April 1988 Swindon Link by swindonlink6

west Swindon'5

Mcigcizine

hweWU!nftiPe

OFFICE FURNITURE WE SELLBUY - HIRE LEASE WITH A SAME DAY DELIVERY 17/20 HIGH STREET WOOTTON BASSETT TEL: SWINDON 853887

Circulation 10,000

No. 73 April 1988

GERRI SLIMS DOWN TO GIVE KERRIE A LIFT UP

Staff at a local company are backing a disabled child in her bid to go to secondary school with her friends. Whilst she has been sucesslul in gaining a place at the school of her choice, she will be faced with the problem of getting up to the first floor with only her school mates to support her. Her parents and friends are determined to make sure a lift can be provided so that she and other children with disablities can be helped. Westlea School pupil Kerrie Jack suffers from a rare nervous disease which makes going up and down stairs very difficult. She is keen to go to Greendown Community School in West Swindon where many of her friends will be going in September, but unfortunately, the first phase of Greendown was built without a lift. Kerrie's parents with help from Neil Griffiths, Head of Westlea School, are setting up a trust fund to raise money to help youngsters with disabilities. And the big fund raising effort is under way over at Windmill Hill based company PHH Europe where section mmanager Gerri Keefe has set herself the target of losing over two stone and raising ÂŁ500.00 in the process. Commonweal School in Old Town was extensively adapted by Wiltshire County Council some years ago to provide the necessary facilities for children with a wide range of disabilities. However, West Swindon's former County Councillor the late Len Hobbs criticised the Council for not porviding a lift when the plans were laid before the Education Committee in 1982, because it would limit the access of children with disabilities. Phase II at Greendown opening in 1989 will have a lift.

Working for children with disabilities - left to right: Liz Johnson from PHH, David Jack, Gerri Keefe from PHH with Kerrie Jack, Karen Jack and Westlea head Neil Griffiths. Kerrie's parents are happy that Gerri decided that she was going she will be going to Greendown. to get into the dresses she had "We were very pleased when we grown out of. "I was just getting recieved a letter saying she could bigger and bigger and my wardgo," said Mrs. Karen Jack. "All robe was dissapearing. It was her friends are so good to Kerrie difficult at first but every day at Westlea; she would lose their more PHH staff are sponsoring support if she had to go else- me. where." "People in the company I don't "We always thought there was know have been asking me how a lift at Greendown," Said things are going. There is such a Kerrie's father David Jack. "As team spirit building up in our there isn't, we're going to have to new centre that I can't let down get one for Kerrie and the other all the people who are backing children who will follow her. It's me." going to cost about ÂŁ12,000; it Communications executive Liz will be quite an effort to raise the Johnson is keeping Gerri on money required." target. "Every Monday we hold Commenting on the fund raising a ritual weigh-in and Gerri's project, Westlea Head Neil Grif- progress is plotted on a chart on fiths said, "After 8 years in the the staff notice board. This obcompany of her peers it's import- viously creates interest amongst ant that Kerrie continues her the staff and spurs Gem on. education with them. We have to We're going to hold a 'Guess recognise the cash difficulties of Gerri's Final Weight' competithe Local Education Authority tion at her final weigh in. has and they have made provi"I hope her initiative will ension for handicapped children in courage other people, in PHH Swindon. The trust fund we're and in the West Swindon com- setting up will help children with munity, to come up with their disabilities in West Swindon." own fund raising projects during Over at PHH Gem Keefe has the year. Wouldn't it be great if been slimming for a couple of we could get this lift in for next months. At well over 12 stone, Christmas?"

An extraordinary plan to build the world's first underground airport near Swindon has resurfaced again after being buried two years ago. The project, first reported by the Swindon Evening Advertiser on 1st April 1986 and by The Link, involves the building of a two mile runway under fields alongside the M4 just to the south of West Swindon. Aircraft will land by entering a huge funnel shaped tunnel at one end and the whole airport complex will be completely enclosed by a greenfield-covered canopy. Finance for the multi-million pound project two years ago was to be provided by a SaudiArabian oil-tycoon. However the fall in oil prices and instability in the oil dependant Saudi economy since then makes their involvement unlikely. it is now believed that the consortium of airlines involved with the Galileo project at Windmill Hill Business Park near Freshbrook are backing the revived underground project. With their world-wide computerised booking system in West Swindon, it seems that the airlines may be looking down the motorway to base their flying operations, away from the busy skies around Heathrow. A spokesperson for Thamesdown Council's Industrial Development Unit was enthusiastic about the airport project: "It's imaginative, highly practical, extremely exciting and will bring thousands of jobs into the area. (continued on page 3)

Sandoes

Nationwide Anglia

WEST SWINDON DISTRICT CENTRE, WESTLEA, SWINDON. TEL: 872222 Contact: Adam Triggs, Tony Wright, Sue Dennington

"Don't move home without us"

Whether selling or buying, you can take full advantage of our unique qualities - all the local knowledge and experience of 142 years of local property services, backed by the strength of the U.K.'s most widespread estate agency network and the third-largest Building Society. Just check out the Sandoes selling services below and compare them with anyone else's —then contact your local Sandoes team at The West District Centre. * Free valuation of your home, without obligation. * Your property offered through the whole Sandoes network, and made available to the Nationwide * Detailed illustrated property descriptions, widely Anglia Estate Agency network with over 400 offices circulated. in the U.K. * Extensive local advertising. * Our local advertising supported by Nationwide Anglia Estate Agency national campaigns. * Free mortgage advice and arrangement. * Our own monthly property magazine, printing over * Computerised mailing lists of property seekers. 30,000 copies a month. * All Sandoes branches computerised for efficient * Re-location service for company moves. linking and property matching. * Meticulous, careful processing of your transaction. * Most Sandoes branches open 7 days a week and late evenings. * Free accompanied viewing in our transport, if * A complete range of professional services, including required. building surveys, mortgage advice, property * No sale - no fee, all costs inclusive. management and planning consultancy.

All backed by our friendly staff who have a true desire to succeed in selling your home. ARE YOU CURRENTLY ON OUR MAILING LIST? IF YOU ARE NOT BUT WOULD BE INTERESTED IN RECEIVING DETAILS, THEN WHY NOT GIVE US A CALL?

Toothill £51,500 Superb semi: Ent. porch, lounge, kit/diner, bathroom, 2 dbl beds, lge gdn., gas c/htg., garage space, all cpts.

Hilimead £41,500 Brand new McLeans semi with ent. hail, lounge, kit/diner, 2 beds, bathroom garage space. View soon.

Westlea £40,750 Immaculate 1 bed, starter studi. flat comprising of: Ent. hall lounge, kit., bed area, bathroom Ec 7 htg., 2 allocated car spaces all cpts., washing machine cooker & a variety of furniture.

Eastleaze £42,950 Immaculate 1 bed ground floor maisonette: Ige. ftd. kit., dbl bed., bathroom, separate WC., all cpts., quite superb, well worth viewing.

estlea £47,950 An attractive Bradley built 1 bed bungalow, mid terraced pleasantly situated in this quiet cul-de-sac on the popular western development.

Rámleaze £54,950 Rendell semi in excellent are: porch, lounge, kit/dining room, 2 dbl beds, bathroom, gdns, 2 allocated car spaces, full gas rad. c/htg., most cpts.

Shaw £49,500 Amazing value! 1 bed Hannick home with lounge/diner, ftd. kit., coloured bathroom, all cpts., car space. Immaculate.

Westlea £65,950 Bradley built semi in excellent order: Ent. hail, lounge/diner, cloakroom, lounge, dining room, kit., utility, 4 dbl beds, bathroom, d.g., gas rad. c/htg., gdns., all cpts.

Fresh brook £95.000 Quite immaculate 4 bed roomed detached Hanick home: Ent. hall, cloakroom, lounge, dining room, kit., utility 4 dbi bedrooms, bathroom, d.g., gas rad c/htg., gdns., all cpts,

Wanted Mr. and Mrs. S. are cas buyers and require a large 4 bed, detached house in West Swindon. Price up to £115,000. Must have double garage.

Sandoes are the ONLY local members of the Nationwide Anglia Estate Agency network, which has over 400 branches throughout the U.K. Dedicated to the highest professional and ethical standards, Sandoes has absolutely no connection with the various agencies trading locally as 'Nationwide Estate Agents'.

'Altogether a better service -Nationwide!"

FRONT PIECE IT WAS NOT AN APRIL FOOL by Roger Ogle, Editor.

THE

LINK ) 1k- Tuc4 Ie

Published by West Swindon Publications. 13, Castle Dore, Fresh brook, Swindon. Tel: (0793) 872282. Publisher/Editor: Roger Ogle. Advertising Sales: Jackie Pearce. Tel: 771534 Typesetting: TS Typesetting. Tel: (0793) 618505 Artwork & Design ARC Design. Tel: (0793) 852787 Printed by Western Webb, Bristol. Published on the Wednesday closest to the first of the month. Copy date: 12th of the preceding month. "The Link was first published in December 1978 as a magazine aimed exclusively at the West Swindon community. It is completely independent of the Link Centre and, in fact, won the competition to name the leisure centre in 1984." CONTENTS 3 Front Piece 4 Toothill 5 Freshbrook & Grange Park 6 Westlea 8 Shaw 9 Spotlight 10 For Women 11 Day ln The Life 12 At Your Library 13 Link Centre 16/17 Peatmoor Lagoon 18 Arts Scene 19 Adult & Community Education 20 The Church at Easter 21 Welfare Rights 22 Education Matters 24 News & Views 26 Group Profile 28 Greendown 29 Spotlight 29 Home & Garden 30 End Pieces 31 Reference Page

Twelve months ago the first edition of The Link Magazine arrived. Many people were surprised at the fourfold increase in the number of pages, the spot colour to brighten things up and the professional appearance. Now, most residents expect The Link at the beginning of each month as their means of finding out what is going on in the area. Carrying on the tradition started by The Link community newsletter over nine yaers ago, the magazine has aimed to keep people in West Swindon informed and entertained. In doing this, The Link has tried to provide a binding force to the growing community in which we all live. Over 100 voluntary groups offer people the chance to get together to pursue interests and support each other. The churches,

schools, community centres, shops and pubs and the street corner are all places where the elusive sense of community spirit develops. By crossing neighbourhood boundaries and reaching every house, The Link also aims to promote the view that West Swindon is a good place to live and there are opportunities to get involved with it, if people want to - to make it an even better place. I must admit that I have been surprised that it has been possible to publish a 24 or 32 page magazine every four weeks over the last year. However it's clear

AIRPORT (from front page) The original plan in 1986 brought together Jaguar cars and a Japanese motorbike manufacturer to build a massive earth boring machine in a factory next to Anchor at Blagrove. However it is understood the blueprints for the machine were sold to Austin Rover cars when Jaguar was privatised two years ago. The current negotiations by British Aerospace to buy the Rover group could well see involvement from Swindon's Pressed Steel factory. With the Channel Tunnel boring ahead and the engineering experience gained from constructing cruise missile bunkers near Newbury, the building of an underground airport should be relatively easy. Damage to the environment should not be a problem according to a Civil Aviation Authority spokesperson. "We recognise the need to protect Swindon's green belt and going underground seems a perfect solution to taking the pressure off London's airports. We believe there will be capacity for 200 landings and departures a day. With the new generation of quiet jets, nobody will even notice what a busy place it will be. "Fears that the Windmill may have to be moved again are groundless, but there will have to be landing lights on rooftops. We may also have to ask some householders to turn their lights out so that pilots won't be confused but we don't anticipate any real snags." Further details of the underground airport proposals will be revealed in due course.

*Guaranteed best deal or difference refunded. *New spares department. *Secondhand cycles galore. *We specialise in _-

that the news and information is there to be reported and a very localised publication is needed. Many thanks to those have contributed articles. The advertisers are also very important as they make it possible for the magazine to be free. They recognise West Swindon is a bouyant market and by advertising in The Link they are guaranteed a response from the readers. And for the future - The Link will continue to provide the link between people in West Swindon, a vital connection if the community is to develop in years to come.

CYCLE SALE NOW ON! *Over 1,000 cycles usually in

stock.

PEUGEOT EXPRESS CYCLE SPECIALISTS So come along and see us at: 96/99 Manchester Road. Tel: Swindon 39907

UXL RY BATHROOMS ATWWHALL

• SUPERB RANGE OF BATHROOMS ON DISPLAY • FULL WORKING MULTI-SHOWER DISPLAY • SWINDON'S NEWEST DISPLAY FACILITIES FOR THE DISABLED. SPECIALLY DESIGNED SUITES. MON—FRI 9.00-5.00 SATURDAY 9.00-1.00 SAftCLAAIO

EUROWAY BLAGROVE SWINDON

(0793)612821 % -.11~1 WWWI'WAL

BUILDING MATERIALS

- LUXURY BkTHROOMS AT WW HALL-

TOOTHILL,

OLIVER TOMKINS CHURCH OF ENGLAND AIDED SCHOOL GOVERNORS ANNUAL REPORT TO PARENTS (in accordance with the Education Act, 1986) Parents of children attending Oliver Tomkins Infant and Junior Schools are invited to attend a meeting to discuss the Governor's Annual Report with parents on Tuesday 19th April at 8.00 p.m., in the Junior School Hall.

RALPH PALMER PHARMACY Ralph Palmer, M.P.S., Dispensing Chemist 3, Deerhurst Way, Toothill Hours of Opening.' Mon—Fri. 9a. m. - 1p.m.; 2p. m. —6p.m. Sat. 9a.m. - 12 noon Telephone: 512063

"Doctors spent fourteen years developing this diet. It changed my life in as many days." Susan Walsh of looting found success with the Cambridge I)ict If Susan and millions like her can do it then so could you.

Debbie 487692 Elaine 612727 Jan 872693 iii huip 1i

or wright control unit ;is part itt.i cal trw cuntrolicti cI,cc

THE C aWbriddoe DIET

CHOOSE US FIRST FOR THE BEST QUALITY TAKE HOME FOOD AVAILABLE.

RE-INTRODUCING LUCY HARTLEY "Hello! I'm Lucy Hartley, the new Neighbourhood worker for Toothill. I was born and brought up in Manchester but have spent the last seven years living in 'the south' of England. I have been involved in various kinds of social and community work, including work with people who have a mental handicap, elderly people and the homeless. I have also worked for a social services department. In July last year I finished a 4 YOUTH MURAL year course at Bath University. Since then, I have been travelling The youth cafe at Toothill Comin India and Nepal; but I am not munity Centre was recently reentirely new to Toothill. decorated, but to give a more Last year, as part of my course, 'homely' feel users of the room I worked with some local women. are painting murals around the We set up a group for women in walls. Toothill to meet and discuss June Lawton, chair of the issues - so some of you may centre management committee, have seen my face before! I very is enthusiastic about the project. much enjoyed the time I spent in "We've always had a room of Toothill last year and I am glad young people with a pool table to be back again." and video games. It's the first My job as Neighbourhood decoration in 4 years and the Worker is to support existing murals are giving the room a community groups in the area bright feel. The lads doing it and to help set up any group or have very high standards and are activity which people in Toothill taking alot of care." would like to see started. If you "This is my first effort at paintare interested in setting up or ing art on walls," said chief being involved in a group or ac- muralist Steve Brown. "I'm not tivity - or if you are concerned working to a plan, so what goes about a particular issue regarding up is in my head or suggested by Toothill, please get in contact users of the cafe . with me. The youth cafe is open seven I can be contacted at Thames- evenings a week and weekend down Council's Community lunch times. It is supervised by Development Division's Office three volunteers but a paid sesin Swindon on 26161 ext. 3092, sional youth worker is being or I have an office at Toothill looked for. "We've got the money Farm, tel: 613183. I would wel- allocated, but cannot find anycome a discussion about any ideas body interested in working with you may have and look forward young people three evenings a to meeting you." week," said June Lawton. "If Below: June Lawton, Nicky Sul- there is anybody out there interested, please visit us."

livan, Steve Brown.

FRIED FRESHLY FOR YOUCOD, PLAICE, HADDOCK, SKATE, HUSS, SCAMPI, CHIPS, VARIOUS PIES, SAUSAGES AND CHICKEN. WHY NOT TRY ONE OF OUR DELICIOUS CURRIES FOR A CHANGE? HAVE YOU HAD ONE OF OUR BIG BEEFBURGERS? THEY'RE GREAT. OPEN MONDAY - SATURDAY 11.30am - 2.30pm;4.30pm - 11pm CAR PARK 'A' WEST SWINDON CENTRE 'PHONE ORDERS WELCOME - 870455

FRESHBROOK & GRANGE PARK LOCAL ENTERPRISE

A local bank has given financial £5.00 "Our finger puppets have backing to several small busines- sold very well at Sp each. We've ses that have sprung up at Fresh- nearly sold out. We've sold four brook School during the last few dragons at 65p each, but they are months. However 'Pressing for harder to make and not selling so Action' has not resulted in instant quickly." loans. The youngsters have had At the Prickly Pin Company to think out their projects and things are going well too. Neil make presentations about them Mercer explained that the loan to convince their bank manager. would soon be repaid and the Tony Druett, manager of company had diversified from National Westminster Bank's pin cushions into designer badges West Swindon branch has been made to order. impressed by the effort put in by However attempts to publish a the ten and 11 year olds. "Their school magazine have run into West Swindon Nat West bank manager Tony Druett hands over the business plans were very good, the problems of new technology. loot to Clare Burch with businessmen Neil Cooper, left, and Neil considering it's their first attempt "We've had a few production dif- Mercer in attendance. at setting up an enterprise," ex- ficulties," admitted Neil Cooper plained Mr. Druett. "The school of Small Businesses Incorporated. FRIENDS OF FRESHBROOK SCHOOL qualifies for a grant of £40.00 "We've written the stories and ASSOCIATION under the bank's 'mini-business' planned the layout, but getting scheme and I am able to make the computer to print a copy you CARBOOT SALE Freshhrooks Friendly small loans to help projects get can read has been a problem." Community Cafe Saturday 16th April off the ground. It's a good way of Class teacher Gerry O'Hara is 2.00 p.m. —4.00 p.m. getting youngsters to think about pleased by how hard the youngCoffee, Tea, Soft Drinks. what is involved in setting up a sters have worked on their proAt Freshbrook School business." jects. "Altogether two classes Cakes and Light Meals. * Refreshments * A wide variety of businesses have been involved, 60 children Open Barn — 4pm have been established from selling running 11 businesses. The major every weekday. Pitches: £3.00 prebooked puppets to a publishing maga- benefit of this work is that it Freshbrook Community £5.00 on the day. zine. Ten year old Clare Burch teaches children to work as a Centre. from Grange Park thinks her team. It develops a sense of coTo book ring Cuppas handicraft company is on its way operation and encourages an Viv Dipper a great place to make friends. to repaying their start up loan of awareness of the outside world. " on 872450

CUPPAS

LETTER From Mrs. S. Bates, Selby Crescent, Freshbrook. Your 'Grange Park School Victory' report in the March Link greatly underestimated the effort put in by Freshbrook councilor Bob Pixton to assist the residents in pressing their point of view on Wiltshire County Council for a school on a site which they prefered. It should be clearly recognised that Coun. Pixton spent many evenings in February knocking on doors in Grange Park, talking to residents about the issue and asking them to sign a petition. It was very encouraging that Grange Park people got what they wanted after so much hard work by so many people. Below: Bob Pixton shows P.C. Trecor Car/ton the dangers outside Freshbrook School.

IS FRESHBROOK WOMAN A TREASURE TROVE by the Link's correspondent on antiques, Christine Mayes. A major row has developed over the ownership of a 6,000 year old skeleton found buried only 18ins. deep beneath hedgerows on Freshbrook. The skeleton, only recently unearthed by children who were using the shin bones as swords, has been examined by experts who believe it to be that of a female aged 27 years. Swindon's top archeologist Prof. H. Oaks (87) said today "The body was adorned with precious stones set in gold, before what appears to have been a ritual burial. This is a great find both archeologically and financially." Swindon Museum who are looking after 'Freshbrook woman' at present, have received a considerable offer from a major London museum. The parents of the children who found the remains claim that they are the rightful owners, as do Thamesdown Borough Council who own the land. When asked about the possibility of more jewelled bodies being buried in Freshbrook Prof. Oaks replied, "The chances are very, very high!"

OVERWEIGHT? MISERABLE? Then join us now at 'SLIMMING WORLD' CARING INACTION Tuesday - Toothill Church 7.30 p.m. Wednesday - Freshbrook Community Centre, 10.15 a.m. For this months special offers, ring Margaret on 874744 (Toothill) or Helen on 875108 (Freshbrook)

FACECHOICE PHARMACY FRESHBROOK VILLAGE CENTRE TELEPHONE: 870226 Opening Times: Monday— Friday 9am - 1pm; 2.15pm —7pm Saturday 9am - 1 p Soft Water will protect you and your bathroom suite

KINETI

The No I Best Sal eq Water So4tefle,in U K The world most adoa0000 fully automatic nonolect'C Ineto,-cOflt,olleoJ system For a comptefe swoon',, Wa,o, SotfnoarS, Sales Seics,e Thsta0t,000. Sect. Buy 010 call

SWINDON SOFT WATER. Tel. Brian Cox 27172

TO ADVERTISE IN THE LINK RING: 771534 or 872282

WESTLEA FOOTPATH TO BE BUILT ONE DAY The top end of Langstone Way, near Whitehill Way, is not served by a footpath. Every day large numbers of parents and youngsters walk to and fro from Eastleaze to Westlea School along the main road. And daily, dozens of secondary age children wait for school buses at a bus stop which is nowhere near a footpath. Thamesdown Council has recognised the problem and has put the footpath in its minor works programme but a start date has yet to be established.

Danger bus stop.

LEAP YEAR BABY A leap year baby could have three birthdays to choose from the day before, the day after and every fourth year, February 29th itself. But as Vanessa Clair Sheffield, of Foxwood, was the last baby in Swindon to be born on that day, her parents Paul and Melba Sheffield will be plumping for March 1st. Altogether 12 babies were born on the leap year at Princess Margaret Hospital.

Vanessa arrived ten days early, to the shock of her parents. "She was unexpectedly early; my first reaction was that I didn't want a leap year baby," admitted Melba Sheffield. "But she's a really peaceful, beautiful baby. They say leap year babies are special, but then all babies are." Vanessa is Paul and Melba's second child and joins Nathan who, at two and a half, is going through that 'terrible twos' phase.

Below: Melba Sheffield with Vanessa and Nathan.

Unisex Hair Salon Opening Times Monday 9.00am-6.00pm Thursday 9.00am-7.00pm Friday 9.00am-7.00pm Tuesday 9.00am-6.00pm Wednesday 9.00am-6.00pm Saturday 8.30am-1 .3Opm

Shaw Village Centre â€˘ Tel: 874825 Freshbrook Village Centre â€˘ Tel: 873218

BUILDING MATERIALS FOR THE TRADE & D.I.Y.

TRY US FIRST FOR: Building Materials

Aggregates Air Bricks Asbestos Fret' Board Bitumastic Paint Blocks Bricks & Brick Librarit Building Paper Cement & Additives Caz'itii Traits Dampcourses Decorators Sundries Decorative Paving/Walling Expanded Pal ystitrene Fencing Firebricks Firehacks Fireclay Flue Linings lranmangen,

Lime Lintels Nails & Screzi's Plasterboards

Plasters and Accessories Plaster Moulded Cots' Quarry Tilt's Prepacked Readii,ni.v Stain Remoter Tar1,aulins Waterproofing

Patio Materials

Drainage

Cable Conduit Land Drains Clay Drainage Systems Un joint ed Pipes & Fittings

Lead Fittings Copper Tube Pipe Laggaig Qs,na Soil, talaste& Ra,,ncater

Drainage

Roofing

Inspection Chambers Street Gullies Drai,, Testing Eqtii1nnent Manholes & Caters Step traits Kerb, Edging & Paving Bitunze,, Road Emulsion Expansion fainting Macadan,

Felts Es Accessories Riles & Slates Treated Tile Batten

Fazing Walling Bricks Blocks Aggregates Plumbing

Timber & Joinery

Sheet Material; Small Mouldings Doors Es W,,idoiz's Is Tu,,t,er Treat,

Tools Contractors Tools Hand Tools

FIND US HERE

SWINDON)

HIGH STREET

CHIPPE N HAM

1uj,L

YOUNG SINGER DOES WELL IN FIRST COMPETITION Until a few months ago ten year old Amy Cullen had not sung a serious note of music. But a snippet of song heard by a music teacher has started her on a singing career. "We were told that Amy had a good singing voice which should be encouraged," said Amy's father John Cullen of Foxwood. "We're very pleased by her progress." Amy, who attends Westlea School, recently entered the Swindon Music Festival and won a joint third prize in her first ever competition entry. After singing in front of a packed hail of parents at the Arts Centre in Devizes Road she was asked to sing unexpectedly, at her school assembly. "Singing in front of all my friends was much worse than in the competition," said Amy.

Sri

TANNERS CLOSE

Delta pA

RMC OUSE STATION ROAD WOOTFON BASSETF TEL: SWINDON 852391

0 [>

0r:

Open Saturdays Delivery Service Ample Free Car Parking

0 V

SSTnc

HOUSING PLAN A plan to build around 100 houses on land next to the Delta Business Park and the tennis centre has been submitted to Tamesdown Council. Local Councillor Ricky Midwinter is setting up a meeting so that residents affected by the proposal can see the plan and express their views. "I'm concerned to protect the environment for the existing householders of Maesby and Alveston Close, Foxwood and Stancombe Park. We must also ensure minimum traffic congestion from builders lorries and I am worried by the fact that there may be two extra mobiles required at Westlea School. There are already 300 children in facilities for 250. "However the basic question is - Is housing the most suitable use of the site? We need to know the views of residents." As The Link went to press a date for a public meeting has not been established. Coun. Midwinter expects it to take place in April and will be distributing a leaflet and putting up posters inviting residents to attend. If anybody wants to discuss the proposed development beforehand, or help with leaflet distribution, ring Ricky Midwinter on 873537.

DREWEATT ,o NEATE CHARTERED SURVEYORS ESTABLISH EI) 1759

DID YOU KNOW: WE HAVE 12 OFFICES AND FURTHER NEW OFFICES OPENING SOON WE ARE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK MON. - FRI. TILL 8 p.m. WE ARE A PROFESSIONAL FIRM AND GIVE INDEPENDENT ADVICE WE SELL ALL TYPES OF HOUSES IN ALL AREAS For fast, efficient and INDEPENDENT advice on ALL aspects of property sales CALL THE PROFESSIONALS 'NOW' Over 200 years of giving honest advice, efficient service and sound guidance. As we have several negotiators living in this area contact us now and take advantage of our up-to-the-minute local knowledge.

Contact Chris Griffin or James Beardsworth on 33301 124 COMMERCIAL ROAD SWINDON WILTSHIRE 0793 33301 4-6 NEWPORT STREET SWINDON WILTSHIRE 0793 33301 HIGH STREET WOOTTON BASSETT WILTSHIRE 0793 850321

SHAW

8 Villagr farm.Aop

IJL

Unit 2, Toothill Village Centre Tel: 487777 Fine Selection of fruit & veg. daily 31b misshapes £1.20 per pkt Bacon shanks 48p per lb Economy back bacon £1.09 perlb Sweet cure back bacon £1.48 per lb Roast beef 48p qtr lb Roast Pork 58p qtr lb Turkey breast 48p qtr lb Chicken roll 36p qtrlb Home cooked Wiltshire ham 60p qtr lb Home cooked natural shoulder Ham 30p qtr lb Cooked chicken portion 8-10 as 58p each Whole cooked chickens £2.40 each Hand made Cornish pasties 40p each Mild English cheese £1.36 per lb Mature English Cheddar £1.44 per lb Turkey drumsticks 42p per lb Fresh chicken portions 48p each Fresh chickens (all weights) 68p per lb 31b frozen chicken £1.75 each Farmshop topside £2.18 per lb Boned & rolled leg of pork £1.38 per lb Boned & rolled shoulder pork £1.18 per lb N.Z. leg of lamb 'knuckle and aitch bone removed' £1.28 per lb ALL Farmshop homemade sausages 68pperlb Ox tripe 74p per lb Beef dripping 42p per lb Best minced steak £1.20 per lb Best minced meat 78p per lb

JELLYTOTS OFF TO A GOOD START - AT LAST

Shaw's new playgroup is at last in business after weeks of waiting for the go-ahead from Wiltshire County Council Social Services Department. The Jellytots meet on four mornings a week in Shaw Community Centre on Ramleaze Drive. A group of mothers got together in August last year and decided to organise another playJellytots - Edward Day, Kathy Edwards, Christopher Shilton, group in the area because of the Danielle Roberts with Sue Ferris, treasurer (left), Lorraine Crook, difficulties they were having supervisor, and Nicola Pagett, assistant supervisor (right). placing their children in established groups. Faced by good Although the playgroup was intentions and ideas, the half ready to open in January, probdozen mums proceeded to raise lems and hold-ups with getting over £800.00, employ staff and Social Services registration meant fill the playgroup to the extent that they could not officially that there is now a waiting list for open until mid-March. "We places. couldn't keep the children "It did seem like an enormous waiting so we opened on the March Potato Prices * task when we first came together," basis that parents had to stay Whites or Reds 551b sack said Christine Ellis, who took on with the youngsters," said Efforts over the last six months £2.85 14lb— Ell .20 the job of chairing the volunteer Christine. "It was very crowded to generate interest in a perma101b-80p management committee. "We and frustrating waiting for the nant community centre for Shaw 101b washed whitesfl.1O were all new to Shaw and did not wheels of bureaucracy to grind have received a cool response Your Traditional Family Butcher from Shaw residents, although know each other. The mothers forward. & Greengrocer "However, because we were meetings to discuss the project and fathers have all put in a We think were THE BEST in the WEST call in NOW and put us to the TEST!! forced to be with the children, I have been well advertised in The tremendous effort." think we have gained a much Link. better insight about how playThamesdown Council's Comgroups are run. We've seen what munity Planning Committee the children get up to and have a recently agreed to put the Shaw clearer idea of what responsi- building fourth in its list of combilities parents have. People munity centres to he built. have been very willing to take As buildings take a long time Now open at Shaw Village Centre initiatives or offer assistance. So to plan, the discussions are conoffering take-away and home-delivery service often, a small group of volunteers tinuing. The next chance to find carry most of the burden of run- out about the community centre ning a group. project will be at Shaw Residents' "As a result of the delay, we Association's Annual General are quite a close knit group of Meeting. Denis Onley from WE DELIVER FREE ON ALL ORDERS 1.7.50 OR OVER! parents working for Jellytots. I Thamesdown's Community Dev£1.00 charge for orders delivered hope we can keep this feeling of elopment Division will speak under £7.50- please allow up to involvment as the playgroup about setting up a community 30 minutes delivery time. settles down and new parents centre. This will take place on become involved. It's a challenge Friday April 15th, 7.30 p.m. in Yes! We do Garlic Bread - You'll love it! for management committee." Shaw Church in Nine Elms Lane.

SHOULD SHAW HAVE A COMMUNITY CENTRE?

Pizzarama

Every pizza is freshly made for you, to order. No need to queue - phone your order in then collect. Even better, we'll deliver! Salads and cold soft drinks available, vegetarian dishes too! Our pizzas come in two sizes - Regular (1 person), Super (2-3 people)

We look forward to serving you.

SHAW RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION Would you like to find out about & influence:— • ALL Building Plans for Shaw

FOR HOME DELIVERY 0. PICK-UP TEL:

874844

Take Away - Pick-up Monday to Friday 12 noon -2.30 p.m. 5.00 p.m. - 1130p.m. Saturday, Sunday 12 noon -11.30 p.m. HOME DELIVERIES 7 Days from 5p.m to 11.30 p.m.

PARTIES CATERED FOR! West Swindon only

ACCESS/VISA/AMEX WELCOMED ON ALL ORDERS!

• The design & construction of the Shaw community centre • Neighbourhood watch schemes • The use & provision of local amenities. Have you got problems or suggestions that you would like to air and get resolved? If so, please come along to the Annual General Meeting of the Shaw Residents' Association. It is being held on Friday April 15th at 7.30 p.m. at the Shaw church.

Please make an effort to be there since new plans will be on display and the next year is specially important as lots of new people move into the area.

SPOTLIGHT WEST SWINDON FAMILY Now complete and unveiled, Julie MAKE A Livesey's sculpture 'The White BIG BUSINESS Horse Pacified' stands in all its glory at the claypit site, between OUT OF TYRES TOAST THE WHITE HORSE

Cartwright Drive and Mead Way. In all there are 10 tons of steel A West Swindon family runs one and concrete in the sculpture of a of the biggest tyre companies in horse and rider, and a further 50 Swindon. It is also by far the tons of concrete below ground biggest dealer in part-worn tyres giving stability to the whole in the south of England. structure. Bill, Richard, John and Jackie Following the official unveiling Maynard all live in Toothill and by the Mayor of Thamesdown in Freshbrook and operate ThamesFebruary, an informal celebra- down Tyres. They also run three tion will be held on Thursday other companies which remould April 7th at 12 noon to toast both tyres or supply them to the trade. the artist and her sculpture in the Bill set up the company many open air, and hopefully good years ago and officially retired weather. - for one day in 1985. He was back *Julie has won international in the next assisting his sons who recognition for the 'White Horse had taken over the reins. Pacified'. She has been invited to Richard Maynard believes the work in Portugal. firms reputation goes far and wide in the field of tyre fitting. "I FOR OLDER reckon on any one day, we fit PEOPLE IN SHAW more tyres than any other tyre Shaw Friendship Club is expand- fitting bay in Swindon. That must ing, but new members will be be a mark of confidence in us." given a warm welcome. The club Up at the Thamesdown Tyres meets in Shaw's temporary com- depot on the Okus Industrial munity centre, next to the doctor's Estate, the company also fit surgery, on Ramleaze Drive. The exhausts, do MOT Tests and members meet on Wednesday undertake repairs to MOT stanfrom 2.00 p.m. to 3.30 p.m. dard. Vehicles can also be

SUOVth

T Y R E S

Tyres, tyre; and more tyres. John, Bill and Richard Marnard at their Okus depot. serviced in a well organised tyres from all over Europe, where in some countries stanservicing department. Thamesdown Tyres name is dards are higher leaving legal best known as a supplier of second wear on them for Britain. Tyre hand part-worn tyres. As the changes are also more frequent only dealer in the area they can in Scandanavia because of the supply good quality tyres with seasons. The company is also an many thousands of miles wear on exporter and has close links with them between 50% and 70% Zimbabwe where road conditions below the already discounted are a great deal worse than here. "Ninety per cent of our cusprice of a new tyre. "We have years of experience in the part- tomers return to us," says worn market and can supply tyres Richard. "Our aim is to keep for virtually any make of car - prices as low as possible and to from a Mini to a Rolls," says provide a quick, friendly and Richard Maynard. "They are all helpful service. I think most of closely checked and fully guaran- our customers would agree that we try our best." teed." Thamesdown Tyres imports

Thamesdown T

SWINDON 694302 UNIT 20-22 OKUS TRADING ESTATE (Near PMH, Okus Road)

SWINDON'S TOP TYRE COMPANY

[ S

DUNLOP - MICHELIN - GOODYEAR- PNEUMANT

MOTs I EXHAUSTS SERVICING REPAIRS

NEW TYRES AT BARGAIN PRICES SAVE Â£ffs ON

PART WORN TYRES Most sizes in stock - good tread Phone now for best price

MOTs EXHAUSTS SERVICING REPAIRS

FAST COURTEOUS FITTING SERVICE LATEST ELECTRONIC & COMPUTERISED BALANCING & TRACKING EQUIPMENT THOUSANDS OF SATISFIED CUSTOMERS DRIVE ON OUR PART WORN TYRES OPEN MON-SAT 9am-5 30pm

FOR WOMEN WEST SWINDON A COMMUNITY YET OR NOT?

ALIS ON'S AR TS I specialise in handcrafted sugar flowers. Let me create a wedding cake exclusivelyforyou including flower bouquets in the colour and design ofyour choice. Quality at very reasonable prices. All enquiries welcome. Telephone Alison Pepler on 876659

DANCE EXERCISE WITH A DIFFERENCE

Mondays 7.30-8.30 pm, Oliver Tomkins Junior School. Tuesdays & Wednesdays 7.30-8.30 pm, Greendown School. Wednesdays 10.30-11.30 am, Freshbrook Community Centre. Please bring a towel or mat and wear something to move in. For further information please 'phone Liz on Swindon 870902.

Allure Beauty A HOME-BASED PROFESSIONAL SALON. ALL CONSULTATIONS AND TREATMENTS GIVEN BY QUALIFIED BEAUTY THERAPISTS. SWINDON 486452

REACH YOUR IDEAL WEIGHT AND STAY THERE WITH THE CAMBRIDGE DIET. Call your Counsellor today: Rebecca ClifTorde (Westlea) on Swindon 873201 or Mollie Groom (Lydiard Millicent) on Swindon 770544

Int

CA'"babrid.e)e DIET

hSWINDON SEAT BELT CENTRE

Britannia IF YOU Towing Centre LOVE YOUR Swindon's ... 'KIDS, specialist towbar â€˘. BELT and accessory11 'EM!fitting centre.

CHILD SEAT HIRE ALSO AVAILABLE

Unit 16, Station Industrial Estate, Sheppard Street, Swindon. Tel. 613147

rofessional Styling at Home

TEL: 870776

by Christine Ellis As I write this, I've just returneO from a couple of weeks break away from Swindon, in my native North of England and our last place of residence, a Leicestershire village. Such sojourns away always cause me to reflect upon the character of life in West Swindon. I still feel quite alien here, compared with more familiar habitudes further north and naturally, one finds oneself making comparisons between the new and old, the familiar and unfamiliar. One does so in no critical spirit, but as a means towards the end of placing one's life in perspective and locating it securely in a new environment. Having been brought up and since worked and live mainly in village environments, urban West Swindon came as something of a shock. We were very involved in the life of the Leicestershire village where we ltved for three years before coming to Swindon. My husband, Neil, edited our village equivalent of 'The Link' and I the local Parish Church magazine, and of necessity these drew us into many varied aspects of village life. While yearning after a similar village habitat on our move to Wiltshire, we made a conscious choice of West Swindon for a number of reasons - one of which being that, as an entirely new community it has everything before it, anything could happen and everything was to be done: the excitement and challenge of the unknown! Perhaps to use the word 'community' is, indeed, one step too far on; the potential is all there, but the 'community' in many ways is still to come. This youthfulness of West Swindon contrasts dramatically with the strength of a community accumulated over centuries; and yet, I think it is remarkable how much exists here, things people themselves have got together and organised. That energy and drive to do things contrasts equally dramatically with the inertia and stagnation of activity which can be found in the older community. While change in Swindon can leave one rather dizzy, resistance to it in other places can be just as bewildering. Another obvious irony of this and many other communities is that like us, perhaps 90% of families have been brought here by a man's job, and yet the life, vitality and soul of the place on a

daily basis seems to be generated almost entirely by women, as the 'Time off for Women' fortnight bore witness to last Autumn. Perhaps we shan't stay in West Swindon for ever, but already after only 18 months I feel that I've learnt just as much about what makes a community 'tick' as I did living in an old established village. The two are entirely different, merits and strengths, weaknesses and faults cannot really be compared, except in order to find the best from each and make good use of it wherever one is living.

UNHEALTHY HABITS DIE HARD by Debby Griffiths Today, our family, became 'healthy'. I sit here munching my way through an apple, trying to convince myself that I'm enjoying it. The reason for this sudden change in eating habits? I watched QED (BBC) recently, about vitamin experiments and how the correct amounts of vitamins can increase one's 10. Those of you who watched it will probably agree it was very persuasive. If the chemists had been open they would have been crushed by the rush to purchase the answer to all our intellectual hang-ups. I certainly need a boost. It took me two hours to assemble a Postman Pat/Greendale Farm pop-out book to its full 3 dimensional glory. Aided by the back of our MFI 3 drawer chest, the final scene is quite impressive. While I beavered away, totally engrosed in the awsome task of not letting a child's game get the better of me, I conjured up healthy meals to inflict on us. Johanna (8 mths) quite enjoyed eating the cardboard. This morning, shopping, I refused to buy any tins or packets. Only 'fresh' was on the menu. I lingered up the biscuit isle but resisted. Green spaghetti looks quite good. And it's difficult to over cook brown rice. Chocolate is strictly off limits - although it does contain potassium so occasionally (when my nerves arn't up to refusing it to my little darling 21/2 year old) it's alright. I needed a wheel barrow to get all the veg. back to the car (I don't believe in pill popping). My branflake, low sugar rhubarb crumble needed a bit of imagination to taste like the real thing. But they'll get used to it - or else. Well, I'm off now to change my redundant biscuit barrel into a potted plant. Now there's NO going back.

DAY IN THE LIFE

TAKING THINGS EASY IN TOOTHILL After eight years as residents of Toothill, Charles and Mildred Blaxhall feel comfortable as members of the West Swindon community. We've been living in Toothill for a number of years. Having been involved in various activities and groups including the Community Centre Management Committee and the Good Companions Club, I still find interesting jobs to keep me occupied throughout the day. The day starts for me at this time of the year at about 8.00 a.m. (in the summer, it's about an hour earlier). My wife and I rise and go into the living room where we sit drinking tea and watching the early morning news on the television. At about 9 o'clock it is into the bathroom to remove the stubble from my chin, (oh yes it still grows), then perform about 10 minutes of exercise; you know, the knees bend, arms raise routine. Yes, at 811 can still flex the old muscles.

TEMP WORK OPPORTUNITIES "We've got the jobs, where are the people," is the claim of Swindon recruitment agency Storm Management Services. And according to Alison Wojtowicz, who runs the Commercial Road office, local firms cannot find enough people for tempoary posts. "It's an employees market," says Alison. "People are spoilt for choice in Swindon because there are opportunities right across the spectrum of work assembly operators, lab' technicians, electricians, gardeners, packers, account clerks, warehouse work, VDU and word processor operators, secretaries and lots more. "There are also openings for people of all ages, from school leavers to women wishing to return to work after having children. With more companies arriving all the time the number of vacancies is going up and we're finding that some companies will offer people retraining to brush up on skills."

George and Mildred Blaxhall and Sandy outside Toothill Community Centre.

Then it's walkies for the dog. A visit to the local local shop to buy a newspaper and back home for breakfast. This I think is most enjoyable, when one can sit and take time over cornflakes and toast, reading the news and other information in the paper. Rising from the table, small household chores have to be done, such as washing the breakfast dishes and putting the carpet sweeper over the floors, while the wife makes the bed and thinks about food for the day. Then on a good day it's out into the garden to see what new plants are poking through mother earth, and at this time of the year I'm busy planting seeds to produce a colourful display of plants in the summer. Having worked up a thirst, a thought often occurs that it might not be a bad idea to pay a visit to the bar at the community centre to quench myself with a pint of the best, then home to a midday meal. It is from this time of the day that my schedule is varied due to the season. Today I shall be watching bowls on the television. In the summer it would be a visit to the local bowling green for a game with other members, or a match against another bowls club. Alison recognises that the change in the welfare benefits system may cause some people to look to recruitment agencies to find work. "The rates of pay in temporary jobs are coming closer to permanent positions; but perhaps more important, once a person gets in with a company they grow in confidence and if they can prove themselves, they're usually in line for any long-term jobs that come up. "All I can say is 'we're here, Storm is a friendly, local company and we're here to help people.' And our service is free."

The indoor facility at the Oasis is so crowded. It really is difficult getting a session there. There's a great need for a bowls centre in West Swindon and I am sure it would be used by young and old alike. If there is nothing interesting on the television in the afternoon, the eyelids close and a little sleep in the armchair is enjoyed. At about five o'clock our dog Sandy indicates that she should go walkies again. We are fortunate in West Swindon that open spaces such as Toothill Park and Delta Park have been provided for our pleasures, so off we go through tree lined streets with crocuses and daffodils blooming an all sides. On returning home, the wife is waiting with a cuppa and with the light fading outside, the light inside is switched on and the curtains drawn. We settle back in our armchairs and the choice is made to watch television, read a book or listen to music. At ten o'clock, it is the last news of the day for me and at 10.30 p.m. I let the dog out into the garden for the last time. Then to bed with a thanks to the mystic being for guiding and watching over us through another happy day.

An English Country Restaurant Fixed Price Lunch £9.50 Dinner £14.50 Sunday Lunch £10.50 Church End Purton Swindon Tel:(0793) 772100

Stages The Dancer's Boutique for Ballet, Character, Jazz & Tap Shoes Leotards Tights etc. Regulation & Designer Dancewear. Leichner Stage & Beauty Make-up. 93 Victoria Road Old Town Tel: Swindon 37181

the right choice... WE HAVE THE JOBS! WHERE ARE THE PEOPLE? We have numerous temporary vacancies available to hard working reliable people who wish to earn some money. Secretarial, Administrative, Clerical, Warehouse and Technical These positions would also be suitable for school leavers, mums wishing to get back to work, students un-employed, more mature people, part time or full time. Contact Sue Rawlins for more information (our service is absolutely free) STORM MANAGEMENT SERVICES 27 Commercial Road, Swindon, Wilts. SN3 iNS. Tel: 481301

AT YOUR LIBRARY INTRODUCING ROCHELLE CLARKSON

RICHARD WALKER 77 High Street, Purton Complete framing service with over 200 styles of moulding to choose from. Extensive range of pictures in stock or to order from our catalogues. Now also at West Swindon Centre. Open six days a week. Purton Shop open Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. 9.30-5.30 Sat. 9.30-12.30. Other times by arrangement. Telephone: 771874 or 770124 evenings.

Give your home a facelift 9

[90)

with bright 'new aluminium or UPVC windows & patio doors WE can't change the view, but we can give it a brighter frame. Replace those old windows and give your home a facelift.

OKUS ROAD, SWINDON. TEL. 615262

More personal revelations this month with assistant librarian Rochelle Clarkson in the limelight! Yet another Lancashire lass, Rochelle was born in Rochdale where she lived up until the age of 4 and despite trying very hard, recollectons are very dim! Just after her fourth birthday her father's job brought her to Devizes. First memories are of Devizes as being an extremely busy and yet friendly town unpedestrianised and not as developed as it is today, Rochelle remembers her back garden giving way to a massive car park development with the arrival of Tesco. Educated at Southbroom infant and junior school in Devizes, Rochelle also had books play a prominent part in her early life. She admits to a facination with the arts from her junior school days, and when she was not playing the recorder and participating in poetry and musical competitions, she was wrapped in the world of Mable Ester Allan, Noel Streatford and Eve Garnet. By the age of 9, Rochelle had discovered Devizes library which she visited everyday on her way home from school. All credit to Devizes library staff who demonstrated a great deal of patience at Rochelle's constant 'pestering'. She tells me she has wonderfull memories of that library - all wood, peace and sunshine! From this period of her life has remained her great love of the Brontes (did you ever wonder why there is so much on West Swnidon's shelves!). After 6 years Rochelle moved to Lacock with all its rural attractions. She had the advantage of a secondary education in Chippenham whilst being allowed to indulge her interests. She has lovely memories of 'blackberry time' and cows practically in the front garden. Lacock was very different in those days - not quite so touristy but with all the excitement of the Lacock and Chippenham Folk Festival each year - the American and Japanese tourists had not discovered Lacock en masse in those days! Secondary education for Rochelle was the Chippenham Hardenhuish school. Hers was the last 'all girl year' before the arrival of the comprehensive system when the school amalgamated with the local grammar school. Literature and music were now an integral part of Rochelle's life - a member of 2

choirs, orchestra and recorder group, she visited old people's homes (not to deliver books!) to sing and entertain and discover how much being with people mattered to her. Having decided from an early age that she wanted to be a librarian, Rochelle became involved with the school library. The school boasted a purpose built library the size of a small branch and Rochelle worked with the senior assistant at shelving, issuing books and all the basic library routines which would give her career a good start. Determined to qualify as a librarian, Rochelle started work on a voluntary basis at Chippenham central library. This soon led to the post of Saturday assistant and additional work during school holidays. She remembers with horror - the old card issue system and was fortunate enough to see the implementation of Wiltshire's Plessey computer system. The yards of barcodes to be matched with thousands of books did not dissuade Rochelle from her fundamental belief that computers are the best thing since the proverbial sliced bread! Rochelle chose her 'A' level subjects, English, history and environmental studies with a view to a place at Brighton Poly. Despite careers advice that she would be better off as a chiropodist (!) Rochelle did go on to take a B.A. in librarianship at Brighton. She was able to further her artistic interests in opting for media orientated courses at College. An inveterate 'cinema buff, the media options allowed her to reconcile her love of the arts and her love of people. After graduation Rochelle returned to Wiltshire Library and Museum Service for a short spell in cataloguing at Trowbridge before being offered an assistant post at the shortly to be opened, West Swindon library. In addition to her responsibilities for the urban mobile service, she has been able to use West Swindon's space to develop the community information corner as well as to make her own information displays. West Swindon is just the start for Rochelle's professional career in libraries but she admits it has given her a solid foundation for the future. Last word from Rochelle on the community we serve "a searching, demanding and active people" from who she has learned a lot. by Linda Black

LINK CENTRE

COUNCIL WINS EFFICIENCY AWARD The Link Centre will be three years old on April 26th. Over the last three years, the Link has become firmly established as more than a local centre (important as that is) but as a regional facility, attracting people from a much wider area than just West Swindon. Already the Link has attracted 21/2 million customers. Its wide mix of leisure, community and recreation facilities is as attractive, if not more so, than on the day when it first opened. Now, the Link has received a fitting third birthday present. A National Award for efficient use of Electrical Energy. The Council came top of nearly 400 Commercial and Public buildings, to win the Electricity Council's 1987 BETA Award, in the over 1,000 square meter category. The judges were particularly impressed by the way the heat generated in freezing the ice rink is re-cycled, to be used not only to help heat the swimming pool, but also for space heating. In cash terms this means saving the rate-payers in the order of ÂŁ60,000 a year. In the past two years the Council's two major Leisure Centres have won the National Awards. In 1986/87 the Oasis was judged the best managed, and this year the Link is the most energy efficient. This is national recognition for Thamesdown's policy of providing the best possible service in the most economical and efficient way. The Borough Council is as committed as ever to maintaining and improving services and is constantly examining ways of running things more efficiently. The only cloud on the horizon is the possibility of the Government intoducing compulsory tendering for Leisure Centres. This is a complicated issue and the Goverment hasn't yet formally announced its intentions, or the details of how it would work. What this would mean is the Council being forced to compete with the private sector for the right to manage Leisure Centres and other facilities. In a Borough like Thamesdown with a national reputation for efficiency and effectiveness, this seem an unneccessary burden. Indeed this view is supported by many in the

private sector. John Staniland of Crossfire Leisure, writing in a recent edition of Leisure Management; "I find myself in agreement with Eammon Hacket, Chairman of Thamesdown's Art and Recreation Committee, who in a recent report states that he is opposed to the principle of compulsory tendering .....(italics by editor.) A future edition of Link will look more closely at what would be involved in compulsory tendering. In the meantime, a Happy 3rd Birthday to the Link Centre from the magazine responsible for giving it its name. Congratulations on the award, West Swindon looks forward to many more years of successful service to the community.

SPACE AGE OXYGEN TUBES FOR LINK by Health Correspondent H. Authbert. A meeting was held recently to discuss the addition of new facilities at the Link Centre Health Suite. Representatives of the Link Centre Management, Thamesdown Council's Art's and Recreation Departments and the Health Authority were present. After careful consideration of several ideas put forward, it was decided to add two 'Spacex' Oxygen Tubes to the existing facilities. The tubes consist of a bed encased in a clear acrylic tube. Oxygen is pumped into the tube and the stale air extracted by filters. Therefore the person in the tube breathes pure oxygen, enabling rejuvination of the red blood cells and a beneficial effect on the heart and nervous system. The decision to install the tubes was particularly welcomed by local Ecology groups to help people combat the effects of environmental pollution. The purchase and setting up of the tubes is to be jointly financed by Thamesdown Council and Life Incorporated Insurance. Work is due to begin in July, and there will be a full report in August's 'Link'.

Above: saving money for the rate payers.

Right/Above: Link Centre, landmark from the air.

HEALTHY EATING AT LINK CENTRE Until a few weeks ago the food available at the Link Centre was all fried - burgers, scampi, chips; decidedly unhealthy fare for a place like the Link. But a lot has changed recently with the introduction of a new range of popular fast foods which are competetive in price and tasty as well. The catering at the Link has been provided ever since the centre opened in 1985 by the Thamesdown Catering Co-operative. Local co-op co-ordinator Peter Goldsmith, when reviewing the catering set-up, recognised that things were not right after talking to a lot of customers last autumn. "A lot of people said, 'why can't we have something which is not fried'. In response to comments like this we have brought in a number of items to the menu which are not. "Firstly, there is a new 100% beef burger served with lettuce and a sauce. Then we have baked potatoes which are served with different toppings. In our 'Bake and Take' range, we have a variety of pizzas on offer and these are served whole or by the slice. Lastly, there is the taste of South America - tachos shells filled with chopped salad and spicy chips with chilli sauce. "We of course serve teas, coffee and soft drinks for those who don't want to eat a snack when they visit the Link," says Peter. "We no doubt will continue to sell a lot of chips, but I think we are now providing the types of food that a much wider range of people will enjoy. I hope they will come and try us out."

LOCAL LANDMARKS FOR NEW AIR GUIDANCE SYSTEM by R. Martin, Civil Aviation Correspondent Concern about air safety over Britain has led civil servants to consider a new national landmarks network (NLN) as a means of guiding aircraft through busy airlanes. The plan is a stop-gap measure until new air traffic guidance computers come into action in 1992 and has been agreed upon because of the obvious cost savings. It is understood that prominant buildings or features easily identified from the air will be included on maps used by pilots to guide them to their destinations. Three local NLN features have been defined. These are Julie Livesey's sculpture 'The White Horse Pacified', the white pillars of the Link Centre and the white walls of PHH Centre on Windmill Hill. Pilots will be advised to pick a course between these points on their way to RAF Lynham. However, in bad weather they would be on their own unless funds can be found to place radio beacons on the landmarks. By coincidence, the proposed air lane above White Hill Way follows an ancient lay-line, or path of mystical energy which is believed to link pre-historic religious sites like Stonehenge, Avebury and the white horses cut into the Wiltshire downs. West Swindon sculptor Julie Livesey expressed surprise that her work had been chosen. "This kind of recognition is quite unexpected, but I'm glad that public sculpture will be examined from an aerial dimension. I look forward to hearing from pilots. who fly over the 'White Horse Pacified'.

LINK CENTRE

SKATE ELECTRIC Congratulations to the Swindon's ice skating team who took part in the regional Skate Electric Competition at Link Centre on Sunday 28th February. Teams from Cardiff, Westover, Southampton, and Swindon competed in four sections with Swindon winning the free skating and the speed session thanks to top performances by Dave Reynolds, Andrew Garlick and Pamela Bayley (free), Darien Brooks and Annette Gourd (speed). Swindon fought hard to Spring Fashions: Nicki Staite models get placed in the dance and show a creation by Marlene Groves - both numbers and although they did work at Link Centre. not come first, with wins in two sections under their belts the HEALTH Link team earned first place overall. SUITE NEWS Ice Rink Manager, John Hetherington, said "There was a Good news for all our Health great team effort all round; the Suite users. Link's success of competitors who put in outstand- running mixed health sessions ing performances and the organ- has led us to convert Wednesday's isers and staff who contributed to 2-4 p.m. and Saturday's 10.30 the smooth running of the event a.m. to 12.30 p.m. sessions so of the day". that they are available for use by A crowd of about 800 shared both men and women. Now even in the team's success, this being more people will be able to the first year Swindon has entred benefit from this relaxing and the competition. social environment.

EASTER BONNET ICE PARADE

Here's what you can look forward to in the Ice Rink this Easter. On Saturday 2nd April children can go ice skating in their best Easter Bonnets. During the 10.00 a.m. to 12 noon session, children will be invited to take part in the parade of their bonnets with prizes being awarded for the best ones. Usual admission prices apply. On Monday 4th April there will be a special extented ice skating session from 1-6 p.m. Peak ice skating prices apply for this session.

COMPETITION Remember the competition we ran in the February edition of Link News to name Link Centre's new pre-school gym class? Here's what you've all been waiting for the winning name. Amy Marie Belson came up with the name of Mini Gym. Well done. You'll be seeing this name on all of our leaflets fom now on. This course starts week beginning 11th April and costs £7.50 for six weeks.

COURSES FOR SPRING Enrolment is now underway for Link Centre's spring/summer courses. So if you haven't already, now is the time to sign up for one of our six week or twelve week activities. Whether you're a beginner and trying an activity for the first time, or a bit of a pro', you're sure to benefit from some expert guidance. Under the keen eye of our experienced instructors you'll have plenty of opportunity to practice your favourite activity without picking up bad habits. You'll find that in no time you'll improve you skill level and will derive even more satisfaction from playing your sport. There are a whole range of activities for adults and children from the more familiar badminton and swimming to the more unusual archery and climbing. Pay as you play activities and recreational sessions are run for those people who are unable to attend full courses. If you can only make lunchtime, then there are a range of activities to suit you also. Further details of prices and times are available at Link Main Reception.

OLD TOWN 512122

£42,950 Old Town. Ent. hail, living room, ftd. kit., dbl bed, bathroom, garage. Old Town 512122

752.000 Old Town. Spacious lounge. 2 beds, study/workroom, kit., bathroom, dining room, good sized gdns. Old Town 512122

£47.500 Old Town. Ent. lobby, lounge/ dining room, kit., 2 beds, bathroom, gas c/htg., replacement d.g. Old Town 512122

£48,500 Old Town. Ent. lobby, 24ft lounge/ dining room, kit., bathroom, 2 dbl beds, part c/htg. Old Town 512122

£57.950 Old Town, Ent. porch, ant. hail, sitting room, 3 beds, kit., lounge, bathroom, conservatory, 1 00f rear gdn. Old Town 512122

£49,995 Old Town. Ent. hail, lounge, dining room, kit/breakfast room, 3 beds, bathroom, Ige rear gdn. Old Town 512122

£66,000 Old Town Ent. hail, lounge, dining room, refitted kit/breakfast room, bathroom, lobby, utility room, 3 beds, garage, re-wired. Old Town 512122

£64.000 Old Town. Ent. hall, lounge/ dining room, some replacement windows, gas c/ £43.950 Old Town. Ent. hall, lounge, ftd. htg.. 3 beds, secluded gdn., reroofed, cavity kit., dbl bed, bath/shower room, cavity wall wall ins., excellent decor. Old Town 512122 ins. Old Town 512122

E51,995 Old Town. Ent. hall, kit/dining room, lounge, bathroom, lobby/utility room,2 Ige beds, gdn. Old Town 512122

£72,500 Wanborough Ent. hall, lounge, kit/ dining room, 3 beds, attached garage, gas c/htg. Viewing essential. Old Town 512122

£53,950 Liden, Ent. hail, lounge/dining room, refitted kit,, 3 beds., bathroom, gas c/htg., garage. Old Town 512122

9 BATH ROAD, OLD TOWN, SWINDON

\ TOWN CENTRE

OLD TOWN & WEST SWINDON

Mortgage guarantees.. Chain breaker facilities. Professional service. 7-day opening. make -

• • one of the country's TOP INDEPENDENT AGENTS

MORTGAGE DEPARTMENT

WEST SWINDON OFFICE NOW OPEN AT MANNINGTON £77,995 Hopton Close (WS13) A spacious 3 bed det. house. Hall, lounge kit/dining room, cavity wall ins., gas c/htg., bathroom, garage, landscaped gdns. Tel. Swindon 512022 to view.

£50,995 Galloway Close (WS19) A 2 bed end terrace house. Super investment pbtential. Porch, lounge, kit/breakfast room, c/htg., bathroom, garage, gdn. tel. Swindon 512022 to view.

£52,995 Picton Road (WS4) A 2 bed mid town house. Lounge, kit/dining room, Cl htq., bathroom, garage, gdn. Tel. Swindon 5112022 to view.

£59,995 Beaulieu Close (WS6) A 3 bed end of terrace house in superb condition. Porch, kit/dining room, cloakroom, lounge, bathroom, gdns., allocated parking. Tel. Swindon 512022 to view.

£46,950 Yeomans Close (WS20) An immaculate 1 bed. 1st floor maisonette. Porch, lounge/dining room, kit, bathroom, allocated parking. Ideal first time buy. Tel. Swindon 512022 to view.

£145,000 O.I.R. Chudleigh IWS18I A professionally extended 4 bed dot, house with granny annex with ensuite. Hall, cloakroom, lounge, dining room, study, kit, c/htg., bathroom, garage, landscaped gdns. Tel. Swindon 512022 to view.

£50,950 Bradenham Road (WS21) A well presented 2 bed end of terrace house with potential to extend. Porch, lounge kit/ -dining room, bathroom, possible planning for garage. Tel. Swindon 512022 to view.

WANTED WANTED Worlidge Drive A3 bed det. house area, Wilcon 4 bed in Cabot Drive, Liminster up to Audley Close up £85,000 to £85,000 maximum. maximum.

£49,950 Beehive Close (WS7) A realistically priced 2 bed mid town house, in good order. Lounge, kit., bathroom, heating, allocated parking. Tel. Swindon 512022 to view,

£48,995 Castledore A 2 bed end terrace house in immaculate condition. Porch, lounge, kit, bathroom, allocated parking, gdn, excellent decoration. Tel. Swindon 512022 to view,

£52,995 Godoiphin Close (WS3) A well presented Ige red mid town house. Porch, lounge, kit/dining room, c/htq., bathroom, landscaped gdns. Tel. Swindon 512022 to view.

£48,950 Stamford Close (VVS5) A spacious 3 bed mid town house. Hall, lounge, kit/ breakfast room, bathroom, separate WC., c/htg., allocated parking space. Tel. Swindon 512022 to view.

£49,500 Langport Close (WS9) A superb 2 bed mid town house in immaculate order. Lounge, kit/dining room, bathroom, c/htg., gdns., allocated parking. Tel. Swindon 512022 to view.

£47,995 Hadleigh Close (WS10) A spacious 2 bed end terrace house set in a quiet culde-sac. Porch, lounge, kit/dining room, bathroom, d.g., gdns. Tel. Swindon 512022 to view.

£66,950 Beverley (WS1 1) An extremely well cared for bed link-det. house. Porch, lounge, kit/dining room, cloak/utility room, bathroom, gdns., garage, c/htg. Tel. Swindon 512022 to view.

£52,995 Risingham mead (WS12) A larger than average 2 bed s/dot. house with potential for extention. Porch, lounge, kit/ breakfast room, bathroom, allocated parking, Tel. Swindon 512022 to view,

0.950 Hadleigh Close (1111S14) well planned 2 bed mid town house, overlooking fields & stream. Porch, hall, lounge, kit. c/htg., bathroom, gdns. Tel. Swindon 512022 to view.

£54,500 Shelfinch (WS15) A vastly improved 2 bed s/det. house. Hall, lounge, kit/dining room, bathroom, c/htg,, garage immaculate order throughout. Tel. Swindon 512022 to view.

£53,750 Ascham Road (WS16) A 2 bed end terrace house. Hall, lounge, kit/dining room, superb ftd. kit, with oven & hob, c/ htg.. bathroom, gdn. Internal inspection highly recommended, Tel. Swindon 512022 to view.

£56,950 Tattershall (WS17) A well presented 3 bed end terrace house. Porch, lounge kit/dining room, bathroom, c/htg., garage, overlooking open land, good decorative order. Tel. Swindon 512022 to view.

£64,995 Shropshire Close (WS22) A super 2 bed det. bungalow. Hall, lounge, kit/ breakfast room, bathroom, planning permission for garage, Ige rear gdn. Tel. Swindon 512022 to view.

BRIDGE HOUSE WOOUON BASSE1T ROAD, MANNINGTON. TEL: 512022

PEATMOC

16 WEST SWINDON'S LAKE FILLS UP A remarkable physical feature has taken shape in West Swindon over the last year. After months of excavation which involved the removal of 115,000 cubic metres of clay and the sculpturing of an underwater fish habitat, a ten acre lake has been created which will become the focal point of a wide range of activity in years to come. Paul Jolliffe, Landscape Architect at Thamesdown Council's Arts and Recreation Department, explained why a lake has been made. "It is firstly an engineering project which have involved engineers, landscape architects, planners and ecologists working together," said Paul. "The low lying land to the north of Shaw and to the west of Peatmoor Copse had two streams converging into it. With all the house and road construction, there was a need to create a flood storage area to cope with the increased storm rainwater runoff. Because the ground is in the middle of a built-up area it was an opportunity to create positive feature, rather than leave a marshy depression which would flood every time it rained hard.

there are different levels and gradients and in the lake several islands will provide nesting grounds for waterfowl." Peatmoore Lagoon is slowly being surrounded by development and will soon become an urban feature. However, the copse after which it is named, has ancient connections which will be preserved. Peatmoor Copse, at the western end of the lake at the top of Nine Elms, is thought to be the remnant of the once enormous Bradon Forest which disappeared centuries ago. Because of a different sub-terrain rock structure, unusual plants have established themselves on the wet, marshy ground. The copse will only be accessible for educational study and over the last fifteen months a ditch has been dug and new trees planted to control entry. The engineering work on the lake has all but finished. The next five years will see the gradual provision of a range of facilities for different age groups and interests. Depending on the quality of the water fish will be introduced later this year, from the Council's own exclusive supply at Coate Water Country Park. Fishing 10 million platforms will be constructed gallons of water with special attention being Borough Council engineers given to the needs of the dishave calculated that the lake will abled. contain 10 million gallons of 16,000 trees and shrubs water with capacity rising to 13 million gallons after heavy rain"We are planning to plant fall. In storms that take place 16,000 trees and shrubs this year once every ten years the water and more in 1989," said Paul level will rise by two and a half Jolliffe. "A network of footpaths feet, and once every 150 years it will provide walkers with a pleaswill increase by 4 feet. To cope ant circuit of just under a mile. with flood water, a dam has been On the north side there will be a built at the eastern end. There is childrens play area away from a control structure within it which the waters edge, but this will not is stepped to allow greater be built for a couple of years. amounts of water to flow out as There is already provision for a the lake rises. model boating area which is "The average depth of the lake gravelled underwater to prevent is four and a half feet. I might plants fouling propellers. Swimseem surprising, but it is possible ming will definitely be disto drain it by opening the sluice couraged. And of course on the gate in the dam," said Paul. "If north eastern shore the Chinese for some reason this had to take restaurant is to be built and we place or if the lake dries up, there will be landscaping the water are special 'fish rescue hollows' frontage sympathetically. Nineteen eighty seven could which are 8 feet deep to allow fish to hide until conditions be dubbed the year of the flood at Peatmoor Lagoon. Over the improve. "We have worked closely with next five years, all its attractions biologists, ecologists and fish and features will be planted or breeding experts to create the built. However, this is barely the right environment for a variety beginning in the creation of a of plants and creatures above new environment and as such the and below the waterline, as well lake will be constantly changing, as the human users. Underwater always evolving.

A haven for wildlife within West Swindon's houses by Paul Jolliffe

Peatmoor Lagoon will become a wildlife haven unlike any other in West Swindon with its combination of water and woodland. The dense and marshy Peatmoor Copse is already home for a range of birds and mammals. For example, on a recent walk overwintering flocks of Restarts were feeding on the hawthorn berries and fox holes were revealed by the dying vegetation. The Lagoon itself has already attracted a large flock of gulls and in future years you can expect to see birds like Mallards, Moorhens, Coots and Great Crested Grebes throughout the year. Winter may attract visitors like the Black and Little Tern, usually associated with the sea but attracted by the gravel beds on the islands whilst Summer visitors such as the Reed and Willow Warbler, Blackcap and Chiffchaff will shelter in the dense reed cover and woody vegetation. Skimming over the surface will be the 'jets' of the air, Swallows, Swifts and House Martins feeding on the rich insect life found over water.

Native trees and shrubs will clothe parts of the islands and banksides providing food and shelter. Planting Willows, Alders, Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Dogrose and other woodland species is not only ecologically sound, but will make the Lagoon very attractive. Reeds and flag iris will flourish around the water's edge and yellow and white water lillies may bloom further out in deeper water. Beneath the surface, out of sight, fish will cruise. Roach, Tench, Bream and Carp will tempt anglers but it will be a few years before this activity can be pursued until sufficient fish stocks build up. Last year being European Year of the Environment has seen the major construction of the Lagoon. Your help is required to look after this attractive environment for years to come, be it getting involved with practical conservation tasks, or equally important, being respectful of the wildlife in the area.

LAGOON

ANNE BAILEY Canine & Feline Beautician, Cliping/Stripping, Bathing, Nails, Teeth. Hygiene - Grooming. Complete service. Collection & delivery. 9 St. Margaret's Road, Old Town, Swindon SN3 1 R Tel: (0793) 612769

LIFE

PETS-AT-HOME Worried about who will look after your pets whilst you're on holiday? PETS-AT-HOME Could be your answer. PETS-AT-HOME is a new service which cares for pets (sorry, no dogs) in their own home. Telephone Swindon (0793) 873062 for further details.

MW W MMIIL

_— w Mom M

POINTS THE WAY TO QUALITY

IN CONSERVATORIES, DOORS AND WINDOWS Quite simply the best! 100 High Street Cricklade

Tel: (0793) 870816 or 751302 •/

A NIGHT AT THE RACES An exciting evening of horse entry. The winning horses from racing on film is planned for each of the races are entered in Saturday 9th April from 7.30 the grand final and the owner of p.m., at the Link Arts Theatre. the horse that wins the last race The race night is organised by wins £100.00. WASPS - Western Arts Swindon Tickets are available from Play Scheme - the community Toothill and Freshbrook Comgroup that organises free play munity Centres, or from May activities for 5-14 year olds. Midwinter on 873537. To buy a During the evening eight filmed horse contact Ian Drummond on horse races are shown. But before 874372. the films are removed from their the autumn was great fun, though sealed cans, there is a chance to not that many people took part. lay bets on which of the runners WASPS are in great need of funds will win. It yours comes in tirst, a to make sure play activities can pile of money comes your way. be organised for youngsters over The cost of the evening is Easter and during the summer £2.00 and this includes a buffet. holidays. Come on down to the A bar will also be available. Link Centre, help them out and For only £5.00 you can ac- have a good time as well. tually own a horse and gain free

FREE PLAY SCHEME West Swindon's play scheme organisation, WASPS, are for the first time putting on play activities for 5 to 14 year olds during the Easter holidays. As The Link is published, WASPS have organised play days on 29th and 30th March. But after the Easter weekend, WASPS buzz into action on Tuesday 5th

and Wednesday 6th April at two separate venues. There will be fun and games from 11.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. at both Greendown Community School in Grange Park and at Toothill Farm on Bodiam Drive. Children who are staying all day should bring a packed lunch. For more information contact May on 873537.

IE 5

UNISEX HAIR DESIGNERS 46 Manchester Road, Swindon Tel: Swindon 34662 Introduces Dawn Ford who welcomes customers old & new

Examples of Dawn &Maria's prices: Cut & Blow Dry £12.00 Perm £25.00 including cut Highlights £25.00 including cut All prices include mousse & conditioner. Special rates for OAPs on Tuesday and Wednesday.

ARTS SCENE

18 CROFT CRAFTS About 40 stalls will be on hand at a Craft Fair at the Croft Sports Centre in Old Town. This will be held on Saturday April 23rd, ll.00a.m. to 4.00 p.m. The organisers are trying to ensure that every stall will sell a different range of crafts. There will stalls with wooden toys, wooden garden funiture, soft toys, dried flowers, embroidered cushions and many more. There is free entry for all, refreshments and plenty of car parking. It should be an enjoyable day out.

WHAT'S ON AT LINK ARTS

The first Cinemascope film in our programme is John Boorman's story of four city businessmen who set out on a weekend's canoe trip which turns into a nightmarish struggle for survival. 'Deliverance' (18) on Thursday 28 April at 7.30 p.m. stars John Voigt and Burt Reynolds. Film Society membership is now due for the 1988/98 season at £1.00 (valid until 31 March 1989) and admission per film is £ I .50/k 1.00 concessions.

The new term of dance classes begins on Monday II April at the Link. They continue until June 29 with a break from May 30 to June 3.

Swindon Jazz Front

Classes cost £ I. 10 for children (or 2 for £1.85 if booked at the same time and for the same week), for Parents and Toddlers class £ 1.60/80p and adults on the evening ballet class £ 1.85/95p. All the classes are run in conjunction with the Thamesdown Dance Studio who run further dance classes and a full range of other work. Ring 610378 for details.

The Link Arts Film Society begins its new season with the highly acclaimed Mona Lisa (18) on Tuesday 14 April at 7.30 p.m. It stars Bob Hoskins as George, a small time crook fresh out of prison who becomes a chauffeur to a beautiful young prostitute, Simone (Cathy Tyson), with whom he begins to fall in love. Michael Caine and Robbie Coltrone head a very strong Children's Film Club supporting cast.

CRAFT FAIR Croft Sports Centre, Old Town, Swindon Saturday 23rd April 1988, 10.00 a.m. -4.00 p.m. Great variety of stands. Refreshments. Details and bookings: Tel. 764968 or 762016

Hair design at home:: for ladies, gents & children

TEL: (0793)486362

EXCUSIONS & TOURS Sat. 20th April Alton Towers (includes admission) Sun. 1st May Brighton Mon. 2nd May Welsh Folk Museum, St. Fagans (includes admission) Sat. 7th May Spalding Flower Parade (includes admission) Sun. 8th May Bournemouth

Adult

Child

Tr. Pass

£15.00

£13.00

£14.50

6.00

£ 4.50

£ 5.50

£ 7.50 £ 8.00

£ 5.00 £ 8.00

£ 7.00 £ 8.00

£ 5.50

£ 4.00

£ 5.00

Thamesdown Transport ENQUIRIES & BOOKINGS: - FLEMING WAY KIOSK, NEAR PRIMARK, te'1.399

CAKTRAVIEUEAD. S 0 1 I C

Dance at Link Arts Studios

Film Society

1 0

R S

Contact us for all your legal needs including house sales & purchases, matrimonial matters and criminal law. 103-4 Commercial Road, Swindon. Tel: 617617

Mondays 5.00-6.00 p.m. Modern Dance for 7-10 years. 6.00-7.00 p.m. Modern Dance for 11-14 years.

Wednesdays 10.30-I 130a.m. Parents and Toddlers. The new season begins on 3.30-4.15 p.m. Ballet for 4-6 years. Saturday 9 April with 'Flash Gordon' (A) in Cinemascope at 4.15-5.00 p.m. Creative Dance for 5-9 years. 2.30 p.m., followed on Saturday 23 April with the 'Adventures of 5.00-5.45 p.m. Ballet for 7- 10 years. Ichabod and Mr. Toad' (U) at 2.30 p.m. Film Club membership 5.45-6.30 p.m. Beginners Tap for 6-10 years. for the 1988/89 session is now due at 25p (valid until March 31, 6.30- 7.30 p.m. Ballet for All - 14 years and 1989) and admission per film is. over. 75p.

'Zimmer Two' is the Jazz Front presentation this month, on Friday 15 April at 8.00 p.m., tickets £3.00/k:2.00 members/ £ I .00 concessions. Classic hard bop 'Blue Note' style, from a quintet featuring another of our rising young tenor stars. Tunes by Freddie Hubbard, Carla Bley and Lee Morgan.

Swindon Rock Front Two concerts this month from the Rock Front, on Saturday 16 April and Saturday 30 April.

TRIPS AWAY

The warmer weather sees the start of Thamesdown Transports programme of trips. The first is a blockbuster to Alton Towers where there is something for everyone - thrills on the rides, exhibitions and quiet gardens. On the first weekend in May there is a trip to Brighton followed by a bank holiday trip to St. Fagans, to the Welsh Folk Museum where there will be special May Day events and exhibitions. On May 7th, there is a trip to Lincolnshire for the truely spectacular Spalding Flower Parade. The price of this outing includes admission to some of the best viewing points. And on 8th, it's off to the south coast resort of Bournemouth.

Line-ups to be confirmed but both concerts begin at 8.00 p.m., tickets £1.50, plus bar.

A COURSE FOR PARENTS

Do you shout a lot at your children? Do they wear you out with their arguing? What makes children and parents happy? Would you like to have more fun with your children? Relate: Thamesdown and District Marriage Guidance are holding a number of group discussions on four Thursday mornings, starting April 21st. These sessions will concentrate on the skills that parents already have and will identify what makes children and parents happy together. The total cost of the course is £2.00 and there is a free creche. Places will be offered on a 'first come, first served' basis. To sign on, contact Jane Lewis at Relate, 79, Eastcott Hill, Swindon.

ADULT & COMMUNITY EDUCATION El9 I'M A HERO

THINKING ABOUT SUMMER by Rod

by Ann Farthing of Shaw

I have recently become a hero to my family and friends, I have not climbed a mountain or captured a bank robber, I have become an adult student at 44 years of age. My family, who are now grown up, wondered what mum was going to do in her spare time. Mum has astonished them all by enrolling in an English course at Greendown School. I have taken all of the jokes that were thrown my way, and now I am taking the praise for my achievement. I write this letter with confidence, as that is what I have gained since picking up my courage and enrolling into an adult education course. I hear of friends who would like to do the same, and yet can not make it through the door of their local school to enrol. My advice to them is to take their courage in their hands and do it. No one could have felt more nervous than I did. To be honest my first thought was if I do not like it I can leave, that was before I had even started. Well I am only too pleased that I did start, and I do not intend to stop now. There are so many courses available, one is spoilt for choice. I do not think that the people of my age group are aware of the fact that the teaching method of today is so relaxed. The course work is very interesting, and the teaches are very encouraging. There are even short courses throughout the summer to introduce people back into adult education. You may be wondering why I have written this article. I just thought that maybe in some way through The Link I might be able to encourage more people of my age group to at least think about adult education. There is a whole new world out there for people who would like to do something in their spare time. It would give them the opportunity to meet people who live in this area, and share the same interests as themselves. If only they have the courage to start, they could be having the educational time of their lives.

The summer programme from April is out. As before it has a mix of outdoor and indoor activity, daytime and evening. There is a wide variety still to chose from. For example, you might find courses in the daytime (supported by a Crèche) worth a closer look. Perhaps 'Talking Books', a 'low'-brow, fun approach to books, or 'Get the Spelling Right First', a chance to sort out spelling problems, or perhaps 'Is it fun to be a Mum (or Dad)? Part II', an opportunity to share thoughts about 5-10 year olds. It may be that an evening course on tennis, painting fabrics of watercolours, ballroom dancing, hanging baskets, summer microwave cookery or even windsurfing might suit you better? What about a series of wildlife evenings at Lydiard park? And don't forget the holiday language courses - both the 'survival' sort and the 'new' combined 'culture, geography and language of . . . ' courses about France, Germany and Spain. Of course, you can still keep in trim at our fitness, yoga or aerobics classes but it maybe one of the wordprocessing courses would suit you better? And for your weekends? At the weekend you may chose to attend our one-day 'Saturday Schools'. Topics available in the next few months cover various painting days, various artistic needlework days, walks, local and not so local, a look at Swindon Railway Village and the old Wilts. and Berks. Canal or spend a day looking at the ecology in Lydiard Park. Details of all these available in the summer brochure from Greendown and west Swindon library. Either call in or telephone us on 871413. Planning ahead? Are you thinking of doing a course next year and wondering if you'll cope? I am always saying that Jam happy to chat to anyone at any time about worries concerning starting courses, so do contact me if you think that will help to encourage you. One of the best ways to see if you think you would get on is to come along to one of our existing classes and see what goes on. If you're interested, just 'phone. Keeping in touch To publicise activities organised from Greendown, both AE and

Kensett

community, I produce programme brochures. I usually take/send copies to all the West Swindon libraries, to the Link Centre, community centres etc., as well as to surgeries, to the churches, to health visitors, social services and neighbourhood workers etc. All these names and addresses are on a mailing list. Contact me if you would like your name or the name of your organisation or club included. Time for tennis There has been much talk of the proposed tennis centre for West Swindon and it sounds a great idea. You may be unaware that you can both learn and play tennis here already. At Greendown opportunites exist for adults to learn to play (or to improve) on Wednesday evenings and there is an evening set aside for coaching 10-15 year olds. The three outside, hard courts may be hired both in the evenings and at weekends. Enrolments for AE classes are being accepted now and all enquiries about tennis should be made to 871413/874224. Sorry to repeat myself, but... Don't forget I'm still on the lookout for interesting work-skills or pastimes that can be shared either as an AE class or a club. As I said in the last issue, some of our most successful tutors aren't 'teachers' but people with skills, knowledge, or interests that they are willing to share. Whatever your interest, 'phone, drop-in or write and we will do our best to help out. For further information please contact:

Rod Kensett Adult and Community Tutor Greendown Community School Grange Park, West Swindon Tel: 871413 (ansaphone)

RUNIC SCHOOL OF MOTORING Prop. A. F. Gregory Door to Door Service AD1 /

PROFESS!ONAL

TEL: (0793) 852432

SURE CLEAN We Clean your Carpets. and Upholstery for you Using the very latest and most powerful equipment available. No mess, no fuss, no shampoo. We guarantee our cleaning will be to your satisfaction. *Lounge carpets from £17.50

* 3 piece suites from £22.50 FREE ESTIMATES & ADVICE

* SWINDON * 874460

R.T. Fancy Landscape Gardener in West Swindon 20 years of experience. Turfing, Paving, Fencing, Planting new Gardens Rockery Construction, Pergolas etc. New gardens

TEL: 875174

BATHE & SELBY MANOR ROAD, WESTCOTF PLACE SWINDON. TEL: 29352 (Behind Mike Knight Tyres)

ACCIDENT REPAIRS SERVICING MOT TESTS

THE CHURCH AT EASTER

HOLY WEEK AT THE UNITED CHURCHES Last year for the first time we held a service somewhere in the parish each day during Holy Week. Many people found this a ST. PETERS helpful way to remember the last CATHOLIC CHURCH week of the life of Christ, and his Services for Holy Week Passion and Death; so we are doing the same this year. Please Tuesday 29th March Penitential Service with visiting come to any or all of these Priests. For Confessions 7.30 - services as you choose. 8.30 p.m. Monday 28th Wednesday 30th March Stations of the Cross at 7.00 p.m. 8.00 p.m. Joint Service at Toothill Church. followed by Mass at 7.30 p.m. Tuesday 29th Maundy Thursday 31St March Mass of the Lord's Supper at 8.00 p.m. Evening Service at Shaw Church. 7.30 p.m. Wednesday 30th Confessions 6.00 -6.30 p.m. 7.00 p.m. Stations of the Cross at Good Friday 1st April Liturgy of The Passion and Holy St. Peter's R.C. Church (Joint Service). We are invited to attend Communion 3.00 p.m. Mass afterwards. Stations of the Cross 10.00 am. Confessions 10.30 - 11.00 a.m. Maundy Thursday 31st 7.30 p.m. Holy Communion at and 4.30 p.m. -5.30 p.m. Holy Saturday 2nd April St. Mary's Lydiard Tregoze. Confessions 11.00 - 11.30 a.m. Good Friday, April 1st 10.45 a.m. Family Service at and 3.00-4.00 p.m. Toothill Church. Easter Vigil 8.30 p.m. 12 noon -3.00 p.m. Three Hours Easter Sunday At The Foot Of The Cross, All Mass 10.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m. Saints', Lydiard Millicent. UNITED SERVICES: Easter Saturday 2nd Monday 28th March 9.00 p.m. Night Service at St. Toothill Shared Church 8.00 p.m. Mary's, Lydiard Tregoze. Wednesday 30th March Easter Day 3rd Stations of the Cross at St. Peter's 6.00 a.m. Service of Light at St. 7.00 p.m. Mary's Lydiard Tregoze. For further details phone 874400. (All Welcome!) 8.00 am. Holy Communion An Invitation to Lydiard Millicent. 10.30 am. Holy Communion Lydiard Millicent. 9.00 a.m. Holy Communion Shaw Church. at FRESHBROOK 10.30 am. Family Service Shaw EVANGELICAL CHURCH Church. (Meeting at the Community 10.30 a.m. Holy Communion Centre) Lydiard Tregoze. 10.45 am. Holy Communion GOOD FRIDAY, 1st APRIL Toothill Church. 10.30 a.m. Family Service 10.45 a.m. Holy Communion Westlea Church. EASTER DAY 3rd APRIL 6.30 p.m. Holy Communion Services at II a.m. and 6.30p.m. Lydiard Tregoze. Guest Speaker: Rev. Derek Pollott 6.30 p.m. Evening Worship Shaw Church 7.00 p.m. Evening Worship TootCome and join us this Easter hill Church YOU will be most welcome.

EASTER CELEBRATION SERVICES

Soft Water Centre Largest display of water softeners on view in this area! Including: PERMUTIT - DOMEXTRA SEREIN - PERMO - SOFSTREAM Sales and Service

For Free Site Survey Telephone or Write to MALCOLM TOOGOOD - SWINDON 853156 (anytime) UNIT, 4 OAKLANDS ENTERPRISES, BRAYDON,

FINDING THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND IN WEST SWINDON by John Flory Where do I go to arrange a before the first house in Toothill christening? was occupied, the main churches The Vicar says I must get my in Swindon decided to work tobanns called, but where is my gether, gathering Christians in parish church? each urban village to form new As far as I can see there isn't a congregations near where they 'proper' church in West Swindon! lived. We talked to the borough These are typical of the prob- planners about sites for new lems that people have in getting church buildings, and set about in touch with the Church of finding the considerable sums of England, and, although The Link money needed to pay for these. has carried this information Thus it was that the Rector before, newcomers may find it was joined by a Baptist Minister helpful to read another piece on and an Anglican Deaconess, and the local church. Toothill church was built using The western development Methodist money. A Methodist really got going about a dozen Minister also joined the team, years ago, and farmland began to and later, a Minister from the dissapear under tarmac, bricks United Reformed Church. Now, and mortar at an incredible rate. as you porbably know, the Church Most of this land lay in the parish of England are funding a new of Lydiard Tregoze (Toothill, church building in the Shaw Freshbrook and Grange Park). Village Centre. the parish church, St. Mary's, is One of the congregations in Lydiard Park next to the served by this team meets in the mansion. Soon land in the parish Primary School on Westlea, of Lydiard Millicent was being because there is no land available used - as the housing in Westlea, for a church. If you are used to Eastleaze, Shaw and Roughmoor associating the word 'church' was added. The parish church for with a building rather than a this area is All Saints, in the group of Christians meeting village of Lydiard Millicent. together, then you will miss seeThese beautiful old buildings ing many exciting new churches! have been centres of worship for To have your own building has at least 500 years, and an in- many advantages, but also some creasing number of West Swindon disadvantages - as St. Mary's couples are being married in has just found out as they foot them, (about 80 this year). To the bill for some costly roof complete the picture, we must repairs. add that the northernmost part We hope that you won't be put of Roughmoor is in the parish of off to find that we meet together St Mary, Purton, so that's where simply as Christians, and not as you go to have your banns called. Anglicans rather than Baptists, Although the civil boundaries and that it isn't always in a were revised and the borough 'church'. When we meet, Christ expanded to the west to include is present, and we can worship the whole development area, the him, learn to grow in our faith, Diocese of Bristol decided to and have fellowship together. leave the church parish bounCome and join us! We're not daries where they were, simply difficult to find. There's a 'phone merging the two benefices to number on the reference page in create the one 'parish of the each Link by which you can get Lydiards' in 1981. the details you want - or try As people moved into the new your nearest Minister: houses, the Rector was joined by Tony Price (Anglican) 870244 additional staff who were located for Freshbrook & Grange Park. in the new area, so that there is Anne Thomas (Anglican) now a team Ministry consisting 46421 for Toothill. of a Rector, two Vicars and a Keith Boxall (Anglican) 770568 Parish Deacon, to whom you can for Shaw & Roughmoor. go about banns and baptisms. John Flory (Anglican) 770217 You will have noticed that for the Lydiards & Westlea. both parish churches lie outside Ian Handscome (Baptist) the new area - indeed trying to 693384, and Helen Drummond find me in the Millicent rectory (U.R.C.) 874372 serve the whole involves a mini expedition. Well of West Swindon.

Nr. WOOTTON BASSETT, SWINDON. SN5 OAN. Sh9wrooms

Open

Saturday 9,30 am.

- 4.00 p.m. Oni

r,..,..1.

...

WELFARE RIGHTS CREDIT UNIONS - PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE Debt - aren't we all in it?

Debt, or credit to give it its respectable name, is something rarely talked about. Like sex, when people do talk about it, they usually lie. However a lot of us are in it up to our necks. Just about every shop in every High Street offers instant credit to anyone who has a bank cheque card, an easy thing to get hold of. This is the acceptable end of the market. At the unacceptable end are the loan sharks, who generally lend to people who cannot get other credit, such as those who cannot afford it. Loan sharks have been known to charge interest of 1,000% and more, some of these are illegal, but who is going to tell the authorities that they have been the victim of a loan shark?

COPING WITH CHANGES IN THE SYSTEM Last month's Link magazine featured an article on changes in social sescurity benefits from 11th April. By the time this edition is published the changes will have taken place, but many people will still be confused by the changes. Many may be receiving less money than they used to - particularly because of

CREDIT UNIONS A Cheaper Way to Borrow A public meeting will be held to investigate the possibility of setting up a Credit Union for people living or working in West Swindon. Community Suite, Link Centre on Monday 18th April at 7.30 p.m. For further details contact Kingsley Matthews at Swindon Co-operative Development Agency, 3 Harding Street, Swindon. Tel: 511082 (day) or 874511 (evenings).

But there is a way out!

The easiest way to save

A Credit Union, on the other hand, is a financial co-operative registered under the Credit Union Act 1979 and monitored by the Registrar of Friendly Societies. This means that it is owned and controlled by its customers, that is those people who save and borrow with it. When you deal with a Credit Union, you deal with it as a member-owner and that is a big difference compared to dealing with a bank or a finance house. Credit Unions have objectives other than making as big a profit as possible. They were started to protect members in times of financial emergency - and they still provide peace of mind and protection against the unexpected. So the car breakdown and the frightehing winter fuel bill can be quietly and quickly taken care of. While Credit Unions are thin on the ground in Great Britain, they are growing, there are approximately 100 here. Overseas there are many more, there are over 400 in the Republic of Ireland and in the United States they account for 16% of consumer credit. To be a member of a Credit Union you have to get together with other people who share a 'Common Bond', such a bond can be living in the same area, working for the same employer, being members of the same club, society or church.

To benefit from a loan, you have to become a regular saver. This can be done either through a Standard Order or at various collection points in your community. Interest on savings is up to 8% tax free. You also get free life assurance, every pound saved is matched by a pound of life assurance.

changes to rent and rate rebates - and many may not be receiving the correct amount of benefit. If you need advice on the new benefit scheme contact the Citizens Advice Bureau.

SOCIAL FUND One of the main changes is the introduction of the Social Fund, which replaces the old system of grants for people on supplementary benefit. Payments from the Social Fund fall into three groups. Maternity and Funeral grants -

These are paid as of right to people who receive certain benefits. The grant does not have to be repaid. Community Care Grants -

These can be claimed by people on income support and do not have to be repaid. However, they are discretionary and come from a cash limited fund. They will generally be paid to assist people to move out of institutional care into the community, to help families under stress and to pay for certain travelling expenses. There is no independant appeal system.

BASSETT

TYRES

Credit Union Bank

Most people who claim help from the DHSS are likely to be offered a loan rather than a grant. Here again however the fund is cash limited and payment is discretionary with no independant right of appeal. Repayments will be set at fixed rates and deducted from your benefit by the DHSS. This could cause considerable financial difficulty for people already on a low budget and it is therefore essential that anybody considering applying for a loan gets independant advice first. The CAB can provide this advice. As one of our aims is to use our experience to comment on legislation, we will also be monitoring the effect of the changes and passing on information to our national organisation who will be reporting on the changes. We would therefore like to hear from anybody on benefit who is thinking of claiming from the Social Fund or who is refused a payment. Any information will of course be treated in the strictest confidence. The CAB is at I, Faringdon Road, Swindon. Tel: 28303. We are open 10-4 weekdays.

Open 7 days a week Radio Controlled 24 Hr. Tyre Breakdown Service We

'I he cheapest way to borrow

Because Credit Unions exist only to serve their members, loans cost only 1% per month on the outstanding balance (i.e. 12.68 APR). That is far less than a bank loan or hire purchase, for example suppose you wanted to borrow £500 and pay back over 24 months - look how much you are saving in interest with a Credit Union Loan (at the time of writing):—

Budgetting and Crisis loans

*44

£65 £97

(you save £32)

Hire Purchase

£162

(you save £97)

Loans are made possible in a Credit Union by pooling members' receipts - it really is People Helping People.

Clothing Alterations & Repairs Tel: 872096 Mrs. White, Freshbrook

lll.

195

'ae 17c1119.

0,0, ?

Unit 7 Templars Way Industrial Estate, Marlborough Rd.. Wootton Bassett, Wilts. SN4 7EJ. Telephone: (0793) 854771 (Eve. 850514)

EDUCATION MATTERS

GCSE

A PUPIL'S POINT OF VIEW Nerrys Matthews, West Swindon Student at Braden Forest School, Purton

course work and the teachers However many students do o'clock at night to do work for were unable to mark it, as they feel like 'guinea pigs' in that the following day. Often this is didn't know how. In many cases there have been late changes to not 'homework' but work that the work was marked by '0' level the syllabuses. Also employers we know we will have no other standard, which should not have are still thinking in terms of '0' chance to do. I think we should happened. We don't know how level/CSE for the qualifications have been told at the beginning how much work needed to be work is marked and so therefore needed for certain jobs. do not know how to raise the The main problem experienced done so that we could pace ourstandard of the work, is that as the end of the course is selves. The main worry is that the There also seems to be some reached we are having to rush indicision as to what we should things, for examle by getting all course work will not be comlearn in business studies, history the course work in on time. Some pleted on time, so we will lose and English. The syllabuses have people have dropped some sub- marks. Also there is a fear that been changed, now showing that jects, which gives them a chance we haven't learnt some of the some of the work we did early on to get up to date in the free information we need for the is useless to our exams, lessons. The teachers have ad- exams as there have been many Another point that has been mitted that we have too much to changes. Although I have nothing to recently discussed is the problem do and not enough time. of under funding. As a whole, I On average 1-3 hours work a compare GCSE with, I feel the think a great deal of money has night is done, except in extreme content of the exam is usually been poured into GCSE, but I circumstances where a lot of interesting and relevent and I also think it will never be work is given all at once, and it is hope that when the results come enough. On average fifth years necessary to stay up until 10- 11 through the exam will prove its worth. are spending £10.00 to £15.00 of their own money on books. Although this is not compulsory they have helped a great deal with studies, as it means you By David Cooper, Chair of Governors, Freshbrook School have books on hand at all times. Come September the local schools of the children. The positon of The GCSE has its good points. in our community will be able school governor is unpaid, someNot everything rests on the final (under the 1987 Education Act) times unrewarding but never dull. exam as course work is involved. to co-opt onto their governing Committment is the vital ingrediIn some subjects, such as science bodies any member of the com- ent needed and so if anyone feels and English it is continuous munity. Members of local trade they have time to spend on the assessment all through the two and industry, churches, senior education of local children and years. The syllabuses are also citizens, in fact anyone who has a would like further details and in good in that for both levels P. the genuine interest and concern in depth discussion on the role of easier and 0, the harder, are the their local school and education school governor, please 'phone same, so it is possible to enter at Swindon 872231. both levels. There is also a wider range of grades, A-G instead of A-C for '0' level. West Swindon Centre's Easter win a trip to Paris for 2 people. festivities come to a climax this The next best guess wins £100.00 GAS FIRES AND STOVES weekend. Saturday midday is shopping voucher. • Gas log/coal effect fires. your last chance to 'count' the On Easter Monday there is a fun • Gas fire convector boxes. cream eggs in the giant egg fair, Punch and Judy, a visit by • Gas stoves. Visit our Showroom, open a//day Saturday holder before they are dis- Postman Pat and lots more. All tributed to local charities. Guess the shops in the centre will be Heating Systems Limited, Unit 14. the 'egg'xact number and you open of course. Orbit Centre, Gt. Western Way.

Recently, BBC TV news reported that 5th years are working until 12 o'clock at night to do all the work required for GCSE. Another report claims that 'GCSE is a success'. Is it fair for such comments to be made, when the only people who really know are the students? As one of the student taking this exam for the first time, I feel, as do many, that we all need to be given information about the work we would be doing at the beginning of the course. There was a lot of confusion about things such as pass marks and grading, as well as what would be in the syllabuses. Also, no idea was given of how much course work would be needed or what was expected of us, I think we all felt that the whole thing was a bit vague. The teachers themselves also seem to be unsure, and we recieve contradicting information about what we need to do. The main problem is that the Examining Boards failed to inform schools, and so the teachers can't give us information about the new exam. In some subjects the syllabuses have only just arrived, two months before we take the exams! This means that a lot more work has to be done, work teachers didn't expect us to have to do. Another problem that we had to face was that, at the beginning of the course, we handed in

SCHOOL GOVERNORS

EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA

Tel: 612060

II --

ICOOPER CHEMIST) WEST SWINDON CENTRE., Open 10.00 a.m. -5.00 p.m. EASTER MONDAY Special Offers: Bristows Hair Spray 300m1 99p Silkience Hair Spray 79p Full range of colorsport make-up for girls with no time New Enervit Protein Diet £8.95

Winners of the West Swindon Centre/Link Magazine Easter Competition with Lionel Dix, centre manager, and Christine Duddy, promotions manager. Left to right: Sarah Alen, James and Louise Mackie, Arthur Barr and Louise Goulding.

ON APRIL 4TH This Easter, visit the most exciting shopping Centre in the West or any other part of Swindon. It's certainly the centre where there's much more going on during Easter Monday. For a start there'll be a super-duper funfair here all day. Free for the kids to ride on. The action hots up with two Punch and Judy shows during the day. And, of course, what Easter celebration would be

complete without Easter eggs? The big attraction at the West Swindon Centre will be a giant glass egg. It will be packed with Easter eggs. Guess exactly how many and you could win a weekend for two in Paris.

The closest guess wins £100 shopping voucher. Postman Pat will be here at 3pm to present the prizes and then to meet the children. And, oh yes, there are some superb shops for you to visit, offering everything from, Hifi's to your Easter Turkey. Can you guess which retailer will win our special Easter Bonnet Competition. With so much free parking, too, what better place to be?

)lI0

All THE WEST SWINDON CENTRE, TEWKESBURY WAY, WESTLEA, SWINDON OPEN THURSDAY - 830 a.m. to 9.00 p.m. GOOD FRIDAY - 8.30 a.m. to 8.00 p.m.

EASTER SATURDAY - 9.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. EASTER MONDAY —1000 a.m. to 500 p.m.

NEWS &VIEWS

LEAD FREE PETROL IS CHEAPER by Neil Buick

Lead pollution is a health hazard and that's a fact. Have you thought of using unleaded petrol? Only one in fifty petrol stations in the U.K. sells unleaded petrol, but one of them is on our doorstep - the Mobil filling station at the Meads Roundabout on Great Western Way. There are four others within five miles which sell lead free fuel. Un-leaded petrol is now appearing in Britain because of a 1983 decision by the government to phase lead out of petrol in the public interest. There was disturbing evidence that children can be adversely affected by low levels of exposure to lead and car exhaust gases are the main contributors to the build-up of lead in air, dust and soil. By using un-leaded petrol, you will be contributing to a reduction in lead pollution and protecting children's health. Not all cars run on un-leaded petrol and some older engines would be damaged by it. If you are interested in using un-leaded petrol, the simplest thing to do is ring the service department of the local main dealer, give the model and year of the car and ask whether it's possible. If it will not

run on un-leaded, ask about a conversion. For newer cars this is usually a simple modification that will not affect performance and will cost about ÂŁ12. Very few cars run exclusively on un-leaded petrol; so once you're committed to un-leaded, don't worry about running out of petrol whilst on holiday or in remote parts. Your car will continue to run on petrol with lead in it. You can obtain a map showing where the 519 stations selling unleaded are by writing to CLEAR, 3 Endsleigh Street, London WCI ODD. At last the government has recognised the environmental benefits of lead petrol. It is now cheaper than leaded petrol since the budget last month. Could this be an incentive to convert your car? isn't much to promote a cleaner environment and the protection of public health. The Mobil station on Great Western Way has leaflets which list all the cars which can run immediately on un-leaded petrol. Why not drive over and pick one up. Better still, if you really want to avoid pollution, why not go by bike?

NATIONAL STUDY SLATES UNDER-5s PROVISION No surprises for West Swindon pre-schoolers

A study by the National Children's Bureau shows that Wiltshire is at the bottom of the national heap as far as nursery provision is concerned. Less than one per cent of children in Wiltshire recieve full time nursery education against 22% for three and four year olds nationally. The results of a survey will not come as a surprise to the many parents who move to West Swindon from other parts of the country where there is a far better chance of full-time, free nursery provision. Some children, particularly from northern counties, will have enjoyed several terms in nursery or day-care centres and become confused at the lack of opportunity for group activity when they arrive in the area. Parents also become very frustrated when they discover that there is so little for their children compared to what they had. Wiltshire County Council has five nursery units, four in Swindon but none in the west. The County and Thamesdown Borough Council make grants available to the voluntary work of the Pre-School

Playgroups Association. But a, most parents with children in the ten West Swindon playgroups are aware, each playgroup is an independant body and relies on fees and fundraising by parents to keep them going. Commenting on the National Children's Bureau survey, Maria Grime, mother of two children and Chair of Wiltshire County Council's schools sub-committee said, "When I moved to Swindon ten years ago I was struck by how poor the resources directed to under-5s were. We have not improved facilities very much since. "I became involved in community life by helping in my local playgroup and then in my children's school. The parents who manage playgroups do a valient job voluntarily, but it's getting harder to pay the rent let alone staff. "As a Councillor who has fought for under-5s, I'm really saddened that there is such a lack of commitment by the politicians and bureaucrats in Wiltshire. Unfortunately there are no votes from pre-school children."

FRIENDLY SERVICE

Helpful advice with your maintenance problems.

Hills Building Supplies Kingshill, Swindon, SN1 4NF

"We've been here 88 years"

Your route to special discounts on all our range.

Within our trading area.

"This means you"

On orders over ÂŁ25

FREE PARKING

Easy access. Open 6 days a week 7.30 am - 5.00 pm

EASY PAYMENT

We offer credit account, cash, COD., & cheque facilities. COMPREHENSIVE STOCKS

8000 product lines available off the shelf. "Swindon's largest building suppliers"

@079326321

TITCOMBE GARAGES LTD. OF WEST SWINDON PARTS & ACCESSORIES

TRY US FIRST FOR ALL THESE ITEMS FOR ALL POPULAR MAKES OF CAR "COME TO US FOR A BARGAIN BEFORE YOU LOOK ANYWHERE ELSE / IF IT'S NOT HERE, IT WILL BE IN 24 HOURS" OILS, LUBRICANTS & ADDITIVES BATTERIES WITH 3 YEAR WARRANTIES ALL LUCAS ELECTRICAL PARTS INCLUDING STARTERS, ALTERNATORS, HEADLIGHTS, IGNITION PARTS, BULBS & FUSES. RADIATORS; WIPER BLADES OIL AND AIR FILTERS STEERING & SUSPENSION PARTS OIL AND WATER PUMPS SHOCK ABSORBERS; BRAKE PARTS FAN BELTS; GASKETS PETROL PUMPS ACCELERATOR & CLUTCH CABLES EXHAUST PIPES; TYRES "COME TO US FOR A BARGAIN BEFORE YOU LOOK ANYWHERE ELSE" IF IT'S NOT HERE, IT WILL BE IN 24 HOURS

M -7-

WE ARE WEST SWINDON'S LOCAL GARAGE OFFERING: * 24 HOUR BREAKDOWN AND RECOVERY * SERVICING AND REPAIRS * MOTs WHILE YOU WAIT-7 DAYS A WEEK * ACCIDENT REPAIRS AND CAR BODY SPRAYING * MINI BUS AND CAR HIRE * ALL ESTIMATES GIVEN FREE

AA APPOINTED

TITCOMBE GARAGES LTD.

WESTMEAD DRIVE, WESTLEA, SWINDON TELEPHONE: (0793) 641643

26 WOOTTON BASSETT & DISTRICT LIONS CLUB MAY FAYRE Dear Link Magazine Readers, Many of you attended, and, I hope, enjoyed our Annual Fayre at Lydiard Park last May. For the Club it was a record-breaking event and this was mainly due to the fantastic support from people in the western part of the borough. This year's Fayre will take place on Monday, 2nd May, 1988 in Lydiard Country Park and will be opened by Miss Thamesdown at 2.00 p.m., although the gates will be open from 12 noon. Attractions will include The Jame Dillon Motor Cycle Stunt Show, The Wessex T.A. Band & Corps of Drums, a platoon attack demonstration, Tug of War, Veteran Car Display, Punch and Judy, Children's Fair, Fire Brigade Demonstration, Shire Horses and Dog Show. There will also be stalls run by charity organisations so this is an opportunity for fund-raising. Any group requiring further information should contact Brian Fisher on 26161, ext. 3019. Why not bring along your family on the day? The cost will be £1 per adult or 50p for children of school age and senior citizens. We look forward to seeing you.

Duncan Harper, President, Lions Club of Wootton Bassett.

GROUP PROFILE NOT ALL JAM & JERUSALEM West Swindon's Women's Institute is trying to get away from the traditional image of the W.I. as makers of fine jams and cakes, or being seen as a bastion of rural womanhood. "Yes, many of our members are good at home produce, but the W.I. has a lot more going for it than people will give us credit for," says Frances Maisey of Freshbrook, who has just stepped down as branch president. "We offer the opportunity for women to learn from other women and a whole range of activities which women might like to be involved in. "Perhaps just as important in a place like West Swindon, where lonliness and isolation is experienced by quite a few women, our W.I. group can offer a sense of tradition, support and encouragement to younger women, especially those who are new to the area and coping with the stress that some women experience when their families and friends are far away." The Tootleabrook branch was formed in February 1983. The founder members came up with the name incorporating a bit of all the village names, in recognition of the fact that members came from Toothill, Westlea and Freshbrook. (New members from Shaw are not excluded!) Membership has fluctuated at around the 30 mark since the group was formed, meeting monthly over the last five years. A regular

Are you taking out a new mortgage in 1988? If so, consider the following: Up to 4 x salary available. Maximum rate 10.5%. Decision within 48 hours. £100 worth of travel cheque vouchers with each completed endowment. Telephone: Cohn Wood on Swindon 870603

NOBODY DOES ETTER. FOR THE BEST IN ON-SITE CLEANING OF CARPETS & UPHOLSTERY. FOR MAKING SHIP-SHAPE AFTER FLOOD OR FIRE. FOR SOIL PROOFING 8( STATIS PROOFING.

SWINDON (0793)486918 38 Beverley, Toothill, Swindon AN INDEPENDENT FRANCHISE OWNED & OPERATED UNDER LICENCE

Learning about soft toys - Tootleabrook Women's Institute. programme of speakers and major issues of the day like events take place including talks, education or abortion are disfor example on Indian cookery, cussed right down at branch level making soft toys and discussions before the debate takes place. on current affairs. Outings are The W.I. is a way for ordinary also organised to other W.I. 's women to discuss major subjects affecting all of us. and mystery venues. "I think the Women's Institute Although the word 'institute' has all manner of negative con- is relevant to todays younger notations, Frances Maisey thinks women, but then I'm a convert. people should look behind the Nowadays there are lots of things name. "Our local Women's for women to do - evening Institute is part of a much bigger classes and sport. And although organisation which has a county there are more women going out and a national structure, as well to work, most at some time in as international connections. their lives spend a lot of time at Members can, if they wish, join home bringing up children. I in with all manner of county wide believe we can offer something projects. For example, I'm on the of interest to all of them if they Combined Arts sub-committee would like to join us at our concerned with drama, photo- monthly meetings. We're a graphy, poetry and other activi- friendly group of people and ties. We organise various exhibi- newcommers will be made very welcome." tions like concerts.' Frances Maisey would be "There are other sub-committees dealing with sport and pleased to talk to any women leisure, home economics and who would like to know more crafts and public affairs. Every about the Tootleabrook Women's year the television news usually Institute. Her telephone number shows a few moments from the is 611857. The branch meets in W.I.'s national conference at the the Community Room at Toothill Albert Hall in London. But the School on the third Wednesday of the month.

Link Centre

Charity Market 16th April 10 a.m. -2 p.m. "You get the bargains, your cash goes to a good cause."

To book a table for your Community Group at the next Charity Market telephone 871212 ext. 234. The cost is £2.00 a table.

GREENE

CAPTAIN'S LOG STAR DATE 11.2.88 PHH ENTERPRISE WEATHER 6Â° CRISP DRY LEFT DOCK 08.15

MAKING CROSS-CHANNEL LINKS West Swindon links with the village of Troisgots in Normandy, France were further strengthened when fifteen teenagers visited the area in April. The ancient parish of Lydiard Tregoze, which covered the land where West Swindon now lies, was named after Troisgots and contact was made with the French community last year by Rev. John

Flory,. leader of the local church team. The youngsters spent time in classes at Greendown, had a day I. Linus Liew reporting on a visit to a London advertising at Link Centre and lived with agency by the winners of the West Swindon families. A group of Greendown youngsters will be % PHH Orion Wunbill design competition. transfering their classes over to Normandy in October for a whole We set off almost straight away. weeks immersion into the French All three of us got in the culture and language. Enterprise (Jamie Uncles, Reading up on West Swindon. Youngsters from Troisgots, in Margaret Hockley and myself, Normand , get the low-down on our community. Linus Liew) in the back of our headquarters Ford Orion How we fitted in I just don't know. Mr L. Norris, art teacher at Greendown-Community School, was seated on the bridge next to our PHH escort Dianne Edgar, who took us to London It was a smooth and quick voyage apart from a small hold-up on the spaceway. On the way we were overtaken by a green beetle and a posh Rolls.

18th Is CALLING ALL CAT LOVERS AGE WELL A new cat club has been formed, PENSIONERS called The Wiltshire & District Cat Club. It will be an all-breed club for HEALTH DAY both pedigree cats and house-

Plans are well advanced for a special 'health day' for older people. Age Concern Thamesdown is organising the event to be held at Grange Drive Community Centre on Wednesday 18th May starting at about 10.30 a. m. The day will include special displays by over 30 groups with information about the services they offer. There will be videos to watch; activities to take part in organised by the borough recreation department; the mobile health screening unit from St. Margaret's Hospital will be on hand; speakers have been invited during the afternoon. The whole day event will be free. Anyone concerned with staying fit and well will find plenty to interest them and you don't have to be over 60 to go along! Full details are available from Age Concern Thamesdown at 14 Milton Road (Tel: 692166)

hold pets, and will be run under the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (G.C.C.F.) rules. The aim of the club is to encourage and promote a greater understanding in the welfare, breeding and exhibiting of all cats. Enjoying and having fun with cats is of prime importance. It is hoped that annual cat shows will be held in the Swindon area. Regular, interesting meetings will be held, where members will gain further knowledge of cat welfare with talks by different people plus the chance to see a video of the National Cat Show at Olympia as well as smaller shows, which will show that 'cat' people are not always as portrayed in the recent showing on BBC television of 'Claws'. The Club will have a kitten list so that people looking for a kitten can be put in touch with members with kittens for sale. Contact Jacky Pearce, Membership Secretary, on Swindon 771534.

The photographer was taking lots of pictures while we were talking. William Parker first talked about how he got the idea for the PHH project and the part he played in it. His job at the advertising agency is to think up slogans, do some typography (different types of lettering) and prepare some very rough idea' sketches to show to the client cornany for their approval. When they agree on a couple of ideas, he gives them to a professional illustrator, in this case Derek Matthews, who created Orlon, who then perfects the idea, using all the Hi-Tec graphic materials and equipment available.

j iv

The Works

One particular piece of equipment was the enlarger. Mr. Parker said 'We cheat in the.j design world"! Having those useful items saves the designers a lot of time. They can look 4 through books, magazines, etc., and if they want a certain picture of a certain person doing something, but they want it bigger or smaller, they put it under the enlarging Spaceship Park in which is like a lens, London Wi 10.45 machine, making an image which they . After we had parked we can copy. They can also use spaced-walked to Anderson tranfer letters to save time. & Lembke advertising agency There was also a big mem- I through security to the first ory mega watt computer as floor then into coded tough well as several printers. The 1 . transparent doors. When best one was the laser printer, through security they made which gives an incredibly fine us feel at home and were very print-out. During conversation one of 3 nice to us. the questions put to us was: "Why are the most interesting In the Advertising adverts those using animals?" Agency Next we watched a video of We first waited for a while for animal advertisements, e.g. the Enterprise to be parked. P.G. Tips & Andrex Toilet We then walked up the cor- Tissue etc. and on one side the Further discussion and the I ridor offices with computers, paper, whole time went like a flash and everything and on the and then we were off to a I other side Hi-Tech graphic nearby restaurant for a big ' equipment, we were shown lunch - and I mean a big lunch. in by the secretary. The room Dianne Edgar picked up the looked big and had two long Toucan's bill and we made black ash tables. There was a our way to the Design Centre camera man in there and he by taxi. The Design Centre was setting up his equipment. was like a show-house for We all sat down and chatted various kinds of finished about the design world in ideas, some useful products general and then they asked and others for fun. us questions about our Toucan work. Some of the London 15.30 agency people had even visited the Link Centre to see for Return journey to Base Greenthemselves. All of a sudden a down, arriving at 17.45: a very couple more people came in, Enterprising and informative one of them was William day. It really made me think t Parker, Creative Director, about a career in advertising ky who greeted us and joined in and I wrote to Anderson & our Orlon Wuribill discussion Lembke to thank them. lb

SPOTLIGHT WEST SWINDON'S SUN LOUNGE CENTRE

C & C Windows Limited have recently opened a sun lounge and double glazing centre in West Swindon. C & C Windows is a well established name in the industry and its proprietors Simon and Alison Cole have between them over thirty years experience in the replacement windows business. Their three sons have followed West Swindon resident Simon Cole with the mini-house' display at the them into the business and are C&C showroom, in the Westmead Industrial Estate. contributing to the already good reputation that the company has for high quality work and products. THE It is hoped that the new centre GREAT WESTERN KITCHEN CO. LTD. will become a focal point for I Ipeople in the area who may be FITTED KITCHENS I considering the addition of Ivaluable FITTED BEDROOMS extra living space to I Itheir homes in the form of a sun Full design & installation I Ilounge or those who may be or thinking of replacing their existI supply only for your own installation ing windows and doors with the -— — —— I I latest generation of maintainance Unit 3, TheTrbit Centre, — hworth s Road, free uPVC units. I Turnoff the Great Western Way at Dick Lovetts BMW Centre I On display at Unit 13, Axis Centre, (the red and white SWINDON buildings) Westmead Industrial TEL: 618139 or 512028 Estate near Westlea, are a large

————————————-

—————————————— -—————T ———-

—————————————

range of the company's products, including three complete sun lounges and a 'mini house' incorporating double glazed windows, thermally insulated doors, guttering, wall cladding and fascia boards. Simon Cole is pleased by their move to West Swindon. "We set up our home in the area two years ago and we are glad to have been able to move the business out here. It's such a growing market. As people settle down they start to consider home improvements. "We manufacture all our own double glazed windows, doors and sun lounges, and supply Swish, Deeplas, Celuform, and Tufcon uPVC cladding products which are generally regarded as the best available. Our windows and doors can be supplied on a DIY basis and we also sell all the necessary materials like silicon sealants and fixing bolts to make a successful installation. "There is a cost saving of about 50% if goods are supplied on a DIY basis, but to celebrate our moving into West Swindon we are offering for a limited period, 35% on Deeplas products and 20% on Swish and Tufcon products off the normal C & C Windows list price.

Cw _i1N W JD0WY5 LT-)),,

FOR QUALITY, FOR CONFIDENCE, FOR PRICE

*uPVC WINDOWS I i *9 UNLOUNGES *STORM PORCHES *PA TIO DOORS *RESIDENTIAL DOORS

*CUSTOM BUILT TO YOUR REQUIREMENTS *ALL MEASURED AND *FITTED BY CRAFTSMEN *FULLY GUARANTEED FOR 10 YEARS

* THE STRENGTHAND MAINTENANCE FREE QUALITIES OF OUR uPVC SUNLOUNGES WILL ENHANCE BOTH YOUR HOME AND YOUR LIFESTYLE. * The sunlounges provide the home owner with all the advantages of a fully glazed home extension, without the upheaval and expense of a brick built equivalent. Now, that rarely used terrace or patio can become a breakfast room, aplay room or simply a sunlounge - something for all the family to enjoy, allyear round. Why not call in and discuss your requirements or telephone us now on 643866. Unit 13, Axis, Westmead Industrial Estate, Westlea, Swindon

HOME & GARDEN P B PLUMBING SERVICES Boilers Serviced Pump Fitting Service Water Softeners Fitted Washing Machines and Dishwashers Fitted

Telephone: (0793) 642995

e4 The annual gallop for the Crocus White Horse on Whitehill Way.

For a high standard

Sto#ce

of work with references available phone now for a FREE estimate.

Painter and Decorator Tel: Swindon 870515

EASTER'S GOLDEN HOST by Clair Beaton

April is the month in which plants finally get growing again after the cold of winter. The very mild January we had this year brought all the spring bulbs shooting up from the ground; and there they seem to have stayed. Perhaps they are waiting for Easter Sunday when they can provide the traditional setting of daffodils massed on grassy slopes. West Swindon itself has many open spaces colonised by clumps of yellow daffs. However if you would like an outing on Easter Sunday, to see daffodils other than those planted by Thamesdown for our benefit, there are two gardens open in aid of the National Gardens Scheme, listed in the Yellow Book, and I am torn in my choice of which of them to visit. The first is Faringdon House, whose entrance is next to the church in Faringdon Market Place. I have not visited this garden before but I have seen pictures of its water features; formal pools, a stream and a lake; and the guide promises 'bulbs'. I have a mental picture of quiet rolling parkland with mature trees whose bare branches are black against a spring sky and black in reflection on blue water. And, of course, there ought to be luxurious swags of daffodils draped across the turf and around the feet of the buildings. Faringdon House is open April 2nd and 3rd, 2-6 p.m., Admission 60p (children lop). Alternatively (or as well if the weather encourages a visit to Faringdon House on Easter Saturday), Newark Park at Ozleworth is described as having spectacular views in addition to its ten acre woodland setting. It is perched on the edge of the Cotswolds 11/2 miles east of Wootton-under-Edge. 1/2 miles south of the A4135/134058 junction. This time admission is £1.00 (children SOp), open April 3rd 2-5 p.m.

Either of these trips is likely to lead you outside into your garden later in the month to clear the winter debris and start planting for the summer. It is a good month in which to buy container grown shrubs and perennials; at least you can see they are still alive and making growth, not remnants from last year that have been freezing in their pots over the winter. Also you have your pick of the fresh stock. Once the usual and popular varieties have been sold there may not be any of that variety available again until next year. Definitely a month for visiting nurseries and garden centres. Most instructions for planting include adding peat to your planting hole. This really should be your final step to making the soil fit for plants. The first step is to get as much fibre into your clay as possible; compost, manure, peat, or my favourite, pulverised bark. I plan to put as much bark as I can afford in a generous layer on top of the soil once it has started warming up with the sun. It may sound like a wonder treatment but it does slow down the weeds, discourage slugs and help any new plants root in when you do drop them into their peaty planting holes. I can only suggest you try it. I do not give guarantees, but I would be suprised if you did not find your soil easier to work with, even by this autumn.

BLOOMING ALL OVER Once again Thamesdown Council's parks department efforts over the years is on display all over the Borough. Spring has sprung in parks all over Swindon and the Penhill Park on Inglesham Road is worth a visit. A total of 62 varieties of bulbs will be on show until June. A leaflet is available from the park staff which details the collection.

----PINE

F[JR]V/

THE COTSWOLD COLLECTION Probably the best collection of QUALITY PINE FURNITURE in the West Country, at the most competitive prices. Come and see for yourself. Most items are immediately from stock. Credit terms available. ' 33 Cricklade Road, Gorse Hill, Swindon. Tel: 511898 Open Mon—Sat 9.30 am. —5.30 p.m.

—

PURCHASE OR EXCHANGE your Gift Token with us.

[

J'LJ U

"THE PRESENT FOR THE FUTURE"

VISIT YOUR LOCAL GARDEN CENTRE Large Selection of Trees. Shrubs • Alpines • Heathers. Conifers & Herbaceous Perennials. All Your Garden Requirements.

HAYDON WICK, SWINDON Tel: Swindon 721221 Entrance Junction Lady Lane and Westfield Way .....u....... NEE .....III ...

1 HANDIHIRE::

TOOL AND PLANT HI&. I:

n o

•: UW . . •••. EASY PARKING —COLLECTION /DELIVERY SERVICE • 9 • gas • •• • .. . .... • • • • • • ....•..iI ..• • • • .•• • • • • . : I

MON-FRI. Sam —6pm; SAT. Barn —5p m .

•

Unit 9, Marlborough Road Industrial Estate, Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire SN4 8AX Tel: Swindon 854821

I U

END PIECES

30 RON AHRENS BUILDER & DECORATOR

Specialising in all aspects of high quality building work especially decorating, carpentry and plastering.

BUMPS AND BABES

SHORT BITS

A new group for pregnant women and new mums meet at Shaw Community Centre on Fridays 2-4 p.m. New members welcome. Telephone Jill Wilson on 874472 for details.

Wanted - Child's Rollerboots, size 13 or I. Tel: 872282

All work guaranteed. No job too small. Free estimates.

TELEPHONE: 692134

THE THRIFT SHOP Fridays 10.30-1 p.m. Toothill Cmmunity Centre Spring Fashions Bargains Refreshments available.

NEARLY OVERWHELMED Local builder Ron Ahrens was amazed by the response to his advertisement and the write up about him in the February Link. In just a few days he received over 60 telephone calls. Everybody in the family was taking messages and making appointments for him, he says. He would like to thank all those who contacted him, but had to wait for a visit, for their patience. After many years in the building trade in London, he is now establishing himself as West Swindon's builder.

VOLUNTEERS WANTED Tutors are wanted to help with Basic education Classes in West Swindon. It is not essential to be a trained teacher and a training course starts in mid April. More volunteers are urgently needed. Telephone Murial Aplin on 616246 if interested.

LEISURE GARDENS Thamesdown Council has developed some allotments at Blagrove Park open space, near the Water Research Council. These are now available for rent at low cost. Telephone the Parks Department on 26161 or write to Pat Brown at the Civic Offices, Swindon.

Found

- Two soft toys, corner of Bess Road and Hook Street on Tuesday March 15th. Ring 870947 to retrieve. - Photograph of baby boy near Oliver Tomkins School. Visit I, Liskeard Way to claim. Lost - Neutered tomcat; grey, answers to 'Tiger', lost January 22nd near Greendown School. Please ring 876020 to report siting.

NANNIES WANTED Part-time Nanny wanted - in home of two boys, 31/2 and 11/2 years old. Mon., Tues. and Fri. all day. Ability to provide stimulating environment essential. Tel: 875795 after 6p.m. or weekends. Reliable, responsible, caring, live-out Nanny/Mothers help required. End of

April. Full time. For 2 boys - 6 and 13 years, plus one cat. No age limit. For further details ring Linda on 873 106 after 6p.m.

AT YOUR SERVICE A quick guide to business servicing West Swindon. Details are to be found within The Link To advertise in The Link telephone Jackie Pearce on 771534. Beautican

Allure Beauty 486452

Excursions & Tours Landscape Gardener Thms'down Transport 615399 R.T. Farley 875174 Fitted Kitchens, Bedrooms and Bathrooms

Cohn Wood 870603

Great Western Kitchens 618139 W. W. Hall 612821

Philip Stone 870515

Cambridge Diet: Mollie Groom 770544, Rebecca Cliffords 873201, Debbie 487692, Elaine 612727, Jan 872693 Slimmers World: 874744 or 875108

Furniture

Pet Care

Solicitors

Changewear Furniture 853887 Cotswold Collection 511898

Dogs Life 612769 Pets at Home 873062

Carter, Govier & Read 617617 Morrison & Masters 870055

Pharmacists

Take Aways

Ralph Palmer Pharmacy 512063 Facechoice Pharmacy 870226 Coopers Chemist 872033 Ash ington Way Pharmacy 616840

Pizza rama 874844 Trawlerman 870455

Bicycles and Rollerboots

Express Cycles 34907 Builder

Ron Ahrens 692134

Slimmers

Mortgages

Painter and Decorator

Building Supplies

Hall & Co. 852391 Hills Building Supplies 26321 Butcher

The Village Farmshop 487777 Carpet Cleaning

Servicemaster 486918 Sure Clean 874460

Garages, Car Maintainance and Tyres

Titcombe Garages 641643 Bassett Tyres 854771 Thamesdown Tyres 694302 Bathe& Selby 29352

Clothes Alteration

Mrs. White 872096

Garden Centre

Dancewear

Grange Farm Nurseries 721221

Stages 37181

Richard Walker 771874 or 770124

Gas Fires and Stoves

Heating Systems Ltd. 612060

Plumber

Runic School of Motoring 852432

Hairdressers

P.B. Plumbing Services 642995

Swindon Glass 615262 Overpoint 870816 or 751302

Blades 34662 Cut 'n' Dry (Shaw) 874825 (Freshbrook) 873217 Debbie Ogle 870776 Hilary Lund 486362 Deb 'N' Hair 870896

Estate Agents

Nationwide Sandoes 872222 Dreweatt Neate 33301 Parkers â€” W. Swindon 512022 Parkersâ€”Old Town 512122 Peter Long & Partners 615555

Al Handihire 854821 Vet

Picture Framing

Driving School

Double Glazing; Sunlounges C & C Windows 643866

Tool and Plant Hire

Thameswood Veterinary Clinic 26780 or 511267 Washing Machine, Tumble & Spin Dryer Repairs

Washcare Services 643785 Water Softeners

Recruitment Agency

Storm Management Services 481301

Software Centre 853156 Kinetico 27172 Wedding Cakes

Restaurant

Alison's Arts 876659

Pear Tree 772100 Keep Fit

Moves Fitness 870902

West Swindon Centre Seat Belts & Tow Bars

Swindon Seat Belt Centre 613147

872987

THE REFERENCE PAGE S

1T4e Egseit/,tin&~o,i'

SAME DAY LOCAL CALL OUT INC EVENINGS

7-141mt Sirthidoit' YOUR LOCAL COUNCILLORS Toothill, Westlea & Shaw Thamesdown Borough Council

Tony Free, Toothill Farmhouse, Bodiam Drive, Toothill. Tel: 619834. Ricky Midwinter, 4 Anglesey Close, Westlea. Tel: 873537. Surgeries: Friday 6pm-7pm, Community Room, Toothill School. Peter Stoddart, 9 Fairlawn, Liden. Tel: 692812. Wiltshire County Council

Alan Winmill, I The Holbeins, Freshbrook. Tel: 875 129. Freshbrook & Grange Park Thamesdown Borough Council

ALL WORK GUARANTEED LARGE MOBILE STOCK

AUTOMATIC SPECIALISTS 'ALL WASHING MACHINES TUMBLE & SPIN DRYERS ETC. 'COMPETITIVE RATES

SWINDON 643785 PROP: MR HUNT

Simon Cordon, 89a Victoria Road, Swindon. Tel: 47626. Martin Leighfield, 29 Lambert Close, Freshbrook. Tel: 692305. Bob Pixton, 12 Lambert Close, Freshbrook. Tel: 695317. Surgeries: Wednesday 7.00-7.30 p.m., Community Room, Freshbrool School. Wiltshire County Council

Simon Cordon as above.

THAM ES WOOD VETERINARY CLINIC Nicholas Hartley MA., Vet.M.B., M.R.C.V.S.

INFORMATION FOR NEW ARRIVALS TO WEST SWINDON

Veterinary Surgeon

Arrivals Officer: Pam Pixton. Tel: 695317. Newcomers Coffee Morning: Tuesday 10- 1 1.30 am in the Community Suite, Link Centre.

62-64 Purton Road, Swindon. Tel: (0793) 26780

LOCAL HEALTH SERVICES

Doctors Doctors: Ketkar, Flowers, Matheson, Nixon, Holdon, Chippendale, Swinyard, Ashinton Way Surgery, Ashington. Tel: 614840. Doctor G. Reddy, Freshbrook Village Centre. Tel: 870494. Doctor Godbole, Ramleaze Drive, Shaw. Tel: 874894. Doctor Kandiah, I Deerhurst Way, Toothill. Tel: 511253. Health Visitor Team, 4 Deerhurst Way, Toothill. Tel: 642133/610459. Baby Clinics Mon I .30-4pm, 5 Deerhurst Way, Toothill. Wed 2-4pm Greendown School, Grange Park. Thurs2-4pm Freshbrook Community Centre. Fri2-4pm Upper Shaw Farm. Shaw Ridge Family Planning: Free clinics every Wednesday 6-8pm, 5 Deerhurst Way. No appointment necessary. Cervical Cancer Smear Tests. Pharmacies Open Mon-Thurs 9am-8pm; Coopers, West Swindon Centre Fri 9am-9pm; Sat 9am-6pm. Tel: 872033. Ashington Way Pharmacy Open 8.30am-6pm Mon-Fri. Sat 8.30am-12 noon. Sun 11 .30am-12 .30pm. Tel: 616840. The Village Pharmacy, Freshbrook Village Centre Open 9am- 1pm: 2. 15-7pm Mon-En: 9am-lpm Sat. Tel: 870226 Ralph Palmer Pharmacy, 3 Deerhurst Way, Toothill. Open MonFri 9am-lpm, 2pm-6pm; Sat 9am- 12 noon. Tel: 512063. Dentists Brendan Ball& Associates, Freshbrook Village Centre. Tel: 873044. Mrs. Beagley, Town Square, West Swindon Centre. Tel: 872340. -

Mon.-Fri: 9.00-1 0.00am. 2.00-3.00pm. 5.30-6.30pm. Saturday: 9.00-11.00am. 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE TEL: (0793) 26780 Now open at Cavendish Square Mon.-Fri: 9.00-1 0.00am. 5.30-6.30pm. Saturday: 2.00-3.00pm. Appointments available if required. Tel: 511267

Ashington Way Pharmacy Westlea (K. W. Schofield B.Pharm., M.P.S.)

Blood Pressure & Pulse Check

WELFARE BENEFITS ADVICE POINT Welfare Benefits, Housing, Debt Counselling Advice

West Swindon Advice Centre, 15 Gainsborough Way. Freshbrook on Mon. Wed & Fri 10am- 12 noon. Toothill Community Centre, Tuesday IOam-12 noon. Housing

A Housing Advice Service is available to tenants of houses rented from Thamesdown Borough Council. Tuesday 2pm-4.20pm at Toothill Community Centre. Tuesday 2pm-4.30pm at Freshbrook Community Centre. rent at the advice sessions. THE CHURCH

Anglican Methodist U.R.C. Baptist. Church Office Tel: 87422 I. Freshbrook Evangelical Church. Tel: 694157. St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church. Tel: 874400. -

TO ADVERTISE IN THE LINK RIN :7715 4or872282

TAKIO automatic machine now available Mon-Fri 8.30-6.00 p.m. Sat. 8.30-12.00. Sun. 11.30- 12.30

Tel: Swindon 616840

Morrison & Masters TOWN SQUARE, WEST SWINDON CENTRE. TEL. 870055 for House Sales and Purchases and all Property Work (written estimates given) Divorce, Criminal and all Court work Wills and Probates

WEST SWINDON'S ONLY SOLICITORS! Also at 20 Commercial Road, Swindon, Telephone 26601

Open 7 Days A Week

WEST SWINDON (Grange Park) £47,950. 1 bed. corner town house available for quick completion, lounge/diner, kitchen, coloured bathroom, ftd cpts., small gdn, car parking. Ref: 1584 Wootton Bassett Office.

WEST SWINDON (Nine Elms) £54,950. Most attractive nearly new endtown house ina small and private cul-de-sac. Lounge/diner, patio doors, well fitted kitchen, 2 beds., coloured bathroom, ftd cpts., car parking. Recommended. Ref: 1635 Wootton Bassett Office.

WEST SWINDON (Eastleaze) £72,500. Superior Bradley 'Beauvale' s/det. house quietly situated on a prime plot at head of cul-de-sac. Hall, cloaks, 2 recep. kitchen, 3 beds., garage, enclosed front rear dns. Very highly recommended. Ref: 840 Wootton Bassett Office.

WEST SWINDON (Grange Park) £53,950. Lovely McLean 'Sheridan' style s/det. house in quiet position. Hall, lounge, kitchen/diner, 2 beds., ftd cpts., gas c/ htg., car parking. Ref: 1314 Wootton Bassett Office.

VICTORIAN TERRACE £57,750, Country location near Swindon, renovated 3 storey character house with gas c/htg., 2 receps., 3 beds, and views. Sole agents. Ref: 1452 Old Town Office.

FRESHBROOK £61,500. A very attractive 3 bed. s/det. house in immaculate condition and having gas c/htg. and new 28 ft garage, separate lounge and dining room, ftd kitchen and coloured bathroom. Early viewing recommended. Ref: 1505 Old Town Office.

WEST SWINDON (Nine Elms) £55,250. Delightful 'nearly new', s/det house by King Homes in pleasant cul-de-sac. Hall, lounge, kitchen/diner to include built-in oven & hob, 2 beds., coloured bathroom, gas c/htg., cavity ins., ftd cpts. Very highly recommended. Ref: 1229 Wootton Bassett Office.

GRANGE PARK (Lydiard Rise) £75,950. Well appointed and superior Galliford 3 bed. det. house benefitting from having leaded windows & gas c/htg., 2 recaps., cloaks, garage, ftd cpts. Very highly recommended. Ref: 2614 Wootton Bassett Office.

NO BULL €61,950. This 3 bed. semi in Charolais Drive must be viewed quickly, sizable rooms, fullyftd kitchen/diner, gas c/ht., garage and good looking. Ref:

WEST SWINDON (Conisborough) £59,500. Well appointed s/det. house well situated and convenient to West Swindon District Centre, hall, lounge, kitchen/diner, 3 beds., gas c/htg, secondary d.g. ftd cpts., garage space, must be seen! Ref: 1591 Wootton Bassett Office.

GRANGE PARK £51250. Modern 2 bed. end terraced house, well maintained and having planning permission for attached garage. Ref: 1577 Old Town Office.

GRANGE PARK £64,950. A well planned 3 bed. s/det. house with gas c/htg, separate dining room, garage space. Ref: 1419 Old Town Office.

FRESHBROOK £65,000 FOR QUICK SALE. A 3 bed. det. house that has a newly ftd kitchen, avocado bathroom, gas c/htg., 2 recaps. and is in good condition, Quiet location. View quickly. Ref: 1543 Old Town Office.

GRANGE PARK £69950. McLean built det, family house with many attractive features, lounge kitchen/diner, 3 beds., bathroom, gas c/htg., garage, gains. Ref: 1028 Old Town Office.

SHAW €175,000.4 bed. det. house offering hall, study, lounge, dining room, kitchen, family bathroom, 2 garages, landscaped gdns., gas c/htg. Ref: 1056.

TOOTHILL £78,000. Extended 3 bed. det. bungalow with spacious lounge, gas cl htg., newly ftd. kitchen/breakfast room. Ref: 1427 Havelock St. Office.

FRESHBROOK £49,950. Excellent Rendell built 2 bed, end town house with gas rad. c/htg., garage space, superb decor. Ref: 1557 Havelock St. Office.

ALVESTON CLOSE. WESTLEA £49,950. Immaculate Bradley 2 bed, end town house, gas c/htg., hail lounge/diner, kitchen. Ref: 1605 Havelock St. Office.

RAMLEAZE £86,950. Superb Georgian style 4 bed. det. house backing onto 2 receps. 2 bathrooms, ftd. kitchen, many quality fixtures. Recommended. Ref: 1650 Havelock St. Office,

RAMLEAZE £58,995. Excellent value 3 bed. s/det. house, 2 recaps., gas c/htg., seal unit d.gwindows, utility & cloakroom. Ref: 1494 Havelock St. Office.

FRESHBROOK £57,500. Immaculate 3 bed, mid town house with lounge, superb ftd kitchen/diner, coloured bathroom, UPVC d.g. windows, gas cl htg,. garage. Ref: 1692 Havelock St. Office.

EASTLEAZE £46,500. Bradley built 'Knightsbridge' one bed, town house with many attractive features. Viewing a must. Ref: 1557 Havelock St. Office.

TOOTHILL £69,000. An immaculate three bedroom semi-detached house with gas central heating, sealed unit double lazed windows, utility and cloakroom. ef: 1494 Havelock St. Office.

16 HIGH STREET, OLD TOWM,,

132 GRANGE DRIVE. STRATTON

TEL. 615555

ST. MARGARET. Tel. 823366

39 HAVELOCK STREET

Ba SHEEP STREET,

TEL. 619277

HIGH WORTH, Tel. 763618

lb ROOBOURNE ROAD

WOOTTON BASSETT

SWINDON. Tel. 614604

126 HIGH ST. Tel. 850081

THE ESTATEAGENT THAT TAKES CARE OFALL THE DETAILS