April 2006 Swindon Link by swindonlink6

I the positive newsforce in Swindon and the swindon wide what's on guide

Marking Swindon's railway history Twenty years ago on 26 March 1986 the gates of the town's railway works finally closed after an unsuccessful campaign to keep it open. The revolution in Swindon's fortunes, which began when Brunel recommended in 1837 that the GWR build its repair workshops here, had ended. By the time the famous hooter sounded for the last ti me the town had grown and diversified, preparing for the future. In April ex-railwayman Roy Nash will exhibit remarkable photographs some never seen before - taken inside the works in the last years before it closed, Details on page 23.

Police double size of West team to crack down on crime - see page 6

There's always a warmn welcome from Mr Ali and his staff at Purton 's hidden treasure

One of the 150 pictures to be displayed. Taken in 1973, chargeman machinist Ken Harrison, refurbishing an axle by spraying liquid bronze onto it in No 13 shop. Note the limited health and safety measures of the time.

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There's no fear of a number at this year's Swindon Festival of Literature, now well established in the town's cultural calendar. Launched at 13.13 on 13 March at Borders Books in North Swindon, the festival from 1 to 13 May features top authors and thinkers and a wide mix of activities and events for all ages and interests.

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Louise makes progress after Peto A six year old from Haydon Wick has returned from a month in Hungary stronger and a little more able to do things for herself. Louise Fisher appeared in the cial educational needs January and February Links when unit at Westlea School her parents appealed for help to and also spends one day fund a month of conductive edu- a week at Megan Baker cation at the world famous Peto House in Hereford, but Institute in Budapest. parents Neil and Heather Louise has athetoid cerebral decided to take her to t ta ws iSH palsy which prevents her control- Hungary for the inten5 ,Fer ling muscle movements. The con- sive work carried out at ore h^ tee[ ductive education programme is Peto. Â°'based on repetitive exercise deHeather said the four signed to stimulate nerve path- weeks in Budapest was ;: At^...: 1900 ways in the brain to implant the of great benefit to Louise. A welcome home cheque in mid-March, Heather and physical movements to control "She exercised conLouise with Theresa Birch, manager of Ridgeway muscles. Louise attends the spe- stantly from gam to Nursery in Wrought on which donated the proceeds 3.30pm. It took some time of their Christmas nativity collection to help Louise, to get used to the intense and her son Thomas to /t o also attends Westlea School approach, especially when the conductors were using a and we're now looking at the next mixture of Hungarian and Eng- steps in conjunction with staff at lish. The aim was to build up mus- Westlea Primary School." As a partner with her husband cle strength and develop her balance. Louise can now sit cross leg- in their Rugshack carpet business ged and walk more easily using Heather said it's difficult to get certain kinds of walking frames. away for long periods. They are She's also a lot more confident with looking at paying for conductive educators to come to Swindon to other children." work with Louise or they may have Heather said she had returned with a lot more exercises for her to return to Hungary. But it will still involve considerdaughter and had learnt new techniques to help her drink and also able cost. Donations are welcome feed herself. And whilst Louise had at the Portman Building Society. made progress there is still a long Account: L. Fisher. way to go. "The trip was a benefit Ac. No. 002 460 74357.

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The Link Magazine • April 2006

`Bling' Princess impresses carers

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The group of youngsters assembled at the Swindon Carers' headquarters did not know what to make of Princess Anne when she came to officially open the centre in Old Town on 28 February. Centre Manager Gillian Barber Although assured that the royal visitor was a really nice person said, as founder and patron of the and very interested in those who Princess Royal Trust for Carers, care for others, the children were Princess Anne is a champion for still apprehensive and nervously those who quietly look after others answered her questions. But the in the community with little recice was broken when, almost on ognition and limited support. "Her cue, a mobile rang and the Prin- visit gave a tremendous boost to cess pulled a phone out of her awareness of the service and she handbag, complaining her daugh- said she would be happy to hear ter shouldn't call her at work, that her trip to Swindon has led to Stephanie Byers, 14, from High- many more calls to the centre. worth, who looks after her mother said, "Princess Anne °' was very interested in how the cnh'° young people care for brothers and sisters or parents and it , was quite formal at first. But 3 then she pulled out this gold Nokia an d showed us the screen; it was really bling. From then on we all got on with her rea ll y well." Hannah Ward, 13, from Stratton, said, "I've been nervGhossiya Hameed with pport worker ous for weeks about meeting Elaine House talking with Princess Anne the princess, but she was really kind. I told her how I help my "Everyone was delighted at the mother care for my brother who is way she spoke to each person who autistic; I'd have liked to take her was here; the young carers had a home." glorious time. There was a great The Princess Royal met some buzz of excitement before and affifty people involved in Swindon ter her visit; everyone went away Carers from staff to volunteer help- with a smile on their face." ers, members of the management Shannon O'Su ll ivan, 9, from committee as well as carers across Wroughton, who helps care for her the age spectrum. older brother, presented a posy to Ghossiya Hameed from Fresh- Princess Anne after she had unbrook said the help she receives veiled a plaque. She said, "I was from support worker Elaine House quite nervous but I really enjoyed helps her cope with the pressures the day and I can't believe I've met of looking after two autistic chil- a real princess." drenandherhusbandwhorecently There are estimated to be over had a heart attack. "The princess 15,000 carers in Swindon, m an y of was so lovely because she seemed whom do not consider themselves to understand how I rely on Swin- carers and are not aware of the don Carers to get by." support services available to them. It was the second time Princess If you care for somebody in any Anne had opened the Swindon kind of situation, find out how Carers Centre, having visited their Swindon Carers might be able to previous offices in the town centre help by calling 531133. in 1995.

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The Link Magazine • April 2006

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When its application for a community grant was turned down early in March, the Wiltshire Law Centre looked set for difficult times. However, in a last minute reprieve Swindon Council came up with a grant of £52,646 to compliment the funding from the Legal Services Commission (LSC). The Law Centre was featured in lobbied the council and had been Pamela Judge, LSC Regional the March Link, celebrating its 25th helped to make their case by Coun Communications Manager, said anniversary with a new contract Andrew Bennett, cabinet member the original grant was awarded on from the LSC to provide free legal for communities and partnerships. the basis that Swindon Council advice, advocacy on housing and "We are all very relieved to get would have to sustain longer term welfare benefit issues. The centre the funding to sustain our work, funding for the shop. "It's been a also provides i mmigration advice, though we will have to review all very good project. They have met debt advice and counselling and aspects of our operation." all the targets we set them." mental health law support. However the future of the Safer Coun Bennettwasguarded about The original application to the Swindon Shopisuncertainasfund- the council's intentions. "The future council for £118,000 was turned ing from the Legal Services Corn- of the Safer Swindon Shop is being down as it did not score enough mission has come to an end. reviewed and we hope to reach a points against the criteria for comOver the past 5 years, council decision by the end of April." munity grants. staff at the public information and Funding allocation has not apWhere the council has found the advice point in Havelock Street peared in any budget papers, extra money from is unclear, have provided guidance on crime which casts doubt on its future. Neil Baker, Law Centre business prevention, community safety and Council spokeswoman Anne manager, explained that they had trading standards advice. They Glover explained that the shop did - - also signpost callers to other Swin- not meet the criteria for a commudon Council departments and or- nity grant. "After the review the Michael Mugridge ganisations like Victim Support, services will continue in some form Michael Mugridge. one of the first I the Law Centre and Age Concern, or another." residents to arrive in Freshbrook in 1978. died in mid-March. Social Care search for stars He was a founder member of the The council has started a ualit Service Award scheme for Swindon Freshbrook Village Group which social care staff and wants y Q to receive nominations. campaigned for better facilities in If you've been impressed by a person or a team, including customer the area, including both the tempo and support services staff, who have made a difference to you, or a rarywoodencommunitycentreand member of your family, call 463496 or download a form from the present building which opened \\•Nvw.swindon.gov.uk/socialcare/qualityserviceawards i 1 984 . in The closing date for nominations is 19 May. Michael was 69 and leaves his wife Sheila and children David and Lisa.

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What do you think of Swindon Council?

Tell them face to face or in writing At the end of April the council is Councillors on Swindon's cabinet now hold an informal 30 minute putting up suggestion boxes in discussion before each cabinet council premises like leisure cenmeeting. The public also have 15 tres and libraries. Residents are minutes to put questions at the invited to write in with views on beginning of the cabinet meeting services and ideas for improvebut this is usually restricted to a ment. These will be answered by council officers. single item. People can also contact their loThe next meetings take place at 6.30pm on: 19 April, 7 June and 12 cal councillors - details are availJuly. Pre-cabinet discussions take able in libraries or at: www.swindon.gov.uk place at 6pm.

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The Link Magazine • April 2006

Awaiting decisions on more houses to the west A report from the Planning Inspector considering the North Wilts Local Plan could see Swindon expanding westwards again. The West of Swindon Study is a The report will provide guidanceforhousebuildingrightacross joint project between planners at the North Wiltshire Council area, Swindon and North Wilts Coonsome of which may appear on the cils and also Wiltshire County ^) western borders of Swindon. The Council as a result of a recommenAugust Link identified three sites dation made in the review of the Swindon & Wiltshire Structure .. which could be developed: • between Lydiard Park and The Plan to 2016. There is still a requirement for Prinnells; • to the north of Peatmoor, across up to 1,350 houses to be built and Purton Farm at Ridgeway Farm; the planning inspector in October • at Moredon Bridge, across the 2004 said he wanted to see these railway bridge between Sparcells built on land west of the town. The study will look at potential and Pembroke Park. A detailed planning application development sites for a report in for 200 houses at Moredon Bridge September. has already been lodged with • A report on building 12,000 North Wilts Council, but this will homes to the east of the town was be put on hold until the inspector's discussed at the South West Rereport is received and also the regional Assembly in March before sults of a study into housing to the being submitted to the Office of I west of Swindon the Deputy Prime Minister.

Housing growth causing gridlock to west and north The town's ever growing expansion to the north is causing more traffic congestion in West Swindon and Richard King from The Bramptons in Shaw is calling on Swindon Council to deal with the problems urgently.

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4 The arrival of the Ford dealership at the Spectrum Building on Mead Way has resulted in a profusion of informal signage which is a distraction to drivers on a very busy road and a danger to road safety. They also makes the area look a I mess. Swindon Council planning officers are investigating the issue.

Traffic volume on Mead Way is particularly bad and this effects pinch points on Whitehill Way and Tewkesbury Way at peak times. The long term plan is to build a new road along the River Ray valley to the east of Shaw Forest Country Park, linking Thamesdown Drive and Great Western Way, but major capital funding has yet to be identified, In the short term Richard wants Mead Way and Whitehill Way around the Spectrum building widened at key points so that traffic can filter off into side roads more easily. He said, "my concern is that a bad situation is going to get worse as more houses are occupied in Priory Vale and more

people want to get to and from the M4 and the A420 via the west and north of the town." From April the new Traffic Management Act requires local highway authorities to deal with traffic congestion. Highways engineer Adrian Dean has been appointed Traffic Manager to present councillors with options for improving traffic flow whilst maintaining a safe environment for all road users. He said that his department will be looking at Mead Way during 2006/07. Mr Dean wants to hear from the public about Mead Way and other congestion points around the town. Mail him at: ADean@swindon.gov.uk

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Wrongdoers watch out as police double West team 'We're coming to get you.' That's the message Wiltshire Police are sending out to criminals and people behaving in an anti-social way in West Swindon. The West Area Forum on 13 March was told that from 3 April the number of neighbourhood police officers in the west will increase from two full time and one part-time officers, plus one police community support officer (PCSO) to 6 full and one part-time officers t and two PCSOs. Inspector Willie Glasgow believes they will have a significant " effect on crime and anti-social behaviour across the area. •^ He explained to the meeting that Criminals toill soon be seeing more of the shutting of Westlea police staInspector Willie Glasgow and his team tion and the move to Gablecross in East Swindon had resulted in fewer police hours on the beat in the west. "I've been aware of cornplaints about the police presence in the area for some months and I' m not happy about the levels of crime in some parts of the area. With more personnel on the beat we're going to bear down oncriminals and youth carrying on with low level misbehaviour." He said during the 2005-06 accounting year reported crime will have fallen in the Freshbrook and Grange Park ward and also the Shaw & Nine Elms ward, But in the Toothill ward it will have increased from 733 in 200405 to over 800. The level of serious crime - house burglaries and violence against the person - has dropped, but the reports of general thefts, i.e. from garden sheds, and vehicle crime has risen. Insp Glasgow said West Swindon is to be split into two neighbourhood beat teams. Initially effort will be focussed on sorting out

crime and anti-social behaviour in Toothill, Freshbrook and Gr an ge Park. Westlea and Shaw are low crime areas, but Shaw residents demanded more attention for Shaw Ridge and Shaw Village Cen tr e where elderly people living in George Tweed Gardens are harassed by young people. Insp Glasgow said he will ask the beat manager to follow up these concerns. To illustrate the effect of neighbourhood policing, Insp Glasgow said, "in January we increased the number of officers allocated to Pinehurst. As a result crime is down 20 per cent and nuisance reports by 50 per cent. I am expecting a similar trend in West Swindon." All police forces must have brought in Community Neighbourhood Teams by 2008. By then every area of the town should have larger dedicated groups of officers and PCSOs working to deal with crime and anti-social activity.

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Temporary single chicanes were put in place on either side of Toothill's Oliver Tomkins Infant and Junior Schools on Beaumaris Road and Rowton Heath Way in early-March after discussions at the West Area Forum in December and February. Swindon highway engineers are monitoring the traffic volumes and speed and will report to the May forum meeting. In response to complaints that the chicanes have been placed on the wrong side of the road, coun Peter Greenhalgh said they might have to be doubled. In the longer term a zebra crossing and zig-zag lines are being planned from the Safer Routes to School budget.

The Link Magazi ne â€˘ April 2006

Front Garden development at the starting gate The first contract for civil engineering works on the Front Garden is due to be awarded by early April, in advance of 3,000 houses to be built on the land between Old Town, Great Western Way and the M4. Terry King, who leads the Front Terry believes the plans for the Swindon MP Anne Snelgrove giv- pressing concerns over traffic conGarden Action Group (FRAG) infrastructure are inadequate and ing reasons for objecting to build- gestion and extra pollution. She pressed the Office of the which has campaigned against maintains the threat of flooding ing on the Front Garden. development to the south of the remains. He also believes a new Tunnel petition in Parliament Deputy Prime Minister to consider town, said house building cannot reservoir and sewage farm willbe At the western end of the Front thealternativerouteacrosstherailbegin for some time because Swin- needed to service the new houses Garden developers propose to way line opposite Toothill Park so don Council has still not approved in the area. build a road tunnel under the M4 that traffic can be distributed east the design codes to be applied to The FRAG campaign has been to bring traffic to Junction 16 via and west along Great Western planning applications, sustained for 11 years, including a Hay Lane. Swindon bound vehi- Way. People objecting to the tunnel Before these are approved, he delay whilst Terry tried to block cles would then return along Great route fear the upgrading of Hay said the only work allowed is development through legal action. Western Way. preparation of entrances to the site Although he accepts development On 8 March Anne Snelgrove Lane will inevitably open up the and fencing off and safeguarding will probably go ahead, he is still spoke in the House of Commons land between Wroughton and wildlife sites. calling forpeople to write to South in support of a 450 name petition Wootton Bassett to development protesting against the tunnel, ex- opportunities.

By-pass gets go ahead Work on the long-awaited Blunsdon Bypass should begin this autumn following a decision by the Secretary of State for Transport to support the view of the Planning Inspector who carried out a public inquiry in October. Colin Shiner, chair of Blunsdon Parish Council's Traffic Committee, is delighted with the news. "This is a terrific reward for the people who have spent many hours voluntarily to get this finally agreed." The work will involve building a dual carriageway bypass in a cut to the west of Blunsdon, between Motorola and Abbey Stadium, from south of the Turnpike roundabout to a point 200 metres north of the existing Chapel Farm Landfill Site junction to the north of Blunsdon. The existing Turnpike Roundabout is to be replaced by two new signal controlled junctions at Lady Lane and Turnpike with a local road connection. Daily traffic movements on the hill are anticipated to fall from 47,000 to about 300. In the five years up to mid-2004, there were 105 person injury accidents on the hill. Completion is planned for 2007.

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The Link Magazine • April 2006

A bit of Poland in Priory Vale Swindon's twinning link with Torun in Poland has been made stronger with the naming of ten new roads through the Bloor Home development in the Haydon End area of Priory Vale.

Past and present mayors in Priory Vale. From left, Swindon councillors Stan Pajak, Derek Benfield, current mayor Ray Fisher and Peter Stoddart

He is keen for Swindon people Four Swindon councillors who have served as mayors since the to make the trip there. "Torun is a link was agreed were assembled delightful city with a fascinating in March for a photo which has history, great architecture and been sent to the President of Torun. many sites to visit. "I'd also like schools and colCoun Stan Pajak, whose father came to Swindon from Poland in leges to develop ties with Torun. 1945, instituted the link when he Call me on 642936 to discuss the was mayor in 2001. He said, "Swin- possibilities." don has a large and thriving Polish • The Polish named roads first apcommunity. The road names in peared on the North Swindon map Priory Vale are a celebration of published by TheLinkin May2005. their contribution to the town as A new edition is planned for May this year. well as the twinning link."

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Meet the headteacher of River View Community School Rachael Mattey takes up her position as head of Swindon's newest secondary school on the North Swindon Learning Campus in September to make preparations for the first children in September 2007. Ms Mattey, 46, is currently working with the first intake. I headteacher of Lealand High want the children to be involved in School in Luton, an 11-16 mixed discussions on a uniform, a code of comprehensive for 1,000 students. conduct and all the issues that conThe school was at a low ebb when cern them about transferring to she arrived at Christmas 2003 with secondary school." only 29 per cent of students achievMs Mattey was speaking at the ing 5 A* - C in their GCSEs. In 2005 first parents open evening on 17 March to look at the school plans, results jumped to fifty per cent. At River View Ms Mattey will meet governors and discuss safe initially be free of GCSE pressures routes to school and admissions as the school will open with Year 7 with Swindon Council officers. children and build up Rachael Mattey holding the learning campus over five years. "It'severy layout with chair of governors Neil Askins headteacher's dream to -have a completely blank IfEquion canvas to work with," she said. "Working withgov- . ernors we can create a team dedicated to developing a school for the future from day one. It means writing the curriculum and recruiting staff committed to high quality teaching and learning. They will be ^. special people. "An important aspect of my year's preparation will be contact with partner primary schools and

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Situated in North Swindon, Priory Vale brings homes from five of the UK's leading housebuilders together in one inspiring location. This month, George Wimpey unveils a selection of properties and offers at its all-new development, Middleclover

SALES SUCCESS FOR GEORGE WIMPEY AT PRIORY VALE Leading developer George Wimpey continues to celebrate still more sales success in the bustling, popular Priory Vale new homes area of Swindon. It was just two weeks ago that George Wimpey released for sale its stylish homes on the Middleclover development off Torun Way - just across from another of its most successful local area developments, St Peter's Place – and already several are sold with great interest being shown on others. Middleclover features a selection of 2, 3 and 4-bedroom properties, all of which currently come with an exciting range of incentives to make moving easier than ever. Area Sales Manager Richard Goad says, "We're delighted at the response to our latest development here in Priory Vale. We've developed here over a number of years with great success in this area of Swindon at locations such as Church Fields and Rectory Grange, and it's no surprise that our latest developments are proving equally successful.

Above: The stylish George Wimpey Sherborne coach house — one of the current in-demand homes for sale at the companys new Middleclover development in Torun Way, Priory Vale, Swindon.

Our homes are, of course, as in the past, much appreciated by discerning local area homebuyers keen to move to this most popular part of Swindon. They're surely among the best presented, planned, designed and specified homes being built here currently."

Adds Richard, "With our excellent incentives too such as 5%% deposit paid, legal. fees and survey fee paid, all our homes at Middleclover are sure to be in demand during the year ahead. Those interested should get in touch as soon as possible."

Taking top billing is the popular Sherborne 2-bedroom coach house home, priced at just £144,995, ideal for the young professional, investor or first time buyer. Also available are well-planned and presented 4-bedroom family homes priced from £196,995.

For further information on our other developments visit www.georgewimpey.co.uk

George Wimpey The Sales Information Centre and showhomes at Middleclover is open daily from 10.00am (1.00pm Thursdays) til 5.30pm. Call 01793 729610 or visit www.georgewimpey.co.uk

While this is the last in the current series of Spotlights , watch this space for news of latest developments in Priory Vale. To find out more, call the Priory Vale Visitor Centre on 0800 0725550 or pop in and see them at Junction 8 on Thamesdown Drive.

WELL WORTH A VISIT For the latest news, views and features on Priory Vale, visit www.prioryvale.com . From information on homes, amenities and events to useful maps and contact details, it its happening in Priory Vale, you II find it all here.

The Link Magazine • April 2006

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Discover the MS Centre The Swindon Therapy Centre for Multiple Sclerosis holds a coffee morning on Friday 28 April, from 10.30am to 12noon, during MS Awareness Week. Volunteers are always needed to help the centre which does not receive any grant aid. In March the centre received help from the Haine & Smith Charitable Trust to purchase much-needed physiotherapy equipment. To find out more about helping the MS Centre, call Jackie Wray on 481700 or mail: stcswindon.ms @virgin.net

MS sufferer Barry Palmer and physiotherapist Elizabeth Richard with Jo Tylee, manager of Haine & Smith

Cancer group open to those affected abC - a new self help cancer support group for patients, carers, family and friends who have been Affected By Cancer was launched by the Mayor of Swindon Ray Fisher on 15 March. The aim is to provide mutual support in a social atmosphere as well as a safe and secure place to share thoughts and experiences. Meetings are held at Lawn Community Centre, Windsor Road on the first Wednesday of the month between 12noon and 2pm, and on the third Wednesday of the month 7pm to 9pm. A programme of talks and outings is being drawn up. For details call Beryl Bowles on 528636.

Small is beautiful at Sparcells surgery The surgery at Sparcells has seen the arrival of a new GP, a practice manager and three receptionists this year and Dr Kandy Kandiah is delighted with the positive atmosphere they have created in a short time.

Tire Sparcclls team, front from left, Deb Lundy, Helen Tilley, Jane Nicholls, Tanya Robinson, Jeanette Croasdell, Jane Hartland and Sharon Roberts. Rear, Dr Rilran Bashir, Lesley Harris, Dr Kandy Kandiah, Helen Dent

Dr Rihan Bashir has come to the i practice from Reading and is enjoying the more relaxed pace in West Swindon. He joins Dr Kandy Kandiah who setup the practice in 1985. They both believe that a small practice offers the best for patients, with the chance to see a doctor who knows them and often knows their family as well. Dr Bashir said, "there is a friendly atmosphere here. It's easier to discuss things when you know the doctor. However, with two GPs there is also a choice. Small practices tend to be happier for patients." With the new staff settled in, there are plans for improved services in family planning, diabetic and asthma care. It is also likely that minor surgeries will be of-

fered on site. In the short term, a new patient support group is to be set up. Dr Bashir said, "we will see how patients feel about the services and what can be improved. The patient's voice is the most important." New practice manager Tanya Robinson said that everyone is working hard to achieve Government medical services delivery targets which are measured within the Quality Outcomes Framework. However, Tanya emphasised that meeting targets is not just about ticking boxes. "Patients' health needs are central to our practice and we take a holistic approach to their requirements." New patients can register at the Sparcells practice by calling 881928.

The Link Magazine • April 2006

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The Link Magazine â€˘ April 2006

Moving home made easy Bovis Homes Retirement Living has recently introduced a Home Move package designed to help purchasers make the move to an easier way of life. It seems they have thought of everything with their new Home Move package. They will help you sell your current home, assist with arranging removals and solicitors and contribute towards those costs.

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The Link Magazine • April 2006

Ted calls for maps to be updated Ted Mackenzie from Freshbrook The 97 year old, whose life story was featured in the February Link, says that Chalgrove Field where he lives does not feature clearly enough on maps, particularly on GPS electronic systems. Even though the street was built over twenty years ago he thinks strangers cannot locate it because the 35 houses front onto a footpath and vehicles have to gain access from surrounding roads. "People get confused because you cannot drive past the front door," said

is on the warpath. Ted. "it's easy to go past the street sign and drivers don't know they have to come into Pendennis Road to park behind Chalgrove Field and walk round to the front. He has written to Swindon Council asking them to spread the word to map designers and electronic information providers. • The Link magazine's West Swindon map clearly shows the location of Chalgrove Field. Copies are available from the library. Right, Ted wants iiiappers to do better

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Senior Citizens celebrate in style Thirty five years old and still going strong, the Haydon Wick Over 60s club celebrated its birthday on 20 March with a party and the launch of a new website designed by club member Mike Warr.

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Marie Parson, right, and chairwoman Pat Cutting present club members Ruby sod

Stan Gunter with flozoers on their 60th wedding anniversary The club, originally named the Elderly People's Welfare Association, was set up in 1971 with 100 members. Mary Parsons was appointed vice chair and still serves on the committee, having been chairwoman from 1987 and 1999. For a short time the club met in St John's building in Church Field then moved to Haydon Wick Working Men's Club where they still hold their fortnightly meetings which can be attended by up to 120 people. Mary recalled, "in those early

days, members were helped in many ways: having their prescriptions fetched, trips to the doctors or to hospital. There was also help given in the garden to those who needed assistance. Of course, the committee members were a lot younger then." Club chair, Pat Cutting, remarked on the upper age limit which was originally set at 75. "How things have changed," she said. "We now have one member who is 100 and several over 90." www.haydonwick60s.speedy.uk.net

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The Link Magazine • April 2006

Robotics team heading for Euro championships

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Ten Swindon youngsters aged between 10 and 15 have been invited to the first ever Lego League Open European Championship in the Netherlands in May. The SHELL (Swindon Home youngsters made a good presenta- Golden M Construction and Solo Education Liberty Lego) team ap- tion on the technical design of their Home Improvements. Carol Anne peared in January's Link as they robot and the effort put into pre- Cooper of Brain has also prepared for the national finals, paring that presentation and re- worked on team building with the Competing against 23 teams from building the robot since the Swin- youngsters. schools all over England and one don heat bore fruit. This is the first But more sponsors are needed. from Azerbaijan, they took the time the group had taken part in Team mentor Susan Davies said, award for robot design. They are the competition and are very "wearestilllookingformorebacking, as it will cost in the region of one of three UK teams invited to happy to have done so well." With none of the funding avail- £3,000 for the team travel, accomattend the European competition. Team mentor, Shena Deuchars, able to a school team, the home modation and entry fee." said that during the UK finals,their educators have been grateful for To assist the SHELL robotics robot did not perform as well as it support from Quantum Plus, team call Susan on 01666 510217. had in the Swindon heat. "The The SHELL team at the UK finals zuithLouise Brady of BBCI's Trading UP and Gym®

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The Link Magazine • April 2006

Toothill School moves forward with permanent appointment

Salt Way and Shaw Ridge coming together

Toothill Primary School has a bright future according to Martin The deed is done. Swindon Council's cackhanded dealings with the closure of Salt Way Primary School since its first announcement Cowell who was appointed headteacher in early March. during the Easter holidays last year was confirmed by the independent School's Organisation Committee at the end of February. Salt Way will close in July and school councils. "The Friends of Shaw Ridge have the remaining 100 or so children will start at Shaw Ridge in Sep- asked Salt Way parents to bring their families to an Easter egg hunt tember. Planning for such a change has on 25 March and the governors been going on in the background have invited a Salt Way governor for some time. The schools are now to join them." Salt Way headteacher Susan working hard to ensure that there is a smooth transition for the chil- Smith agrees that disruption should be kept to a minimum. "We dren. Shaw Ridge headteacher Sally are working together to make a Cowell said, "staff have been talk- change of school a positive experiing with each other for some ence for the children." months to align the curriculum Last ditch appeal to keep Salt Way open. The parents who attended the School's Organisation Committee on 21 February Martin Cowell with Toothill Primary children, from left, Melina Bhura, Jenna so that Salt Way Pearce, Ferdinand Moura, Dhiraj Bhura, Sukdeep Gill, Shannon Dunne-Morrissey children do not repeat topics He stepped up from the deputy child now comes to school in uniwhen they join role to become acting headteacher form. The changing cultural mix us. in late 2004 whilst Swindon Coun- of Toothill over the last few years "At the end of cil consulted on proposals to re- is also a positive development said March the Year duce the number of primary school Martin. "We have become a multi3 and 4 children cultural school and this diversity places across West Swindon. enjoyed Wind As the area's oldest primary is really having a good effect on in the Willows school, which opened in Septem- teaching and learning here." together and ber 1978, the present building is no we're holding School closure decision longer fit for purpose and everyjoint meetings in April or May body will be pleased to see the between the removal of the mobiles on site if The council's cabinet has recomthere is agreement to rebuild the mended to the independent School's Organisation Committee that school - see right. "We're not counting our chick- Freshbrook and Windmill primaens and I'm the first to admit that ries be combined in a new school on Staff at Salt Way Primary School do not want the school to be I'll believe it when I see the build- the Freshbrook site and Toothill forgotten after it closes. ers arrive, but the prospect of a School be rebuilt, close to Stokesay Hundreds of children have attended the school in Middleleaze since new school is very exciting for the Drive and the village centre. it opened in September 1988 and deputy headteacher Penny Woods The cost will be £10.7 million to is keen to put together a record of photographs, memories and school whole community," said Martin. "There is a very positive outlook be funded by selling the Windmill work. She said, "Salt Way is part of West Swindon's history and should not for Toothill. Apart from teaching site and part of the Toothill School children in up to date facilities, the site for housing. Some of the Fresh- be forgotten just because it is to be closed. I'd like to complete the book new school will also become a fo- brook site may also be sold. All- of memories by July so that parents and children can see it and then cal point for community educa- weather pitches will compensate they can take it up to Shaw Ridge. In the longer term the book can be tion, where health and social serv- for the loss of playing fields . kept in a library for future reference." Windmill Hill parents argue that If you have any pictures or special Salt Way memories contact Mrs ices related activities can take their school should not close and Wood at Salt Way on 881065. place." As an example of the new found are preparing to make their case to • Volunteer needed. Help is required to search The Linkarchives to confidence in the area parents have the SOC when it meets in April or find Salt Way material. If you can spare a couple of hours call 608840. agreed a dress code so that every May.

Salt Way memories wanted

The Link Magazine • April 2006

School launches publicity for parents Governors at one of the brand new primary schools being built in North Swindon have started a recruitment drive to make more parents aware that the school opens in September. Orchid Vale Primary School will open as a one form entry school for 4 to 11 year olds with a free nursery in the Hayden End area of Priory Vale, south of Thamesdown Drive. ,r Clint Ricketts, chair of gover\ ^ nors, said, "we have an experienced headteacher in Debbie —= " Kalynka who has a proven record The logo to be embroidered on uniforms of excellence. Orchid Vale will be a depicts the rare orchid which flowers at friendly, small, community based the nearby Hayden Meadow Site of Speschool, offering state of the art cial Scientific Interest classrooms and technology, but tion department on 465867 or with an emphasis on every child as kjphillips@swindon.gov.uk an individual." To contact the governors with For admission details contact questions, mail: orchidvale Kate Phillips at Swindon educa- governors@yahoo.co.uk 5'

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Nine teachers have been appointed to open Red Oaks Primary School on the North Swindon Learning Campus in September. Headteacher Terri Menham said she and the governors are thrilled with the calibre of the appointees who will ensure the curriculum is going to be very exciting for the children attending the school. Mrs Menham and the Red Oaks governors are holding a first ever open evening for parents and staff on Monday 24 April, 7.45pm at Peatmoor Community Primary School, Peatmoor. All interested parents are welcome to attend to hear the plans for the months ahead. To enrol children at Red Oaks Primary School, call Kate Philips on 465867 or mail: kjphillips@swindon.gov.uk

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The two schools come together in a brand new building located on Moredon Road under headteacher Lauren O'Connor, but to help prepare the children, school providers Equion offered bicycles, Nintendos and board games for the best pictures on the theme of transition. The winners had their work framed and the new school was presented with a treasure chest of dressing up clothes. John Cann, Equion director of education, said, "we will be maintaining the school for the next 25 years, so we're developing long term relationships with the users as well as constructing a building." Lauren Conner said, "Equion have been both helpful and generous in helping us prepare for the move."

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The Link Magazine • April 2006

Building big in Taw Hill Key Stage 2 children at St Francis Primary School in Taw Hill had a taste of what it takes to become an engineer when they took part in a bridge building day in early March. I -Before they started construction — y using dowel rods and rubber ^^ bands, they were given a crash ( course in the principles of structural design by staff from Architecture Workshops. (' Working in teams the young0 1 ^` sters came up with all manner of designs and attempts to build large structures. Hea y h ad er Clive xcelle l said \ z the day had been an excellent op ^`1 ` ; — l _ e ^^ ^_ ^^ ^_^^^ _^^ ^^^^ _ portunity for the children. "Working in teams of different ages to II tackle a problem allowed different talents to shine. The children all learned a great deal, even if their One we made earlier, from left, Danny Collis, Jake Crawley, Kerion Roche, Kyra bridge did not stand up." Jenkins, Robert Butler

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Budding engineers come to grips with wind power Youngsters from eight West Swindon Primary Schools rose to the challenge of the third Greendown World in Motion morning in early March, supported by the Society of Automobile Engineers UK. Hall said it was fun working out The competition was to design a entation to the judges. Shaw Ridge took the trophy ideas as a team. wind powered skimmer and then Each team had the help of a build it from card, straws and tape which team member Lewis Dyer said was down to trying different Greendown student. The Shaw before testing it in front of a fan. The winners were the team designs before building the skim- Ridge success could be down to whose skimmer went the furthest mer which they thought was the inside knowledge of their and who also made the best pres- strongest and lightest. Georgina Greendown mentor Joe Ridsdale. The Shaw Ridge team with Society ofAutomobile Engineers judge Dave Cleverley, He was in the Shaw Ridge team rear left, Shaw Ridge DT coordinator Charlotte Pracy and Greendown headteacher which came second in 2004 and Steve O'Sullivan with from left, Joe Ridsdale, Scott Burnett, Josh Snowden, Lewis helped last year's winners.

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The Link Magazine • April 2006

Swindon has attractions for graduates Lucy Proctor wrote in the February Linkabout the lack of attractions in Swindon for graduates. especially in the arts, and how many young people cannot wait to get away. Susan White from Toothill responds.

Firstly, I must admit that I never I also expected a glamour job ous at times... yes, in Swindon. stay in touch; it plays such an imexpected to defend Swindon! As a which my long education would I am convinced now that I have portant part in providing a voice French graduate in 1984 I too had guarantee. My first lesson was that discovered something here that is and focus for our community. high ideals about the sort of place I the world didn't owe me a job just much more worthwhile than the A new university would bring wanted to live. Swindon was not because I had a degree. pursuit of my previous ideals. The an added dimension to the town, on my list. ephemeral attractions of but let's recognise the value of what student life tended often we already have - community - and towards self-centredness, build on it as we give as well as but now I am in a commu- receive. ^ o Er1-91-1 nity where at last I belong Easter Fair a wide circle of real friends and family (since I married & Easter Egg Hunt a Swindon-ian) - where I Saturday 1 April, 1 pm to 4pm not only receive but I can Greendown Playgroup give something back. Grange Park I feel that Swindon has a Meet the Easter Bunny, face heart - a history of commupainting, a bouncy castle, TRAMPOLINE CLUB nity where people, on the tombola, raffle and refreshments whole, are hardworking, An event for the whole community offers 45 minute lessons down-to-earth and conon Thursday 3.30pm - 6.30pm Playmates Toddler Group cerned about others at the Link Centre Easter Fair around them as well as the Swindon, a community for residents, Saturday 8 April, 10am to 2pm town itself. Any ability welcome newcomers and strangers I' m not sure that is al- Fresh brook Community Centre Maximum 5 children per lesson Face painting, tombola, Having registered with an ways so true of larger, more 'atAges: 5 to 18 years lots of stalls, refreshments agency in Bath - plenty of culture', tractive' towns or cities with the nightlife etc. I thought- the only outward trappings of 'success'. Instruction from qualified B.A.G.A Easter Egg Hunt suitable jobs were in ... Swindon. Community became even more Amateur Gymnastics The first of a series of events to I joined an American company valuable than career to me when I Association) club coach with a French subsidiary and that had to give up work through ill celebrate National Childbirth Trust 50th Anniversary. To find out more call: was the start of an unexpected ca- health. Hunt down the eggs on reer path, which later diverged into I also came to appreciate the atNikki on 01793 702885 Wednesday 12 April, 10am, PR. It turned out to be both fulfill- tractions that Swindon does have 01 07970 493077 in Town Gardens, Old Town. ing and enjoyable, even glamor- the lovely parks, surrounding countryside, lively church and Cost: £2 per family (includes egg). Details from 07005 801635 community scene, and arts events. www.swindonnct.co.uk The Link magazine has helped me

Is there such a thing as a stress free kids' party? ADVEtdTUP. E PLAY & PARTY CEpJ1P E

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Children's parties are meant to be fun but they aren't always that way for the parents. Organising food, games, party bags and cleaning up the debris can mean tears before bedtime and not just for the kids. Candy Canes of Abbey Meads can save the day with their complete party organising service. They'll do everything - book the

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T he Link Magazine • April 2006

Greenmeadow's big push on quality Work on delivering high levels of literacy and numeracy has been high on the agenda at Greenmeadow Primary School for the last year in a bid to achieve the Basic Skills Agency Primary Quality Mark. Headteacher Diane Pritchard dence of its teaching strategies and said staff, governors, parents and targets, show how pupils' needs children all contributed to gaining are assessed, how the basics of litthe award and paid tribute to the eracyandnumeracyaretaughtand effort by Ruth Gandy who collated how parents are involved. the evidence of high standard of "We are all delighted that our practice in Literacy and Numeracy existing high standard of practice for scrutiny by Basic Skills Agency has been highlighted by this naassessors. tionally recognised, prestigious "The school had to provide evi- award." Mrs Pritchard, rear left, with high achieving Greenmeadow youngsters

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Top marks for Meadowpark Meadowpark Nursery and the Pre-Prep School in Cricklade has had its first full Ofsted inspection recently and is regarded as giving pupils a very good start to their education. The report identifies strengths in all areas and states that Meadowpark 'provides good teaching and ensures effective support and guidance for pupils in all classes in the school.' It recognises very good relationships between adults and pupils who receive a broad and balanced curriculum which enhances pupils' experiences effectively. Teaching in the nursery is regarded as consistently good and often very good. There is good interaction between adults and children which is very effective in developing language and social skills. The 'staff provide very positive role models' and from that 'pupils develop a strong sense of self-worth and grow in confidence.' They 'learn to respect others and to earn trust and loyalty.' Headteacher Rajvinder Kular said she was delighted with the report. "I'm very pleased for all the hard work pu tin by the staff. Meadowpark provides a positive, stimulating learning environment which gives pupils a very good start to their education in the nursery and the progress they make is good until they leave the school." www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Photographs show typical KingsOak interiors, Computer generated illustration shows Boulevard housetypes. Prices correct at time of going to press

Swindon

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The Link Magazine • April 2006

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Why not pop in and see us? 6 - 7 Theatre Square. Swindon Tel: 01 793 541 786 Email: info@cisswindon.co.uk www.cisswindon.co.uk

Peatmoor Abbey Meads Call Emma on 702228 for details emma@CraftyLittleMonkeys.co.uk

INFANT MASSAGE Join a well established highly successful 6 week course and learn the art of infant massage. Courses held locally

There are rumours that the Easter Bunny will be making a reappearance at Roves Farm in April. He or she will be popping up around the farm from Saturday 8 April until Easter Monday. Catch him and claim an Easter egg. There will also be Easter craft sessions throughout the holidays, when children will be able to make a range of Easter goodies to take home. The famous Roves Farm charity animal races will commence at the beginning of the holidays - weather permitting. The sheep and goat racing provides hilarious entertainment whilst raising money for Rupert Burr with proud mum and The Prospect Hospice. Last year piglet at Roves Farm over £3,000 was donated. Spring is the time when there around the farm and explore the are plenty of lambs and piglets to giant straw bale stack - then review and also feed. Get lost in the fresh with home made cakes in the world's largest living willow maze, Granary tea room. take a tractor and trailer ride www.rovesfarm.freeserve.co.uk

Building bonds with baby Also available: complimentary therapies including mums-to-be massage and hot stone therapy For more details contact Geraldine on 07821 686570

gez@holistictherapy-athome.co.uk

Baby massage tutor Geraldine O'Driscoll is recruiting new mums and dads to join her next course in Emmanuel Church in Haydon Wick. Discover techniques to calm babies, help with sleep patterns and see an improvement in digestive and colic problems. The group is a great way to meet other parents. Geraldine also runs holistic therapy sessions at home for groups of mums. See her advertisement on the left.

Bump up skills to help children

MusIcf Bugs fun music sessions for children aged 6 months - preschool Singing, bubbles, puppets, scarves, porn porn, hobby horses, teddies, parachutes, and lots of fun and noise)

Classes every day of the week in Abbey Meads, Ramleaze, Peatmoor, Space Adventure & Wootton Bassett

free trial sessions/no joining fee Call Claire on (01793) 722072 www.musicbugs.co.uk

NurserySchool I Headstarts DayDa Nuirser Established 1990

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—

Near M4 junction 16, just a short drive from West Swindon > For children 3 months to five years > Open all year from 7.30am to 6pm â Extensive outdoor play and garden

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793 851495

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Free nursery sessions for 2.5 hours per day, Monday - Friday during term time for funded 3 & 4 year olds' —

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A training organisation has been commissioned for a second time by UKonline to provide courses which encourage adults to get back into learning, and they plan to start running them at a local level. Solomon Training, based in the sessions in community halls around Shaftesbury Centre, Rodbourne, West and also North Swindon later provides courses which respond this year and are keen to hear from to the learning needs of individu- people interested in attending als and community groups courses close to home.They particuthrough short taster courses on top- larly would like to hear from parics such as helping your child at ents who want to boost skills so that school, CV writing, support for they can help their children with returning to work and understand- school work. ing metric systems. The company also provides These can lead to longer courses training to employers. Some with nationally recognised quali- courses in literacy, numeracy and fications in IT, literacy or nu- ICT are available free of charge. meracy. To contact Soloman Training call Soloman Training hope to start Karen Moore on 610710.

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JCT 8

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The Link Magazine • April 2006

Witness to bestial intent David and Linda Wright have been in Uganda since 2003 where David is a director of Save the Children, having spent the previous 5 years working for the charity in Nepal. They lived in Swindon from 1972 until 2002 and David was the director of Thamesdown Voluntary Services Council (which preceded Voluntary Action Swindon) between 1972 and 1983. Here they describe a forgotten war where children are kidnapped and brutalised before being sent into battle.

On our way back to the main regional town of Gulu we see partnership of Save the throngs of older chilChildren UK, Save the dren walking on eiChildren Norway and Save ther side of the road. the Children Denmark - is Where have they undertaken in the northcome from, where are ern area of the country they going, is there which is so badly affected something happenby the atrocities of the Linda and David ing in town tonight? Lord's Resistance Army. What is happening and young people that have esFor the last 18 years this takes place every caped from the LRA where they weird sect army, which acnight - up to 25,000 receive counselling, medical care cording to its leader wants children finish the and help in locating their families. to see Uganda controlled by Many of the teenage girls are day's schooling and the 10 commandments, has return home to pregnant or have young babies Children in a Save the Children night shelter set up waged a war of terror. Thouto protect them from kidnapping by the LRA 'search' for food. You having been the 'wives' of LRA sands of children have been never go for a meal in soldiers. These young people, some abducted - the boys brutalUganda but 'search' for it - very as young as 8 or 9 years, all have ised to become child soldiers, the help people here, or to see chilevocative language based on the horrific stories to tell but are hopegirls sexually abused, their homes dren without the distended belhand to mouth existence in the ful of the future and looking forand villages destroyed. People lies of malnutrition. village. After eating they walk to ward to being reunited with their So imagine the joy in one paracross the region made homeless the town which can be up to 10 families who have already visited by the attacks, or by Government ticular area in a camp to be met by kilometres distant to sleep for the them in the centre. policies to protect the population, a party in full swing and we are night to avoid abduction now live in Internally Displaced the guests of honour! David is to School in the Karamojah district of Uganda by the LRA. They sleep in officially open a Save the ChilPeoples' Camps. shelters, barn like buildCan you imagine being a poor dren sponsored centre so it is a ings with up to 500 other family living in the village where day of celebration. The ragged children, where they reyour forefathers have lived for children in their hundreds have ceive medical aid and engenerations, suddenly being re- been fed biscuits and squash, a couragement in hygiene. quired to vacate your property and very rare treat, and are now sitHere the older children the small amount of land you man- ting patiently in the afternoon sun must finish their homeage to farm, to live in a vast camp watching the various tribal dancwork or study for their with thousands of people from ing groups, listening to the beat GCSE's on the steps beother villages as well as your own of the unstoppable drummers and low a single dim light. laughing at the playlets designed entire village? In the same area Save Visiting the camps one feels an to show the need for HIV status the Children in Uganda overwhelming sense of despair testing, prevention and medicafund a centre for children that anyone can ever do enough to tion. Much of the work in Save the Children in Uganda - a

Local collection & delivery 24 hour turnaround Competitive rates Call 01793 422032 Mobile: 07796 802014

Linda's Childminding Service Registered (^ / Childminder y '/ in Westlea NCMA Member Tel: 01793 870104 Mobile: 07883 247733

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BEE BO CHILDMINDERS of Shaw, West Swindon Full & part time positions. Rates - £3 per hour or £105 per week full-time. £5ph evening F= baby sitting. O ff ering a warm friendly 'home from home' environment. Call Karen Woodman for a chat and to organise a visit: 886456 or 07834-993122

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Call 871808 for competitive prices

P5 SERVICES

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Swindon & Cricklade Railway EASTER

,^ r

EGG

SPECIALS` I

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

Friday 14th April to

Monday 17th April (diesel engine on Friday and Saturday; steam engine on Sunday and Monday)

Town's recent railway history on show

works as a draughtsman.

THE

(on Saturday Ivor will be static at Hayes Knoll for footplate visits. Train service will be diesel hauled)

Roy explained thatwhen the late

Harry Roberts arrived as general

Blunsdon

TOPURTON

TADPOLE LANE

Station Tadpole Lane

NORTH SWINDON

Tel: 771615 Trains: 11 p

4pm e â€” --e >

HAYDON

M Cafe, sho p and free parking www.swindon-cricklade- railway.org SWINDON

under the wheels are another team of workers ready to guide the tons of metal onto the axes. Photos: Bo y Nash

As a result Roy has an amazing archive of life inside Swindon Works during the last years. Most have never been seen but after he revealed to librarian Dawn Osborne that he had the collection, Roy was persuaded to print some of the thousands of images of engines and unusual items built in Swindon, the men and women who did the work and special events. Some 150 pictures will be on display in West Swindon Library from 25 April to 13 May, during normal opening times. Roy is considering exhibitions in other parts of the town to coincide with the Brunel 200 celebrations.

IVOR

TALKING ENGINE Saturday 29th April Sunday 30th April & Monday 1st May

When Roy Nash, 78, was seven years old his father showed him how to develop film and print pictures. The magical experience of seeing images appear from nothing had him hooked, but his future took him into the Swindon railway

manager in 1973 he asked him to be the unofficial works photographer. "Harry told me he wanted to give the works a fighting chance to survive. My job was to record the visits by VIPs as the management bid for new contracts. Apart from rolling stock the men were building engines, boats and buses for all around the world. They were incredibly skillful. "It was great. Apart from the visits and open days, I would go anywhere taking pictures of the men at work, the ladies in the offices; anything I thought was interesting."

The famous works hooter sounding for the last time on 26 March 1986. The wail turned to a moan after 15' minutes as the hollers ran out of steam. The workers had gone home at midday but Roy captured personne/ staff witnessing the last blast

Swindon Wide

The new landscape at Lydiard

Do you need a hat but don't want to BUY one? Then call

Th,- \/^ ad Hatter In Haydon Wick

(01793) 704005 or 07710 298790 www.hirehats.co.uk to see the large selection of Hats to HIRE! Make a personal appointment to find just the right hat for you

NAWAB'S

The first phase of the £5 million restoration of Lydiard Park will be completed in the summer when the two lakes are allowed to fill up. The lower lake has been 'lost since the 1920s after the dam burst. The water drained away and the lake bed gradually became overgrown with vegetation. !Figh t an impression otthe take when complete

The West's No 1 fabric store

New stock now in • Bridal fabrics • Velvet • Stretch fabrics • Calico • Fire-resistant fabric • Fleece • and haberdashery Monday to Saturday 10am to 4pm 25 Tennyson Street SWINDON

BLAYLOCKS SWINDON'S FAMILY SHOE SHOP Est. 1920 Black, blue, red, pink or beige nubuck Sizes36-43

?^`

£30 Black, tan. red or beige leather sizes 36 - 43

Tel: (01793) 611869

£40

Tel: 534271 Bath Road Corner, Old Town

Come Rain or Shine!

Roves Farm

0 Sevenhampton, Nr Highworth, Swindon Tel:01793 763939 www.rovesfarm.freeserve.co.uk Signed off A36 Highworth to Swindon Road Open April Wednesday - Sunday 10.30am to 5.00pm Daily during school holidays Lots of exciting Easter activities * Meet and feed the animals

* The world's largest living willow maze * Ti-actor and trailer rides & electric tractors * Giant straw bale stack and bouncy castle Kids crafty half hour * Indoor heated toddlers soft play & sandpit * Animal racing at weekends and holidays * Granary Tea Room - homemade cakes! THEMED BIRTHDAY PARTIES & SOCIAL EVENTS

Walled garden tour Thursday 11 April, 2pm.

Join Lydiard Park's head gardener Nick Burton for a free guided tour to discover more about how the walled garden is being restored and planted as an ornamental Nick fruit and flower h the garden. Meet outside the house.

Step liv

We'll have you moved in by spring

SWIndor wide Stage Struck revisit old friends Local music and comedy group Stage Struck are back at the Wyvern in May with their all-new 2006 variety show.

Over 2,500 sq. ft. of products for the Artist, Crafter and Student D.M.C. Main Agency Daylight Lamps Stockist DIY Framing Supplies & Equipment Well worth a visit. Try us!

Framework Art & Craft 63 Pembroke Centre Cheney Manor Trading Estate Swindon SN2 2PQ

amiIy, Busin6s"

• All types of fencing installed • Full patiodecking service • Made to measure gates • All pressure treated timbers

• Help/advice on all fencing & landscape matters

Tel/Fax: (01793) 513069 Phone for directions. Parking.

Free estimates on 01793 855800 Unit 23&24 Oakands Ind. Est. &aydon. Swindon

Join us for a traditional 3 course carve ry lunch served in the Wilton Suite 3 sittings available, 12.30pm, 1.00pm & 1.30pm Includes an Easter treat for the children! •

£17.95 per person Under 12's £9.95, under 4's eat free (full pre-paryment required)

To book please call 01793 878785

Old Bell Pottery & Crafts High Street, Lechlade • Tel: 01367 252608

This year's show is called Anything can Happen which producer Geoff Marsh says sums up the flexibility and variety of the group. "Last year we had songs from the Muppets alongside Titanic the musical. In our last few shows we've included songs from productions that haven't even opened in the UK yet. "This year we've decided to revisit some old friends with songs from Mary Poppins. Hello Dolly, The Wizard of Oz. The Sound of Music and many others."

Fifty performers aged 7 to 70 years are rehearsing well known numbers, all of which will be given the Stage Struck treatment of enthusiasm andfun. Show director and choreographer Jane Osborne says there will also be lots of new and unexpected material. The shows takes place from 18 to 20 May. 7.30pm, with a 2.30pm

matinee on 20 May. Tickets are £9 (conc. £8) from the Wyvern Theatre box office 524481 or from Stage Struck, tel: 840757.

Ro ,al ke.a{-ih9...

E-mail: victoria.h@virgin.net

For great gift ideas Knitting & Haberdashery Sewing needs: X-stitch — Tapestry — Rowan Jaeger — Patons — Yarns and Patterns We'll also gladly order an y thing else you need.

-'-.a---

Dolls houses fr miniatures Traditional games & toys; local craft items In the Stable

on ^^_

A great selection of local pottery. y Also: China seconds ii n2 ^^^ ly w from Stoke-on-Trent

In the Garden a Pots, planters & ornaments from around the world

Mon to Sat 10 to 5 • Sun 11 to 5

Andy Nolan performs live as the fatuous Ronan Keating. " H as to be one of the most convincing look-alikes and sound-

alikes on the market" - The Stage. Includes four course dinner.

el: 017`' 72101

Best Western Premier

Blunsdon House Hotel generations of exceptional service

Blunsdon, Swindon, SN26 7AS www.blunsdonhouse.co.uk

7tivq/

Swindon r^erat,^'^

Welcome to the thirteenth triskaidekaphobia-defying Swindon Festival of Literature! 1

May 2006

Reaching thirteen, like becoming a teenager or understanding prime numbers, can be a tricky business.

Superstitions surround us. Festival longevity lulls us into thinking we may last a while longer. But happiness haunts us too, and lures us into literary pastures new.

Please join us! Come and meet people who write books, who love words, and li ke to use them well.When readers meet writers, enjoyable, interesting, serious, unpredictable, funny, and memorable things happen. And that is just what we expect at this year's Swindon Festival

of Literature. Lool< out for our Page 3 parade of writers, with their eagerlyawaited crop of new books; an array of authors who explore

the world of art, history, education, and comedy; poetry sessions that are numerous and various; storytelling indoors

and out; first-time literary film slots; and even, in view of England's forthcoming football encounter, an event that takes a peel< at Paraguay! The Festival begins, as ever, with fun and the rising sun, at dawn on that high ridge overlooking the town in Lawn Woods on May Day.

And on each subsequent day there will be three or more events, at midday, teatime, and in the evening, carefully spaced and placed, to enable you to attend almost every event, should you have the stamina! For the full at-a-glance Festival diary, turn to the centre pages of this programme. And then, mark your own diary, so that during the first thirteen

days of May you join us for Swindon's very own communion of words: an opportunity to celebrate life, or lament it, and to love

literature, together. Please read on, and come along.

MATT HOLLAND Festival Organiser

Bank Holiday Monday I st May DAWN CHORUS — 5.30am! Lawn Woods, High Street, Old Town Tel 01793 771080 STORYWALK — I2noon Lydiard House, Lydiard Pk,West Swindon Tel 10793 77040 BEING ALIVE — 7pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837

Tuesday 2nd May

Dawn Chorus — 1st

SWINDON POETRY — 12.30pm Old Railway Museum, Faringdon Rd Tel 01793 466454 WE ARE WHAT WE THINK — 6pm Arts Centre, Devizes Rd Tel 01793 614837 THE WRITER'S JOURNEY — 7pm North Swindon Library, District Centre Tel 01 793 707120 ANN WIDDECOMBE — 8pm Arts Centre, Devizes Rd Tel 01793 614837 YES — a film! 9.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Rd Tel 01793 614837 Matthew i „ ns — 30

Wednesday 3rd May ^.=

STONE READINGS — 12.30pm Burderop Down, Nr Wroughton Tel 01793 771080 HELEN OF TROY — 6pm Arts Centre, Devizes Rd Tel 01793 614837 CHRISTINE AZIZ &ALISON PENTON-HARPER — 7pm W Swindon Library,

Link Centre Tel 01793 465555 LI

SWINDON DECODED — 7.30pm Old Railway Museum, Faringdon Rd Tel 01 793 466454

MATTHEW PARRIS — 8pm Arts Centre, Devizes Rd Tel 01793 614837

Thursdlay 4th May - ,

£ I PER POEM —All Day, All Round Swindon Tel 01793 771080 BOLLOCKS TO ALTON TOWERS — 12.30pm Old Railway Museum, Faringdon Rd

Tel 01793 466454 satsh • a -sn

W HAT GOOD ARE THE ARTS? — 5pm Swindon College, Regent Circus Tel 01 793 498310

THE ART OF WONDER — 7pm Arts Centre, Devizes Rd Tel 01793 614837 STONE READER — a film! 8.45pm Arts Centre, Devizes Rd Tel 01 793 614837 r

Friday 5th May GET WRITING — I l am Lower Shaw Farm,W Swindon Tel 01793 771080

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SURVIVORS — 12noon Garden Centre, Cheney Manor Tel 01793 523294 HELEN SLAVIN — I pm Lower Shaw Farm,W Swindon Tel 01793 771080 SATISH KU MAR — 6pm Arts Centre, Devizes Rd Tel 01 793 614837 JANE WEIR & CHRIS EDDY — 6pm Museum & Art Gallery, Bath Rd Tel 01793 466556

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KIERKEGAARD — 7.30pm Museum &Art Gallery, Bath Rd Tel 01793 466556 LES BARKER — 8pm Arts Centre, Devizes Rd Tel 01793 614837

Saturday 6th May SWINDON YOUTH SLAM — I lam Arts Centre, Devizes Rd Tel 01793 614837 MELVIN BURGESS — 2pm Arts Centre, Devizes Rd Tel 01793 614837 DA

POEMS & PINTS — 8pm Town Hall, Regent Circus Tel 01793 463210

Sunday 7th May Poems endP^nts-6th

CHILDREN & FAMILIES DAY— 10am Lower Shaw Farm,W Swindon Tel 01793 771080

CAMPFIRE STORYTELLING — 7pm Lower Shaw Farm,W Swindon Tel 01793 771080 SUMMONED BY BELLS — 8pm Christ Church, Cricklade St Tel 01793 466454 Monday 8th May BRUNEL — 12pm STEAM Museum, Kemble Dr Tel 01793 466626 VICKI FEAVER & ROBIN ROBERTSON — 12.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Rd Tel 01 793 614837 WIZZIL — 4.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Rd Tel 01793 614837 ANNIEWALLER — 6pm Wyvern Theatre,Theatre Sq Tel 01793 524481 ON THE WRONG LINE — 7.30pm Old Railway Museum, Faringdon Rd Tel 01793 466454 KATE ADIE — 8pm Wyvern Theatre, Theatre Sq Tel 01793 524481 Tuesday 9th May MUG SHOTS — 12.30pm Main Hall, University of Bath in Swindon Tel 01793 466454

Children and Families Day — 6th

fri Annie

SIR KEN ROBINSON — 4pm Main Hall, University of Bath in Swindon Tel 01793 466454 RIDE ON — 7pm Arts Centre, Devizes Rd Tel 01793 614837 „

J OHN HEGLEY — 9pm Arts Centre, Devizes Rd Tel 01793 614837 Wednesday 10th May MARK LAWSON & JULIE MYERSON — 12.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Rd Tel 01793 614837

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NED SHERRI N — 6pm Arts Centre, Devizes Rd Tel 01793 614837 365 WAYS TO CHANGE THE WORLD — 7.30pm Old Railway Museum, Faringdon Rd Tel 01793 466454 BOOK CLUB COMEDY — 8pm Arts Centre, Devizes Rd Tel 0 179 614837 Thursday 11th May MARINA LEWYCKA — 12.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Rd Tel 01793 614837

John Hegley — 9th

WILL SELF — 6pm Arts Centre, Devizes Rd Tel 01793 614837 ISAMBARD'S KINGDOM — 7.30pm STEAM Museum, Kemble Dr Tel 01793 466626 NICK HORNBY — 8pm Arts Centre, Devizes Rd Tel 01793 614837 Friday 12th May PATRICK'S FLORILEGIUM — 12.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Rd Tel 01793 614837

Julie Myerson — 10th

GUITAR MAN — 6pm Arts Centre, Devizes Rd Tel 0 179 614837 HAPPINESS — 6pm Museum & Art Gallery, Bath Rd Tel 01 793 466556 ROUSSEAU'S DOG — 7.30pm Museum & Art Gallery, Bath Rd Tel 01793 466556 PREPARING FOR PARAGUAY — 8pm Arts Centre, Devizes Rd Tel 01 793 614837 Saturday 13th May

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SONGS THAT TELL STORIES — 1 I am Old Railway Museum, Faringdon Rd Tel 01793 466454 ANNA MASSEY — 12.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Rd Tel 01793 614837 p30 AS LUCK WOULD HAVE IT — 2pm Old Railway Museum, Faringdon Rd Tel 01 793 466454 SWINDON SLAM! & QUICK QUIP QUIZ — 8pm Town Hall, Regent Circus Tel 01793 463210 Anna Massey — 1 3th

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Sunday 16th, 2pm to 5pm Easter Sunday Trail. Pick up a quiz sheet in Lydiard House, hunt clues around the park. pop back in to get your answers checked and pick up a small treat. Free. Lydiard House

Saturday 1st, 2pm Professor Bumm's Story Machine. The Professor, with his assistant Doctor Whee, invites you to the Saturday 22nd, 1 pm & 3.30pm unveiling of his latest invention in this crackpot comedy. This technological marvel will collect data from the audience and use itto create fantastic stories out of thin air. Ages 7+. £5 (Family £ 16). Arts Centre Saturday 1st to Tuesday 18th,

10am to 5pm (Sun 2pm to 5pm) Easter Trail through the State Rooms. Free. Normal admission charges to house app/y. Lydiard House

Saturday 1st to Sunday 9th, 12pm to 7pm Carters Steam Fair. A traditional fair with 1895 steam gallopers, rock `n roll dodgems and a 1 920s chair-oplane. An old penny arcade has more than 80 vintage machines. Reduced entrance to Steam available. Free. (Steam £3). In front of Steam Mondays 3rd &10th, Wednesday 5th,10.30am to 1.30pm Lollipops Fun Club. A theatre style workshop with singing, dancing, acting and games. Ages 5 to 11. £10. Peatmoor Community School To book contact Julie on 723993 Monday 3rd, 1.30pm & 4pm Tuesday 4th, 10.30am & 1.30pm

There may be a fee payable at completion for placing your mortgage. The precise amount will depend on your circumstances but we estimate it will be £300.

Wit's

Fireman Sam to the Rescue. Meet Sam - the brave friendly hero next door and his fellow firefighters in this action packed show full of adventure. humour and drama. £10. Wyvern Wednesdays 5th & 12th, Friday

14th to Monday 17th, 11 am to 4pm School Holiday Specials. Diesel hauled train rides. Swindon & Cricklade Rai/way. Wednesday 5th, 10.30am to 3.30pm Easter Holiday Activity Day for 5 to 12 year olds. Spring into action around the farm. Dip below the pond's surface, dig a miniature garden and follow the Easter egg treasure hunt. £15 Book in advance. Lower Shaw Farm.

Tuesday 11th, 7.30pm Bloodhand (Moby Duck). Malati opens an old chest and finds a crumbling leather book. She's catapulted into a terrifying land of ancient desert forts. warrior kings and cruel queens. When she tries to get back to the safety of her own world, they try to follow. How can she stop what she's unleashed? Ages 8 to 13. £6 (Family £18) Arts Centre

Tractor Tom and the Treasure Hunt. Tom finds a message in a bottle and Fi says it's an old map. All the clues seem to lead to some buried treasure. Songs, puzzles to solve and your favourite Springhill Farm characters. Ages 3 to 7. £8.50 (Family £32). Wyvem Saturday 29th, Sunday 30th &

Monday 1st May, 11am to 4pm Ivor the Talking Engine. Swindon& Cricklade Rai/way. See advertisement on page 23.

Film Monday 10th, 7.30pm Wallace & Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit (U) It's vege-mania and our two enterprising chums are cashing in with their humane pest control outfit, Anti-Pesto. £5 Wyvern Wednesday 12th, 7.45pm Maria Full of Grace (15) A poor young factory worker from Columbia decides to become a drug mule to make some desperately needed money for her family and start a new life. (SFS) Tuesday 18th, 7.45pm Broken Flowers (15) Bill Murray stars. As the devoutly single Don Johnston is dumped by his latest girlfriend, he receives an anonymous pink letter telling him he has a son. £4. Arts Centre Wednesday 19th, 7.45pm A Thousand Months (12A) Set in the Atlas mountains in 1981 during Ramadan, this tale of village life is told from the perspective of 7year old Mehdi. His privileged task is to watch over his teacher's chair to stop it being stolen. (SFS) Monday 24th, 7.30pm Pride and Prejudice (U) Keira Knightley and Matthew McFadyen star in this sumptuous adaptation of Jane Austen's classic novel.£5 Wyvern Swindon Film Society (SFS) films are shown at the Arts Centre and are for members on/y. It is possible to join on any film evening.

Or it April

Dance

Music

Saturday 1st, 7.30pm My Perfect Rhyme performed by pupils of the Judith Hockaday School of Dance and Drama together with the students of Judith Hockaday college. £9.50. Wyvern Thursday 6th, 7.30pm Behind You presented by Partners. the Swindon-based theatre company for people with learning or physical disabililites or mental health issues. A funny and outrageous pantomime show based on death and loss and the difficulties in talking about these subjects. £6. Town Ha// Studios Friday 7th, 7.45pm Closer performed by Touchdown, the only company in the UK integrating visually impaired and sighted dancers. Improvisation, voice, video and a wide range of dance styles. £6. Town Ha//Studios Wednesday 12th, 7.45pm

Sunday 2nd, 3pm Grimethorpe Colliery Band: widely considered to be one of the finest bands of its type in the UK. £13. Wyvern Thursday 6th, 7.30pm The Westenders: a group of six West End artists perform their acclaimed musical theatre tribute show. £13.50. Wyvern Friday 7th, 8pm Barron Knights Farewell Tour. The Barron Knights and The Fortunes, two of the classiest 60s groups around, perform hits including You've Got Your Troubles and Here It Comes Again. £13. Wyvern

Moving for Change. Featuring acclaimed integrated dance company Stop Gap. accompanied by local and regional companies. A celebration of different dance by different dancers. £12. Wyvern Tuesday 18th, 7.30pm Magical Dance of Ireland. A spectacular evening of traditional Irish dance, music and song with award-winning artists. £13. Wyvern Thursday 27th to Sat 29th, 7.30pm 25 Of The Best. The Sullivan School of Dance celebrates its 25th anniversary with a show including ballet, tap. jazz and songs from previous shows. £9. Wyvern

Talks Thursday 11th, 2pm Tour of Walled Garden. Join Head Gardener Nick Burton for a guided tour to discover more about the restoration work and planting to transform the walled garden into an ornamental fruit and flower garden.

Saturday 8th, 7.30pm Charlie Landsborough. SOLD OUT Wyvern Monday 10th, 8pm Bruce Katz Band. Blues. jazz. rock, soul and Americana collide into Bruce's funky upbeat instrumental music. £12. Arts Centre Wednesday 19th, 7.30pm The Blues Band.The band offers a fantastic evening of classic and new Blues material, including original numbers and interpretations of songs from artists like Willie Dixon. Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf. £15. Wyvern Thursday 20th, 7.30pm Sing-a-long-a Abba. SOLD OUT. Wyvern Friday 21st, 8pm Putting On The Style: a tribute to Lonnie Donnegan by Paul Leegan and The Legends. Recreating hits by the founding father of British rock'n' roll, including Cumberland Gap. Gambling Man and My Old Man's a Dustman. £14.50. Wyvern Friday 21st, 7.30pm Think Floyd renowned for their stunning celebration of the music of one of the world's greatest rock icons. Features a host of classics from Pink Floyd and exhilirating light effects. £14.50. Wyvern Tuesday 25th, 7.30pm

Swindon Museum & Art Gallery

Situated in the heart of then rL, square, Swindon Rendezvous is pleased to bring a taste of the Orient to the heart of Swindon. We take pride that all our food is selected from the very best ingredients and wherever possible healthy and organic produce, which all form the foundation of our foods. All our food is freshly cooked to order.

Kirwan. One of Ireland's most dynamic and versatile performers in a show catering for all musical tastes. £1550. Wyvern

has now been extended to 7 days a week Sunday - Thursday £15.00 per person Fridays & Saturdays £18.00 per person

You can choose from over 100 dishes

Tootleabrook WI

RESER. `E A I TABLE FOR I YOUR BIRTH DATE

If a table is booked for 6 or more the birthday boy or girl eats for free (For example 5 pay and 1 eats for free Bi rt hday must be on actual day booked)

I I

Only valid on all you can eat or any set dinner I.D. WILL BE REQUIRED

L-------J

-i FREE BOTTLE I

r-------

OF WINE

'p 20%

Wednesday 19 April, 7.30pm Toothill Community Centre National Parks of England and Wales by Mervyn Silver All welcome. For more details call Jean Brock on 539456

r---^ .- 1

The ALL YOU CAN EAT MENU

Dominic

Free. Meet outside Lydiard House Friday 28th, 7.30pm Littlecote Roman Villa: Out of the Underworld. Local archaeologist Bryn Walters explores the history and significance of the splendid villa at Littlecote. He traces the development of the site from the 2nd to the late 4th century AD. £4.50.

The all new Swindon Rendezvous

Book a table for 4 I and receive a FREE BOTTLE OF WINE for every 4 guests (O ffer only available on all you can I eat and set menu, please present this voucher when crdering.) L-------J

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32 Swindon

Wide Wt

Comedy

Exhibitions

Saturday 1st, 8pm

To 13th May Benoit Philippe: Weaving Lights of Wiltshire. An exploration of Wiltshire's landscape and the variation of lights throughout the year. Free. Arts Centre To 3rd June Telling Tales. Explores the theme of storytelling in art and gives visitors the chance to create their own tales. Includes works by LS Lowry, Richard Long and Lisa Milroy. Free. Swindon Museum and Art Gallery To 8th July Swindon Curiosities: the art of collecting. A dip into the museums archaeology and social history collections and a look 'behind the scenes'. Find out more about the objects collected over the years, and the work of the curator. Free. Swindon Museum Thursday 27th, 7pm to 9pm, Friday 28th & Saturday 29th,10am to 4pm Highworth Artists' Society Spring Exhibition including work from pupils of Highworth schools. Council Offices

The Joy of Wine. Following the success of his illustrated talk on The Joy of Wine at Harvest Festival. the Reverend Andrew Jones has hit the road. His mission: to convert the lager-swilling Luddites of the country to the drink of kings (and tramps). Ably assisted by idiot-savant wine taster Ciaran Murtagh. the reverend will change the way you feel about wine forever. £10. Arts Centre Saturday 15th, 8pm Hellfire Comedy Club starring Dave Fulton, Simon Evans and Barry Castagnola. An evening of comedy with up and coming comics from the London comedy circuit. £10. Wyvern Saturday 22nd, 8pm Alan Carr. Alan tells the poignant, but hilarious account of his past, as the camp son of a professional footballer and his journey away from the football pitch. £10. Arts Centre

is Or io Aprii

Theatre

-!I

Tea Dance

Wednesday 5th, 8pm I Want That Hair. Heidi and Bex are the type of friends who share things - they have done since their college days. They had big dreams and big ideas, but life, like your hair, doesn't always go the way you want it. Suddenly there are men, marriage and mortgages and ambitions are left on the ground. £12 Wyvern Wednesday 5th to Saturday 8th, 7.30pm Night Must Fall performed by the Western Players. A tense psychological chiller set in the house of an elderly lady. £6 Arts Centre Thursday 13th, 8pm Derren Brown SOLD OUT Wyvern

Thursdays 13 & 17 April 2pm to 4.30pm Memorial Hall. Wootton Basset. All styles and rhythms: sequence, modern ballroom, old-tyme, line dance. All welcome.

Wednesday 26th to Saturday 29th, 7.30pm A Murder by Misadventure by Edward Taylor performed by the Phoenix Players. £6 Arts Centre. For tickets call 525616

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Swindon's Secret Gardens Open day at TWIGS Next to Manor Garden Centre in Cheney Manor Sunday 23 April, 11am to 3pm. Explore 11 themed gardens with fine shrubs and perennials and inspired artwork and sculpture. Details from 523294 Moloney & McInerney Schools of Irish Dance Fundraising Dance Saturday 29 April, 8pm Thistle Hotel, Flemming Way David Duffy Band & Riky Denham Tickets £ 10. Tel. 642368

Venues Arts Centre Devizes Road. Tel: 614837 Lower Shaw Farm Old Shaw Lane. Tel: 771080 Lydiard House Tel: 770401 STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway Kemble Drive. Tel: 466655 Swindon & Cricklade Railway Tadpole Lane. Tel: 771615 Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Bath Road. Tel: 466556 Town Hall Studios Regent Circus.Tel: 463210 Wyvern Theatre Theatre Square. Tel: 524481 Confirm date, time and price with the venue

Swindon Wide I Peatmoor panto underway

THE NINE ELMS PUB

Suzanne Bullimore had an enthusiastic response from readers interested in helping her put on a community pantomime as a result of the story in the February Link. Despite predictions of apathy, Suzanne is pleased by the reaction. "There are a lot of people who want to have a go and have some fun." Suzanne is still looking for performers and backstage help. Call her on 870458 or mail: suzanne.bullimore@btinternet.com for details.

Gallery offers local artists an outlet Experienced artists who would like to exhibit and sell their work are welcomed at the Swindon Artists Forum. The gallery in the Brunel Centre. gifts. Twelve per cent of every purdisplays work by almost thirty local chase is donated to the Prospect artists and while the Forum does Hospice. not teach courses, members enjoy sharing their experience and tips at monthly meetings. ^%Ol'llll2 The artists paint in a range of media and style and range in age — from students to the retired. Forum chair Diana Crater said. "it's a case of the grey wolves leading the pack. It's good to be able to rr pass on experience and to feel you can help others. Swindon ViF1 Forum "It's nice for artists to see work displayed. Painting is an expenSee the work of 26 Swindon artists in sive hobby so it helps if people can one gallery sell their work." Traditional. contemporary. modern; Visitors to the gallery often see a Landscapes, abstracts, portraits, animals work in progress as members paint while manning the shop. Many of

the pictures are of local scenes and are very popular and individual

Brunel Gallery, 31 The Arcade, Brunel Centre 12% donations to the Prospect Foundation on every

painungsodatthegallery

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Tel: 01793 770442 IT'S A STEAK OUT AT THE ELMS!! Served Wednesday to Friday from 6.30pm Enjoy a juicy 8oz rump steak with home made chunky chips, mushrooms, onion rings and tomato. The time you order is the price you pay!!

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Sky Sports showing all major rugby/football

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The Link Magazine • April 2006

Liverpool beckons young player

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Colin Hickey, 12, from The Prinnells has another chance to impress coaches at one of the country's top soccer academies. The football mad lad who attends Bradon Forest School will spend three days at Liverpool FC in April learning drills and developing skills . Colin attended the academy two years ago and hopes this time his talents are spotted for future attention. In January he transferred to AFC Lydiard under 12s and has quickly made his mark by scoring seven goals for the team. Dad, also Colin, said, "he's always out in the garden working on his skills. If he puts in the effort he'll have a chance to go somewhere with his football."

Shaw school on the road to glory Colin's former team at Brook Field Primary School is making an impact in local schools' soccer. In late February the squad won the Swindon area round of the 6-aside BT Community Cup for a place in the South West final in Bristol in late March, with a trip to the finals competition in Cardiff's Millennium Stadium beckoning. The Brook Field team which is also competing in the Swindon School's Pentel Cup, is unbeaten in the West Swindon Primary School's league and hope to do well in the annual West primary school tournament in April.

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Easter training for youngsters Swindon Town FC's Football in the Community team are running two Easter football courses: 4-6 April; 11 - 13 April. For booking details call 421303.

The Link Magazine • April 2006

On target to shed the pounds In the January Link Vivienne Hallett from Shaw took the drastic step of seeking publicity in The Link to force herself to lose weight. Having ballooned designed for women and we all help each since 2000 to over 18 other. Katherine gives stone she was despera lot of encourageate to control her ment; she really cravings, get her diet wants us to do well." under control and reTwelve weeks later build self-esteem. Vivienne thinks she's The changes have on the path to a better not been without pain life. She set herself the according to Viv as goal of losing 70lbs in she's had to radically 2006 and so far she alter her lifestyle. No has shed 24lbs. Yet more couch potato her body fat is still and fast food living, around 47 per cent, she's gone big on exwhen it should be ercise to burn off the more like 25. layers of fat stored all But the aches and over her body. She December. We'll publish a progress pi cture later pains of carrying exsaid, "Richie Jeffers in the year cess weight, espestarted me off with an exercise programme, and then cially in her feet and ankles have Katherine Steele from the Curves improved. "I feel brighter and hapwomen only gym called to offer pier in myself, and this has benme sponsorship after reading The efited my work and friendships." The absence of tempting sweet Link. "I've been going there three goodies in the kitchen cupboard times a week and I'm really enjoy- has made a difference at home. ing the sessions because its only Her husband and children have for 30 minutes, but intense. The also lost weight without being on a exercise programme is built diet. See the Curves advert below. around a set of resistance machines

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The group will meet every Wednesday for a walk via footpaths around West Swindon and further afield. All are welcome to join to enjoy the fresh air and discover different views of the area. The programme of different walks ranging from two to six miles using the West Swindon map published by The Link will be available from the walk guides. Meet at Link Reception by 1 pm. Depending on the Swindon Card held the prices vary from 70p to £2.90.

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The Link Magazine • April 2006

Spring into action with Active Swindon Discover the possibilities from 7 to 9 April The newly formed Active Swindon team has been working with local running, walking, orienteering and cycling clubs to offer different activities, explore routes around the town and raise awareness of the importance of being active to maintain good health. ; On 7 and 8 April an active exhi- walking and runbition takes place in the town cen- fling clubs will be tre. Cycle, row, run, pedal on static leading walks, runs, a.^ `» machines, check out your heart rate orienteering, cycle u4, and discover routes and trails rides and a hash run, v1 around Swindon. Everyone who all ofvarying lengths I joins in will receive a Fitness First and complexities. Active Swindon goodie bag. A free booklet will be available listing clubs and sum- coordinator Gladys Barr said the Be Acmer events. ^ On Sunday 9 April volunteers tive Swindon Chatfrom many of the town's cycling, lenge aims to encourage people to take on physical activity for life, starting at their own level, but with support to take on new challenges. A wide range of organisations,ehari- Launching the Spring into Action ],>Ii^'ol oo f ties and sports clubs March, the Mayor Ray Fisher, Jane Leaman, Swindon have come together PCT Director of Public Health, and Sir Mike Pitts, to offer the chal- Swindon Council Chief Executive lenge: Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Cancer Re- Cotswold Water Park, Red Planet lief, Headways, Swindon Trans- Bikes and Fitness First. For details of the weekend of port Planning & Safety, the Swindon Primary Care Trust, Swindon events contact: Lifestyle Unit, the Great Western Nan Pratt, tel: 466202 or mail: Community Forest, Swindon Vol- npratt@swindon.gov.uk unteers' Centre, Swindon Council Gladys Barr, tel: 708818 or mail: Rangers, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, gladys.barr@swindon-pct.nhs.uk U

Line Dance

with

Midnight Cowboys Tuesday: Even Swindon. 7.00 Community Centre Jennings Street (off Rodbourne Road) Wednesday: Highworth, 7.00 Thursday: Coleview 7.00 Community Centre. Nythe Road Step by step instruction for absolute beginners. Weekend socials in Highworth and Swindon For more details Ring Lewis Watson on 764732 Ten years of teaching.

`ens

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J c to ve Success

Competition winners Partners hair and beauty makeover (February Link) Stephanie Ray. Stamford Close, Toothill; Mrs K Williams. Saddleback Road, Shaw; Miss D Jones, Belgrave Street, Swindon; Viviane Brazier. Reynolds Way, Swindon Brunel Royal Mail stamps (March Link) J Hayward, Exeter Street, Swindon; Margaret D'Sonza-Deshmukh, Spode Close, Priory Vale: Mr Andrew Cavill, Tees Close. Greenmeadow; MrSN Clarke, Sutton Park, Blunsdon; Annette Nielsen, Rycote Close, Grange Park: Martha Parry, London Street

PILATES CLASSES ShawVillage Hall: Mon, 6pm - 7pm; Wed, 7.30pm - 8.30pm 24 Hour Gym: Tues, I Oam - I I am; Wed, 2pm - 3pm (Beg) Thurs, 9.30am - 10.30am (Beginners) Haydon Wick: Tues, 8pm - 9pm St Francis Primary School,Taw Hill: Thurs, 6pm - 7pm (Beginners)

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The Link Magazine • April 2006

Change Your Life...

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Take tithe out & make it quality time Spo rts/Remedial Massage Therapy Hot Stone Therapy Massage Aromatherapy Indian Head Massage Ear Candling Gel Nail Enhancements Manicure's & Pedicure's with Nail Art Beauty Therapy NEW- Essensa Ayurvedic Facial and Essensa Euro-stone Facial GIFT VOUCHERS - Pamper Thyme indulgence in your own home As seen on BBC1's holiday'sehome

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Massage and EFT

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See website for courses and workshops EMPOWER & HEALYOURSELF WITH REIKI Book now for First Degree Reiki I Course on 22nd & 23rd April in West Swindon

Thursday: 6pm & 7.30pm St John's Church. Hayden Wick Sandra. 07985 914112

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The Link Magazine â€˘ April 2006

Grooming salons are not just for poodles! Whatever shape, size or hair length, all dogs deserve a visit to

Hair of the Dog Collection/delivery available, or drop your dog off in the morning and pick up in the evening 74 Basepoint, Rivermead Drive, Swindon

Call Denise on 01793 608747 or 07866 507633

PETS AT HOME Worried who will look after your pet whilst you're on holiday? Pets At Home could be your answer Pets At Home is a service which cares for all your pets (except dogs) in their own home anywhere in the West Swindon area only Telephone Sheila Mitchell for further details on 01793 873062 or 07710 543197 she la@hannahlightfoot.freeserve.co .u^

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The Link Magazine • April 2006

Hop along for bunny care

Vet on the doorstep

Chocolate bunnies are enjoyed at Easter, but what about the furry variety all year round? Over 3.5 million rabbits are kept have the fastest growing teeth in as pets which makes them the na- the animal kingdom. In the wild tion's third most popular pet. So this isn't a problem as they graze during April Thameswood Small for up to eight hours a day, but this Animal Hospital is invi ti ng all rab- isn't an option for house rabbits or bit owners to bring in their pets in those kept in a hutch. Overgrown for a free general health check. teeth can result in an array of mediOwners will receive a free health cal problems which can be potencare booklet with lots of hints on tially life threatening." She added that rabbits are very how to keep the animal in great condition, as well as discounts for sociable creatures and need comrabbit vaccinations and neutering. pany either from other rabbits or Nurse Linzi Matthews says it's regular contact with people. They common nowadays to integrate are intelligent, affectionate crearabbits into family life and let them tures when properly raised and live as house bunnies. "All too of- nurtured and are as emotionally ten people are unaware of their sensitive as cats and dogs. So give basic needs resulting in unneces- your bunny some special TLC at Thameswood Small Animal Hossary suffering. "Dental disease is the most com- pital on Moredon Road. Or ring mon problem among rabbits. They for an appointment on 526780

The team at the newly opened Taw Hill Veterinary Surgery already feels part of the community.

Microchipping day The RSPCA North Wltshire Branch is holding a microchipping session for dogs and cats on Saturday 22 April, 2pm to 4pm at Lawn Community Centre, Guildford Avenue, Lawn. The cost for either a cat or dog is £12.50 each or have two done for £20. Microchips are a permanent way of identifying your pet and are painlessly inserted into the scruff of the animal's neck. Any lost cat or dog can be scanned by a vet, dog warden, RSPCA inspector or animal rescue centre so that it can quickly be reunited with its owner. Dogs should be brought on leads and cats in baskets. For details of other microchipping days and RSPCA events call 640136.

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Andrew Turkington, with left, receptionist Nicky Bint and veterinary nurse Jo Mitchell Receptionist N icky Bint said that we can do to help with illnesses, local pet owners have been pleased from arthritis to dementia." The practice is the ninth opened to have their own vet on the doorstep. Customers are already get- by the Drove group in the Swinting to know the staff and several don area and is able to offer a perdrop in regularly to put their sonal local service with the backweight-watching pets on the scales. ing of a state of the art hospital in The staff aim to get to know Wroughton. The Taw Hill surgery offers a their customers and they pride themselves on being approachable full range of small animal services, and informal. Vet Andrew Turk- including a fully equipped operatington said, "we've been busy so ing theatre on site. There is also a far. The evening and weekend sur- pet shop selling a wide range of geries have been especially popu- accessories. A free registration check is oflar. We've also seen a lot of older pets for senior health checks. We're fered to all new patients. For depromoting these as there is so much tails call 725514 .

The Link Magazine • April 2006

Brunel leads broad guage bus fleet Approved Driving Instructor

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Thamesdown Transport took possession of ten new state-of-the-art buses at the end of February - all named after railway locomotives built in the Swindon works like most of the vehicles in the fleet. All carry the Brunel 200 logo to ex-railwayman Dave Ellis who decline outside London meant we tie in with the celebrations mark- said, "The new buses are wider needed larger buses on the busiest ing the great engineer's birth, and longer than others in the routes. These new buses have a The names were put forward by Thamesdown fleet so I suggested ' wow' factor about them; our aim the names of broad guage locomo- is to entice more people out of tives built in Swindon up to 1892 their cars and ontoenviromentallyfriendly public transport." from Brunel's designs." Each £130,000 bus is fitted with Thamesdown Transport general R a five camera CCTV system and i r "' manager John Owen said, "our R I n P°r' ^ 4 ' success in growing bus passenger higher levels of comfort for pasnumbers against a general trend of sengers. ^:iii Ib;,4''

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Calls for investigation into accidents An increasingly busy road in North Swindon has been the scene of six accidents involving vehicles leaving the road in the last 15 months. I xt lr , TadpoleLaneon _ the northern edge c_ t;:` fl of Priory Vale has become a popular __--. short cut to access ,•" Oakhurst Way and get round conges_ F tion in West Swindon and the A419 at junction Blunsdon. The accidents have take place on the bend and the police to investigate the east of the junction of Tadpole Lane site. "I am liaising with the traffic police with a view to recommendand Mayfly Road. In response to residents' con- ing a scheme for urgent action. In cerns local councillor Justin the short term, the hedge which Tomlinson has asked Swindon overhangs the road is to be cut Council's highwa y s department back."

MP queries delays in underpass action Residents living near the Rushmere underpass in Haydon Wick who have been plagued by young people congregating in the subway using foul and abusive language, spraying grafitti and leaving rubbish have been calling for it to be closed. Plans to fill in the subway were list of possible Highways Departdiscussed in March last year and ment projects for 2006 / 7, but road North Wilts MP Michael Wills has safety schemes are likely to take written to Swindon Council ask- priority. At the end of January, youths ing for a progress report. However local borough coon- alleged to have been causing the cillor David Renard says that fill- problems in the underpass were ing in the underpass might be a caught by police. Councillor solution, but a very expensive op- Renard said, "I am pleased that tion. As gas, electricity and tel- the police have finally been able to ephone lines run through the tun- catch theseyouths'in the act'. They nel, the council estimates the costs have made local people's lives a at between £200,000 and £250,000. misery and we are all hoping that The work has been added to the this will be an end to the matter."

The Link Magazine - April 2006

Seeking Superstock sponsors for 2006 After success in the 2005 Superstock Cup, motorcycle racer Kenny Gilbertson, 19, from Priory Vale is appealing for sponsors for this year's British Superbike season. Kenny started racing when he Superstock Cup. This has fuelled either for the whole season or just Hatch Indy circuit. It has a family following with was 14 and says he came to the his ambition to race at the very for individual races at £1,000. In return Kenny would race un- most events filled to capacity. sport fairly late. This doesn't seem highest level in Britain. However, to be able to compete, der the sponsor's company name Kenny said that there is great to have hindered him as he won his first two races last year in the Kenny needs to find sponsors - in front of a crowd of around sportsmanship in the paddock. 30,000. There would be VIP passes "Although competition is fierce on available and opportunities for the track, there is a really friendly further promotion and corporate and helpful atmosphere. Last year my main competitor even offered hospitality at the race venue. The Superstock Cup will be cov- me a bike to complete a meeting ered by Sky Sports again this sea- when I had technical problems." son, the first of 13 races taking To back Kenny, call 07736 679454 place on 25 March at the Brands or mail: sknk@hotmail.com

MOBILE CAR SERVICING & REPAIRS * Electronic tuning * Welding * Electrical work * MoTs arranged (no re-test fee) For a reliable local service with over 25 ears experience (No VAT to pay)

Loads of leathers at Stallion Stallion Leathers, well known for repairs to motorcycling kit, now stocks a wide range of new clothing and equipment - and will soon have a web shop up and running. Owner and biker Marian Begley to come back for the whole set. Lady bikers can shop without from Freshbrook understands all about leathers as she has been re- feeling intimidated said Marian. pairing and adjusting them for cus- "When I was buying my leathers, I could only get them in a shop tomers for over 14 years. She moved her tailoring and re- staffed by men, it was quite off pair shop from home to the putting. There's good choice for Basepoint Centre in September women in a variety of more femiand, with space to spare, she nine colours." With her experience of repair stocked a few lines of clothing. Interest was so good that she now work, Marian has chosen brands has his and her ranges in leathers, that should last a lifetime. "It's not jackets, trousers, boots and hel- necessarily true that the most expensive is the best," she explained. mets. Her reputation goes far and wide Lighter weight outfits for mini moto riders are available and, for via the internet and Marian rethose who don't like leathers, the ceivestornleathers for repair from Draggin Jeans range gives the look riders all over Britain and someof denim with a protective times abroad. Details can be found at lining. The Gerber heated clothing range has been particularly www.stallionleathers.co .ukwhere popular over the winter, with cus- an online shop will be launched in tomers often buying one item only a few weeks. Kit for all kinds of bikers from Marian at Stallion Leathers

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The Link Magazine • April 2006

Country park for the community takes shape

SOLUTION Maintenance free UPVC fascia boards cladding & guttering Expertly fitted at DIY prices

FRI I: SUR` A Y NO DEPOSIT Work it out for yourself: 20' fascia board fitted £ 60 20' fascia & gutter fitted £135 20' fascia, soffit & gutter £205 20' fascia & soffit £130 (prices correct at t ime of publication)

Winter work by contractors on Shaw Forest Country Park is nearly complete to give greater access to the public. Since September hundreds of ane gas and leachate extons of top soil have been imported traction systems have been to change the look of the land- installed and 5,000 trees scape. New underground meth- have been planted. On 19 March, after The Link went to press, forest Lagoon tidy up supporters had the chance The Friends of Peatmoor Lagoon to plant a tree and also dishold their annual litter pick around cover what has been going the lagoon on Easter Monday 17 on at an exhibition put on April, 10am to 12noon. by Great Western CommuOrganiser Suzanne Bullimore nity Forest and to talk to is appealing for a community efforest staff about future fort to keep the lakeside area plans. clean and free from rubbish. We'll publish photoGather at the fisherman's car graphs next month. park off Peatmoor Way to collect gloves,bags and litter-pickers, or bring your own. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Alan Hayward, lead member of the Shaw Forest Protection Group with the first picnic bench to arrive at Shaw Forest

Law to force utility companies to clean up their act From 6 April, under the Clean Neighbourhood and Environment Act, local authorities will have new powers to remove graffiti from other organisation's street furniture if they don't remove it themselves within 28 days. Geoff Davies, Waste Manage- cil will charge a fair rate to do it, ment Team Leader explained that meaning that none of the costs will For a free quote the council could not clean equip- come from the council taxpayer. Meetings are being held with ment or property owned by a utility company without permission. BT, ntl, Royal Mail and the elecFrom April if a company chooses tricity board to discuss the new not to do the work itself, the coun- legislation. Mr Davies said he e-mail: rmappers@aol.com hoped the companies would follow council policy to remove racist graffiti within 24 hours and clean off tagging and graffiti as House Medic soon as possible. Richard Symonds from building, "This won't be solved overnight. The Braniptons sickened by graffiti Casual tagging is something that Maintenance on this ntl box in Eastleaze people don't always report because • Electric showers e &Repairs programme to comply. they don't think anything will hap• Power showers To report graffiti abuse contact pen; some road side furniture has • GARAGE CONVERSIONS • Replacementtaps individual companies via their been marked for years and itbrings • EXTENSIONS web sites. • Exchange suites an area down. The response from • INTERNAL ALTERATIONS • En-suites • Tiling • Towel rails utilities so far has been less than 1 April sack changes • REFURBISHMENTS • 5howerTraysAndCubicle5 satisfactory, but the council now Garden waste. Swindon Council • MAINTENANCE WORK • Complete bathroom Makeovers has powers to act against the blight will collect garden waste in any green sack on a fortnightly basis. of envirocrime." • INSURANCE WORK • Insurance Work Undertaken The council's own operation is The £1/sack charge is scrapped. subject to the 28 day clean-up rules Household waste. The council will Tel: 01793 770088 Mobile: 07710 150 644 and Mr Davies acknowledged it no longer provide black refuse THE RIGHT PRESCRIPTION FORA HEALTHIER HOME yr` was having to review its own work sacks for household waste.

Steve George for Kitchens & Bathrooms Tel: 874480 Mobile: 07860 760364

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The Link Magazine • April 2006

Inside Westlea Fire Station Greg Izon joined Westlea a few months ago as a firefighter and has offered to write an occasional article on the goings on at the station. Here he gives a background. Westlea Fire Station is located in between The Chesters and Mead Way, next to the former police station, and covers West and North West Swindon and the M4. Before the station opened here in 1990, the appliance was based in the library garage at the Link Centre for a few months. The station responds to calls 24/ 7 on 365 days a year. Annually we respond to between 800 and 900 emergency calls. These range from automatic fire alarms and car fires to very serious road traffic collisions (RTCs) and major fires. And yes, occasionally we rescue small animals, sometimes from trees and sometimes more unique locations such as recently when a hamster got stuck between the walls of a house. I only believed it because I saw it with my own eyes. Thankfully we effected a safe rescuC.

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The Link Magazine • April 2006

Gardens needed to open for cancer charity

bow of colours to brighten your home this Spring!

Gardens may just be recovering from the winter chill, but now's the time to plan to take part in the West Swindon Open Gardens in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer on 17 and 18 June. This is the fifth year it has taken place and organiser Lesley Dredge is hoping a lot more gardeners will come forward and open up. Last year nearly £3,000 was raised for the charity. For details call Lesley on 772869. She will also be talking about the open gardens at Shaw Residents' Association meeting on Monday 3 April, 8.30pm in Shaw Village Hall, Ramleaze Drive.

Charisma Blinds - the place for quality and value Manufacturers and suppliers of all types of blinds Full fitting service or cash and carry Factory showroom open Monday to Thursday 9.30am - 5.30pm Friday 9.30am - 5pm, Saturday 10am - 4pm BSS House, Cheney Manor Ind. Est., Swindon. Tel: 01793 434584

Water meadows get a facelift Work on reshaping the River Ray floodplain near Westlea got underway at the end of February and pedestrians and cyclists have been able to follow progress daily as the new channel has been dug out and features introduced.

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STEPHEN NEVILLE TIMBER DECKING ENHANCING THE AESTHETIC APPEAL OF YOUR HOME

WAWB

FREE DELIVERY COMPETITIVE PRICES OPEN 7 DAYS BUILDING MATERIALS paving • Driveways •

Side of Manor Garden Centre, Cheney Manor Ind Est, Swindon. Tel: 484455

Harry Barton, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust conservation policy officer at the River Ray. The canalised river can be seen on the right. The new course will meander across the meadow which will flood in heavy rains to create a wildlife rich environment

"We've scraped off the top layer of soil from the meadow and put it to one side and will replace it once the channel is complete," said Jo Sayers, the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust's Water for Wildlife Project Officer, who is managing the project. "In this way all the seeds from the plants in the meadow, which are lying dormant in the topsoil, will be put back. They should thrive as though the disturbance never happened." The new channel will be only half the width of the river which had been turned into a straight drainage canal. This means a faster water flow and ensures water levels will remain deep enough for fish to move up and downstream when its shallower in the summer. The banks will be sloped so that, although narrower, the river can spread out when necessary to hold as much water as before. Some vertical cliffs will be put in on the bends to provide kingfisher nesting banks. Shallow stony riffles are being put in the river bed. Once in place, fish will be able to spawn on the gravel and the movement of water helps to aerate it. "We only get a few very small fish in the river at the moment, but these improvements should bring more chubb, roach and dace into the new improved habitat," said Jo. "After all this is done, a pond of

1 to 2 metres depth will be dug near the cycle bridge so people will be able to see wetland creatures such as dragonflies carrying out their spectacular aerial displays in the summer months. Wildlife will find its own way to the new home." The River Ray project is a partnership project between the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and its funders the Environment Agency, Biffaward, npower, Swindon Council and Swindon Services.

Adopt me!

To help the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust bring back wildlife to areas like the River Ray, adopt an otter, a duck or a Beltie Galloway cow. Or give one to somebody else. Details from 01380 725670 or www.wiltshirewildlife.org

The Link Magazine • April 2006

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L?\NJCAPIINIG GENERAL GARDEN MAINTENANCE

LANI)SERVE

• Fencing - closeboard, panels etc.

• D ives and patios - slabs, concrete, shingle • Patio cleaning, grass cutting. gardens tidied up • Turfing and grass seeding r

PATIO & TURF LAYING GENERAL GARDEN TIDY FENCE ERECTION, STAINING & MAINTENANCE Give your garden a makeover

Tel: 01793 873630 Mobile: 0781 8.430556

• Ponds & pergolas

ontact: 01793 692687 07711 253508

k&—mobile:

Garden Maintenance 111 = .

& Landscaping

Professional care for Four garden Grass Cutting -regular maintenance Landscaping - Patios & Paving - repairs & cleaning h edge Cutting & Pruning No job Too Small. All works insured.

Call Martin Emery III Hort. for free quotation on 01793 7(13306

e-mail: davidsmith@garden-groomers.com www.garden-groomers.com

or Mobile 0777 1 956294

ilW GA1U)EN SERVICES

Chelworth Landscapes Fenuin ^' d (arder:1laintenance • Fencing and gates C/oseboard tre//is pane/s. picket. chain/ink. security etc

• Landscaping Shingle, paving, water features, turfing andp/anting

• Garden maintenance Grasscutting. tree and shrub pruning, c/earance etc.

General garden maintenance & landscaping also unde rt aken

For free quotation phone

Call to arrange for a free estimate or guide to costs

(01793) 702029

Tel/Fax: 01793 850595 Mobile: 07919 543733

Fully insured in respect of public liability

H .J.WEBB & SON YOUR LOCALTIMBER MERCHANT

Hedge cutting Turfing • Fencing Fruit tree pruning Fully insured Free estimates 14 years experience

01793 611861 07967 594707

SPEC/ALIST FE/VCING CONTRACTORS All Types Fencing & Gates • Private/Domestic

To fulfil the potential of your garden we offer a planning & design service that is individually tailored to suit your taste & home

We also offer planting plans, beds and border designs

All types of tree services and landscaping

JT (Fencing) Services Ltd

Every client & every garden is different

We can offer a complete or phased project to sui your budget and circumstances from renovating a tired garden to designing a new one

DAVID HAWKINS TREE SURGEON

& CONSTRUCTION

High Security Fencing • School Perimeters Tennis Courts/Ballstop Hoardings. Tel/Fax: (01285) 861710

D.A. DRIVEWAYS & PATIOS

LTD

Block Paving 71 Landscaping 71 Fencing Q Decorative Stone 71 General Maintenance Fora professional and affurclable service, free consultation and written quotation Tel: 01793 878062 or 07866 523898

GREAT EASTER OFFER AT MANOR GARDEN CENTRE

• DECKING

• Railway sleepers • Vast range of timber from battens to purlins kiln dried and graded, treated or untreated • Unique larchlap and trellis panels - pressure treated for longer life

• Materials for rose arches, pergolas etc • Wide selection of timber gates • Closeboard fencing

• Round, half round and square post & rail fencing

J ARTHUR BOWER'S Multi-Purpose Compost

• All grades and thickness of plywood, MDF etc

• Shiplap and featheredge cladding

70 litres £3.99 or 4 for £101

• The list is endless ..

* No delivery on this offer H.J. WEBB & SON, Plywood,Timber & Fencing PearTree Farm, Great Coxwell

H OW find

01367 240173 or 07778 832335

From Rl,,sdon North Swindon and A419.

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to U S

W-dhall Park Mo,emn

Akers Way

email: jezl

freenet.co.uk

www.webbswood.co.uk West Swindon

OPENING HOURS:

Mon-Fri: 8am-5pm;

Sat: 8am- 12noon

Cheney Manor

GARDEN CENTRE

MANOR GARDEN

CENTRE Cheney Manor, Swindon Tel: 01793 538400 Open Mon-Sat 9am-5.30pm Sunday 10am-4pm

The Link Magazine • April 2006

Haircuts boost Abby's fund

O Good quality seed sown tu rf + Free delivery + No minimum order ^..t

O Rotavator hire available O Turf laying service O Commercial & domestic

landscaping O All work guaranteed www.horticare.co.uk

Blackford Timber Supplies • CHAIN LINK

• POSTS & RAILS

• DECKING

• CLOSE BOARD • GATES

• TRELLIS

• CEMENT

• TILES & SLATES

• FELT

• TRADE & DIY

• FREE LOCAL DELIVERY

HOW TO FIND US

GREENHILL4•BLACKFORDS FROM WOOTTON BASSETT

FROM LYDIARD MILLICENT^ & WEST SWINDON

« FROM PURTON

GREENHILL, GREATFIELD, WOOTTON BASSETT, SWINDON

Weekdays 7am - 4.30pm Saturday 7am - 11.30am Local delivery contact Laurie on 0179:3 778070 or 07887 907904

Efforts by a bereaved mother to raise money for cancer care have been supported by a West Swindon hair salon. Abby Smith died aged 3 years we could support, many were keen and 10 months in July 2002 and in to help Helen raise money to reher memory her mother Helen member her little girl. "This year we are collecting for dedicated herself to raise money for Oxford's John Racliffe Hospi- CALM which supports children and families affected by cancer in tal's childrens' cancer ward. During 2005 Caroline Collis who the Swindon area." runs the hair and t beauty salon at Peatmoor Village Centre donated the proceeds from a cut and blow V's dry every month pi^^ ^;l' d' 1^ to the fund. With other contributions £500 was raised. Caroline said, when we asked Lloyds r SR customers who Caroline Collis, front right, and her staff, with Helen Smith, front left

Stalls wanted for Haydon Climb Day Sunday 4 June, Haydon Wick Farmhouse, Pond Street

Organised by Janet Garrett in aid of Climb (Children Living with Inherited Metabolic Diseases) and to remember the short life of her grandson Jamie Kirk

Craftspeople and small businesses interested in putting on a stall and anybody with a fundraising idea are asked to contact Janet: janetgarrett@virgin.net

www.timberdeckingco.co.uk

THE TIMBER

DECKING COMPANY LTD Your complete TIMBER DECKING Specialist

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Timber Decking

0 Easy Assemble Customised

Fundraising for a celebration garden A garden designed by Swindon College lecturer Philip Osman for the Malvern Flower Show in May is to be dismantled afterwards and rebuilt at the Prospect Hospice in Wroughton. 'The Garden of Celebration' will be built by college students but £28,000 has to be raised in order to recycle it back to the hospice. Over half has been collected or sponsored, but the public are invited to take part in two fundraising events at the Thistle Hotel: Friday 31 March. Quiz night. Pub and public teams versus company teams. Tickets £10 a head. Friday 28 April. Fashion show featuring boutique and high street fashions. Tickets £10 a head. For details, to enter a team and for fashion show tickets call Phillip on 511498 or mail: info@philliposman.com

Decking Kits 0 Tanalised Timber O Pergol as , Arbours & Gazebos

ACER PAVING

O Decorative Aggregates O Ornamental Fencine

Trusted local family run business trading successfully n the Swindon area for over 10 years

6 Brindley Close Cheney Manor Ind Est Swindon SN2 2YW

011793 Suppliers of easy to assemble Jungle Gym playhouses in a great range of sizes and modules

488899

Monday - Friday: 9am - 6pm Saturday: 9am - 5pm

The experts in garden and driveway construction Covering all aspects of paving and hard landscaping

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01793 729200 Mob: 07802 752576 www.acerpaving.co.uk

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Li WILSON BRICKWORK

D & M ENTERPRISES

BATHROOMS

Specialising in smaller works

For all your property & garden maintenance

Bathrooms installed Showers fitted Wall tiling • Floor tilin g Shower pumps and all general plumbing Free estimates

• General property maintenance • Brickwork/maintenance • Blockwork • Extensions/porche s • Garden walls/patios • Interior & exterior decoration • Tiling - walls & floors • Free no obligation quotation • Other works arranged • Insured • No job too small

Tel: 01793 727236 Mob: 07731 064 629

Tel/Fax: 01793 729269 Mobile: 07764 936419 Email: brickwork@fsmail.net

BUILDERS

LEE ORTON PLUMBING & HEATING

GARAGE CONVERSION SPECIALIST H ome i mprovements q Carpentry q Plastering q Fencing

q Garden walls No job too small For friendly help and advice call Michael on 07713 253380 or 01793 814690 after 6prr

Tife

Sure

CERAMIC TILING Wa//s & floors Bathrooms, kitchens & conservatories Under floor heating fitted complete bathroom fitting Fitted by tradesman QUALITYF/NISH Call Maurice on 01793 349704 or 07904 142692

O Central heating O Boiler replacements O Bathroom installations O Tiling 0 Power showers No job too small

Tel: 01793 877275 Mobile: 07887 541444

BUILDING C SOLUTIONS

• Loft conversions

•

Extensions

Home alterations Kitchen installations Carpentry Wooden/PVCu windows & doors fitted Quality workmanship Competitive prices For details call Steve on

• • • •

07793 932481 or 01793 848405

• Painting & decorating • Glazed tiling • Timber decking, supply & fit • Rubbish clearance, household & garden • Carpentry • Kitchen fitting, supply & fit • Bathroom fitting & adaptions • Worktop mitres and fitting • Laminate flooring, supply & fit Peter Carpenter

we are ... the men to do it..'

All types of fencing, decking. pagodas Painting & decorating Laminate flooring Kitchen fitting Loft boarding Secondary fit carpentry Plaster boarding, plastering & rendering Plumbing. bathroom suites, outside taps

Tel: 01793 613151 Mobile: 07836 799614 or 07813 874284

PREMIER BUILDERS

BRYANT

(SWINDON LTD) est. 1989

PLASTERING SERVICES

Brickwork & Roofing Specialists Walling • Extensions • Alterations Houses • Replacement Windows Plans drawn • Full design & build service • Insurance & Grant work

All Plastering Work Undertaken

Professional workmanship at competitive rates

Fully Insured Free Quotes

Please call us for a prompt free quotation. No job too small'

Tel: 01793 704653 Mobile: 0795 0017584 Unit 14a, Turnpike. Blunsdon

®Detail .I l s , . S I

•

Tel: 01793 765531 Mob: 07986 641399

IIDP CARPENTRY I BUILDING SERVICES

•:• Loft conversions Fitted kitchens & bedrooms v Doors & windows •:• Stairs v All other carpentry

• Facsia Soffits Guttering Cladding • All work carried out on tower scaffold • Bargeboards • All sizes of proverti

• 10 year warranty • Over 10 years experience www. detaiIfacsias'.co.uk

Clean, re/iab/e 18 years experience

Call Derek Ponting now on: Tel: 01793 726750 Mob: 07766 083557

MILESTONE

Dave Rogers Pam d ^eeaza.^z

Building Services GENERAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

Interior and exterior decorating carried out to a high standard including:

PLUMBING SERVICES

• Painting • Wall papering • Coving • Tiling • General Maintenance

From dripping taps to complete bathroom installations

NO JOB TOO SMALL

24/365 emergency service

For a prompt friendly professional service Telephone: 875354 Mobile: 07970 483393

PRAPFRTV MOINTFN!F

No call out charge No job too small • Fully insured

Call Chris Bray on 01793 702171 Mob: 07951 219908

e: aps-enquiries@hotmail.co.uk

Outside Ground works, patios. paving, brickwork, fencing, decking, landscape gardening Inside Carpentry. plumbing, kitchens & bathrooms, tiling & flooring No job too small • Free estimates Dean Scanlon 01793 422032 • 07789 681536

COMPLETE PROPERTY SERVICES (Formerly Merlin Property Services) + Kitchens

+ Bathrooms

I Renovations + Alterations •

Industrial maintenance

•:• Plumbing + Electrical + UPVC I)oors & Windows + Carpentry + Floor & wall tiling

+ Painting & decorating

Mobile: 07785 522377 Tel: 01793 616170

MPROVEMEIVT CENTRE pShOOWi Bathrooms & Kitchens Complete installations to dripping taps

Ideas to reality • Plumbing Inc. pumped showers. towel warmers • Electrics • Wall & floor tiling • Carpentry • Laminate & wood flooring

LOFT &

Galaxy Plastering &

GARAGE

Small Building Services All types of plastering, coving & decorating

CONVERSIONS From concept to completion

Garden walls, steps and patios

• Appliance installation • Also other home improvements

No job too small Call Mark Ashdown for a free quote Tel: 01793 887766 Mobile: 07979 267757

Free estimates

No job too small

Quality service

Call Leighton on 01793 813438 or 07917 208094

Tel: 01793 635000

ASSl^^ J, Plumbing &Heating

Specialists in PVCU, windows, doors and

iphe

A local reliable & friendly service

rtc sne o vwwee

24 YEARS EXPERIENCE Installation & Servicing NG & LPG 3 Boiler & System Upgrades 3 Breakdown & Maintenance 3 Bathrooms. Showers & Wet Rooms 3 Power Flushing / Descaling 3 DIY Assisted Projects 3 For ALL your plumbing. heating & gas requirements call Assured on

Tel: 01793 848177 or 770596

01793 700 820

22 Ravens Walk, Wootton Bassett,

assured-plumbing.co.uk

Select Plumbing

D & L Blinds Rollers • Verticals • Venetians Pleated Blinds • VELUX® Conservatory Blinds QUALITY BLINDS AT AFFORDABLE PRICES Fast and reliable service Evenings & weekends no problem All blinds fitted free Choose from a wide range of fabrics from the co in fort of your own hone

Contact Paul on 01793 619428 FREE QUOTES NO OBLIGATION

Brunel Electrical From an extra socket to a re-wireewe can provide a complete high quality cost effective service to our small business and domestic customers • Test, inspection and certification • Showers • Fault finding • Heating • Garden, garage, workshop, loft • Part P compliant • Local company • Extensions • Fully insured • Free quotes • No call out charge www.brunel-electrical.co.uk Telephone: 01793 422880 07785 988557 07725 804738 n CEa0

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Windows, Doors & Conservatories

Your caring family business

No obligation, pressure or gimmicks: For details call 07811 383747 or 07738 004722

Office: 01793 877883 www.inspireconservatories.co.uk Customer recommendations available

oviasnc

FENSA

Services

Repairs, Maintenance or new installation at a competitive price

• Everything from a new tap washer, to a complete bathroom suite. • No job is too small • No callout charge. • Free estimates. For a professional, reliable service, contact us now Tel: 01793 875888 Mobile: 07951761764 www.selectplumbingservices.co.uk

Want your wall or fl oor tiles fitted?

EJ=O

]NG Ltd

TILEfix for a free quotation to get them fixed

and grouted with the minimum of fuss Tel: 01793 495364 Mob: 07767 242124 Email: tilefix4u@aol.com

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v Eco Combi plus seven radiators £2.499 + vat •:• Eco Combi replacement boiler £1.599 + vat •:• Boiler replacement only £1,200 + vat All other plumbing & nearing work undertaken

Units 21-22 Whitehill Industrial Park. Whitehill Lane, Wootton Bassett

01793 854101 M^

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Tel: 01793 772702 Mobile: 07770 555030

* Prices above subject to survey 176726

ALC Electrical Services DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL

Then call

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• Installation, maintenance • Extra sockets & lighting • Shower installation, i mmersion heaters • Fuse boards, test & inspection

Also genera/ plumbing m: 07764 788737 h: 01793 879029

TREVOR WYSE Painter & Decorator

^ti I L PLUMBING & DIY KITCHEN, BATHROOMS TILING, DRIPPING TAPS TO LAMINATE FLOORING HOME: 01793 615321 MOBILE: 07775 842241

Also tiling, coving, dado rails. Wallpaper specialist All work

approved & For free quotation guaranteed call Trevor on

07976 885203

or 01793 723023 ' ny experience your pleasure'

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BATHROOMS

® Plumbing

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS

* Qual° bathroom suites fitted - tiling, electrics, flooring all taken care of

Tiling Walls & Floors Bathroom and kitchen installations

All types of plumbing undertaken - leaking taps, pumps, tanks, burst pipes, machines installed Free estimates

Call Sean on 703550 Mobile: 07749 862361

01793 876600

DECORATOR & CARPENTRY

DECORATOR

• Interior/exterior painting and decorating • Wallpaper • Tiling • Coving • Laminate flooring • Doors & skirting replacement • Kitchen • Bathroom

BUILDI NG SERVICES

Paul IZhind

BUILD ING SERVICES

Bathroom suites and kitchens fitted UPVC windows ft doors Conservatories, fascias

and guttering Roofing tt building maintenance Painting, decorating, ceramic tiling Telephone/fax: 01793 8748 07

07748 964433

JAMES O'SULLIVAN Interior & Exterior Painting and Decorating

DOUBLE GLAZING Windows of Swindon

Artexing & Plastering

q No obligation quotes

Established 22 ears For a professional finis/i telephone

07971 347345 (mob) or 616933

ROB HALL HEATING, GAS & PLUMBING SERVICES boiler servicing and repairs,

DOUBL E GLAZ ING CONS E R VATO RI ES

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or 325124

01793 611398

taylormade.windows@ntlworld.com

07968 757860

HEATI NG & PLUM BING Quality Plumbing & Heating

HEATING & PL UMBING)

Tel: 01793 815254 Reg: 187606

Brian Jones

PLUMBING & HEATING Professional & Reliable

Re-skimming

Dry lining

Coving

• Specialists in full heating systems and heating conversions • Boiler replacements • Gas and oil-fired appliances • Cylinders, showers, tanks • Full bathroom suites. tiling & electrics \ • No job too small

New or repairs

• Free quotations

lastering Services *

External rendering

* Plastering two coat

or 08456 444170

Tel: 01793 849010 Mobile: 07976 572905

Call Ray on 0790 9962 770

Kevin Rolfe Tel: 01793 881905 Mobile: 0 7973 663367

PLASTER

I NSTALLED OR REPAIRED

All aspects of plumbing

• Reliable • Trustworthy • Affordable

Call 01249 661572 or 07734 088185

YOUR LOCAL CHOICE

All plumbing work undertaken Reliable service, realistic prices

bathroom and power showers

(calls charged at local rate)

Interior & exterior work 12 years experience

from the local reliable company

• Central heating installation • Boiler servicing & repairs • Replacement boilers • Outside taps • Power showers • Bathroom installations Reg:128966

Central heating installations,

Electrical • Plumbing Carpentry • Decorating Patios • Handymen Call Andrew on 01793 820991

Plastering • Carpentry Tiling • Kitchens Bathrooms

q Installation q Double glazing repairs q Fascias & guttering

q No hard selling

HEATING & PLUM BING

Retired and semi-retired tradesmen available for all household tasks

Small or large jobs welcome

WINO%JWS, DOORS,

Taylor

Wallpapering Coving,

Call Andy: 01793 729354 or 07900 835116

MAINTENANCE

CHANT

Very competitive prices

internal alterations o , iob too .small • Roo,ns left tidy daily Free no obligation 24 horn- quotations

BUILDING SERVICES

Req`

Call Craig Gavin 01793 321326 or 07880 735405

RJ PEARCE PLUMBING & HEATING LTD 20 years experience in plumbing work

• Central heating • Bathrooms

& showers • Competitive rates • All work guaranteed • No job too small For further details call Richard on 01793 879156 or 07747 723606

Reg 203455

PLUMBING

NEED A PLUMBER? GB Plumbing Services for all your domestic plumbing needs: leaks, burst pipes, radiators, immersions, hot water cylinders, taps, toilets, tanks, ball valves and bathroom installations. Call 01793 524200

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DECORATOR

Paul Comer Professional

servnke%

Nome & Garden Improvements

General carpentry Fitted kitchens/bedrooms Laminate flooring Replacement doors • Skirtings Block paving Patios Decking Fencing • Turfing Guttering/fascia Office: 01793 704309 Mobile: 07775 948833

ELECTRICIAN

JC White Electrical Services For all home, garden, small commercial & industrial electrical requirements Rewires, extensions, repairs & fault finding No job too small Advice freely given Tel: 01793 706396 Mobile: 0776 1302831

HEATING &PLUMBING

Fitted kitchens & bedrooms +: Wood and laminate flooring +; Loft conversions *. Doors & windows *: All carpentry work E ^^ k

O Fitted bedrooms and kitchens

interior/exterior

painter and decorator

'D Replacement doors & staircases O Laminate floors

Personal one-to-one service Clean, reliable, quality work - no job too small

Household repairs and

general maintenance

Stairs Shop fitting

For free quote

O Decking - supplied and fitted

call Paul on

specialist ysTERaPF For details call Paul on 07932 013360 or 01793 812849

Free no obligation quotes Kevin Cook Tel: 814833 or 07776 142981

0777 5840236 or 321981

ELECTRICIAN

FLOORING

Dave Ody

SAFE & SHAW

ELECTRICAL SERVICES 3 EXTRA SOCKETS / LIGHTS 3 SECURITY LIGHTING/FIRE ALARMS 3 GARDEN LIGHTING & OUTDOOR SOCKETS 3 SHOWERS/COOKERS INSTALLED 3 FUSE BOARD REPLACEMENT 3 COMPLETE RE-WIRING FREE QUOTATIONS, NO OBLIGATION

MOBILE: 07769 883717 TEL: 01793 876029

Part?

HOME MAINTENANCE

For all your domestic & commercial requirements New installations • Showers Extensions • Extra sockets Re-wires • Security lighting New fuse boards

All aspects of flooring: wood to carpet c MASTERFITTER

Free quotes

Wood & ceramics • Supply or fit only Commercial/domestic • Safety flooring All work guaranteed • 14 years experience

24hr call out facility

Call now for a free, at home consultation

Tel: 01793 878609 Mobile: 07885 543294

HOUSE/GARDEN

07970 865883 25 Kennet Avenue, Greenmeadow

MAINTENANCE

D & G HOUSE & GARDEN MAINTENANCE

ALL EXTERNAL & INTERNAL WORK

Painting and decorating Floor & wall tiling

O All gas appliances serviced, repaired & installed O Warm air unit service, repair & installation O Landlord/moving house safety inspections

O Bathroom suites installed and all other plumbing work undertaken 0 Central heating systems flushed (powerflush) O Hot water systems descaled

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O Natural gas & LPG qualified Reg: 202015

Tel: 722449 • Mob: 07956 410982

Call Glen on: 01793 487450` t7774 RW 79

All garden work Concreting paths Patio repairs

Building Guttering and fascia All carpent ry Patio jet wash External painting Repair or replace Internal painting & small walls Hedges & trees cut decorating Drives jet washed Grass cutting Tiling Plumbing repairs Toilets, wash basins, bath taps, overflows repaired or replaced YINSURED

TILING

PLUMBING

GYLES - OS

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30 ears plumbing & heating experience British Gas trained

• Central heating installations • All Plumbing work undertaken • Servicing & repairs ♦ Bathroom Installations All at competitive rates

Alec McKay Tel: 01793 878353 Mobile: 07963 953439

Roof repairs Carpentry services

Friendly, reliable & competitive

Quote on request 0 24 0 24 hour call out O British Gas trained

Garden maintenance

Turfing, fencing, patios Upvc double glazing Fascias & guttering

Tel/Fax: 01793 723495 Mobile: 07771 617992

CERAMIC TILING FLOOR & WALL SPECIALISTS Free Quotes Call Lee on 0771 8102 921

Call Mike 215153

E-mail: towerplumbheat@aol.com

GL,\L1C-tLIk1:i1,\IL\4.\CE SERVICES

G_ All interior and exterior maintenance problems solved 1

• Bathrooms & kitchens • Plumbing

• Carpentry

• Electrical

• Painting

• Fascia/ cladding

Fully insured Special rates for senior citizens

Tel: 01793 434184 • 07719 272393 www.generalmaintenanceservices.co.uk Our reputa tion is built on your satisfaction

I WINDOW REPAIR 1)OC rIOR (;I.LASS repairs & replaces cracked, broken or misted double misted glazed windows

l ^l

Also hinges and locks

Call: 01793 633336 or 01793 854448

on 0778 8444 084

Emergency call outs:

or 01793 520526

07976 219671

SERVICE

ACCOUNTANCY i

CHARTERED CERTIFIED

ACCOUNTANTS

01793 610008

Specialising in: • Small Businesses • Tax advice, planning and payroll • All aspects of accountancy and business development • We offer a personal service with very competitive rates

AERIAL SERVICES

CHRIS PAYNE„

Aerial & Television Services

AERIALS & SATELLITE SYSTEMS Satellite TV * Sky & digital terrestial * Extra TV, telephone & electrical points

or visit www.dykebrading.co.uk to see how we can help your business

Can't face doing the books after a hard day's

(

Call Leonard Fuller, A.I.C.B, qualified bookkeeper with over 15 years' experience.

Tel: 01793 700637 or 07963 637748

DRAINAGE

DF SERVICES PLUMBING & DRAINAGE

Blocked drains, sinks and toilets cleared

FAST 24 hours 7 days a week All plumbing work carried out Call FREE 0800 88 18 515 or mobile: 07706 84 32 83 wwv`'.dfservices.hiz

OVEN CLEANING

0 VENCLEAN

We use caustic free cleaning products with a fresh solution each time. Hobs, extractors, microwaves and barbecue grills

also undertaken

01225 706379 or 07774 943 783

Professional, dependable and honest domestic cleaning service Cleaning and ironing for a fully inclusive rate of £8.25 per hour (minimum 2 hours per week) Specially selected and insured staff You receive the same person each week

You'll be amazed how affordable it is ...call for your free estimate from v°ouw local independent on 01793 731418 or mobile: 07808 355487

0870 243

0197

www.bellecasa.co.uk

Email: cliff.whitewayRbtinternet.com

GARAGE DOORS

DRAINS o v ^ i

• Carpets. rugs, curtains, suites etc • Emergency call out available • Hard floors cleaned and sealed • Stain removal • Protection treatment • Fully insured NC[±a • Quickly usable s

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PULL UP,PRESSA

BU ON AND DRIVE IN

BLOCKED DRAINS CLEARED FAST

A wide range of garage doors to suit your requirements See our displays at THE GARAGE DOOR CENTRE Maxwell House, Maxwell Street, Swindon or for information on installation and repairs

• CCTV surveys • High pressure jetting • Pipe lining • Locally based - competitive rates

01793 513796 email: swindondoorservice@btinternet.co.uk

• No call out charge

www.garagedoorsupplies.co.uk 10% discount with this advert

Tel: 01793 435392 PARTIES

REMOVALS

REMOVALS & STORAGE

Gems, Crystals & Magnets HEALTHY ENERGY PARTIES

WHITE VAN MAN

ABBEY';

The Domestic Oven Cleaning Service

To book your Oven Clean call 01793 520362

filters fitted

f Whiteway

The Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialist

work?

Noticed interference fatefy? Tetra

All work guaranteed Call Neil Provis on

Mobile: 0777 6236415

CARPET C LEANING

out

charge

SKY

Tel: 01793 700018

BOOK-KEEPING

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No call

Storm damage

Located off the A419, ample parking 16 Dorcan Business Village, Murdock Road, Swindon SN3 5HY

•TV/FM/DAB aerials • Extra satellite points • Video & TV repairs • Freeview installation • Signal amplifiers

See our beautiful jewellery gemstones, dowsing pendulums & crystals, Tarot reading and healing wands Ecoflow magnets Gift to host

To book a party call Yvonne on 613419

Single items moved an ywhere in Swindon for £20 Disposal of unwanted items House clearance Long/short distance Call for a free quote Tel: 01793 828700 Mobile: 07796 236436

MOVE First Class Removal & Storage Solution:

• Quality removals & storage • Single items to full house moves • Complete packing service • Sales & supplies of packaging • Piano removal specialists • A free quotation/fully insured

0800 019 5037 www.abbeymove.co.uk

SECTOR AIRPORT TRAVEL

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

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AIRPORTS

Connect Ltd Specialist airport transfer services by car, MPV or 8 seater minibus Reliable travel

for holiday makers

Same day, local service wherever possible Washing Machines

Twin Tubs, etc.

Member of Tumble Driers

I. S.E. Food Waste Disposal Units Service • Spares • Repairs p P

Competitive prices

1Done ` n' Dusted Weekly Fortnightly Monthly

Guaranteed repairs to all males

of domestic appliances

SECURITY SYSTEMS

Tel: 01793 422534 or

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LETTING AGENT

MUSIC SHOP

BRIAN TAYLOR

Music

Relax and let the family agency take the strain!

Sheet Music - Music Books

Instruments - Music Giftware

• Only 9% for our Full Property Management Service. • Competitive fee for our Introduction Only Service • No fee's charged until a tenant

Classic CDs - NAXOS 151 High Street

Wootton Bassett Tel: 01793 840445 www.briantaylormusic.co.uk

has been housed.

See our main advert on page 7

O 01793 855222 %sscwc.alanhass kins.co.uk

SECURITY SYSTEMS

TV & VIDEO REPAIRS

GOGGLESOx y

Electronic Securit Solutions O INTRUDER ALARMS O CCTV SYSTEMS O FIRE ALARMS O EAS DETECTION SYSTEMS O ACCESS CONTROL O ENTRY SYSTEMS O GATE AUTOMATION For a free, no obligation quotation tel: 01793 705216

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c: iloeber@tiscali.co.uk

Donna Bailey (MAAT) Tel: 07900 616967 e: donnabailey_3@hotmail.com

Mobile: 0792 005 6077

Garden & Household Clearance

Call Danny 01793 702407 or 07957 820064

Jane Locher (MAAT) Tel: 07747 844104

COMPUTER SUPPORT

#*«i CLEAR AWAY

Free estimates

for small business & Sole Traders Trad Tax Calculations Please contact:

-i= Free home & business visit i Jargon free advice & support = Upgrades/repairs -i All parts & labour guaranteed =?= Flexible hours. inc. eve/weekends

01793-887883

Mob: 07909 500724

Domestic & commercial waste clearance Why do it yourself? We load for you No job too small Odd jobs

Year End Accounts

30 years

Why go an y s here else? When we'll come to you.....

07947-831378

Tel: 01793 814782

GARDEN CLEARANCE.

Established

Corn Master's PC Repairs

Home Computer Help

Domestic Cleaning Services

www.donendusted.co.uk

eCtrics

J & D Bookeeping f for

Tel• 0 1793 469300

COM PUTE R SUPPORT

Project manager Mandy 17 Elconbe Avenue, Wroughton

REMIER

BOOK-K EEPING

Samee day/n day/next d ay service

Te, 431111 C LEANIN G

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

2ur,sYs,emskd Expe rt Design & Installation of Electronic Security for Commercial, Industrial and Residential Customers

• CCTV • Access Con tr ol & Intercoms • Intruder Alarms • Gates & Barriers • 24 Hour Monitorin f

e` i " fo osese

• • SSaib

TV REPAIR SERVICE

No call out charge

* All repairs guaranteed m

www.osesecurity.com

DUNCAN VAN H I R E

{."""^ ^O^^ TeKtae wotAawl Vehicles for Hire at Competitive Rates Cars • Vans • Luton Tail-Lifts

* Free home estimates

s :

VAN HIRE

Tel:

01793 — 812738

Radio de-coding while you wait Open: Mon - Sat: 8.30am - 5.30pm Tel: 820000

272 Ermin Street Stratton St. Margaret www.duncanselfdrive.com

The Link Magazine • April 2006

Family Church opens permanent worship centre in Westlea The London Community Gospel Choir gave a rousing concert of rejoicing and thanks on 25 February to welcome the opening of the Swindon Family Church Trinity Centre in West Swindon. The 120 members have contributed £173,000 to turning a wareBreak the cycle house at the Bible Society into a Gamblers Anonymous meets on Tuesdays and Wednesdays 7pm 350 seat worship hall with smaller meeting rooms. to 9pm and Sundays 2pm to 4pm. Church leader Mark Thornett Membership is for anyone who said Trinity Centre was the basis has the desire to do something for reaching out to all ages and about their gambling problem.' For concerns across the Swindon coman invitation call 07909 813070. munity. Suffering friends and family of a www.swindonfamilychurch.org

compulsive gambler can call Lynda on 07808 321956. www.gambersanonymous.org.uk

SAMARITANS Emotional Support 24 hours a day ..if you need someone to talk to in confidence Tel: 08457 90 90 90 www.samaritans.org 6 Curtis Street, Swindon

.,1 ^vange,. O^ =- worsley Road

Remember always to ask for Fairtrade Swindon is now a Fairtrade Borough, yet the campaign to promote a better deal for producers in poorer countries has only just started and residents are the key to success. refreshment with the help "Customers in the town / of a kettle." can do their bit by asking for The coalition is also goFairtrade products at their u local cafes, restaurants and ing all out to persuade more cafes and restaurants and pubs," explained Swindon ' also pubs to offer Fairtrade Fairtrade coalition member Barbara Aftelak. "If the detea, coffee, juice and wine • to their customers. Memmand for Fairtrade products is there, businesses will pay berswillbeapproachingthe I: town's companies and busimore attention to what con6q' nesses to encourage them sumerswant. Justask,there's to follow the excellent exnothing to lose and for the You have a choice' is the message on the Swindon amples of Nationwide, farmers in developing counFairtrade Coalition poster to be seen around town. RWE and Halcrow who tries, everything to gain." The Bishop of Swindon, South Swindon MP Anne promote and offerFairtrade She's also keen for FairSnelgrove and the Mayor of Swindon Ray Fisher trade to become prominant with Stratton Brownies helping to launch Swindon refreshments to their staff. Libraries have the latest in the workplace. "There are as a Fairtrade town on 25 February catering suppliers who will copy of the Swindon stock vending machines with ply large quantity packs of coffee, Fairtrade directory or mail: Fairtrade products and also sup- tea, sugar for those who take their Iforrester@swindon.gov.uk

How to build a relationship that lasts a lifetime

®nom,

budding with people

Sunday services are at Oam & 6.30pm For further information you can either ring (01793) 873050:

e-mail: office@freshbrook.org or visit: www.freshbook.org the gift of God is Ete r nal Life" (Romans 6 v23)

What makes a marriage last? What makes a good marriage even better? These are some of the questions married couples video, talks and questions to work through together will be asking this spring on The Marriage Course in couples. All discussions are kept private and there which is being run by the churches of West Swindon is no requirement to share with others. & the Lydiards. The cost of £35 per couple includes personal workIt will look at communication, what makes us feel books and meals. loved, forgiveness, good sex, families and coping To find out more beforehand, there is a no obligawith in-laws. tion presentation and buffet at The Marriage Course The 7 week course begins on 9 May, but not as you party on 24 April, 7pm at Toothill Church. might expect in a chilly flourescent lit church hall. If you're interested in getting married life on the Each evening revolves around a candlelit meal in right course call the Partnership Office on 874221, a relaxing romantic setting followed by a mix of mail: marriage.westswindon@tiscali.co.uk

West Swindon & the Lydiards churches

Sunday Worship 10.30am Sunday School and Creche

All Saints', Lydiard Millicent Holy Trinity, Shaw St Mary's, Lydiard Tregoze Toothill Church; Westlea Church

For God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son.' John 3:16

For details of our weekly services please contact the Partnership Office on 874221 partnershipoffice@btopenworld.cons

NSBC

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HEDGEROWS AT PRIORY VALE, SWINDON

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Reserve plot 56, our Burcombe 3 bedroom home for

ÂŁ184,950 Sales and Marketing Suite open daily. Phone for details today on

01793 726784 "Offers available on selected plots only, subject to status and our normal terms and conditions. Prices correct at time of going to press. Computer generated image shows a typical Burcombe home.

by Taylor Woodrow

Broome Manor Golf Complex Highworth Golf Centre MoredonPar3 Coate Water

9 & 18 hole 9 hole 9hole Pitch & Putt

Enquiries: 01793 495761

Bookings: 01793 532403

Broome Manor Golf Complex, Pipers Way, Swindon SN3 1 RG