west' S windon's
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No. 101 • August 1990 . Circulation 10,500
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848497 486872
20,000 pizzas to raise £5,000 for community learning centre A novel fund raising idea is being launched by Greendown Community School in association withiocalpizzadeliverycompany Pizzarama. The school is looking to raise £10,000 to develop its library as a learning resource centre for students and the community at large.
There's another chance to enter our competition which gives you the chance to win a football signed by all the Swindon Town players, or to be a team mascot if you're between 5 and 14.
Ian West, General Manager for Pizzarama's parent company Coach Caterers of Salisbury explained that the idea is popular inthe USA. "It's extremely simple. We will print 20,000 vouchers and give them to Greendown. They pass them out to whoever they think will use them. Every time a pizza is purchased and a voucher returned, we will donate 15p to the school." Coach Caterers has been involved in several fund raising ventures in the area since it opened its Trawlerman and Pizzarama takeaways. In 1989 they celebrated theTrawlerman'sfifthanniversary by donating ten percent of a weeks profits to local community groups and have helped West Swindon's football and angling clubs. "It's an experiment," said Mr West. "lexpect it to take a year but it's a relatively easy way to raise money which fits in well with everyday consumer patterns." Tim Noble, Greendown's Director of External Relations, has
Flashback to June. Town players Dave Hockaday, Cohn Calderwood, Ross MacLaren, John Cornwall, Tom Jones and Alan McLoughlin sign the ball to be won' Link readers
welcomed the innovative proposal from Pizzarama. "I think it's a tremendous idea which involves families in doing somethingwhich comes naturally - eating. It will be their choice to buy pizzas; if they do they'll be helping the school." He explained the reason why Greendown wants to establish a resource centre. "The traditional view of school is a class of children soaking up what teacher is telling them and reproducing it second hand. Learning in the real world involves bringing together lots of different bits of information and using a variety of skills in researching, writing, designing, making materials and presenting the finished work, then standing back and saying 'is it good enough?' "The resource centre will contain books, video and tape libraries, slides, satellite TV and computer links to information sources elsewhere and abroad. Students will pursue individual and group learning programmes with the teacher providing a lot of
Greendown headteacher Ian Matthews, left, agrees a deal with Ian West of Coach Caterers guidance on where to find out information, as well as direction, and assessment. It puts more responsibility on young people." Mr Noble said that once the resource centre is established it will be available to local primary schools and adults in the community who need access to information for courses they might be studying. He said that Greendown was hoping to develop even more contact with local companies.
ASDA makes first donation Pictured right, West Swindon ASDA superstore boss Les Lloyd donated a cheque for £250 to Greendown to get its resource centre appeal going. Mr Lloyd explained that the store had decided to support a number of organisations and would be following up its donation with further contributions in the future. Headteacher Ian Matthews said he was delighted to receive the cheque. "Me first donation always helps to get things off the ground."
Mayor to open popular play area - details on page 2 • Summer Fun for Youngsters on page 3 Next ears Adult Education Pro. ramme - Centre • a • e su. • lement
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Mayor opens fun play area on Saturday 28 July,
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West Swindon's newest and probably most popular play area is to be officially opened by the Mayor of Thamesdown on Saturday 28 July and all readers are invited to attend. The play area sited on Shaw Ridge is one of the most exciting and versatile play facilities in the west and has provided great fun for hundreds of youngsters since it was completed six months ago. Designed and built by Here's what the users say: Thamesdown Council's Arts Paul Cox, 9, of Friesian Close, and Recreation Department, the Shaw: "It's a good play area, but play area features the longest some people spoil it by writing tube slide in Swindon, a 35 foot graffiti on the equipment and twisting tunnel, and a multi-level putting dogs mess on the slide. fort structure complete with Becky Grey, 8, from Bosworth walkways and climbing nets. Road, Grange Park: "It's brilliant. The site also contains a The tube slide is the best." hexagonal swing with six seats, Derek Gibson, 15, from a toddlers play area, seats and Ravenglass Road, Westlea: "It's bike parking. A rubber safety safe and there's something for all surface covers the whole play ages." area and has been designed to encourage games made up by The Shaw Ridge Play Area is located on the footpath users. The Mayor will be trying out between the West Swindon Centre and Ramleaze the facilities from 10a.m.
fli1/ilk MI%E" Published by West Swindon Publications 13 Castle Dore Freshbrook, Swindon Editorial: Roger Ogle, Publisher/Editor Tel:(0793) 872282 Advertising Sales: Elizabeth Wood Tel: 871793 Apple Macintosh design, layout and lasersetting by Keystrokes
"The Link was first published in December 1978 exclusively for the West Swindon community. It Is completely Independent of Link Centre and, In fact, won the competition to name the leisure centre in 1984. The magazine is entirely self-supporting from advertising."
Contents Toothill Freshbrook & Grange Park Electronic Design Westlea Printed by Western Webb, Bristol Shaw At Your Library Education Matters Published monthly. Recreation Copy date for the Arts Scene Day In The Life September edition: News & Views 20th of August. Home & Garden The September edition will be Letters published on 5th September. Small Ads. 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 12 14 15-20 21 22 23
10. ADVERTISE RING: 87::
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Summer Fun for Youngsters
LOSE YOUR EXCESS POUNDS WITH CAMBRIDGE DIET EXTRA
WASPS Free Summer Playschemes for 5 - 14 year aids (Western Area Swindon Playschemes)
Come along for fun, games, arts and crafts, cooking, sunbathing and special events. Monday to Thursday 1100a.m. - 3.00p.m. 23 July-26 July Lower Shaw Farm Lower Shaw Lane, Shaw 30 July-2 Aug Freshbrook Primary School Worsley Road, Freshbrook 6 Aug-9 Aug Westlea Primary School Langstone Way, Westlea 13 Aug-16 Aug Shaw Ridge School Ridge Green, Shaw 20 Aug-23 Aug Toothill Farm Bodiam Drive, Toothill No need to register in advance, but do bring a packed lunch. For more details phone Cherry 872380, Dawn 619164, Ian 874372, Julie 870386. WASPS Summer '90 is supported by ASDA Stores Ltd. and the Borough of Thamesdown'sCommunity Development Division Play Service
Contact Your Counsellor Rebecca Clifforde (Westlea) on Swindon 873201
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Go Wacky in Westlea Westlea Community Action Group is holding FREE fun activities for 5 to 14s at Westlea School on Tuesday 31 July and Thursday 2 August, 11a.m. to 3p.m. Activities will include making and doing, wacky races, games, custard pie throwing, scavenger hunt, cake decorating, wet wet wet games and lots more. Bring a packed lunch, wear old clothes and ask your mum and dad if they can help as well. For more information, ring Sue Sheikh on 870492.
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Upper Shaw Farm play area open for under 5's in August From Monday 23 July to Friday 31 August, Shaw Ridge Toddlers Group invites all West Swindon Parents with Under5'sto join them every week-day afternoon at the exciting, secure Upper Shaw Farm Centre play area on Shaw Ridge with its giant sand pit, slide, musical chime bars, water play equipment and garden. Please note: • The centre with the play area will be open from 130pm to 4pm • Closed on 27 August Bank Holiday. • The sessions are open to under 5s and older brothers and sisters. • All children must be accompanied by parent or guardian • The cost of .SOp per family covers refreshments and use of toddler group toys. Supported by the Borough of Thamesdown's Community Development Division
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Sharon's Aerobic & Body Shaping Workout Toothill Community Centre Starting 2nd August Tuesdays 7pm-8pm Thursdays 7pm-8pm For further information ring Sharon on 813184
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Choose Us First For the Best Quality Take Home Food Available Fried Freshly For You — Cod, Plaice, Haddock, Skate, Huss, Scampi, Chips, Various Pies, Sausages and Chicken. Why not try one of our delicious Curries for a change? Have you had one of our big beefburgers? They're Great. Open Monday — Saturday 11.30am — 2pm; 430pm — 11pm Car Park 'A' West Swindon Centre TELEPHONE ORDERS WELCOME — 870455
All 76 pupils departing Toothill School for secondary education in September took part as bad guys and molls in the now traditional end of year musical performance. Directed and produced by teachers Ms Purvis, Tinker and Stout, this years production was Bugsy Malone which played to four packed houses in early July. Pictured above are, in the back row, Peter Staines, Penny Purvis, Gavin Stainer, Sue Tinker, Liam Glockling, Danielle Bathe; Front, Wayne Eggleton, Tamara Howard, Simon Blick, Kelly Morland, Joanne Watts and Raymond Downing
Keep fit this summer Now's the time to get healthy in Toothill according to newly qualified Keep Fit instructor Sharon Banbrook. Sharon recently completed a Royal Society of Arts Exercise to Music course and she's starting new ladies keep fit classes in Toothill Community Centre onTuesday and Thursday evenings. She aims to offeran enjoyable one hour workout which will leave ladies feeling fit and looking great. Her class starts on 2 August. For more information contact Sharon on 813184.
Late Summer Fete Toothill Community Centre
Saturday 8 September 2pm — 4pm Tables available for hire to community groups and individuals call Maxine or Mauve at Toothill Community Centre 614492
Fun sport for all Toothill School held its fun sports on 16 July with everybody taking part including teachers and parents. Teams made up of children of all ages competed in all manner of fun games and tests. Below left: Deputy Headteacher Richard Jackson helps his team with a bit of overhead passing. Right: Tony and Belinda Harrington helped youngsters in the their team with a bit of piggy back
FRESHBROOK & GRANGE PARK 5 Freshbrook Last cuppa at community cafe Facechoice Afterfive and a half years in business, church which has moved to its own a community facility has closed, building. High staff levels to serve Freshbrook Community Centre's customers, low prices to attract them cafe Cuppas has been an important and not enough turn-over were meeting place for people in identified as the specific problems Freshbrook since late 1984. However associated with Cuppas. a report in July to the Freshbrook Faced with difficult choices the Village Group residents' organi- FVG decided that it could not sation set out the major financial threaten the financial viability of the problems facing it. Income from the centre in order to continue licensed bar has dropped and there subsidising the cafe. It closed on 20 has been a loss of rent from room July with three part-time staff being bookings, in particular from the made redundant.
Living history Part of Freshbrook School was Towne" required each pupil to turned into 'Merrie Elizabethan research all they could about an Englande' in July when nine and ten individual character and to study year olds donned the clothing and how and where they lived in 1592. accoutrements of 16th Century life. To end their topic the pupils Following on from a study of the dressed up as squires, ladies in Houses of Parliament in May their waiting, servants and peasants to project entitled "Ye Olde London enact scenes from the past. Exploring the past, from the left, Blair Matthews, Vince McCormack, Linda Gower, Sammie Brassington, Robert House, Emma Hudson and teacher Lynn Evans
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Family Praise with Children's Covenanter Movement & creche 6.30pm Evening Worship and Communion For details of mid-week meetings, house groups and other activities, telephone Rev. Peter Grainger on 490498. Church Office, Tel: 873050
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Church celebrates opening Over five hundred people attended a service at the end of June to celebrate the completion of the Freshbrook Church building. The church building was put up by professional contractors working directly for the church organisation. Volunteers did a lot of the work and groups will continue to finish off outstanding tasks on the site. Below: The original nine people who started the church off in 1982, from left, Christine and Roy Saint, Maureen and Alan Hookins,Jessie and Will Collis, lean and Bernard Welch and Ron Herapath. Behind is Geoff Fewkes of the Bible Society who witnessed the original statement of intent with his wife Claris.
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WESTLEA Schools Wild West fete ropes in £2,200
Two beautiful babies were chosen by the Mayor and Mayoress, Coun Derique and Catching cool hand Griffiths, Ann Mrs Montaut. On the the Mayor's left knee Karenveer Bharaj from Grange Park, Wilson, right, and deputy head Sue on the right, Sarah Jordan from Sparcells. Behind are the proud mums, Valerie Long get their man. (Compare with his photo to the right). Jordan and Balbir Bharaj
Raffle winners A raffle sponsored by local insurance consultants Mansfield Begbie Associates has raised £650, topped up to £&X) by the company, to support special needs children at Westlea School. The top prize ofa £l50 voucher tobe spent at the Early Lean-tin g Centre was won by Joy Wright from Bath. Westlea headteacher Neil Griffiths said it was gratifying to receive the support of a local company. Pictured below: Mike Rees of Mansfield Begbie Associates presents a cheque to Ned Griffithswithhelpfrom Special Needs teacher Chris Morey and Sue Long
Pelican crossing needed quickly
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Following an accident on Corton Crescent involving Bobbie French of Langstone Way, Toothill councillor Ricky Midwinter is renewing calls for a controlled crossing point. Mrs French has been aware of the dangers on the road for years but never thought she would be involved in an accident. "On one side you have a blind bend, on the other you have a long fast straight. In the middle you have lorries turning into the ASDA delivery yard and cars going into the petrol station. "I was crossing to Westlea and was hit by a motorcycle a yard from the pavement. The blood on the tarmac proves the distance." However demands for a pelican crossing are likely to hit a brick wall unless local people get behind the idea says Coun. Midwinter. "Wiltshire County Council have refused to consider pelican crossings in West Swindon. In 1988 Gateway made an offer in public to provide a crossing when they were rebuildingthe West Swindon superstore. It was sunk by bureaucracy; it's time we revived it. "Something needs to be done. Every week Westlea School children walk to swimming lessons at the LinkCentre and have tobe carefully supervised. ASDA has to help encourage the council and local people have to let me know whether they support the need for a safe crossing." Ring Coun Midwinter on 873537.
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Members of the Brookfield friends committee, rear, from left Sue Dale, Lorraine Mildenhall, anita Turner and Rose McCance. Front: Sue Friend and Linda Craigie with the raffle prizes donated by over fifty companies.
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WHAT TO DO NEXT?
APPROVED BODYSHOP
Fundraisers do 50% better The Friends of Brookfield School Committee would like to thank all the individuals and the companies who have helped them raise even more money than they originally planned. Last October the committee set itself the target of raising E2,000 for the school. However they expect to have topped £3,000 by the time the next annual meeting takes place. Most recently the committee held a very successful fashion show attended by 280 people at the Blundon House Hotel which raised £1,441.
Farewell to Brookfield and Shaw Pete Woodcock explains why he's leaving teaching and says farewell to all the friends he's made in Shaw On leaving headship after 8 years I've got very mixed emotions. Brook Field School has meant a lot to me and I've been delighted with the standards achieved in 3 years. The whole staff have performed magnificently and I've had superb support from parents and Governors. I'll miss the children enormously but will take with me many precious memories. I once asked one of the children how stones from Stonehenge got from the Prescelly Mountains inSouth Wales. incorporates a week in Moscow and "Down the M4 Sir," was the reply. aweekm Berlin. So beware of buying Why then leave a successful recycled wall collages in the establishment? The greater part of Swindon area! The rest of the time I'll be doing a the answer lies in the current educational climate, incorporating little supply work and getting my a deluge of paper work and new business going from home. I'm regulations, with little time for going to be offering a range of consultation. Enough of that! It has original paintings for sale, mainly been a joy to work in West Swindon contemporary, along with a few where there are so many good prints. Prices will range initially schools. I hope the pace of from £75 -£1,000. I want to offer any educational change can be slowed customers a range of art from down a little for their sake. For me, landscapes and romantic images though, it's half time. through to abstract images and It seemed sensible that if I was works of social comment. I can be making a change, I should try contacted on 0249-74-348 if any something I was really passionate individual or company is interested about. Well my wife, Ann, will tell in making contact in the future. It would be appropriate to say you I'm obsessional with looking at pictures. Often for % hour! So we all goodbye by thanking all the West have hang-ups. Imanaged toobtain Swindon community formakingme a place on a 2 year post graduate feel so welcome in the area. I shall course at Winchester School of Art miss you a great deal. Good luck for the future. and Design. The part-time course
AT YOUR LIBRARY Thanks for the puzzles Librarian Carolyn Kennedy welcomes new colleagues and suggests some books to take on holiday We welcomed two new members of only time that they really geta chance staff to the library last month, Avril to do any leisure reading is during Ties as full time assistant and Mandy theirannual summer holidays. Here Hunt, part time assistant. We now is a selection of popular titles that havea fulicomplementof staff again, should provide a few hours of quiet just in time for summer holidays. entertainment and shouldn't Jacqueline would like to thank overstretch the brain cells. you for the lovely jigsaws that were Sagas donated to the Urban Mobile Library Eileen Townsend - Of Women Born for use at the elderly persons and In Love and War. Two books dwellings in the West Swindon area, that have been tried and tested by as a result of her appeal in last library staff. month's Link. She has asked me to Kate Alexander- Great Possession. say that there will be an on going Glittering tale of an heiress in the need for jigsaws, so please keep the 1930's. supply coming. Lena Kennedy - Eves Apple. New We've had quite a busy month title in paperback by this popular during June with three displays in authoress. the exhibition area and lots of activity Danielle Steel - Star. in helping with the Under-Fives Elaine Crowley - Dreams of Other Festival. Days and the sequel Waves Upon Throughout August we have an the Shore. Story of an Irish family exhibition that is certain to create a fighting the hardships of the New lot of interest. Col Knight of World. Lyneham will be displaying her Crime and Adventure exquisite collection of hand P D James - Devices and Desires. engraved glass from 25 July to 15 This has been at the top of the August. paperback bestsellers for the last few Col took up the art of glass weeks. engraving two years ago and is Ruth Rend ell - The Bridesmaid. anxious that others can try this skill Cohn Dexter - The Wreck is Dead. for themselves, so two important An Inspector Morse novel recently dates to remember are Saturday, 25 popularised by the television series. July and Saturday 11 August. You Ellis Peters - The Heretics can see Col in action and attempt Apprentice. A medieval who-dunglass engraving yourself. These it. sessions will commence at 1000a.m. James Leasor - Frozen Assets. A until 100p.m. and are free of charge. west country physician on an Something else, although not free extraordinary mission in Afghanof charge, but well worth its value istan. for money is the RESERVATION John Francome and James service at your library. At West MacGregor - Bloodstick. Very Swindon Library we have a total similar to the style of Dick Francis stock of 35,000 books but inevitably a horse racing thriller. there are many titles we do not hold. Happy Holidays! However, we do have the whole of P.S. Don't forget our summertime the county stock at our fingertips activities for children - see last and we can obtain most books months Link article for details or ask through the national library at the library. network. Our computer terminals are able to give us up-to-date accurate information telling us at which library a book is stocked, Car Boot Sale whether it is immediately available Saturday 11 August or on loan to someone else. The lOam - 2pm library staff are able to put a direct stop on available and on loan titles Held by Sparcells Toddlers Group Sparcells Community Centre so the person requesting the book is Sparcells Drive the next one to have it. It doesn't Boots: £4/E5 matter which library the book Ring Sally on 873679 to book belongs to - you can borrow it. The minimum information we require is Second Annual the title and author of the book you Fete wish to request. Saturday 1 September, The cost of all this, just 45 pence 2pm - 4pm not bad when the average cost of a Sparcells Community Centre, paperback is £3.99. Junior books are Sparcells Drive free of charge as are charges to the Craft & Cake stalls, pony & trap, visually handicapped and raffle, face painting, lucky dip, housebound readers. tombola, refreshments Pack a Paperback Book a table for only only £3 For many people I am aware that the Ring Elaine on 871993
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Savvas Cabaret Club Excursions Price includes return coach, 3 course dinner, full supporting show and disco dancing. 29 Sept The Shadows £31.00 13 Oct Les Damon £27.00 20 Oct Duncan Norville £25.00 9/10 Nov Michael Barrymore £26.00 17 Nov Cannon & Ball £26.00 24 Nov The Searchers £24.00 1 Dec The Drifters £27.00 16/21/22 Dec Joe Longthorne £30.00 11/12 Jan Jim Davidson £27.00 1/2 Feb Jim Davidson £27.00
Theatre Excursions 22 Sept (Sat Eve) 42nd Street Bristol Hippodrome £23.50 1 Oct
Miss Saigon Drury Lane £32.70, £37. 50, £39.50
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Aspects of Love £33.00 Starlight Express £28.00
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EDUCATION MATTERS Looking do n the wrong end of a tunnel
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IJSI3ORJsJE BOOKS AT HOME Weneedfriendly,enthusiasticPeople to sell our bright and informative children's books. lf you have a car and a telephone and would enjoy a rewarding part-lime job, contact Liz Mann on 872081 for farther details.
Last month Westlea headteac er Neil Griffiths wrote an article on his initial impressions of a visit he made to the United States over the Easter holidays to teach American teachers how the education system operates in E ngland. In this second piece, he reflects on the atmosphere to be found in a typical classroom and worries at the thought that the British education system may be going backwards. Pupils commence schoolat4, remain in what they call the 'elementary' system until they are twelve and transfer to a High School until approximately l8years of age. Class sizes are usually around the 20 mark and the length of day and holidays during the year are approximately the same as those in the U.K. No American school would be
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complete without its collection of Disney characters which don almost every classroom wall encouraging pupils to be 'eager beavers' or 'bright scholars,' or its famous 'roll of honour' boards. Here pupils who 'achieved,' whether it be in mathematics or basket-ball, have their names painted, usually in gold, to take their place in the school historical archives. What impresses you most is the fastidious tidiness and attention the notion of everything having its place. Corridors are spotless, endless and bordered by boards of beautifully symmetrical displays, cabinets gleaming with trophies and those rows of children's lockers which no American teenage movie would be without. Primary school libraries would be the envy of any British provincial town, yetappearas new in condition as the day they opened, perhaps reflecting the lack of appropriate use. Of even greater interest to me was the Principal's (headteacher) office; large enough to hold a children's party and furnished with my life's ambition - leather, highbacked swivel chair! Classrooms are vastly different from those in most British schools, with desks in neat, ordered rows and little evidence of children's work on the walls. In their place, yes those Disney characters appear again, informing pupils of capital letters and full stops, tables or the day's date. Few are without the addition of a caged rabbit, mice or stick insect and the focal point important to all the gold star chart. For those who have numerous stars, (they are awarded for good work, good behaviour and for being a good United States citizen), it is a place they regularly visit and encourage parents and visitors such as myself to do the same. It is interesting to note that the child with only a few never seem to mention them. The curriculum offered the pupils is prescriptive to the extreme. Indeed the manual for teachers on how to instruct Early Numbers to their pupils extends to over 1,000 pages, with smaller print than the yellow pages! Pupils work largely from the ever present'worksheet' which are 'runoff' like ÂŁ5 notes from the Royal Mint. To the pupil it must seem as if the source of such sheets is a bottomless pit. When one is finished, there is always another waiting to
be filled in and coloured. The consequence of such an approach to learning is that many American pupils are bored, frustrated and often underachieving. There is little opportunity for individuality and children become naturally disruptive and lacking in motivation. However, American teachers I found to be extremely caring and sensitive and such an approach is not one they would choose. They are forced to adopt a system over which they have had little influence in constructing. But many schools have seen the light and have been given the freedom to develop a more appropriate curriculum and provide rich environments and approaches to learning which highly motivate their pupils. Nevertheless, very few are free of the ever looming, ever present 'testing.' The rule appears to be, 'if it moves, test it!' I have yet to visit a school in the United States where testing wasn't to be found somewhere, its presence advertised for all to see by the now infamous "quiet please - testing in progress" door sign. For pupils it becomes second nature. Indeed they appear to respond to it much as they do to cleaning their teeth; its not much fun at the time, but at least it pleases their parents. However cleaning of teeth is necessary for healthy growth, which is more than we can say for testing. At the end of the day, one must admire the teachers forfinding enough time to complete material to test them upon in the first place! Certainly if you want to cause nervous tension and force any American teacher to consider an alternative career, then simply enquire how 'grading is going.' The tragedy is that those it effects most are not the teachers, but the pupils upon whom it places enormous labels of A,B,C,D,E and most significantly 'F - as clearas the 'L' plate on a car. At the end of a rewarding day in a school full of delightful pupils and caring teachers who are fighting a system which seems to have forgotten the very nature of the child and how itlearns, one must consider the irony that whilst they look to Britain for leadership in education, and a light at the end of the tunnel where education is child centred, we in Britain are being asked to peer back through the tunnel and adopt the very system they are so desperate to change.
RECREATION Breaking records AyoungswimmerfmmFreshbrook has been achieved personnel best times almost every time she goes in for a competition. Lisa Watts from Godolphin Close was featured in the March edition of TheLink with her friend David Kerby fromGrangePark. Bothyoungsters swim for the Thamesdown Tigersharks club at the Milton Road Baths in Swindon, and have set their sights on competing in the 1996 Olympic Games in Athens. Lisa has improved on her performances consistently throughout the past six months. At a club competition in March she took first place in five different events. In two Western Counties championships in May she demonstrated her versatility by winning brea stroke and butterfly races in best times and
Telephone: (0793) 642995 at the Wiltshire Championships in mid-June, Lisa set a new under us championship record when she won the 100 metres breastroke.
Swindon & District Badminton League, whilst the ladies took third place, often playingtwo pairs against three from opposing teams. The club is looking for more players interested in improving competition standards and is particularly keen to attract more lady players. A junior section is to be launched in September to develop playing talent for future years. The present 22 members want to stress they are friendly group and the club has a good social life. To find out more about Concorde Badminton Club, telephone Susie Hare on 874008.
Stay cool through the hols. Great Skate Balloon Race Throughout the month of July Link Centre launched hundreds of helium-filled balloons from various locations in Swindon. Attached to each balloon is a special ticket giving the finder ree entry to any one of our public skating sessions. All tickets which are returned to the ice rink will be entered into a prize draw, which will take place on Saturday 1 September at 900p.m. So watch the skies and you may win a prize!!
"Super Heroes"!
Below: Up and away, Link Centre
Throughout the summer holidays the ice rinkwill befollowing a superheroes theme each afternoon. Heroes will range from Mike Tyson and Gary Lineker to Batman and Robin. Games, music and competitions will all be themed around the super hero of the day. Summer Holiday prices: Monday-Friday, 2.00p.m.-4.00p.m.: concessions 95p, adults £1.50.
Promotions Officer Anya Kent and Entertainment Manager Howard Taylor about to release a batch of balloons
Hawaiian Night Enjoy all the fun and excitement of a beach party on ice. Come along in your shorts and shades on Saturday 4 August, and enjoy the hit sounds of the summer. Games, prizes, competitions and lots of fun from 800p.m. through to 1030p.m. Bring your friends along for a great Hawaiian night our. Free prize. Don't miss out, collect your Summer Super Skate' ticket today!
P B PLUMBING SERVICES
Boilers Serviced Pump Pithng Service Water Softners Pitted Washing Machines & Dishwashers Installed
Calling badminton players A successful first season at Greendown School for the Concorde Badminton Club means that a junior club is soon to be launched. Although the club has the same name as the girls gymnastic club that meets in the same sports hall, there is no connection. With falling numbers at their previous venue, the Concorde Club decided to move to the new sports facilities at Greendown which has resulted in improved competition standard and a rising membership from West Swindon players. Last season both the men's teams won their respective division in the
11
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STORM MANAGEMENT SERVICES Storm Technical & Industrial Division
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Tel: (0793) 480693
ARTS SCENE East coming into the west
12 Eastern Europe will be the focus for a week of arts events at the Link Arts in November and readers travelling to that part of the world are being asked for help. Arts co-ordinator Mel Jones has put together a diverse programme drawing upon the cultures of several of the countries where such profound changes have been taking
PROFESSIONAL GUITAR TUTOR has vacancies for both young and mature people interested in learning the Classical Guitar.
Readers help needed for East Europe festival place over the last nine months. The events include: • The classic black and white film 'Ashes and Diamonds,' directed by Andrej Wajda about a Polish town at the end of the war. • An evening of Eastern European Wonder Tales with storyteller Ben Haggarty, who relates fabulous and sometimes disturbing traditional tales with force and fire.
• A puppet show, 'Kurochka And The Giant,' for 5 to 8 year olds. Presented by Brog Puppets, this charming folk tale is adapted from classic Polish-Jewish fairy story. • 'Celebration,' an evening of dance, music, food and drink featuring international accordionist Julian Dzuibinski and his dance band, together with traditional dancing by local dance groups.
Throughout the week there will be an exhibition 'East and Central Europe: A Cultural Collection,' featuring everyday images, objects and information from different countries. Mel is keen to receive any interesting items brought back from those countries which illustrate everyday life. He would also like to meet anybody who comes from an East Europe country and might be able to help in a small way. Mel Jones can be contacted on 871212 ext.227.
Seaside scene inside Link Centre A sixteen foot long mural painted by five students from Greendown School which brightens up a hidden corridor in the Community Suite at the Link Centre was unveiled on 10 July by the Mayor of Thamesdown Derique Montaut. The idea to introduce a splash of colour came from Community Activities Officer Martha Parry. With a border of buckets, spades and ice cream, the mural depicts a sunny panoramic scene overlooking cliffs, beaches and sea. The students worked with a professional artist to create the work.
Individual half hour lessons on a weekly basis. Music examinations from beginners to diploma level coached and encouraged Contact
BERNARD TANNER on Swindon 521743 or 514055 (24 hrs)
P
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The Mayor and Mayoress add a few finishing touches before the mural was mounted with, from right, Michelle Hughes, Sharon Deacon, Bryn Standrin, Alan Armour and Dawn Joyce
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Looking forward to 90/91 It has never been easier to Progress Through Learning in West Swindon. Swindon College has tried to make these local learning opportunies as relevant as possible to people living and/or working in the area, and as easy as possible to take up. Over the next three pages you will find a complete guide to all the daytime, evening and weekend Adult Continuing Education courses specially tailored to your needs. All classes take place at Greendown Community School in Grange Park unless indicated otherwise. Outside the College, Greendown is one of the best adult learning centres in North East Wiltshire. It offers a pleasant, modern environment with up-to-date equipment, daytime and evening refreshments for adult learners, evening duty staff, including a receptionist and weekday and weekend purpose-built childcare facilities. The College's West Swindon Area Office is based at the school. Childcare is available for a small additional fee at all daytime activities.
For further information: — Ring Swindon 613313 or 871413 . Pick up a free copy of Swindon College's 1990/91 Part -Time Courses Brochure in the Link Centre Library, available from 1St August. A copy can also be obtained by ringing 613313. * Look out for our 'information and advice stall' at the open air market on Tuesday 28th August from 900am to 4.00pm in the coach park at the Link Centre. Look out for our 'information and a advice desk' in the West Swindon Shopping Centre on Wednesday 29th August from 11 .00am to 400pm.
How to enrol for courses. It's never been easier! ' '
By post, complete the tear-off slip on the back page of this 4 page pull-out guide In person, come to our enrolment session at Greendown School on Saturday 1st September between 10.00am and 200pm.
Need more information about a particular course?
New Year, New Courses
Complete the coupon on page 4, tick the information box, and we will send you further details of the course/ activity in which you are interested.
— A daytime course with childcare facilities in Toothill for adults who have difficulty with reading, writing and spelling — see Adult Basic Education. — Courses for women thinking about returning to the job market - see Computers and Special Interest. — 2 daytime activities for the over-40's; Sequence & Ballroom Dancing — see Music, Drama and Dance. Yoga — see Health, Beauty and Fitness. — If you are a parent, you may be interested in the Parent Link Programme — see Special Interest. This course aims to increase the pleasure of life with children (of any age) by enabling parents to share their experience of family life and learn ways of dealing more effectively with everyday situations. .- Assertiveness training for women, a course for increasing self-confidence and control over one's life — see Special Interest.
If you want to see what a course/ activity and the Tutor is like before paying then simply book a place with the coupon and come to the first session. If the course/activity is what you want then you can pay at the end of the first session. Please note that some courses/ activities are very popular and places will go to those who pay beforehand.
Guidance For Adults The ADULT GUIDANCE UNIT offers Educational and Careers Guidance to those over19 and out of full-time education. An advisor is present every Tuesday in the Link Centre Mall from lOam - 12noon to discuss courses and career options. For more information, telephone Swindon 618866.
Free Taster Session
Other learning opportunities offered by Swindon College
Automatic Fee Concessions
The College has a vast range of courses suitable to those seeking qualifications or training. For information contact the College's CENTRAL ADMISSIONS AND INFORMATION UNIT on Swindon 491591 ext 208.
If you live in Wiltshire and receive one of 5 specific benefits you are automatically entitled to a fee concession of either 50% or 100%. Turn to page 3 for details and other information about paying for courses.
Progress through learning in West Swindon 1990 - 91 BUSINESS, OFFICE SKILLS AND FINANCE
ARTS & CRAFTS Price
Subject
Day
Starts
Tknies
Length
Code
Calligraphy
Thur
4Oct
7-9pni
1 Owks
AG4O1N £22
Christmas in Cross Stitch
Wed
10 Oct
9.30-11 .3Oam
6 Wks
AG312N
Dressmaking - All Stages
Wed
30ct
7.15-9.1 5pm
10 wks
AG311N £22
Thur
4 Oct
1-3pm
10 Wks
AG4O2N £22
Wed
9 Jan
7-9pm
10 Wks
AG313N £22
Sewing Machine Embroidery Thur
27 Sept
7-9pm
10 wks
AG4O4N £22
Flower Arranging
Mon
24 Sept
7-9pni
10 Wks
AGI 07N
(Oliver Tornkins School)
Mon
4Feb
7-9pm
10 Wks
AG1O8N £21
Mon
13 May
7-9pm
9 Wks
AGIO9N
Mon
24 Sept
1-3pni
10 Wks
Tue
26 Sept
7-9pm
10 Wks
AG21 SN £22
Tue
25 Sept
7-9pm
10 Wks
AG2O2N £22
Embroider a Garden
Machine Knitting all stages Painting & Drawing
£13.50
Wed
26 Sept
1 -3pm
30 wks
Wed
19 Sept
7-9pm
30 Wks
MG307S £42
Business Taxation
Wed
17 Oct
7-9pm
2 Wks
MG330N £4.50
Finance, VAT & PAVE
Wed
19 Sept
7-9pm
4 Wks
MG331N £9
Mon
24 Sept
7-9pm
20 Wks
MG12IN £44
7 Nov
7-9pm
4 wks
MG329N £9
30 Wks
SG205S £42
Book Keeping - RSA 1 Book Keeping & Accounting RSA1
Marketing & Selling Personal Tax & Investment
25 Sept
Wordpmcessing Keybd Skills Mon
1 Oct
2.15-4.1 5pm
10 Wks
SG104N £33
Wed
3 Oct
7-9pni
10 Wks
SG308N £33
27 Sept
7-9pm
10 Wks
5G420N £33
Mon
7Jan
2.15-4.15pm
10 Wks
SG1O5N £33
Wed
9 Jan
7-9pm
10 Wks
SG309N
Tue
25 Sept
7-9pni
10 Wks
CG222N £41
Tue
8Jan
7-9pm
10 Wks
CG223N £41
AG122N £22
Returning to Work and
Mon
24 Sept
1-3pm
10 Wks
CG123N £41
10 Wks
AG126N £22
Information Technology
Mon
7Jan
1-3pm
10 Wks
CG124N £41
AG1 1 9N
£21
Shorthand Pmansedpt
£19 £22
4Oct
3-5pm
10 Wks
AG425N £22
Mon
24 Sept
1-3pm
10 wks
AG117N £22
Pattern Cutting
Mon
24 Sept
2-4pm
10 Wks
AGII8N £22
Desk Top Publishing
AG219N £22
- beginners
Wed Pottery for Fun Soft Furnishings/Upholstery
Mon
25 Sept 9 Jan 24 Sept
7-9pm 7-9pm 7-9pm
Mon
24 Sept
7-9pm
10 Wks 10 wks 10 Wks
AG332N £22
Thur
27 Sept
7-9pm
10 Wks
AG419N
£22
27 Sept
7-9.3Opm
8 Wks
AG4O3N
£21
DIY SKILLS
Woodcarving - beginners
25 Sept
7-9prrl
10 Wks
AG2O3N
£22
Car Care
ADULT BASIC EDUCATION
Practical Car Care
(W Swindon Family Centre)
Tue
11 Sept
9.30-1 130am
3 term
GG200S £5
(Toothill Church Rooms)
Wed
12 Sept
7-9pm
3 term
GG3O1S £5
Wed
19 Sept
9.30-1 130am
3 term
GG300S £5
ENGLISH FOR SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES (Link Centre)
Mon
10 Sept
9.30-11 .3Oam
3 terms
GG130S £5
Mathematics
English
17Sept
9.30-11.30am
Tue
18 Sept 9.30-11 .3Oam
30wks
GG100S £42
30 Wks
GG220S £42
Tue
18 Sept
9.30-1 130am
30 wks
GG201S £42
Wed
19 Sept
7.15-9.15prn
30 Wks
GG302S £42
GCSE
2 Oct
7-9pm
10 Wks
VG206N £22
3Oct
7-9pm
lowks
VG31ON £22
Tue
2Oct
3-Spm
10 Wks
VG204N
Fri
5 Oct
7-9pm
10 Wks
VG504N £22
£22
Fri
11 Jan
7-9pm
10 Wks
CG505N £22
24 Sept
7-9 pm
10 Wks
EG106N £22
Thur
27 Sept
7-9pm
10 Wks
EG405N £22
Interior Design
Wed
9Jan
7-9pm
15 Wks
AG314N £33
Woodwork
Wed
26 Sept
7-9pm
10 Wks
VG315N £22
HEALTH, BEAUTY
&
FITNESS
Thur
11 Oct
7-9pni
8 Wks
PG406N £17.6
Thur
17 Jan
7-9prn
8 Wks
PG407N
£17.6
Tue
9Oct
7-9pni
8 Wks
PG207N
£17.6
Tue
15 Jan
7-9pni
8 Wks
PG208N
£17.6
Mon
7Jan
6.30-8.30pm
10 Wks
PG110N
£22
Keep F (Freshbmok School) Mon
17 Sept
6.30-8.30pm
10 Wks
KG111N £21
Sea-Hypnosis for Relaxation Tue
25 Sept
7-9pm
10 Wks
PG209N £22
4 Oct
6.45-8.1 5pm
10 Wks
KG408N £16.5
Aromatherapy - beginners Mon
Tue Wed
Mon
Electronics - introduction
Aromatherapy - advanced
PRE GCSE
£33
COMPUTERS
Stained Glass (Link Centre) Thur Tue
Tue
Wordprocessing Elementary Thur
Thur
Tue
Wed
7-9pm
Patchwork & Applique Photography - beginners
MG306S £42
Herbs for Health
Tai Chi - beginners
Thur
- improvers
Thur
4 Oct
8.1 5-9.45pm
10 Wks
KG409N £16.5
Tue
25 Sept
7.00-8.30pm
10 Wks
YG21ON £15.7
Yoga - Hatha Beginners
Business Studies/Commerce Mon
17 Sept
7-9pm
30 Wks
GG1 02S £42
)Westlea School)
English
Wed
19 Sept
7.15-9.15pm
30 Wks
GG3O3S £42
Yoga - Hatha beginners
Tue
25 Sept
1.1 5-2.45pm
10 Wks
YG23ON £16.5
English Literature
Mon
17 Sept
7.15-9.15pm
30 Wks
GG1O3S £42
Tue
8Jan
1.1 5-2.45pm
10 Wks
YG231N £16.5
Human Biology
Wed
19 Sept
7-9pm
30 Wks
GG3O4S £42
Fri
28 Sept
10-11 .3Oam
10 Wks
YG502N £16.5
Intermediate Mathematics
Mon
17 Sept
7-9pm
30 Wks
GG1O1S £42
Fri
11 Jan
10-11.3Oam
10 Wks
YG503N
Law
Tue
18 Sept
7-9pni
30 Wks
GG221S £42
Mon
17 Sept
7.30-9.30pm
12 Wks
YG127N £25
Psychology
Wed
19 Sept
7-9pm
30 Wks
GG3O5S £42
)Toothill School)
Mon
7 Jan
7.30-9.30pm
10 Wks
YG131N £21
Sociology
Thur
20 Sept 7-9 pm
30 Wks
GG400S £42
Yoga for Over 40s
Tue
2 Oct
4.30-6.00pm
10 Wks
YG234N £16.5
Yoga - lyengar
Tue
25 Sept
3-4.3Opm
10 Wks
YG229N £16.5
Yoga - Hatha improvers
£16.5
You don't have to enrol in person any longer. Use the return form overleaf to book your courses now. full course brochure available from 1St August at Link Centre Library. Visit the information stall at the West Swindon Market on Tuesday 28 August and the information and advice desk in the West Swindon Centre on Wednesday 29th August.
.-
MUSIC, DRAMA & DANCE
LANGUAGES
Wed
9Jan
7-9pm
10 wks
DG334N £21
Drama Workshop
Wed
26 Sept
7-9pm
11 wks
DG341N £24
Guftar/Banjo - Folk Style
Wed
26 Sept
7-9pm
10 wks
DG34ON £22
Keyboard Playing
Thur 27 Sept
7-9pm
10 wks
DG414N £22
£22
Parent & Toddler Dance
Wed
26 Sept
10-ham
5wks
DG323N £7.75
LG212N
£22
(Link Centre)
Wed
26 Sept
11-12noon
5wks
DG324N £7.75
10 wks
LG317N
£22
Sequence Dancing
27 Sept
9.30-11.30am 10 wks
LG4ION
£22
(Oliver Tomkins School)
Fri
21 Sept
7-10pm
7 wks
DG501N £22
24 Sept
9.30-11.30am
10 wks
LG114N
£22
Sequence/Ballroom Dancing Wed
26 Sept
3-5pni
12 wks
DG336N £25
Ballroom/LatinDancing
English as a Foreign Language - beginners -
intermediate
French I French II
French III
Fri
28 Sept
10-12noon
10 wks
LG500N
£22
Tue
25 Sept
Mon
24 Sept
6-8pm
lowks
LG211N
£22
7-9pni
10 wks
LG112N
£22
Wed
26 Sept
9.30-11.30arn
10 wks
LG316N
£22
Mon
24 Sept
7-9pm
10 wks
LG113N
Tue
25 Sept
7-9pm
10 wks
Wed
26 Sept
1-3pm
Thur Mon
(Oliver Tomkirrs School)
Wed
26 Sept
7-9pm
10 wks
LG3I8N
£22
for Over 40's - beginners
French Conversation
Thur
27 Sept
7-9pm
10 wks
LG41 1 N
£22
Singing for Fun
Get By In French
Wed
26 Sept
7.15-8.45pm
6wks
LG319N
£10
(Oliver Tomkirrs School)
Wed
26 Sept
7.30-9.30prn
10 wks
DG321 N £21
German I
Thur
27 Sept
7-9pm
10 wks
LG412N
£22
Start Music
Wed
26 Sept
7.30-9.30pm
10 wks
DG322N £22
German II
Wed
26 Sept
7-9pm
10 wks
LG320N
£22
German III
Tue
25 Sept
7-9pm
10wks
LG213N
£22
PLAYGROUP COURSES
German IV
Mon
24 Sept
7-9pm
10 wks
LG115N
£22
PPACourse: Unit 2, Term 1 Thur
10 Jan
1-3prri
11 wks
UG423S £14.10
Get By In German
Tue
16 Apr
7-9pm
6wks
LG224N
£13.50
PPA Course: Unit 2, Term 2 Tue
18 Sept
1 -3pm
llwks
UG228S £14.10
Italian I
Thur
27 Sept
7-9pm
10 wks
LG413N
£22
11 Apr
1-3pm
11 wks
UG424S £1410
Italian Coversation
Wed
3 Oct
7-9pm
10 wks
LG338N
£22
Get By In Italian
Mon
8Apr
7-9pni
6wks
LG128N
£13.50
Portuguese - Beginners
Wed
26 Sept
7-9pm
10 wks
LG339N
£22
Russian - Improvers
Tue
25 Sept
6.30-8pm
18 wks
LG214N
£29.70
Spanish I
Tue
25 Sept
9.30-11.30arn
10 wks
LG215N
£22
Spanish II
Tue
25 Sept
7-9pm
10 wks
LG233N
£22
Spanish Conversation
Wed
26 Sept
7-9pni
10 wks
LG333N
£22
Get By In Spanish
Mon
15 Apr
7-9pm
6wks
LG125N
£13.50
Thur
Consolidated Course Fee For courses/activities at Greendown School, the listed fee Includes the Schools 5p an hour charge for adult users. This small additional amount goes towards maintaining facilities and renewing equipment.
Automatic Fee Concessions If YOU live in Wiltshire, receive any of the following Benefits and can produce the relevant document - see brackets you are automatically entitled to a fee concession of either 50% or 100%: Unemployment Benefit (Benefit Girocheque) Income Support (Order Book) Family Credit (Order Book or Entitlement Notice) Housing Benefit (Local Authority letter showing entitlement) Invalidity or Severe Disability Benefit (Invalidity or Severe Disablement Book) For courses with a reference code ending with an 'N', the automatic fee concession is 50% For courses with a reference code ending with an 'S', the automatic fee concession is 100% Some assistance is available for the payment of examination fees for those students eligible for automatic 100% fee reduction. If you do not qualify for automatic fee concession, and the full payment of a fee would cause you genuine financial hardship, you can discuss your circumstances (in the strictest confidence) with Steve Williams, the Adult Continuing Education Organiser. He is based at Greendown School and can be contacted on Swindon 871413.
Staff Call - Interested in teaching adults? Swindon College is able to offer advice to prospective part-time tutors and to arrange short informal courses to explore what is involved. Please contact Steve Williams on 871413 or Marilyn Rowland on 491591 ext.314 for further information.
WEEKEND COURSES
SPECIAL INTEREST
Sat
29 Sept
9.30-3.30pm
lowks
VG609N £34
UG326N £16.50
Elementary Wordprocessing Sat
29Sept
9.30-11.30am
lowks
SG607N £46
Sat
12 Jan
9.30-11.30am
10wks
SG608N £46
UG421N £22
Chess Saturdays
Sat
10 Nov
9.30-3.30pnl
2wks
UG627N £17
Sat
9 Mar
9.30-3.30pm
2 wks
UG628N £17
Sat
13 Oct
9.30-3.30pm
1 wk
CG617N £16.50
Sat
10 Nov
9.30-3.30pni
1 wk
CG618N £16.50
Practical Car Maintenance
Archaeology - Practical Introduction
Wed 10 Apr
7.30-9pm
10 wks
Assertiveness Training for Women
Thurs lOJan 9.45-11.45am 10 wks
Basic Sugar Flowers 3Oct
7-9pm
10wks FG337N £22
Desk Top Publishing
Wed
10 Oct
7-9prn
8 wks
UG325N £17.50
Workshops
Mon
12 Nov
7.15-9.15pni
lwk
UG116N £2.20
& Christmas Cakes
Wed
Bee-Keeping Canals in Swindon Chess - All Stages Parent Link Programme
Mon
24 Sept
7-9pm
10 wks UG129N £22
Sat
9 Feb
9.30-3.30pm
1 wk
CG630N £16.50
Tue
25 Sept
3-5pm
10 wks UG232N £22
Effective Business English
Sat
29 Sept
9.30-3.30pni
1 wk
MG604N £8.50
Mon
24 Sept
7-9.3Opm
12 wks
Effective Meetings
Sat
17 Nov
9.30-3.30pm
2 wks
MG603N £17
Tue
25 Sept
2-4.3Opm
12 wks UG225N £39.80
Effective Presentations
Sat
11 May
9.30-3.30pm
2wks
MG605N £17
2Oct
9.30-1 130am 8 wks
UG226N £17.50
Energy Balancing TechniquesSat
10 Nov
9.30-3.30pm
2 wks
UG625N £17
15 Jan
9.30-1 130am 8wks
UG227N £17.50
Sat
9 Mar
9.30-3.30pm
2 wks
UG626N £17
Sat
10 Nov
9.30-3.30pm
2 wks
LG61ON
£17
Sat
2 Feb
9.30-3.30prn
2wks
LG611N
£17
KG217N £29.50
Sat
11 May
9.30-3.30pm
2wks
LG612N
£17
2 Feb
9.30-3.30pm
2 wks
AG2N £17
Women Returning to Work Tue Tue
UG120N £39.80
Get By In French
SPORTS & OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES Horses - Carriage Driving
Tue 25 Sept 6.30-8.30pni
6wks
for beginners
Wed 10 Apr 6-8pm
6 wks
KG328N £29.50
Glass Engraving Workshop Sat
(Lower Shaw Farm(
Thur 23 May 6.30-8.30pm
6wks
KG418N £29.50
Guided Canal Walk
Croquet for Beginners
Tue 23 Apr
6.30-8.30pm
8wks
KG216N £16.80
Through Swindon
Sun
14 Apr
2-4prn
1 wk
1JG629N £2
KG327N £16.80
Guided Walks
Sun
16 Sept
1Oam-2pm
3wks
UG613N £13
Practical Stable Management
Sun
20 Jan
1Oam-2pm
3wks
UG614N £13
(Dauntsey(
Tue
9.30-1 130am 10wks KG235N £21
Sun
21 Apr
1Oam-2pm
3wks
UG615N £13
Understanding Horses I
Thur 11 Oct
10 wks KG415N £22
Know Your Sewing Machine Sat
10 Nov
9.30-12noon
3 wks
AG602N £12.75
10 wks KG416N £22
Painting Landscapes
(Lydiard Park(
Understanding Horses II
Wed 5 June 9 Oct
Thur 10 Jan
6.30-8.30pm
7.30-9.30pm 7.30-9.30pm
8 wks
Understanding Horses Ill
in Acrylics
Sat
10 Nov
9.30-3.30pm
1 wk
AG600N £8.50
(Dauntsey(
Painting Landscapes in
Sat
2 Mar
9.30-3.30pm
1 wk
AG623N £8.50
Acrylics or Oils
Sat
18 May
9.30-3.30pm
1 wk
AG624N £8.50
Painting on Silk
Sat
10 Nov
9.30-3.30pm
2 wks
AG60IN £17
Paper Making
Sat
24/25 9.30-3.30pm
1 w/e
AG62IN £17
Thur 11 Apr
7-9pm
10wks KG417N £21
Pay in Instalments Except for courses with a reference code ending with an 'S., you can pay by the term. Although Xii listed for the Autumn, a lot of N courses will continue in the Spring and sometimes into the Summer term.
/Sun Soft Furnishings/Upholstery Sat
Nov 10/11
/Sun
Nov
9.30-3.30pm
I We
AG616N £17
Time Management
Sat
19 Jan
9.30-3.30pm
2wks
MG606N £17
Writers Workshop
Sat!
9/10 9.30-3.30pm
1 w/e
UG619N £17
Sun
Feb
PROGRESS THROUGH LEARNING IN WEST SWINDON ENROLMENT FORM Complete details in (BLOCK CAPITALS) and return with payment to: Swindon College, Ferndale Road, Swindon SN2 1 H L Name I ICK DOX(S)
Address:
Telephone - Day:
fyou wish to eceive an nformation Eve•
Course Title:
Reference Code
Fee £
Course Title:
Reference Code
Fee £
Course Title
Reference Code
Fee £
If paying a concessionary fee, please state which Benefit you are receiving Please bring documentary evidence to the first session.
I
Total
Cheques should be made payable to Wiltshire County Council
Child ren's Fun Fair Rides
Kids Meals Fish Fingers/Beans Chips & Drink 79p Adults Meals Fish & Chips £1.49
%t\ Loads of Fun for the whole family
14 LOSE WEIGHT QUICKLY AND SAFELY FOR SPRING Call your Counsellor Glenis at
DAY IN THE LIFE Troubleshooting with a smile QUALITY SHEDS Sue Dennis is a Development & Project Assistant at Thamesdown Council. She deals with the 'nuts and bolts' of the development process, AND FENCING from setting up meetings between different departments, to handling DIRECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER SHEDS WORKSHOPS -. • STABLES • AVIARIES • DOG KENNELS
Z'
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Free measuring service and sample loans Superior Fitting Service Please call in to browse DREAM INTERIORS at CURTAIN DREAM
38 Havelock Street, Swindon. Tel: 513701
VETERINARY ENTRE SHAW VILLAGE CENTRE RAMLEIA ZE DRIVE, SHAW Consultations by Appointment Mon to Fri 8.30am - 6.00pm 8.00pm -1 O.00pm Sat 9.00am - 1 2.3Opm • LATE NIGHT SURGERIES • 24 HOUR EMERGENCY TREATMENT WESTLEA TOOTHILL
TEL: 881919 .1
complaints about untidy building sites. After 6 years involvement with West Swindon she knows most of its nooks and crannies
My day begins at 6.30a.m. No alarm required, as our seven your old grandson is in residence! This is the time of day when his creativity is at its best, and he may need assistance in producing 'something' outof empty eggboxes, cardboard tubes, bits of string and sticky tape U do feel that Blue Peter has a lot to answer for!). Next we have the queue for the shower, and then amidst the roar of hairdryers there are discussions as to who needs a packed lunch, and how many will beathome fordinnerintheevening. I collapse into the car at about 8 o'clock and traffic permitting arrive for work around 815a.m. The Development and Project Management Division is concerned with the co-ordination of Thamesdown Borough Council's development and redevelopment schemes throughout the Borough. For the past six years, I've been involved with various development projects in West Swindon. In addition to housing development, many other facilities have been provided in the area including surgeries for doctors and dentists, community centres, churches and village centres. The latest project to get 'off the ground' is the open air market at the Link Centre. The development of West Swindon had just begun in 1973, when I first joined the Council to work in theCivilEngineering Design Office. Since then I have watched with interest as the area has developed and matured into the five Urban Villages there are today. The final village will be Roughmoor, but there's still some way to go before it is completed. Recently plans for Roughmoor Village Centre, prepared by the Council's Planning Department, were exhibited at Sparcells. This will be the last village centre to be built in West Swindon, and is another project which will be co-ordinated by the Development and Project Management Division. Today I have two site meetings to attend at Shaw Village Centre. The firstat9a.m. is with a BritishTelecom representative to agree the siting of a long awaited payphone. Later I am meeting with other Council officers from Planning, Property Services, Landscaping and Engineering Divisions, to discuss completion works at the Village Centre. Particular consideration is being given to the Community Centre site. Due to recent Central Government legislation, it is becoming A
_Sue Dennis - dthinjing somebody along
increasingly difficult for Local Authorities to fund these facilities. At present Councillors and Officers fromThamesdownare investigating possible ways of financing the Community Centre. In the meantime a tidying-up exercise is proposed. Following this meeting, estimates will be produced for the work, and it will then be the responsibility of my division to establish whether finance is available for part or all of the work, and then produce a suitable programme. On my return to the office, there are memos to write and enquiries to deal with, usually regarding the availability of development land. At lunchtime it's a quick dash to the shops, followed by a sandwich and diet coke. Thisafternoonl will be discus sing with my manager the setting up a working party, involving officers from other groups within the Council, with a view to to setting up priorities for the West Swindon completion programme. Due to the constraints now imposed upon Local Authorities, careful consideration has to be given to the way money is spent, and we are all becoming even more 'budget' conscious. Provided that there are no last minute problems, I aim to leave the office at 5p.m. and return home to an evening meal with my family. We have a discussion on the day's events, generally followed by an argument as to whose turn it is to wash up! Then it is time to complete the general household chores (this could actually form 'A Day in the Life of' on its own!). Finally if I've any energy left, I like to 'potter' in the garden, or go walking or just read a book (unless of course my grandson has any other interesting plans!).
Get ready for sale The West Swindon branch of the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) is planning another of their very successful Baby Equipment Sales. It takes place In the Community Suite at the Link Centre on 6 October, so now's the time to start sorting out Items to pass on. More details will be published next month.
Under 5's Festival Fun The third West Swindon Under 5s Festival closed at the end of June. Eight major events involving hundreds of parents and children took place. Another great success was the conclusion of the volunteer organisers from the West Swidnon Under 5's Forum who held an end of festival party on 20 July. Here is a second instalment of festival photos. Top right: Bouncing together at the Link Centre 'Have A Go' Day. Below: Making cloth maps so that children can learn where they live at the Under 5's Safety Day,from left, Gavin & Neil Allen, Nathan Thomas, Hannah Thomas, Bola and Clemo, Gary Davies, Liam Guntripp, Liam Moody
DEWI-IURST The Butcher
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Here's your chance to win with the stars of Swindon Town EC. and to make a donation to the Prospect Foundation Answer nine simple questions and/or make a picture in this great competition sponsored by Dewhurst the Butcher, the West Swindon Centre and West Swindon's own community magazine The Link. There are two categories: 1. AN OPEN CATEGORY For all readers to enter - to win a football signed by all the Swindon Town players a few days before their fantastic win at Wembley. To enter, all you have to do is turn over, fill in the answers to the nine questions put to you by each of the the sponsors and return this form. All entries should be sealed in an envelope with a 50p coin which will be donated to Swindon's Prospect Foundation for the terminally ill. 2. THE 5 - 14s 'BE A MASCOT' CATEGORY We want youngsters aged between 5 and 14 years to paint/ draw/sketch/make a collage on the theme:
Appeal for help brings sponsor from new sports shop in west An appeal by a junior football team in last month's Link magazine brought forward a sponsor who is setting up a sports clothing business locally. When Tom Taylor from Freshbmok read that the newly formed West Swindon Under 13's club needed help he immediately called the manager Ron Sproule and offered his services. Within a couple of weeks the team had their new strip ready for the new season. "We're extremely grateful to Tom," said Ron.. "Not only has he donated a strip, he's also given us a kit bag, track suit and two match balls. The lads are really chuffed." Tom and a partner are opening Wes tSide Sports in the Link Centre at the end of July. Until they can find permanent premises, they will be bringing in mobile display units and will be trading at the library/ice rink entrance. Below: First line up with the new kit. Manager Ron Sproule and the under 13s show off their shirts donated by Tom Taylor, right centre, of WestSide Sports t.
"A Great Day Out at Wembley" The lucky winner will lead the Swindon Town players Out as team mascot at one of their matches next season. The best five entries will be displayed at the West Swindon Centre after judging. You must use the entry voucher printed below. The 50p donation to the Prospect Foundation is optional.
Competition entries should be deposited in the special box at Dewhurst the Butcher in the West Swindon Centre.
The closing date is Saturday 11th August Be a mascot with Swindon Town by giving us your idea of 'A Great Day at Wembley' Cut this form out, tell us your details overleaf and attach it to the back of your artwork. Your artwork should be no more than 20 by 16"
Open Category to win a football signed by all the players at Swindon Town. Use this official entry form. Further forms can be obtained from Dewhurst the Butcher at the West Swindon Centre. Three questions from Dewhurst The Butcher: 1. Who scored the goals when Swindon won the League Cup Final in 1969?
2. What club did Ossie Ardiles play for in Argentina?
3. Name two current international players at Swindon Town F.C.
Shopperbus needs customers A newly launched but underused bus service is looking for customers. The West Swindon Shopperbus, which is operated exclusively for residents of any age who want to visit the new Tuesday open air market but have difficulty getting there, is not being used to best effect according to operators Thamesdown Community Transport. The Shopperbus will pick you up from your home and will return you with your shopping after your visit. To arrange a Tuesday pick-up, telephone 616050 between 1p.m. and 3p.rn on a Friday or a Monday.
Community bus for hire by local groups Thamesdown Community Transport have a minibus available for to voluntary run community groups. Itcosts4Op permileand this includes fuel, insurance and AA cover. To book a bus, telephone 617828 between 9a.m. and 5p.m., Monday to Friday.
Three questions from the West Swindon Centre: 4. In what month and year did the Centre open?
5. List ten shops operating at the Centre?
"Kawabunga! Mr Mayor" Starting from the West Swindon Centre the Debenhams Top Shop Mutant Hero Turtles were one of many teams took place in the Evening Advertiser's Shiftin ' Swindon event in July to raise money for community transport schemes in Swindon
Don't panic!! 6. How many car parking spaces are to be found at the West Swindon shopping centre?
Three questions from The Link Magazine: 7. When did the first residents of West Swindon arrive? November 1975 J April 1976 J June 1976 Li 8. In what month and year was The Link first published?
9. Tick the right answer Is The Link magazine named after the Link Centre? or Is the Link Centre name after the Link Magazine?
U Li
JUDGES: The Competition Judges will be Cohn Calderwood, Captain of Swindon Town, the West Swindon Manager Lionel Dicks and the editor of The Link Roger Ogle. RULES: i) Only entries on the official form will be considered. ii) The judges decisions will be final. No correspondence will be entered into. iii) All entries must be accompanied by SOp which will be donated to the Swindon Prospect Foundation for the terminally ill.
5 - 14 year olds entering the 'A Great Day at Wembley' Artwork competition Name: Address: Telephone:
Age:
If your 'A' Level results are not what you expected, NEW College can help you work out your future Most people think of August as holiday time, rest and relaxation time - but not everybody. Tensions increase for many young people awaiting examination results. Getting the right grades can mean confirmation of a place at university, polytechnic or college of highereducation if youtook A-level G.C.E.s in June. New College has an excellent success record, with results well above the national average and there are usually very few disappointments. For any whose immediate plans are upset by the results, the first advice is, "Don't PANIC". Senior staff are giving time from their holiday to offer counselling and practical advice to any New College students with problems. The Results Clinic will be open on 23 August from 1.00p.m. to 4.00p.m. For students who have taken G.C.S.E. exams and who might be worried about their results being strong enough to begin courses at New College, there is a day-long advice clinic on 29 August - as advertised elsewhere in this edition
of The Link. The college policy of total care for each student begins before application is made and extends beyond completion of the negotiated Personal LearningProgramme. The Principal welcomes any enquiries about New College by telephone (611470) or by letter to New College, Helston Road, Park North, Swindon SN3 2LA. The incoming 5th year pupils at Greendown School will be advised about opportunities available to them in Further Education this autumn ready forentry in September 1991. Parents should note that the annual Open Evening at New College will beon 29 November and it is a valuable opportunity for them to see for themselves precisely why New College has such a good reputation for providing highquality learning programmes. It is perhaps significant that growing numbers of students join the college from public schools as their parents appreciate the range of courses, the excellent facilities and the absence of fees.
Car Boot Sale Saturday 15 September
Oliver Tomkins Junior School Fun Evening Friday 14 September
lOam - 12noon Westlea School Boots: ÂŁ4/5 Call 870469 after 3 September
5.30 - 7.30 Includes Car Boot Sale and Barbecue Pitches ÂŁ4.00/5.00 Bookings - 872100
NEWS &VIEWS SOFT WATER CENTRE Young footballers wanted Freshbrook's FACES Saturday morning junior club has found a football coach, thanks to an appeal in the July edition of The Link. But having found somebody to lead to organise games, the club now needs more youngsters to play. Club organiser Wendy Greaves said she was really pleased by the response. "We've been hoping to find a volunteer for months. The boys were getting frustrated because the adults involved in the club didn't have any football skills. Now we hope to form Freshbrook's first junior league football teams. If we can attract players we'll have teams in different age groups." The club offers a variety of activity apart from football. A typical Saturday morning for boys and girls includes arts and crafts, snooker, table tennis, drama, music, photography, video, and new projects are introduced as the adult team gain experience. FACES is closed during the summerholidays and will restarton
Saturday 8 September, 10a.m. to 12noon in Freshbrook Community Centre. The club is open to six to 14 year olds. To join, contact Wendy Greaves, 5 Worsley Road, Freshbrook, tel. 644088.
Calling 14-25 year olds The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme is open to all young people. It is designed for young people to develop or learn new skills of their choice. Come to an Open Dayat Greendown School on Saturday 8 September.
Parents welcome as well. Displays and people to talk to. For more information, telephone John Prowse, 0 of E secretary for Swindon, on 612207 or Chris Lowthian local coordinator on 693731.
New man for St. Peter's The induction of West Swindon's new Roman Catholic priest on 29 June was a joyous occasion with over 500 people crowding into St. Peter's Church, Eastleaze to witness the service conducted by Bishop Mervyn Alexander, Bishop of Clifton. Father Tom Kelly, pictured right, is still getting over the event. It was attended by local people welcoming their new priest, family and friends from his previous parish and members of the other churches in West Swindon. "I was so pleased that so many people could attend the induction," said Father Tom, as he likes to be known. "Ithinka lotof parishioners were wondering who the new priest was going to be, and here I am. I'm looking forward to meetingas many people as possible over the coming months and I'm looking forward to working with the other denominations in the area." FatherTom's has arrived afterten good facilities. Ten joy music, cycling years in the parish of St. Thomas and I'm looking forward to the multiMoore in Marlborough covering226 screen cinema and the 10 pin square miles and including 7 bowling centre in the Leisure Park ecumenical projects with other next door. churches. "It'smybelief that the parish priest Coming from a rural area to a is no different from anybody else. densely populated partofthecounty It's wrong for him to see himself or has quickly presented him with a be seen by others as different. I different workload. Within his first recognise that I'm a sinful man, but six weeks he had conducted I hope that in my humble way, and weddings every Saturday and well with the support and friendship of over 20 christenings. "I've come all around me,I can give an example froma fairly elderly community; it's of the life of Christ. Together we can nice to be able to work in an area come to the Kingdom that the Lord with younger people. Father calls each and every one of us to. O'Driscoll helped to build a "If I can help anyone, I would be tremendous church in West only to pleased to talk to them or Swindon and this has made the pray with them." FatherTom's numberatSt. Peter's change over very smooth. "It's a marvellous area with very Presbytery is 874400.
17
Come and see our full range of Water Softeners including the NEW 19"HIGH PERMUTIT 2000E. DOMEXTRA, BRIJNER, PERMO, SEREIN AND EURO RANGE IN STOCK All at Unit 4, Oaklands Enterprise Estate, Braydon, Nr. Wootton Bassett. Open Saturdays ONLY 9.30am - 4pm. Ring Swindon 853156 for further information or appointment.
4oinnin
T OP
Salisbury Street Swindon Tel: 619562
For Nearly New nursery equipment, maternity wear & baby clothes and school uniforms. New factory seconds, e.g. cots, swinging cribs etc. LET US SELL YOUR GOODS FOR YOU • HIRE SERVICE AVAILABLE
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Hire a video camera for that special event - a wedding, a party, a family get-together or just a day out. Magic Moments video cameras take standard VHS tapes so you can play back straight on to your television. All you have to do is point, press the button and treasure the memories for ever. We offer home delivery, instruction and pick-up after use. A personal service - just for you.
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BRITANNIA TOWING CENTRE Unit 16, Station Industrial Estate, Swindon
Can Help! * Towbars for Cars, Vans & light Vehides * Seat Belts (Kangol & Britax Approved) * Child Safety Seats Tel: 0793 613147, 0793 488622
0 Vi Stevens (Electrical) Electrical Contractor & Fire Alarm Installations 24 hour, 7 days a week call out service -No job too big -No job too small
Are you looking for the ultimate in showering experience?, or the sheer luxury of a controllable spa bath? or maybe you need the convenience of an instant electric shower. Go on, spoil yourself! 'Phone now for a free survey. .Quality work Guaranteed .Competitive rates Tel: Swindon 870948
NEWS & VIEWS
18
r LEARN TO DRIVE MODERN DRIVING TECHNIQUES
Independent advice on finance Hugh Christie and David Plumb have some 30 years experience between themin the financial world. Although they deal with all aspects of insurance, pensions and mortgages, they have specialised for many years in mortgages and remortgages, for both residential and commercial purposes. This experience, coupled with their determination to ensure that any mortgage or re-mortgage they arrange is tailor made to suit the clients individual requirements, and the ability to explain the technicalities of the various schemes, ensures that the clients fully understand the implications of whatever mortgage they decide upon.
ALAN COLLICT 0793 872244 INDIVIDUAL TUITION -
Established in West Swindon in 1978
Lydiard Landscaping Patios • Fencing • Turf Laying Walling and General Gardening Small tree felling For Free Estimates
Tel: (0793) 874274
WRIGHT PLANNING SERVICES
Christie and Plumb have been instrumental in helping numerous people over the years. The importance of getting specialist advice, especially in times of high interest rates, cannot be over emphasised. As independent advisors Christie and Plumb have access to some 300 major lenders, including some who do not deal direct with public. They invite anyone who requires independent mortgage advice to contact them on (0793) 616133. Alternatively call in at their office fora free noobligation consultation. It is close to West Swindon at 161 RodbourneRoad, Swindon. There's free car parking closeby.
Football team faces big problem
10 years experience preparing High Quality Building Plans for West Swindon residents Planning & Building regulations approvals obtained
West Swindon Football Qub's bid to play senior league football next season is being seriously threatened because their pitch at Greendown School is not ready. Parents at the Governors Annual Meeting expressed horror that the problems with the school fields have still not been sorted out, six years after they were laid out. Despite the original installation of land drains, every time it rains the ground becomes a beg and when it dries deep cracks appear. The Governors and headteacher have continually pressed for action and Wilts. County Council allocated £30,000 to install more drainage. However work started bycontractorsin l989is still not complete and there are worries that the pitches will not be playable until early 1991. Phil Bathe, secretary to the West Swindon Football Club, said the team were relying on the pitches to be ready. AGreendown spokesman said they had given commitments to several teams. The school itself may have to find other contractors to get the fields ready on time.
Evening work thone Dawn on Iaringdon
Call Steve Wright on
Swindon 871553
Pis
Unit 10 River flay Industrial Estate Barniield Road, Swindon Tel: (0793) 614442 Evenings: 615435
Auto Services announcing
plor6lInrw p WW 111 ,51
oe~r5w~,~`W V .1w
jiOlO
5
NEW premises NEW MOT Equipment NEW Recovery Vehicles O MOT's 7 days a week Weekdays 8am
-
Sat. 8.30am 5pm; Sun 9am 12noon O Fully equipped workshops for servicing, tuning repairs, welding & body work o 24 Hour breakdown & recovery service O Collection of vehicles on request O Steam cleaning O Wheel alignment & tracking -
8pm
Were here next to the incinerator
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West Swindon Centre
NEWS & VIEWS 19 Industrial links bring real NEWSFLASH * NEWSFLASH world into school Buying a house or re-mortgaging can be A design project at Greendown The directors of Redman EnginSchool has impressed the senior eering in Swindon were so pleased managers and staff at West Swindon by the work put into a project by based company PHH. Greendown second years that the The PHH AllStar marketing company spent £2,500 on redepartment set third year students producinga model designed by one the task of designing, producing and of the students. presenting a direct marketing A study module in engineering package which the company might required 180 students to learn how use to promote the AliStar Fuel Card gears, pulleys and levers work. The which is used by company car culmination of the module took drivers. place at the end of the Spring term The students had four one and a when local business people and half hour classes to work out their parents were invited to attend a 'Toy ideas, design and then make Fair' to examine the students' work materials which they would use to and to see their working models in present to the company. At the end action. of the work module students in their Two Redman directors judged work teams visited PHH to make a that Andrew Blackford's model of a formal presentation to a panel of helicopter showed most innovation judges made up of professionals in because he had used gears to convey marketing. power in two directions. A group of Greendown students visited Redman Engineering in July to see the work on the model in progress. They were shown how thedimensions of the original model were fed into a computer and modifications made. Then on the factory floor they saw how the design information was fed into a computerised milling machine to recreate the original. Mike Neal,Redman'sProduction Director, said his staff had enjoyed working on the project. "We chose Andrew's helicopterbecause he had used gears in two plains. It's been a challenge for us because we had to PHI-I's Diane Edgar presents the marketing use a very basic design and use our wizz kids with a trophy, fivm left, Karen computers to recreate it in metal." Pemj,AndrssandJonathanMalgarin Andrew from Westlea commented Marketing Manager Diane Edgar that it was surprising seeing his work said she had been very impressed being re-made in a factory. with the quality of the students' The finished model, mounted work. "It was veiydifficultto choose with a plaque was presented to a winner as each team had come up Andrew for display at Greendown with interesting ideas and had by Steve Onslow and Mike Neal presented them so well. They used from Redman on 17 July. words and designs to 'sell' their Andrew, holding his original model in ideas, some made models of cars to front of a computer aided milling make their point and others had machine, on a class visit to Redman recorded tapes to promote the Engineering conducted by Mike Neal product. "I'moverwhelmed bytheirwork. I didn't expect 14 year olds to grasp the task and produce such good work with such confidence." Andrew Goss, one of the prize winning trio, couldn't believe they had won. "It was very competitive and we had to guard ourideas from others. Our parents gave us encouragement and we worked out our presentation beforehand so that we wouldn't be nervous. It was good fun." The winning team received an engraved trophy of a model car and each member was awarded a £10 gift voucher. They were also taken on a tour of a marketing agency on 18 July followed by lunch.
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Since The Linkre porteda meeting between the manager of ASDA and local residents in the May edition, we have received a steady flow of letterscriticising everything fromthe availability of goodsatthe store to the way the staff dothelrjobs. To get the other side of the story we visited the store again recently to talk to two members of staff. Dawn Edwards, Supervisor and Chris Scutts, Check-out operator, have worked at the West Swindon superstore since the days when it was owned by Carrefour so they have seen plenty of changes. But they were the first to admit that the latest takeover, by ASDA, had caused a lot of problems. Chris said, "The first week was awful. Maybe ASDA tried to change things too fast. But it is improving all the time." Dawn agreed, "Morale is beginning to buck up, and when the Phase Three improvements aredonelthink the store will be smashing. Unfortunately somecustomers seem to want to stick the knife in all the time. The amount of abuse we take is unbelievable." "Allofthegirls havebeen reduced to tears at sometime. You're right in the firing line. You have to queue wherever you go these days - at the doctor or the dentist, but people don't go yelling at them. People throw money at you, and sometimes even food. They think nothing of swearing at you. We have a complaints system but people think it's easier to shout at us" Chris said. As a Supervisor Dawn is involved in the training of new staff. "It's very difficult. We try to train the girls on the Quick Tills but we get a lot of problems there. A lot of people try to go through with more than ten items. If a trainee is yelled at it can make them really nervous and then
Dawn Edwards, centre, with check-out operator Chris Liddell and customer Jenny Lame - all from West Swindon
of course they start to make mistakes. We have a lot of girls who do one day on the check-out and then never come back." Dawn and Chris agreed that things seemed to go in phases. Chris said "Some days you just get stream of rude customers. We try to have a laugh about it but it isn't easy. On theotherhand we'vegot some lovely regular customers who make the job a pleasure." In a separate interview, the Manager, Les Lloyd commented, "Things have improved one thousand percent in the last month, and we have received a lot of compliments. There is a five week refurbishment programme planned for August and September, including putting in an in-store bakery. When all that is finished the store will be marvellous. I have a lot of faith in ASDA, and in my staff."
Magic Moments offers personal service A new service has been launched to help you capture those special times in your life. Magic Moments has been set up byKen Nugent of WoodhallPark so that you can video record weddings, birthday parties, holidays or just a day out - without having to spend hundreds of pounds on a video camera. Ken uses video cameras which take standard VHS tapes which give the best recording quality and can be played back ma machine at home. The hire camera comes with two one hourba tteries as well as a battery charger. The service he runs is built on personnel attention. He will bring the camera to your home at a convenient time and pick it up again afteruse. Hewillalso take as longas needed to explain the simple operating instructions and will demonstrate handy tips on how to use the camera to get the best results.
Ken Nugent, ready to deliver
Although owning a video camera is becoming more common, they are still expensive and not something you might use all the time. Hiring one is a good alternative. As Ken says, all you have to do is point the camera, press the button and treasure the Magic Moment forever. Ken Nugent can be contacted on 729666.
HOME & GARDEN Link writer wins garden prize Washing Machine,
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Cooker &Drier Repairs D.I.Y. Spares Delivery Service J. Martin • Tel: 694930 West Swindon
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Extensions, Alterations and Repairs Artexing and Coving Specialists Glaze Tiling - No jobs too small For A Professional Finish Tel: 771288 (Old Shaw) Free Estimates and Advice ClaireBeatonwhowritesacolumnongardeningtips for TheLink,picturedabove with husband Gavin, has been chosen as oneof the winners in the second West Swindon Gardening Club Competition. She has won the prize for the best In the under 4 years section, last garden over 4 year old and year's winners Mr and MrsJackson of unbeknown to the judges, she was Miller Close took the prize again with awarded a prize put forward by The their magnificent garden in Link Magazine for the best front Middleleaze. Mr and Mrs Fuller of garden. The judges commended her Colchester Close, Toothill were collection of unusual plants. second and Mrs B. Harris of Orin Claire receives a trophy put up by Close, Sparcells was third. the West Swindon Centre. Second The prizes will be presented the wasMrsPiatek,ofLuddesdownRoad, WestSwindon Centre on25 August. Toothifi, and Mrs Winton of Chartley The place winners will receive cash Green, Grange Park. prizes for their efforts.
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Haydon End Lane Entrance of Lady Lane and Westfield Way, Haydon Wick Tel: Swindon 721221
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VISIT YOU LOCAL GARDEN CENTRE THIS WEEKEND Large selection of • Trees • Shrubs • Alpines. Heathers • Conifers • Roses • Herbaceous Perennials • Bedding Plants, Geraniums & Fuschias • Hanging Baskets • Rockery and walling stone • Discounts on all composts PURCHASE OR EXCHANGE YOUR HTA GIFT TOKEN WITH US
Urgent Message for past and present members of the West Swindon Gardening Club The meeting scheduled for 13 August has been cancelled. The next will be held on Monday 10 September at 8.00p.m. at The Link Centre.
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R.K. GARDEN SERVIS
This will be the Club's A.C.M. where we wi//be discussing whether the
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club will continue. This will be followed by a Garden Quiz.
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Topsoil, garden 'mulch' compost as much or as little as you need. Delivered to your garden. Patio slabs, rockery stones, fencing -
Injured Wildlife We are fortunate in West Swindon in having a wide variety of wildlife on our doorstep. Unfortunately, wild animals sometimes fall victim to our roads and our domestic cats. If you come across an animal casualty, check first that it is not just stunned. Somecreatures especially tiny birds, shrews and voles are liable to die of shock in captivity and if they are not wounded it may be better to leave them in a sheltered spot outside to recover their senses. Having ascertained that veterinary attention or nursing may be needed small animals and birds should be placed in a warm, quiet and darkened environment such as a box in an airing cupboard, ensuring that there is adequate ventilation and some drinking water. It is wise to seek advice at an early stage because some animals have special requirements when it comes to housing and feeding if they are to stand a chance of surviving. Certain animals for example are insectivorous and cannot live on seeds or bread and milk. Thisneed not beas difficultas itsounds. Pet shops supply a commercial diet
Liz Haynes from the Shaw Veterinary Centre offers some tips on how to look after wildlife
Special offer for 6 weeks All garden sheds reduced
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Mobile: 0836 229887 We also offer a professional landscaping service. Gus the three legged hedgehog
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which is suitable for insect-eating birds such as the blackbird and robin. Small animals may eat cottage cheese or dice cooked egg. The hedgehog which, in the wild will eat quantities of slugs, will thrive on a saucer of catfood! Your local RSPCA contact or vet will be happy to give advice. Unfortunately our RSPCA inspectors have to cover an enormous area and are very busy so use discretion when asking them to attend wildlife other than large mammals. Finally, foxes and badgers can be dangerous to approach if injured and frightened and expert help may be needed.
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Letters to the Link Clothing Alterations & Repairs Tel: 872096 Mrs White, Freshbrook
The Company Company Swindon's brightest introduction Agency for singles, divorced, seperated and widowed people. Please phone
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Don't judge by appearances From D Stuckey, Chairperson of the Toothill After School Club He is a very good development I would like to reply to Mr Price's letterintheJulyissueof The Link (Too worker; a much valued member of the community. Casual). Without his continued support, I know some people think first impressions are important and many groups in West Swindon lasting. But I prefer not to judge a could not succeed. I know the Toothill After School book by its cover. I have known Lawrence for some Club which I represent could not. time,and likeothers who areactively So come on MrPrice,do not judge involved in the community we live a persons ability bya mere snapshot. in, see him for his worth and not his Keepup the good workLawrence the majority of us are behind you all appearance. the way, suit or no suit.
If
R.T. Farley
Landscape Gardener in West Swindon 20 years of experience. Turfing, Paving, S S n -Fencing, rergotas, A# If Planting New Gardens Rockery Constuction 10 Crazy Paving etc. At At
Advanced Lessons if required
Ring Chris on Swindon 872417 B.S.M. Trained Qualified A.D.I.
Letters with full name and address should be sent to The Link, 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook, Swindon by the 20th of the month
Tel: 875174 ,,,S,,,SSS,SSSSS
Local Handyman For any job, large or small. Decorating, gardening, building or general maintalnance. For fast, efficient and friendly service, mall Ken on 729666
From Martha Parry, Link Centre People too often judge each other by appearance and Mr Price's remarks about Laurence Yeoman's appearance in the July Link's is a very good example. I recall Laurence's predecessor introducing himself onmydoorstep wearing a leather jacket with a motorcycle helmet under his arm. I didn't jump to conclusions and he introduced me to lots of wonderful people in the community. Ten years later people were saying he was too well dressed for the job! Mr Price commented that "he hopes his impressions are completely wrong about Mr Yeoman" before proceeding to criticise him. Taking 'his hope' at face value, perhaps I could suggest that Mr Price should volunteer to meet Laurence Yeoman to find out about the workof a Community Development Officer? The Link
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Classifieds Lineage ads in The Link cost £3.50 per single column centimetre, inclusive of VAT. Lost and Found are free. Cash with advert to The Link, 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook, Swindon.
-Vacancies
Screams give wrong message From Mrs Davis, Luddesdown Road, Toothill I enclose a recent cutting from the Daily Telegraph about how a four year old girl saved her younger brother frombeing kidnapped while playing in their garden in Swindon in early July. Had the little boy or his sister lived in this part of Toothill, their screamings would almost certainly have been ignored. We are thoroughly used to screams which when we moved here sent us out looking for a child in distr,ss. They have cried 'wolf far too often. "Oh, just another undisciplined kid we say now." Parents and teachers, please tell them that screams from children should mean REAL DANGER, not just "let's see who can scream loudest."
Bring back bells From Andrew Capel of Cyclist Rights Network, Shelfinch, Toothill. I have just bought a bicycle bell for my mountain bike. My local bike shop were amazed that I wanted such an 'archaic' piece of equipment, so explained.
Recently I was walking along the Old Town Cycle Track and I noticed that I did not hear cyclists approaching from behind iintil they were right behind me. I talked to other people who werealso walking and they seemed to think that cyclists ought to have a bell. However, it is no longer a legal requirement, but is is a very good idea as a bell is more polite than shouting 'excuse me' as you approach an unsuspecting pedestrian expecting them to jump sideways. I highly recommend buying a cycle bell to anyone who uses the Old Town Cycle Track or any other path which cyclists and pedestrians share. It may even become trendy.
Jellytots Playgroup Outer Circle bus and Assistant urgently needed to join the ozone layer Jellytots Playgroup, Shaw in From DPLocke,Kirkstall Close, Toothill September. Please apply in writing to Mrs J In these troubled times of ozone layerdepleton, help for Green Peace, Tyas, 5 Alpine Close, Ramleaze.
-For Sale Complete Nintendo outfit with Robot, Zapper, etc. 4 games (Duckhunt, Gyromite, Baseball, Rush and Attack). Nearly New. Cost £210, bargain at £120 ono. Tel 495140 eves.
-Wanted Cindy Dolls House plus furniture. Tel: 873150. Girls Mountain Bike or BMX, for 9/10 year old. Tel: 495140 eves.
saving energy, tins and bottles for recycling, people like myself use buses for work and at weekends shopping. I have been using the outer circle bus for over six years. Now they may be taking this service off. Also I buy a monthly bus pass which costs me16, next time they told me it will be £19. If this service is removed I will have to get two buses to work instead of going straight through. So much for helping the ozone layer by using buses instead of cars.
Still no Shaw Post Office
Cleaning up Freshbrook
A retired businessman from Shaw has been in touch with local M.P. Simon Coombs to see if he can get the Post Office to open a branch at Shaw Village Centre. But nothing is going to happen. Les Harris from Clarke Drive is so incensed by the lack of service from the Post Office that he asked the M.P. to contact them. However a copy of the letter from the Post Office sent to him by Simon Coombs has not satisfied him. "1 don't think the Post Office area manager in Bristol knows the situation out here. He comments that they look at the population needs, the terrain, the availability of post offices locally and the cost of opening the branch. They don't seem to be aware that the number of houses in Shaw has increased by 2,000 since the village centre opened including an elderly persons dwelling, there's a hill between us and the West Swindon Centre and the queue when you get there is always long. "Basically you can ignore the points they make and concentrate on the cost of setting up a branch. They just don't want to spend the money required. The Post Office is not providing a good service to its customers and I will be writing to Mr Coombs again." Editor's note: It was interestingto read the letter from the Post Office to Simon Coombs M.P. dated May 1990 explaining why a branch is not going to be opened in Shaw. It is almost exactly the same word for word as a letter sent to The Link in November 1987 before the village shop opened! No doubt it is the same as that sent to anybody else who has written calling for a post office at Shaw.
A resident's working party to clean out a pond in Grange Park was joined by the Mayor and Mayoress of Thamesdown on 21 July. Wearing their chains of office and summer dress, Derique and Maureen Montaut donned their wellington boots and set about pulling out all manner of rubbish from the stinking pond which hadn't seen fresh water for weeks. The clean up was organised by local councillor Bob Pixton who unfortunately could not be present as he was detained in hospital after being knocked off his bicycle in the evening before. The pond was once part of the original fresh brook which drained the fields of the same name where GrangeParkis nowbuilt. Thecouxse of the stream can still be seen. It is hoped that the pond can be brought back into use as a haven for wildlife. Into the mire together, front with the Mayor and Mayoress, Frances Page, left, Martin Becker and Penny Newton. Rear, Mike Newton and Jack Dipper
,- & A:v~% JYJ~71,
23 Ecumenical Parish of West Swindon & The Lydiards
MOBILE MECHANIC
Anglican, Methodist, U.R.C., Baptist. Toothill Rev. Ian Handscomb 693384 Rev. Anne Thomas 496421 St. Mary's L.Tregoze for Freshbrook & Grange Park Rev. Tony Price 870244 Westlea Rev. John Flory 770217 t Shaw and Sparcells Rev. Keith Boxall 770568 Rev. Helen Drummond 874372 t also All Saints, L. Millicent
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You don't have to be suicidal to share your problems with us. Phone anytime day or night, or call into 6 Curtis Street, Swindon between 8am and 10pm
The Link asked Ricky Midwinter and Sue Bates, two local councillors, to think about the questions they are often asked and to provide us with the answers they give. Every effort is made to ensure the details in the column are correct. If readers have other questions which may be of general interest to other residents, please send them in and we'll print the answers.
Q. I object to paying my Poll Tax by Direct Debit. Can I pay by Standing Order? A. Yes! Payment should be made to the Co-Operative Bank plc, 4/5 Regent Circus, Swindon. The bank sort cede is 08-90-12 and the account number is 61242014. Please ensure you quote your Poll Tax reference number on the standing order form so that the money can be correctly allocated. Q. My elderly mum values her independence buyt is unable to get out to do her weekly shopping due to ill health. What help is available? A. Shopperphone is an organisation setup to provide a home shopping service to Housebound and Disabled people- at supermarket prices plus a SOP delivery charge. For further info, telephone ann Swinmurn on 531766 or 531174.
Q. Where can I hire a room for a child'r birthday at a reasonable cost?
A. Thamesdown Council have a number of social halls in WestSwindon. To make an enquiry contact Community Development on 526161 ext4788
Morrison & Masters TOWN SQUARE, WEST SWINDON CENTRE. TELEPHONE 870055 for
House Sales and Purchases & all Property Work (written estimates given) Divorce, Criminal and all Court work Wills and Probates WEST SWINDON'S ONLY SOLICITORS! Also at 20 Commercial Road, Swindon. Telephone: 526601 and 69a Cricklade Road, Gorse Hill, Telephone: 481602
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FRESHBROOK