December 2002 Swindon Link by swindonlink6

No 247 • December 2002

Circulation 22,000

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A Happy Christmas to a ll our rea ders rom the posi ti ve newsforce in Swindon Decorations for Diwali

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At church this Christmas A guide to carol and church services in West and North Swindon on page 46 Carol concerts on page 24

Look mum, A Merry Christmas no hands

& a Happy New Year from

Members of the Parivaar group at the West Swindon Family -toject with displays to celebrate the festival of Diwali in early November. Shaw Ridge School also marked the festival with a day of multi-cultural activities. See page 41

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Hreod Parkway School is out of special measures and improving significantly. Story on page 14. Left, Remembrance Day on 5 November was marked at a year 8 assembly by prayers for servicemen across the Commonwealth and was attended by two Gurkhas from 9th Supply Regiment at Hullavington. Piper Prim Wanem played a lament and Captain Gyan Limbo answered questions about the role of Gurkhas in the armed forces. They are pictured with headteacher Andrew Fleet and school reprographic technician Godfrey Burton, a memberofthe Malaya and Borneo Veterans Association.

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The Link Magazine • December 2002

Christmas appeal marks twentieth year Presenters on GWR fm will be making impassioned appeals in a fifteen hour marathon on 1 December for listeners to bid for donated items in support of good causes across Swindon and Wiltshire. On offer are holidays, restau- walk the Great Wall of China, photo tal," said trust manager Jackie Kent. the cuddly GWR appeal bear berant meals, trips to the West End below. The £59,000 raised will be "The proceeds of last year's ap- ing sold at £5 each in shops and and theme parks, tours of televi- split between the trust and the peal was distributed to 220 local businesses. Grant application details will be charities and voluntary groups in sion studios, CD, MoTs, as well as Great Western Hospital. available at the end of the year at services offered by individuals. "We really hope our Christmas Swindon and North Wiltshire." Look out this year for Charley, www.koko.com or call 842600. Last Christmas over £66,000 was appeal will exceed last year's toraised in the appeal, all of which is given to charitable groups. Youngsters coping with dyslexia were given the chance The GWR Community Trust to express themselves through video animation during supported by Nationwide is markOctober half term, thanks to support and sponsorship ing its twentieth anniversary by from Swindon Arts and the GWR Community Trust. raising the most money ever. EarCommunity artists and film makers Mike Juggins and lier this year listeners took part in Josie Williams of 'Ants in Yer Pants' provided a tailor the Three Peaks Challenge and made programme which encouraged children to build raised £40,000. up their confidence and develop their talents in a differIn early October, 49 intrepid lisent medium of communication. teners made a trip of a lifetime to

ije

Left, Maurice Fanning, chairman of Swindon Arts, and Wanda Dobson, Swindon Arts adminstrator, front right, helps set up a shot with the children and artists Mike Juggins and Josie Williams

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Awesome experience in China Twelve of the 49 GWR/Great Western Hospital Evolution walkers team were pictured exclusively in the October Link trekking up and down the stands at Swindon Town FC carrying loaded rucksacks, but (01793) 770423 e nothing prepared them for their first sight of the Great Wall. • Extensive and varied menu. "It was just awesome, words can hostile terrain, including 22,000 Trip organiser Jackie Kent, from • Xmas party menu available barely describe the majesty of the steps. the GWR Community Trust, said, from £ 15.95 for 4 course set incredible edifice," said Steve "It was an incredibly exciting "there were people from all walks menu. Cavilla from Westlea. "The train- adventure and we came back feel- of Swindon life, a tremendous mix, • Large beer garden. ing was certainly worthwhile being proud of ourselves, and de- and we all got on so well together. • Functions/parties catered for.:: cause we needed to be fit to cover lighted we could help the two Everybody took on the challenge the 63 kilometres over some quite charities." with incredible amounts of enthu• Warm & relaxing atmosphere. siasm and Goodwill." • Regular themed evenings. • New Years Eve candlelit dinner £23.95 for 4 courses. • Food served lunch & dinner. • Bookings advisable. • Real ales & fine wines. Opening Hours Mon -Fri 1 1.30am-3pm & I 5pm- l l pm Sat 11.30-3pm & 6pm-1 1pm Sun l2pm-4pm & 6pm-10.30p Food Served Mon-Sat 11.30am-2.30pm & 6.30pm-9.30pm Sun 12-2.30pm & 6.30pm-9pm Bar Snacks available all day S unday. EXPRESS CYCLES . EXPRESS CYCLES • EXPRESS CYCLES • EXPRESS CYCLES • EXPRESS CYCLES EXPRESS

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The Link Magazine • December 2002 3

Where do you find the meaning of Christmas? Rev Brian Sweetman, minister at the Church of Christ the Servant Abbey Meads. wonders is not just for Christmas', where does that leave god?

Christmas is .... where mystery and mince pies meet. Where myth and facts become entwined and we struggle not to be sucked into the madness of the moment, and long to reach out and see if there is anything of substance in the Christian message; ..... that glorious message which bursts out of the chains of the materialism, which costs no money, yet has infinite value; which is freely given, yet demands our all to receive; which came in such a disguised way, yet one day will blaze like the sun and summon all our worship and adoration; .... the time which we can fritter away in crazy buying things that people do not want, for people we do not like; drinking as if there is

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Radio link Link magazine publisher Roger Ogle is making guest appearances on BBC Radio Swindon's weekday Drive programme (Monday to Friday 4pm to 7pm). With presenters Ashley Heath and Sam Rider, he'll be talking once a month on Wednesdays at 4.45pm about items from The Link and stories that are coming up. Listen in on BBC Radio Swindon 103.6 FM.

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A listing of Christmas church services in West and North Swindon can be found on page 46.

Brian, left, with North Swindon church ministers, Rev Ruth Cram and Father Liam Slattery from St Mary's Church, Tovey Road no tomorrow, and finding pleasure in going to relatives (either the pleasure of going or the pleasure of leaving) we do not see otherwise; .... being bored with the TV, playing with the toys we bought for our children whilst they play with the packaging, or going to far away places to "get away from it all" only to come back and find it is all the same; .... missing the loved ones we have lost this year or the previous ones, yet putting on a brave face because we should have got over it (we hear them say), and yet wanting to lock ourselves in a room and weep. ... for the children? But not for the ones in Bethlehem 2,000 years ago, or now for that matter; nor for the ones in Iraq awaiting their fate, Brazil or Guatemala (unless sheltered by Toy Box), or China or

On Tuesday 3 December

SWIM ON CFLEB'RATFS 1 the tenth anniversary of the United Nations International Day of Disabled People; 2 the launch of the European Year of Disabled People 2003. There will be public exhibitions of information and a chance to meet representatives from service providers and carer organisations at: • McArthur Glen Designer Outlet Centre, 9am - 8pm and, • STEAM Museum 1 Oam - 8pm Throughout the day in the lecture room at STEAM, there will be free workshops on disability equality. the Disability Discrimination Act, direct payments and deaf awareness. To book a place. call 430045. From 5pm - 8pm, join in with music, song and refreshment on the station platform at STEAM. For information call 430045. • Focus on Carers. See page 11.

parts of India, or battered babies behind closed (next ?) doors. .... the time for massive generosity to be shown for those who are in need, to remember those who will not have the 'things' we have, and give accordingly; .. a time to make time for God, who has made time for us, and come into our history, with real skin and stuff, and suffered for us that we might live. It is a time not just to remember a baby, but what that baby became, the perfect representative for us. It is a strange reversal that if a 'dog

• Anglican vicar Reverend Ruth Cram has moved to Saint Andrew's Vicarage, 8 Figsbury Close, Taw Hill and can be contacted on 701353. For Church of England baptisms and weddings, contact the administrator Miss Patricia Strange on 523168.

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4 The Link Magazine • December 2002

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Police need help to stop further pervert exposure As The Link goes to press Swindon police continue to make urgent appeals for information which will lead them to the arrest of a pervert who has been indecently exposing himself to children and young women in West Swindon. — There have been 10 incidents before he strikes again. We _ since May where the man lurks in know of ten incidents, but " bushes until a girl or woman ap- anyone else has been apa° proaches. The police want to ques- proached in a similar man R^ tion the sad individual before any- ner or who can help us with +f our enquiries, please get in thing more serious takes place. i A Detective Inspector Paul touch." The man is described as Jennings from the police said, "alF though he has not made any physi- white, mid 20s, 5ft bins to . cal contact with his victims, we 5ft 9ins tall, slim to medium cannot be complacent as to his fu- build with unkempt brown '" ture intentions. We are treating hair. At last sighting he was these incidents very seriously and wearing blue jeans, blue top need public help to find the culprit and brown shoes. All the incidents have taken place close to the Shaw it'

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Ridge Leisure Park or near West Swindon centre. Anybody with informa- Policemen carrying out a forensic examination tion that can help the police in the Link Centre coach park in early NoveruI should call 528111. ber. Inset, a witness impression of the man

Artists get chance to show off safe messages A group of West Swindon councillors have come up with an idea which might reduce the scourge of illegal graffiti in subways.

After the legal graffiti wall at Mannington was destroyed by vandals for the third time in September, councillors Nick and Mary 01793 321361 Martin, Steve Wakefield and Doug (Mobile 07919 263072 Stewart are sugges ti ng that one or E-mail: allen@practicalapplications.co.uk two subway walls be 'franchised' www.practicalapplications.co.uk to street artists to promote socially useful messages, whilst at the same time displaying their talents. i "Graf fi ti is a very difficult problem to get to grips with," said Nick Martin. "There are the vandals who go round tagging property which is illegal and must be stopped, but there are also people with genuine talent who want to show their artwork in public places. "We've suggested letting them use underpass walls to get across useful anti-litter or take a safe route

Mary Martin and the graffiti wall before it was completely vandalised school messages. The artists would need to come to an agreement with the council about the time period the work should be exhibited and submit a sketch of their idea." For more information mail:

nick@nickmartinconservative.co.uk

the Link Magazine Published by Swindon Publications Ltd.

Papermakers House, Westlea Swindon SN5 7BD Tel: (01793) 872282 Fax: (01793) 878189 e: publisher@swindonlink.com www.swindonlink.com Publisher Editor:

Roger Ogle

Editorial:

Tel: (01793) 872282

"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 photo-

graphs require similar authority

Registered in England & Wales. No. °513027. Registered 011ice: 130 High Street. Hungerford. Becks- RG17 0DL. Printed by pop, Telford

T he Link Magazine • December 2002 5

Taw-Ny Owl is airborne as brewery starts digging The residents of Taw Hill will soon have a new meeting place, when Arkell's Brewery opens The TawNy Owl, next year. The pub comes about after a resident's campaign to secure a site originally designated for commercial use on Queen Elizabeth Drive next to the entrance to the development, after the land owners applied to build flats on it. The plans have been drawn in close liaison with the Burghley Park residents' association. In addition to the usual pub features, a function room is to be included for community meetings, social events and private hire. There will also be four letting rooms on the first floor. James Arkell commented, "the residents at Taw Hill have been so supportive of the new pub. Were looking forward to a long and posi- Janies Arkell 't, to work in the JCB as 4 year old Alexandra Edwards swings tive relationship with them." the bottle of champagne woitb help from dad Mark Edwards and George Arkell Residents Association chairman, Mark Edwards, who led the camSuspense for community association paign for a pub, said that the range of facilities in the area was grow- The few members of the Abbey Meads Community Association who ing. "We're delighted that Arkell's attended the re-convened Annual General Meeting on 13 November have started work. Having lived decided to suspend the body until the Spring. The meeting was originally due to be held on 11 September but had in Taw Hill for over three years, it is great to see the area develop a to be postponed since insufficient members turned up to form a community feel which can only be quorum. On 13 November, there were too few members present to elect enhanced by a pub, as well as the key officers so there was little alternative to suspension. A meeting will be held on 9 April 2003, when it is hoped that interest nearby village centre which is also will have been rekindled. The Abbey Chat newsletter will continue to planned." Arkell's aim to open The Taw- be published bi-monthly. Enquiries should be made to Mike Warr on Ny Owl in the Autumn next year. 349029.

VACANCY Community Development Worker required for Abbey Meads area Substantial flexible part time hours at national salary scale Training and project support provided

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Sing traditional carols and hear the Sunday School children present The Innkeeper."

Family Carol Service

4:30pm

Renew your hope through carol singing, Bible readings & the true meaning of Christmas. Services held at Greenmeadow Primary School located on Pen Close in Greenmeadow. Refreshments will follow both services.

Wednesday 25th December 10:30am Christmas Day Service The Christmas Day Service will be held at Abbey Meads Community Primary School.

6 The Link Magazine • December 2002

Moonwalk organiser congratulates Swindon women

CHRISTMAS COFFEE AFTERNOON In aid of Walk the Walk for Breakthrough Breast Cancer and the Bristol Cancer Help Centre

Saturday 7 December, 2pm to 4pm. Peatmoor Social Hall, Swinley Dr. Women and men planning to don bras and walk a marathon aroun Crafts, cakes on sale. Father Christmas grotto London in May should get their applications in as early as possibly Crafts stalls available: call 770870 to book That was the message from Nina and they have provided greatsul Baru, the organiser of the Walk the port to Walk the Walk," said Nin Breakthrough branch hopes Walk Moonwalk in aid of Break- "It's fantastic to meet some of tF through Breast Cancer and theBris- walkers again and also newcon for £250,000 total tol Cancer Help Centre. There are ers planning to walk next year." Staff at Cellular Operations again generously dipped into their 15,000 places available and nearly In the last four years Swindo pockets to support a Breakthrough Breast Cancer breakfast in late Twin Peaks has raised £200,000. half are already taken. October. Nina met 80 women on 18 NoThe next meeting is planned fc 'ember to talk about the Walk the Wednesday 8 January, 7.30pm at Catering company Jimmy's very close; all we need is a number Walk movement and to congratu- the Civic Offices, Euclid Street. Kitchen donated profits from sell- of people to organise some events Tw n ing bacon or sausage butties and to help us break through that quarlate the town for its contribution to For details of Swindon Twi the charity. The Swindon Twin Peaks, contact Eunice Salmon on staff paid £1 each to wear pink, or ter of a million target. "If 60 pubs and clubs could each Peaks team must be the largest 871601 or mail: eunice.salmon W £2 to wear jeans and trainers. And organised group from any town ntlworld.com Breakthrough Wiltshire branch raise £100, we'd be there." To help the Wiltshire branch, members sold raffle tickets and call Shirley on 538475. To make a pastries. Over donation, send cheques to £930 was raised. Breakthough Breast Cancer WiltBranch chair- shire, 50 Shelley Street, Swindon man Shirley SN1 3PW. Garman said the generosity from Cellular Operations staff had been tremendous and had contributed to the last £7,000 needed to achieve the massive target of £250,000 by the end of this year. "Two years ago the branch had raised about Shirley Garman, left, and Eunice £100,000 over the last few years Salmon, right, from Breakthrough and and we decided that we were go- CellOps staff, Gemma Dilella, Sarah ing to raise another £150,000. Peo- Burns, Kevin Murphy, Sarah Lang , ple said we were mad, but we're Jenny Pearce, Carmella Ferro

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Three women from Swindon who love stripping off for charity joined twenty others from across Britain to walk the New York marathon course with 32,400 runners on 4 November. Wearing bras decorated with the Union Jack and the Stars and Stripes the women supporting Walk the Walk in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer were the only team to power walk the 26 miles around the five Wearing their finishers medals Denise left, boroughs of the city with Liz Harren from Wootton Bassett holding in sub-zero temperathe November Link and Lesley Dredge tures. At 18 miles many of the team had to cover up to along in bras in those temperaprevent hypothermia. tures and kept shouting, 'you're so "It was incredibly cold, espe- crazy.' Everybody was so friendly cially when we crossed the bridges and we had to keep stopping to where the wind was highest," said have our picture taken. It's defiDenise Jones from Nine Elms. "I nitely something I want to do didn't realise it but my boobs were again." going blue and others were sufferIn the last year Denise and her ing, even the runners." neighbour Lesley Dredge have Having never been to New York, raised £5,400 for breast cancer from Denise found the experience in- walks in London and New York credible. "The crowds were and events such as the West Swinamazed to see women walking don open gardens weekend in July.

The Link Magazine • December 2002 7

High adventures in the Andes

Swindon Smile Menders

achieve

success

Burning hot days and freezing nights in tents are an abiding memory Freshbrook dentist Brendon Ball is celebrating news that bureaufor Barry Butler from Peatmoor, who with four colleagues from cratic hold ups in the Ukraine have been overcome and his dream of Zurich Life, spent five days in September trekking in Peru raising providing better dental and medical care is now being fulfilled. money for Sense International, the charity that works in developing After an aid trip to countries with deafblind children. the Cherkassy region They walked with mountainside with a with colleague Rich33 others from the sheer drop on the ard Swift in 1999, he came up with the idea UK, accompanied by other side." local guides and porAs he was feeling of towing a former —` ters who transported fit, Barry opted for an schools dental caravan their equipment on extra super challenge tobeusedinanareaas trek with two others. big as Wales where pack horses to their next camping stop. The route took them there is little care. Having married his The highlight of the past the guide's home. After a meal they were translator Natasha Brendon, Natasha, Linda and Richard before setting trip was achieving their goal, the mounasked to become god- and formed a charity off for the Ukraine with the caravan and tow vehicle tain top Inca cities of parents to the guide's Smile Menders to raise Brendon said he and Dr Ivan Machu Pichu and the daughter Naomi money for their project, in July which involved a monetary dona- they and Richard and Linda Swift Kovolenko, the director of dental even higher Wynna Pichu. delivered the unit plus equipment services in the Cherkassy region "It was tough going at times, tion to the family. were delighted. "The unit is visit"Few westerners see the parts of and materials. and very disconcerting to see our belongings going past us at a rate Peru we saw," said Barry. "It made Most of it passed through cus- ing orphanages in the region proof knots to the next site," said Barry. us appreciate the simplicity and toms without a problem, but it took viding care to children who have "The starting point for the trek was hardship of the local peoples." four months of bureaucratic wran- never seen a dentist. It's fantastic 2,800 metres above sea level rising Above, Barry, centre, with fellow walk- gling and high level negotiation to what we've been able to achieve to a high point of 4,660 metres. At ers at 4,500m on the super challenge, get the tow vehicle released for with help from Swindon companies and local donations." one point the steps clung to the hike up the Lares valley use.

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8 T he Link Magazine • December 2002

Indu's memory lives on at new hospital Patients attending the Great Western Hospital respiratory unit will receive extra help, thanks to a major donation raised from a fund raising evening to celebrate the life of Inderjeet Bharaj from Grange Park. tra items of equipment. "We're still The event at King Edwards Place discussing how the money will be in Wanborough in early October spent but the piece of equipment raised £11,800, with more money will either assist lung function or to be collected. An earlier commitdrug delivery," he said. "It will mentby British Petroleum to match help teenagers and young adults the amount raised has been rewho suffer from similar sympvised to a smaller contribution toms." which is to be decided. Inderjeet's mother Balbir said she Sixteen year old Inderjeet died wanted to thank all those who had of a sudden asthma attack last Febsupported her family through such ruary whilst walking on a damp tragic times. "To lose your daughevening in The Prinnells. ter so suddenly and so young is At a cheque presentation at PMH almost impossible to bear. I hope in early November, consultant our efforts will help other families paediatrian Dr Paul O'Keefe, responsible for respiratory disorders, Dr O'Keefe receives the cheque fran, Balbir Bharaj and her sons Kay and whose children are suffering the said the hospital trust greatly ap- Karan, with firndraising committee nicinbers Sushma Patel, left, Trish Woods distress of asthma and to give them hope of relief." preciated the assistance to buy ex- and Sheila Parson

The wait is over for the Great Western Hospital The builders handed over the keys in early November and months of planning has started to reveal the mammoth logistical exercise to prepare the £132 million Great Western for the arrival of the first patients, planned for 2 December. to be a real boon to recruitment for South and East Wales. She is At 7.01am on 3 December the Western, credited with turning round the Swindon and Marlborough NHS and retention, accident and emergency unit "The people in the trust area now trust from bankruptcy and poor opens followed by the maternity Trust chief executive Sonia Mills unit on 4th. The last patients will said the long wait is nearly over. haveastateofthearthospitalavail- performance to one which is financially balanced and aiming for leave PMH on 9th, effectively clos- "The staff are very excited about able to them." Ms Mills will soon depart to be- a three star rating when next ining it, and on 12th, the first outpa- this superb facility. Given the corntient clinics will open at the Great petition for skilled staff it is going come the NHS regional director spected.

Moo-ving to the Great Western For years visitors to PMH have been taken aback at the sight of a cow quietly grazing next to one of the external corridors. Children have stared in amazement at the lifesized brown beast, head down on the ground, minding its own business munching away contentedly. Now the welded steel piece of artwork by Tom Gleeson is to be found a new home at the Great Western Hospital. But it needs a good wash and brush up before it is relocated at its new home. Celia Yeoman, Public Art Manager from Swindon Artscape said, "Cow first arrived in Swindon in 1987 and Coz y, outside the Wyvern in 1987 grazed close to the Wyvern Theatre for several months before moving up to PMH. She's a very witty piece which surprises everyone who comes across her in an unusual setting. "Cow has a few rust spots and we're looking for a Swindon business willing to 'adopt' her and offer the elbow grease to give her a clean up before being sent out to graze again. It's many years since she's had some tender loving care." To offer help, call Celia on 466517 or mail: cyeoman@swindon. Soon to disappear from the landscape, PMHwhich gov.uk opened in 1959

Clear signage will help people find their way around the huge new building Special Care Baby Unit Bio med

Seaside scene ihcmc^ in the children's ward

Finance Department I M&T O ff ices Health Records Trust HQ Children's Unit Children's Outpatienrrs

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The Link Magazine • December 2002 9

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Also from Coopers: • Christmas gifts: fine fragrances, toiletries • Ear piercing and allergy testing Film Processing - 35mm & • APS developing & printing One free 35mm 24 exp film with ever y 35mm roll developed on the premises

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Ramleaze Drive, Shaw Tel: (01793) 874894 Merry Christmas to all our patients from Dr D. Nowotzin, DrA. Dwivedi and all the staff

Tel: 872033

Surgery hours Mon. Tues. Wed, Fri:

8.30am-12.30pm:2pm-6pm Thurs: 8.30am - 12.30pm

NEW PATIENTS WELCOME

Open 7 days a week Mon - Fri 9am - 8pm, Sat 9am - 6pm, Sun loam - 3pm

0 0

John & Brigi tte Wilkinson and Bob Bridgeman of Shaw Village Dental Practice and their staff wish all their patients a Merry Christmas an d a Happy New Year. New private patients welcome )

Ramleaze House, Shaw Village Centre Tel: 877422

PHOENIX SURGERY Incorporating The Link Surgery Dunwich Drive,Toothill Village Centre Queen Elizabeth Drive, Swindon SN25 1WL We wish all our patients and friends a very Merry Christmas

A Merr y Christmas from Dr Peter Swinyard, 1)r Robert Forrester, Dr Anl.e Lchmkul il and all at Phoenix Surgery

Reception open Monda to Friday lam - 6.30pm

Tel: 01793 709500 E-mail: enquiries@tawhillsurgery.nhs.uk www.tawhillsurgery.nhs.uk New patients always welcome

seYtri^cy We aJt4

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16,000 people missing. FOCUS is asking for help in making contact with carers in Swindon, writes Gillian Barber, director Carers are people who look after partners, family or friends who are unable to manage alone because of illness (including mental illness), frailty or disability. The care they provide is unpaid. Many people don't recognise themselves as carers, seeing themselves as husbands, wives, parents, partners, children and friends. They don't realise that there is a wide variety of help available to support them in their role. It is estimated that over 17,000

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Ashington Way Pharmacy, West Swindon

For further details contact:

• Specialists in individual hearing care

SANDRA E. DAVIES D.C. SIMON BODLEY BSc. D.C.

• Service & repairs to all makes of hearing aids • Digital programmable hearing aids Consultations by appointment only MRS COOKE

RHAD

Hearing Aid Specialist

Tel: 01793 616840 it

Our hearing aid advisory service has helped people with their hearing problems"

Call us and hear how we can help you. Home visits can be arraneeed.

SWINDON

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Members of BCA • Registered with GCC Members of the College of Chiropractors

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for Carers - for goodness sake get in touch with your local Carers Centre. You don't have to take all the help they offer but take the help you need. You can't cope with everything yourself." There is a chance to find out more about the help and support available on National Carers Rights Day on 3 December. This aims to: • help people to identify themselves as carers • raise awareness of carers' needs

Medical Practice

Rol) M arshall

YOU SHOULD CONSIDER CONSULTII \ CHIROPRACTOR

on presentation of this advert

carers live in Swindon with 4,000 of them providing significant levels of care, i.e. over 50 hours a week. FOCUS is in regular contact with 1,000 carers and is asking everyone reading this article to show it to family, friends, neighbours and colleagues who have caring responsibilities. Shirley, a Swindon carer, wrote to us recently, "I would tell anyone who was in the same boat as I was — struggling, before I found out about the Princess Royal Trust

Acupuncture at Taw Hill Medical Practice Mark Ackland BSc PhD Lie Ac MRAcC

Appointments call: 07973-185158

TAW HILL MEDICAL PRACTICE, QUEEN ELIZABETH DRIVE. SWINDON SN25 1 WL TEL: 01793 709500 • FAx: 01793 723875 E-MAIL: ENQUIRIESCTAWHILLSURGERY.NHS.UK

any hearing aid purchased from Harts Nearing Care Services Ltd With this advert

Courses available at all levels, small informal groups, individual attention. comprehensive manual, certificated. After course guidance and support. FREE INFORMATION PACK Reiki Master/Teacher. Guild of Complimentary Practitioners F. J. Ta ylor, (01793) 529360 Mobile: 07740 516238 Reiki treatments available for relief of stress, pain, depression, lom , energy, etc.

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We All Have the Ability within Us to Change our Lives Change Your Life: Call 01793 873451 For a free Initial Consultation Resolve Relationship Problems Reduce St ress in Your Life

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of the Swindon Centre of The Princess Royal Trust for Carers. â€˘ increase take up of benefits available to carers and their families â€˘ ensure that carers access their rights under relevant legislation FOCUS will have information displays in Boots in the Brunel

Centre, in all advice points and doctors' surgeries and in the Steam Museum and the Designer Outlet Centre as part of Swindon Celebrates. FOCUS staff are able to help carers seek appropriate practical help, gain some time for themselves and access the information they need. Carers can make contact with others in similar circumstances as well as receive one to one support and counselling where necessary. Phone FOCUS on Swindon 531133 or call into the Swindon Carers Centre, 25 Morley Street between 9.30am and 5pm.

If you don't have room for your friends &' family, we do! Open throughout Christmas and the New Year HOSPITALITY - RELAXATION - VALUE

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Link advertising salesperson chills out on hypnotism As a single mum Jenni Fowler's demanding four year old son Connor is the centre of her universe and her days are taken with rushing back and forth to primary school, whilst holding down her job as the successful advertising sales person for The Link. Weekends are filled with enter- trating very hard and are containing him - rugby, swimming, cerned about the outcome. "True relaxation finds you in a cinema and martial arts classes state where you are free of any which Connor certainly enjoys. Yet one day he looked up and demanding thoughts and tensions. said to her, 'you're always angry Stress reduction therapy helps and shouting at me.' achieve a very deep relaxed state As with so many parents, life is and the mind becomes far more very much a juggling act of com- alert and open to positive new peting demands, and Jenni real- ideas and suggestions that it will ised she had to look at what was gradually take up and accept, so that they become important to her. a welcome part "Connor's of you." comment was a real jolt but As a result of her sessions, when I thought Jenni has cut about the cups of down on coffee, coffee and cigais smoking less rettes I was conand feels like a suming each nicer, but day, I knew he stronger person. was right. Tell"Although I reing yourself to slow down and Andrew Hill talking with a patient main conscious stay calm, when your instincts as a when Andrew is talking, I really mum and provider tells you that cannot be bothered to move and you must fight for survival, is easier disturb the wonderful sense of peace," she said. "It's very enjoysaid than done." However she thought she could able and absolutely nothing to be get help when Andrew Hill of AH apprehensive of. "I have definitely found a new Associates contacted her about advertising his new stress coun- level of calm within myself and selling business combined with my working day is a lot less franhypnotherapy. "Like a lot of peo- tic. I seem to be more organised, ple, I was sceptical about hypno- but more importantly I've found therapy and even apprehensive, that Connor is asking for fewer having seen TV shows and heard external entertainments. He seems about antics on stage. But he was to be finding me 'a nicer person to be around.' I think I've found a very reassuring." Andrew says that people have new self." Others who can relate to this lost the ability to relax. "We often confuse participating in recrea- article can discuss their needs with tional activities as a form of relaxa- Andrew Hill on 873451 or mail: tion, when we are actually concen- ahassociates@ntlworld.com

Fdm0y

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The Link Magazine • December 2002

Parents get helping hand from health visitors

Kelly's Salon Middleleaze,West Swindon] v NAILARTAIRBRUSHING v NAIL EXTENSIONS v STTROPEZAIRBRUSH TANNING v MANICURES & PEDICURES v MASSAGE •

S VIRGIN VIE FACIALS

v GIFTVOUCHERS

Open 6 days a week For a friendly & professional service call 01793 886863 or 07720 051013

nrcg,,

c'C`tcsha-

Good advice about one of the world's most challenging jobs will be on offer in the new year and health visitors in Swindon are recruiting parents to take part. Starting in January they will be sionals in an informal setting can good. Other topics will be sleep opening two parenting groups be a great help, and provide the problems, fussy eating and how to aimed at offering any mums, dads confidence to cope better. From cope with bereavement. and carers good common sense other courses, parents say it builds "There is more pressure than advice on how to cope with the up their self esteem which im- ever on parents nowadays and everyday challenges of bringing proves their relationship with their even quality time can bring its own up children, children one hundred per cent." worries with mums and dads not "Parenting can be a tough job, The course has been developed wanting to discipline their chilespecially if you haven't got the in response to parent comments dren," said Geraldine. "It's easy to support you really need," said and will include temper tantrums, lose sight of the fun of being a Geraldine O'Driscoll, parenting the terrible twos and how to ig- parent and seeing children decoordinator for the Swindon Pri- nore bad behaviour and praise velop. Our aim is to be more posimary Care Trust. "Being able to Geraldine O'Driscoll, centre, with tive about parenting and we want chat through your concerns with colleagues Jill Lumb, Jessie Morrison, all parents to take part in these other parents and health profes- L indsey Mason courses." Health visitor Karen Paul and nursery nurse Jill Lumb will be running the first six week course Unit 3 at Haydon Wick parish council ofRamleaze House fices, next to Home Ground surShaw Village gery, on Fridays from 10 January, Centre 9.30am toll .3Oam. To book a place, Tel: 874825 call Geraldine on 486991. A similar course will start on Monday 13 January, 12.45pm to 2.45pm, at the Well Woman Centre at the Health Hydro, Milton Road. For details, call Wendy Sawyer on 537242. A free creche will be available at both venues.

`rrd ea7-me wish all their euslemers a P6T c {enp &hrrstmas and Open: Tuesday &Wednesday: 9am - 6pm;Thursday & Friday: 9am - 7pm Saturday:8.30am - 3.30pm Closed from Ipm Christmas Eve until Thursday 2nd January

Pr nce

it is n u r s e r e s ca. s s i9oi

Birthday party place Peatmoor Community Facilities at Peatmoor Community Primary School offers a football/netball party package on Saturdays for £30. The hire charge includes use of the floodlit astroturf from 4.30pm to 5.30pm followed by use of the community room for refreshments from 4.30pm to 6.30pm. For bookings or details call 881613. Teddy Tots, below, is a new parent and toddler group, which meets on Thursday 1pm to 2.30pm during term time at Peatmoor Community School. There are plenty of toys and activities to keep the children amused, giving an opportunity for parents and carers to have a chat. Sessions cost £1 per family which includes refreshments. Stop by and join in.

Princess Christian Day Nursery

Peatmoor Village Centre Shearwood Road, Peatmoor, Swindon • LIMITED PLACES NOW AVAILABLE • Quality care and education for 0 to 5 year olds Open 52 weeks of the year (except Bank Holidays) /cc5

• Registered with OfSTED • Safe, secure, happy and stimulating environment • Age appropriate curriculum • Opening hours 7.30am to 6pm

all u5 fI

r vigit U9

t anyti e For further information on the nursery, or to arrange

a visit, please call the manager on 01793 887602

J?, `^

It was Pop Stars day in aid of Children in Need at the Princess Christian Day Nursery, Peatmoor, on 15 November. Children dressed up as their favourite character and the staff joined in as well. Children also made cakes which were sold to parents and carers, as well as to passers by. £220 was raised.

Jeanie Chichery and Jas Mander with Amy Richings, Emily Streatfield and April Jones

The Link Magazine • December 2002 13

Being with, not doing to Essential parent support organisation celebrates 20 years Being a parent, whatever your circumstances, is not always easy, writes Jan Ayling, manager of HomeStart Swindon. Add in pressures such as illness or financial worries and, without the backing of family and friends, the stress can be overwhelming. Home-Start Swindon offers supWe recruit volunteers and pro- mother to a family with diverse port, friendship and practical help vide training and support so they and complex needs. The unique to families with at least one child can visit families with difficulties relationship between the family under five and this year celebrates in their own home. The families and the volunteer is at the heart of twenty years of service to families come from right across the spec- the Home-Start approach. We are in the Swindon area. trum - from a lonely isolated family focused, not problem focused. The service is all about being with and not doing to. `+ The missing factor, for many families with under 5s finding it difficult to cope, is quite simply friendship, a shoulder to cry on, someone who can share problems, restore confidence and help see the light at the end of the tunnel. Like all good ideas it is quite simple, with the family, volunteer and organiser working together in friendship, helping to prevent famL/ ily crisis and breakdown. Home-Start Swindon needs more volunteers. They are people from many backgrounds and vary in age, but all have parenting experience and can offer two to three Ridgeway Pre-school contributed half of the money they raised from the Barnado's Toddle earlier in the year to Home-Start. Pre-school manager hours of their time to a family each Teresa Birch hands a cheque for £111.75 to Jan Ayling at the Home-Start week. Volunteers are well supported, have their expenses paid weekly parents group in November and have fun. You would enjoy the challenge. What a little star - 1 Join us in our twenty-first year Panny Frost, the shy six year old from Middleleaze who was put by calling 613886. forward to audition for the King and I at the Bristol Hippodrome in the summer, is now an experienced stage hand. "Panny has had a In the last t wo lovely time and has months she has travbeen invited to conelled to Oxford, Suntinue the tour until derland, Liverpool next June," said her and Birmingham, mother Nee. "She spending a week away was so quiet before from home in Middlejoining Stagecoach °„ leaze chaperoned by a Theatre School. Now carer who supervised -he really enjoys beschool work during „a the day, then spendin on the stage and would like to try for ing a week at Sa1t W av more parts." school. Children, staff and parents at Westlea playgroup combined their Autumn project theme of Autumn with Children In Need by going out fora sponsored leaf collect walk around West/ca School's fields. As well as lots of leaves, the group collected £120 for charih/

Registered Childminder Vacancies for children of all ages Full or part time: Before / after School Contact Justine on 887305 Looking to start your own business?? Fabulous opportunity to work from home selling superb childrens books. Earn extra income in no time Qualifications: a love of books and plenty of enthusiasm!! Call Bhagini Marshall. tel: 01793-322116 bhagini@hotmail.com

Children's Information Service Swindon Drop in and see what we have to offer Monday to Friday, 10am to 3pm 13 Market Street, Swindon Tel: 01793 541786: 9.30am to 4.30pm (with ansaphone) We provide FREE information on anything to do with children aged 0-14 years. e.g. childcare. social activities, funding and working with children ¶OFOR P447. CIS is supported by the Early Years Development & Childcare Partnership Reg. charity: 1081621 . SWINDON

14 The Link Magazine â€˘ December 2002

Hreod out of special measures in just 20 months

A 2 Z Home Improvements All your needs in one number

Hreod Parkway is celebrating the outcome of a highly successful inspection at the beginning of November in which Her Majesty's Inspectors (HMI) praised the progress and standards at the school. The school was immediately taken out of special measures.

Kitchen/Bathroom fitting, Tiling, Plumbing, Electrics, Painting. Decorating, Carpentry and much more 111 Pinehurst Road Swindon

Tel: (01793) 339671 Mobile: (07778) 207977

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Ballet, Tap, Modern & Jazz classes held for boys and girls from two and a half years upwards at: Haydon Centre Abbey Meads Community School Stratton Community Centre Blunsdon Village Hall

For more details and enquiries, call 01793 524112 Established for over 12 years. All staff fully qualified

Hreod was placed in serious fessional support staff all playing weaknesses in 1996 and special their part in our success. I am proud measures in February 2001 and was of what we have achieved and I am monitored by OfSTED and HMI determined to work with parents, throughout. Whilst most schools pupils and teachers to ensure that take three years to get out of spe- standards will continue to rise and cial measures, just 20 months later, exceed national expectation." In October the Government conthe inspectors have not only judged that Hreod is providing a satisfac- firmed Swindon Council's business tory standard of education but plan to build a new Hreod Parkway have praised a number of areas of School on one site using Private Finance Initiative funds. Planning excellence. There has been a steady rise in is now taking place and a brand educational achievement, effective new state of the art building should leadership and that exceed the national average. Pupils are polite, courteous and well behaved with pupil behaviour satisfactory and better in nearly 100% of classes, and well behaved in time spent out of class. The report states that the school has real strengths in the social, spiritual moral and cultural develop- Andrew Fleet with Hreod students, from back left, Joanne ment of pupils Ladd, Moheddine Ben-Aribia, Emile Persaud, Katie and has one of Harding. Front, Addison Lloyd, Maninder Thandi the most extensive provisions of enrichment and The students are also delighted extra curricular activities seen. by the inspection. Katie Harding There are some stunning displays said she could now hold her head of pupil's work enhancing the cor- high for the school. "A while ago I ridors and classrooms and much didn't want to admit I was at attention has been paid to improv- Hreod. Now I can be proud I'm ing the buildings and premises - here and pleased to tell everybody giving the school a positive atmos- else. Parents should have confiphere. dence in the school." Inspectors praised the forward Addison Lloyd said the success looking leadership team that has was deserved. "All the teachers brought the school from below should be congratulated for workstandard in curriculum and pupil ing so hard. They've put in time progress to its present success. The out of school hours and in the holiinspection has confirmed that the days to organise extra classes and school is well led, plans well, is activities. There's a good spirit at innovative and has sound finan- Hreod and the students are reapcial management. ing the rewards." Headteacher Andrew Fleet said On a wider front Mr Fleet said the report was the basis for future schools are achieving success dedevelopment. "We now have a spite serious under-funding by strong team of teachers and lead- Government. Swindon continues ers who are committed to giving to be the lowest funded unitary all our pupils the very best educa- authority in England. But he tion we can provide and who are added, "trust is building between not afraid of putting in the dedica- schools and the education authortion to achieve this. ity. There is a professionalism "The school operates very much within the new LEA and an air of as a team, with teachers and pro- optimism about the future."

The Link Magazine • December 2002 15

Objections delay third north primary school

SANTA SPECIALS

Bridlewood primary school off Lady Lane, originally planned for completion by September 2003, will at Swindon & now open four to six months late - if at all. tk& Cricklade Railway Site access has been built and two schools in Abbey Meads are Groundwell and by implication the plans drawn up, a governing oversubscribed. Abbey Meads Penh ill. Saturday and Sundays in body has been formed and a School has three temporary classFormer Haydon Wick councilDecember, 11am to 4pm headteacher appointed. rooms and Catherine Wayte has lor Kelvin King said he was disap7th and 8th, 14th and 15th, But objections from Blunsdon two and the council had to use its pointed that Bridlewood is to be and Haydon Wick parish councils powers to admit pupils over the delayed. "One of the last things I 21st and 22nd and the governors of Abbey Meads published admissions number of did before coming off the council Also Saturday 14th, School means that Swindon Coun- 30 children at each school. was to argue for it to be built. Swin6pm to 8pm cil's plan to build the school is now However the parish councils don is always criticised for notprobeing decided upon by a Govern- believe the new school should be viding facilities when houses are ment appointed adjudicator. built on the education campus site built. It is ironic that when the Blunsdon Station. Swindon's School Organisation in Priory Vale where most of the council tries to build a school in Tadpole Lane (Approx. 3 miles NW of Committee was told on 11 Novem- house development is taking place. advance, there are objections." Swindon, on the B4553 ber that the school will meet the Abbey Meads School governors A decision from the adjudica- west of the A419) needs of the growing population are concerned that Bridlewood will tors is expected in January. in North Swindon. The justifica- take children from Ash Brake an d tion and timing had been scruti- St Andrew's Ridge within its catchnised by the Department of Edu- ment. They are worried that the National cation and Skills and approved on school's social balance will be radithe grounds of basic need. cally changed if it has to draw more h 5choolwearJ=L t -L The committee report states the children from the social housing at Taw Hill school on the way Planning permission has been given for a fourth primary school in North Swindon to open in September 2004. The Church of England aided school will be constructed in conjunction with a church at Taw Hill village centre. Rev Ruth Cram said the governing body has been formed and would be working on policies for the school, including admission details.

3e stock a wide range of schoolwear. Ages 4 -18 catered for, including: • JUNIOR BOYS slim fit and sturdy fit trousers (sturdy fit are especially popular - extra room without the extra leg length) * SENIOR GIRLS 3/4 sleeve blouse in stretch fabric

* Sweatshi rts, cardigans and knitwear in red. bottle, navy. grey. royal and maroon * SPORTSWEAR - large selection in stock

* O ff icial stockists of Brownies. Cubs. Scouts and Guides uniforms

* We also stock a full range of Hush Puppy shoes

PUPPIES

Unit 39 Brunel Arcade Swindon Tel: 01793 520843

Pre-Prep Sch{iol 4-7 yrs

Play group which meets at Taw Hill worship centre on Mondays loam to 11.30am. Parents and carers are invited to stop by and join in

Nursery School

2-4 yrs

Baby Nursery

0-2 yrs

Prior Park Prep School 7-13 years

Primary school rationalisation could result in closures There are too many places at primary schools in Swindon and a town wide review over the last six months will recommend removing them or even closing schools down to reduce the surplus. In the July Link Mick Daniels of will discuss the report by Tribal. Mr Daniels said there is a huge Tribal, who have been running Swindon's education service, ex- backlog of expensive repairs to be plained that local authori ty Schools carried out and there are too many Organisation Committees are re- mobiles in use, or empty on school quired by the Government to keep sites. "The report will take a Swinschool places under review and don wide view of provision to enmaintain a five year plan for deal- sure education is provided in good ing with shortages and surpluses. quality permanent accommodaIn Swindon there are no extra tion. "It will specifically identify arplaces at secondary level but up to 16 per cent surplus at primary eas and also schools that need atschools, instead of the eight to ten tention. A wide range of criteria per cent expected by Government. will be used for assessing need. "If a school is proposed for cloA meeting in December of the Swindon Education Partnership sure to reduce surpluses, a sepaBoard, which has an overview of rate consultation process with the education provision in the town, community will come into play."

Holiday School Flexible fees

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Meadowpark Nursery and

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Mrs S Hanbury or Mrs R Kular

Tel: 01 793 752600

• -

A Meadowpark is a well established thriving school with faultless DfEE and OFSTED

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Certain places available for 2002

16 The Link Magazine • December 2002

Twin town transport

Putting the art into Walmart

In a departure of naming buses after railway engines, three shuttle buses operated by Thamesdown Transport will be named Salzgitter, after Swindon's German twin, Ocotal, the town in Nicaragua tied with Swindon and the third will probably be named after Highworth's

" We did it our way" say Grennan and Sperandio An art exhibition partly conceived in Frank Sinatra's favourite Italian restaurant in New York has been unveiled and is on the move around Swindon on a Thamesdown Transport double decker.

twin Pontorson. In a distinct light blue NHS livThe planning permission for the ery, the new number 16 will run hospital required the trust to renon-stop every 12 to 15 minutes duce car use and they have made a between the town centre to major financial contribution to the £330,000 cost of brand new buses. Commonhead Unveiling the new name to appear on the Hospital Express during International Twinning Week in October, the Mayor Stan Pajak and Reg Clarke, chair of Swindon's twinning association, and German exchange workers, Ines Friedrich and

The bus and billboards, depicting local people, are decorated by large cartoons created by internationally known artists Simon Grennan, from Brighton, and New Yorker Christopher Sperandio. They spent the early part of the David Fabian year finding out about people's lives, and meeting Asda Walmart All change for new routes and times from 2 December In the largest review of services for nearly twenty years, Thamesdown shoppers at the North Swindon Transport bus services are being reorganised to provide new routes, District Centre before assembling their portraits. timings and greater frequency. Four pages in the November Link The opening of the Great Western Hospital on 3 December is the motivating force behind the changes, but the opening up of new were dedicated to their work. Simon and Christopher exhousing developments at Priory Vale and Groundwell West is also an changed ideas across the Atlantic opportunity to provide new services. Staff will be out and about replacing 450 timetable display cases electronically. But it was at a personal encounter that they came up across the town over the weekend of 30 November and 1 December. A new timetable is available from the Travel Shop in Fleming Way or with the billboard design. "We knew we wanted to have go to www.thamesdown-transport.co.uk

our images travelling around on a bus, but we were in Gino's on the Upper East Side, where Sinatra liked to go, that we decided on the style for the billboards," said Simon. "They are very big pictures to be looked at from a distance, but you have to go in close to see the words on the cartoon strip." The bus will be seen around Swindon for a year and the billboards will change every month. They can be seen in Walmart, and on the corner of County Road and Manchester Road and in Rodbourne. For details on the project funded

by Asda Walmart, go to: www.swindonartscape.co.uk www.swindonlink.com

W ' O k I WP.

TO CHOC 8 November 2002 YCla,s,^.e

Mealfor Two

Prawn crackers Sesame chicken on toast Mini veg spring rolls (6) Sweet & sour chicken Hong Kong style Beef with mushrooms in black bean sauce Satay roast pork Egg fried rice Fortune cookies o

kj °

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Superior Mealfor Two uarter aromatic crispy duck & prawn crackers Crispy seaweed Tiger prawns wrapped in filo Satay ckicken on skewers Deep fried shredded chilli beef Chicken with green peppers in black bean sauce Special fried rice Fortune cookies Complementary bottle of wine or Coke !l^^^' upon ordering the Supe rior Meal V £20.88

.^ !

DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILAU J

M I jjJ6ll,

MORTGAGE SERVICES Serving the community since 1987

Mansfield Begbie Associates Ltd

Mortgage Brokers4

Mansfield Begbie Associates would like to thank all clients for your support during 2002. We wish all Link readers a Very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year 4.1% (APR 4.7%) discounted to 31/1/04 For example, £50,000 would cost £270 per month capital repayment (excluding insurance). This is discounted to 31/1/04. (Maximum loan to value 97%). Daily interest, tracker discount. No repayment fees.

ii ' i

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Rates from 4.35% (APR 4.8%) or 4.09% (APR 4.6%) (subject to 'loan to value') for two years. Available with special remortgage package (No arrangement or valuation fees; £250 cashback). Maximum available 95% for purchases and remortgages.

For a limited period: 5 year fixed rate of 4.65% (APR 5.1%) available for mortgages & remortgages fixed until 2/11/07 (.199 booking fee. Max loan to value 95%)

AND

3.99% (APR 4.4 %) fixed rate until 31/12/04 (1299 booking fee, can be added to loan. Max loan to value 80%)

iii . _

RE-MORTGAGE SPECIAL A discounted rate of 4.09% on a daily interest basis (APR 4.6%) for two years. No 'Tie-Ins' at end of 2 years. (Maximum loan to value: 75%). No arrangement fees or valuation. £250 cashback.

100% mortgages now available for first and second time buyers. Negative Equity Mortgages also available. You tell us what your requirements are and we will try to provide the arrangements to suit your individual needs. Mansfield Begbie Associates can arrange mortgages with the majority of building societies and banks in the UK For free advice and further information, call us now on

Swindon 772779 e-mail: info@mansfieldbegbie.co.uk • www.mansfieldbegbie.co.uk Registered with the Mortgage Code Compliance Board: No. 5508399 • Consumer Credit Licence: No. 499646 Mansfield Begbie Associates Ltd. is an Introducer Representative of Allcover Financial Services authorised to give investment and pensions business intoductions only. Allcover Financial Services is regulated by the Personal Investment Authority for investment and pensions business. MEMBER

Credit broker fees of up to 1% on the advance may be charged at completion depending on the type of product and credit period. A written quotation on loans can be obtained on request. Only available to persons 18 years of age or over. Subject to status. Subject to our current lending criteria. A life assurance policy may be required. ! Example: A married couple aged 30 years and 28 years. both non-smokers. applying for a repayment mortgage of £50,000 over a 25 year term (300 monthly payments), completing before 30. 11/2002 secured against a property being purchased for £55,000. 300 monthly mortgage payments of £270. Total amount payable £81,195 calculated to include valuation fee £195. This calculation is based on the assumption that the discounted rate will apply throughout the term of the loan. Maximum loan £150,000. Rate applied is 4.1 % (4.7/, APR) discounted to 31/1/04. Rates may vary. The rate applies to loans up to and 'ncluding 97% of the purchase price or valuation, whichever is the lower. The discounted rate is applicable until 31 /t/04, after which the then current variable base mortgage rate will apply. When an applicant is borrowing more than 75% the lender may require additional security. This is usually in the form of a Risk Charge. Rates correct at time of going to press.

GBrleral Insurance Incorporated in England and Wales - Company Number: 3217240 - Reg. Office: 311, Ballards Lane, Finchley, London N12 SLY o ,. 8740 N

18 The Link Magazine • December 2002

Tadpole Lane link to open as Lady Lane remains closed Residents of Ash Brake are celebrating the Swindon Council cabinet decision that Lady Lane should remain blocked to traffic. The road has been closed on a many drivers backed by Haydon lar with many local drivers. Fol- consistent decision to close Lady temporary basis to minimise dan- Wick and Blunsdon Parish Coun- lowing talks with the police, we Lane. In similar circumstances, he ger to traffic during the construc- cils have campaigned for a change felt the road could provide a valu- pointed out they had decided to tion of access to the Bridlewood of heart so that the link could be re- able and safe route between the keep open Mill Lane between Okus Primary School site and drivers opened permanently. two parishes if a weight restriction and Wroughton and the road to from Blunsdon travelling to the There will be some relief by and a 30mph speed limit near the Hodson from Broome Manor Lane, despite the objections of houseNorth Swindon District Centre or Christmas when Oakhurst Way school were imposed." West Swindon have had to use the through Priory Vale, linking TadHe expressed annoyance at holders along the route. A419 and Thamesdown Drive. pole Lane to Junction 7 on Swindon Council's apparent in- • Fast food delay: page 31. Although the original northern Thamesdown Drive to the west of development framework plan pro- the district centre opens. vided for the closure of the road, Jon Booth of the Ash Brake resiPriory Vale show centre opens that _"' dents' association, pointed out tha Buyers interested in finding out about new homes in North Swindon ... µ, _ , it had always been the council's now have a central point to start their search. intention that Lady Lane be closed. E „ b ^, °"Thamesdown Drive has been deThe Priory Vale w. signed to handle all the traffic," he visitor centre at junc -. i. said. "If Lady Lane is re-opened it tion 8 on Thames/r f will P rovide P eople with a rat run. down Drive brings `+ b,. The road is an old route which is together details from ^': now being used as it should be, by house builders in the people walking dogs and cyclists. area and provides up ^,E^ With a junction for the school half to date information • ° way up, an y car travelling down about the 5,500 home ; the road would have no chance of development. seeing turning traffic until too Copies of the latlate." est edition of The Lorraine Palmer,BloorHomessales m anager, receptionists However Richard Hailstone, Link's much sought Rachel Smart, AngelaRamirez, Karen Belcherfront, Nicola chairman of Haydon Wick Parish after North Swindon Bint, Angie Clark, Westbury Homes sales manager Council, expressed disappoint- map and brochures ment at the decision. "The parish and pamphlets of local interest will area and provide directions to • council regards Lady Lane as a be available, show homes. New link opens soon, from very useful link between Haydon Receptionists at the visitor cenThe show centre is open is every Tadpole Lane to Thamesdown Wick and Blunsdon and the diver- tre will be able to advise on the day, loam to 6pm, and can be conDrive, via Oakhurst Way sions will continue to be unpopu- types of houses being built in the tacted on 0800 072 5550.

•

Community Dividend Scheme A minimum of 1 % of the Society's profits

are returned to projects to

benefit the

local community through the Community Dividend Scheme,

Co-op Autumn boost for LEAVES (Local Enterprise And Vocational Employment Scheme) which provdes employment opportunities via a mobile gardening service and conservation projects in Swindon. Co-ordinator Anne Billingham with Martin Alley. one of those taking part in the LEAVES initiative

If you think a project you know of could qualify for a grant of up to L 1,000, call 0800 435902 for more information ♦.

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Budding ballet dancer from Bradon Forest School Megan Gibson is making a name for herself by getting ready to dance in a forthcoming production of Coppelia. To pursue herdream Megan who li ves in Shaw has to make weekly journeys to the south coast to attend rehearsals with the Ballet Creations company. Performances take placefrom 18to21 December at the Regent Centre, Christchurch. Megan trains with Swindon's Estelle School of Dance.

Any35mm film 5x7 ................... £4.99

The legend of Jack and the Beanstalk will be told on ice at the Link Centre from Thursday 19 to Sunday 22 December. See page 22 for details. Above. Coun David Cox cuts the ribbon on the mini ice rink (open until 22 December) at McArthur Glen Designer Centre, with John Short, director of Swindon Services and back. skater Ross Thompson, Wroughton Junior School children. Andrew Seabrook, and Jack's pet cow

Win a family ticket to Dick Whittington Panto favourite Dick Whittington takes a detour to Swindon on his annual pilgrimage to London in search of fame and fortune during December and January. And it's a welcome return for Christmas would not be the same without the family spectacular at the Wyvern Theatre involving a cast of well known performers playing some outrageous characters, joined by the Tanwood Dancers. Local actress and mum Pollyann Tanner doubles up as lead character Dick and

choreographer and is joined by former Dr Who, Colin Baker. transformed into cuddly Sarah the Cook. Colin is well known by Wyvern audiences for his cross dressing, having played Dame Durden in Jack and the Beanstalk four years ago. Last Christmas Rod. Jane & Freddy from TVs Rainbow were in

Swindon. This year Geoffrey Hayes, below, another much loved character from the series, has been signed up. Giving the show an evil edge will be Hugo Myatt as King Rat, who doubles as director. Save up the boos for

him. Tickets for this starry spectacular have been frozen at last year's prices: £13.50 and £12.50. Call the Wyvern box office now. But you can go to the ball for free; we have a family ticket for two adults and two children on Thursday 9 January, 7pm. Tell us which Swindon dance school Pollyann Tanneris connected with? Send your answers by 16 DecembertoThe Link, Papermakers House. Westlea, Swindon SN5 7BD.

Writlr, by Ch.dn Vs,,, oirc<1ed by Itugo MYatt Ch,.c g,.pbed by Paliyann 1'—,, I.i ghHng by Mob Alrv,J,, Mo dal.be Pear Bry

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20 The Link Magazine • December 2002

Treasure Forever at Lydiard House

Into Arts & Crafts.

Amid all the excitement of restoration proposals for historic Lydiard Park, improvements continue to be made in the house with the support of public donations and grant awards, writes Keeper of the House Sarah FinchCrisp.

Can't find what you want?

Wood

or what? Visitors to the house can now see the beautifully carved overmantel in the library, until recently painted grey, restored to its early grandeur, right. An intriguing photograph taken by Country Life magazine in 1947 showed the overmantel looking distinctly darker than the surrounding decoration. This was born out by an examination of tiny slithers

Try us! Well worth a visit A few of the items we stock Airbrush Mosaic tiles Basket making Pergamano Beads & sequins Pyrography Candle making Quilling Glass paints Rug making Sculpting clay Sandy Art Cross stitch Silk fabrics Face paints Silk paints Hama beads Stamping Jewellery making Sewing threads Selection of haberdashery D.M.C. Main Agency Daylight lamps stockist 100s of other craft items and a huge range of products for the artist & student Picture framing service plus DIY framing supplies

Graham McCallion PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO WEDDINGS PORTRAITS ' COMMERCIAI"

Framework Art & Craft 63 Pembroke Centre Cheney Manor Trading Estate Swindon SN2 2PQ Tel/Fax 01793 513069 Email: enquiries@facswindon.co.uk Phone for directions. Free parking

The Barn, 116 High Street Blunsdon. Swindon

Studley Grange Craft Village 1

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of paint under a microscope which showed that the carving had been grained, a popular decorating technique in the 19th Century which simulated the effect of polished wood. Master grainer Adam Arbeid, who has worked extensively in Brighton Pavilion, was invited to recreate the graining which had been stripped away in the post war period. Perched on scaffolding, Adam spent a week in October meticulously applying layers of paint and lacquer. To celebrate this restoration, the li brary has been spring cleaned and teams of volunteers from Upper Thames branch of the National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies have dusted and catalogued the complete book collection - no mean task. The results are well worth a look. Just in time Furnishings at risk from severe deterioration have also been protected and transformed through expert conservation under the Treasure Forever programme. A generous donation from a member of the public has meant that an 18th Century St John family clock has been cleaned and repaired, allowing the brilliance of its brass and tortoiseshell inlaid case to be revealed for the first time in a century.

Smoke free A portrait of John 2nd Viscount St John has also benefitted from conservation treatment and has returned to its position above the fireplace in the drawing room. Layers of grime, the smoke and fumes of generations, have been removed from the canvas, and flaking gilding from the original frame secured. This work has been enabled by a grant from The Leche Trust which is concerned with the preservation of important 18th Century furnishings. John was the man responsible for remodelling Lydiard House in the 1 740s and re-landscaping the park to suit his new Palladian mansion. With plans to restore the park underway it seems appropriate that John's portrait has been given a much needed face lift.

Country Christmas at Lydiard House

Ii,! • Pewter work • Greeting cards £t stationery • 3D decoupage • Silk paintings • Textile design • Cake decorating • Picture framing £t rubber stamps • Bankers soft play area See craftspeople at work. Have a go at making and decorating your own craft work. Great ideas for Christmas gifts.

Visit us through the rear of Blooms Garden Centre, Hay Lane, close to Junction 16 on the M4

Floristry students from Wiltshire College Lackham will this year decorate the house with formal designs and a slight contemporary touch. All their work incorporates natural material which is either seasonally fresh or has been preserved. Marvel at the Twostudents decorating Lord Bolingbroke's study. artistry of the 16 Compare the overmantle with the photo above students who take on the project in addition to ti onal Award in Floristry Design. their regular studies for their NaMulled wine and mince pies will tional Diploma in Floristry or Na- be available at the visitor centre.

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Tr'n w! .^erKim

/n/

azine • December 2002 21

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and waV t Anks for your support iut, tke rece4 Ftk & Clop-srropof Me- Year co^ccpetitw;t We made it into the final 10 in the Southwest along with only one other in Wiltshire. With your help we hope to do even be tter next year.

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NEW: TEEN SCENE starts Tuesday 10th December, 7pm to I0.30pm. Disco night for 13 to 17 year olds. Soft drinks. Great music with Nikki & Zoe. Entrance £2.50 for members; £3 non-members. Membership £3.50. i Ik FAMILY NEW YEAR PARTY Saturday 28th December, 7pm. FREE ENTRY

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Venues Lydiard House. Tel: 770401 National Monuments Record Centre Kemble Drive. Tel: 414600 STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway Kemble Drive. Tel: 466655 Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Bath Road. Tel: 466556 Town Hall Studios Regent Circus. Tel: 463210 The Wyvern Theatre Theatre Square. Tel: 524481 Confirm date. time and price with the venue

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Icelandic Landscapes by Swindon born artist Roy Bizley - see exhibitions below

Family events

Music

Every Fri, Sat & Sun until 15 Monday 2nd, 7.30pm December. 5pm to 8pm (last entry Charlie Landsborough. This 7pm) remarkable singer/songwriter makes The Enchanted Wood. As the a welcome return. £16. Wyvern spectacular autumn leaves fall, the Sunday 8th, 5pm & 8pm trees come to life once more in a Christmas Cracker presented by The Legend of Jack and The kaleidoscope of colour - a unique Kentwood. £8. Wyvern Beanstalk on Ice. £6.50. discounts and breathtaking spectacle. Adults available. Link Centre. tel: 465435 £5. concsf4. children£l, family£l 1. Westonbirt Arboretum Sunday 1st, 2.30 to 4.30pm Wyvern Foyer & Harlequin bar Snowstorm. Make winter pictures. until 19 December Thursday 5th to Saturday 7th. unusual Christmas decorations and Swindon Photographic Society 7.30pm Magic and Sparkle presented by cards inspired by the icy landscapes Surreal multi-coloured cows.natural the Sullivan School of Dance. £7.50. of Roy Bizley. (see exhibitions). For history and landscapes. Eighty works 5 to 11 year olds. £2. Swindon from around the world by the best Wyvern Museum & Art Gallery photographers in town. Friday 6th, 7.30pm Southerly Exposure. An evening of Saturdays 7th, 14th, 21st, Sundays Lydiard House fresh dances by up to three 8th, 15th, 22nd, 11 am to 4pm. Also 29 November to 29 December Country House Christmas. See dancemakers from the Southern and Saturday 14th 6pm to 8pm South West area. £6. Town Hall Santa Specials. Swindon & page 20. Normal admission charges Cricklade Railway, Blunsdon Station, Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Studios Monday 9th & Tuesday 10th, 8pm Tadpole Lane. For details tel: 771615 until 16 March Roy Bizley: Icelandic Landscapes Absence and Presence. Andy Saturday 7th, 6pm Dawson. well known for his record- Christmas Unwrapped a family Roy Bizley began his artistic training breaking production of Thunderbirds lecture uncovering the facts behind at Swindon School of Art before F.A.B. is back with a new project the myths and the magic of Christmas attending Slade School of Fine Art. designed to evoke the universal with Dr Patrick Harding. £4.50, child He made his first trip to Iceland in 1975 where he was inspired to emotion of grief through non-vocal £3. STEAM produce a large body of powerful dialogue, gesture and movement. £5. Saturday 7th to Monday 23rd Town Hall Studios Christmas Present Trail. Can you paintings and prints. Free admission Friday 13th, 7pm & Saturday 14th, help the Ghost of Christmas Past STEAM find a host of old fashioned Christmas Storehouse - Unlocking STEAM's 2pm Cinderella. A dance extravaganza presents in time for Christmas Day? hidden treasures from children who regularly For5to l l yearolds. £1.25, includes Discover STEAM's hidden treasures. participate in ballet classes at admission and small prize. Lydiard from uniforms to nameplates, tools to wagons. Normal admission Swindon Dance. £4.75. Town Hall House charges Studios Saturday 7th to 5 January The Snow Queen's Secret. Follow The Gallery, National Monuments Monday 16th & Tuesday 17th, the snowflakes around the museum Record Centre, to 12 January 7.30pm Mistletoes. 1st and 2nd year for a Christmas surprise. For 5 to 11 Workers' Playtime students from Swindon College year olds. 50p. includes small prize. Public parks and gardens reflected through postcards mostly dating Dance foundation course take to the Swindon Museum & Art Gallery between 1900 to 1910. Open Wedstage in a performance full of Sunday 8th, 1.30pm to 3.30pm Christmas madness, song and Christmas China. Decorate a Fri, 1 1 am to 5pm dance. £5. Town Hall Studios special plate for Santa's mince pies Lydiard House using traditional techniques. patterns The Grandison Book. Rare 17th and ideas. For 5 to 11 year olds. £3, Century manuscript compiled by Sir includes plate. Lydiard House Richard St. George, Clarenceaux, Wednesday 11 December, 7.30pm Thursday 12th. 8pm King of Arms. The beautifully bound Swindon Society talk 'A Working Community Carols. Annual evening work contains genealogical tables Day'. Alfred Williams by Kaye with the Salvation Army Band. Free based on those displayed on the Franklin. Members 50p, visitors admission, retiring collection. Triptych in St Mary's Church, Lydiard £1.50. Broad Green Centre. Salisbury Westonbirt School, Tetbury. Tel: Park. together with vivid illustrations. Street. Swindon Normal admission charges 01666 880333 from Friday 13 December Dick Whittington. Wyvern. See the advert on page 19 Thursday 19th to Sunday 22nd, 1.30prn & 6.30pm

Dance

Talk

For a free quote

e^errmber

Exhibitions

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Carol concerts

Charity card shop

NSPCC Swindon Carols at Christmas Christ Church, Swindon Friday 6 December, 7.15pm with children from Crowdys, Holy Family.& King William Street schools Featuring The Christmas mouse tells the story of the birth of Jesus' Collection in aid of NSPCC Refreshments following the service

A multi-charity Christmas card shop is open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm and Saturday 1 Oam to 2.30pm at The Pilgrim Centre, Regent Circus until Wednesday 18 December.

Haydon Wicks Bowls Club Christmas concert with Aldbourne Band Saturday 14 December, 7.30pm Haydon Centre, £4/£3 concs Tickets from the centre or call 722972 or 728517 Swindon Choral Society Christmas Concert Saturday 14 December, 7.30pm Pilgrim Centre, Regent Street Will include a festive blend of traditional carols for choir and audience and two seasonal pieces: When Icicles Hang by John Rutter and Ceremony of Carols by Britten Tickets: £7/£5 with concession from 521702 See page 46 for Christmas carol and church services in West and North Swindon

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High energy celidh with Stomp Saturday 21 December, 8pm -11.30pm Ellendune Centre, Wroughton Adults £7; under 18 £5; under 12 £2; family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) £18 Ticket reservations on 641107 or janicebooth@ntlworld.com

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Childrens Activities Wednesday 4 December 10am - 12.30pm Fun on the farm for young children and their parents or carers. Follow the nature trail, feed the hens and collect the eggs. seasonal art and craft work. Indoor activities in wet weather. A snack is provided, you are welcome to bring a picnic lunch. Call 771080 to book. f5/family Carols by Candlelight Saturday 14 December, 6pm -8pm Old fashioned twenty-first Century evening in the big barn. Adult £3, child £1.50. includes mulled wine, mince pies and hot chestnuts

Christmas fund raising

Christmas Fair Westlea School Saturday 30 November, 1.30pm Santa's grotto. white elephant stall. crafts, gifts, refreshments

Christmas Fete Toothill School Friday 6 December, 3.15pm To be opened by Swindon Town player. raffle, silent auction. Father Christmas, cake stall Proceeds to go towards school equipment

Christmas Activity Fayre Toothill Church Saturday 7 December 2pm - 4pm Bring your children along for an afternoon of Christmas related activities, to include a do-it-yourself nativity scene, cracker making, Christmas cards and tree decorations to make, carol singing and a live nativity. There will be the opportunity to select Christmas presents from a variety of homemade gifts and crafts, a Fair Trade goods stall, as well as Christian books and resources. Refreshments and homemade cakes available. Free admission.

Fundraising Dance The Swindon Celtic Academy and the McInerney School of Irish Dancing hold an Irish dancing night at Stratton Community Centre, Grange Drive on Friday 27 December. Irish recording star Ann Breen will be appearing, supported by John Quinn. Also display of Irish dancing. Tickets £8 from 642368 or 825742. Proceeds will go towards running an Irish dancing competition in February.

The Russian Connexion Bringing together people of any nati onality interested in Russian language and culture. Exchange ideas, books, newspapers & contacts and meet some native Russian speakers on Friday 13 December. 8pm at The Crown Inn, Ermin Street, Stratton. For details call 3371 13, 491003 or 638210 or mail: russianconnexion @hotmail.com

Swindon College

Swindon Colle'N in YOUR Community... I For the Mind...

For the Hands

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• Conversations with God Part 1

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• Meditation - An Introduction

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• Neurolingustic Programming

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Major step forward for Mechanics

A new way to stardom has been launched by the Wyvern Theatre and the search is on for young people to take part in an all singing and dancing production next April. The show takes place on ThursPhase II will involve up to fifty people aged between 16 and 30 day 24 to Saturday 26 April 7.30pm who will work under the guidance with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Everyone between the specified of a professional choreographer, director and musical director on a ages can audition after returning an application form with passport first show: Copacabana. Auditions are set for Sunday 23 sized photo. For a form, call Nicki February and rehearsals will run Western at the Wyvern on 535536 from Sunday 13 April to Tuesday or mail: nicki.western@clear channel.co.uk 22 April.

After seven years, a group of volunteers is starting to achieve success in its campaign to see Swindon's biggest embarrassment become a centre of social and cultural activity in the town once again.

Poetry please West Swindon based poetry magazine Pulsar wants entries from over 1 6s to its annual competition for publication next June. On offer is a first prize of £100, £40 for second and £25 for third. Poems of no more than 40 lines on any subject can be submitted. All entrants will receive a copy of Pulsar and the top three will receive one year's subscription. Winning and recommended poems will be displayed at www.pulsarpoetry.com Log on to the web site for the rules or send an SAE to Poetry Competition Administrator, Pulsar Poetry Magazine, 34 Lineacre, Grange Park. Swindon SN5 6DA. Closing date for entries is 28 February 2003.

Haydon Christmas kids This year's Haydon Wick Community Association party for 3 to 8 year olds takes place at the Haydon Centre, Thames Avenue on Saturday 14 December, 12.30pm to 3pm. The kids will be entertained by Smartiepants the Clown. Tickets priced £3.50 are available from the centre, tel: 706666. Bowls club in concert Haydon Wick Bowls Club is staging its regular Christmas concert on Saturday 14 December, 7.30pm with a programme of Christmas music and carols performed by the Aldbourne Band. Tickets at £4.50, £4 concessions, can be purchased from Haydon Centre, tel: 706666 or from bowls club members.

It's 40 years since money was last spent on the now crumbling Mechanics' Institute in the town centre which will be 150 years old in 2004. N` As a result of astute p lobbying, the New Mechanics' Institute Preservation Trust have secured agreement by English Heritage to pay £200,000 towards protecting the derelict building. Swindon Council will put in £50,000. In 1998 English Heritage upgraded the building's status to Grade II` because of its significant social contribution to the town. It is now regarded as one of the most at risk heritage buildings in the UK. Because of the status the proposals by its owners to turn it into a hotel are unlikely to get approval. Earlier this year consultant architects reported there were no significant commercial uses for the building. A task force involving the trust is now meeting to oversee the urgent works and to come up with a long term strategy. Around £2 million is

i! f

needed to prevent further deterioration and £10 million for renovati on, hopefully from the national lottery. New Mechanics' Institute Trustee Martha Parry said the battle to save the building had been tough. "It's taken a long time for the message to get across to Swindon Council that the Mechanics could benefit the town like it used to. " What has driven us is the support from the people of Swindon. They believe it's worth saving the Mechanics. After years of pushing against local resistance and inerti a, we're thrilled at the backing from English Heritage and the personal endorsement of our plans from its chairman Sir Neil Cossens."

28 The Link Magazine • December 2002

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Ex-Lion coaches cubs' in Innogy Tag Rugby programme Former England and British Lions rugby player Ben Clarke visited Greendown School in early November. Sponsored by Swindon based energy company Innogy he introduced PE teachers from Swindon secondary schools to a new initiative to promote the game to youngsters through tag rugby. Each school received Rugby Football Union tag rugby equipment including balls, team bibs, belts and tags, water bottles and individual pupil certificates all Innogy sponsor branded. Following the teachers day, Ben visited each of the schools involved to lead a taster coaching session with a selection of pupils who will participate in the Innogy Tag Rugby Festival at the Link Centre on 27 November.

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Former England player marks a famous victory Memories came flooding back on 23 November for Rev Peter Knight, vicar of Lydiard Millicent, when he travelled to Twickenham to watch England take on South Africa. Thirty years ago he was in the one of the most famous victories in immense. There were 93,000 peoEngland fifteen which emerged rugby history, and one of the most ple watching and the game was incredibly tight. I touched the ball victorious 18 - 9 from the Spring- incredible tours. bok fortress of Ellis Park in Johan"We were the first team ever to twice and one of those was to pick leave South Africa unbeaten," said it up for the hooker to throw in. It nesburg. At a Peter. "By the time we arrived at was a bruising affair and I can still Rugby Ellis Park the pressure on us was feel the tackles made." Football Union organised reception, The disaster of an arson attack on the Lydiard Millicent cricket Peter met pavilion five years ago had a positive outcome for a local football club up with exwhen new changing rooms were unveiled on 16 November. team mates to remiWith landfill tax funding from have achieved it without the supnisce about waste management company Biffa port and encouragement from the and a successful bid to the Football parish council." She added that the club has Foundation by Shaw football club, plus contributions from Lydiard signed an agreement with the parMillicent Parish Council, North ish council to use the clubhouse in Wilts district council and the club perpetuity. The club, founded in 1991, now itself, the new pavilion provides FABRIC four team and referee changing has eleven teams and over 200 playFASHIONS rooms, a meeting room, kitchens, ers, from under 7s to under 16s. Chairman of the parish council showers and toilets. SWINDON'S BEST FABRIC SHOP

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Ben Clarke with Greendown students Daniel Forder, Zoe Mead

1 Apsley House Arcade. Wootton Bassett,

North Wilts MP James Grett, rear left, performed the opening ceremony with Tom Pepperall, centre rear, and representatives from the Football Association, the parish council and North Wilts District Council, and Margaret Rivers, front centre

Club secretary Margaret Rivers said a dream had come true. "The fire was devastating at the time but we've worked very closely with the parish council to identify the funding and raise £200,000. "The changing rooms are fantastic; they're everything we've wanted. It's still difficult to believe we've got this far but we could not

Tom Pepperall said the pavilion was a wonderful facility for the village. The cricket club will use the fields during the summer and a boules pitch and barbecue would be built in the new year. Young people interested in playing for Shaw FC should contact Margaret on 346568 or mail: margaret.rivers@ntlworld.com

The Link Magazine • December 2002 29

Polar racer looks for sponsors Until Norman Butler from Westlea entered a race to the magnetic North Pole next April, he had never been north of Leeds. But then two years ago he had never rowed a boat on the high sea.

Home Personal Training O Lacking energy lately? O Need motivation to exercise? Want a fun work out? O Haven't got time for the gym? What you need is a personal trainer to help you achieve your fitness goals

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Follow Rosemary's new low-fat eating plan which now includes treats & watch the pounds and inches disappear! * Monday: Noremarsh Junior School, Wootton Bassett. 5.30pm & 7pm • Thursday: Saltway School, Middleleaze, 6pm * Thursday: Warneford School, Highworth, 8pm Call Dawn on (01793) 782639 Membership £6.99 Class £4.35 Exercise only £3.35 (no membership)

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Norman and Linda Butler and their daughter Melissa

However, having rowed to the or she sets out to do something; to Caribbean a year ago, the adven- push out the boundaries of capabilture of the ice race was a challenge ity," said Norman. He is calling on many of the prohe could not turn down. Up to 12 teams of two or three fessionals who prepared him for his members will ski across the ice, row and this time Halcrow Engipulling sleds loaded with supplies. neering at Wroughton are already High winds and temperatures of on board with sponsorship. To get to the start line Norman minus 40'C, the risk of the ice cracking and plunging into freezing has to raise £20,000 in sponsorship water and the ever present danger for race entry and equipment. For details on how to help, call of inquisitive polar bears are some of the highlights to look forward to. 882197, mail: norman@benwell 'Rowing the Atlantic showed close.free serve.co.uk or look at his what an ordinary person can do if he page at www.swindonlink.com

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30 The Link Magazine • December 2002

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Grey power takes over In October the initial figures from the 2001 Census showed that for the first time ever there are more over 65s than under 16s in the UK. As Age Concern Swindon's fiftieth year draws to a close, director Jo Osorio asks: we're all getting older, but will it be better?

Born today you can expect to live at least 75 years if you're a boy and 80 if you're a girl. What an achievement — provided those

years are quality years. Almost weekly we hear of another person in Swindon reaching 100 years old. But what of the figures across the country? In 1996 there were 5,523 people of 100 and over in England and Wales. By 2036 as Swindon's current 30 year vision reaches its climax, this will increase to 39,000. Yet although we're living longer, we're not necessarily enjoying more years of good health. It's a challenge for all of us to keep life-

ing 'that little bit of help' to continue living independent lives in their own homes. And we believe that it is the right of older people, as full and equal citizens, to be able to influence all the things that affect them and to be recognised for the contribution they can and do make to society. Whether that's at the MPs' surgery, at a meeting of the local Area Panel with ward councillors or at the ballot box next 1 May. And since older people are more likely to vote than most others, their influence can be considerable.

styles healthier

and be active as long as we possibly can. At Age Concern Swindon we weren't atallsurprisedbythecensus to see how dramatically the UK is ageing. An

C' ''

ageing society presents enor- Age Concern S windon trustee Kaye Franklin and Jo

mousopportuni- Osorio presented a cheque for £200 to Chris Rickards, ties as well as secretary of the S windon Breathe Easy Group which was challenges. It launched in June at the Haydon Centre. will only be a eniThe Breathe E asy Group is part of the British Lung sis if we don't Foundation. Aro and 45 people with lung disorders and deal with the is- breathing difficu Ities, their carers and family members, sues now and get together for social activities and support in coping come upwithim- with their condit ion. Although many currently attendaginative and ing the group are older, membership is open to all ages. flexible ways of The grant will help towards the cost of room hire and looking at long production of the monthly newsletter. term care, penFor details abo ut joining, call Chris Rickards on 637566 sions and the Finally, the census figures highhealth system. Not many days go by without light the urgency needed to eradidiscussion about raising the 're- cate age discrimination. It is essentirement' age or controversy over tial that we make ageism a thing of companies changing their pension the past in employment, learning, schemes, worried at the future cost health, social care and in the marof providing decent benefits in the ketplace: in fact in every area of future. And this month our new life. You can find out more about Great Western Hospital opens — and we certainly expect to see some Age Concern Swindon's helpful new ways at GWH of managing services, how to join us as a volunpatients' treatment and care in teer or be part of our campaigns by ways that were unimaginable be- calling 692166 or writing to 14 Milton Road, SN1 5JE, or mail: fore. Our philosophy at Age Concern swindon@ageconcern.org.uk Find out much more about Age Swindon is simple. Ageing changes all of us and normally involves the Concern's work locally and nationloss of some of our abilities and ally at www.ageconcern.org.uk - 'making more of life.' strengths. We recognise that many older people need some help to

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•

The Peatmoor Over 50s group is holding a coffee and mince pies morning on Wednesday 11 December, loam to 11.30am at Peatmoor Primary School. Newcomers are very welcome

The Link Magazine • December 2002 31

Circus in the classroom Children at Freshbrook School had the chance to learn circus skills in one hour workshops for each class run by Splats Entertainment on 7 and 8 November. Spinning plates, juggling, stilt walking and balancing peacock feathers were all on the curriculum to develop hand-eye coordination and balance. JJ from Splat and year 3/4 children, from left, Bethany Rodney, Georgia McCann, Caroline Evans, Chanice Mason, Robbie Newman, back James Reid

Not so fast food. Planners say 'no' to drive-thru' breakfast The residents of Ash Brake, who have vigorously opposed proposals to site a McDonald's drive-thru' restaurant close to houses at Junction 5 of Thamesdown Drive, have won a reprieve. In July, Henry Davidson Developments Ltd were granted planning permission for the restaurant, a food take-away and another shop unit, despite protests from residents who complained about anticipated nuisance from traffic, noise, litter and smell. The permission imposed restrictions on opening hours and the developer sought amendments to the terms of a legal agreement setting out these restrictions to allow earlier opening to catch the lucrative breakfast trade and extended hours on bank holidays and Sundays. To the delight of residents, the request at Swindon Council's planning committee on 29 October was rejected by councillors. Henry Davidson seem to have three options open to them • proceed with the July permission with no trading before 9am; • submit a revised planning application which includes the addi-

tional opening hours. If refused again, they could then take the matter to appeal; • drop the proposal entirely or propose a different use for the site. Campaigning Ash Brake resident Tracy Goodwin said, "we are obviously delighted with the planning committee's decision. We now await the developer's response and hope they will be dissuaded from pursuing the fast food scheme which is entirely inappropriate for this site. I am confident that whatever is eventually located here can only be an improvement on that." The site has always had outline permission for road side commercial use. It is believed that a developer has expressed an interest in acquiring the site for housing, but its planning status would have to be altered. Residents living nearby would have no doubt about their preference.

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32 The Link Magazine • December 2002

Teens get their own scene The Toothill Tavern is coming to the rescue of 13 to 17 year olds who want to go out for a good time. The Brunel Rooms in the town Ridge, , where there used to be a centre is reducing its weekly teen- weekly under 18s night, will ever age 'nappy nights to a monthly reopen as a nightclub. SELF DRIVE HIRE gig, and there are serious ques- TeenScene at the Tavern will be ear .Data€ e^rza2 e ft4 , tions as to whether Eros at Shaw launched on Tuesday 10 DecemVehicles for Hire at Competitive Rates ber and happen between 7pm and 10.30pm in the fully kitted out funcCars - Vans • Luton Tail-Lifts tion room every Tuesday. Soft VACANCY 272 Ermin Street drinks will be available and access Stratton St. Margaret. Swindon Playleader with relevant qualification/ will be directly into the function experience required for Junior Club room in Toothill on Friday evenings to work Radio de-coding while you wait Niki and Zoe King will be keepwith children aged 7 to 11. Three ing the house in order and making The King sisters, promising a good FREE PARKING ' time at TeenScene in Toothill hours a week @ £6.50 per hour. For sure everybody is happy. Open daily 8.30am - 5.30pm VISA details call Pam Pixton on 465462 "There are very few regular Entrance at £2.50 will mainly be Sundays 8.30am - 9.30am places for thirteen to seventeen by annual membership costing year olds to go to meet each other £3.50. However, cut out the Toothill socially," said Niki. "TeenScene Tavern advert on page 21, take it will definitely be the place to be along and membership will only seen. Parents will be strictly pro- cost £2.50. Car Body Repairs and Paint Spraying hibited from the club, but always Non-members can get in if there M.o.T. Repairs and Welding welcome in the main bar." is space at £3.

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Striving for gold at live band night Friday 6 December, 7pm - 11.30pm with The Carter Affair, Viscous Couping, Tebo,

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Campaign starts to get skate park Skateboarding is not new, it won't go away and Swindon young people want its council to do something for them, is the message that came out of a meeting to review a temporary skate facility that ran for six months, two sessions a week in the Link Centre coach park. ►. w The December Link a year ago featured

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^^ West Swindo n youngsters ^ ,,, building the equipment which, after bureaucratic hold Councillors Cox and Martin, rear left, with skater s at the ups and council meeting on 30 October. Alison Spalding is on the right. youth staffing problems, eventually ran from Shaun Zerebecki from Freshbrook, who helped build the ramps May to October. At the meeting in the West Swin- and boxes used over the summer, don youth and community office said the council's inaction was a on 30 October the general view mystery. "We know money is short, was that the Link skate park had but if it was not an issue, what is been partially successful. However the council's problem about prothe surface was not ideal and the viding a skateboard park? council requirement that skaters "It seems they just want to igshould wear helmets had put off nore the hundreds of young peomany young people. plc in this town who enjoy the Toothill councillor and council sport." deputy leader David Cox and Shaw Mum Alison Spalding is startand Nine Elms councillor Nick ing a campaign to put pressure on Martin were pressed by the teen- the council and is getting a web agers to get the council to come up site organised for the skateboard with serious plans for a high qual- community to express their views. ity permanent provision for skate- "The number of people skating is boarders across the town. growing all the time. Providing a Jake Hirsch-Holland from Shaw venue would enable youngsters to said there are parks in Bristol and skate in a safe and positive enviBath, and even small places like ronment, off the streets. Lechlade and Carterton. Swindon Alison can be contacted at: still has nothing. caramelmel2000@hotmail.com

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Something for the kitchen from Options Plus Give a loved one new cooking ideas from a Celebrity Cook Book produced by Swndon's Disabled Living Centre, Options Plus.

Murals and miniatures from creative West Swindon couple

" We also provide information on ^q groups and advice on where to go for speci fi c help and are particularly keen to visit community as an ever so tasty groups to talk about one from Julian the service we ofClary. fer." (^ Options Plus is Options Plus, one of forty four ll which is funded by Disabled Living Swindon Council Centres around the and the Swindon country providing Primary Care NHS information, advice Trust, is based at the Options Plus manager and free assessIndependent Living ments with an occu- Vanessa Morgan with Michelle Centre at Marshpationaltherapiston Howard show off the cookbook gate on Stratton a wide range of servRoad in Swindon. ices and equipment to aid daily The centre is open Tuesday to Friliving. day gam to 4pm. An appointment Options Plus chairwoman system is operated so that visitors Michelle Howard said, "we pride receive individual assistance. To ourselves on providing unbiased make an appointment, call 643966. information and are a well estab- Information on Options Plus can lished local service, having been in also be found at a user friendly existence for nearly 20 years. At web site www.optionsplus.co.uk our centre we have a permanent Grant funding does not cover all display of over 450 aid and equip- outgoings and the celebrity cookment items and whilst we don't book is both a useful stocking filler sell anything ourselves, we have and an important source of extra information and prices of the items funding. They cost £3. Call the together with suppliers. above number for details.

Tony and Sonia Leggett from Nine Elms are offering unique ideas for Christmas presents. Tony's extraordinary archive of j photographs of Swindon's once / famous collection of murals were < featured in the August Link. The landmarks which attracted national attention were painted in " the late 1970s and 1980s, but most have now disappeared. Tony's foresight at recording these large artworks means he can l^ °° offer copies for sale. An A3 poster ,., featuring eight photographs can be purchased at £2.95. Individual images of the murals are available as 6" x 4" cards with notecards printed from her origienvelope, costing £1 each or £7 for nal watercolours, below. Presented a set of eight. Framed 6" x 4" prints with a handmade folder and gift are available at £4.95. To place an tag, these packs make ideal order call Tony on 886668. presents at £4.50 each. Sonia Leggett is a member of the Also available are hand-painted Hilliard Society of Miniaturists and artist's accordionbooklets, the perthe Society of Floral Painters and fect keepsake gift, or you could is offering a set of five A6 floral add your own greeting and send it to someone on a special occasion. These come complete with tissue and envelope packing at £6.50 each. For orders, or more information, call Sonia on 886668. Postage and packing is added to both Tony's and Sonia's work. Sonia's work can be seen at www.flowerpainter.org.uk

The recipes in-

clude Tony Blair's favourite chocolate cake and dishes sent in by local MPs Michael Wills and Julia Drown, as well

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36 The Link Magazine • December 2002

Trees, shrubs and hedges

Wild Swindon — the WOW factor that everybody and in which you can

December open days

Workshop: Sunday Jubilee Gardens Purton Stoke 'WOW' is the Wealth of Wildlife 15 December, 10am to 4pm Saturday 7th, 10am - 2pm Many people would like to grow Hyacinths, crocus, dried flowers, around us or, to use the scientific trees in their garden but worry flower arrangements, pickled shal- term, 'biodiversity,' writes Neil about getting roots under founda- lots, pickled beetroot, mince pies, Pullen, Swindon Wildlife Officer for the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. tions or blocking out light. tombola, raffle, bird tables, bird We all experience and appreciThis workshop looks at suitable boxes, Christmas decorations. ate "WOW" in different ways, garden trees, growing trees in pots, Jubilee Gardens can be found fruit tree growing and pruning, on the B4533 between Purton and through the sights, sounds and trees from seed, garden design, Cricklade at Purton Stoke. Call smells of nature: the taste of a blackberry pie, or the touch of grass as coppicing and pollarding, plant- 771539 for details. you lie in the warm sunlight. ing hedges, selecting the right species to encourage wildlife and The Haven Wildflower Nursery Whether in the countryside or in town, from a seat overlooking your and Twigs maintenance. garden to a remote and wild landSunday 15th, 11am to 3pm Held at Lower Shaw Farm the event is run in conjunction with A chance to purchase a tree or scape, we all interact with nature Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, Swindon shrub as a lasting Christmas WOW. The Swindon Biodiversity AcCollege, Great Western Commu- present and visit the Wiltshire tion Plan, currently in an early nity Forest, Swindon Council and Wildlife Trust's nature reserve next Neil Portlock Arboriculture Serv- door. The Haven is by the over- stage of development, will be a flow car park at Manor Garden blueprint for the future of Swinices. Admission, including lunch, Centre, Cheney Manor Industrial don's wildlife, and the habitats on £10, Swindon Gold Card holders, Estate. Call 523294 for further in- which it depends. The document will identify the threats posed to £5. To book call 771080. formation.

Swindon's rivers, trees and open spaces and the wildflowers, water voles, sparrows and songthrushes that depend on them. But the plan won't just tell us what has gone wrong; it will spell out the actions to be taken to protect, maintain and enhance our

natural environment. Biodiversity isn't a luxury — it's inextricably linked with our quality of life. The foods we eat, clean air we breathe, the clothes we wear, the houses we live in, the water we drink, all rely on healthy, living ecosystems. We

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The Link Magazine • December 2002 37

surrounds get involved need to plan now to ensure that the children of the future have the opportunity to experience a Swindon as rich in wildlife as the one we have today — or even more so. A steering group composed of community groups, councillors and council officers, conservationists and members of Local Agenda 21 are working together over the next few months to harness enthusiasm for the project. The work will then be taken forward by a broad coalition involving the people of Swindon at every level community groups, businesses, landowners and individuals. A number of events are being organised to introduce you to, or raise awareness of Swindon's WOW factor. We're also keen to hear from community groups who would like an event tailored specifically to their needs. Alternatively you can have your say by requesting a questionnaire. To put some WOW into your life, call Neil Pullen on 526228, mail: neilp@wiltshirwildlife.org, or take part in one of the following events in December: Sunday 1st: Hedgerow survey training day, Highworth; Tuesday 3rd: Swindon Celebrates — see page 3; Sunday 8th: Christmas task at Avis Meadows; Wednesday 11th: Quiz and raffle at Fusion, Old Town; Sunday 15th: Open day at Twigs see opposite.

Award for citizen of the environment Is there someone in your community that you feel makes an outstanding contribution to Swindon's environment? Maybe they are someone that: • Is recycling crazy? • Takes part in conservation activities? • Plants trees and flowers? • Cares & protects local wildlife? Then nominate them for the Swindon Council Citizen Award. The Mayor coun Stan Pajak, the deputy mayor Derek Benfield and last year's mayor David Cox are looking for people who are committed to making Swindon a better place for people and wildlife. Nominations should be for people who were born, live or work in Swindon. The closing date is 27 December. For details contact the mayor's secretary Carole Deamer at the Civic Offices, Euclid Street, Swindon, SN1 2JH or mail: mayor@ swindon.gov.uk

38 The Link Magazine • December 2002

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

Going away

Pupils at Freshbrook School donated their pocket money to Children In Need by covering a Pudsey bear with coins to raise £65.

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The Link Magazine • December 2002 39

High fashion in aid of hospice Staff at West 1 Salons hope to have raised £1,000 for the Prospect Hospice from a hair and fashion show on 22 November. Models strutted the catwalk at the Fusion nightclub in Old Town while stylists from West 1 salons in Old Town and Westcott Place showed off their techniques. Those who needed a break from the thumping beat were given rides around town in the West 1 stretch limos - in return for the appropriate donation.

Toothill Village Centre \ Quulitv hair care in a friendhv atmosphere

Tel: 422824 Christmas opening times Fri 20th Dec 7.30am - 7pm Sat 21st Dec 8am- 2pm Mon 23rd Dec 8am - 1 pm Tues 24th Dec Sam - 3pm Tues 31st Dec 8.30am - 3pm Normal opening from Thursday 2nd January Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday gam - 5pm. Frida y 8am - 7om • Saturda y 8am - 2om

Stephanie Mears, West 1 model of the year, with Prospect Hospice shops manager Hazel Piper and show compere Shirley Ludford of Swindonl07fin.

School celebrates with a bang This year's Guy Fawkes night at Westlea School was the fifth occasion that Events Consultants Ltd. have put on a spectacularfundraising show for the friends association. According to head fireworks events raised around £8,500 each man and company director Nick year for the school. "Parents' assoWoodruffe, Westlea School was ciations are very important to their first ever booking and is now schools and we have been particubooked for 5 November for ever- larly lucky over the last 19 years to more. The company also put on have parents willing to put in that professional shows for Oliver extra bit to help. However a Tomkins School, Toothill, Purton number of the present committee and Lydiard scouts and event or- will be standing down over the ganisers further afield. next 18 months as their children "We always guarantee a few sur- move onto secondary school. prises at Westlea," said Nick, who "It's really important for new has been a firework fanatic since parents to put themselves forward his childhood in Haydon Wick. to help at events and come onto " We try to pick a few unique the committee when we have our firworks and go for the bright lights annual meeting. The school and rather than the big bangs." our children will suffer both finanWestlea School Parents and cially and socially if parents are Friends Association chair Sue unable to organise all those extra Godfrey said the annual fireworks, activities which raise money and the summer fete, discos and other put fun into school life."

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40 The Link Magazine • December 2002

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For Sale

Girls bicycles, suit 2-3 yrs and 3-5 yrs. both with stabilisers, excellent condition, £15 each ono. Tel: 876842 Mens adult silver mountain bike, nearly new. 18 gears, front suspension, £125 ono. Tel: 878034 Rear child seat carrier for bicycle, £15. Tel: 873528 ELC wooden train set, £25. Large bead frame, £20. Ladies walking boots. size 5, £25. Tel: 643157 Mothercare 2 in 1 pushchair & car seat.

Scalextric micro racing set, ideal Christmas present, boxed, as new, was £80. now £30 ono. Tel: 345732 Full size snooker table with balls, cues, overhead light & score board, offers, Tel:

Cabin bed with built in wardrobe, flat pack with instructions. suit 3 +, £25. Tel:

Poster advertising CD Resident Evil 50p. Poster advertising Slipknot album Iowa and single Left Behind 50p. Tel: 634909 Games for PC: Jimmy Neutron Boy Genius, new, £5. Kasparov chess game for Game Boy Advance, £10. Tel: 634909 Music CDs: Aswad Cool Summer Ragae. new, £6. Soul Hooligan, Music li ke Dirt. new £6. Jon Carter Viva Bugged Out. new. £7. Golden Boy Or with miss kittin (dance music) £5. Hobgoblin 25th anniversary folk music. £3. Tel: 634909 Clarinet, Skylark, new corks, grease cleaning cloth, needs new reeds, with carrying cases, £65 ono. Tel: 613441 Bass guitar c/w hard case. £180. Tel: 537600 Bass effects processor Zoom 506. £50. Tel: 537600 Stone effect fireplace, electric fire coal, £200 ono. Electric mower, as new. boxed, £60. Tel: 721741

green & orange, never used. with

raincover, cost £199, sell for £100. Tel: 348747 after 5.30pm Mamas & Papas 3 in 1 pram, new car seat, raincover, cosytoes, changing bag. navy, £60. Tel: 876333 Barbie quilt cover, p/case & curtains for window approx 4' x 5', £10. Tel: 873834 Barbie horse - Nibbles - and stable plus accessories, £10. Tel: 873528 Little Tike car bed, £75. Britax car seat, £50. Baby monitors, £5. Tel: 724191 Chicco bouncy chair, fully adjustable, £5. Baby grows, various sizes, 50p per outfit. Tel: 704169 Silver Cross pram inc carrycot and car seat, converts to pushchair. Tel: 345664 6' x 4' double 0 train layout. several engines, rolling stock, £100. Tel:874091

01980 670338

Clear out: Ladies clothes, size 10- 12: wedding dress, long, white laced satin. size 10: puzzles, various pictures: toys ( mostly boys): offers. Tel: 872531 Barbie in-line skates with bag and pads, size 1, £10. Tel: 873528 Black GTI Tae Kwon Do suit, vgc, approx age 10, £10. White Leigh Childs Tae Kwon Do suit, vgc. approx age 10. £10. Tel: 634909 Minority T-shirt, black, new, £3. Kissing Jessica Stein. Purple Mouse, new, £2. Kissing Jessica Stein, T-shirt, size 34, blue. new. £2. Master Cook Two Fat Ladies for PC. new, £3. Tel: 634909 Ski salopettes, grey, two pairs 12/13 yrs, 13/14 yrs, used once, £5 each. Tel: 877496

Sundridge fishing coat and trousers. size medium and Sundridge boots, size 7, £20. Tel: 615918 Weise motorcycle jacket and trousers, waterproof, size XL. in good condition, £25. no offers. Tel: 615918 Brown leather 3 piece suite. £149. High children's chair. £15. Tel: 611686

7 --------------------1

Free private for Sale & Wanted ads Send to: The Link, Papermakers House, Rivenhall Road, Westlea, Swindon SN5 7BD by 12th of the month

Tel: Name & Address (not for publication)

L -------------------I

700808

Bunk bed, solid pine, very good quality and condition, £100. Tel: 330147 Large gilt and glass coffee table in good condition. £8 or near offer. 07814631250 White wardrobe & two drawers. vgc. £10. Tel: 423276 Round pine table & chairs, £30. Nest of 3 tables, mahogany, £18. Tel: 484478 Beech computer workstation, brand new, vgc, £15. Tel: 423276 Pine high sleeper (no mattress) with single chair. vgc. £50. Tel: 423276 Settee, 2 seater & chair, pink/peach shade, loose covers, feather cushions, vgc, £300. Tel: 877924 Daewoo Autocook microwave, vgc, £45. Chinadinner plates, Myott'Royal'. £7.50. Tel: 621500 Kenwood food processor and attachments, hardly used, 1 yr old, £20. Tel: 873094 Electrolux 4680 no bag vacuum cleaner. hardly used, still 2 yr guarantee, £40. Tel: 882478 Creda Sainsbury gas cooker, as new. little used, vgc, £120 ono. Tel: 876941 Four saws. various, £10. Vintage Bradford Exchange collectors plates, half price. £10. Tel: 621500 Gas bottle fire, £15. Tel: 878493 Technics stereo, includes turntable. tuner. amplifier, CD players. graphic equalizer, double tape deck, £60. Tel: 705411 Tabletop chess/draughts computer, suit beginner, with batteries, £35 ono. Tel: 878084 Mitsubishi 21" TV, black. vgc. approx 5 years old. £65. Tel: 706396 Olivetti long carriage typewriter, offers. Tel: 875230 20" Combi TV Goodmans, as new, £180 ono. Tel: 486348 Dansai silver DVD player with 4 films, vgc. £60. Tel: 615918

Electric coal effect 3 bar fire, with hearth. excellent condition, £50. Tel: 878784 Double glazed back door, aluminium frame. 78" x 30" gc, £25. Tel: 729120 Double glazed window, plastic, 1/2 opening with lock, 38.5 "x62", £50 ono. Tel: 349880 Fishing rods, landing net, gear, £15. Tel: 882892 Readers' Digest 'Your Gardening Questions Answered', £7.50. Spirit level, 4' Elliot Lucas. £10. Tel: 621500 Rabbit hutch, new, made with 1 in wood. extra run underneath, round legs, £40. Tel: 724512 Large rabbit hutch. food, bale of hay and bag of sawdust. £8. Tel: 611818

House share Female wanting professional person to share 2 bed house in Freshbrook, £250 per month and share of bills, minimum 3 month lease. Tel: 07810 023594

Wanted Game Boy & games suitable for 4 year old. Second hand/unwanted carpet tiles, pref autumn colours - brown/green/rustic. Tel: 872531

The Link Magazine • December 2002 41

West library connects more widely Librarian Pat Gould writes

There's always plenty going on at This is a nationwide project to West Swindon library and Decem- make more IT resources available ber and the new year will see a through public libraries. new and exciting information techLibrary staff will be pleased to nology development when the free help you, but to really get the most internet accessible computers are from the People's Network try one increased from 4 to 12 as part of the of the many IT courses available in expansion of the People's Network. the Swindon area.

Exhibition ideas West Swindon library has an exhibition space and display cases which can be used by community organisations and artists to display their work. Call into the library for details about booking an exhibition or mail: wsenq@swindon.gov.uk Exhibitions now on or coming up in December: To 10th: Swindon Talking Newspaper To 14th: Photographs by Deborah Ackerley From 17th: Textile and embroidery by Textiles 21

Learn! Enjoy! Discover! Let West Swindon li brary come to you Home Library volunteers are able to visit people who have a longterm disability which prevents them from getting into a library, or who find it difficult to carry books home. People recovering from a stay in hospital or are suffering a long term illness can also receive the service. To find out how Home Library could help you, call Debs Osorio on 463505 or mail: dosorio@ swindon.gov.uk

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Crossing consultations in Westlea Swindon Council hopes to display next March before changes to road plans showing how traffic speed layout are implemented. "Every week there are near will be restricted to 20mph on Langstone Way outside Westlea misses to children and pedestrians; we must reduce the dangers School by the end of term. Road safety campaigner Dawn from traffic." The plans are likely to show curb Dolphin said she was very frustrated about the slow progress. We build-outs on either side of the were promised completion by school to reduce traffic to a single March 2002. If there are no objec- lane, 20mph signs and possibly tions to the proposals, it will be y ellow lines to restrict parking.

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Celebrating multi - culturally Shaw Ridge School celebrated Diwali at the end of October, producing artwork and puppet shows, and cooking celebration foods with assistance from Rajvinder Kular from the Swindon Multicultural Centre who helped teachers organise the day. Doroth y Clarke from Swindon Dance, worked with the children below to put on a performance for the rest of the school.

IIIIMI r

Front row, left to right, Nicola Rooke, Laura Moreland and Sian Williams; middle, Kathryn Hunt,Catherine Forty and Amy Sampson; back, Kieran Dean, Liam Williams, Laura Gillett, Lauren Chivers, Chris Spink and Daniel Norcross and Dorothy Clarke from Szoindon Dance

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CALL 01793 522579

work undertaken

lIE RMIN

LO FT CONVERSIONS

SERVICES

Decoir &fing

Tel: 01793 887690

Freephone 0800 3285467

ROB HALL HEATING, GAS & PLUMBING

Tel: 07989 950070

07973 831875

TENSION

M Gill Painting

Friendly and reliable service 7R

Your local Architectural Design and Planning Services

^^^ ^ +f

Full range of finishes All work guaranteed

Highly experienced painter and

For a free, no obligation quote at your convenience, call 01793 873424 or

Tel: 814833 or 07776 142981

DECORATOR

All interior & exterior

conservatories

J Household repairs and general maintenance Free no obligation quotes Kevin Cook

NATHAN PERKINS LTD

Windows Doors Porches Conservatories

Conservatories

and kitchens

o Replacement

CONSERVATORIES

PLUMBING & HEATING

PL UMBING

Quality Plumbing & Heating

PLUMB IT WATER SERVICES

• Central heating installation • Boiler servicing & repairs • Replacement boilers • Outside taps • Power showers '< > • Bathroom installations Ae9o128 plumbing work undertaken

Reliable service, realistic prices

•^a Reg No 67416

Kevin Rolfe Tel: 01793 88190_5 Mobile: 07973 663367

Shaun Wiltshir e City & Guilds Qualified Plumber

Installation & eonnec tion of appliances, bathroom s fitted. blocked toilets,

dripping overflows

etc.

Fully insured For a free, no obligatio n quote, telephone 01793 77 1070

Yo r guide too horme maintenance services DECORATOR

Paul Exton • Professional painting & decorating services • Interior and exterior • Specialist finishes • Colour matching advice • Free estimates

DECORATOR

IDECORATOR

GK DECORATORS

Ce(e&aatiwy 15 yeakt

Tel: 01793 - 874139 Mobile: 07919 104146 e-mail: paulexton@lineone.net

07774 - 208527

and friendly service

Dave Ody

SHAW Electrical & Plumbing Ltd

MAINTENANCE

RLp lete Pro e

p c Maintenance Services 4 Kitchens + Bathrooms • Renovations Industrial maintenance Electrical Plumbing •:• Carpentry + Floor & wall tiling + Painting & decorating

days

or 870515 eves.

ELECTRICAL! PLUMBING

Tel: 01793 878609 Mobile: 07885 543294

1Ajet wjK0KK

Telephone for a free estimate:

No job too big or too small. Free estimates

ELECTRICIAN

For all your domestic & commercial requirements New installations • Showers Extensions • Extra sockets Re-wires • Security lighting New fuse boards Free quotes 24hr call out facility

Offering a high standard of work with references available.

I nterior & exterior

painting and decorating Coving • Dado rails '.c

•

Your local quality assured NICEIC contractor

Gas Engineer

Still servicing West & North Swindon

• Fires & fire places

• Cookers • Boiler changes • Aga, Rayburn specialist

Tel: 01666 860119 Mobile: 07768 027860 ,oNrnacroR

PLUMBING & HE ATING

FAIR PRICE

GENERAL MAINTENANCE

maintenance problems solved

Dennis Brown

PLASTERING

SERVICES

All urterior and exterior

• General Maintenance NO JOB TOO SMALL For a prompt friendly professional service Telephone: 875354 Mobile: 07970 483393

• Tiling

• Boilers

Tel: (01793) 874480 • Mobile: 07860 760364

MAINTENA NC E

• Painting Wal / papering • Coving

LPG & Natural Gas Services

** power & electric showers y heating * bathroom installation security lighting

.'IEuI National Inspection Council o..o o„,a. ow for Electrical Installation Contracting

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

GAS REPAIRS

Domestic, commercial & industrial installations li ghting rewiring * fuse boxes upgraded installations tested

Yiilii r^i^iwltl l^

ostees

iecoaatiky is

I DECORATOR Dave Rogers ee» aid 9ecc^cato

p4iKttillq 4K

Tel:01793 701394 Mobile: 0790 0216618

Taw'

All pplastering g work

undertaken

Plumbing, Heating & Drainage Skilled people to take care of

Mobile: 07785 522377

• Bathrooms & • Carpentry kitchens • Fascia/ cladding • Plumbing • Electrical • Painting Plus much more Quality service guaranteed Fully insured Free no obligation quotation Tel: 01793 434184 or 07719 272393 chris.garrett2@btinternet.co m

Call for a fre estimate

Call anytime.:

Tel: 01793 616170

Or reputation ;, fruitIon yoursatisfirctioir

01793 727641

07967 907434

PLUMBIN G

&re bathrooms

general plumbing Complete Bathroom Installation • PLUMBING • TILING • ELECTRICS • EN SUITES

FREE QUOTATIONS

01793 431211 or 07771 998924

TILING

P.T. Tiling Ceramic wall and floor tiling

15 years experience

your needs

Domestic & commercial No job too big or small Free estimates

CLADDING

w vc

Please call for a free quotation

Tel: 01793 639192 Mobile: 07966 244190

WHY PAY MORE? CHECK OUT THE G2S ADVERT ON PAGE 34

UPVC CLADDING PAUL DRAPER

uPVC Fascia, Guttering & Cladding CLADDING

A friendly & professional service with competitive rates Kitchens, bathrooms, en-suites, cloakrooms and conservatories

\ `'

FASCIAS

®^ GUTTERING

* FREE ESTIMATES *

Tel: (01793) 825965 3 Overton Gardens. Stratton St Margaret, Swindon

SERVICE

ACCOUNTANCY

r ^ T V

`GRA' • Business Start Up

Short & long term assistance and projects Free initial meeting Tel: 01793 871790 Free phone: 0800 5422 778

a x Ass 1 s

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

www.graaccountancy.co.uk

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

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

j1p:ij!

I • Most leading brands

• Guaranteed repairs • Same day service

Same day, local service wherever possible Washing Machines Twin Tubs. etc. Member of Tumble Driers I. S.E. Food Waste Disposal Units Service Spares Repairs

No call out charge • No VAT

A SUDS

DOMESTIC HELP

Aerial & Television

TA D

ACCOUNTANCY • Book-Keeping • Annual Accounts • Self Assessment Tax

AERIAL SERVICES

DRAINS

Services • TV & FM aerials • Extra satellite points • Video & TV repairs • Signal amplifiers

Are you too busy to clean? Are your carpets in need of attention? We offer:

regular house cleaning,

ironing services, house sitting, carpet cleaning, gardening services For full details please contact us on (01793) 861112 (tel/fax)

D^8^

• • •

RECRUITMENT We are also currently looking for cleaning staff. Hours can be arranged to suit your needs. Good rates of pay Contact the number above.

RUBBISH REMOVALS COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC RUBBISH CLEARANCE You name it, we move it Quick and clean service Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm

Tel: 07711 806155

BOG

BLOCKED DRAINS CLEARED FAST CCTV surveys pressure Jetting High p g ^ g Pipe relining Locally based - competitive rates 24 hour call out •

No call out charge ^^ ^^^

Tel:

828882

SEC URITY

All wor ^s. Tel: 01793 702601 1 Mobile: 07774 943 783

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

Solutions • INTRUDER ALARMS • CCTV SYSTEMS • LOCKS • SAFES • SECURITY LIGHTING • ENTRY SYSTEMS • AUTOMATIC GATES For a free, no obligation quotation

call Simon Rushton: 01793 705216 Mobile: 07855 306957 Fax: 01793 705091

• European & motorised satellite systems • All work guaranteed • Free estimates • Security and CCTV systems

Tel/Fax: 01793 705945 Mobile: 07939 425067

CARPET CLEANING

Repairs to o

cookers,

9Jic^m,iîu^mre.îcrijîflfîr

fridges &

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Superb specialist cleaning of carpets, curtains, upholstery and leather

freezers,

washing machines,

dishwashers Engineers qualified to HNC level All work guaranteed • No VAT

Recommended by Gilberts, Spillers & Normans For your free evaluation call

Tel: 01793 522874 Mobile: 07711 374495

Freephone: 0808 144 5425

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

GARDEN SERVICES Grass cutting Hedge trimming

^(^t €

aced

SPARES • REPAIRS • SERVICE YOUR FIRST STOP FOR ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT From a 13 amp fuse or cleaner bag to fridges or vacuum cleaners we offer an efficient &personal service. DOMESTIC APPLIANC SERVICE CENTRE 11 The Arcade, High Street Wootton Bassett Tel: 01793 854378

S KIP

• Regular, occasional or one-off • Long grass no problem • Clean, tidy work • Sensible prices • Odd jobs, fencing repairs. etc. Friendly, 7 day service Chris Reed Swindon 538839 Mobile: 07702 285865

SUNBED HIRE

SKIP HIRE

Electronic & Physical Security

• On call until 10pm 7 days a week

LEE'S DOMESTIC

^^^

Ski Digital authorised installer ITV Digital installation

• FM aerials

No call out charge

JUST THE JOB Domestic Services Agency

AERIAL SERVICES ADVANCED AERIAL & SATELLITE SERVICES

HIRE

• DOMESTIC WASTEhousehold, garden, DIY • BUILDERS WASTE • BUILDING SAND, SHARP SAND & BALLAST SUPPLIED IN SKIPS

01793 771977 NEW ROAD, PURTON

Deb's Sunbeds

Home Rental Fast tanning canopies

and doubles also available Free installation & local delivery

Tel: 01793 619758/726906 anytime

( Mobile: 07778-641052)

The Link Magazine • December 2002 45

SECTOR AERIAL SERVICES

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

Letters to The Link Should be sent by the 12th of the month to the address on page 4.

CHRIS PAYNE AERIALS

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

Repairs to most makes of: 3 Washing Machines 3 Dryers 3 Dishwashers 3 Microwaves 3 Vacuum Cleaners

John Phillips Servicing

Storm damage

32 years experience. SKY

Tel: 01793 700078

Letters to The Link - our policy

COMPUTER SUPPORT

f Whiteway The Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning specialist • Carpets, rugs, curtains, suites etc • Emergency call out available • Hard floors cleaned and sealed • Stain removal • Protection treatment • Fully insured • Quickly usable NC^a You'll be amazed how affordable it is ...call for your free estimate from youI local independent on 01793 731418 or mobile: 07808 355487 Email cliff.whitewayCabtinternet.com

REMOVALS & STORAGE NP

REMOVALS R ='? r' q

Sf FVIEF

GAYS P VFFY

!IfLt "

.^avt

cadre bigger then we sound!

11 SIGMA Computer Solutions NEW PCs/Spares/Repairs Upgrades/Service/Support Internet & Network Solutions For friendly EXPERT advice & PROMPT on-site service

Tel: 01793 633924 Mobile: 0781 6014363 sales@sigmacomputersolutions.co.uk

REMOVALS/STORAGE

ABBEY MOVE AiZYMOVL

„/E, i ....

Tel: 01793 772888 ------

--------

THE MAN WITH A VAN (Est 1993) • • • •

24hrs - 7 days a week Single items to a full house 8 different size vehicles Disposal of unwanted items

Tel: 01793 772888 Fax: 01793 772444 EMail: ashobbs@theashgroup.freeserve.co.uk

TV & VIDEO

REPAIRS I

GOGGLEBOX TV & VIDEO REPAIR SERVICE * Free home estimates * No call out charge All repairs guaranteed

plea to all carol singers to realise ished by the police. that people cannot give to all the I thought this was really sad at singers who come to the door, even such a happy time of year. I've no objections to carol singers, so if the though we would like to. Last year after politely telling answer is 'not tonight thank you,' some singers 'not tonight thank please accept it with good grace. you' the 'singers' decided to break Wishing everyone a very happy a lot of lights in my front garden. Christmas and best wishes for 2003.

No VAT. All work guaranteed

Mobile: 0777 623641 5

CLEANING

Appeal to carol singers Nauue & address supplied May I through The Link make a They were duly caught and pun-

Single Items / Full House Long / Short Distance

Storage Specialists Packing Service Late Bookings Tel (01793) 727307 Mob 07811 188564 WWW.ABBEYMOVE.CO.UK

IMPACT ADVERTISING

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We have received two long letters expressing views in response to the letter by Fire Brigade Union member Perry Payne in the November Link. However since they were from anonymous sources they will not be printed. Letters must be sent with a name, address and telephone number. We will consider publishing them on a name & address supplied basis if a reason is given.

Here to help Swindon consumers Carla Doughty, Consumer Advice worker at the Safer Swindon Shop in Havelock Street says don't get caught out with your Christmas purchases.

The various services offered by the Safer Swindon Shop are set to continue for another year thanks to a decision by councillors to extend the provision, and a grant of £23,000 by the Legal Services Commission to fund consumer advice at the shop. Swindon had been without a dedicated consumer advice service for three years after a decision to cease funding in 1999. However last January consumer advisors from Trading Standards, the Citizens Advice Bureau and the Wiltshire Law Centre joined forces to provide free consumer advice at the Safer Swindon Shop. The service offers advice on any problems encountered with goods and services - from a faulty toaster to a bodged extension. Qualified advisors are on hand to explain a consumer's legal rights in relation to any problem or dispute they have encountered. The advisors also give guidance on practical issues such as how to write a letter of complaint or preparing papers for the small claims court. ` The service also offers a wealth Cnrin, {rant, with Safer ncalveon of free consumer advice leaflets shop manager Jean Goncalvez and organises special events such as National Consumer Week which took place during mid-November. Look t'for Lions This year's theme was'foot in the door' and focused attention on the problem of doorstep selling and bogus callers. The service distributed free information packs, ineluding leaflets and a door sticker, which are still available from the Father Christmas on his sleigh Safer Swindon Shop. will be collecting for charity Consumer advice is free of accompanied by Swindon Lions, charge and available between between 6pm and 8prn on: 10am and 3.30pm Monday to FriTuesday 17 December - Shaw; day. Visit us at the Safer Swindon Wednesday 18th - Tregoze Way, Shop in Havelock Street or telThe Prinnells; ephone the consumer advice line on 525387.

Friday 20th - Peatmoor

Church Services this Christmas All Saints, Lydiard Millicent Christingle at Peatmoor Community School 4pm Sunday 1st 6.30pm Carols by Candlelight Sunday 22nd Christmas Eve Crib Service Tuesday 24th 5pm 11.30pm Midnight Communion Service Tuesday 24th

Christmas Day Holy Communion Christmas Day 8am Christmas Day 10.30am Christmas Day Family Service Holy Trinity Church, Shaw Village Centre 10.30am Nativity Sunday 15th 10.30am Carol Service Sunday 22nd Sunday 22nd 6.30pm Carols by Candlelight 3pm Crib Service Tuesday 24th 11.30pm Midnight Communion Service Tuesday 24th

Christmas Day

10.30am Christmas Day Family Communion

St Mary's Church, Lydiard Tregoze (the church in the park)

Sunday 15th 10am Nativity Sunday 22nd 6.30pm Evening Carol Service Tuesday 24th 3pm Crib Service 11.30pm Midnight Communion Service Tuesday 24th Christmas Day Family Communion Christmas Day 1Oam Toothill Church, Toothill Village Centre 10.45am Nativity Sunday 15th Sunday 22nd 10.45am Carol Service Christingle 4pm Sunday 22nd Midnight Communion Service Tuesday 24th 11 pm

Christmas Day 1 Oam

Christmas Day Family Service

Westlea Church, Westlea School

Sunday 15th

10am

Nativity

Sunday 22nd Tuesday 24th

6pm 3pm

Evening Carol Service Crib Service

Christmas Day

1Oam

Christmas Day Family Service

St Peter's Catholic Church, Carronbridge Road, West Swindon

Mass Mass Mass Mass

Saturday 21 st Sunday 22nd Monday 23rd Tuesday 24th

6pm 10am 10am 10am

Tuesday 24th Tuesday 24th

6pm Children's Mass 11.30pm Carols followed by midnight Mass

Christmas Day 1Oam

Solemn Mass

Freshbrook Evangelical Church, Worsley Road, Freshbook

Sunday 22nd 10am Sunday 22nd 6.30pm Christmas Day 1 Oam

Family Service (creche available) Carol Service (creche available) A Service of Thanksgiving

St Andrew's Methodist Church, Moredon Road

Sunday 22nd

10.30am All-age with Sunday Club Nativity.

Sunday 22nd Tuesday 24th

6pm Carol Service. 11.30pm Christmas Eve Communion.

Christmas Day 10am

All-age Christmas Day celebration at Rodbourne Road Methodist Church.

Parish of St Andrew, North Swindon St Andrew's Church, Lady Lane Carols by Candlelight. 4pm Sunday 22nd 11.30pm Midnight Christmas Communion. Tuesday 24th

Christmas Day 1 Oam Saturday 21st 2pm

yvangej.

Christmas Day

1 0.30am

WEST SUNDAYS 10.30AM

VARIOUS LOCATIONS m mÂ°8

Come and join us Sunday at I Oam & 6.30pm For further information of other meetings ring: 873050, call into the Church office or visit www.freshbrook.org

For details visit our website at www.sfc-uk.org , call Nigel on 849731 or e-mail info_west@sfc-uk.org

Jesus said: "I have owe that YOU might have LIFE and have it in its fi lness"

association with NEW FRONTIERS INTERNATIONAL

building with people

ill

Christmas Day Service

St Mary's Catholic Church, Tovey Road, Swindon

4pm Carol Service Sunday 22nd Mass Tuesday 24th 7pm 11.30pm Carols followed by Mass at midnight Tuesday 24th Mass Christmas Day 9am Christmas Day 10.30am Mass Swindon Family Church 1 0.30am Family Christmas Service at Haydon Centre Sunday 22nd Emmanuel URC, High Street, Haydon Wick 10.45am Junior Church Christmas Service Sunday 8th 10.45am Family Carol Service Sunday 22nd United Carol Service with St John's Church 6pm Sunday 22nd 11.30pm Midnight Communion Service Tuesday 24th Christmas Celebration Christmas Day 1 Oam St. John's Haydon Wick - [next to Safeway] Christingle Service 4pm Sunday 8th Children's Carol Service Sunday 15th 11am 11am All age Carols Sunday 22nd Seven Lessons and Carols at Emmanuel U.R.0 6pm Sunday 22nd 11.30pm Midnight Communion Tuesday 24th All age Service for Christmas Day Christmas Day 1 Oam

Caring this Christmas Christmas Care is providing temporary shelter for homeless and lonely people and those in need over the Christmas period. Individuals and families are invited to join the project which will run from Tuesday 24 December, 4pm until Saturday 28 December, at Queen's Drive Methodist Church. Volunteers are required to prepare and run the project. Also needed are sleeping bags, blankets, pillows, towels and toi-

letries, warm clothing, shoes, food, and donations of money. The church will be open to collect donated items on Thursday 19 December, 7pm to 9pm and on Saturday 21 December, 9.30am to 4.30pm or items can be left at The Information Centre, Regent Street. For further information call Patsy Moloney on 642368.

West Swindon & the Lydiards churches

FAMILY CHURCH

Worsley Road ?/

Crib service and party

Church of Christ the Servant, Abbey Meads Christingle Service (bring own oranges) 4pm Sunday 15th

SWINDON o

Christmas Day Holy Communion.

Taw Hill Worship Centre Christmas Chill Out. A time to reflect. Thursday 19th 8pm

All Saints' Lydiard Millicent

For details of our weekly services

Holy Trinity, Shaw

St Mary's Lydiard Tregoze

h I' Churc h Tootll

please contact the Partnership Office: 874221

Westlea Church e-mail: partnershipoffice@btopenworld.com

II r'

KEVIN, BRICKLAYER

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