June 1993 Swindon Link by swindonlink6

TOOTHILL No. 135 June 1993 • Circulation 11,500

CHINESE

KITCHEN Fish & Chips and Chinese Food Takeaway

HOME DELIVERY IRT

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west swindon's magazine

Political spread In contrast to the national picture when the Conservative party took a pasting in the County Council elections across the country, West Swindon took on a balanced look on 6 May with each of the three main political parties taking one of the seats. In Freshbrook/Grange Park, Jean Melville retained the ward for the Liberal Democrats after Simon Cordon stepped down from the County Council. The turnout was a reasonable 34% of local electors. The Toothill Ward was split into two wards for County Council purposes. In Toothill/Westlea, Arthur Goring took the seat for Labour with a 29.7% turnout of electors. In the new Roughmoor Ward, whichtakes inShaw,Peatmoorand Sparcells, Alan Winrnill was returned to the Council with a paltry 24.9% response from the electorate, the second lowest of the seventeen wards in the Thamesdown area. On page 2 - The votes cast and ward boundary changes confusion

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In July we publish the third edition of West, our guide to community service and facilities in West Swindon. West will also be a guide to businesses providing a service to the area. Do you serve the people of West Swindon? Turn to page 18 for details.

Doctor moves into new surgery Sparcells now has its own permanent doctor's surgery following completion of Dr Kandiah's new building next to the Chinese Experience in mid-May. The surgery has two consulting moms and rooms for nurses, health visitors and a counsellor. It replaces the temporary building on Sparcells Drive which has served the area for three years. Dr Kandiah said that patients will feel happier with a permanent surgery. "1 think that some people were put off coming to a temporary building but they will feel more confident now they can see we're established in the area." He paid tribute to the late coundllorRicky Midwinter who argued for a temporary doctor's surgery whilst a permanent building was being planned. Dr Kandiah is calling for the road leading to his sur-

es windon• pm - Or (Delivery charge from £1)

Toothill Village Centre

and the swindon wide what's on guide

Meet the Police in June. See page 13 for details.

. ...

Dr Kandy Kandiah with Sparcells receptionist Cheryl Durose

geiy, and the village centre which will be built on the adjacent site, to be called Midwinter Way. Pharmacies under threat -page3.

A Night Full ot Eastern Promise The International Family Group Invites you to come and join therT t0.'., a night of music and dancinç that has a very international fla your at the Link Centre. The full and exciting programme for the evening includes exotic Spanish dancing and demonstra tfons of traditional Indian dance There is also live Afro-Carib music and an international costume pa de. Included in the ticket price is plateful of exotic ethnic eats Tha cookery, Mexican fare, kls1 ripes, curries and daals, noodles and salads will all be served on th€ night. For the children there will alsc psed bouncy castle. Thffhty Fun Night is takinc Iace on Saturday 26 June at 7prr in the Sports Hall at the LinkCen tire in West Swindon. Tickets cost £2.50 for adults anc £1 to children under 15.atdtt admission price includi Under 5's are free. There will alsc be a disco and raffle. Tickets arc available from Link Centre Recep tkn. :o.rnises to be a grea tfinientertainmentsc come along and have fun. Any proceeds will go to CALM For more details contact Miriarr Mintvon 526161 ext4831

BE SAFE NOT SORRY!! NEW BIKE SECURITY SYSTEMS AND PERSONAL ALARMS now available from as little as £20. Call in for an ear-piercing demonstration!

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2 The Link Magazine June 1993

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ERMIN 'WINDOWS

After the County Council elections, local politicians are thinking about next years elections for councillors on Thamesdown Borough Council. But voters in Toothill, Westlea, Shaw, Sparcells and Peatmoor will have to think hard about which ward they are in. Boundary changes forthe County elections meant that it was fought in two wards, Toothill and Westlea combined as one and Shaw, Sparcells and Peatmoor forming the new Roughmoor Ward. But forThamesdown, the area will be one large ward served by three councillors. "It's a ridiculous situation," said West Swindon Labour Party agent Sue Bates. "There will be around 12,000 voters represented by three councillors who are all volunteers. People will not be adequately represented and the pressure on the councillors could become intolerable." Alan Winchcombe, Deputy Re-

County Council voter responses: Freshbrook Jean Melville (Lib Dem) 957 677 Bob Cretchley (Lab) Neil Bristow (Con) 645 34% turnout. 280 majority Roughmoor Alan Winn-till (Con) 632 Alan Timpson (Lib Dem) 336 Danny Camburn (Lab) 320 24.9% turnout. 296 majority Toothill Arthur Goring (Lab) 1,000 Peter Mallinson (Con) 738 Marilyn Harrison (Green) 165 29.7% turnout. 362 majority

turriingOfficeratThamesdown,said the Local Government Boundary Commission for England had redrawn the County ward areas but they do not apply to Thamesdown District elections. It has now been replaced by the Local Government Commission which is reviewing the structure of local government across the country which may result in Thamesdown taking responsibility for both county and district services. However the review is unlikely to take place for two years with implementation much later. He added that concerned voters could express their point of view by writing to the Local Government Division of the Department of the Environment, 2 Marsham Street, London SWIP 3EB quoting reference 3 /1 /2. By comparison, Freshbrook ward has three councillors representing about 6,700 voters.

Summer Fair St Peters Catholic Church, Carronbridge Road, Westlea Sunday 13 June, 2pm - 4pm To be opened by TV presenter, Pattie Coidwell Lots of stalls, lots of fun, swingboats and roundabouts

Shopping help Age Concern Thamesdown has reissued its popular leaflet 'Where to get help with the shopping.' it lists ten different ways that older people may be able to get help, either with getting to the shops or having their shopping done for them. The leaflet is free by calling Age Concern Thamesdown on 692166

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Published by West Swindon Publications 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook Swindon SN5 8PQ Tel: (0793) 872282

Editorial: Roger Ogle, Publisher/Editor Advertising Sales: Tel: (0793) 872282 Apple Macintosh design, layout and lasersetting Printed by Wiltshire, Bristol Published monthly. Copy date for July edition: 13 June

Call Brian Smith

SWINDON 824419 87a Ermin Street, Stratton St. Margaret Swindon.

'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 a competition to name the leisure centre in 1984. "The magazine is entirely self-supporting from advertising." Contents 4 Toothill 5 Freshbrook & Grange Park 6 Westlea 7 Shaw 8 At Your Library 10 Health Matters 11 Recreation 15-17 Swindon Wide What's On 22 On the road 25 Letters to The Link 27 Local Lives

The July edition will be published on 25 June. The contents of The Link are protected by copyright. Copying of advertisements for business use, including publication is forbidden unless advertisers or publishers have sought permission. Articles and photographs require similar authority.

The Link Magazine June 1993 3

Small pharmacies under threat

Letu Indian Cuisine

The

'One in four pharmacies could close,' is the grim forecast from the Complete Pharmaceutical Services Negotiation Committee (PSNC). If that predicHair& kA(I tion becomes reality, there is a good chance that another West Swindon TAKEAWAY & FREE Beauty pharmacy will close. DELIVERY SERVICE Service Proposals from the Department monstrable contribution to the NaNo Minimum Order of Health plan a change in the way tional Health Service. We serve eldOpen 7 days a week pharmacists are paid. The Govern- erlypeopleand mothers who would including Bank Holidays ment has ideas of paying a fee to find it difficult to get to a pharmacy pharmacists who dispense more further away, we have a free delivTel: 854600 than 2,000 prescriptions a month. ery service and we often stay for an At present they are paid for all pre- extra hour until the doctor has seen Opening Hours: Sunday to Unisex Hair& Beauty Salon scriptions made up, with a reduced his last patient. Thursday 530pm - Midnight 5 Coleview Parade fee after 1,700 prescriptions. 'People would lose a local service Friday & Saturday 530pm - 130am Nythe Road This change could be devastating catering for their needs." 52b High Street., Wootton Bassett Negotiations with the Department for smaller pharmacists said Ken Coleview, Stratton Cheques only accepted with Bankers Schofield from Ashington Way ofHealth continue butKenSchofield Card and must be £7.50 or over Tel: 832318 Pharmacy. "These changes will af- added that suggestions by Governfect every pharmacy, but it will be mentMinisters in May thatpensionthe smallerones which suffermost." ers and children may have to pay for Under threat is FreshbrookPhar- prescriptions in the future was an macy which serves elderly people more worrying development. "All and families at the Village Centre. pharmacies, large or small, will be Pharmacist Shushma Patel said that effected. It could hasten the closure 85% of her turnover was derived of smaller pharmacies," he said. Professionally made curtains, Valances, Tiebacks, The Pharmaceutical Services Nefrom NETS dispensing and over the Austrian Festoon, Roman Blinds counter sales could not sustain the gotiation Committee has a petition Co-ordinating Wallpapers & Borders pharmacy. 'We are serving the lo- calling for the protection of smaller cal community, but the government outlets available for signature at Roller, Vertical, Venetian Blinds is saying we are not making a de- pharmacies. Bedding, Lampshades, Furniture • Fabrics by the metre

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Cruisers attract award for agent Local travel agent AT Mays at the West Swindon Centre have been awarded a certificate by CTC Cruise Lines recognising them as the regional cruise agent for 1992. CTC sales executive Paul Kelly described the West Swindon performance as exceptional. AT Mays manager Sarah Witcombe said she and and her staff were very pleased to be recognised. "Despite the recession 1992 was our bestyearever; we beatall the targets set for us. 1993 is proving even better." Paul Kellyof CTCCruiseLines presents

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What to do with local history? The Link magazine has amassed about 1,500 photographs and we would like to know what to do with them. They represent a visual history ofWestSwindon which in April 1996 will celebrate twenty years since the first people moved in. The photos are taking up space which we need. We also have the photographs used in an exhibition to celebrate West Swindon's tenth anniversary. Now that the community has been in existance for a generation, are there people interested in setting up or joining a local history group? It could gatherand maintain information about the development of West Swindon,and look back further into its ancient history. Readers interested in taking on

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the idea of a local history group can contact Roger Ogle, Link Magazine publisher, on 872282 who will coordinate a first meeting if enough people come forward. The magazine has been published using desktop publishing computer for fiveyears and we expect to move away from traditional photography to electronic cameras and storage systems in the future. The images will still be available for display purposes, but they will not require any space to keep them. The lack of space in TheLinkoffice hoto is going to mean that the photographs and archive materials we hold at present is going to be thrown away unless somebody takes an interest. So act now. History may disappear.

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TOOTH ILL

Trees for the future

MRT SECRETARIAL

Infants at Oliver Tomkins School held a special outside assembly with parents to celebrate the completion of the first phase of the development of the grounds as an environmental workshop. The children sang songs and recited poems before the trees sponsored by local families and the Oliver Tomkins playgroup were planted. Some 300 small trees have been planted on the school field by children and volunteer parent helpers, with advice from the Thamesdown Community Forest team.

WORD PROCESSING Letters, CV's, Mailshots, Manuscripts and Reports. All work produced on a Laser Printer. Fax service available.

For a fast professional secretarial service, phone Maureen on 881733 (West Swindon).

Planting trees oftelebration, Gina Adams and her son Steven on the left and Oliver Tomkins pla ygroup supervisor Lyn Wilson with playgroup children

PB PLUMBING SERVICES • Boilers Serviced • Pump Fitting Service a Water Softeners Fitted • Washing Machines & Dishwashers Installed

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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)

A&H FENC(NG Call us first for an excellent service on fencing, sheds, patios and garden clearance Prompt service Free estimate

Car Boot Sale 3 July, 8.30am - 1.30pm Link Centre Coach Park £5; £6 on the day Contact Jenny on 616432 or Sandra on 481199 In aid of the Jack & Jill Toddler Group, Toothill Farm

Tel: (0798) 875055 Mobile: (0836) 204105

Oliver Tomkins Infant School Caribbean Summer Fete with Steel Band Saturday 10 July, 2pm - 4pm 20p admission Children's Caribbean fancy dress competition plus usual attractions

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That's right, if you live in the Swindon area you don't have to spring-clean the kids' room, you can put your friends or relatives up at the Hotel Ibis for just £32.00 per room per night including VAT! The Hotel Ibis Swindon has introduced an incredible WEEKEND RATE on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights that's hard to beat. Just £32.00 per room per night for a single or double room, all with en-suite bathrooms. All you have to do is telephone our reservation department or simply complete the coupon from this advertisement - either way, we'll send you a brochure describing all the hotel -facilities and showing how ideally situated we are for local celebrations, weddings, private or company parties and all those special occasions. Wouldn't that be better than turning the house upside down? Hotel Ibis Swindon, Delta Business Park, Great Western Way, Swindon SN5 7XG. Tel: 0793 514777 Name

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FRESHBROOK & GRANGE PARK

Music makers win prizes FreshbiookSchool musicians scored successes in the Swindon MusicFestival at the end of April. Thirteen recorder players, aged 9 to 11 years, took the first prize with 85 marks and a distinction. The 46 pupil choir just missed out on thewinningpositionbyone point. The groups were coached by teacher Charlott Cowell who said she was very pleased by the children's effort. 'They all worked extremely hard and achieved a very high standard. The children enjoyed entering and attended the extra rehearsals with great enthusiasm. "The choir did very well and the recorder group were thrilled to gain The recorders with Charlotte Cowell, a shield for the school." above, and the choir below

Club needs help FACES,orFreshbrookActivityClub Every Saturday, is a junior youth dub for 6 to 11 year olds which meets at Freshbrook Community Centre during term time from lOam to 12 noon on Saturdays. They are looking for more adult volunteers to help out on a rota basis at club meetings. Enthusiasm is needed and anybody who can supervise netball, or arts and crafts activities will be very welcome. Interested helpers should drop into the community centre on Saturday morning or call 870334 for more information.

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Annual Meeting to mark fifteen years TheFreshbmokVilageGroupholds its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 9 June at 8pm in Freshbrook Community Centre. By its constitution, everybody who lives in Freshbrook and Grange Park is automatically a member of the organisation and all are invited to attend the meeting to hear reports of the last year. There will be discussion about plans for next year and a new executive committee will be elected. This year will be the fifteenth year since the first residents started to get together in each others houses to talk about making a community in the area. The Village Group has an overall brief for community issues, though in reality most of its time is spent on managing the community centre. Things looked encouraging at last year's annual meeting but several set backs during the last twelve months have dented morale and finances said FVG chairman Terry Isles.

"We had plans for developing the centre and offering more to the community at last years meeting but a serious fire and two major break-ins during during the last few months upset our ideas. It means that we have had to work harder to keep the centre healthy. 'The centre is here for the whole community and large numbers of people use the toddler and playgroup, the keep fit classes, the lace making group, the licensed bar and for lots of private functions. "Local people have responsibility for running the building, it's not the local council. We employ a centre managerand other staff, butitmeans that residents have to support the people on the management committee and also volunteer to come forward to join it. And if committee work is not for you, we always want to hear of offers of help with maintenance and decorating." Next year will be the tenth anniversary of Freshbrook Community Centre.

IF ITS A WEST SWINDON STORY, CALL 872282

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Poster prods cyclists Bike owners in Swindon town centre will soon be reminded that bike security is important thanks to Swindon police and a poster designed by Christopher Rogers from Westlea School.

Westlea School Circus Theme Fete Saturday 26 June,2pm Stalls including raffle, face painting, juggling, tombola, white elephant and more Admission 30p, children free

Auction success Well over 200 people attended a Grand Auction at Westlea School on Saturday 15 May where £400 was raised for school funds proving that all the hard work which had gone into organising the auction was worthwhile.

Christopher's poster won a competition run by the police at the school to promote the use of new bike security bars to be installed in the town centre during June. PC Trevor Ca rlton fromSwindon police, who raised £3,000 sponsorship from business to instal 60 security bars, said he turned to the school as he knew that some good ideas would be put forward. "Christopher's poster is an excellent piece of work," he said. At a special assembly on 13 May, Christopher was presented with a framed copy of his poster and a tee shirt with his design printed on it. He will be a guest of honour in early June when the security bars are unveiled for use.

Paranoid pooch picks up top dog awards Sheila Mitchell reports:

They say that every dog has its day and at the Thamesdown Animal Sanctuary Dog Show held at the Polo Ground on 8 May, Noggin, the two year cross border collie owned by the Clifforde family from Whittington Road, Westlea, proved that the day was definitely his.

Christopher Rogers with PC Trevor Carlton at Westlea School

THANKS A LOT! For what you might ask? We all know how we look forward to The Link coming through our doors every month, but you didn't tell me that so many people read it. Since we advertised in The Link we have been inundated with enquiries for our Trial Flights to such an extent that we ran out of gift vouchers necessitating a rushed print run for some more. Why should we run out? Well, although we advertised on the local radio and with other media we have never had such a good response as we have had from your magazine. As a thank you to both you and your readers we offer the competition below. We will soon be taking aerial shots of West Swindon for you to publish, so look out for us and wave. Don Law, Flying instructor, M4 Microlights If you want to see your business take off, call The Link on (0793) 872282

Lisa and Charles Clifforde with Noggin The Thamesdown Animal Sanctuary rescued Noggin last year after he had been found wandering, in a neglected state, around Swindon. TheCliffonie family adopted himin October. At first he was very frightened and insecure, showing signs that he had been maltreated. When left on his own he would be quite destructive, leaving chaos in his wake, as he ran around the house in panic. If left in the car, he would begin to chew the upholstery. The family persevered and within a few months love and devotion won the day for he had been transformed into a sociable, lovable dog. At the dog show he won the 'Best Cross Breed over eighteen months' followed by the cup for the overall 'Best Cross Breed'. Finally, he won the Personality and Best of Show' trophy beating all the pedigree and novelty classes to take the title. He had impressed the judges because he had been so good and well behaved, much to the delight of his devoted owners.

—g--1

WIN A FATHER'S DAY SURPRISE Complete this slogan In no more than 20 words: My Dad would like to fly with M4 Microlights because

Name of Entrant Age Address The prize of a 20 minute flight in the latest Flash 2 Alpha two seat Microlight with a fully qualified instructor will be awarded for the most original answer. The competition is open to all age groups and The Link reserve the right to publish the winner's name and M4 Microlights will be allowed to use any photographs in promotional advertising. Send entries to The Link, 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook, Swindon SN5 8PQ by 30 June. —j L

SHAW Summer Fete at Shaw Chapel, Nine Elms Saturday 12 June, 2pm Cake and bottle stalls, books, toys, face painting, bouncy castle Ad. 1 Op. Organised by Nine Elms Playgroup

Places for under 5s Sunny Smiles Playgroup which meets in the Peatmoor Social Hall on Swinley Drive has a number of places for children aged between three and five years. For more information, telephone Jane Richardson on 879115.

Shaw WI Kay Twyman reports At our May meeting we discussed and voted on resolutions which will be taken up by the National Federation of Womens Institutes and the views of all the Institutes will be forwarded to the Government. Over refreshments we talked about our best remembered holidays, it was smashing, like listening to a travel programme. On 21 June we'll be given a talk and demonstration of sugaring, the removal of unwanted hair - it's a method which originated in the Far East many moons ago. Please do join us; we meet in the Sunshine Room, Westlea School at 730pm. For further details, please call Kay Twyman on 871614.

American dĂ y ends Jane's stay

New play area at Tumpy Fields

Thamesdown Borough Council have designed a small play area aimed at younger children (4-10 year olds), which will be situated at the northern Shaw Ridge School held an Ameri- end of Shaw Ridge linear park between Shropshire Close and the can day to say farewell to student Bramptons. The new play afea is in keeping with Council policy and will be teacher Jane Moore from Indian University after a terl Week place- integrated within the existing landscape of Shaw Ridge, being partially screened with low shrub planting and standard trees. ment. Tumpy Field play area is scheduled for construction in summer 1993 Jane said she had spent a year preparing for the trip to England, and will include a range of timber play equipment, consisting of an taking extra classes about British 'adventure trail', swings, a slide and two 'springy animals'. The play area will have safety surfacing and will be enclosed by a culture and the education system. "I've enjoyed myself a great deal," timber dog-proof fence. Thamesdown Borough Council welcomes the views of local residents she said. "Everybody has been so welcoming and kind. The children and the designer will be available to answer any questions and to explain are lovely and the staff have been the outline proposals for the play area at the Leisure Services reception wonderful. I hope I have contrib- in the Civic Offices between 2 and 9 June. Alternatively you may uted a little to their understanding telephone Mr David James on 493568 who will be happy to discuss the play area with you. about the USA." The location of the proposed play area Joseph Dickens, Kate Zammid and Kate

Edwards with Jane Moore

'mmer Camp Greendown Su Week I: Mon 26 July

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Improve your skills and have fun in one of the following: I. TRAMPOLINING [20 places available] Develop your skills within this popular sport. 1he course will cater for both the complete beginner and the more advanced trampolinist. B.T.F. Awards could be taken at the end ol!the week. 2. SOCCER [50 places] A chance to have a week's extensive coaching, including a guided tour around Swindon Town's ground plus coaching from the professionals. Each person will take part in an ongoing tournament. 3. BASKETBALL [30 places] Individual and team skills for the beginner and experienced player. Dribbling, passing, shooting, offensive and defensive techniques will be taught. 4. TENNIS [20 places] Expert coaching, all equipment provided, develop your skills with the aid of the tennis ball machine, hence we can cater for all ability and age ranges. S. GYM / DANCE [20 places] All aspects of gymnastics and dance will be explored. 6. MULTI-SPORTS [IS places] A combination of all activities listed above for those who like variety. 7. TINY TOTS [30 places] A mixed programme covering Art, Drama, Fun games, Trampolining, Gym, etc, ideal for the 3 to 9 year old.

If you require any further information on any of the activities, please contact Steve O'Sullivan at Greendown on Swindon 874224. O The summer camp will be based at Greendown Community School with all the activities taking place between 1000am and 300pm, with an hour for lunch at 12.00 noon. (Children do not have to attend the school to take part in the summer camp). o

Participants - aged 8 to 14 years and one group of 'Tiny Tots' for 3 - 9 year olds - should wear the appropriate clothing for the activity chosen; changing rooms are available. A packed lunch will be required if the child is staying on site at lunchtime.

Q Lunchtimes will be supervised. After finishing lunch, activities such as quizzes and videos will be arranged. o

In order to ensure that the children will receive a quality experience, the number of places for each activity will be limited, so early booking is essential.

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New faces at the library David Reed introduces the new team From 1 June you will be seeing new • Nigel Kirkman, Librarian, based at Wootton Bassett. Nigel has come faces at the library. They are: • Joyce Kirk Browne, West Swin- from Malmesbury library and was don Group Librarian, lives in the previously at our Information Unit area and has worked in Highworth at Trowbridge. Prior to that he was and other libraries in north Swin- atMalmesburyfora numberof years don. She was previously atWootton which is where he lives. Bassett and with school libraries in Staff members, front from left, Joyce London. Kirk-Browne and David Reed. Rear, • David Reed, Librarian, based at Jean Emerson, Isabel Mason, Linda West West Swindon, has come from Corsham and Box libraries, and was previously atHighworth library. He lives in Chippenham.

what you want. So tell us, either by talking to the library staff orby writing your viewpoint, criticism, praise etc, in the Comments Book which you will find in the library. We obviously cannot guarantee a positive reply in each case but we can respond with explanations or consider alternative actions as a result of your comments. To get the most out of life get the most out of your library. And finally Ten Top Adult Fiction Titles

Emma Blair - The Sweetest Thing. When Cully Stewart dies in the middle of morning service, his wife and family are devastated and left to pick up the pieces.

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We also gain an additional parttime Library Supervisor, Jean Emerson, and two new Library Assistants (names currently unknown). All these changes mean goodbye and thanks to: Sandra Chandler; Christine Owen, who now becomes an Assistant Lending Librarian at Swindon Central;Helen Eatwell; and Mandy Shepherd, who is saying farewell to the library, at least for the moment, to go on maternity leave. We wish them all the very best in their new roles. As with most businesses and public services, Wiltshire Library and Museum Service is trying to make the most of its resources and so give you, our customers, the best possible service. This means that your librarians will each spend time at the various libraries in the West Swindon Group maintaining and developing the library services you currently receive. So, you won't always seethe same librarians in the same libraries. It's not really as complicated as it sounds, I assure you! That's enough about us - what about YOU? for those of you who don't: "Why don't you use your library?" And for those of you who do: 'What do you want from your library?" The library is here for you, to provide you with leisure, information and educational material. But do we have what you want? And is it easy to find what we do have? Whether your answers to these various questions range from "Yes, it's a wonderful library service", to "Give me a break, libraries are boring," we want to hear from you. It's your library and it should reflect

Old Konrad is dying and as a strange drama unfolds around him, the family relationships, deceptions and delusions are revealed. Belva Plain - Whispers. Family Saga about a woman unable to admit to anyone, much less herself, that her idyllic life is based on a lie. By the author of Treasures. Tim Sebastian - Last Rights. Thriller. Edward Bell lives quietly with his exiled Russian mother until a Russian businessman is found dead and they are hunted by security agents. By the author of Exit Berlin. Joanna Trollope- A Spanish Lover. Contemporary family drama set in Britain and Spain. By the author of The Men and the Girls. Lena Kennedy - Queenie's Castle. Joe Connor is demobbed in 1945 and returns to his East End home to find things have changed for the worse and that peacetime is as turbulent as the war he has left behind.

John La Carre - The Night Manager. The master spy writer brings you his latest thriller involving arms trade with the Third World and drug smu: ing. By the author of Smiley's People and Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. Barbara Taylor Bradford - Angel. A group of four teenage orphans led by 'angel' Rosie Madigan become a family of friends as they build glittering careers in show business. By the author of Remember.

Anita Brookner - A Family Romance. Widowed Dolly enters the lives of Paul and Henrietta Manning, who accept her out of family obligation. At first relationships are uneasy, but they develop into something of great value. All the above titles were published in May and can be reserved for 70p. Please ask at the Enquiry Desk for more information.

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Open Monday to Friday 8am - 5.30pm, Saturday 8am - 4pm and now Sunday lOam - 2pm. Why not come along to our newly refurbished accessory shop and see the superb range of autoparts we offer our very special West Swindon customers. And remember we can also provide fitting of the parts you are unable to fit yourself through our own workshop facility.

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HEALTH MATTERS

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Slip, slop and slap like the Aussies Health Visitor Alison Nay/or advises us to take a downunder approach to the sun Many of us look forward to soaking up the sun, striving for the 'healthy' deep golden tan. But in the light of a 50% increase in the incidence of malignant carcinoma (one form of skin cancer) in the last decade in the U.K., is it really healthy? Over-exposure to the ultra-violet rays in sunlight is at the root of the problem, so thankfully, we can help ourselves by: • tanning gradually, neverstayout in the sun when skin becomes red avoiding times when the sun is particularly intense, e.g. late morning and in the afternoon

• always using sunscreen, applying it fiequently and paying particular attention to sensitive areas lips, ears, eyelids • covering up with light clothing if prone to sunburn • keep babies and children out of strong sunlight, use sunscreen with a protective factor greater than 10. One severe bout of sunburn in childhood doubles the risk of malignant melanoma in adulthood. So, let's take heed of the Australians and 'Slip on a top, slop on a sunscreen, slap on a hat' and enjoy the summer!

UPHOLSTERY • Repairs from £25 chair, £35 settee • Recovering in your own fabric or supplied by us • Antiques restored For • Large range of fabric estimates, available phone Swindon

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Mental Health - an issue many of us will face June Pycroft talked to members of the West Swindon Mental Health Team based at the Health Centre One in four people will suffer from in Rodbourne, Wootton Bassett, some kind of mental health problem Purton, Lyneham and Cricklade, brings its own particular problems. at some time in their lives. Yet, throughout history, society has reacted to illnesses of the mind with septicism, prejudice, fear and even witch-hunts. Some sufferers still find mental illness carries a certain stigma. Employers maybe unsympathetic oreven antagonistic. Families and friends, ignorant of the natureof mental illness, may label them as weak-spirited, unable to cope, or simply as odd. Members of the WestSwindon Mental Health Team - a group of community psychiatric nurses, social workers and a consultant psychiatrist - know that nothing could be further from the truth. The team, based at the West Swindon Health Centre, sees patients from every social class, profession and age group. There is no typical sufferer of mental illness. A patient may have an acute, or one-off, mental illness or may have chroniccondition which requires years of support.

"Years ago we only saw patients suffering fmm'classic' ilnesses,such as schizophrenia. Now wedeal more with victims of life's traumas and dramas," he explains. In West Swindon, young mothers often suffer depression after being uprooted and moving to an area where there is no family support and where they have not yet made friends. Recently, the team has noticed an increase in one particular type of patient - the houseowner, who has had his/her home repossessed. Even if he/she believes the decision to hand back the keys is the right one, the period following repossession can bring overwhelming feelings of guilt and loss, which may lead to illness.

Bereavement, redundancy and money worries can all trigger off mental health problems, too. In short, the strains and stresses of ut whether chronic or acute, the patient is treated in the community twentieth century life can leave litwhereve- possible. The team's phi- erally anyone is need of professional help. losophy is that each patient should be helped to reach the highest level The team is under constant pressure of functioning he possibly can within because of the number of referrals, his home environment. says the spokesman. There is no such thing as an average day for a Drawing on the wide range of skills available to it, the team establishes a community psychiatric nurse, but it two-way working relationship with is not unusual to visit fourteen patients in one day. the patient as soon as he or she is referred by the OP. Every member "It's never dull, though," he says. of the team believes all patients have "There's certainly plenty of job satthe right to be responsible for them- isfaction in seeing someone getting selves and should be involved in better" treatment decisions. Which, given the number of patients A spokesman for the team says the the teamhelps, is a lot of job satisfacWestSwindon area,which alsotakes tion indeed.

RECREATION

David delivers on Mums Day Twelve year old Greendown stu- Champion in the Blue/Red belt dident David Pixton promised his vision. In May he fought his way to mum, Pam that he would bring second place in the Welsh champihome a trophy on Mothers Day onships. He was last featured in the Januwhen he entered the English Tae Kwon-Do championships on 21 ary Link after he took second place in the British championships in the March - and he did. David, who attends the Croft Autumn. He is working hard to win Club, came away as English Junior it later this year. David Pixton doing the aerial splits with his English champion trophy

Take to the Skies SUGARING The Natural Choice of Hair Removal Reduced rates for Senior Citizens and School Age Children Contact Giovanna Monington

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BOUNCY CASTLES

LearntoFly with M4 Microlights

Jelly Bounce, Clowns, Castles All supplied with raincovers and safety mats. Delivered and collected

Lessons and Gift Vouchers available Redlands Airfield Lower Wanborough Swindon Tel: (0793) 790052

Action Packed June June is the hottest month for activities at the Link Centre, but the ice rink is also the 'coolest place in town, says Alison Bruce

free of charge to all skaters so you can keep your identity a secret, free Bucks Fizz will be provided to the first 200 through the rink doors (over 18's only) and besides all this we have a finale of over 100 balloons for you all to enjoy. Throughout the evening you will be swept around the ice rink to classical music from our rink organist and you'll also have the chance to join in party games and win prizes. Golf Partner Wanted It'll be a great evening for all the The editor of The Link magazine, who has never played golf, is looking family, so comealongand join in the for a golfer to be his partner in the fun - you are all cordially invited!

Midsummer Skater's Ball

On Thursday 24 June, from 7.45pm - 10.15pm our normal Classic Skating session will be transformed into a midsummer party forfamilies and individuals alike. For those who wish to dress up in evening attire, there will be special prize for the best dressed skater, masquerademaskswillbeprovided

Thamesdown Golf Week Golfer/ Beginner competition on Thursday 17 June at Broome Manor. If you can guide somebody with only a vague idea of how to play, call Roger Ogle on 872282.

Beginners Steps Bernadette Cowap who runs several of the popular Step Reebok exercise classes at Freshbrook has an absolute beginners class starting on Wednesday 2 June between 8pm and 9pm. The classes will be a gentle introduction to Step techniques with extra time given over to explanation and demonstration so that class members pick up the exercise routines safely. "Stepping is a great way of exercising, especially if you're just starting," says Bernadette. "It's also good fun for a new group to learn together." For more information, contact Bernadette on (0865) 326641 or Kate on 873497 in the evening.

Half-term Camp

Children from the ages of 5-7 and 812 years will be heading for the Link Centre this half-term to take part in their favourite structured activities. From Tuesday 1 June to Friday 4 June, 9.30am - 3.30pm, each day, Lincoln's Holiday Camp will be available to offer you plenty of action packed fun. Don't forget to book your space on Camp in advance though, places are strictly limited. Lincoln's lunches are also available, just book on the day. Cost: £5.20 per day. Gold Card holders £1.50 per day. In the Swim

'Freestyle' is a special session in the swimming pool for all you water lovers! Floats, rafts, games and watersports - anything goes in this supervised fun session, within reason. Join us during the holiday (excluding Wednesday) between lOam - 11am each weekday. We'll treat you to a splashing good time. Cost: £1.50 adults, 75p juniors

Tel: 827043

MIDSUMMER SKATERS BALL Thursday 24th June 7.45pm - 10.15pm • FREE Masquerade masks • Optional evening dress - prizes to be won for best dressed • Balloon finale • Organist • Fun & Games

UNK

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Recreation Services BOROUGH OF

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Step Reebok at Freshbrook School, Willows Hall Monday 730pm - 8.3Opm (Experienced Steppers) 830pm - 930pm (All levels welcomed) Wednesday 7pm - 8pm(Experienced) 8pm - 9pm (Absolute Beginners) NEW CLASS STARTS 2 JUNE Thursday 730pm - 830pm and 830pm - 930pm (All levels both classes) Classes limited to 25 Tel: Kate on 873497 (eves) or Bernadette (0865) 326641 to reserve a step Instructor: Bernadette Cowap YMCA, RSA & Reebok Step Trained

The Link Magazine • June 1993 -.- _-t.-

e,c1rit

Wef New & Nearly New

Quality Clothing 59 North Street, Old Town, Swindon Tel: 695223 Open: Mon - Sat lOam - 5pm. Closed Wed. Buy Immaculate Day/Evening Wear, Ballgowns, Bridajwear, Menswear, Baby & Childrens wear Top Designer Labels - all at very attractive prices Have you seen our range of

immaculate quality clothing? Others have and they keep coming back.

The Cambridge Diet - the nutritious way to lose weight Great news[ Four new flavours for you to enjoy - Butterscotch, Chocolate Mint, Asparagus and Chicken and Mushroom - plus we've improved on all the old favourites. Contact your Counsellor to try them today Telephone Rebecca Clifforde (Westlea) on 873201 --

Health

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Women looking after themselves

-..--

The Swindon Women's Health Group meets at the Well Women Centre at the Health Hydro, Milton Road on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month from 1pm to2.3Opm. The meetings are free to any women who would like to attend. June's programme is: 10 June PMT and the menstrual cycle 24 June Dreams and their meanings Formore information, call 533729 or 481232.

)ENISE' DRAPES I

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Jo r beauty & arThmatherapy JUNE SPECIAL OFFER

FREE eyebrow tidy or reshape with a Deep Cleanse Facial £12.50 inc.

Eyelash Tint Pedicure Half leg wax

The Breakaways group, which meets at the West Swindon Family Project on Thursdays between lOam and 12 noon, is holding three sessions during June 10 June Stress Management with Health Visitor Mary Matthews 17&24 June Arts and Crafts on The Octobus Newcomers are always welcome and there's a free creche for under 5s. For more information, call Dona, Chris or Gina on 871303.

£3.85 £7.75 £6.30

(Sugaring is also available) Electrolysis 15 mins £4.75

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drive from Link Centre) Connie Jeapes IHBC, ITEC

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With business at last seeinga change in fortunes and the promise of better times, an upturn in recruitment is likely. And the demand for office skills could be at the forefront. Future Training Services at the Shaftesbury Centre in Rodbourne offers a wide range of training courses in a fast, flexible and effective way. Students can start courses on any day and study from two hours a week to full time. They work at their own pace at professionally designed workstations in a friendly environment using selfteach methods from workbooks and cassette tape instruction. All the standard computer pmgra mines are taught including anew programme 'Word for Windows'.

Additionally, a full range of typing, shorthand and wordprocessingand book-keeping courses are available. Instruction in Desktop Publishing technique is also available. Standards are extremely high and results are outstanding. Office skills will always be in demand and with an emphasis on training by government and commerce, a Future Training course is an ideal way of obtaining a variety of skills. As most of the courses conform to National Vocational Qualifications requirement, students benefit from a 25% discount on fees. Payment by instalments can be arranged. For more information about Future Training Services courses, call Vernon Manfield on 488518.

Computer training in your own home PTI Training runs home-based computer training for people with disabilities. All necessary equipment is on loan for three months, together with a weekly .IIlJiTrIJJJllll,,. training visit. No previous experience needed - everyone can have a go! The course is funded byThamesdown Borough Council and is free to the individual. For an informal chat contact Bridget at P11 Training on 512446

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Security shutters showhomes wanted

Reward for return of trailer

Outlook security is looking for West Swindon home owners who would be willing to become showhomes for theirnew range of insulated window shutters. The shutters are the ultimate in home security, offering a visible burglardetorrant. They are very useful on ground floor windows and particularly on patio doors. The panels interlock when closed making it impossible to open. The self-locking system secures the shutter to its frame and no keys or bolts are required. Outlook want a limited number of homes where they will fitshutters free of labour charge. Call Nick Forte on 495195 if interested.

David Greetham from Freshbrook would like readers to keep a lookout for his 10' by 5' Ivor Williams low sided, four wheel trailer. Its theft on the night of Monday 3 May from outside his house in Rowton Heath Way has made things difficult for his garden maintenance business. However hedoes not have high hopes of seeing the trailer again as the police have told him that it was probably stolen to order and has been sold on cheaply in another part of the country. Anybody who sees a trailer fitting the description should contact PC Clarke at Swindon Police on 528111. David is offering a reward for its return.

The Link Magazine June 1993

MEET THE POLICE & HAVE YOUR BIKE STAMPED

THE VALET SERVICE FOR YOUR HOME

Policemen with responsibility for West Swindon will be at the Link Centre to meet local people on 15 & 16 June between 5pm and 7pm If you have any concerns about policing in West Swindon and other issues to do with the police, Sergeant Terry Cuss and his colleagues will be pleased to talk to you.

DECORATING INSIDE OR OUT SPECIAL RATES FOR PENSIONERS

Plans for the new Police Station in Westlea will also be on display Bike Stamping: At the same time, Special Constables will be security stamping bicycles free of charge. Bring your bicycles down to the Link Centre on 15 & 16 June.

Getting in touch with the customers

Call Decor Valet for a Free Estimate

Sergeant Terry Cuss will be writing a regular monthly article and invites you to let him know your concerns

In last month's Link an article and photograph introduced me as the West Swindon 'ream Leader. This sounds very fine but what does it mean to you? I see my role to be the identified contact point for all of the residents of West Swindon. Within our limited resources, we are hying to be more in touch with local opinion and demands. There is now a nominated Officer to deal with community matters in every area of West Swindon. We attempt to give a high priority to problems we consider to be of public concern, for example house burglaries and carcrime. lamaware though that there are other concerns and problems that you will have. They may not be emergencies 'there and then' but over a period of time they cause annoyance or worry if not dealt with. Within our limitation we are here to provide the service that YOU want, not just to deal with the matters that we feel are important.

I am therefore grateful to the Link for the opportunityto have this monthly contact with you. If you have a particularconcern or question, you can be sure that someone else in West Swindon shares it. Here I can answer your calls or letters publicly, if you wish, as well as contact you directly and ensure we do our best to resolve the matter. I can also use the column to keep you informed of what's happening crime wise in West Swindon and at times request your help, which is very important to us. So, you now know who I am and where you can contact or leave a message for me. If I don't know your problem, I can't deal with it. The rest is up to you.

Security against theft and attack With bike thefts booming and some insurance companies refusing to pay out, its time to take bike security sen ously. A strong D lock is the minimum requirement to keep your bike safe. Now Phil Mitchell from Shaw who runs the Bike Doctor mobile repair service is selling a range of high tech, low cost alarms to protect your property and yourself. The compact, versatile units are palm sized and can be used in a whole variety of situations. The personal portable alarm is set by keying in a secret code after it is attached to your property - a bike, the garage door, a suitcase, a computer. It reacts to movement and depending on the sensitivity you've set, it will go off at an ear piercing 107 decibels after a short time delay. Phil Mitchell holding Another version, the personal atone of security alarms tackalarm, can be used attached to a belt or a handbag. If the wearer is They will draw attention to theft or attacked or the bag snatched, a pin attack and could be crucial in a mowill pull out of the unit and the ment of crisis. The portable alarm costs £30 and alarm will sound immediately. These alarms have a wide range the attack alarm costs £16. Phil of uses and provide security in most Mitchell will be pleased to demonsituations by scaringoff mostwould- strate them in your home. Call him be thieves, intruders and attackers. on 874873 or (0850) 650956.

Contact me, or leave a message at Swindon Police Station, tel: 528111 ext 615, or contact The Link magazine, 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook

SWINDON 824372 No job too small. Personal service

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West Swindon Ladies Club Sheila Leighfield writes The Club has had a very good start to the year with excellent speakers and a fantastic evening with Sheila Harrod and some of her girls. Three of our own ladies put on a craft evening in March and what talent there was on show. We also had another good skittles evening in March, fun, but not much talent there! Unfortunately Terry Cresswell was unable to talk to us about YesteryearinTravel, due to an accident, so we replaced him with a beetle drive and had a lot of laughs. On 10 May we went in search of leprechauns with Mervyn Penny. No luck We didn't find one. On 8 May we ran a car boot sale at the Link and raised a lot of money for the Club. Wehavea visit to Cloverleaf on25 May and on 7 June we're off the the Cotswold Woollen Mills, followed by a bar meal at the Lamb Inn. 21 June will bring the WRVS to tell us of their History and Works. Plans for the last six months of the yeararewellunderway, with speakers, outings demonstrations and fun! We meet alternate Mondays in the Community Room at Toothill Schoolat7.30pm. All welcome. Ring 873131 or 522561 for more details.

Fireman Sam sees Westlea in action A youngster fromToothill who is mad on fire engines had his dreams come true in May and Comic Relief benefitted by ÂŁ30.

Sam takes a break with, from left, Steve Field, Jason Nightingale and Andy Cresswell In March Westlea fire station of"It was really great," said Shaun fered Link magazine readers the Pewsey. "Sam climbed all over the chance to spend a day as a fireman fire engine and the rescue tender in return for a donation to the char- and then was taken fora ride around ity. Alison Pewsey from Belsay, the station yard. He had to stand Toothill snapped up the opportu- back for safety reasons when the fire nity on behalf of her three and a half crews using the high pressure hoses year old son Sam who loves playing and cutting up a car, but he climbed with toy fire engines and watching a small ladder and tried on breathFireman Sam on television. ing apparatus. He was also taken Dressed in his bright yellow into the smoke house and climbed firemans outfit, Sam was welcomed to the top of the drill tower. with his dad Shaun at Westlea fire "Sam really enjoyed his day and station on 7 May and given a corn- we'd like to thank Westlea firemen plete pict-ureof the faciltiesand train- for making it so interesting. We'llbe ing programme. playing the video many times."

"The choice is Yours ffff

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THE LINK MAGAZINES GUIDE ID WHAT'S ON IN AND AROUND SWINDON

Voices of Swindon

Lisa Clark considers the moral dilemmas posed by Indecent Proposal and Sommersby

Swindon Museum would liketo hear from people with memories of Swindon for their new Oral History Project. Launched at the end of May, the Oral History Project involves making tape-recorded interviews with people who are willing to talk about their memories. These might be of the First and Second World Wars, school days, working (for example at Garrard's, Wills or the Pressed Steel factories), sport or entertainment (one of the managers of the Empire Theatre has already been interviewed). What about home life in the 1920s and 1930s. Was your family so large that you needed two sittings at lunch? The original recordings will be added to the Museum's Sound Archive, while extracts maybe used in exhibitions and educational work. This kind of information can bring so much to an exhibit, giving a personal view of life in the years which made Swindon what it is today. At present the Museum's staff have to borrow a cassette recorder and microphone. They are looking for a sponsor to supply equipment or money, so they can obtain their own. Anyone who is interested in contributing to the project should contact Isobel Thompson or Jill Jefferson-Jones at Swindon Museum & Art Gallery, Bath Road, Swindon. Tel: 493188

Would you? You would? How could you! This fierce moral battle began minutes after the credits for 'Indecent Proposal' started to roll. The film, now showing at the MGM, begs the question: Would you let your mate have a one-night stand with another person, if in return, you received £750,000? Diana (Demi Moore) and David (Woody Harrelson) an unshakeable couple who've just lost their savings at a Las Vegas Casino table, seemed to have the dilemma sussed. 'After all' says Diana, it's just my body, not my mind'. Ah, but she didn't figure John Gage (Robert Redford) into the equation. The man oozes charm, and in real life certainly wouldn't have to pay for an escort. Although the idea of boy loses girl to older man was done recently with Nicholas Cage and James Cann in 'Hollywood in Las Vegas', Indecent Proposal is drawing the crowds on the popularity of young stars, Harrelson ('Cheers') and Moore ('Ghost', 'A Few Good Men') with anchorweight Redford. Director Adrian Lynn hasn't tapped into the sexual paranoia he did in his earlier film, 'Fatal Attraction', but it looks like he has another winner. Sommersby, more visually pleasing of the two films, is a remake

Demi Moore in Indecent Proposal of the French film 'The Return of Martin Guerre'. It showcases Jodie Foster as principled heroine who uncovers the truth about Jack Sommersby (Richard Gere), a man who returns from the Civil War claiming to be her husband. Besides the minor historical hiccups (was there really a black judge in the deep south so quickly after the war?) it gained points with its non-Hollywood ending. And more importantly, it raises the question: Would you claim to be another person, even if your life depended on it?

Win two tickets to see The Witches on stage on 22 July What do you know about Witches? Broomsticks? Black cats? That's the stuff of fairy-tales. This first ever stage production atthe Wyvern Theatre of the famous book is definitely no fairy-tale. It's afast-moving adventure of a boy and his grandmother battling against real witches - easily the most dangerous of all living creatures on earth. You can win two tickets to witness an extraordinary action packed play of spine-tingling, spectacular events, amazing illusions, music and humour. Answer these questions and win: 1. Who wrote the book 'The Witches.' 2. Witches can be identified in several ways. Give at least three? 3. What organisation were The Witches pretending to be at the hotel? 4. What is the name of the boy in the book who is turned into a mouse? 5. Which country does the grandmother come from? Send your entries by Friday 2 July to The Link (Witches Competition), 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook, Swindon

Dorothy Ann Gould as the Grand High Witch

Tel: 822193 Open Daily gam - 6 pm Sundays 9am - lOam

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What would you do with your life or your body?

SATURDAY MORNING MOVIES FOR KIDS AT THE MGM

5 June Stay Tuned PG

12 June Princess & The Goblin U

19 June The Witches

26 June Never Ending Story II

Saturdays lOam Tickets: £1.70 MGM Shaw Ridge West Swindon

The Swindon Wide Tuesday June - Saturday 5June Children's Drama The Magic Roundabout. A stage adaptation of the sixties TV programme. Wyvern, Tues 7pm, Wed-Fri 2.30pm & 7pm, Sat 11am, 2.30pm & 7pm. Adults £6.50, children £5

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Thursday 3 June Talk Treesof Lydiard, an illustrated talk. Lydiard Country Park, 7pm. £2.20, £1 juniors Comedy Alan Davies and Phil Jupitus presented by The Comedy Club. The Arts Centre, Devizes Road, 8pm. £4.50 Friday 4 June Dance Transitions Dance Company. Thamesdown Dance Studio, Town Hall Studios, Regent Circus, 8pm. £4.45, £2.90

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Tuesday 1 June Exhibition Swindon Camera Club. Annual summer exhibition by local photographers in black and white and colour. Swindon Art Gallery, Bath Road, open Monday-Saturday 1 Oam- 5pm , Sunday 2.30pm -5pm. Continues until Saturday 26 June.

r p

Saturday 5 June Exhibition & Auction Lledo International Model Show and Auction. One of the largest manufacturers of diecast model vehicles, bring their annual show to the Science Museum, Wroughton. Also helicopter flights, vintage rides etc. Open 9am - 5pm. £4, children £2 Sunday 6 June Great Thamesdown Bike Ride. Ride the back roads and raise money for charity. Tel: 511033 for details and entry form. Music Midwest Big Band Concert. Town Gardens, Westlecot Road, Old Town, Swindon, 3pm - 430pm. Admission free Conservation Lock After a Woodland Wildlife Area. Peatmoor Copse, Peatmoor, W Swindon lOam - 4pm. Admission free Tuesday 8 June - Wednesday 9 June Children's Drama Struck by Lightening presented by Molecule Theatre of Science. Science brought to life for 7-11 year olds. Wyvern, 10am & 2pm. £3.50

Thursday 10 June Music Prospect Charity Show with Kentwood. Wyvern 730pm. Sponsored by Arkells, all tickets £6 Friday 11 June Dance Images of Dance presented by students from the Graduates classical Class of The London Studio Centre. Wyvern, 730pm. £5.50 & £4.50 Saturday 12 June Craft Market Wyvern lOam - 4pm. Free admission Music With a Smile and a Song presented by Thamesdown Ladies Choir. Wyvern, 730pm. £5 Comedy Honor Blackman in her new one-women show 'Dishonorable Ladies.' The Arts Centre, Devizes Road, 7.30pm. £8.50 Tuesday 15 June - Saturday 19 June Drama Noel and Gertie by Noel Coward. Wyvern, 730pm, Sat mat, 230pm. £10.50, £8.50, Sat mat £5.50 Wednesday 16 June - 19 June Opera The Magic Flute presented by Operaspectra, Swindon's newest opera company. The Arts Centre, Devizes Road, 730pm. To book tel: 619001

Tuesda' The Bhundu Boys from play their infectious blend of music. Link Centre, 8pm.

5aturday 10 June

rhe Christians (above) Link centre. Doors open 7pm. £1 2.5C Saturday 19 June Ausic 10cc. Link Centre. . pen %M:::T £13.50

The Best Barn Dances in Swindon at The Dance House, Ellendune Centre, Wroughton Saturday 19 June, 8pm: Woodpecker Band Tickets: £4.75. Conc. £3.50, Under 12s £1 Family ticket - 2 adults and any number of children £13 Send cheques and SAE to The Dance House 131 Goddard Avenue, Swindon

June overview Sunday 20 June Steam Train Ride Fathers Day

Saturday 26 June Monday 28 June Children Pond Dipping at Coate Comedy Trev & Simon presented

rides on Swindon & Cricklade Railway. Blunsdon Station, 1130am - 430pm. Adults £1.50, children £1, Dads free

Water Country Park. lOam - 12 noon & 2pm - 4pm. Cost £1.50

Sunday 27 June Walk around Seven Fields Hay Meadows. Meet at Kennet Avenue, Swindon, 6pm. Free

Sunday 27 June Music An evening with Finbar Furey and Neil Cox, Irish music and song. The Arts Centre, Devizes Road, 730pm. £8

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Wednesday 30 & 1 July Music Swindon Young Musicians Summer Concerts. Wyvern, 730pm. £4

Wed neday 30 June Walk around Town Gardens and The Quarries. Meet in Westlecot Road, Old Town. 7pm £2 and £1.

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Transitions Dance Company on 4 June

Monday 21 June - Saturday 26 June Variety Stagestruck presents a week of music and song on the theme of Love'. The Arts Centre, Devizes Road, 7.30pm. To book tel: 535052

Wednesday 23 June - Saturday 26 June Music Hiss And Boo Music and Variety Show. Wyvern 7pm, Thurs Mat 2pm. £7.50, Mat £5.50

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The Link Magazine June 1993

Three out of four adults in the UK are paying too much tax!! Are you one of them? Did you know that the majority of because you are a pensioner having us are probably paying too much tax deducted at source from your investments, but this is a dangerous tax without even realising it? You may think that you can't be assumption to make. A recent survey conducted by overpaying tax because you are an employee taxed under PAYE, or Mintel has produced some stagger-

Steel Hodges Ockwell Accountants and Tax Advisers SPECIALIST SUPPORT FOR THE SMALLER BUSINESS WHY NOT RING FOR A FREE INTRODUCTORY MEETING? For further information 163 Victoria Road, Swindon Telephone: (0793) 430303

ing results. Its research has shown that 3 out of 4 adults, i.e. up to 30 million people in the UK are paying too much tax. How does this happen? There are three basic masons, explains Caroline Ockwell, tax partner with Steel Hodges Ockwell, Accountant and Tax Advisers, in Victoria Road, Swindon. The most obvious reason is the lack of awareness of the tax allowances available and the failure to reclaim tax deducted at source from investments. The Inland Revenue is very conscious of this and has recently launched its own campaign to encourage tax claims from the estimated 10 million pensioners and married women who they believe have not taken full advantage of the tax changes over the last few years. Thelnland Revenueestimate that they owe this group alone approximately £800 million in unclaimed

heeJt itite Look out for in July The Link magazine's annual comprehensive directory to community services and facilities in West Swindon. Included will be addresses and telephone numbers for local councillors, schools, health centres, churches, meeting halls and contacts for community organisations. WEST is aimed specifically at the needs of West Swindon, containing information West Swindon people need in a hurry, when they don't have time to scrabble through hefty yellow directories. Also listed will be an index of advertisers under appropriate headings. Not only is WEST a community guide, it's also the best way of finding out which businesses provide a service to the area. If you don't advertise with The Link already, a space in West is essential to ensure that your business has a high profile in West Swindon.

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tax refunds! Four tax offices have actually been closed in recent months because of the lack of response. With the introduction this April of the new style 12 page tax return, even more people will undoubtedly be deterred from contacting their tax office. The new forrnis intended to encourage the taxpayer to work out their own tax liabilities as much as possible but Caroline's experience so far has been that mostclients have been horrified by its complexity. The second reason is the bewilderment which confront us when choosing the most suitable type of investment to meet our individual needs. There are many tax-efficient forms of investment available ranging from Personal Equity Plans to Pension Funds, but without professional advice it is difficult to know which ones suit your own circumstances. Many people therefore do nothing and thus pay tax unnecessarily. Mmtel's survey estimates that over £3 billion of investors' moneyis wasted each year by failing to arrange their ha n1- earned wealth in the most taxefficient manner. This appalling wastage can be drastically reduced if investors seek independent financial advice on how to capitalise on the tax-free forms of investment available, explains Caroline Ockwell. Caroline also stresses the need to ensure that help is sought from an independent financial advisor who is not tied to any particular company and will therefore have wide access to the opportunities available and whose advice will be completely impartial. The third mason for paying too much tax is failing to take advantage of the more complex tax planning opportunities available. Mintel's survey estimates that almost £4 billion is wasted annually because of either a reluctance to change or a lack of awareness of the tax savings that can be achieved. Many people are put off seeking professional advice of this nature by mistakenly believing that their affairs do not warrant such attention. These people could help reduce this £4 billion wastage and help themselves at the same time. It won't cost you anything to discover whether you are one of the majority in a position to benefit! Simply contact Caroline Ockwell on Swindon 430303 fora FREE INTRODUCTORY MEETING or call in to see us at 163 Victoria Road. Independent financial advice is provided through Caroline's associated company, Financial Advisory Centre, which is FIMBRA registered.

The Link Magazine

Women will entertain for research support Lynda Thompson from Eastleaze is taking to the 'taiga' (or northern boreal forest) in remotest Alaska for two weeks during August. But she has to raise £1,000 first and she's asking Link readers for help. Lynda has teamed up with Ann Buckle, a multiple sclerosis sufferer from Wokingham, to join an Earthwatch teamona scientific investigation of the fragile taiga ecosystem. Both will contribute to the research with Lynda dealing with the baggage and helping Ann to get about. Together they will paving the way for more disabled volunteers to take part in out of the way research. Earthwatch is an international, charity set up to enable ordinary people to assist in rigorous scientific field-work which might not take place for lack of funding. But the volunteers have to contribute to project costs and Lynda is appealing both to companies and local community groups for financial help. She's not just asking for money. In return for support, Lynda, assisted by Ann where possible, will give slide-illustrated lectures on tall-ship voyages they have both undertaken. And when they return, they will

Lydiard Millicent Church of England School

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Tel: 875174

More details in next months' Link magazine

give talks about the Earthwatch trip. Both are anxious to take part this year because Ann's physical condition could well deteriorate further within the next twelve months. "Going to a wilderness area to take part in a complex study will allow me to realise a lifetime's ambition, thanks to Lynda's help," said Ann. Anyone wishing to make a donation and book a lecture can contact Lynda Thompson on 876409.

1993 19

R.T. Farley

Summer Fete Saturday 19 June, 1.30pm

Research, adventure and exploration for Lynda Thompson and Ann Buckle

.June

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Cash for CALM from two local sources The Swindon based charity CALM, the children's Cancer and Leukaemia Movement benefited by £1400 when Terry Dixon from Nine Elms ran in this year's London Marathon. Although he never challenged (or even saw!) the winners, Terry was happy to record a personal best time of 3 hours 59 minutes and has now hung up his marathon shoes for good. "1 was very pleased to be able to help a most deserving cause" said Terry, "CALM helps both children and their families through very difficult periods in their lives and have invested heavily in facilities at Princess Margaret Hospital to make children's stays whilst undergoing treatment more pleasant." Terry's 5 year old neighbour, Craig Sneddon has been successfully receiving treatment for leukaemia for the past 2 years. A presentation was made to

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Craig Sneddon with Terry Dixon

Laurie Austin, fund-raising organiser for CALM, at the Swindon Old Town 8 mile Road Race and Holy Rood School Fun Run which Terry organises for Holy Rood Junior School Parents Association.

Local talent shows off for charity A variety show for charity in April raised £600 for a cancer charity in memory of Westlea youngster Lucy Stratford who died in January. The show 'A breath of fresh air' was organised by Chris Lockett, leader of 1st Westlea Guides, and brought together local guides and brownies, the Kentwood JuniorChoir, gymnasts from the Concorde Club and individual acts. A cheque was hand over to Laurie Austin, chairman of CALM, the cancer and leukemia charity, at a social evening attended by many of the participants during May. If you would like to support CALM or find out more about the organisation, please ring Laurie Austin on 534004.

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The Link Magazine June 1993

Call for car park charges to be dropped the council made the wrong deci- streets, or leaving their cars on Hay sion to introduce charges. "The Lane and walking in. "My resolution will ask for the charges are just not working. People are staying away from Lydiard charges to be dropped" or causing aggravation to Grange Park residents by parking in their

A local councillor is to put a proposal to Thamesdown Council in June that the controversial charges for car parking at Lydiard Park should be removed. Councillor Linda Green believes

Youth take to the water

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Adventure for youngsters More girls needed The Wootton Bassett and District Unit Sea Cadet Corps provides a variety of activities for young people as well as a taste of service life.

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Thirty teenagers from West Swindon will be attending the 'Youth Afloat' weekend at the end of June for the fifth year running. The group of 14 to 16 year olds will be going on the trip organised by Wiltshire County Youth Service to Poole, Dorset. They will ha yea go at canoeing, board and dingy sailing, sea angling, rowing, water skiing and surf chasing. They will also take part in Dragon Boat racing.

Shaw play areas Apart from the toddler play area on Shaw Ridge, advertised on page 7, two further developments are planned for Shaw. A large play area is to be built in the Middleleaze open space between Salt Way School and Middleleaze Drive, at least 100 metres from the nearest houses. Residents had the chance to talk to Thamesdown Council officers at Salt Way School on Friday 28 May, after The Link went to press. The grassed area between Roughmoor Way and Sandacre Road close toShaw Chapel is to be upgraded by the Council as a kickabout space. The area was taken over by local youngsters as a football field several years ago.

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year, we have had a steady increase in numbers attending the Unit from West Swindon; more would be welcome. Our success in attracting young people may partly be due to the fact that we now run a minibus service picking up and dropping off at the Link Centre, Toothill and Freshbmok centres, and also partly due to the junior Section for 10 to 12 year olds that we now run on Sunday mornings. The minibus picks up local cadets onThursday evening at 630pm. Iamhowevera little disappointed with the response to our welcoming young ladies aboard. Girls are very welcome in the Unit; we have 4 at present and they really enjoy the Rear Admiral Davies RN (Rtd.) intraining and activities that we offer. spected the Unit earlier this year to Having more cadets has inspired present a gold efficiency pennant on its myself and my staff to increase the fiftieth anniversary. Heispictured talkactivities we offer. Over the last 12 ing to Neil Hames from Toothill with months the amount of sailing, ad- unit commander Lt. Bill Gambling venture training and shooting has extra strain on the staff. Like the increased, The cadets themselves have at- Cadets we are all volunteers and tended practical courses in mechan- have to hold down full time jobs as ics,electronics and communications well as provide for our families. on Naval establishments. Anumber More adults to help would be most have been to Cornwall on a Junior welcome. You do not need to be exAqua mt course, flying about in heli- service. The Cadets run an excellent copters at HMS Seahawk, and oth- staff training programme, most of ers came with me to Scotland where which is doneat the Sea CadetTrainwe joined the FleetTender'Appleby' ing School at Wroughton. Planning for the this year's sumatFortWilliamfora trip through the Caladonian Canal and Loch Ness to mer activities is already well adInverness for a week vanced with sailing weeks and sea While all this was going on yet trips penciled in and the adventure more cadets attended a canoeing training instructor struggling to find week on the river at Chippenham, a slot for some hiking and camping. three of them girls. All returned If youngsters would like to find with British Canoe Union Grade I out more about joining the local sea cadet unit, or adults want to know certificates. Of course organising and taking more about becomingan instructor, part in all these activities has put contact Lt. Gambling on 814970.

The Link Magazine June 1993

Cutting youth workers makes for future problems Phil May comments on last month's front page story orat the LinkCentxe. Although West Swindon has no higher youth crime than elsewhere in Swindon, graffiti is on the increase and people see signs of drink or drugs problems. People are complaining about the attitude and language of teenagers in the community. Schools and youth dubs are feeling pressures and the loss of a youth worker will not help. What can the community do? We could keep moaning, or join in the complaints, but we need positive action. Our local politicians should be kept aware of the problems, so that they can do what they can to ensure good youth provision to meet the growing demands. Parents and families can exert pressure on young people and know what they are doing. Members of the community can get involved and get young people interested in the wide range of activities available in West Swindon. Perhaps, lastly, we need to listen to the views of teenagers.

TheMayeditionofTheLinkreported that West Swindon had lostayouth worker post to satisfy budget cuts, despite the area having the largest concentration of teenagers in Swindon. The article indicated that the number of teenagers would rise by a further six hundred over the next five years, so cutting back on youth workers will create problems. West Swindon has a large youth population, but this is underestimated by the County Council. Wiltshire base their calculations on the size of the local Secondary School, without recognising that it was designed and built to hold only half of West Swindon's teenagers. The rest travel out of the area to Purton or Wroughton, but their needs out of school hours, in the evenings, at weekends and during holidays, in the West Swindon community, are not being met. Many people in West Swindon feel that there is already a problem, with young people hanging around street corners, around local centres

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How can we get our parents to understand? Sue Davies, 14, says, listen to young people Parents and their friends are forever saying, "Don't hang around the streets" or "Go out and do something interesting." So why don't they do something about where we can go? We can visit youth centres and activity centres like the Link and the Oasis, but they cost money. Ice Skating at the Link costs about £2, it costs around £1.50 to go swimming at the Oasis. You even have to pay to go to youth club and unless you live nearby you have to pay travel costs as well. Where are we supposed to get that kind of money from? £2 pounds a night might not sound like a lot of money but it soon adds up. We dont have enough money, so, what do we do? We hang around the streets and then we get moaned at. We get 'stick' from parents about getting a job, but this is not easy. With 3 million unemployed, many parents haven't got one themselves. If you do get a job, they congratulate you and then find something else to moan or worry about. This is usually "You squander your money," or "How are you going to learn to save if you spend all of your money on fags and sweets?" If we say, "But I'm only fourteen," they come out with "Well you shouldn't be doing it, then, should you ?" They have a go at us about smoking, with ashtray breath or a cigarette in their hand at the time. They might not want us to make the same mistakes

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that they did,but how can they criticise when they are setting such a bad example? I think our problems and our needs are quite simple. We need adults to set a good example towards us. We need themto stand up for us: i.e. argue our points to members of authority who won't listen to us. The ones who don't listen at the moment, need to listen to our problems and take notice. We need freedom and peace of mind. How can we get our parents to understand? After all, they were once our age!

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Many Citroen dealers will have mixed feelings about the replacementof the Citroen BX with the new Xantia range which I sampled recently on the empty rural roads of Leicestershire. After all, it was the BX which remade Citroen's fortunes in the UK and buried at last the reputation for cars which are hard to maintain. The new Xantia is a mainstream competitor for the likes of the new Ford Mondeo, Nissan Primera and Peugeot 405. It is amazingly roomy inside, especially in the rear where

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even my long legs and awkward back were comfortable. I found the driving position a little strange, with the steering wheel a stretch away and a lack of shoulder support in the otherwise comfortable seats. At launch, there are three engines available - the 1.8 and 2.0 litre 8valve and 2-litre 16-valve models in VXor top VSX trim. Later will come 1.6 petrol, 1.9 diesel and 1.9 turbodiesel. There will be two lower trim levels, base and LX.

BX and is well equipped, with power steering, central locking and a decent stereo (with remote control from the steering wheel - a safety boost). The engine is thatoftheZX Furio,a torquey motor which copes manfully with the weight of the quality-built Xantia. The suspension is flowing and the handling excellent with wonderful ride quality. I then changed to the 2.0 VSX, which has the Hydra ctivell suspension which Citroen modestly claim as the world's best! This stiffens when you are pressing on to give sportier handling while being soft on the motorway. I was less convinced by this, finding the ride jiggly over the country roads with no corresponding increase in feeling of security. The 2.0 16V model was a noble range-topper,witha splendid power band. It never felt really fast as you might expect from 155bhpbutcould certainly shift. I feel, however, that Citroen are saving the best for last. I think that the Turbodiesel, due in July, will be the pick of the crop. Pricing will mirrorthatof the Ford Mondeo-but the base diesel is the same price as the base 1.6i. That has to be a barThe first car I drove was the 1.8 gain. My choice? The ÂŁ12,795 1.9TD VX. This has the standard hydro- LX - or the petrol 2.Oi LX at the same pneumatic suspension similarto the price.

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at 'The House', 15 Gainsborough Way, Freshbrook Buffet available after the Meeting Gina Dennis invites West Swindon people to become more closely involved West Swindon Family and Community Project's ACM is open to anyone who is interested in our work, particularly those who live in or work in West Swindon. We aim to respond to the needs of the local community and, as part of this aim, hope to welcome old friends and new faces alike. This last year has been a particularly challenging one for the Project, seeing a move from being part of a major national charity, NCH, to beingrunbya local ManagementCommittee made up primarily of Project participants. At our ACM you will have the opportunityto meet our new Family Centre, Co-ordinator, Mark Thomas, who will be joining the Project on 1 July. You can show your support for our work by becoming a member of the Project, which is free and entitles

you to vote at our ACM. Perhaps you might like to consider standing for election to our Management Committee. If you live or work in West Swindon you can stand as an individual member. Or, if you are part of a group or voluntary organisation operating in West Swindon who would like to make stronger links with the Project, you could become a Group Representative. At the ACM we will be looking for two Group Representatives and two individual members. For further information on the West Swindon Family and Community Project, membership forms or more details of what it means to join our Management Committee, please drop in to see us at 15 Gainsborough Way, Freshbrook or phone us on 871303.

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The Link Magazine June 1993

Fitness on offer at reasonable price The fitness room at Greendown School has been fitted out with new, up to date equipment and machines toofferan attractive facility ata very attractive price. There are twelve pieces of equipment to improve muscle tone and all round fitness levels. It costs just £75 a year to be a member of the Greendown Fitness Studio and this can be paid annually, quarterly or £6.50 a month. To find out more, contact Steve O'Sullivan on (0793) 874224.

High jumper Greendown pupil Gemma Pixton has high jumped the English Schools qualifying height for under 15s. She's hoping to go to the English Schools championships in July.

If you need Advertisements Booklets Business Stationary Certificates Contracts Forms Invitations Invoices Labels Leaflets Manuals Mailshots Menus Overhead transparancies Newsletters Notices Posters Price Lists Prospectuses Reports Tickets Timetables

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First football fest. brings in teams

test Swindon Under 5s Festival It's time to join in the annual festival of events for pre-school children

Tuesday 15 June Have-A-Go Day Unk Centre 1Oam-12 noon & 1pm-3pm. Registration from 9.30am An exciting day of physical and sporting activities for Under 5's and their parents. Creche for Under 2's, subject to availability (75p per hour) The morning activities include: trampolining, ice skating, bouncy castle, keepfit and story time and swimming from 11am. The afternoon include: swimming, skating, trampolining mini-gym bouncy castle and story time. Sixty football teams from all over All day for £1 per child. Refreshthe South West took part in the first ments available. ever WestSide United FC and Greendown School six-a-side competition Thursday 10 June on 22 May. Upper Shaw Farm Fun Day, West Side club chairman Ronnie 11am - 2.30pm Sproule said he was delighted with Shaw Ridge Parent & Toddler the turnout of teams and very Group are hosting a day of fun for pleased with the day. children and their parents in the Pictured above is Michael Feather from stimulating play area at Upper Shaw the West Side under 13s B team in Farm Community Centre, opposite action Shaw Ridge School. Cost of entry 50p perfamily. Bring a picnic lunch. Drinks and sandwiches available. Girls wanted to Sponge throwing, childrens play football races, raffle, lucky dip, tombola. Thamesdown Council's Lifestyle In case of bad weather, activities Unit is organising soccer coaching will be organised in the community for girls aged 8 to 14 during early centre. June. Although the course started on Thursday 24 June Wednesday 26 May, there is still Teddy Bears Workshop time to join in from 4pm to 5pm on Link Centre lOam to 12noon Wednesdays from 2 June to 30 June. Come for an activity filled morning, The course is organised in con- stories and games, arts and craft, junction with the Football AssOcia- singing and instruments, all with a tion and covers all the basics. No Teddy Bears Picnic Theme. So experience is necessary, just interest bring your favourite Teddy along. and enthusiasm to learn. Entrance 50p with an excellent Call Donna Mclvor as soon as raffle. possible on 511033. Monday 5 July Lower ShawFarm Open Day Language lessons 1 p -4pm for business Come along and see the animals, A seminar to be held in June aims to feed the chickens, have a ride in convincebusinesses that investment the pony cart. Painting, inflatable in developing language skill is both and refreshments will be available. essential and cost effective. Plus a variety of stalls. FREE. Entitled Language Means Business, the seminar is being organised jointly bySwindon based Lightning Winners LanguageServices and the Cranfield We ran two MGM Cinema competiInstitute of Technology. There is no charge to attend the tions in the May edition The winnerof the bouquet of flowseminar to be held at Swindon's Great Western Business Centre on ers and two tickets to Gone With the Wind was Dorothy Abramson from Friday 18 June, 9am to 11am. The seminar will also feature GeorgeTweed Gardens, Shaw; runspeakers from industry and com- ner up Mr S Parker from Eastleaze. merce whose experiences will be First out of the hat in the Somersby particularly relevant to senior ex- Competition were Mrs Cook from ecutives and personnel develop- Woodchester, Ms M Johnson from ment managers. For more informa- Applewood CourtandSParkerfrom tion, ring 814354 or 785632. Eastleaze.

DRIVE '* SHARE Mr Ray Ross needs a lift to Reading each morning to arrive by 7.15a m. If you can help, call him on 495808. If you need a lift or can offer a space in your car on a regular basis, call Stephanie Ahmed on 881413, the West Swindon Drive Share contact person. She'll put you in touch with others who need help, and will coordinate information for publication in The Link.

Homeward bound from Narnia The British troops describe Bosnia as Narnia, a land beyond our experience. An West Swindon Army wife offers some thoughts. As we watched television pictures of the Cheshire Regiment battle group leaving Bosnia, it would have been heartening to believe that it would herald the end of the British involvement in the United Nations operation in the former Yugoslavia. • But this is not the case. Another regiment has taken on the onerous task of helping with the relief mission. They will be aware of the atrocities seen by the Cheshire's and they will be apprehensive about the job before them. The soldiers, returning to their families in Germany, will be able to relax; hopefully it will not be too long before they can put the horrific experience of the last few months behind them. It is important that we don't forget that in a shrinking army their military commitments will begin again in earnest afteronly a relatively short break when the mental scars, inevitably left after their experiences in Bosnia, will still be raw. One squadron of the 9th/12th Royal Lancers returning to Germany from Bosnia will, in July become the rear party as the rest of their regiment begins a gruelling six month tour of duty as infantry troops in Belfast. Thus, the respite from duties will be short lived and they will back on 'active' service, once again away from their families. The parallels between Bosnia and Northern Ireland have already been acknowledged. Solutions to both conflicts must be hoped for although with long histories of unrest and acrimony in both countries, the chances of finding lasting peaceful settlements seem remote. In the event of continued conflict our troops can look forward to many more months of soldiering in inhospitable conditions - involved in a conflict not of their making. Our troops in Bosnia have acquitted themselves well and we can be justifiably proud of their achievements. May God grant them and their families peace of mind as they readjust to 'normal' life once more We also pray forcontinued political and moral support for the troops in the front line in all areas of conflict.

Letters to The Link Letters should be sent by 16th of the month to the address on page 2.

Thanks to the voters

Amateur production in June "It'll be alright on the night," but the Haydon Centre.

Tickets will be available on the From CounclllorJeanMelville, Audley From CouncillorArthur Goring, West- HaydonWickPlayers are not taking door, but anybody who can lend a any chances. minster Road, Toothill Close, Grange Park Rehearsals for two 45 minute hand back-stage will also be welI am grateful to The Link magazine May I through your paper, take the for this opportnity to thank all those of you in Freshbmok and Grange Park who supported the Liberal Democrats in the Wiltshire County Council election on 6 May. We very much appreciated this. My thanks also go to candidate Neil Bristow and Bob Cretchley for the very good spirit which existed throughout the election campaign. If you have a local issue which you wish to raise, both Simon Cordon (tel: 617723 and myself (tel: 873086 can be contacted. Do please get in touch.

opportunity of thanking all those who voted for ma in the County Council Elections on 6 May. I hope to serve all the people of the electoral division of Toothifi to the best of my ability for the ensuing4years. Furthermore,Iwould like to thank all those of my my campaign team who made my election possible. Finally, as I have not yet determined, when or where my surgery will take place, I am prepared to deal with any problems or advice at my home address -I 14 Westminster Road,Toothill. Telephone: 641639.

From CouncillorAlan Mnmill,Holbein Close, Grange Park

Brook Field School Fete

I am deeply grateful to the electors of the Roughmoor Ward forexpressing their confidence in me by the overwhelming vote for my return to County Hall. Many may view the overall result in Wiltshire with a degree of consternation and only time will tell whether a wise or foolish decision has been made. Meanwhile, it is my intention to continue to represent all our residents, irrespective of an individual's politicalcolour. Very few matters before Council need be of a Party political nature, but mostly relate to good management and a local representative has the task of ensuringthat resources areallocated where most needed, rather than directed to areas where any group may gain electoral advantage. Everyone has to pay to provide our services, so it is only right that everyone has something in return. West Swindon still has many 'growingpains' and I see itas my job to help us sort them out. Please don't hesitate to contact me on any matter of concern even if it is not a direct responsibility of the County Council. I will always do my best to be of service, to advise or point you in the right direction for positive assistance. Tel: 875129.

Saturday 19 June, 2pm Glider, Hot Air Balloon Usual attractions Brook Field School Cartwright Drive, Shaw

Can I through The Link thank everyone in Freshbrook and Grange Park who voted for me in the recent County Council elections. I would also thank my opponents for a fair and good spirited contest. Whilst not successful on the day, I ver much enjoyed the campaign and the conversa tions I had with so many of you during the course of it. I wfflofcoursecontinuecampaign ingfor the LabourParty in our ward, and look forward to meeting many of you again in future years.

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Primary schools admission The West Swindon headteachers have asked us to announce that the arrangements for primary school admission are unchanged. All schools will be admitting children three times during the year September, January, After Easter. Children will start school at the beginning of the term in which they reach their fifth birthday. Parents should contact their local primary or infant school in good time to ensure their child is registered for entry.

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plays, The Monkey's Paw, a serious piece about superstition, and This Desirable Cottage, a fast-paced quick-witted farce were stepped up during May in readiness for two performances on 3 and 4 June at the

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400 Westlea volunteers still wanted by 12 June An experiment to find out if householders are willing to recycle organic waste needs more people from Westlea to come forward. A leaflet was distributed by Thamesdown Council's Recycling Officer to Westlea homes in May explaining the project and asking for volunteers who would separate organic waste for a special collection. Just over 100 replied saying they would take part, but 500 are needed. A special bin will be provided and collections organised by Thamesdown Council and voluntary agencies will take place on Sundays, starting 12 June.

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The average dustbin contains between 20% and 30% organic waste il which will be turned into organic fertiliser for the council's parks in this experiment. The organisers want to find out what kind of households are willing to recycle their organic waste. Westlea has been chosen because of its variety of house sizes. If you want to take part, you don't have to return the reply slip. Call Simon Morris or Anne Billingham on 493517 to register your interest.

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FREE CLASSIFIEDS Trio Hi-Fl unit, auto turntable, radio amplifier & tape player, 2 speakers hardly used in cabinet, space required. £300. Tel: 695091 (Toothill), evenings Pushchair buggy,full rain cover, cosy toes, ex condition, £45. Carrycot as new, grey white pale colours inside, £25. Tel: 875665 Rebounder(trampoline) with exercise book, as new £50. Tel: 614899 (Toothill) American Levis, size 8, never worn, stone washed, black. £200no. Tel: 881353 after 5pm & w/ends Commodore 64/128 computer games. Over 70 titles from £1 each. Some box sets, various prices. Tel: 615843 (Toothill) Collapsible walking frame, ideal for travelling. Tel: 874202 Youth's wax Barber jacket, also real leather jacket, both size 36-37 chest. Any reasonable offer please. Tel: 611404 (Freshbrook) Girl's Raleigh Solitaire bike, suit 7 11 yrs, very good condition. £50. Tel: 887304 (Sparcells) Wedding dress, Aconuptua, size 10, sherine ivory, this years catalogue, £365, sell £200, including sidecomb. Tel: 887308 (Grange Park)

Swan Teasmade, £18, Teflon sandwich toaster, £10, Masterchef mixer/liquidizer, £10, clock radio cassette player, £5, telephone, £5, bookcases £12. Tel: 486272 (Freshbrook) Gas cooker, fairly good condition, £40 o.n.o. Tel: 613165 (Toothill) Cot with mattress, £20 o.n.o. Tel: 613165 (Toothill) Lady's black fur jacket, good condition, £12, 2 pairs lady's hushpuppies, size 6, £4, navy skirt size 16, E2. Tel: 876052 (Freshbrook) after 5pm Modern grey furniture- illuminated display cabinet, TV/video unit, cocktail cabinet and coffee table, good condition, £100. Tel: 876570 (Sparcells) Child's plastic playhouse for garden, also any other garden toys. Tel: 693685 Braun multipractic food mixer, only used twice, £30. Tel: 872705 (Shaw) Nintendo, 4 games plus the fantastic game genie, 2 control pads and the game system fully boxed, worth over £200butonly130o.n.o. Tel: 875714 Kiddivac play hoover and tools as new, boxed, £5. Tel: 872607

Girl's toddler Clarks shoes, black patent size 5F and size 6F. Excellent condition, boxed, £3 each. White bumperboots, size 6, £1. Tel: 872607 Ice hockey boots, size 44 worn once, £30. My Little Pony bike with stabalisers, £20, cordless telephone, £25. Baby items, cotetc. Tel: 725842 (Woodhall Park) Clairol foot spa, massaging foot bath, £20. Tel: 537385 (Toothill)

WANTED Black leather motorcycle trousers, Ladies, size 12, good condition. Willing to pay up to £40. Tel: 870096 (Eastleaze) Rocking hosre or similar toy in good condition. Tel: 874806 (Nine elms) LOST Reward for return of sealed Coopers envelope containing 96 prints, lost between Castle Dore bus stop and 2 Winstanley Close. Tel: 873098 or 740883

Free For Sale & Wanted ads. Return this form to The Link, 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook, Swindon I by 16th of the month. Entries are subject to available space and are published on a first come first served basis.

Name & Address (not for publication)

Local Lives Working at the No. 1 Cinema in the land Andrew D'Souza describes his rise from cashier to assistant manager at the Shaw Ridge MGM Having been asked by The Link magazine to write this article for 'Local Lives' I thought to myself, why me? But looking back I suppose I do consider myself a local and, if there is such a person, a 'West Swindoner'. Having moved to Grange Park with my family back in 1985 this was the first time I had stepped into Wiltshire. Being an avid football fan (a Liverpool one at that) I think I remember rightly that at the time Swmd on Town were on the brink of promotion to the 2nd Division. Other than this I had never heard of Swindon, never mind Grange Park.

Andrew at the MGM I attended Swindon College to study 'A' levels and was constantly reminded about how lucky I was to live next to the Link Centre. My friends were right, it was excellent having a leisure centre around the corner. The facilities for swimming, playingbadminton and squash were great, not forgetting the ice rink! It's just a pity I don't find more time to go down there now. After leaving college with results not as good as I had hoped, I was

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looking for employment. I remember being at the job centre one day and saw that MGM Cinema was advertising for staff. I had seen the exhibition at the Link Centre some months ago and was quite impressed at what would be built at the new Shaw Ridge complex. I had no idea that two years after opening I would be assistant manager at the country's Number One MGM Cinema at Shaw Ridge. Out of curiosity, after my interview for the position of Cashier, I went across to the half built complex to see what the cinema was like. Itwas a state! Ikept saying to myself this is never going to be ready, but to my surprise it was. A few weeks later I stepped into the multiplex cinema for the first time and took real pride in thinking I would be working there. Six months after opening I was still happy go lucky cashier, enjoying meeting people and my job. With the convenience of the cinema on my doorstep, I enjoyed walking to work. Then one day I was called up to our General Manager's office and wondered, what had done wrong? To my surprise he offered me the Supervisor's position, and being quite flattered, I accepted. Now I was in charge of all the staff and had to make sure everything ran smoothly in the building. I felt I had a lot responsibility consideringl had just turned 21. Now a year later I have been promoted to Assistant Manager and I am involved in promotion and publicity work. Iamtheculprit who sets all the hard questions for MGMcompetitions, but I also get the excellent prizes! I also do a lot of marketing work to promote West Swindon and especially the MGM Cinema atShaw Ridge, not a bad thought that in WestSwindon we have the best multiplex cinema in the country. So next time you're visiting the cinema and you see me in mydinner suit, stop fora chat. It could be about films, special shows or what's happening in West Swindon. You never know we could be able to help each other out. Lookingahead now. Even though my job may take me to other cinemas around the country I shall never forget West Swindon and will always think that in some way I played apart in putting West Swindon's one and only leisure park on the map. However small.

Freshbrook Evangelical Church Worsley Road Will give YOU a warm welcome Sunday lOam Family Praise with children's Covenanter Movement & creche 6.30pm Evening Worship and Communion For details of mid-week meetings, house groups and other activities, telephone the Church Office, Tel: 873050

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Ecumenical Parish of West Swindon & The Lydiards Anglican, Methodist, U.R.C., Baptist. St. Mary's L.Tregoze for Freshbrook & Grange Park Rev. Rob Buries 870244 Westlea Church & All Saints, L. Millicent Rev. John Flory 770217 There are vacancies for Ministers at Toothill & Shaw Churches. Contact Rev Buries or Rev Flory for support

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