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No. 167 • April 1996 • Circulation 15,000

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TSP 8101

Swindon

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04 A911144 0 /'Sack Trucks / Blankets.' Ties.'

TSP 610188 Swindon

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Distributed in West Swindon, Haydon Wick, Woodhal! Park & Abbey Meads

the positive news force in West and North Swindon and the swindon wide what's on guide

The dream comes true A promise made by worried parents to their daughter on her sick bed has been achieved. Six year old Vanessa Whelpdale, who featured in the last two editions of The Link, was given the go-ahead to make a pilgrimage to Lourdes and to visit Disney Land Paris in early March, weeks earlier than her parents expected. Vanessa told her mum and dad Lisa and Rob from Peatmoor that she wanted to see Mickey Mouse once she was better after she was diagnosed as having stomach cancer, a year ago on 21 March. With help from the Children's Relief Fund, the family travelled to France on 6 March and spent a cold week in a camper van visiting Disney and Lourdes. "Everything was arranged very quickly," said Vanessa. "We had thought the consultant would want Vanessa completely well, but when he asked her if she wanted to go at the end of February and she said yes, he gave us the all-clear. "Vanessa was overawed at Disney. But she

was so pleased when she saw Mickey, she went up to him and gave him a big cuddle; you can see the delight in her eyes." The family then drove several hunded miles to spend two days in Lourdes. "Vanessa enjoyed the visit to Lourdes most. Rob and I were so impressed by her belief. She spontaneously climbed a shrine on her knees; it took over an hour saying her prayers on each of the 40 steps. Her faith is so strong." Vanessa has been in remission since August and the prognosis is good. She still has to undergo further tests and have treatment and feeding tubes removed from her body. Once the scars have healed her next goal is to go swimming again. The Oasis Leisure Centre has told The Link that they will be pleased to provide plucky Vanessa with a special day out.

Mayor promises to give up cancer sticks Fifteen fags a day Mayor of Thamesdown Court. Bert Smith was encouraged to give up at a No Smoking Day exhibition in the West Swindon Centre on 13 March. Ina vaguely political statement, Court. Smith said he had given up smoking when Prime Minister Thatcher made John Major Chancellor of the Exchequer. But he restarted a year ago just before taking up his mayoral appointment. "1 become nervous about being the Mayor, but I will be giving it up in May when I step down," he promised. The exhibition provided shoppers with information about how quit the habit and take up a healthy lifestyle. Right: Mayor Bert Smith gets the treatment from health visitor Jane Lyons with the breathalyser, on-site massage therapist Deborah Lively and health visitor coordinator Francine Hendricks who takes his blood pressure

Ihe

Link month wiIi:: very special.

811

Turn to page 16 to fincl out why Win a day out at the Badminton Horse trials on pa e19

The Link Magazine • April 1996

WORRIED

MAUREEN PEARSON A.T.T.

about what will happen to your property and savings if you or your parents have to go into care?

TAXATION ADVISOR

For free initial advice call Michael Fisher Solicitor

For Advice and Help on Personal and Business Tax Completion of Tax Returns and Preparation of Accounts for the Inland Revenue

Old Town Chambers, 11 9A Victoria Road, Swindon SN1 3BH

Tel: (01793) 512982

27 Holmleigh, Haydon Wick Swindon SN2 3RH

For specialist legal advice on the needs of the mature client: Wilts, Probate, Conveyancing Trusts and Community Care Law

Tel: (0 1793) 724172

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Pi1iiik M *tt' Published by West Swindon Publications 13 Castle Dore Freshbrook,Swindon SN5 8PQ

Editorial: Roger Ogle

New magazine needs support Jeff Mitchell, editor of The Big Issue South West, now being sold on Swindon streets, wants you to buy a publication. "We had over 700 applicants (to be recognised as homeless) in the quarter ending December 1995 This was the reported number of people looking for help and housing in just one town - Swindon. This statement from the homelessness section at Thamesdown Council uncovers why The Big Issue is now in the town. Launched in London in 1991, with backing from The Body Shop, The Big Issue is a general interest magazine with an eye for unusual stories. Homeless people can then sell to the public instead of having to beg in order to feed themselves. Coming up from the streets: In four and a half years the initiaThe Big Issue South West editor tive has spread right across the Jeff Mitchell with vendor Mike country. The magazine was launched in third of people became homeless Swindon on 4 March by the local because their household could no contingent, The Big Issue South longer support them. Over a quarWest. They are working in part- ter lost their home because of a nership with the Daybreak youth relationship breakdown, while centre who already deal with over around a fifth could not keep up 500 young homeless people from payments of their rent or their mortgage. The relative security the Swindon area. With regular editorial covering generally found in West and North local issues, The Big Issue South Swindon can, like in many areas of West also hopes to raise awareness the country, cloud how real a threat about homelessness in Swindon. homelessness can be to ordinary By explaining the causes of the people. situation they hope the local com- • The Big Issue Sou th West sells over munity will be as committed to 15,000 copies from Swindon down addressing the problem as in other to Plymouth. It cost 70p of which 40p goes directly to the vendor as places such as Bristol and Bath. In Bristol it was found that a a means of improving their lives.

On your doorstep calling for your vote Watch out. Later this month the political parties will be out in force calling for your votes in the local elections on 7 May. They are special this year as vot- for example, there could be a choice ers will be electing the 'shadow of 9 candidates if the three main authority' which will make the parties can find them, plus those important decisions for the new representing other parties and isSwindon authority which comes sues, and loads of leaflets and door knocks. into being in May 1997. The new council will set the tone All the council seats are up for grabs, not the usual one third. In a for Swindon in years to come. So, ward returning three councillors use your vote wisely.

Copy date for May edition: 19 April Published: 4 May Copy for June: 19 May

Publisher/Editor

Tel: (01793) 872282

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

Fax: (01793) 878189

Published monthly.

The contents of The Link are protected by copyright. Copying of advertisements for business use, including publication is forbidden unless advertisers orpublishers have sought permission. Articles and photographs require similar authority.

Contents 4 Toothill 5 Freshbrook & Grange Park Westlea 6 7 Shaw 8/9 Haydon Wick & Abbey Meads At Your Library 10 12-14 Recreation 17-19 Swindon Wide 20-29 News & Views 34 Free Classifieds 35 Local Lives

"The Link was first published in December 1978 exclusively for the West Swindon community. It is completely independent of Link Centre and, in fact, won a competition to name the leisure centre in 1984. It commenced distribution in North Swindon in January 1994."

TO ADVERTISE IN THE LINK, CALL (01793)872282

The Link Maga; ' April 1996

Reflecting on the Easter message through the light of the Dunblane tragedy Reverend Andrew Hethrington, vicar of Shaw, was a vicar in Liverpool at the time of both the Jamie Bulger murder in early 1993 and the Hillsborough football stadium tragedy in 1989. Here he tries to make sense of the tragic events at Dunblane.

he massacre of 16 children and their teacher at Dunblane throws up the question for many, "Where was God in all this ?" "If he loves us and is all powerful, couldn't he have prevented such terrible suffering?" In fact, if he just stepped in to stop the killing, he would be taking away one of the most precious gifts he gave us, the ability to choose. Free-will is essential to love, for we cannot compel anyone to love us, but free-will also means we can choose to do the opposite, namely to do evil. To say that God is 'all powerful' does not mean that he can do mutually exclusive things. This all sounds very cold and logical, but it helps to clear away misunderstandings. So to see where God was, consider two uses of this symbol 'X'. Put 'X' next to a child's sum, and they know they have got it wrong. Put 'X' on a Valentine's card and you are sending somebody your love. The amazing thing is that God is doing both those things when his Son, Jesus, died on the on Good Friday. He is dead against all that is evil, wrong and causes needless suffering. In fact he cancels it out through the suffering of Jesus and his terrible death by crucifixion. And, he showed us just how much he loves, because Jesus didn't deserve any of this, but did it freely on our behalf. The crowded cathedral showed that many in

Dunblane want to experience that love by coming close to our suffering Lord in their grief, rather than push him away. When Jesus rose from the dead on Easter morning, he showed he'd won, defeated evil, transformed suffering, and brought life out of death. Christians are putting our 'X's next to the name of Jesus this Easter. Why not come and join us at a service? Easter Services West Swindon See the advertisements on this page for the Ecumenical Churches and Freshbrook Evangelical Church Churches in Haydon Wick, Woodhall Park, Abbey Meads St John's Anglican Church Thames Avenue Rev Raymond Adams Tel: 726378 Emmanuel United Reformed Church, High Street, Haydon Wick Church Secretary Sue Martin Tel: 726376 Roman Catholic Churches St Peter's Church, Westlea. Tel: 874400 Parish Priest: Father Tom Kelly St Mary's Church, Tovey Road, Rodbourne. Tel: 535089 Parish Priests: Father Alan Finlay and Father Liam Slattery Independent Churches Greenmeadow Christian Fellowship Leaders: Roger and Pat Manning. Tel: 723618 Swindon Family Church. Meets at the Link Centre. Leaders: Brian Kille and Andrew Leakey. Tel: 849731

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Jay I Oam Family Praise i children's Covenanter Revd Rob BurIes 870244 'ement & creche Toothill Church (10.45am) Opm Evening Worship and Revd George Gibson 692620 mmunion (also free-church minister for parish) r details of mid-week Westlea Church (lOam) eetings, house groups and Revd Peter Walker 872932 Evening & other services as announced, her activities, telephone the full range of childrens' & other groups hurch Office, Tel: 873050 (for Freshbrook, Grange Park, Hook)

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TOOTIL AFTER SCHL CLUB CHILD CARE IOVIDERS Do you work, are you planning toturn?

Church looks to its foundations for new beginning Toothill Church is closing its doors on 1 May, but worshippers won't be turned away. Over the summer months the Between May and September, congregation will be based in the floor has to be dug up to lay Toothill Community Centre and new foundations, walls rebuilt and newcomers will be more than wel- windows fixed in more securely. come to join them. The roof is secure and does not Only eighteen years after the have to be replaced. church opened, major structural Toothill Church minister Rev. works have to take place. Because George Gibson, said the battle for of the area's heavy clay soil, inad- insurance compensation had been equate design specifications and won and rebuilding can start. The construction, cracks in the brick Methodist Church had made a subwork and floor have been getting stantial contribution to the work worse over the last eight years. and the congregation had made financial sacrifices. "It has been a Rev, George Gibson worry for the church committee and the members, a distraction from our real work. But we're glad to put these problems behind us. "This is a time of opportunity," said Rev. Gibson. "The community centre management committee have been very welcoming and we believe we are making a positive statement to the people of Toothill by meeting in another building. It allows us to be seen differently; the church is an important part of the area." Plans are being made to re-dedicate the church in September.

Money split between youth groups The accounts for the West Swindon Young People's Centre at Toothill Farm, which shut in October, have now been closed and the final balance of £382.60 has been divided equally between the youth groups which meet at Toothill Chuch and at Toothill Community Centre.

Books come alive

"Who is going to lo after the kids until you get home?" Let us take that problem away. We escort children from Toothill Primary School as well as 96 Oliver Tomkins Junior & Infant Sd

Books were made even more special at Oliver Tomkins Infants School in early March. For a whole week, the school buzzed with reading, writing and even more imaginative ideas than usual.

We are open 5 days a week from 9m to 615pm

The Story Box Puppet Theatre signed topromote the love of books brought large puppet figures to both in school and at home. "The life in an enthralling performance week's activities will stimulate the to stimulate the children and visi- children's work for months to tors who read to the children income. There are so many distraccluded Westlea School head Neil tions for their attention, but books Griffiths, the archdeacon of Swin- still provide the most interesting don Michael Middleton and Tim basis for learning." Noble from Greendown School. Everybody came to school Head techer Penny Summers dressed as their favourite characsaid there had been lots of story ters on the last day of the book writing and imaginative work de- week on 8 March.

All our staff members are qualifiec Care Workers and first-aid trained. If your children are aged between j 11 years old and you need good quality after 41 child care, then telephone Toothill After 15l Club on (01793)433640 or (01793) 520339iore details.

FRESHBROOK & GRANGE PARK

Facechoice Pharmacy Makeover for Mavis A visit to Freshbrook's Cut 'n' Dry hair salon by Tigi Studio hairstylist Ernest in March required a model. Who better to turn to for a volunteer than Freshbrook School where salon owner Paula Hughes, who lives in Abbey Meads, sends her two children? Administrative Officer Mavis Perry was put forward for a new look at the staff training seminar on 5 March. A little help for Mavis from, left, Gareth and Leanne Hughes, and Nina and Dean Scott, with Paula Hughes behind

Freshbrook Village Centre Tel: 870226 Opening Times: Monday - Friday 9am- 1pm 2.l5pm-opm Saturday 9am - 12noon

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History will be made twice on Sunday 28 April at St Mary's church in Lydiard Park. For the first time in 700 years a second morning service will be launched, because the congregation is now so large. It is also believed to be the first time a Swindon church has introduced a second main morning service to cater for an increase in the number of people attending. Vicar, the Revd Rob Buries, said that the new service will appeal to people of all ages and young children will be particularly welcome. He plans to use imaginative and visual means of presentation during the service, which will be slightly shorter than the current one. It will start at 9am, is planned to last 50 minutes, and will include communion once a month. The existing 1030am service with Junior Church will remain unchanged. The launch of the new service comes after the recent publication Rev. Rob Buries, ready for second of a national report about evange- morning service at St Mary's lism in the Church of England Parts of St Mary's church date back which revealed that the number of to the thirteenth century, but the new churches opening now ex- building was rebuilt in the early ceeds the number of closures. 1400's - large pillars, mediaeval "This is a very exciting time" wall paintings and box pews, insaid Rob. "Not only have we seen stalled later by the Victorians, are growth in our own church, with distinctive features of the church. many young families coming along A special celebration for the - but also in the West Swindon launch of the new service will be parish generally congregations held at St Mary's during the have been increasing recently." 1030am Family Service on 21 April Rob said a second service was when church members will take the simplest solution. "St Mary's part in an act of dedication. can seat 200 people, but the layout Although St Mary's serves Freshof the building means that it feels brook and Grange Park, anybody full with about 120." is welcome to attend.

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Worried who will look after your pets whilst you're on holiday? Pets At Home could be your answer

The long battle to make Westlea a safer place for pedestrians has nearly been won with the installation of 22 'Berlin cushion' humps on Westlea Drive during March The raised tarmac pads grouped in eleven pairs have been cun ningly spaced fifty metres apart to prevent drivers from speeding between them. The scheme should encourage a constant speed of 25mph, and should discourage drivers cutting through Westlea thinking they can by-pass traffic jams on the way into town. To ease driver frustration and to prick their conscience, colourful and appealing signs designed by Westlea School pupil Alejandra Cross, right, have been posted at the entrance to the traffic calmed area, the first time a child's artwork has been included in a speed reduction scheme. Alejandra was presented with a framed copy of her sign by local

Pets At Home is a service which cares for all your pets (except clogs) in their own home anywhere in the West Swindon area only. Telephone Sheila Mitchell for further details on 873062

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Self Employed &Small Business Specialists Please call David Salter for • Accounting • Book keeping • Business Advice

Bonnets for Easter Westlea School held its annual Easter Bonnet and Top Hat competition for infants at the end of term

D.A.S. Financial Services Tel: (01793) 695563 (day) (0 1793) 530545 (eve)

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Pictured right are, rear left, Ben Peart, Daniel Fitch. Front, Ian Matthews, Nina Wilkinson

Cook wanted

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The Harmony Lunch Club which meets on Tuesday at the Link Centre is looking for a cook to coordi nate the preparation of meals with a group of volunteer helpers. The club provides lunch for thirty people. The cook is needed between 945am and 115pm and will also be responsible for the food shopping. In return, travelling expenses will be met and a free lunch provided. If you can help, call Mrs Fisher on 872894.

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councillor Denis Carver who spoke to the children at a school assemblyon 7March. Coun. Carver said he hoped the signs will be place for at least ten years when some of the children will be driving through the area.

A Lunch Club, which caters for retired people across West Swindon, has vacancies. The club meets on Fridays at Freshbrook Community Centre where a two course meal is served at 12 noon for £1.60. Door to door transport, in a wheelchair accessible mini-bus, can be provided for a further 60p. The club provides a good opportunity for people to get out of the house to chat and have a meal without the worry of transport. A place can be booked in advance by calling Norman Wood on 537671.

Looking for something interesting and enjoyable to do during the spring and summer? The Blackthorn Centre between Purton and Cricklade, just 10 minutes away, offers day courses in traditional and contemporary decorative arts and rural crafts. Workshops planned include print making, decoupage, photography, watercolours, papier mache, calligraphy, life drawing, Italian cookery, hanging baskets and rush & cane seating For a course programme, call 750774 or 750693

SHAW & ROUGHMOOR

Parents call for Roughmoor School The absence of Wiltshire County Council representatives at a public meeting on 15 March suggests that it has washed its hands of overcrowding problems in West Swindon in the run up to the changeover between the county and the new Swindon education authority in 1997. Headteacher Roger Nicholas The meeting for 150 parents called by Brook Field school gov- assured parents that education will ernors came after months of letter not suffer because of numbers. writing following the decision to "Growth does not mean large cut the proposed Roughmoor pri- classes. Increased income allows mary school from the building pro- us to appoint teachers and we will gramme in favour of a school at extra resources to deliver high quality education." Abbey Meads. A 30 strong parents action group, The .comty say a six class extension at Salt Way School in including several from Sparcells Middleleaze, two mobiles at Brook and Roughmoor has been formed Field and two more to arrive by to argue the case for a new school. September will cater for demand. Bruce Gibson suggested that resiHowever Brook Field governors dents in the area should press canare worried the school's core fa- didates in May's election for the cilities will become overstretched Swindon authority for their supwithout the relief of a new school port and parents voiced anger that the Sack project help wanted areas needs are being ignored. Some thirty parents at Brook Field Brook Field is now 9% over its optimum number with 457 on roll. School have helped create 10 story County councils projections sug- sacks over the last year. The sacks gest this number could grow to contain games, toys, puppets, tapes 498 this September and 584 in Sep- on the theme of a children's book tember 1997. Numbers could reach which are used in school to bring 609 by 1999, 49% over capacity the book to life and stimulate a depending on the type of occupa- desire to read. Project coordinator teacher tion of the 200 houses still to be Sarah Coulter would welcome ofbuilt at Roughmoor Governor Bruce Gibson said he fers of help from more parents and was disappointed Wiltshire was grandparents and whatever skills not represented at the meeting, but they have. She would also like pleased that three people from donations of materials, wool and Thamesdown were present. They fabric for new sacks. She can be expressed support for our needs contacted at the school on 874582. and we hope to set up a meeting Two parent helpers, rear Claire with Wiltshire to persuade them Reynolds with Laura and Sarah, and to reconsider their pdsion. It is Sally Phillips with Matthew essential that the initial planning takes place now so that the new Swindon authority can pickup the project when they take over."

Page name change We have changed the name of this page to include Roughmoor, the generic name for Sparcells and Peatmoor, to better reflect coverage of the area.

Kids make high flying friend Children at Salt Way School have adopted a Hercules aircraft at RAF Lyneham. A party of 12 children visited the base on 28 March for a guided tour of Hercules 190 and to meet the people who look after them. They will be writing letters to the aircrew and hope to receive postcards from far off places.

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Jellytots Playgroup, which meets in Shaw Community Centre on Ramleaze Drive, has vacancies for children aged 3 to 5 years La start after Faster. Call Alison on 881401 for details.

Parents with pre-school children living in the Peatmoor and Sparcells area have the chance to get together at a local toddler group. Littlez Ladybirds meets on We between 1.3O pm and 3.30pm in Roughmoor Social Hall on Swinley, Drive. There are organised craft activities, ride on toys and a chance to meet other mums and dads from the area. Parents from Nine Elms and Shaw can also join in. lor more information, call 876153.

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Grans return to school Granparents enjoyed a tea party with children at Brook Field School on 27 March. The reception and year I children have been asking what it was like to live in the past and have been producing work and classroom displays which they showed off to their older visitors. After a performance of poems, songs and dances, the granparents visited classrooms for a cup of tea.

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New school gets musical opening Swindon's newest school was officially opened on 19 March by Wiltshire County Council chairwoman Joan Main.

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The seventy children on roll at Haydon Leigh School entertained county officials, governors and parents to a concert of favourite songs, including an impressive rendition of Queens multi-part Bohemian Rhapsody. The children then conducted tours of their school to show off how they had settled in since November last year. The eight-class school on Haydon Court Drive, which has cost £1.3m will eventually accommodate 240 children in permanent buildings and is in place to cope with the growing demand from Krista Callen and Matthew Smalipre- families moving into Abbey sented Coun Main with a bouquet Meads. The school opened with 20 chilafter she unveiled a plaque to mark the dren in a mobile classroom at opening of Haydon Leigh School Greenmeadow School last September. The role will grow to 90 by the Gardeners check end of the school year.

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Two music students at New College have got together to show off their talents and entertain. Ian Pickett from Greenmeadow teamed up with Louise Hammond from Purton in January to form Reflections. They perform a wide variety of light dramatic music, classics from the shows and easy listening numbers. Louise's vocals are interspersed with Ian's piano instrumentals to provide a variety of music suitable for hotels foyers and clubs. They would also welcome bookings from retired people's dwellings. They have been rehearsing hard and are now ready to hit Swindon. To book Reflections, call Ian on 723820. Ian and Louise: Re ections

out bees work There's a hive of activity at the Haydon Centre on Tuesday 23 April from 730pm when the Garden Society get together for 'a buzz from the bees' with Purton beekeeper David Shaw. It promises to be a fascinating evening and new members and guests are welcome.

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Beaver scouts need help Volunteer adult leaders are urgently required to help run a beaver scout colony in Haydon Wick. 24 six to eight year old boys are looking for two or three leaders to help run their weekly meetings. No experience necessary, full training will be given. If you want to know more, please contact Tony Kilburn, 1st Swimdon Sea Scout Group on 534982.

Fairwell to long serving Minister Haydon Wick said goodbye recently to Reverend Craig Bowman, vicar of Emmanuel URC, who has taken up a town centre parish in Exmouth, Devon. "There's always something special about your first ministry. It's sad to leave but in many ways it's time to move on," said Craig. The 33 year old minister was a popular figure in the village. Since his arrival in 1988 there has been massive expansion of the area, but the sense of community is as strong as ever, he feels. "In some ways there has been lots of changes," said Craig. "The new Haydon Centre is a good facility and the role of the Community Association is changing. But Emmanuel Church is situated in the old part of Haydon Wick and the heart of the village is still there." Craig has left Emmanuel at a time of growing congregations and the future looks bright. Despite this healthy prognosis he is modest about his contribution to community life. "Church membership has increased and the building is being extended later this year."

Rev Craig Bowman A coach load of parishioners travelled to Exmouth on 23 March for Craig's inducation. His successor at Emmanuel has yet to be appointed. Enquiries should be made to church secretary Sue Martin on 726376.

ABBEY MEADS

Information ready and on its way The efforts of community worker Ros Deakin is going to make it easier for Abbey Meads residents to find essential facilities, local groups and organisations She is now delivering an information pack to the 250 occupied homes on behalf of Thamesdown Councils Community Development Department. Where possible she will try to meet residents on the doorstep. Putting the pack together has been quite a task because details changed and new information kept coming to light. Ros will be keeping an eye on building sites so that newcomers will receive the information as soon Ros Deakin, ready to provide as they move in. She is also availuseful information able to follow up queries and problems about community facilities. from right outside the area," said "I hope people will find the pack Ros who can be contacted on useful, especially those moving 526161 ext 4843.

- - IF UI— 'anaI. -t

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S The Ttn Doc All maintenance undertaken Lawn laying

Doctors set for April arrival Swindon and at Penhill Drive. There will be antenatal and baby clinics, a stress clinic and support from health visitors and midwives in the temporary building. It is hoped that a purpose built medical centre to include practice rooms, dental, physiotherapy and chiropody services, as well a chemist and optician, will be in place within 18 months. To find out more, call 692022.

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Tree lopped • Shrubs pruned

Abbey Meads residents will have their own doctor's surgery by the end of April. It will be housed in a temporary building due to arrive on 22 April on a site close to the proposed village centre. On the same day a new partner, Dr Peter Crouch arrives to develop the practice in the Northern Sector. He joins Drs John, Thomas, Macoustra, Hicks and Owen-Jones who run surgeries at Carfax Street,

Ian

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Absent! Irrelevant! Out of touch! These are some of the criticisms laid upon the church and perhaps, in certain respects, they ar e not far from the truth, writes Revd. Roger Faulkner. But that is not the case in Abbey Meads! When Swindon's northern development was in the initial planning stage it was agreed that a Free Church would be included in the first community area now named Abbey Meads. A second Anglican - church is planned for the second village centre. The Methodist, Baptist and United Reformed Churches have agreed to provide the majority of the funding to purchase a house and to appoint a Minister - Deaconess Maureen Spinks. Maureen with her husband Ian and their three children will move to Abbey Meads in August so that she can take up her appointment on 1 September. She will act as the point of contact for all the churches, to welcome people into their new homes and work alongside them. The church's desire is to provide for the real needs of this emerging community, to be relevant as we

move towards the 21st Century. Her home will be the focus of much of this activity, be it an informal meeting over a cup of coffee, or Bible study or worship. By the time the first church building is ready for occupation - in two or three years time - there will be a thriving Christian community in existence. Swindon has been in the forefront of ecumenical activity for many years with various churches working together on either a formal or informal basis. What is so exciting about the Abbey Meads project is that not only are all the churches supporting this common venture but, rather than waiting for things to happen and then missing the boat, we are in there at the very beginning. Prior to Maureen's arrival further information can be obtained from Revd. Roger Faulkner on 764544.

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AT YOUR LIBRARY

ILKINSON

Library suffers GBH attacks

s and Paint Sprayl ur1Yefdling 31j$ 'Thtes

Sadly, this month I have to report several cases of GBH in the library - Grievous Book Damage that is, writes area librarian Joyce Kirk-Brown.

eney Manor Industrial Estate Swindon

Of course, accidental damage occurs all the time - small children use the pages to scribble on, the new puppy chews a few corners, the occasional book even takes a bath with its reader. Every year books go on holiday in Los Angeles or Cyprus and fail to catch the plane home. Books are also expert at hiding themselves around the house and sometimes are never seen again. Librarians are well used to accidental damage or losses and take it all in our stride, normally asking readers to help towards the replacement costs of such books as far as possible.

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The Wiltshire Hall of Fame arrives at the West Swindon Library for a month starting 1 April. The exhibition by Swindon photographer Josie Williams features well known Wiltshire people like Toyah Wilcox, David Puttnam, and Lord Bath. Above: Josie Williams, left, with Highworth based author Margaret Bacon

GBH is different. Some examples: a beautiful, expensive book on wines, Wine Cellar Book, was returned with the last few pages roughly torn out. It was damaged beyond any hope of repair. Could the reader not have copied out that vital information? We have a photocopier in the library only iOp per sheet - a small price to pay against the loss of a valuable book. Several books on castles have had pictures cut out, probably to use in school projects. Again, why not use the photocopier or trace the pictures? Even fiction does not escape damage. A very new novel by Margaret Pemberton The Londoners has inexplicably been written all over in red biro. This reader seems to query the historical accuracy of several very minor points, regardless of the fact that this is a story not a history book. Of course we love to receive all readers' comments about the library books they have read and we have review slips available if people feel strongly enough that they would like their comments passed. We can supply publishers' addresses if readers would like to write direct to the author. By writing in the book itself this reader has ensured that their comments will go no further as we will have to throw the book away. What was the point? Thankfully GBH is rare, because the majority of our readers treat our books with the respect and care they deserve, so as they say on Crimewatch 'Don't have nightmares'. Happy reading.

Vicki Moore reviews new books to look out for in April

MANUFACTURERS OF CUSTOM-MADE HIGH QUALITY LOUNGE SUITES also

RE-UPHOLSTERY SERVICE Thousands of Fabrics to choose from, plus a choice of fillings and finishes

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RB Benison Death at Buckingham Palace Her majesty investigates first in a series of crime novels. John Grisham The Runaway Jury Goes behind the scenes of the court where the jury's deliberations can be manipulated by a dominant mind and their final decision can be a matter of life and death. Melvyn Bragg Oredo Recreation of Dark Age life in Britain. Jilly Cooper Appassionata Abigail Rosen is the sexiest, most passionately stylish violinist on the music scene. Revered and lusted after she is also lonely and exploited. Clive Cussler Shock Wave Dirk Pitt investigates the psychopathic head of a major diamond mining corporation when he begins using a new and ingenious device. Roddy Doyle The Woman who Walked into Doors Tells the funny,

tender and shocking story of Paula Spencer, a working-class alcoholic, battered woman. Thomas Eidson All God's Children Life becomes difficult when Pearl Eddy,a poor widow living in a small prairie town, hides a black runaway from a lynch mob. Reginald Hill An Advancement of Learning: A Dalziel and Pascoe novel.

Dalziel and Pascoe are sent to investigate a disinterred corpse at Holm Coultram College. Margaret Pemberton Magnolia Square, sequel to The Londoners. The inhabitants of Magnolia Square look forward to life returning to normal after World War II. Susan Sallis Touched by Angels Berry Reid captivated the hearts of the evacuees, he was funny and handsome then, but he returns from the war a different man.

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For example, £50,000 would cost £88.73 per month interest only net of MIRAS (excluding insurance). This is a discount of 4.9% for the first year. For example, £50,000 would cost £179.73 per month interest only net of MIRAS (excluding insurance). This is a discount of 2.5% for the first two years. A 3% discount for one year, PLUS a 3% cashback. For example, £50,000 at 4.24% (APR 4.5%) would cost £160.77 per month interest only net of MIRAS (excluding insurance), together with a £1,500 cashback on completion.

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Swindon 873369 Representative only of CORNHILL INSURANCE PLC for the purpose of effecting investment business introductions only. CORNHILL INSURANCE PLC is regulated by the Personal Investment Authority for life assurance and pensions business'. Credit broker fees of up to 1% on the advance may be charged at completion depending on the type of product and credit period. Rate applied is 2.34%PA (2.7% APR) for one year. APR Is variable. Rates may vary. A written quotation on loans can be obtained on request. Only available to persons 18 years of age or war. Subject to status. Subject to our current lending criteria. A 4.9% reduction applied to the variable base mortgage rate, currently 7,24% Those applicants benofitting from this special discount who redeem their mortgage within four years from the date of completion will be charged an additionalsix months Interest. This charge will be reimbursed it a new mortgage is than taken out with the Society. Example: A mnanled couple aged 30 years and 28 years, both non-smokers, applying for an endowment mortgage 01 £50.030 over a 25 year term (300 monthly payments), completing before 31 May 1996 secured against a properly being purchased for £55,000. 300 monthly mortgage payments net of tax 01 £88.73 Monthly endowment premium of E74.96. Total amount payable £99,262 Calculated to Include: Valuation tee £155. This calculation is based on the assumption that the discounted rate will apply throughout the ten of the loan. Maximum loan Cl bo,wm. The 2.34% rate applies to loans up to and including 95% of the purchase price or valuation, whichever is the lower. The discounted rate is applicable for one year, after which the then current rate will apply. When an applicant is borrowing mow than 75% the Society will require additional security. This Is usually in the form of Risk Charge.

REMEMBER YOUR HOME IS AT RISK IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR OTHER LOAN SECURED ON IT

RECREATION

Bowlers strike for Wilts.

• • •

Visiting the Super Bowl with all the lights and music means that our members can do the same activities as able bodied people." Call Phil Rashid on 872803 to find out about the next bowling session and to discuss transport arrangements.

Trying a new sport, Les and Maria Bishop, John and Marion Pryor, Peggy and Cliff Young

MEDICALLY SUPERVISED WEIGHT LOSS AN IMPROVED SAFE WAY TO SLIM • •

New experience for disabled People with disabilities have found a new sport in Swindon. The Swindon Super Bowl has started monthly sessions for people who find it difficult to get out of the house, including those confined to wheelchairs. Organised by Phil Rashid from Westlea, the first session on27 February attracted 20 people. June McGinn, chair of the Swindon Stroke Club, said many members had discovered a whole new world. "A stroke can destroy your lifestyle; many sufferers become entirely dependent on a carer.

The first ever Wiltshire Under 14s County 10pin bowling squad, took part in a recent inter-counties under 14s division at Burton on Trent. Some of the team are experienced whilst others are fairly new to high pressure 10 pin bowling. Captains Michael Newman and Rebecca Arthur, who attend Greendown School, said everyone gave their best to a team performance. To find out more about Swindon Youth Bowling Club, call Cohn Newman on 642464 Team line up, from rear left, Rebecca Arthur, Rachel Crerer, Phil Evans, Michael Newman, Grant and Lydia O'Donoghue, Louise Cronkrite

Still weekly consultation with a Specialist Medical Doctor Using individual diet of normal food plus NEW READY MADE HIGH PROTEIN, LOW FAT AND LOW CALORIE MEALS Medication when medically indicated Highly successful method of weight reduction - proven over the past 20 years Comprehensive maintenance programme once target weight is reached

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SWINDON DIET CENTRE 3 Cricklade Court, Cricklade Street, Old Town, Swindon Tel: 01793-614636

New venue for another ball sport Good news for people who want to try Britain's fastest growing sport. Thamesdown Council is opening two new croquet lawns at Moredon Recreation Complex on 20 April at 2pm and all are welcome to attend. An eight week course for newcomers starts on 7 May. Taken by a qualified coach, the course costs £20. Jean Robson of Swindon Cro-

quet Club says it's easy to see why croquet is becoming so popular. "At the top level it requires the finesse of snooker combined with the accuracy of putting at golf," she says. "At club level it is one of the few games which can be enjoyed on equal terms by three generations of either sex, at any level, its lots of fun. You don't need any equipment, just soft, flat footwear." For further details on how to join the club, call 535667 or 873026.

SUMMER IS NEAR SPRING INTO FITNESS MONDAY

WEDNESDAY

Total Body Conditioning with Get Back, Shape Up with Lee Carol Holy Trinity Church, Show Sports Hall, Greendown School Village Centre 8pm to 9pm Grange Park. 7pm -8pm

TUESDAY The Total Body Workout with Lee Sports Hall, Greendown School Grange Park. 730pm - 8.25pm

+ Not exercised for some time? Need to do something about your body? This light, low-impact session is for you.

WEDNESDAY Light 'n Low Beginners Class Total Body Conditioning with Carol with Lee Lime Kiln Sports Centre Gym, Greendown School, Grange Wootton Bassett. 8.1 5pm - 9pm Price includes FREE SWIM Park 8pm - 9pm

WEDNESDAY

Lee Hogan, Fitness Consultant, Aerobics Instructor and Personal Trainer with 15 years experience

All classes onl3

BY DESIGN LTD FRIDAY The Total Body Workout with Lee Gym, Greendown School, Grange Park. 630pm - 7.30pm

SUNDAY Total Body Conditioning with Carol DeVere Hotel, Show Ridge lOam - 11am. • Enjoy a swim, sauna and use of the steam room for only £2.50

SUNDAY The Total Body Workout with Lee Gym, Greendown School, Grange Pork. 630pm - 730pm

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RECREATION

Loads on offer at Link Centre Spring is sprung, the grass is ris', I wonder where Lincoln Bear is? asks Alison Bruce Look no further than Link Centre during the Easter holidays where you'll find not only Lincoln Bear, but a host of specially organised activities to suit everyone.

Early closing

Calling all campers!

Please note that the Link Centre will be closing at 6pm on Bank Holiday Monday. The swimming pool will close at 5pm and the last activity booking is 530pm.

Lincoln will be running his favourite holiday camp suitable for all 57 year olds and 8-12 year olds. From 1 - 12 April each weekday (excluding Bank Holidays) you'll be able to join in six hours of activity from 930am - 330pm. Don't forget to book in advance though. £5.60 per day.

Ever thought of trying egg and spoon races on ice? Well here's your chance. Races will be held during each afternoon session of the holidays, 2pm-4pm. So join us in the rink with your spoons - we'll provide the eggs, chocolate of course.

Who's the coolest?

Hunt for the eggs

On Easter Saturday, all you cool kids will have a chance to put on your fancy dress costumes for the Cool Kids Club Easter Party. Whether you're a spring chicken, an Easter bunny or just have a fancy Easter bonnet, we'll be giving Easter eggs and cuddly toys to the best dressed cool kids, as well as organising party games and the usual cool kids fun.

If you visit Link Centre during the holiday you should be able to find four enormous coloured Easter eggs hidden in different areas of the building. To enter the Easter Egg hunt, simply pick up a leaflet from the Link Centre and fill in your details. The winner, to be drawn on 15 April, will receive a free mini group skating pass plus a large chocolate egg. For further information on any of these or other Link Centre activities, please telephone main reception on 445566.

Burn off the chocolate

On Easter Monday we will be extending our afternoon skating session to run from 2pm - 5pm, giving a full three hours on the ice. What better way to burn off all the Easter eggs.

LINK

CENTRE

NEW PRICES from Monday 1st April 96 Please contact main reception for further details Tel: (01793) 445566 Link Centre Whitehill Way, Westlea Swindon Tel: (01793) 445566 Rec,eation Services BOROUGH OF Wr THAMESDOWN AV AOrnsicnof Lore,, Servo,,

Spoons at the ready

DISCOVER THE POWER OF NATURAL HEALTH

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River Ray Parkway to join national cycle route

5 The Parade, Purton Tel: (01 793) 770340

REDKEN BE 1, 11 r,YO: rH STOM

Weh1t Watchers°' SUMMER 44J1lLtiTE

Richard Keating of the Great Western Community Forest team writes

Was it only last year that 6,000 people planted the first trees on Shaw Tip to celebrated the Chinese New Year of the Pig? The vast majority are growing well, just about to burst into leaf. Running through this new, though not opened park, is the well used River Ray Parkway which follows, in part, the disused railway line, connecting Moulden Hill near Sparcells and Woodhall Park with Coate Water in East Swindon. This was the site of an earlier public tree plant back in 1990, just after the new path surface had been laid. In March a feasibility study was completed to create part of the new national cycle way through Swindon by linking the parkway north to Cricklade and south to the Ridgeway and Savernake Forest. incorporating the old railway line and the opening of the old canal. A leaflet on the Parkway is available by calling 493553. Later this year, we hope to hold another mass tree plant fun day at Moulden Hill. Keep your spades at the ready and watch this space.

Beauty and Nail Studio

Join now! Get slim for Summer

Freshbrook Community Centre Wednesday 6pm Haydon Centre, Thames Avenue Wednesday 715pm Thursday 6pm

Link Centre, West Swindon

Methodist Church Hall, High Street, Wednesday 7pm Wootton Basset Co-op Hall, 134 Cricklade Road, Wednesday 6pm Gorse Hill Grange Junior School, Grange Drive, Tuesday 7pm Stratton Coleview Community Centre, Towcester Road, Monday 7pm Stratton St Margaret Central Community Centre, Railway Village, Tuesday lOam & Swindon Tuesday 1230pm

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RECREATION

Dunkin' down in Haydon FU8tIbCLL5

WEIGH-IN FOLLOWED BY A 45 MINUTE WORKOUT Brookfield Primary School, Cartwright Drive, Shaw, Swindon Thursday 530pm - 700pm & 700pm - 830pm Noremarsh Junior School, Clarendon Drive, Wootton Bassett Monday 530pm - 700pm & 700pm - 830pm Wroughton Parish Church Hall, Tuesday 115pm - 245pm Purton Village Hall, Station Road, Purtor Thursday 115pm - 245pm Tel: Wendy Cole on (01793) 877750 Other classes available

If you're 8 to 11 years old and bitten by the basketball bug the Haydon Centre has something for you! A six-week basketball course for boys and girls of all abilities starts on Tuesday 18 April, 4pm. Led by a qualified coach, the sessions will introduce and develop skills and understanding of the game. Early enrolment is recommended. For more details and bookings call the centre on 706666.

Deb's Sunbeds Home Rental Fast tanning canopies - with or without facial boosters • Doubles also available Free installation and local delivery Tel: Swindon 421665 anytime (Mobile 0378 - 641052)

Membership Fee £6 Class Fee £3.75

Pool Activities at a Glance Holida Timetable MORNING

MONDAY

8 9 10pm

rn Todde,s Sp ah In

TUESDAY

on KS

Aqua Aerobics

WEDNESDAY Toddle4 Spbth4n

THURSDAY

Small school, big successes With only 140 juniors to choose from Shaw Ridge School has been doing well. Three teams entered the South West England Gymnastics Championships (under 11) on 16 March. The girls came 2nd and the boys team came 3rd. Shaw Ridge boys, top of the West Swindon schools football league represented Wiltshire at the South West of England 6-a-side championships on 23 March. In a closely fought final with Wiltshire's other entrants, the boys lost 2-1 to Grange School from Stratton who go on to national finals at Old Trafford. Headteacher Kieth Burke said he was really proud of the tremendous performances by his girls and boys.

Competition

EVENING

AFTERNOON

7am 8 9 10 11

Sports shorts

Anybody who attends one of Wendy Cole's Rosemary Conley Diet & Fitness Clubs during April can enter a simple competition which could win them two free places at the renowed Ragdale Hall Health Hydro. See the advert on this page for your nearest club. You don't have to become a member to enter.

Dunblane donation Steppers who attend Liz Bennett's Step to the Beat classes at Freshbrook School raised over £100 for the Dunblane Appeal in midMarch. She runs classes on Monday, Wednesday and Thursdays. For details, call Liz on 423104

FRIDAY

SATURDAY 'uster Swü

SUNDAY

For young adults

Term-Time Timetable MORNING

AFTERNOON

7am 8 9 10 11 MONDAY

EVENING 4

6 7 8 9 10pm

rnsng wers

Olympic trialist Floatetion Aobics

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

A 10 pin bowling club aimed at 18 to 24s is being launched. If you enjoy bowling and want to join a team, call Cohn Newman on 642464.

p9:

SATURDAY

Grange Park swimmer Jason Williams competed in the national trials for the Atlanta Olympics on 22 / 23 March. He broke the Wiltshire lOOm breastroke record and is ranked 20th in the UK and 4th in his age group. The 17 year old New College student from Hampton Drive has set his goal on swimming for Britain in the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

Funky work-out Looking for an aerobics session with a difference? Try Box-a-Cise, a musically choreographed workCustomers are advised that during lane swimming there are no waves or water cannon. out incorporating boxing and cirPool and Domebusters available for hire. cuit training techniques. It's funky, it's fun and sessions are held on Recreation Services Oasis Leisure Centre, North Star Avenue, Swindon Tuesdays at the Haydon Centre, THAMESDOWN 12.15pm - 115pm. Just pay on the BOROUGH COUNCIL AW Tel (0 1793) 445400 A dMAOfld LeA,,,. —J day. To find out more ring 706666.

SUNDAY

Float Aqua A'bics Aerobics

RECREATION

Workout for the Olympic team Here's your chance to help the British Olympic team for this summer's Olympics in Atlanta, USA. Local keep fit expert Lee Hogan is running an aerobics

session on Tuesday 16 April, 7.30pm at Greendown School, Grange Park in conjunction with Midland Bank. The bank as one of the official team sponsors is contributing £4m and staff at the seven Swindon area branches are aiming to raise £20,000 by July. Just turn up at Lee's Midland Bank Olympic workout and your £3 session fee will be donated in full to the appeal.

Star search moves west Swindon Town's search for footballing talent arrives at the Link Centre where the West Swindon Soccer Centre opens on 15 April. Organised in conjunction with don Town's Centre of Excellence Thamesdown Council by Town's held at Greendown School. For more information, call Gary Youth Development Officer Tommy Wheeldon and coordi- Williams on 644777, or fill in the nated by Gary Williams who lives application form below and drop in Middleleaze, the aim is to im- it into Link Centre reception. prove footballing ability amongst boys and girls aged 5 to 16 years. "Our first Soccer Centre at the Oasis kicked off in January and is going well," said Gary. "There was a very good individual standard of football and I'm sure we will see the same at Link Centre. The soccer centres will run through the year to bring on the youngsters." Young players will be assessed during each seven week block and receive a certificate of achievement. Those awarded the top level will be invited to attend trials at Swim Gary Williams and Tom Wheeldon calling for star foot ballers

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The Link Magazine • April 1996

Since its formation in 1972 the Society has attempted to record the social history of Swindon from photographs taken since the 1850s. Original slides showing the many changes in the town since the 1950s have also been added to the Society's growing collection which now numbers over 6,200 slides. These are used to illustrate talks to local groups of all ages on how life used to be in the town. They bring back many memories for older Swindonians, and also enable newcomers to discover more about the area. The slide collection shows the life and times of those who worked 'inside' the Great Westem Railway works, now sadly no more. Also featured are the Wilts and Berks canal, life during both world wars, scenes from many neighbourhoods in the town and surrounding villages, and much more. This wealth of photographic

History started yesterday Brian Bridgeman introduces The Swindon Society

The Fox & Hounds in High Street, Haydon Wick

material has resulted in five extremely popular 'Swindon in Old Photographs' books available from good book shops, and two videos.

Members of the society are encouraged to pursue investigations into various aspects of local history and present the results to meetings. We have also been able

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west swindon

to assist local businesses with valuable reference information. The rebuilding of the Chiseldon windmill at the business park near Freshbrook is a notable example. The society works closely with Thamesdown Council on various projects and hope to contribute to the proposed Heritage Museum should National Lottery funding be forthcoming. Society meetings take place on the second Wednesday of the month from September to May and take the form of a slide show and talk. It costs only £8 to become a member, £13 for joint members and £4 for concessions. The Swindon Society's motto has always been, 'history starts yesterday.' If you have just arrived in the town, or been here some time, our work is relevant to you. We would welcome your interest. For more information, call our membership secretary Martin Vandervelde on 521910.

Survey thanks Many thanks to all the readers who returned the survey published in the March edition of The Link. About 200 have been sent in. The response has given us a great deal of encouragement, and much to think about. We will be sending out the prizes advertised after the closing date at the end of

New map n its way Ro.hmoo &Sp,eI}s

anniversary

CELEBRATE WITH THE LINK MAGAZINE To advertise in this very special edition, telephone (01793) 872282 Logo design by Nick Belson of Origin. Tel: (01793) 875886

Many survey returns asked for a new map of West Swindon. This was already in the pipeline and an up to date version will be distributed with the May Link.

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

Literary Festival tickets now on sale Swindon's third Festival of Literature was given a big send off when the 20 page programme was unveiled on 20 March by Radio 4 presenter Louise Doughty, with sparkling word assistance from Slam performance poet Sara-Jane Arbury. On offer during the ten day festival at the beginning of May are writer and TV presenter Melvyn Bragg, ex-hostage Terry Waite, criminal-turned-writer 'Mad' Frankie Fraser, poet and Larkin biographer Andrew Motion, and John Betjemin's daughter Candida Lycett Green. There really is something for everyone. Launched with May Day dawn frolics in Old Town gardens, there will be serious

Swindon Literary Festival Director Matt Holland at the launch of the Festivalprogramme with radio presenter Louise Doughty, left, and Slam poet Sara-Jane Arbury

writing, poetry, presentations by media figures, a look at Jane Austen's writings, football poetry at the County Ground, an evening with a scriptwriter from the Archers, a chance to write about your own life, a muscial interlude searching out the birth of The Blues. Children get a look in with a workshop at the Arts Centre, an evening performance at Lydiard House and events in schools around the town. The literature festival programme with ticket booking details is available from libraries and leisure centres around the town. The festival is chiefly funded by Thamesdown Foundation for the Arts and Dominic Winter Book Auctions.

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Military mayhem as you're never seen it Corinne Glanville reviews the return of the famous late 50s TV serial, directed by Brit. Jonathan Lynn, which might just revive Steve Martin's faltering career Steve Martin stars as master Sergeant Ernie Bilko, the quintessential, silver-tongued con man. A unique character, truly untrustworthy but loved by all around him with the exception of Major Thorn (Phil Hartman), whose path crosses with Sgt Bilko's fifteen years after they parted company and definitely not on friendly terms. Ernie Bilko is in charge of Fort Baxter's motor pool, officially, despite his lack of vehicular knowledge. His true talents lie in thinking up new ways to make money, whether its renting out army Humvee vehicles or running gambling tables. Bilko's Commanding Officer is Colonel Hall (Dan Ackroyd) who is not so watchful as a CO might be, a and Bilko is on easy street going from one profitable enterprise to the next until Major Thorn arrives. Thorn's orders from the Pentagon are to find out why progress on the development of a new weapon at the post is dismally slow. Two

auditors set about cracking the code to gain access to Bilko's financial records. Steve Martin carries off the part of Bilko in his own funny arid entertaining way. He doesn't try to imitate Phil Silvers who had the part in the long-running TV series. However, some may say the film is just the reworking of a classic. Some things can't be improved upon.

Steve Martin as the charming rogue Sergeant Bilko army auditors are brought in by Thorn to reveal just how Bilko is moving funds which should be helping the weapon project. With Bilko and his platoon out of the way on manoeuvres in the desert - the desert very near Las Vegas that is (well you didn't think they were real soldiers, did you?), Thorn and the

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Monday 1 April to Saturday 6 April Music The Official Tribute to The Blues Brothers starring Simon Foster and Brad Henshaw. Wyvern, Mon - Thurs 7.30pm, Fri & Sat, 6pm & 845pm. £16, £13. Fri 6pm, all seats £10 Thursday 4 April Comedy The Simon Day Show. Arts Centre, 8pm. £7.50 Sunday 7 April Music The Ultimate 60s Concert. The Imposters perform hits from the 60s. Wyvern, 730pm. £8, Monday 8 April Music Foster & Allen celebrating 20 years of easy listening. Wyvern, 730pm. £9, £8 Tuesday 9 April Music 30 Years on ... A tribute to Cliff and the Shadows featuring Steve Christy. Wyvern, 730pm. £10.50, £8.5 Wednesday 10 April Family Bodger & Badger in Mad Mash One. Wyvern, 130pm. £4 Music The Pete Allen Jazz Band and the Beachcombers playing big band music. Wyvern, 8pm. £9.50 Thursday 11 April Family Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, starring David D'Arby as the Wicked Queen. Wyvern, 11 am & 215pm. £5.25 Thursday 11 April Music Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen. Wyvern, 8pm. £9.50 Friday 12 April Music Bournemouth Sinfonietta playing Mozart and Schubert. Wyvern, 730pm. £13, £11, £9 Friday 12 April & Sat 13 April Family The Owl and the Pussycat. Arts Centre, 11am & 230pm. Adults £4, children £3

Sunday 14 April Music Pan Pipe Moods. Wyvern, 730pm. £9.50 & £8.50 Wednesday 17 April to Saturday 20 April Opera The Merry Widow presented by Swindon Opera. Wyvern, 730pm. £8.50 - £6 Thursday 18 April to Saturday 20 April Drama Entertaining Mr Sloane presented by The Old Town Theatre Company. Not suitable for children. Arts Centre, 730pm. £4 Thursdays 18, 25 April, 2, 9, 16 & 23 May Workshop Life Drawing. An opportunityto spend 6 evenings drawing from a model. Self supervised sessions, provide own drawing board and materials. Book all 6 sessions in advance. Arts Centre, 7pm-9pm. £18 Saturday 20 April Talk & sale The Herbaceous Border. Moredon Gardens, Cheney Manor Indus. Estate, 2pm. £4, book in advance on 523294 Workshop Plant Sculpture. Discover the art of growing indoor and outdoor plants over a wood structure. Bring a pair of pliers. Arts Centre, lOam - 4pm. £12 Monday 22 April Music Hall Danny La Rue in The Good Old Days. Wyvern, 730pm. £8, £7 Wednesday 24 April to Saturday 27 April Gang Show 96 with a cast of 200 Scouts and Guides. Wyvern, 730pm. £6 - £5 Drama London Assurance presented by The Phoenix Players. A hilarious comedy by Dion Boucicault. Arts Centre, 730pm. £3

Spring has sprung, lambs are leaping Lambs will soon be skipping around at Roves Farm, Sevenhampton just two miles north east of Swindon. See a lamb being born. There are 900 expectant ewes due to give birth over the next few weeks. After watching the lambing and meeting all the other animals, including kids and piglets, visitors can stroll around the new easy to follow farm trails looking for other signs of spring. The trees will be budding and cowslips pushing up through the grass. Visitors may even hear the first cuckoo. Roves Farm offers everything for a great day out: farm animals, lambing, lamb feeding, story trails, adventure play area, bouncy cas- Rupert and Joanna Burr with young tle and ball pit, crafts to try and a woolly offspring at Roves Farm tea room which serves lunch, and £2.25 for concessions. The It is open from 11am Wednes- trails are free to use at any time. days to Sundays inclusive and Trail guides are available at 25p. Bank Holidays. For a guided tour For further information pick up a and to watch the lambing it costs leaflet from your local library or £2.75 for adults, £1.75 forchildren telephone 763939.

April overview Saturday 27 April Swindon Watch Group Orienteering course, start Lydiard Park Visitors Centre. lOam - 1230pm, 50p. Swindon Watch is a nature club for children 7-12 yrs old. Family Gallery Day: Storytelling in Art, age 7- 12 yrs, Swindon Art Gallery, lOam - lpm. £2.50 (under 8s must be accompanied)

Music The finale of the Swindon Recital Series with Clare Toomer and Paul Turner - piano duet. Arts Centre, 8pm. £7

Monday 29 April Clairvoyance & Psychic demonstration with Billy Roberts. Wyvern, 8pm. £5.50

Tuesday 30 April Music Forever in Blue Jeans country and western show. Wyvern, 730pm. £8.50, £7.50 Comedy Annabel Giles in Looking For Mr Giles, a single woman show. Over the past few years Annabel Giles has become an expert on Mr Wrong and hopefully you'll learn from her hilarious mistakes. Arts Centre, 8pm. £7.50

Activities at Swindon's Museum during the Easter holidays.

Robert Habermann pays tribute to Sinatra at the Wyvern, 28 April

Advance booking advised

Sunday 28 April Health, Beauty and Fitness Fayre

Art Gallery, tel: 493188 1 & 2 April, 10am - 1pm

all proceeds to Help the Aged. Hilton National, Lydiard Fields, 1Oam-4pm. £2 Music Happy 80th Birthday Frank Sinatra. Robert Habermann and his trio pay tribute to Frank's rise to international stardom. Wyvern, 7.30pm. £8, £7

Victorian Samplers, £2.50

9 & 11 April, 10am -1pm. Something & Nothing, 8 yrs +, £2.50

Lydiard Park, tel: 770401 3, 4, 10 & 11 April, 1030am -

Film at the A its Centre Wednesday SApril SecóndBest:(12)..A young

boy is taken into rare after a middle-aged Welsh postman convinces the authorities to allow a trial doptlon.With beautiful landscapes and starring William Hurt SFS, 7.4Spm Wednesday 10 April & Thursday ll April In The Bleak Midwinter (1$) Kenneth Branagh'sbittersweet comedy abouta group of eccentrló actors I staging a pro ducticm of Hamlet iba disused village church. 7.450m, £3.50

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GWR Museum, tel: 493189 6 April, 10am-5pm, Easter Eggstravaganza, family event, normal admission charge 11 & 12 April, 10am - 1pm, Moving Pictures, £3.50

Win a day out at Badminton Taking place in the acres of parkland which form the Duke of Beaufort's country estate in Avon, and set against the magnificent backdrop of Badminton House, the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials is one of the most prestigious equestrian events in the sporting calendar. The trials annually attract a huge entry from the top British and international riders. The 1996 event between 2 and 5 May is sure to attract a bumper crowd as it will be the final selection trial for the British Three Day Event team for the Atlanta Olympic Games. But Badminton is not just about horses. Some of London's most prestigious stores such as Garrard the crown jeweller, Fortnum & Mason, Hermes and Austin Read, set up trade stands in an outdoor village. This is the spring event not to be missed and The Link magazine has two car passes to admit a driver and

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The Link Magazine • April 1996

Fire safety as important as ever Joy in the station, sadness on the job. Sub Officer Perry Payne from Westlea reports

I'd like to start with news of a different kind from your local fire stationCongratulations to our Station Commander Steve Law and his wife Kim on the addition to their family of a baby boy. Jamie was born on 22 February and came in at a very healthy 81b 7oz, but Steve says he doesn't know what all the fuss was about as it didn't hurt a bit - we look forward to Kim's reply. Work still goes on, and we've been fairlybusy. Since I last wrote, Westlea Fire Station has responded

to 23 fires, 19 emergency special service calls and 39 false alarms. One thing about the fire service is you get to see a wide range of incidents and amongst our calls in the last month are: two explosions involving high voltage electrical apparatus, chip pan fires, two thatch fires, a person trapped under a fork lift, a person trapped under pallets, a horse trapped in wire, persons shut in lifts, several car fires and inevitably a number of road traffic accidents. Certainly the saddest incident

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we attended was the house fire in Groundwell Road in the centre of Swindon. Despite a good rescue from a severe fire by our colleagues from Swindon Fire Station and some tremendous work once again by paramedics from Swindon Ambulance Station, the lady occupier later died. It therefore is a prudent time for me to reiterate some advice I've given earlier in respect of fire safety in the home. If you don't already own asmoke detector - buy one! They are a very inexpensive way of gaining an

early warning of fire, and the earlier you are aware of a fire - the longer you and your family have to make your escape. • Plan your escape routes now, particularly what you will do in the event of a fire at night. • Make sure all the family are aware of what to do now, because if you are ever unfortunate enough to have a fire it is a very difficult situation in which to think clearly. • Remember a golden rule - if you discover a fire, get out, get the fire brigade out and stay out.

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A pre-Christmas collection at the West Swindon Centre by firefighters at Westlea Fire Station was turned into equipment when a fire crew visited the childrens ward at PMH on 8 March. The collection organised by Fireman Andy Collins, the fifth at the West Swindon Centre, raised £1314 which was divided equally between the Fire Service National Benevolent Fund and care for local children. Ward sister Jill Birtwhistle said the donation would be used to buy a life saving mobile respiratory monitor alarm which can be lent to parents where there is a risk of cot death. Pictured above: A fireman's lift for Sister Jill Birtwhistle from, left to right, Sub-officer Perry Payne, Firefighters Andy Collins and Neil Green, and Leading fireman Phil Cambran

Operation darkness update

Following our February campaign regarding pedal cyclists with no lights, the following results were achieved: 11 fixed penalty tickets were issued; 47 verbal cautions were given. Advice was given regarding protective/high visibility clothing on numerous occasions. Overall we deem the campaign to be successful and most people received it in the spirit in which it was intended. Monitoring will be ongoing. Public meeting

Seventy people attended a meeting on 21 March for Toothill and Freshbrook residents. They expressed concern about graffiti, ball games in the street and general nuisance from young people. There was interest in traffic management schemes across West Swindon and closed circuit TV installations. Inspector Andy Tatum said the meeting gave the police the opportunity to listen to local concerns.

The Link Magazine • April 1996

Fashion and Flattery Sarah Finch-Crisp, Keeper of Lydiard House, presents some fascinating dress facts from the past

Walls lined with the faces of long land. Lydiard has its own collecdead ancestors are a familiar site tion showing the men, women and in the great country houses of Eng- children of the St John family from Elizabethan to Victorian times. Having your portrait painted Setting up for spring was an important business which and summer only the very rich could afford; a way of honouring and rememberLydiard countryside ranger Michael Paul-Williams writes ing loved ones as well as making a March is a time of preparation for statement about the family's the ranger service. A new pro- wealth and status. But if you think gramme of spring/summer events these pictures all look the same, is now available from libraries, lei- think again. Sitters adopted a sure centres, the Information Cen- whole variety of poses and fashtre and the parks. ions changed dramatically over the This season we are featuring sev- Sarah Finch-Crisp with Lydiard 's eral orienteering events. Lydiard own Lady Diana Spencer Country Park has ten orienteering courses. Maps and compasses can be hired out and instruction given if required. The sport is great fun and is a good way to see the park. Other events include a walking stick workshop, a visit to a local farm and a Victorian theme walk. We welcome back our seasonal ranger Matt Dry this month. As the days get longer and warmer you may like to book a barbecue at Lydiard. We have repositioned the sites and you will be able to enjoy your barbie with sweeping views of the main lawn. To book a barbecue please phone 771419. They can be hired from either 1pm or 5pm.

centuries. The only thing which was likely to remain the same was a rather fixed expression, the result of many hours sitting for a portrait and rotten teeth! Feminine beauty was exaggerated in portraits according to fashion, in order to flatter the sitters who, after all, were usually paying the bill. Barbara Villiers, King Charles II's famous mistress, shown here dripping with silks and pearls was considered to be one of the great beauties of the Restoration court. Her long flowing hair, plumpness, dimpled chin, sleepy looking eyes and sloping shoulders were considered highly desirable. Plumpness was definitely an attraction as it showed a woman was healthy and could afford to eat well. The artist, Sir Peter Lely, has however flattered Barbara. Her shoulders appear to slope far more than is physically possible! Why not come and have a look at the portraits this Easter. There are fantastically detailed costumes to see, macho men of the 18th century, society beauties like Lady Diana Spencer and a grandpa called Frumps. There is also a display of Victorian jewellery now on and children's activities every day during the holidays.

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Swindon Town FC manager Steve McMahon was on hand to launch the North Swindon Technology Centre at Hreod Parkway School on 14 March. The joint project with New Col- ple for the next century. She ised in 1983 and each year many of lege makes high quality technol- thanked the Intel Corporation for our students progress through the ogy equipment available to col- their support with computers, college. The technology centre will lege students who will take courses along with Burmah Castrol, the involve the community, school and at the school, to Hreod students Research Councils and Swindon college working together." The North Swindon Technology and adults taking day and evening Town FC. Hreod Parkway headteacher Centre joins a similar centre at classes. Local business will also benefit from training opportuni- Richard Cleall welcomed the re- Greendown School in West Swinturn of sixth form education to don which opened last September. ties for their staff. New College principal Mary North Swindon. "Several Hreod Both centres will be linked elecSellars said the access to informa- staff went to work at New College tronically to New College via the tion technology training was es- when sixth forms were reorgan- Neighbourhood Net. 4 sential for the future and the Cen- Steve McMahon exercises his fingers with help from Hreod students Dale tre was designed to prepare peo- Simmonds, Sam Jenkins, Gemma Hulton, Rebecca Ashworth, Shane Hobbs

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Inspectors from the Office for Standards in Education have adjudged Bradon Forest School 'a good school following an inspection during February. Chair of governors Francis The majority of pupils achieve at least the national expectation Young said, "Despite a rigorous for their age, some achieve beyond inspection, the school has come it. The percentage of pupils achiev- out of the process very positively ing five or more A-C in GCSE is and the governing body is designificantly above the national lighted with the report. average, though the performance of girls was significantly better Making maths fun than that of the boys. Open evening for parents to Standards of achievement range study kids maths club from sound to overall in the vast Children who want to keep a step majority of subjects. Standards for ahead have the chance to improve maths, english, science and infortheir skills at an after school club. mation technology are average to Richard Bell has taken up the above average. Standards in hisKumon maths club franchise in tory need to be improved, whilst Swindon and is running sessions in art, the quality of teaching and at Upper Shaw Farm Centre. learning was unsatisfactory. Each student follows a proThe management of the school gramme tailored to their level and is generally good, as is financial attend the club twice a week for control. The school provides good 20 minutes and work is adjusted value for money. so that students are always workThe report commends a harding at their optimum level. working staff and committed senKumon is designed to reinforce ior management. maths skills and compliment their The school is an orderly comschool learning. It develops study munity and there are good relaskills and confidence. tionships with parents, industry, Interested parents and children commerce and other institutions. are invited to an open evening on The inspectors say the high repuTuesday 16 April, 7pm in the Uptation it has in the community is per Shaw Community Centre. Rideserved. chard Bell's number is 763988.

This is

GR E NDOWN A Newsletter from West Swindon's Local School â€˘ April 1996

PULL FOR SEPTEMBER! Greendown celebrates its 10th birthday in September with the biggest Intake ever. For the past few years, we have been the most popular secondary school for West Swindon parents. This September's intake is full with 240 children. This is 30 more than the official Greendown admission limit, but we are adding an extra class to provide for the 235 families who have made us their first choice. We have been chosen by well over half of West Swindon primary children and their parents. Our open evenings in the autumn were very well attended. Greendown staff, students and parents were on hand to answer questions, to complement the exciting displays and hands-on experiences for year 6 children.

We're going to Greendown.' Three of next September's Intake, from left, Clare Parker from Windmill Hill School, Adam Bevan from Salt Way and Nicola Cole from Westlea School Parents have been impressed with our concern for the individual, our commitment to partnership and our high expectations for their children. Greendown has been nation-

ally recognised for its forward planning systems and stays on top of national initiatives. We have already made detailed plans for the next five years which include introducing GNVQ5 (vo-

New image planned for second decade To celebrate its tenth year, the governors have decided to give Greendown a new badge and strong identity for its second decade. The Parents' Council suggested marking our anniversary with a different image and proposed that ideas for a new logo should initially come from the students. The governors were delighted with the suggestion and set up a competition to find the best ideas. Core Creative Consultants (the graphic design branch of Swindon College School of Art & Design) have prepared a design brief and will help judge the competition. They will then turn

Students examine the present logo wlthJeff Wilkinson from Swindon College the winning idea or ideas into a professional image. Jeff Wilkinson and his team

are providing their services at cost price as part of the support from Swindon College. RM Consulting, part of Royal Mail Technology at Dorcan in Swindon, have generously donated ÂŁ950 in sponsorship, for which we are very grateful. We look forward to the new logo looking down on the Royal Mail post box time capsule located near the the front entrance of the school. The competition goes into its final stages as we go to press. Look out for our new image.

cational courses in addition to the academic GCSE), extending the Sixth Form satellite link with New College, building stronger links with Swindon College, and improving our individual development planning for our pupils. "We recognise the need to maintain high standards - of teaching quality, of learning and of pupil behaviour," says Ian Matthews, Headteacher. "We are committed to repaying the faith shown in us by parents by providing a high quality education for all pupils."

Contributions gratefully received... Greendown parents have been actively collecting computer vouchers on offer from local superstores. We will be very grateful for further contributions. We are over half way to collecting the 4,000 vouchers needed for a computer in the ASDA voucher scheme. We are also collecting Sainsburys and Tesco vouchers, and can find a good use for any left-over Esso tokens now that garages have stopped issuing them. We know that some of our partner primaries are also collecting. So please help West Swindon children with these vouchers. Ask for your voucher when shopping and pass on any you can spare, either to us or your local primary school.

ihs is3ittidowu

Musical students go on the road Greendown musicians have been providing an exciting show at West Swindon Primary Schools. Mr AndrĂŠ Psyancyn, Head of Music, and Mr Tim Noble, Primary Liaison Coordinator, have taken the Greendown Road Show to eight of our nine partner primaries, with a visit to the ninth planned. Gemma Abrams performs her own songs, accompanied by Sophie Sheen, also in year 9, on flute. Sophie has been learning the flute in Greendown's Music School for eighteen months. Gemma has been receiving singing lessons from Janice Thompson since she was four, and has performed at the Wyvern Theatre and, in a 1993 performance of the Wizard of Oz, at the Royal Festival Hall. Her own favourite groups are all-girl groups, especially 'Eternal.' When she writes songs, she thinks of the words first. The

The touring musicians, rear left to right, Dean Fisher, Sophie Sheen, Gemma Abrams, Paul Cullum, Alex Ogle. Front, Becci Pearce, Patrick and Rhys Edmonds words come easiest to her, as they are just, "in my head". Once the words are written, she composes a tune "straight away". After a recent performance at Windmill Hill, Gemma received

letters from every year 5 pupil. Her first reaction at receiving 'fan mail' was embarrassment "I thought it was funny" but when she sat down and read them all, she was "really pleased"

that the boys and girls had enjoyed her singing that much. Sam Brassington, Becci Croker and Melanie Hutton danced, and also sang unaccompanied. The rock band, which contains a mix of students from years 7 to 11, also played. This band has eight members and played several pieces including numbers by Jimi Hendrix and Guns n' Roses. Philip Mayger of year 8 played a guitar solo with taped backing. The whole cast also performed various songs by Michael Jackson and Eternal. There was a section in the show where primary pupils were invited to join in, playing percussion instruments. The performances were enthusiastically received by all pupils. Patrick Edmonds, guitarist and Dean Fisher, drums, impressed Tregoze School so much that they were invited back to accompany a year 5 performance.

The Crowds Went Really, Really Wild The Really, Really Wild Show, Greendown's third musical extravaganza, was again a great success. Playing to four full houses in December, the show moved from a story format to a cabaret, showcasing the remarkable talents of our students.

Produced and directed once again by Ms Samantha Gee and Mr AndrĂŠ Psyancyn, the show had a series of dance, song and music performances. The year 11 students, Sam Brassington, Becci Croker, Tamsin Curry, Gemma Harman and Melanie

Music School set to grow even larger Over the past year, Greendown has expanded its provision for Music by establishing the "Music School". The Wiltshire peripatetic service has been strengthened by additional instrument teachers so that eight teachers now offer tuition in eleven instruments. Parents contribute to the tuition together with the school, enabling us to provide violin, guitar, electric guitar, woodwind, brass and percussion tuition. 115 students are now taught and this number will rise with the large intake in September.

Extra practice rooms and new instruments are all part of our planning for September, and we have a vision of continuing growth over the next few years. We already have a woodwind ensemble, a string quartet and two rock groups. In April, we shall be starting a string orchestra. As the numbers rise and the students progress in mastering their instruments, we should see a healthy expansion in musical performances, with greater opportunities for Greendown students to demonstrate their talents.

Hutton, danced a varied series of routines, including a dazzling mambo dancing routine to the music of Perez Prado, and sang. Melanie Hutton, Nikki King and Rebecca jenner sang solos: after Rebecca's "Everybody Hurts", there wasn't a dry eye in the house! Gemma Abrams sang her own compositions, including "Windows",whilst fronting a full backing group. The live band featured a mixture of adults and Greendown students, and some of the playing by year eight gui-

tarists was stunning. Katherine Barber played a haunting flute solo. Ms Gee, who also compered the show at short notice with Jon-Paul Chambers (not the only boy in the show), was delighted at the dedication and enthusiasm of all members of the cast and all those involved behind the scenes. The performances were enthusiastically applauded, including a special afternoon performance for primary pupils. The audiences went home singing.

Gemma Adams, Kate Rudldns and Lorna Thompson, performing at the show

This is Greendown â€˘ 3

Getting down to business The changes to the National Curriculum have given schools the flexibility to offer a wider range of courses than was originally planned. Greendown has taken the opportunity to introduce Business Studies. Mrs Claire Fidler, who has worked with adult education in West Swindon for some years, is in charge. Business is a popular option with students, and there are already two GCSE groups in the current year 10.

Elaine Ford of Swindon College working with year 10 Business students

Greendown is working closely with the Faculty of Business at Swindon College. Just as our commitment to 5 to 19 education guides our work with partner primaries, so it is shaping our work with Swindon's two Colleges. Students can go on to higher level courses in GNVQ Business at College, building on what they have achieved at Greendown. Swindon College are helping us in a number of ways. Bob Looney, Head of Business, advised Mrs Fidler on courses and resources. We have set up a suite of PC computers and John Bishop and his computer technicians helped instal them. Elaine Ford, from the Business Faculty, currently spends two hours at Greendown helping Mrs Fidler plan, develop and deliver the course. Elaine is also training Greendown staff in assessing for GNVQ courses. We are delighted that the hard work done in launching Business Studies is being supported by the vocational expertise of Swindon College. The PC suite in the Business room is also being developed as a hightech resource for other subjects, with CD Rom drives and access to the Internet. Students will be able to communicate in Spanish with Ocotal as part of the Thamesdown Nicaragua link and we hope to develop similar contacts with the Frenchspeaking countries. We are also grateful to Ray Burcham of New College for his assistance and advice with obtaining appropriate software.

Specialist technology courses prepare for take-off The work of Sir Ron Dearing's committees in slimming down the National Curriculum and increasing choice requires changes in every subject and every school. Greendown staff are working hard to ensure the changes benefit our students. One area which is seeing major changes is Design and Technology. Greendown has always provided Technology for all students, right through to GCSE. Our course has offered the full range - from woodwork to cooking - to boys and girls. This is Greendown has carried previous articles on the work of the Neighbourhood Engineers and the Women into Science and Engineering Project. Schools are now encouraged to specialise at GCSE level, and the Technology department is offering a range of new courses. These include Systems, Engineering and

Graphics as well as Textiles, Food and Resistant Materials (which means working with wood and similar materials). Greendown students have an exciting range of ways to follow the design process. The Engineering course is associated with our 'sixth form' work with New College, and the satellite West Swindon Technology Centre based at Greendown. We are planning a Part One GNVQ course to link with a GNVQ Advanced course being developed by New College. The West Swindon Technology Centre has added to the facilities for education in this area, and is running a number of courses for the community. The latest course, "Keep Up With Your Kids" is designed to help parents in West Swindon whose children have a computer at home to keep pace with them or try to!

After your money! Greendown is in its third year of the Young Enterprise scheme. Mr Eric Bullion, Head of Careers, links the scheme into our City & Guilds Prevocational Diploma. Young Enterprise provides each student-run 'mini-company' with an adviser from the world of business. This year our groups have been advised by Richard James of Nationwide and Jonathan Berry of Midland Bank. The Greendown mini-companies continue to thrive, and make money! Greenwave, whose Managing Director is Rebecca Jenner, sells candles, jewellery and terrariums. The terrariums, glass cases for growing plants, are made by Arran Stacey. At a craft fair at the West Swindon Centre in early March, Greenwave won the award for best product.

Greendown Radio Group from left, Matthew Lewis Nadine Preston, Louise Gravier and Philip Coultas Greendown Radio Group, led by Matthew Lewis, have featured on HTV news and continue their business. The group have arranged sponsorship from Mondex and are planning ahead: they are developing a lower school radio group to carry on the radio in June 1997! The groups, all in year 10, took the Young Enterprise examination recently and are preparing for the area presentation evening, at the Link Centre in May. We have had notable successes in the past two years, and we are sure Greenwave and Greendown Radio Group will carry on the proud tradition.

This is Greendown • 4

P.E. proves popular with primary schools Greendown continues to be committed to 5 to 19 education as a base for lifelong learning. If we can add to the experience of primary pupils, the ben-

efits last into, and beyond, secondary education at Greendown. This year we have added another project to our successful work with our partner primaries.

We are now supporting theme work with sessions of physical education and dance. We have been keen to make both our facilities and specialist staff expertise available to all the primary pupils in West Swindon. This is Greendown has already featured our work in Technology, the Education 2000 project in the Resource Centre and the Primary Science Laboratory. This year we are also offering primary P.E. sessions, currently run by Ms Tracey Smedley, Head of P.E., Ms Laura Smith or Mr Clive Harding. For two hours on a Friday

Shaw Ridge pupils take up a dance pose in Laura Smith's primary P.E. session

morning, classes from years 4, 5 and 6 come up to use our Sports Hall to develop physical, gymnastic or dance skills and to explore National Curriculum themes. The P.E. coordinators in the schools and Greendown staff plan the activities in advance to fit in with the primary National Curriculum. Themes such as 'Forces', 'The Healthy Body' and 'African Dance' have included activities with gymnastics, dance, netball, hockey and fitness. The facility has been well used, with Freshbrook, Oliver Tomkins and Shaw Ridge visiting already and Westlea visiting soon. We are pleased that these sessions have been so successful, thanks to the hard work of P.E. staff at Greendown and our colleagues in the primary schools.

Working Hard for Charities Greendown's motto is "Think of the other person" and our students are very aware of those less fortunate than themselves. Each year, we run a number of events for charity, usually initiated by the students, as well as three charity non-uniform days which raise over £350 each time.

Our current charities include Children in Need, Barriardos and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. The Cystic Fibrosis Trust is a key charity for the school, to commemorate Paula Brooks. Her memory is kept alive by our main prize for endeavour, by a tree planted at the front of the

school and by collecting for the Trust that is looking for a cure for this terrible illness.

David's shuttle success Joining the school badminton club has led a Greendown student to represent Wiltshire within a year of taking up the sport. David Geddes, now in year 8, has already played for the County under 13 badminton team and has been invited to the South West England trials in June. David, from Ramleaze, had not played badminton before joining Greendown. The after-school badminton club is run by Mr Sebastian Bees, of the Humanities department. David quickly found he had a talent with the racquet, and, after six months, joined a club at Pinehurst to

develop his game. He goes for coaching with Mr Jeff Hindler three nights a week, and progress there brought him to the attention of Wiltshire the coach. David had a County trial at Pewsey, and was selected for the Wiltshire squad. He now attends training sessions at Melksham. He has played for the under 13 team, in Bournemouth and in Gloucester, and is looking forward to his area trial. David has also taken the first step to further success: he has gained sponsorship from the equipment makers, Yonex, who will supply him with free racquets.

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

Karen Brooks, front centre, and some of the girls who took part In the sponsored bounce for Cystic Fibrosis Paula's sister, Karen, in year 9, organised a sponsored bounce to raise additional funds for the charity. She gathered .a group of sixteen friends and classmates and they set out to complete one thousand trampoline bounces in an hour. Supervised by Ms Laura Smith, they exceeded this target, and raised over £100 for the Trust. Karen herself raised over £60. Hopefully, our contributions will help the research.

We always make visitors very welcome and are happy to give interested parents tours of the school. For more information please contact, Parents (Primary year 6): Tim Noble Other parents: Steve O'Sullivan Community use and bookings: Margaret May

Tel: (0 1793) 874224 Readers who would like to see back copies of This is Greendown' are invited to contact the school

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

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A Link magazine reader has joined the Swindon committee of the Wessex Children's Hospice Appeal which has to raise up to £5m. Bev Cejer from Grange Park, says a children's hospice provides respite care for children with life threatening conditions. Unlike adult hospices, few children with cancerous conditions use them. Paediatric Nurse, Bev explained her decision to become involved with the committee which has raised just a few thousand of the £200,000 target for the Swindon area. "As a parent Jam very aware of the stresses of looking after well children. But families who have a child with a life threatening illness come under increasing strain if the condition worsens. Working on children's wards in hospitals, I see the affect on family life. Relatives are often not keen or able to care for the ill child which means parents can be caring for 24 hours, every day throughout the year. "Children's hospices are bright happy places. Families are able to stay with their child or leave for a break knowing that their ill child is well cared for by a committed multi-disciplinary team of professionals."

Boot bookings for June A fun day in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care is being planned for Saturday 15 June at Lydiard Park. Attractions include a medieval battle re-enactment, samurai sword demonstrations, stock car and quad bike rides, a fairground, lots of stalls and competitions. Stalls and car boots can be booked by sending £5 to Capricorn Fund Raising Society, 16 Bloomsbury Close, Freshbrook, Swindon SN5 8PG, attn: Mr J Ebury. Boots on the day will cost £7 subject to space availability. Advance bookings are being taken for a car boot sale at the Commonweal School PTA Summer Fayre on Saturday 15 June. Charity groups are also invited to book stalls. The cost is £5 in advance and £6 on the day. The day, to be opened by BBC weatherman Bill Giles O.B.E., will see a mock battle by Sir Marmaduke Rawdon's Yellowcoat Regiment, majorettes, Swindon Morris Men, Go-karts, bouncy castle and lots more. To book a boot or stall, call Eileen Swalwell on 692565. For further information on the event, call David Kingsbury on 538136.

Bev Cejer with herown children Rac, and Luke

There are only 7 childrens h pices across the UK. Work started on the Wessex Hospice n Winchester, but fund raising Swindon has a long way to go meet its target. The committee would like hear from anybody willing to ganise or undertake a sponsor event or join the fundraising co dinating committee. For more information, call committee chair Clive Brain 498301, or Bev Cejer on 876696

Boogie for local kid Get ready to swing at a Big Ba Charity Dance which aims to ra thousands of pounds to h abused children. The dance on 18 May is be presented by Nationwide and Smith with support from G FM and is organised by Swin Business Cares for Children fund raising initiative to ra £100,000 annually for NSPCC's Child Protection C tre in Swindon. A similar successful event 1 year attracted 500 people a raised almost £2,300 for this ca The dance is at Nationw Headquarters, Pipers Way, S don. Doors open at 7.30pm dancing from 8pm - lam. It stars one of Britain's top band singers Jeff Hooper bac by the ever popular Freddy S All Star Big Band. GWR FM will have its roadshow there, playing hits fr the 1940s and there will also raffle with loads of great priz Tickets cost just £10.50 to dude food. They are availabl calling the NSPCC on 432266 The NSPCC Child Care Ce was opened by Princess Marg in October 1993 and has hel hundreds of abused children their families since then.

The Link Magazine • April 1996

Charity talks ii Rashid, who publishes The Charity Newsletter, organises nthly meetings in the Sunshine Room, Westlea School where mbers of charities and local organisations describe their work. he meetings at 7.30pm are open to all. Coming up: April Wilts & Berks Canal Restoration Society May Multiple Sclerosis. 27 June Swindon Dyslexia -

Walk for dogs

e West Swindon Lions club are holding a sponsored walk on Sunday April between the Link Centre at West Swindon Centre and Lydiard untry Park and back again. he walk is suitable for walkers is given to this Lions Club. Our all standards, including wheel- main beneficiary of the event this T airs and all ages. The emphasis year is to be the charity 'Hearing dogs for the deaf'. on everyone having fun. If you would like to take part or The route is marshalled at reguintervals. 50% of the sponsor get more information then please ney raised is given to the char- contact Lion H. Marson, 7 Copse of the walkers choice and 50% Avenue, Swindon. Tel: 612658

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Cash for care

Take the weight off your mind Forget about being overweight, Slimming World is designed to make losing weight easier and more enjoyable. St Johns Church, Haydon Wick. Monday 6pm & 8pm Toothill Community Centre, Dunwich Drive. Tuesday 9.30am Holy Trinity Church, Shaw Centre. Tuesday 6.30pm & 8pm

Local Slimming World consutarits Chris Potter from Sparcells and Nicole Lucey from Woodhall Park, with other consultants hosted a visit to Swindon by the organisation's founder Margaret MilesBramell and her husband on 8 March. They are touring the UK for three months meeting consultants who are raising cash for Marie Curie Cancer Care. The aim is to raise £500,000 to compliment the half a million pounds in weight lost each week at Slimming World classes across Britain. The 24 classes in Swindon have raised £6,000 and hope to top £10,000 by the end of April. Pictured, local Marie Curiefund raiser Clare Hills with Chris, right, and Nicole with Margaret and Tony onyMilesMilesBramwell behind

Freshbrook Community Centre, Worsley Road. Thurday 7pm

For more details on the above classes, ring either Nicole 613923 or Chris

871026

French for children and exam entrants A Toothill based French teacher offers French tuition to all ages. Pascal Watson runs classes for secondary school students preparing for GCSE. She also receives quite a few enquiries from older people and now wants to set up a group for adults who want to learn together. Pascal caters for children who want to start learning French before they go to secondary school. Beginning a second language as early as possible is very beneficial. She currently runs small groups with between 8 and 15 young children. There is no membership fee or charges for materials, and the sessions costs £2.50 an hour. Uniquely, she offers holiday workshops in her own home for 5 to 16 year olds who rehearse and make a video in French which is presented to parents at the end of the day. To find out more about Pascal's exam preparation and sessions for adults and young children, call her on 870549.

10 year reunion

Giving Your Child The Best In Quality Education Ridgeway Pre-School Inverary Road, Wroughton

Quality education and childcare for 18 months to 5 years Open 50 weeks a year, 8am-6pm Full range of schedules available Qualified teachers working within the national curriculum

Is your child a summer born child who misses two terms at school?

We can help! Please contact Mrs G Simonds on (01793) 845572

Were you part of the class of '86 at Hreod Parkway? If so, there is a reunion at Route 2 on Wednesday 22 May. Tickets cost £5 and anyone wishing to attend should contact Lesley Hall on 422457 by 30 April at the very latest.

Courses coming up The WEA Swindon Women's Branch offer a variety of opportunities to learn new skills, whether for employment, at home or just for fun. All courses offer child care and are free to women on benefits. Love Me, Love My Children is a one day workshop to explore the personal issues around new family patterns and celebrate the positive aspects of your situation. Suitable for those in step-parenting or similar arrangements. Health Hydro, Saturday 27 April, 10am 4pm, £12.50 (free to women on benefit) To help you with trouble-free summer motoring a one day Basic Car Maintenance course. Bring the manual for your car if you have one. Greendown Community School, 18 May, lOam -4pm, £12.50 (free to women on benefit) For further details of courses and a booking form please contact Carole or Gina at The WEA Swindon Women's Branch, Health Hydro, Milton Road, Swindon SN1 5JA, tel: 618233.

Life as a Baha'i Sahba Badii from Grange Pan explains his faith

I am a Baha'i and my life as one i not that different from anyon else's! Certainly, the biggest differ ence is that Jam a Baha'i and mos people are not, or at least not awar of being one. A Baha'i is, by definition, on concerned for the welfare of th planet and its inhabitants, a viev not far from what most peopl think. Having said that, a Baha believes that 'the earth is but on country and mankind its citizens a bit heavy, some might say. Si there are some differences betweei a Baha'i and others after all. Although most Baha'i princi ples, after a lapse of 100 years havi just become commonly accepted the differences are mainly in th depth and emphasis attached t these principles. For example, 01 equality between men am women,Baha'is believe unles women take their full and equa role in every aspect of life, human ity will not progress at all. Or taki the Baha'i view on the need fo choosing a universal language o elimination of all form of preju dice. In general, Baha'i views, aim and objectives are there for thi benefit of humanity and not fo Baha'is alone. And, yes, for thi small group of people that we are about 5 million world-wide fron practically every race, our aim. and objectives may appear ver ambitious. Our hope though is tha what is ambitious today will be come normal tomorrow. • A Baha'i group meets regularl in Grange Park. During April then will be a small exhibition in thi West Swindon Library at Link Cen tre. For more details, call 87774 or 873877.

MAUREEN PEARSON A.T. TAXATION ADVISOR Hoimleigh, Haydon Wick I am writing to say how pleased I am with the responS to advertising in the Link magazine every month. Although my advertisement is not one of the large ones in

the magazine, it always produces a response of usual] at least one new client every month. This more than repa: the cost of the advertising. I addition all new clients live locally and this cuts down 0' travelling time for me.

The Link Magazine • April 1996

Urgently needed ... all year round

Purton Garden Machinery Tel: 854603

The Age Concern shop needs good quality clothes, bric-a-brac, books and small electrical goods to sell in its Swindon shop at 51 Fleet Street. All the money raise goes towards local work with older people. If you cannot deliver, collections can be arranged by calling 692166.

Fancy an evening out for just 50p ladies The West Swindon Ladies Club meets twice a month in the Toothill School community room to listen to interesting speakers on a variety of subjects. Skittles evenings, dinner parties and outings are also part of the programme. If you would like a break from the house, give Kath a call on 522561 or Maureen on 871360 for further details. The next meeting takes place on 1 April.

TWG makes annual contribution to Prospect Doreen Shaw writes David Roberts, Fund Raiser from Prospect Hospice for the terminally ill, visited the Townswomen's Guild annual meeting on14 March to talk about the hospice and day care centre in their new building at Wroughton. He explained it costs about £1,250,000 to maintain the hospice annually, of which about £91,000 is collected from Prospect boxes throughout the region. Also present was Diane Barkham from the Red Cross who told us about the Home from Hospital Service that they run with the help of volunteers and donations. If you would like to know more about the Guild contact Doreen on 693707 or Stevie on 873567.

Spares 0 Repairs 0 Servicing Overhauls to petrol & electric New & used machinery for sale Part exchange welcome Rotavator for hire with or without operator Lawn mowing and rough grass cutting, one off or on a regular basis

First Class Work by Qualified Engineer

Phone Lee on Swindon 763177

Oaklands Enterprise, Braydon Nr Wootton Bassett

Premium Quality Sheds Direct from The Manufacturer at Discount Prices!

SHEDS 0 WORKSHOPS 0 CHALETS o PLAYHOUSES o ANIMAL HOUSING STANDARD SIZES OR MADE TO MEASURE ALSO FENCING & GATES SUPPLIED AND FITTED

BARNFIELD ROAD, SWINDON OPEN 6 DAYS • EXTENSIVE DISPLAY

David Roberts receives a cheque for £165 collected by TWG rnembersfrom Doreen Shaw, secretary, Stevie Stevens, chair, Isobelle Besly, treasurer

SWINDON 01793 486762

c—;-

SPRING IS COMING at Stone Lane Garden Centre Evergreen Viburnums Normally £5.49, Now £3.49

All the garden accessories you need to make your garden a sucess - tools, fencing, compost, chemicals, bulbs, containers and seeds

* PBI Path & Patio cleaner. Recommended price £5.99. Our price £4.49 + 25% EXTRA FREE * Mendip Brand Gro-bags. Only 99p * Mendip Brand Multipurpose Compost 801tr. Only £3.99 * PBI Slug Pellets No. 5 size. Buy one, Get one FREE

Helpful advice always available

* Large Malaysian Pot Rec. Price .1. Our Price £7.99

Large pet and aquatic department Open 7 days a week

* Hozelock Kneeler Rec. Price £i Our price £12.99

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Lydiard Millicent

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Re-wiring, Showers Extra sockets 4 Security Lighting 4' Affordable Prices 4' No Call Out Fee

minet

The largest range of quality plants - bedding plants, shrubs, roses, conifers and trees

Peatmoor & Nine Elms

Sparcells

Shaw & Nine Elms West Swindon

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Eas y - g oin g Easy terms Only the choice is hard Is

Our conservatories and windows are such outstanding quality, they almost sell themselves. So when you visit our showroom, there's no pressure, no fast talking; just plenty of time to browse through examples of our extensive range. With very competitive prices and a wide choice of ways to pay, even our terms are easy to live with. In fact, the only trouble you'll have, is choosing! Unbeatable easter deals from Fordmontague 1

3mtr x 3mtr Victorian Style

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3mtr x 3.5mtr Victorian Style

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4.Smtr x 4mtr Victorian Style

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4mtr x 4.5mtr Victorian Style

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3.2mtr x 3.2mtr Edwardian Style

£3250.00

3.6mtr x 4.5mtr Edwardian Style

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2.8mtr x 3.8mtr Lean-to Style

£4000.00

F RDM NTA UE CONSERVATORIES & REPLACEMENT WINDOWS 48 High Street,Wootton Bassett • Tel: (0 1793) 849832 Open Monday to Saturday 9.00am to 5.00pm

EL. BUYING'S A PLEASURE WITHOUT THE PRESSURE

The Link Magazine • April 1996

Renting your house? Its wise to use an agent says Bill Muir of Premier Property Management

Since the introduction of the Assured Shorthold Tenancy under the Housing Act 1988 there has been a tremendous increase in the letting of residential property. Negative equity, poor house sales and short-term employment contracts have all contributed to this increase and renting has become a more popular form of housing people. The majority of property owners prefer to let through a letting agency which has led to a significant increase of new business offering services in this field. No formal qualifications are needed to set up an agency, so how should a property owner set about looking for a professional service? ARLA (Association of Residential Letting Agents) membership will indicate that the agent has been trading for over two years and that their procedures and business practices comply to the minimum laid down by ARLA. The more important body is the RICS (Royal

Institute of Chartered Surveyors) whose members are qualified surveyors and impose more stringent standards of business practice on their members. Without doubt their advice is the mostprofessional. The second area that should concern property owners is the ever increasing legislative controls and safety regulations relating to tenants health and safety in rented accommodation. A good agentwill ensure that you do not fall foul of these regulations and will keep you up to date with forthcoming changes and new regulations. Private landlords or agents who ignore these regulations and put tenants at risk face heavy fines and criminal prosecutions. Fees that agents charge vary considerably. For the best value for money shop around several agencies. Those that offer no set-up costs and a comprehensive monthly charge based solely on the rental income appear to offer good value.

TAKE THE STRESS OUT OF LETTING! Attention all Landlords

• No set-up costs, No hidden fee • No maintenance fund • Negotiable commission rate • No VAT charged Professional personal service from a chartered surve or

For Houses & Flats To Let Opposite the Town Hall Est. 1882. Fax 615678

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THINKING OF RENTING YOUR PROPERTY? D.B. PROPERTY MANAGEMENT (West Swindon) require 1 to 4 bed. houses & flats Professional service with a high standard of care and competitive rates Rent Protection Insurance now available

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Plan to secure your future Mike Rees of Mansfield Begbie Associates, West Swindon's longest serving mortgage, pensions and insurance broker writes about the importance of pension planning

Following my comments earlier in the year, interest rates have dropped still further and emphasis on remortgaging your property for a better deal has become more apparent in the press. However, it is just as important, if not more, to secure good retirement benefits as well as looking after your mortgage. Today the whole emphasis of government policy is to shift the cost of care from the state to the individual. The days when we could take it for granted that the state would provide a financial safety net in times of need are now long gone. It is a fact that life will affect every aspect of our financial futures. For instance, current state benefits are of such a meagre level that the average income on retirement is likely to be only a small proportion of average earnings and they are likely to go down even further. And shifting work patterns, shortterm contracts and the like mean that company pensions are not always going to be a reliable alternative. If you are in a company pension scheme you should be considering topping up. Nobody can be sure of a job for life any more, in fact most people will change jobs several times during their career. Whichever way you turn these days you will find more and more

compelling reasons why you should seriously consider taking care of your own financial future. But how do you ensure that you are making the right arrangements for a future that you and your family can really look forward to? When it comes to considering your pension arrangements, for instance, you need to ask yourself whether you could live comfortably on less that £65 a week. From April 1996, the state pension for a single person will be just £61.15 a week. This will be around 18% of average earnings and the Government's Actuaries Department calculates that this will come down to as little as 9% by the year 2030. Hardly enough for a comfortable retirement, is it? So you can't afford to put off planning for your future. In these circumstances, sensible planning isn't a luxury, it's a necessity. The sooner you talk to us the sooner you can act to secure your financial future. Manslt.ld Bgbra Associates represent only CORNUILL INSURANCE PLC and oniy forth. ps,posesol introduujn9 lit. and pension bu&nsse •nqsi,i.oluCurrthill. MAO Roes, ManegngPe,thenot MansheldRegbie Associate., WA respond to your enquides as he is an outhodsed Cnrrpeoy Representehve otCon,hiII forth. Purposes of 1,1e sssuronco endpeneonsbusiness. CORNHILL INSURANCE PLC r5 raguIaI0dEy the Personal InuesUnant Authonty,

all

£411

Had •• (L U.

PREMIER PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Ring for details Mon-Sat. 9am - 7pm

(01 793) 435260 To advertise in Swindon's most dynamic, interesting and useful publication, call (01793) 872282

THINKING OF LETTING YOUR HOME? We offer a tailor made package to suit your needs Letting service Full management Guranteed rent scheme Rent & legal protection insurance For full details and a FREE valuation

Choice Property Management 01793 432944

PHILLIPPA LAWRENCE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICES

DO YOU HAVE A PROPERTY TO LET OR SELL? We are your Local Agents offering a Full Property Service

High Street, Wootton Bassett, Wilts Tel: (01793) 848506 Fax: (01793) 848487

The Link Magazine • April 1996

INDIVIDUAL TUITION ALL SUBJECTS - ALL AGES No obligation quotation or brochure from PREMIER TUTORS 01793-814354 Baydon Home & Garden Service

SPRING SPECIAL BEAT THE SUMMER RUSH

HEDGE CUTTING For information & estimate, phone Christopher Payne 01672 540435

HOTPOINT WASHING MACHINE REPAIRS • Same Day Service u ,I • Guaranteed Repairs For a friendly, helpful service, call J. Martin. Tel: 694930 1 Alnwick, Toothill

HOOVER

Letters to The Link Letters should be sent by 15th of the month to the address on page 2

Rubbish at Peatmoor Lagoon Onabright winter's morning, what better than a walk around (the empty beer cans, Safeway carriers, broken glass,) Peatmoor Lagoon. Walking here, you can appreciate the finer things in life, like the latest brave attack of louts on heavily armed saplings planted by the council in an attempt to recreate the green countryside wantonly destroyed in an effort to meet an ill-planned drainage scheme. Being a keen fisherman I am all too familiar with the natural desire to protect and preserve the natural environment which I exploit in my own search for enjoyment. There is nothing like being at one with nature. There is also nothing like taking your lunch in a plastic carrier, along with bever-

LLL For Sale Raleigh Bianca girls bike 6-11 yrs ex cond, as new, £45. Tel: 873115 Raleigh Extreme boys bike, suit age 5-8, £20. Tel: 873594 (Grange Park) Girls mountain bike, suit9-1 lyrs, very good condition, £50. Boys street Wolf bike, suit 7-9yrs, good condition, £25. Tel: 870244 (Grange Park) Girls bike (Dawes) suit 6-9 yrs, excellent condition, £15. Child's scooter with stand, suit 5 yrs, £5. Tel: 520411 Peugot racing bike (ladies) pink and grey, 12 speed, good condition, £65 ono. Tel: 887761 Raleigh shopper bike nice condition, £20. Foldaway exercise bike, £10. Tel: 534040 BMX Scooter 5-8yrs, £15. Ladies shopper bike, £35. Master System II 7 games plus one in system, £55. Tel: 729942 Childs folding metal highchair Mothercare as new, used just for grandchildren, £20. Tel: 870087 Mothercare cot quilt, patchwork teddies design, 4.5 tog and matching cot bumper, vgc, almost new, £20. Tel: 872957 (Peatmoor) Silver Cross pram, navy vgc, £50. Tel: 875704 (Middleleaze) White cot and mattress ELC, good clean condition, £40. Tel: 877932 Green corded Silver Cross pram, excellent condition, £35. Tel: 870151 Padded grey carrycot, blue printed inside, matching cover, £10 ono. Blue carrycot with blue interior, fair condition, £5. Tel: 870510 (Grange. Park) Mothercare pram/pushchair with all accessories, new costs £400, will accept £120, no offers, 18 months old, ex condition. Tel: 692131 eves, Britax car seat, from 0 to 4 years, good condition, also spare cover, £20. Tel: 870457 (Sparcells) Inliner skates, Fury, size 9, good condition, £35 ono. Tel: 873965

ages in plasticised cardboard or Poor behaviour

From MrAngry, West Swindon (name aluminium cans and selfishly toss- From SE Cameron, Nine Elms ing the containers on the bank. Whilst visiting a friend in the Earl & address supplied)

For Sale

Who, from the Peatmoor Angling Club is supposed to police the lake? Membership is restricted to under 16s, the disabled and OAPs. Someone is depositing vast quantities of litter. The solitary litter bin provided by Thamesdown Council has disappeared. Seating has been provided so you can admire the hidden meaning of larger cans on shredded plastic on which the local dog entourage can place their small deposit of thanks. Perhaps there is someone out there with an equally strong opinion who may be able to start some dialogue and shed light on the obvious lack of management coordination of this potentially useful and attractive public amenity.

Close/Pearl Road area of Middleleaze one day after school hours, I noticed a few junior age children throwing stones at house windows and cars. On a return visit a few days later I noticed a house window with a hole in it and stones littered nearby and also under and around several cars. I saw the same children throwing stones. I left in disgust. Where were the parents! childminders? Whilst I appreciate that they cannot keep an eye on them at all times, do they know what goes on when their 'darlings' are out of sight? Will more windows have to be broken or cars damaged, or worse, will someone have to get hurt before it stops?

L3/i\L For Sale

Wanted

Hotpoint 9550 Microtronic Deluxe washing machine, goodworking order, full service history, £70. Tel: 873274 Kelvinator fridge freezer, £75. DP Bodytone exercise machine, £75. Amstrad Fidelity satellite receiver+dish, £80. Sinclair PC 200 computer, £75. Tel: 878781 Sega mega drive games, Fifa 95, Fifa international soccer European club soccer, Double header, ice hockey, Madden US football £10 each. Tel: 872607 Amstrad 6128 computer and software, £30. Tel: 870244 (Grange Park) Amiga 500 plus upgrade £99. Acorn Electron £20. Tel: 524010 Black & Decker exercise rowing machine, almost new, £25 (cost £52). Tel: 854881 (Wootton Bassett) Weber carburettor and manual choice conversion for mid-80s Ford Orion (manual transmission), £30. Set of mats for mid-80s, Ford Orion/Escort, £10. Tel: 495784 (Woodhall Park) Car clock Ford suitable for Fiesta, boxed instruction fitting ,excellent condition, sell for half price, £25, no offers. Tel: 874767 (Westlea)

Keyboard, Yamaha plus adaptor, £50. Baby travelling cot urgently required. Classical guitar, three quarter size, £20. Tel: 422398 (Freshbrook) Two large dog beds, as new, £10 each. Local charity needs fridge in working Tel: 524010 (Freshbrook) order, either free or low cost. Tel: Boys Risport ice skating boots, size 527664 11, exc. condition, £30. Tel: 876026 Babysitter, age 14 or over, non smoker, in Middleleaze, Shaw area for 2 chilWedding dress, white, short-sleeved, size 10, professionally cleaned, £80, dren, 4 & 6, some Fridays and odd no offers. Tel: 872377 (Middleleaze) Wednesday night. Will pay £1.75 per hour. Tel: Sandy 875665 Spayway waterproof green jacket, ladies or small gents. Explorer walking 6 foot wrought iron gate. Tel: 878782 boots, size 37. Both items as new, £25 (Grange Park) each item. Tel: 875575 (Freshbrook) Transcribing machine for audio typist Black jumpsuit, size 8-10, slim fit, £80 with foot pedal and ear phones. Tel: ono. Jones sewing machine, good 873400 working order, £40. Bag of ladies clothes, size 12, £20. Tel: 422398 Looking for a childminder in Westlea? lam a registered childminder with Gents sheepskin fur coat, dark brown one vacancy, full or part time, refs availreal hide, excellent condition, £50 no able, opposite school and playgroup. offers. Tel: 873925 (Shaw) Tel: Mrs Baker, 876474 Rotastak hamster caging, two compartments with tubes and extras, £15. Cat missing Tel: 873013 (Westlea) Lost since 16 February from The Lawn mower with box (Concord), £25. Holbiens, Grange Park, 10 months Tel: 872430 old, black shortfur, red plastic collar Vertical blinds: W 69" x D 45"- £20; W with bell. Tel: 873400 with any 45.5" x 56.5"- £20; W 69"x 27.5". £1S. information Tel: 81972 eves (Wroughton) r -I Drawing board, full size, table top & model balance weight slide and pen tray, exc. condition, £50. Tel: 762117 Return this form to The Link, 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook, Swindon by 16th of the month. Entries are subject to available space and are Brown dralon 4ft 61ns headboard, good condition, £8. Tel: 615675 published on a first come first served basis. 3 seater and 2 seater settee, tapestry material, two years old, exc condition, can deliver, £480. Tel: 770052 Office desk with two drawers & swivel chair both excellent condition, £70 for the two. Tel: 728317 (Woodhall Park) Sunbed, full size, total body tanning, almost brand new, £120. Tel: 876160 Whirlpool electric oven with gas hob Tel: new, unused, £250. Modern black/ grey suite, 3 seater, 2 seater, footstool, Name & Address (not for publication) £180, vgc. Single bed, £35. Tel: 877526 Electrolux 612 upright hoover, £40, L no offers. Tel: 872926

Free Private For Sale

Wanted ads.

Local Lives The good samaritan's donkey flies with faith and good judgement Last month we talked to Julia Black who had just returned from Tanzania with her sons to have her third child. Below, we interview her one time RAF Hercules pilot husband Mike who now flies light aircraft with the Mission Aviation Fellowship Mike arrived back in Britain on 20 March to join Julia, shivering from the twenty degree drop in temperature. But he was delighted to rejoin his family and their friends atFreshbrook Evangelical Church. As a squadron leader at RAF Lyneham, Mike could have sought a highly paid job in commercial aviation, but as a committed Christians Mike and Julia decided to make his skills available to the Lord through the Mission Aviation Fellowship. On retirement from the RAF in

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September 1993, Mike and Julia spent six months at Bible school in Lancashire. Mike then undertook four weeks of training in California converting from flying the four engine monsters seen daily over Swindon to handling small aircraft in bush conditions. A year later, on Mike's fortieth birthday, they set off from Freshbrook. Once in Tanzania there was more training and orientation to local conditions. In addition to more tests and examinations, he also experienced the rough dirt airstrips. As important, the whole family had much to learn about the culture and the way the church offers itself to local people as they settled into life at MAFs main base in Dodoma, central Tanzania. Mission Aviation Fellowship has seven programmes operating across Africa. In Tanzania, it has 11 Cessna aircraft of varying speed and carrying capacity which are used to transport church workers, missionaries and medical teams around with relative ease. Mike can now fly all three aircraft types in the programme and this means a wide variety of work. "Our Chief Executive says MAF

Mike Black and MAF Chief Exec Les Stahlke with boxes of gospels written in Kisumufrom the Bible Society in Westlea isn't the good Samaritan," said Mike. "Rather, we're the good Samaritan's donkey. In the west people move around easily and work to a timetable. In Africa the distances are vast and conditions difficult, especially in the rainy season. We need to be careful in our planning and decision making and of course we begin every flight with a short period of prayer." Mike flew up to North West Tanzania last year and saw first hand the effects of the conflicts in central Africa. "It is difficult to imag-

Youth adventure and commitment Where can young people get a combination of excitement, challenge, team work and individual achievement? The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme gives 14 to 25 year olds the chance to be involved in the community, provides adventure training and the opportunity to widen leisure interests, and make friends. No special academic abilities or physical skills are required - just commitment The scheme based at Greendown School is looking for 14 year olds to join a new group to start work on the bronze programme. They do not have to attend the school to take part. Call Bob Linnegar and Nick Stening at Greendown on 874224 to find out more. Roger Daynes, director of Snowsled high performance specialist expedition clothing and equipment based in Tet bury, talked to Greendown DofE participants about expeditions in extreme environments. They are pictured trying equipment supplied to explorers like Ranulph Fiennes and Chris Bonnington.

ine. The largest camp at Ngara has 225,000 refugees. Others are nearly as big. From the air you see smoke drifting up from thousands of cooking fires, then the blue plastic sheeting used for shelter. The UN and other agencies have done sterling work to make conditions relatively tolerable. The situation in Rwanda and Burundi is very unstable and deeply concerning. It's very difficult to know what the future holds. "Tanzania being a very poor country relies totally on the UN to support for refugees. Virtually all the MAF work at the Mwanza subbase is directed at relief work. However, elsewhere, MAF fulfills a vital transportation and communication function as one of the largest aircraft operators. "Our goal is to assist those who take the gospel into Tanzania so that all people have an opportunity to learn of a God who loves, cares and wants to save them." Mike and Julia, with Jordan, Elliott and new baby due in early April return to Tanzania in May.

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SWINDON

When you are looking to move to a brand new home, wouldn't it be nice to find a buyer who would make you a firm, fair offer for your existing house? Well with our developments in Swindon, you can with our 100% Home Exchange Scheme.

The new 4 bedroom detached homes in Swindon feature oven, hob and hood to kitchen, downstairs cloakroom, en-suite shower, garage, gas central heating and turfed front gardens. THE KITCHEN OF A TYPICAL

4 BEDROOM

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How does the scheme work? Providing no other incentive or selling scheme is being used, we are offering 100% of the assessed valuation of your existing house!

What about our existing property? Photography shown Is not necessarily representative of internal designs available

You need have no further worries about selling. We will market your old house. You simply move into your new home when it's ready!

What if Home Exchange is not for us? Westbury Homes have a wide range of alternatives to help you move - including :-

Lordswood, Abbeymeads, Swindon

Longmeadow, The Prinnels, Off Tewkesbury Way, Swindon

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WESTBURY HOMES Trading as Westbury Homes