Issuu

TOOTHILL * CHINESE KITCHEN

No. 133 • April 1993 • Circulation 11,500

Fish & Chips and Chinese Food Takeaway

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W. Swindon burglaries hit high note in first three months Following a spate of burglaries in the area, Swindon Police are making an appeal to West Swindon householders to take greater precautions to protect their homes. The first three months of 1993 has seen a 33% increase in the number of house break-ins compared with the same period last year.

Fifty four private houses (plus 22 garden sheds and businesses) all over West Swindon were burgled between January and the 24 March, compared with 35 last year. The police response has been to mount 'Operation Dry Swamp' where a marked car plus four officers on foot concentrate on an area

to ensure that potential housebreakers know that the neighbourhood is being watched. Everybody walking in the area is stopped and asked about their business. Detective Sergeant Sidney Kimber for the north sub-division said the tactic has the desired effect as the number of break-ins reduce

Anna Kazan from Fresh brook becomes youngest Magic Circle member A teenager from West Swindon is wowing professional entertainers and the public with her amazing magic skills, and she's been at it for only eighteen months. It's very unusual for an Anna Kazan is her stage eighteen year old to be name but people in West taken straight into the Swindon and friends from Magic Circle." Bradon Forest School will Nadia celebrated her know her as Nadia Foster birthday in December from Crawford Close, Freshat the classy London brook, where she moved nightclub Stringfellows with her family in 1978. with a show, of her skills At just eighteen, Nadia is to friends and show the youngest member of the business personalities. exclusive Magic Circle and Nadia was recently recently won the Circle's on GMTV and perprestigious silver medal by forms in many London out-magicing other maginightclubs and hotels. cians. She has put on private Delighted mum Gloria shows for the likes of Brookes said, "Nadia always wanted to go into the performing Nadia Foster, Anna Kazan, on the right, Joanna Lumley, Ronnie Corbett, and Anneka Rice. In April she's off arts; many people tried to put her with her mentor Fay Presto to entertain the British forces in off. After leaving Bra don she got a Cyprus with Wayne Dobson. Next under the wing of magician Fay job as an assistant to an entertainer month she'll also be seen on BBC Presto who has brought heron and who taught her to be a clown and a TVs 'Tricks and Tracks.' introduced her to other magicians. little magic. Then she was taken

for a time. "We are also stopping people who are legally going about their business and this might cause some concern, but most people are pleased to see a police presence. "Ourresources are stretched and concentrating effort in this way has had a deterrent effect for a few weeks. However vigilance by house owners is paramount. West Swindon's network of footpaths and alleyways is ideal for houseouse breakers. You have to take greater precautions. Leave lights on when you're out, make sure windows are closed, doors are locked and think about buying security lights and an alarm system. An outside bell clearly displayed puts burglars off. Please ensure your house is not a soft target." The Crime Prevention Officer gives free advice on security and the installation of alarm systems. He can be contacted on 528111. Tie down your gnomes

Last year The Link reported the theft of hanging baskets from Freshbrook homes. We've had a call from a householder in Fowey, Freshbrook who has had two large flowerpots stolen from outside his house, one complete with contents. As the gardening year gets into full swing, beware of people determined to destroy your best laid plans. If it can be removed, tie it down.

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Following a burglary at my family home, after making a small insurance claim, it was pointed out that the crime could have been prevented. On renewal of my insurance policy I was informed that an alarm costing £1,500 was required, with other security measures costing a further £500 before I could be insured. On top of this an annual maintenance contract costing £250 had to be taken out. Not impressed by this demand, I investigated the cost of the equipment and hence S.O.S. Family & Home Safety was born.

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The Link Magazine April 1993

Teenagers put the bite on Kilroy Six West Swindon teenagers who were duped on BBC TVs 'Kilroy' discussion programme about bullying got their own message over in March on the viewers 'Bite Back' programme. The youngsters objected to the way they were cast as bullies by Kilroy and protested to the BBC that they had been set up to take the blame for all bullies, even though they may also have been victims. In Bite Back they were able to

Appeal to help teenager backstage A West Swindon youngster is on the first rung of the ladder into the theatre, but he needs a little help from local people. Ian Moorehouse, about to take GCSEs at Greendown School, has secured the job of Assistant Stage Manager with the National Youth Music Theatre for a month at August's Edinburgh Festival. Thousands of other teenagers applied, but Ian got the job. Although the organisation receives a subsidy to train young people in theatre skills, Ian has to find £300 for travel and accomodation. He has applied to go to theatre school and the month with the NYMT will be essential experience. Ian is well known to many local families for the puppet shows he put on during his early years at Greendown. With exams looming, he has had less time to work on his entertainment activities. He aims to become a professional stage manager and it is crucial that he goes to Edinburgh. If readers can help out with a donation, telephone Ian Moorehouse on 523134.

explain their position and the BBC admitted that Kilroy had overstepped the guidelines in dealing with under 16s. One family is pursuing a claim against Kilroy through the Broadcasting Complaints Commission.

Short life for taxi service West Swindon's taxi service failed just six weeks after being launched. WestSide taxis launched by brothers Andy and Sandy Jack on the front page of the February edition of The Link had a very good reception from readers who quickly showed there is a need for a well priced private hire car service aimed at West Swindon residents. However problems in running thebusiness proved too great and the brothers joined forces with one of the town's existing private hire companies.

Editorial: Roger Ogle, Publisher/Editor

Open 6.30pm til very late FREE CAN OF COKE with 2 large kebabs bought between 6.30pm & 10.30pm

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Apple Macintosh design, layout and lasersetting Printed by Wiltshire, Bristol

6 Freshbrook & Grange Park 8 Westlea 9 Shaw 10 Health Matters Recreation 11 At Your Library 12 13 Green Tendencies 15-17 Swindon Wide What's On Letters to the Link 25 Local Lives 23

Toothill

published on 30 April. The contents of The Unk are protected by copyright. Copying of advertisements for business use, including publication is forbidden unless advertisers or publishers have sought permission. Articles and photographs require similar authority.

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A grand pub crawl around the pubs of Swindon on Sunday 25 April is in need of more teams to take part. Proceeds from the event being organised by the Windmill Employment Action Programme will be donated to the Prospect Foundation. This is no ordinary tour of pubs. Team members will have to answer five questions at each venue. Teams will be sponsored on the number of questions they get right, so brains as well as brawn are required for this fundraiser. Telephone Phil Rashid, at Windmill Employment Action on 513535 if you want to enter a team.

Contents

Copy date for May edition: 17 April The May edition will be

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Election for a councillor to serve Toothill, Westlea, Shaw and Rough moor The candidates for election to Thamesdown Council on Thursday 1 April

Maurice Fanning Labour Party Can you ever trust the Tories again?

Locally they have deceived voters, hiding the fact their councillor left the area. They wanted an election called only when it suited them. The cost of democracy to get you representation is approximately 35p per resident. They obviously do not think you are worth it. The real callous nature of the Tories has exposed itself recently. They have: • Threatened closure of the Enterprise works throwing disabled people onto the unemployed scrapheap • Closed Old Peoples homes forcing them to move from their friends • Slashed E2 million off education • Introduced VAT on Gas and Electricity putting more into poverty • Caused a record number of reposc&'ssed homes, and crashed businesses • Threatened Railworkers pensions It's time to fight back. Only Labour can beat the Tories, voting Liberal is a vote for the Tories. On I April give them a message they won't forget. I have the experience that the area needs. I offer you total commitment and hard work. I do not pretend that Thamesdown Council does not have its faults, it does, and you need someone who knows who and where to go to get something done. Every vote will count, if you have had enough of callous Tories please support me by voting Labour.

Yvette MaxwellDarkes Conservative Party Af ter living in West Swindon for 12 years, I think I can claim to be a local candidate. My knowledge of our problems and a total dedication to the area must outweigh theclaims of my main opponent (Labour), who simply is more interested in finding a place on the Council than in you and your locality. I totally reject the use of party politics on a national level, together with the bitter rhetoric generated, as being a sound basis for what is truly a matter of local management of your money and your requirements. Labour controlled Thamesdown seems to have leanings more toward ultra-socialist Arthur Scargffl than the non-programmed John Smith. To them, private ownership of property is 'not on', and council tenants in our area have become second class for repairs, perhaps due to so many 'buying out'. We lose out far too much. The lack of competitive shopping facilities in West Swindon is a close match to the narrow thinking about town centre development. Future control of the Borough by the Conservative Group, will encourage development of those with commercial experience rather than the negative ideas of a handful of shop stewards. Together, we can sort the mess out.

Alan Timpson Liberal Democrat Local Liberal Democrat Alan Timpson lives in Shaw with his wife Barbara and two teenage daughters. Alan writes: "The goals that guide Liberal Democrat on the Borough Council are good local services and value for money. It's true the council are facing a budget crisis, but Liberal Democrats argue for the cash to be spent on 'front line' local services, not bureaucracy at the Civic Offices. For me it's local issues, here in West Swindon that matter most; • Relieving traffic congestion • Providing more pavements and crossing patrols • The lack ofapublic telephone at the Shaw Ridge Leisure Park, are just some of the local issues that need attention. Too often party politics dominate the council, and they shouldn't. For example, the idea of imposing parking charges at Lydiard Park was first mooted two years ago but was defeated by a LibDem led campaign. This time the Lib-Dems put forward an alternative proposal to avoid the charges, but Labour and Conservatives voted together to defeat it. This was wrong, the local community must always come first. Party politics have no place in local government. As your local councillor this is the stance I will take"

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TOOTH ILL

Moves for permanent doctors surgery There's good news on the horizon for anxious Toothill residents concerned about local facilities. Local GP Dr Kandy Kandiah has announced that he has received the backing of the Wiltshire Family Health Services Authority to build a permanent surgery toserveToothil. Negotiations are now taking place with Thamesdown Council about a site near Toothill Village Centre At present he rents a house from Thamesdown Council A doctor's practice has occupied it since the first people moved in to the area in 1976. Orginally two houses were occupied, but when the lease on one was given up last year, at the same time as the Toothill pharmacy closed

down, many people became worried that Dr Kandiah might concentrate his practice at Sparcells where his new permanent surgery is nearing completion. Practice coordinatorjane Cremin said the backing of the Wiltshire FHSA to allow DrKandiah to build a surgery at Toothill would be welcomed by local people. "We know that local families with young children and elderly people want local facilities. I hope this shows our long term commitment to providing health provision in theToothill community." DrKand iah hopes his discussions with the council will be straightforward and he can move into a permanent building within 18 months.

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Badger talk at April Tootleabrook WI meeting Another AGM has come and gone. Tootleabrook WI is now ten years old, strong and looking forward to the varied programme for 1993. On I7 March Mrs RYates talked to us on 'First Aid in the Home' with hands on demonstrations. At our April meeting Mr M Newton will give us a talk with slides on badgers. If you would like to know

more about these fascinating creatures do come along on 21 April. We meet in the Community Room at Toothill School at 730pm on the third Wednesday of each month. The WI works for all women, whatever their age, interests, religious or political views. New members are always welcome. If you are interested call June on 495520

Easter Fayre 3 April, 2pm - 4pm

Toothill Farm Centre, Bodiam Drive Cakes stall, crafts, tombola, badge making, face painting, raffle. Children's Easter Hat competition. Bring your hat along In aid of Toothill Farm Playgroup

Supergran presents 'A Breath of Fresh Air'

A variety concert in memory of Lucy Stratford Link Centre Arts Studio Saturday 17 April, 7.30pm Featuring the Kentwood Junior Choir, Judith Hockaday Dancers, Concorde Gymnasts, Mr Ron the comedian, Pupils from Westlea School, Terry and his guitar, Jane-Marie Osborne, Legs 11, West Swindon Guides, Brownies & Rainbows. Tickets £5, conc. £2. from Chris Locket on 617620 Proceeds to CALM

A FULL RANGE OF TRADITIONAL PINE FURNITURE Also old pine restored in our own workshops and a fine selection of old lace, china and costume jewellery. Quality & Personal Service at

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Classes limited to 25 Tel: Kate on 873497 (eves) or Bernadette (0865)864182 to reserve a step

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Cakes for comic relief Children at Windmill Primary School celebrated Comic Relief Day by buying hundreds of decorated cup cakes made by parents. £76 was raised for the cause.

Pictured having difficulty eating cherry topped cup cakes with a tomato on their faces,from left,Melanie Gau!t,Melissa Bowles, Laura Browne, Rebecca Sell,Jason Johnson, Sarah Browne, Emma Trussell, Sara Green, Lee Meredith, Christina Blackm ore, Leigh Stone, Andrew Spibey

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Freshbrook Village Centre Tel: 873217 Now that Spring is in the air, ADD some colour to your hair. Subtle or Bright, you'll look just right. Whether its morning, noon or night. So come on in, have some fun. There are plenty of colours to suit everyone. SO, FOR APRIL ONLY, try a Dia-colour by L'Oreal, for only £2.50 when you have any cutting or chemical treatment Times of opening:Tues, Wed 900am - 600pm Thurs 900am - 800pm Fri 900am - 700pm Sat 830am - 130pm !J

A team of brainy youngsters from Freshbrook School have proved they're the brightest in the area. Emma Pickett, Paul Wylie, Kirsty Telling and James Noble were chosen after in-class practice sessions to represent their school at a general knowledge quiz night run by Wootton Bassett Round Table for invited primary schools in March. After 12 tough rounds lasting one and a half hours, the decision rested on a tie-break question and Freshbrook brainpower came out winners. The youngsters won individual prizes and the school received a shield and £40 worth of book tokens.

Players & marchers needed for summer shows

COME SKATING on our 1 0.00am - 12.00 noon session on weekdays during the Easter Holidays and we'll give you a voucher enabling a friend to come FREE

"TWO FOR THE PRICE OF ONE" Each voucher is to be used on the 2.00pm - 4.00pm Disco Session the same day )N.B. Normal prices apply) 44

LINK

CENTRE

Recreation Services BOROUGH OF THAMESDOWN

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GWR Drum Majorettes are looking for new members. They particularly need a bell-lyre playerand 4 girls for marching. They meet at Greendown School on Thursdays, 6pm -730pm and have just started practising new routines for the coming summer when they will be putting on displays at shows and theme parks. A new uniform has been designed and this will be supplied free of charge. Any girls aged 7 or older who would like to find out more about the GWR Drum Majorettes should phone Cohn Parfett on 870996.

Easter Bonanza Sunday 28 March, 2pm Freshbrook Community Centre Jumble, Bric-a-Brac, Cake stalls Refreshments. Entrance 20p

Indoor Boor Market Sunday 4 April 9am - 12 noon. Tables £5 Freshbrook Community Centre To book, tel. 871017 or 872450

Jumble Sale Saturday 24 April, 2pm Freshbrook Community Centre Admission 20p Donations welcome..tel 872450

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The children of Westlea donned fancy dress on comic relief day and raised Q49.20. There were a variety of fund raising events taking place in the school including football and netball matches and bowling. Home-made cakes and biscuits were sold and the children made a joke book, donating 5p for every joke included. The resulting joke books were then sold.

Westlea Playgroup news The sponsored obstacle event which The Mini-Market held on 3 March took place at the George and Ann raised ÂŁ56 which has been used to Tweed room on 24 and 25 February buy new wooden jigsaw puzzles raised jC2OO for charity, which are made locally.

The playgroup held its sports day on 17 March. Some parents who were included in the fun were, from left to right, Judith Mumford, Stephan Farringdon, Sarah Morris, Jennifer Paul, Julie Chamberlain with Samuel, David Paul and Annette Banham, with children in front Kathyrn and Christiaan Paul

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Westlea After School Club AGM Westlea After School Club will be holding its Annual General Meeting in the Sunshine Room, Westlea School on Thursday 6 May at 7pm. The speaker will be Sue Tucker from the Charities Trust Information Bureau. Refreshments and a creche will be provided. All welcome.

Dangerous Street games Sheila Mitchell calls for play areas safer With better weather and lighter evenings now with us, children are once again able to get outinto the fresh air to play. However, many children do not play in the play parks in the area, nor do they play in their own gardens. Instead, many play their games of football, street hockey or cricket in the read, something which is both dangerous and potentially irritating to the other residents. Seven years ago when Westlea Park was being developed the tiny shrubs and trees which wereplanted did not obscure the play areas from view but now that the plants and trees have matured many of the play areas are completely obscured thus making them potentially unsafe areas in which to play. There was at least one incident during last sumrnerwhen the police advised the children playing in the park to return home following a report of a man watching them. Parents are therefore reluctant to allow their children to play unsupervised and with the ever present fear of abduction, many obviously feel that they would rather let them play in the read outside their houses

where they can be watched more easily. This practice, however, is extremelydangereus and often causes annoyance to other residents. Children run the risk of being injured by motorists and also of causing damage to other people's property. The police admit the situation is a difficult one and whilst they have some sympathy with the anxieties of parents, they can also understand the feelings of those residents whose lives are made a misery by the continuous noise engendered by ball games, which sometimes continues for several hours, plus the ever present fear of damage to gardens, can and windows. The police do point out that any damage caused by such games constitutes 'criminal damage' for which the parents would be responsible for any compensation. Maybe, it is time that the relevant council department looked again at the play parks to see if they could be made more 'environmentally friendly' to children so that they could play safely thus keeping them away from the roads.

SHAW 4

West Swindon people are invited to attend a public meeting to discuss the redevelopment of Shaw Refuse Tip off Mead Way into an urban parkland F0KEST FOR THE

(l)M4tNlTY

Tuesday 20 April, 7.30pm Brook Field School Cartwright Drive, Shaw

Leisure Services

BOROUGH OF THAMESDOWN

New park planned for Shaw tip An ambitious plan to turn the Shaw tip into Swindon's largest area of urban woodland wilibe discussed at a public meeting in West Swindon on Tuesday 20 April. The scheme, which will take over stable condition. "There is still land tenyears tocomplete, is a pint project settlement taking place and tests between Thamesdown Council and over the last few years has shown Wiltshire County Council. low levels of methane gas being creThe tip was used from the early ated. The proposed project includes 1970s until 1988 and covers 105 acres. an extensive system of gas vents The project forms a part of the and drainage. Thamesdown Community Forest "Earth spoiland top soil will have and will be a major feature in the to be brought in to improve the conRiver Ray Parkway which links dition of the tip for tree planting and Mouldon Hill Park near Spa rcells to this will come from the road and Coate Country Park on the other housing development of Swindon's northern sector. The developers will side of Swindon. Around 50,000 trees will be pay for the opportunity to dump planted in phases starting at the their spoil. In this way we will be southern end by the Renault build- able to finance the planting and at ing, and after landscaping work at the same time prevent a green field the northern end, next to Sparcells. site elsewhere from being damThe new park will incorporate foot- aged." The public meeting to discuss the paths, cycle tracks, informal kickabout spaces and an arena for outline plans and ideas for restoring Shaw tip takes place at Brook Field large events. Matthew Hawkins, Landscape School on 20 April, 730pm. All Architect with the Community For- interested readers are invited to atest team, said the tip was in a very tend and find out more.

QUALITY KITCHENS AT COMPETITIVE PRICES Design, Supply & Installation Worktop mitreing service available

Spring Fair Saturday 24 April, 2pm George Tweed Gardens, Pilgrim Close, Shaw in aid of residents funds - cakes, toys, nearly new clothes & shoes, raffle, white elephant, refreshments. Ad lop

Skateboard dangers A householder from Angus Close, Ramleaze has asked us to publicise the dangers to children playing on the steep road. There have been a few nearmisses with cars coming round a blind corner as skateboarders use the road and pavement as a downhill route. Parents are asked to check-out what their children are doing outside and take particular careof where they are playing.

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KITCHEN FITTER Tel: (0793) 870790 for a professional service

In April there's a talk and slide son sponsoring a child in Thailand. It should be very interesting. If you'd like to come along please do so. You don't have to live in Shaw to join us. We'll be meeting on Monday 19 April at 730pm in the Sunshine Room, Westlea School. We'll be holdingan Open Evening on Monday 10 May - more about that in the next edition, so watch this space! For further information please call Kay Twyman on 871614.

Aiies

Associates

MORTGAGE & INSURANCE SERVICES "Mansfield Begbie Associates represents only Cornhill Insurance PLC for life assurance and pension business. Cornhill PLC is a Member of Lautro." REMEMBER: YOUR HOME IS AT RISK IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR OTHER LOAN SECURED ON IT.

HEALTH MATTERS

Carers - who are they?

Healthy response Having read the article on the 'Health Matters' page entitled When were you last asked your views on local health services' a group of wives got together in Moresby Close during the second week of March for an informal chat with Anne Naji from the Consumer Involvement Project. Many issues relating to healthcare and the projected health needs of thearea werediscussed. Anne made a note of everyones' views including comments about the current services on offer, requirements for the future and fears and anxieties regarding the way the National Health Service is functioning.

The Cambridge Diet - the nutritious way to lose weight Great news! Four new flavours for you to enjoy - Butterscotch, Chocolate Mint, Asparagus and Chicken and Mushroom - plus we've improved on all the old favourites. Contact your Counsellor to try them today Telephone Rebecca Clifforde (Westlea) on 873201

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The afternoon was very enlightening for all those present. Anne Naji and her colleague, Sue Webber are planning to interview a variety of groups and individuals in West Swindon during the two year life time of the project. The information they receive will enable the Swindon Health Authority to know what services are required. Anyone interested in becoming involved in this project should contact either Sue or Anne on 420555 ext. 2124

Volunteers Wanted for work, rest or play on the Paediatric Unit at Princess Margaret Hospital If you enjoy children and have time toofferanythingfromcuddling fractious babies to amusing bored teenagers, we would like to hear from you. Please write to the address provided with details of your experience, skills or interests that seem appropriate. Please do not ring. All applicants will be subject to a police check in the interests of child protection. Address: do Sr Juliet Chambers Paediatric Unit, PMH Okus Road, Swindon

SKIN CAmE CONSULTANTS NIii) FOR NEw Coivipi'w No experience necessary. Full training given. Part/Full time. Excellent package including company car scheme. For an Interview, telephone (0793) 825239

VISITING CHIROPODIST Dianne C Howard M.SSCH.,M.B.CH.A

Telephone 0793 - 850089 UNIVERSAL CorouR WRAP

ernment's acknowledgement that carers provide the bulk of community care, it is essential that carers get the recognition and appropriate help and support to perform their various and vital roles. Help and advice can be obtained from various outlets. The following addresses and telephone numbers may be useful for carers. Social Services, Clarence Street, Swindon. Tel: 531131 For information and advice to carers Health Matters, 47a Fleet Street, Swindon. Tel: 618558 Age Concern Thamesdown Corers Group, 14 Milton Road, Swindon Tel: 692166 Community Nursing Service, West SwindonHealth Centre, next to Link Centre Tel: 877233 (9am-5pm) Receptionists will put you in contact with a District Nurse. An alternative is via your GP.

Theatre Preview for Kids at PMH Paediatric Unit The Paediatric Unit at Princess Margaret Hospital would like to advertise the 'Saturday Club' where children coming into hospital can visit prior to their admission. This monthly venture starts at lOamin the Outpatient Department Playroom. Liz Slater, the hospital Play Specialist, encourages the children to settle in by providing games and toys to amuse them. Family members are welcome to attend with a child; a nurse is on hand to answer general questions. When everyone has arrived, they are taken on a tour of the hospital, especially the areas where children are likely to be treated. SisterChambers, Senior Nurse for Paediatrics explained, "Most children are admitted for surgery, so familiarising both the child and parents helps to prevent anxiety about their stay." The tour takes them along the routes to and from theatre with Liz or a nurse explaining and answering questions as they go.

David Dance, 8,from Grange Park could not attend the Saturday Club as hewas rushed into hospital on 11 March to have his appendix removed. He is pictured with his dad Glenn

Once in theatre, children can dress up in surgical gowns and inspect the anaesthetic equipment. Everyone returns to the playroom for a drink and final chat before leaving. The whole event takes aboutan hour. Anyone interested in attending the Saturday Club or wishing to know more (even those not planning to be admitted) should ring 426352 during weekday mornings to speak to Maxine, the Ward Clerk.

We urgently require 1, 2,.and 3 bed houses and flats in this area for private lets For details. of our letting and full management service phone:

As seen on BBC 1, TV-AM and in the Daily Mail, The Sun and Woman magazine. You could trim at least 6in off your figure with the Universal Contour Wrap. Highest reported inch loss to date is 36in. Also sunbeds available

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The Contour Clinic 22 Bath Road Old Town, Swindon Tel: (0793) 491601

5 Qf.FJILAP

They are people who look after a person or persons requiring help because of disability, illness, confusion or the effects of old age. A carer is a relative, friend or neighbour. A carer doesn't necessarily have to live with the person they care for but must have a regular commitment to help in some way. In 1991 it was estimated that there were 6 million carers in Britain, the majority women and 42% over retirement age. It is vital that this 'hidden army' of people who do such an essential job receive support in their work. Statutory services must be aware of carers needs and carers must feel able to ask for help. Receiving help mayallow thecarertocareforlonger without adverse effects on theirown health and well being. With the full implementation of the community care aspects of the NHSandCommunityCareAct 1990, introduced this April, and the Coy-

. Landlords

THE

รง

Louise Tilney, District Nurse at the West Swindon Health Centre writes

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT -

Swindon (0793) 432944

RECREATION

Make it an Active Easter at the Link Centre Spring is Sprung, Easter is on its way way and the Link Centre is just bursting with activities for everyone.

On Saturday 10 April, there's the Holiday Monday an specially exFrom Monday 5 April to Thursday 8 Cool Kids Easter party, lOam - 12 tended afternoon session from 2pm April and Tuesday 13 April-Thurs- noon. Meet Easter Bunny and enter - 5pm, should give you as much time day 15 April, Lincoln will be invit- the Easter Fancy Dress Parade. on the ice as you can handle. For further details on any of the ing all his friends between the ages Prizes for the best costume- loads of above, contact LmkCentre Main Reof 5-7 and 8-12 years to his Holiday fun. Camp from 930am to 3.30pm each And as if that's not all, on Bank ception, tel: 871212. day for a fantastic fun filled time. Places on camp are strictly limYoung footballers wanted ited. Register in advance. Cost: AFC Greendown are looking for us league teams in September. £5.20 per day, (1.50 Gold Card). Trials for potential new players boys aged eight to eleven interested In the Swim in playing for the team which is takes place on Thursday 29 April, During the holiday the Pxeestyle' based at Greendown School. 530pm, at Greendown. session is available to everyone from Boys should be over 8 and under The friendly club,guidedbyqualilOam - 11am each day, excluding fied coach Gary Williams, is having 11 on 31 July 1993. Just come along, Wednesdays. Floats, rafts, games good success in its league and will or contact Gary on 873664 or Doug and watersports, anything goes be entering for under lOs and under on 874985. (within reason) in this supervised fun session. Under 8's must be acHeading for the top companied by an adult. Improve your swimming tech- AWestSwindon football teamcould So far their record is 21 games won, nique or learn how to swim at the win its league with an unbeaten I drawn, l62 goals forand23against. Team manager Ron Sproule said Link Centre swim school, Beginners record. Saturday 3 April is a crucial game the boys had done really well and 9am - 9.30am, Improvers 930am lOam, for six sessions througout the for WestSide United under 12s when worked hard for each other. Anybody who would like to supEaster holiday. Book in advance. they play their final game against Cost: £10.80. Minimum age 5 years. second in theleagueHathaway from port their local side in the crucial ga me on 3 April will be welcomed at Stratton St Margaret. On the Ice West Side, based at Greendown Greendown, kick-off 10.30am. Come skating on our special Easter Next season WestSideUnited will skate, lOam - 12 noon on weekdays School, are the only team with a during the holidays and you'll get a clean sheet in the Swindon & Dis- be running four teams covering unvoucher entitling a friend to join trict under 12s league and will win it der us to under 14s. Players who you for FREE on the 2pm - 4pm outright if they win the match. If would like to know more about the session the same day. That means they lose, they'll have to play club should call Jane Sproule on Hathaway again in a league decider. 875400. two for the price of one. Easter Holiday Camp

Tuesdays 730pm. 830pm Exercise to Music Total Body Conditioning: Warm Up Aerobics, Stretch, Floorwork, Cool Down. Suitable for Intermediates.

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• Up to date dietary advice • Weight monitoring • Light exercise • Lots of encouragement & motivation (No embarressing calorie counting, no expensive food supplements, no appetite suppressants, no medication) Join the club, take the honest route to losing weight and feeling fit

AND THERE'S FREE CHILD CARE

Tuesday 10.30am - 11.30am Upper Shaw Farm, Ridge Green, Shaw LL

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Redlands Airfield Lower Wanborough Swindon Tel: (0793) 790052

GET FIT CLASSES

ILL

Lessons and Gift Vouchers available

IF mW" MSS FI LL0

- THE BODIES BY DESIGN CLUB

Learn to Fly with M4 Microlights

Friday 10.30am - 11.30am Freshbrook Community Centre Only £3.50 per session

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Wednesdays 7.30pm-8.30pm Absolute Beginners Designed for those people who have not exercised for some

time and need a gentle re-introduction. Suitable for men and women of all ages and abilities. Fridays 6.30pm-7.30pm The 'Thank God Its Friday' Workout Get fresh for the weekend with exercise to music designed to stretch that stressed body

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Sundays 7.30pm-8.30pm Exercise to Music Total Body Conditioning: Warm up, Aerobics, Stretch, Cool Down. Suitable for Intermediates. Everyone Welcome. ALL CLASSES HELD IN THE GYM GREENDOWN SCHOOL . STILL ONLY £2.50

-4

NO MEMBERSHIP, JUSTPAY ON THE DAY FREE RAFFLE AT THE END OF EACH MONTH

Sundays 11am & 12noon EXERCISE TO MUSIC AT THE DEVERE HOTEL, SHAW RIDGE Take a weekend break with some light exercise and a good stretch. Limited spaces. £3 per class. Use of pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room £2.50. Booking essential on 878785.

-I

Personal Training for Individuals. Corporate Clients a speciality -4

TEL: 1 4:: -684928 or 0831 -098273 FOR DETAILS

AT YOUR LIBRARY

ROBERT JACK A.L.C.M. Classical Guitar Tuition All ages welcome Graded exams encouraged

Tel: 782955/514055 Repairs and tuning by qualified engineers from fully equipped Mobile Workshops at your home or place of work

MOBILE VEHICLE SERVICING

Phone Dave Powell Mobile 0860 453329. Swindon 612930 SERVICE OR REPAIR ANYWHERE

Traw erman family fish

• [restaurants & take-aways

Open Monday - Saturday 1 1.3Oam - 2pm 4.30pm - 11 pm Car Park A West Swindon Centre

Numbers are dropping What are we doing wrong?' asks Librarian Christine Owen

Despite all my efforts at promoting the library in this article and elsewhere, our figures for the number of people using the library and the number of books being borrowed continues to fall. You may remember that I mentioned this in an article earlier this year. Since then we have had a busy spell but now we are quiet again. We have a number of theories about why this should be. What do you think? You are the people for whom we provide the service; why do you use the library or why do you not use the library? What sort of books do you want to see? What are we doing wrong? Libraries are a County Council service and as everyone is talking about education, social services and so on, we should be also talking about the libraries. Lets get some discussion going in Swindon. Let us know what you think.

Childrens Books - new stocks

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from April. The reference library in Swindon willcontinue to have some magazines, but at WestSwindon we will have one daily national paper and the Advertiser. The other changes concern library charges. First the bad news, from 1 April request charges will be 70p; still a lot cheaper than buying a book. Requests for children's books are still free. The good news is for those of you who forget to bring your books back on time the maximum charge you will pay after 1 April will be £3, a £2 reduction. We hope this reduction will encourage people who have very overdue books to bring them back. Our main concern is always to get books returned and available for other people to use.

Unattended children We recently had a very worrying incident in the library when two little girls aged about seven and three were left unattended. The library staff only becameaware of this when the younger girl was found wonderingalonein the Link Centre foyer and brought in by a man. In the light of recent horrific incidents elsewhere Iwas amazed tha t children were left alone like this. I must stress that staff cannot be expected to look after children left in the library which is, after all, a public place used by all sorts of people. We have never had an incident of a child being taken from the library, and I hope we never do, but please for your child's sake, don't leave themhere unsupervised.

If you bring young children to the library you will have noticed a shortage of picture books. Before Christmas we had so many we had to put some into the store. I took the opportunity to weed out a lot of the tatty books. Consequently when we were busy after Christmas all the books went out and by half term the children's den was empty! This problem has now been solved, for a while at least; a large number of new books have now come into stock and I am going to buy more in the next few days. You should see an improvement in the whole junior Exhibition section in the near future. If you visit West Swindon Library in April you may find yourself Cutbacks watching an artist painting pictures As you are probably aware the or someone doing embroidery or County Council has had to make pottery. some cuts recently to balance the The display is being organised by books. The library service has not the The Hodgson Gallery from had to make drastic cuts but you Cheney Manor and features the will notice some changes. Perhaps work of a number of artists, some of he main one will be that the major- whom will be demonstrating their .ty of libraries in the county will no skills. longer be buying any magazines Do come in and take a look.

Visit a Sheep Farm on your doorstep 'Lamb feeding 'Sheep & Goat feeding 'Pets corner - Ducks, Hens, Donkeys, Pony, Calves, Pigmy Goat lL 'Picnic & play area 'Maze .Giff shop Open during March and April only WeCI

Call Brian Smith

SWINDON 824419 87a Ermin Street, Stratton St. Margaret Swindon.

Open Thursday to Monday 230pm - 530pm Party bookings any day (discounts offered) Southleaze Sheep & Goat Farm (turn right off Telford Way, behind Texas DIY off Great Western Way) Tel: 523134

Texas DIV

Seuthleaze Farm

tc~j GREEN TENDENCIES Why can't we return and reuse? Anne Billingham, Thamesdown Council's Recycling Officer, says we should go back to reusing containers like we used to

Without belittling the environmental benefit of recycling, it is easy to feel that the problems of waste is ended by putting a bottle in a bottle bank. But what we should, as a nation, be thinking about is refilling and reusing containers a practice largely abandoned in the 70s and 80s. The UK is at the bottom of the European league table for the use of returnable bottles. Compare the percentage of drinks sold in returnable containers. Fizzy Beer Bottled Water Drinks Denmark 100% 99.4% 85% 19% 23.3% 0% UK If the Danes can have systems to reuse such a high proportion of glass containers, why can't we? A 1990 Dutch study found that the impact of using a I trip carton caused about three times more pollution than using a 20 trip returnable glass bottle to deliver 1,000 litres of milk. A study for Gateway Supermarkets compared packaging materials according to their environmental -

performance with regard to energy and raw materials used in production, the recycling potential and pollution potential found that glass is the least environmentally damaging packaging medium. Plastic scored very badly because they are made of oil of which there is some 45 years supply remaining; extraction of the raw materials is polluting; very few packinging plastics are recycled and waste disposal of plastics presents big problems. AEuropeanCommissiondraftdi rective suggests targets for reusing and recycling packaging. The ingenuity of the packaging designer will be fully stretched and industry is likely to find that reducing packaging and making it more easily recyclable, orpreferably reusable, is likely to save money. But new laws take time to be introduced and until manufacturers are forced to comply, the incentive to encourage them is with consumers to avoid and reduce waste, and even start demanding that containers should be reused.

Looking for green shoots The gardening season is gathering pace and it's time to scout around garden centres for interesting plants to fill those beds and borders. Alan and Valerie Trotman at Haydon Wick's Grange Farm Nurseries are well known for their friendly and knowledgeable service and their vast range of shrubs, tis, perenials and bedding plants This year they have expanded theirvarietyof hangingbasket plants and have introduced a new shrub rose, old fashioned in appearance and scent but continuous in flower. Perennials and bedding plants are allgrownon site, so you know you're Alan and Valerie Trotman with their buying genuine home grown items. trainee Diane Raymond The Centre now also stocks Arbor sheds, a range of teak and rustic furniture and of course patios containers, pots and lots more. If you're looking for quality, visit Grange Farm Nurseries.

Giant Car Boot Sale at the West Side Junior FC Greendown School Football Fun Day Saturday 22 May Boots £5 before, £6 on the day To book, tel: Jane Sproule on 875400 -

HOMROVEQ 6 DOMESTIC CLEANING SWV10E Does your home need a little care and attention? From a once-a-year spring clean to regular domestic help, Homelovers has the answer. All aspects of domestic help are covered by this service ironing, oven cleaning, etc. -

Our Swindon rate is £4.50 per hour (Plus VAT)

Call Les Daniels on 727926. GE

GARDEN CENTRE

S E'

Not just a Garden Centre more a gardeners' paradise

COOKS T.V& VIDEO REPAIR SERVICE

where you can buy buy unusual and hard to find varieties of Fruit Trees, Bedding Plants, Herbaceous Perennials, Geraniums, Fuschias, Roses, Hanging Baskets, Trees, Shrubs, Alpines, Heathers and Conifers and get expert advice from the people who grow them

Grange Farm Nurseries Haydon End Lane Entrance off Lady Lane and Westfield Way, Haydon Wick

FREE Home Estimates Repairs by Qualified Engineers. Sales & Rentals All Work Guaranteed Tel: Swindon

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JVIIR EUStM1% BY ADVERTISING IN THE PUBLICATION MOST WEST SWINDON PEOPLE READ

Tel: 872282

Holy Week Church Services in West Swindon Sunday 4 April (Palm Sunday) s1

CARLTON

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Holy Trinity, Shaw Centre 10.30am Family Service; 730pm Parish Praise Monday 5 April

REFRIGERATION

SERVICE REPAIRS TO ALL MAKES OF FRIDGES FREEZERS LEC APPROVED SERVICE ALL WORK GUARANTEED

Toothill Church 7.30pm Devotional Service Tuesday 6 April

St Mary's, Lydiard Tregoze 730pm Devotional Service

TEL: (0793) 512550

Thursday 8 April Maundy Thursday

Holy Trinity, Shaw 730pm Service of Holy Communion Friday 9 April Good Friday

Toothill Church 1045pm Family Service St Mary's Lydiard Tregoze 10.30am Family Service St Mary's Lydiard Tregoze 2pm - 3pm Last hour at the Cross

HANDMADE FIREPLACES IN BRICK OR STONE

Sunday 11 April, Easter Day

St Mary's Lydiard Tregoze 5am Sunrise Service Lydiard Millicent 8am Holy Communion; 1030am Holy Communion; 630pm Easter Praise St Mary's, Lydiard Tregoze 1030am Holy Communion; 630pm Easter Praise Holy Trinity, Shaw 1030am Holy Communion; 630pm Easter Praise Toothill 1045am Holy Communion Westlea I Dam Holy Communion St Peter's RC Church: Contact Father Tom Kelly on 874400 for services Freshbrook Evangelical Church: Tel: 873050

Profesionally built to your exact requirements. Free design service. Tel: Swindon 535291

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it 'J14.

New & Nearly New Quality Clothing 59 North St., Old Town, Swindon (off Eastcott Road) Tel: 695223. Prop: Connie Croker (Open: Mon - Sat lOam - 5pm. Closed Wednesday)

Good guiding thoughts Ann Hutchinson, District Guide Commissioner writes:

On Sunday 21 February Rainbows, hands'. Brownies led prayers focusBrownies and Guides from all over ing on the five continents, and West Swindon packed into Lydiard Guides read a dramatised reading Tregoze Church for a Thinking Day of the Good Samaritan. The service was led by Rev. Rob service. Colours of all Brownie and Burles and also saw the launch of Guide units were paraded. Thinking Day (always 22 Febru- the new pack, 1st Lydiard Tregoze ary) brings together members of the Brownies. If anyone is interested in working Guiding movement think of other members worldwide. This was evi- with girls aged 5-15 years in Raindentin the service as Rainbows sang bows, Brownies or Guides, give me 'He's got the whole world in his a ring on 643427

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Wearing it again A boutique for second-hand clothes started by Connie Croker of Shaw has gone so well that she has expanded into the shop next door."I didn't have any experience in business but I've always been a bargain hunter," said Connie. Wear It Well sells women's clothing, accessories, baby's and children's wear and also men's clothing on a 50 - 50 basis. Suits, top coats, dresses, ball gowns and wedding

RESIDENTIAL LETTING AGENTS

Bishop Edgington PROPERTY MANAGERS

EST. 1882, (opposite Swindon Town Hall). Tel: 536552

swing Into summer

With golf in Tharnesdowfl Mini golf to championship 18 hole Brcourses oome Manor Dolt Complex

flLU L1L iIULL L L Iii lLY Chill out this summer, skate on down to the Link Centre Ice Rink

WITH THAMESDOWN RECREATION SERVICES

Link Centre

'a'

0793 871212

-a 0793 532403

The Vl(imace

Aqua Experience

Dare to ride down The Slack Hole, Other attractions include lagoo n pool, Waves and Wate Oasis LeisureCentre

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Whilst the kids have a splashing good time in The Rec's outdoor heated pool

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For Times, Prices & Further Details, Please Contact Individual Sites.

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0793 762602

Recreation Services BOROUGH OF WW THAMESDOWN AW

Connie Croker at Wear It Well

dresses in very good condition are for sale. Connie puts great stress on the quality of the clothes she takes in; they must be immaculate and freshly laundered. Wedding dresses and ball gowns are also available on a for hire basis. Wear It Well has changing moms available, a small play area and toilets for use by customers. The nearest car park can be found in Prospect Place, next to BBC Wiltshire Sound. Drop in to find a quality bargain To make an appointment to sell items, telephone Connie Croker on 695223, Monday to Saturday lOam to 5pm.

DUNCAN SELF DRIVE HIRE Vehicles for Hire at Competitive Rates Vans. Lutons. Estates Cars Mini Bus 272 Ermin Street Stratton St. Margaret Swindon

THE LINK MAGAZINE'S GUIDE TO WHAT'S ON IN AND AROUND SWINDON

7 Oscar nominations in one day at MGM On Monday 29 March when Hollywood follows the British Film and Television Awards by bestowing its beloved Oscars, the MGM will be showing seven Oscar-nominated films. The films are Unforgiven,

Music scene in west

Tel: 822193

The Crying Game, Howard's End, A Few Good Men, Chaplin, The Player and Scent of a Woman. They will be showing all day on the 29th, although Scent of a Woman will be showing through 1 April.

Open Daily 9am - 6 pm Sundays 9am - lOam

Scent of a Woman

West Swindon is becoming a centre Will Scent of a Woman be seven times lucky forAl Pacino, who has failed for live music thanks to the efforts of to win an Oscar award in six previous attempts asks Lisa Clarke Pacino plays a great part in this Andy Cotton from Middleleaze. If he doesn't, he can at least Over the next few months he has console himself with the thought enjoyable, but fairly shallow film. organised concerts which suit awide that he did everything but die in the The plot is two parts Rain Man to range of tastes at the Link Centre. attempt. And he nearly did that too one part Dead Poets Society. PrepComing up soon at the Link in his role at Lt Colonel Frank Slade, school outsider Charlie Simms Centre on 31 March are The an alcoholic, suicidal army veteran, (Chris O'Donnell) is given lessons Commitments featuring Rob Strong blinded in the war and out to enjoy in life by grumpy older man with a and stars from the powerful soul one last weekend in the big city disability. Chris struggles to keep his head above water as the before killing himself. music film based in Dublin. On 30 April, Ultravox founder Such is Pacino's dedication to heavyweightthespian sweeps over Midge Ure plays the Link followed 'method acting' that he decided to him, but his very understatement on 1 May by a complete change of really behave as if he were blind has a quiet credibility. At 2 hours 36 minutes, the film tune when the Glenn Miller sound and had no desire to live anymore. comesto the Link underthe direction At one point, he stepped straight goes on much too long, but the of his nephew John Miller. It'll be an out into six lanes of traffic on a New reason to go and see it is to see evening of music, singing, dancing York street, wandering across while Pacino having the time of his life playing a bloke who would be an and nostalgia for those who want to cars screeched to a halt. Pacino is not the only one up for unbearable relative in real life. get In the Mood'. ELO and 10cc are also booked an award for the film. It's also been for May and June, so there's a lotto nominated by Hollywood for best picture, best director and best 2nd Splitting Heirs (12) Outrageous look forward to. adapted screenplay. comedy starring Eric Idle, abanBut why exactly is the film called doned as a baby who discovers he 'Scent of a Woman' when there are is the heir to a vast fortune and a almost none to be seen? The title, dukedom as an adult. With Rick NigbtcIub, Shaw a translation of Profumo di Donna, Moranis and Catherine Zeta Jones. Wednesda a 1974 Italian film on which this is Jungle Book (U) First released loosely based, refers to Slade's in 1967, this was the last animated Two tickets for over Hannibal Lecter-like ability to feature personally produced by Walt Who lastad h a hit identify women by their soaps, Disney. Mowgli, Baloo and King with Baker Street? perfumes and lotions. One who he Louie still remains one of Disney's swers by 17 April to seduces into a tango in a New York best loved features. e Dore tea room has a 'nice soap and Mr Nanny (PG) A professional n 0 water feeling'. wrestler (Hulk Hogan) as a nanny

3oldu: yn4

CINEMAS SATURDAY MORNING MOVIES FOR KIDS AT THE MGM

April at the MGM

3 April BIG (PG) I.

10 April Beethovan (U) 17 April

9th Leap of Faith (PG) Steve Martin as an evangelical preacher who cons money from his followers by selling hope during hard times.

Freddie FR07 (U)

16th Body of Evidence (18) A steamy new thriller starring Madonna and William Dafoe

1t\ S F R

CriFil is,SIiIè, Ptqrh$, transfer your ciné film, slides & photos onto video, please contact

Vide ePics (0793) 513305 (24 hours) Also USA/UK Format Conversions

23rd Sommersby (12) Jack Sommersby brings dramatic changes to his hometown when he emerges from the wilderness after a 7 year absence. Richard Gere and Jodie Foster. 30th Alive (15) Based on true story about survivors of an airliner crash in the high Andes who resort to cannibalism to stay alive before their rescue.

24 April Back to the Future III (PG) r Saturdays lOam Tickets: £1.70 MGM Shaw Ridge West Swindon

The Swindon Wide

Friday 2 April Music Swindon Jazz Front Ancestral Rhythms. Link Centre 8pm. £5, £4 members/conc Saturday 3 April Market Easter Craft Market. Wyvern lOam - 4pm. Free Egg Decorating Workshop Make yourown Faberge egg. Community Garden Centre, Moredon. lOam 2pm. £5. Exhibition Opening of St John Style. The clothing of Swindon's former aristocratic family. Lydiard Mansion. See 22 April for talk.

W.E'S'T S'W'I•N'D'O'N C•E'N•T•R'E

YOU COULD WIN AN EASTER EGGY have a ride in a swing boat and do your Easter shopping - all at the same time

RIK

Viicn Wednesday 7. Sat 10 April Children's Drama Erik The Viking. An adaptation of Terry Jones' book. Wyvern. Wed 7pm, Thurs & Fri 2pm & 7pm, Sat 1 0.3Oam, 230pm & 7pm. Adults from £6.50, children from £5.50

WHERE? AT THE WEST SWINDON CENTRE TEWKESBURY WAY

Tuesday 13 April Music The Syd Lawrence Orchestra. Wyvern, 730pm. £10.50 Wednesday 14 April Comedy/Music Richard Digance (below) Wyvern, 7.30pm. £9.50

Thursday 15 April Chidren's Drama Henry's Cat and the Pirate Treasure (above). Wyvern, 11 .3Oam & 230pm. Adults £4.50, children £4 Music The Fortunes and The Rockin' Berries. Swingin' sixties special. Wyvern, 8pm. £9 Friday 16 April Music Bournemouth Sinfonietta, conductor/soloist Tamas Vasary. Mozart, Prokofiev, Robin Holloway, Shubert. Wyvern, 730pm. £1 1, £9, Young: £4 Saturday 17 April Market Thames Valley Record Fair. Wyvern lOam - 4pm. Free Exhibition Hornby Dinky Exhibition. Oasis 11am Music Swindon Male Voice Choir with special guests: West Midlands Police Pipe Band. Wyvem, 7.30pm. £5 Sunday 18 April Photography Take your camera around Lydiard Park with landscape photographer Carol Buttle and pick up some tips. 3pm-4pm. Wear strong shoes and waterproofs. Meet at Visitor Centre

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Tuesday 20 & Wednesday 21 April Dance English National Ballet presents 'A Stranger I Came' by Robert North, 'Swan Song' by Christopher Bruce Raymonda Act Ill by Frederic Franklin. Wyvern 8pm. £8.50 & £7.50

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April overview Thursday 22 April Dance The Cholmondeleys and The Featherston ehaughs present Precious.' Wyvern, 8pm. £6 & £5 Thursday 22 April Illustrated talk on the clothing and style of the St John family at Lydiard Mansion, 7.30pm 22 April - Saturday 24 April Music The Chippendales. Oasis, 8pm

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Live Music in West Swindon Wednesday 31 March Rob Strong and stars from The Commitments. Link Centre, doors open 715pm. £10

Sunday 25 April Great Swindon Pub Crawl Race & Team Quiz in aid of Prospect Hospice. Information from Phil Rashid on 513535 Tuesday 27 April

- Saturday 1 May

Children's Drama Postman Pat's Special Delivery. Wyvern. Tues, Thurs, Fri, 1 .3Opm & 5pm, Wed, 10.30am & 130pm, Sat, 1030am, 130pm & 5pm. Adults from £6.50, children from £5.50 Friday 30 April Music Gerry and Pacemakers, The Searchers, Billy J Kramer and the Coustiks. Oasis Leisure Centre 7.30pm

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Friday 23 April Music Stage Struck pays tribute to Vera Bennet. Music, dance and drama for all the family. Wyvern 7.30pm. £6 Saturday 24 April Comedy A Tale of Two Cities. Dickens like you've never seen him before courtesy of Micky O'Donoghue and the New Vic Players. Wyvern 8pm. £7.50

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CLEANING ENTERPRISES Friday 16 April A great night out with Chas & Dave and Joe Brown (above) with the Bruvvers. Charity concert in support of The Ricky Midwinter Trust and Swindon Business Cares. Link Centre, 8pm. £8.50 for concert seating, £14.50 for cabaret seating and a meal Wednesday 28 April Undercover, live on stage at Cairos Nightclub, Shaw Ridge. Tickets £4 advanced. £5 on the night. Friday 30 April Midge Ure (exUltravox and Band Aid organiser) Link Centre Saturday 1 May The Herb Miller Orchestra. Relive the Big Band sound of the Glenn Miller Orchestra. Link Centre Friday 14 May Electric Light Orchestrea. Link Centre Saturday 19 June 10cc Link Centre Tickets from the Link Centre or Andy Cotton on 882885

The Best Barn Dances in Swindon at The Dance House, Ellendune Centre, Wroughton Saturday 17 April - Feckless Saturday 15 May - Gas Mark 5 Tickets: £4.75. Conc. £3.50, Under 12s £1 Family ticket -2 adults and any number of children £13 Send cheques and SAE to The Dance House, 131 Goddard Avenue, Swindon

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Dim Sum Cookery

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COOKERY FOR MEN ONLY Mon 7-9 Greendown 6wks from 19 Api £15.60 FGG09N CHINESE COOKERY Tue 7-9 Greendown 10wks from 20 ApI £26 FGG99N EUROPEAN COOKERY Thur 7-9 Greendown 10wks from 22 ApI £26 FGG14N VEGETARIAN COOKERY Wed 7-9 Greendown 6wks from 21 Api £15.60 FGG25N

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HAIR BEAUTY & HEALTH ASSERTIVENESS FOR WOMEN Confidence Building Wed 7.30-9 Greendown 1 Owks from 21 Alp] £26 UGG48N ASSERTIVENESS TRAINING Thu 7-9 Greendown 8wks from 22 Api £26 UGG45N HYPNOSIS FOR RELAXATION: Stress Control Thu 7-9 Greendown 1 Owks from 22 ApI £26 PGG1 2N JUST FOR RELAXATION: Stress Control Mon 10.30-12 Health Hydro, Milton Rd 4wks from lOApi £10.40 PGG01N KEEPFIr, SPORTS & OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES LADIES KEEP FIT Tue 7.33-9 Even Swindon Sch, Rodheume 8wks from 21 ApI £15.60 KGV33N Thu 7.30-9 Bradon Forest Sch, Purton 1 Owks from 22 ApI £19.50 KGP1 2N TONE AND SHAPE UP Mon 6.30-8 Freshbrook Sch 1 Owks from 19 ApI £19.50 KGV22N

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This is

GRE ENDOWN A Newsletter from West Swindon's Local School â€˘ April 1993

Parent's make decision on Grant Maintained Status Following the result of the parents' ballot on Grant-Maintained Status, Greendown has moved out of the headlines. The Parents' Council, which organised the request for a vote, was pleased that Greendown parents had the opportunity to give their views on this issue. The closeness of the result showed that both staying with the Local Authority and seeking Grant Maintained Status had support from large numbers of parents. Greendown Governors and staff remain

PPartnerships

fully committed to serving the needs of West Swindon children of all talents and abilities. At this time of year, the GCSE examinations loom, and teachers and pupils are working hard for these, and for the new National Curriculum tests for fourteen year-old pupils in Year Nine. In March, the parents of Year Nine pupils have had the opportunity to attend information sessions on recent developments in the National Curriculum. Senior staff told parents about the changes being

made nationally, including the tests, and about the ways Greendown was responding to them. The Grant Maintained debate brought groups of parents together with Governors and teachers and that positive working relationship can help with other issues to develop the best in Greendown. The headlines have passed on to other schools in the area, but if the national and local profile of GMS remains high, Greendown may have to address the issue again in the future.

Support for students and staff

A new member of staff has Greendown places great imjoined the staff to work alongside portance on our good, and deteachers and students. veloping, relationships with our She is Linda Hibbert, 35, an partner primary schools. Mr Australian who is working for Tim Noble, one of the Senior Schools Outreach, a Christian Teachers, spends time in each based national charity which trains school working with pupils and and places Counsellors in schools staff to ensure that the work in to support children experiencing the classes in Year 7 at Green- Year 6 children from Oliver social difficulties and pressures, down builds upon what the Tomkins Junior School both in school and at home. pupils have already learnt. Linda arrives after a six month worked with Tim Noble on Tim Noble is also in charge of 'Explorations and Encountraining course which has covYear 7 at Greendown, and uses ters'. They are pictured in ered topics such as youth counthe Court of Isabella and his knowledge to ease the move selling techniques and the comFerdinand in 1492 from primary to secondary plexity of growing up. The school first applied for a counsellor in school. All West Swindon pupils have a taste of their new school 1990. in July, when they spend two 'induction' days there. Tim Noble "Not being tied to a timetable means that I can spend time with organises the programme for these days and works closely with youngsters and help them get to grips with whatever is troubling the form tutors. As he has already met the pupils in their primary them," said Linda. "It's about nurturing friendships, sharing the school, he can help them settle in quickly. We try to answer any concerns from parents and childen promptly so that they can get good and bad days and helping them see into the rhythm of work and enjoyment. the positive in a young person's life. My The National Curriculum is designed to give greater continuity role is to give them someone supportive to between what it calls Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3. In West talk to and to help them put things in Swindon, primary and secondary colleagues are already meeting perspective so that they can make sense of GREENDOWN to discuss the links between the two stages and to agree common school and home life if they are in con'This is Greendown' standards. flict." is published by Last year's meeting, which was hosted by Tim Noble and Linda comes to Greendown after travel- Greendown strongly supported by the LEA, was one of the first such meetings ling the world. She has a theology degree Community School in the country. The success of this 'cross-phase' work has and has been a youth worker in Australia; Grange Park Way encouraged the Department for Education to make such meetings she plays the guitar and likes riding motor- West Swindon part of the national pattern. This year's moderation, again at bikes. under contract with The Link magazine Greendown, is on 31st March.

This is Greendown â€˘ 2

Greendown take Galileo by storm!

Careers Year 11 students who are completing their examination courses are also completing the Greendown cycle of careers advice. They are attending interviews for college places and for apprenticeships and employment. At the same time, Year 10 students are just beginning the final year cycle. All Year 10 students are interviewed in the Summer Term by Mr Eric Bullion, the Coordinator of Career Education, and are given clear information about their current academic progress. Their ideas for possible careers are fed into the arrangements for the September Work Experience placement. In the past three years, all Greendown final year students have been on placements, which have been very successful (and were covered in October's edition of This is Greendown). Students are interviewed again in Year 11, by Mr Bullion and a local Careers Officer, and are given advice and assistance on alternatives for their future. This is linked to the programme of Personal and Social Education, where students learn interview skills and compose application letters. A full programme of outside speakers is organised, and the whole year group is taken to the Swindon Careers Fair. Recent visitors have included the Royal Air Force. The RAF visited on Thursday, 14th March, bringing their recruitment trailer. The exhibition in the trailer was open to all pupils. Visits to the exhibition were followed by a special careers presentation for pupils interested in an RAF career. The presentation was well attended, and pupils were given a balanced talk, weighing up the advantages and disadvantages, and outlining the various career possibilities. Pupils listened attentively and asked questions; they were very pleased by the amount they were able to learn.

Corporal Mark Lee from the RAF Careers Office describes what it lakes to become a pilot to Jonathan Stirk

Students Gareth Endicott and Shaun Hall report on their Young Enteiprisepmject On 28th January, Year 10 students from Greendown and two other Swindon schools attended a trade fair at the Windmill Hill based company, Galileo. The Trade Fair was supporting the Young Enterprise scheme. Young Enterprise provides mini-businesses with help and a starting point. Greendown was represented by two major companies, Greendown Integrated Services (G.I.S.) and Gifts Galore; and both did well. Gifts Galore offered a range of gift baskets and cards, whilst G.I.S. offered services including car washing. Here are a few words from Ian Pearce, managing Director of G.I.S.: "I feel that we were very successful at Galileo. We were pleased by the reaction we got from the people who worked there. All groups did well, especially the car valeters, who worked hard and got a very good and nice response from the people of Galiuieo." The Greendown students who are involved in the Young Enterprise scheme, which is a National Scheme to promote business skills and entrepreneurship amongst young people, have also taken the Young Enterprise examination. This is a public examination run by the Oxford Examining Board - and we are waiting for the results!

Displaying their work at Galileo, from left, Nicola Dowding, Stuart Emmett, Rebecca Thornton, Brendon Nolan, Abigail Wheeler, Ian Pearce and Tracey lach

School breaks new ground with RSA course Greendown now offers Year 11 students the opportunity to take the RSA skills course. This course is widely available in Colleges, but Greendown is one of very few schools to adopt the approach. The course is suitable for all students, and Greendown's group represents a wide spectrum of abilities. Students select skills appropriate to them from a list of 160 skills. Throughout the year, they collect evidence that they can achieve these skills in the different subjects on their timetable. The final certificate lists the skills that they have demonstrated.

The RSA course and its certficate is popular with employers because it tells them directly what a young person can do. it is a practical course, which rewards the initiative of the students. They take on the responsibility of deciding where they are demonstrating the skills they have chosen to develop and approach staff to organise the collection of evidence. Mr Andy Russell, who coordinates the group, has found that the students' responsibility and confidence has developed as the course has progressed.

Exciting Developments in Pre Vocational Education Greendown has responded to national developments in pre-vocational qualifications and is developing a course within the School of Personal Development. The course is coordinated by Eric Bullion and Steve O'Sullivan and is assisted by a group of adults from outside the school, including Dick Hellinga from Galileo and Richard James and Anyeia Bishop from the Nationwide Building Society.

This is Greendown • 3

Engineers and marketing experts give education a 'real world' flavour Greendown has strong links with local industry, and is helped by a group of Neighbourhood Engineers, from local busine.cses, including Haicrow Gilbert, Royal Mail, Redman Engineering and National Power. These Engineers helped Greendown win a £20,000 grant for the Technology Enhancement Project and to develop the Computer Control module which will be published nationally. The Engineers have organised a Design and Make Competition for the thirty girls and boys who attend Engineering Club. This meets every Friday afternoon, and one of the group comes into school to work with the pupils. The Neighbourhood Engineers are also involved in the module for Year 8 students, called 'Hands On Technology'. Members of the group have taken part in the curriculum work during the term and will then judge the results during the Technology Fair on the 21st April. Pupils will mount an exhibition of their finished work in which the work of all pupils will be inspected, with prizes for the best design. Year 9 students prepared an exhibition earlier this term for 'Design in the High Street', which was judged by local designers and a team from WHSmith. In awarding the prizes, the judges were very impressed with the quality of both the designing of the products and with the quality of the work in making them. The girls who were the overall winners had developed a product that would be at home in a Smith's store. Year 9 pupils have also received support from Sainsbury's who have provided food samples for work towards National Curriculum tests.

work 6d1e5 the at G bich rfl Sn11t desi° StudC' visited bead 0f the ageiY their Jayto plan QQjth Steve ifte

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Greendown School govern and Neigh

Steve Kane Judging the Design In the High Street work by year 9 student'

Gordon 7eer edging y at the Ifu an On, gy fair technology for Year 8

Paristrip develops language and cultural links Year 10 student Tim Sopp writes; In February this year, a small group of Y9 and YlO students and 3 teachers from Greendown School spent a week on a language trip in Paris. Our trip consisted of visits to famous landmarks, such as the Eiffel tower, the Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame. We also visited a cemetery where many famous people are buried, and took a boat trip down the river Seine. We also visited a large cathedral - Chartres - which had spectacular stained glass windows. While we were out on our visits we were able to practise our French by going into local shops and cafés to buy food and soft drinks. We discovered that we could communicate with the local people - which was quite an experience. Our relaxation time was spent in restaurants, going out on shopping trips, and we spent the last day in Paris on a treasure hunt. We also spent one evening having a good time at a leisure pool, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. To round off the trip we stopped at a hypermarket to spend the rest of our money. A good trip was had by all.

This is Greendown â€˘ 4

Good sports in Year 7 and 8 Mixed Hockey tournament Greendown held its first (of many) mixed hockey tournaments in March. There was a year seven and a year eight tournament with twelve teams entering in each. In the year seven tournament superb play by ChurchfIelds school led them to be the eventual winners after a well battled final against Ridgeway school. Greendown and Commonweal were the losing semi-finalists. In the year eight tournament Greendown school won their section easily

without conceding a goal. They met Commonweal in the final and although at full time the score was 0-0, Commonweal were the winners as they had won a penalty corner during the game. The losing semi-finalists were Commonweal B and St Josephs. Congratulations to all those that took part and especially the winners! Thank you to all those that played, helped and to all the parents that supported.

Come and Get Fit in the Health Suite Greendown continues to expand its community provision. The latest addition to the sports facilities is a new Health Suite. This is a fully equipped, well-balanced fitness room, with individual weights stations, jogging machine and step machine, the Air Resistance Climber. There is an ergometer, an exercise cycle which will monitor heart rate and breathing. All you need to come and get fit! These top class facilities are available at the very reasonable annual fee of ÂŁ75, which can be paid annually, quarterly or monthly by standing order. Membership is open to one hundred people, who will be key holders of the suite with 7 day a week access. Instruction in the use of the suite, available on request, is included. Over fifty people have already shown interest, and anyone wanting further information should contact Steve O'Sullivan at Greendown.

GREENDOWN Greendown is West Swindon's Community School catering for local families and a wide range community groups.

We always make visitors very welcome and are happy to give interested parents tours of the school. For more information please contact, Parents: Tim Noble Community use: Steve O'Sullivan Tel: (0793) 874224

Sports honours Trial for promising player for students Helen Stamford A special menand Emma tion must go to Kingstone (Year 8) year 8 student have both joined Emma Kingstone who was selected Swindon Hockey club and play for to attend a trial at their Colts team at the Centre of Ui6 level. Excellence in at Robin Sawyer, Taunton School on Ansar All and March 21st. Adam Vince have all played for Swindon. Gareth Pritchard has represented Wiltshire County at U13 level.

Outdoor pursuits and D of E Greendown has now an established outdoor pursuits course that test student ability to cope with the environment. In September we hope to expand the course by introducing the Bronze, Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award to the curriculum. This will allow upper school students the opportunity to learn new skills to cope with more extreme environments and work within the community.

Students make regular use of the Link Centre climbing wall

Evening sessions offer extra education as GCSEs loom As Wiltshire's only Community School, we are able to include some provision for pupils outside the normal school day. As the demands of GCSE examinations mount, Greendown has put on three evening sessions for Year 11 and Year lOearly-entiy pupils. Senior staff run the sessions, mainlyforMaths, Science, EnglishandTechnology, and other staff give up free time to assist. The pupils are able to work in a quiet atmosphere with specialistguidance available. They can also use Gieendown's facilities, including workshops and computers.

Spring successes Springs 'N' Things Trampoline Club meets at Greendown School on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We do both recreational and competitive trampolining and 16 members of the dub entered a South West Competition on 14th March in Thombury, Bristol. The results are as follows:Charlene Hyner-Anderson Silver Under 9 Group Clare Absalom Bronze Kate Maisey 4th Under 11 Group Helen John Silver Under 13 Group Emma Pickett Bronze Under 15 Group James Whitmore Silver Rachel Noone Bronze Emma Burnside 4th

'This is Greendown' is published by Greendown Community School under contract with The Link Magazine

The Link Magazine April1993

Motormg mto a new page

Support for Prospect

Arthur Mason, cha irma n of theProspect Foundation, received a cheque The launch of the new Ford for £125 from the West Swindon Mondeo in March sees a new Townswomens Guild at their generation of standards and monthly meeting on 11 March. Members of the Guild meets on quality in car manufacture. The Link is recognising this the second Thursday of the month next month with the launch of an in the Link Centre's Community occasional motoring page. The Suite to listen to invited speakers, first outing will take a look and a take part in demonstrations and to ride in the new car. meet each other socially. Ian Tanner, a steward with British Airways, will be speaking at the nextmeetingon 15 April, 2pm. New members are always welcomed. Contact Doreen Shaw on 69370. Mondeo introduces new levels Arthur Mason of the Prospect Foundaof technology, safety and tion Town swomens Guild chairwoman environmental efficiency. A Stevie Stevens, left, and secretary Doreen range of catalyst equipped fuelShaw injected, 16 valve petrol engines are available in a range of internal finishes, trims and colours. All doors are fitted with high security door locks and Mondeo is the first car in its class to offer a driver's side airbag as standard in all European markets. Ecologically sound, 85 percent of the materials used in the Mondeo's construction can be recycled. With over 20,000 adults living in the area, West Swindon represents a major market for the town's car dealers. We hope that you'll find our motoring features of interest and of use.

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EVENINGS: 615435

The Link Magazine . April 1993

Young people's centre gets going WestSwindon Young People's Centre at Toothill Farm, Bodiam Drive is now up and running for teenagers in the area. The programme is: Sunday 3pm - 5pm & Tuesday 7.30pm - 10pm: Street Culture Hip Hop Dance Workshops Tuesday Drop In - Advice, support and information for the unwaged, 215pm - 4pm Thursday 730pm - 10pm: Youth Club session, pool & music. All sessions have a youth worker present to supervise and talk to the youngsters. The YoungPeoples Centre's management committee would like to

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

Tel: 875174 a

'•-.::s

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NEW KITCHENS, BUILT IN COMPUTER WORKSTATIONS (for home or office),

Hot Cross Bun & Coffee Morning

hear from teenagers who have ideas Good Friday 9 April for activities. Contact the secretary 1 Oam - 12 noon Belinda Harrington on 541411. The Young People's Centre Lydiard Millicent Hall, The Street Lydiard Millicent buiding is also available for hire by In aid of Hall funds the hour. Prices range from £2.50 for community groups includingbands to £15 for commercial hire. Call Sunday crafts Belinda Harrington. Street culture training at West for children Swindon Young People's Centre Youngsters who want to squiggle get theirchance when theSquigglers arts and crafts group moves from the Joliffe Studio to the Arts Workshop at the Link Centre in April. Children aged4to8years can spend a creative Sunday afternoon once ortwicea month painting and making under the supervision of a craft teacher. The group will follow a chosen theme at each session. Squigglers meets for the first time in West Swindon on Sunday 25 April, then on9and 23 May, 27June and 11 July, between 2.30pm and 4pm. Places are limited, so telephone 822400 to book a place

Lions established in West West Swindon Lions Club is now official. Recognition cameata meetWEST SWINDON .ing on 9 March when the branch LIONS CLUB was separated from Swindon Lions under who's guidance they have been meeting since March last year. The club meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month in the DeVere Hotel and caters for men and women who want to work togetheron fund raising projects which will benefit the community at large. The local Lions have raised £2,000 for projects and families in need during the last year. On the social side, the club has an increasingly busy programme of theatre trips, factory tours and gettogethers for members. At present West Swindon Lions Lions President Steve Austin, left, and has just over twenty members and Lions zone chairman Graham Francis needs more. Local club president hold aplaque to be mounted outside the Steve Austin says, 'being a Lion is DeVere Hotel about getting enjoyment from help- ested in finding out more, telephone ing other people.' If you're inter- him on 529728.

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Telephone Phil Barrett on (0793) 873003 (Westlea)

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Ginger Cat Found A entire young adult ginger tom has 'adopted' a greenhouse in Moresby Close, Westlea. He is short haired with sandy coloured legs and darker ginger markings on his back. He has two pale sandy rings on his ginger tail and a small white patch under his chin. Anyone who thinks that the cat might be theirs is asked to contact Joy Jansen on 872810

Cats in need of doctoring

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Tea Dance By popular request Age Concern Thamesdown in presenting another Tea Dance' for people of any age on Saturday 17 April in the Link Centre Community Suite. Dancing to records takes place between 2.30pm and 5.30pm, light refreshments and a raffle available. Some people missed the dance last September and regretted it Make sure you don't miss this one by getting your ticket at El from Age Concern Thamesdown, 14 Milton Road, Swindon, lOam - 4pm, Monday to Friday, or £125 on the door.

Do you have a cat that needs to be spayed or neutered? The Wootton Bassett and District Groupof the Cats Protection League, which covers West Swindon, has vouchers to help people who can't afford to have their cats doctored. Contact Stephanie on 611170.

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Letters to The Link

Letters should be sent by 16th of the month to the address on page 2.

May Day Show From John Bartlett, President, Lions Club of Wootton Bassett and District

Over the past few years our Annual FayreatLydiard Park has gone from success to success. The event not only enables our club to carry on its work to assist those who need our help, but dozens of other charity organisations have the opportunity to run stalls and raise money for their own funds. Much of the success recently has been due to the wonderful support we have received from the people of West Swindon. I would like to thank you all for coming along to our pre-

vious events, and invite you to join us again on the May Day holiday Monday. We have an excellent array of entertainment lined up for the main arena and all the usual sideshows, stalls, car boot sale and children's fair. A detailed leaflet on the event will be circulated with the May edition of The Link nearer the date. In the meantime, please make a note of the date - Monday 3 May. We look forward to seeing on the day.

Misleading claim From Mr M Pearce, Chairman of Tregoze School Governors

In a recent newsletter by the Con- the County Council over the years servative Party in Grange Park one for a crossing patrol It is a little story claimed the praise for siting a discourteous for Cllr Bristow to say school crossing patrol near Tregoze his political party achieved this. Primary School in Hay Lane. May I remind residents that Hay I would like to make it clear that Lane has 30mph speed limit, and teachers, parents, pupils, Friends of that motorists are asked to drive theSchool and governors have cam- with care. Nobody wants to see a paigned with petitions and letter to fatality on this busy road Wrong animals From Sylvia Senior, The Elms, Shaw

I don't know if Stuart Bell has contacted you regarding the 'photo accompanying the article about Southleaze Sheep Farm in the March edition, but think he'd have laugh at the caption 'FarmerStuart Bell with new lambs,' under a picture of him holding a couple of goat kids and with a herd of goats behind him! Whoops! Thanks for your interesting magazine which I always enjoy reading.

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(That's our April Fool's story for this year! Ed.)

New info, on under fives

Under 5s Clown Around Workshop

West Swindon Focus on UnderFives is planning to update the very use- Thursday 1 April 10am - 12 noon ful booklet 'ToddlerOut West' which Community Suite, Link Centre was produced two years ago. It lists Develop throwing, catching, all the services, facilities and groups manipulation skills for parents with pre-school children. Face painting & dressing up. The group would like to hear from Cost 50p per family. anybody who would like to help in compiling the information. They Easter Fayre 3rd April would also like to hear from group 2pm -4pm Link Centre organisers who want details of their Children's clothes nearly new group published. stall, cakes, treasure hunt, face To find out more, contact Emily painting, decorate an egg on 871483 or Chris 886471. competition, refreshments In aid of Link 3-5 Playgroup

Early years discussion Parents and professional working National Childbirth Trust with under 5s will be discussing the Baby Equipment & Toy Sale needs of pm-school children at the Saturday 24 April, Link Centre next meeting of the West Swindon 11am to 12 noon Early Years Forumtakes place on27 Admission 20p April, 8pm at Westlea School. Wanted: Baby equipment and Anyone with an interest in under toys in good clean condition to 5s are welcome to attend. sell. 25% commission to NCT. For more information, contact Seller takes 75%. No sale no fee. PamPixtonat the Community Suite, Register sale goods with Maureen Link Centre, tel: 871212 ext 234. 84.8263 or Jane 852668. Saturday morning French Club for Under 11 s at Thamesdown Voluntary Services Centre, 1 John Street, Swindon. Songs, games, role-play and specially designed worksheets to inspire children with enthusiasm and confidence to speak French and make language learning fun. Tuition and all materials are included in the cost of £3 per session. To find out more, telephone Jean Darthy on 487475

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TEL: 0793 488518 HIV/AIDS HELPLINE Are you concerned? SWINDON PROJECT FOR AIDS COUNSELLING AND EDUCATION

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The Link Classifieds Boxes cost £13 (3cm deep) or £6.50 (1.5cm deep). Lineage costs 20p per word, includes VAT. Cash with advert to Link magazine, 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook, Swindon SN5 8PQ

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Clothing Alterations & Repairs Tel: 872096 Mrs White, Freshbrook

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YOUR LOCAL GARAGE DOOR SPECIALIST * Up and Over Garage Doors supplied, fitted, repaired (spare parts available)

Fold up bike, suit 8 year old girl £30. Tel 872430 (Westlea) Saisho TV £80, video £50, Swan teasmade £25, Teflon sandwich maker £15, Masterchef mixer/liquidiser £10, clock radio cassette player £5, bookshelf E5. Tel 486272 (Fbrook) Sony CD player. Needs attention £10. Tel: 872282 (Fbrook) Single bed, oak, solid, boy proof, as new £30. Tel: 641266 (Moredon) Tent Marechal Espace 7 berth luxury frame tent, excellent condition £3500vno Kangol carrycot restraints boxed with fitting instructions. £6. Tel: 610899 (Fbrook) Silver Cross combo (carrycot/pram/ pushchair) grey/mint stripe complete with raincover wedge and safety mattress. £100. Tel: 610899 (Fbrook) Capri Mkl towbar £10. Capri Mk2 towbar £15. Five alloy wheels with tyres 165/13550. Colston Suparinse spindrier £15. Tel: 610899 (Fbrook) Oil filled electric radiatorE 12. White bookcase £6. White bedside cabinet £6. Tel: 875393 (Ramleaze) Cane rocking chair £40. Cane twin seater couch £100. Tel: 875356 (G Pk) Commodore 64 computer with date recorder, joystick and games. Excellent condition £70. Tel: 874856 (G Pk) Nintendo, 4 games plus the fantastic game genie. 2 control pads and the games system fully boxed. Only £150 ono. Tel: 875714 (Middleleaze)

Silver Cross carrycot/buggie (2way), excellent condition, one year old, lots ofexcessoriesf90ono. Tel: 616751 Mamas a& Papas baby changing unit with bath and 2 storage shelves, immaculate condition £40. Tel: 887936 (Westlea) Pram Burgundy corduroy with separate carrycot stand & pushchair. Vgc. £30. Tel: 871 768 after6pm (Ramleaze) Neff cooker hood with light and three speed fan, brown, full instructions £30 ono. Tel: 871971 Olivetti electronic typewriter ET1 21 correction function, spare ribbon, ideal home typewriter. Tel: 881353 after 5pm Anyway Pushchair & carrycot, raincover, swivel wheels, some bedding. Ex cond, almost new. £75ovno. Tel: 875665 (M'leaze) Ladies mountain bike, 18 gears, shopping basket and childs seat, as new. £100 ono. Tel: 876066 (Ramleaze) Double buggy, tandem style, navy with white spots only used 7 months, vgc, good reason for sale. £160 ono. Tel: 881079 (Sparcells) Wanted Lego, loose bits and complete sets. Tel: 872282 (Fbrook) Accommodation Room to let with or without meals £250 permonth. Tel: 876453 (Fbrook)

Free For Sale & Wanted ads. Return this form to The Link, 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook, Swindon by 16th of the month. Entries are subject to available space and are published on a first come first served basis.

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SWINDON GARAGE DOORS MAXWELL HOUSE, MAXWELL STREET, SWINDON TELEPHONE: (0793) 513796

Name & Address (not for publication)

Local Lives Cross Country Job

Freshbrook Evangelical Church

Although Eunice Salmon from Nine Elms still works in East Anglia, she's starting to feel part of the West Swindon community

Worsley Road

Beingasked to write for local Lives' has made me feel like a 'local' for the first time since movingto WestSwindon from Cambridge last August. Ourarrival was brought about by my husbands job relocation. As we were lucky enough to sell our house quickly we rented a house in Faringdon for a couple of months, giving us time to explore the area and find West Swindon with all it has to offer. However this did mean thatour3yearold son had to endure many changes. During the upheaval I managed to carry on with my job which is still based in East Anglia. Obviously to do this my husband is supportive. Our son is now happy at a Swindon nursery school and my employers are well worth it. They are AJ's FamilyRestaurants -a chain of roadside restaurants located on the south coast, throughout East Anglia, Northamptonshire, up the Al road into Lincolnshire as farnorth asHull. 23 in all plus 7 franchises in Granada service areas. We have just celebrated our first 5 years in business. After many years of roadside catering experience the directors launched Al's in February 1987 and by September of that year were ready to open the door of the first restaurant. That's where fit in - wrenching the building out of the hands of the brickies, chippies and sparkies and converting it into a trading restaurant. That means everything from peeling blue plastic from 100 basins, sweeping sawdust from carpets, stocking up fridges and freezers, plus unpacking hundredsof individually wrapped items of cutlery. Then we've got to break-in brand new griddles, fryers and of course our staff team who all need training inhowtoprupareand present meals, how to greet and serve customers to company standards, as well as in hygiene and health and safety - all this, plus dummy runs on family, friends and the odd builder if he's still around, in less than 11 days. Oh, I almost forgot a Bank Holiday (peak trading) is usually thrown in at the end of the first week for good measure. Oncehappily tradingl leave them to get on with it and think about my other duties. Winter time is the management training course season. The company has training centres in Lincolnshire and Staffordshire. During this period it means 430am alarm calls in our household, but it's only twice weekly as I workona part-timebasis. However it can still mean 6 hours on the road plus up to 6 hours at the flip chart! I

Anglican, Methodist, U.R.C., Baptist.

Will give YOU a warm welcome Sunday lOam Family Praise with children's Covenanter Movement & creche 6.30pm Evening Worship and Communion For details of mid-week meetings, house groups and other activities, telephone the Church Office, Tel: 873050

Eunice Salmon outside one of AJs outlets really enjoy preparing and running courses - each one is a new challenge. Other constant duties include standards checking; Are the fridges operating at the right temperature? Are the customers being offered the full service they should receive? Is the food hot? Are the loos clean? etc. In between, all the company manuals need updating; new management need inducting, there are sales analysis todo plus newcostings when new menus are planned. It's hectic but good fun. Having been there from the start I'm reluctant to leave despite the distance I have to travel. Gradually the managers are undertaking more and more of the training function themselves and they actually enjoy it. I know no-one in indispensable. Becoming established in West Swindon isn't easy when you work so faraway, but I don't think I could have changed everything in my life at once. I feel very fortunate to have had the chance to migrate from east to west very gradually. This area must have new folks moving here all the time, I'll make a conscious effort to welcome those I meet.

Winners Fireman Sam

Last month we offered the chance to spend a day with the firemen of Westlea station in return for a donation to Comic Relief. Alison Pewseyfrom Belsaybidf3Osothat herthree yearold son Sam can see the station in action. She says he's mad about fire engines The Commitments winners

Alison Pewsey as above and Noel Murphy from Ramleaze. MGM Honeymoon in Vegas The winners to last months competition are Caterina Durston from Freshbrook, Kevin Russell from Toothill, Mrs S Hewitt from Shaw Ridge, Mr C Dodds from Grange Park.

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St. Mary's L.Tregoze for Freshbrook & Grange Park Rev. Rob Buries 870244 Westlea Church & All Saints, L. Millicent Rev. John Flory 770217 There are vacancies for Ministers at Toothill & Shaw Churches. Contact Rev Burles or Rev Flory for support

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