April 1991 by swindonlink6

west Swindon's

Magazine

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14AASSIVrr, O;A&L% Over 1,000 cycles usually in stock Also good stock of reconditioned bikes 96 99 Manchester Road, Swindon

No. 109 April 1991 . Circulation 10,500

(0793) 534907 & 513705 Red Nose reminders Inside - local efforts to help Comic Relief

Secondary school allocation confusion by Elizabeth Wood This year's allocation of places in secondary schools has provoked an angry response from some West Swindon families. Parents can express a preference for one of three secondary schools designated by Wiltshire County Council to take children from the area - Bradon Forest Purton, Greendown Grange Park, Ridgeway Wroughton.

The children who attend Toot hillFarm After School Club held a 4 hour marathon disco on 22 March

All the staff and children from Westlea School did the conga round the West Swindon Centre on 15 March

Urban art may be recognised A piece of vandalised street equipment may be elevated to an art form if a recommendation to Thamesdown Council is accepted. The remains of a control barrier next to the Link Centre coach park is being put foward in a leaked report as worthy of preservation as an example of 1980's lifestyle. The barrier was wrecked by vandals in 1985, very soon after the Link Centre opened, and has not been removed. Although Tharnesdown does not have any money to undertake the preservation, the new fund for the arts announced in the recentBudget is expected to pick up the bill. Lord Palumbo, Chairman of the Arts Council, is believed to have indicated to Council arts officers that projects which had significant social, historical and artistic merit would be considered by the new fund, when he visited Swindon in March to view Thamesdown Council's collection of paintings. A spokesman for the Council's Visual Arts Advisor admitted that the Council had been asked to

Some parents from Toothill and Westlea who requested a place at Braden Forest School have been allocated to The Ridgeway, while others, from Freshbrook and Shaw asked for places at The Ridgeway, but have been given places at Bradon Forest.

Fun Day for the whole family at Shaw Ridge Leisure Park Sat. 6 April, 10am - 3pm Stalls, Inflatables, Disco Free tours behind the scenes of the MGM Cinema Arranged by the operators of Shaw Ridge Leisure Park All proceeds to CLICK (Child Leukemia Research)

Below: Full housesforJohn Kiel, Manager of the newly opened 7 screen Metro Goldwyn Mayer cinema at Shaw Ridge

nominate projects for consideration and that the Link Centre crash barrier was a strong contender. "The crash barrier has a certain form about it which 'ergs together many aspects of the i980's. It's a strong statement of attitudes and values, a moment in time which should be remembered." A virulent reaction to the leakingof the proposal in The Link magazine is expected from both the Council and the public at large. al

"Some nonsense decisions have been made," admitted Area Education Officer David Williamson. "We have followed the admission policy which states that children from Toothill and Westlea have priority over other West Swindon children for places at Ridgeway School." Anita Jones, one of the parents involved said, 'Parents in West Swindon are invited to choose which school to send their children to. I realise that some system of allocation is needed if too many opt for one school, but I don't think it should be decided on geography. It is very difficult to draw lines between different areas in West Swindon. The Education Office knows nothing about the individual children and no attempt is being made to match them to particular schools. A better system is needed." Simon Conlon, Wiltshire County Councillor for Freshbrook and Grange Park, commented, "The Education Authority needs to look again at the admissions policy. It has worked well in the pastbut has thrown up a number of problems this year. It should clearly be a priority to increase the number of places at Ridgeway School "It is vitally important that geographical areas are not used again. Places could be allocated on a first come first served basis, or by drawing straws. But above all, parents must have faithin whatever system is used." David Williamson said, "We have received between thirty and forty complaints this year. If there is room for manoeuvre we will be as flexible as possible. Easily corrected errors will be sorted out in the next few weeks and beyond that there is a formal appeals procedure that all parents are free to use."

Free Easter eggs for steam train travellers

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is STILL situated behind Queensway/Texas/Comet off Great Western Way

CAR BOOT SALE *

We received a variety of comments to the publication of WEST, our guide to West Swindon, printed within The Link last month. Many of you welcomed the guide as it brought together most of the useful telephone numbers people living in the area might need. You liked the idea of having all the information in one place and would be keeping WEST by their 'phones for quick and easy access.

However, some people were disappointed that we had not published The Link as normal and felt four pages of community news and information was inadequate. Obviously there is a need for both publications and we will be looking at producing The Link and WEST as separate documents next year. WEST is still available for newcomers and others. Contact us on the number below for a copy.

At lMk Ma%tk

Published monthly.

Texas

Some reactions to

d Apple Macintosh design, layout and lasersetting by Keystrokes Electronic Design Printed by Western Webb, Bristol

Opens Easter Sunday and every Sunday following

Great Western Way

The railway society's chairman and guard Jim Larkin ready togive out Easter eggs with driver Denis Kelly in the background

"The Link was first published in Published by West December 1978 exclusively for Swindon Publications the West Swindon community. 13 Castle Dore It is completely independent of Freshbrook, Swindon Link Centre and, in fact, won the competition to name the leisure Editorial: Roger Ogle, centre In 1984. The magazine is Publisher/Editor entirely self-supporting from Tel:(0793) 872282 advertising." Advertising Sales: Contents Elizabeth Wood Tel: 871793 4 Toothill

CAR BOOT SALE

8am - 1pm Pitches £7 FREE ADMISSION

There are free Easter eggs for children who rideSwindon &Cricklade Railway Society's Easter Bunny Special. The next open day at Wiltshire's only preserved standard gauge steam railway takes place on Sunday 1 April, at Blunsdon Station. To get there, drive north up Tewkesbury Way, second right past the Peppercorns restaurant, past the Foresters pub, head towards Cricklade. Apart from riding the steam driven train, there's a museum, restored signal box, rolling stockbeing restored, souvenir shop and refreshments. The Society is holding a model railway exhibition at Cricklade TownHallonSaturday6April, 11am

Copy date for the May edition: 13th of April

6 Freshbrook & Grange Park 8 Westlea Shaw 8 At Your Library 9 10 Arts Scene 11 Local Lives Recreation 12 14-21 News and Views 22 Letters & Small Ads. 23 Green Tendencies

The May edition will be published on 26 April

The contents of The Link are protected by copywright. Copying of advertisements for * WARNING: Some stories in this business use, including publication is editon are April Fool story competi- forbidden unless advertisers or publishers tion entries, are not to be taken have sought permission. Articles and seriously and are marked thus: al photographs require similar authority.

TO ADVESN THE UNK:RIIIC 871793

Mansion Loss to Japanese by Sally Davis, Local Government correspondent

A member of the Planning Cash strapped Thamesdown Council is going ahead with secret Department admitted that secret plans to lease Lydianl mansion and negotiations had been taking place. partofLydiard Parkto a consortium She said that the Mansion's location of Japanese companies based in and beautiful surroundings had great appeal to the nature loving southern England. It is understood the mansion is to Japanese. She did not ruleout further be converted into prestige apart- building of apartments nearby if the ments for Japanese families whose project proved successful. It is understood that the croquet children will attend a school to be housed in the adjoining manage- lawn in front of the house will be developed as a bonsai garden with ment training centre. The Borough Council hopes to typical Japanese garden ornaments, attract more Japanese companies a carp pond and bridge. The Link magazine expects a lot of into the area with this gesture, thereby improving business protest from readers if this report is at confirmed by the Council. opportunities for local firms.

FREE PLAY The second week of the FREE playscheme for 5 - 14 year olds run by WASPS takes place, from Wednesday 3 to Friday 5 April at Toothill School, 1 lam - 3pm. Bring a packed lunch, old clothes and take part In arts and craft work, games and surprises.

rk, Oo,sr,air Ooa' Personal Introductions in the Swindon area for single, separated, divorced or widowed people who want to make a new start

Lyd lard Mansion, to be turned into family housing again?

GGLEB Specialists in video & TV repairs Free home estimates All work guaranteed Service from Barn - 9pm NO CALL OUT CHARGE

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Charles HARDIN Freshbrook £43,500. One bedroom house with garden and car parking

Shaw £47,995. One bedroom luxury apartment with fully equipped kitchen. Ample car parking

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TEL 430588 Middleleaze £49,995. Luxury Wimpy built Shaw £52,995. Modern two bedroom house with Gas Central Heating and house with fitted kitchen and modem garage bathroom. Immaculate order

WANTED Colchester Close £53,500. Superb two bedroom semi with Gas Central Heating, double length garage, backing onto park

Sparcells £84,950. Immaculate three bedroom detached house with fully fitted kitchen and luxury bathroom

PROPERTIES IN WEST SWINDON RING 430588 FOR YOUR

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Shaw £88,950. Waiter Lawrence four bedroom detached house in immaculate order, immediate possession

Grange Park £89,000. Four bedroom detached house close to Lydiard Park and backing onto playing fields

Freshbrook £56,950. Georgian town house,fronng green area, immaculate throughout conservatory and garage

Middleleaze £139,000. John Mowlen four bed with ensuit, oak kitchen, seperate utility, double garage

TOOTHILL

Public Notice

After School Club Annual Meeting

THE COMPLETE ELECTRICAL SERVICE G. Stevens Electrical N.I.C.E.I.C. Approved

Commercial, Industrial & Domestic Installations Full inspection & testing of premises undertaken Fire/Intruder Alarms Specialists Swindon 870948

RALPH PALMER PHARMACY 3 Deerhurst Way, Toothill Hauls of Opening: Mon - Fn 9a.m. - 1p.m. 230p.m. - 6p.m. Sat. 9a.m. - 12 noon

Telephone: 512063

When the going gets tough Financial problems causing you worry? Relax, help is at hand. We provide a professional licensed financial counselling service - geared to helping individuals and families become financially straight again. We guarantee you will be more than happy to pay our fees. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Swindon 881355 (9am - 9pm, 7 days a week) Licensed by the Office of Fair Trading

CARTER, GOVIER, READ SOil Cl TORS Contact us for all your legal needs including house sales & purchases, matrimonial matters and criminal law 34 - 35 Commercial Road, Swindon Tel: 617617

Toothill Chinese Kitchen

Toothill School third years gave a stonking dance demonstration in their Red Nose assembly at the end of a week celebrating the Year of Sport

More neigbourly neighbours needed in Toothill There are over 184 Neighbourhood Watch Schemes across West Swindon, but, (can you believe it) only 8 in Toothill. Now new area policeman Tony Osman wants to change the situation by trying to persuade more Toothill residents to show more interest in each others well being by encouraging them to set up more Neighbourhood Watch Schemes. PC Osman has been patrolling Toothill, including Toothill and Oliver Tomkins Schools, since August and recently celebrated his first year with the Wiltshire Constabulary. He says Neighbourhood Watch aim to: â€˘ reduce the opportunity forcrime by deterring would-be thieves and vandals. â€˘ encourage community spirit so that everyone can contribute towards the protection of their property by mutual co-operation

Tel: 487055 Hours of Business Sunday 6 -1130am Monday Closed all day Tuesday 5 -1130pm Wednesday 12 - 145pm 5- 1130pm Thursday 12 - 145pm 5- 1130pm Friday 12 - 145pm 5 - 1200am Saturday 12 - 200pm 5 - 1200am

and communication. However Neighbourhood Watch Schemes do not start themselves says PC Osman. They require one or two residents in each street to think about what they can do to improve their area and working with the police, set about bringing together neighbours to oversee their homes. Tony Osman would like to hear from Toothill residents interested in finding out more about Neighbourhood Watch and can be contacted at Swindon Police Station, telephone 528111. Learn to Sequence Dance Beginners welcome - Monday Sequence Dance sesssions run by Mrs Jean Carey at Toothill Community Centre, from 7.3Opm to 10pm. Tel: 642618 for details.

What's on at Toothill Community Centre Monday

Tuesday

English Food and Fish & Chips Special Chinese Food TakeAway Menu -'

The Toothill After School Club is holding its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 24 April, 7.30pm, at the Toothill Farm Centre, Bodiam Drive. Elections for the management committee will take place. Nominations for the positions of chairperson, vice-chairperson, secretary, treasurer and eight active committee members should be sent to Karen Drake, Toothill After School Club, Toothill Farm Centre, Bodiam Drive, Toothill by 15 April. The meeting is open to all with an interest in after school care.

Wednesday

Thursday Friday Sunday

Playgroup, 9a.m.-12 noon Good Companions, 2p.m.-4.15p.m. Dance Sequence, 7p.m.-1 Op.m. Road Skills Class, 7p.m.-8p.m. Playgroup, 9.00a.m.-3p.m. Advice Point, 10a.m.-12 noon Credit Union collection, 12 noon-1 p.m. Toothill After School Club, 3p.m.-6p.m. Aerobics, 7p.m.-8p.m. Playgroup, 9a.m.-12 noon Senior Citizens Lunch Club 12 noon-i .30p.m. Table Tennis, 7p.m.-1 0.30p.m. Playgroup, 9a.m.-3p.m. Aerobics, 7p.m.-8p.m. Playgroup, 9a.m.-12 noon Credit Union Collection, 7p.m.-8p.m. Sunday School, 1 Oa. m.-1 2 noon Once a month: Tea Dance

Facilities available for weddings and other functions For further information or to hire a hall phone 614492

FRESHBROOK & GRANGE PARK Driver aggro forces Lisa to quit

Ten years for playgroup Freshbrook playgroup celebra ted its tenth anniversary in March with a party at Freshbrook Community Centre for 150 parents and children. Members of management committees, parents and staff from the past also attended. Pictured right, Doreen Shaw, the first afternoon supervisor (centre) holds Leon Adams, one of the youngest children in the group, as present playgroup supervisor Brenda Groves (left) and Jill Budden, one of the first committee members, hold up a birthday cake.

Early school start proposed & opposed Proposals to make an earlier start to the day at Freshbrook School have come under fire from parents who have collected over 150 names on a petition objecting to the move. School presently starts at 9am and ends at 3.30pm, with a 75 minute break for lunch. From September the Governing body wants school to commence at 8.30am and finish at 2.30pm, reducing lunchtime to 45 minutes. Jackie Corbin, parent and chair of the Freshbrook's Rainbow playgroup, said that the change would be disruptive to working parents and the organisation of the playgroup. "It will be very difficult for parents who have to deliver children to both school and playgroup." Sue Smith, of Wentworth Park, said that the early start and finish would cause great difficulty for working women who have to persuade employers to be flexible in their hours. She added that the letter informing parents of the proposals indicated that the changes will take effect from September, whilst inviting them to a meeting to discuss the change. Chair of governors Jo Wylie said the changes have been talked about for two years. "When there were nearly 800 children in the school, we needed a long lunch break. With around 600 children and fewer taking cooked lunches, we are in a position to reduce the break. "An early start is good

On offer at Freshbrook Community Centre • venue for a new community group • fun place for a children's party • big hail for wedding receptions • large kitchen • ilcenced bar • public telephone • photocopier Find outwhars available atyour communitycentre,drop in or call Plaureen Barker, centre manager, at the Village Centre, Freshrook. Tel: 871017

Parents and children crossing Worsely Road, Freshbrook are now in great danger following the resignation of lollypop lady Lisa Watts in mid-March,afterjustayear in the job. She suffers from osteoporosis, or brittle bones, and the cold weather earlier in the year made the job very uncomfortable. However, herdecision was forced on herby the uncaring attitude of so many of the drivers she had to stop in the course of her duties. "The aggravation from some drivers was swimmers in the Link Centre pool. amazing. Many are parents She backstroked 200 lengths, taking themselves, who don't seem to think nearly three and half hours. pedestrian safety is important. Worsely Road is a dangerous crossing point, but drivers just speed along and resent the fact that I step into the road to stop them." She said that her most frightening Freshbrook moment was when a car swung out from behind a milk float and Village Centre accelerated towards her. The Tel: 870226 funniest took place when the wheel fell off a push chair in the middle of Opening Times: the road. Monday - Friday Lisa would like to thank all the pedestrians who thanked her for 9am -lpm doing the job and the drivers who 2.1 5pm - 630pm gave a smile as they passed. Tuesday

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educationally; children's concentration and attention span is much better in the morning. The long lunch break is unnecessary, disruptive and anti-social." He admitted that the letter sent to parents was not clear, but said no decision had been made on the proposal. He said that the governors would next be meeting on 9 April and parents had been invited to attend a consultation meeting on 16 April. "The governors have identified a problem and we must • Lisa raised over £100 in the recent do something about it. We want to Swimathon with 50 other sponsored discuss the problem with parents and hopefully agree a solution." The governor/parent consultation meeting on 16 April starts at 8pm in the Willows Hall.

9am- 1pm; 2.15pm-5pm Saturday 9am - 12noon

HOMELOVERS

Youth needs for discussion The managers of Freshbrook Community Centre are holding a public meeting on Monday 8 April to talk about how the needs of local young people can be met. The voluntary committee which runs the centre believes that there should be access to the building by teenagers, but at the same time is concerned that there is abuse of the facility and other users. Management committee chairmanTerry Isles said there were large numbers of youngsters growing up in the area and the centre should be responding to their needs. Centre manager Maureen Barker said that 30 to 40 young people congregate outside the centre sometimes. "The cafe area is used informally by young people. Unfortunately there are complaints by other centre users about the behaviour of a tiny minority. We want everybody to use the building, but if some people want to impose themselves on others, what are we to do?" All interested parties are invited to the meeting which starts at 8pm.

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WESTLEA Popular playgroup under pressure The families who attend Westlea playgroup are beginning to suffer because of its popularity. The 24 place playgroup, which meets in the Community Room at Westlea School is under pressure from another 'baby bulge' in the Westlea School Craft Market Saturday 13 April, 10am 4pm Westlea School Fashion Show Wednesday 24 April, 8pm Tickets ÂŁ1 (inclu. refreshments) from the school office

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area and has had to reduce the sessions available to older children. Ruth Girling, who chairs the volunteer management committee, explained the problem. "With our experienced staff and close contact with the school we've built up a good reputation. But this popularity and families arriving in the new houses next to the Delta Tennis Centre has meant more demand. "Up to now we've offered a third session in the week for children nearing school age. For the time being we are going to stop these rising-five sessions so that children on the waiting list can have places." Playgroup secretary Alison Barrett said that parents should not be put off coming to the playgroup. "The committee has had to make a difficult choice and we have come down in favour of trying to guarantee that children waiting to enter playgroup when they are three

It was Father's Day at the playgroup on 16 March. Kelly Rowan shows her dad Dave how to play with Lego properly. have the opportunity." Parents who want to know more about Westlea Playgroup should visit the Community Room at Westlea School and speak to the supervisor Barbara Frost.

Memories capture young imaginations

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Maria Chatfield (left), Jodie Ruddle and James Douglas with 93 year Bert Lancaster from Toothill Three youngsters from Westlea School who have been studying the First World War made a visit last month to somebody who was actually there. Bert Lancaster, the 93 year old from Toothill who we featured in the February Link magazine Local Lives page, gave Maria Chatfield, James Douglas and Jodie Ruddle, a first hand account of what it was like to have lived during the trench campaigns over eighty years ago. The fourth year pupils have been intensively studying the history of Hook Street on the edge of West Swindon since last September. Increasingly their attention focussed on John Thomas Titcombe, a man from Hook Village who fell in the Great War and whose nameappears on the war memorial. Although Bert could not tell the youngsters anything about John Titcombe, they were given some

fascinating details of war service which matched many of the things they had read and had been told about in school. Maria said Bert was the oldest person she had met and could not quite believe that he had been in the war she had been studying. "Life in the trenches sounds awful, especially when he told us about them caving in after the winter." For James, many of Bert's memories confirmed what he had read about. "He used some slang words which I had heard beforeand also some new ones." The pupils tape recorded their discussions with Bert for the rest of Mr arrnan's fourth year class. On the last day of term the 30 children performed a self written play bringing together what they had discovered about John Thomas Titcombe's life and times over the last seven months.

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Shaw annual meeting

Grand Table Top Sale Saturday 27 April 2pm - 4.pm Holy Trinity Church, Shaw ÂŁ5per table - advance bookings only, to Mrs Parker on 881343, 10am - 6pm weekdays. Creche facility, 2-5 years only, 40 pence per family

The Shaw Residents' Association will be holding its Annual General Meetingon Monday 8 April, 7.45pm in Shaw Community Centre (next to the doctor's surgery). A change of the Association's constitution is being proposed so that the quorum at meetings should not be less than twelve people. Shaw residents who want something done about community A long time resident of Shaw is problems, or have ideas on how to annoyed that nine elm trees planted build up community spirit in the to replace the trees of many years area, are invited to attend the ago have all died. Lii Bint, pictured below, who has meeting. For more information,contact Bob lived on Old Shaw Lane for 25 years Bauld, chair of the SRA, on 886193. says that more could have been done to maintain the trees planted by Ideal Homes.

Nine elms fail to survive

Looking at the Link Magazine A class of third year pupils at Brook Field School are studying newspapers. They invited us to talk to about the magazine, so we asked them to report on us. Lizzie Betts, Thomas Day and Nick McCrae, pictured below, write:

For a free, no obligation survey ring David Walsh 488361

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The Link Magazine started 12 years ago (1979). It first began as a newsletter. But after a while West Swindon became too big, so they decided to make a magazine. For four years The Link has been professionally produced. The main object of the magazine is to provide the public with news about West Swindon. Mr Ogle produces it and reports on 3-4 of the stories a day! He said his best was on Katie Quite (who is at our school) and her fight against cancer. Mr Ogle either finds the stories himself or someone will tell him of any local news. Mr Ogle receives the stories 3 weeks before the next issue. It takes about one month to put together The Link. Once he has typed the stories he arranges them on a computer. Then it is taken to be printed in Bristol. The whole magazine takes 2 hours to print.

The company built one hundred houses in Shaw and donated the trees which were unveiled by the Mayor of Thamesdown in March 1989 on common land adjacent to the housing site. However Lil says that once planted no maintenance was given. "It's a shame that the trees were allowed to die. A bit of the past was being re-introduced into the area but nobody bothered to water them to keep them going. After the first hot summer they didn't recover." Lii said that she can't remember the trees at Nine Elms when she arrived in Shaw, but according to local historian lrene jay fromPurton, the trees were grouped on a triangle of land formed by the junction of the roads leading from Swindon, Lydiard and Washpool. She says they were removed in the early 1930's after one had toppled over in high winds killing the occupants of a passing car. The trees had become dangerously large and too close to the main road. Martin Cobden, head of Thamesdown Council's Landscape Section, said that the ground conditions had to be improved to give new trees a chance of surviving in the clay soil. lIe said that the work followed by the plantingof new trees would take place next winter.

AT YOUR LIBRARY 'Room with a View' Gone, is the image of a dark dusty library, cluttered with numerous books, crammed in heavy wooden shelves. West Swindon Library being open-plan, light and modern, is ideal for exhibitions. The exhibition area is separate but exhib itors can (and do) overspill their work into the library itself. The most recent exa mple was the WATA (Wiltshire Art Teachers Association) display. This was a popular exhibition of artwork produced by Wiltshire schoolchildren. My favourite piece was a life-size papier mache model which I privately named 'British Tourist in Blackpool'. This piece created great surprise and drew many humorous comments. The library has seen a wide variety of exhibitions. These have included the work of local painters depicting local scenes, to displays of more exotic art. Ceramics, glassengraving, lacemaking, floral art, sugarcraftand poetry have been just a few of the arts and crafts featured here. We have lined up an interesting programme for the rest of this year including a wildlife photography display, an exhibition by the Brunel artists and collage paintings. From the Museums Service we'll receive a number of displays during the year. In May look out for 'Continuing a Handloom Tradition: Weaving in Wiltshire' and in June 'Ruin to Restoration'. Savour 'Historical Bites' in July and in August be intrigued by the display ambiguously titled 'What is it?'. If you have been looking for an exhibition area, reasonably priced and visible to the public, contact the Librarian for information about prices and dates. There are also facilities for previews. To keep you up-to-date on library staff news - Carolyn Kennedy has left us temporarily on maternity leave. See this space foran update in

May and news of her new arrival! In her stead we'll be welcoming Phil Edwards to the team. Another new face behind the counter is Judith Norris who joined us in February. We said a sad farewell to Lindsay Somerfield who's been with us for two years - well all miss her great sense of fun and team spirit. On a humorous note, I wonder if you agree with what one of our customers wrote in the Comments book "It's like a supermarket. You have to work bath to keep up with changes of staff!". Looking at what I've just written I'm beginning to think that perhaps he's right.

~41

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Support wanted for mobile library campaign A campaigner fighting to persuade Wiltshire County Council to change its mind over scrapping the mobile library service inSwindon says there is a chance it could be saved. Even though West Swindon has a large library at the Link Centre, Joy Brunt from Stratton says the mobile serves elderly person's groups dwellings in the area and is a lifeline to old people's homes and isolated neighbourhoods around the town. The vehicle, which she says is in excellent condition and can't be near to the end of its life as the Council claims, issues more books than 27 other libraries in the County. Cutting the service would save a tiny amount of money. Joy has taken heart from the fact that the county libraries committee didn't cut the service and referred it for reconsideration. She is appealing to West Swindon people to write to the chair of the Wiltshire County Council, Mrs Mary Salisbury at County Hall, Trowbridge, to ask the authority not to cut the service. Joy can be contacted on 823106.

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Traidcraft Fashion Show

Spring into spring at Link Arts Studio

VITAL LIFE

Arts Administrator, C/airy Bean invites you to take a look inside your local arts centre...

Water Purification Did you know that films have been shown in West Swindon for the past Are you CONCERNED three years? Link Arts regularly about your offers top quality movies and this DRINKING WATER? month you can see David Lynch's bizarre and exciting movie Wild at Do you want to REMOVE Heart (Thursday 11th) and Clint CHLORINE, PESTICIDES, Eastwood in White Hunter, Black HERBICIDES Heart (Thursday 25th). & HEAVY METALS? Did you know that this month we are focussing on Landscape and For a FREE information pack, art? Events include a workshop on contact Terry on painting the local landscape from a Swindon 642860 photograph (Saturday 6th) and a writers workshop on the art of capturing the spirit of a place in the written word (Saturday 13th). PROFESSIONAL Did you know that there are more musicevents happening at Link Arts GUITAR TUTOR than ever before? This month you has vacancies for both young and can see hard rock bands To Die For mature people interested in and Legend (Saturday 13th), jazz band Strange Fruit (Friday 19th), learning the Classical Guitar. the Triple X Blues Band (Saturday Individual half hour lessons on a 20th), hardcore rock band Bomb weekly basis. Music examinations Everything (formerly Bomb Disneyland) (Friday 26th) and folk from beginners to diploma level singer/musician John Kirkpatrick coached and encouraged (Saturday 27th)! Contact Did you know that Link Arts is the only place in Swindon where BERNARD TANNER you can see the finest on Swindon 521743 or 'al tern ative'comedians every 514055 (24 hrs) month? This month's funnymen

include the off beat, inventive and unusualSteve Bowd itch on the New Comedy bill (Tuesday 23rd). There is also an evening when Yakety Yak present their comedy cabaret show Fourteen Years On The Road (Tuesday 16th). So - why not make a date and come along to one or more of our events - we're right on your doorstep!

Friday 10 May, 8pm Shaw Church

Traidcraft is an alternative trading company which operates Christian principles through trade with Third World co-operatives. They sell, via mail order a variety of goods including recycled paper products, jewellery and fashion accessories, clothes and foodstuffs such as tea and coffee. A number of people associated Squeeze box man John Kirkpatrick with West Swindon Churches and coming at the end of April committed to Traidcraft's cause, are putting on a Fashion Show to promote the clothing range in this year's clothing catalogue. Other Traidcraft items will be on sale and there will be the opportunity to place orders for clothing. This event was very successful last year and we are hoping that even more people will come this year. Admission is £1, concessions SOp, with all proceeds going towards the work of Traidcraft to promote fair trade. For more information please call Ruth Barrett on 430423.

Jumble Sale 6 April, 2pm• Purton Village Hall Ad.lop. Refreshments Proceeds to 1st Purton & Lydiard Scout Group

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LOCAL LIVES Voices from the darkness The Guff crises was just one recent event which brought in calls to the Swindon and District Branch of The Samaritans. Volunteer Ann 121 describes the work of the organisation. In the darkness a telephone rings, it is answered with the words "Samaritans, can I help you?" - "I'm having difficulty sleeping, my husband is in The Gulf. I just keep thinking about it; I'm so weighed down with anxiety. I feel so isolated..." The time is just after midnight at The Samaritan Centre, 6 Curtis Street. Volunteers are available to provide round the clock support when life is getting too much. The Samaritans are always available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year including Christmas day and there are more than 180 branches throughout the UK and Ireland. Volunteers continue to answer the telephone during the night snatching a few hours sleep when possible. Early morning there is a change of volunteers. Cups of tea or coffee are made and out comes the duster and vacuum cleaner. At 8a.m. the front door is opened which allows people to call inas wellas telephone. During the morning there is a ring of the bell. It is a young man who finds it difficult to make relationships, he's out of work and feels that there are little prospects of finding any. It helps to talk and he calls in most weeks just to express his feelings of loneliness and his frustrations of his dependency on his parents and the state. Anyone who calls at the centre is able to talk in complete confidence in one of the small sitting moms. Saniaritans do not offer advice but listen supportively and without judgement to other people's prob-

lems. To every Samaritan, names, colour or creed are not important but the opportunity to share anxiety, pain and despair is. 10a.m. and the Samaritan charity shop opens. This is next door and opens Monday to Saturday 10a.m.4p.m. It sells a variety of good second hand clothing and bric a brac. The shop is also run by volunteers some ex Samaritans, some friends and their family. They help to raise approximately 50% of the funds needed to ensure a continuing Samaritan service. The remainder of money needed to pay for refurbishments, heating, lighting, telephone bills etc. comes from industry, commerce and individuals, as well as local fund raising events. During the rest of the day there are several changes of volunteers and many cups of tea and coffee made. Telephones continue to ring ..."Samaritans, can I help you?" "I'm retiring soon and will have more free time, I've always been interested in your work and would like something worthwhile to give my time to. I've seen your advertisementand know you run training courses. Can you tell me what I need todo ..... Every day at the Samaritans is different. During the time that volunteers are on duty, some will receive calls, others maybe none at all, but last year on average at least two people contacted Swindon Samaritans every hour during every day and every night.

"Samaritans, can Ihelp you?" This time there is no response. The caller has replaced the receiver. Moments later it happens again. For some it can be very difficult knowing what to say. There are moments in all our lives when we feel that there is nobody we can turn to when we need it most. These feelings of deep despair and loneliness can affect anyone at any time, wherever you live or whatever your lifestyle.

Talking about and sharing those feelings can be the first step to resolving them. The Samaritans understand what it's like to feel emotionally isolated and are always there for those for whom life may be getting too much to bear. We will listen to you in complete confidence. Our telephone number is Swindon 537373 or call at 6 Curtis Street, Swindon 8a.m. - 10p.m. Or if you feel you could help please ring for further details of training courses.

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A local with a difference Relatively few people know that there is another pub situated in the middle of West Swindon. The third Morland Brewery outlet in the area opened quietly last December and has been building a reputation ever since. For many the Shaw Ridge Tavern, at the top of the Shaw Ridge Leisure Park, will be a pleasant surprise. The designers have tried to build in a subtle difference between the feeling you get walking into a pub and when you enter the tavern. At Shaw Ridge the three sided bar serves a single lounge with a variety of cleverly designed areas at different levels. Like so many hostelries nowadays, you can't pin a theme on the decoration - draped fabrics, prints on the wall and interesting bric-a-brac entertain the eye. Hot food or a selection from the salad bar is served between 12noonand3pmdailyandall // of it is prepared in the tav- /

em kitchen. At the bar there is an excellent range of Morland traditionalales, lagers, wines and spirits, as well as soft drinks and coffee. Forentertainment, Monday night has become a quiz night and Tuesday is for Kareoke fans. The tavern is presently holding heats for a nationalKareoke competition with the local finals being held at Cairo's nightclub on 12 April. Situated high on the hill, the Tavern compliments its location with large floor to ceiling windows giving it a light airy atmosphere, very different to what you will find in other pubs. For many it will become a favourite place to meet friends and entertain business clients.

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12 Cricketers wanted A local Cricket Club is looking for new members who live in West Swindon. The Purton Club is over 170 years old and is keen to attract players, umpires or anybody who can help with scoring. The club runs a first and second team on both Saturday and Sunday, playing in the premier division of the Wiltshire League. For youngsters learning the game, there is also an Under 13 team, coached by senior members of the club. The club plays at an attractive ground south of Purton, close to West Swindon.

RECREATION Practice for the new season starts soon. Anybody who would like to know more about the club can call the captain, Robert Preddy on 770034.

Ladies Dart throwers The Purton Ladies Darts Leagueare looking for ladies to enter teams. There are two ways of doing so. Put together a team of six ladies to represent a local pub, or join an existing team? To find out more about joining the league, or to offer yourself as a player, contact Lesley Miles on 876413 or Ruby Evans on 771350.

Make Easter Eggs-tra N-ice at Link Centre Are you looking for an eggs -hilerating Easter Weekend?

If so, the Link Centre Ice Rink is holding crazy creme egg and spoon obstacle races during the week leading up to Easter and over the Easter Weekend. Family Races and Finals will be held on Easter Monday (1 April) during our eggs-stended Bank Holiday session 2p.m.-5.30p.m. Lots of fun, prizes and surprises?

Abbey Life to the rescue The search by Freshbrook School's football team for a sponsor came to an end recently when the Swindon branchofAbbeyLifelnsurancecame up with a new kit stamped with the company logo. Deputy headteacher Geoff Stayton said the school had been looking for a sponsor for some time

and the players were really pleased with the support offered by Abbey Life. Abbey Life Associate Richard Dormer, centre, lines up with the players, from left Thomas Aldridge, Peter Knight, Robert Davies, Tony Cutting; in front David Kirby, Ben Murray, Wayne Morgan with Geoff Stayt on on the right.

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by local fitness instructor Lee Hogan

The country may be in the depths of recession but it's good to see that the health and fitness conscious people of West Swindonarestill taking their exercise on a regular basis and in increasing numbers, according to other local instructors. In this short article I would like to answer a few questions thatl am quite often asked. Why is it that when I gain weight it always goes on to the same place? The body tends to deposit fat according to your individual genetic code. In other words, hereditary characteristics dictate areas in your body which accumulate fat. For most women fat will accumulate around the thighs and hips and for men around the waist. Can I get fat offfrom a specific part of the body? Unfortunately not without the help of a very good surgeon; there is no such thing as 'spot reduction'. If you exercise a particular part of the body, muscle tissue under the fat will become more firm and make the overall appearanceof that region look better. However such specific exercise will not reduce the quantity of fat within the area. lam pregnant, should Istillexercise? Unless you did no exercise prior to your pregnancy it is safe to continue an exercise programme but

one that is of a low intensity. You should aim to maintain not improve your level of fitness. If you are over 4 months pregnant you should restrict exercises done lying on your backas this may impede the oxygen supply to the foetus. Will drinking water during an exercise session cause cramps or nausea? No. You should take sips of water at regular intervals before, during and after an exercise session, especially if it is hot or humid as you may, in extreme circumstances become dehydrated. Bye for now and keep up the good work!

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Quilt to be raffled for PMH A group of avid quilters are raffling a giant handmade quilt in aid of bed ridden patients at Princess Margaret Hospital. Poppydown Quilters, who meet at the Upper Shaw Farm centre, are raising money to purchase a Roho inflatable mattruss for the Schofield Ward at the hospital by raffling an eight foot square quilt, with 1,500 separate hand stitched pieces of material. It was made in six months by memberSusanMitchellofWoodhall Park, and is the first she has ever made. The quilt will be on display in the mall at the Link Centre from 7 to 20 April and there's a chance to buy raffle tickets at the Link charity market on Saturday 20 April. Poppydownquilters secretary joy Jansen said they like to describe themselves a 'mixed bunch of nuts who like cutting up large pieces of material into little pieces so that they

Some of the Poppydown Quilters holding the work to be raffled can be sewn into large pieces again.' The group meets between 1 p and 3pm on a Monday and new members -beginners or experienced -are always welcome. Joy Jansen can be contacted on 872810.

New lambs for spring There are new lambs galore to be fed and stroked at Southleaze Sheep Farm, on the edge ofWestSwindon. The farm reopened on 1 March Sheep farmer Stuart Bell

after a winter break and is open frommursday to Monday, between 2.30prn and 530pm. There are hundreds of new lambs eager to be fed with a bottle by hand. There is also a pets corner full of rabbits, guinea pigs, gerbils, goats and a donkey. Every day goats can be seenbeing milked whilst them will be sheep shea ringevety weekend in May and June. The farm shop sells goats and sheeps milk, yoghurt and cheese and there is a picnic and play area for children. Group visits are welcomed and can be made at any time. For more information, call Stuart Bell on 523134. To get to Southleaze Farm, drive into Telford Way, off Great Western Way, next to Texas Dl's' and turn right under the railway bridge.

Breakthrough for bikers Transport reporter A rdrew Capel reports on radical moves by the County Council The County Council has announced a dramatic change in transport policy. Millions of pounds are to be spent on cycle routes, pedestrian crossings and park and ride schemes. The first park and ride scheme will consist of a massive car park near junction 16, with one lane of the Great Western Way being reserved for buses during the rush-hour and a mandatory speed limit of 10mph for all other traffic during this time. For the cyclist and pedestrian raised crossings will be provided togetherwith traffic lights, which will give them priority over drivers. If drivers want to proceed over the crossing they will have to get outof theircars and press a button located at the sideof the road. A council spokesman said that the changes were brought about because councillors were no longer able to afford the poll tax and the cost of running car. It was only when they had to walk or cycle to work did they realise whata raw dealcyclists and pedestrian were getting. Noone was available to comment from Swindon Bike Group; apparently they were recovering al from shock.

NEWS & VIEWS

Quick, quality work from 24 hour service Six months after it was launched, Maintenance Express is rapidly becoming Swindon's premier property maintenance company. The business was started to providea rapid servicethatcan respond to any household emergency whether it be fused lights,overflowing water tank or broken window. And they offer their service on a 24 hourbasis; there's always somebody on the other end of the telephone to organise a response. Maintenance Express is a unique service because it has assembled its own team of tradesmen who are able to provide all the skills required The team ready to respond to undertake emergency work as well as larger, longer term contracts. value for money and guaranteed Proprietor Pat O'Driscoll says that service are important aims for the business. "Our staff are required to have a professional attitude in their work. Apart from being competent Easter Quiz tradesmen, they have to be capable by Helen Lawrence from Westlea Church of talking to customers about their We all know the basic facts of the work. Like all things nowadays, Easter story ... or do we? Test your customer expectations have risen knowledge with this quick quiz and the building trade is required to answers on page 22. give quality service." 1. Jesus was executed by No job is too small for Maintea. hanging nance Express. Some customers need a leaking tap fixed, others are b. stoning c. electric chair looking for an extension built. With d. crucifixion their team of workers covering such 2. The charge against him was a wide range of trades, the company a. blasphemy is well placed to take on any kind of b. sedition work. In all cases, Pat will make a d. murder return call to see if the customer is 3. What strange signs accompanied satisfied and whether any follow up his death? work is needed. Maintenance Express can be a. darkness at noon b. angels crying contacted on 49000 at anytime of the c. thunderstorm day or night. d. temple curtain ripped itself Tootleabrook W.I. in two Next meeting: Wed 17 April 4. Jesus' body was 7.30pm, Community Room a. mummified Toothill School b. put in a borrowed tomb Talk on Hearing Dogs c. thrown on the rubbish tip for the Deaf d. put in a communal tomb More information from Karen 5. Why did the priests want the tomb Ryman on 695499 to be guarded? a. so Jesus' friends couldn't steal the body Put your heart first b. so the Romans couldn't Heart disease is a killer, but you steal the body might not know what to do before it c. so that Jesus couldn't get gets you. out On 2 and 3 May the West Swind. to control the tourists don Health Visitor team is organis6. Who discovered that Jesus was ing a 'Look after your heart' day to alive again? help local people think about what a. the priests they are doing to themselves. b. the Romans The team is mounting a display at C. his friends the West Swindon Centre packed d. Judas with information about diet and fol7. How did Jesus prove to his friends lowing a healthy lifestyle. that he was not a ghost? There will also be equipment to a. he opened the door test your fitness and a machine which b. he ate some fish analyses the effect of smoking on c. he sang a hymn the body. The team promises to get d. hemadethemfeelhis hands yourmind thinking aboutyourheart 8. How many other leaders of world - before it's too late. religions said they were God? The display will be open from Answers to the Easter quiz on page 22. 2pm to 8pm each day.

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SHAW RIDGE TAVERN A Warm Welcome Awaits You at "YOUR LOCAL" Come in and see us soon. * Open All Day- 1 lam - 11pm Monday to Saturday 12noon - 3pm; 7pm - 10.30pm Sunday * Home prepared traditional pub fayre served 7 days 12noon - 3pm * Excellent choice of Morland traditional ales, lagers, wines and spirits, soft drinks and coffee * Monday night is Quiz Night * Tuesday night is for Kareoke

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NEWS & VIEWS Assertiveness Training Courses for Women

Mondays starting 7Aprilfor6 weeks (excluding Monday 6 May), 7.30pm - 9.30pm in the Community Suite in the Link Centre. Price: £15 or £1 concessions (unemployed women or those on a low income).

Day Courses Thursday 18 April, 930a.m. 3.00p.m. at Pilgrim Centre, Regent Circus. Price: £6.50 or £1 concessions.

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Saturday 15June, 10a.m. -4.00p.m. at WEA Womens Branch, 36a Regent Street. Price £6.50 or £1 concessions. There will be a five creche available for the day courses. If you need help with childcare for the evening course please enquire. To book a place or for more information phone, write to or visit WEA Womens Branch, 36a Regent Street, Swindon. Tel: 618233. Booking forms are also available from the Community Suite, Link Centre. The children from Oliver Tomkins Playgroup raised Comic Relief cash by washing cars for parents. Taking their turn, from left, Michael Adams, Clem Fould, Tanya Laydon, Richard Dobson, Claire Hardy

Pause ...(for women) A brief message to all Pausers, old, new or those who haven't plucked up the courage to come along yet. Meetings for April resume after the Easter break on 12 April. Here are some of the goodies coming up: 12 April Councillor Sue Bates to talk about Women intoPublic life 19 April Shopping Trip (names in advance please) 26 April Anne Bihingham, Recycling Officer for Thamesdown 3 May Tupperware Party (no creche) 10 May Miriam Minty to talk about Equal Opportunities 17 May Coffee Morning (no creche) 24 May Charlotte Rigg, Thamesdown Arts & Recreation - talk about play areas All meetings will be in the Community Suite, Link Centre at 10.00a.m. on Friday morning and a creche is provided unless otherwise stated. For more information call 539819.

Playgroup places available The Link 3 - 5 Playgroup has vacancies in the afternoon for children starting after the Easter holidays. Call into the playgroup in the Community Suite at the Link Centre, or telephone 873393 for more details.

To book, ring West Swindon's ACE FUN CASTLES on 873552

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NEWS & VIEWS Have a go at diving Ever wanted to try scuba diving, with the full gearon,aqua-lung tanks and all? Ridgeway Divers offer a 'Have A Go at diving' session for anybody who would like to try it out without committing themselves too deeply except in the pool. They provide all the equipment necessary, a run down on basic techniques and safety measures and give an hours instruction in and under the water. The cost is £10 and the minimum age is 14. The club has over forty members who meet regularly on Thursdays between 9pmand 11 pm in the Link Centre pool. Diving trips are organised on most weekends with longer expeditions taking place as well.

"Just to let you know about the diet. I've lost pounds!" 'T said could do it with the he'p of a Cambridge Counsellor."

the (ibrlde Diet DEVELOPED BY DOCTORS OVER 20 YEARS For details of your local Counsellor, call Rebecca Clifforde (Westlea)

on 873201 Practice in the Link Centre pool To arrange a dive, contact Lesley Rutherford on 876164.

Adult Education Courses from April 1991 All Courses at Greendown Community School unless otherwise stated Subject Day Starts Times Length Code Price ARTS, CRAFTS & DIY COURSES Bricklaying -Wroughton Wed 24 April 7-9pm 6wks BW343N £12.60 Calligraphy Wed 10 April 7-9pm 10wks AG427N £25 Dressmaking - All Stages Thurs 11 April 1 -3pm 6wks AG402N £15 Flower Arranging - Oliver Tomkins School Mon 13 May 7-9pni wks AG 1 09N £19 - Bradon Forest School Wed 10 April 7-9pnt 6wks AB332N £14.40 - Village Hall, L.Millicent Thur 11 April 10.15-11.45 6wks AB432N £14.40 Interior Design Mon 15 April 7-9pm Swks AGI35N £12.50 Painting in Watercolours Thurs 11 April 7-9pm 1 Owks AW449 N £21 Painting & Drawing Tues 9 April 7-9pm 10wks AG202N £22 BUSINESS, OFFICE SKILLS AND FINANCE COURSES Word Processing - An Introduction (Max No. 10 Students) Course text book £3.95 Mon 15 April 2.15-4.15pm lowks SG134N £39 Wed 17 April 7-9pm 10wks SG350N £39 Thurs 18 April 7-9pm 10wks SG434N £39 Mon-Fri 22-26 July 9am-lpm 5 days CG137N £39 HEALTH BEAUTY & FITNESS T'ai Chi - Beginners(OT Sch)Thurs 11 April 6.45-8.15pm 10wks KG432N £16.50 Yoga-Church Hall, Wroughton Mon 15 April 6-7.30prn 10 wks YW1 41 N £15 .75 Keep Fit Fr'brook Sch Mon 8 April 6.30-8pm lowks KG1 1 iN £15.75 Self-Hypnosis for relaxation Thurs 11 April 7-9prn 7 wks PG435N £17.60 Slimnastics Inf Sch Wroughton Mon 29 April 7.15-8.45pm 7wks KW141N £12.60 LANGUAGES Tues 16 April 7-9pm French - Get By In 6wks LG136N £15.00 French - Get By In Fri 12 April 9.30-11 .3Oam 1 Owks LG506N £25.00 French II Thurs 11 April 9.45-11.15am7wks LG41ON £13.00 German - Get By In Tues 16 April 7-9pm 6wks LG224N £13.50 Greek For Your Holiday - Junior Sch Wroughton Wed 1 May 7-9pm 6wks LW342N £12.60 Italian - Get By In Mon 8 April 7-9pn1 6wks LG128N £13.50 Portuguese For Improvers Thurs 11 April 7-9pm 7wks LG428N £17.60 Spanish - Get By In Mon 15 April 7-9pm 6wks LG125N £13.50 PARENT & TODDLER MOVEMENT TO DANCE Swks x2DG347N £7.75x2 Link Centre Wed 10 April 10-1am Link Centre Wed 10 April 11-12noon Swks x2DG348N £7.75x2 SPECIAL INTEREST Intro to Practical Archaeology Wed 10 April 7.30-9pm lowks UG326N £16.50 Assertion Train'g for Women Thursl8 April 9.45-11.45aml0wks UG436N £25.00 SPORT AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES Croquet for Beginners -Lydiard Park Tues 23 April 6.30-8.30pm 8wks KG216N £16.80 Tennis for Beginners -Sports Centre Wroughton Thurs 11 April 6.30-8.00pm 10wks KW4441N £16.25 Horses - Carriage Driving at Lower Shaw Farm Beginners Thurs 11 April 6-8pm 6wks KG637N £29.50 6wks KG349N £29.50 Pony Pairs Wed 5 June 7-9pm Creche available at all daytime courses at Greendown FULL DETAILS OF OTHER COURSES AND AT WEEKENDS are available in a booklet of all Adult Education courses from the West Swindon Library or the Adult Education Office at Greendown, tel: 871413.

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Thamesdown Housing Services Department re-organised its Estate Management Section from 2 area teams into 4 last autumn. Thamesdown's 1,180 flats and houses in West Swindon are now managedbyanewlyassembled team comprising Chris Cossey, Area Housing Manager, Mary Keeble, Senior Housing Assistant, and Housing Assistants MarkBride, Avis Chun and Ray Springett. Mark Bride is responsible for most properties in West Swindon, Ray Springett covers a small area in Toothill and Avis Chun deals with GrengeParkand part ofFreshbrook. Council tenants main point of contact is one of these Housing Assistants, who not only collect rent, but will answer queries on neighbour problems, welfare benefits, domestic and marital issues and assist in reporting repairs. The Housing Assistants regularly visit each

area and are pleased to call on tenants to discuss matters which concern them. Alternatively the team members can becontacted onSwindon526161 ext 8034 to make an appointment to see them, either at the Civic Offices or in the home. Much of the Housing Assistants' time is spent out on the estates, so a message will often have to be left. Other members of the Housing Department may be able to provide advise if the call is a general one. Chris Cossey the Area Housing Manager is responsible for implementing the Council's policies in the area and dealing with the more serious issues and difficult tenancy situations. It is hoped that the 'new' team will give council tenants, their customers an efficient response and sympathetic service.

The local Estate Management Team, from left, Chris Cossey, Mary Keeble, Ray Springett, Avis Chun, Mark Bride

UdbnI 85 Cricklade Road, Gorse Hill, Swindon Tel: (0793)511842

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Amy puts in first entry for bike ride The entries for the 1991 Great Thamesdown Bike Ride on Sunday 2 June are rolling in. Organisers Age Concern Thamesdown and the Borough Council's Lifestyle Unit are hoping for a record field. Age Concern are aiming to raise £5,000 for their work across the Borough. Sporting the numberone shirt will be 7yearold Amy Osorio from Nine Elms, Shaw, pictured right. The ride is a fun day out forall the family with two different circular routes which will be marked and marshalled by the organisers. Age Concern want as many cyclists as possible to take part. For an entry form, telephone 692166.

TO ADVERTISE IN THE LINK TELEPHONE

NEWS & VIEWS

Are you planning a children 's party?

The run up to the 1991 Under 5's Festival starts with a

Pre-School Play Workshop Tuesday 16 April, 10am - 12 noon Community Suite, Link Centre Activities Include junk modelling, music, playdough, painting sandwich making and lots more. The charge Is SOp per family, Includes refreshment. Pay on the door (not Link Centre reception). Organised by West Swindon Focus on Under 5's

Smiles for spring

Bouncy Castle Hire 12'x12' & 14'x14'

Let us feed the little darlings for you..... and clear up after them. Birthday cakes made to order. Plates, cutlery, tableclothes, etc. all supplied Ages 2- Ii catered/or.

For a quote, ring Happy Days on 533416

TOP GEAR DRIVING SCHOOL FRIENDLY PATIENT TUITION EXPERIENCED INSTRUCTOR All

In last month's Link magazine we ran a competition in conjunction with Hallmark Photography to find two of the brightest smiles in West Swindon. And here they are. On the left is six month old Warren Cook from Ixworth Close, Ramleaze, Shaw and on the right is Kayley McLaughlin from Golds-

borough Close, Westlea. Each family receives a large framed print of the children as their prize. Hallmark Photography are making a return visit to the West Swindon Centre in June when we will be runninganothercompetition. Watch this space for information in our June edition.

West Swindon Customers £1 per hour discount

Tel: Phil Dixon on Swindon 533898

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Winning toys Greendown School's third annual toy fair took place in March when second year pupils were required to design, plan and construct a childs toy out of a piece of wood. The project followed National Curriculum design technology guidelines on the use of gears, cams and levers. Redman Engineering sponsored the fair again, awarding prizes for the most innovative designs. Mike Neal, Director of Production, commented that the standard of work had risen again and there was increased variety in the toy designs. He chose a cuckoo clock const mcted by Kirsty Nutbeen and a mouse clock made by Chantelle Gardner as Mike Neal of Redman with Kirstv the winners. Nut been, left, and Chantelle Gard,r

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Silence & signatures for Comic Relief Greendown firstyear students Claire Chaplin from Toothill and Tracy Hearn from Shaw raised £20 by not saying a thing for a whole day. Resisting the urge to talk and a great deal of provocation they kept mum all day. Left: Claire and Tracy on the right of the photo with half shaven teacher Chris Gill, Sarah Ridding from Freshbrook and Angela Clayton from Grange Park on the left.

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On the right, Freshbrook teachers Lynn Evans and Kevin Dodds were on the receiving end of budding graffiti artists when they allowed themselves to be adorned with the in addition to £120 raised from chilsignature of anyone willing to pay dren paying not to wear school up. Altogether they raised over E40, uniform.

Link Centre - to be or not to be open access A public meeting on 19 March to discuss access to the Link Centre identified confusion over the role of the centre and the needs of young people as issues that require greater attention. A sub-committeeofThamesdown Council's Arts and Recreation Committee is reviewing what should be done to protect staff, users and the building following an increase in abuse by a small number of individuals. Restricted evening access for some users, more bouncers or the use of turnstiles with an entry charge have been suggested solutions. Meeting organiser Community Development Officer Laurence Yeoman said opinion ranged from

Songs raish cash for Prospect Foundation The Link Centre 45+ Club held an afternoon of music from the shows in aid of Swindon's Prospect Foundation in February. £120 was raised which was presented last month to Arthur Mason, chairman of Prospect Foundation,

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some who want to shut young people out, and the majority who recognise there are few places in West Swindon where young people can go to be with their friends. Ian Drummond from Shaw attended the meeting. He said, "the council should clarify what the Link Centre is for. Is it a sports centre, an arts facility or community centre, and who is the Mail public area for? It would boa disgrace if bouncers on the door were employed to decide who should be allowed in." A report on the access policy is to be considered bycoundillors in April. Evening Advertiser reporter Jules Stenson says that he did not write in his paper that a 50p entry charge is to be introduced at the Link Centre.

who said that the donation was a very helpful contribution to their need for £2,000 a day to operate. Pictured below with Arthur Mason in the centre, Norman Bowles, social secretary (left) and Les Peach, chair of the 45+ Club

Public Notice

Primary School admissions in Freshbrook & Grange Park At its last meeting on 15 March 1991, the Wiltshire County Council Education sub-committee resolved to adopt the following admissions policy to Freshbrook School, Grange Park (Tregoze Primary) and Windmill Hill School, subject to review in one years time: L Pupils will be admitted as Rising Fives each term ii. Normally first preferences are given priority over second preference ones iii. Children with Accepted Medical Reasons, provided that their parents have expressed a first preference for a place at the School (such requests are referred to the Health Authorities who may need to Grange Park School consult the family's GP) 4 iv. Siblings, provided that their parents have expressed a first preference for a place at the School v. Distance: nearness and ease of access to both the preferred school and alternative school will be considered vi. Children living outside the Area, defined by the map printed here, will beconsidered foradmissionto any of these schools only after all those within the Area have been allocated places.

Countrywide Property Management Residential Letting Agents

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Arrangements for parents wishing to register a child as a 'Rising Five.'

Parents living in Fries hbrookand Grange Park should collect a preference form from either Freshbrook School or Windmill Hill School, Grange Park School or the Area Education Office. These forms will normally be available one and Windmill Hill half terms before your child is due to start school. For September 1991 entrants please collect a form from one of the schools after the Easter holiday. Please complete this form and return it to the Area Education Office, Sanford House, Swindon by the deadline printed on the form. Any parent who arrives in the area during the term should complete a preference form and send this as soon as possible to the Area Education Office. Arrangements for Transfer within West Swindon Primary Schools.

Parents living in Freshbrook and Grange Park who wish to apply to transfer their child from their present school should contact the Area Education Office for an application form.

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100 year difference for Grange Park school head Steve Menham, the head teacher appointed for West Swindon's newest primary school - Tregoze School could not be faced with a greater contrast as he prepares to move from one school to another. After Easter he starts his new job, preparing to open the school off Hay Lane in September. However, for the last eight years Steve (pictured right) has been headteacher at Lethbridge School, in Swindon's Old Town, which this year has been celebrating its centenary. Thechallenge ofmovingbetween such different environments gives him a sense of excitement. 'We've been doing lots of historical studies on the 100 years since Lethbridge opened and there have been celebrations involving past and present pupils. It's a sad time to leave because of all the activity taking place. "I must admit that managing an old building has been difficult; the idea of a brand new school with new staff is very exciting. Between now and September I have to order all the equipment and materials we need and, with the Governing body, have to appoint teachers and support

SHAW VILLAGE CENTRE RAMLEAZE DRIVE, SHAW

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staff. Luckily the builders are on target and we should be able to get into the building at the end of May to prepare it." Although the housing market has slowed down, Steve does not envisage any problems in attracting children to the new school. "Tregoze School is long awaited and long overdue. It will relieve some of the pressures on theotherschools which presently takechildrenfromGrange Park" Over twenty parents contacted Steve as a result of the brief mention of his appointment in last month's Link magazine. lie has an office at the school where he can be contacted.

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Letters to The Link

Bank Holiday May Fayre From Bernard Workman, President, Wootton Bassett Lions

May I draw the attention of readers to our May Fayre at Lydiard Country Park on Bank Holiday Monday 6 May. The doors opens at noon and the main events begin at 1pm. Attractions include, Lester the Clown, James Dylan stunt car act, Devizes 'Major-Wrecks', Shire Horses, Veteran Vehicles, Punch & Judy, Fun Fair for children, car boot sale and many other events

Letters for publication should be sent to The Link, 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook, Swindon by 16th of the month preceding publication

Last year's show enabled the Lions to purchase many items including a special wheelchair machine, the 'Easyrider' for the disabled to enjoy places like Lydiard Park and a computer system for a young handicapped girl. Also support has been given to a National Fishing competition for disabled at South Cerney Lakes and to various local youth and elderly groups. Can I extend a welcome to this, our 15th Annual Fayre at Lydiard and wish you an enjoyable day out.

Link Centre Charity Market - Sat. 20 April Bargains galore available from the stalls arranged by a variety of community groups. (The market takes place on the third Saturday of the month with the exclusion of August and September). To book a stall, telephone the Link Centre on 871212 ext 234. The next dates are 18 May, 15 June, 20 July.

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Telephone Les or Allen on 532623/431044

ASDA's trolley hotline From S. Prosser, Cromwell,Freshbrook

prise open the money box with a I was interested to read in The Link, screwdriver, remove their £1 coin that Asda have had cause to set up and the abandoned trolley remains a hotline for their dumped trolleys. abandoned because there is no inI say they have only themselves to centive for children to go on trolley hunt! blame! Perhaps Asda shouldn't have When we used to pay 20p, I admit that trolleys were still used to trans- been so quick to charge customers port shopping home by people in such an exorbitant amount for a WestSwindon. However,I know of trolley, then they mightn't lose quite children (my own included) who so many. Incidently, I now only buy suffiwould willing gatherupabandoned trolleys in order to claim the 20p cient shopping to fill a basket so refund. Now, of course once people they've lost out on my huge weekly/ have got their shopping home, they monthly shopping trips! Dog droppings FromM.Morgan,Markenfield, Toothill

After reading the letter on dog fouling in the March Link, I too am disgusted by all the dog excreta left lying around. Many people must be aware of the dangers of touching this stuff. My two children and I play a game on the way to school called 'dodge thedogs mess.' We recently counted 20 piles of it on the pavement alone.

I thought that was enough, but no. I am now blessed with some thoughtful dog leaving me presents of excreta on the path to my door in the morning. I have an Alsatian. When he goes out, at least he waits until he gets back home. I have enough jobs to do being a single parent without clearingup other people's dog excreta. It really angers me.

Easter quiz answers from page 15 If you have a Bible check the facts. eg Mark 14:61-64 means chapter 14 of Mark's gospel and you read the verses 61 to 64 to find the answer. 1. d. Crucifixion Matthew 27:35 2. a. Blasphemy Mark 14:61-64 3. a. & d. Darkness and the temple curtain Luke 23: 44-45 4. b. A borrowed tomb Matthew 27: 58-60 5. a. To stop his friends Matthew 27: 63-64 6. c. His friends Luke 24: 33-35, John 20:15-16 7. b. &d. He ate fish and made them feel how real he was Luke 24:39 &41-43 8. None

Mohammed, Buddha, Confudous only claimed to be teachers or prophets. Only Jesus claimed to be God. In all other religions man is searching for God. In Christianity, God came looking for man. Jesus said "1 have come to look for and to rescue people who are lost" Luke 19:10. If the story of Jesus' resurrection is not true, Christianity is a dangerous lie. But there is very good evidence that it is true. If you want to check the evidence, Westlea Church will giveyou a copyof'The Evidence for the Resurrection". Phone Helen on 872822 to order yours.

The Link Classifieds

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Lineage ads cost £3.50 per single column centimetre inc. VAT. Cash with advert to The Link, 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook, Swindon • Vacancy Playgroup Supervisor required, Sandys Silk school hours, Tuesday - Friday for Bouquets Link 3-5 Playgroup. Applications in made to the price writing to: KRyman,43 Westminster Road, Toothill by 12 April. Or you can afford telephone 642850 for further details. Baskets, Posies, • For Sale Headdress's Mens Peugeot Mountain Bike £99. at your price, not the Shops Boys BMX bike £25 Girls bike (8 yrs). Needs attention. £5. Tel: 872282 Tel: Sandy 0793 875665 • Wanted Hamster cage (Rotastack pre-ferrred). Tel: 872282 Clothing Alterations & Repairs • Lost - in Middleleaze, 16 Tel: 872096 March Ladies Citizen Watch, Mrs White, Freshbrook Gold, black strap. Tel: 875627

To advertise in The Link, telephoe Elizabeth Wood on 871793

GREEN TENDENCIES More Banks set up in the West The West Swindon Centre will soon be the site of two new banks. Already there is a bottle bank, and a large paper bank arrived on 21 March. In May a can bank will be installed. It will be possible to deposit both aluminium and steel, thus making it easier for people to collect cans without having to decide whether they will be useful. This can bank will be sponsored by Anchor Butter who will be nominating a charity to receive the proceeds of the collections. The Wiltshire Recycling Forum, in conjunction with Thainesdown Borough Who is collecting Aluminium? and Wiltshire County Council launched Several playgroups in the area are a schools aluminium recycling project collecting it. We are trying to put sponsored byAllied Dunbar on 21 March. together a list so please let us know Locally Greendown, Westlea and if you are. Windmill Hill Schools are taking part. Pictured above is Anne Billingham, Waste Paper Collection The next paper collection at Fresh- Thamesdown 's Recycling Officer delivbrook School takes placefmm9a.m. ering a can container to the children at Windmill Hill School. to 4p.m. on Thursday 11 April.

Compost tip becomes a dump A Grange Park resident is accusing local green minded councillors of hypocrisy. Rod Leverton from Parham Walk is angry that a communal compost tip built in close-by Greendown Copse is turning into a dump and nothing is being done to manage it. 'This compost area appeared a couple of years ago and there have been two working parties led by local councillors to 'so call' clean-up the copse. But as far as I can see all they do is dump even more rubbish on the compost pile which makes the problem worse. I've told them that people have left theirChristmas trees and shrub cuttings there; it's not going to break down. "I think it's hypocrisy to turn up once a year, attract a bit of publicity, then disappear. The compost bin needs regular management by the council to prevent the smells in hot weather. Whilst they're at it, they should clear the nettles that swamp the young trees each summer." Freshbrook and Grange Park councillor Bob Pixton, who has or-

Rod Leverton and unloved compost tip ganised the copse clean-ups, said the aim of the compost bin was to provide a focus for local householders who in other places often dump garden waste in public open spaces. "I think Greendown Copse is much cleaner because of the compost facility, but I agree that local people are not using it correctly; there are plastic bags and trees in there. I would welcome suggestions from residents on how to manage it."

Riding Centre The next meeting of the Riding for the Disabled Centre Support Team takes place on Thursday 11 April, 7.30pm in the Community Suite, Link Centre. The speaker will be Susan Tucker from the Wiltshire Charities Information Bureau. Look out for a sponsored Highwayman's Ride on 16 June, and an auction of riding equipment.

Expensive solution Local councillor Bob Pixton reports Wilts County Council have come up with the idea of spending £1.5 ml!lion on building a traffic underpass beneath Blagrove roundabout (after dropping the idea of a flyover). Hehas been campaigning for traffic lights but county engineers havededared the Blagrove roundabout is too small for traffic lights.

23 Ecumenical Parish of West Swindon & The Lydiards Anglican, Methodist, U.R.C., Baptist. Toothill Rev. Ian Handscomb 693384 Rev. Anne Thomas 496421 St. Mary's L.Tregoze for Freshbrook & Grange Park Rev. Tony Price 870244 Westlea Rev. John Flory 770217 t Shaw and Sparcells Rev. Keith Boxall 770568 Rev. Helen Drummond 874372 t also All Saints, L. Millicent

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