August 1999 Swindon Link by swindonlink6

THE

No. 207 • August 1999 • Circulation 20,000

SKIPS Always at your convenience

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its kappethiq @ tk cct ex cduty address 1t tourw

Tapestry ready for Millenium Dome exhibition

Mchavcijah No more gra ff iti down at Toothill Farm

Tandoori & Balti Restaurant

Swindon Council has decided to get rid of the only legal graffiti site in the town. See page 7.

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A tapest ry made by children at

Sunday lunch: 1 pm - 3.30pm

Haydon Wick primary school, working with local artist Susan Carr, above, has been completed and is ready to be put on display in the dome in the next century

Open: 7 days a week 5.30pm to midnight (incl Bank Holidays, eec. Christmas Day) The Maharajah

Turn to page 12 for a larger picture of the work and some of the children who worked on it.

Jan Mess er of JMM Embroidery with dentists Brendan Ball and Richard Swift who left for Ukraine on 21 July.

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The Link Magazine • August 1999 Dentists dressed

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Swindon company JMM Embroidery have donated T shirts embroidered with the Dentaid logo to the two Swindon dentists Brendon Ball and Richard Swift, featured on last month's front page. They left on their 3,000 round trip to Ukraine on 21 July with equipment and supplies. Jan Messenger, Managing Director of JMM, offered to supply the y. garments after reading about the project in The Link. She has in the past donatedDentaidembroidered garments to the charity and its Swindon supporters local ice skat ing stars Andrew Seabrook and 1(Iwl7 his former partner Marsha Polouschenko, who returned to live in "" Ukraine last December. Brendon, who was inspired to make the trip after Link publicity From our July front page: Richard and for Dentaid over the last two years, Brendon packing up supplies for cussaid the focus of the trip had toms registration He said that aid workers report changed greatly in the last month. We have become even more the chronic state of hospitals in the aware of the chronic lack of clini- eastern bloc and the need for up to cal knowledge in Ukraine - par- date equipment, but it is rare for dentists to work with Ukrainians ticularly of pain relief, "There is no anaesthetic avail- to improve clinical practice. "We will be spending a lot of able for ordinary people and dentists just pull teeth and carry out time discussing and demonstratfillings using antiquated drills and ing techniques and training dentists in how to use anaesthetics. no pain killers. "People might not enjoy visiting There is also chronic gum disease the dentist in Britain - in Ukraine because antibiotics are non-existwe have been told that it one of the ent; so we'll be advising on hygiene practi ce ." most feared experiences."

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See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

The Link Magazine • August 1999

Link magazine prompts referendum call on whether Swindon should become a city Articles in our last two editions have questioned whether Swindon is ready to be a city. We've been saying that, rather than become a small city, perhaps it is better to be a successful big town. Now local environmentalist Jean Saunders of Swindon Friends of the Earth has called in a letter to the leader of Swindon Council for the question to be put to the people of the town. Swindon Council should not ignore the referendum idea. In the June Link we suggested that the town's rapid growth has created discontinuity and a sense of unease about getting larger: perhaps it is time to take stock. The Evening Advertiser, an enthusiastic supporter of city status asked twenty people to comment on 10 July. Seventeen said they wanted a referendum, two said it was unnecessary. One was undecided. The readers expressed optimism about the town, but were concerned about the implications of continued growth resulting in traffic gridlock and the pressures on facilities and services. The most important point is that people want to be asked what they think, which confirms what we have been saying. Jean Saunders commented, "The Link articles and editorials got me thinking about the whole city status question and I'd like to thank you for taking a sceptical stance. "The Swindon Development Appraisal carried out last year showed clearly that local people value the countryside around the

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Stretch your child's imagination in three directions at once

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Papermakers House, Westlea Swindon SN5 7BD Tel: (01793) 872282 Fax: (01793) 878189 e mail: linkmagazine@compuserve.com Internet: www.swindonlink.com Publisher/Editor: Roger Ogle General enquiries: Tel: (01793) 872282 Jenni Fowler Advertising: Tel: (01793) 872531 Editorial: Tel: (01793) 872282 General North Swindon Tanya Parkinson Tel: (01793) 705105

Printed by Wiltshire, Bristol

E°N°Ds

On page 4, we publish comments town which is also the main attraction to large companies. Once ac- on the city issue received in July. cess becomes a major problem, What do you think? companies will leave Swindon and Write or e mail us at the with that will begin a spiral of decline. addresses below. "Growth is not necessarily good See the online debate for the town - people should have www.swindonlink.com the right to choose if this is what they want." If there is to be a referendum, it WE COME TO YOU' mustbepreceded * Free collection by good publicity & delivery of the issues and Servicing & a debate at a local Annual repairs level. The populong stay permits BIKE * No call out charge Less lation has to be now available engaged in a for Bristol Street than WE ALSO SELL car park meaningful way. £44 per New & used cycles This has been Close to the town month centre, railway • New clearance models singularly absent (up to 50% off) so far. The 'City station & designer Parts & accessories Status Group' of outlet village local worthies Contact: Lesley Golsby chaired by the GWCE Properties Bishop of Swindon presented a on Swindon (01793) 616333 submission to the Home Office in October 1998, after meeting five times. The document supporting it is not publicly available. In June the Home Office officially invited applications from British towns seeking to become the millennium city. The original document has been sent in again. Here's a way to spend weekends that Is this good enough? Becoming a city might be a good thing, but will have 4 to 16 year olds buzzing. what will it be worth if the people who live in the town are not inEnrol them in your local cluded in the process? Holiday

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We have two large barns full of top quality furnishing fabrics (often more than 50 metres) which are the ends of ranges. Also wallpapers. All are from leading manufacturers at greatly reduced prices. Why not come and see us? Sue Cutcliffe. Giles Green, Brinkworth, Nr Chippenham. Tel: 01666 510685 Open Monday - Saturday 9am - t pm

Copy date for September edition: 13 August Published: 28 August Copy for October: 10 September

"The Link was first published for the West Swindon community in December 1978. It is completely independent of Link Centre and, in fact, won a competition to name the leisure centre in 1984. Distribution in North Swindon commenced in January 1994." The contents of The Link are protected by copyright. Use of advertisements in printed or electronic form is forbidden unless an advertiser or publisher has sought permission. Articles and photographs require similar authority.

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The Link Magazine • August 1999

ti me to wake up and become a city

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Isabel Palmer of Toothill writes

What exactly is a city? Most people are very clear on this point. A city is created by charter and contains a cathedral. Maybe, but not necessarily. What does a city look like? Set in rolling hills, with patchwork fields, the outskirts of out-of-town stores, business parks and estate housing build to a visual crescendo of cathedral, university, architectural masterpieces at the city's cultural heart. Could this be Swindon?

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An important centre for communication and motor industries, warehousing and distribution, Swindon is a key location - geographically, commercially, historically. Looking forward to a radical change in image in terms of its place the global economy, we can also look back, beyond even our legendary railway past, to the vast Roman complex at Abbey Meads. Maybe Swindon cannot compete with Bath's Latin name Aquae Sulis but Swindonium has a distinctly Roman sound for special occasions. At the risk of prefixing every-

thing that happens in 1999 with the word 'Millennium' we have a genuine opportunity to exploit Swindon's capacity for re-invention. In many ways, this town has developed inside out, although the town centre has attracted new investment and a higher commercial profile lately. City status would raise everyone's expectations of Swindon, including those of the planners and policy makers. Keystone events like the Wiltshire Festival and the Swindon Festival of Literature would showcase the new city's developing cultural infrastructure. After all, alphabetically, Swindon can cite the great writer Jonathan Swift and St Swithin, a former Bishop of Winchester, as its neighbours. What of its university? Richard Jefferies University has the right combination of kudos and historical significance. There are upgraded colleges and polytechnics throughout the country with less claim to fame. Swindon has been a dormitory town for too long. It's time to wake up.

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countyside and the quality of life of local people. Land will be needed to swell the town's population of 155,000 to a possible 250,000 - about the size of four more areas the size of the Northern Development. No wonder land speculators are earmarking countryside all around Swindon for their massive housing estates. Developers know that, if they bide their time, the town planners will have to agree to release their bit of land for buildings eventually. How will this help encour- sorry state. If it is that important age big companies to move to ar- for Swindon to become a city let's eas where unemployment is high build a cathedral instead. and where there is plenty of derSo let's take heed of the majority elict land and loads of empty view that local people do not want houses? more countryside eaten up to acCompare this vision to the ca- commodate loads more newcomthedral city of Salisbury that only ers, traffic or large corporations has a population of around 40,000 that make no commitment to the and where there is a real sense of town and who threaten to pack up history and community pride. I and go if they can't have what they cannot see a shop like McKilroy want. being pulled down in Salisbury Big is not beautiful and Swinnor lovely old buildings like the don has suffered enough in the Mechanics Institute or the Corn name of so-called economic Exchange allowed to fall into a progress.

The Link Magazine ' August 1999

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

The Urban Task Force Report and Swindon A year ago the government set up the Urban Task Force headed by into the towns. Its vision would be founded on principles of design architect Sir Richard Rogers to identify causes of urban decay in excellence, socialwell-beingandenvironmentalresponsibilitywithin England and recommend practical solutions to bring people back a viable economic and legislative framework. Charmaine Spickernell of the Council for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) North Wilts & Swindon Group comments on the implications for the town.

The extent of the problem of empty streets in the north of England and the disparity in house prices between the north and the south was highlighted in a BBC Panorama programme the evening before the report was launched on 29 June. The recommendations made by the Task Force try to stem the flood of migration which has accelerated in the last five years. The Structure Plan housing figures for Wiltshire are calculated on the basis of allowing 3,000 a year for inward migration. If these figures were reduced to say 1,500 a year there could be a re-think of the projected figures for housing for the next ten years. While there is a general agreement that Swindon should be allowed to grow naturally, few want forced growth. The recommendations affecting Swindon fall into two categories: the use of the planning system, and measures to ensure that making use of urban areas and empty buildings is more financially rewarding than building on greenfields. With regard to planning and managing the land supply, the moves to ensure brownfields are

sis is also placed on the need for high quality design both architecturally and for energy efficiency, and for new measures to encourage the restoration and the use of historic buildings left empty. This gives hope for the Mechanics Institute and other buildings. As far as Swindon's growth is concerned, the report gives impetus for this to be inwards. The vision in the next 10 years is for people to move back into urban centres where they can enjoy all the advantages without so much pollution, because of better public transport, and where there will be much more involvement of com-

YOUR NEW LOOK

munity groups and voluntary organisations in tackling eyesores. An important quote from the Executive Summary page 13 is: "measures are needed to ensure there is not too much greenfield land within the planning system at any one time. This will include requiring planning authorities to remove allocations of greenfield land from development plans where those allocations are no longer consistent with national and regional policy objectives. The general presumption against development on specially designations green belt areas should remain..." Financial measures include the need to harmonise VAT rates in respect of new building and conversions, establishing public-private investment funds that can attract an additional ÂŁ1 billion in private investment for area regeneration projects, and setting up priority areas. In Swindon this could be the area around the rail and bus stations. At the Examination in Public of the Structure Plan in November, these recommendations should

make it less attractive to argue for the use of more greenfield land around Swindon. There are already some 8,000 houses waiting to be built on greenfield land. The recommendations will give incentive to using the 3,000 to 4,000 brownfields and conversion opportunities identified by the Borough Council. Certainly, the report strengthens the arguments for urban renaissance.

S A F E WAY AT HAYDON WICK

Your local Safeway store has changed for the better!

SAEWAY

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To make shopping easier we have a Refund & Replace scheme to give confidence in our products, a New Baby Discount WAy w hich gives families 10% off their shopping, not forgetting gxfE the wide range of offers available through our ABC loyalty card.

Our thanks to our friends who have kindly sponsored a trolley dash in aid of Mencap during relaunch week

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participate in a three month project in Ghana with Operation Raleigh. They awarded her £50. Jodie returns in October.

We were a challenge Marie Green writes

Cycling for cancer research A Transco worker living in Freshbrook is preparing to raise over £2,000 for the Cancer Research Campaign in August. Bruce Elder, from Langport Close, leaves on 7 August to cycle 340 miles to visit his brother in Galashiels. Having lost members of his family to cancer, a long sponsored ride is something he has always wanted to do. The experience of being knocked off his bike by a hit and run driver on Hook Street did not deter him, but he went out and bought a hat the next day. Transco have sponsored his clothing and given him time off work, Link advertiser Gastech is contributing ten per cent of all boiler services in August to the fund. Bargain F^ Bikes at Wootton Bassett have prepared Bruce's cycle for his big trip. To offer help, Bruce can be contacted on 872319 or 0467 346944.

Residents of Elsie Hazel! Court, Gainsborough Court and Prince Rupert Court would like to express their sincere thanks to the wonderful guys and gals from the legal office at Allied Dunbar who took up the staff challenge and gave us a. special day trip to Swanage on Saturday 12 June. We had a free coach trip, entertainment, lunch, cream tea and steam railway ride. They also acted as minders and were very helpful with the wheelchairs. Everybody had a great time and they won't forget it in a hurry. Thanks also to Bill our driver Rebekah Dooleyand Becky Wisniewski from Thamesdown Transport. and Tregoze School children, from left This challenge was one of many Louise Hatherall, Versha Mandalia, that Allied Dunbar do every year. Sheen Sanghera, Daryl Carpenter

US student teachers impressed

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SHOPPING WITH a smite! Yes, shopping with the family can be fun especially at the West Swindon Shopping Centre

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WEST SWINDON SHOPPING CENTRE Tewkesbury Way, Swindon

3 MARTINS 3 DIXONS 3 MOTORSAVE 3 ROSEBY'S 3 OS 3 THOMAS COOK 3 COOPERS 3 THE SPORTS FACTORY 3 MR. MINIT 3 CLARKS 3 THE BAGGAGE FACTORY 3 MORRISON & MASTERS 3 BARRATTS SHOES 3 JD BROWN 3 JOHNSONS 3 TAYLORS 3 NAT WEST BANK 3 HK97 3 DOMINO'S PIZZA 3 FINDERS KEEPERS 3 HOLMES 3 PARTNERS 3 VIDEO SOLENT 3 LADBROKES 3 TRAWLERMAN 3 HARVESTER PUB 3 HALIFAX 3 DENTAL PRACTICE 3 RED BALLOON

A group of nine primary school student teachers from William Jewell College in Missouri, USA spent four weeks up in June working at several schools in West Swindon. "We're really impressed by what we have observed," said Rebekah Dooley. "The educational approach schools have here is great. It's what we get taught in college, but the school system in the US is nowhere near as advanced. Seeing the philosphy in action and working such nice children and teachers has made the trip an unforgettable experience."

Superstore Newsagents Electrical Retailers Motor Accessories Curtains & Bedding Familywear Travel Agents Chemists Sportswear & Equipment Shoe repairs/Key cutting Shoes Travel Goods Solicitors Shoe Shop Jewellers Dry Cleaners Estate Agents Chinese Take-away Rented Accommodation Opticians Hairdressing Salon Turf Accountants Fish & Chips Takeaway Building Society Restaurant

SHAW & ROUGHMOOR

Crossing patrol person needed to prevent tragedy After a child was nearly knocked down crossing Middleaze Drive on the way to school in June, Salt Way School is appealing to drivers to slow down. They are also exploring every avenue to find a School Crossing Patrol Officer for 30 minutes before and after school during term time, having been without one for some time. Swindon Borough Council will be coming to look at the crossing to assess whether any other action is required. If you are interested in the School Crossing Patrol Officer post, which is paid at £4.27 per hour plus a small retainer, please contact Jackie at Salt Way School on 881065. • Brook Field and Tregoze Schools are also in need of Crossing Patrol Officers. If you can help, contact Blind bend on Middlleaze Drive. the Borough's Road Safety Officer Please be careful of children crossing Margaret Tester on 466399. to school and the nearby play area

Roughmoor Village Fish & Chip Shop Open 7 days a week: Tuesday -Thursday 12 noon - 2pm & 5pm -10.30pm. Friday 11.30am - 2.30pm & 5pm -10.30pm Saturday 11.30am - 2.30pm & 5pm -11 pm. Sunday & Monday (evenings only) 5.30pm - 10pm

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Sally gets there in the end

UP AND OVER,

Sally Gunnell, icon of British Athletics during the 1990s, Barcelona Olympics gold medallist in 1992 and one time world record holder in the 400metres hurdles, finally arrived at Shaw Ridge School. Past pupil Emma Ratnam won her for a visit to her school sports day in a competition run by Birds Eye foods over two years ago. But last year Sally was indisposed by motherhood, and a long standing engagement prevented her visit to this year's sports day. But better late than never, Sally arrived on 14 July to put the Shaw Ridge children through exercises on the school field. She also answered a stream of questions from the eager youngsters, including a group from Greendown School. "It's really great to visit a school which encourages healthy competition," she said. "I'm impressed by the Shaw Ridge record in footSally with Shaw Ridgehead Kieth Burke, ball and netball, and I've been told Greendown PE teacher and England about the successful gym club. "It's how 1 started in athletics. A cross country runner Caroline Thomas and Claire Ratnam, sister of Emma who primary school teacher encouraged me and got me into a club." won the visit two years ago

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First fete a success A big crowd turned out on 3 July to support a fete to raise money for the furnishing of the Church of Christ the Servant. "It was a great success," said Deaconess Maureen Spinks. "The money raised will help us prepare for the day when the church building is ready, sometime next year." The two and a half year old Cotterell triplets from Holliday Close, caught in the act at the graffiti board. From left, Alison, Imogen, Lily

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Right spelling needed Paul Thomas writes

As a resident of Abbey Meads for over three and half years, can I say how irritating it is for some of us residents that several of the new businesses - which we wholeheartedly welcome - seem intent on changing the address to Abbeymeads. An example is the advert for the Abbeymeads Veterinary Surgery. To the best of my knowledge the only Abbeymeads in the area is at Gloucester - we are Abbey Meads! I would appeal to businesses to get it right to prevent future confusion.

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Lane falls foul to dogs Pond Street, one of the main footpaths between Abbey Meads and Haydon Wick is so polluted with dog mess that it has become an unpleasant walk and a health hazard. The route is particularly popu- dog owner pointed out the lack of lar for mums and children as a 'dog poo bins' on the route. If you walk to local schools, pre-schools are walking with young children and the Safeway store. But if it is or to the supermarket it is not a not kept clean the pedestrians will good idea to carry it with you. Swindon Council spokeswoman be driven to using cars to avoid the inconvenience of weaving around Helen Barnes explained, "the counthe muck with buggies and getting cil is concerned about the probit off shoes. Apart from the smell, lems of litter and dog fouling and dog faeces carry disease and germs, a report has been submitted to the environment services committee. say concerned parents. Terry Goodenough, from Abbey As an interim measure metal signs Meads, gets angry every time he are being erected reminding dog uses Pond Street. "It is disgusting owners to 'clean it up." Until the council put its signs that owners are not responsible enough to clear up after their dogs. up, parents are appealing to ownThey should think of others, espe- ers to mind where their dogs foul and clean up the mess if its on a cially young children." But one unwilling to be named pedestrian route. Avoiding dog mess. A daily problem for children and parents en route to Haydon Leigh School and the shops

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infant and the junior classes of Westlea School in early July. Produced by teacher Ann Wong, Girls and Cliff Richard. the usual parts like the demented "We wanted to make it a bit of Queen, the Mad Hatter and the fun for the children now that all White Rabbit appeared in Alice in the tests are out of the way," said Storyland. But the plot was Mrs Wong. "Each teacher took a stretched a bit with the appear- scene and wrote it with their chilance of popular nursery rhyme dren in mind. The costumes made characters, plus songs by the Spice by parents were fantastic." Teachers Stuart Hall and Jo McCombe with some of the infants who appeared

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Cable disruption hits Westlea New digging to lay cable communications underpavements in Westlea started in June and it has angered resident Sheila Mitchell - again.

"I was upset and complained when all the streets were dug up in 1988. Now they are at it again laying new cable right next to what was installed over ten years ago." She is concerned that, apart from the mess the workmen make in digging the trenches, the bitumen used to seal the joint makes unsightly tramlines in the pavements and it's really slippery in wet weather. The cable system is now owned by giant communica ti ons company NIL which will be offering multichannel digital television, low cost telephone services and high speed internet access.

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Legal graffiti site to be shut down The end is in sight for the old cow shed at Toothill Farm on Bodiam Drive - both as a place for young people to try out their artistic talents and also as a community facility. Swindon Council's community and leisure services committee has . declared it surplus to requirements and they are looking around for z other uses. In the short term, the y `^ t :I 7`^9' hope a local Scout group might lease it. t ^r j^ One of the cub packs attached to I st Toothill Scouts have met in the shed for several years. I rl.r It has been a youth centre since ej f the earliest days of Toothill, over 6" '+• + + 20 years ago, but it was never a I council run facility. Several waves + +' + + of volunteers applied for grants to renovate the building and employ But graffiti has been spreading youth workers. The projects al- pressure from residents went back ways foundered and over the last to a meeting he called in 1997 to in the Toothill area and must be five years the building has attracted see what action was required. "I dealtwith. Leasing the building to graffiti artists who wanted to de- suggested the site be developed an organised youth group could for young people, but the residents reduce the problem." velop their skills. The council turned a blind eye, by that time did not want any more • Swindon's Environmental Servbut residents living close-by have youth attracted to the area and ices Committee has ordered a new long protested that the shed is un- raised a petition to get the council high tech machine for their graffiti sightly and the empty cans, plastic to take action." remover Ray Mills. He said he was glad that a direcbags and junk left behind by the He was pictured in the Novemartists just adds to the appearance tion has been agreed upon after ber 98 Link using chemicals and a two year's discussion and indeci- scrubbing brush on subways and of dereliction. They also complained of the sion. The problems of graffiti and council buildings. The new equipspread of 'tagging' - scribbles on the farm site has been considered ment will deliver a high temperafences and lamp posts - on routes by several different council com- ture jet spray at 200lbs. per square mittees. to the farm. inch to strip off graffiti paint from However he expressed worries any kind of surface. Local councillor David Cox said as to what effect the decision might have. "There are two kinds of graffiti. The people who tag and deface buildings with large paintEeec zc 4€ SE^^uGCe4 ings are vandals. But some of the work on the Toothill shed, on its YOUR FIRST STOP FOR own and in a different context, ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT could be considered artistic. There For friendly and are some talented young people From a 13 amp fuse, cleaner bag professional service out there. or consumer unit to fridges,

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Dome tapestry ready The first of two pieces of artwork by children at primary schools in Haydon Wick for display in the Millennium Dome, with other tapestries from across Britain, has been unveiled. Using the brief Natu r e and CornKatrina Butcher came up with a munications provided by the dome design for the border called 'expeexhibition organisers, local mum riencing nature in my back garSusan Carr worked closely with den. It shows butterflies, frogs, children at Haydon Wick School trees and birds in a formal border to come up with ideas and make in recognition of the recently disthe different elements which she covered Roman temple nearby. then combined in the finished Susan is now gathering ideas work. and craft work from children at

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Susan, who gained her BA degree in art from Swindon College in July, spotted an article in the June 98 Link about a grant for a millennium project on offer from the Haydon Wick parish council. Her proposal to involve local children and create long lasting works of art was successful, and the millennium tapestry opened up new opportunities. She was pictured with Haydon Wick school children on our October front page at the launch of the project. "It's been very hard work but they came up with some wonderfully creative ideas," she said. "Over 200 children were involved; every item on the tapestry has been suggested, designed or made by them." In the centre of the work is a globe which shows the life giving sun shining on rows of houses next to green fields. 'Soon all the fields will be gone' is the idea put forward by Georgina Louca, in a reference to the North Swindon development. The planet is set in the universe with designs of the space shuttle, a communication satellite, a computer and a mobile 'phone.

Haydon Leigh School on the theme of Holidays and Rest. She is hoping to work with Greenmeadow School during the autumn on a third tapestry.

Show goes on A local drama group threatened with closure due to dwindling numbers can now start rehearsing its next production thanks to support from Link readers. Our July edition featured a plea from the Haydon Players amateur drama group for new members to prevent its closure. It was feared that their recent successful show Panic Stations, dedicated to the memory of murder victim Sarah Winrow, would be their last. The group, which has been running for over 10 years, needed at least another four members to continue. Seven people have already contacted member Lou Carter, four of whom have started rehearsals. "We are really pleased at the response," he said. "We are now able to start work on our Christmas pantomime." If you would like to know more about the group call 692123.

LETTER FROM WESTMINSTER

We're all being caught up in The Web Earlier this year, I was made a junior minister at the Department of Trade and Industry and one of the most exciting parts of the job is my responsibility for the Internet, writes Michael Wills MP for North Swindon. place with the rolling It took thirty eight out of broadband techyears before 50 million nologies. And we are people were listening to creating the support for radio in the United small firms to take up States. By contrast 100 e-commerce with a netmillion people were uswork of 100 Local Suping the Internet worldport Centres. wide within four years. It is not just busiDaily 80,000 go on nesses that will benefit line. Traffic doubles from the spread of the every 100 days. The gloInternet. So too will bal market for e-comindividuals. Surfing merce, doing business over the Internet, negligible in the Net provides everyone with 1990, is predicted to reach over a access to information they have never had before. Whether retrillion dollars by 2003. Information and communication searching your family tree or findtechnologies are driving extraor- ing the best price to buy CDs, or dinary changes in the way we all searching for the best medical opinlive and work - and at unprec- ion in the world on a particular complaint - everyone can benefit. edented speed. But it is because these new techFifteen years ago, it took around 7 years for a car to get from the nologies are so powerful and emdrawing board into the showroom. powering that we must be espeThe Ford Puma took 18 months. A cially careful to ensure that everybanking transaction which costs one can share in the benefits and £1 in a traditional branch costs 1p that progress does not mean we over the Internet. In this world create a new source of inequality flexibility, adaptability and crea- in our society - opening up a gulf tivity are prized as never before. between the information-rich and They are the key to an effective the information-poor. This is why we want every child response to the speed and extent of change, embracing and surfing in the country to have access to the it, instead of being drowned by it. Internet through their school by Those companies and countries 2002. This is why we have set up a that can encourage and sustain network of more than 3,000 'IT for these qualities will succeed. All' access centres. The Government has set itself the goal of making Britain the best place in the world to do business electronically by 2002. The physical infrastructure is being put in

I believe that the Net offers each of us wonderful opportunities. But only if we are prepared to reach out and seize them. My job is to ensure that Government plays its part in preparing Britain to lead the world in developing the full potential of these exciting new technologies. Michael Wills can be contacted at willsm@parliament.uk or on Swindon 488088. See also www.swindonlink.com

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An all-weather opportuni ty to watch. Wroughton will see over 95% of the eclipse. The Science Museum's aviation

display hangers will also be open. Maximum eclipse II . 17am Adults £3, concessions £ 1, children FREE The Science Museum Wroughton is situated 15 minutes from Swindon town centre, off M4 junction 16 - follow the signs to Wroughton and Science Museum. For a copy of our events leaflet, call 01793 814466 or write to the Science Museum Wroughton , Wroughton Airfield, Swindon SN4 9NS

The Link Magazine • August 1999 -

Tenth birthday party for past toddlers

O/ I ( S/ E

Parents and toddlers who attend the Nutkin group at Upper Shaw Farm get together with past members on 26 August to celebrate the group's tenth anniversa ry . A disco, bouncy castle, face Nutkins runs on Tuesday and tickets available for the party. To painting, parachute games and Thursday mornings and currently book, or find out about joining party food are planned. has seventy members. Nutkins, call Jo Scott on 882283 or " There are a limited number of Bernie Dudman on 881049.

Host Families wanted for French teenage students on full-time courses For details please contact Nita Ma rt in on (01672) 539368 or (01672) 539561

Children who attended Nutkins in 1990. Where are they now?

Tumble Tots is Britain's leading national active play programme, for children from 6 months to 7 years. Our structured play is specially designed to build your child's self-confidence and sel f-e steem through:

O Developing physical skills of agility, balance and co-ordinatior O Developing language with action songs and rhymes. O Trained staff and specially designed Tumble Tots equipment. ^^ O Great fun, with more than 60,000 Tumble Tots members and ^® y 450 centres in the UK. _

New manager for nursery A popular pre-school which cares for many West Swindon children now has a new manager. Dawn Bailey, a qualified teacher who has been with Ridgeway PreSchool for three years, was apr pointed manager in June. Ridgeway was one of the first t .°^ f `' nurseries to be established in the rt` town, six years ago, and is now part of Asquith Court Nurseries, one of the UK leaders in child care with 76 nurseries in its group. It has experience that Dawn will be building on. "Ridgeway Prei,,,. 1 School is popular for a number of reasons, not least the high standards of care and education, and the ^, .. ". constant desire to achieve excellence for the children," she said. "We have a very loyal staff group across the age range." The pre-school is in the process of adding a head of child care to DawnBaileywithRhysClyne,Mollie the staff roll and making altera- Hall, Jonathan Liang tions to the building to cater for To find out more about Ridgeincreased demand for places. way Pre-school, telephone 845572.

Drama academy great success

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Children of all ages love drama. Those who have been involved in classes improve their verbal skills quickly because they enjoy all of the activities. They explore speech skills, movement and dance dramas, free and structured improvisa ti ons and much more. Group

and paired work helps them to develop control, concentra ti on and the ability to cooperate with others. The youth theatre classes are highly successful in stimulating the imagination and the enthusiasm of young people. Working within the comprehensive theatre arts Jenny Hatch with some of her young programme, students are encourperformers, rear, Chanele Dublin, aged to exchange views, workshop Greg Satchel!. Front, Melanie Bar- ideas and to develop leadership row, Jack Dudman and organisational skills. At the end of June and in early July over 470 children performed their end of term productions. Jenny Hatch started advertising in The Link in August 1998 when she launched the Helen O'Grady Academy in the Swindon area. As a result local classes were filled very quickly. The academy is currently enrolling for September 1999. There are places at the Link Centre, Greendown School and at the Haydon Centre, with new studios being established in Highworth and Wootton Bassett. Contact Jenny Hatch on 01672 520528 as soon as possible if you would like more details.

EDUCATION MATTERS

Anniversary and dedication for church school The fifteenth birthday of Oliver Tomkins church aided infants school on 13 July provided the opportunity to celebrate three times over - the opening of the school, the dedication of the nursery which opened in January and the presentation of a banner to be hung in the school hall. First, the Bishop of Swindon Rt including a miscalculation which Rev Michael Doe blessed the nurs- saw the hall roof installed six feet ery, to the day that 15 years ago lower than it should have been. To mark the day, youngsters Diocesan Bishop Rt Rev Oliver Tomkins tolled a bell, moved from from Greendown School, some of the old Hook church primary whom had attended Oliver Tomschool, to dedicate the new West kins, presented a banner made by some forty GCSE child developSwindon school. Then at a special assembly Mrs ment and textile students. Six and Margaret Williams, the first head- seven year olds from the infant teacher who retired in 1991, re- school had helped with the design called some of the problems en- and the cutting out of leaves and countered during building works, flowers. Rt Rev Michael Doe, the Bishop of Swindon and Margaret Williams cut the celebration cake with Oliver Tomkins children and students froth Greendown. Headteacher Penny Summers stands rear right, with Greendown teachers Alison Godfrey and Sue Clack, rear left

rteâ€” inter ction Practical help

A cake was cut at the assembly for CV preparation, and enjoyed at a lunchtime picnic interview and in bright sunshine. To end the presentation skills, day, the school was encircled and a 'mexican wave' handshake career management and passed between the 300 children personal development. and staff. II Call for further information Headteacher Penny Summers said the day had been a wonderful on our cost effective occasion. "It is important to look II career assessment services. back and give children a sense of history and tradition. I think we Tel/Fax:01793 701523 achieved that today."

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Helen O'Grady CHILDREN'S DRAMA ACADEMY For further details please phone:Principal Jenny Hatch on 01672 520 528

Report praises Shaw primary school A second Ofsted report on Salt Way recognises that it has improved and that the quality of teaching and standards have been raised in numeracy, information technology and physical education.

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The inspection took place between 17 and 21 May. The first inspection was made in July 1995. The 368 pupil school is well managed and there is a strong commitment to raising standards further. The report indicates that these are well above average when compared with similar schools. It says, 'pupils make good progress overall. They behave well and show good attitudes to their work.' Included in the school roll are 105 with special educational needs and the inspectors comment that provision for them is inconsistent and provision should be improved.

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Year 6 children recently presented Evacuees, a play based on their studies of Britain during World War II. In front, evacuees Naomi Collette and Tara Wilson with WI lady Roxanne Jarvis

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as acting group librarian. We say farewell and good luck to Isobel Mason who joined the service twenty one years ago and has worked at West Swindon for fourteen. She is leaving to join her husband who has retired. We wish Vicki and Isobel the best of luck. Don't forget about the summer activities for children. Anyone from 3 to 16 can have great fun joining the Reading Safari game, collecting colourful cards each time Vicki Fielding they read a book and winning an invitation to a party in September. Central Library and 1.30pm at West There are also opportunities to Swindon Library. see a superb fun-packed magic Tickets at £1.50 each are still show on 11 August, 11.30am at available. Anne Baker The Price of Love Denied her mother's love, Kate catches the adoring eye of Jack Courtney. But he comes from a family of wealthy shipowners who may disapprove of the match and Kate's mother is terrified that history will repeat itself. Robert Barnard Touched by the Dead After winning a stunning election victory, Colin Pinnock receives a message saying, "who do you think you are?" Is it to put him in his place or something more

Did you know about it? Hot weather and apathy were given as reasons that only three people attended an afternoon public meeting at the Link Centre on 12 July to discuss the library service. Twenty-five came to the evening meeting at the Civic Offices on 14 July. In late June a consultants report slated Swindon's libraries for • low investment over many years, whilst libraries were not under Swindon's control • the inadequacy of the central library - labelled as the worst of its kind in the country • a limited range of books, audio and video resources and the lack of specialist equipment such as CD ROMs, fax machines and photocopiers. • a mis-match between opening hours and user needs. The report recognised that staff deliver an excellent service in difficult conditions. Library service managers still want to hear your views. A survey form is available from libraries which should be returned by 2 August. The community and leisure services committee will consider public views on 16 September.

profound? Investigating, Colin is led to an old political scandal and a series of incidents with designs on his career and life. Mary Higgins Clark We'll Meet Again The story of two women, best friends, one of whom is charged and convicted of a murder the other may have committed. Margaret Dickinson The Fisher Lass Jeannie Buchanan is a 'herring-girl', employed to follow the herring drifters along the east coast. When, in a small Lincolnshire fishing town, she rescues a girl from the assault of a group on a stag night she fixes herself in the mind of the bridegroom. Jeannie at first holds him in complete contempt, but she cannot forget him. Katie Flynn Polly's Angel When Polly's father has a stroke, she tries to persuade her mother to take him away from 1940s war time Liverpool and back to Dublin. When the city is bombed, her parents refuse to leave their adopted city - and their family - in danger. Sue Grafton OisforOutlaw Kinsey Milhone rides again! The latest in the Grafton crime alphabet series. Elisabeth McNeill Money Troubles When Helen Hunt's father, rich mill-owner, Howie Gates dies, she unexpectedly embarks on a

hunt into the past to find the truth about a secret, her long-dead sister and a child never mentioned. Leslie Thomas Other Times In the autumn of 1939 James Bevan is a junior officer attached to a south coast anti-aircraft unit. From working-class orphan to army officerhow was this achieved? Nicola Thorne Class Reunion It's the decade of liberation, love and hippiedom. Convent girls Clare, Pippa and Eleanor embark on the carousel of life. Clare marries, Pippa becomes a bride of Christ and Eleanor ...?

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A Ridgeway School athlete has made an excellent recovery from injury during the winter to perform well against older opposition. Promising rugby player Alex Norcross from Shaw competed in the high jump for the first time this season, having recovered from a broken collar bone last September and a badly damaged knee in February which put a leg in plaster for several weeks. Both injuries came just before selection games for the Wiltshire county under 15 squad. A long fightback with help from Tim Whiting, head of PE at Ridgeway, saw the now six foot one inch fourteen year old representing Wiltshire at the English County Championships in June. On 3 July he was a member of the Ridgeway team at the English Schools Athletics Association cup final where he took a notable fourth place in the high jump event and fifth in the 100 metres against fif- has already started and Alex, above, is hoping to stay clear of injury teen and sixteen year olds. Training for the rugby season and show his true potential.

Junior rugby club to build on strengths Wootton Bassett rugby club junior section is looking for boys and girls who want to learn the game and maintain its success. It is regarded as one of the lead- programme of matches. The under 15s squad in particuers in junior rugby development in the south of England and its lar wants to strengthen its squad teams regularly win games against of 25 players so that it can field two more well known clubs. All mini teams in the coming season. Last and junior coaches have passed year 17 of them were selected to national coaching awards. play for Wiltshire. Wootton Bassett is the only club Parents who would like to introin the country to submit all coaches duce their son or daughter to the and assistants working with the game can just turn up to a training children to police checks. session at the Stoneover Lane Mini teams begin from under 7s ground in Wootton Bassett, or call and pre-season training has started 851425 for a squad contact. on Thursday evening and Sunday To find out more about the unmorning. Teams are mixed to under 15s, call Glynn Parker on der 12s level and there is a busy 853916.

Judo players perform well

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Five members of the Shaw Judo Club competed in the British Judo Council's Welsh national finals at the end of June. They were Emma Bunce,9; Katie Jackman, 10; Phillip Hutchings, 11; Stuart Jackman, 12 and Emily Hill, 14. Emma had to fight bigger girls in a higher weight group as she was only 0.25kg over the limit. Phillip was in a group of 27 competitors from all over the country. He won two fights against higher grades than himself, but did not progress through to the knockout rounds. In the under 60 kilo group Stuart won very hard bouts against higher grades to win the bronze trophy in his category. The club was founded in 1995 and now boasts over 40 members, Bronze winner Stuart Jackman with including a very strong senior sec- Shaw club coach Mike Crowe tion including ex-British Squad Tuesdays and Thursdays. For demember, Craig Curtis. tails about joining, call Mike Crowe It meets at Brook Field School on on 881383.

web sites @ www.swind n stews

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swindonlink relaunches to become town's premier web site Old Town celebrates Glorious weather blessed the Old Town Festival over the weekend of 10 & 11 July More

More Headlines Dentists make aid trip to Ukraine The Urban Regeneration Taskforce report Roves Farm wins the right to reopen for the holidays Tapestry ready for Millennium Dome Church makes appeal to repair building Explorers to give talks about North Pole trip

After 18 months on the internet, swindonlink.com has reorganised to offer Swindon people the best place to visit online. With an average of 1,700 hits a day the site is already well known and we plan to make it much, much better.

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Visit Swindon One of the best in Europe: the recently discovered Roman Temple More

swindonlink.com is now also a great place to advertise your business. We realise that it's early days for the online community, so we have created a price structure to suit all kinds of enterprise, from £50 a page - for a whole year to £200 for the bigger, more exciting advertisement, with animation effects and e-business opportunities. For those who already have web sites, let us give it a fresh look and a more interesting design. And we'll link it to swindonlink to increase the number of visits you receive. If you've been thinking about setting up a web site, the quality of our design and our prices will really excite you.

Opening Easter 2000. STEAM: Swindon's Millennium Railway Heritage Centre More ,

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Shakespeare takes to Lydiard lawns Top marks for Greendown Young Swindon voices on school's CD

Contact Leslie Pickett

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swindonlink.com , c/o The Link Magazine, Papermarkers House. 1 Rivenhall Road. Westlea, Swindon Tel: 01793 872282 • Fax: 01793 878189 Advertising information and site design, e-mail: sales-swindonlink@england.com Tel: 01793 832229 Publisher: Roger Ogle

Technical director: Mark Hodgson

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New cricket club needs players There is still time to join a new cricket team based at the Bolingbroke Arms at Hook. The pitch has been established next to the restaurant and bar and a programme of friendly matches has been drawn up. Senior and junior players are invited to join to help build a good standard of cricket for next year. To find out more about becoming a team player or social member, call Colin Butcher at The Bolingbroke Arms on 852357

IMPORTANT DECISIONS REQUIRE PROFESSIONAL ADVICE

Swimmers try the California dream Sixteen members of Swindon's Tigersharks swim team return on 26 July from a two week training trip with the one of the world's most successful clubs at Mission Viejo, south of Los Angeles. Whilst there the youngsters experienced the American way of life with families of local swimmers. Club coach Phil Millard said the trip is a wonderful opportunity to train in fantastic facilities at a club with an enviable record. Its most famous past member is Mark Spitz, the seven gold medal winner at 1972 Munich Olympics. Overall Mission Viejo swimmers have set 22 world records and 91 USA records. The swimmers, pictured right before departure, also took part in an open competition at San Diego.

Girls win the cup Footballers from Brook Field School in Shaw recently won the Wiltshire girls primary schools tournament. "We came together just a few days before," said Jodie Reynolds. "Most of us play football with the boys in the playground, but some did not know the rules. I think we did quite well."

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For the Classical Extravagnza on 20 August, the prodigious talents of 13 year old soprano Charlotte Church will ring out across the crowd of 10,000 people, who this year will be able to view stage scenes on a giant video screen.

e mail: giantcards@aol.com

With the huge publicity Charlotte has had in the last year, this is an opportunity not be missed. Past favourites will again be on show including the aerial display by a Charlotte Church at Swindon's DeVere Hotel in early June

World War II Spitfire, the last night of the proms programme sung by Bethan Dudley, and a massive fireworks finale. On Saturday 21 August, festival organisers have brought together the best line up yet, with performers from the 70s, 80s and 90s for the Party In The Park. Bethan Dudley performing at last year's Classical Extravaganza

1 000, Tony Hadley of Spandau Ballet and E17, below, are three acts from earlier years. Bringing the festival right up to date will be the chart toppers 911, Cleopatra, Honeyz and Kele Le Roc Ticket booking details can be found on page 9. See the festival at the offical Wiltshire Festival web site: www.swindonlink.com

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Play it live and have fun This was the message delivered to 170 people who attended a clinic at Greendown School on 11 July with top rock drummer Steve White of the Paul Weller Band. Giving demonstrations of both explosive power and delicate technique, he took the class through a series of exercises whilst encouraging the drummers in attendance to put in hours and hours of practice, to keep it simple and to have a good time whilst playing live music. Afterwards he said, "it was really great to see so many young people with their parents. I'm also impressed by the facilities at Greendown. You go to so many schools and music hardly figures at all." The event was organised by local drum teachers Paul Ashman and SteveJobbins, pictured rear, with young students Laura Lallon. Kayleigh Compson, Alex Ogle, Mark Heard, Daniel Newbury

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Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat at the Wyvern, Monday23 to Saturday 28 August

Sunday 8 August Family Dick Whittington. Wyvern, 3pm & 6pm. £5.50 Wednesday 11 August Eclipse Watch Party See the Science Museum, Wroughton, adve rt on page 13 Family Charlie & The Jelly Factory. Wyvern, 2pm. £5.50 Thursday 12 August Craft activity Once Upon A Time ... At Lydiard, suit 5 - 11 yr olds. Lydiard House, 2pm - 4pm. Book on 770401

ake the bus and enjoy a wider choice Tof shops and services in Swindon The Shoppers' Shuttle bus service travels between Swindon Town Centre and The Great Western Designer Outlet Centre

on l y S minutes apart Runs every 15 minutes -+ From only SOp return

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For further information and a free no-obligation estimate, simply call

-j •

Railway Station Great Western Designer Outlet Village

Shaun on Freephon 0800 4961244 or 01793 33 03 33

Until Tuesday 31 August Quiz & trail Henry's Horses Prize Trail, suit 5-11 yr olds. Lydiard House during opening hours (tel: 770401). £1 inc admission Quiz & trail Sma rt A rt, suit 5-11 yr olds. Swindon Museum & Art Galle ry during opening hours (tel: 466556). Free Monday 2 August to Saturday 7 August Drama Me & My Girl produced by the Wyvern Theatre Summer Youth Project. Wyvern 7.30pm, Sat mat 2.30pm. £6 - £8 Tuesday 3 August Craft activity The Fabulous Fifties, suit 5-11 yr olds. Swindon Museum & Art Galle ry, 2pm - 4pm. £2, book on 466556 Comedy Crazy Chicken Comedy Club. Mackenzie's, 16 Wood St, 7.45pm. £5 Thursday 5 August Craft activity Snazzy Souvenirs, suit 5 - 11 yr olds. GWR Museum, 2pm - 4pm. £2, book on 466555 Saturday 7 August Family Time Trail Treasure Hunt: Search for the Dragon's Gold. Lydiard House, 11 am - 1 pm (last entry 12.30pm), 1.30pm - 4.30pm (last entry 4pm). £3.90 per group, one prize per group, first prize, £40 book token, for best entry Guided walk Town centre. See Sat 21 Aug for details

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August overview

Saturday 14 August Monday 23 August to Guided walk See Sat 21 Aug Saturday 28 August Musical Joseph & the Amazing Sunday 15 August Music Bootleg Buddy - a tribute Technicolour Dreamcoat. Wyvern, to Buddy Holly and the 1950s. Mon, 7.30pm; Tues - Thurs, 2.30pm & 7.30pm; Fri & Sat, 5pm Wyvern, 7.45pm. £9.50 & 8pm. £9.50 -£21.50 Tuesday 17 August Craft activity Print a T-shirt, suit Monday 23 to Monday 30 August 5 - 11 yr olds. Swindon Museum Sculptree `99 Giant tree trunks & Art Gallery, 2 - 3pm, 3 - 4pm, 4 - transformed by 12 expert carvers, 10am - 5pm, and auctioned for 5pm. £3.50 book on 466556 charity on Bank Holiday Monday. Monday 16 August & Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury. Tuesday 17 August Family Wizadora. Songs, magic Tel: 880147. £3.80, children £1 & lots of audience participation. Wyvern, 16th 4pm, 17th 2pm. £6 Thursday 19 August Craft activity Roundabouts & Rollercoasters, suit 5 - 11 yr olds. GWR Museum, 2pm - 4pm. £2,

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book on 466555 Friday 20 August Wiltshire Festival see page 9

pmr

Saturday 21 August Guided walk Town centre. Sta rt 10.30am, Information Centre, Re-

gent Street, finish 12noon approx. Tickets £3, tel: 530328 for details Wiltshire Festival see page 9 Tour & talk Unravelling the Landscape: an inquisitive approach to archaeology. National Monuments

Record Centre (next to Outlet Village, Kemble Drive), 11 am - 2pm £10 incl light lunch Tour of the National Monuments Record Centre, 2.15pm. Free

The oliugbrot R e5taurant

& far Hook, Nr Wootton Basset Swindon Tel/Fax: (01793) 852357 Excellent beers & wholesome house wines For an evening meal in pleasant surroundings, try our own: c Chicken Cognac r Lamb Demerara Y Salmon Citrus To name just a few of our special delights all freshly prepared at the Bolingbroke

Sunday lunchtime roast Midweek lunchtime menu on request Open: Tuesday to Sunday 12noon - 2.30pm; 7pm - 10.30pm Closed Monday Booking advisable for our 30 cover restaurant Small weddings, Christenings

Wednesday 25 August Guided walk Old Town. Start 6pm Old Town Square, High Street. Tickets £3 from Information Centre, tel: 530328 Thursday 26 August Music Barrage, ten piece Canadian group. Arts Centre, 8pm. £8 Saturday 28 August Guided walk Town centre. See Sat 21 Aug for details Saturday 28 August to Monday 30 August The Festival of Wood Over 100 craft & trade stands. Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury. Tel: 880147. £3.80, children £1

Nostalgia show The 5th Wroughton Nostalgia Show takes place over the weekend 31 July to 1 August, 10am to 5pm at Wroughton airfield. There will be over 1,500 vintage and classic vehicles as well as hundreds of stalls,

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10% off block bookings C 1- on lessons taken between Monday & Thursday at Westleaze Riding Centre, Mill Lane, Swindon Bath Kingshill Road Ob Town

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r------------------THERE'S MORE TO GROWTH THAN GETTING TALLER!,

THEATRE EXPRESS SUMMER SCHOOLS `99 & WEEKLY SCHOOLS Theatre Express, Performing Arts Schools & Theatre Company, has openings for our Summer Schools and for the Autumn Term, starting September 1999 Our weekly Swindon school is b as ed at the Greendown Community School (with easy access, missing out the weekend city centre traffic)

an antique and

Our school runs on Saturdays, from 2.30pm to 5.30pm

collectors fair, toyk' `^

Theatre Express is fun! It is also beneficial in helping develop: self-confidence,

and ,r train fair," auto mobilia and crafts.

Other attractions include helicopter rides, trips in vintage buses, a silver band, street entertainers, arena events and refreshments. The Science Museum's collection of historic road transport, aircraft, agricultural, firefighting and space technology will also be open. A brilliant day out for the whole family; entrance, includes museum, £5 for adults and free for accompanied children under 14.

self-esteem, imaginative thought, co-ordination, expression, an d other importan t skills Theatre Express is designed for 5 to 16 year olds, in three age groups. Students gain the opportunity to mix with a like-minded group of f ri ends, an d to develop skills that will aid through life. If you would like your child to benefit from one of our Summer Schools, an d/or this exciting weekend hobby, then:

Contact Theatre Express now for a prospectus on 01608 - 676024 Or write to: Theatre Express, P. 0. Box 94, Chipping Norton D. 0., OX7 3YL

or E-mail us on: express1@globalnet.co.uk L-------------------I

MONKEY MAYHEM Children's Party Supplies Mail Order All tableware and food boxes sold separately Free cup lids & bendy straws Everything you'll need for your party is here in our FREE colour catalogue

August Bank Holiday at the Swindon & Cricklade Railway, Blunsdon Station Sunday 29 August & Monday 30 August, 10.30am to 4pm

Tel: (01793) 497551 or 433998

Adult and childrens bouncy castle hire available

.SWINDON'S REAL RAILWAY

liday

Fun•

Sevenhampton, Nr Highworth, Swindon • Tel: 01793 763939 Signed offA420 & A361. 3 miles NE of Swindon

OPEN EVERY WEDNESDAY - SUNDAY 28th July - 5 September inclusive I lam - 5pm (last admission 4.30pm) * Bottle feeding & meet all the farm animals *Rural craft demonstrations * Granary Tea Rooms * 7 Nature walks * Bouncy castle and ball pond * Adventure play area * Toddlers indoor play area * NEW Willow `Beastie' and Maze

* Tractor and trailer ri des around the farm

visit the

GWR MUSEUM, SWINDON before 3rd OCTOBER 1999 FAREWELL TO FARINGOON ROAD 1962 - 1999 The GWR Museum closes on Sunday 3rd October to enable the collection to move to STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway opening Spring 2000 in the heart of the former GWR works on the historic Churchward site. To mark the 37 years of the GWR Museum, come along and enjoy *Special family events *Children's craft activities 'Evening talks *Farewell party with live music *Photographic displays 'Quizzes and Trails PLUS a great 2 for the price of 1 offer on admission! Just cut out the coupon below GWR Museum, Faringdon Road, Swindon Tel: 01793 466555

^® 2 for the ^rice of 1 ®^I I 1

This voucher entitles 2 people to visit the GWR Museum for the price of 1 admission! Valid from 1st August to 31st August 1999

Includes entry to Railway Village Museum. Excludes entry to children's craft events. Please cut out this voucher and hand it in at the ticket desk to get your discount

L- ---------------------

Roves Farm open for holidays This popular farm has at last won its battle with Swindon Borough Council Planning Depa rt ment and reopens for the summer holidays on 28 July. As usual the staff will introduce Roves Farm has several indoor yoi to a wide range of farm ani- and outdoor play areas for all age mals and tell you all about them. groups from toddlers to teenagers Many of them can be cuddled and and seven different farm trails takstroked and plenty of help is needed ing you past ponds, woods, the to bottle feed the goats and lambs river Cole and a wetland. Visit the at regular intervals throughout each new willow 'Beastie' just off the day. toddler trail, a great place for hide and seek and sardines. Rupe rt Burr campaigning to keep There are plenty of places for Roves Farm open last year picnics, or you can use the Grana ry Tearooms. The guided tractorand trailer rides, which run regularly are always one of the highli ghts of any day out at Roves Farm. The visitor centre specialises in children's birthday parties - two hours of fun and no mess at home. As a result of the planning appeal success, Roves Farm is re-building its popular barn dance and wedding facilities and promoting itself for indoor and outdoor corporate entertainment days. For opening times, see the adve rt isement on the left.

Get feverish about the forest There's a fever in and around Swindon until 8 August with walks, talks, cycle rides, discover and exploration events for all ages aimed at revealing different aspects of the Great Western Community Forest. There is a full programme available. For a copy, call 466324.

Last chance to visit rail museum Make it a visit during the summer holidays Tim B ry an, keeper of the GWR Museum writes On 3 October Swindon's Great Western Railway Museum will close, marking the end of one era in the town's railways heritage and the beginning of another, with the new STEAM museum due to open next spring. The GWR museum opened in June 1962, at a time when steam locomotives were being replaced by diesels on British Rail. It quickly became a Mecca for railway enthusiasts from all over the world. One and a half million people have visited the museum and there have been many changes over the last 37 years. Most exciting were the times when locomotives were moved in and out, not an easy process in a town centre locations li ke ours. In 1984 the record-breaking 'City of Truro' was replaced by a 1934 GWR diesel railcar, and in 1993 the most famous GWR engine of all, 'King George V' took the place of locomotive 'Lode Star' still make it one of the best visitor Over the years the building has attractions in the town. become increasingly unsuitable as A series of special events to a museum, being too cramped and mark the closure will be held in inaccessible for today's visitor, and September. So, if you've been to display the growing collection of meaning to come and see the exhibits. Despite this, those on museum, don't hang about. show at Faringdon Road are suAnd do use the two for one perb, and the friendly atmosphere voucher printed on the left.

Holiday childcare in West & North Swindon Summer holidays are fun for children, but for parents they pose a problem - how do they manage work, education and training commitmentswhile ensuring their children are safe and well cared for. One solution is a holiday club, of which there are six in West and North Swindon. Offering affordable, quality childcare from morning till night, they cater for children aged five to 12 and charge between £10 to £16 per day. The average group size is between 16 to 24,. with some clubs catering for children with special needs.

Sly Fox Holiday Camp Running throughout the holidays

26th July - 3rd September Great fun for all 5 - 12 year olds Activities include football, hockey, bouncy castle games, a rt s and

crafts, trampolining, karate and children's fitness classes

Standard day 10am - 4pm Only £8.50. Gold Card holders £3 Early starts and late finishes available more information, call (01793)

All of the West and North Swindon holiday clubs are registered with Social Services, ensuring that they meet the high standards of safety, staffing and accommodation required. This means that the adult play leaders, have to be fully qualified, and there must always be a trained first-aider on the premises. There must also be at least two or more members of staff present at all times, depending on the number of children. Janice Humphries, Childcare Development Officer at Wiltshire and Swindon Training & Enterprise Council - which helped set up and support these clubs says, "holiday clubs are not an extension of school, but places where children can relax and enjoy themselves under professional supervision. Parents are always welcome to drop in and see for themselves what goes on. They're a very real solution to holiday childcare

Having problems with after school care?

tllei

,Look no

Toothill After School Club offers a high standard of childcare and good value for money for working parents, students, one-parent families and families on low income • Safe escort from Oliver Tomkins and Toothill primary schools • Exciting things to make and do, access to a computer and printer for homework, computer games to play, termly t ri ps • Snack included (weekly menu displayed) • £4 per session, £3.50 for brother/sister • £2.50 Gold Card holders To make an appointment to view, call Annette Gage on 433640

Trio Cool Kids Holiday Playscheme Trio Cool Kids provide a safe, secure environment where children play, make things and meet new friends.

worries."

We cater for working parents, students, one-parent families and families on low income. Competitive, flexible rates available.

For further information, including where your nearest club is located, parents can contact Janice .Humphries at the TEC on 01793 501527, or call the club direct. In addition to those advertised on this page, there are holiday clubs at Westlea After School Club, tel: 872380 and the Roughmoor Farm Nursery, tel: 772099.

A choice of two locations in Swindon both registered with Social Services

Trio Cool Kids! Trio Cool Kids!! TregozeSchool New College West Swindon Swindon

Happy children • Relaxed parents Qualified staff Lots of activities • Outings

Fishing m ing Races Bounc y castle h • u p Football

SUMMER FUN AT THE BIG ADVENTURE

CLUB

For details, call Tracey Bailey on (01793) 875992

THE

Tug ofi War

RO/ I@r S

BIG

The Big Adventure Club

katin9 Treasure hunts Painting Woodwork is Tenn Cookery Badminton s \ca e P

Open 9am - 6pm during the school holidays for 5 to 11 year olds

Mini Olympics

Go cart V:%\ce

Mounta^r tra^\s

kites Trampolinin

9 Water slide to Sweet m aking

Sca Ven 9er hunts

Team games Skateboarding

Specially planned for the holidays Visit to Swindon Town Football Club, martial arts demonstations, days out, snooker, table tennis, visit to the press works, It's a Knock-Out, visit by the police, visit to the fire station Three football days with qualified FA coach Phil Rivers 12, 19, 26 August - £7 a day

Discover

5aAc

Do you have a special occasion to go to? Do you want a special hat, but don't want to buy one to wear just once?

Co,,ri'e 6

You need to visit • • The

0/a'

Hater

Bath ath ' VRoad, Old Town, Swindon to see our exciting range of hats for hire For a personal appointment, telephone (01793) 704005.

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Fes val fun brings out the crowds Glorious weather blessed the Old Town Festival on 10 and 11 July, with large numbers of people cheering on the Jolly Brolly Parade before the well dressed umbrellas were judged by Swindon's Queen Victoria, Ma ry Ratcliffe, with help from the Mayor, coun Joy Brunt. The Saturday afternoon craft streets and the parks packed out show and games activities on the There was a tremendous commLawns were well attended, as was unity spirit over the weekend." He said there was potential for a the Caribbean Carnival at the nine dayfestival nextyear, overtwo Recreation Ground. On Sunday 11 July, the Old Town weekends with a wider range of Gardens were filled with craft events venues involved. A new commi tt ee and the Burmah Bowl hosted music is being formed to run the event. For details, call John on 435983. representing past decades. Proceed from this years festival will Organiser John Griffiths said, "it all was absolutely splendid with the be donated to the Prospect Hospice. Queen Victoria and the Mayor with Jolly Brolliest before the judging

Est. 1920

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Join in with holiday entertainment for children and families running every day at Lydiard House. Generations of the St John family special days of filming for the BBC of Lydiard Park lavished money on and meeting Julia Roberts. Ma ry owning horses, racing and Mellish followed Lord Bolingbroke gambling. This story is brought to into Woolwo rt hs when she was a life through a trail of amusing clues, little child - agog to see what nobil- objects and cameos in the house, ity bought when they went shop- including a fabulous rocking horse ping. She was shocked. made by local craftsman Robert This collection of histories from Mullis. the pens of Lydiard folk give an In Victorian times Lord Henry was extraordinary insight into the lives deeply in debt, a legacy of the of local people in yesteryear. family's spendthrift days. Now The first Lydiards local history visitors can see a remarkable new book sold out within weeks. To 'character figure' of the old lord in pre-book a copy, call Julie Willis on smoking cap and slippers in the 772021. They will also be on sale li brary. Lord Henry's reflections are at the Lydiard Village Show. the starting point for the children's prize trail. Lydiard a rd Village Show While at Lydiard House take the 28 August, 2pm - 5pm oppo rt unity to view the replica of Lydiard Village Hall the famous Stubbs painting of Lord Entries invited for handicraft, Bolingbroke's favourite mare. photography. Call Pat Russell Children's prize trail: £1 including on 771116 for a schedule. admission.

A long awaited second 286 page book of memories about the village of Lydiard Millicent - Lydiard Life 2000 - will be published at the end of August. Christine Saunders says the editorial team could have produced one twice as long. Here she describes some its contents. Forget Captain Mainwaring and Co. If Hitler had landed in Britain, without doubt it would have been Lydiard Green in the firing line, and to prove it the trenches, concrete road blockcylinders and indestructible 'pillboxes' are still evident in the village as a reminder of what might have been, if.....and why. Michael Saunders tells all. John Tull recalls his parlour being used as Dad's Army HQ and `soldiers' bickering over who could be in charge of the 'real gun' each week and who should be left holding the sta rt ing pistol. He also recalls being squeezed into a pram with his teenage brother, along with a few sticks of dynamite, on a secret mission to 'blow up' Pu rt on Bridge. His father, dressed up as a li tt le old lady, pushed them through two villages. You'll have to read

frT

the article to see if they were successful, or if the mission was bungled. Lorraine Child writes of a distant relative, 'Turk' Strange. 'Turk' is a colloquialism for a male with brutal sexual behaviour. Lorraine tells of the women in his life who gave him his 27 children. He married his second wife when he was 38 - she was just 15, and 4 months pregnant. She went to her coffin black and blue. He beat his children mercilessly when they refused to clear nettles with their bare hands, on one occasion nearly killing a son. The grandson of a gipsy family who used to park their caravan behind The Sun Inn, tells how his granny travelled to Epsom on race days charging ladies a penny for 'Commode-ations'! Our own Bruce Willis reveals his

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The Link Magazine . August 1999

Mortgage rates - up or down? F. K BUILDING SERVICES p

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There has been a great deal of speculation in the last six to twelve months about the chances of mortgage rates in the UK continuing to fall, writes Mike Rees of Mansfield Begbie Associates. This has been brought about not only as a result of the changes in the European Community and the introduction of the Euro, but also the number of interest rates reductions in the last six months, which as of 15 July 1999 leaves the bank base rate at 5%. We still get a large number of enquiries from people who are under the impression that this is the mortgage I rate. In fact, the variable mortgage rate for the majority of lenders in the UK stands at 6.8% with a fewer slightly lower, and some slightly higher. This is a differential of 1.8%. I would also state that I do not see this differential getting any lower. If the bank base rate continues to fall, as most experts predict, then the variable mortgage rate will almost certainly not fall by the same amount, if at all. The reason is that most mortgage lenders have far more investors than borrowers and they have a responsibility to those investors

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to offer them good returns on their money. If a bank reduces the borrowing rate they also need to reduce the the interest rate offered to investors, lowering the returns. If the rate offered goes too low, investors withdraw their money to invest elsewhere, for example, offshore funds, longer term deposit accounts. This leaves the bank in a weaker position in terms of reserves/deposits. It is therefore unlikely that mortgage rates will come down too much more in the foreseeable future. In fact, forecasts for the medium to long term money markets have recently caused certain lenders to withdraw long-term fixed and capped rate products and replace these with higher rates, so longer term fixed/capped rates, (five or seven years), are not as competitive now as they were two months ago.

One option for those who are prepared to take a chance on the base rate is a 'tracker' mortgage. This is a loan linked to the base rate which can go up or down. The difference between the two is guaranteed. One example is no more than 0.75% above the base rate, giving a variable tracker rate of 5.75%. In effect, the mortgage rate is controlled not simply by the lender but by the Bank of England. The main conclusion is that people should be aware of the difference between the bank base rate and the mortgage rate as well as being informed of the changes in the money markets over a medium term period, not just the immediate future. If there are any enquiries, Mike Rees of Mansfield Begbie Associates, West Swindon's longest established mortgage brokers, will be pleased to help on 772779.

Crime reduction plan on target The Crime and Disorder Act places a duty on eve ry local authority to work in partnership with the police and others to develop a local crime reduction strategy. Crime and Disorder coordinator for Swindon Miriam Minty describes the work so far. The Strategic Crime and Disorder Partnership has been formed, made up of representatives from the police force, the local authority, probation, fire services, health authority, parish councils. To date it has: • undertaken a comprehensive crime audit in order to get a picture of both the patterns and levels of offending in Swindon and what the concerns of the people of Swindon are. • formed a wider Crime and Disorder Partnership to ensure that

all sections of the many diverse communities of Swindon are represented.

• undertaken a wide reaching consultation in order to find out what the priorities of local people are, and using all this information: • published a three year crime reduction strategy which outlines 5 main strategic issues including: - young people as both victims, and perpetrators of crime. - domestic violence - trying to develop interagency policies, procedures and training. - fear of crime - trying to combat fear by providing a more visible and accessible community policing system. - hate crime. Indications suggest that there is a massive under reporting of hate crime. The strategy looks towards partners developing a third party reporting method. - drug and alcohol misuse. There

Insp. BobWalton, partnership community safety officer with devlopment officer Chris Hunt, left, and Crime and Disorder coordinator Miriam Minty

is a strong link between burglary and drug misuse. This strategy aims to ensure drugs education work continues to be developed within youth facilities and schools across Swindon. Finally the strategy talks about the development of NESTS (Neighbourhood Safety Teams). It is hoped that eventually in every

ward local people would work with community beat officers, local authority staff, their local councillor and others to identify the issues for their area and develop ways of working out local problems. For information about the Swindon Crime and Disorder Partnership, call Miriam Minty on 463000.

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"Representative only of CORNHILL INSURANCE PLC for the purpose of effecting investment business introductions CORNHILL INSURANCE PLC is regulated by the Personal Investment Authority for life assurance and pensions business'. Registered with the Mortgage Code Register of Intermediaries: No. 5151731 • Consumer Credit Licence: No. 222123 Credit broker fees of up to 1%

Ott

the advance maybe charged at completion depending on the type of product and credit period. Rate applied is 3.49'/ (36% APR) for two years. APR is variable. Roles may vary. A writ

quotation on loans can be obtained

on request. Only available to persons 18 yeas of age or over. Subject to status. Subject to our current lending crineria. A 3.4% reduction applied to the variable base mortgage rate, currently 6.89%. Those applicants benefiting from this special discount who redeem their mortgage within live years from the date of completion will be charged an additional six months interest. This charge will be reimbursed dance mortgage is then taken out with the Society. A life assurance policy may be required. Example: A married couple aged 30 years and 28 years, both non-smokers, applying for an endowment mortgage of £60,000 over a 25 year term (300 monthly payments), completing before 3t October 1999 secured against a property being purchased for £55,000. 300 monthly mortgage payments net of tax of £152.36. Monthly endowment premium of £74.96. Total amount payable £116,317 calculated to Include valuation lee £155. This calculation Is based on the assumption that the discounted rate will apply throughout the term of the loan. Maximum loan St 90,000. The rate applies to loans up to and including 00% of the purchase price or valuation, whichever is the lower. The discounted rate is applicable for two years, after which the then current rate will apply. When an applicant is borrowing more than 75% the Society will require additional security. This is usually in the form eta Risk Charge. Rates correct at time of going to press.

The Link Magazine • August 1999

Take a trip to Kosovo

Dave Rogers)

^^ctKtvc a^L De^oz^etoz

A new fitness centre in West Swindon is appealing to readers to take part in their first charity event.

Interior and exterio decorating carried out to a high standard including: • Painting • Wallpapering • Coving • Tiling • General Maintenance

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EverybodyZ relocated to the Hillmead Complex near Shaw in May and is now organising a sponsored 60 hour marathon cycle ride and run on static machines, to raise cash to transport to Kosovo the aid collected in Swindon. The charity workout at the end of August is being organised by Phil Rashid from Grange Park in conjunction with EverybodyZ owner Bob Hizycki. "Do a mile, or do ten, it's your choice," said Phil. "The important thing is to make the effort. We need individuals who want to help and also company teams or groups of friends to take part." See opposite for details on how to join in and below, read how Swindon has helped the people of Kosovo.

,ten,

I'hil Rashid makes a head help from Bob Hizycki

start with

A big thank you for helping the Swindon Kosovo appeal Christ Butcher, Elder at the Upper Stratton Baptist Church, writes On 19 June, the Upper Stratton Baptist Church Kosovo Albanian Refugee Appeal was visited by Dudley and Jenny Powell, right, the missionary couple from Albania whose e-mail for help on 6 April sparked off the collection of aid. During their visit they met many of the volunteers who have sorted and packed the 130 tonnes of clothing, bedding, toiletries and food. They showed slides of their work amongst the refugees and led a special thanksgiving service. More than 10,000 refugees moved into Berat, the Albanian town where they have been based since 1992. Working with Christians from churches they founded in three towns, Dudley and Jenny helped spearhead the provision of these vital supplies to the Kosovars. Many had been brutally treated, tortured or raped by the Serbian para-militaries. They had witnessed at first hand their loved ones slaughtered, and watched as their homes and villages were looted and burned. "Many of them were very traumatised," said Jenny. "You could see in their eyes that the screams still reverberated in their heads." Since the peace agreement was the transport. Sung by Rachel Cook reached, the refugees have flooded back to their 'homes,' determined with the Ruskin Junior School to rebuild their lives. For many, choir, the tape at only £3 is availthe excitement, however, turns to able from Virgin Megastore, grief and anger as they see the Serb Brunel Arcade, the Christian book destruction. Despite the reduced shops in Swindon and Highwort coverage in the media, for many and by mail order from the churc the suffering is as intense now as in Green Road (add £1 p&p). If you are able to help with funds ever. Even the basic amenities are destroyed, so they often do not please call 538851, or visit the appea even have water or sanitation. website at www.usbc.freeserve.co .

BIKE OR RUN TO KOSOVO Individuals and teams are needed to take part from 28 August, Gam to 30 August, 6pm to fund transportation of aid collected in Swindon by Upper Stratton Baptist Church • Two running machines and two cycle machines have been provided by EverybodyZ II Fitness Centre, West Swindon • Refreshments, souvenirs and T-shirts included • Participants to be sponsored for each mile they run or cycle. Do a mile or ten. It's your effort that c r111z1 tr

o ART

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appropriate headings

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The Link Magazine • August 1999 33

Community fire watch launched

Rising to the challenge

Four boys from 1st Toothill Scouts were presented with certificates at Firefighters from Westlea Station the beginning of July for successwere out in force at the West Swin- fully passing the Chief Scouts Chaldon Centre on 17 July to promote lenge. a new initiative to raise fire safety Left to right, Lewis England, Nathan awareness. Buries, Grant Hutchings, Kevin Fulcher The aim is to reduce the number of fires and associated deaths and injuries in the home by providing safety information focused on individual households. To achieve this, a pilot area covering West Swindon and Moredon has been split up into several sectors, each with a designated firefighter who will liaise with schools and visit homes if invited. The Link will cover the project in more depth next month. In the meantime if you have any problems, the staff at Westlea fire station will be only be too happy to help. Contact them on 487620. An answermachine is available out of hours. For emergencies, call 999.

Receptionists needed Relate Swindon is looking for new members of the team who help greet callers, answer the phone and support our counsellors during weekday evenings. If you can offer two hours of your time, either each week or on a variable basis. Please phone Swindon 527664 for more information.

"It's good to talk" The Relate /Candis helpline is open on Tuesdays between 2pm and 8pm. If you are in a relationship under strain and would like the opportunity to talk to a professional counsellor, call Swindon 495199.

Help wanted for Japanese XTC fan

Via www.swindonlink.com Hello! I'm Kayoko Watanabe from Japan. Winners of our July I'm a new fan of XTC, so I'd like competitions Firefighters aim for to know a lot of things about their Bowood concert home town. big party collection Joanne Hilbome, Coriander Way, I' m a 39 year-old married Westlea firefighters will be man- Woodhall Pk woman. My husband and I are ning a display at the Wiltshire Fes- JPR concerts at Longleat House looking forward to visiting Swintival Party in the Park on 21 Au- 31 July: Karen Teetgen, Alpine Close, don in the future! If you are interRamleaze; Mrs K Taylor, Worsley gust, and collecting in aid of the Road, Freshbrook ested in writing to me, please mail National Fire Service Benevolent 14 August: K Bissell, Caine; Jack to pchan@p.email.ne.jp Fund. Richardson, BBC, White City, London They will also be cutting up a car Wiltshire Festival Party In The Park and rescuing a volunteer in an ex- Miss P Ward, Fenland Close, trication demonstration which will Middleleaze; Laura Boswell, Parsely be projected live on the large side- Close, Woodhall Park; Mrs SA Lawson, Featherwood, Westlea; Katie Heath, stage video screen. Yarmouth Close, Freshbrook; Oliver For more information or to make Bradley, Wakefield Close, Freshbrook a donation to the fund, call fire Wiltshire Festival Party In The Park fighter Tim Elliott at Westlea on @ www.swindonlink.com 487562. Peter & Alison Thornhill from Devizes

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The Link Magazine â€˘

BACK PAIN If you are suffering from: 0 Backache, Leg pain O Neck, FREE Shoulder, l rm Pain Headache checks & Migraine Vailabl

0 Sciatica 0 Sports Injury 0 Whiplash You should consider consulting a Chiropractor SANDRA E. DAVIES D.C.

ust 1999

Coming together at

-= Tnw ' HILL

Moving home to a brand new house in a brand new area can be very exciting, but it can also be frustrating having to wait for the various services that we have come to expect in our locality. Sometimes when they finally arrive they do not fulfil their promise. Una Carlow of the Wiltshire Health Authority writes. Recognising the potential of the Taw Hill site, a group of local community service providers, including health, the police, the church and Swindon Council, have got together in an attempt to plan a dynamic and complete provision that will give Taw Hill residents a successful community focal point. As a team they are looking at interesting ways of linking different services together. It seems unlikely that the village centre will be ready before 2003/4. So the team is looking at the

development of temporary buildings to bring cornmunity facilities on line sooner rather than later. The views, ideas and support and involvement of interested Taw Hill residents would be most welcome by the planning group. For more information, contact Gillian Morris, Northern Area Manager, Community Services, Swindon Borough Council, tel: 466513 or Una Carlow, Project Manager, Wiltshire Health Authority, tel: 531008.

Taw Hill doctors delay opening

The opening of a medical surgery to serve people at Taw Hill, due in Shaw Chiropractic Clinic August, has been delayed by a month and now aims to be operational Shaw Village Centre on 20 September. Tel: (01793) 887801 Drs Peter Crouch and June Mor- problems required to set up a new ris, right, have been planning the venture caused them to reassess new facilities for several months, the opening date. /,/ Member of the British / Chiropractic Association but in the end overcoming all the The new surgery has in fact been active on the internet since midApril where visitors could find out what is being planned, tour the facilities and register an interest in becoming a patient. Registered Nurse MSSCh MBChA ' ' Dr Morris said, "it's been a very busy time pulling together all that is needed to open a surgery. It just Telephone: 01793 613334 seemed wise to give ourselves ore more time, rather than rush into Answermachine - all calls returned feet? things." He added that there had been tremendous interest in the online CHIROPODIST surgery and a large number of e mails from potential patients have

Angela Cracknell Chiropodist

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Ultimate *Top To Toe* Workouts now available in your area Monday 8 to 9pm Westlea Primary School, Langstone Way Tuesday 7 to 8pm Holy Trinity Church, Shaw Wednesday 7.30 to 8.30pm Churchfields Upper School, Salcombe Grove Thursday 8.15 to 9.15pm Holy Trinity Church, Shaw

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Any queries call 01793 726659 STILL ONLY ÂŁ3.00 PER SESSION Amberley has recently instructed at The News of The World's "Feel Fab" weekend Also currently appearing in Monica Grenfel's "Get Back Into Your Jeans" fitness video

been received. The site has had over 3,500 hits since mid-April, many from Link readers and via the swindonlink.com web site. For those not yet on the world wide web, plans are available at the Taywood Homes Taw Hill sales centre at Burghley Park. The long term plan is to build a permanent surgery at the village centre. The surgery can be seen www.tawhillsurgery.com

Conservation area under threat again Members of Seven Fields conservation group are dismayed about plans to build houses overlooking their nature reserve, saying it could destroy wildlife. Robert Hitchin Homes have planning permission to build 61 houses on the eastern edge of Abbey Meads, adjacent to the protected land, which has been looked after by the conservation group, for over 10 years. Chairman Bill King, said, "five years ago our reserve was designated a local nature reserve by the Borough Council because its unique flora and fauna. The wildlife includes foxes, kestrels, woodpeckers, badgers, as well as wild flowers. The development will overshadow the reserve and domestic animals such as cats will devastate wildlife." A spokesman for Robert Hitchin argued that trees would mask the houses, pointing out that the land was used by the public via a wide cycle path to exercise animals. Group secretary Marilyn Beale said the houses will be built within inches of tree canopies. "We believe the revised plans are a complete disaster. They have reduced

the number of houses by five, but bad layout means that some of them are even nearer the trees and a historic hedgerow - part of which goes back to medieval times. "We have no control over this, but we are writing to Swindon's chief executive to ask why the council is abandoning the premier wildlife site in the borough." However Martin Trewhella, senior planner at Swindon Borough Council responsible for the northern developement said the original Robert Hitchin proposal had been revised to be more sensitive to the environment. "Houses have been sited away from the cycle route and the three storey houses have been moved deeper into the site. The developer will be required to erect a strong fence to prevent damage beyond the boundary of the building site." He said that although there will be 17 houses to the acre on the site, the bedspace density is no greater than the adjacent developments.

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

The Link Magazine • August 1999 35

ailable on west she ^pperbus

Spaces a%

As well as the Dial A Ride bus service, Thamesdown Dial A Ride and Community Transport also operate a shopperbus service in the West Swindon area on one day a week. Every Tuesday from 9.30am to 4.30pm a wheelchair accessible door to door service picks up people in West Swindon and takes them to the West Swindon Shopping Centre. The service can be used by anyone who has difficulty using pub-

Accompanist required

►

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lie transport due to temporary or permanent disability. Bookings are taken on Mondays after 1pm and bus tokens can be used to pay the fare. For further information or to register to use the West Swindon Shopperbus call 616050.

The Wootton Bassett Choral Society is looking for an organist. It meets each Monday evening from 7.45 to 9.15 from the beginning of September to late June, and sings works from the 17th to the 20th Centuries. Applicants should be at least Grade VII level and have some experience in playing with others. An ability to sight read would be helpful, as well as being able to play any two parts from four. If you are interested in this worthwhile activity please contact Mike Avery on 01666 510729. Remuneration is available.

6ARDENERS ,,,^

Single room, fully furnished, share facili ti es. £65 per week. For detals, tel:

01793 - 872531/889931

LAN

2,212,3,4,5

yards capacity 5 days given to fill skip 2.3 tonne Mini-digger for hire

195/7 Rodbourne Road Swindon Tel: 523262

furnished, cable TV. £80 per week all in

SKIPS

ROWS STORES

Ve ry large en-suite bedroom with power shower, WC, basin, fully

AMI

GT^,

Two rooms for rent in West Swindon

Freephone 0800 - 387613

PING

LANDSCAPING & GARDEN MAINTENANCE • Fencing: Close board/ Panels/Gates • Block Paving • Patios, Paths, Turfing • Hedging & Mowing Trained team • Fully insured For free quotation

Tel: 731610 8am - 8pm

Tel: ( 01793) 526571

Garden Supplies 80 litre compost £3.99 40 litre compost £2.75 20 litre John Innes compost £2.55 40 litre horse manure £2.50 40 litre peat £1.85 40 litres Ericaceous compost £2.99 Growbags 99p Canes 3' per 10 50p 4' per 10 80p 5' per 10 £1.15 6' per 10 £1.50 8' per 10 £2.35 Grass seed per lb from £1.30 Pelleted poultry manure £5.49

Wire netting l Om x 2' x / Z " Wire netting lOm x 3' x 1" Wire netting I Om x 3' x 2" 3kg charcoal 5kg charcoal Lighting liquid 13kg Handy Gas Green table oval White table oval Green table round White table round Green chair White chair

£9.99 £13.59 £10.19 £1.99 £3.25 £1.20 £10.50 £15.99 £14.99 £12.99 £12.49 £5.39 £5.29

NEED HELP WITH YOUR GARDEN? No job too small

21 piece picnic hamper

Contact ok John Wadsworth * on '_ii,

(9 ,L i& vG C it a&

01666-860400

Tel: 01793 - 7020761

£9.99 12V cordless drill driver kit £35.99

Green striped contract chair £6.99

Black & Decker GL200 9" strimmer 24 litre coolbox Unibond No More Nails Hozelock spray gun Hozelock 30m hose sta rter set No clog 3 in I feeder Garden tap kit Grosvenor multi purpose silicone 15m barbed wire Stanley 26" tool box + 12" tool box free

Mr Rotavator Creative Gardens Landscaping, Patios, Paths & Ponds, Fencing, Clearance & General Maintenance

Give me a c for a free quote.

Supavalue at Ron's Stores

Get your garden fit

Pets Corner £17.99 £8.49 £1.99 £5.99 £14.99

£5.99 £9.99 £1.99 £2.99 £19.99

Rabbit hutches Rabbit run Run hutch Bird tables Rabbit mixes 20kg bunny brunch 20kg fancy mix 20kg Russel 450gr pond food stick 450gr Koi sticks 450gr pond pellets

£35.00 £35.00 £40.00 £15.00

ENTERPRISE i WORKS

Swindon's No. 1 Fencing & Shed manufacturer

£6.65 £6.65

£11.90 £1.30 £1.50 .89p

Visit us for all your DIY needs

Garden Fencing - Concrete & Timber Posts Garden Sheds - Fencing Accessories Paving Slabs - Garden Ornaments - Trellis Panels Kindling Packs - Picnic Benches - Traditional Wood Logs Greenhouses - Peat Free Soil Improver - Log Chip

Why not come along and check out our products? Trade enquiries welcome.

council

TELEPHONE 01793 616288 FACSIMILIE 01793 542235

SERVICE SECTOR

ACCOUNTANCY GRA ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES • Business Start Up • Book-Keeping • Annual Accounts • Self Assessment Tax Short & long term assistance and projects

Free initial meeting

Tel/fax: 01793 871790 Mobile: 0468 068770

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

AERIAL SERVICES

ACCOUNTANCY

Getting a clear TV picture isn't difficult

r wxAss,sr Dieecr

Call Abbey Aerials of Haydon Wick

The tax and accountancy service for small businesses and taxpayers Self assessment • Tax returns Annual accounts • Book-keeping PAYE • VAT etc • Employed Self employed • In business

For a free initial discussion call Lyndon Day Tel/Fax: 01793 766000

DECORATOR

DECORATORS Tel: 01793 701394 Mobile: 0777 5894563 Interior & exterior painting and decorating Ceramic tiling Coving • Dado rails No job too big or too small. Free estimates

BOUGHT & SOLD Video / Hi-Fi / TV/Microwaves Washing Machines! Dishwashers Fridges! Freezers! Cookers, etc. • Full guarantees ♦ Top cash prices paid for goods under 5 years old Installation - Delivery - All leading makes VISIT OUR SWINDON SHOWROOM

K O

Awarded Top Three - Times supplement training awards for 1997 Covers the full DSA Syllabus Start before your 17th Birthday

PROPERTY SERVICES I I ROOFING

• Bathrooms • Plumbing • Carpentry • General building

Friendly and efficient service Hioh standards auaranteed

Call 525671 or Mobile 0973 760167

Washing Machines Tumble Driers Twin Tubs, etc. I. S.E. Food Waste Disposal Units Service Spares Repairs ,

Wilts Flat Roofing Specialist • All aspects of flat roofing • Strip and retile, all repairs • A quality job at a competitive price

Tel: (01793) 701110

ELq gOVIN WH High Quality Painting & Decorating

Interior & Exterior FOR FREE QUOTATIONS, RING 01793 725699

I MAINTENANCE ULTIFIX

Computerised theory training makes learning easier and more ENJOYABLE!

Call us FREE 0800 146 455

• Kitchens • Electrical • Decorating • Wood flooring

For free estimate call Paul on

Ltd.

To find out more,

PREMIER

All interior and exterior work undertaken

I HOME CLEANING

Used by many local driving schools Full 8 . 10 hours of supervised training that could cost less than a driving lesson

PROPERTY SERVICES Whatever you need, we will be able to help

Professional painter, tecorator & ceramic tiler

or 771628

I DRIVER TRAINING dT R A

Same day, local service wherever possible

Call for a free estimate on (01793) 729794 or mobile 0402 921551

and friendly service

DOMESTIC AP PLIANCES

:• Multi-point systems -e Satellite installations :• Poor reception • area specialists far v Amplifiers L :• All work guaranteed 4 7 days a week :• 100% customer satisfaction

DECORATOR

Repairs to most makes of: 3 Washing Machines 3 Dryers 3 Dishwashers 3 Microwaves 3 Vacuum Cleaners John Phillips Servicing 25 years experience All work guaranteed

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

Friendly Professio al! Service For cleanin & ironing Regular of one-offs inept reliable local cleaners' r<Insurance cover

01793 469552

Call the man that *can for all your painting & decorating, glazed tiling,kitchen fitting, carpentry, coving, property maintenance Tel: 01793 877859 or 0836 799614

SECURITY 7 days a week...

PFS PFS SECURITY C C T V SYSTEMS SYSTEMS Intruder Alarms/CCTV, Access Control Installation/Maintenance of Intruder/Fire Detection Systems IS09002 Certified Installer • NACOSS

XELLYS SKIPS 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 yard skips 01793 849416 LeA evenings

74 Victoria Rd. Swindon Tel: 642792

or daytime on 07771 657508

email: pfssecurity@msn.com www.pfs-securitysystems.co.uk

...... 7 days a week

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Washing machine, tumble dryer & dishwasher repairs & servicing •

.• • • n

No call out charge • No VAT

A SUDS

DOMESTIC APPLIANCES'

VACUUM

CLEANERS Bought, sold & repaired Ve ry reasonable prices No job too big or small Wanted: Vacuum cleaners Top prices paid Tel: 01793 870780 or 07957 581699

1 ODD JOBS

THE ODD J OB MAN Small building work, carpentry, joinery, painting & decorating, fitted wardrobes and kitchens, plugs and washers fitted "No job too small" Very reasonable prices Free estimates Call Tony, the Odd Job Man on 01793-886022

SUNBED HIRE

Deb's Sunbeds

Home Rental Fast tanning canopies -with or without facial boosters Doubles also available Free installation & local delivery Tel: Swindon 421665

anytime (Mobile 0378 - 641052)

For Sale

Boys Raleigh Mustang 5 speed, 13ins frame, 20ins wheel, suit age 5-8, cantilever brakes, exc cond, £45. Tel: 882178 Girls bicycle, suit 6-9yrs, 20" wheels, 5 speed, Shimano gears, gd cond, inspection welcome, £25. Tel: 876465 Children's bikes, suit ages 5 to 9, various styles, £10 each. Tel: 537485 Pram Beebcar Nicer Spo rt 3 in 1, accessodes, exc cond, multi colour, £85. Tel: 724540 Mamas and Papas pram/pushchair, matching cosytoes, rainhood and sunshade, £30. Tomy Light and Listen baby monitor with box, £10. Tel: 704312 Slide, TP Activity Toys, 4ft high, £10. Tel:

Set golf clubs in carry holdall, £30. Ladies suits, size 10/12, any offers, worth viewing. Tel: 872531 DP Bodytone rowing machine, £20. 4 baby body suits (0-3 months), 3 vests, wool bonnet, 2 soothers, £5 for all. Tel: 878781 Wedgewood collectors plates, 'Childrens Stories', 11 plates, £15 each. Tel: 722407 Child's double wardrobe, £5. Nappy disposal unit, £3. Two bar electric fire, £2. Chicco reclining pushchair, gd cond, £5. Tel: 876332 Display/cocktail unit in black ash, top right end slopes to fit under open staircase, £50. Tel: 705731 Silver grey curtains lined, with pink and white rose, 90 x 90, £15. Two pairs pink curtains, lined with white rose, 96 x 64, 72 x 64, £10. Tel: 611853 Two seater Derwent sofa, light green, gd cond, £100. Roof rack for Vauxhall Astra, new, £35. Tel: 701525 Single fold up bed, as new, £55. Pink velour ottoman, £15. Tel: 882251 Sofa bed, metal action, green and rose floral fabric, gd quality, £100. Tel: 615276 Single bed, pine, inc mattress, 6 months old, nearly new, £70. Tel: 875307

Green velour Bridgecraft lounge chair, left over from sale of 3 piece suite, £40 ono. Tel: 721533 Red carpet, 106" x 8', £6. Bureau £7. Rocking chair £7. Single pink padded headboard with lights, £3. Tel: 870353 Jug kettle, Morphy Richards, dk green, vgc, £9. Trolley case, 18" x 13" compact, new, blue, overnighter, £10. Metal document file, as new, red, £7. Tel: 692807 Fridge, Bosch, vgc, well taken care of, £40 ono. Tel: 722407 Microwave, white, gd working condition, £30 ono. Tel: 722407 Free standing Bistro gas cooker, gd cond, £40. Tel: 879097 Pressure cooker, stainless steel used twice, £28 ovno. 3 piece wicker suite, 2 seater, 2 armchairs, perfect condition, removeable covers, £250. Tel: 524651 Aquarium, 60" x 15" x 15", no accessories or lid, 10mm glass, £60 ovno. Tel: 882085 Piano Mickleburgh upright, gd cond, walnut case, £400. Tel: 881271 Yamaha keyboard & stand, £35. Acoustic guitar and case, £35. Tel: 771900

879578

Mothercare rabbit design cu rtains, lampshade, quilt cover, £10. Rocking cradle, seat & toybar, £5. Bebecomfo rt carrycot pushchair & cozytoes, £50. Tel: 870504 Childs pine effect desk with drawers and shelves, and o ff ice style chair, gd cond, £20. Tel: 703714 Cot, Cosatto, natural wood, dropside inc mattress & bedding, exc cond, £200 when new, selling for £75 ono. Tel: 875307 Kiddiproof extending fireguard, exc cond, £13. Lindam two way safety gate, exc cond, £19. Little Tikes turtle sandbox, as new £22. Tel: 874230 Two Mothercare long cotton nightdresses, suitable for breastfeeding, £5. Thomas Tank video, £2.50. Tel: 878781 Thomas Tank quilt cover and pillow case set, cu rt ains 66" x 54", clock and light shade, £25. Tel: 729839 Judo suit, age 9-12, £10. Tel: 876948 Wedding dress size 10/12, height 52", long train and sleeves, lace and silk material, wo rt h a view, £70. Tel: 872531

PROPERTY SERVICES

COLTEX

PROPERTY SERVICES Kitchen fitting & upgrades Ceramic tiling Plumbing repairs and general property

maintenance For a free estimate call 01793 882370

Electric typewriter, spare ribbons, portable, suit learner, £20. Tel: 872351 Internet ready computer Pentium 200 MMX Windows 95, 24 x CD Rom, Matrox Millennium graphics card, £350. Tel:

Cabin bed, mattress, 3 drawers, desk & book shelves, white, gd cond, £35. Tel: 870951 Wesley Barrel beds one slips beneath the other, with mattresses, perfect condition, 6ft long, £155 ovno. Tel: 524651 Circular table, (dining/breakfast) with four chairs, solid wood, pine effect finish, £50. Telephone seat, wood veneered, pale green upholstery, £8. Tel: 692620 Black cane conservatory suite, 2 seater, 2 armchairs, removable covers, fire safety labels, vgc, £280 ovno. Tel: 524651 Mahogany corner wall unit with light, gd cond, £50. Tel: 728732 Single divan bed with storage space & mattress, hardly used, £50 ono. Tel: 722706 6 panel colonial knotty pine door, new, still in shop wrapping, 78" x 30". £20. New, never worn black trouser with skirt, size 12, £15. Tel: 872892 Very heavy teak coffee table, 2 tier, fancy legs, vgc, £25. Tel: 537485 Gateleg table, extends to 5 ft, £20. Tel:

'Keep It' hitch lock type AAlko, cost, £46, sell £10. Tel: 722407 Copper pipe bender, slightly worn 15 x 22, £20. Tel: 538901 Qualcast concorde RE 30S electric mower with grass box. Tel: 700131 Omega 42 Mountfield petrol mower, cost £160, sell for £90, as new. Tel: 524194 Flymo hover mower, ideal first mower, £20. Tel: 871674 Dingy, 2.9m Fibrocell, plus trailer and launch trailer, £150. Ladder, heavy duty aluminium, 2.3m (8 rung) long, a gift at £5. Tel: 874914 Renault 11 GL, vgc, many new extras, must be seen, £550 ono. Tel: 877968 Honda CBR 400RR, G reg, black/gold, MOT, alarm, alpha dot security and many extras, must be seen, exc cond, £2,300

335457

873333

ovno. Tel: 871674

Teak coloured office desk, as new, £30. Hifi cabinet, suitable for stacker unit, beech coloured, h 83 x w 54 x d 44cm, £20. Tel: 726975 after 6pm Circular antique oak table & chairs, 1 yr old, cost £350, sell £250.Oak glass fronted bookcase, almost new, £100. Tel: 0410

Nissan Sunny 1.5 GL, 4 door, saloon, 62000 miles, MOT to April 2000, gd runner only 2 owners, £495 ono. Tel: 703024

562601

Wanted

92 K reg, Isuzu Trooper V6, 3 door estate, 66,000 miles, full service history, £8,500, offers. Tel: 872531 or 886831

Hoover Turbo Cleaner, autoflex with Ladies bike with child seat. Tel: 872531 tools, exc cond, £50. Tel: 524194 r ----_ --------------I

Free Private For Sale & Wanted ads.

TOOL HIRE

Return this form to The Link, Papermakers House, Swindon SN5 713D by 14th of the month. Entries are subject to available space and are published on a first come first served basis.

Just moved to new premises offering: Massive power tool showroom and larger hire stock We pride ourselves on range, prices, advice and delivery

00/O

Call in or telephone us OFF

01793 617854 Unit 2267

Dunbeath Road, Elgin

HIT WITH THIS AD!

Name & Address (not for publication)

L Tick ifyro_u do not want your ad to appear on the swindonlink internet web site

The Link Magazine • August 1999

REIKI TREATMENT

The traditional art of ancient healing For more details of treatments, call Angela on 873678 £10 for 1/2 hour, £20 for 1 hou r

SIOBHAN'S HOME HAIR CARE

Millennium Thoughts

Bottle tombola and craft stall West Swindon Centre Saturday 31 July, 9am - 5pm Proceeds to

Delta Blue Netball Club

Profq^ sional Haii4 ressing in your own home

Mobile Hairdressing

Cuts froAi £3.50 For appoi ents, call

Tel: 01793 870656

Tracey oh 878217

Thamesdown Upholstery

DECOTEX

& Flooring

Painter & Decorator

Specialists in upholstery, carpets & vinyls Free estimates Tel: 728243

Specialist Artexing Tel: (01793) 791388 p

Play the ' " Piano earn to Sing

Phone Swindon 695235 for further information

IlII!IIU uhf 1111111 SWINDON

JUST THE JOB Domestic Services Agency requires Domestic Cleaners & trotters Flexible hours, good rates of pay Phone Jill or Sue on 861112 BC The person who changed AD

History is changing peoples lives Today

FAMILY CHURCH Live with integri ty Love wholeheartedly Trust God in all things

o^Evange, 4$

Worsley Road `?f^

Information: call B ri an on 849731

building with people Come and join us Sunday at 10am & 6.30pm For further information of other meetings ring: 873050 or call at the Church office

in association with NEW FRONTIERS INTERNATIONAL

Jesus said: "I have come that YOU might have LIFE and have it in its fulness"

(Community Suite)

& PINEHURST PEOPLE'S CENTRE All ages of children & teens cared for

Monthly service for toddlers A parent and toddler group called Cameo is held at the Emmanuel United Reformed Church, Haydon Wick, every Wednesday morning from 9.30 toll.30. As part of this session the group hold a toddler service every third Wednesday of the month. It involves a short worship with the children, who are not expected to sit still or quiet, but are encouraged to join in with songs and activities. The next service at Cameo will be on Wednesday 22 September at 10.30am. All are welcome. Call Jenny Logan on 726720 for details.

mmm^G^

SUNDAYS 10.30AM AT THE LINK CENTRE

Help us compile a check list to beat the bug The world did not end on 4 July as predicted by Nostradamus. Doom mongers have now focused their attention on the solar eclipse on 11 August. The mass of people are likely to If it does not happen then, 9/9/ 99 is another date to keep an eye take a very rational view and make on. Programmers used all the nines precautions just in case 'they' for files that could be deleted from haven't got it right, and will make computers and there could be dis- plans to safe rather than sorry. Preparations for Christmas and ruption on some systems. But the big one of course is 1 New Year are likely to be even January 2000 when computers more feverish and we have no could really become confused be- doubt that businesses will be playcause they might not understand ing on these fears during the auwhy 00 occurs after 99. Compa- tumn. So can you help put together a nies and public services have spent billions reprogramming and shopping list for the essential items checking their computers and the you and your family need to beat government has assured us that the bug. Instantly we can think of everything will alright on the night. candles, torch batteries, a bottled Every household should have re- gas fire, portable cooker. What else ceived a yellow and purple book- can you suggest? Send your ideas to The Link, let explaining what steps have been taken and an advertising campaign Papermakers House, Westlea, Swindon SN5 7BD e-mail: has started to tell us all is well. But 'what if'? Police are bracing linkmagazine@compuserve.com We will publish the list in themselves for a workload increase from public disorder and cult upcoming editions and it will apgroups who decide their time is pear on the swindonlink.com web site. nigh.

LOCAL CHURCHES All Saints' Lydiard Millicent - 10:30am Revd Peter Knight: 772417 (for the Village & Roughmoor) Holy Trinity Shaw -10:30amRevdAndrewHetherington:770568 (the Church is at Shaw Village Centre) St Mary's Lydiard Tregoze - 9:00am, 10:30am Revd Ann Mackenzie: 870244 Toothill Church - 10:45am Revd Mark Roper: 692620 (also Free Church minister for the parish) Westlea Church -10:00am Revd Peter Walker: 872932 (this Church meets in Westlea School Hall, Langstone Way)

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The Parish of West Swindon and the Lydiards Baptist • Church of England • Methodist • United Reformed Church

Counselling at crisis pregnancy centre A new centre to support women facing the crisis of an unplanned pregnancy - Pathway - was launched on 2 July. Using a room made available by Freshbrook Church, Pathway aims ! I to provide counselling which helps _ C women make a balanced decision ' " i which is not influenced by pro-life or pro-abortion values. "We are in the middle," said Pregnant.' counsellor Jill Iroha. We want Need to talk? `"" ~ ^a people to make their own deci, sions . We will embrace the indi'^ vidual whatever her decision." Pathway is open to all ages, but 1Xt'" ., the organisers expect a lot of contact with young women. Britain has the highest rate of teenage pregnancy in Europe. Yet PMH Jilllroha,left,withPathwayadminiswithdrew free pregnancy testing trator Maria Jones for GPs in the Spring. To find out more about the PathPathway will offer free preg- way service, messages are picked nancy testing, support on the im- up daily on 07957 685088, or call plications of both pregnancy and into Freshbrook Church on Monterminationandinformationabout days 7pm to 8.30pm or Fridays benefits, fostering, adoption and 9.30am to 11am. practical help such as the supply Although based in a church, the of baby equipment. service is not run by the church.

The Link Magazine • August 1999

Church awash with blooms

t t rahitionar

The annual flower festival at St Mary's Church in Lydiard Park over the weekend of 3 and 4 July brought near record numbers to see magnificent displays and craft work by local primary schools. Church members are raising money to repair the fabric of the historic building. Recent vandalism to priceless stained glass windows has added to the burden of being responsible for the 500 ear old building.

' joot of

Reid JoeaUtrng Learn this ancient healing art

Great cycle ride for historic churches Here's a chance to get some exercise and raise cash for St Mary's. Cyclists, walkers, even pony riders, across Britain will be taking to the highways and byways on Saturday 11 September to raise money for county church trusts and their local churches. There are three local rides with routes for the keen and independent, the less adventurous and parents with toddlers. Individuals and groups are invited to take part. Half the money raised goes to St Mary's, the other half is donated to the Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust, which awards grants to churches needing repair. To find out more, call Eunice Salmon on 871606. Left: Swindon Mayor court Joy Brunt with flower festival coordinator Janet

Reiki is safe, completely natural and highly effective complementary therapy to all other forms of health care. Reiki is not a religion or a belief system An important difference between Reiki and other energy therapies is that once activated in your hands, you have it for life and can treat yourself.

Duggan

Link advises youngsters how to get into publishing Shaw Ridge School children have been looking at communications and invited The Link in to talk about ' the history of the magazine and how it is put together. , Afterwards they wrote some great letters telling us how much ' they enjoyed the visit.

;~ Courses available at all levels,

„i:

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Holding up the July Link after it came -off the press, from left, Lisha Mistry, ^ ' Stephanie Hanmore, Jake Skelton, Stacey Bradbrooke, Oliver Langford, Alex Birt

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Reiki Association Master F. J. Taylor, (01793) 849914

or 07775 932984 (mobile)

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Reiki treatments available £10 per half-hour or £20 per fill hour

nV 'Experienc AA Visit the largest traditional pagoda

I mc

Chinese Restaurant set in over two acres of beautiful grounds overlooking Peatmoor Lagoon

Forthcoming Events

I71 Rodbourne Road, Swindon Tel: (01793) 53551 1/535577

I Cocktail Parties

Open: 12noon - 2.30pm; 6pm - I I.30pm

Fully licenced

+ +

small informal groups, individual attention, comprehensive manual, certificated. After course guidance and support.

Air conditioned Friendly, courteous staff

v Extensive menu Large menu (incl

Friday 30th July (live Jazz music)

Special Sunday buffet £7.50 per head, 12noon - 5.00pm v Business lunches £6.90 per head

Disc(?!V' Friday 13th and Friday 27th August Friday 17th September Friday 8th, 15th and 29th October" Friday 5th November

• • Party bookings for up to 30 people

Friday 24th September (please

Indian wine)

VISA •

,: 3(FXPPE55

Pepperbox Hill, Peatmoor, West Swindon Telephone 01793 877888 Fax 01793 873883 Prices may be subject to 10% service charge 15% discount for privilege card holders (valid during August only, not inc. Fri/Sat or takeaways)

Christmas and NewYear party bookings now being taken

Sophisticated Indian cuisine at Swindon's newest restaurant We tried to be different; we became unique!

•'• Fully air conditioned v Modern interior design ••• Scenic view v A unique eating experience

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•'• Sunday buffet:

12noon to 5pm

We're confule+ tt

From Haydon Wick & Abbey

Purton

Peatmoor •

La^esi^e

Lydiard Millicent

^i}assPne ^i at Peatmoor ^/ti• Village Centre Nine Elms

Middleleaze

Vita I

Meads Sparcells

Chinese Experience restaurant

Shaw

Westlea, Freshbrook, Grange Park, Toothill

come back

LAKESIDE BRASSERIE Roughmoor Village Centre Peatmoor Lagoon, Swindon Tel: (01793) 887799/882233 Open: Mon - Sat 12noon - 2pm; 6pm - 11.30pm Sun 12noon - 5pm; 6pm - 11.30pm