July 1990 Swindon Link by swindonlink6

West Swindon's

Meigazine THE

LINK No. 100 July 1990 . Circulation 10,500

Viewrite for TV & Video Rentals Short or Long Term 848497

486872

Tuesday market offers choice and .uality

Thamesdown Mayor and Mayoress, Councillor and Mrs DeriqueMontautand Councillor Ricky Midwinter help Elizabeth Morgan of Shaw and Sidney and Florence Snelling of Grange Park with their veg. shopping

Last meadow disappears Residents in Grange Park have been infuriated by the destruction of hedges and trees near their homes to make way for new houses. West Swindon's last genuine meadow, hidden by trees off Hay Lane, is being cleared by Bradley Homes to build 54 executive houses. A start has already been made on building a school on part of the site. However some of the people living close by are annoyed that mature trees and hedges were ripped up, just as birds were nesting. "The field was a delightful, unspoilt meadow area," said Jane Brown of Bosworth Road. "It was a last piece of countryside where people walked their dogs and children could play. There is a great deal of wildlife and birdlife, including a pair of nightingales. We're all disappointed to see this last field disappear. We were also angry to see some of the hedges that are show on the plans to be preserved being removed."

Another tree about to be lost

Fresh Brook clean up As a result of the housing development on the Rectory Field site in Grange Park, a local councillor Is leading a community clean up of the pond which fed the original fresh brook Details on page 5.

Another element in developing West Swindon's communitywas put into place when an outdoor market opened on 19 June in the coach park at the Link Centre. The market was launched by local councillor Ricky Midwinter who has campaigned fora market to be established to provide West Swindon consumers with a choice of shopping facilities in the area. He thanked Thamesdown Council officers for carrrying out the negotiations to set up the market and welcomed operators Town & Country Markets into the area. 'The market is a direct challenge to ASDA's performance, as readers of the letters in The Link will know," he said. "Local people are saying they want quality goods, at the right price. The market provides an alternative and as a market goer I'm impressed with what I see. I'm sure that people will enjoy visiting the market; I'd be interested to know if it should open on other days. Lyn Evans of Town & Country

Markets said a market was a good place to meet people. "In the old days a market was the centre of community life. There's such a different atmosphere doing your shopping outdoors. It's a chance to mix and meet other people." Early reaction from residents was very positive. "It's brilliant," said Angela Shailes of Randell Crescent, Shaw. There are great bargains in childrens clothes and the fruit and veg. is good quality." JohnHudsonofWindmillCourt elderly persons group dwelling said, 'The prices are really great. I'd like to see the market on a Friday as well. It's expensive to go into town for a weekly shop." The market operators are running a free 'Shopperbus' for elderly and disabled people who cannot get to the market on their own. To book a place on the bus, ring 616050 ext. 5 between 1p.m. and 3p.m., Mondays and Fridays. Tea and coffee is served in the Link Centre after visiting the market, before the bus trip home.

There's a free charity stall available to local community groups at the market each week. To book, telephone Martha, Betty or Mary In the Community Suite at the Link Centre on 871212 ext. 234.

----------------------

RON AHRENS BUILDER DECORATOR Specialising in all aspects of high quality building work especially decorating, carpentry & plastering. All work guaranteed. No job too small. Free estimates

Telephone: 692134 (West Swindon)

CARTER, GOVIER, READ SOLICITORS Contact us for all your legal needs including house sales & purchases, matrimonial matters and criminal law 34 - 35 Commercial Road, Swindon Tel: 617617

Anglers don't miss a moment The new angling season started on 16 June after a three month break, and the West Swindon Angling Club were determined not to miss any of it. The club committee organised a barbecue the evening before and night time activities for the forty youngsters who attended. At 330a.m. the rods were out for the first match of the season. Based at Peatmoor Lagoon, the club caters for 10 to 16 year olds, disabled people and pensioners. After one year in action, it has a membership of 230 people. "The first season gave fantastic fishing," said adult committee memberSteve Blick. "Thamesdown Council has provided a great facility and we're expecting even better catches this year. We're raring to go." Matches are held every fortnight and members can fish from dawn to dusk, though young people cannot fish during school hours. The lagoon is regularly patrolled

Rods at the ready, from left, Mark Wakefield, Stuart Browning, James Wagner, Simon Naisbett, Gary Miles, Lee Hooper, James Mackie, Simon Paget, Matfy Hamilton

by committee members to discourage illegal fishingand other uses like sail boards and jet skis. Membership details are held at the Swindon Angling Centre in Sheppard Street, Swindon. More information can be obtained from club secretary John Wagner on 873013.

ASDA helps with free summer playscheme for kids Once again WASPS are organisingFREE HOLIDAY PLAYSCHEMES for 5-14 year olds. With funding from Thamesd own Borough Council and the help of a grant from ASDA stores they will be running a playscheme from 11.00a.m. - 3.00p.m. Monday to Thursday at the following sites around West Swindon. Monday-Thursday Lower Shaw Farm 23 July -26 July Old Shaw Lane, Shaw Freshbrook Primary School 30 July -2 Aug Worsley Road, Freshbrook Westlea Primary School 6 Aug -9 Aug Langstone Way, Westlea 13 Aug-16 Aug Shaw Ridge School, Ridge Green, Shaw 20 Aug-23 Aug Toothill Farm, Bodiam Drive, Toothill No need to register in advance, but do bring a packed lunch. For more details phone Cherry 872380, Dawn 619164, Ian 874372, Julie 870386.

Choose Us First For the Best Quality Take Home Food Available Fried Freshly For You Cod, Plaice, Haddock, Skate, Huss, Scampi, Chips, Various Pies, Sausages and Chicken. Why not try one of our delicious Curries for a change? Have you had one of our big beefburgers? They're Great. Open Monday - Saturday 11.30am - 2pm; 4.30pm - 11pm Car Park 'A' West Swindon Centre TELEPHONE ORDERS WELCOME - 870455

flilink Maswom le Published by West Swindon Publications 13 Castle Dore Freshbrook, Swindon Editorial: Roger Ogle, Publisher/Editor Tel: (0793) 872282 Advertising Sales: Elizabeth Wood Tel: 871793

"The Link was first published in December 1978 exclusively for the West Swindon community. It is completely Independent of Link Centre and, in fact, won the competition to name the leisure centre in 1984. The magazine is entirely self-supporting from advertising.

Contents Toothill 4 layout and lasersetting by Freshbrook & Grange Park 5 Keystrokes Electronic Design Westlea 8 Printed by Western Webb, Bristol 9 Shaw 10 Education Matters 11 At Your Library Published monthly. 12-13 Freshbrook Church Copy date for the 14 Day in the Life 15 Recreation & Link Centre August edition: 15-16 Swindon Town Competition 15th of July. 18-20 News & Views The August edition will be 21 Home & Garden published on 23 July. 22 Letters & Small Ads.

i Apple Macintosh design,

Historic Painting on show at Annual Flower Festival

Landscape Gardener

ELJS(NESS CADS

in West Swindon 20 years of experience. Tufing, Paving, Fencing, Pergolas, Planting New Gardens Rockery Constuction Crazy Paving etc.

TOP QUALITY CARDS VARYING TYPES COMPETITIVE PRICES For details & free quotation

Tel: 875174

R.T. Farley

Disabled Car Service looking for business in west The WOW (Wheels on Wheels) accessible taxi is now back on the road and operated by Dial A Ride. This vehicle is available to all registered customers and is particularly suited for wheel chair users. To obtain a Registration Formtelephone 616050 between 2.00p.m.-4.00p.m. Monday to Friday. Initially a restricted service using permanent staff will operate between the hours of 8.00a.m.7.00p.m. Monday to Friday. In addition it may be possible to provide assistance after 7.00p.m. and at weekends with volunteer drivers, when available. It is important to note that this car can go anywhere in the Thamesdown area and beyond. Its fare will be similar to local taxi rates, but green bus tokens can be used. Example: Toothill to Town Centre £5.00 return. Registered customers wishing to use this service should telephone Dial A Ride on 616050 and ask for extension 3 between 9.00a.m.-12.00noon Monday to Friday. Ordinary Bookings i.e. for shopping, visits and entertainment should be made the day before you wish to travel. Monday for Tuesday, Tuesday for Wednesday, Wednesday for Thursday, Thursday for Friday and Friday for Monday. Advance Bookings will only be accepted for reasons of employment, appointments, trips after 7.00p.m. and weekend needs. Please give 7 days notice. Same Day Bookings at present cannot be guaranteed but will be fitted in if at all possible, so please make that call. In due course this service will be extended when more staff and a second car becomes available.

St. Mary's Lydiard Tregoz, the church in Lydiard Park is holding its annual Festival of Flowers in early July. On display to visitors willbe the historic 17th Century tryptich of the St John Family which has recently been restored. During restoration an another painting was discovered under layers of poor quality over-painting and varnish. The painting and the magnificent display of flowers arranged by members of the St Mary's congregation will be open on Friday 6 July 10.30a.m. to 6.30p.m., Saturday 7 July 10.00a.m. to 7.00p.m. and Sunday 8 July 12.30p.m. to 5.30p.m. The theme this year is The Story of Creation in Flowers. There will also be an exhibition of paintings in the mansion together with stalls, raffles and refreshments in the stable room.

Apologies for noise PHH at Windmill Hill Business Park hold a staff fete on 7 July. There will be music into the evening and fireworks at 10p.m. Every effort will be made to minimise noise and inconvenience to nearby residents resulting from the disco at the party.

y.v. QlplioCctertj Recovering, Re-upholstery & Repairs Modern & Traditional Furniture Large range of fabrics For estimates, Telephone 539913 or 871808 (eves.)

LOSE YOUR EXCESS POUNDS WITH CAMBRIDGE DIET EXTRA Contact Your Counsellor L, TV THE Rebecca Clifforde (Westlea) CAibrIde on Swindon 873201 DIET

THAMESWOOD VETERINARY CLINIC Nicholas Hartley M.A., Vet. M.B. M.R.C.V.S. 62 - 64 Purton Road. Tel: Swindon 526780 Mon. - Fri. 9am-6.30pm Saturday 9am- 11am \

Old Town. Tel: 542300 1 Ashford Road

S.'

Rena(At Centre

Mon. - Fri. 9am-6.30pm Frid. 2pm-3pm Saturday 9am- 11am ft.I,t,,

To,I

29 Cavendish Square. Tel: 511267 24 Hour Emergency Service • Tel: 526780 (Identichip Centre) econditioned bikes also for sale

Our PRICE PROMISE means if you can buy cheaper, we will refund the difference! 96-99 Manchester Rd Swindon 0793 534907

MOUNTAIN BIKE WAREHOUSE (FREE PARKING)

TOOTHILL

RALPH PALMER PHARMACY

Philip Stone Painter & Decorator

3 Deerhurst Way, Toothill Hours of Opening: Mon - Fri 9a.m. - 1p.m. 2p.m. - óp.m. Sat. 9a.m. - 12 noon

For a high standard of work with references available.

Telephone now for a FREE estimate

Tel: Swindon 870515

Telephone: 512063

Toothill Community Centre Annual General Meeting Friday 20 July 8.00p.m. All residents of Toothill are Invited to attend and find out what goes on at their community centre

Ot411nn 3'1t 4omay to fting terms work on life during Medieval times came to an end in a fayre at Toothill School on 23 June. On 13 June five hundred children went to Barbary Castle to welcome King John on his Royal Progress through Wiltshire. Each class took a name of a village, dressed in period costume and humbly asked the King to pass laws for them. The two reports below were sent on parchment to The Link.

Toothill Chinese Kitchen English Food and Fish & Chips Special Chinese Food Take-Away Menu

Tel: 487055 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Hours of Business 6- 11.3Opm Closed all day 5- 1130pm 12- 145pm 5- 1130pm 12- 145pm 5- 1130pm 12 - 1.45pm 5 - 1200am 12 - 2.00pm 5 - 12.00am

STORM MANAGEMENT SERVICES Storm Technical & Industrial Division

TEMPS • TEMPS • TEMPS COME ON DOWN AND SAY HELLO TO MIKE & JULIE

U WAREHOUSE OPERATORS U FORK LIFT DRIVERS U LABOURERS U STORES PEOPLE U H.G.V. 123 U VAN DRIVERS U EVENING SHIFT WORKERS STORM INTO 1990 WITH S.M.S.

The Right Choice Office Hours: Mon - Fri 7.30am - 530pm Sat. 9am - 12 noon 32 Morley Street, Swindon, Wilts.

Tel: (0793) 480693

Who be that unusual character with the strange tool close to his face? The peasants, travellers, serving maids and knights from Toothill School look from the past into the future. Rachel Lawrence describes the frolics atop Barbary Castle It was quite cold at Barbary Castle and was very windy on top of the mounds. King John did not arrive when he should because something happened to a shoe on one of his horses. Luckily the good people of Marlborough had left behind a blacksmith to help him. Before the King arrived I did some bartering and I got some rosemary,a candle and some bread. After that I had a drink and a little rest. Because it was so cold Iran to the top of the mounds and back again. On the way back I fell over and rolled on the ground. We had to line up facing each other and when the King came we all bowed down. I had never seen a King before. He had his food brought before him and he called for a tester. I was glad that I didn't have to be the food tester. Then the King said that the feasting could begin. Everyone cheered and ran to their lunch. After lunch some people did some singing, then the jousting began. Our village beat Winterbourne Bassett. When the jousting finished the King signed our laws, but he didn't sign ours. Then he left.

I had lots of fun at the fayre. I think King John will take some notice of the laws. Jennie Spencer thought King John was in a bad mood when he came to see his subjects. Our new law that will hopefully be passed is No evicting people as a punishment!' The effect on our village I think will be tremendous! I'mlooking forward to the special fayre that the Lord and Lady have organised and invited King John to sign the Wiltshire Charter that all the villages had made up. The part I'm looking forward to most is dining with KingJohn. I think that the Wiltshire Charter was a good idea and my feelings about it are good and strong. On Thursday 14 June 1215 King John was in a VERY bad mood, so he didn't pass our law although he did sign the Wiltshire Charter. King John said "If you all weren't naughty, you wouldn't get punished." My favourite part was the jousting. Francis Cherryman stood in place of the knight Sir Simon Bassett. Francis got jabbed in the eye with the lance (but he was alright). I had a good day but the weather was COLD!

FRESHBROOK & GRANGE PARK Save NOW for Christmas! The Freshbrook Credit Union is the people's bank! It provides the cheapest way of borrowing money anywhere and it's the best place to save. It's not too early to start planning for Christmas and the Credit Union will help you save and spend your money wisely. The Freshbrook Credit Union is holding an open evening on Wednesday 4 July, 7.30p.m. at Freshbrook Community Centre. For more information, contact Kingsley Matthews on 874511 or Kathryn Ruddle on 871320.

Friends of Freshbrook School

CAR BOOT SALE 14 July, 10am

nisex Hair Saf

Freshbrook School Car Park Boots £4I5. Tel: 872450

Freshbrook Village Centre CO 873217

For Nearly New nursery equipment, maternity wear & baby clothes and school uniforms. New factory seconds, e.g. cots, swinging cribs etc.

Mayor to join in community clean up

LET US SELL YOUR GOODS FOR YOU • HIRE SERVICE AVAILABLE

DUNCAN SELF DRIVE HIRE

FACES

Vehicles for Hire at competitive Rates Vans• Lutons• Estates Cars• Mini Bus 272 Ermin Street Stratton St. Margaret Swindon

Group organiser Wendy Greaves reports:

Tel: 822193 Bob Pixton surveys the sorry state of 'Fresh Brook' pond in Grange Park with his son David

On the old maps of West Swindon several fields called Freshbrook are actually to be found in Grange Park. Most of the land to the east of the original Hay Lane is called Freshbrook With the clearing of land for housing off Hay Lane where the original 'Grange' rectory of Grange Park once stood, the course of the fresh brook which ran from Shaw Ridge to the stream next to Whitehill Way has been revealed, along with an ancient pond. The brook was blocked or piped when the new houses were built, but the pond remains as a reminder of earlier days and local councillor is organising a working party to bring it back to life. Bob Pixton, who has organised a numberof environmentalclean ups in the area, is asking for residents who live close-by (i.e. Chandos, Bosworth, Rochford Close, etc.) to join him for a pond clear out on 21 July. The Major of Thamesdown will be joining in as well. There's lots of rubbish to be removed so that an environmental haven for wildlife can be created. Turn up from 10a.m. with wellington boots, old clothes, spades, forks, flasks of coffee, etc. fora good old community cleanup.

9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 9pm 9am - 7pm 8.30am 1 .3Opm

Salisbury Street Swindon Tel: 619562

Clean up the original Fresh Brook on 21 July

Freshbrook Adventure Club Every Saturday Saturday mornings 10.00am until 12noon at Freshbrook Community Centre The Club has now successfully completed its 8 week pilot project, with an enthusiastic following of between 30 and 40 children. We now plan to carry on the Club until the end of July and probably have a break during August. Over the last 8 weeks the children have used a video camera, tried video animation with the Octobus project, done a printing session with an Art teacher from Greendown, made visits to Coate Water and Lydiard Park. We regularly play football, snooker, table tennis, use arts and crafts materials/playdoh, etc. However, to enable the Club to carry on indefinitely, we do need more helpers. So, if you can spare even one Saturday morning per month to help us supervise the children, orif you have a particular talent you think the children might be interested in, please contact me. Also, with more helpers, we will be able to accept more children into the Club. We still need someone willing to organise 5/ 6 a-side football. We have some very enthusiastic 8-12 year old boys desperate to start a 5/ 6 a side football competition, but I'm afraid the experience of the parent helpers at present is seriously lacking in this direction!! So please, if there's anyone out there who can spare some time to organise and coach these boys, we would be very pleased to hear from you - and so would the boys!! Wendy Greaves, Organiser, 5 Worsley Road, Freshbrook - Tel: 644088 (after 4pm)

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thurday Friday Saturday

Open Daily 9am - 6 pm Sundays 9am - 1pm

Facechoice Pharmacy Freshbrook Village Centre Tel: 870226 Opening Times: Monday - Friday 9am- 1pm 215pm -630pm Tuesday 9am- 1pm; 2.15-5pm Saturday 9am - 12noon

SHAW VETERINARY CENTRE SHAW VILLAGE CENTRE RAMLEAZE DRIVE, SHAW Consultations by Appointment Mon to Fri 8.30am - 6.00pm 8.00pm -1 0.00pm 9.00am - 12.30pm Sat

.. .

SHAW :i VILLAGE CENTRE

• LATE NIGHT SURGERIES • 24 HOUR EMERGENCY TREATMENT

GRANGE PARK

FRESHBAXK

•

UNK CENTRE WESTLEA

TroTHIU.

TEL: 881919

Under Fives' Fun F

As the West Swindon Under 5s Festival crosses two publication dates, we bring you two fun filled photos from the early events; more will follow next month.

CUT OUT MONEY SAVING VOUCHER j

Right: At the Lyd lard Park Teddy Bears Picnic Natasha and Oliver Thompson of The Bramptons, Shaw found that somebody new and different had come down to the woods to give everybody a big surprise

Pizzarama HOME DELIVERY

TAKE AWAY

PIZZAS!

At Shaw Village Centre, Opposite The Village Inn FREE DELIVERY TO WEST SWINDON on all orders of £7.50 and over. Thin Crust Pizzas from £2.15 • Super Thin from £3.25 Deep Pan Pizzas from £3.80 • Super Deep from £5.45 Every Pizza freshly baked on site using our own special American fresh dough recipes. • Regular size for one person • Super size feeds two to three

Below: So many parents and under fives turned up to the Fizz and Wizz Disco, a new festival event, that many had to be turned away because the hall was frill. The Festival organising group would like to deeply apologise for disappointing those who were not able to join in. More discos are planned with entry by tickets.

PIZZABAMA - WEST SWINDON'S FIRST AND BEST

SERVICE! FOR HOME DELIVERY PICK-UP

874844

Take Away • Pick up Monday to Friday 12 noon - 230p.m. 500p.m. - 11 .30p.m. Saturday, Sunday 12 noon - 1130p.m. PARTIES CATERED FOR!

ACCESS/VISA/AMEX WELCOMED ON ALL ORDERS! -J

Pis Auto Services announcing 'W ow

-. >pJ(flWVVvv

Unit 10 River flay Industrial Estate Bamfield Road, Swindon Tel: (0793) 614442 Evenings: 615435

ploreeorw

;t0"9/545: o0-

fio

NEW premises NEW MOT Equipment NEW Recovery Vehicles Were here next to o MOT's 7 days a week Weekdays 8am - 8pm the Incinerator Sat. 8.30am - 5pm; Sun 9am - 12noon o Fully equipped workshops for servicing, tuning repairs, welding & body work West o 24 Hour breakdown & recovery service Swindon o Collection of vehicles on request Centre o Steam cleaning o Wheel alignment & tracking

Mansfield Begbie Associates

MORTGAGE AND INSURANCE SERVICES

Have you received, or are you to expecting to receive, a letter informing you of an increase in your monthly mortgage payments? If so, you are not alone. Thousands of people are having to pay an increased amount to their mortgage lenders due to the once-yearly change in payment levels, taking the interest rate increases in 1989 into account. We can help you with free advice and quotations regarding our major link-up with one of the four largest Building Societies in the U.K. They operate a low-start scheme for mortgages and remortgages where, via ourselves, the income multiples are higher than normal. THIS IS NOT A DEFERRED INTEREST 'ROLL-UP SCHEME WHERE YOU END UP OWING MORE MONEY THAN YOU STARTED WITH! With this Building Society loan you could use your equity to subsidise your payments in the early years. Using £5,000 of your equity you would be able to save £229 per month in the first year, e.g. on a mortgage of £45,000 at 14.5% (variable rate), you could reduce your monthly payment to £284.37 (interest only), subject to status. A saving of £169 per month. This could take away any financial worries enabling you to look forward to a more stable way of life. There are no hidden clauses and you may like to find out how much you could save. If so, please ring either of the numbers below.

WE CHARGE NO ARRANGEMENT FEES Swindon 873369 (2 lines) or 827725. We also cater for all other types of insurance including Pensions, Savings, Motor, Commercial and Household policies. Appointed Representative of Cornhill Insurance Group, member of

4A(?J3) and

I.M.R.0.

REMEMBER: YOUR HOME IS AT RISK IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR OTHER LOAN SECURED ON IT. This information has been inserted to comply with the new Advertisement Regulations 1989 made under the Consumer Credit Act 1974.

WESTLEA Westlea Community Action Westlea School Wild West Bonanza Group gets name at fun day

8 LOSE WEIGHT QUICKLY AND SAFELY FOR SPRING

Saturday 30 June. 2pm - 4pm featuring The Dixie Rebels

Call your Counsellor Glenis at

CarrtVC Thb6-C

cets them up Wacky Club s for summer holidays

Western Headress & Bouncy Baby Competitions Judged by Mayor of Thamesdown. Pony Rides, Archery, Raffle, Tombola, Lucky Programme, Auction

Mondays to Thursdays 10.30am-2.30pm. Swindon 693875

Cambildge, DIETx

Lydiard Landscaping Patios • Fencing • Turf Laying Walling and General Gardening Small tree felling For Free Estimates

Some of The Wackys pulling on the rope, from left, Karen Warwick, Tara Hudson, Sue Sheikh, Lorraine Warwick, Claire, Ross and Graham Duke, and play development officer Paul Ryan.

Tel: (0793) 874274

SOFT WATER CENTRE

Sheila Mitchell reports on afun day for Westlea kids and parents

Come and see our full range of Water Softeners including the NEW 19"HIGH PERMUTIT 2000E. DOMEXTRA, BRUNER, PERMO, SEREIN AND EURO RANGE IN STOCK All at Unit 4, Oaklands Enterprise Estate, Braydon, Nr. Wootton Bassett. Open Saturdays ONLY 9.30am - 4pm. Ring Swindon 853156 for further information or appointment.

The first fundraising Fun Day took place at Westlea School and the George and Ann Tweed Room on Wednesday 30 May. A great deal of organisation had gone into making the afternoon a success both for the children and the parents. The good weather enabled outside activities to be enjoyed and the Bouncy Castle proved to be very successful. Most of the children enjoyed making their own badges and in the George and Ann Tweed Room smaller children had a great time making things with paper, crayons and glue. The Octobus Project entertained a number of children who made puppets and in the school hall the parents were able to browse around the craft stalls and enjoy light refreshments. Everyone enjoyed the home made cakes, two of which were donated for raffle prizes to supplement the main prizes which were vouchers kindly donated by Dominos Pizzas. The 'Name the Group' competition was won by Marie Skeffington from Anglesea Close, Westlea, who came up with 'The Wacky Club'. The day was very successful. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and much needed cash was raised to help fund the two day play scheme to be held at the same location between 11.00a.m. and 3.00p.m. on Tuesday 31 July and Thursday 1 August. Everyone involved put a great deal of time and effort to make the day a success and we feel that it was well rewarded. Further information about the Wacky Club can be obtained from Sue Sheikh tel 870492.

CAROLINE OCKWELL TAXATION CONSULTANCY • Are you paying too much tax? • Are you taking advantage of the new rules for taxation of husband and wife? • Professional Advice on Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax, Inheritance Tax and National Insurance e:ueaamms:ue.sasCaro1jfle Ock%vell Member of the Institute of Taxation 180 Thames Avenue, Greenmeadow, Swindon

Tel: 725919

Specialists in video & TV repairs Free home estimates All work guaranteed Service from Barn - 9pm NO CALL OUT CHARGE

TEL: SWINDON 813485

Watching crime go by Jan Jones returned to her Thornford Drive, Westlea home late one evening in June to find she had been burgled to the tune £9,000. Losing equipment which was insured and many items of priceless, sentimental value was bad enough. But knowing that the thieves made several trips to their van to load up without anybody ringing the police makes Jan feel quite sick. "It was 11 p.m., the burglars broke the front door glass and undid the latch," said Jan. "We're near the entrance to Thornford Drive and apparently they made fire trips to a van parked out on Westlea Drive. All the upstairs draws and cupboards had been turned out, downstairs they were very neat, no damage. They even had time to move a light bulb from one room to another, put their feet up on the sofa and have a drink of whisky. "It's amazing that nobody thought there was something suspicious going on. I mean you don't move house at eleven o'clock In the evening. Two days later the police had a call from somebody to say they had witnessed the crime. "1 find it a sad reflection that people can't feel involved enough to pick up the phone and report suspicious goings on." Ironically for Jan, there is a Neighbourhood Watch scheme barely 300 yards away where another group of Westlea residents are keeping an eye on each other houses. I

SHAW Shaw Association settles for new meeting day A range of topics were discussed at the June meeting of the Shaw Residents' Association and a new meeting day was agreed upon. Concern was expressed that an ambulance was not able to drive into Plattes Close recently because of cars parked on both sides of the road. A letter is being written to the police and the highway authority for their comment on what action can be taken. The problems of under age drinkingaround the Village Centre was discussed. Association members claimed that the display of alcohol in the JCR store was too inviting and some were concerned that security was not good enough. The lack of a Post Office was raised yet again. A proposal put before the Association earlier in the year to donate excess funds to good causes was discussed. A letter had been received from Thamesdown Council's solicitor saying that grants made by the Council had to be applied to the Associations' activities and couldn't be donated to others. It was decided that the money should be spent on a bench to be located on Shaw Ridge. The meeting decided that SRA meetings should take place on the first Monday of each month, 7.45p.m. in Shaw Church. The next meeting takes place on Monday 2 July.

New chairman for association Bob Bauld, the new chairman of the Shaw Residents' Association is no stranger to community life and it hasn't taken him long to get involved in Shaw. Having moved to the area at the we've met has been very helpful end of last year with his wife Joan, and pleasant. "I'd like to see the Shaw who is warden of the recently opened George Tweed Gardens Residents' Association offering elderly persons group dwelling, more social activities in addition to Bob was elected chairman of the the regular monthly meetings Association at its Annual where problems are discussed. I'm Meeting in May. sure there are a large number of The Baulds moved to Shaw from people who don't know that there Gorse 1-1111 where Bob, a retired is an association concerned with cabinetmaker, was chairman of the their views of their community. It's Community Council and secretary a question of getting more residents of the Community Centre to respond and support the Management Committee. He's still organisation." a member of the management committee of 'The Green Hut' centre for unemployed people. A.T. GRIERSON NIBC REG. BUILDER He welcomes the different Extensions, Alterations and Repairs environment in which he is now Artexing and Coving Specialists involved. "1 think Shaw's an Glaze Tiling - No jobs too small excellent place to live. Everybody

For A Professional Finish Tel: 771288 (Old Shaw) Free Estimates and Advice

Bob Bauld and SRA vice chair. Isabel Bazeley

SWINDON SOFT WATER CENTRE Makes water softening simple No. 1 Best selling water softener in the UK

KINETI

The world's most advanced fully automatic non-electric meter-controlled system

Showroom at 260 Ferndale Road, Swindon Call BRIAN COX on SWINDON 527172

Do your finances need a work-out?

Fashion show is money spinner Brookfield Schools Friends Association dispensed with the idea of a traditional summer fete and held a fashion show instead. Teaming up with Miss Selfridge and students from Ridgeway School, the Association put on the

show at the Blunsdon House Hotel on 20 June for 270 people. Fifty local businesses put up a range of raffle prize and around ÂŁ1,500 was raised on the night. The committee will be thanking all those who helped next month.

Money isn't everything - hut its important to have enough. For most of us, though, planning our finances is too much like hard work. That's where I can help. I can provide you with a personal financial health check in the peace and comfort of your own home,

Knitters wanted by W.I. Debbie Griffiths writes:

Well, I don't howl did it but I got 77 miles per gallon in the WI Driver of the Year competition 'Economy Drive Test Run'. And that wasn't the best. One of our members got a staggering 88 miles!!! Quick, where can I buy a car like that. No seriously, I think the clock was registering incorrectly, don't you? Either that or we're such expert women drivers. Of course, that's the reason. We've been donated rather a lot of wool. So come and join us all you knitters. Scarves are my limit and even then the bobbles fall off with the first swing from one of my little darlings. My mother never

progressed from scarves either, so they have numerous non-bobbled scarves. The flair for knitting must run in the family. Our next meeting is our summer outing. We're having a barbecue on Monday 16 July - weather permitting. To be postponed to the Tuesday if it is raining. Anyone with a burning desire to take part in any of the above and would like more details or contact with us before attending a meeting then please ring me on 875725. Or ring me if you wish to commission me to knit a scarf, any colour undertaken but be prepared to wait for the completed master-piece maybe December 1991.

Fill in the coupon or telephone me on 0635 36660

ALLIED DUNBAR ,tk'n,ber u/LI! 77?0

Fitiie.cs/bri'our finances

To Mark A. Nelson Sales Associate representing Allied l)unlxtr Assurance plc 2nd Floor, Oxford House. Oxford Street, Nesvhuiy Berkshire RG13 1QE I es p/ease, / 115)01(1 like a /i'ee/ouoicial health check Name: Address

Post Code

Telephone:

-j

EDUCATION MATTERS How the other half over the water live

Westlea headteacher Neil Griffiths spent his Easter holidays making the latest of several working visits to the

United States. In the first of two articles for The Link, he gives a personal view of the education system there.

Having recovered from the usual bout of fearofflymg,I departed the aircraft to the tone of the now expected farewell of "Have a nice day," and entered the Fantasy State of Florida, characterised by its very own Disney World and life-style to which almost anyone could become accustomed. The first week of my visit was spent in Tampa, a very modern high-tech city with an American Football stadium into which it appeared you could fit most of West Swindon with ease and a MacDonalds on every street corner. With the initial child-like excitement of having picked my very own orange and grapefruit from the tree over, I was then taken to the apartment which was to be my 'home' for four days. With land in plentiful supply and house prices sta nding at probably a

Presenting the British system to American teachers

quarter of ours, homes comprise of the standard three 'en-suites,' customary balcony and gadget filled kitchen. (I was particularly taken with their waste-disposal systems!). One is also usually spoilt

LEARN TO DRIVE WAIM

MODERN DRIVING TECHNIQUES

Ir ALAN COLIC 0793 - 872244 INDIVIDUAL TUITION

Established in West Swindon in 1978

Whether its for aboat. caravan, or frailer.

BRITANNIA TOWING CENTRE Unit 16, Station Industrial Estate, Swindon

Can Help! * Towbars for Cars, Vans & Light Vehicles * Seat Belts (Kangol & Britax Approved) * Gild Safety Seats Tel: 0793 613147, 0793 488622

0 R.K. GARDEN SERVICES I I I Professional Landscaping Service Turfing • Patio Laying • Fencing Fixed rate regular garden maintenance Special offer for 6 weeks - top quality paving slabs at reduced prices

512287/772516 Home Yard

Mobile: 0836 229887 We also supply gardening materials direct to your garden.

'I,

for choice when choosing a W.C. I was programmed to work over in two large city secondary schools, a primary school, a kindergarten (nursery school) and spend time with staff of a local University Education Department. The imagination and creativity displayed in the construction of many British schools is sadly lacking in most American educational establishments. Most resemble the social services offices or traditional English bus stations! On arrival at one of Tampa's many large primary schools, I was greeted by a very welcoming secretary who was dealing not only with my intrusion into the school, but also with dinner money, sweatshirt orders and a child with a bleeding nose! I suddenly felt quite at home. But there the comparisons ended, as little in an American school resembles that in its English counterpart. Schools on the whole are very much larger with the average primary school having 500 plus pupils. Staffing ratios too are vastly different with approximately two and half times the teaching staff, three times the administrative support and enough caretakers and cleaners to keep any house proud home-maker content for a decade. Funding for schools intheUnited States is clearly given far greater priority than considered necessary by this present government. The budget provision for photocopying in the school I was spending the day in totalled £8,000! This almost matches the entire budget with which I am provided to run a school - to cover costs of all educational materials, from a desk to a pencil, every book, toilet tissues, cleaning materials, stamps and telephone. Oh, how the other half-live! Well, now that I have got that moment of envy out of my system, what about the American education service. Next month Neil concentrates on the atmosphere in the typical classroom.

Primary and secondary schools work together on technology A week of technology during June brought together work by pupils from all the West Swindon primary schools and visits by children and parents from across the area. The exhibition held at Greendown School aimed to show off the work being undertaken in readiness for the introduction of technology in the national curriculum from September. Paul King, Head of Technology at Greendown, described the event as a first in trying to show how technology has to be integrated from the age of 5 through to 16 years. "We set out to break down barriers between primary and secondary schools and there was some marvellous work put on display by the primary schools. We arranged for a bus to bring classes in from each school, and lots of parents have visited. "Each school transferred a small group of pupils and a teacher to work at Greendown for a session. They fitted in very well and there was a lot of interest from the secondary aged students." Brookfield teacher Ruth RandellSly thought the event was very useful. "The exhibition has been a good way of finding out how other primary schools have been approaching the national curriculum. It's been a good exchange of ideas." As a spin-off from the event, Greendown artand design teachers are talking with colleagues in local primary schools to arrange another exhibition of work for later in the year. Driving Murtle the Turtle round a course of obstacles with the aid of a touch keyboard and computer power, Andrew Sneddon, Judith Randell-Sly and Ross Mathams from Brookfield School. A technology project taken to Greendown for a day.

11 AT YOUR LIBRARY Assistant Librarian Jacquelyn Else describes how the library takes Any Jigsaw puzzles to spare? the service to those who cannot get to them When Carolyn asked if I'd like to write the article this moth it seemed a good opportunity to introduce the Swindon Urban Mobile Library, is horr-or 'i the garae at the Link Centre. . m responsible for the mobile service in addition to my duties at West Swindon Library. The mobile operates in two key areas, serving places in Swindon without a static library and providing a service to various homes for the elderly throughout the town, including the West Swindon area. The mobile staff devote two mornings of each week to the five elderly persons' group dwellings in this area, Westminster Court in Toothil, George Tweed Gardens at Shaw, Gainsborough Court, Westminster Court and from July, Prince Rupert Court, all at Freshbrook. The mobile is warmly welcomed at the group dwellings, as the majority of the people we serve are unable to get to a library themselves and yet have plenty of leisure time to fill. Our readers often spare the time fora chat and they even provide the weary worker and driver with coffee and biscuits which is greatly appreciated. The stock we provide must also meet the needs that elderly people may have; such as large print books and talking book cassettes for those with difficulty reading ordinary print. We would also like to start providing the places we visit with a selection of jigsaw puzzles, changing them at regular intervals. In order to do this we need your help. If you have any jigsaws lying around that you would like to donate please bring them along to the West Swindon Library and we'll be very happy to receive them. Senior Library Assistant Chris Sladesuggestsan amusing cookery book to Grace Wright of Gainsborough Court, Freshbrook whilst Margaret Lamb makes an entrance with the help of the hydraulic lift

Kids time at the library Back to West Swindon Library, we will be holding fun filled activity sessions this summer for children aged 5-11 years. All sessions are free and children can come and go as they please between 10.30a.m. and 12 noon. The dates for your diary are:Thursday 9 August - Pirate Parade Help make a pirate ship and collage. Come dressed as a pirate and we'll award a prize for the best. Thursday 16 August - Fun Faces Paint your faces. Materials will be provided but don't forget to bring your own face. Also remember to dress for a mess. Thursday 23 August - Music Madness Come and find out how to make your own musical instruments. Ear plugs will be provided for our readers!!

Exhibitions during July 27 June to 25 July - A review of paintings and drawings by Richard

Anderson. 29 June to 20 July - There will be a display of ceramics and crafts from

Japan kindly exhibited by the japanesecommunity of Swindon. This will complement the launch of a collection of Japanese books in the library.

Grand Auction Bradon Forest School Thursday 5 July 7p.m. Organised by the Parent Teacher Association to help the School

Car Boot Sale Link Centre coach park Saturday 30 June lOam - 1pm Boots £41E5 Book through Chris 617620 or Morag on 875148 Proceeds to Westlea Guides

Trade up to a brand new

THE EASY WAY TO GET A BRAND NEW LUXURY KITCHEN, BEAUTIFUL EN-SUITE BATHROOM, FITTED WARDROBES, DOUBLE GLAZING, INTRUDER ALARM SYSTEM, IMPROVED INSULATION STANDARDS...

Clarke Home, and you'll get all the luxury features you long for—and more—in one easy move. Which means we'll take your present home in part-exchange for ours. AND guarantee you 100% of the market value (as determined by an independent surveyor). Alternatively, we'll subsidise your mortgage by £200 per month for a whole year—what-ever the size of your mortgage. So why lust improve when

LADY WOOD PEATMOOR, SWINDON LUXURY 5 BEOROOMED HOMES FROM £199,950 Sitoositome and Sales Centre open days a week llser.bpm Ring Audrey Baylis on 2792 772373 or our Selling Agents Looedy& Lsedy, on 2793 929121 on 2927 503702 24 he A BICCCOMPANY IN THE 9ALFOUA REAlTY GROUP

you can now afford to move? Come to the Clarke showhome this weekend. And discover the ultimate in home improvement.

PERRY PLANT HIRE DIY & Contract Plant

"We're glad to have helped Freshbrook Church" Unit 9, River Ray Industrial Estate, Barnfield Road, Swindon

Tel: (0793) 534203

The beginnings of Freshbrook Church were born out of a belief by a very small band of people in 1980 that a plot of land at the Village Centre should not be sold by the Thamesdown Council, just because a 'church' organisation had not emerged to make a bid for the site. After all the first residents of Freshbrook had only arrived barely two years previously. On learning of the proposal to dispose of the site for commercial development, the group made it clear to the Council that there was a need for a church and, one way or another, it would be provided. 1987 was a significant year in

M.W. Bath Carpenter & Joiner "We're pleased to have helped Freshbrook Church create its new home" For High Class Carpentry & Joinery Tele s hone (0793) 874464

P.W. COLLIS Electrical Contractor for Freshbrook Evangelical Church

APPROVED CONTRACTOR

Congratualates them on the completion of their church and wishes them continued success Orders taken for industrial and domestic installation work Contact P.W.COLLIS Electrical Contractor 1 Winwick Road, Freshbrook, Swindon Tel: 612205 • 0836507571 • Fax 0793 491121

'•"b'..

•S'

Suppliers of carpet to Freshbrook Church FOR THE BEST CHOICE

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM NOW! * Friendly & knowledgeable staff * Full Measure - Plan - Fit service * Over 200 rolls of carpets actually in Stock! * Plus an extensive range of samples from over 50 suppliers

* Contract enquiries welcome

Tudor Carpets Seymour Road, Walcot, Swindon Tel: (0793) 530699 Our reputation is your guarantee of satisfaction ON SITE PARKING

An End an( Rev. Peter Grainger, Pastor of Freshbrook Church the life of Freshbrook Evangelical Church. The membership, which had grown from its beginnings with nine members in 1983 to around forty faced a crisis. The life of the church was flourishing - two services on Sunday, a midweek meeting, activities among ladies and children, along with the support of a fulltime minister. However, a decision had to be made about the piece of land which the Council was offering for sale for a church building. This was the location we know today, opposite the Village Centre, identified by the Council as an alternative to the originally designated, much smaller site. The members wanted a building, but the funds were not available. It was with great reluctance that they withdrew from the purchase in July 1987. Three months later, an anonymous donor gave a gift for the land, negotiations were reopened with Thamesdown Council, and planning permission for a building was granted in January 1988.

The induction ofa new minister, Rev. Peter Grainger, in September 1988 marked the beginning of the building project as the land was levelled and cleared for a marquee for the service. Another gift of Z100,000 plus many smaller gifts enabled the work of the foundations to begin in January 1989. A company was formed to expedite the building work which was supervised first by Mr Ian Phillips, a student from Newcastle Polytechnic, and then, for the last year, by Rev. Bernard Welch, an elder of the church. His vision and drive has brought the work to the edge of completion. The work has proceeded on an unusual basis of 'build when you can'! As gifts have continued to come in, so the different subcontracts have been granted, completed and paid. At present, more that 80% of the building has been completed in this way. Looking back, it is difficult to explain how such a large sum of money has been raised, other than in the church verse for 1990 - 'the Lord has done this and it is

Work nearly completed. Just some of the volunteers from the congregation who have worked with site contractors on the building

Beginning back to its beginnings and sees the emerging future marvellous in our eyes,' (Psalm 118 v.23). The church now moves out of one home into another. Freshbrook Community Centre, and the temporary wooden hut which preceded it, holds many happy memories for those who came and found not only friendship but living faith in Jesus Christ. The worshippers are drawn from a dozen different denominations, plus an increasing number who have little or no church background. The new building will give more space for visitors and greater scope for other activities. Plans are

underway for a playgroup, Mums and Toddlers, activities for children and young people, coffee mornings and breakfasts, and meals for Senior Citizens. The building will not just be open for a few hours on Sunday! The opening ofthis new building marks the end of one phase in the life of the church. But it's also a new beginning: The new building is not an end - it is a means to an end. It marks a new beginning with new opportunities to share our faith with others and to provide a place where people are welcomed and can find help and hope.

Freshbrook Evangelical Church would like to thank all our builders and suppliers for their contribution to the success of this project

Freshbrook Evangelical Church invites readers to come and see the new building on Saturday 7 July from 10a.m. to 12noon. You will be most welcome LEAD SPECIALISTS

ESTIMATES FREE

EVANS & PENNY PLUMBING & HEATING "We're pleased to have installed the heating at Freshbrook Church. Best wishes for the future." Tel: Swindon 642805

Swindon 751671

Regal Windows. SWINDON'S LARGEST MANUFACTURER OF uPVC & THERMALLY INSULATED ALUMINIUM WINDOWS, DOORS, PORCHES & CONSERVATORIES REGAL

GGF

• 10 YEAR, NO QUIBBLE GUARANTEE • NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (No Money Taken Until Installation Is Complete) • ALL PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED BY OURSELVES • ALL INSTALLATIONS BY OUR OWN SKILLED CRAFTSMEN • 28mm SEALED UNITS AS STANDARD • ALL uPVC WINDOWS WITH MULTI-POINT LOCKING HANDLES AS STANDARD

OTHERS

V111

MEMBERS OF G.G.F. & SAFE-BUY U.KYOUR GUARANTEE OF COMPLETE SATISFACTION

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM OR RING FOR A FREE QUOTATION

SWINDON 618138

UNIT 8 WYNDHAM ROAD, HAWKSWORTH TRADING ESTATE

DAY IN THE LIFE Living and working together

Matt Holland of Lower Shaw Farm describes living with five other adults and five children of assorted ages. The 'farm' offers a variety of weekend residential courses throughout the year; they also run a playgroup and provide a place where you can feed chickens, donkeys and listen to peacocks calling.

BY DESIGN LTD

Exercise to Music Classes with Lee Hogan, M.P.E.A., R.S.A. Grserown School, Grange Park Tuesdays & Sundays 7.30pm-8.30pm £2.50 per session Fun, Friendly & Safe Suitable for Beginners & Regular Exercisers Alike

COOKS T.V& VIDEO REPAIR SERVICE FREE

Home Estimates Repairs by Qualified Engineers. Sales & Rentals All Work Guaranteed

Tel: Swindon

825795

NO • CALL OUT CHARGE

As a lad I used to milk mad cows not a teat's squirt from here. Rising early for bovine beauties was fun: getting up with the lark, striding out across dewy fields, breathing in the dawn ...terrific. But starting your day indoors with three 3 and 5 year olds is a different matter - as doubtless all parents who've stayed the course know. Cows don't trampoline on the end of your bed or step on your sleeping hair. All right, so it's the same for every parent. (Not true.) But allow me my Father's Day moan. Most days one or all our three notso-little darlings wake us soon after six by crawling into our bed for an unsolicited snuggle and proceed to do a whole seriesof unsnuggly things, which serve to get us up quick. Just as well for the first two hours of our day are all go. Getting the children dressed is only part of the action. Other morning duties include feeding and watering the poultry, feeding and milking the goat, lighting woodstove and putting finishing touches to Kindergarten Room. By 8a.m. we're sitting down to cereal, toast and boiled egg. A whistle from the back door tells us postman Ian has brought a bundle of bills, in exchange for a cuppa. By 8.30a.m. I've lost Andrea to the Kindergarten (the LSF playgroup) and am an anxious man alone with three undressed, un-combed, un-cleaned, excited children, who are in no hurry to go to school and playgroup. I command and cajole them back into a state of readiness and we're off. Rosa (5,) to Brookfield School and Anna and Jacob (3) to Shaw Chapel playgroup. On the way Rosa asks, "Daddy, will I look after mummy when she's old? Will she be old soon? I want her to be." We dodge the cars on Cartwright Drive. "Goodmorning Bridget,morningJohn. HelloAisling. Bye Rosa." By 9 Anna and Jacob are happily in Chapel and I'm a freer man. Back to the farm where the duties dial has me on 'Post' and 'Bread making'. I start the latter (3 pints warm water, aspoon of honey,3oz yeast,4 cups wholemeal flour - add rest later - whisk, cover and leave in warm place) and then go

WESTERN SLIMMING SERVICE • FAST WEIGHT LOSS using medication and calorie controlled diet. • Monitored by an experienced Doctor t Only £8 per week (all inclusive) Every Friday 5.30pm - 7.30pm & Saturday 4pm - 6pm at The Small Meeting Room Ike Gradwell Community Suite Link Centre Just call in, or for more information, please telephone 0831 - 118907 Home visits can be arranged

The West Swindon Under 5's Festival visited Lower Show Farm 'en masse' in June to enjoy the feel of the countryside

to the office and leaf though 'In' tray. There's one booking for our 'Home Ecology' weekend and four from London for our 'Summer Stretch'. There's a letter from a man who says he's sick of stressful responsibilities, a 9 to 5 life and wants to come here to 'drop out'. I write him a postcard saying that if he comes here he'll be droppingin,notout, with a7to 101ife andloads of stressful responsibilities. (One of the aims of the LSF Association is "to increase sense of individual social responsibility".) The phone rings. It's Swindon Pulse, the town's only 'true' wholefood shop, where I'm a coworker. PMH want a quick delivery of red kidney beans and paprika. I'll do it at noon. As I put the phone down, housemate Val calls from thekitchen, "Your dough is climbing out of the bowl. It needs you." I go in and knead it. Then its back to the office to finish admin duties before going out to the poly tunnel (from which we get lettuces in April and tomatoes in November) to tackle aphids with derris and pyrethrum (a natural nonpersistent insect deterrent). On the way I see a bold daylight fox stalking the muscovy drake by the willow pond. Shooh! Next to the woodshed to chainsaw three old windblowndown apple tree trunks into manageable firewood pieces. It's ten to twelve. Now, shall I 'escape' to delivery duties in town beforechildren come out of playgroup or shall I be a good househusband and surprise Andrea by getting their lunch ready? I do the latter but not quite in the right spirit. The phone rings. A voice asks, "Are you a retreat?" I say, "From what?" It says, "You know, from the rat race - quiet, peaceful and away from it all." I say, "No. We're ratty, wild and in the middle of it all!" The voice says, "Oh, that sounds nice. Could you send me your programme?" The children come in for lunch, look at their plates of egg, rice and peas and say, "Ugh!" Anna explains. "I need bread marmite". I growl and go to town.

At Pulse there are no children. Just cheerful grownup workmates and near-perfect order. I breeze through my duties, nibbling nuts. Then it's off to the vegetable wholesalers in search of bulk bargain buys. (We feed up to 40 people on our weekend courses). A crashed crate of caulies comes cheap but two boxes of rapidly ripening bananas have to be haggled over. Do a deal but still feel the under manager has overcharged. Get back to the farm too late to collect Rosa from school but in time to mind children till teatime. Three to six is, I find, a hard time with 3 to 6 year olds. They're full of those squabbly end of day blues. Is it a nicer time of day, I wonder for the bank clerk and the brickie? Supper (for all eleven of us), is a cheese noodle bake, has been cooked by Martin and is eaten by everyone with relish. When the children stop eating and start flicking noodles it falls to me to whisk our three off to the bath. They're in bed by 7 and the evening stretches invitingly beforeus. The phone rings, twice. Can I play tennis for Purton against Bassett? Yes. Would I like to attend a conference on 'The responsibilities of the writer'? No. 190 out to water the polytunnel plants, shut up the hens (sorry neighbours, can't 'shut up' the peacocks but they'll quieten soon), suggest the last three barn-swinging local children head homewards, watch the sun set fat and red over Washpool and go back indoors to prepare teaching notes for a class on the Latin American Novel. Am happily interrupted by the chimes of Big Ben and News at Ten, on which Julia Somerville refers to Swindon Town's demotion to Division III. Injustice! To bed at 11 with pillow thoughts. Not abad day. Ufe'sa tricky business. There may be less happiness than meets the eye but more to be thankful for than to complain about.

If you want to know more about what happens at LSF please send SAE to Lower Shaw Farm Shaw, Swindon, SN5 9PJ

RECREATION Exercise - How do I start?

DEWHURST The Butcher

1i1bik %Ă˜

Local fitness expert Lee Hogan from Shaw suggests an answer

If your doctor told you to 'lose weight and take some exercise' what would you do? The former, in my opinion is relatively easy. There are a number of diets to choose from and you can always use little self discipline and simply eat less, but taking exercise? Where do I start? What do I do? It's a bit like writing the first sentence of a letter or a book, you can sit there for ages staring at a blank sheet of paper but once you write that first sentence you're away. Set yourself an objective, something realistic. It could be, for example, to walk or cycle to the shops and back, it could be to complete a half marathon. No

matter what your objective is it must be achievable over a reasonable period of time and must require you to expend more effort and energy than you would normally. Try to incorporate youR exercise session whether it is daily, every other day, or three times a week, into your way of life and enjoy it. When you have achieved your first objective, congratulate yourself, but don't leave it at that, progress, set yourself anew goal and who knows where it might lead. You'll never know unless you try! *Lee runs two Bodies by Design exercise to music classes at Greendown School. Tuesdays and Sundays, 7.30pm - 8.30pm.

Concorde girls hold competition The locally based Concorde Gymnastic Club held a club competition recently at Greendown School, where it meets three times a week. The club caters for 70 girls aged from 5 to 15 and prepares them to compete against other clubs and in regional competitions. At present it has four members in the Wiltshire Squad. The club has a short waiting list of girls wanting to train. For more information contact Sally Martin on 852490. The Concorde Club are on the lookout for adults who can become / coaches. No experience is necessary as training is given which leads on Working on the beam, Victoria Roberts to formal qualifications. of Westlea

Under 13's sp onsor sought A sponsor is needed for anew youth Any businesses which can help football team in the area. the team out can contact the club The West Swindon football club secretary Jayne Dart on 875400. is launching an under 13's team to play in the Swindon & District League, thus providing a step up for Women go for the youngsters who played for the under 12's team which is sponsored powerlift by The Trawlerman takeaway. The organisers of a mens' Powerlifting Competition at Greendown School are so pleased with the Holy Rood run results of the event they held in Over 100 runners took part in the May that they are going to hold a inaugural 'Old Railway 8' eight mile women's event in October. run from Old Town to Toothil and About 30 women are expected to back, in aid of Holy Rood Junior take part from all over the south School, at the end of May. Using the old railway track, now west. The British Champion and a cycle path, the runners took a member of the British Women's route which took them along Powerlifting Team is expected to Blagrove Park, up through Toothill put in a guest appearance. Park and back to Old Town. James 'Steve Brown fromShaw, pictured Merryfield from Minehead took lifting in last month's Link, took first place whilst West Swindon fourth place in the British Powerrunner John Twidell from Nine lifting Championships in June. He puts the result down to big event Elms came second. 140 juniors took part in a 2k Fun nerves as the winner lifted less than Run around the Lawns in Old Steve did at the event at Greendown Town, including Batman and last month. Now he knows what Rocky, but as in the Toy Shops, no the competition is like he's getting ready for next year. Ninja Turtles.

WEST SW1ND0N CENTRE

He4e4

4JOU4,

444'..,ce ;tL, 44"t4t 44ui2(i

ofSwJo+ T,w+ F.0 , 44L4 to *,ake a 9e P40*e4 F4io

4u"

Answer nine simple questions and/or make a picture in this great competition sponsored by Dewhurst the Butcher, the West Swindon Centre and West Swindon's own community magazine The Link. There are two categories: 1. AN OPEN CATEGORY For all readers to enter - to win a football signed by all the Swindon Town players a few days before their fantastic win at Wembley. To enter, all you have to do is turn over, fill in the answers to the nine questions put to you by each of the the sponsors and return this form. All entries should be sealed in an envelope with a .SOp coin which will be donated to Swindon's Prospect Foundation for the terminally ill. 2. THE 5 - 14s 'BE A MASCOT' CATEGORY We want youngsters aged between 5 and 1 4 years to paint! draw/sketch/make a collage on the theme:

"A Great Day Out at Wembley" The lucky winner will lead the Swindon Town players out as team mascot at one of their matches next season. The best five entries will be displayed at the West Swindon Centre after judging. You must use the entry voucher printed below. The 50p donation to the Prospect Foundation is optional.

Competition entries should be deposited in the special box at Dewhurst the Butcher in the West Swindon Centre.

The closing date is Saturday 11th August

Be a mascot with Swindon Town by giving us your idea of 'A Great Day at Wembley' Cut this form out, tell us your details overleaf and attach it to the back of your artwork. Your artwork should be no more than 20" by 161'

THE SCULPTURE CHALLENGE Open Category to win a football signed by all the players at Swindon Town. Use this official entry form. Further forms can be obtained from Dewhurst the Butcher at the West Swindon Centre. Three questions from Dewhurst The Butcher: 1.Who scored the goals when Swindon won the League Cup Final in 1969?

2. What club did Ossie Ardiles play for in Argentina?

3. Name two current international players at Swindon Town F.C.

Three questions from the West Swindon Centre: 4. In what month and year did the Centre open?

S. List ten shops operating at the Centre?

6. How many car parking spaces are to be found at the West Swindon shopping centre?

Three questions from The Link Magazine: 7. When did the first residents of West Swindon arrive? April 1976 J June 1976 Li November 1975 Li 8.In what month and year was The Link first published?

9.Tick the right answer Is The Link magazine named after the Link Centre? or Is the Link Centre name after the Link Magazine?

JUDGES: The Competition Judges will be Cohn Calderwood, Captain of Swindon Town, the West Swindon Manager Lionel Dicks and the editor of The Link Roger Ogle. RULES: i)Only entries on the official form will be considered. The judges decisions will be final. No correspondence ii) will be entered into. All entries must be accompanied by 50p which will be iii) donated to the Swindon Prospect Foundation for the terminally ill.

5 - 14 year olds entering the 'A Great Day at Wembley' Artwork competition Name: Address: Telephone:

Age:

Concluding our tour of West Swindon's four public sculptures, we visit the first one, 'Looking to the Future,' which is to be found at the West Swindon Centre lakes Jon Buck, pictured right, the sculptor describes his work In 1985 I was given the task of becoming Swindon's first Sculptorin-Residence. The idea behind the scheme was to have an artist working in a community setting. I was given the old hut in Toothill to use as a studio and community workshop. A number of sites were considered for the sculpture before the new park at Westlea was finally chosen. I worked in conjunction with the landscape architects in designing and shaping thespace where the sculpture would be sited. After making several models exploring different ideas I decided to make a group of sunbathing figures. By giving them minimal clothing I hoped they would be less likely to become dated. My idea for the figures and their positioning was deliberately intended to be ambiguous so that people walking through the park could decide for themselves what the relationship between them might be. Their expressions also reveal nothing; they gaze into the distance without lookingateach other and one wonders what they see or think about. Hence my title 'Looking to the Future,' which refers to what they may see both as young users of the park and as part of Swindon, in whose future they will take part. Had they been looking at their own immediate future when they were first sited it would have looked bleak Robert Cox from Shaw writes: "Sunbathers in deep snow" - nice photo for the papers; I could earn myself a few pounds,' I used to speculate when walking past these figures on wintry days whilst they were in their original waterless site at Westlea Park, off Westlea Drive. The newlakeside setting of these statues is excellent, though care will need to be taken that the vegetation behind does not engulf them or the bed of reeds obscure them. The bubbling activity of the fountain contrasts with their peaceful - almost bored - expression. The new colour scheme helps too. These bathers are life-like, but not erotic, and finely sculptured - with stomachs faintly reminiscent of Michelangelo's 'David'. So why do they cause such offense to more than the odd dog which is disturbed by them? Why do they bother people? They are straightforward skilled craftsmanship, well displayed. They did cost us some money. But Shakespeare, Beethoven and Michelangelo all cost subsidy from some section of society in the past. And would we have the Beatles, Sir David Attenborough or New Kids on Block now if people had not been willing to spend some money in the more recent past on arts education? We all have 'art' in our homes whether it be the pattern on the

because they were very soon vandalised. Due to limited funding the figures had to be cast into resin and this did not stand up to the constant and sustained attacks. Had there been a choice I would have cast the figures in metal. However after two major repairs and repaints the figures continued to be defaced so when I was offered the chance to move the sculpture to a new site, I reluctantly agreed. In May1988, after yet more repairs, they were given a new home next to the lake in the more public West Swindon District Centre. The figures are now sited on a specially made wooden jetty. Because of the way they are dressed this location seems even more appropriate and the original intent of the group remains unaltered. The water also helps to protect them and gives the added bonus of marvellous reflections. kitchen tiles, the three ducks flying up our walls or the patterned grille on the front of our cars. Art enters all our lives - whether we like it or not: so let's enjoy it.

Rachel Martin of Shaw comments: Of all the sculptures in West Swindon I like this one best. It makes me smile every time I see it, usually because the kind of weather these bathers are sitting in would give them double pneumonia! Their faces never change - always so serious, and that makes me smile as well. It's as if they are taking themselves too seriously, but being dressed in swimming costumes is such a contradiction that we can only laugh at them. It could be that the young bathers are serious because they are looking to their own futures and the uncertainty of what could happen. It makes me look forward to summer when it is not, and to a swim when it is summer. I like this realistic scuipturebecause it is more visually understandable and easier to relate to than the others in West Swindon. Even if the conclusions of this piece by the public are not quite what the sculptor intended, it doesn't really matter, what counts is enjoying a sculpture time and time again, wherever and whatever it is.

ARTS SCENE Plight of elephants on display P B PLUMBING A reminder that there may not be any elephants left in the world has been put on display at the Link Centre. So many youngsters made comments about the 'Last of the Herds' exhibition held at Link Arts studios in May that local councillors pressed Thamesdown Council's Arts and Recreation Committee to buy one of the works on display. The artist Graham High's "Palimpsest of Species" was unveiled by committee chair Maurice Fanning in June at the library entrance of the Link Centre. 'Palimpsest' means a manuscript on which the original writing has been rubbed out or made unimportant to make way for a second writing. The work depicts an elephants skull and tusks above a human skull and is powerful political statement according to Coun. Fanning. "The work summerises man's inhumanity towards animals and the possible extinction of one of the most impressive creatures on earth. Soon all we might have to show for

What's On

SERVICES

II!

Boilers Serviced Pump Filling Service Water Softners Fitted Washing Machines & Dishwashers Installed Telephone: (0793) 642995

Maurice Fanning and Freshbrook councillor Sue Bates contemplating the extinction of elephants

the destruction of elephants is their ivory which has been turned into something else." He said that pressure for the purchase of the work had come from visitors to the exhibition. "The council usually buys works of art following advice from experts. But we were struck by the comments made by young people looking at Graham High's images of elephants. They were so conscious of the plight of elephants that we decided that we should display something that projects this awareness into the community."

Tel: 514055 or 521743

...

Raymond Stansfield

DECORATOR with over 30 years experience. Craftsman in Paint and Decor SPECIALIST in Paperhanging, Graining, Marble, and Decorative Effects & Finishes.

Arts co-ordinator Mel Jones describes July's offerings

with clubs, fire etc., why not come along from 11.00a.m. to 5.00p.m. Places are strictly limited; £7.00! £5.00 concessions. Mummer and Dada are a highly entertaining company who have created a unique new style of popular theatre by combining circus skills with mime, masks, clowning and stage combat. Their new show, Fools Gold will be performed on Saturday 14th at 7.30p.m. £4.00/3.00 concessions. On Tuesday 24th we have two shows: at 2.30p.m. Scarabeus and Skin and Blisters present an hour of entertainment for over fives, featuring acrobats, clowning, circus skills, mime, comedy and stilts! Tickets: £2.25. Why not make this an end-of-term treat? Later that day, adults are in for a real treat when New Comedy Meets New Circus. Paul Ramone, our resident stand-up compere, introduces an alternative comedian and two very funny new circustype shows: Not just Dumb Belles, a "raunchy acrobatic comedy" and Balletico Fantastico a parody of "Swan Lake" - on stilts. Tickets: £4.00/3.00 concessions. Doors open at 8.00p.m. Finally, on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th the season ends with a weekend workshop aimed at improving Circus Skills to intermediate level. £15.00/12.50 concessions. For more details tel: 871212.

1 to 1 Tuition by Professional Guitar Tutor. Beginners to Diploma Standard Contact Bernard Tanner The Shaftesbury Centre, Percy Street (off Rodbourne Road)

AAA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A .. A A A A A .. '..' 'J .., LI LI LI LI LI LI LI LI LI U LI LI .) LI LI LI LI U LI LI LI LI U V V V LI LI LI A

Telephone: (0793) 874299

Superb entertainment is on offer at Link Arts studios this month to occupy you on those wet (or dry) summer evenings.... Our Film offering this month is a torrid tale of lust and revenge set in and around ten nights in a smart restaurant. Peter Greenaway's'The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and Her Lover' (18) has been variously described as bizarre, sumptuous, stately and disgusting. Not for those with a weak stomach. hursday 5th at 7.45p.m. embership: £1.00 plus admission: .00/1.50 On Friday 6th at 7.30p. m. Bradon orest Drama Department present ..hakespeare's A Midsummer ight's Dream. A perfect play for summer's evening - don't miss his vital and youthful production! I ickets: £1.75. This month's main attraction is our season of New Circus (circus ithout animals) which starts with 'Children's event on Saturday 7th 't 2.30p.m.. Swindon-based ompany, Theatre Des Bicyclettes 'resent Adventure of the Red icycle, a one-hour circus style .pectacular for 6-11 year olds. ickets: £2.25. On Sunday 8th we are holding a uggling for Beginners Workshop or over 16's. If you've ever fancied mpressing your kids, the eighbours, the neighbourhood ats or just yourself by performing taggering feats of co-ordination

Is.

A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA A A A A

TOP GEAR DRIVING SCHOOL

(WEST SWINDON) DoT Approved Instructor for Friendly, Patient Tuition.

Tel: Phil Dixon on Swindon 533898 or (0860) 344645 - Car

Have Great Party! Hire our Mini-Clown Bouncer. 10'x10' inflatable with rain cover. Ideal for children's parties, pre-school groups, fetes etc. Indoors & Outdoors.

To book, ring West windon S ACE FUN CASTLES on 873552

NEWS &VIEWS

TRANSFORM YOUR KITCHEN IN 1 DAY! + In one day we can replace your door & drawer fronts in made to measure solid timber veneer or laminate + Your Dream Kitchen for half the cost and without the mess + If you need new worktops, sinktop or appliances, we will supply these too.

OR IF YOU PREFER +We will completely re-design your whole kitchen FREE OF CHARGE and 'NOW' + Supply kitchens by within 7tolOdays + Give help and advice to assist your DIY installation +Our own professional fitting service available if required

Insurance company find TV winners A local insurance company has been "Our present TV needs a good trying to tell people that they have thumping to get a full picture on been in the area for for one and a the screen." half years and recently offered a television in a free draw. K&K Insurance opened at the West Swindon Centre 18 months ago, but according to director Ken Clarke there are still residents who are unaware of their office. Staff fromK&K held a promotion within the WestSwindon shopping centre during April and 250 people III filled in questionnaires which were entered in a draw. Francis and Sharon Eden,pictured

right, of The Forum, Westlea were the lucky couple whose names were drawn out of the hat. "We've never won anything and this has come just at the right time," said Francis.

At the Link Centre 4th of July Party Night

Skaters Please Note!

Join us at Link Centre Ice Rink as we celebrate the 4th of July 'USA Style'. Listen to the hits of America, take part in 'Stir Crazy' games and competitions and why not enter our very own Mrand Miss America contest with prizes for the most original US dress.

The Swindon Ice Figure Club 2nd Junior Open competition is being held at the Ice Rink on Thursday 5th and Friday 6th July. The event will have an effect upon our usual programme, as set out below: Thursday 5th Classic Skating time change to: 8.00p.m.-10.30p.m. General sessions:10.00a.m.-12 noon, 12.30p.m.-1.30p.m. and 2.00p.m-3.30p.m. all cancelled. Friday 6th General sessions: 10.00a.m.-12 noon and 2.00p.m.-3.30p.m. cancelled. Also Family and Friends session: 4.45p.m.-6.15p.m cancelled. We hope this does not disrupt your week's skating too much.

Lincoln's Summer Camp

Atdcons=550~~f%)

Registration of Lincoln's Summer Holiday Camp begins Monday 9 July. Booking 10.00a.m.-10.00p.m. Health Suite takes a much needed break for a refit

AIR

iv iaiiih loi THIS ADVERT IS WORTH £50

£100

£200

ON ANY OR ON ANY OR ON ANY NEW 250cc NEW NEW 125cc MOPED OR OVER JET SKI OR OFFERS VALID UNTIL 30th JUNE 100cc BIKE YAMAHA HONDA SUZUKI PLUS YAMAHA AND KAWASAKI JET SKI'S

'Phone Glyn or Neil NOW!! Artdean Motorcycles, 207 Rodbourne Road, Swindon

Tel: 534985

Promotions Officer Anya Kent describes June's activities

We all need a break every now and then to relax and re-charge our batteries. Well, after 5 years of rejuvenating thousands of our customers Link's Health Suite is taking a week off to receive some well-earned attention from fitters, decorators and engineers. Intrigued?, then read on: Link Centre Health Suite has been open for years, at which time the multi-gym concept was in vogue. In recent years trends have moved toward single ordual station equipment and has consequently left the Health Suite somewhat dated. To rectify the situation, and therefore meet the demands of our customers, the Health Suite will be closed to the public from Monday 25 June Monday 2 July. During this period, some of the latest exercise equipment is to be fitted, a new ventilation system installed and the whole suite redecorated. We apologise for the inconvenience to our customers but feel sure that the work carried out will ensure future visits to the suite are relaxing, invigorating and refreshing. -

Special Summer Skating Course

Five weeks for the price of four Evening Summer Skate School. Opentoeveryone aged 16 and over. Learn to skate in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Thursdays: Beginners 1,2,3 6.30p.m.-7.00p.m. Grades 4,5,6 7.00p.m.-7.30p.m. Dates: 2/8/90-30/8/90. Cost: £6.00 -

Link Summer Skate School

A five week course suitable for 5-1 5 year olds who wish to learn thot basics of ice skating with th opportunity to progress onto to. grades. Saturdays: Beginners 9.30a.m.-10.00a.m. Grades 2,3 9.00a.m.-9.30a.m. Grades 4,5,6 8.30a.m.-9.00a.m. Grades 7,8 8.00a.m.-8.30a.rm Grade 9 10.00a.rn.-10.30a.m. Dates: 4/8/90-1/9/90. Cost: £5.21 Please note course enrolments wil be taken between 9 July- 20 July Further details from Alan Seabrook Skating Development Officer. -

NEWS &VIEWS School bus support wanted A campaign by parents to get transport for students at Greendown School might be discussed by Wiltshire County Council in July. The school, Parent Teacher Association and individual parents have been pressing the Council to consider the needs of children who live in the further reaches of West Swindon, inToothill, parts of Shaw and Sparcells. They've also been trying to persuade Thamesdown Transport to create bus routes which provide easier transport to more children. Transport to school has been getting worse as the school has grown, according to parent Sheila Mitchell. "Public transport has declined over the last couple of years and it's now harder for children to get to the local secondary school," she claims. "The County Council operates an outdated '3 mile rule' which provides children with free transport if they live more than three miles from a school. This means that some parents and children are disadvantaged compared with those who choose schools outside the area. "Whilst the whole of West Swindon lies within a three mile radius of Greendown, children who live atSparcells and Nine Elms have to walk or cycle along roads and paths which are hazardous. Parents have to think twice about allowing their children to use isolated footpaths which use underpasses." Parent pressure onThamesdown Transport to improve bus routes have come to nothing. Mrs Mitchell recently received a letter from County Councillor Alan Winmill explaining that county council officers have rejected his view that some of the footpath routes which students have to take are dangerous. However Councillor Winn-ill is going to put a motion to the July meeting of the County Council proposing the provision of school buses during the winter months. To be effective in making his bid he needs to know the strength of feeling amongst parents. Anybody who wants to see better transport to

First West Swindon, now the whole town A local pizza delivery service has expanded into Swindon's Old Town area. Dominos Pizza, the world's largest home delivery pizza franchise, having established a popular takeaway and home delivery service at the West Swindon Centre in April, opened another outlet in High Street, Old Town in June. From there they will cover most of the town.

Greendown should write to Alan Winn-ill as soon as possible at I Holbein Close, Grange Park, Swindon SN5 6DF.

Pause in July The last two meetings of Pause Women's Group before the summer break will be: 6 July: First Aid demonstration and have-a-go session 13 July: Summer Outing. For more details phone 539819 All meetings will be held in Toothill Community Centre and there will be a nominal charge of 50p. A creche and refreshments are provided. New and old faces are always welcome, so see you there!

P a* I

MOBILE VEHICLE SERVICING REPAIRS &TUNING

By qualified engineers from fully equipped Mobile Workshops at your home or place of work Phone Dave Powell MOBILE v 0860 453329 or Swindon 612930

SET PRICE INCLUDES PARTS, LABOUR & VAT Put yourself in touch with West Swindon. To advertise in The Link. ring Elizabeth Wood on 871793

For an American pizza at homewleust pic kupthe phone Domino's - Americas favourite delivered pizzas are here! So if you want a pizza at home, just pick up the phone and dial 877585 and we'll deliver delicious freshly baked hot pizzas to your door in 30 minutes or a pound off the bill. Guaranteed! 'Cos Nobody beatzza Domino's Pizza

V'mco1 Ppv Ve&ae4 &'

20 DoE scheme to be launched A new project aimed at giving young adults the chance to learn new skills and help others is to be launched in September. Called the Greendown Open Award Centre, the idea will be to offer people aged 14 to 25 the chance to achieve the different levels of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. An open evening is to be held in September where a display of information will illustrate the different kind of activities which make up the DoE scheme. For more information beforehand or to offer help or experience, telephone the local contact Chris Lothian on 693731.

NEWS & VIEWS Off and away for Lucie Members of the Toothill Farm After Sponsored print project

School Club spent June finding out as much about different kinds of printing as possible. The thirty two children tried different printing techniques at club meetings and made visits to find out how words and pictures are put into print. Each was sponsored to find and try as many printing techniques as possible. Four club members visited to Greendown School where the editor of The Link gave them a demonstration of Desktop Publishing on the school's Apple Macintosh computers. They were also able to type and print a short story for dis.la attheclub.

Ree-t1iscover your natural harmony anfieauty with True Cotours

For a Colour Coding, Skin Care an(fak.c -Up appointment, thig Elizabeth 'Woodon 871793 IndTiviiIuof orgroup consultations. Colour co-ordinated, crudty-free cosmetics

Papf ~ 7 Lace

More than just decorators At afraction of the cost of Interior Designers we can transform your house room by room. From design, to decorating work, to finishing touches. The Complete Service you can afford. Telephone Richard or Yvonne Elliott on Swindon 886255.

Curtains, Bed Fashions, 'Sofas, Blinds, Cushions, Lighting and Carpets all beautifully co-ordinated

Old is

Free measuring service and sample loans Superior Fitting Service Please call in to browse DREAM INTERIORS at CURTAIN DREAM

38 Havelock Street, Swindon. Tel: 513701

A community worker fromToothffl is off on her travels again after helpingmany local groups establish themselves. Lucie Hartley took up the post of Neighbourhood Worker with Thamesdown Council's Community Development Division in March 1988, and departs at the end of June to travel in India and South East Asia. Lucie spent six months working in the area as a student during 1987 and went to India following her studies. She had to accompany a sick friend back to Britain and just before returning saw the Toothill job advertised. "Idecided to defer further travels and apply," said Lucie. "I'm glad I did because the last two years have been an important time for me. I have enjoyed living and working in Toothill; I've learnt a lot from the people I've worked with. "It's been said that there's no community spirit in Toothill; but that's not true. There are a lot of people who strongly identify with Toothill and feel a sense of belonging. It's been a privilege for me to have been involved in the community and to have seen some of the changes which have taken place, both in the area and in the individuals I've known." Community workers tend to keep away from the limelight and it's usually only the members of

groups who know about thei contribution to communit development. Lucie has bee involved, amongst many project with getting the Toothill Cred Union and the After School Clu off the ground, continuing he student work with the Toothi Women's Group (Pause), an helping to revive the Toothill Fa Youth Club renovation. She's also been the spark behin the organisingoftheannualTooth Bonfire night event for the la couple of years. "Leaving a place which ha meant something to me is alwa difficult," says Lucie. "But if I' going to see the rest of the worl now's the time to do it.

First Beavers inducted into new group A new group for youngsters invested its first members on 14 June. The West Swindon Beaver Colony started in early May and now cate for 20 boys aged six to 8 who meet weekly for fun and games under supervision of three adults. The boys received a beaver scarf, woggle and badges to sew onto th sweatshirts at a ceremony attended by parents, relations and leadi figures in the local scouting world. The Beavers meet on Thursday from 430p.m. to 5.45p. in Toot Church. The Beavers pictured with the adult leaders Badger Brenda Grove, Fox R Hutchings and Squirrel Hazel Foley

HOME & GARDEN Need home improvement? Here's a man who can plan Whether you're expanding or extending your home, you'll usually need plans drawn and permission to do the work With mortgage rates sky high at present, more people are considering how to create more space. By extending your house, you can increase the value of the property, whilst enjoying the convenience and benefit of extra room. The process of acquiring planing permission and building regulation approvals takes time and if you're not used to dealing with the appropriate authorities, it can be frustrating if not stressful. Using an expert who knows how to deal with the planning system is

advisable. Steve Wright from Grange Park provides the service people need if they're thinking of extending or altering their house. Not only does he draw up plans of the work to be done, he also submits them to the planning authority and enters into negotiations on details if necessary. Considering the overall cost of building an extension, having plans drawn professionally and submitted by somebody who knows the complexities of planning is a minor financial matter. It's worth letting somebody else take the strain. Steve Wright can be contacted on 871553.

2 â€˘\

21 .-.--

-,.'

WRIGHT PLANNING SERVICES

ENISE DRAPES

10 years experience preparing High Quality Building Plans for West Swindon residents Planning & Building regulations approvals obtained

Professionally made FESTOON & AUSTRIAN BLINDS Friendly personal service from measuring to hanging. Also made to measure curtains.

Call Steve Wright on

Telephone /.,Swindon 873043

Swindon 871553

Vi Stevens (Electrical) Electrical Contractor & Fire Alarm Installations 24 hour, 7 days a week call out service -No job too big -No job too small

Expert landscaper Since landscape gardener Robert Farley moved from London to continue his business in Swindon seven years ago, he has worked almost exclusively in the west. That's mainly because of his advertisements in The Link and the personal recommendation of satisfied customers. Robert, Bob, or as he's often known 'Charlie,' works with his son on any aspect of gardening work which will bring pleasure to the householder. He is an expert in building feature walls, creating ponds, pergolas, laying patios and over the last few months he has replaced a large number of storm damaged fence posts and panels. He particularly enjoys building rockeries and laying down crazy paving. He says there's nothing better than creating a beautifully flat turf lawn and returning later to see the effect of his work. With his experience he can advise

_.i.-

Are you looking for the ultimate in showering experience?, or the sheer luxury of a controllable spa bath? or maybe you need the convenience of an instant electric shower. Go on, spoil yourself! 'Phone now for a free survey. 'Quality work Guaranteed 'Competitive rates Tel: Swindon 870948

R.K. GARDEN SERVIS Bob Farley and his son Robert

on the types of plants to purchase or he can buy them and plant them for you. Whether it's creating a complete garden for you to behold or just taking on part of the job, Bob Farley will make an expert job of it. He can be contacted on 875174.

Special offer for 6 weeks - All garden sheds reduced 772516/512287 Yard Home

Make money from your garden Instead of throwing overgrown plants on the compost heap, Claire Beaton suggests selling them Like many gardeners, I belong to a plant is Primula 'Wanda' which variety of organisations, many of survives all attacks of slugs and which hold fetes and fun days with birds to produce magenta flowers theaimofraisingcash for thecause. with a golden eye at easter. Viola This month I'm helping to stock a labradorica purpurea is also a plant stall and I've been looking purple plant which self-seeds with round the garden for plants which abandon. Beware of its effect. grow quickly and won't mind being Gardens to visit split up for sale. July should see the herbaceous An obvious candidate isElephant borders in most gardens open under Ears (Bergenia cordifolia) which the Yellow Book scheme. Every spreads a carpet of paddle-shaped, Sunday this month a selection of evergreen leaves. Flowering in gardens in Cirencester will be open spring, it needs to be lifted and to view. Most are in Cecily Hill, by spaced out from time to time. If CirencesterPark. The only one open not, it just ends up a scruffy mess on 1 July is to be found at 20 St ('clapped out' as they say on TV). Peters Road, in the centre of the Another good example of the stall town.

Topsoil, garden 'mulch' compost - as much or as little as you need. Delivered to your garden. Patio slabs, rockery stones, fencing

Mobile: 0836 229887 We also offer a professional landscaping service. I

Al HANDIHIRE TOOL & PLANT HIRE A SERVICE. Al RATES Al EQUIPMENT

Unit 9, Marlborough Road Industrial Estate Wootton Bassett. Tel: 854821. Now also at CaIne. EASY PARKING COLLECTION/DELIVERY SERVICE Mon - Fri 730am - 5.30pm Sat. 7.30am - 1230pm

vm ] â€˘ga! It

• Letters to the link

Letters with full name and address should be sent to The Link, 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook, Swindon byth 20th of the month

Too casual

Expensive Bank

Powerlifting thanks

Cans and thanks

From Graham Price, Turnham Green, Freshbrook Whilst browsing through The Link before teal sawa picture ofa scruffy yob on page 3. Reading the article alongside, I was horrified to find that this was none other than our new Community Development Officer (whatever that is). Worse, my poll tax contributes to his salary! I hope my impressions are completely wrong, but for someone with 11 years experience in community projects (i.e. spending rate-payers money) to appear dressed in such a fashion is not acceptable. Informality is one thing, but out-and-out scruffiness, another. Pull yourself together Lawrence or risk alienating much of the community you seek to serve!

From Mrs Lindsey of Grange Park When is a bank not a bank? When it won't accept MONEY. I went to the local Nat West which, may I say, is my bank and branch. I had just gone in to pay some bills. I had some cash so instead of paying it in and writing anothercheque to settle the bills (and save a tree), I thought I'd use cash. But they would only accept it if I paid a charge of £2.00. The assistant manager said it was ,new policy. I would like to apologise to all the people I held up by paying money in, then writing a cheque. It was ratherbusy at9.30a.m., we were queuing out of the door. I would also like to say, if you pay money in and a cheque out at another branch of Nat West (not your own) you will be classed as overdrawn as they take the money out before it's credited to your account. I thought we were progressing, but now I'm not so sure.

From Ann Brown, Clydesdale Close, Shaw, organiser of the South West Powerlifting Championships I would like to thank you for the write up of our championships in the June edition of The Link. We were most impressed and once again the contents were brilliant. We were pleased with the photo that was included. In our opinion it was one of the best lifting photos we have seen. We would also like to thank Pizzarama for providing the catering, and Greendown School for the excellent facilities made available and to the staff for helping us organise the event.

From Jellytots Playgroup, Shaw We would like to thank the following local firms and businesses who donated prizes for our recent raffle, which raised a netamountof £148 Holiday Inn, Shaw Salon, Blunsdon House Hotel, Bluebird Toys,J.C.R News, ZodiacToys and Dominos Pizza. Other firms who have donated prizes which will be used in future raffles, include Anchor Foods, Early Learning Centre and Cloverleaf. We would also like to thank everyone who has been collecting aluminium cans for us. Our target is 5000 to raise £50 for a new blackboard. At present we have approximately 1700 cans, so please keep collecting. Check the cans with a magnet we want the ones

Clothing Alterations & Repairs Tel: 872096 Mrs White, Freshbrook

the complete carpet service • FREE Estimating • FREE Fitting • Home Selection Service

• Expert Advice

CARPETS

BEST CHOICE

BEST PRICE

23 Milton Road, Swindon Tel: 528903

TAC UPHOLSTERY RI('OVER RI BUILD .AN[) REPAIR -

'Il Domestic. Antique. Commercial and Industrial work. Full range of fabrics.

Curtain making. Full range of fabric material.

FREE ES JiMA TES

Workshop 0793-848540

Evenings 0793-8544 14

Stray Cat Found From Sheila Mitchell, Moresby Close, Westlea In the middle of Maya stray smoky grey tabby entire male cat was found in Adwalton Close, Freshbrook. The cat had a large neck wound and several other animal inflicted injuries. After treatment by the vet at Shaw he is now well on the way to a full recovery. It would appear that he has been living rough in the Alnwick/Adwalton Close area since around March. He is very affectionate, friendly cat who was obviously part of a family atone time. He responds to the name Spooky so it is possible that his original name sounded something like that. I feel that he may well belong to someone who has moved away from the area and who is probably wondering where their pet is. If anyone recognises the description and knows of anyone who has lost a cat or has moved away please contact S. Mitchell 873062.

Thanks for the paper

—

Haydon End Lane

Entrance of Lady Lane and

U©ft

VISIT YOU LOCAL GARDEN CENTRE THIS WEEKEND Large selection of • Trees Shrubs • Alpines .Heathers • Conifers • Roses • Herbaceous Perennials • Bedding Plants, Geraniums

Westfield Way, Haydon Wick Tel: Swindon 721221

~7 1>1

(C PEN DAI

& Fuschias• Hanging Baskets • Rockery and walling stone • Discounts on all composts PURCHASE OR EXCHANGE YOUR HTA GIFT TOKEN WITH US

From Martin Becker and Brendan Cracknell of the Wildlife Protection League, Chudleigh, Freshbrook We would like to say a big thank you to all the people who kindly brought their waste paper to our skips at Toothill Village Centre. May we also take this opportunity to thank both the Link Magazine and the Star for publicising the events. We regret to say however that we are no longer able to hold these regular collections due to yet another market slump in re-cycled paper, (not enough people are buying it!). We hope this does not cause any inconvenience. Watch this space for further activies by the Wildlife Protection league.

that do not stick.

For further information phone Jane Cowdry, Fundraising Officer on 881514

Poll Tax on People From David Temple of Ravenglass Road, Westlea. I read with interest Councillor Bob Pixton's letter in issue No 99 last month. I am a disabled person living on my own in a 3 bed semi in West Swindon. In answer to his common question of why his Poll Tax is £680 instead of £580 rates is quite simple. In the past single people have been subsidising multiple families in the unfair rating system, and this is still continuing in the equally unfair water rating system. I could never see the logic in a system where a person living on his or her own, paid the same to the local council as a family of 4 living in the same type of house sometimes all working. I think the Poll Tax should be paid by everyone with a job, not on the size of a house. lam planning on buying a larger house and nobody will be subsidising me. It will use no more services than my previous 3 bed semi. In fact if a similar rating system or should I say 'Roof Tax' was implemented by a future Labour Government, I would be back to square one, subsidising others. As for Thamesdown not being wasteful, why have several streets in West Swindon been re-surfaced when they were perfectly serviceable? In fact they are now in a worse state of repair than before the work was carried out. What could readers suggest we could have done with that money? Put it towards Swindon's well needed road improvements.

-4

4 -0.-

Frustration with superstore forces Graham to leave A former ASDA employee has become so frustrated with his treatment after leaving the West Swindon superstore that he turned to The Link for help. Graham Alison of Westminster Road, Toothill started at the store as a night warehouseman when it was Gateway and left at the end of May after two years. He said he left because of problems with making up his wages and the pressure on him when he queried them. "I told them at the leaving interview that I enjoyed working for the store," said Graham. "I was doing the job asked of me, although I was often the only one working when there should have been three warehousemen on duty. But my main complaint was when I queried how my wages were made up I was hauled in front of the management because my attitude wasn't right. They couldn't understand why I should do that." On leaving after the required one week's notice, Graham was a bit surprised when his wages amounted to payment for two hours overtime.

On pointing the problem out he received a cheque a week later for a further 24 hours work, leaving 14 hours still due to him. On visiting the store on 23 June to see if the problem could be sorted out, he was told that he no longer worked at the store and he would have to telephone. At which point he decided to ring The Link to make his complaint public. "I don't really think ASDA care about their staff, which is why so many are looking for other jobs," he said ASDA Personnel Manager Karen Holt said Mr Alison's final clock card had been inaccurately made out. "It wasn't possible to see him on 23 June because I compiling a report for head office which had to be in by a certain time. I stayed late on Saturday to trace the problem and the wages section will be sending him a cheque for the balance of his wages as soon as possible." Ms Holt denied there was a problem with staffing the store and said that turnover was one of the lowest in the region.

The Link Classifieds Lineage ads in The Link cost £3.50 per single column centimetre, inclusive of VAT. Lost and Found are free. Cash with advert to The Link, 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook, Swindon.

-Vacancies Mature, caring person required to look after our sons aged 6 months and 3 years in our own home. Not live in. TERM TIME ONLY. From midSeptember. References required. Tel: 870729. Jellytots Playgroup Assistant to join Jeltytots Playgroup, Shaw on Tuesdays and Fridays from September. Our group has just 16 children per session and runs both morning and afternoons. We also employ two parttime Special Needs Assistants who work with the team and help us to provide safe and stimulating play for all children. Interested? Please apply in writing to Mrs J Tyas, 5 Alpine Close, Ramleaze. Or contact on 875389. A Christian Minded Supervisor and Assistant required for a new church based playgroup in Shaw. PPA training desirable. Comencing Sept. 1990. Contact Emma. Tel: 876387.

Playgroup Assistant at Upper Shaw Farm Playgroup 4 sessions per week, morning or afternoon combinations available (approx. 13 hours). Previous training not essential. Position available from July. Letters of application please to: Mrs C Peach, 14 The Bramptons, Shaw Ridge, Shaw, Swindon, Wilts.

Live In or Day Nanny/Carer needed urgently for two girls, 3 & 7. Driving licence, car desirable, non smoking. Care needed before and transport to nursery & school; pick up and care afterwards. Occasional stay overnight. Please write with experience and names of referees to The Link, 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook, Swindon.

-Childminder Experienced Nanny (SEN.) will have vacancies for babies and toddlers as from 30 July. Telephone after 500p.m. on 619874.

The Company Company

23 Ecumenical Parish of West Swindon & The Lydiards

Freshbrook Evangelical Church

Anglican, Methodist, U.R.C., Baptist. Toothill Rev. Ian Handscomb 693384 Rev. Anne Thomas 496421 St. Mary's L.Tregoze for Freshbrook & Grange Park Rev. Tony Price 870244 Westlea Rev. John Flory 770217 t Shaw and Sparcells Rev. Keith BoxalI 770568 Rev. Helen Drummond 874372 t also All Saints, L. Millicent

Worsley Road Invites YOU to the opening services of worship In the new building on Sunday 1st July lOam Family Praise with registration of children for the Covenanter Movement, followed by refreshments. 630pm Evening Worship and Communion

MOBILE MECHANIC INIE NA The COMPLETE Property Maintenance Service aIL Ken Nugent

E COME TO YOU • Non-Starts 'Servicing .Tuning •M.O.T. Work 'Breakdowns *Electrical Faults *Clutches fitted

(0793) 729666 No Garage Prices or Waiting

72 Clary Road Woodhall Park Swindoñ

Please Telephone 876211 ANYTIME

DESPERATE? LONELY? SUICIDAL?

The Samaritans You don't have to be suicidal to share your problems with us. Phone anytime day or night, or call into 6 Curtis Street, Swindon between 8am and 10pm

the Samaritans Swindon 537373 44

Swindon's brightest Introduction Agency for singles. divorced, separated and widowed people.

Morrison & Masters

Please phone Swindon 487761

TOWN SQUARE, WEST SWINDON CENTRE. TELEPHONE 870055 for

'Wanted Violin teacher for two children. Tel: 872282

-On offer Homebase at Westmead Indus. Estate have a 17'x9' Portacabiri to give away to any group with space to locate it. Taker will be responsible for removal. Contact Sue Gorman, Warehouse Manager on 514044.

House Sales and Purchases & all Property Work (written estimates given) Divorce, Criminal and all Court work Wills and Probates WEST SWINDON'S ONLY SOLICITORS! Also at 20 Commercial Road, Swindon. Telephone: 526601 and 69a Cricklade Road, Gorse Hill. Telephone: 481602

ETITCOMBE

WESTMEAD DRIVE, WESTLEA, SWINDON

GARAGE LIMITED

TEL (0793)641643 OEM

nom

L_ J

WEST SWI NDO N'S LOCAL GARAGE

Q 24 BREAKDOWN & RECOVERY (ANY DISTANCE) SERVICING & REPAIRS Q. MOT's WHILE YOU WAIT 0 PARTS & ACCESSORIES SHOP Q.ACCIDENT REPAIRS CAR BODY SPRAYING 0 ALL ESTIMATES SPARCELLS GIVEN FREE SHAW 0 COLLECTION & DELIVERY SERVICE 0 INSURANCE CRASH GRANGE' PARK REPAIRS Q AUTHORISED REPAIRERS TOOTH ILL FOR LEADING FRESI-IBROOK INSURANCE COMPANIES NATIONAL

BREAKDOWN

WE ARE HERE

Wetnead rflploymen Area, \

Tewkesbury Way