February 2001 Swindon Link by swindonlink6

No. 225 • February 2001 • Circulation 21,000

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New man on the beat

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Page 12.

Commendation

Bosnia

Former Grange Park PC receives Queen's

award. Page 8.

Balkans. Page 13.

Babe makes fourteen

2001 will be a big year for There's a warm women's health and fitness welcome from Mr All

Swindon's largest family has grown again with the arrival of Emily Povey. Mum and Dad, Sue and Ian, hold their latest bundle of joy.

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Well Woman Centre receives lottery lifeline. See page 15

Indian treasure"

Swindon bra walkers sign up double the number for May Moonwalk in London and Race for Life comes to town for second year running. See page 29.

Story on page 31.

New, bigger, more ambitious Ukraine mercy mission

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Freshbrook dentist Brendon Bail and colleague Richard Swift are planning to tow an ex-health authority mobile dental unit 1.500 miles to the Ukraine to provide much needed dentistry and health education services in cut off rural areas. See the story on page 7. Taking on a big project, from left, Richard Swift, John Holland of Holland Handling, Natasha and Brendon Ball

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Sainsbury's happy with smoking on the premises Shoppers at the West Swindon Centre have breathed a lot more easily since the success of a Link article a year ago which forced a quick U turn by Asda on smoking inside the building. Now Stephen Walker from Grange Park has asked us to set our sights on Sainsbury's at Bridgemead where smoking continues to be permitted in the cafe after an expensive expansion and refit before Christmas. A barrage of readers letters followed our story in January 1999 Ted after Spalding from Toothill complained about the effects of cigarette smoke in the Mall and restaurant at West Swindon and his worries for children in the playbus creche.

Rapid intervention by new store manager Mike Hepson sorted out the problem and he says, a year on, everyone seems to be happy with the situation. "The introduction of the nonsmoking policy has been appreciated by most people visiting the centre, especially families. We've had very few complaints from smokers. It hasn't been an issue really." However Sainsbury's at Bridge-mead does not appear to have such an enlightened attitude towards the convenience of its customers, let alone their health.

In January statistics were reWe have two large barns full of top quality furnishing coosE^ ENDS fabrics (often more than 50 metres) which are the ends of ranges. Also wallpapers. All are from leading manufacturers at greatly reduced prices. Why not come and see us? Sue Cutcliffe. Giles Green, Brinkworth, Nr Chippenham. Tel: 01666 510685 9am

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vealed that 1,500 people in Swindon had a heart attack last year, a rate which is forty per cent higher than a similar town. Many victims die prematurely. Although it has the largest number of public buildings in the county, Swindon has the fewest in receipt of the' Wiltshire Smoke Free Award.' The West Swindon Centre has the award as a result of our article last year but chooses not to display it. Stephen Walker has had a long-

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Sainsbury management at local and national level, as well as personal discussions with the Bridgemead manager Robin Ireland. " My main point has been that smoking in public places has no place in the 21st Century, when the health risks of passive smoking are so clearly established," said Stephen. "Sainsbury's, to the best of my knowledge, stands alone amongst supermarkets in still permitting smoking, where local management decides to do so. "It is beyond comprehension that they should choose to expose their non-smoking customers and staff to a substance which they know can cause heart disease and lung cancer." Sainsbury's duty manager Philippa Rawlinson said customer feedback before the refit had determined the decision to permit smokers in the cafe, and that the smoking area is closest to the air extractors. "We're providing a choice for our customers and don't believe we have a problem." What do you think? Write to The Link, address on page 4.

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Swindon City. Did we stand a chance? The Link was at the printers when the announcement was made in December that Swindon's bid to

become a city had not been successful. Brighton, Wolverhampton and Inverness were chosen from 40 contenders. Despite protestations of disappointment from civic leaders and brave words of defiance in the

evening paper, most people would have been greatly surprised if Swindon had been made a city. In contrast to the optimistic gloss proclaimed in the Evening Advertiser, The Link has taken a sceptical view that Swindon is ready for a change of status. No doubt there are some who resent our impertinence at continuing to suggest there is an alternative viewpoint.

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We used the headline above last satisfy the demands of the growApril when a leaked Home Office ing population. There is unease document cast doubt on Swindon's about what further growth entails, credentials to become a city, de- the strain on already overstretched scribing the application as 'poorly facilities and the growing gridlock constructed' and giving 'the im- on the town's roads. pression of a particularly materiNew Statesman journalist Judy alistic town, rather than a rounded Jones, who wrote a highly critical community.' view of Swindon last August, suggests that the lack of an integrated Marketing relic or aspiration for t he future? transport system means that the town is now a cluster of distinct urban areas, each doing its own thing. OnoneofthegenU erally agreed criteSWINDON C1' F FOR THE 21,E CENTIIR ria for being a city, she says, "the UniThe whole process of seeking versity of Bath in Swindon is clearly city status has been shambolic and better than no university at all. But secretive. No criteria were laid as a concept, it's a bit colonial and down by the Home Office, Swin- patronising - like importing lots of don's bid was not made public, academic 'missionaries' from the and people were not invited to 'civilised world' to try to educate engage in the exercise, which prob- the locals. Swindon needs its own ably explains why it only cost £300. university which sets its own Apparently Brighton and Hove agenda." It is thought that a city will be council spent £30,000 and raised another £300,000 in business spon- created by the Queen in 2002 to sorship to back its successful ap- celebrate her Golden Jubilee on the throne. But with all respect to plication. We believe the majority of Her Majesty's impressive reign of townspeople are still not clear what her subjects in the last fifty years, makes a city, or why Swindon how relevant is it to await the Royal should be one. The arguments in patronage? It's the 21st Century and Swinfavour seem to be based on acquiring prestige and kudos, and en- don should just go ahead and call hancing the standing of business itself a city if that is what people in the town. In economic terms want. Yet the town's leaders perSwindon probably qualifies. But haps should concern themselves as a 'rounded community' do we with 'citizenship' rather than 'cityship' and engage the populahave what it takes? The town's rapid expansion has tion in a debate as to what being a created a sense of discontinui ty , Swindonian means nowadays. What do you think? Write to The compounded by Swindon's struggle to fund essential services and Link at the address below.

the link Magazine Published by West Swindon Publications

For your retirement living we currently have vacancies at Brain Court, Stratton St. Margaret and Windmill Court, Freshbrook, Swindon. Please contact our Regional Office: Weste rn Region, 10 The Parade Marlborough, Wiltshire SN8 1NE

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

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Editorial:

Tel: (01793) 872282

TO BOOK ADVERTISING: Call Jenni Fowler on (01793) 872531 Booking deadline: 5 February Printed by Goodhead Print

Editorial copy date for March: 9 February Published: 24 February Copy for April: 9 March "The Link was first published for the West Swindon community in December 1978. It is completely independentof Link Centre and, in fact, won a competition to name the leisure centre in 1984. Distribution in No rt h Swindon commenced in Janua ry 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

The Link Magazine • February 2001

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Haven't we had enough growth?

Isn't more. Swindon

The average

Swindonian is busy earning a living, looking after their family or whatever. What is for sure is that the majority of the population don't like what has happened

to their town. Would city status bring any benefit? I think not. The entire ethos behind Swindon's expansion and the bid for city status is to make the town attractive to business, to create even more unneeded jobs and then to encourage people to move here to fill the vacancies. This, we are told by our politicians, will create more wealth for the town in order to improve facilities. As this has been the pattern to Swindon's expansion for the last thirty odd years, just exactly where are these wonderful facilities that we have been promised? And will

All lost in the front garden? Nearly 4,000 houses and perhaps a new home for Swindon Town FC will be built between Old Town, West Swindon and the M4, if a last ditch objection by the Front Garden Action Group (FRAG) fails. The Department for the Environment has agreed with the planning recommendation that the area be built on, despite protests that there are brown field sites in the town that should be used first, that part of the area is prone to flooding and that archaelogical sites will be damaged. Swindon Council owns most of the land which could gain over £200 million to fund projects across the town, including new schools in North Swindon. Grand plans for a 40,000 seat stadium for Swindon Town have been suggested, alongside facilities such as a health and leisure club, indoor snow dome, a cinema multiplex, hotel and conference centre. Objectors have until 2 March to lodge objections with the government and FRAG is considering a legal challenge. For more informaton, call Terry King on

487154.

102 victoria road old town swindon wilts SNI 390

Last bid to oppose more expansion Swindon Friends of the Earth has vigorously opposed the city status bid and further expansion of the town. Group co-ordinator Jean Saunders, explains why and urges others to join the fight.

tel/fax: C 0 11793) 43 57 57

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It is a thankless task when you spend all your time battling against the powers that be and big business - but at least you can say that you tried. So why not add your voice to the growing dissent about what is happening the 30 year vision for Swindon be to the town? You have until 14 any better, or will it bring more of March to respond to the draft docuthe same? ment mentioned above. ComDon't you just yearn for safe ments should be sent to Pat places for children to play, open Saunders of the Government Ofspace, less traffic and fresh air, fice for the South West, 4th Floor, along with reassurance that there The Pithay, Bristol BSI 2PB. are sufficient numbers of teachers, About 800 people replied to the nurses, doctors, bus drivers and last draft to say that Swindon has other public service providers? had enough, thanks. Let's make it The new housing allocations 8,000 this time round. dealt out by Government are based If you need more information, eon the estimated labour supply mail me on jeanews@gn.apc.org needed to fill new jobs. The latest or phone 783040. draft regional planning guidance for the south-west (available free by calling Mrs Pat Saunders on 0117 900 1787) has figured that

there will be 68,000 more jobs created in Wiltshire between 1996 and 2016, although some experts predict an increase of only 28,200. Based on this higher figure, it is proposed that Wiltshire would be lumbered with another 60,000 houses over the same period and Swindon would receive the lion's share. As the death rate exceeds the birth-rate, it is a mystery to me to assume that 68,000 more people taking up new jobs will need almost as many new houses when in most households there are two people employed, some doing more than one job. In the last 30 years Swindon's main attraction, its' lovely countryside, has been gobbled up to the east, to the west, to the north and soon to the south in the name of economic growth. So far it seems the voices of those wanting to profit from developing more greenfield sites in and around the town have been heard more loudly than the voices of those wanting to see Swindon make the best of what it already has. And yes, you've guessed it, the public are being consulted again about the latest planning blue-print to the year 2016 where it is advised that Swindon should grow even

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A hospital fit for the 21 century Last month former West Swindon GP Ian Matheson wrote about the concerns of doctors in the early 1990s, during the initial planning stages for Swindon's new hospital, that it would be too small. Here Chris Birdsall, communications officer for the Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust, explains that the hospital rapidly rising at Commonhead has been designed with future needs in mind.

The one question eve ryone asks about our new hospital is 'will it be big enough?' We have planned our new hospital very carefully taking the increasing population into account. With a careful blend of hospital care, home care and care in other 'intermediate' facilities which bridge the gap between hospital and home, we are confident that the people of Swindon and district will be well provided for. The new hospital will have 460 in-patient beds and 84 day care beds. A further 60 beds are being planned for an intermediate care unit alongside the main hospital. We are actively working with other agencies such as social services, the community trust and primary care groups on the number of extra beds and services that will be needed in Swindon to meet the needs of those people who no longer need acute care but who do need time for recuperation or rehabilitation.

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for the more complex operations requiring specialist equipment and staff, for example for a by-pass operation, it will be necessary for patients to continue to travel to Oxford and Bristol We will have more intensive care facilities with a unit comprising six intensive care beds

The new hospital will reflect the trends in health care which will mean more day treatment facilities. The current hospital has been constantly adapted to cope with the expanding population and changes in clinical treatment. Part of the rationale of the new hospital has been to recognise that this adaptation had gone as far as possible, given the constraints of the PMH site and existing buildings. The new pattern of departments and facilities on the new site will enable us to offer improved services to the people of Swindon and North Wilts, Whilst there are fewer in patient beds planned for the new hospital, this is the only part of the development which is smaller. All other departments are expanding which is why clinical space at Commonhead will be 19% bigger. The extra community based facilities which are being planned will offset the reduction in in-patient beds and will also provide more appropri- I ate care. Within our new hospital there will be three major areas for surgical patients: a much expanded day j surgery unit,a short stay unit for patients likely to stay less than 72 hours and a normal type of inpatient ward. These will protect elective patients (ie people who have booked operations or treatment as opposed to those who are brought in as emergencies) from being disrupted by emergency admissions or patients who are waiting for other services. There will be a cardiac care unit which will include a coronary care unit for critically ill patients and "step down" beds for people fit enough to be discharged from this unit but who will remain in the overall vicinity of the cardiac unit. There will be improved diagnostic and treatment facilities with seven stations within the cardiac area but

and six high dependency beds. The latter are new in Swindon and will be for patients who do not have intensive care needs but who need more nursing and monitoring than is possible on general wards. The new hospital will also inelude a kidney dialysis unit which will have the capacity for 10 machines. Equipment will transfer from the existing temporary unit in Swindon. Given the overall increase in services in the new hospital, the introduction of intermediate care and the community care facilities, the system overall will be much more able to cope. It is not realistic to focus entirely on the hospital as all parts of the health service need to be able to be flexible to cope with peaks of demand over short periods of time.

BBC protesters d e I i g ht

Listeners to BBC Wiltshire Sound who campaigned against programme changes last September are delighted that station manager Vernon Harwood left on 19 January, two weeks earlier than he had previously announced. Mr Harwood caused great upset by axing popular broadcaster Shirley Ludford and moving midweek personality Sandy Martin to the weekend lunch time slot. He is returning to Radio Gloucester as a breakfast show presenter. Carol Payton will be caretaker station manager until the new appointment, Tony Worgan, takes over in early March. Avid Wiltshire Sound listener John Myram from Covingham said Mr Harwood had upset a lot of people with unnecessary changes. "He was a very difficult person and I know morale amongst staff had hit rock bottom. There is great optimism for the future with a new person in charge."

The Link Magazine • February 2001

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Couple plan ambitious Ukraine aid trip Recycling company Holland Handling donates mobile dental unit for mercy mission Swindon's involvement with the Cherkassy region of Ukraine becomes even stronger later this year when Freshbrook dentist Brendon Ball and colleague Richard Swift make another major aid trip in August for the charity Hope Now. Two years ago they were ally asked if he was interested pictured on The Link front I in an ex-health authority denpage before they set off to ,.— tal caravan which we use as a ; Natasha' n deliver dental equipment -` ^ site hut in the scrap yard. He i jumped at it; now I'm thinking and materials, and to pro ,. vide up-to-date training for ,-1of going on the trip as one of the local dentists. This time they r L drivers." are going to refurbish and After Brendon's initial sur''" tow a complete mobile denprise an ambitious scheme soon tal surgery across Europe to emerged. Richard used to work provide much needed servin a similar mobile when he ices to the Cherkassy region ; was a community dentist and of Ukraine. said it would ideal. In 1999 Brendon met trans- Natasha thinks air conditionlator Natasha Manamsa. He ' - ` ing will have to be provided. proposed to her last May "It is very impressive and will when she visited Swindon give a good service in the rural with two Ukrainian dentists areas. But the temperatures are to observe modern methods; they the earliest opportunity, extreme; in winter it can reach miwere married on 30 September last "There is very little provision nus 25 degrees Celsius and in sumyear. She is pivotal in providing outside the main city and the idea mer up to 35 degrees." both language and cultural under- is to provide Hope Now with the Brendon and Richard have the standing, as well as valuable nego- means of taking treatment and equipment but need: tiating skills with bureaucracy. health education to remote areas." • volunteers to respray the unit Brendon explained that apart He said that family planning and repair electrics and plumbing from in the main city of Cherkassy, advice will also be a central aim of • a security alarm, two generathere are almost no dental services the mobile unit. The number of tors, a small compressor, a bottled in a region the size of Wales, and a abortions is sky high because of gas refrigerator, jerry cans for fuel trip to the dentist is one of the most the lack of contraception. Conse- • people to help with fundraising feared experiences because treat- quently the level of HIV and AIDs so that the project can be mainment is usually given without any infection is also high. TB is an tained in the long term. painkillers. "Our involvement has increasing health risk "There are a lot of problems to sown seeds and we're told the way John Holland of waste manage- overcome, but we're on our way," patients are treated is changing; mentoperatorsHollandHandling he said. For details, contact dentists are moving away from said, "I heard Brendon at a talk Brendon Ball at the Freshbrook drilling, filling and extracting at about his Ukraine trip and casu- Dental practice on 873044.

Forget-me-not: 2 Last month Rhoda Manook from Toothill wrote a moving comment on the first British annual day of remembrance for victims of the holocaust and asked readers not to forget the one and a half million Armenians who were massacred at the end of the 19th century and between 1915 to 1918 when the Ottoman Turks set out to exterminate a whole race. It has been described as the first genocide of modern history and a British government report documented the repression in detail. Yet Adolf Hitler, in preparing to destroy the Jews of Europe, was later to ask: Who now remembers the liquidation of the Armenians?' Here she recounts herfirst visit last year to the land of her great-grandfatherwho was killed in the genocide.

Amusnasats Ek? That's Armenian for 'are you married?' It was one of the recurring questions I seemed to encounter upon first acquaintance with anyone in Armenia. This was in addition to the incessant staring during the five weeks I spent in this most beautiful and raw country. A 99% homogenous population nia from the former USSR eleven has yet to discover the 'foreign years ago. This is apparent diman' or rather, the foreign man " rectly upon arrival. Unemployhas yet to discover Armenia. mentisextremelyhigh, roads have Flying out at the end of August, not been re-surfaced, buildings are I captured the glorious weather of in disrepair, government infighta previously stifling summer, with ing is rife, and corruption abounds. the intention of exploring this But despite the seeming physical country and learning the language, degradation, the hospitality and yet more importantly meeting the the literacy of the people is astoninhabitants. ' ' fishing. The first nation to be proAlthough I am half Armenian, worth of language lessons with an claimed Christian in 303 AD, there my lack of knowledge of this lan- excellent teacher at the American are over fifty monasteries from the guage was very obvious in a coun- University of Armenia helped twelfth and thirteenth centuries try where Armenian is the main enormously. still standing in all their humble language, the second being RusThe country itself is officially splendour. sian. Much sign language was in classed as a third world nation The country is still alive, though operation, although two weeks since the independence of Arme- only just kicking.

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The Link Magazine • February 2001

Gong for former Freshbrook beat officer Congratulations to PC Ian Horne who was awarded the Queen's Police Medal in the New Year's Honours. A West Swindon resident for nineteen years, Ian is well known as the beat officer for Freshbrook and Grange Park from 1984 to 1990 and then again from late 1998 to last year. In 1990 he set up the Swindon police youth affairs department and became familiar to youngsters in many guises. In 1994 he received the Wiltshire High Sheriff's Award for services to the community as a result of setting up and running the Junior Good Citizen Scheme, a child

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Census2001

Mary BedeIIs, Census District Manager for Highworth, BIunsdon, Abbey Meads, Haydon Wick, Castle Eaton, Hannington, Stanton Fitzwarren and South Marston, writes

29 April 2001 is significant for the population of Great Britain - because this is the date of the next census. Every 10 years since 1801 the nation has set aside one day for the census -- a count of all the people and households in the country. It is the only survey which provides a detailed picture of the entire population, and the information gained enables central and local government, health authorities and many other organisations to target their resources more effectively and to plan housing, education and transport services for years to come. In the days just before 29 April an enumerator will visit each household and hand you the census form. You then complete the forty or so questions and post it back in a pre-paid envelope. The form is relatively easy to complete, most of the answers just involve ticking a box, and should only take about thirty minutes. Each enumerator will visit about

four hundred households and try to deliver the form to you personally so that they can answer any questions you may have. The enumerator is not there to pry - he or she will explain the form but all the information you give is confidential. The forms will not be passed onto Social Security, or to the tax man or the Police - by law all the personal information they contain is kept secret for at least 100 years. It is a legal requirement to complete these forms and you can be fined for not doing so - but this is a last resort and we hope that the vast majority of people realise the importance of this exercise and will supply the information accurately and promptly. Recruiting now We need to employ enumerators. This is a part-time job which involves about 57 hours work and pays £318. If you are interested please call the Census Recruitment Helpline on 0845 306 2001 for more information.

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safety event, a truancy initiative and a project addressing bullying in schools. Now a member of the Swindon youth offending team Ian said he was delighted and surprised with the award. "I was totally stunned when the letter arrived. I thought it was a wind-up by colleagues. It is not common for an ordinary police constable to receive the Queen's Police Medal it gives me great pride to receive it on behalf of the Wiltshire Constabulary. "It's also very gratifying to receive the congratulations of the many people I have worked with over the years. "I continue to do the things I enjoy most: working with young people to encourage them to take responsibility for their wrongdoings. It's a challenge which is both rewarding and frustrating, but aims to contribute to the quality of community life." The first few months of 2001 are certainly proving busy for Ian. In February he receives a police award for long service and good conduct after 22 years in Swindon. And his daughter Maria is expecting her first baby to make Ian a grandfather in early March, just as he meets the Queen on 2 March.

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Swindon 772779 e-mail: info@mansfieldbegbie.co.uk "Registered with the Mortgage Code Register of Intermediaries: No. 5508399 • Consumer Credit Licence: No. 222123 Credit broker fees of up to 1 % on the advance may be charged at completion depending on the type of product and credit period. Rate applied is 584 i 60% APR) for 18 months. APR is variable. Rates may va ry . A wri tt en 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 critena. A 1.9 % reduction applied to the variable base mortgage rate, currently 7.74%. A life assurance policy maybe required. Example: A married couple aged 30 years and 28 years, both non-smokers, applying for an endowment mo rt gage of £50,000 over a 25 year term (300 monthly payments), completing before 31 March 2001 secured against a property being purchased for £55,000. 300 monthly mo rt gage payments of £243.33. Monthly endowment premium of £74.96. Total amount payable £145.642 calculated to include valuation fee £155. This calculation is based on the assumption that the discounted rate will apply hroughout the term of the loan. Maximum loan £150,000, The rate applies to loans up to and including 97% of the purchase price or valuation, whichever is the lower. The discounted rate is applicable for 18 months, after which the then current rate will apply. When an applicant is borrowing more than 75% the Society will require additional security. This is usually in the form of a Risk Charge. Rates correct at time of going to press.

The Link Magazine • February 2001

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Westlea School congestion calmed down Children attending Westlea School are much safer because parents who drive there have taken heed of appeals to park without causing an obstruction says local beat officer PC Phil Connor. Despite letters from the school alty notices to drivers who cause over seve al years asking parents an obstruction. He also pointed to park on one side of Langstone out that the police could carry out Way only, they were often ignored vehicle safety checks which may after a few weeks. The Link high- lead to further infringements. "It is very encouraging that since lighted the chronic problem last July when fire fighters from September drivers have been takWestlea station expressed concern ing a more responsible approach that traffic congestion would make to parking on Langstone Way," said quick access to the school grounds PC Connor. "One or two drivers have to be reminded that they are very difficult. PC Connor followed up the arti- causing a hazard, but generally cle with a letter to parents stating speaking the school and pedestrithat the police would be keeping ans are safer. I would encourage an eye on Langstone Way at busy everybody to keep Langstone Way times and may issue £20 fixed pen- clear." r

Flashback: last July's Link picture showing the problems then faced by fire fighters from Westlea station.

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The Link Magazine • February 2001

Sorrow at student tragedy There was shock at Greendown School when children and staff heard that year 8 student Shaun Shirley, 13, from Toothill had been knocked down and killed on Corton Crescent, at the crossing point between Silchester Way and the north side of Asda on the evening of 17 January. Headteacher Ian Matthews said the whole school felt for Shaun's parents and his brother and sister who attend Greendown. "The school and all Shaun's friends are devastated by the tragic news of his death. Our sympathy goes out to his family at this very sad time." Floral tributes to Shaun placed by his family and friends on Corton Crescent

The police are appealing for witnesses to the accident. Anyone

with information should contact Westlea police station on 528111.

Children aim to collect mountain of stamps

The Notice Board Julia Amies-Green, coordinator of Peatmoor Community Facilities at Peatmoor Community Primary School writes:

We are pleased to announce that an army cadet unit will be opening at the facility on Monday 5 March. Contact the Army Cadets on 01380 724114 for information about joining. Thank you to everyone who completed and returned the community questionnaires in December. Your response for more keep fit, educational courses, a library and a newsletter were overwhelming. As a result we are pleased to inform you of the following: • We are actively seeking additional and alternative fitness classes (aerobic classes are currently running four nights per week) and complimentary therapy courses. • The Swindon Mobile Library Unit is to assess the potential of calling at the facility when their rounds are reviewed in April. • New College is also assessing the potential for further educational courses in the facility. • The West Area Community Youth Team is reviewing provisions for young people after a meeting with representatives of the young people and the youth team at the facility. • A new 'Facilities Notice Board' is to be published every quarter in The Link to provide information, news and what's happening. If you would like to know more about the above call me on 881613.

Children across the nation are busily collecting stamps for the BBC Blue Peter appeal to raise money to build health centres which will provide help to the Quechan people high in the Andes mountains of Peru. One enthusiastic youngster is five year old Peter Newton from Nine Elms who already has several thousand stamps in a bin bag. Family and friends in Mrs McGrath's and Mrs Law's year one classes at Brook Field School have been helping him. His mother Jacqueline said, "Peter was really taken by the television pictures from Peru and the story of how Quechan children can die if they do not receive simple medical attention to prevent infection, when a plaster would do for children here.

"He's had a lot of support from other children in the class and from family members. Shaw Chiropractic clinic has been helpful and are collecting stamps as well." Peter said, "we have lots of ..

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The Link Magazine • February 2001

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New northern officer gets on the beat Abbey Meads now has its own beat officer after PC Denis Taylor took up his duties on 5 January. And although PC Roger Guy retired last April after six years as the area's first policeman, he was happy to spend a day showing the new man around and sharing his knowledge. Denis, 47, has been with the Wiltshire Constabulary for 24 years, sixteen of which were with the CID. He returned to uniformed work in 1997 in central Swindon "It will take me the first few weeks to get to know the area physically and to meet the people living and working in Abbey Meads," said Denis. "It's a challenge which I'm looking forward to. I'll be going into the schools to meet the children so they get to know my face. One thing I have noticed immedi^y

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putes can be kept to a minimum and problems settled in an amicable way." Roger commented that much r had changed since he left seven j k months ago. "I've been able to brief Denis on the history of the northern expansion and advise him of the scale of the development over the next ten years. Knowing the area is all important to beat work and I'm sure Denis will be very "' successful in establishing himself in the area. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the people of Abbey Meads." Roger said he is enjoying his ately is the very tight parking arrangements. Some of the roads are retirement by spending time with too narrow, so if you do have to his twelve year old twins, and planpark on the street, please try not to ning his daughter's wedding later offend the neighbours, so that dis- this year.

New on the block Well established Gloucester estate agency Michael Tuck has arrived in Swindon, specifically to meet the needs of house buyers and sellers in North Swindon. They also specialise in property letting. Look out for the increasing number of smiley face property boards as their name spreads across the town.

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to rumble The huge Asda Wal-Mart mega store development in North Swindon will commence in early March and the first phase opening - the 150,000 square foot retail store - is expected by Christmas. Swindon Council gave outline planning permission on 30 October. Detailed design matters, from wall cladding and provision of litter bins to landscaping, will be dealt with by the planning committee on 19 February. In response to objections from the residents of Gore Close, Abbey Meads, Wal-Mart has agreed to make delivery access from the new Northern Orbital Road (NOR) and not Lady Lane. Planners have also demanded a cafe be included within the main store, to complement the restaurant already proposed. Haydon Wick parish council has submitted a list of objections as they do not think the design of the building is appropriate for a residential area, particularly the aluminium cladding. The district centre plans can be viewed at the parish council office next to the Haydon Centre, tel. 722446, and at Swindon Council's planning office: Premier House, Station Road, Swindon.

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The Link Magazine • February 2001

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Council opening A vacancy, which can be filled by co-option, has arisen on Blunsdon Parish Council. The position is open to all electors who have resided in the parish, which includes St Andrew's Ridge and parts of Abbey Meads, for the last twelve months, though there are certain additional qualifications (and disqualifications). To find out more about what the role involves, or to register your interest, contact the Parish Clerk, Rachel Smith, on 705617. Closing date: 15 February.

Site problem hotlines David Trees, the North Swindon development company site representative, has moved to the Nuttalls construction site office at the junction of Lady Lane and Thamesdown Drive. Contact him with regard to problems with builders and landscaping in Abbey Meads and Taw Hill on 728816. Swindon Council also has three officers designated to deal with queries and problems to do with construction works, planning matters, highways and landscaping. Contact Zoe Dixon on 466226 with regard to planning issues or Samantha Henley or Malcolm Reed, tel. 466487, on highways and maintenance matters.

Haydon officer's brief return from war zone Long serving Haydon Wick beat officer Qahir 'Q' Sheik spent a short ten days with his family over Christmas, taking a short break from his year long tour of duty with the United Nations international police force in Bosnia. Based in a small world. War damage is still extensive mountain town the six years after the size of Marlborough conflict with lots of and billeted in a Bosnian household, Q buildings peppatrols with local popered with bullet lice officers to moniholes and holes tor their activities and from bazooka ensure their work is rocket explosions. fair and not influI've started to get enced by race or reliaccustomed to it gious differences. and there is some "Sometimes we have rebuilding going to point out where deon. "The lack of bacisions are not taken correctly, praise when sic services takes proper police methsome getting used ods are being used, to. I always carry a and generally apply torch and there are our experience in candles everyhelping to resolve where in the flat problems in an area ready for the reguwhere there can be a lot of tension lar cuts in electricity. The water between people who were at war supply is not very regular either. I with each other not so long ago," suppose I miss TV the most. The he said. satellite picks up Sky and CNN Moving from the quiet, neat and news, but all the other programmes tidy suburbia that is Haydon Wick, are in German." and also North Swindon which He said he has made some good was added to his beat for six friends amongst the twenty other months, to a mountainous region officers in the international team of Europe, was quite a shock. and the translators attached to the "Bosnia is under three hours flying unit. But he misses his family in time away, but it's a different West Swindon a great deal and

Q with colleagues from the UN police unit

looks forward to his next break in a few months. His wife Sue said, "it was lovely to have him home for Christmas, but we miss him terribly. The 'phone lines are unreliable, the nearest computer to send e-mail is fifty miles away and letters take a week to get through. It's very uncertain when his next leave will be."

Surgery supporters Supporters of Penhill and Abbey Meads Surgeries (SPAMS) raised £230.50 in a pre-Christmas prize draw and organiser Brenda Eisner would like to thank all the businesses who donated prizes. SPAMS is trying to get more patients involved in a support group to liaise with doctors and surgery staff. For details, call Brenda Eisner on 702062.

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Swindon's most respected care agency, First City, specialises in providing nurses and carers to all care establishments and placements within a 30 mile radius of Swindon.

Dawn Drew, a registered nurse, is the manager of First City which is located at Rochester House, 27 Victoria Road, Swindon. Dawn says "At First City, we are providing a quality service to all care establishments at a fraction of the cost of other agencies. Most agencies charge a hefty commission with lots of extras on their bills. First City's philosophy is simple. The price you see is the price you pay „ Dawn adds "The great thing is we are able to do this and still pay our nurses and carers the best rates around. We are able to do more than that however as we care passionately about our staff and do our best to provide them with all the training and support they need to do their job well."

The Link Magazine • February 2001

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Graffiti, illegal parking around local schools, drugs misuse, abandoned shopping trolleys and lack of activities and facilities for young people were the first issues to be raised at the first meeting of the Toothill Neighbourhood Safety Team (NeST) on 9 January. Organised by the Swindon Council Crime and Disorder team, the NeST brought together residents, members of local organisations, a primary school headteacher, the police and local councillors. The aim is to provide a forum where people can discuss the problems facing the area, share the perspectives of different agencies involved and come up with recommendations for action. A NeST has been running in Freshbrook for over a year and has become an important point of contact between organisations, the council and the police.

Looking at the issues, from left Eileen Koppoe from Toothill Church, Paula Harrison, Toothill councillor Dave Cox, Caroline Mallinson from Phoenix surgery and resident Emma Churchill

Crime & Disorder Development Officer, Paula Harrison said she was pleased with the response to the first meeting. "It's an important and positive step towards local people identifying their own community safety concerns and working together to find local solutions that will work." She is keen for more people to

join the NeST, or at least come to the next meeting at the end of February. "If you are a school governor, member of a PTA, neighbourhood watch co-ordinator or other community representative you are welcome to join the NeST," she said. For more information, contact Paula Harrison on 466473.

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No action on road crossing The West area panel received a report on 4 January that Rowton Heath Way in Freshbrook does not qualify for traffic calming measures or a controlled crossing. Annalise Hosking from Grange Park raised a petition last year calling for more pedestrian safety but council officers reported that there had been no accidents on the road and there were more dangerous sites elsewhere requiring attention. However it was reported that safety measures were being introduced on the east side of the rounda-

bout at Gainsborough Way and Rowton Heath Way. White lines and lit bollard refuge will create a safer pedestrian crossing point. The route is heavily used by students walking to Greendown School in Grange Park. The area panel also heard that money will be spent on repairing Fr-shbrook Community Centre - eventually. Them: iagement committee has been calling for comprehensive repairs for some years. The council has identified £16 million worth of repairs for next year, but has a budget of around £1.2 million.

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The West Swindon Family and Community Project at 15 Gainsborough Way, Freshbrook is starting free introductory courses in complimentary relaxation therapies on Tuesdays, 9.30am to 11.45am. Shiatsu practitioner Mike Jeffers is running a four week course, 'energetic exercise for relaxation', starting on 23 January. This will be followed by four weeks of reflexology. If you miss the first sessions, you are welcome to join later. From Monday 5 February, 10am to 12 noon, local

health visitors will be holding monthly topic-based discussions on issues of interest to parents. The first will be 'Preparing for puberty.' Starting 8 February, 12.30pm to 2.30pm, tutors from New College will be running an 'Everyday English' course aimed at adults who want to brush up their communication skills. A free creche is available for all courses. For further information call West Swindon Family and Community Project on 871303.

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Youngsters from the West Swindon junior youth club enjoyed a team building exercise with a visit to the climbing wall at the Link Centre in December. Newly reformed after play leader Kathy Kinloch joined the project, the children aged ten to twelve meet after school on Thursdays to take part in craft activities, play outdoor games in good weather and share a meal together. "The climbing wall was a great challenge for the children, but they quickly took to it after instruction from Paul Woolfson," said Kathy. On the wall, from left, James Vailey, Alexander Kinloch, Gareth Leighfield. Standing, Kathy Kinloch, Simon Bond, Anike Lawrence, climbing instructor Paul Woolfson

The Link Magazine â€˘ Februar y 2001 15

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Lottery lifeline for women's health centre The National Lottery has come to the rescue of Swindon's Well Woman Centre at the Health Hydro with a second lottery grant, whilst it continues the search for permanent funding. The centre was on the centre gives enormous supbrink of another major fundport to the women of Swining crisis and would have don and I am delighted that run out of money in the sumit will be able to carry on mer until the National Lotwith its important work." tery Charities Board announced its award of Opening times: ÂŁ107,360 over three years to Monday5.30pm to 7.30pm cover running costs and two includes family planning. part-time salaries. Wednesday 12.30pm to Marlene Wheeler, chair of 2.30pm - free creche availthe centre's management able. committee, welcomed the For more information call news. "We are delighted to 511064, 10am to 1.30pm, or receive this grant and to when a session is in have the assurance that the progress. Answering macentre is secure for the next chine at other times. three years. Knowing that Staff and volunteers are we can fund core costs pleased to visit community means we can concentrate groups to talk about the on consolidating the servwork of the Well Woman ices that the centre offers to Centre. the women of Swindon. Sale items wanted "We still have to raise a Delighted to survive. Well Woman Centre work- Table top sales in the Health considerable amount of Hydro foyer over recent money for volunteer train- ers and volunteers, back from left, clerical assistant months have proved an exing and to develop new ini- Lynette Coster, support worker Pat Williams, voltiatives such as a new meno- unteers Beryl Sanders, front, Doreen Thompson, cellent source of much needed funds. pause group, improving our Barbara Ogborne Donations of books, toiinformation library and preparing and Swindon Care NHS Trust. But letries, toys (but not clothes) are leaflets concerned with men's it has been struggling to survive very welcome and can be left at the health." ever since Swindon Council abol- main reception. The Well Woman Centre aims to ished its grant in 1998. The next, on Monday 5 Februencourage women to be responsi"We received a lottery grant in ary, 2pm to 7.30pm, has a Valenble for their own health and well- 1999 to help us meet costs and it is tine's theme. being. It provides a range of free, unusual to gain a second," said friendly and quality services, in- Marlene. "It is fantastic news and Supporting women's changes cluding medical health checks pro- it buys us time to negotiate long A new menopause support group vided by nurses, and a one to one term support from local sources." is launched on Wednesday 31 Janulistening service run by trained South Swindon MP Julia Drown ary, 5.30pm to 7pm, with a talk on volunteers to talk through any welcomed the announcement that all aspects of the menopause. Topics for future meetings will problems in confidence. the centre's future was secure. "I The Well Woman Centre is part know the Well Woman Centre has include breast awareness, diet, funded by the Wiltshire Health been facing financial problems and HRT, complimentary therapies, exAuthority and the medical serv- this substantial grant will help re- ercise and osteoporosis. Call 511064 for details. ices are provided by the Wiltshire lieve many of the anxieties. The

Library Issues Libraries can offer lots to match your mood if February's dark and wintry hours suddenly lighten when St Valentine's Day comes along, writes Lesley North from the West Swindon library. We have romantic fiction, legends of true lovers or New books include heart warmers such as Kitty poetry to read and inspire. If you enjoy a romantic Little from Freda Lightfoot, Let It Shine by Josephine tale with a good plot involved, try one of Barbara Cox and Emma Blair's Forget-Me-Not, or good thrillDelinsky's novels, or if you like history and good ers from favourite authors Jack Higgins plunging writing with your spoonful of romance, Mary Stewart his hero, Sean Dillon into his ninth adventure with is an old favourite. Edge of Danger and Ted Allbury's Cold Tactics. Crime Poetry is well represented on our shelves; we have takes no winter break, there are new choices from the ever-popular Nation's Favourite Poems, and others Roy Lewis, Dead Secret, and Martha Grimes, Cold from Stevie Smith to Shakespeare. If you feel you'd Flat Junction and another popular medieval myslike to try writing yourself, we have books to help tery from Bernard Knight, The Tinner's Corpse. and a little 'Write Stuff' stand with leaflets on compeThe Carnegie and Greenaway awards are being titions. discussed on 14 February by local teenagers, chilThe more practical might have their garden in dren and librarians. Next month we will let you mind and although it may be too early for rushing to know which titles they chose to go forward to the the garden centre, it is a good time to think about DIY adjudicators, and you can come along and read landscaping. We have plenty of books to help you them yourself. spend the evenings planning new walls or decking. Free internet access If you need music to get you through the after- Two PCs are available in the West Swindon library Christmas lull we have a wide choice of compact which provide free access to the web during normal discs from the new Michael Ball to Cold Play, to hire opening times. Users need to book in person and for 85p per week. sessions are restricted to one hour.

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The Link Magazine • February 2001

Hreod aims for quality education on reduced staffing levels

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With a visit from Ofsted inspectors due in February, senior staff at Hreod Parkway School have been desperately trying to recruit teachers to provide a full timetable for its 1,330 children. the quality of education method of dealing with the staff Despite national and lowe offer and it is impor- shortage whilst creating time for cal advertising and metant that we fit the right teachers taking on new subjects to dia appeals for applicants, people to the positions we prepare their lessons. Wednesday the school was still six teachers short in midhave available. This lessons have also taken on a new means we won't take any urgency with teachers and stuJanuary and headteacher applicant, but we have dents realising that the same mateAndrew Fleet had to rearbeen able to redeploy our rial has to be covered in less time. range the time-table. On Students also have the chance to staff who have more than Wednesdays from 17 January all lessons were reduced one specialism so that other posi- attend supervised after-school study sessions on Wednesday. from sixty to fifty minutes long so tions can be filled." Mr Fleet hopes the reduced timeHe added that reducing the timestaff hours could be reorganised to provide full cover during the rest table on one day was a low cost table will come to an end soon. of the week. Mr Fleet aus ed the yschool's xs rapi d exlemswerec aused b y is rapd e pansion and the national shortage Postman Pat with help from Mrs Coggins and PC Selby the village of teachers in certain subjects. At policeman paid a flying visit to schools in Swindon to promote their the end of the last school year Swin- show at the Wyvern Theatre on 25 January. don's secondary schools had fortyThey called into Abbey Meads school on 12 January to meet children four vacancies. We have a greater from Little Scholars pre-school and the infant classes who helped them need as we have been growing so look for Jess the cat who was hiding in a box in the school hall. quickly. Our roll has increased by thirty per-cent in two years as we cater for North Swindon housing. / ► "With all the publicity, and vaL . r cancies posted on the internet, we have had considerable interest Y— . from this country, from abroad and also teachers who have just moved to Swindon. "Our aim has been to maintain

Pat pops into Abbey Meads

INFANT & PRIMARY SCHOOL ADMISSIONS

I MPORTANT MESSAGE TO PARENTS For children due to start school in September 2001, January 2002 or April 2002, the closing date for registration or application at most Swindon infant and primary schools is Friday 16 February 2001 (the deadline may differ for `church schools'*). If you miss the deadline date you may jeopardise your chances of obtaining a place at the school of your choice - even if it is your local school. This deadline date applies even if you wish your child to be admitted in January or April 2002, rather than September 2001. Please contact your local infant or primary school in good time before this closing date to complete a registration or application form for your child. You must make a positive application about which school you want your child to attend. Do not take it for granted that your child will be allocated a school place automatically or that there will be a place available at the local school, if you apply for a school away from your area. *Voluntary Aided schools may want you to complete their own application form, and may have their own closing date. Advice about admissions policies, procedures and other related matters is published in the composite schools prospectus - 'A Guide to Primary School Admissions', available from local primary schools, libraries or from the address below. For further help and advice about school admissions or transfers in the Swindon area please contact: Swindon Borough Council Education and Community Pupil Assessment & Placement Team Sanford House, Sanford Street, Swindon SN1 1QH Admissions helplines for parents living in: North-east Swindon: 01793 465789, South and West Swindon (including Abbey Meads), Central and East Swindon: 01793 465790.

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Drop in for education advice Education Welfare Officer Ian Prestwich, who has responsibility for Ridgeway and Greendown secondary schools, and all the primary schools in West Swindon holds a monthly drop-in advice point at the West Swindon Family and Community Project, 15 Gainsborough Way, Freshbrook. Anyone with education related queries is welcome to meet him, no appointment is needed. Questions include attendance issues, bullying, uniform grants, exclusions, special needs, child employment, school transport and transfer and admissions. He can also advise on primary school admissions. Ian said the aim of the sessions is to provide a direct and easily accessible link between the community and the Education Department. "We recognise how difficult it can sometimes be to get the right information from the right person,

Ian Prestwhich with education colleague Irene Stollery

particularly over the telephone. If I do not have the answer, then I know someone who does." The advice point is open from 9.30am to 11.30am on the first Friday of the every month. The next is 2 February. For further information contact Ian on 465795.

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The Link Magazine • Februa ry 2001

New club gives youngsters a sporting chance A new club that offers young people with disabilities the chance to try out and practice a range of sporting skills opened its doors at the Link Centre on Saturday 13 January.

Northern nursery places Parents in North Swindon are desperately trying to find places at nurseries and pre-schools says Pauline Webster who runs Blunsdon Nursery in High Street, Blunsdon. She has a few places available to 3 and 4 year olds from April. To find out more, call her on 762016

Car boot sale

Fundraising delayed

Sunday 18 February

The recent move by Lydiard preschool from the village hall to the primary school has forced a postponement of a big fundraising fashion show planned for the De Vere Hotel on 10 March. It is now being rescheduled for October. Local craftspeople and small business interested in putting on displays at the event are asked to contact Pina Brown on 770081.

Thanks for help Deborah Van Leer, chair of Sparklers Pre-school at Peatmoor, writes: Cheryl Jarvis, sporting chance coordinator, Cameron Brock, Lifestyle unit We would like to thank all those manager Fran Pound, Louise Brander, Steve Connolly, junior sports developwho supported us in our Christment manager, Daniel McAleavy mas raffle - particularly the ChiProvisionally called Sporting "Smiles are important at Sport- nese Experience, Alldays at Chance, the emphasis is on fun ing Chance," said club coordinator Peatmoor and Bhaji s Indian Takeand giving members a choice of Cheryl Jarvis. "If we play with a away in Greenmeadow. different activities. At the first ses- smile, they spread all over the The raffle was drawn at the besion youngsters played football, body." ginning of a very successful Christtable tennis, basketball and curlThe club meets from 10.30am to mas party for the children, and ing. 12.30pm in two different age raised £89. Specially adapted equipment is groupings. Parents with children available to make success more who have disabilities are invited easily achieved and several help- to contact Fran Pound at the ers are on hand to provide coach- County Ground Lifestyle Centre ing. on 511033.

9.30am - 12.30pm Salt Way Primary School Pitches/car parking spaces: £5 To reserve a space call 881065 Money raised will be used to purchase assessment, reading, numeracy and science equipment

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Win a Bob the Builder CD If you have not already bought Bob's chart topping record Can we fix it?, here's your chance to win a copy, thanks to BBC Wiltshire Sound. We have three copies to give away and all you have to do is tell us the reply to Bob's favourite question. Send your replies to The Link, address page 4, by 14 February.

Some of the cast of the Wyvern Theatre's winter pantomime Aladdin launch The Link competition. Bobby Dazzler as Bob adjusts BBC Wiltshire Sound's Shirley Ludford's mic, with help from Aleetza Wood of Home and Away, left, and Holly Smart from Wootton Bassett

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Lydiard Millicent Village Hall Saturday 10 February, 7.30pm to midnight Live music from local band, RPM Licensed bar Tickets £7.50, incl. hot supper Organised by Lydiard Millicent PTA

Qualified teachers For more information and to arrange following the a visit, please contact nursery outcomes Mrs D Bailey for learning (01793) 845572

LETTER FROM WESTMINSTER

Responding to the world's poor Michael Will, MP for North Swindon writes Early last year red postcards, printed by Christian Aid and signed by people in North Swindon began arriving at my office in the House of Commons. These were in support of Jubilee 2000, and by the time it ended in December, I had received over 100 letters supporting the campaign. Jubilee 2000 is a coalition of organisations covering every section of society, from Friends of the Earth to the British Medical Association, as well as all major religious denominations, which campaigns for the cancellation of the unpayable debt of the world's poorest countries. Debt repayments can cripple poor countries and hit the poorest people hardest. The UN estimates that if funds were diverted back into health

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have not yet agreed Chancellor, Gordon poverty reduction Brown, who himself received over 300,000 letters on plans do not yet qualify for the this issue. This kind of campaign- Government's debt relief. These countries are home to 140 ing by thousands of people across the country has led to a number of million of the poorest people and Government initiatives to cut owe Britain £1 billion in historic debt. In December the Government world debt. The Government has renounced announced that all payments from its right to the debt owed by all of these countries will be held in trust, the 41 most indebted countries. to be paid back when plans are The first 20 countries to qualify agreed that ensure this relief will will receive 100% debt relief, ben- be spent on cutting poverty.

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Abbey Meads councillor Justin Tomlinson has a new address: 5 Dockle Way, Swindon SN2 7LQ. His telephone number has also changed to 822928.

Cold and old

Jubilee 2000 shows what can be done when people work together. I am proud to be able to tell my constituents who have campaigned on this issue that the UK Government is leading the way on debt relief, and they should be proud that their efforts here in Swindon have helped so many of the world's poorest people. Michael Wills can be contacted at the Pinehurst People's Centre, Olive Grove, Swindon. Tel: 481016.

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Toothill and Westlea councillor David Cox has changed his telephone number to 637409. His address remains the same: 48 Wootton Bassett Road, Swindon.

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efiting 200 million of the world's poorest people. The Government wants to ensure that this money is spent on cutting poverty, not on arms or corruption. That is why those countries, mainly where there is civil war or conflict, who

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Dr Andrew Leonard, consultant physician at PMH will be talking about health issues related to cold homes and Jo Badham of the energy efficiency advice service Warm Hearted Homes will talk about the practical action people can take by gaining grants for insulation and heating systems, and getting free advice. "The meeting is part of Age Concern's Winter Campaign which this year has had three elements," said Jo Osorio, director of Age Concern Swindon. "We have been • encouraging people to take advantage of the flu jab and distributing the campaign leaflet featuring Henry Cooper; • focusing on pensioners' incomes; • organising this special meeting when there will be plenty of time for questions and discussion. "Far too many older people die unnecessarily because their houses are poorly insulated and they cannot afford to heat their homes." The meeting takes place in The Pilgrim Centre, Regent Street, Swindon, from 2pm. For details about the meeting, call Jo Osorio on 692166. There is information about the campaign at www.ageconcern.org.uk

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

Make it a half term to remember with Thomas Thomas the Tank Engine and several of his friends will be travelling to Swindon from the Island of Sodor to make half term extra special for all his fans who visit STEAM. the Museum of the Great Western Railway. The characters from Rev. W Awdry stories will be at the museum on the weekend of 24 and 25 February. The most notable will be the Fat Controller himself, Sir Topham Hatt. There will also be activity trails and competitions around the museum featuring Thomas and his friends. STEAM is located next to the Designer Outlet Village and is open from 10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and 11 am to 5pm on Sunday.

Top family

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Visit Gullible's Travels at STEAM until 8 February, a free exhibition of bizarre sculptures that come to life at the touch of a button. Sculptor Johnny White and arts officer Eluned Myhre try one for size..

STEAM has received a tourist accolade within its first year of opening. The Good Britain Guide 2001 has selected it as 'Wiltshire Family Attraction of the Year 2001.' This will be encouragement for hard pressed managers who are trying to boost attendances which have not matched initial expectations. In November Swindon Council had to pump in an extra ÂŁ500.000 to keep STEAM open and help with promotion and directional signage. Promotions officer Emma Valentine said that by mid-January 72,000 had visited STEAM, twice the annual number to the old railway museum. She predicted a very busy halt term and Easter.

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Theatre celebrates thirty years The Wvvern Theatre launched its thirtieth year in early January when Last of the Summer Wine and Aladdin panto actress Juliette Kaplan released 300 balloons, each with a return label attached. A range of events are being

planned to mark the anniversary including an open day; a community gala involving performances by the Kentwood Choir, the Tanwood School of

Dance and Drama and SALOS, an ecumenical service and a children's street party in Theatre Square. In June the Russian Spec- a' tacular will commemorate the very first show by the Ukrainian Dance Company on 7 September 1971. The Queen and Prince Philip =t performed the official opening on 5 The big lift off. Juliette Kaplan November of that year. with Wyvern managerTed Doan

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Calling artists, craftspeople and professionals Peatmoor Community Facilities based at Peatmoor School is holding a community fayre which is provisionally planned for Easter Saturday. Community facilitator JuliaAmies-Green, right, is looking for local people who would like to promote their service or product. "We would like this to be a celebration of local skills and to heighten awareness of what we have to offer as a community. "Whatever your profession, be it

artist, photographer, designer. or therapist, working from home, if you would like to participate in our fayre, we would love to hear from you." Community groups are also welcome to be present to promote their activities. Contact Julia on 881613.

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Junction 16 moves to Purton West Swindon's Junction 16 drama group's next production will be Alan Bennett's farce Habeus Corpus at the Village Hall. Purton at 7.30pm on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 February, writes producer Ken Kimber. Alan Bennett is probably best known for Talking Heads but Habeus Corpus is his attempt to write 'a farce without the paraphernalia of farce, hiding places. multiple exits and umpteen doors.' The lead roles of Arthur and Muriel Wicksteed, wayward husband and frustrated wife, are played by Dave Hews and Anne Wang, and they are joined by other regulars. Ben Amor, Stephen Carville. Will Cox, Ros Evans, Chris Reynolds, Diane Somerville, as well as newcomers Claire Davis and Sally Kirkup. Purton Village Hall is a new venue for us and we hope to see a good audience for what promises to be an entertaining evening. Tickets. priced ÂŁ4 (E3 concessions) are available from Ken Kimber on 349346.

Arts Fund plans jazz and visual arts fun Swindon's Arts Community Fund has announced that it is backing the town's second jazz festival in April, which will be followed by an arts week in June. Run by local jazz musician Ray Butt, who organised the very successful first event last year. the festival is provisionally booked for the last weekend in April. Think Art Week will cover the classical, the marvellously modern and the wonderfully wacky.. with activities and events embracing businesses, schools, community and cultural groups, from the young to the young-at-heart. with the emphasis on fun and life-longlearning. Highly regarded writer and people-observer Desmond Morris. who is a painter of international repute

has agreed to be the patron. There will be competitions. talks, workshops, demonstrations, exhibitions and fun-happenings. Swindon Arts Community Fund director Rosa Matheson said. "we want to hear from community groups. art societies, businesses and also individual artists interested in joining in and creation their own 'Art Happening' wherever they are. "This is a Swindon first: don't miss out, be part of the fun." Call Rosa or Sue on 463197 or mail@swindonarts.org.uk www.swindonarts.org.uk

Join a gospel choir for the day A top professional jazz singer, who has performed with the legendary Dave Brubeck of `Take Five' fame, is launching an instant Gospel Choir in Swindon.

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Jo Sercombe, right, is running a course titled 'Gospel Choir in a Day' on Saturday 3 February at the new Oakfield Campus of the University of Bath in Swindon. " Gospel choirs are becoming increasingly popular, especially in cities," said Jo. "It is very quick to learn you don't need to read music. People can just use their ears! expect my students to be performing several pieces by the end of the day." Jo, who is Music Development Coordinator for Creative Arts at the university, has already set up a gospel choir in Bath, is excited at the prospect of introducing the art to Swindon. " Gospel choirs are a fashion going through schools, colleges and universities at the moment. For people who want to start singing with others it is a great way to begin. We create a wall of sound.

so that if your voice is not so good others will carry you along â€” you just need to be able to make a noise" Experienced singers who want to try something different are also guaranteed a stimulating day. Jo is running an eight week evening course at Oakfield. starting 30 January, titled 'A Listener's Guide to Jazz.' For more details of the courses call 695665

All stiched up Stitches needlecraft group meets on the first and third Thursday of the month, 7.30pm to 9.30pm, in the Roughmoor Social Hall on Swinley Drive. Anybody with an interest in any kind of needlecraft is invited to join, whatever experience you may have. For details, call Sarah Raymond on 886410.

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Superb Arkell's beers and a fine selection of wines and spirits M Eight centrally heated, double glazed en-suite rooms available * Open for food 7 days a week: lunchtime and evenings. Ideal for special occasions = A tranquil setting, just a mile fr om West Swindon Book now for a romantic Valentine's Evening

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The Bolingbroke, Hook, Nt Wootton Bassett, Swi ndon Tel: (01793) 852357 • F ax: (01793) 854972 Open: Mon to Fri 12- 2.30pm, 6.30 - 11pm • Sat 12- 3pm, 6.30 - 11pm • Sun 12- 3pm, 7- 10.30pm. All major credit cards accepted)

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Touch of Health Shiatsu e. Qeik with .7VITike ye ffers Shiatsu is a traditional Japanese healing art, using the power of touch and movement. Reiki is an ancient form of healing that stimulates the body's own natural ability to heal itself.

Release the energy in you Shiatsu practitioner Mike Jeffers from Nine Elms is inviting you to unblock your energy through this ancient complimentar y art

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Shiatsu literally translated means finger pressure," says Mike. "In fact, a practitioner uses thumbs, palms, elbows and sometimes feet to stimulate the body's vital energy flow (known as Ki in Japanese) to promote good health." The treatment takes place on a padded surface at floor level, and clients are asked to wear loose comfortable clothing. The effect is to release blocks, re-energise, balance and focus the mind and body. For details on how Shiatsu can help you, call Mike on 877634.

Courses available at all levels, small informal groups, individual attention, comprehensive manual, certificated. After course guidance and support. FREE INFORMATION PACK Reiki Plaster/Teacher. Guild of Complimentary Practitioners F. J. Taylor, (01793) 848940 Mobile 07740 516238 Reiki treatments available for relief of stress, pain, depression, low energy, etc. ljt04@aol.com www.reikiretreat.co.uk

Swindon Wide WFi t's Or in Febri rq c4

Venues

Theatre

Comedy

The Arts Centre Devizes Road. Tel: 614837 The National Monuments Record Centre, Kemble Drive. Tel:414600 STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway, Kemble Drive. Tel: 466655 Town Hall Studios Regent Circus. Tel: 463210 The Wyvern Theatre Theatre Square. Tel: 524481 Contact venues to confirm date, time and price

Thursday 8th to Saturday 10th, 7.30pm Bus Stop presented by Old Town Theatre Co. Stranded by a blizzard in a remote Kansas Diner, Bob has kidnapped Cherie and wants her to marry him, while Cherie enlists the help of everyone else together out of this mess.... Will love conquer all in William Inge's romantic comedy? £5. Arts Centre Monday 19th to Saturday 24th One Act Play Festival. Contact Arts Centre box office for details

Thursday 1st, 8pm The Game of Love presented by Kepow Theatre Company - one of the country's leading improvisation - based companies. Short stories and comic scenes are created. based on ideas from the audience, who then vote. Successful improvisers are awarded a love heart, but failures must undertake a forfeit, £7. Arts Centre

Family theatre

Monday 26th, 7.30pm The Old Curiosity Shop presented by Traffic of Stage Theatre Co. £11.50. Wyvern

Saturday 17th, 1pm & 4pm The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark presented by Snap Theatre Co and based on Jill Tomlinson's story. Discover with Plop, the baby barn owl, just how exciting, necessary and fascinating the dark can be. For 4-9 year olds. £5.50, family ticket £18. Arts Centre Sunday 18th, 11am &1.30pm The Tale of Little Red Riding Hood. A trip into the magical world of fairytales with all the traditional characters and songs. £6. Wyvern

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Dance Friday 2nd & Saturday 3rd, 8pm DansConnect. Swindon Dance's performance led dance education project brings you an energetic, varied evening. £7.45. Town Hall Studios Friday 16th, 8pm Caravan of Lies presented by Vincent Dance Theatre. Aerial work, high energy physical theatre, text and dark humour, set in an old style circus ring with grubby sawdust, low gas lighting and faded canvas swags. £7.45. Town Hall Studios Tuesday 20th, 8pm I Hastened Through My Death Scene To Catch Your Last Act and Sunbyrne presented by CandoCo Dance Company. An encounter with two choreographic talents representing the dynamism and diversity of contemporary dance inthe2l stCentury. £10. Wyvern

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Thursday 1st, 7.30pm Think Floyd in Concert A brand new presentation of classic Pink Floyd, musically stunning and visually breathtaking. £11.50. Wyvern Friday 2nd, 8pm The Barcodes This cool fusion of jazz-blues and R'n'B features experienced session musicians Bob Hadrell (vocals, organ, piano), Alan Glen (vocals, guitar, harmonica) and Dino Coccia (percussion), who create a laid back, jazzy, and tastefully swinging sound. £7. Arts Centre Saturday 3rd, 7pm Caprice presented by Mary New and Jennifer Bamford. The annual pupils concert, show-casing young local talent. £3.50, to book call 770630. Arts Centre Saturday 10th, 7.30pm The Blues Band. Another dynamic performance from Paul Jones, Tom McGuiness, Dave Kelly, Gary Fletcherand Rob Townsend. £15.50. Wyvern Sunday 11th, 8pm Swindon Recital Series. Graeme Broadbent (bass baritone), with the kind permission of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, with Paul Turner (piano). £8, to book call 612775. Arts Centre Tuesday 13th, 8pm Great Balls of Fire. A night of red hot rock'n'roll. £13.50. Wyvern Wednesday 14th, 7.30pm Sinatra, Louis Hoover's Salute. A spectacular new musical tribute to Sinatra, with 15 piece Salute to Sinatra Big Band. £16.50. Wyvern

Community Dividend Scheme

Members of the Cricklade & Swindon Railway Society receive a cheque for £1,000 in December.

A minimum of 1% of the Society's profits are returned to projects to benefit the local community through the Community Dividend Scheme.

If you think a project you know of could qualify for a grant of up to (1,000

call 0800 43 5902 for more information Oxford, Swindon & Gloucester

Kate Rusby, Arts Centre. Friday 16th Friday 16th 7.30pm & Saturday 17th, 2.30pm & 7.30pm Megamix presented by K School of Music. £6.50. Wyvern Sunday 18th, 8pm Chas n' Dave. "Two For The Road" You're never too old to rock'n' roll. £11. Wyvern Wednesday 21st & Thursday 22nd, 7.30pm La Traviata presented by Compagnia d'Opera Italiana di Milano. One of the most popular of operas, full of passion and pathos. £12.50-£17.50. Wyvern Thursday 23rd Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra conducted by Nicholas Kraemer. Mozart Symphony No 33, Mozart Clarinet Concerto, Beethoven Symphony No 4. £12.50-£17.50. Wyvern Sunday 25th, 5pm & 7.45pm What A Feeling. The rock & pop musicals in concert starring Gwen Dickey, Limahl, 4 The Boyz. £10. Wyvern Wednesday 28th, 7.30pm Queens of Country. A fantasy tribute concert tourthat could have taken place if Patsy Cline and Tammy Wynette were still alive, with Dolly Pa rton. £15.50. Wyvern

Lower Shaw Farm Old Shaw Lane, Swindon

Thursday 15th, 8pm Curtis Stigers, (above). Singersongwriter Curtis Stigers went on to tour with Elton John, Eric Clapton, and the Allman Brothers. Now a new album, Brighter Days, finds him borrowing from influences like Van Morrison and Bruce Springsteen, and including songs co-written with Carole King and Paul Brady. £12.50. Arts Centre Friday 16th, 8pm Kate Rusby - one of the fastest ever sell-outs at the Arts Centre when she visited last March. Kate continued her hectic schedule, appearing at Glastonbury, Sidmouth and numerousotherinternationalfestivals. £12. Arts Centre

Wednesday 7th, 10am - 12.30pm Children's activity morning. As well as getting on our wellies and warm clothes to explore the farm and visit the animals, we shall spend time indoors making wild bird feeders and playing. For young children and the parents or carers, £5 per family. Tuesday 20th & Wednesday 21st, 10.30am - 3.30pm Half term activity days for children aged 5 -12 years. Explore the farm, feed the animals and wild birds, learn about the environment, be creative with recycled materials. £10 per child. Book all activities on 771080

D-r in Febru^r^

Film Thursday 1st, I' 7.45pm The Golden Bowl (12) A Henry James social drama, directed by James Ivory, set in Italy and England in 1904. £3.95. Wyvern Monday 5th, 7.45pm Bedazzled (12) A nerdy computer guy sells his soul to the devil so that he may have seven wishes that will allow him to win the adoration of the woman he loves.. Starring Brendan Fraser and Elizabeth Hurley. £3.95. Wyvern Tuesday 6th, 7.45pm Road Trip (15) A teen road comedy - four friends take off on a thousand mile trip across the USA. £3.95. Wyvern Wednesday 7th, 7.45pm Titus (18) Returning from 40 years at war with the Goths, the Roman General Titus Andronicus (Anthony Hopkins) executes the eldest son of Tamora, Queen of the Goths (Jessica Lange) setting off a long chain of revenge, cruelty and murder. £3.95. Wyvern Thursday 8th, 7.45pm Coyote Ugly (12) A sexy romantic comedy featuring a spectacular soundtrack, Coyote Ugly is the story of one girl's wild adveture in New York city. £3.95. Wyvern

Wednesday 28th, 7.45pm Le Temps Retrouve (Time Regained) (18) Lost privilege and innocence, war and decline, are the central themes of this remarkable adaptation of the final volume of Proust's Remembrance of Things Past. Presented by SFS. Arts Centre For Swindon Film Society (SFS) details contact the Arts Centre

Wednesday 14th, 7.45pm Lovers of the Arctic Circle (15) DirectorJulio Medem's unusual story of love and destiny set in Spain and the Arctic Circle, where the midnight sun continuously shines for six months of the year. Presented by Swindon Film Society, Arts Centre Tuesday 27th, 7.45pm Some Voices (15) plus Bring Me Your Love Daniel Craig is mesmerising as Ray in this unpredictable and tender story of two very different siblings. Plus David Morrissey's acclaimed second short film as a director, starring Ian Ha rt as a journalist visiting his stricken wife in a sanatorium. £3.50. Arts Centre

Made to ^1 measure curtains, swags, & tails. All other valances, R-blinds, London, etc. Free measuring & quotations Full fitting service available Handmade footstools to order Re-upholstery of dining chairs etc:

Activities for children & families Saturday 10th, 10am - 5pm More Model Railway Magic Model railway, large '0' gauge layout with many locomotives including a GWR diesel railcar fitted with a camera giving a miniature drivers view of the tracks. Normal admission charge. STEAM Monday 19th to Wednesday 21st, 10am - 4pm daily Fabulous Fun Figures with artist Gordon Dickinson. Design and build larger than life sculptures from card, tubes, wire, paint etc. Materials will be provided but bring more along plus a packed lunch. For 8-13 year olds. £43 (concs £38), Arts Centre

Alessandra For crafts and gifts Cross Stitch * Tapestry * Embroidery Knitting yarn * Beads Sequins * Pinflair DMC stockist 1st class picture framing service

Tel: 01793 848855 1 Apsley House Arcade, Wootton Bassett,

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We can now offer full catering facilities, with licensed bar, for weddings, ch ri stenings, bi rt hday and anniversary pa rt ies, conferences, seminars etc. Our large hall and dining room, conference room, lecture theatre, drama studio and classrooms, are all available for private hire at ve ry competitive prices.

For further details about catering for functions hela at the school, or for catering at private venues, please contact Ma rilyn Indge on 01793 846116 or Martin Carter on 07974 261853 The Ridgeway School, Inverary Road, Wroughton, Swindon SN4 9DJ

Friday 9th, 7.45pm Wonder Boys (15) Following a very successful first novel, a writer and professor living in Pittsburgh (Michael Douglas) struggles with writer's block to the frustration of his editor. £3.95. Wyvern Sunday 11th, 8pm The Most Desired Man (Der bewegte Mann) (18) German with English sub-titles In association with the Swindon AngloGerman Association (tel:524726). "The funniest German comedy .. ever!", directed by Sonke Wo rt mann £2.50 (tickets reservable on 814354 for collection by 7.45pm). Dungeon Bar, The Victoria, Victoria Road

Stratton Community Leisure Centre presents a

Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th Days Out With Thomas. Meet Thomas the Tank Engine and his famous friends and join in the fun with activity trails and competitions. STEAM, normal admission charge

Miscellaneous Wednesday 14th, 7.30pm Talk by Keith Saunders, Swindon's cinemas. The Swindon Society monthly meeting. £1, members 50p. Broad Green Centre, Salisbury Street Thursday 15th, 7.15pm Talk by Brian Bridgeman. Swindon's Other Railway. The story of the Midland and South Western Junction Railway, with slides. £2.50, STEAM Saturday 17th, 2.15pm Tour of the National Monuments Record Centre. An introduction to the work and collections of the NMRC Free Monday 19th, 7.30pm Big Time American Wrestling. £10. Wyvern

clentines Saturday 17th February 2001 Dance to the live sounds of

NIGHTMDE 7.30pm until midnight Bars open at 7.00pm Bar prices discounted to members' prices

£4.60 Members, £5 Non-members Tickets from Stra tton Community Leisure Centre, Grange Drive, Lower Stra tton, Swindon. Tel: 01793 825525

SwindGr Wide W i ct's On io Febri r^

Exhibitions

STEAM

National Monuments Record Centre, The Gallery 13th January to 1st April Photos of the Future 2 A regional exhibition from The History Channel's local history project. All the photographs come from personal family albums, creating a record of life during the last 100 years. STEAM 11th January to 8th February Johnny White Kinetic sculptures made from metal, motors and scrap materials.

17th February to 18th March Railart Annual exhibition by the Guild of Railway Artists includes work by professional and amateur artists using a variety of mediums. Arts Centre 9th January to 10th February Cultural Icons by CAOS (Contemporary Artists of Swindon) From Elvis in McDonalds to The Beatles at the Bowl, CAOS artists portray famous people in familiar locations in this surreal collection of workwhichwill have you seeing stars!

Building ij .TFii [i{ Extensions Loft Conversions

Garage Conversions Free quotations Man y local references

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Arts Centre 13th February to 17th March Pinhole Visions Variations on the pinhole camera. Wyvern Theatre, Lower Foyer 9th January to 4th February Captured Soul - Jackie Galati Swindon based Jackie Galati works from photographs to develop evocative pastels on subjects ranging from tigers to portraits. Wyvern Theatre, Lower Foyer 6th February to 4th March Knobs and Knockers Inspired by popular magazines, current imagery and design, Cardiff based Nichola Hope explores modern mythologies - celebrity, beauty, fantasy, love.

Wyvern Theatre, Harlequin Bar 9th January to 4th February Digital Dimensions - Brian Exton Computer manipulated photographic images create a visual tension between the original subject matter of nature or heritage, and the bold and arresting final images. Wyvern Theatre, Harlequin Bar 6th February to 2nd March Secret Garden - Nikki Parmenter Cheshire artist Nikki Parmenter creates an explosion of colour and texture in images built up from a variety of materials including handmade papers, acetate copies, inks and pencil, as she explores aspects of the garden, drawing inspiration from India and Greece.

Swindon Celtic Academy

Pulsar poetry event

Saturday 17 February Celtic Academy Fundraising Dance with music by David Duffy Band. £6 Saturday 17 March Celtic Academy St Patricks Night Dance with music by John Quinn Band. £5 Both dances at Thistle Hotel, Fleming Way. For tickets call 642368. Celtic Academy is available to perform at local charity events. Call 642368 for details

Tuesday 6th, 8pm Live-microphone poetry evening Read poems of your choice to a partisan audience, or simply sit back and enjoy listening to what Wiltshire poets have to say. The Goddard Arms, Clyffe Pypard, Nr Broad Hinton. Pulsar Poetry Magazine is now in its seventh year of production with 179 poets published. For details, call 875841 or go to www.btinternet.com/-pulsarpoetry

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The Link Magazine • February 2001

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Discovering the servants' life at Lydiard Park A butler, cook, footmen, parlour and kitchen maids once cared for Lydiard House and kept the St John family who lived there in the style that the landed gentry expected, writes Sarah Finch-Crisp, keeper of the house. The Lydiard archives hold fasciThe heaviest household chores Spring flowers and usually fell to the female staff in- nating information about many of children's activities cluding cleaning and making the the outside staff - the gardeners fires in the grand old fireplaces. In who tended the grounds, gameSaturday 17th to 5unoay January Wiltshire County keepers who kept the local poach25th February conservatation officer Sarah ers at bay and stable hands who Stanley, below, painstakingly looked after his lordship's dogs House Christmas when over 1,000 cleaned and restored the bright and horses. people visited Lydiard's festive steel fireplace surrounds which But information about the housedecorations, Lackham college would once have been polished hold servants is more scarce which floristry students are returning to daily by the overworked maids. is why volunteers from the Upper fill the house with sweet smelling Thames Branch of the National Spring flowers. Association of Decorative and Fine This is traditionally a good time Arts (NADFAS) have recently beto come and enjoy Lydiard's fagun a project to discover more mous snowdrop displays in the about Lydiard's forgotten people. park and warm up with hot drinks They would welcome any inforand cakes in the house. There is no mation about anybody who additional charge to see the indoor worked at Lydiard, even if it is just displays, (usual admission rates). someone's name and approximate From the Lydiard archives: Annie There is a special daily activity date. Please write tomcat Lydiard Byford, housekeeper at Lydiard called 'Housekeepers Headache', House, Swindon SN5 9PA or telMillicent Rectory, c1900 when children can spot what the ephone 770401. careless maid has left behind. With Schools with a group wishing to children's costumes, should ring their busy schedules you'd be surlearn about servants and every- Lydiard's Education Officer, prised what might be missed in day life in a country house with Nicola Pardoe on the above running a big house This activity Victorian objects to handle and number for information. is £1 including admission and gift.

Pets Corner. Cats Protection League make neutering offer From 14 February to 16 March the Swindon Branch of Cats Protection is offering free neutering for female cats over 6 months, or £15 towards the cost of neutering male cats over 6 months, if you are in receipt of any form of income support. Proof of the benefit received will be required.

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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.

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Make an appointment for your cat to be neutered with a participating veterinary surgeon who will have the authorisation forms. For details call the Swindon Cats Protection helpline: 644536 or go to www.swindoncp.freeserve.co.uk

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Helping you care more for your pet Swindon's most modern small animal hospital, situated in North West Swindon, offering high quality surgical and medical care at competitive prices within a caring, friendly and professional environment.

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The Link Magazine â€˘ February 2001

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volved with stalls, arts and crafts, catering, evening events, entertainment, fancy dress and parades, singing and dancing, is asked to contact the committee as soon as possible. It is hoped that the programme will be completed by the end of April, for publication in May and a website is being set up. The next committee meeting is on 19 February 7pm at the King's Hotel, Wood Street. Anybody interested in contributing to the festival is welcome. If you would like to help but are unable to attend call Terry King on 487154.

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The Link Magazine • February 2001

Two chances to walk for women's health There are two great events coming up where Swindon women can get fit and raise money for women's cancer charities: the London Moonwalk, an overnight walk through the streets of the capital on 12 May, and the 5 kilometre Race for Life fun run/walk around Lydiard Park on Sunday 10 June.

DISCOUNTS NOW AVAILABLE With a helping hand from TV star - Handy Andy - off the

BBC's `Changing Rooms'! The Big Green Boiler Scheme is a new heating initiative

designed to save you money and improve the environment. Eunice Salmon holding up her moonwalk decorated bra with some of the 70 women and front, Dinos Papadakis, who attended the Twin Peaks meeting

Over 70 women and two blokes attended a meeting on 16 January, publicised in The Link, to find out more about joining the Swindon Twin Peaks team on the moonwalk. Last May the Swindon group was the largest from any town in Britain, when 103 women raised over

The Swindon Lifestyle Unit is holding free training walks on Sunday 28 January and 4 February,

10am to llam on both days, to introduce new walkers to warm up and stretching, walking techniques and how to pace yourself. The Lifestyle Unit will also be £30,000. organising six week walking and Organiser Eunice Salmon was running programmes from early delighted by the interest in this April for women who want to take year's walk. "Twelve months ago part in the second Swindon Race about 30 women packed into my for Life on 10 June. Last year 1,400 front room after publicity in The women took part around Lydiard Link. Its great that more than dou- Park, raising £70,000 for research ble came along, many of whom for cancers that affect women. were there for the first time; how To book training places in Febmany will join us before May?" ruary and April, call 511033. This year's moonwalk will raise Moonwalker Sarah Bailey from money for Breakthrough Cancer Middleleaze said walking for and also the Bristol Cancer Help women's health is a powerful moCentre, which is famous for its tivator to get fit. "Knowing that holistic approach to treatment. you're doing it for a good cause Eunice has registration forms for really gives you a focus and makes the moonwalk and is keen to hear you feel good about yourself." from women who would like to Bev Dickey from Nine Elms join Twin Peaks. Groups of women agreed. "It was an incredible expeacross the town are organising their rience. You make great friendown training and she can put you ships whilst training and on the in touch with other women who walk. Everybody knows of somewill be preparing over the next one who has been affected by canfew months. Call her on 871606. cer. Take part if you can."

With backing from the Government and six local councils, we have negotiated large discounts on the

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First community tree plant in Cricklade As part of the continuous development of the Great Western Community Forest, a public tree plant will take place in Cricklade on Sunday 18 February, 10am to 3pm. This free fun event is open to all ages and gives everyone an opportunity to make a lasting and living contribution to the future. With the support of Cricklade Town Council a location close to the River Thames has been chosen to plant a wooded gateway to the Thames National Trail. A variety of attractions, children's workshops, displays and live music from the Cricklade Town Band has been organised throughout the day, at Prior Park School, Calcutt Street, where there will be limited parking. For further information contact Andrea Riding of the Great Western Community Forest on 466315 or visit www.gwestcf.org.uk

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The Link Magazine • February 200 1

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Safer Swindon Shop staffing up to scratch Swindon's innovative project to help improve safety and reduce crime across the town will be fully staffed on 1 February when Caroline Painter joins project manager Jean Goncalves and customer care assistant Caz Nowell. The Safer Swindon Shop in the newly pedestrianised Havelock Street gives Swindon residents a convenient place to get advice on safety matters, and information on a wide range of services across the town. The project opened fully in January and the response from Link readers has been excellent said

Jean. "It's very early days but we've had quite a few people in who saw the story in the January Link and

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we've been able to help them all." The project, funded by a £155,000 government grant from the 'Invest to Save' budget, is a joint venture between Swindon Council and Wiltshire Police. "The shop acts as a central point where people can pick up information and be put in touch with the agencies who can help them," said Jean. "If we don't have the answer, we know someone who has. The question may be about bus tokens, or it could be a resident concerned about criminal activity in the neighbourhood but does not want to go into a police station. "This approach to providing information and crime prevention has not been tried in Swindon, so we will be adapting our approach and the opening times in response to demand as it develops." The shop keeps information from a wide range of statutory and voluntary agencies such as Wiltshire and Swindon Health Promotion Service, Victim Support, Age Concern, Road Safety, Druglink, Family Mediation Service, Relate and Trading Standards. Specific projects and initiatives will be piloted through the shop, such as advice on health education and child safety, employment opportunities for young people and trading standards.

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Swindon Croquet Club launches its new season in April. New members are welcome. For details call John Airey

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The Link, in association with the Safer Swindon Shop, is sponsoring a personal attack alarm in a prize draw. Because of the short time available to enter in January, the closing date has been extended to Saturday 10 February. Drop

your name and address into the shop at 38 Havelock Street.

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The Link Magazine • February 2001

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Latest arrival for largest family Ian and Sue Povey, parents of Swindon's most populous family, are delighted to announce their newest arrival on 11 January.

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The Link Magazine • February 200 1

Twenty-five years of town twinning and international understanding The Swindon Salzgitter Twinning Association was started over 25 years ago to promote goodwill between our two towns in England and Germany, writes association member Bobbie French from Shaw. r fttlt h (5 rIn l;rn3bntannien oesuchte I. chrentrc cr Perm€rsthulc ^n AreInir€t G'riachki and Ah !gLcnste n wutei c ngcladen „

to host the group from Salzgitter and we have a World Wars but believe In Swindon h1 .OW .. cam+ ", 7. !4.3v, Mn. very interesting profriendship between }5.^ gramme planned, includple of different nations is * ^^ ing an art exhibition and a the way to help prevent lmskunl I sm &hd3 nCA, (14. %4&4,.$,,, 0, concert by the internationwars in the future. nr p^M1 ) ally recognised pianist Through the twinning Martin Bujara. association here and in ^, d. F. <^^, GM We hope an ex-youth Salzgitter we try to show group of footballers and each other our cultures their families will come and heritage, the beauty over to meet up with exof our countryside countr and t ,, (., ,^^ nau9 schoolboy footballers who the future "^" "^^`' went over to Salzgitter 25 towns. ` How the visit by German Ambassador Hans-Friedrich von Ploetz to Swindon years ago. Perhaps you We as arou are non- Mh. in late November was reported in the Salzgitter Zeitunk g p AhH'icn Sp4mmeMthA A w } . *. u x «, &., " idbu ti ekppzn was if I < 1 o 4' '•`"" "'° " were one of the footballpolitical and non-sectar- \:x ^e P n# 4`w Reg Clarke, the former mayor of Medaille for his services to Anglo- ers, or you know someone who ian. We have our serious side, but was? we also have fun and laughter, Swindon has been involved with German relations. The group meets quarterly at We usually visit on alternate especially on our exchanges. Many the group since it started and has people have struck up friendships visited Salzgitter numerous times, years, but last year being the mil- Broome Manor Golf Club and the that have lasted a number of years, both officially and privately. In- lennium we went to Salzgitter and committee meets monthly at the meeting not only on exchanges, deed he is so highly thought of in their group came here in October. Civic Offices. It costs nothing to During their visit we went to St join, although we usually have a but also on private visits and holi- Salzgitter he is the only Englishman to be presented with the Stadt Fagins Museum in Cardiff, STEAM raffle to help costs. days together in other countries. When we are the hosts we pay and the Great Western Designer Village, enjoyed the beauty of the for our guests' expenses here in p ATlO p,. trees at Westonbirt and the sounds Swindon and they reciprocate of two choirs filling St Peter's when we go to Germany. T To take part in this year's exChurch at Eastleaze, and spent time Extensions, loft conversion, Fq change, contact me on 340892 for together at home. specialists in all types of building & plastering In May, once again it is our turn more details. We do not forget two ta^u

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International outlook?

The Russian Connexion

Isobel Manook is the Swindon coordinator for HOST UK and is keen to hear from hospitable people to join a network of volunteer hosts offering invitations to international students once or twice a year. For an information pack call 872373. pmaanook@hotmail.com

The group aims to bring together people of any nationality interested in Russian language and culture. It next meets on Friday 9 February, 8pm at the White Hart, Oxford Road, Stratton St. Margaret. Newcomers are always welcome. For further details call 337113.

Big money saving possibilities on a new boiler and on fuel use Swindon Council is committed to doing all that it can to save energy and is pleased to announce another scheme that will both benefit householders and help protect the environment, writes Lynn Forrester, home energy conservation officer. The Big Green Boiler Scheme makes high efficiency central heating boilers available at a discount price and is backed by the Government. It is a partnership between local councils, boiler manufacturers and local plumbers all with the same commitment to save energy and reduce harmful emissions of greenhouse gases. Over two-thirds of householders have central heating but around half use old inefficient boilers. The boilers available under the scheme convert 90% of the fuel they use into useful heat for your home. In the Netherlands about half of the boilers installed are high efficiency boilers but in the UK only one in twenty are energy efficient. Part of the problem has been

because they cost more than ordinary boilers. But not any more. With the Big Green Boiler Scheme the high efficiency boilers cost the same as ordinary boilers plus there is a £100 cashback to the first six hundred people who take part. When compared to an old inefficient boiler, an energy efficient boiler from the scheme could save you £135 per year in reduced fuel bills. That could add up to £2,700 over the life of the boiler. You can do your bit for the environment too. If you installed one of these boilers you would save one thousand tonnes of harmful gases from being emitted into the atmosphere. For more information, see the advertisement on page 29.

The Link Magazine • February 2001 33

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Revisit your New Year's resolutions by adding the Prospect Hospice Whether you made list or you've conveniently forgotton the promises you made at midnight on 31 December, the Prospect Hospice is one organisation you can help throughout 2001. This is the Prospect's twenty-first birthday year, so make a resolution to support one of the birthday events coming up: Wednesday 14 February Valentines Day roses run Saturday 15 May Ridgeway ramble Prospect 21st birthday parties May June Sunflower appeal Saturday 30 June Sunflower abseil in Swindon centre Saturday 8 September Prospect Hospice garden fete The Livingwell experience Sunday 7 October Saturday 8 December Light a life celebration If you are a tax payer you can help us claim an extra thirty per cent on any donation you make just by signing a simple gift aid form. For more information on all these events and how you can help Prospect, please contact the Fundraising Office on 815142.

Wanted by The Link magazine Access to ISDN or WAM!NET on Saturdays once a month. Call 872282

KITCHEN STAFF REQUIRED in term time at Greendown School • Good rates of pay

Telephone the Catering Manager on 01793 877372 or 01793 850856 Placed by Fairfield Catering

VACANCY FOR SENIOR LABORATORY TECHNICIAN AT GREENDOWN SCHOOL Required as soon as possible to be responsible for all aspects of technical support in the science department. We are looking for a committed and enthusiastic person who is well organised and an excellent team member. Previous relevant experience is desirable APT & C Point 13. 37 hours per week term time only Salary: £11,970 pro rata Closing date: 12th February 2001

Learn more about fuschias & pelargoniums The Swindon Fuschia & Pelargo- of life to further their knowledge nium Society meets on the first and enjoyment of both fuschias Wednesday of the month at the and pelargoniums. Western Community Centre, Som- On 7 February J Matthews will erset Road, Cheney Manor, give a talk on weed killers. For 7.30pm. The aim of the society is to further details contact the Secrebring together people of all walks tary, Ann Fletcher on 728493

Please apply in writing enclosing a current CV to the Headteacher, Greendown Community School, Grange Park Way, Grange Park, Swindon SN5 6HN.

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PATIOS SUPPLIED AND LAID pecial offer, limited period onl3 e.g. l4ft x 6ft from £195 • Free estimates • Paths • Shed and greenhouse bases laid • Gravel and shingle drives Paving: various sizes, pa tterns & colours

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ohn & Ann Wadsworth 01666 860400

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• Fencing and gates Panels, trellis, closeboard, picket, etc.

Winter tidy up! Pruning, planting Ornamental gravel All types of fencing

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• Locally run family business • Close board/panel or picket fencing & gates • Repairs & refurbishment • Concrete posts available on panel fencing • Made to measure gates • Pressure injected timber treatment on all close board • Friendly help and advice on all fencing matters Unit 67. Pembroke Centre. Chene y Manor. Swindon

LANDSCAPING & GARDEN MAINTENANCE • Fencing: Close board/ Panels/Gates • Block Paving • Patios, Paths, Turfing • Hedging & Mowing Trained team • Fully insured For free quotation Tel: (01793) 526571

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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

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 "

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THE ODD J OB MAN Small building work, carpentry, joinery, painting & decorating, fitted wardrobes and kitchens, plugs and washers fitted "No job too small"

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Extensions, repairs, V alterations and maintenance Blockpaving, patios & driveways Drain clearance & repairs Garden construction & design Fencing, turfing, ponds/water features & regular garden maintenance We offer a complete building service for your home and garden For good quality with efficient service and competitive prices call 01793 485539/07811 698457

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

John Phillips Servicing 25 years experience All work guaranteed

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LPG & Natural Gas Services • Boilers • Fires & fire places

• Cookers • Boiler changes 29 Meares Drive • Also riverboat Shaw, Swindon appliances , Tel: 01793 874742 installation & servicing Mobile: 0468 027860 • Aga, Rayburn Sponsor to Wroughton specialist Shotokan Karate Club www CONTRACTOR

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Highly experienced painter and DECORATORS decorator Tel:01793 701394 Mobile: 0777 5894563 Interior & exterior painting and decorating Coving • Dado rails

All interior and exterior work undertaken For free estimates call Paul on -N

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GARDEN SERVICES

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All plumbing work undertaken Reliable service, realistic prices

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Traditional carpentry & building services Kitchens, loft conversions, stairs, doors, building work, bedroom fitments, domestic & commercial works undertaken Free, no obligation quotations

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SUNBED HIRE

UPVC CLADDING

Deb's Sunbeds Home Rental Fast tanning canopies and doubles also available Free installation & local delivery Tel: Swindon 726906 anytime (Mobile 07778 - 641052)

PAUL DRAPER uPVC Fascia, Guttering & Cladding FASCIAS CLADDING GUTTERING * FREE ESTIMATES * Tel: (01793) 825965 3 Overton Gardens, Stratton St Margaret, Swindon

The Link Magazine • Februar y 2001

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For Sale

Ladies bike, racing style, good condition, £20. Tel: 490724 Girls bike, pink with stabilizers, suit age 3-5yrs, excel cond, £25. Tel: 0771 4356265 Mountain bike, Raleigh Camaro, 15 speed, girls frame, suit 10-1 4yrs, excel cond, £50 ono. Tel: 871657 Mothercare Verona 2inl pushchair, navy & white, raincover, sun canopy, apron and shopping basket, excel cond, £20 ono for quick sale. Tel:887443 Buggy, folds easily, swop for stairgate. Tel: 611527 Mothercare white cot and mattress, 140cm length X 70cm width, good cond. Tel: 0121 3517706 Klippan baby car seat with head hugger, birth to 9 months, excel cond, £10. Mothercare Endeavour car seat, 1-4yrs, excel cond, £50. Tel: 01285 862513 Graco travel cot in bag, navy, hardly used, £35. Tel: 704288 Silver Cross double pushchair, sun canopy, rain cover, £110. Tel: 876681 Silver Cross weathershield, never used, £5, was £32. Baby clothes, birth - 2 yrs, over 400 items, clean & good brand names, from 50p. Tel: 01285 862513 Ski suit for girl aged 5 years, gloves,socks, jumpers, £15. Tel: 871606 Antique pine cot, excel cond, £60. Mothercare changing bag, excel cond, £5. Tel: 485509 Chest of drawers, suit child's room, 8 drawers, offers. tel: 872531 Childs bed /playhouse, still boxed, £130 Argos, sell for £100. Tel: 703548

Slide, brand new, for attaching to climbing frame, £10. Tel: 872869 Activity table (Argos), 9 months+, excel cond, £10. ABC baby bath, £4. Tel: 01285 862513 Ride on train, £10. Big box girls toys, 12 months +, £15. Ride on tractor, £20 ono. Girls clothes, 18-24 months, £10. Tel: 878218 Remote racing car, horn, lights, music, new. £15. Tel: 341818 Collectors various pig ornaments, 1 Op to £10 each, offer for complete collection. Tel: 435855 Mens quality black jacket with fleece li ning, large, as new, worn twice, £40 ono. Tel: 524010 Mens quality fleece jacket, blue/grey, large, hardly worn, as new, £30 ono. Tel: 524010 White wedding dress, full length with veil, size 16, cost £1,000, sell for £200. Tel: 341818 Advantage jockey helmet, black, size 1, immaculate cond, £15. Tel: 870151 Hexcel skis 175cm, Nordica boots size 5, sticks, apres boots, bumbag, as new, any offers, moving. Tel: 879758 Wilson staff golf clubs 3-SW 'Tour' blades, recently regripped, good condition, £100. Tel: 701070 Basketball net and backboard, full size, £10 plus wall fittings. Tel: 524010 Dining room suite, black ash table, 6 chairs, units etc (Habitat), £199. Tel: 870394 Sofa bed, foam, fold out, multi-coloured, Aztec design fabric, good cond, £50 ono. Tel: 524010

r- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Free private for Sale & Wanted ads Send to address on page 4 by 12th of the month

Tel: Name & Address (not for publication)

A 2 Z Home Improvements All your needs in one number Kitchen/Bathroom fitting, Tiling, Plumbing, Electrics, Painting, Decorating, Carpentry and much more 111 Pinehurst Road Swindon

IRONING MADE EASY

Give yourself ' a break Let me do your ironing Collection/Delivery available

Tel: 876077 for details

Tel: (01793) 339671 Mobile: (0378) 207977

Ann Summers Ladies for an evening of fun and shopping, gather your friends for a party Excellent hostess benefits Plus a further £5 off with this advert

To book call Tracie on 07790 716581 All areas covered

11 For Sale Dusky pink velvet fully lined luxury curtains, pelmet, tie backs, to fit patio doors, brand new, cost £150, sell £60. Tel: 706403 Solid pine pedestal dining table , circular with four chairs, as new, £200. Tel: 692688 Pine desk/dressing table, MFl Millsorne range, 3 drawers, £25. Tel: 874034 Mahogany chest of drawers, 3 & 2 drawers, 102cm W x 102 cm H x 48cm D, can deliver, £75 ono. Tel: 875194 Corner TV cabinet, antique pine stain colour, £25. Hi-fi unit, antique pine stain colour, £25. Tel: 336293 Two stackable coffee tables, teak colour, £5. Rocking chair, antique pine stain colour, £10. Table, drop leaf, £10. Tel: 336293 Display cabinet 75" long, 60" wide, vgc, £400 ono. Revolving bookcase, £200 ono. Tel: 870482 Wardrobe, white, ideal forchild's room, buyer collects, £10. Tel: 877131 Ikea pine child's bed with slide, unused mattress, vgc, £65. Tel: 766996 Slumberland 4'6" divan, £150. Chest of drawers 34"x15", light oak, £50. 2 bedside cabinets, £50. Chest of drawers, white, 36"x42"x16", £50. Tel: 879758 Two 2-seater sofas (Next), 5 years old, matching curtains, £120. Tel: 882695 PAR 38 flood bulbs, 80 watt, 7 new, 17 part used, cost £5, £3 & £2 respectively. Tel: 873724 UFO lamp, new, unwanted gift, £7.50. Tel: 341818 Old folding wooden steps, 7 steps, shop type, £10. Tel: 875469 Wallpaper pasting machine, Earlex Auto for all papers, £10. Tel: 874034 Zanussi fridge freezer, good condition, £80 ono. Tel: 638882 LEC fridge, approx 83cm H, 50cm W, 51 cm D, gd working order, with manual, £75. Tel: 873724 LEC upright freezer, approx 83cm H, 50cm W, 58cm D. gd working order, with manual, £70. Tel: 873724 Electrolux hoover, £25. Two folding clothes racks, £20 for both. All good condition. Tel: 874767

For Sale Coal effect electric fire, wood surround and side shelves, £25 ono. Tel: 874080 Bathroom suite, buyer collects, £40 ono. Tel: 849891 (eves) Camera Minolta Vectis 300, stainless steel body, 3x zoom lens, pocket size, with case, £90. Tel: 874034 Nintendo 64 with 3 games, excel cond, boxed, hardly used, £50. Tel: 344122 Sony amplifier, Dolby surround sound pro logic TA-AV570 with remote, excellent condition, £100. Tel: 727196 Guitar half size, suit beginner, good condition, £25. Tel: 870729 Fishtank, 19.5ins L, 9.sins W, 11.5ins H, and accessories, £60. Hexafun tank, 19.5in L, gins W, 12ins H, £20. Tel: 879147, after 8pm Astra estate 1.6L , F reg, 85K tax MOT, v reliable, gd cond, recent new brakes, £795 ono. Tel: 643157 Nissan E24 Urvan, 12 months MOT, tax Feb 01, white, v low mileage, K reg, £2,000. Tel: 873021 MGB GT, 1979, MOT May 01, tax Apr 01, vgc, lady owner, full history, blue, £1,500 ono. Tel: 704624

Wanted To refurbish Story Sacks: Horace and Maurice by Dick KingSmith, will pay up to £2 for excel cond. 3 piece wooden Noah's Ark. Little Red Riding Hood cassette tapes (2 needed). 5 Little Monkeys cassette tape. Handsome Prince' 8"-10" knitted' doll. Call 873594 if you can help Cross stitch bits & pieces, craft materials, patchwork & embroidery items, for the Stitches needlecraft charity box for Prospect Hospice. Tel: 886410 Electric treadmill, also sunbed, both must be excellent condition. Tel:876093 Computer CD writer or rewriter also zip drive and 15Gb hard drive. Tel: 615918 BBC TV coverage of Sydney Olympics opening and closing ceremonies, good price paid. Tel: 877015

Rooms to let 2 furnished rooms in West Swindon, would suit tidy non-smoking professionals, larger room: £350pcm, the smaller: £300pcm. All bills included apart from telephone. Tel: 877772

The Link Magazine • February 2001

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International Year of Volunteers - 2001 There has never been a better time to be a volunteer, as the United Nations has declared 2001 as the International Year of Volunteers, known as IYV2001 writes Sarah Codd, coordinator of Swindon Volunteers. Throughout the year and beyond there is going to be a way to recognise volunteers worldwide. Anew symbol, an orange and blue coloured ribbon has been introduced as part of the celebrations for IYV2001. Over the last ten years, ribbons have been associated with a whole range of causes, red for HIV / Aids and pink for breast cancer, but what makes the orange and blue ribbon different is that it recognises all volunteers, regard-

less of causes they care about. If every volunteer in Swindon wore one the town would be a sea of orange of blue, and it would be a very visual reminder that volunteering is a mass movement, not the preserve of the few. Swindon Volunteers, as the local organisation providing advice and information about volunteering is going to be celebrating IYV2001 in a big way in Volunteers' Week, 1 June to 7 June, and apart from making sure that every Sarah, holding the volunteers ribbon volunteer in Swindon has access to a ribbon, we plan to put on an event to recognise the value of volunteering to society. All organisations, community groups or associations that involve volunteers in their work, organisations working with volunteers in the public, voluntary and community sectors and all employers, across all sectors, who support their employees volunteering can be involved in celebrating IYV2001. So if you or your organisation would like to be kept up to date with what is happening, call me on 420557.

TELEMARKETING FROM HOME

Would you like to w[ in West Swindon? Find out how you can get involved with the work that goes in your community - paid and voluntary. Come along and meet the team responsible for youth work, play development and community work in West Swindon on Tuesday 13th February,

12 noon to 2pm • 6pm to 8pm in the Link Centre Mall. For details, or if you cannot attend, ring Martin Hawes on 465452 Swtno J

Flexible, varied work Access to a computer essential

Call for more details on 771239

Distributors wanted Reliable distributors for The Link are needed across West and North Swindon. For details call BHL Distribution on 723745.

A NEW YEAR — A NEW CHALLENGE! Volunteers needed to escort older people to and from our Day Centre in Haydon Wick. Day Centre helpers also required. For further information contact Patsy Newton at Age Concern Swindon on 01793 692166

S AGE Chari ty No. 800056

SWINDON

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Volunteers wanted in North Swindon Helpers are needed to improve the lives of older people in the town. Age Concern Swindon is making an appeal for escorts to help older people to and from Fessey Day Centre, Haydon Wick. Day centre helpers are also needed. Applicants will need to be physically fit. Travel expenses are paid within Swindon and training is given. If you have two to three hours a week to spare and would like to take advantage of this opportunity to help older people, please contact Patsy Newton at Age Concern Swindon on 692166.

Shop still does the business Fleet Street in the town centre will be pedestrianised in the next few weeks and staff at the Age Concern Swindon shop are looking forward to more trade. That means they need donations of good quality clothing, bric a brac and books. Drop off items in person or call 692166 to arrange collection.

Are you interested in community work in West Swindon Would you be interested in a job working in and for your local community?, asks Martin Hawes. Well here's a chance to talk to give you all the information on members of Swindon Borough what is available on your doorCouncil's Community Education step. West Team who are responsible Two 'meet the team' sessions are for youth work, play development being held in the Link Centre Mall and community development in on Tuesday 13 February, 12 noon the area. to 3pmand in the evening between We are holding an open day for 6pm and 8pm. you to come and have a look at the Come along and see the displays, work we do and to see what op- pick up some information leaflets portunities there are for getting and have a chat with team mempaid, or voluntary work, in the bers. community. If you wish to know more about Whether you are interested in the open day, or cannot attend on part-time or full-time work we can 13 February, do call me on 465452.

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The Link Magazine • February 2001

Play the Piano ' Learn to Sing Phone Swindon 340437 for further information

DECOTEX Painter & Decorator Specialist Artexing Tel: (01793) 791388 BC The person who changed AD History is changing peoples lives Today o So

y vange/1 Worsley Road

m m m n

m= m

building with people Come and join us Sunday at 10am & 6.30pm For further information of other meetings ri ng: 873050, call into the Church o ffice or visit www.freshbrook.org Jesus said: "I have come that YOU might have LIFE and have it in its fulness"

SWINDON FAMILY CHURCH SUNDAYS 10.30AM MEETING AT THE WINNERS LOUNGE SWINDON TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB AND AT THE PINEHURST PEOPLE'S CENTRE All ages of children & teens cared for Information: call Brian on 849731 in association with NEW FRONTIERS INTERNATIONAL

NSC

www.swindc

Free NVQ training offered with volunteering opportunity

Wake up to a Fairtrade breakfast in March The Wiltshire Fairtrade Coalition is looking for people to organise breakfasts using Fairtrade products, to highlight the needs of farmers and growers overseas, during Fairtrade Fortnight from 5 to 18 March. Whether you prefer tea or coffee and cereal, or hot chocolate and a croissant, you can give the producers a fair deal by buying items displaying the Fairtrade Mark which guarantees fair wages for farmers and decent working conditions using farming practices that respect the local and global environment. The Wiltshire coalition includes Wiltshire Agenda 21, Christian Aid, Oxfam, the World Development Movement, local authorities and local Fairtrade groups. For a free breakfast organising action pack, call Ben Hammond or Lindsey Allen on 01380 729 218 or fairtrade@wiltshirewildlife.org

Steve Milner receives his training as-

sessor from Sandy Corbyn, Training Manager with North Wessex Training. Front, Sharon O'Byrne, vicechair of the Swindon Coalition of Disabled People

A course to argue

Helen Shapiro, the sensational teenage singer of the early 1960s, comes to Freshbrook Church on 15 February to share her story in word and song.

Swindon Advocacy Movement (SAM) is looking for more volunteers to become citizen advocates. A training programme begins in February and covers a wide variety of subjects. You would be matched in a one-to-one partnership with a person with a learning disability and your role would be to represent the views, wishes and rights of the person, when they might not otherwise be heard. Most volunteers spend about an hour a week with their 'partner'. No specific experience is necessary, but a strong belief in the rights and value of people with a learning disability is. For details on the course or about the work of SAM, call Rachel Deegan or Diana Reed on 465640.

with a gospel concert, singPeople of a certain age will ing from her two albums. remember Helen as a fourThe format later changed teen year old belting out to become the 'Testimony Walking back to happiness Tour' where Helen shares 39 years ago. her challenging story. She From being at the forebegins by singing a sefront of the modern pop era, lection of worship she has gone on to become songs with live backing, a highly respected jazz then she describes how singer with Humphrey r she came to faith in JeLyttleton and his band, whilst still singing all her sus. This is interspersed with song including her ever hits with her own band. Stage musicals and pantomime roles are popular hit. also within her repetoire. Helen has taken her story to the In 1987 Helenbecame a commit- USA, South Africa and Russia. ted believer in Jesus and two years Now you can see her in Freshbrook. later started to tour extensively To book a ticket call 873050.

Greenmeadow Primar y School ^l

We are

r here!

North Swindon aptist Church Whitworth Rd. • 1

Pastor Dennis Weaver

Project co-ordinator Steve

Milner recently qualified as an assessor trainer which means several staff and volunteers will be enhancing the service by working towards a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in Administration. Volunteers are asked to commit to a three hour session, once a week. To be eligible for free NVQ training, you need to give up to six hours a week over three months To find out more call Becky or Sally on 422979 or call in during opening times, Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5.30pm.

Sixties star proclaims her faith

To Safeway

Sunday Worship 10.30am - Sunday School & Creche -

Walk through the upper level of the Brunel Shopping Centre, from the car park, and you will come across the Swindon Disability Resource Centre. The coalition can be also found Managed by the Swindon Coalition of Disabled People, the Re- at www.scodp.co.uk source Centre provides an important source of information for people with disabilities and their families, carers and friends. It is also an excellent place for the general public to find out more about disability issues.

Web: http://nsbc.org.uk TEL: (01793) 345051

the case

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

En N t y o a a

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

;. com

The Link Magazine • February 2001 39

Cake turns head to tears

Black Cat

There was an added dimension to the final assembly at Shaw Ridge School just before Christmas when children, staff and governors said a fond and emotional farewell to headteacher Keith Burke. The Link had already gone to press with his photograph on the front page but can now report that he was brought to tears when a large decorated cake was unveiled to commemorate hi contribution to the school. "I survived the words of appreciation, the songs and the gifts, but was very emotional when the cake was brought out and I saw how it had been decorated, " said Keith. "It really is fantastic with detailed pictures of the school pond, music club, school productions and residential visits, the gymnastics squad and the football team." Master cake maker Anne Mackay, who is an educational support assistant at the school, and made a cake to celebrate the school's tenth anniversary in 1995 said she was really pleased to do another to celebrate Keith's work. "It was quite easy to come up with ideas. He's passionate about golf and we took this as the theme; there is a picture of him driving into retirement on the top. sister-in-law Marian My Henderson, whose daughter used to attend the school, painted the scenes to illustrate some aspect of school life." Having had time to re fl ect on his departure, Keith said he wanted to express his appreciation to all the

School of Motoring

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I-E.vP-LE,L i h Enquiries from www.swindonlink.com Does anybody remember Glennis Ricketts? Roy Currys, who now lives in Canada has posted many messages in his search for Glennis who used to live in Chapel Street Gorse Hill. He said she moved to the USA after getting married. "She was a good friend in the late 50s and I would love to exchange a letter or two with her." Contact Roy at beales_1961@yahoo.ie Margaret Brady nee Clarke used to live with her family at Fairford Crescent behind the Moonrakers, Gorse Hill and is searching for friends: Jill Dillon,Tina Connolly, June and Gaspri Giodani. Her parents are Marie and Derek Clarke and the children attended St Catherines, St.Josephs and other schools. Margaret presently lives in the USA and the rest of her family are in Ireland. She would love to hear from old friends. bradymgb@aol.com Visit www.swindonlink.com to see loads more peoplelink enquiries

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