10; Cot Quilt & 3 covers £12 Cot & Pram sheets (approx. 4 ofeach) £3.50 the lot. Tel: 485608 Ladies Ice Skating Boots size 5% good cond. £10.00

Our County Councillor Len Hobbs (with the active support of the governors) has vigorously compaigned on behalf of the Western Expansion to get signs and zig-zag lines outside our schools and has in the last few months had some success, but Wiltshire County Council have responded to only a small percentage of our needs in this area of safety so this campaign must continue until our needs are fully implemented.

Tower Sb-Cooker compact model (with cookery book) only used once. £7.50 Tel: 870612 after 6.00pm.

************************************* A & J BUILDERS BUILDING CONTRACTORS 9 NEW ROAD PtJRTON SWINDON

We would like to thank the vast majority of parents who park sensibly away from the school entrances in the ideally situated Toothill Village Centre car park we hope the selfish few follow their example and put a stop to this unnecessary hazard to the children of Toothill School.

3 WORSLEY ROAD FRESHBROOK SWINDON

TEL: 771028

YOUR LOCAL BUILDER

The Governors of Toothill Primary School Stokesay Drive.

WE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH ANY OF THESE SERVICES:

LIBRARY—continued from page 1

* HOUSE AND GARAGE EXTENSIONS/REPAIRS * NEW ROOFS AND REPAIRS * NEW WINDOWS * ALTERATIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS * FIREPLACES * PAINTING & DECORATING (IN & OUTSIDE) * GARDEN WALLS AND FENCING

* PATHS, DRIVES AND PATIOS * GRANT WORK UNDERTAKEN JK

NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL rnrr re-rT,An -rr- r' rT,r,.I rtct t3l19F-\ lt. ivtr

Every type of reading taste has been catered for and with a strong accent on what you, the West Swindon community want, the staff expect to be rushed off their feet from June onwards. Even if you are not a book reader you might want to come along and browse through the varied collection of magazines: avail yourself of the music cassette collection or hand he kids over to the staff for an hour or so for one of the library story or activity sessions.

Very shortly the library staff will be out * and about around West Swindon hand ing memberships and answering any questions you * might have - look forward to seeing you thenl Further information is available from Linda Black in The Link Centre.

Morrison & Masters

Town Square West Swindon Centre Westlea, Swindon

Solicitors Telephone: 870055

IF IT'S HELP YOU WANT IN ANY LEGAL MATTER, GIVE US A CALL In Swindon New Town for almost 100 YEARS, and now also at the West Swindon District Centre.

also at: 20 Commercial Road Swindon Telephone: 26601

Collectors Door to door collection for the 1985 Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal is required for the Toothill, Freshbrook, Westlea areas. This is an annual event which takes place during October/November each year. Anyone willing to give a little spare time are asked to contact Percy Miles on 851038 after 6 pm. for more details.

Guiders Ladies, Guiders needed in the Western Expansion to fill forthcoming needs for Brownie/Guide units. No experience necessary. If interested, please contact Mrs.Mary Beale Tel:870293 (evenings).

Catholic Women ST PETER'S WOMENS GROUP meet on Mondays 2.00pm at 1, Liskeard Way, Freshbrbok. GET TOGETHER for mothers with their children anc. babies on Tuesday 11-12 at Toothill Shared Church.

COMING EVENTS JUMBLE SALE in aid of St Peter's Building Fund at Toothill Community Centre on Saturday 11th May at 2.00pm. ST PETER'S SUMMER FETE at TOOTHILL SCHOOL GROUNDS, Stokesay Drive on Saturday 15th June at 2.00 pm. - 4.30 pm. Attractions include Childrens Fancy Dress, Gym Display, Kelly School of Dancing plus Cake Stalls,refreshments, toys, Fancy Goods, Groceries and much more. CAR BOOT SALE 2nd Toothill Cub Pack & Stout Troupe Sat 4th May 10.30 am-3.00pm. Oliver Tomkins School, £4 on the day. Customers free, Refreshments available. SPRING FAYRE Toothill School Association will be hblding a Spring Fayre at Toothill School, Stokesay Drive on May 18th 2.00pm - 5.00 pm. Many attractions - stalls, displays, special guests.

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning HIRE ONE OF OUR STIMVAC MACHINES As used by Professionals For £16 per day including Chemicals FREE DELIVERY, COLLECTION AND ADVICE We Professionally clean Three Piece Suites from £24 - Carpets from £15 We also clean car upholstery and carpets from £I2.00

•

Ring BOB HARVEY on SWINDON 643499

!Situations Vacant

:An International Cosmetic Company requires: : :a Manager/Manageress and Full/Part-time :Beauty Consultants due to expanding area. :Potential for high earnings, company car : :paid holidays. Full training given. Telephone Caroline on 487380 anytime. S....................S....I.S......SS•S•••

SWINDON. SOFTIWATER Makes water softening simple No Best selling water softenerin the UK

KINn-tl

The world's mos advanced fully automalic non-electric meter-controlled system For a complete service In water softeners Sales Services Installations - Rent* Buy • DIY

Call BRIAN COX on SWINDON-2717i

GLASS CUT TO SIZE Thick or Thin, Large or Small, While You Wait or Prompt Delivery

BEDS SOFAS TABLES

&COOKSHOP 30 BRIDGE ST. SWINDON TEL SWINDON 0793 35320

. 4.

...........S...S.....SS..•S•••I••S••••S•Sø•I

COMPETITIVE PRICES

SWINDON GLASS OKUS ROAD, SWINDON Tel. 20483 & 26480

Wiltshire County Council Your Ca

Toothill Ward

NEIL BUICK ECOLOGY PARTY

PETER STODDART CONSERVATIVE PARTY

ALAN WINMILL LABOUR PARTY

Ibelieve that we can begin to solve global problems such as world hunger, the nuclear threat and destruction of the environment by the way we approach local issues and by the way we live. "Think globally - Act locally" is the motto of the Ecology Party (Britain's Green Party) and a vote for the Ecology Party shows a willingness to share the world's wealth among all its people.

Peter Stoddart is an Accountant with a Civil Engineering Group based in Swindon and is the current Chairman of Swindon Conservatives Association. He is married and has three daughters.

Alan Winmill has been selected by the local Labour Party to stand as candidate in Toohill for the County Council elections.

Peter was a Tharnesdown Borough Councillor from 1982-1984 and specialised in Housing and Finance. His message to West Swindon is

For instance, recycling, peace education, nuclear disarmament, animal rights and conservation are not only important for Toothill and Wiltshire but are necessary for the survival of the planet.

This area is one of the most exciting and stimulating areas in Britain today. To sustain this growth and to finish the job investment from County Hall must continue to flow to the right areas at the But even if you do not vote right time. Ecology this time, each one of us can help build a more In my view the Education of just and peaceful world by our children is of paramount living less wastefully, eating importance and the standard more simply or using less of Education in Wiltshire energy. It's not just a question needs to improve. of giving more - it's a question Wiltshire County Council must of taking less. continue their successful campaign to attract businesses to Wiltshire and help to reduce unemployment in Swindon.

THE FAR PAVILION

The County spend ÂŁ200 million each year. Let us make sure that we get our fair share.

MARTIN SDP/LIBER Martin is 34 has lived i 15 years. and currently System (Comp

Alan is married with a teenage daughter and is at this moment For too Ion trying to earn a living as Conservative He is also working local people a writer. hard to become a welfare rights votes - for SDP/Liberal advisor. different. Alan is committed to the to local al provision of local services, in which bc For especially in a new and expanding first. area. If elected Alan will the presence represents press for :new element * all schools in the area to than welcome. have crossing patrols. * adequate footpaths EVERYWHERE Already the * free bussing to secondary on the Coun schools. one of the * proper schooling facilities Country. And for all rising fives. European dc * an early start on the building the Alliance of a fire station in the area. that came s * more home helps for the elderly were bottom and infirmed. and cannot * Cheap school meals. Conservatives "The Tory controlled council In striking have got to realise that the SDP/Liberal CUTS HAVE GOT TO STOP" says well placed real and hone Alan Winmill. We have alwa On Thursday, May 2nd Vote politicians mud for ALAN WINNILL and VOTE The internal LABOUR for the party that party bicker: dominataed Co cares. the last fo end. the western edge of the

Located on western expansion are the woods and fields of Lydiard Park. Also to be found there are the playing fields for west Swindon.

That's why vote SDP/Lib on polling day.

The visitor centre-pictured herewill have ever changing displays about the park, a cafeteria, public conveniences and changing rooms for teams.

ACE Us'

Access to Lydiard is up Hook Street, past the Windmill. Access to the church and the Mansion can be gained via Hay Lane. Please see the back page for info on the diversion.

Meet on Mon at 7.3Opm. contact Nic Alan on 870 695719.

actions Thursday May 2 didates

RNER .LLIANCE

ars old and Swindon for is married works as a Analyst. r)

Labour and nave taken and their anted. The liance is ur approach rs is one people come many voters the Alliance refreshing at is more

.iance group Council is est in the last year's n it was n Wiltshire d. Labour the poll beat the May 2nd.

)ntrast the Liance is offers a alternative. argued that )rk together. angling and that has Hall for years must

5k you to Alliance

Freshbrook Ward

FRED DAVIS CONSERVATIVE PARTY

KEN VESSEY SOP/LIBERAL ALLIANCE

HOBBS LABOUR PARTY

Fred Davis is 36, married with two sons and lives in Grange Park, Freshbrook. He is, at present Thamesdown Borough Councillor for the West Swindon area.

Ken and his family have lived in Freshbrook since He works for Thorn 1982. EMI at the Communications in Shrivenham Department Ken is Chairman of Road. West Swindon SDP.

Len is married, with two children and is a legal executive. He has been the County Councillor for the Western Expansion for the last four years. During that time he has campaigned on successfully many local issues including: school, library Secondary in the Link Centre, aids for the elderly and handicapped, and school safety signs.

He has always been active in the community. During the past six years he has been involved with many individuals and groups within Through his West Swindon. family he also has firsthand knowledge of schools, toddlers and playgroups groups in the area. Rising 5's and secondary education obviously cause him to share your concern. As a Conservative, Fred wishes to join the County more give Council to representation of Freshbrook resident's views. Currently, NO member of the County Council lives within West Swindon. Our area has special needs and Fred is dedicated to improving our environment. His future aims are towards pleasant, establishing a friendly community in which to live which caters for the needs of residents of all ages.

Under the Conservatives, Council Wiltshire County has failed dismally in it's duty to provide a decent level of service. Instead they have acted as puppets of the Central Government 'know-it-all-brigade. Here in Freshbrook the effects of this complacency are clear. In education for instance, there are still no places for 'rising fives' and still no Secondary school. Incompetent Tory mismanagement is affecating our childrens education and that's official. Consistently Wiltshire has been put by H.M. Inspectors of Schools at the bottom of the class. Yet the answer from Trowbridge is even more cuts - this year alone they chopped ÂŁ700,000 from the Education budget. We don't pretend to have all the answers, but it's clearly now time for a change. That's why I'm determined to win on Thursday May 2nd.

I st. westiea

Len says 'Over the past four area has grown enormously. I have constantly pressurised the Conservative controlled more for council county re-elected If facilities. I will continue to pressurise for the provision of * Schooling for all 'Rising 5' children. * Adequate pre-school education. * Grants to voluntary groups e.g. Age Concern. * Home helps for the elderly. * Cheap school meals service. facilities club * Youth their own building and paid youth workers to supervise. * Pedestrian all schools.

We are still looking for leaders to start a Scout evenings interested troup for the cubs who have now reached that age. Please contact me if you can help. Tel: 872640 ri 872810, Terry Baker (Scouter in Charge/Akela) or Andy

footpaths * Adequate especially near the roundabout areas. Elease use your vote carefully on May 2nd and VOTE LABOUR'

The 1st Westlea Scout Group are holding their Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 15th May,7.30pm after the cub section open evening. All interested parties are invited to attend.

crossings

iJ =21_

Qualified Electrician All electrical work undertaken, from that extra point, to industrial premises. Any distance.Free estimates. All work guaranteed. Ring Rons' Electrical on: (0793) 870252 35 Woodchester, Westlea, Swindon. Wilts.

4,'

.. •'* • -'

PURTON GARDEN MACHINERY

Spares • Repairs • Servicing • Overhauls New and used machines • Part ExchangesINO Telephone JIM FRASER 854603 or 770707 after 6pm

,g.

Ar 41111W

Farraixt &

4h=au

W/1 1

Established 1898 Blagrove House, 2 /3 Newport Street, Old Town, Swindon, Wiltshire SN1 3DZ. Tel: Swindon (0793) 33301 124, Commercial Road, Swindon, Wiltshire SN1 5PL Tel: Swindon (0793) 33301

SELL YOUR HOUSE WITH TOTAL CONFIDENCE INSTRUCT 5'1

W* k Our 1!0 1

THE ESTATE AGENTS WHO SPECIALIZE IN SOLE AGENCY NO SALE! — NO FEE! Free valuations carried out by PHIL HOLLAND & MIKE DEWHURST who both live in the western expansion

Playgroup With A Difference Following the response from people to the Link Centre' leaflet in the last issue, I'd like to outline how we-are hoping to operate The Link Centre Playgroup. We hope to establish a playgroup which would take a proportion of children who are handicapped or may need more attention than most. Obviously there will be a need for a higher ratio of staff than normal and a worker trained in working with children with 'special' needs. A group of people from various organisations have come together to look into the numbers of children in West Swindon who would fit these criteria and the possibilities of funding for the workers salary and equipment etc. If we are successful with grant applications we would hope to start the playgroup sometime in the autumn. Anybody who is interested in helping with this playgroup please come forward Meanwhile, if you-'-d like to help with anything else or want to start your own group and are loOking for somewhere to hold it give me a ring on 871212. SARAH JENNINGS,COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES OFFICER LINK CENTRE.

I'm a Little Teapot... Ii

EVENINGS:

Telephone: 873358 or 870539

Staff and children at Freshbrook Community Centre Playgroup enjoying themselves at their Easter concert.

,wgg///vAyggTop& R0#&W4Wff 7?/epha'ie: vfric/on 8730gG. FULL NEWSPAPER DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE TO ALL OF WEST SWINDON

Pavement Progress

Sonofred Accounting

Margaret Lamb and Elspeth Deerness pictured in the last Link driving their wheelchairs around the very dangerous roundabout on Rowton Heath Way will have a pavement soon. Thamesdown Council started building a foot path at the beginning of April. And the signposts on Pevensey Way will soon be taken out of use (picture below) because the council is building a footpath from Toothill to the Doctors and the District Centre. Hooray!

The complete accountancy service It's Spring time again, brighter evenings, warmer weather and and you've probably received a tax return from your friendly Tax Inspector. Now is the time to sort out your tax affairs, before that long summer holiday in Barbados (or Bournemouth). Wherever you're going, it makes good sense to leave me with your tax problems.Doesn't it ?

EEEEEfEEEE

BATH & SELBY

— —— — —

MANOR ROAD, WESTCOTT PLACE, SWINDONE behind Mike Knight Tyres - Tel: 29352

From Mr. Cameron, Sidney Close. The article in The Link' 45 regarding the deficiences of pavements in West Swindon struck a painful chord with us. Since moving to the Grange Park area it has been a source of considerable irritation thathat: the local pavements aro either half-made or non-existent. You showed a photograph of two people in wheelchairs travelling in the road, but the lack of pavements is extremely hazardous to all local people. It seems incredible that housing should be planned for thousands of people with so little attention being paid to the state of pavements and road markings. I would suggest that before the council spend more of their limited funds planting trees and shrubs they should build some pavements and make roads safe for pedestrians. I only hope that the situation can be improved before a terrible tradgedy takes place. Prom Dorothy witts,westminster Road. I too find that a lack of pavements makes it difficult to get to the West Swindon Shopping Centre. The designers did not have people who walk to shops in their minds, when plans were made. At the bottom of Westminster Road a path on the opposite side would lead straight through to the road leading to the Subway. It is a great problem for the elderly, partially disabled or like myself have great difficulty in walking with Arthritic pain. I hope that the Ladies do take great care in their wheelchairs. I often walk my grand-daughters pushchair up Rowton Heath Way and have to cross to the other side. I wish something could be done. Thank you for the Link. I look forward always to reading it.

— — — -

ACCIDENT REPAIRS SERVICING —: M.O.T. Tests •rluuuuuuIIuIuuIIIIIIIuIIIlIIIIIIIIuuIuIuIIluIIuuIIuIIuIIIIluuuIfl

1;7

CATERING

FOOD FOR ALL OCCASIONS

WEDDINGS/ENGAGEMENTS ANNIVERSARIES AND CHRISTENINGS SPECIAL BIRTHDAYS AND CHILDRENS PARTIES COACH TRIPS MENUS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST

Y1 lb 4

ill 1

TEL: VAL 872401 OR FIONA 873312

FRESHBROOK TAKE AWAY FRESHBROOK VILLAGE CENTRE o FRESHBROOK, SWINDON, WILTS. I Telephone (0793) 873178

Fish and Chips Chinese Meals WHEREVER YOU PUT THE X WE'RE THE WINNER

Thrift Shop GOOD AS NEW Grand opening on Friday May 3rd lO.am 2pm. at Tóothill Community Centre also DROP IN COFFEE BAR.

Quality Wines Direct From France

Make money on your nearly new clothes =

Bottles

You will receive 80% of the sale price to be collected after the sale.

- Chateau bottled Bordeaux Wines (St. Estephe, Margaux, Medoc, St. Emilion).

Items must be of saleable quality and appropriate for the season. No underwear will be accepted.

- Beaujolais, Burgundy, Rhone Wines.

The members. committee will not accept responsibility for any loss or damage to items on display.

- By the case (mixed).

PLEASE COME AND SUPPORT US. WE LOOK FORWARD_ TO SEEING YOU. WHERE YOU CAN RELAX IN OUR FRIENDLY COFFEE BAR.

- For a comprehensive listing contact Swindon 870192 or Evening) 481706 (Day

- F.O.C. delivery.

Road Diversion Bradley Planning Services regret any inconvenience caused by the temporary closure of Hay Lane for a number of weeks from May 13th. This will allow the improvement of the road whilst preserving the existing trees and hedges. Access to Lydiard Mansion and St. Marys Church will be gained in two ways. 1 Up Hook Street past the Windmill to the Country Park entrance; 2. Through Shaw village and past the 9 Elms pub Washpool '

lint Sha

—ff--.

RI.JALr

Lydiard,Tregoze

WEsrEA

Gliel

ssTf S

oucS

44,.N

Goofos , ok

OtA A S

-çO Large Range of Ice Skates Now In Stock Baur Micron *Lange Fagan Plus Accessories — Bags, Guards, Laces, Socks, Tightners Etc.

So Come and See the Specialists Tel: 32588 WV

F V I

—

-" ri F U F. T An I • 1WL -— ' MINk — I j L4 - aI I. —

at Fleet St., Swindon West Swindon's

Community Newspaper

THE

PUBLICATION Early June Mid-July Mid-Sept

CLOSING DATES 10th May 28th June 23rd Aug

COPY FOR PUBLICATION TO Roger Ogle, 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook Janice Oliver, 10 Rochester Cl, Toothill Nick Jansen, 6 Moresby Cl, Westlea

april 1985

f reshbrook f ocus

the newsletter of the freshbrook village group residents organisation

ALL RESIDENTS OF FRESHBROOK ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE

Fre:shbrook Village Group ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING IN THE COMMUNITY CENTRE

WEDNESDAY 24th APRIL, 7:30p.m The agenda for the evening is: 1.

Welcomes and Apologies.

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of 18th April 1984.

Matters Arising.

Report from the Chair.

Treasurer's Report and Approval of the Audited Accounts of 1984 - 1985.

Approval of revisions to the Freshbrook Village Group Constitution (The proposed changes can be seen on the Community Centre noticeboard).

Election of Officers and members of the Freshbrook Village Group Executive Committee.

All residents of Freshbrook - including Grange Park - are members of the Village Group. It exists to represent the area and make social, cultural and educational opportunities available to all. The F.V.G. Executive is responsible for taking up issues which effect Freshbrook residents and for the management of the Community Centre in all its functions. The Annual meeting is a chance to hear of the past year's activities and to elect a new committee. Could you offer yourself? New people are needed to join the Executive. If you are interested, please fill in the form below.

Please return this form to Freshbrook Community Centre by 18th April. I wish to stand for election to Freshbrook Village Group Executive as Chair, Vice Chair, Hon. Secretary, Hon. Treasurer, Member of the Executive (delete as applicable). Name Address Telephone No

SH ROQ UN 11 pu

15t

FUN WEEK :l985 COULD FAI

Irne

MuS ~Its cj . Disc0 But t P0 Quee ,te! th 5 re Pe 5e Of tk and °2u5t52,, Year ' e ' u' We j help events /Cont50 e week P1 OCes

555

CUPPAS IS THE FRIENDLY NEIGHBOURHOOD MEETING PLACE AT FRESHBROOK COMMUNITY CENTRE. ITS OPEN EVERY WEEK DAY FROM 9.30 a.m. TO 4 p.m. CUPPAS IS THE IDEAL PLACE TO MEET FRIENDS AND MAKE NEW ONES. ITS WELL PLACED SO THAT YOU CAN WAIT FOR KIDS TO COME OUT OF SCHOOL OR PLAYGROUP, ITS A WELCOME RESTING PLACE AFTER THE WALK TO THE VILLAGE CENTRE. ON THE MENU YOU WILL FIND SANDWICHES (TOASTED AS WELL), SCONES, TEA CAKES & CAKES AND OTHER NICE THINGS TO EAT. ALSO AVAILABLE ARE TEA, COFFEE, HOT CHOCOLATE, SOFT AND FIZZY DRINKS. TRY A CUP AT CUPPAS. WE THINK YOU WILL LIKE IT.

to Y Cent

COUNTRY

& WESTERN EVENING

The Freshbrook Village Group is pleased to present COUNTRY CHOICE on 27th April at 8.00p.m.. Tickets at £1.50 each are available from the Community Centre. Food available at moderate cost. Licensed bar.

O.A.P.s

The Freshbrook Friendship Club welcomes retired residents of the area to their friendly social gatherings on Tuesdays between 1.30p.m. and 4.30p.m. at Freshbrook Community Centre. Activities include making friends, a raffle, bingo, singing, outings.

BINGO The Freshbrook Village Group proposes to

DOG OWNERS

The owners of dogs who persist in taking or letting their dogs go on Freshbrook school's playing field are urged to stop doing it. Children are increasingly being covered in a foul mess which is unpleasant and very

start regular BINGO evenings to fund raise for the Community Centre. Experienced Bingo organisers willing to run on the evenings on a voluntary basis are asked to contact Linda or Maureen at the Community Centre.

unhealthy. Please help by keeping at least one place free of dogs.

YOUTH

ROAD DIVERSION

Arising from the Village Group General meeting of 6th March on the subject of 'Youth in Freshbrook' a pressure group has been formed to campaign for a youth building in the area. 'Freshbrook Youth' has adults and a young people's committees and are hoping to raise enough support for their cause. Information on the group is available from the Community Centre.

Access to St. Mary's Church in Lydiard Park and the Mansion is going to be very April until the end of difficult from mid June because Hay Lane is going to be closed for improvements. Drivers are advised to go -

up Hook Road (next to the windmill) to the Country Park entrance to Lydiard and work

through the park or drive through Shaw Village and round.

AGREEMENT ON VILLAGE CENTRE, For more than two years, the Freshbrook

Village Group has been in negotiation with Thamesdown Council about the completion of the Village Centre, after removal of the old community hut. Agreement has been reached and Ken Hislop, Development Manager and John Fryer, Chief Planning Officer are pictured here at the February 6th Village Group meeting where they explained the plans with the help of a seasonal friend. The Village Group will display a set of plans when available in the community centre.

West Swindon's Community Newspaper

TRY THE ICE Est. 1978 Circ. 6,800

June 1985 No 47

TOOTHILL • FRESHBROOK • WESTLEA • SHAW

SECONDARY SCHOOL On page 2 and 3 The Link brings you exclusive information about west Swindon's secondary school with a description and photo of the headteacher and a letter from the Chief Education Officer

SWAMPED! What a week we've had! Our library open days at The Link and the stand we had at Carrefour have been an overwhelming success, and after all the months of ...preparation it has been really enjoyable getting to meet our readers. With only two weeks to go to opening, hundreds of you ..have already joined the library. : Books,

furniture and equipment are still arriving so that:all will be ready for opening day a wide choice of books for adults Pictured above - Children waiting to enter :and children, a comfortable browsing area, regular exhibitions West Swindon's community secondary school :.and a quiet study section. due open in September 1986 -------------------But the real excitement begins

on Tuesday 25th June when we at last throw open the doors to welcome you and your family in. Len Hobbs (Labour) retained his seat on Wiltshire County Courcil y winning the new Freshbrook ward in a 37.9% turnout with 800 See you soon. rotes against Fred Davis (Con) 531 and Ken Vessey (SOP/All) 319 Linda Black, Librarian

County Council Results

In the Toothill ward Alan Winmill (Lab) received 995 votes in a Link Library Hotline - 871444 35.1% turnout against Peter Stoddart (Con) 731, Martin Woerner (SOP/All) 413 and Neil Buick (Ecology) 52.

Upper Shaw Farm Opens Pictured left is last years Mayor of Thamesdown Cllr. H. Garratt opening We lea's community cen tre on 11th May. With him is Steve Whipp, Chair of the Westlea Residents Association. (photo by permiss- LINDA BLACK LOOKING ANYTHING BUT ion of the Evening SWAMPED!!! Advertiser

Latest Map Inside Win £15 -see page 6

SECONDARY

MAKE A SPLASH THE POOL

The Link is pleased to provide some information, at last, about West Swindon's secondary school. We would also like to welcome Ian Mathews and wish him the best of luck in his task of creating strong links between the school and the community.

The Principal designate of the new West Swindon Community School is Mr. Ian Matthews. Ian, who is married and has two children aged 12 and 9, is at present, Headteacher of a Comprehensive School at Raunds in North-hamptonshire. He started his career at a Grammar School in Essex and then moved to West Sussex as Head of Department in a large comprehensive school. His next post was with the same Authority and he joined the team of subject advisers working in all schools in the County. The expansion of the population in the County produced a need to build new comprehensive. schools, and Ian was subsequently appointed to the post of Deputy Headteacher at a new comprehensive near Littlehampton. This school was very similar to that at West Swindon and Ian remained with the school for seven years; seeing it grow from an 'empty field' to a large comprehensive school.

Sonofred Accounting DID YOU KNOW 7 That we can provide the following services Financial Tax Accounts Tax Return assistance

Book-keeping Management Accounts

DID YOU KNOW 7 That our first confidential no-obligation visit will cost you nothing. DID YOU KNOW 7 That we can visit you, at your premises, in your time. DID YOU KNOW ? That we don't cost the Earth. WELL, YOU DO NOW I Telephone Dave Norris on Swindon 46628 for a chat.

BATH & SELBY

MANOR ROAD, WESTCOTT PLACE, SWINDON: behind Mike Knight Tyres - Tel: 29352

ACCIDENT REPAIRe :--

SERVICING M.O.T. Tests -

.rsIIuuuuIuIl,uImluuu.,.....u.IIIIIIIuIuIIIIIIIIuIuIuIIIIIIfl

[IIIIIJEIIIIIHIHlllhJlEIIlIl

Ian Mathews with his wife Jo and daughters Nerys and Anna.

The early years of the new school at West Swindon are going to be particularly exciting One of Ian's first tasks will be to meet local people and discuss with them the future of the school, It is-anticipated that the Governors and Principal will wish to involve local people as much as possible in the new development. The top priority will be to ensure that the school offers first class standard of education for the local children and the Governors and Principal are sure that parents will be keen to support the school and help with its development. From September, when Ian starts his new post, there will be a number of public meetings and consultative groups to be organised and these will be given plenty of publicity to ensure that local people are given every opportunity to air their views well before the opening of the school in September 1986.

ST.PETERS. CATHOLIC CHURCH WEEKLY SERVICES AT TOOTHILL SHARED CHURCH Sundays - Mass 9.30 am and 5.00 pm. Wednesdays- Mass 7,30 pm. Saturdays - Mass 10.00 am. Confessions 10.30 - 11.00 am Baptisms by APPOINTMENT ST.PETERS WOMENS GROUP meet on Mondays 2 pm. at 1 Liskerd Way. Freshbrook. GET TOGETHER for mothers with their children and babies on Tuesday 11-12 at Toothill Shared Church.

TRY A SHOT

EDUCATION The Community School by Mr. I.M. Slocombe, Chief Education Officer, Wiltshire County Council. The new West Swindon secondary school will be the first in Wiltshire to be offically called a "Community School". Already people's imaginations have been stretched on. what this might or might not mean. The problem is that although :Community Schools already exist in many other parts of the country there is no single model which is clearly and readily recognisable. In Wiltshire we are starting from three simple principles: 1. The task of the Head will be to encourage community involvement in the school and in the use of its facilities rather than simply to hire out the building to local groups. 2. The activities run by the Local Education Authority - school, youth, adult education - should, as far as possible, be brought together and planned as a whole rather than as separate entities. 3. The administrative arrangements should easerather than frustrate the wider use of the school. We have deliberately not yet set down the detailed arrangements. The Head will take up his post in September, a year before the school opens, and one of his first duties will be to consult widely with the Governors, the Community Groups and the variety of educational interests to work out how these principles should be translated into practice. The interests of the children attending the school must be kept in the forefront. But they will gain from the extra support the community can give and, in turn, we hope the community as a whole will benefit from the use-of the facilities of the school.

3 ST PETER'S SUMMER FETE at TOOTHILL SCHOOL GROUNDS, Stokesay Drive on Saturday 15th June at 2.00 pm. - 4.30 pm. Attractions include Childrens Fancy Dress, Gym Display, Kelly School of Dancing plus Cake Stalls,refreshments, toys, Fancy Goods, Groceries and much more.

FRESHBROOK ' j1 TAKE AWAY 4

Ladies ENJOY A FASHION SHOW. IN YOUR OWN HOME. LADIES & CHILDRENS WEAR. GOOD COMMISSION PLUS FREE GIFTS DETAILS FROM BRENDA ON 873368

REWIRING SPECIALIST LIGHTING SYSTEMS CENTRAL HEATING INSTALLATIONS GENERAL INSTALLATIONS OR REPAIR DOMESTIC - INDUSTRIAL - COMMERCIAL WE OFFER THE COMPLETE SERVICE

Ring Rons' Electrical on: (0793) 870252 35 Woodchester, Westlea, Swindon. Wilts.

FRESHBROOK VILLAGE CENTRE FRESHBROOK, SWINDON, WILTS. Telephone (0793) 873178

* EXOTIC CHINESE DISHES * TRADITIONAL FISH & CHIPS * DELICIOUS HOT SNACKS * LUNCHEON VOUCHERS ACCEPTED

* PHONE-IN ORDERS WELCOMED *************************************

A & J BUILDERS

BUILDING CONTRACTORS 9 NEW ROAD - PIJRTON SWINDON 9'

TEL: 771028

3 WORSLEY ROAD * FRESHBROOK SWINDON TEL: 481088

YOUR LOCAL BUILDER WE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH ANY OF THESE SERVICES: * HOUSE AND GARAGE EXTENSIONS/REPAIRS * NEW ROOFS AND REPAIRS

It is an exciting prospect and its success will depend on the links and understanding between the school and the community.

ELECTRICITY IN SAFE HANDS

9 j1q

NEW WINDOWS

ALTERATIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS

9' * 9' 9' 9' * 9' 9'

FIREPLACES

* * *

PAINTING & DECORATING (IN & OUTSIDE)

GARDEN WALLS AND FENCING

PATHS, DRIVES AND PATIOS

GRANT WORK UNDERTAKEN

* *

NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL FREE ESTIMATES GIVEN

TURN A NEW LEAF LIBRARY

The Better Halves Are you the better half left with the children? Do you need to meet people with the same outlook as you? Do you sometimes feel the world exists on childrens chatter? Come and join us at The Link Centre on Tuesdays 10.30am

Westlea Fete

22nd June, 2-5pm at Westlea School Kids Races, Stalls, School Display Fancy Dress Competition. More in— formation from Steve Whipp 872675

and Fridays 7.30-10.30pm. We are all single parents and

Fun IN A week of th June 15th to posters or r

Money raised

hope to offer a welcoming meeting place to those in similar situations.

Maria Rooney \.s

MAKE—UP ARTIST FOR THAT SPECIAL OCCASION FACE SPRING OFFER TO THE 1st 100 LINK READERS - SPECIAL PRICE OF £1.50 NORMAL PRICE £3.50 TEL: 873092

F=_ Wjgtaai Established 1898 Blagrove House, 2/3 Newport Street, Old Town, Swindon, Wiltshire SN1 3DZ. Tel: Swindon (0793) 33301 124, Commercial Road, Swindon, Wiltshire SN1 5PL Tel: Swindon (0793) 33301

SELL YOUR HOUSE WITH TOTAL CONFIDENCE INSTRUCT

Westlea Under 5's who meet at the Sunshine Room, Langstone Way recently did a sponsored obstacle course - ID laps each - to raise money for the Thamesdown Ethiopian Appeal. gas raised and the children were told all-about why they were raising the money. Pam Locke, Chair, Thomas Locke, Laura Greenhalgh and Robert Hannington presenting the cheque to the Mayor of Thamesdown.

FRESHBROOK EVANGELICAL CHURCH Meeting in FRESHBROOK COMMUNITY CENTRE welcome you and members of your family to the SERVICES held each week as follows:SUNDAY

Faffmt

10.00 am 11.00 am

SUNDAY SCHOOL MORNING WORSHIP (with creche(. EVENING SERVICE

6.30 pm

THE ESTATE AGENTS WHO SPECIALIZE IN SOLE AGENCY NO SALE! - NO FEE! Free valuations Carried out by PHIL HOLLAND & MIKE DEWHURST who both live in the western expansion

MONDAY

7.00 pm

TUESDAY

8.00 pm.

THURSDAY

ENTERPRISE CLUB (8-12 YEARS).

10.30 am.

BIBLE STUDY AND FELLOWSHIP MEETING. LADIES MEETING (held in various homes)

MINISTER REV. IAN BEEDHAM. TEL: 694157.

Going a bombi T who have used th' Toothill Commufli 2pm. Good quail household items commission basis Also on at the s In where you can friends. AND BE for the toddlers Flamingoes mobil

Lydiar Ch In June 1985, the every Sundy. Many -ing this lovely o for quiet worship for lively cheerfu So in June, there Sunday at 11 am an The only exception Sunday each month 10 am. This very children and famil informal, quick-mo hal f-ar-hour. On June 15th we we Thamesdown to the service will be at Rev. Kath Share, t

The Church in Westlea is a gathering of Christ many traditions and denominations who live in t

WRSTLEA CHURCH

EVENINGS: Telephone: 873358 or 870539

andcome together to worship led by the Ministe n

Toothill United team of Baptist, Anglican, Meth United Reform Churches assisted by our own lay

iIIIIIIIIIuIIIIIIIIlIIiIIIIIIUIIIlIIIlIIIIIlIIIIIIlIIIIIIIIIIIIIIU

Our Church is par Community and ma

DOES YOUR SHOWER FLOW HOT & COLD? We can fit you a replacement stahPtzed shower for under £100 inc. VAT - suLi/eci to your wit/hg aod plumLilfig lie/fig Iii otter

members have

SHOWER INSTALLATIONS t REDRING SANTON a RUSSELL HOBBS * HEATR.4E * Fitted complete with wiring and plumbing from under

£200 inc. VAT

CHURCH CONTAC signs in their wi they will be hap

PETER NEWSON (ELECTRICAL) LTD.

Unit 3, London Street, Swindon - next to station SWINDON. Tel. 26940/34303

you about the Chi Sundays at 10:4 a service at West School with a crE Sunday School.D

HEIGHTS

MAKE A MASTERPIECE ARTS SUITE

eek

nuur

o do and enjoy. Watch for 1017 for details

Shop

New Toothill Committee The Centre had its first Annual General Meet -ing on the 25th April and a new Management Committee was elected. I would like to thank all of the outgoing Committee for all of their time and effort given so freely and to say a very special thanks to Mr. Roger Chittock who has done a great deal more than just being the Clubs Secretary. I would also like to wish him good luck in his new role as full time Steward of the Centre Bar, which incidently is now open on Thursday and Friday lunchtimes as well as in the evenings. The Centre is will used by all ages and many varied activities can be found from Toddlers to OAP's Youth Club to Keep Fit. The Centre now has a booking clerk available between 8.45 am and 12.45 pm. Monday to Friday she would be only too happy to give you any information you require about Centre activities or about private hire for weddings, birthday parties etc. Tel:614492. If you have any idea's of what you would like to see take place in tour Centre plesse let me know. We need you and you can be sure you'll be welcome.

opinion of the women a New thrift shop at e on Fridays, iQam to clothing and other t and sold on a

5 BUYING OR SELLING YOUR OWN HOME?

Then let us save you time and money by finding that mortgage and handling the legal work.. EAST - WEST CONVEYANCING

211 Bath Road Swindon 616173 The dependable home-buyer's service Any typing undertaken by R.S.A. qualified typist. phone 481957 anytime.

WHICH BUILDING SOCIETY GIVES OVER 10 MILLION PEOPLE A LITTLE XTRA HELP'

Terry Brown Toothill Community Centre Secretary.

HALIFAX.THE WORLD'S N01.

is the Coffee Dropn, relax and chat to L THERE IS A CRECHE the super duper Pink group. Cant be bad.

goze

eturns to 2 services re once again findi church a centre ilection - and also with our children. a service every TI.

is that on the 1st family service at ccasion is for 11 ages. It is 'ship, lasting about

new Mayor of ayoral Service. This id will be held by 's Chaplain.

Chairperson June Chittock with Terry Brown, Secretary

Many thanks Len Hobbs and the Freshhrook Labour Party thank all those who voted for him in the recent County Council Elections. He will continue to work for everybody in the Ward. If you have any problems or suggestions then do not hesaitate to contact him on Swindon 770445 and he will call and see you to discuss matters in complete confidence.

LOCAL BRANCH: Town Square, West Swindon District Centre, %lestlea, Swindon. Telephone: 873223. DISTRICT OFFICE: 42-44 Commercial Road, Swindon. Telephone: 27138. Also at: 53 The Parade, Swindon. Telephone: 38818.

firAiMMOV S-ZTOR&! FRV#RWMff 7?/epho'ie.' /?don 873006.

FULL NEWSPAPER DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE TO ALL OF WEST SWINDON a

POT A BLACK SNOOKER

QUIZ TIM17 closing date: july 1St

The Link newspaper won a ÂŁ15 voucher giving entry to any of Thamesdown's Arts and Recreation facilities, when we jointly won the competition to name The Link Centre. Now, readers of The Link have the chance to win this ÂŁ15 voucher plus 6 free Ice-Skate sessions compliments of the Link Co-ordinator Chris Dier. All you have to do is answer the questions below, identify the photographs and write a slogan. Write your answers on a postcard or in a letter and send your entries to The Editor,The Link, 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook, Swindon SN5 8PQ 1. When was the Link newspaper first published? a) October 1978; b) December 1978 c) January 1979 2. How many were printed in the first edition? a) 450; b) 600; c) 1,000 3. What is the name of West Swindon's Community Sculptor? 4. What was the name of the Toothill supermarket before Newsfare took over? 5. What is the name of the word 'Toothill'? Is it a) a high place; b) a railway signal; c) an Anglo-Saxon swear word. Now identify the photographs below and then write a slogan in no more than 20 words starting 11 "I THINK THE LINK NEWSPAPER IS

Juvenile Delinquency Increasing crime, particula'lj juvenile crime is of great concern to us all. Crime is costly both financially and emotionally There is concern that not enough is being done to reduce the amount of offending. Many people advocate the 'short, sharp, shock' in Detention Centres or feel a court appearance and stiff fines will put a stop to offending. However these measures often seem ineffectual. 800/o of those who custodial sentences; just as many who appear in court continue to offend for a time. Are there better and more succesful methods of solving the problem? One method is better education about crime and the law in schools. Another new idea is 'reparation' where the offender with the agreement of the 1jj1flh makes amends by

apologising 6 doing something practical to try and put things right. I would like to talk to west Swindon people who have views on juvenile offending and what positive action can be taken to reduce it. If you are prepared to talk, leave a message for Stephanie Evans on 26161x 391 or write to 141 Crawford Cl. Freshbrook.

Morrison &

Masters

Town Square West Swindon Centre Westlea, Swindon

Solicitors Telephone: 870055

IF IT'S HELP YOU WANT IN ANY LEGAL MATTER, GIVE US A CALL In Swindon New Town for almost 100 YEARS, and now also at the West Swindon District Centre.

also at: 20 Commercial Road Swindon Telephone: 26601

HIT A SMASH

CRAFTS, PAINTING, SOUND RECORDING, WRITING,

W,WN0 X01wi

7 Judo MONDAY

Help 'ONIINIHd 'AHJEOd

PHO TOGRAPHY,

ETC.

C Cl)

SDIHdVHD 'DNIMVHG 'SHflLd'IflDS 'AH2110d

Freshbrook School Community Room 4.00 - 5.00 pm. Toothill Farm THURSDAY 3.30 - 4.30 pm. Girls and boys 5 - 11 years. Teacher: Mr. T.H.A. Coombes.

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning HIRE ONE OF OUR STIMVAC MACHINES As used by Professionals For £16 per day including Chemicals FREE DELIVERY, COLLECTION AND ADVICE

The Link Centre has brought a massive range of leisure, arts and sports activities under one roof. West Swindon residents will the choice of participating in any or all of them. In the arts Bob Stewart, the arts co-ordinator pictured above, is surrounded by lots of possibilities but has to decide which ones to go for. Bob has has 18 years experience in the arts, especially in music and theatre. He has marecords, worked in film, t.v. and stage and has toured as a performer Bob now wants to work within a community to help develop the interests and ideas that people have. Commenting to The Link Bob said "My first task is to find out what west Swindon residents want from me and the Arts. I have a budget but its no good buying equipment and organising a programme then discovering that nobody wants to make use of it. Its much more sensible to talk to people before committing money which could be spent in so many different ways. I also want to get an idea of residents want in terms of arts courses, classes and shows or performances. I think I can only be effective in co-ordinating arts at The Link Centre and in west Swindon in general if I respond to what the people who live here are saying. I want to hear a lot." Link readers can get hold of Bob Stewart at The Link Centre on 871212 MEANWHILE. . . down at the Toothill Community Sculpture Studio (the hut on Dunwich Drive) Jon Buck's sculpture for Westlea Park is taking .-shape. .....

We Professionally clean Three Piece Suites from £24 - Carpets from £15 We also clean car upholstery and carpets from E12.00 Ring BOB HARVEY on SWINDON 643499

, SWINDON SOFT WATER Makes water softening simple No Best selling water softener ln the UK

KINEY1

The world's most advanced fully automatic non-electric meter-controlled system For a complete service In water softeners

Sales Service 0 Installations - Rents Buy • DIY

Call BRIAN COX on SWINDON 27172

GLASS CUT TO

Thick or Thin, Large or Small, While You Wait or Prompt Delivery COMPETITIVE PRICES

SWINDON GLASS OKUS ROAD, SWINDON Tel. 20483 & 26480

HAVE A CHAT

Fun at the Link

AND RELAX HEALTH SUITE+

IT'S ALL AT 7

The Link has opened its doors at last and to give it the official send off The Mayor came with help from a on down and tried the ice friend. But before the general public took over, on April 18th. 986 members of west Swindon community groups and Link distributors were given a free skate and tours. A great time was had by all as can be seen in the photo below -

Tel. (0793) 871212

~%n

LINK

CENTRE

Winter Sports Are their any Link readers interested in forming an Alpine Sports Club ready for next winters snow.

The

ski ramp is ready (pictured left) and plastic sledge racing on Toot Hill can be quickly organised. Anybody into long tern plans should contact The Link.

charlifle browns

SFORTSHOP WEST SWINDON CENTRE TENNIS, BADMINTON, SQUASH RACQUET REPAIRS CRICKET, GYNEAR, ICE SKATES CLOTHES, SHOES, EQUIPMENT TELEPHONE: 873484 West Swindons Community Newspaper

PUBLICATION Mid-July Mid-September End-October

CLOSING DATES 28th June 23rd August 4th October

COPY FOR PUBLICATION TO: Roger Ogle, 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook Janice Oliver, 10 Rochester Cl, Toothill Nick Jansen, 6 Moresby Cl., Westlea

J & WHERE 1985 othill Church

Mon 1.30 p.m.

othil1 Farm

Tues 10.00 a.m.

aumunity Room othill School

Toes 10.00 a.m.

othill Community Centre Thurs 1.30 p.m.

YOUNG PEOPLE 870440

Toothill Youth Club

Rod Grant,

Toothill Community Centre Youth Club

Toothill Community Centre

Fri. 7.30 p.m.

Toothill Junior Club

Toothill Farm

Thurs 6.00 p.m.

Freshbrook Youth Club

Freshbrook Community Centre

Fri 7.30 p.m.

Freshbrook Junior Youth Club

Freshbrook Community Centre

Mon 7.30 p.m.

Great Western Revellers Majorettes

Freshbrook Community Centre

Thurs 7.30 p.m.

-eshbrook Community 'ntre

Toes )10.00a.m. Thurs)

Freshbrook Gym Club

Freshbrook Community Centre

Wed 6.30 p.m.

inshine Room )ngstone Way, Westlea

Tues 1.30 p.m.

Saturday Dance Shop

Freshbrook Comiunity Centre

Sat 10.15 a.m. - 6 up

)per Shaw Farm

Thurs 2.00 p.m.

UNIFORMED YOUTH GROUPS Scouts (1st Toothill)

Toothill Church

Thur 7.00 p.m.

Scouts (2nd Toothill)

Oliver Tomkins School

Tues 7.30 p.m.

Venture Scouts

Toothill Farm

Thurs 8.00 p.m.

Toothill Church

Thurs 6.00 p.m.

Oliver Tomkins School

Tues 6.00 p.m.

Cubs - Westlea

Upper Shaw Farm

Wed 6.30 p.m.

Guides - Toothill

Toothill Church

Mon 7.30 p.m.

Guides - Freshbrook

Freshbrook Community Centre

Toes 8.00 p.m.

Guides - Westlea

Westlea School

Tues 7.15 p.m.

ing Liz Donovan, 870902 for meetings

t. Peter's Catholic urch (Toothill Church)

Tues 11.00 a.m.

reshbrook Community sntre

Sat 9.30 a.m. Cubs (1st Toothill)

othill Farm

7 sessions Supervisor: Judith Buck

,othill Community Centre 10 sessions Supervisor: )mmunity Centre, Janet Freeguard

eshbrook Community ?ntre

10 sessions Supervisor: Val Isles

)mmunity Room eshbrook School

8 sessions Supervisor: Chris Berry

inshine Room, ngstone Way, Westlea

7 sessions Supervisor: Barbara Frost

)per Shaw Farm

S sessions Supervisor: Glynis Bush

?thodist Chapel, aw

5 sessions Supervisor: Jenny John

Cubs (2nd Toothill)

Brownies

Toothill

Toothill School

Mon 6.00 p.m.

Brownies

2nd Freshbrook

Freshbrook Community Centre

Mon 6.00 p.m.

Brownies

1st Freshbrook

Westlea School

Toes 6.00 p.m.

Brownies

Westlea

Westlea School

Toes 6.00 p.m.

Toothill Church

Tues 6.00 p.m.

Red Cross CHURCHES AND CHURCH GROUPS hill Community re

Mon 2.00 p.m.

Linity Room ur Tomkins School

Thurs 2.00 p.m.

hill Church

Wed 12.00 p.m.

ibrook Community re

Tues 2.00 p.m.

'ine Room ;tone Way, Westlea

Thurs 2.00 p.m.

inity Room brook School

Sun 12.00 p.m.

Toothill Church

Pat Whelan, 80 Conisborough Toothill

46421

St. Peters Roman Catholic Church

Fr. O'Driscoll, 1 Liskeard Way, Freshbrook

33019

St. Marys, Lydiard Tregoze Freshbrook

John Flory, The Rectory, Lydiard Millicent

770217

Freshbrook Evangelical Church -

Alan Hookins, 20 Ainwick, Toothill

695012

Westlea Church

Peter Lawrence, 7 Springhill Cl, Westlea

872822

Thursday Fellowship

Toothill Church

Thurs 2.00 p.m

Ladies Tea and Talk

Toothill Church

Tues 2.00 p.m.

Roman Catholic Womens Group

Mon 2.00 p.m. Presbytery, I Liskead Way, Freshbrook

other venues in West Swindon. Ring orination. mation on the latest sports, leisure, ace at The Link

4-) 3)3 a) C:3

-43))

03)) U) C) >. U >. >, 4-4-) 4-) E "4 C- C C ,C 3)330 lEE C-. QEED 00_C

0000

iaC

'-I

.,-411114

C 4) 4-, .3 0 0 0 0 0 -10004-00 44-

4- C')

C')

4-, a) '-4 U o 4.) 0 (0 a)')a) C40)0) 4)4C3 C< 40 a) a) 4-01 4- :3 ..-I U >H 0 :3 4-' -4 C1 1C- - Ico C 'C U 3 >1 3:3 a)'H4-04-C 4-' 4- 4--I C 4-4- >4- E 4-fl .4O 01 C 0 a) 3 (n a) COLa)4-0LQ,.4-' 1:30)1 0 (nLfl4- C La) C fi 33Oa)La) :3> 00 (0 3)) 0 4- 4- 0 0 04-' .4 14-C CL a)fl .I)-. C- a) r 3 0 UC 4-) 4- 4.) 4.) '.4 09 C C a) 0 3 E U C .-4 a) IC a C 0004-OL ao 4>- 000Q-U-00W0

C a) 0-

4) 0 0) a C - D 0 E 0 a) 0 a 04-' -CC C 04(0 a) CC C 0) -44a) C -4 '.44-')9Ca) 0 3'.-)4-'4-) O 0) -4 0 (03.4 C 4-a) C CO Ca) 0) 4430 4-14-I 01 4-'>9E C C4.)E> ,CI 0 -.4 04-' O'-4 CO"4 E E -3 C 4-'> 4-4CD 3)0 >IEE3 •H34-4.-I 4- CE OE Ca) 0 ,0 CO 4-00E LQO 0_C a)-.-) I 04-1(1) 0CC -I.) C •.4.-1a) J.H C 4-4-a)I)-. CO) 0 4.4-3 '-I 0 0 4-' 3 .44-C 4-4-4-4-'

3) 3)4-4.104-

Pe des tr ian Rou tes

Ice Rink,

.4-

0 40 0

(o C.0 .3 -3 10(03(0(0(0 >3)3))

3) 3)

C0 ,_..-.,

3)0

0 >4 >4

E w

3)04-

Li -

\\1

ptA

LLJ

Cr,

0 F-

I 0

F-

H I-

H -J

,.e

Q0 QLLJ LL

w w

uiW

C/)

LL.

-Jw

-J

c'1

_Lli

z w 0 I-. Q

LL LU 4,4 LIj

LLJ

44J1M1414141

U) -J

000. W Q-zw crwoI".uum

uI __

Ci)

Z<Q.

W Z

Cn LLJ

P [1

oH F-

1OYINOW/

-o

o Ir FLUi LU

LU 0 LL>. LLI

C-)

>0ci cn

Cl)

>__J .2p

0 0

Z Ci)

F-

0 w (1)w

0 Cl)

0oco

100 0 â€”' Cl)

0 F-

RESIDENTS' REPRESENTATIVE ORGANISATIONS Chair: do Freshbrook Community Centre, Worsley Road, Freshbrook

Freshbrook Village Group

871017

WHAT'S JI. PARENT AND TODDLERS

Westlea Residents' Association -

Shaw Residents' Association

Toothill & Freshbrook Tenants Association

Chair: Steve Whipp, 48 Moresby Cl, Westlea

872675

Chair: Ron Russell, Brookside, Washpool, Shaw

771116

Chair: Charles Blaxhall, 40 Kirkstall Cl, Toothill

481510

The Drop-In

Tuesday Time-Out

Mothers Meet

COMMUNITY GROUPS The Chat Shop Rainbow Single Parent Group

Freshbrook Keep Fit Club (with Creche)

One O'Clock Club (Lone Parent Group)

Western Thamesdown Drama

Junction 16 Drama Club

West Swindon Ladies (Social) Club

Tootleabrook Women's Institute -

The Link Community Newspaper

Regular meetings are not held at present. Telephone Karen Twohy on 870240 for information, help and advice.

Freshbrook Parent and Toddler -

Freshbrook Community Centre

Wed 10.00 a.m. Sunshine Parent and Toddlers

Freshbrook Community Centre

Wed 1.00 p.m.

Toothill Community Centre

Mon 8.00 p.m.

Freshbrook Community Centre

Mon 7.45 p.m. Thurs 8.00 p.m.

Community Room Toothill School

Shaw Ridge Parent and Toddler Group National Childbirth Trust

Ring 485637 for dates of meetings

Saturday Pre-School Dance

Community Room Toothill School

3rd Wed in month

PLAYGROUPS

Published every 6 weeks. for copydate.

Ring 872282

Toothill Farm Playgroup

Project Workers: John Jenkins and Audrey Johnson

West Swindon Family Project (National Childrens Home) 15 Gainsborough Way, Freshbrook

The Together Group

871303 Dunwich Drive Playgroup Monday 1.30-3 pm

West Swindon Advice Centre

15 Gainsborough Way

Karate

Oliver Tomkins School Tues 6.00 p.m. 7-16 Thur 7.30 p.m.16 up

Judo

Acorn Computer Users Club

Friday l0am-12pm

Community Room Freshbrook School Toothill Farm

Mon )4.00 p.m. Thurs)3.30 p.m. in school terms

Upper 5ia4 Farm

Mon. 7.30 p.m.

Andy Blunt, 22 Chalgrove Field, Freshbrook

695719

Labour Party

Sue Griffin, 29 Lambert Cl., Freshbrook

692305

SDO/Liberal Alliance

Ken Vessey, 9 Newark Close, Freshbrook

Conservative Party

Good As New Thrift Shop

Toothill Community

and Coffee Drop-In

Centre

Freshbrook Playgroup

Rainbow Playgroup

Westlea Playgroup

Upper Shaw Farm Playgroup

Shaw Playgroup 39958

Fri. lOam-2pm

Venues for meetings - 614492 Toothill Community Centre Freshbrook Community Centre 871017 Westlea Community Centre at Nick Jansen 87210 Upper Shaw Farm Steve Whipp 872675 Sunshine Room, Langstone Way, Westlea Thamesdown Council Community Room, Toothill School 26161 ext. 3176 Community Room, Freshbrook School Mrs. Mainwaring Toothill Farm Community House Sarah Jennings Ike Gradwell Community Suite, 872282 The Link Centre 47250 Toothill School 870471 Oliver Tomkins Infant School 872100 Oliver Tomkins Junior School Freshbrook School 872800 870469 Westlea School Pat Whelan 46421 Toothill Church

RETIRED PEOPLE The Good Companions Club

The Happy Wanderers

Toothill Lunch Club and Afternoon Social Club

Freshbrook Friendship Club

Westlea Afternoon Club

Freshbrook Day Care Centre

EVENING CLASSES are held in schoo Rod Kensett on 40131 for up to d

THE LINK CENTRE. Ring 871212 fo arts and community activities tak

WEST SWINDON YOUTH RESOURCE COMMITTEE Sponsored by the Methodist Association of Youth Clubs in conjunction with Thamesdown Borough Council

Letter from the Chair

â€˘M' International Youth Year

The report indicates areas in which work has been undertaken in the past twelve

I am pleased to commend the Second

months, which it is believed are a

tnnual Report of the West Swindon Youth

significant contribution in fulfilment

Resource Committee, covering the period

of the committee's aim of developing and

April 1984 to April 1985, to the attent-

supoorting voluntary youth work and

ion of the bodies who made possible the

making some provision for detached youth

full-time youth work aspointent, and

work within the, area.

to others who share the concern for the development of youth resource in

/ 4

windon's .Testern Development Area. The Resource Oor'ittee came into being to appoint a worker to engage in community youth work in the Western Development Area at a time when there was no full-time qualified youth worker in this growing area. The a;pointment made by the Methodist Church commenced in April 1983, funded under the Government's Urban Aid Programme with Thamesdown Borough Council as its main sponsor. The worker is serviced by the Regional Officer of the Methodist Association of Youth Clubs in the Bristol District, and receives invaluable support from the Community Development Department of the Borough Council. He also maintains a useful relationship with Wiltshire County Youth Service which it is hoped will develop further when youth appointments are made by the county authority in West Swindon.

The Project has now been going two years, so this is my second Annual Report. We are aware that many people neither know of our exiistence nor what we do. In this International Year of Youth, when it is important for all apects of young people's lives to be brought to the public's attention, the West Swindon Youth Resource Committee hoped that by making it's Annual Report a public document, we could create interest and better understanding of our work in the area. In my first annual report I talked about the need to develop facilities for young people in West Swindon, and looked forward to the year 1984/5 as a telling time. During the past year new places have opened up and numerous adults have become involved in work with the young. I cannot lay claim to even most of these new initiatives, but I welcome them as part of our community's resvonse to it's teenage population. This report, as the last, will have two main thrusts. The first is a resume of the last Year's work in which I shall tell the story of some of the most important pieces of work, and the second will be a brief look at what I think should happen now. An Annual Report is not just a time to reflect on the success of the past year, but also a time to consider what it all means for the future.

Freshbrook A year ago I took the unpleasant decision to close F.Y.C. I had been running it alone for twelve months and, ironically, because of the increasing numbers using it, I was no longer able to guarantee worthwhile work in that fragile, shared building. I promised that I would re-open in the Autumn, in the new Community Centre, with new helpers and a oositive approach. Recruiting volunteers has never been easy, but thankfully the page of cartoons featured in the Link in May which recognised the fears that many may have of working in Youth Clubs, resulted in a team of people coming together. Together we ran discos in the Summer to get to know the young people of Freshbrook. In Septmber we launched the Youth Club with a public meeting at which the prospective members voiced their ooinions of what should go on in their youth club.

Centre, which frees the youth club to look a other ways of working with young people. At present through a questionnaire we are canvassing for ideas from people, young and old, particularly looking at group activitie that, because they are noisy or messy, may n be possible anywhere else. So if you have a ideas or requests, then get in touch: The arrival of the new Community Centres h certainly made a difference to what is available to young oeoole. Their presence h also helped more adults to get involved. A Toothill there is now the evening drop-in, with it's juke box, video games and"young" atmosphere, and a youth club on Friday nigh In Freshbrook too, a group of young people adults have come together and opened the ca there in the evenings. They are also press for a youth-only building to be erected in Freshbrook, and are holding events such as sponsored skate pictured here to raise fund and publicity.

The staff team has developed over the past nine months. We have regularly discussed the work we're doing, our hopes for it a-id our

By courtesy of Wiltshire Newspapers

More youth workers! fears of it . While we are inevitably limited by our resources, I believe Freshbrook Youth Club is now an excellent resource to the community, and I am extremely grateful to all those who have worked so hard for it.

Toothill Toothill Youth Club has had a strange year. Thanks to a grant from Thamesdown Council, toilets and a kitchen were installed. The club was relaunched in November with it's usual, and highly successful Bonfire Night event. However, in the meantime the new Community Centre had opened and with it's brighter, cleaner and more central attractions, young people drifted towards it. A multi-media recruitment drive was launched , but unlike the Freshbrook experience, it failed to produce a new team of workers. The Management Committee is now in an enviable position. Toothill Youth Club is still the only building in West Swindon that is excusively available to young people. A drop-in and youth club are provided by our friends at the Community

The major change in young people's leisure he come about very recently. I am of course referring to the opening of the Link Centre Ice Rink. With the rest of the building due to open soon there will shortly be the opport unities to get involved in a host of sportinรง and creative pastimes. Before the end of tt year Wiltshire County Council will have appointed a youth worker in the building. This person will work quite closely with the Community Activities Officer and with the West Swindon Youth Resource Committee's worke to find ways of promoting a wide range of activities with young people in the Centre. It is gratifying to feel that the WSYRC's oersistant approaches to Wiltshire have resulted in the recognition that we should work together with young people in West Swindon. The Thompson Reoort on the Youth Service (1982) recommends such participation between voluntary and statutory organisations and to have achieved this is, I believe, a major success for the Committee.

School

further "link" will not be seen in the next ear, but should nonetheless be borne in mind. V The new secondary school is well,on the way to it's opening in September 1986. It will be -quipped with a "youth wing", comprising a sports hail, activities area and coffee bar. There will also be a youth worker there, who gill then become the third member of an informal youth work team. Some of the work or the coming year must be to lay the foundations of this exciting team approach to work in West Swindon. The headteacher has airady been appointed, and below is a foretaste of his ideas about ,iorking with teenagers. He will be, I am sure, a valuable resource to us all.

ome time ago the writer and poet, Ogden Nash )enned a brief verse whose sentiments will be rery familiai' to many parents; 'Children aren't happy with nothing to ignore, md that's what parents were created for' Jnfortunately it is often our young people who ire ignored by adults and we frequently fail :o recognise and appreciate the social )ressures which they face, and which are so ifferent to those faced by the 'older eneration'. Our young people form a vital art of our community and we should all ensure hat they receive appropriate guidance and esources. International Youth Year is an pportunity for adults to make a special ontribution to ensure the welfare and success )f our future society. In all communti es mdults are already helping to run various routh activities ranging from the local youth lub to the various uniformed organisations. lore helpers are always required and their ervices are alwaysmuch appreciated. inally, for the cynical, who think of the odern generation as being noisy, untidy and ;enerally undeserving, it should be pointed ut that the first recorded complaint of modern' youth occured in a book called 'The epublic' written by the Greek philosopher lato - he lived over two thousand years ago

At large... In my last report I talked about the start of my involvement with two town wide projects. In December, the report "Young People in Thamesdown" was submitted to the Borough Council. Although so far not a great deal has resulted from that report, there is currently some action within the Borough on some of the issues raised. These were particularly around the subjects of unemployment, housing, money, education, family stress etc. This was a major piece of work undertaken by myself and the Borough's Social Development Assistant. During the course of our research we talked to a great many professionals, many of whom nointed to the Western Expansion as an increasingly problematic area. The report is available from Thamesdown Council A theme of International Youth Year is "participation". The IYY Coordinating Committee felt that it was important that as many young people as possibe should have the chance to say what they felt about life in Thamesdown. A questionnaire was drawn up and circulated throughout the town (and beyond) and in all some 1556 people filled them in. The process of making sense of all the information has fallen to two of us. We are now at the brink of publishing the Survey's findings, which will reiterate much of what was said in the Youth Reoort about the importance of the security of work, money and homes, this time in the words of young people themselves. With so much of IYY being geared towards "events", I believe this Survey report will he of major importance in highlighting the difficulties involved in being young in Britain in the 1980's.

'rom Ian Matthews, Head of West Swindon ommunity School.

â€˘flĂźi*.n, e1,ou ti-le T%dure, what ate you most looking, Ă§orwar to?

.ocally then, a great deal has changed in the )ast twelve months.

I have always tried to develop work with individuals and small groups around these issues. I have never believed that youth work is simply about providing leisure activities, but that this is simply the first step to a closer way of working with people.

A good example of this is "Off the Recor&, the youth counselling service who have been coming out to the Western Expansion on the "Octobus" since last Autumn, when together we laid plans for an experiment in bringing this important town centre agency to the outskirts. They have regularly met young people in the Carrefour Car Park, and while providing a meeting place have also been able to promote Off the Record asaresource to young people who would like the ooportunity to share their concerns and difficulties with a sympathetic adult. Originally conceived as possibly short-teriri, the team has been pleased with the results and have extended their stay from Christmas and are now looking round for a suitable permanent base from June when the Octobus will no longer be available. I am very grateful for Off the Record's work. With the Link Centre, the Community Centres and the School either opened or opening, there are now many places for young people to meet and engage in leisure activities. These buildings have stimulated other adults to get involved, so that these activities cantake place. While there is still a great deal of room to expand and develop this work, with more adults and more activities, we are also at a point now where we can afford to look for the smaller groups and the less conspicuous individuals for whom the youth services should also exist. Something that I am proud of is that I have been able to help and support a local young man in setting himself up in his own business as a window cleaner. Roy Hunt is a popular figure in West Swindon, and despite his deafness is able to earn his own living and participate in normal life.

At present I see roughly one person every six weeks about help with issues such as housing, job-hunting, Dhss, the police and so on. The. are people with whom I have had fairly close contact since the early days of FreshbrOOk Youth Club, and who no longer find existing youth provision attractive. I believe these and many others like them with whom I have no contact, are the vanguard of a generation of young people from West Swindon who will be socially penalised again and again, in the fields of(un) employment, money, housing, the police and the judiciary, health and leisure. These people would benefit from a youth work project aimed at supporting them in the face of such difficulties.

Conclusion So far we have understood the West Swindon Youth Resource Committee to be concerned with resources for young people's leisure. Anothe: important area is young people's own resource for dealing with problems. In the coming year I hope that we may explore these ideas with other youth workers and agencies working with young people in this area, as well as continuing to provide support and encouragement to the increasing number of youth activities in West Swindon.

Rod Grant, May 1985 Finally, if any of this has stimulated you an you'd either like to know more, offer your ideas, or even get involved, then please cut this section out, fill in your name and addre and post it to the West Swindon Youth Resourc Committee at Toothill Church, Dunwicli Drive, Toothill. And we shall be in touch

a\xt tA&\ fVZ. Y& .SiYC. A...

t$vM Narm

t k& ak. - ........ By courtesy of Wiltshire Newspapers

cor&cÂź mtz.

June 1985

f reshbrook f ocus the newsletter of the freshbrook village group residents organisation

UNE 15-23

r vv d18

T119 -

craft fair pe tt'°11

Rodh Play

eveni ng

sflala

Old Time Music HalI

FANCY DRESS

grand fete

carnival parade Celebration Dance

youth disco DE1A%U AVA(A&t FeDrA CO Mt)NIN CEP4ft *IOl

Where can you get a nice cup of tea or a light lunch in Freshbrook? Why CUPPAS of course! Your friendly neighbourhood meeting place.

DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY COME TO THE FRESHBROOK VILLAGE GROUP FUN WEEK DANCE ON SATURDAY 22nd JUNE FROM 8.00 p.m. DANCING TO A LIVE BAND. SUPPER INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF THE TICKET. TICKETS ONLY £2.50 FROM FRESHBROOK COMMUNITY CENTRE

ccc

You will find CUPPAS in Freshbrook Community Centre at the Village Centre, open between 9am and 4pm. Try a cup at CUPPAS. You'll like what you find. Open all during FUN WEEK daytimes and evenings.

Clearing Up The big mess found at Freshbrook Village Centre should be cleared up in a few months. After two years of negotiation the Freshbrook Village Group residents organisation have come to an agreement with Thamesdown Council about how the area should be finished off. Centre car parking spaces and a large pedestrian area are to be provided where the old temparary community centre used to stand. Cars and pedestrians will be separated by low planting bed which will incorporate seats facing the new community centre.

New Committee

What's your point of view F.V.G. GENERAL MEETING WEDNESDAY 3RD JULY, 8.00 P.M. IN FRESHBROOK COMMUNITY CENTRE. Is there any matter that Freshbrook residents should be doing something about? Have you got any complaints that you want to put to somebody? Do you want to find out whats going on in the area? The Freshbrook Village Group General Meeting is the place to raise your concerns We have invited local Thamesdown and County Councillors to attend and answer questions or take up your complaints.

O.A.P. Lunches

Lunch is now available to pensioners on Fridays at 1pm in Freshbrook Community Centre. The cost is only £1 and bookings should be made through Marie Crane on 873430 or Pat Whitmore in CUPPAS JUNCTION 16 DRAMA GROUP

The Freshbrook Village Group residents organisation elected a new Executive Committee at its Annual General Meeting on 25th April advertised in the last focus. The Chair is Pauline Frewin, the vice-chair Tom Emmanual and the secretary Jim Mark. All can be contacted through Freshbrook Community Centre. They would be pleased to help with any problems residents have or to provide information.

WANTED

An Editor of The Focus The F.V.G. newsletter is becoming a regular way of keeping Freshbrook residents in touch - along with the Link. Could you see yourself co-ordinating its production? Full training and back-up will be given to anybody who can string a few words together and can persuade others to do the same for their community group. Please see Linda or Maureen in the Community Centre office if interested.

Youth Needs

presents "Darling I'm Home" a comedy by Jack Popplewell June 13th, 14th, 15th - 7.30 p.m. at The Arts Centre, Devizes Road. Tickets £1.50 - 75p concessions Available from Maureen in office or telephone 693635 New members of Junction 16 are always made welcome. We meet on Mondays at 7.45 p.m. in the small hall and Thursdays at 7.30 in the main hail in Freshbrook Community Centre. As well as actors' we always need a back stage crew!

Freshbrook Youth are a new group which aims to get a piece of land and a building for the Youth of Freshbrook. We are sending a petition around Freshbrook to present to Wiltshire County Council and Thamesdown Council for the land. We already have a sponsor for part of the building. The youngsters are raising funds, such as the recent sponsored skate at the Link. They are also arranging discos, a stall at Fun Day and floats at the Carnival. We have a hard working committee of six adults and six youngsters. We are thankful in having a very busy treasurer in Susan. We are still looking for further sponorship. Any offers of help please to Pat Whitmore do Freshbrook Community Centre.

BINGO Regular weekly Bingo nights have started at Freshbrook Community Centre on Tuesdays from 4th June. Doors open at 8.00 p.m. Eyes down at 8.15 p.m. Only £1.00 for eight games. Raffle; Refreshments during interval. Good prizes !! Age Limit: 18 plus only

West Swindon's Community Newspaper

Est. 1978 Circ. 6,800

FREE FUN Join up and join in with a FREE SUMMER PLAYSCHEME. The first week from 19th August will be at The Link Centre and the second from 27th August will be at Tt hill Farm Youth Club. Activities will include Crafts, Games, fiance, Sport and 1t of FUN. Look out for leaflets or ring Chris Wood on 613133 or Sarah Jennings on 871212.

JULY 1985 No.48

TOOTHILL • FRESHBROOK • WESTLEA • SHAW

0 p E

C H E 0 o Fun Days were nearly washed away when the heavens opened up on 22nd June. Rain and more rain

idn't dampen the spirits in Westlea where the Fancy Dress competition was judged inside the :hool(picture right). Luckily at Freshbrook (left), two school halls, a covered way and the Dmmunity centre were available to keep people drT.

IN MEMORY OF IKE GRADWELL

Window Arrives The icing on the cake has been installed at Toothill Community Centre. The long awaited stained glass window has arrived and is there, for all to see. Pictured here are Keith Gale the designer (left) and Tim Lewis (right) the course tutor from Swansea College of Art and Design. The window depicts Toothill, the urban village set in the Wiltshire chalk hills, it refers to Swindon's railway heritage and future in electronics. The window is the culmination of 21/2 years of cooperation between the Toothill community, the college at Swansea and Thamesdown's Community Development Division and Architects Department.

The community suite at The Link Centre was opened recently.by Angela Gradwell. The suite has been named after her husband Ike, a teacher and an inspiration to thousands of people in Swindon. The Ike Gradwell suite is managed by the Community Planning Committee of Thamesdown Council and is in effect a community centre within The Link. For more information on Ike Gradwell .ànd the suite, contact Sarah Jennings on 871212. If you want to start a community group there, give her a call.

Teachers' Dispute Fellow Residents of Freshbrook,

How much longer willkh2.mums of Freshbrook schoolchildren put up with the dis ruption and inconvenience of having to walk their children (Infants-and Juniors) back and forthat school lunchtimes. This action has been continuous since the end of January and rumour has it that it will carry on after the summer break in September. WILL THIS BE A WINTER OF DISCONTENT FOR US MUMS? Freshbrook School has been 'hit hard' from the very beginning and to top it all there will be NO REPORTS OR OPEN EVENINGS. We have just about had enough The teachers obviously need all the support they can muster from the parents in this long (not getting anywhere) dispute but this continuing action will get them no sympathy whatsoever Just one of many angry mums.

Could I first of all as a Parent of children attending Freshbrook Primary School, with two more shortly to join them, say how pleased I at with the excellent education they have received, and will continue to receive, at this school. I believe that this is due to the enthusiasm and dedication of the teachers of the school who not only work unstintingly during the school day but obviously contribute a very large proportion of their own time to preparation which has helped to lessen the effects of continued education cuts. As Local Secretary of the National Union of Teachers I must also congratulate the teachers for the professional way they have supported the Union in their desire to reach a fair pay for the work teachers do now. Parents should by now realise that Teachers

pay

has fallen in real terms by 34% over the last 10 years. Perhaps they should also ask themselves the following questions: Whose responsibility at lunch times are the children Teacher or Parent ?

SWIIIJON MTV ATER Makes water softening simple No Best selling water softenerintheUK

Do you want your child to be taught by a poorly paid, demoralised teacher ?

KINETI

Are you happy that at present only a few students are

The world's most advanced fully automatic non-electric meter-controlled system

entering teaching - the dedicated and those attracted

For a complete service in water softeners Sales S Service 40 Installations - Rent S Buy S DIY

Freshbrook School is building an excellent reputation

Call BRIAN COX on SWINDON -27172

teachers deserve your support. Don't complain to the

by poor pay

both locally and across the County and the professional teachers who feel that at the present time they wish to stop doing something they have done VOLUNTARILY.

A & J BU1LDERS

Complain to Central Government who refuse to budge even

BUILDING CONTRACTORS

Hon. Sec. N.Wilts N.U.T.

9 NEW ROAD PURTON SWINDON .4'

'TEL: 771028 .4'

when the employers now support the Teachers claim.

3 WORSLEY ROAD * FRESHBROOK SWINDON TEL: 481088

YOUR LOCAL BUILDER? WE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH ANY OF THESE SERVICES:

'4'

Thrift Shop The Good As New Thrift Shop at Toothill Comm— unity Centre will be closed for August and wi. restart on Friday 6th September. Clothes al— ready brought in will be at full price and an: money owing can be collected by phoning 69547; CAN YOU HELP. Volunteers are needed to join the rota at Good As New. Ring Brenda on 6954' if you help

* HOUSE AND GARAGE EXTENSIONS/REPAIRS * NEW ROOFS AND REPAIRS

'4'

' * NEW WINDOWS

* ALTERATIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS .4'

* FIREPLACES

* PAINTING & DECORATING (IN & OUTSIDE) * GARDEN WALLS AND FENCING .4' .4' *

PATHS, DRIVES AND PATIOS

* GRANT WORK UNDERTAKEN *

.4'

NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL FREE ESTIMATES GIVEN

Lincoln, the Mayor and Mayoress of Thamesdown, and the Rainbow Playgroup "getting it together" recently.

v 68)ck LINK oKVCENTRE r

BATH -& SELBY

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIHII1I1L

er A Message for Mums and Dads Link Centre's Summer Camp runs from 10.30 am until 3.30 pm, Monday to Friday. All you need to do is bring your child or children to the Centre's reception desk with their sports gear and swimming costume. We'll provide all the equipment and make sure there's constant supervision in arts as well as sports. Supervision is as important to us as it is to you. When children arrive they are put into small groups with an activity leader who is with them all day long. So you know they are safe and we do too. Lunchtime is from 12.30 pm to 1.30 pm. Children are welcome to bring their own food, but there's a special Link Centre Lunch for only E1.00.

MANOR ROAD, WESTCOTT PLACE, SWINDONE behind Mike Knight Tyres - Tel: 29352

--ACCIDENT -REPAIRS -SERVICING -T U Tests M.C)s uv.

•

FRESHBROOK ?j TAKE AWAY

FRESHBROOK VILLAGE CENTRE FRESHBROOK, SWINDON, WILTS.

Telephone (0793) 873178

* EXOTIC CHINESE DISHES

Prices Children can come for the day, the week or the whole month! Everyday will be different. We've kept the price as close to pocket money as we can so it's only:

* TRADITIONAL FISH & CHIPS

£1.45 for the day

* LUNCHEON VOUCHERS ACCEPTED

£6.50 for the week Well over a dozen activites for little more than a session at the rink. It's great value, great fun and educational as well. Booking It's almost essential to book since we've kept the number down to 120 children per day to give plenty of individual attention. Book the way you normally would, in person at the reception desk. You pay and your place is confirmed. Booking starts on Saturday July 20th at 9a.m. And as a special bonus the first 25 to book receive a FREE SUMMER CAMP T SHIRT. Come on down and be one of the lucky ones. Here are the dates: Monday, 29th July

- Friday, 2nd August.

Monday, 5th August - Friday, 9th August.

* DELICIOUS HOT SNACKS

* PHONE-IN ORDERS WELCOMED

GLASS CUT TO SIZE

Monday, 12th August - Friday, 16th August. Monday, 19th August - Friday, 23rd August.

Dance information A whole week of DANCE for 6 - 16s FREE. Work— shops with professional Dance tutors and lots of activity all to do with contemporary dance. More info, from Marie McClusky on 26161 or Bob Stewart on 871212. It all starts 29th JULY

Thick or Thin, Large or Small, While You Wait or Prompt Delivery COMPETITIVE PRICES

Dark room toopen The dark room at The Link is opening soon. So many people have shown interest in using it that it is going to be the first part of the Arts Suite to be used fully. A meeting is soon to be held to set up operating arrangements. Call Bob Stewart on 871212 for details.

rlIIIIlIIuIIIHl•uI,IIuuuu.uuuII'IuIuIIuIIIIuuuluIIuull'Il'.Iu.fl

SWINDON GLASS OKUS ROAD, SWINDON Tel. 20483&26480

From B. Walker. Alnwick,Toothill

FREE ENTRY

ASIAN WOMEN

Letter

Britain today is a society of people who have little care for the enviroment. There is strong evidence of this in this area, in particular. Let me mention just a few. Due to popular request by many The destroying activities of the yobbos Asian women and girls in Swindon is there for all to see in the graffiti on underpass walls, and the destruction of we have organised all women's any repair work. This is the result of swimming sessions at Moredon Schbillions spent on education. Then we have the adult oafs, who deposit ool. The group meets every Frievery kind of rubbish wherever there is day 6-7pm. A minibus service is a vacant space. Take a look around Whitecastle to see garden refuse, pipes, provided leaving Broad Strret bricks etc. ,which should go to the refuse Community Centre at 5.45pm. Cost tip. What is the matter with these people? Council officials seem to be paper tigers is .50p. We also run keep-fit in as they do nothing about these obscenities, the centre on Friday at 4.30pm. even when presented with the evidence. The other perennial is the matter of superMore information from Naheed on market trollies, which are taken with the convenience of Carrefour. Between my house 28545 and Carrefour, one day I counted 51 trollies dumped by shoppers with no sense of (li responsibility. The answer is so simple. r £ Either, trollies can be obtained only by riO \ -\_ J1 -R 1rzc8 I4T t •: i1I0 4' a deposit or the Council collects them and (reds charges a substantial sum for release. Then we might see prices of goods being reduced because, whatever the market firms may tell (Uec) irT5i lI i' us, these trollies don't grow on treesthey have to be bought, and expensive they t ii7O nT are, too. So, what are the decent people of West T luI li LSl) Swindon going to do about the destruction ( of their attractive living area? I can only suggest that we bombard Councillors and Carrefour with complaints and report anyone found dumping rubbish. I would like to hear what others consider to be appropriate action. (il(Jy /-2 ,44,Ita IN THE MEANTIME You can report lost trollies to Carrefour on 872781. Garden and household rubbish can be dumped at Barnfield Road or large items will be removed by the Council Refuse Department if you call 26161.

& GIRLS

Racism

For all the complaints.. .it was good to see how quickly the council removed the insulting Racist Graffiti that appeared on the underpass that leads from Toothill to Grage Park, Freshbrook. If more graffiti of this kind, please report it to Mr. Devey-26161

45s and UP Are you 45 or over? Do you have evenings when you would like to go out to meet people? Would you be interested in any of the following, Pl-IOTOGRAPHY,TEA DANCE/MOVEMENT, DAY TRIPS, VISITS OUT TO PLAYS/PARKS ETC. If so then read on: We would like to start a social group based at the Link Centre for people 45 upwards to meet others and get involved in things they've always wanted to do but have never had the people to do it with. What we need is people who would be prepared to put some effort into the organisation and bring their own ideas to the group. If there are any willing hands out there, come to a meeting in the Link Centre Community Suite on Monday 5th August at 6.30 pm or for more details contact: Mr.Peach -37672/Sarah Jennings 871212.

There's free admission to Lydiard Mans on the edge of West Swindon. This has done to make the heritage of the Borou and its surrounding area more accessib the community. The museums are of an 'open' nature, w exhibits on unrestricted display. To a that young people are not deterred fro making the most of these facilities, a under-14s are very welcome, but need t accompanied by an adult. Opening Times Lydiard Mansion Mon-Sat 10-1 and 2.2 -

(All year round) Sun

Toothill News From Alan Winmill, Toothill County Cow Many thanks for your confidence in den me to represent you at County Council i the Toothill Ward. I assure you all, t political leanings need not preclude yr requests for individual or group help advice. Already, you are making me aware of con problems. For instance, many elderly pc are frightened by bicycles being ridder 'stunted' on the pavements, with littlE regard for pedestrian usage. Many biker to have little in the way of brakes or audible warning devices. May I ask all parents, teachers and an with some influence to point out to yoc the anti-social nature of their thought behaviour. No-one wants to stop young ç enjoying themselves but please, in the place. I feel that this sort of problen best be solved by a developing communit spirit, something we all need, if we ar have a future of co-operation with one I hope to be able to use these columns the future, to make you aware of proble that can only be solved collectively, b please contact me on 613073 if you feel can help, or if you have the answers tc community problems.

BAZAAR SUPPORT PLEASE for St. Mary's Church, Lydiard Tregoze. 'AT HOME' Bazaar,Refre Stalls etc... .This is your chance to se Tryptich, back in place after 4 years restoration. The Church will be decorated in SUMMER Open from 10 am to 7 pm. on Saturday 27th July & Sunday 28th Jul We look forward to seeing you.

Morrison & Masters

Town Square West Swindon Centre Westlea, Swindon

Solicitors Telephone: 870055

IF IT'S HELP YOU WANT IN ANY LEGAL MATTER, GIVE US A CALL

also at: 20 Commercial Road

Swindon Telephone:

26601

In Swindon New Town for almost 100 YEARS, and now also at the West Swindon District Centre.

an to If j ye We da an th da fr

DANGER SPOT Pavements have recently been built around dangerous roundabouts in Toothill and Freshbrook. What about this one at the top ofLangstone Way, Westlea. Everyday parents and children walk to and fro to Westlea School across the heavily used Whitehill Way.

Something needs to be done. It is ironic that Wiltshire County Council control road building but are also responsible for schools.

Summer Event The first Toothill Scout Group are hosting a summer bazaar at Toothill Community Centre on Saturday 27th July at 2 pm. There will be stalls, games, a Jumble Sale and even a car wash, weather per:iitting. We hope to raise much needed funds.

COUNCIL TENANTS

ADULT EDUCATION From Art to Upholstery, from Elcctr,~nics ti Indian Cookery, there is something to suit you in the programme of Adult Education classes for the coming year. Visit the LEARNING AT LEISURE EXHIBITION in the Link Library from 17th - 31st August where demonstrations and exhibits of work may be seen and full details of all courses and enrolment dates obtained. Look out for the posters. If you cannot make the Exhibition and would like details, please phone Rod Kensett, Adult and Basic Education Organiser on 613313.

The Church in WESTLEA

are a group Christians le who want close to God ou1d like to you will be icome. School, Sun15am. Creche ay School at 3 time. Suno1 for 8-12s -10.45 am

from D.Linnecar, Castledore. With the advent of New Surgery and Dental facilities being built at Fresbrook, could urgent consideration be given to the incorporation of either a Pharmacy or Dispensary in the new premises. With the transfer of the Toothill pharmacy the only recourse for young and expectant mothers, the elderly and disabled persons to obtain prescriptions is to travel to Coopers in the West Swindon Centre. This in many cases is difficult and often the Drugs required are not available which necessitates more than one journey. This problem could be solved if the Council agreed to the above suggestion. Over 200 people have in fact signed a petition to this effect and this can be submitted to the authorities should they so require.

CALLING ALL 'IIIAMESDOWN COUNCIL TENANTS

Did you know that there is a Tenants Ass, in this area? Toothill and Freshbrook Tenants Association aims to represent your views on Council housing to the Boroughs Housing Department. WHAT HAVE WE DONE? We have been instrumental in pursuading the Council to set up a part-time neighbourhood housing office in Toothill to enable tenants to see council officers without having to go into town.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

HELP WITH READING,WRITING & MATHS Problems with reading, writing, spelling or everyday maths are very common. Finding a way to put right those problems is often thought to be complicated or too embarrassing. Many people think that it would be like going back to school, because we dislike that idea we stop thinking about getting help until some new event in our lives makes us reconsider. It may be the chance of a better job or promotion. It may be wanting to read the children stories or be better at our bills or writing letters to friends or someone in authority. Perhaps its just setting ourselves a challange and going for an examination to prove that we can do it. Any of these or a hundred other reasons can make us look for help. If you would like help or know someone who would, I shall be running small groups, from September with the help of volunteers, where individual help can be given. Phone me, Rod Kensett on 613313/616246(work) or 751283 (home) if you would like to find out more. Help will be available from September on Monday Evenings at the Freshbrook Common Room or Wednesday afternoon at The Link Community Suit.

PHARMACY WANTED

Quite a lot, there is a very active tenants

movement in Swindon which has come together to formulate a Federation of Tenants and we, as members of the Federation, can present your views through a special sub-committee of the council. The Tenants Federation has five places on this sub-committee and this gives all council tenants the chance to have more say i:. the making of housing policies in the town. WHAT DO WE NEED? Your support - new members are needed on our committee in this area. It's not too time consuming and we are not powerless. Through the Housing Advisory Sub-Committee tenants can have a real say in decisions concerning our homes and estates. CAN YOU HELP? Contact: Charles Blaxshall - Toothill 481510 /Gordon Heath - Freshbrook 873249

LONE PARENTS Are you the better half left with the children? Do you need to meet people with the same outlook as you? Do you sometimes feel the world exists on childrens chatter?

The Better Halves is a group for single parents who offer a welcoming meeting place to those in similar situations. We meet at the Link Centre on Tuesdays 10.30 axe 1 pm. -

and Wednesdays 8 pm onwards. Our evening group offers you a chance to meet with other adults whilst the daytime group is for you and your children. We don't discriminate - men or women welcome

all you have to do to qualify is be a single parent For more information contact: Jan(Daytime) 40768/Elaine (Evenings) 487877.

If you have any problems related to the Council's Housing Service, we are here to help with David Westgate who is and Area Housing Assistant. He is available between 2 pm and 5 pm at Toothill Community Centre each Tuesday afternoon. This pilot scheme, which will continue for the time being, will give free advice on housing topics ranging from RENT PROBLEMS, REPAIRS

and WELFARE RIGHTS to BENEFITS, TRANSFERS and EXCHANGES. However Mr. Westgate will not be able to accept rental payments. You may come along for a confidentiaLinterview without an appointment. Dennis Mills, Area Housing Officer.

DOES YOUR SHOWER FLOW HOT & COLD? We can fit yea a relacemut stalilhzed shower 1111W ÂŁ100 inc. VAT sill/act IS YW wit au -

mwhIqleiqt*f

ELECTRICITY IN SAFE HANDS REWIRING SPECIALIST LIGHTING SYSTEMS CENTRAL HEATING INSTALLATIONS GENERAL INSTALLATIONS OR REPAIR DOMESTIC - INDUSTRIAL - COMMERCIAL WE OFFER THE COMPLETE SERVICE

Ring Rons' Electrical on: (0793) 870252 35 Woodchester, Westlea, Swindon. Wilts.

SHOWER INSTALLATIONS SANTON *RUSSELL HOB" *

* REDPJNG *

* HEATRAE *

Fitted complete with wiring and plumbing from under

ÂŁ200 inc. VAT

PETER NEWSON (ELECTRICAL) LTD. 221B KINOSHILL ROAD, SWINDON. Tel. 26940/34303

Silver Reed Portable Manual Typewriter, rarely used. Immaculate Cond. Â£30.ovno. Complete with case and booklet Tel:485608

First display

Sonofred Accounting The complete accountancy service TEL: Swindon 46628 DAVE NORRIS ,00'

-T ay,

petur

aSS St\ce

Alterations to Gents/Ladies/Childrens clothes reasonable rates, fast service Tel:39861

A good rate of interest,

Easy to use, Convenient opening hours

Bristol & West

[DuolaK@ @@(~MM7 i THE MONEY BUILDING SOCIETY Swindon Branch Bristol & West House, Regent Circus, Swindon SN1 1PS Telephone Swindon (0793) 31468 and 36340

F ')\

rr tLtm n

West Swindon ' s very own majoretce troupe, the Great Western RevellerS(GWR) performed for the first time at the Thamesdown Pre-School PlayGroups Annual Fete on 18th May in the Faringdo Road park. Dressed very smartly in Brown and Cream topped off with stetsons, they were enjoyed by about 300 people who gave them warm applause for the first performance

Social for handicapped A Social Club for mentally handicapped adults between the ages of 16 and 25 years will be opening in the Link Centre in the near future. The Club will run on Tuesday evenings and there will be an entrance fee of 35p per week. We'd like to hear from anyone who'd be interested in joining in. If you are interested in joining and want more information contact: Karen Wright-870676/Margaret Govan-872137/ Sarah Jennings-871212.

The Girls' Brigade

Established 1898

GIRLS AGE 5 UPWARDS TO JOIN GIRLS' BRIGADE IN WEST SWINDON.

0 1. Sf

In September a Girls' Brigade Company is to be formed at Toothill Church. We shall be known as 1st West Swindon Company, so please note it is not only intended for girls living in Toothill.

VICE

ALSO SPECIALISTS IN:

COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND AGRICULTURAL PROPERTIES Auctions Property Management Valuation including Structural Surveys

PHONE SWINDON 33301 SWINDON 33301 SWI NDON

VECTIS COURT, OLD TOWN, SWINDON 124 COMMERCIAL ROAD, SWINDON

850321 127 HIGH STREET,

THE LOCAL FIRM WITH NATIONAL CONNECTIONS

WHAT IS GIRLS' BRIGADE? We are a Christian, uniformed organisation for girls aged 5-18, with a wide and varied programme of badge-work, covering all aspects of life, from Bible Study to Babycare, Orienteering to Origami and Cookery to Keepfit, (mums, we even encourage them to help with the housework!). We shall be holding an Open Day in Toothill Church on Wednesday 28th August when we shall have displays and examples of our programme. So why not come along and meet us all then. Initially we intend to cater for girls aged 5-11 years, but older girls who are intereste are welcome to come along too. If there is sufficient interest we may be able to cater for you too. If we don't see you on 28th August, contact: Mrs. N. Walmsley on 611267/Mrs. B. Wilson on 486663.

Shaw Ridge Primary School The new school is due for completion very shortly. It is situated next to the Upper Shaw Farm Community Centre and will open at the beginning of the Autumn Term. The Headmaster is Mr.Keith Burke, who is married and has three daughters, Deborah, Rebecca and Sarah aged 9, 7 and 3. Louise, his wife, is an infant teacher. Keith has previously held two other headships in Wiltshire, the last being at Hilperton near Trowbridge.

GIZZA HAND..! HELP is needed to run Freshbrook Youth Club's activities in the Autumn. If you're interested in giving a hand on the 'odd' Friday evening, give Jill Kelly a ring on Swindon 870729.

During the remainder of this term and the latter part of the Summer Holidays Keith will be at the school most days, and is happy to show parents around the school and accept registrations from pupils within the catchment area. Keith and the Governors look forward to developing the school as a centre of the local community, and it is hoped that parents and friends will involve themselves in the school. Children will always come first and their education be given every opportunity to develop in the family atmosphere.

Rod Grant, Youth Worker in these parts for the past two-and-a-bit years, is leaving to work in South London. "I'd like to say a big 'Thank you' to all those young people and adults I've worked and played with, and wish you all every success in the future." Look out for the new Youth Worker, coming soon to West Swindon

upper shaw farm

dii i

- ii

westlea community centre now has regular discos I party nights. 913 tt details in future link s also rooms for hire tel.872810 [nick]

Welfare Benefits Welfare Benefits Advice is available on experenced and confidential helpers at the West Swindon Family Project. Advice can be gained by visiting 15 Gainsborough Way, Freshbrook on Monday 1.30-3pm and Friday 10am-12. Personal appointments at other times can be arranged by ringing 871303.

Sullivan School of Dance Classes held every Tuesday at Upper Shaw Farm Community Centre. 3.00-3.45pm Pre-School Ballet Class. 3.45-4.30pm Primary Ballet. 4.30-5.00pm Primary Tap(Beginners) For further information Tel 35690

FRES'//JV4YggTORE~

N'hff111

7?/eph007e: w/ic/on 87306.

FULL NEWSPAPER DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE k TO ALL OF WEST SWINDON jo

WHAT THE CHILDREN THINK The staff at the West Swindon Library were very pleased to receive the ideas and vis of the children at Oliver Tomkins Junior School. It is great, It is wonderful, It is big, It is the biggest library in west Swindon. Come every day and read a book, A wide range for all ages, Read about Asterix and Paddington too, even borrow a tape or two, Encyclopedias for information and books to help with homework, So go to the library everyday to borrow a book and take it away. We're going to the library, we have to be quiet, There's so many books, which shall I have, Whispering so silently, The books of delight, Has so many frights. There's a babys den, it's like a play pen, Oh! Time's running out and I can't choose

Join In at O.T.S. The Community Room at Oliver Tomkins School is at last being used for the benefit of the community. Coffee Mornings, Mother and Toddler Groups have been started, Senior Citizens Social Hours and Lunch Clubs are being organised. Coupled with this the Parish Office is being furnished and staffed by members of the Community Churches Programme, plus members of the Parish of The Lydiards. Anyone interested in joining the happenings at Oliver Tomkins School Community Room will be welcome.

PHAB HEY''''' PHAB means INTEGRATION. PHAB exists to promote opportunities for Physically Handicd and Able Bodies to come together on equal terms for all age groups.

Local information is now available at the Link Centre. Come to the Ike Gradwell Community We have a new library, It's very near our school Suite and have a chat anytime between lOam and There's lots of lovely books to see 2pm, Tuesdays and Wednesdays And we can read them all.

SW/NDON CABL E OFFERS YOU A SUPERB VIEW/NO CHOICE annels* Up to 13 Ch

*Available in Westlea, Toothill and Freshbrook

4 PER MONTH'.""

รณON

CABLE BRINGS YOU BETTER TELEVISION

and

installation charge!* * Special Summer Offer

To get connection at this low, low rate, just 'phone Swindon 615601 and ask for the Sales Office.

West Swindon. Community No

THE

No 49

LINK, 50

Closing Date 23rd August 4th October 21st November

Published COPY FOR PUBLICATION TO: Early Sept. ( Roger Ogle, 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook End October ( Janice Oliver, 10 Rochester Cl, Toothilj Mid December (Nick Jansen, 6 Moresby Cl.,Westlea

West Swindon's Community Newspaper

WANT TO COME TO A BIRTHDAY PARTY? See page 2

Est. 1978 Circ. 6,800

TOOTHILL

•

No.49 September'85

•

FRESHBROOK

WESTLEA

WESTLEA COMMUNITY CENTRE UPPER SHAW FARM PRESENTS WEST SWINDON FAMILY DAY

LIVE AID Len Hobb's death on 18th July was sudden and a shock to us all. As County Councillor for West Swindon from 1980 to 1985 and representative for the Freshbrook ward from May 1985, he worked ceaselessly for the residents of the area.

Len's greatest achievement was to persuade Wiltshire County Council that West Swindon required a secondary school. Amazingly it was not committed to building one. By putting resolutions to relevant committees, lobbying other councillor and getting publicity for the cause, his hard work will be rewarded when the school opens in September 1986. In memory of Len Hobbs, the Governors have called for the Youth Wing of the school to be named after him.

SHAW

LIVE AID!

LOSS TO THE COMMUNITY

Although elected as a Labour Party councillor, Len did not let this cloud his view of what he thought rightt the West Swindon community. He worked for everybody without consideration of their affiliations and in turn was supported by people right across the political spectrum. Working in a completely voluntary capacity, Len gave huge amounts of his spare time to helping people with their problems and taking up matters of concern at county hall. Shortly before his death he was heard to say how uplifted he felt by the massive support he was given when re-elected. The backing of the electorate had made all his efforts worthwhile.

•

A FUND RAISING EVENT ON SATURDAY 21st SEPTEMBER 1200 NOON 6 p ADMISSION FREE

FEATURING

LOCAL GROUPS LIVE! Also: PARACHUTE JUMP, MISS THAMESDOWN, GIANT INFLATABLES and much more. BAR (licence applied for) PLOUGHMANS LUNCHES

AN SATURDAY EVENING

~ OXFAM W LL

PROJECT S...

DISCO 8.00-12-00 BAR

(

licence applied for

TICKETS £250 For details see posters or ring Lesley 872243 Julia 870182 -

NEW ARRIVALS Thamesdown Council's Community Development Division has updated its long running publication "Welcome to West Swindon-A Guide to the Community". Packed with information it is available to people new to the area Ring 26161 ext.3191 to request a copy.

Are you self-employed?Do you need help with book-keeping, VAT,PAYE or have office admin problems? Work required by qualified bookkeeper/Adminstrator, prompt service. Tel: 871683.

SWINDON SOFT WATER

Is anybody interested in organising a big Birthday Party running throughout 1986 to celebrate the 'Birth of a Town'? A whole series of events in community centres, at the Link, in schools, in the streets could be organised if the community spirit exists to make it take place. Is the spirit in West Swindon? In order to find out, all residents and community groups are invited to a meeting at the Ike Gradwell Community Suite, Link Centre on Tuesday 1st October, 8pm. If you cannot make it and want to express your interest call Roger Ogle 872282.

Makes water softening simple No I Best selling water softener In the UK

KINE T -1-

worlds most advanced fully automatic non-electric meter-controlled system For a complete service In water softeners Sales 0 Service • Installations Rents Buys DIY -

Call BRIAN COX on SWINDON 27172

V FRESHBROOK 7 7 TAKE AWAY FRESHBROOK VILLAGE CENTRE FRESHBROOK, WINDON, W----Telephone (0793) 873178

it'

-WILTS.

HELP Wanted Any unwanted games, cards, pencils etc. for a social club for mentally handicapped adults which started at the Link this month. -

1 .120

BACK TO SCHOOL, • ,TOO MUCH HUSTLE? RELIEVE YOURSELF FROM THE CHORES IN THE KITCHEN. PUT YOUR FEET UP AND ENJOY OUR DELICIOUS FISH AND CHIPS OR A CHINESE MEAL. *** *** ******* ***** *** *** * ** *** * **** **

A & J BUILDERS BUILDING CONTRACTORS 9 NEW ROAD -1 PURTON SWINDON

3 WORSLEY ROAD * FRESHBROOK SWINDON

'TEL: 771028

TEL: 481088

WE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH ANY OF THESE SERVICES: HOUSE AND GARAGE EXTENSIONS/REPAIRS

NEW ROOFS AND REPAIRS

NEW WINDOWS

ALTERATIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS

FIREPLACES

PAINTING & DECORATING (IN & OUTSIDE)

GARDEN WALLS AND FENCING

PATHS, DRIVES AND PATIOS

GRANT WORK UNDERTAKEN

WESTLEA COMMUNITY ROOM Work will be starting soon on a Community Room at Westlea School. Paid for by Thamesdown Council, the room will be similar to the one at Freshbrook School and will be suitable for a playgroup, toddler group or meetings of up to 50 people.

VARIETY SHOW There will be a charity Variety Show on 30th November 1985 at the LINK CENTRE THEATRE in aid of an Equipment Fund for the Childrens' Wards of Princess Margaret Hospital. If you can sing, dance, mime, play an instru-ment or perform any other form of entertain-ment we would like to hear from you as soon as possible. For further details, please contact Ron & Chris Lockett,38,Luddesdown Road,Toothil

• * *

: •

• *

If you have anything which may be useful or want more information on the club, contact Karen Wright 870676, Margaret Govan-872137, Sarah Jennings-871212 or come along on Tuesday evenings between 8pm and 10pm in the Community Suite, Link Centre.

YOUR LOCAL BUILDER

NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL FREE ESTIMATES GIVEN

LETS CELEBRATE

1986 will be the 10th anniversary of the first residents moving into West Swindon. From green fields to a population of over 20,000 living in 7,500 households represents staggering growth.

Hair & Beauty at Home by Caroline Elect rolysis, Waxing, Facials, Make-up, Manicures, Perms and Highlights etc.

•

I : :

•

Telephone: (0793)872435 •

••••IuIIII•IIIII••I••IUUUIUIUle

upper shaw farm

A U

TELEPHONE: (0793) 481532

D. L. POULTON, DLI 32 WHITE CASTLE, TOOTHILL, SWINDON.

westlea community centre As you will have read in the June Link the farm is open for business and has been steered by a group of interested people. A first General Meeting is to be held on 15th October at 7.30pm at the farm. If you have any interest in helping in any way or simply wish to look around or see what is going on you will be most welcome.

HELP FOR FAMILIES The West Swindon Family Project is managed by the National Childrens Home, N,C.H. for short which is a voluntary charity. The Project is working in the West Swindon area with families and children. Our aim is to help relieve stress in families in any way that we can. At present the Project runs several regular events. On Mondays from 1.00 -3.00pm we have an advice centre. Here people can get advice on welfare benefits and money matters in general. All the workers are trained volunteers and all the advice is kept in strict confidence There is also another session on Fridays from 10.00-12.00am We also have a visiting advice worker, if you are housebound. We also run a regular coffee morning, with a creche. This is on Wednesdays from 10.12am. It's very informal and offers a chance to meet others and for the children to play. The Project has a visiting service for families. This is where a volunteer will offer help to families under pressure, fora short time. The volunteer may visit for a chat or to help with the children in some way. We are going to start up a Toy Library soon. For this and all our other work we need more volunteers. Volunteers can do a variety of things for us from meeting people at the door, to coffee making as well as joining in the services we provide. Have you got any time you can spare us? If so please ring us on 871303 or call at 15, Gainsborough Way, Freshbrook. John Jenkins/Audrey Johnson, Project Workers

FOR SALE Agfa Family Cirie Camera and Projector £25 Telecoms phone double plug & 3 metre extension cable - as new £8 Squash Racquet. Ascot Pro 2000. New. £25 Tamiya 1:35 scale model tank. Unopened £7 KL Jeenay carrycot restraint straps £6 Padded upright armchair £3 Tel: 872282

M.S.S.CH.

CHIROPODIST

VISITING PRACTICE

Sonofred Accounting The complete accountancy service DAVE NORRIS TEL: Swindon 46628 aSS st\ce

iaxBet

60 VICTORIA ROAD SWINDON SN1 3DJ Tel: 34997/8

PROSPECT COMMERCIAL COLLEGE

Full-time Secretarial Courses (20 hrs/wk) Part-time Tuition (minimum 2 hrs/wk) in: * TYPEWRITING * SHORTHAND

* AUDIO-TYPEWRITING * BUSINESS ENGLISH

'Live' tuition Day and evening classes. by qualified staff. Individual attention. Fees: from £1.20 per hour + VAT. PITMAN AND RSA EXAMINATION CENTRE.

Jr i'"Mt

WIg1tm

lii

Established 1898

ALSO SPECIALISTS IN: COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND AGRICULTURAL PROPERTIES Auctions - Property Management - Valuation including Structural Surveys

PHONE SWINDON 33301 SWINDON 33301 SWINDON 850321

VECTIS COURT, OLD TOWN, SWINDON 124 COMMERCIAL ROAD, SWINDON 127 HIGH STREET,

THE LOCAL FIRM WITH NATIONAL CONNECTIONS

PAl

N.S.P.C.C.

JOIN US AT O.T.S!

MANY THANKS from the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. 1)The total collected during the week 17/622/6 at West Swindon District Centre when the NSPCC Caravan was there as part of a publicity campaign was £1027.00

I'd just like to comment briefly on the b page article in your July addition. The Governors of the Oliver Tomkins Schools h always encouraged the community to use it facilities, and are delighted to see grea use now being made of them. The rooms are sadly, unsuitable for very young children but other uses have been found and we are open to new ideas. One or two evenings an available still; just ask at the school or phone the Church Office (874221) if yot interested. John Flory (Chairman)

2)The house to house collections during the two weeks starting 24/6 realised £895.00 These figures represent a marvellous effort by all those involved. Thank you to all those who contributed their time and their money. 3)The National Flag Day will be held on Saturday 28th September 1985, for which volunteers are needed to help in street collection. Anyone who can give up any time on that day, please contact Lynn Wriglesworth on 771258 who will give you reporting details etc. Thank you MRS. L. WRIGLESWORTH, TREASURER. SWINDON TOWN DISTRICT. N.S.P.C.C.

TOOTHILL CHURCH (Church of England,Baptist,Methodist,U.R.C.) NORMAL SUNDAY SERVICES 10.45am

1st Sun. Morning Worship 2nd Sun. Holy Communion 3rd Sun, Parade Service 4th Sun. Holy Communion (Creche for under 3's Every Sunday (Scramblers for 3-4s (Climbers for 5-7s (Explorers for 7-11e 6. 3Opm 7.00pm

)Every Sunday except )Third.

3rd Sun Prayer Meeting let Sun Missionary Service 3rd Sun Holy Communion

RELIEF WANTED Occasional Temporary Relief wanted for Housing Association Warden. Duties by arrangement. Further details from 26889.

ELECTRICITY IN SAFE HANDS REWIRING SPECIALIST LIGHTING SYSTEMS CENTRAL HEATING INSTALLATIONS GENERAL INSTALLATIONS OR REPAIR DOMESTIC - INDUSTRIAL - COMMERCIAL WE OFFER THE COMPLETE SERVICE

Ring Rons' Electrical on: (0793) 870252 35 Woodchester, Westlea, Swindon. Wilts.

G.W.R. MAJORETTES For many years, local groups and organsat ions all over the country have used video to distribute information amongst. their communities. Recent developments in technology have meant that videos can be shown in committee rooms, youth clubs and front rooms to generate interest, raise funds and attract new members. Swindon has a unique facility at the Media Arts Lab in the Town Hall, where staff are available to train and help people to use video equipment. Despite its high-tech image, video techniques can be learnt on short afternoon or evening training courses, often by people with no previous experience. The 'FRAME UP team at the Media Arts Lab run free training courses for unemployed people who can also become involved on one of their current projects, such as 'On the Line' a video about the history of GWR in Swindon. There is also lots of volunteer work, inrludine admin and typing so if you would like work experience or would like to learn a new skill, Media Arts Lab would like to hear, from you.

The G.W.R. Majorette Troupe meets every THURSDAY 6.00-7.00pm for a practise sessi in the Freshbrook Community Centre (if we or cold weather) or in the Freshbrook Primary School field. The troupe caters V smart girls of 7 upwards, who live in the Western Expansion area. There is a waitin List for girls aged 7-8, but for girls ov 8 years old there are immediate vacancies If you are interested, please telephone Mrs. Pixton 'Secretary' on Swindon 695317 for further details, or turn up on a practise evening and see what we do.

PARENTS & TODDLERS The Shea Ridge Parent arid Toddler Group tie every Thursday at the Upper Shaw Farm Community Centre between 1.30 and 3.30 pm. New faces always welcome. Unsure of where we are, or want more info then ring Jenny on Swindon 872942. CAR BOOT SALE

Shaw Ridge Parent arid Toddler Group are holding a Car Boot Sale in the Car Park at Upper Shaw Farm Community Centre on Saturd September 28th 2.30 - 4.00 pm. £2.50 per car. Anyone wishing to book a pitch or wan If you can't get to the Town Hall, the 'FRAME more details please tel Jonny on 872942. UP' team now work out in West Swindon on FRESHBROOK EVANGELICAL CHURCH Tuesdays, when they are based at the Link Centre. So far, they have completed videos Meeting in FRESHBROOK COMMUNITY CENTRE about provisions for youth and children in welcome you and members of your family to West Swindon or more recently, a tape about the SERVICES held each week as follows:isolation on the new housing estates. Future SUNDAY 10.00 am SUNDAY SCHOOL plans out here include beginners photography 11.00 am MCRNING WORSHIP and video courses, and a photographic (with creche). competition/exhibition - all at the Link. 6.30 pm EVENING SERVICE The 'FRAME UP' team are looking for new people to get involved, so if you would like MONDAY 7.00 pm ENTERPRISE CLUB to learn more, or if you have an idea for (8-12 YEARS). your own video, phone MARY DOWNES or DAVE TUESDAY 8.00 pm. BIBLE STUDY AND CANNON at the Media Arts Lab, 26161 ext 3140/ FELLOWSHIP MEETING. 3142. They can be found on the top floor of the Town Hall most days or at the Link on Tuesdays, so if you would like to have a chat, why not call in and see them?

THURSDAY

'FRAME UP'is for you - use it.

MINISTER REV. IAN BEEDHAM. TEL: 694157 .

10.30 am.

LADIES MEETING (held in various hone

Peter Newson (Electrical) Ltd 221 KINGSHILL ROAD, SWINDON.

TEL: 40031

TRADE ENQS TO UNIT 3, LONDON STREET, SWINDON.

TEL: 34303

1 THOUGHT ABOUT A SHOWER ? FULL RANGE OF REDRING & SANTON SHOWERS IN STOCK PRICES FROM £55.00 INC.VAT, CASH & CARRY OR BETWEEN £170 & £230 FULLY INSTALLED XPELAIR FANS 10% DISCOUNT ON ALL MODELS

RING 140031 OR CALL IN FOR MORE DETAILS OPEN MON-FRI 9.30AM-5.30PM; SAT 9AM-1PM

FOR ALL THOSE ELECTRICAL THIN.K3IES HOUSE WIRING CABLE AT GENUINE TRADE PRICES EXTRA POINTS & LIGHTS, IMMERSION HEATERS & COOKER SPARES/REPAIRS

VISA & ACCESS CARDS WELCOMED

JON BUCK LEAVES on buck Thames -loan s Sculptor -in-residence â€˘ ased at the Old Community Centre, Toothill, will be leaving at the end of September acing completed the first of a series of sculptures planned for public siting in the eat Swindon Development. It is hoped that in the New Year a second residency will be awarded but, in the mean time two Community Artists from the Jolliffe Studios will continue Jon's successful Thursday public workshop. They are Jacq haram and Kate Dawson and whilst hoping to work along similar lines to those laid down by Jon, they will also be introducing their own interests and generally widening the scope with other activities. They have plans, for example, for a hut redecoration/mural project working with local children. They will also be arranging two interesting exhibitions to include both their own work and that of work completed in the workshop. Further details can be obtained from Mel Jones at the Jolliffe Studios above the Wyvern Theatre, tel:26161 Ext.3139.

LONE PARENTS Are you the better half left with the children? Do you need to meet people with the same outlook as you? Do you sometimes feel the world exists on childrens chatter? The Better Halves is a group for single parents who offer a welcoming meeting place to those in similar situations. We meet at the Link Centre on Tuesdays 10.30 ant - 1 pm. and Wednesdays 8 pm onwards. Our evening group offers you a chance to meet with other adults whilst the daytime group is for you and your children. We don't discriminate - men or women welcome - all you have to do to qualify is be a single parent! For more information contact: Jan(Daytime) 40768/Elaine (Evginga) 487877.

TINNITUS nyone suffering with Tinnitus is invited o join the Swindon Tinnitus Group. A meeting is being held on Monday 23rd September

EVENING CLASSES

Most classes start in the week beginning Monday 23rd September. For more information on any class ring 613313 or talk to Rod Kensett, Tutor Organiser on 40131

EVENING Mon Accounts "O Level Ballroom & Latin American Dancing Thur Mon Basic Education Tues Beauty Basics Beer & Wee Making Wed Wed Contract Bnrttge Cookery - Chinese Iron Thur - Indian Wed Crafts (Mined) Mon Dresamalurig Wed Economics "0 Lend Tues Electronics Basics 0' Lend Mon Engish Language Mon Family History Mon Floral All Thur French It Mon French Moo Gardening for Everyone i Thur Ger,rratr Tues Guitar For & Classic) Mon Keep Fit With Aeioftrcs Know Your Sewing Machine Local History "0 Level Mathematics Mined Crafts Mounting & Framing Pictures Needlecratts Painting Pre-School Playgroup

Mon Tues Tues Wed Mon Tues Thur Tues Wed

Olivet Tomittnts School Upper Strew Community Centre Freehorook Community Centre Of iser Torrrtuos School Upper Straw Conmrurety Centre Upper Straw Community Centre Upper Share Connnunity Centre Upper Straw Community Centre Oliver Tomnkinu School FreshUrook Primary School Oliver Tonrkiss School Upper Straw Community Centre Link Centre Community Room Freshbroiihr Primary School Westlea School Wostlea School Fresiibrook Primary School Oliver Tompkins School Toothill School Oliver Tomkins School Freshbrook Primary School Westlea Primary School Freshbrook Primary School Link Centre Community Room F,eshbrook Primary School Oliver Tomkirty School Upper Share Cnttirroimty Centre F,eshbrnok Primary School Oliver Tomkins School Freshbrook Primary School Oliver Tompkins School

Shorthand (Pttmariacnipt) Sooleog Spanish Yoga

Mon Tues Thurs Wed Tiwe

Westlea School Straw Ridge School 1000511 School

Tootled Pnmeiy School WeeBsa School

DAYTIME Basic Education Beauty Basics Cake icing Dressmaking English "0' Level Floral Art French I Hand Knitting (tine Your Sewing Machine Ladies Keep Fit With Aerobics Machine Knitting MicrowaveCookery Needlecratts P'arstirrg ft Drawing Playgroup Courses Sell Defence Shorthand (Pitrneeacnpt) Upholstery Yoga

Wed Tthee Tues Thurs Wed Thurs Thurs Tues Tues Wed Wed Thurs Tues Tues Thurs Wed Tues Thurs Tues Wed Wed Tees

Ijok Centre Community Suds Upper Share Community Ceeet Tootled Conrirrondy Room Upper Straw Cmomooey Ceefle Upper Share Community Centre Upper Straw Communary Ceane Tootled Common Roots Link Centre Coermuaty Sails Freshbrook Community Room Upper Straw Catwatniry Carve Upper Straw Conmasty Deed. Tooled Community Centre Upper Straw Conmsjoity Centre Tootled Community Centre Upper Straw Comununity Centre Oieer Tmlaw Corrersoray Room Upper Shea Cainmiasry Cents Link Cerrtrs Community Suds Tootlnril Community Centre Toothill Community Centre Toothill Community Centre Upper Straw Corromuady, Ceirt,e

CABLE GETS IN FIRST! After having moved from Westlea to Grange Park I was concerned to make sure that Swindon Cable TV carry out their cable laying work before the final surfacing was put on the roads and pavements. At our last house in Westlea we had all of the roads and pavements which had been nicely laid out dug up again. I then discovered that Galliford Homes had refused to allow Swindon Cable to carry out the work because the site was too far advanced. However I am pleased to say that Gallifords have changed their position and have now stated that they will reconsider the 'matter prior to the final foothpath surfacing being carried out.

t the Central Community Centre, Emlyn Square arsngdon Road, Swindon at 7.30 pm. amilies and people looking after sufferers re also welcome.

Letter Os:

Anthony Cummings,Oakham Close,Toothi 11.

ar People, am complaining that under 18's have nothing do during the day. I would appreciate any teas anyone has. There woitid not be as much ouble in Toothill if there was something 1

It is therefore essential for the residents of Heytesbury Gardens and indeed other developments in which the Developers have no prior arrangement with Swindon Cable TV to carry out the cable laying work on behalf of Swindon Cable to ensure that these works are carried out before the final surfacing is laid otherwise the ridiculous situation will arise of newly laid surfacing being almost inTnediately dug up again.

keep us occupied. We are or: the dole and do

it have much money. We are trying to organise day trip to Alton Towers so anyone interested me.

I would stress however that in the case of Heytesbury Gardens Swindon Cable TV have done their utmost to assist.

ARES'//jvAYg 97MO, ) TLW8.ft1X?4V1ZE 7?/epho7e:f/'?cJon 873000. FULL NEWSPAPER DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE TO ALL OF WEST SWINDON

SEQUENCE DANCING

ANNE ELLIOTT (S.R.H.) State Registered Hairdresser

Offering you a professional service in . the comfort of your home.

* For an appointment please telephone Swindon 870330

MAKE—UP ARTIST FOR THAT SPECIAL OCCASION FACE SPRING OFFER TO THE 1st 1,000,000 LINK READERS - SPECIAL PRICE £1.50 NORMAL PRICE £3.50 Tel: 873092

BATHE -& SELBY MANOR ROAD, WESTCOTT PLACE, SWINDON: behind Mike Knight Tyres - Tel: 29352 E

ACCIDENT REPAIRS SERVICING Tests ¶IIIIIIIIIIIIIIUIIIUIIIIIIIIIUIIIIIHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIUIII

CUT TO SIZE

Thick or Thin, Large or Small, While You Wait or Prompt Delivery COMPETITIVE PRICES

SWINDON GLASS OKUS ROAD, SWINDON Tel. 20483 & 26480

MariaRooney

GLASS

Monday 7pm Toothill Community Centre. Beginners class. Wednesday 8pm at the Link Centre Community Hall Ring Mrs. Bracewell on 30596 for more information.

[ L

The Church in WESTLEA

A very special birthday party is happening in Upper Shaw Farm when the Church in Westlea celebrates their first birthday. In our first year many Westlea people have joined us to worship God and to get to know him better. Some are now regulars-others we see occasionally. But everyone is always welcome. Westlea people will have a leaflet with some more details. We look forward to meeting some more of you.

POLICE STATION West Swindon will have its own Police Station -one day. The site has been allocated on the edge of Westlea but the money to build is awaited. Westlea Residents' Association have a Wiltshire Constabulary representative to speak at a meeting on 2nd October, 8pm in the Sunshine Room, Langstone Way about the police station and police work in west Swindon. The WRA would welcome residents from all parts of west Swindon at the meeting.

45's UP A new group for those over 45 will be starting at the Link Centre in the near future. Anyone interested in getting to know new people of their own age and would like to get involved photography, sports, visits, art, bowls etc. is invited to come along to our open afternoon on Tuesday September 24th , 2pm in the Community Suite. Refreshments will be available. We hope you wilibring your ideas along as well. Further information from Sarah Jennings on 871212 or Mr. Peach on 37672. Look forward to seeing you on 24th September

Bottles

Quality Wines Direct From France at Wholesale Prices -Chateau Bottled Claret (St. Estephe, Margaux, Medoc, St. Emilion -Beaujolais, Burgandy, Rhone Wines -By the case (Mixed) -F.O.C. Delivery -For Comprehensive Price List, Telephone 870192 or 481706 (Day or Evening)

COMING EVENTS 5th October

BARN DANCE - 8.00 p.m. - midnight. Dance to the "Green and Pleasant Land" Band. Tickets ÂŁ2.50 to include chicken in the basket supper.

2nd November Old Time Music Hall - 8.00 p.m. 11.30 p.m. 0th November Christmas Bazaar. 7th December Fancy Dress Dance - 8.00 p.m. 12.00 midnight. 9th December A Christmas Entertainments Night. 1st December A Childrens Party. iere can you get a nice p of tea or a light inch in Freshbrook? iy CUPPAS of course! ur friendly neighjurhood meeting place. u will find CUPPAS in reshbrook Community entre at the Village entre, open between am and 4pm. Try a up at CUPPAS. You'll ike what you find.

FRIENDS Dear Friends and Parents The name Friends of Freshbrook School means anyone in the Freshbrook area not just those with children at the school, because the school welcomes your support, ideas to help the future generations in Freshbrook. At the end of the Summer Term we collected old newspapers and magazines to help raise funds to buy a new colour T.V. for the school as the school budget will not allow such a large single purchase. We raised ÂŁ56.00 in only 4 weeks, we intend to make the collection a regular event so start saving your papers we will post collection dates in school, Community Centre and with permission, the Spar shop. The skip for papers will be located in school grounds and if your employer can spare any old stationary computer paper etc., it would be greatfully received. Thank you, Phil Greasley Friends of school fund raising Committee Tel: Home 37053 Work: Sw.37973 ext.29 PS.HELP SAVE OUR TREES RE-CYCLE PAPER. OLD POUND NOTES WELCOME NEW VENTURES AT "CUPPAS"

Hot meals will be available at lunchtime from September 30th and starting soon a Cake Shop. Home made cakes will be on sale - Mon. - Wed. and Sat, morning. Birthday cakes of all shapes FRIDAY LUNCHEON CLUB. can be made to order. Watch the notice boards Meets every Friday. Lunch served at 1.00 p.m. for opening. We are trying to raise funds for new equipment by having a Christmas Bazaar. Anybody who has unwanted gifts; anything for a White Elephant Stall or any odd balls of wool; plant pots or plants we would be extremely grateful.

VACANCY An Editor of The Focus The F.V.G. newsletter is becoming a regular way of keeping Freshbrook residents Could in touch - along with the Link. you see yourself co-ordinating its production? Full training and back-up will be given to anybody who can string a few words together and can persuade others to do the same for their community group. Please see Linda or Maureen in the Community Centre office if interested.

CABLE SPONSORS SOCCER ON T.V. The recently formed Freshbrook Football Club kicked off its first season with a game against Walcot in the Borough League for 14 to 17 year olds. With sponsorship from Swindon Cable TV, the first in the country to get such sponsorship. A disco-pictured above- was held at the end of August to launch the team. Swindon will be following the team's progress and with no football on BBC or ITV, Freshbrook's games will be the only ones on television. New players and supporters should contact Alan McCormack, 37 Rycote Close, Grange Park, Freshbook or leave their names in the community centre

Sept. 1985

f reshbrook f ocus

the newsletter of the freshbrook village group residents organisation Dear Residents of Freshbrook, We would like to take this opportunity to welcome all newcomers into the area and hope your stay in Freshbrook will be a happy and prosperous one. And to all those who have been here some time, we hope Freshbrook continues to offer you what you require. This newsheet is published by the Freshbrook Village Group Executive Committee, who are the managing body of the Community Centre and acts as your community voice. We are all volunteers elected at an Annual General Meeting. Did you know that the Community Centre is open to all residents of Freshbrook? The activities are varied. Come and join in whatever interests you. See the list below but come into the Centre for details. There are lots of community groups, Tea Room - Cuppas and a Bar Club. Halls and Meeting Rooms are available for hire for parties, weddings and private functions. The Freshbrook Village Group holds open meetings on the first Wednesday of every month where you can come along and put your points of view about the Centre or about things going on in Freshbrook. If you are concerned about anything in the area - road signs, holes in the road, the lack of facilities - we can put your point of view to the relevant body. The F.V.G. has a good relationship with the Council and we have been successful about many community issues. Pauline Frewin - Chair for the Executive Committee P. S.

WHAT'S ON IN YOUR CENTRE. Monday Playgroup, Tumble Tots, Junior Youth Club, Junction 16 Drama Group. Tuesday Playgroup, Parents & Toddlers, Friendship Club, Aerobics, Bingo. Wednesday Playgroup, Keep fit, 1 O'Clock Lone Parent Club, Dancing School, Gym Club, Freshbrook Village Group Meetings. Thursday Playgroup, Parent & Toddlers, Baby Clinic, Majorettes, Drama Group, Church. Friday Playgroup, Clinic (2nd & 4th), Lunch Club, Youth Club.

TURNPIKE CLUB Opening Hours Lunchtimes : 12.00 noon - 2.30 p.m. Evenings

Pub Hours

To come into the club you must be a member. Membership costs £1.00 per year. A nice friendly atmosphere.

WANTED

Due to people moving out of the area we have vacancies on the Executive Committee for a treasurer, secretary and anybody who wants to help out generally. Please come forward and leave your names in the Community Centre office and I will be in contact with you.

4461

(COUNTRY WESTERN NIGH

8.00 P.M. SATURDAY, 21ST SEPTEMBER, 1985. COME AND JOIN US AT THE "LAZY FOR OUR FIRST REAL COUNTRY & WESTERN NIGHT. BRING THE KIDS AND DANCE OR LISTEN TO THE GREAT COUNTRY & WESTERN GROUP "BUCKBOARD". TICKETS £1.50 - ADULTS; 50P - CHILDREN. EATS WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM THE CHUCK WAGON (CUPPAS IN DISGUISE) THROUGHOUT THE EVENING. CHILDREN WILL BE ALLOWED ON THE DANCE FLOOR UNTIL 9.30 P.M. WHEN LIKE ALL GOOD FOALS AND FILLIES THEY CAN BE CORRALED IN THE CHUCK WAGON, WHERE "THE NIGHT RIDERS" WILL TAKE OVE SO THAT MUMS AND DADS CAN ENJOY THE REST OF THE EVENING.

* TOOTHILL AND FRESHBROOK TENANTS' ASSOCIATION ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

* * *

WEDNESDAY, 25th SEPTEMBER, 1985, AT 8.00 P.M. TOOTHILL COMMUNITY CENTRE

* * *

For the last two years, the Toothill and Freshbrook Tenants' * Association has been the link between tenants and Thamesdown Borough * Council. It has taken up a large number of issues on behalf of tenants. * Your support is needed for the continuation of the Association in the * Toothill and Freshbrook area. These are some of the problems settled on behalf of tenants after direct consultation with the Housing Manager. 1.

Beaulieu Close - Repairs to 20 windows on stairwells.

Connection of alarm systems to elderly people's flats.

Checks on gas fires in elderly people's premises.

Banks of earth behind Godolphin Close, Freshbrook, cleared of rubbish and vermin and landscaped by Council.

We were also instrumental in persuading the Council to arrange for a Housing Officer to be in attendance at Toothill Community Centre every Tuesday, 2.00 - 5.00 p.m., to discuss tenant problems.

These and many other problems have been brought to a satisfactory conclusion by the Tenants' Association committee on behalf of tenants in this area.

* *

* * *

* *

* * * Is there anything about your housing that you feel frustrated * about? Are there repairs that you cannot seem to get done? Is there * information you need but cannot seem to get? Tenants organised together * can have a strong voice and can get things done. * * New people are needed to join the tenants' committee to carry on the work of the Association. Could you offer your time and interest? * Please come to the Annual Meeting of the Toothill and Freshbrook * Tenants' Association and find out what it involves. *

- ALL TENANTS ARE INVITED -

* * * *

TRE NEWS LINK CENTRE NEWS LINK CEN Welcome to a brand new column in the Link,

A programme is available and tickets

Link Centre News.

are from Main Reception.

Each issue we'll be keeping you up to

The Arts wing will also be running

date with what's happening at the Centre,

a range of taster sessions in arts

the news and views, the gossip, even the

and crafts and the darkroom is set

scandal.

for an October opening.

This month sees the Link's first full

New exhibitions are appearing all

programme of courses. A variety of sports

the time in the library which is proving

and activities are on offer as well as

a great success.

dance classes for young and old and skating courses at the Rink.

Most last for six

weeks with expert tuition and equipment

On a final note look out for a Halloween special at the Ice Rink. More details in the next issue.

provided. Nick Startin, the Centre's Activity Manager explains "More and more people nowadays want to learn something new.

I like to

think a Link course will put a lot on the way to getting more out of their leisure time."

STOP PRESS The Link is starting a variety of special sports and activity sessions as we go to press. Two hours each there are different ones for the unemployed and seni-or citizens plus

Details from the Link who have a special

special

leaflet on courses.

All Nick tell me, at bargain prices.

Booking has already

started and Nick reckons places will go

Ladies

Recreation sessions.

Details from the Link on 871212.

quickly. Events are also coming up thick and fast particularly in the Arts Suite. John Cooper Clarke, the Salford punk poet

LINK CENTRE

headlines an exciting Autumn programme, while jazz, dance, drama and photography are also included.

Morrison & Masters

Town Square West Swindon Centre Westlea, Swindon

Solicitors Telephone: 870055

IF IT'S HELP YOU WANT IN ANY LEGAL MATTER, GIVE US A CALL In Swindon New Town for almost 100 YEARS, and now also at the West Swindon District Centre.

also at: 20 Commercial Road Swindon Telephone: 26601

TEA DANCE

ARRIVALS

VISITOR

Have you a pleasant personality, good communication skills, knowledge of the area and a commitment to developing the coTnrriunity?

As from 5th September there will be a TEA DANCE between 2pm and 4pm on Thursday after-noons in the Community Suite and the Link Centre. For more information contact Mrs. Bracewell Swindon 30596. -

The Community Development Division needs a person to visit new arrivals in West Swindon to provide information and advice. No formal qualifications are necessary but experience and involvement with community life is essential. The post is for 18 hours a week, some evenings and week-ends, to be worked on a flexible basis.

V ol

Details from The Personnel officer, Borough of Thamesdown, Civic Offices, 24 Answering Swindon. Tel: 610202 quoting reference no.03-42. service

TAL6S

We welcome applications irrespective of race, sex or disability.

Thaunew -1 1(mm An equal opportunities employer

1 P73

T446 CO1ThULIry SU1115

LIN%< CTR

SWIN4 ON CABL E OFFERS Y01 V A SUPERB VIEW/NO CHOICE annels* Up to 13 Ch Available in Westlea, Toothill and Freshbrook

PER. MONTH ..'~,

CABLE BNGS YOU BETTER TELEV1ON

q~~~~

sponsors to Freshbrook AFC

To get connection at this low, low rate, just 'phone Swindon 615601 and ask for the Sales Office. West Swindon'. ConmunIty N.wspap.

THE

LINK

No. Closing Date Published Copy for Publication to: 0 4th October End October Roger Ogle, 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook 1 21st November mid DecenberJanice Oliver, 10 Rochester Cl.Toothill 52 10th January early Feb. Nick Jansen, 6 Moresby Close, Westlea

West Swindon's Community Newspaper

edition in 7 years Est. 1978 Circ. 6,800

NOVEMBER 1985

TOOTHILL • FRESHBROOK S WESTLEA • SHAW

WHERE WERE YOU? West Swindon's Live Aid day on 21st September "as a great disappointment for the organisers. 1eld at Upper Shaw Farm, local Swindon bands )ut a lot of energy into their performances Dut very few people were there to make it worth vhile. Pictured are the organisers Julia [hornton (centre) and Lesley Flatt (on her left) vith willing helpers from Westlea Guides.

SHOCK WAVE here was an electoral shock when Simon Cordon of the SDP/Alliance captured the previously Labour ield Freshbrook seat on Wiltshire County Council in the by-election of 3rd October. In a 38% turn 5ut he polled 679 votes, John Green (Labour) got 564 and Richard Blunt (Conservative) got 357.

10 YEARS ON Birthday Party is being planned. Thirty people turned up to a meeting on October 1st as advertised in the last Link, to discuss ideas to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the irst residents moving into West Swindon. A whole range of suggestions were put forward including exhibitions, special events at the Link Centre, a fun run, big community group et-togethers, street parties etc. A planning group is working on suggestions. Whats' your interest. Ring Liz Hopkins on 870760 or Roger )gle on 871212 for further information and )ffers of help and energy

HI-JACKED

In the middle of October the Thamesdown Council Cleansing Department raided West Swindon and removed 60 supermarket trolleys as evidence of pollution of the community. In total £6,000 worth of trolleys were removed and were offered back to Carrefour at £1 apiece plus p & p. Negotiations were taking place when the Link went to press. More direct action like this needs to be taken. If you want trolleys removed, call Mr. David Ball at Thamesdown on 26161 or Carrefour on 872781.

THE FIFTH NNUAL COMMUNITY BONFIRE AT TOOTHILL FARM, BODIAM DRIVE - FOR ALL RESIDENTS OF WEST SWINDON. SATURDAY 2ND NOVEMBER. THE FIRE WILL BE LIT AFTER THE GUY COMPETITION AT 6.30 PM. SPONSORED BY TOOTHILL YOUTH CLUB LICENSED BAR, HOT DOGS, SOUP ETC.BRING

YOUR OWN FIREWORKS

PROBLEMS,PROBLEM

geecfwood.)

COUNCILLOR'S SURGERY

OLD SHAW, SWINDON

If you have a problem you require help or advice with, then please come along to your Labour Party Councillors Surgery, where either RICKY MIDWINTER (Thamesdown Borough Council), and ALJJ WINMILL (Wilts County Council) will be pleased to discuss it with you. Surgeries will be held SAT 2ND SAT16TH SAT30TH SAT14TH

- 91

rrrrrrrrtt

NEW ADDRESS Thamesdown Councillor Ricky Midwinter (representing Toothill, Westlea and Shaw) has moved to 4, Anglesey Close, Westlea. His new telephone number is 873537.

For full details contact Mr. Doug Jones our sales representative, he's available at our showhome everyday 1 2-5pm or our selling agents: Tel: Swindon (0793)873573 Loveday & Loveday (0793) 29121 J.H. Slderfin (0793)872222 TOP100 *R

COUNCIL TENANTS

CLARKRDWP

QUALITY HOMES

COUNCIL TENANTS APATHETIC - WHO CARES?

Sonofred Accounting The complete accountancy service

fxcCO'. aSStSt' "

'K 'K

ANNE ELLIOTT (s.R.H.) 'K'K

'K 'K 'K Offering you a professional service in 'K 'K 'K the comfort of your home. 'K 'K For an appointment please telephone 'K 'K Swindon 870330 'K 'K

State Registered Hairdresser

Freshbrook Comm. Centre Upper Shaw Farm,Westlea Toothill Comm. Centre Freshbrook Comm. Centre

If you are unable to attend one of the above dates, then please contact:Ricky Midwinter on 873537 or Alan Winmill, 14, Upfield, Liden Tel:613073.

'Beechwood' at Old Shaw Swindon, has recently won a National House Building Council Top 100 Site Supervisor Award for outstanding quality and the excellence of site presentation. If you are looking for the best address in Swindon come and choose a 'winning' home at Beechwood. 3 and 4 bedroom designs offer: • En suite to master bedroom • Luxury oak fitted kitchen with built in oven and hob • Breakfast area S Utility S Luxury bathroom • Separate lounge and dining room • Downstairs cloakroom • Full gas central heating • Garage • Landscaped front garden.

TaXt

at at at at

ALL HELD BETWEEN 10 AM - 12 NOON.

DAVE NORRIS

NOVEMBER NOVEMBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

Toothill - Freshbrook Tenants Association held their Annual General Meeting on 25th September at Toothill Community Centre, and almost nobody turn&up The nine tenants, five of whom were the existing committee were not enough to form a quorum; so they decided that the Association should CLOSE DOWN for the time being until some tenants show interes in getting it going again.. The aim of the Tenants Association is to help with housing problems and to give tenants a voice, but it seems that tenants in Toothill and Freshbrook are happy with their lot! If there are tenants who want to get the Association going again, contact Charles Blaxhall, 38, Kirkstall Close, Toothill Tel: 481510 or Gordon Heath, 129,Godolphin Close, Freshbrook. Tel: 873249.

Morrison & Masters Solicitors

Town Square West Swindon Centre Westlea, Swindon Telephone: 870055

IF IT'S HELP YOU WANT IN ANY LEGAL MATTER, GIVE US A CALL

also at:

20 commercial Road Swindon Telephone: 26601

In Swindon New Town for almost 100 YEARS, and now also at the West Swindon District Centre. I

VS LINK CENTRE NEWS LIN Your cut out and keep guide to major events at the Link in the next few weeks. Monday, October 28th - Free skating lessons between 9.30 and 10.00 for anyone who goes to the morning session. ICE RINK

Half-Term week - Disco sessions every morning and afternoon with Simon Grant.

November 1st - Halloween Night 4.30 - 6.00 Children's fancy dress session with spot prizes. Only 75p with skate hire on top. Pay on the night. 7.30 - 11.00 - The full horror Halloween night in fancy dress plus entertainment. Book at the Link.2.25 and £1.75 concession with free skate hire. Watch out for ice hockey in the weeks to come! New The Link's Brand new Health Suite opens Monday, November 4th with: SAUNA and JACUZZI, the quickest HEALTH SUITE+ and safest SUNBEDS yet and an EXERCISE AREA - with multigym, life cycle machine, bike, dumbels and rest area. Bookings are being taken now.

DO YOU WANT TO DANCE? .ln that a 1xie at dam to Me Link aid jain m of a /cattwrna &me dai4e. Thurk, (Nov 7th & 214t, Dec5th & 12th) 10.30 - 11.30 an - Pa/ø%ti & TcrkJJeiiA £1.60 peA 4vzi4 (t4o to 4 'i) £1.29, (.Op caw. 1.30- 2.30 pn-kJuLt4 4.60- 4.45pn-0iiJdzm(5-7y/14) 75p 5.09- 5.45pn-Cliik/Jiøt(8-10y1t4) 75p 6.09- 6.45 pn-ChJJd'zøiJ9-l2yflA) 75p 75p 7.60 - 7.45 pn - Teøicçe (13+) £1.40, 70pcaic. 8.07- 9. 09 dmcelecowu c&z 3.30 - 4.30 pn - Swtab-Le 4z cryai (pee cizeo'i) 50p Caw to cne 4eALfl, caw to then alL You dailt need ai o9wAiazce to daicQ the cbt aid nJht aiaj!

Arts& Recreation Borough of Thamesdown ,

With the Link's brand new darkroom about to open watch out for the £1,000 photo competition for anyone who can hold a camera! Performances this month include jazz bands, Back Door and Groove Juice, Punk poet John Cooper Clarke, the Crucible and a major exhibition Courses and Workshops continue in Dance, Video, Photography and Banner making.

HALF-TERM COURSES

SPORTS HALL

There are 5 day minicourses in swimming and a number of sports, plus a special minicamp for the 6-9's and 10-14's at SOp. Book now at the Link.

AUTUMN COURSES A new series of courses for children and adults starts in November. Details in the Link Courses leaflet.

THE POOL

K. \V. Schofield BPharm. M.PS.

Ashington Way Pharmacy Westlea, Swindon. SN5 7XT NOW OPEN (next to Ashington Hse. Surgery) Tel.Sw. 616840

VOLUNTEERS Link Arts programme is under way; now is the time to become involved in your arts studio, where music, drama, photography, dance is taking off. Help to assist the staff and play your part in the development of your Link Arts. Come in or phone Tony or Clarry on 871212.

BOTTLE BANK BACK After a mysterious disappearance, the West Swindon Bottle Bank has re-appeared. Bring your bottles and re-cycle the world's resources behind the shops at Toothill Village Centre.

ETHIOPIA APPEAL ST.PETER' S BROWNIES Invite you to buy a Cup of Tea at Toothill Community Centre on Thursday October 31st between 4.00 and 5.00pm. All proceeds to the Ethiopia Appeal.

WOMENS INFO. SWINDONS WOMENS INFORMATION MOBILE (SWIM) an informal drop-in centre and informatio service run by women for women. It will o information on a wide range of women's is and women's activities, from 'Women and t Law' to 'Playgroups' to 'Women's Theatre'

THE

Information sessions are held on Thursday 12-4 pm.(from Novemeber 14th). The sessio will take place on the Women's Bus which be parked in Swindon Town Centre. There w be a supervised play area, but unfortunat the bus does not have wheelchair access.

WORD

For further informatin please contact Sal Anne or Janet on Swindon 486866.

WHAT'S

AT YOUR LOCAL

Keith Boxhall & Helen Drummond New Church Workers in Shaw

SUNDAY SCHOOL We are pleased to announce that Toothill Church now holds a Sunday School in the Main Flail of Toothill Community Centre at 10.45am Any children between the ages of 5 and 13 years are welcome. More details from Deaconess Pat Whelan on 46421.

THE CHURCH AT SHAW

WEST SWINDON LIBRARY

A new chapter in the life of the church in Shaw commences on the 3rd November, when we start having services of worship every Sunday evening at 6.30pm. and on the 1st Sunday of each month starting in December, we will be having a family service at 10.30am All are welcome whatever denomination and whatever age.

EXHIBITIION AND EVENTS FOR THE AUTUMN WOOTTON BASSETT SEA CADET CORPS NOVEMBER 11TH. OCTOBER 29TH -

A static display of model ships and equip plus a video film each day.

Live events on Tuesday Evenings October 2 and November 5th and Saturdays November 2 We do not guarantee thatthe services will be and November 9th.. to include a demonstr completely as you would wish but we do pledge ion of skills (knotting, rope work, first ourselves to seek with you the way that the and a Semaphore Display + Aldis aid) Lord would wish us serve him both in worship lamp signalling . .and finally a rifle/ and in our day to day living. bayonet continuity display.

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY

The Parade Service for November will be held on Remembrance Sunday 10th November at 10,45 There will be no Community Centre Sunday School that day. Please come and join us in church for this special service.

Yours in the service of Christ,

GET IN TOUCH WITH

The Sea Cadet Corps is a voluntary youth organisation sponsored by the Royal Navy and although this is not a pre-service organisation, many of our boys do join the Royal Navy.

For times of services and other information regarding the churches in West Swindon contact the following:ANGLICAN-METHODIST-U.R.C.- BAPTIST

We are privileged to wear the uniform of the Royal Navy which is supplied on loan free of charge, with boys having the opportunity to attend various courses with the Navy such as:s:Sailing/Navigation Adventurous/Expedition training Canoeing /Power Boating Shooting Swimming Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme Electrical/Mechancial Engineering Cookery Firefighting First Aid

(Toothill, Shaw and the Lydiard Churches) Enquirers please call at the Church Office, Oliver Tomkins School, Beaumaris Road, Toothill or Tel:874221. Office hours: Mon & Sat 9.00-12.30pm Tues& Fri 1.00- 3.00pm Wed & Thur7.00- 9.00pm (Answerphone at other times). Westlea Church

Tel: 872822

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

TEL:694157/ 695012

TEL: 874400

FOR SALE: Manual Typewriter in good condition. £25. Tel :872282 - -

POTTERY EXHIBITION : The work of Charles B amp ton November 12th-30th.

SEA CADETS

THE CHURCHES OF WEST SWINDON

FRESHBROOK EVANGELICAL CHURCH

*******************

Revd. Helen Drummond Revd. Keith Boxall.

-- — —

Look out for us at the Link Centre Library between October 29th and November 11th or for further information contact Lieutenant Commander (5CC) J. Frost, RNR Tel: Swindon 852446.

-- - -

- -

. .&

New high temperature glazes shown on domes stoneware pottery. Live event Saturday November 16th. Mr.Bam will demonstrate 'Pottery Throwing' in th e Library Exhibition Room between 10.00-12-C and 2.00-4.00pm.

RAVENGLASS WATER COLOUR EXHIBITIION November 12th-29th. Paintings by local artists James Trew and Cameron Street who will show how it's done On each Friday during the exhibition peric

Further details of all events and exhibiti are available from Linda Black, West Swinc Library. Tel: 871444. STORY TIMES FOR THE AUTUMN. The Library hopes to begin a Story Time session for the 'Under 5's on each Wednes morning 10.30 11.30 am. commencing sh Look out for further details in the Libr-

ousaft — a

A &

a a A& AID A A4~ go

Telephone.' .w//7cJofl 573O&3.

FULL NEWSPAPER DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE TO ALL OF WEST SWINDON

november 1985

f reshbrook f ocus

the newsletter of the freshbrook village group residents organisation

RUGWATCH

Hard drugs are becoming more and more of a problem in society and Parents are becoming worried about the future. The F.V.G. have invited Andy Malinowski, Project Leader at the Swindon Drug Advisory Centre to speak at its monthly General Meeting on 4th December at 8.00 p.m. in the Community Centre. Residents interested or concerned about drug use are invited to attend.

YOUTH CLUB LOOKING FOR YOUTH

OUR TEAM KICKS OFF

Freshbrook Youth Club re-opened after a summer break in September and is up and running every Friday from 7.30 to 10pm. People aged 14 to 18 are invited to come on down and sample the delights! and attractions!! See You.

Pictured right is Freshbrook Football Club in their Swindon Cable TV sponsored outfit. In their first season, they're taking Freshbrook's name far and wide. Good on you and good luck.

PHARMACY PETITION

As you are no doubt aware, the new Dentist Surgery will soon be open, but did you know BINGO that early next year a new Doctors Surgery is planned for Freshbrook Village Centre - Due to a decrease in adjacent to the Dentist Surgery. numbers attending, our Well done the F.V.G. for campaigning successfully Bingo sessions at the for these services - but only one thing is Freshbrook Community Centre, on a Tuesday now missing - thats right - a pharmacy. evening, are cancelled We, the F.V.G. feel that it is essential for until further notice. the Freshbrook Village Centre to have the services of. a Pharmacist, to dispense the We are hoping to start much needed prescriptions from our Doctor them up again next Spring. and Dentist. To further our aims the F.V.G. is in direct consultation with all interested parties Thamesdown etc., but we require YOUR help Please enter your name on the petition. A copy can be found in the Freshbrook Village IT'S YOUR HELP WE NEED !!! Centre.

NEARLY THERE After a few delays Thamesdown Council will soon start work on sorting out the village centre to a plan negotiated with and agreed by the FVG. The plan is on display in the community centre for all to see.

DANCE CLASSES Music and Movement Under 7's 9.30 pm

65p

Jazz Dance 7's - 13's 10.15 pm - 11.00 pm 65p EVERY SATURDAY at FRESHBROOK COMMUNITY CENTRE

WHAT'S ON IN YOUR CENTRE.

GRAND CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

GRAND CHRISTMAS DANCE

SATURDAY, 23RD NOVEMBER, 1985.

FANCY DRESS OPTIONAL

2.00 p.m. until 4.00 p.m.

SATURDAY, 7TH DECEMBER, 1985 8.00 p.m. to 12.00 midnight

Includes TICKETS £1.50 White Elephant, Weight of Cake, Toiletries, Jewellery,

Refreshments,

Name the Doll, Books,

Plants,

Toys,

£1.00 to Club Members £0.75 for children

Father Christmas FOOD AVAILABLE LICENSED BAR

Also: Stalls by Freshbrook School, C.A.L.M., Playgroup, Mothers and Toddlers and Majorettes

DARTS

CARDS

Tickets on sale at the Community Centre or from Committee Members.

THRIFT SHOPPE Freshbrook Thrift Shop commences on

The Turnpike Club will

For anyone interested

be starting up its own

in cribbage or bridge

Darts Team in the near

we have a Cribbage

future. Any person

evening each Monday

interested in joining

and a Bridge evening

should come along to

each Thursday, both

the Club.

commencing at approx.

Good quality Toys, Clothes etc.

8.00 p.m.

20% Deducted for Handling Fees.

KILLER CORNER

TUESDAY, 5TH NOVEMBER, 1985. To be held in the Meeting Room of the Freshbrook Community Centre every Tuesday 10.00 p.m. - 12.00 noon

COME ALONG AND BUY A BARGAIN

JUNCTION 16 DRAMA CLUB presents "FRIENDS AND NEIGHBOURS" Two plays at the theatre in the LINK CENTRE on Friday, 6th December, 1985 and Saturday, 7th December, 1985 How many Freshbrook residents have nearly been run over by a bus on Rowton Heath Way where the pavements suddenly disappears? The FVG calls this a lousy piece of planning. Should it do something about improving this danger spot before somebody is killed? Please tell us i,,.iant complaints to be made.

at 7.30 p.m. Tickets £1.00 and 75p concessions from Link Centre or telephone Maureen 871017 FOR ADULTS ONLY.

ASIAN WOMEN

TOOTLEA BROOK W.I.

YOUTH NEWS

1 pm — 2.30 pm TUESDAY.

A women and toddler group meet weekly from 1 pm to 2.30 pm. in the LINK CENTRE COMMUNITY SUITE. Mothers, Guardians (i.e. Freshbrook Youth Club opened its 1985/6 season Aunties, Grandmothers), first-time pregnant moms are welcome to come along for a chat on FRIDAY 13th September; a bad day for the superstitious but it proved a good date for us over a cup of coffee while the toddlers play. For more information please ring Swindon 28545 Over 70 young people attended a disco and danced to sounds provided by the excellent 11 'Hot Tramp' disco.

FRESHBROOK SENIOR YOUTH CLUB (Freshbrook Community Centre)

dies, Are you bashful, are you shy? Then visit Tootlea Brook W.I. Single, married, fat or thin, We have room to fit you in. Speakers, crafts and produce show, Everything you need to know, At the Community room,Toothill school, Every Third Wednesday is the rule 7.30 is the time we meet, So come and give yourself a treat.

L 'o,J;I.cfrz:S(

The Youth Club is now open every Friday everii from 7.30-10.00 pm. New members aged 12-18 are always welcome. Another disco is due soon — watch out for posters.

alling all ladies between the ages of 18--80 ho live in the Toothill, Westlea and Freshbrook area to join our very own Women's istitute. The programme until the end of the ear is as follows:9th November Microwave Cookery Demonstration 5th December Members Christmas Meeting his is not a Grannie's Club, but a get Dgether of people interested in other people.

loice and committment are entirely you own ecision. iall we see you at our next meeting?Do come ing Carla Duffield (Secretary) for further iformation.

GARDENER WANTED ARDENER REQUIRED FOR OCCASIONAL WORK IN MALL GARDEN IN WESTLEA. WOULD SUIT ACTIVE .A.P. MOSTLY TIDYING: NO VEGETABLES. EL: 872915.

DRUGLINK Drug Advisory Centre

though there are no precise figures about e nature and prevalence of problematic drug d solvent use in Swindon and District, it assumed that Swindon reflects national ends. In recent years there has been an surge in the extent of problematic drug d solvent use. uglink, a non-statutory community based ug advisory centre is an initiative set up provide a confidential advice, information, unselling and support service. uglink is staffed by one full-time worker d a part-time administrative assistant and currently training a group of volunteers o will join the project in Novemeber 1985.

uglink is open Monday to Friday, 10-4 pm .d has, up-to-date, dealt with inquiries om users, families, friends, teachers, GP's, cial workers and probation officers. Callers y contact the centre on Swindon 610133. An swering machine is in use for out of hours

r,t,t'f -

Ian Crawford-Youth Worker The West Swindon Youth Resource Committee have recently appointed a new Youth Worker in the area. His name is Ian Crawford and he is based at the Toothill Church (Tel:487009). Although he has only been in post a short time a number of developments have already come to the fore. One of these is an initative from Mossy and Simon Ford to start an unemployed 'drop in' at Toothill Farm Youth Club. After a slow start the group meets on Wednesday afternoons. Refreshments are available and no effort will be spared to accomodate any new arrivals or ideas. For further information Simon can be contacted on 694397 or Ian on the number above. In sssocstion with this Toothill Farm Youth Club which is also run by Simon and Mossy opens on Monday and Tuesday nights from 7.30-10.00pm. The usual youth club activities are available including Pool, Table Tennis, Music, refreshments and TV and once again new faces and new ideas are warmly welcomed. Ian would be glad to hear from anybody concerned about young people's needs, especially if they can help with group activities.

FAMILY PLANNING Community Health Family Planning Clinics are held on the first Wednesday of each month at 5, Deerhurst Way, Toothill, Swindon between 6.00 — 8.00pm. Please ring Swindon 33181, ext. 36 for an appointment.

FOR SALE: Brownie Uniform £3 Tel: 870281

Peter Newson (Electrical) Ltd 221 KINGSHILL ROAD, SWINDON,

TEL: 0031

TRADE ENDS TO UNIT 3, LONDON STREET, SWINDON.

THOUGHT ABOUT A SHOWER ? FULL RANGE OF REDRING & SANTON SHOWERS IN STOCK PRICES FROM £55.00 IJ\C.VAT, CASH & CARRY OR BETWEEN £170 & £230 FULLY INSTALLED XPELAIR FANS 10% DISCOUNT ON ALL MODELS

RING 40031 OR CALL IN FOR MORE DETAILS OPEN MON-FRI 9130AM-5.30PM; SAT 9AM-IPM

TEL: 34303

FOR ALL THOSE ELECTRICAL THINGIES HOLE WIRING CABLE AT GENUINE TRADE PRICES EXTRA POINTS & LIGHTS, IMMERSION HEATERS & COOKER SPARES/REPAIRS

VISA & ACCESS CARDS WELCOMED

TELEPHONE: (0793) 481532

FOR DEDICATION

D. L. POULTON,

M.S.S.CH.

CHIROPODIST

32 WHITE CASTLE, TOOTHILL, SWINDON.

VISITING PRACTICE

SWINDON SOFT WATER

ST.PETER'S CATHOLIC CHURCH The new Catholic Church at Carronbridge Road, Westlea is now nearly completed. From Saturday 16th November all Catholic services in West Swindon will be held there. For further information contact the Parish Priest. Father Liam O'Driscoll, St Peter's, Carronbridge Road, Westlea. Tel: 874400.

Makes water softening simple

BAZAAR

No 1 Best selling water softener In the UK

KINE T __1

The world's mos advanced fully automatic non-electric meter-controlled system

For a complete service In water softeners Sales 0 Service â€¢ Installations - Rent Buy DIV

Call BRIAN COX on SWINDON 27172

C.S. Cox

LIFE BEGINS...

Painting & Decorating House Repairs 9 Constable Road, Swindon, Wiltshire SNI.6JF I

Christmas Bazaar in aid of St Peter's Building Fund at Toothill Community Centre on Saturday 9th November 2.00-4.00pm. Stalls include Groceries, toys, Plants, Brica-Brac, Nearly New, Tapes & Records, Cakes, Books and many more. Special for the childrenFather Christmas.

Tel: Swindon 827238

F t int WLtmtin

The Link 45+ Group is a new social group aimed at those who are not retired and those who are but don't believe it. The aim of the group is to be active and pursue the many different interests of its members - sporty activities at the Link, visits, Theatre trips, tea dances etc. Meetings so far have taken place during the day but the daytime 45+ know there must be many working 45+ who would like to get involved. So on Tuesday 19th November at 7.30 pm in the Community Suite, Link Centre Nightowl 45's are invited to come along and join in. Details beforehand from Sarah Jennings on 872282.

Established 1898

srA W[OL DO YOU LIKE STAR TREK? IF SO, YOU ARE NOT ALONI

ALSO SPECIALISTS IN: COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND AGRICULTURAL PROPERTIES Auctions - Property Management - Valuation including Structural Surveys

PHONE SWINDON 33301

VECTIS COURT, OLD TOWN, SWINDON

SWINDON 33301 SWINDON 850321

124 COMMERCIAL ROAD, SWINDON 127 HIGH STREET,

THE LOCAL FIRM WITH NATIONAL CONNECTIONS

PA.I

Star Base Swindon is a recently formed club for Star Trek enthusiasts. We meet at approximately monthly intervals in the Toddler Room at the Link Centre, to talk, exchange ideas and information, and watch videos. Other activities include organising trips to Star Trek conventions, week-end get-togethers and a newsletter. Our' members have a wide range of interests within the world of Star Trek and there is a large variation in age and experience, but we all have one thing in common which draws us together. If you love Star Trek too, you will be made welcome and will enjoy our company. Our next meeting is on Monday October 28th at 7.30 pm. onwards. Just come along or, if you want more information, give me a ring on Filkins 245. Susan Humphries (Secretary).

MEDIA NEWS PHOTO COMPETITION To mark the opening of the Link Arts darkroom, Link Arts and Media Arts Lab are collaborating to launch a photographic competition and exhibition which is open to everyone except professional photographers. There are two categories; 'How the West was Done' for pictures taken in the Western Development area, either of people or places, and 'Candid Camera' for funny/interesting/unusual pictures of people taken anywhere. For both categories, entries will be accepted on any format (except slides) and any size, and can be photographs dug out of an old album as well as those taken especially for the competition. There are over 50 prizes to be won worth over Â£1,000 ranging from expensive photographic equipment, including a Canon T70 SLR Camera to household items. The organisers stress that it is not only the dedicated amateur that has a chance of winning. Entry forms and rules are available from the Town Hall Studios, Link Arts, W.B. Photographic, 85, Victoria Road, Great Western Cameras in the Brunel Arcade and Swindon Photo Market at 7, Faringdon Road, Closing date is 14th December. PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP To coincide with the photographic competition, there will be a special photographic workshop on November 2nd which will be pitched at different levels of experience. For the new-comer to photography, there will be an introduction to 35mm photography, and for the more advanced photographers, there will be an introduction to the 'Zone' exposure system. Experts will be there to give advice and hints and there will be an exhibition of prints by Erskine Fentry, a professional photographer who will be working at Link Arts over the coming months. Photographic facilities and equipment are also available at Media Arts Lab, for very reasonable rates of hire and free if you are unemployed.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED To help organise the administration and judging of the competition, Media Arts are looking for unemployed volunteers who can commit themselves to working at Link Arts and at Media Arts in the Town Hall. This will involve correspondence, liason, scheduling, mounting photos, and general admin duties. If you are interested, please contact: MARY DOWNES or DAVE CANNON on 26161 ext.3140 or call in /write to Media Arts Lab, Town Hall Studios, Regents Circus, Swindon.

--BATH E --& SELBY MANOR ROAD, WESTCOTT PLACE, SWINDONE behind Mike Knight Tyres - Tel: 29352

ACCIDENT --REPAIRS -SERVICING -M.O.T. Tests UK

rIIIIIUIuuuui,uuju.nu.u..iuiu,uuuuuiuuuuuiiuuiuuu.uiiiuuiut

FRESHBROOK ji TAKE AWAY

FRESHBROOK VILLAGE CENTRE FRESHBROOK, SWINDON, WILTS.

.4,

Telephone (0793) 873178

EXOTIC CHINESE DISHES * TRADITIONAL FISH & CHIPS * DELICIOUS HOT SNACKS * LUNCHEON VOUCHERS ACCEPTED PHONE-IN ORDERS WELCOMED

GLASS CUT TO SIZE Thick or Thin, Large or Small, While You Wait or Prompt Delivery COMPETITIVE PRICES

SWINDON GLASS OKUS ROAD, SWINDON Tel 20483 & 26480

Unit 134, West Swindon District Centre, Swindon, Wilts SN5 7DL Telephone: (0793) 873484

GOIN SKI -ING

Opening Hours Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

The Toothill Computer Collective started with the aim of making access to computer tech-nology available at a community level, particularly to those who did not want to get left behind. It is now necessary to set up a management group to oversee the project, its equipment and course. Are you interested in making computers available to all? Contact Tony Free on 33623.

DROP-IN From Thursday 7th November and every Thursday afterwards from 10 am to noon, you are invited to DROP-IN at Upper Shaw Farm, Westlea's Community Centre for coffee and tea. Come by, take a look at the place, meet other residents. By car, go past Renault and take a left by the Shaw Ridge housing estate; on foot, the farm is next to Denbeck Wood and Longstock Court.

WESTLEA SCHOOL CHRISTMAS FAIR on Saturday 30th November. Father Christmas, stalls, competitions etc. 2.00 - 3.30 pm. DRAW FOR PRIZES 3.15 pm.

THANKS From Brenda Hobbs, Ringsbury Close, Purton. May, on my behalf and my sons, thank the people of the Western Expansion for their sympathy and their kind remarks about Len. It has helped us a great deal to know how much Len was respected by people of all persusions, which would have pleased him immensely as well. Once again my thanks to everyone. Over ÂŁ350.00 was raised for N.S.P.C.C. on Len's behalf, this will be staying to help the children of Wiltshire and will be used in the unit at Bulford Camp, which serves this area as well.

9.30-7.00 pm 9.00-6.00 pm

SATURDAY DANCE

BYTE TYME

CHRISTMAS FAIR

2.00-6.00 pm

Let your children enjoy CREATIVE DANCE classes at FRESHBROOK COMMUNITY CENTRE on Saturday mornings. Up to 6 years

9.30 - 10.15 am. 10.15- 11.00 am.

Cost 60p per session(Teacher from Town Hall Studios).

FAIRY TALES A new group aimed at stimulating the child's imagination has started in the Link Centre Community Suite. Called Fairy Tales, the group uses stories of old to get children thinking, talking and creating and of course having fun. Fairy Tales is open to 4 to 7 year olds and costs 80p per session. These take place in the Link on Tuesday 4-5 pm. For further information call Margot Brown on 612558.

POLITE NOTICE A meeting of the association was held on 2nd October with the Police to discuss their plans for the site adjacent to Johnson Controls at Westlea. The Police have bought the land but cannot produce details of their proposals for the site until the design is approved by the Home Office, which could be in the next two years. West Sindon will need a sub-divisional police headquarters and will have 5 'Panda' pars. Generally the police are sympathetic with people living very close to the site and have promised to liase further once detailed plans are available. West Swindon'. Community Newspaper

No. Closing Date Published 51 21st November mid Decenber early Feb. 52 10th January Copy for Publication to: Roger Ogle, 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook

West Swindon's Community Newspaper

Est. 1978 Circ. 6,800

No. 51 DECEMBER 1985

TOOTHILL • FRESHBROOK • WESTLEA • SHAW

HEALTHY NEWS

Information is now available on the Health Centre to serve West Swindon. Located between the .ink Centre and Carrefour, it should be finished in 1988 (assuming no cuts) at a cost of :800,000 and will provide a base for two Doctors, health visitors, baby clinics and other ncillary health services. Progress is also being made on providing locally based facilities.

\t Shaw, it is hoped that a temporary Doctors surgery will De set up at the village centre off Ramleaze Drive by mid 1986 to be followed by a permanent building in 1987/88.

OLD & NEW FACES

t Toothill, moves are afoot to get a Doctor practising in the area. Five hundred people must first show they are iilling to register with one before this can come about. )ver the next few months Councillor Ricky Midwinter will be knocking on doors and gathering names to prove the need.

t Freshbrook, after pressure from the Freshbrook Village 3roup residents organisation, agreement has been reached to )rovide a site for a Pharmacy next to the shops, close to the Doctors surgery that will be built soon and opposite the newly built Dentist surgery.

kicky Midwinter commenting on these healthy developments, 'It has taken over two years of persuasion and negotiations :o get local health facilities at village centres agreed on I hope it won't be long to get them there.'

TAKING A BROAD VIEW

rest Swindon's development has been massive and Continues. or some years there has been a Working Party concerned with ommunity affairs made up of professional workers and members f residents associations. The Working Party wants to widen ts membership and invites individual residents concerned bout what is happening in west Swindon as a whole to take The nine month experiment of putart. A great variety of subjects are discussed and interting a sculptor to work in the sted people should contact Roger Ogle on 26161 ext.3191. community has been a success. We say thank-you and good-bye to Jon Buck but can enjoy his sculpture at Westlea Park, off Westlea Drive

NEW ARRIVALS

A local person has been appointed by Thamesdown Council's Community Development Division to welcome new residents in West Swindon. Pam Pixton, pictured left, moved to Freshbrook six years ago and has been very involved in community activities. At first her task is to visit people moving into brand new houses but where possible she will contact those moving to established houses. Pam will bring with her a useful handbook packed with local information. Messages for Pam and requests for the handbook should be phoned throuqh to 26161 ext 3191.

WANTED - Volunteers to help run an afterschool club for 10-14 year olds. It is to the Link of hours Sarah or

be held in the Community Suite at Centre. If you can spare a couple in the late afternoon please contact: Nicky on Swindon 871212 Ext.234.

LOOK BEAUTIFUL FOR CHRISTMAS & THE NEW YEAR GOING SOMEWHERE AND WANT TO LOOK YOUR BEST? CALL GWENDA FOR HELP. ALL MAKEUP DONE IN ABOUT 15 MINUTES. NAILS TOO SHORT AND CAN'T WAIT FOR THEM TO GROW? MAKE THEM LONG & BEAUTIFUL AT ONCE WITH THE LATEST IN AMERICAN ACRYLIC LIQUID NAILS. CALL GWENDA ON 871082

PJS AUTO SERVICES UNIT 1 RIVER RAY INDUSTRIAL ESTATE BARNFIELD ROAD, SWINDON ALL MECHANICAL REPAIRS, SERVICING, MOT REPAIRS, CHASSIS WELDING, SPRAYING AND BODY REPAIRS. COLLECTION IF REQUIRED. LABOUR ONLY £9 PER HOUR 24 HOUR BREAKDOWN SERVICE INCLUDING THE CHRISTMAS PERIOD. CALL PETE ON 614442 OR IN THE EVENINGS 615435

F US G'J :)USE

Pt44S0t4

NFkE0,)N1..

TOOTHILL COMMUNITY CENTRE Now open on a Tuesday 10.15 - 2pm. Closed for Christmas from Tuesday 17th Dec. Re-opens Tuesday 14th January 1 86. Merry Christmas to all our Customers and thank yuu for your support. Hope to see you all in the New Year. Anyone willing to help run the Thrift Shop please contact Brenda 695472.

JOBS FROM THE PAST Did you know that there were people living here nearly 3,000 Years ago? The evidence is explained in a leaflet called 'The Archaeology and History of Swindon's Western Development', available from the LinI Library and community centres. In words and pictures, it tells how archaeologists have found traces of Bronze Age metal workers, Roman potters, Saxon farmers and deserted Medieval houses.

small ads.

50040-

COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND AGRICULTURAL PROPERTIES Auctions - Property Management - Valuation including Structural Surveys

PHONE VECTIS COURT, OLD TOWN, SWINDON 124 COMMERCIAL ROAD, SWINDON 127 HIGH STREET, WOOTTON BASSETT

) Wu

THRIFT SHOP

Please contact Jill Bowler at the Museum and Art Galley, Bath Road (26161 Ext. 3151)

ALSO SPECIALISTS IN:

SWINDON 33301 SWINDON 33301 SWINDON 850321

Toothill Farm Playgroup has a few spaces lefi in our playgroup, as from January 6th 196. These spaces are not just available to those children that live in Toothill. If you are having difficulty in getting your child into a playgroup due to long waiting lists, contact the playgroup supervisor on 32941 during playgroup hours or Angela on 485637.

In the New Year, Swindon Museums hope to start a Community Programme scheme to continue work on the archaeology of the Western Development. We should like to hear from unemployed people with experience of archaeology (not necessarily qualified in it), who might be interested in joining the scheme, without obligation at this stage.

Established 1898

PLAYGROUP PLACES

THE LOCAL FIRM WITH NATIONAL CONNECTIONS

-;r p HOMES

Family Planning Clinics are held on the first Wednesday of each month at 5, Deerhurst Way, Toothill between 6-8 pm. This is a walk-in, no appointment clinic. For Sa1e- Bucks Fizz Fans. 7 singles, 1 LP, 2 Tapes, 1 scarf, excellent condition all Bucks Fizz. £9.00 ono. Tel :870281 Childs Bed Guard (new) £8.00 Childs Coat age 7/8 yrs Beige/Brown vgcS9.00 Cylinder Jacket-Large size-new £6.00 Imitation Fur Jacket-Light Brown 12/14 as new £15.00 Tel: 871683. Two Bikes (suitable for ages 7-11 years) £25 ono. Tel: Mrs. Douglas 611383. £10 Reward offered for finding and returning baby-backpack carrier - beige, alirninium frame. Lost in Carref0ur carpark. Tel: 771080

VS LINK CENTRE NEWS LIN December 10th at 7.00 pm, 11th at 1.00 pm and 7.00 pm THE SNOW QUEEN - Oxfordshire Theatre Company Trolls and witches in this production of Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale. Tickets £1.50, £1.00 concession. Saturday 14th at 8.00 pm. FIASCO JOB JOB - Seven Kilos of Wisdom Hilarious alternative comedy. Watch out for them on Channel 4. Tickets £2.50, £2.00 concession. CHRISTMAS ON ICE There are five special sessions at the Rink this Christmas. Each with seasonal decorations and food and drink, fancy dress, games, prizes and skating exhibitions. Thursday 19th 7.30 - 10.00 pm. FAMILY CHRISTMAS PARTY Tickets £1.60 , £1.20 conc. Skate hire 40p. Friday 20th. CHRISTMAS PARTY - Details from the Rink. Saturday 21st 10.00 - 12.00 noon CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PARTY Tickets £1.60, £1.20 conc. Skate hire 40p. and 7.30 - 11.00 pm CHRISTMAS DISCO £1.80, £1.40 conc. Skate hire 40p. Christmas Eve 10.00 - 12.00 noon - Normal session 1.00 - 6.00 pm - MARATHON MEGASESSION £1.60, £1.20 concession. (i1.10, 70p concession after 4.00 pm) Skate hire 40p. NEW YEARS EVE 10.00 - 12.00 pm £1.10, 75p concession. Skate hire 40p. MARATHON SESSION 1.00 - 6.00 pm £1.60, £1.20 concession. (l.10, 70p concession after 4.00 pm) Skate hire 40p. January Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th. Two open days to try nearly all the activities at Link and find out about new courses. Full details from the Link. Thursday 16th at 7.30 pm. Nola Rae & John Nowatt - Loggerheads Two of the Country's most brilliant mime artists in lighthearted mood. Tickets £2.50, £1.25 concession. CHRISTMAS OPENING TIMES December 24th 25th 26th 27th

- Open until 6pm 31st - Open until 6pm - Closed January - Closed 1st - Closed - 30th - Closed 2nd - Open

And a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all on the Western Development

FOR ADULTS.. BASIC EDUCATION FAMILY HISTORY FLORAL ART GREENHOUSES AND COLD FRAMES LADIES KEEPFIT WITH AEROBICS BEAUTY BASICS CAKE ICING THE CHILD IN THE GROUP HAND KNITTING AND NEEDLE SKILLS LOCAL HISTORY MICROWAVE COOKERY PAINTING S DRAWING PAINTING ANC DRAWING YOGA YOGA BASIC EDUCATION BEAUTY BASICS THE CHILD IN THE FAMILY LADIES KEEP FIT WITH AEROBICS ALL ABOUT DIETS NEE DL ECR AFT S YOGA BALLROOM & LATIN AMERICAN DANCING THE CHILD IN THE FAMILY INDIAN COOKERY CHINESE COOKERY II FLORAL ART NEE DL CC RAE T S

Monday

Tuesday 11

Wednesday

Thursday

Freshbrook Link Westlea Freshbrook Freshbrook Freshbrook ToothIll Freshbrook Freshbrook Link Toothill Upper Shaw Freshbrook Upper Shaw Westlea Link Toothill Freshbrook Upper Shaw Westlea Freshbrook Toothill Upper Shaw Link Ferndale Road Ferndale Road Toothill Westlea

7.00-9.00 7.00-9.00 7.30-9.00 7.00-9.00 7.30-9.00 7.00-9.00 1.00-3.00 7.15-9.15 1.00-3.00 7.00-9.00 1.00-3.00 1.00-3.00 7.00-9.00 10.00-11.30 7.30-9.00 9.30-11.30 10.00-11.30 7.15-9.15 10.00-11.30 7.00-9.00 1.00-3.00 7.30-9.00 7.00-9.00 10.00-12.00 7.00-9.00 7.00-9.00 1.30-3.00 7.00-9.00

This is the latest list of Adult Education Courses from January. I am now beginning to think about courses (30 weeks, 20 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 weeks, Saturday-any length) for next Summer and Autumn. If you wish to enquire about any of the above, or request or suggest anything new for my next programme either phone or write to me at the address below. I apoise for the closure of some classes in the autumn but they did not get the minimal support needed. I will keep small classes going if I can despite the loss but there is a limit to the number. I am particularly surprised at the failure of many of the daytime courses. Is it because of the lack of creche facilities? Perhaps the wrong things are on offer? Do let me know. I also aogise for not being available in the Link as promised. The Education Authority will not pay for the rent of an office. I look forward to the completion of Greendown Community School where it is expected that a proper base for Adult Education will be available. Rod Kensett,The Manor House,Kiln Road, Wootton Bassett Tel:853477/613313.

SEASONS GREETINGS TO ALL OUR PATRONS PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE FROM JAN YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT CAMBRIDGE DIET COUNSELLOR FOR PERSONALISED HELP AND ADVICE TO FIND AND ACHIEVE YOUR IDEAL WEIGHT JUST PHONE ME ON 872693. (BEST AFTER 6pm) K. W. Schofield 13.Pharm. M.PS.

Ashington Way Pharmacy Westlea, Swindon. SN5 7XT NOW OPEN (next to Ashington Hse. Surgery) TeI.Sw. 616840

AT CHURCH THIS CHRIS

MA ti

Toothill Church (Baptist,Church of EngJand, Methodist ,United Reformed) Sunday 15th Dec Sunday 22nd Dec Christmas Eve Christmas Day

10.45am 4.00pm 11.30pm 10.45am

Parade Carol Service United Carol Service Midnight Communion Family Service with Holy Communion

All Saints, Lydiard Millicent Sunday 22nd Dec Christmas Eve

4.00pm Carol Service ll.30pm Midnight Communion

St Mary's Lydiard Tregoze Sunday 22nd Dec Christmas Eve Christmas Day

6.30pm Carol Service 11.30pm Midnight Communion 10.00am Family Service

Now, (t'.g ieesk..,, frave i Fo&oTr4 a r

Shaw Church Sunday 22nd Dec Christmas Eve Christmas Day

6.3Opm Carol Service 11. 3Opm Midnight Communion 1O.3Oam Family Service with Holy Communion

ST. PETER'S CATHOLIC CHURCH CARRONBRIDGE ROAD, WESTLEA. TEL:87 CHRISTMAS SERVICES Saturday 21st Dec. Confessions 1151st Mass of Sunday 6.00pm.

Seekers

Sunday 22nd Dec Mass 10 & 6.00pm Monday 23rd Dec Confessions 7-8.00

Over £21/2 million £ffs worth of homes SOLD weekly!

Tuesday 24th Dec (Christmas Eve) Confessions 11am3pm 5.30p

105 VICTORIA ROAD, SWINDON 2 616079

7THEONEFE'\ 'HEONEFEE'\ /TtffONEFE\\ / HOME SEIJFRS \ (HOME SElLERS (HOME sEaFRs\

9~) VAT

with

"th SEEKERS ARE NATIONWIDE

(

Wednesday 25th Dec (Christmas Day) No evening Mass

Mass 10.00am.

Thursday 26th Dec. Feast of St. Stephen Mass at 10.00

THE ONE FEE HOME SELLERS £99

MIDNIGHT MASS 12.00pm Carols before Mass 11.30pm

Enrolment of Altar Servers during

VAT) is all you pay!

Peter Newson (Electrical) Ltd 221 KINGSHILL ROAD, SWINDON.

TEL: 40031

TRADE ENQS TO UNIT 3, LONDON STREET, SWINDON.

THOUGHT ABOUT A SHOWER ? FULL RANGE OF REDRING & SANTON SHOWERS IN STOCK PRICES FROM £55.00 INC.VAT, CASH & CARRY OR BETWEEN £170 & £230 FULLY INSTALLED XPELAIR FANS 10% DISCOUNT ON ALL MODELS

TEL: 34303

FOR ALL THOSE ELECTRICAL THINGIES HOUSE WIRING CABLE AT GENUINE TRADE PRICES EXTRA POINTS & LIGHTS, IMMERSION HEATERS & COOKER SPARES/REPAIRS

RING 40031 OR CALL IN FOR MORE DETAILS OPEN MON-FRI 9130AM-5,30PM; SAT 9AM-1PM VISA

ACCESS CARDS WELCOMED

THE I This and group move Commi. Room, hill from Janus Will ever) day E to 3.

FRESHBROOK EVANGELICAL CHURCH (Meets in the Community Centre) SUNDAY 22nd Dec. 10.30am Family Service with children taking part 6.30prn Carols by candlelight CHRISTMAS DAY 10.30am Service of Thanksgiving

000 04*0000 00 JULE SALE AT TOOTHILL COMMUNITY CENTRE ON SATURDAY 11th JANUARY '86. 2-14pm MANY BARGAINS

West Swindon NCT If you are a mother in West Swindon and would like to get together with other mums for a coffee and a chat, then why not contact the National Childbirth Trust? We meet regularly in each others homes with our children. It is an opportunity for us to share experiences and for the children to have new playmates. The Swindon Branch of the NCT also offers ante-natal classes, post-natal support, evening meetings on various interesting subjects, newsletters, and social events.

D fl TI

Jpm

)

Full-time or part-time tuition in: * TYPEWRITING * SHORTHAND

* AUDIO-TYPEWRITING * BUSINESS ENGLISH

Day and evening classes. 'Live' tuition by qualified staff. Individual attention Fees: from Â£1.20 per hour + VAT PITMAN AND RSA EXAMINATION CENTRE FRESHBROOK THRIFT SHOP is held on Tuesdays, 10am-12 in Freshbrook Community Centre. We take and sell childrens clothes, babies outfits, toys etc. Come and buy a bargain! ******************* CLOTHES ALTERATIONS Call Gwenda on 871082 for expert alterations.

GLASS CUT TO SIZE

Labour Party The local Labour Party has now formed two branches to cover the rapidly developing western expansion. If you are interested in joining please contact:Freshbrook & Grange Park Labour Party

Linda Ellis, 54, Luddesdown Road, Toothill. Tel: 695035. Nigel Oakes, 35, Goldsborough Close, Eastleaze Tel: 870916.

NEW COURSES START 6 JANUARY 1986

If you would like to know more, contact Liz Donovan on 870902 or Jan Devine on 39210.

Sue Bates 8, Cromwell, Freshbrook Tel: 485715 Sue Griffin, 29, Lambert Close Freshbrook, Tel: 692305. Toothill,Westlea,Eastleaze &Shaw Labour Party

t r

60 VICTORIA ROAD SWINDON SN1 3DJ Tel: 34997/8

PROSPECT COMMERCIAL COLLEGE

Thick or Thin, Large or Small, While You Wait or Prompt Delivery COMPETITIVE PRICES

SWINDON GLASS OKUS ROAD, SWINDON Tel. 20483 & 26480

SZOVU R('eM'1ZE

7?/epho'ie: .wcJon 873000.

FULL NEWSPAPER DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE TO ALL OF WEST SWINDON

3NFF11UtL1 3UMMU111V

s3uuut

by Ian Matthews - Headteacher.

This is I shall idea of the new

the first of a series of reports that be writing to give local people an the progress being made in creating school.

The buildings are now well on the way to completion and the inside, is beginning to take shape. There is every likelihood that the contractors will finish on time and that I shall be able to take this building over at Easter - thus giving plenty of time to prepare it for our first students in September I will soon be joined by two Deputy Headteachers. They are Mr. James Williams from Gloucestershire and Mr. Kenneth Rabone from Leicester. Both have families and will be moving into the area to take up their posts in January 1986. James Williams and Ken Rabone were appointed from over three hundred and fifty applicants; lb

WHY GREENDOWN The Governors of West Swindon's secondary

school felt its name should be unique and unusual, so that the community school could build an identity for itself. "Greendon" is the name of the field in which the school (pictured above) is being built. This name was felt appropriate. of the day and so there will be plenty of opportunity for adult use outside of the normal school hours. The Community Suite is the only area in the school which may be used by adults during the school day and even this room will include some use for a playgroup. I hope this allays some of the fears of local parents and it is well worth emphasitflg again that the children come first. Finally, may I emphasise that the new school is a community venture and will only be successful if it receives the full support of all the local parents. Like most people I very much regret it is not large enough but nevertheless it will provide a special opportunity for the people of West Swindon I am always very happy to talk to individual or groups of people about the new school and can always be contacted on 874224.

Ken Rabone Ian Mathews James Williams they are both highly qualified and able teachers - I am sure that local people will wish them well in their new jobs. Eight further staff appointments will be made during the Spring Term. All will be experienced teachers able to accept the heavy responsibilities that the new school will demand. Thus by the time we open we will have had plenty of time to prepare and ensure an efficient start to the new school. One further aspect that has occupied a major proportion of the planning time has been the organisation of the 'Community' aspect of the new school. Many rumours seem to abound locally about what is supposed to happen at a Community School. It is worth pointing out that the first priority is the children they will never take second place and the school is organised around their needs rather than the adult. However, in most schools the normal use of the buildings by the children only occupies between one third to one half

* *

ANNE ELLIOTT (S.R.H.) State Registered Hairdresser Offering you a professional service in the comfort of your home. For an appointment please telephone Swindon 870330

SWINDON SOFT WATER Makes water softening simple No 1 Best selling water soltefler In the UK

KINETI

The world's mos advanced fully automatic non-electric meter-controlled system For a complete service In water softeners Salesâ€˘ Service S Installations - RentS Buy

DIY

Call BRIAN COX on SWINDON 27172

THANK YOU imon Cordon, Freshbrook's new Alliance County ouncillor says, Thank you for electing me in the recent bylectton. Representing Freshbrook and Grange ark is an honour which I shall carry out with nthusiasm. Whichever party you support or rideed if ycu support none I shall be glad D help you. So if you have a problem or Dmplaint please get in touch. Over the coming Dnths I intend to earn the trust you have put -ì me and work for your continued support" -

~ I- FRESHBROOK TAKE AWAY FRESHBROOK VILLAGE CENTRE FRESHBROOK, SWINDON, WILTS. Telephone (0793) 873178

• Y

imon can be contacted at la Park Lane, Swindon 'Ti 5HG. Tel: 47626.

GROUP PROFILE unction 16 Drama Club started form scratch bout five years ago with only a couple of xperienced members. It has grown into a uccessfui theatre group. roductions have ranged from short performances t fetes in the early days, to full length lays at various venues such as the Arts entre and the Town Hall Studios. The club as been successful over the past two years n One Act Play Festivals, winning prizes or its productions as well as individual cting prizes. The year September 1984- June 985 was our most successful season, which aw the club stage three productions and enter hree One Act Play Festivals. he present season commenced with two nights erforming at the Link Centre Theatre. We are ow look ing ahead to 1986 with intention of ntering the One Act Play Festival at the Arts entre where we have a booking to stage a full ength play in May. rie club members are of varied ages and backrounds, housewives to department managers and ged from 16 to 50. The common interest of all riese people is drama in all aspects. f you are interested in drama or the theatre D u will be made very welcome at our meetings. his offer is to anybody, whether experienced r not and whether interested in acting, irecting or backstage work. rid

Now YOU DON'T HAVE TO DASH AROUND FOR Fish & Chips and Chinese Takeaways WE HAVE ALL THESE UNDER ONE ROOF

BATHIr_U.. & SELBY MANOR ROAD, WESTCOTT PLACE, SWINDON behind Mike Knight Tyres

U I

$ U U

Tel: 29352

ACCIDENT REPAIRS SERVICING

I I U U I I I U

, TESTS: I...... MUOT COOPERS FOR VALUE -0

PRE-CHRISTMAS SALE NOW ON FOR EXAMPLE: CHRISTMAS GIFT SETS FROM £1.29 CAMAY SOAP PACK WITH FREE DIARY .95p SELECTION OF CHILDRENS TOYS FROM .99p LOWEST EVER BABY MILK PRICES CHRISTIAN DIOR TIGHTS .99p 10? OFF ALL BABY CLOTHES

COOPERS NEXT TO CARREFOUR

meet at Freshbrook Community Centre Mondays Thursdays at 7.30 pm.

Dntact person: Terry Iles 693635.

Morrison & Masters Solicitors

IF IT'S HELP YOU WANT IN ANY LEGAL. MATTER, GIVE US A CALL In Swindon New Town for almost 100 YEARS, and now also at the West Swindon District Centre.

Town Square West Swindon Centre Westlea, Swindon Telephone: 870055 also at: 20 Commercial Road Swindon Telephone: 26601

VACANCY A part-time administrator is required to assist the Management committee of Westlea Community Centre: Duties to include some secretarial work and general administration. The successful applicant wthuld need to have a flexible attitude to the duties and enjoy meeting members of the community. An ability to type is essential. Hours of work 9 am - 12 noon(Attendance is also required at management committee meetings; approx. 2 hrs a month).

TROLLEY ACTION Following publicity about trolley pollution in the last Link, a flood of phone calls were received by Thamesdown Council. About 60 trolleys belonging to Carrefour are still impounded until they pay up. Thamesdown have decided to persuddeCarrefour to introduce a scheme which prevents trolleys being removed, from the District Centre. This may mean continued hi-jacks of offending trolleys. Residents can keep up the pressure by ringing David Ball on 26161 or Carrefour 872781 and asking for trolleys to be re-moved

W.S. LADIES

Wage payable ÂŁ2.00 per hour. Applications for the post should be made, by letter giving details of previous experience to:-

West Swindon Ladies would like to wish all the readers of the Link a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

MRS. L.P. FLATT, 41, MORESBY CLOSE, WESTLEA SWINDON.

Who on earth are the West Swindon Ladies? some of you might be thinking. Well we are a group of ladies of all ages who meet every other Monday evening in the Community Room in Toothill School. Our next meeting is on the 6th January. So if you are bored and would enjoy an evening out, come along and meet us. We have interesting speakers, demonstrations and lots more. Ring Angela on 485637.

Closing date for applications Friday 4th January 1986. WANTED Clerk to the Governors at Toothill School, please contact: Tony Spencer, 35, Bodiam Drive, Toothill. Tel: 642075.

64 EXTRA HOURS OF T E V E RY DAY. FORONLY Sp DAY. 5 EXTRA CHANNELS OF GREAT ENTERTAINMENT.

PHONE 615601

THE MOVIE CHANNEL showing 7 feature flints every day.

West Swindon's Community Newspaper

THE

LINK

THE POP CHANNEL showing 19 hours of rsdeo and interviews every day.

refl

,II 1

No. Closing Date 52 6th January 53 14th February 54 28th March

,,nn

THE CHILDREN'S CHANNEL showing If hours of kids programmes every day.

THE SPORTS CHANNEL showing 6 hours of international sport every dap

THE INTERNATIONAL CHANNEL showing 16 hours offam, entertainment every do1

Published Copy for publication to: End January Roger Ogle, 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook or Janice Oliver, 10 Rochester Cl. Toothill o Mid March Nick Jansen, 6 Moresby Cl. Westlea End April