West Swindon's
Mcigcizine THE
LINK Est 1978
Circulation 10000
NEW OPERATORS FOR FRESHBROOK SHOP One of West Swindon's village centre shops has been taken over. Freshway Stores, formerly run by the Swindon firm of Richardson and Rabbetts, is now under the management of JCR News and Foods of Bath. JCR itself is part of the Johnsons Group, the fourth largest operators of convenience stores in Britain. The Freshbrook - shop becomes one of nearly forty convenience stores in the JCR chain - in the south-west. Managing Director Mr. Nick Shaw commented that no major changes in appearance are planned immediately. "Most of our shops are newly opened, Freshways has been going four years, so we have to spend some time getting used to running a store with a much higher turnover. But we are improving the range of products on offer and increasing out opening hours to offer a better service to our
THE
LINK
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Distributed free of charge to households in Toothill, Fresh brook, Grange Park, Westlea & Shaw.
1 No. 62 May 1987
WALK FOR THE W' RL-D
Eighteen months after Band Aid when millions of pounds were aised from voluntary contributions, people are still starving, millions more are in desperate poverty and Third World countries have little hope in getting out of crushing trade and debt problems. Its so easy to forget or ignore. Walk For The World is from four points in Britain to organised by SaveTheçhildren, London to urge the Government Christian Aid, Oxfam, War on to: Want and other development • Increase and improve overseas aid agencies. People will be walking • Help the hungry grow more food FOCUS ON SHAW VILLAGE CENTRE • Trade fairly with poor countries In this edition we bring you a special feature on the village centre at • Lift the burden of debt West Swindon's fifth urban village. A 'birds eye' view impression • Promote efforts to end of how the village centre will look can be found on the centre pages. conflicts Although a car park was built some months ago and all the On June 1st walkers will be trees and shrubs planted recently, a start has only just been made passing through the area from on a public house and shops. Building work on a church is expected South Wales to London. They to commence in a few weeks. will be stopping for refreshment Shaw Village Centre is being developed privately but under at the West Swindon Centre the strict planning controls of Thamesdown Council. This will before going on into the town ensure a strong and consistent design in all the buildings and when centre for a picnic tea in Queen's completed, will give a high quality and attractive environment. Park and an overnight stop. The pub will be managed by the Bass group of breweries but West Swindon people are tenancies for the shop units are still being negotiated. It is expected invited to demonstrate their that the convenience store will be operated by a big American concern about hunger, poverty company with seventy outlets in Britain and over 4.000 worldwide. and injustice in the Third World A chemist and hair salon will be managed by locally based firms by welcoming the walkers and and a dental surgery is proposed. A catering company already perhaps joining in for a while. active in West Swindon will be occupying the hot food outlet. Not Offers of accomodation and only will they be offering take-aways but they also plan a home other help are needed.. More delivery service. Just ring them, place your order and they'll be details can be provided by Jean round in next to no time! Hill on 871671 or Sandie All will be revealed in future edition of The Link. Schagan on 871093.
customers. We're very pleased to be part of West Swindon." Mr. Shaw also said that all existing staff were continuing with JCR. A• major shop re-fit is planned for September when the red and white colours of Spar! Freshways will give way to the blue and white of JCR.
IT ' S ELECTION TIME AGAIN,
The Link brings you all the candidates for election to Thamesdown Borough Council on 7th May. Look to pages 4 and 5 for a rogues gallery of photographs and a description of what nice people the candidates are.
Advertisement Feature
Our new homes are blooming at'Primrose Farm' Come along to 'Primrose Farm' in West Swindon and you'll find a great deal on offer. There is a range of excellent new 2 bed homes ideal for first-time buyers and a superb selection of detached 3 and 4 bedroom homes. You'll discover a location that offers all the convenience of being part of a large, growing town. Without being caught up in the ceaseless inner city bustle. All the homes at 'Primrose Farm' are attractively styled in Georgian fashion and built by McLeans to the the highest standard, featuring traditional craftsmanship construcThe Sainsbury: A 'Ibdor-style four bedroom detached home for the family that needs plenty of space. Integral garage and patio doors are tion and the very finest materials. amongst it's many features. Prices from £72,995. West Swincon has some of the finest amenities in the area, including the popular Link Centre. And the motorway and rail links are within easy reach, 'Primrose Farm' is perfectly located for commuting. If you're a family buyer and have yet to sell your present home, take advantage of our Assisted Purchase Plan. It allows a generous period of . which to sell your old o rfrom the day you book your new McLean home. Without facing the fear of a price increase in the meantime. For more details of this and much more, pay a visit to our Sales Centre and meet our sales consula• tant, Lesley Espin. It's open daily lOam - 5pm (seven days a week). Or fr' telephone selling agents Peter Long Kingston: A four bedroom detached home with full gas-fired and Partners on Swindon (0793)The central heating. Fully fitted kitchen and bathroom, plus en suite shower 615555 9am - 8pm seven days a week. room off master bedroom. Prices from f.65,500.
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INTRODUCING THE LINK THE
LINK Published by West Swindon Publications. 13, Castle Dote, Freshbrook, Swindon. Tel: (0793)872282 Editor: Roger Ogle Typesetting, artwork and design by: Graphics & Publications. Tel: (0793)874111. Printed by Western Webb, Bristol. Editorial/Classifieds: Roger Ogle, Tel 872282. Advertising Sales: Jackie Pearce, Tel: 771534. Published on the Wednesday closest to the first of the month. Copy date: 12th of the preceding month. "The Link was first published in December 1978 as a magazine aimed exculsively at the West Swindon community. It is completely independent of the Link Centre and, in fact, won the competition to name the leisure centre in 1984." CONTENTS Council News 4-5 Toothill 6 Group Profile 7 Westlea 8 A Day inThe Life 9 10-11 Freshbrook & Grange Park Church News 12 Play Time 14 15-18 Shaw Special Recreation 20 News & Views 22 24 Greendown Arts Scene 25 Home & Garden 29 Out & About 30 Reference Page 31
3
NOT AN APRIL FOOL
BRAVO FOR THE LINK
Last month's magazine was not a joke. It really was four times the size of the previous newsletter and was printed in three colours. The new Link has been very well received by readers across West Swindon and further afield. In this edition we present the candidates for the annual elections to Thamesdown Council and over the centre pages we have a special feature on Shaw's Village Centre. There is a car park, a temporary community centre and a Doctor's surgery and little else. But over the next few months a pub, shops and a church will be built. On page 14 there is a feature on play activities for youngsters during the coming summer months. You might like to join in. With the Link appearing monthly, it needs more information from community groups and others to keep it interesting and up to date with whats going on in West Swindon. If its something the community should know about, please let us know about it. The Link is the best way of getting your message across.
From Charles Blaxhall, Kirkstall Close, Toothill.
My congratulations to you and the staff on producing the bumper 32 page Link No. 61. It is a far cry from the early days when Toothill became the first village in the Western development and The Link, consisting of four sheets, was published to advise the early residents of the various proposed activities which were in the pipeline for the community. A journey was made to Cheney Manor to collect the printed sly sheets and Mr. Willis, my wife and myself would put them into bundles for the various streets, to be delivered by the small array of helpers. It is due to The Link that I became involved in various community activities that were started in Toothill, and although I have relinquished office in some, I still look to The Link to keep me informed of the progress that is taking place in the Western expansion. Long may your pen continue to flow.
SAUNAS
As co-founder with my wife, of The Link in the dim, dark, distant, winter evenings of 1978, I could not have believed, in my wildest dreams, that The Link would ever achieve the magnificent tranformation evidenced by issue No 61. Without question it is now the best community magazine that I personally have ever witnessed and I would like to congratulate all involved for maintaining and achieving such high standards, without contribution or grants. Well done and congratulations to all involved past and present.
SALES HOME RENTAL
Raychem
I am so pleased that The Link magazine is continuing and might I say how much I enjoyed the extra reading in the new edition. I liked in particular the new layout and found the black stripped headings very useful. I was glad also to see plenty of pictures still being included. Just one criticism-my daughter misses our monthly jaunt posting the magazine through our neighbours letter boxes, I think that I will have to put her name down for a paper round. Anyway may I wish The Link continued success and thank everyone who makes the publishing of our very own magazine possible.
SUNBEDS
From: Geoff Richmond, Primrose Hill, Tockenham, Nr. Lyneham.
"A Community is as strong as the people in it. Raychem links with West Swindon."
From: Roberta Winslow, Chepstow Close, Toot/till.
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UNCIL NEWS
4 MEN - HAVE YOU THE TIME Michael Connolly is working at the West Swindon Family Project to extend its activities, particularly with men. If you are at home with time on your hands, perhaps unwaged or unemployed, then he would like to hear from you. You can call him on 871303 or pop in for a cup of coffee and a chat. Possible activities may include a 'good neighbour' scheme, fundraising, a social group for sports or entertainment and to take advantage of what may be going on in other parts of Swindon. If any of these appeal to you or if there are other things you would like to do, give Mike a call. If you are a male lone parent with children or a husband with child care responsibilities, you may not feel comfortable at the more traditional 'mother and toddler' groups or coffee mornings currently available in West Swindon. Mike would like to discuss alternatives for men and hear any ideas you may have. As well as the Advice Point and other support that the Project offers, there is the chance to a place to get together, to meet others and plan activities. If you are interested, give him a call.
THAMESDOWN COUNCIL ELECTIONS - 7th MAY THE CANDIDATES FOR TOOThILL WARD INCLUDING WESTLEA AND SHAW
Peter Stoddart Conservative Party
Peter is an Accountant with a Well known as your outspoken Civil Engineering Group based County Councillor and a dedicated campaigner for the in Swindon. He is the current chairman people of West Swindon, Alan is of Swindon Conservative your candidate for Toothill, Westlea, Eastleaze, Shaw and Association. As a Thamesdown Borough Ramleaze. As a county councillor, Councellor from 1982-84 Peter served on various committees Alan serves on the Education specialising in Housing and and Social Services Committees. He is also a governor of Toothill, Finance. Peter says West Swindon is Westlea and Lower Shaw one of the most vibrant and schools, a member of the District exciting areas in Britain today. Health Authority and a Director To sustain this growth Swindon of Thamesdown Law Centre. He says: "I believe that by needs a change of direction. The private sector must now living in the area and having be courted to invest in shops, close contact with people, restaurants and entertainment councillors can best represent facilities, which are sadly lacking the community that they serve. I feel at home in West Swindon. I in this area at present. Let them pay for the know the area well, and I care development and not the very much about the way in which our community develops. ratepayers. Through my regular contact with many of you throughout the year, I am well aware of the local TO ADVERTISE IN THE LINK issues that concern you. I would like to work alongside your other RING: 771534 or 872282 Labour Ward Councillors and represent your interests on Thamesdown Council."
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Jane Burbridge SDP/Alliance
Alan WiniII Labour Party
I am happy to have this opportunity to write to the electorate in Toothill as it is very difficult to get round to see all of you 'at the door', and this is my chance to say to you, that if I am elected, I intend to do my utmost to see that the Alliance viewpoint does not go unheeded. One of my 'pet' issues is the safety of residents of what ever age, when walking the streets or, using the local amenities. I particularly wish to see these amenities giving great pleasure to everyone without the necessity oT having to go to them by taxi or in a group to ensure the safety of the individual, and I hope this issue may be close to the hearts of some, if not all of you.
CHARITY MARKET The last Link Centre Charity Market before the summer break will take place on Saturday 16th May, lOam to 2pm. They will resume in September; groups wanting to book a stall should ring Nicky Baker on 871212 ext. 234.
WOODCRAFT FOLK
GARDENERS The next meeting of the West Swindon Gardening Club will take place on Monday 11th May 8pm to 10pm in the Community Suite, Link Centre.
For boys and girls from 6 years. Every Wednesday from 29th April in the Community Suite, Greendown Community School, 630pm to 8pm. Badgework, games, camping, folklore, singing, hiking.
HEllrdressing for Men & \Iomeri
UNCIL NEWS
5
THAMESDOWNcQLJNCII.. ELECTIONS - 7th MAY THE CANDIDATES FOR FRESHBROOK AND GRANGE PARK WARD
David Barry Green Party The Green Party grew out of the environmental pressure groups of the seventies and is now well established as a political force both nationally and in Swindon. In Freshbrook we will work for: Greater local power for community associations, tenants and residents groups to determine their own housing environment. The establishment of small community meeting places for use for local residents. No more building of factories/warehouses etc. Improved play and recreational facilities, including football pitches. A footpath along Wootton Bassett Road. A network of signposted cycleways. Stricter controls on the air pollution caused by the Borough's Barnfield Road Incinerator and Sewage Works. A comprehensive re-cycling scheme including the collection of waste paper with refuse and collection points for aluminium cans, glass bottles, wood and cardboard. The Green Party offers not a panacea, but a foundation for a new way of life. THINK GLOBALLY, ACT LOCALLY - VOTE GREEN.
Bob Weam Labour Party Bob Wearn is 29, married, and lives in Grange Park. A travelling music teacher, Bob teaches in some 17 Swindon schools, including Greendown Community School. He has lived and worked in this area since leaving College in 1980. elected to First Thamesdown Borough Council in May of last year, Bob is chair of Thamesdown Community Arts, Vice-chair of the Arts subcommittee and a member of the Arts & Recreation and Planning committees. Bob's local involvements include serving on the management committee of Greendown School Community Association, Swindon Local Sports Advisory Board and the Link Arts user panel. An active member of the Musicians' Union, he was until recently their Swindon Branch secretary. In his spare time, Bob is interested in promoting musical activities amongst young people. He is a tutor with Swindon Young Musicians' Club, and organised last year's 'Swindon Supergroup' rock competition at the Wyvern Theatre.
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ACCIDENT REPAIRS SERVICING MOT TESTS
Geoff Homer Conservatives Remember the Budget? A Tory government means lower taxes and higher public in spending. Labour Thamesdown means sky-high rates and more rises to come. And don't think the "Alliance" is a soft option. In Wiltshire County Council they have joined forces with Labour to spend, spend, spend! I have worked in Westlea, at Bible Society, for three years. Maggie and I live in Freshbrook and our girls go to Westlea Scho. If elected, I promise to listen to what the people of Freshbrook and Grange park want, to work for improvements in facilities, and above all to the financial oppose mismanagement of the Labour group. West Swindon is a great place to live, and I want to see it even better. More industry (Labour don't understand private enterprise and never will), more facilities for sport and entertainment, better schools.
Problems? P
Simon Cordon SDP/Alliance As a local councillor it's alright to set your sights high, but promising the earth achieves nothing. I like to fight for realistic aims, because that's the only way to really get things done. In charge of the County Council the Alliance has shown this approach works. Take education where all Summer born rising 5's are now guaranteed a school place, more books are in our classrooms and from September the maximum infant class size will fall and a new primary school will open in Freshbrook. As your borough councillor I pride myself on putting local interests first; like persuading the Council to carry out essential repairs in Bloomsbury Close and stopping a construction access from being built to Windmill Hill from Hook Street. Representing Freshbrook & Grange Park is something that I enjoy, immensely, and I want very much to go on doing so after May 7th.
The Toothill Ward Councillors hold a weekly surgery on Friday 6pm-7pm at the Community Room, Toothill School.
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TOOTHILL Moving Mountains
BEAR OPENS THRIFT SHOP Lincoln the Bear was well satisfied when he visited Toothill, Community Centre in April. He was invited 'to open the new Thrift Shop, but the real aim was to find an outfit to get him through the hot British summer. After a flourish of the scissors, snipping through a ceremonial ribbon, he made for the çxtra large section. As the invited guest he got first pick of the display and quickly found what he wanted. He was a bit coy about trying the garments on and wanted to keep quiet about his choices. As such a public figure
he admitted that sometimes he 'just wants to be alone". Lincoln was enthusiastic about the Thrift Shop. "It really is a great idea" he commented, "people who have good clothes and feel they should re-sell them can now do so locally, and of course West Swindon residents looking for a bargain could not do better than visit Toothill Community Centre." The Thrift Shop is open on lOam to 12 noon, coffee and tea are also available at very reasonable prices. Make a visit this week.
Members of Toothill Good Companions Club helped with distribution of free Common Market butter at the community centre in April.
AN EVENT FOR WOMEN Would you like to know more about getting children to sleep, bedwetting, eating difficulties, hyperactivity, potty training, temper tantrums or any other common children's problems? If you would, then come and hear Dr. Ann Aylard, a child psychiatrist, who will be speaking at Toothill Church on Monday 11th May at 1.15pm to 2.45pm. This event has been organised by a group of women in Toothill who want to find out
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what other things women in the area might be interested in doing. So come along, even if you are not concerned about this particular topic, to meet other women and talk about what does interest you. The event is free. A creche will be run by local childminders and tea, coffee and cakes will be provided. If you would like further details, help getting to this event or someone to go with you, 'phone Cherry Hobbs on 39802.
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GRSUP PROFILE
7
GOING STRONG AFTER EIGHT YEARS "When we first came to Toothill from Cambridge in 1978 there was nothing for elderly people who had moved here and there must have been two hundred of us at the time" reflects Mrs. Anne Tweed, who is one of the first pensioners to move to West Swindon. "In fact there wasn't a great deal for anybody," she continued, "the Church, school and Toothill Farm Centre had just been opened; up till then the only facility was the hut on Dun wich Drive which is still there - and that was half a playgroup room and would you believe it, the other half was a shop. It was grim. We had been very active in community life in Cambridge, so my husband George, and I decided that we had to get something going for retired people; we got together with Roger Ogle, the Community Development Officer, and started the Good Companions Club. At first we were just a handful, but we were quickly up to fifty members which was the capacity of the community room at Toothill School. We soon had to turn people away and that was very frustrating; it proved we needed a decent community centre in the area." Anne and George Tweed now find if difficult to visit the club from Elsie Hazel Court in Freshbrook. Nowadays, the Good Companions number well over one hundred members and on average, seventy turn up every Monday afternoon at Toothill Community Centre. The club is open to people in their fifties upwards, the oldest member is eighty-six years old and on average, most are between seventy and seventyfive. After eight years in exsitance the club has a settled programme of social activity in the centre and a whole range of outings and trips have been organised; when 'at home' club rnembers get together to play table games like scrabble, dominoes and cards. Bring and buy sales, auctions of home made cakes, bingo and raffles are also part of the regular fundraising activities. Speakers, film shows and musical afternoons are also arranged. Present secretary of the Good Companions and something of a driving force is Jean Carey. "All the money we raise is ploughed back into
A line-up of Good Companions.
subsidising special events like Christmas parties and the trips. Hiring coaches to take us away is very expensive; nobody would be able to afford the real cost for any of the outings, so we have to bring in small amounts little by little." "Recently we've been to Bournemouth for the day, we've had tour round the BBC studios and attended a recording of the Tom O'Connor Show, and we regularly go to the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon. Our trips are not without mishaps," said Jean. "One gentleman walked into the public toilets with dark glasses on, tripped over a dog lying in the doorway and broke his leg. It was quite a business getting him home again. On another occasion th coach was two miles down the road when we realised we had left one of our number behind. But most of the time our outings are very enjoyable. We're off to Turner's Night Club for an afternoon cabaret show. That should be fun. And I'm arranging a mystery trip soon, but! can't tell you as everybody will read about it. Former Chairperson Charles Blaxhall is reflective about the success of the Good Companions. "The club runs very smoothly. Many of the members did not have a lot of social group contacts during their working lives, but everybody is so friendly that it's easy for newcomers to fit in. But when you think about it, we've all been around quite a long time and we've got a lot of experience of life."
Nearly Ready After weeks of stirling effort by a few hardworking volunteers, the Oliver Tomkins Playgroup building at Kiln Park is nearly ready. All being well the first
TOE
children will start on June 1st. To discover whether there are places available ring Janice Gullon on 872953.
ia
folikf"To Toothill Village Centre Tel: 487777 Traditional Family Butcher and Select Greengrocer Try our delicious home made sausages: Pork, Pork and Herb, Beef 90p per pound. Oyster bacon joints: 99p per pound. Farmshop bacon: Middle Cut 99p per pound. Short Back £1.40 per pound. Bacon Shanks 40p per pound. Gammon Steaks £1.68, cut the way you wantthem. Cheese: Mature Cheddar: £1.20 per pound. From our cooked meat section: Farmshop D shaped ham 34p per qtr. lb. Farmshop natural cooked ham 48p per qtr. lb. A tasty ham. Farmshop Cooked Rib Roast: 80p per qtr. lb. Pork: Pork Skirt 64p per lb. Netted Shoulder Pork 99p per lb. Chicken Portions: 48p each. Grade A meat Lean Mince Beef: £1.24 per lb. Full selection of Topside and Silverside Roasting Joints. Full selection of Fresh Fruit and Veg. daily. Potatoes: Try our 14 lb pre-pack at only £1.25. Eggs: Fresh Farm Eggs: Size 1 only 80p per doz. Size 3 only 68p per doz. Tray of Pullet eggs (21/2 doz.) only 99p. Opening Hours: 7.30 am till 6p.m. Monday to Saturday
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WESTLEA
8
POND STUDIES David Borne describes the usefulness of natural habitats to children's studies. "The pond was rescued from being filled in by Thamesdown Council's Parks Department. They contacted the school and drew up plans with us as to how the pond should look. Safety barriers, depth of water and visibilities from the road were considerations taken into account. Children from the school visited the pond prior to its being dug out and were involved in planting out suitable water plants. Classes from the school visit the pond at intervals to see how it is progressing and what wildlife is returning to it. Last September it was teeming with an astonishing variety of waterlife. It will be interesting to see how the pond develops in its first complete undisturbed summer. The pond is an invaluable resource for observing wildlife in its natural habitat. Small 'minibeasts' may be borrowed from the pond to be observed in
SEND-OFF
Six year olds from Westlea School observe the teeming waterlife at their adopted pond on Westlea Drive.
detail in the classroom. This leads to much quality written work, scientific investigations and understanding of concepts such as growth, cause and effect and change. All living things are carefully looked after and always returned to where they were taken from. The children are encouraged to consider the wellbeing of all living things." David Borne, at Westlea since it opened four years ago. left at Easter to become a deputy-headteacher.
"We went to Westlea pond and we saw some frogs, some of them were fighting. One of the frogs was looking at me he made me jump when he popped Out of the water." Michael Sinclair. "At the pond the water was dark green and I couldn't see into it. I saw one frog and loads of slimy frogspawn." Gareth Adams. "I loved seeing the frogs I liked seeing them jump and when I was looking at the pond I saw lots of eggs with black dots in them." Oliver Tompson.
Jackie Wood went to school on the last day of term on 10th April with a few things on her mind. Apart from feeling exhausted, as most teachers are at the end of thirteen weeks of educating children, She was trying not to be nervous about her wedding the following day. After a fairly hum-drum morning getting things sorted out with children before the holiday, she was asked to leave the school - by the front entrance. "I was a bit surprised to be ordered out," remarked Jackie, "but I was utterly amazed to see all 250 children and all the staff lined up. I had to walk through this long aisle with everybody, throwing clouds of confetti over me; some children were singing 'here comes the bride'. At the end was my friend's car covered in balloons and streamers. It was all so lovely, and a wonderful send-off." Mrs. Taylor has now returned to her post!
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375
DAY IN THE LIFE
A HARD DAYS NIGHT
(Or a househusbands work is never done).
The Drummond family live in Shaw. Jan takes care of Sarah whilst Helen is the breadwinner as a minister in the West Swindon Ecumenical team representing the. United Reformed Church.
3.00am - 'Morning Lucy! Why do we have to have a cat who knows how to climb up to our second floor bedroom window? Luckily she didn't bring in any of her victims. All she wants is a little fuss and then she should let us get back to sleep. 7.00am - Beep beep. The alarm. What? Oh yes Helen's got a staff meeting today. 7. l5am - Beep beep! Yes ok heard you the first time! 8.00am - Breakfast together a rare thing; though I do think I get the better deal, being a househusband; breakfast with Helen and then breakfast with Sarah our 20th month old daughter. 8.15am - Swap cars round. Pull cousin Wayne's car off the drive, Helen's car out of the garage oops! Morning Milkman! Milkfloats always move so slowly (except when you're reversing out of the drive, then they •suddenly appear from nowhere). 8.30am - Morning Sarah, daughter of mine. ChangeS nappy. P0000h! Must be those antibiotics. I wonder how much research these drug companies actually do into the effects (and after effects) of their drugs. Still they do seem to be doing the trick. 9.00am - Sarah's breakfast (my second of the day!), juice, cereal, toast, bacon and egg. Ooo look Sarah, look at the birds. No I don't think they like Mini Wheats; if you don't eat all your toast they may get some of that. No that toast is for Sarah. "Where do you go to my lovely when you're alone in your bed" Crickey, doesn't GWR Radio have any other Golden Oldies. It's either this or Manfred Mann. Those factories on Hilimead aren't half shooting up. Wonder if it's worth applying for a rate rebate because of the
noise and dust and tractors and dumpers and lights at two o' clock in the morning and banging after midnight. Probably. Why do they need any more factories, sorry, industrial units? There's all those units near Titcombe Garage still unlet. I do the breakfast dishes while Sarah plays in the dining room. It makes a really good playpen with the stair gate in the doorway between the kitchen and dining room. Sarah tells me things about what she can see and what she's doing, and she can see me as I go about my tasks. The parent and toddler club meeting last night was interesting. Good idea to have it in a pub, so that we can sort things out over a drink. We're planning for a photographer to come in May, a visit to The Cotswold Wildlife Park (I'll need to get in touch with the Rotary Club to book their free minibus) and a toy and book party from Childs Play. 10.00am - Ring. "Morning Norah. This is my cousin Wayne from Canada. Norah lives at Lower Shaw Farm, Wayne; Meg and Holly are two of the children from the farm." Sarah gets very possesive. about her toys. Holly is starting to take a few tentative steps, good girl Holly. We play for a while, finishing off with Ring a Ring a Roses. Then Norah, Holly and Meg wander back to the farm. Helen's back from staff meeting so we all pile into Wayne's hire car (Helen's taken hers in for a service) to go down town to pick up my prize in the Dundee Adver/Crocodile Competition. ÂŁ100's worth of lager. How many cans is that? Will it all fit in the boot? What an earth am I going to do with it all? Down to Swindon, find somewhere to park. Into the Cinema. G' day! Morning Mr Drummond, come for your lager? Its upstairs. Go upstairs, Sarah on my back (in her backpack) meet the Adver reporter, photographer, cinema manager, another chap,
who I presume has something to do with Fosters (Forsters,?) lager. Congratulations, do you like Fosters? "Never tasted it in my life, prefer Newcastle Brown". "Did you enjoy Crocodile Dundee?" "Haven't seen it yet". "Do you enter lots of competitions." "Not really". "You'll be having a big party now I suppose?" "No we're going to raffle some of it off for the toddler club, and give some away to friends." (I think he's already written his story and just wants me to confirm what he thinks is true). We have our photos taken in front of 192 cans, sorry tubes of lager and then make a brisk getaway with out swag, much to the amusement of the wedding party leaving the Register Office. Back to Shaw, off load the lager, then Wayne wizzes down the M4 to Newbury to his friend for lunch. We dine on a Vesta Chop Suey (ready in 20 minutes). Sarah wants custard with hers, she settles for having the custard after, then has her nappy changed and her afternoon nap with Barry the Giant Blue Teddy Bear, who seems to take up more than his fair share of the cot. While_ she's asleep I go down to West Swindon (what will we call it when Carrefour changes to Gateway?) District Centre to meet Debbie from toddlers to buy some toys. We finally decide on a Fisher Price Activity House, one of those musical rattles on wheels, and a brick trolley. We spend slightly more than was agreed at last night's meeting but do get a very healthy discount for being good customers (and cheeky enough to ask for it!). I go into the Library to do some photcopying for the WEA night class I'm doing in Swindon (British Pop Music of the 1960's), then walk up to Jill's to drop off the minutes for her to type. I forgot who's doing the map, so when I get home I do a quick phone round to check, (the idea was that we have a map at Parent & Toddlers showing where each person lives, so that when new people come, they can see if there's anyone near them who comes). Collect Sarah from a neighbour, she's woken up, Helen had to go to meet the Arch Deacon to discuss the plans for
the new Church at Shaw, so my neighbour took Sarah until I returned. It's nice having neighbours like that. Take round cans of lager to friends and neighbours, explain there is no charge, it's a present. Get met with looks of surprise! Talk with one neighbour about taking the garage who sold him a duff car to court. Think about tea. Oh I'd better phone up about that bus. "Well actually he's not on this number, you want our head office." Phone head office. "Sorry he's busy, can I get him to phone you?" "yes please" Tea, salad, meat, crisps, cheese, beetroot, Sarah loves beetroot. Maybe that's what's causing the smelly nappies. Nappy buckets full. Change Sarah, squeeze one more nappy into the bucket, take Sarah and bucket downstairs to wash (and feed). Man from Rotary Club phones back and promises to send booking form for mini bus. Sit and eat tea (have tea?) Tell Lucy and Aslan (the other cat) that they'll have theirs after we've had ours. Sarah spoils this arrangement by accidently (?) dropping bits of meat, crisps (but not beetroot) onto floor. Sit and read with Sarah for a while then bathtime. (Likes water, like toys, like splash splash, hates gurgir gurgir at end of bath. Get dried (Sarah helps daddy with the talc, and thinks the cream on her bot is the same as the cream on fruit - tries to eat it, ugh! "Night night Barry bear, night night Rhona the dolly, night night Sarah, see you in the morning!" kiss and cuddle. Stay upstairs a while in case she doesn't settle, she seems fine. Listen to a bit of Revolver (best LP the fab four ever made). Then bath for daddy (more water but less toys and splash splash than previous time). Then downstairs wash the dishes for the day (I've got it down to about twenty minutes). Then hoover up the crisp crumbs the cats have refused (or just not noticed). Helen's working tonight so its a bit of telly, write that letter to main I promised on Sunday then bed (shall we go swimming tomorrow? If it's a nice day we could go to Lydiard Park, or maybe feed some ducks in Queen's Park. What shall I do with all that lager in the garage?
FRESHBROOK & GRANGE PARK ••••••S•. TO • CUPPAS RE-OPENS- INVITATION A MEETING CIJPPAS: : Freehhrooks Friendly • • 10
Community Cafe
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Coffee, Tea, Soft Drinks. Cakes and Light Meals. • . Open 9am - 4pm every weekday. • Freshbrook Community Centre.
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Cnppaz a great place to make friends.
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STRETCH & SHAPE
A new Aerobics class starts on 29th April at Upper Shaw Farm Centre. 730pm More 8.30pm. to information from Wendy Watts on 852829.
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JUMBLE SALE 30th May - 10am - 12 noon Freshbrook Community Centre Admission 1 O Proceeds to Rainbow Playgroup
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Freshbrook's friendly, community cafe re-opened with a flourish when the Mayor and Mayoress of Thamesdown dropped in for a cup of tea. Cuppas has always been a great place to find out whats going on in the community and to make friends. During its short closure carpets have been laid which gives the meeting place a warmer, quieter atmosphere. The Mayor and Mayoress enjoyed a cake specially baked for the re-opening. Before departing they wished Cuppas well for the future. The return of customers to Cuppas has been encouraging which suggests people missed it during the time it was closed. If you have not visited Cuppas, give it a try next time you visit the Village Centre.
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Freshbrook's annual Fun Day is planned for Saturday 13th June. This is the fifth year that the Freshbrook community has organised a big get together to enjoy themselves. The day will start with a long procession of floats around the streets of Freshbrook and be followed by many attractions on the school field including stalls, demonstrations, side shows and refreshments. In the evening there will be a grand dance in the community centre. Of course the Fun Day does not organise itself. Volunteers are needed to join the small band of people who have been putting the day together so far. Could you help? If you want to know more, contact Pauline Frewin at Freshbrook Community Centre, Tel: 871017.
residents' Freshbrook's organisation, the Freshbrook Village group, will be holding its Annual General meeting on the evening of Wednesday 17th June. The FVG acts as the community council for Freshbrook residents and takes up pYoblems and issues on their behalf. It also has responsibility for managing the community centre. The annual meeting is a chance for Freshbrook residents, who are all members of the organisation, to find out what has been going on over the past year and what is being planned. The meeting is also an invitation for people to come forward and join the Executive Committee which takes on the day to day business of the FVG. Information about the nominations to committee will be published in the next Link.
ON THE BEAT FRESHBROOK'S BOBBIE
P.C. Ian Home is 36 years of age, married with two children, a son 13 years and daughter 11 years. From 1970 - 1979 he served in the Army and did a two year tour in Northern Ireland. In 1979 he joined the Wiltshire Constabulary and has done all his service in Swindon. Since 1984 P.C. Home has been a Beat Officer on the Western Expansion and is the School Liaison Officer for Greendown School. He is a dedicated Beat Officer, particularly interested in the younger generation with whom he has built up a good relationship. His hobbies include gardening, fishing and walking.
FRESH BROOK & GRANGE PARK
A CHURCH FOR FRESHBROOK In recent weeks there have been many press reports about the provision of a Church at Freshbrook. There has also been much misleading information about who should have the site set aside for a Church opposite Freshbrook School on Worsley Road. Here the Reverend John Flory of the West Swindon Ecumenical Team asks the question "What do Freshbrook residents think?"
Think of a small town with a population of about ten thousand people - the number that there are in Freshbrook and Grange Park - and have a guess at the number of churches there might be. Church of England, Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, United Reformed, Independent Evangelical, and probably several meeting places for other religious groups. In Freshbrook at present, there isn't one Church building, but if you read your Adver regularly, you'll know that there could be just one before long. One only, because there is only one site left in the whole Freshbrook/Grange Park area that has been identified for this purpose. Which is it to be? the group with the most ready cash?, your own particular preference?, the one that has the most to offer the local community as a whole?. How is the right decision made?. Come to think of it, who makes the decision anyway?. The Development Sub-Committee of the Borough Council would like to decide the issue at their June meetihg if possible.
The community planners did a lot of thinking before the Western Expansion Area was started - and talked to many interested groups including the Swindon Main Churches Committee. Each urban village centre would have it's pub, shop, post office, community centre, church, and hopefully a clinic all the basics in each local area with more at the District Centre within easy reach. In just ten years the development has been rapid. Methodists put up most of the cash for Toothill Church, and shared it with the other main groups of Christians in the area, including the Catholics. It was a partnership that worked well until the R.C.s moved into their new building in Eastleaze. It still provides a growing service to the Toothill community, and one base for the West Swindon Pastoral Team of Ministers. Freshbrook was to be next, and then Shaw, but Church building costs, like house prices, escalated, and five years ago the Main Churches Committee decided to giC'e Shaw priority, (with its sixteen thousand Disappointed people). Freshbrook Christians either continued to make the short journey to Toothill or St. Mary's church in Lydiard Park, or gathered together in the community centre to form what has become the Independent Evangelical Church. In the early days the West Swindon Team led much of the Sunday worship, but with the appointment of their own full-time pastor, this was no longer necessary, nor did the elders permit it. With one Village Centre site remaining, its important that the decision reflects the long term needs of the community. Most Freshbrook residents who have arranged a wedding or a funeral, or have asked for a baby to be baptized, will have received ministry from a local Anglican, Baptist. Methodist or Catholic Minister, and although there has been a resident vicar in
Grange Park for three years, (Rev. David Attwood being followed by the Rev. Tony Price) they would have had to go just out of the area for the service. In the last year, a Minister from the United Refgormed Church has joined the Team, so it is now at full strength, and keenly interested in fulfilling the original decision to build in Freshbrook. So much for local history! with only one village centre site remaining, it's important that the decision reflects the long term needs of the community. If it is to be developed by a Christian group, then should it be a partnership of Churches as at Toothill, Westlea and Shaw, or one fellowship going it alone? In some ways it is a pity that a decision has to be made just now. A quality church building
11
with full provision for weekday community use costs about ÂŁ4fl0,000 altogether - at least that is what Shaw is costing. It's a lot of money to find, but there are other groups with interests wider than the local community who are interested in moving in who have that kind of money. What do local residents think? Here is an opportunity for the first community-funded building in Freshbrook to be put up - and Freshbrook residents seem to be particularly well organised. As an exercise in local government, this is a good topic for a community decision. If you haven't already done so, why not let your local Councillors know what you think. Their names and addresses are published on the reference page. Then the right decision is more likely to be made.
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The Church in West Swindon Jesus is alive now, and that may not have a church building means he can meet with us and in Freshbrook (at the moment! - become a part of our lives. Being see the article by John Flory on a Christian is not something we page 11). But it has what is even do just on Sundays, or keep to a more important, and that is, special religious compartment of people in the area. There are our lives: it has to be something members of our congregations that changes things in every part. living in Freshbrook, and there is There are lots of people who a Team Vicar with special believe in God and think of themselves as Christians, but I responsibility for Freshbrook. His name is Tony Price, and want to say there's much more to he and his family have been it than that. You have to share living in Grange Park since your life with other Christians November 1985, when they within the Church, or all that faith and energy will just go to moved here from Stewartby, waste. Surprising as it may seem, near Bedford. Tony is married to Alison, the Church is an essential part of whi is a full-time friend, wife, the Good News!" At the moment, the West mother, educator, homemaker (plus other demanding jobs), Swindon Ecumenical Church and their children are Thomas Team have designated St. (9), Martha (7), Naomi (5) - all at Mary's, Lydiard Tregoze as the the Oliver Tomkins Schools - 'parish church' for all of and Esther (2). The whole family Freshbrook and Grnage Park. "But we do care for belongs to the congregation at St. Mary's, Lydiard Tregoze, everyone in Freshbrook, and we where Tony is mainly based, and are hoping that there will soon be they all share in the task of an opportunity for us to set up a helping the church to grow, and new worship-centre nearer to the reach out to others in the Village Centre, and 'plant' a new congregation there." community. If you live in Freshbrook or "My real concern is to help people to discover that God is Grange Park, and want to get in real, and that they can know him touch with your Vicar, you can through knowing Jesus Christ. ring him on 870244, or leave a the turning point in my own life message with the Church Office came when I actually saw that (874221).
The West Swindon Churches Justice and Peace Group During the height of the famine - evening. Examples from this in Ethiopia two years ago a year would be Church Action on group of people from a number Poverty, Lifçstyle and Star of the local Christian Churches Wars. The third is a group met together after a joint concentrating on action and service. They decided to form a planning. They are currently group that would act and pray busy contributing to Walk for the together about issues relating to World in June and planning for third world, peace, human rights One World Week in October. and domestic poverty. The group as a whole is So often we are tempted to currently planning a series of six on World see problems as so large that we meetings feel we can do nothing about Development Education to be them. The members of the held in three of the local Justice and Peace Group want to churches sarting at St. Peter's find the little that we can do and Church Hall on May 3rd at then encourage each other to do 8.00pm The meetings will it, no matter how small it may examine the need for land seem. The things we do are not reform, relief of third world dramatic or often exciting but we debts and the release of the poor do feel we are following out the from conditions of work close to call of Christ in his concern for slavery. The relationship Justice and Peace for everyone in between these issues and the Old our world. testament concept of Jubilee will Currently the group has be examined. three house groups that meet For further details of any regularly. One concerns itself activities please contact any of with letter writing for non violent the following: prisoners of conscience suggested by Amnesty Robert or Aileen Barrett 38804 International. A second meets to Edward Glennie 872578 discuss a particular issue for an Rev. Helen Drummond 874372
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RESIDENTIAL
Toothill 4 Bedroom Detached £66,950
Shaw 2 Bedroom End Terrace £39,950
Grange Park 4 Bedroom Detached £74,950
Westlea 4 Bedroom Detached £61,950
Shaw Ridge 3 Bedroom Detached £117,000
Toothill 4 Bedroom Detached £65,500
Grange Park 2 Bedroom Terrace £36,950
Freshbrook 3 Bedroom Detached £49,995
Toothill 5 Bedroom Detached £69,995
Grange Park 3 Bedroom Detached £54,950
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Westlea 3 Bedroom Detached £55,500
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Grange Park 4 Bedroom Detached £59,995
Freshbrook 3 Bedroom Detached £53,995
Contact Chris Griffin or James Beardsworth on 33301 124 COMMERCIAL ROAD SWINDON WILTSHIRE 0793 33301 4-6 NEWPORT STREET SWINDON WILTSHIRE 0793 33301 HIGH STREET WOOTTON BASSETT WILTSHIRE 0793 850321
PLAYTIME
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WASPS - IT'S CHILDS PLAY Compared with many areas West Swindon is very well off for play space for children. It also has numerous Parent and Toddler groups and playgroups for pre-school age children. There are an increasing number of facilities in the area for older teenagers. However apart from the Blue Bananas play scheme and the traditional 'uniformed' groups (cubs, brownies etc.) there is no supervised after school play provision in the area for the younger age group. WASPS have run a free summer playscheme for the past two years in the Western expansion. However we now see the need for WASPS to take on a
wider role in helping to stimulate and support more playschemes for 5 - 12 year olds in the area. We need people to come forward with help and ideas for play provision in West Swindon. What would you like to see in the area? - an adventure playground - full time professional support in helping to set up clubs etc training for volunteers playschemes in all the holidays. Whatever you want come along and help make it happen. Contact WASPS through Nicky Baker at the Link Community suite tel: 871212 ext 234 or Kevin Brownridge 26161 ext 3191.
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WASPS RACE NIGHT
We have obtained some funding for the 1987 play programme from Thamesdown Council but as ever it is not enough and we desperately need to raise some money so that we can provide enough equipment and staff for the summer play scheme. To raise money we are having a Race Night at the Link Theatre in July. At our race night you can have all the fun of a day at the races in the comfort of the Link Theatre. During the evening there will be eight filmed horse races and you will be able to bet on the horses under tote rules and possibly (probably) win a fortune! There is also the added bonus of a cheap bar and a free buffet all fór £2.00. So come along for a great night out and support a worthwhile local project. Entry is by ticket only which you will be able to obtain from reception at the Link or contact Nicky Baker in the Link Community Suite. Tel: 871212 ext 234. NOW FOR THE SERIOUS MONEY - We are selling 56 horses in our race night. Owning a race horse entitles you to the following priviledges: 1. Free entry 2. You can book seats in advance for members of your party in the owners enclosure. 3. You get to name your horse in the race night programme. 4. There are prizes for winning each race. 5. There is £100 for winning the final and £50 for 2nd place. Every horse has an equal chance of winning these prizes. YOU GET ALL THIS FOR ONLY £5 - BUY A HORSE NOW BEFORE THEY ARE ALL SOLD CONTACT NICKY BAKER AT THE LINK COMMUNITY CENTRE. Finally local firms may wish to sponsor a race for £25. Get good publicity in the race night programme and support a good cause. Last year WASPS summer playscheme worked with over 100 children on some days. If you think that not enough is being done for youngsters in this area support WASPS RACE NIGHT.
WASPS NEED PAID AND VOLUNTEER PLAY WORKERS FOR SUMMER PLAYSCHEME This summer WASPS are running four one week summer playschemes - Mondays to Thursdays between July 20th and Thursday August 13th, with a family outing for all children who have attended the playscheme and their parents/ guardians, on Friday 14th August. The schemes will run between 11.00am and 3.00pm each day and will be open to children aged between 5 and 8. There will be more information about the schemes nearer the time in the Link. For the first time WASPS is able to employ a number of paid workers for the summer playscheme - we need two supervisors and four playworkers, for each week of the scheme. We would like to employ local people who might be able to follow up the summer playschemes by helping set up and support 'after-school' and junior youth clubs in the area. People who apply for the supervisors' posts should already have some playwork experience (not necessarily paid experience). Paid workers must be available for at least two consecutive weeks and be able to attend somw training sessions before the sheme starts. We are also looking for volunteers to help during the scheme. Volunteers do not need playwork experience you just need to be available on a regular basis. Volunteers will be most welcome to attend our training sessions and take part in our planning meetings. Because we are working with young children we have to vet our volunteers so please let us know in good time if you would like to be a volunteer. A creche will be available for all workers and volunteers who have children under five. Supervisors will be paid £13.92 and playworkers £11.43 per session - 1030am - 3.30pm. If you are interested in finding out more about paid or voluntary work with WASPS please contact Nicky Baker in the Community Suite at the Link Centre. Tel: 871212 ext 234.
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Thamesdown Borough Council
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A VILLAGE CENTRE FORSHAW The Borough Council has a long established policy of providing neighbourhood facilities at the centre of Swindon's urban village developments. Following on from Village Centres at Toothill and Freshbrook, the Borough Council has already completed the village square at Ramleaze Drive, Shaw. Around this attractively landscaped square, which includes 65 car parking spaces, will be built a parade of shops, a public house (with an additional 50 space public car park) and a church. Sites have also been reserved for a community centre and a second smaller commercial development which is expected to include facilities such as an estate agency, building society and possibly a bank. Construction work has commenced on the public house and shops which will include a supermarket, chemist, hairdresser and 'take-away' hot food outlet. It is hoped that the Post Office will permit a sub-post office within the supermarket. Both these development will be completed by the end of the year, with the church due for completion by the Spring of 1988. A site has also been reserved for a permanent doctors' surgery which will replace the existing temporary surgery, probably by 1990. A temporary community building has been erected next to the temporary surgery and will soon be ready for use.
Traditional Appearance The centre page bird's-eye view of the Village Centre gives a realistic impression of how the Centre will look on completion. In order to create a strong unified and attractive appearance, all the buildings which surround the Village Square will feature steeply pitched roofs with the same traditional clay tile, whilst external walls will be constructed in complementary brickwork.
The car park awaiting some buildings
The square itself has been carefully designed to encourage very low traffic speeds. Pedestrian priority areas are clearly distinguished by a contrasting paving block. A 'lychgate' is to be built at the front of the Centre on Ramleaze Drive as an attractive feature providing shelter and seating. Surrounding the Village Centre on the west and east sides is over 5 acres of open space. This land will be laid out as a pleasant parkland with play areas for a footpath/cycleway system providing links between the centre and adjoining residential areas. An elderly persons' group dwelling is to be built by the Borough Council, staring in 1988, to the north of the church. An existing fine oak tree is being carefully retained within the overall development. It will become the focal point of on the square that is to be created between the group dwelling and the church. By the end of the year Shaw Village Centre will have come to life, providing a host of local facilities within a development of distinctive character which is both pleasant and convenient to use.
I A Community is only as strong as the people in it and the Borough Council welcomes the interest of residents to be involved in their own community building. On the back page of this newsletter is an invitation to Shaw residents to participate in th e process of establishing a community centre at the Village Centre.
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SHAW'S COMMUNITYCENTRE Thamesdown Council's Community Planning Committee is responsible for the provision of community buildings throughout the Borough, a task which it has carried out successfully over many years. Throughout Thamesdown there are 20 purpose-built or converted community centres which are leased to groups of local people who take on responsibility for managing them. Additionally, there are nine social halls which are smaller buildings or rooms administered directly by the Council's Community Development Division at the Civic Offices. These buildings represent a tremendous commitment to fostering a sense of community in the many different neighbourhoods which make up Thamesdown. The Chair of the Community Planning Committee, Des Moffatt, recognises that more than just a building is required: "Bricks and mortar can only provide a shelter. Centres which are the focus for community life become a success only because of the hard work, energy, enthusiasm and commitment put in by local people. The magic ingredient is the desire of residents to work together to improve the quality of their environment."
Community Centres Officer, deals with the technical aspects of constructing and furnishing a building and with the business of management by the community. Their role is to bring people together to share their ideas, arrange meetings with architects, fix up visits to other centres and generally help the discussions bring forth a building which can serve all residents of Shaw. The would like to meet people for an initial discussion about the community centre project. If you would like to find out more, please contact Roger or Denis on Swindon 26161.
In the Meantime
Freshbrook's new Community Centre rising up behind the temporal',' building - 1984
Partnership Des Moffat believes it is important that the people of Shaw have a major say in what their community centre should be like. "At present Thamesdown has some money set aside to design a centre", comments Des, "but due to restrictions on our finances, we have not been able to budget for its construction. However, the process of designing a community centre takes a long time and we need to be ready with plans so that it can be built without delay, when funds are available. I hope that people in Shaw will come forward to be involved in this process."
Help Two officers from the Community Development Division are concerned with the Shaw Project; Roge Ogle, Community Development Officer for West Swindon, is available to work with the groups likely to use the centre; Denis Onley, Assistant
Shaw's temporary community building being delivered in April.
The Borough Council has always tried to make some temporary community facility available at an early point in a :::: new housing development. There is always a need for a place..*.: where a playgroup and under-three's and their parents canx. meet. The buildings also allow new groups to form, meetings to take place and votes to be cast close to home at election time. It is not often possible to provide the permanent buildings at the beginning of a development because of demands on resources elsewhere. A temporary community centre will be ready in April, located next to the Doctors' surgery on: Ranileaze Drive. Anybody who would like to use the building is invited to contact Roger Ogle on Swindon 26161, ext. 3191.
Community Development BOROUGH OF THAMESDOWN
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LYDIARD PARK ON OUR DOORSTEP It's all happening at Lydiard on Bank Holiday Monday 25th May. Having brushed off the winter cob-webs the park will be coming to life by opening two new fully marked walks. There will also be an inflatable castle, a new piece of playground equipment and maybe a hot air balloon. The displays in the Vtior Centre have all been re-vamped as well. Lydiard Park is waiting for you.
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LINK CENTRE
ADULT DAYTIME ACTIVITIES
Ivan Robbins Senior Ranger. Getting things organised! -
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If you find yourself with spare time during the day and want to get out and meet people, in a friendly, sporting environment, then why not join one of Link Centre's daytime activity courses. You don't need to be fit or 85p per day. Gold Card holders are to have even played the sports before. Just come along and encouraged to join Link Centre Link Centre Coaches will soon for a 2 hour session including 5-ahave you feeling not only fitter, side football, badminton, squash but have you making new friends and snooker. Gold Card sessions run every Tuesday and Thursday as well. There is at least one course between 230pm and 430pm. on each day with prices aimed at The cost is just 25p. Finally to wind up daytime encouraging you to join in, not run off in the opposite direction! activities offered at Link Centre, Courses offered during the every Wednesday and Friday day start off on Mondays between 9.30am and 11.30am a between 9.30 11.30am when session called Budget Sport is Link Centre invites all ladies to available. This is open to everyone for kick off their shoes, let their hair down and join keep fit, keep fit, badminton, snooker, badminton, squash and much squash and table tennis. Creche more. Creche facilities are free facilities are available for 2 5 for 2 5 year olds and under 2s. year olds. The cost of a Budget The cost of Ladies Recreation is Sport session is £1.10. All the daytime activity just £1 .30. Following this session Link courses are fully supervised by Centre then invites all Link Centre qualified instructors Evergreens (that's folks older in and even include a FREE years, but young at heart) for SWIM! Unfortunately, however the more badminton, keep fit, squash and snooker. This session daytime activities do not run runs between 1.30pw and when there is a school holiday. For more details drop into 3.30pm every Monday afternoon and also runs between 930am Link Centre and pick up a and 1130am every Tuesday brochure. Alternatively phone morning. The cost of this is just them on 871212. -
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IT'S HALF TERM SOON Just a quick reminder for your diaries for the school half-term holidays from May 26th 29th. During this half-term Lincoln springs into action yet again to bring your children their favourite activities packed into 4 days of fun. This 4 day camp will also run from 930am to 330pm and include daily activities the children will love: ice-skating, 5-a-side, Bouncing Castle, arts and crafts, and much, much more! The cost will also be £1.85 a day and again advanced booking is highly recommended. Bookings can be made at Link Centre anytime between 9am 10pm daily. Unfortunately we cannot accept telephone bookings. -
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VAUJBRS
NEWS & VIEWS
22
Peacocks at Dawn
New at the Link Centre
Lower Shaw Farm has a number of animal residents including two Peacocks. Like all good animals (and humans) they get happy when spring comes. And they demonstrate their happiness by making a noise, usually at dawn and at dusk. The Peacocks make the loudest noise, a long wailing cry that carries far and wide because they perch on high A newcomer to West Swindon is Martha Parry. She has joined the Link Centre as Community Activities Officer. But many people will not think of Martha as new, she's returning after two years away in Herefordshire. She first came to Toothill from Canada in 1980 with her family and became involved in the community as Warden at the new Salzgitter Court Elderly Persons Group Dwelling. She later opened a second new group dwelling at Freshbrook Village Centre, Elsie Hazell Court. Martha also became heavily involved with the Freshbrook Village Group residents organisation as it was preparing for the business of managing the new community centre and influencing the design of the Village Centre. She is pleased to be back in
West Swindon. "The changes are amazing" she observed "what really strikes you is how settled it all looks. The trees and shrubs have matured and the daffodils are beautiful. It's also wonderful to see how busy people have been getting new activities going at the community centres and at the Link Centre. At the Link Martha will be meeting all the groups who use the Community Suite. Martha says she would welcome contact with people who want to start new community groups or have an idea which could be developed. She can be contacted on 871212 ext. 234. Coming back has other benefits too. "I've really enjoyed bumping into people I knew when I lived in West Swindon before," said Martha. "It has been a great way of starting a new job."
Cleaning Enterprises Over the 24 years of trading in the soft furnishing cleaning business, Cleaning Enterprises have gained a vast amount of knowledge which it passes on in non technical terms to interested parties. They will attend day/ evening meetings to discuss all aspects of soft furnishing cleaning in the home and point out some of the not so pleasant experiences that can and do
happen. The complete range of machinery is taken to those meetings, and where equipment is available, an 8 minute video can be shown. Sample cleans are also carried out to show the "before" and "after" results. The usual question and answer session is encouraged, as people often relate to their own experience. For more information ring Swindon 812575.
places, like on top of the barn or house to do it. Their cry may disturb your lie-in, but we do hope that these happy mating calls don't upset you. If they do, we apologise on their behalf and hope you will bear with them until their urge to cry out stops. More animal details next month.
TO ADVERTISE IN THE LINK RING: 771534 or 872282
BOTTLE BANK The reason why there is no and as we are allowed some container for re-cycling brown brown glass in with the green, we bottles at the Bottle Bank at would ask savers to use the green Toothill Village Centre, is that one. Mr. Freeth pointed out that we do not save enough glass in West Swindon. This is the blunt saving glass makes sense in more answer to a Link magazine ways than one, "apart from reenquiry, as a result of the using glass that can be re-made for less than new ones, there is a photograph in the last edition. The low level of glass re- significant saving in refuse cycling could be for different collecting and tipping. When you reasons. Perhaps people are not think about it a ton of glass reconscious enough of saving glass, cycled is a ton less on the tip; it's a on the other hand many are double saving on the rates." He also recognises that the probably not aware that there is a bottle bank close-by. Jeremy position of the bottle bank in the Freeth of Thamesdown Glass rear car park at Toothill Village Re-cycling, the company which Centre is not ideal. "It would be operates the bottle banks in the best over by Carrefour in the Borough, confirms that the Centre of West Swindon, but Toothill containers are under- we've been told it would spoil the used. "We collect about ten tons area, so they won't have it over of glass from the bottle banks there. I think a lot more people across Thamesdown;" said Mr would save glass if it was." Until a more central site is Freeth, "roughly speaking a quarter to half a ton comes from found for a bottle bank, the Link West Swindon. The reason for will regularly publicise its not having a brown bottle existence at Toohill Village container at Toothill is the cost, Centre. Keep on saving. each container costs around ÂŁ350
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GREENDOWN ADULT EDUCATION NEWS LINK TO THE PAST 24
The Adult Education Summer Programme is out. Be sure to take a close look at the Local History Walkabouts for Summer weekend afternoons, the Natural History courses in Lydiard park, the 'Get by' language courses for your holidays, the tennis, the windsurfing, landscape painting, weekend calligraphy courses and much more. Copies from Greendown and West Swindon Library or sent on request. Late AE news: an wordprocessing additional course - what about Saturdays? length? 5 weeks, 10.00 - 4.00 cost? £25. If you are interested let me know. Remember, your suggestions or offers are most welcome for future AE programmes. For further information or a copy of the AE programme phone 871413. WANTED Over the past few months we have received enquiries for various clubs or courses but haven't had enough people to get them going. Enquiries include - a luncheon club for the elderly, music making (both players and
singers), lace making and embroidery, a computer club, a single parent group, a chess club, model making, a literary group and short tennis. All these need are a few more interested people, especially organisers. If you are interested let me know.
DO-IT-YOURSELF Something that doesn't need lots of other people is the chance to make use of out workshops for your do-it-yourself tasks, our multi-gym for exercise at your own pace or our computer system for developing your skills. Watch this space for news of our Video Studio and Radio and sound mixing facilities. More next issue. ANYONE FOR TENNIS? More topically, what about tennis? watch matches on Mondays, learn on Tuesdays, come to Junior coaching on Wednesdays, book for your use on Thursdays and Fridays or buy a key for a season's use at weekends. All possible through the Community Association. For further information or a copy of the Community Association programme phone 871413. Finally, for the
by Nick Digby These pot shards, known as It is not generally known that West Swindon was the centre of 'wasters', are so called because a large Romano-British pottery they were faulty, and could not making industry about 1800 have been sold. However the years ago. Much evidence of this fragments show that many has been uncovered during different types of vessel were construction work in recent being produced, such as cups, years. The areas around what tankards, plates, bowls, small Whitehill Farm in and large saucepans, and jugs, in was Freshbrook, over to Upper Shaw fact all the same types of pottery and beyond to Nine Elms, and to found in a modern kitchen. The Toothill in the east, have all style was, of course, rather produced large dumps of kiln different, with io glazing, but debris in the form of charcoal patterns in the form of rings on containing many fragments of the neck or cross-hatching pottery. There were also traces etched into the side. found under the West Swindon The kilns were constructed Centre and the Link Centre from clay and shaped like when they were built, upturned boats, about 6 feet long. Some were discovered adventurous, why not 'Come with the pottery still inside them, Climbing' (for both learners and while most were broken by the improvers) over the Spring Bank potters to get at their newly fired Holiday with Steve 0' Sullivan, pots. From here they would be director of Sport at Greendown taken to local towns and villages and for the energetic, start for sale. Much of this type of preparing for the Greendown pottery has been found during excavations in the Romanohalf marathon - coming soon! British town of Wanborough. Furhter enquiries: Kiln Park is so named Rod Kensett, Adult and Community Tutor, Greendown because of this industry and is Community School, Grange now set aside to conserve a number of kilns for future Park Way, Grange Park. generations. Tel: 871413.
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ARTS SCENE BREEZEBLOCK THEATRE 'Breezeblock Theatre Company' have been meeting at the Link Arts Studios for over a year. The company grew out of a Tuesday evening drama group, which eventually developed into a resident amateur company. The group began to work collectively creating material through improvisation. This led them to produce their first performance at the Arts Studios on 11th October 1986. The production was entitled 'Trolleys', and was a spoof comedy based on a West Swindon landmark, the supermarket shopping trolley! The show was a great success and an expurgated version was seen at the Arts Studios performance evening later in the year. Breezeblock are currently rehearsing a new show. This time they are using an established play 'BLOODY POETRY' by Howard Brenton. Set in the last century the performance examines the relationship
between a group of poets, as they discuss such issues as morality and the uses of electricity! The poets are Byron and Shelley, whose wife Mary wrote 'FRANKENSTEIN'. 'BLOODY POETRY' will be presented at Link Arts on Saturday 23rd May and tickets are now on sale, price £2.00! £1.00 (concession). If you would like to join the group or want further information on the show please contact the Arts Studios.
A new course starts in May to introduce drama to our younger budding actors and actresses. Aimed at local children from 8 to lithe eight week course will be held in the theatre at the Link Arts Studios. Run on Saturday mornings beginning 2nd May from 10.00am - 11.00am the aim is to give the children basic teaching and experiences in drama, leading up to a public performance on Sunday 21st June. the course is limited to 12 children and booking forms are POTTERY WORKSHOPS available from the Link. If you would like to Are you interested in ceramics? If so the Craft Studio at Link publicate an arts event, want Centre will be running some further information on any of the basic pottery sessions from actitivities at Link Arts or 7.00pm to 9.00pm on contribute to this page contact Wednesday evenings beginning Chris Humphrey at Link Arts May 6th. Each session will cost Studios - 871212 ext 227. £2.00/fl.00 concessions and includes tuition and materials. There will be six sessions now with further evenings planned If you have recently been to the over the summer. West Swindon Library or used the entrance foyer to get into the Link Centre, you may have seen group worked on improvisation, a large bright painting on the but to gain more confidence they wall. Commissioned by the Arts are now working on a scripted Studios and painted by Swindon performance, the popular farce artist Claudine Dunger, it is by Dario Fo "Can't pay, won't entitled 'ANIMAL pay". A performance date has FANTASIA', and was funded yet to be fixed, so watch this space for further details. Jules is also working on a production with the school children called "Jacob Two-Two and the Hooded Fang". Performance dates are July 8th for West Swindon primary AL West Swindon schools and July 9th and 10th for Centre the public. Again further details will be available. New members for the adult group are always welcome, so for further information contact Jules at the school on 874224.
DRAMA AT GREENDOWN Greendown Community School opened last September. Jules Dowling is their Head of Creative Arts and since November he has been working with an adult drama group based at the school's drama studio. The group is part of the range of community activities that have developed out of the unique timetabling of the school day. As the children's classes finish in the early afternoon the facilities of the school are then available for community groups and adult education classes to use for the rest of the day. The drama group meets on Tuesday evenings from 7.30pm 10.00pm and currently has five regular members. Initially the
ARTS IN THAMESDOWN
Dance, Media Arts, Drama, Music, Visual Arts worisnops, Performances and more. - Your cut-out guide to arts venues. Town Hall Studios - Town Centre, Swindon 26161 ext 3144 box
office 611181. JolifTe Studios - above Wyvern, Swindon 26161 ext 3149. Link Arts Studios - West Swindon, Swindon 871212 ext 227. Arts Centre - Old Town, Swindon 614837 or 26161 ext 3133. Wyvern Theatre - Town Centre, Swindon 24481 - box office.
rr
CHILDRENS DRAMA GROUP
Arts and Recreation Borough of Thamesdown financi'Jl' assisted by SOUTHERN ARTS. Why not get on our mailing list for all events and activities? Contact: arbaraMcDavitt on 35536.
25
JUNCTION 16 DRAMA GROUP 'Junction 16' are probably West Swindon's longest running amateur drama group. over the years they have performed a variety of shows, at different venues around the town. Theyare currently rehearsing a new production, 'Love in a Mist', a comedy by Kenneth Home. Performance dates are the 18th! l9th/20th June at the New College on Helston Road Park North. The group meets on Mondays and Thursdays at 7.30pm at Freshbrook Community Centre. They are still looking for new members, as there are lots of jobs to do for the new show. So if you would like to get involved go along to the Centre or contact Val on 693635 or Kate on 874571.
ANIMAL FANTASIA by our regional arts association, Southern Arts. Claudine has also produced the boards which were hanging alongside the swimming pool, which are now also in the entrance foyer. These boards were painted for the 'Thamesdown Trails Project' and will shortly be fixed to the underside of Milton Road Bridge in the town centre.
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NEW TOWN OFFICE: 106 COMMERCIAL ROAD, OLD TOWN OFFICE: 101 VICTORIA ROAD, SWINDON SWINDON Tel. 644511. Contact STEVE COLE, DAVID Tel. 45351. Contact MIKE PIKE, JIM DUTCH, PIKE, CHRIS BIRT or ADRIAN MEES MALCOLM SMITH, JEAN THOMAS Shaw "Blenheim" style Clarke built executive style 4 bed det house. Ent hall, clk ml, lounge, sep dining room, kitchen/blast tin, utility area, master bed with ensuite bathroom, 3 further family generous beds, bathroom. Garage, gas c/h. £82,950. Westlea Sole agents Costain built 4 bed det house in corner position. Ent hall, clk mm, lounge/dining mm, kitchen/blast tin, 4 beds, bathroom, garage, gas c/h £65,000. Freshbrook Sole agents Clarke built 3 bed del house having Georgian elevations. Ent hall, lounge, kit/dining ml, 3 beds, bathroom, gas c/h garage, £51,000. Early occupation available. Ramleaze Bungalow Rendell built 2 bed semi-det bungalow in excellent order throughout. Ent hall, lounge/dining en, kitchen, conservatory, 2 beds, bathroom, gas c/h, garage £44,500.
Freshbrook Superbly maintained and presented quality house in quiet cul-de-sac, lounge, dining room, kitchen, 3 beds, bathroom, garage space, gas c/h, gardens. £43,500. Freshbrook Sole agents 3 double bed semi det corner house with sited extensive views to rear, hall, lounge, kitchen/diner, bathroom, garage, gas c/h, extras. £48,750 many EARLY POSSESSION AVAILABLE. Freshbrook Attractive brick built 4 bed det residence offering good acc. Ent hall, lounge, dining room, kitchen, cloaks/utility area, en-suite shower room, bathroom, good gardens, garage. £61000. Shaw (Just available) Large superbly maintained det house in quiet culde-sac. Ent hall, lounge, dining room, kitchen, conservatory, 4 beds, bathroom, garage, c/h, gas many extras. £69,995
Ramleaze Deceptively spacious 3 bed end town house Ent porch, lounge, sep dining ml, kitchen, 3 beds, bathroom, gas c/h, car parking/ garage space £40,950.
Grange Park Large corner sited individually designed executive style del house, ent hall, cloaks, dining lounge, room, kitchen/blast room, utility, 4 beds, en-suite shower room, family bathroom, double garage, gas c/h, dble glazing sealed units. £79,950. Grange Park (Just available) Large 2 bed ex show house in excellent order throughout, ent hall, lounge/ dining room, kitchen, bathroom, ample parking space, full c/h, many extras. £37,995.
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Westlea Immaculate McLean built 3 bed det house in picturesque cul-de-sac with ant hall, lounge, luxury kitch/diner, rear lobby, utility rm, 3 good sized beds, bathroom, garage, gas c/h, large gardens front and rear, £56,950
Freshbrook Spacious three bedroomed semi detached in quiet cut de sac, large lounge, well fitted kitchen/diner, three bedrooms, bathroom with shower, larger than average garage, gas convector heating, cavity wall insulation. Sole agents £45,000. Grange Park Larger than average detached house built by Messers Galifords some 2 years ago, large entrance hall, cloakroom, large lounge, dining room, well fitted kitchen, bathroom with shower, four good sized bedrooms, single detached garage, gas fired radiator central heating, quality fitted carpets included, excellent decorative order. £62,950. Windrush Sole agents Three bedroomed detached house, entrance hall, large lounge, dining room, kitchen, bathroom with shower, separate wc, garage, full gas radiator central heating, quality carpets included, excellent decor. £46,950. Avonmead, Greenmeadow Detached house, entrance hall, lounge/diner, kitchen, three bedrooms, garage, gas central heating, patio doors, good sixed rear garden, must be seen. £55,500. Meadowcroft Colboume built three bedroomed semi detached property in quiet location, entrance hall, large lounge, separate dining room, kitchen, three good sized bedrooms, bathroom with separate wc, attached garage, partial oil fired central heating, in need of minor updating and redecoraon. Excellent value at £42,995. Freshbrook Broseley built detahced property in quiet cul-de-sac, spacious accomodation to include lounge, separate dining room, large kitchen, four bedrooms, bathroom with
separate wc, garage with double width driveway, south facing garden, gas fired radiator central heating, carpets included. Excellent value £53,950.
OPEN SATURDAY AND SUNDAY TILL 4 p.m. WEEKDAY EVENINGS LATE TILL 8 p.m.
ASK FOR DETAILS OF OUR COMPETITIVE COSTS
ASK STEVE LARGE 595533 for £
Structural Survey, Valuation or House Buyers' Report Undertaken at short notice)
THREE SWINDON OFFICES SELLING FOR YOU
SELLING HOUSES IS OUR BUSINESS LARGE MULTI-NATIONAL COMPANY RELOCATING STAFF TO SWINDON ALL PRICE RANGES. CALL ANY ONE OF OUR 3 OFFICES FOR FREE VALUATION * In all cases usual commission required *
THE HOUSE SOLD NAME
CL V RL Y7S CUT THE DELA Y
Whether buying or sellin:
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FEELING THE STRAIN?
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let GORDON CLEVERLEY FINANCIAL SERVICES lend a helping hand. .
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In addition to our full range of mortgage services we can now offer an extremely competitive secured loan facility:- minimum £2,000 maximum £30,000.
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Loans can be used for any purpose and payment can be spread over 3 - 20 years.
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Interested? Telephone Swindon 617700
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Detach, Complete and Return for a Quotation APPLICATION FORM Secured loans are only available to houseowners or mortgage payers Name: Address
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Telephone No: Date of Birth: Approx. value of your property: £
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over
Mortgage outstanding: £ Loan required
over
years. years.
Return to: Gordon Cleverley Financial Services, 106 Commercial Road, Swindon, Wilts. SN1 5PL Gordon Cleverley Financial Services Are Licensed Credit Brokers.
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HSME & GARDEN
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White Horse Wiltshire's newest White Horse bloomed for the first time in April on the sound barrier near Godolphin Close, Freshbrook opposite the Windmill. The Crocus' planted by Thamesdown Council's Parks Department will thicken up each year to make an impressive display.
HANGING BASKETS By the beginning of May Filth thinking of what plants to put in my hanging basket and patio pots. In previous years I have tried growing petunias and lobelias from seed. But most of these types of half-hardy annuals have a development period from seed to flower of two months or more and plants grown on a windowsill do not receive enough light to make the lush, bushy growth we want in plants that will be seen at close quarters in containers. Professional growers do the trick with carefully controlled heat and light levels in greenhouses. So these days I grit my teeth and pay the £1 or more required for individual 'focal' plants and the same amount per strip of the 'fillers'. If I fill my basket in early May and keep it sheltered for a week or two to become established, it should look splendid when I hang it up for the bank holiday weekend! Garden visiting in May is full of dilemmas. Close to West Swindon is Yew Tree Cottage at Ampney St. Mary near Cirencester, a garden I visit and visit again. Its a small garden and the basic structure remains unchanged; I am always impressed by the way a bank of scree plants rises out of the sweep of gravel leading to the back (main!) entrance. But other parts always seem to contain something new, slightly different from the usual that jogs me from
slotting the borders into a comparative table based on colour impact alone! I must also recommend the late Professor Blackman's garden in Boar's Hill, Oxford, open only once each year at the late Spring Bank Holiday weekend. It defies any attempt to summarise its colour, lushness and atmosphere, so if you have time for the journey, you will be amply rewarded. 'Wood Croft' Foxcombe Lane, Boar's Hill is open only Sunday May 24th (2 - 6.30). Admission 60p. Follow yellow 'Garden Open' signs from junction at top of Hinksey Hill. Yew Tree Cottage open every Wednesday (10 - 6) plus Sunday May 17th (2 - 6). Admission 50p. Turn off A417 at Red Lion, 1st left to Ampney St. Mary then 1st right in village.
STAYING AT HOME What if you have decided to get on with those practical jobs around the house and in the garden over the Bank Holidays the ones you've been putting off for so long. Al Handihire are here to help you with every kind of tool you might need. They won't do the job for you but they'll make it easier to get them done.. All you have to do is plan how to get on with the jobs. Now, isn't that encouraging.
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TO ADVERTISE IN THE LINK RING: 771534 or 872282 Solid fuel, open fire and stove ' Boilers, cookers and roomheaters, also coal/gas effect firest and stoves. Heating Systems Ltd — Tel: 612060 Visit our showroom at the Orbit Centre (close to Mays Carpets).
GARDEN STONEWARE TROUGHS • TUBS • ANIMALS • BIRD BATHS HALF BARRELS • URNS From craftsman to you direct
Open: Saturday. Sunday and weekday evenings
OAKLANDS ENTERPRISES Braydon, Nr. Wootton Bassett Telephone: 0285 861564
The garden to be proud of
. ............ planning design construction plant selection
THE COMPLETE GARDEN SERVICE
SWINDON 873357
Steve Newstead OND Hort.
UNIT 3, TOWN SQUARE, WEST SWINDON CENTRE, SWINDON Tel: Swindon (0793)872364 & 872367
German Precision Combined with French Flair.
WE WILL PAY THE V.A.T. ON ALL FURNITURE (Limited Period Only)
Expert Fitting or Supply Only
OUT & ABOUT
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LYONS AT LYDIARD PARK
SWINDON SEAT BELT CENTRE
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Britannia cIF YOU Towing Centre LOVE YOUR Swindon's KIDS, specialist towbar and accessory BELT fitting centre. 'EM!
Dear residents of West Swindon, we are again holding our Annual Fayre at Lydiard Park at 200pm on Monday 4th May. This year's show will provide excellent family entertainment at very reasonable cost. The attractions include a Marching band, West Swindon's GWR Majorettes, punch and judy, shire horses, donkey races, dog show, motor cycle trail demonstration, as well as stalls and car boot sale. In the past year the club has raised over £12,000, most of which has been spent in the local community. All profits from Lions events are distributed nothing is lost in administration costs as with many other charities. Although we hope to raise money for our own funds, this event is not just for Lions funds. Many other charities will have stalls and make their own profits, whilst other groups who help us run the show will receive donations depending on the success of the event. So why not come along with your family and enjoy our show. Entry fees are only £1 per adult and 50p for children of school age. We look forward to seeing you. Tony York - Lions' President.
CHILD SEAT HIRE ALSO AVAILABLE Unit 16, Station Industrial Estate, Sheppard Street, Swindon. Tel. 613147
SAME DAY LOCAL CALL OUT INC EVENINGS
ALL WORK GUARANTEED LARGE MOBILE STOCK
* AUTOMATIC SPECIALISTS ALL WASHING MACHINES * TUMBLE & SPIN DRYERS ETC. 'COMPETITIVE RATES
SWINDON 643785 PROP: MR HUNT
Refrigeration Services . •,.'v —Z•
of Swindon
SALES -SERVICE REPAIRS COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC 24 HOUR BREAKDOWN COVERAGE
24 hr. Mobile no. 0860 522522 Office Hours (0793) 850665 Wfr,kworth (066641) 430 (anytime
1/I George Rousell TV&Hi-Fi Aerial Specialist
FOR SALE
For free quotes and high quality, guaranteed workmanship, ring 813601 or 0836242635 (Mobile)
Lynton six berth caravan c/w fridge, awning etc. Good condition, a bargain at £700 Tel: 771208. •1
Al HANDHIRE TOOL AND PLANT HIRE FOR PROFESSIONAL OR D.I.Y. CONCRETE BREAKERS DRILLS CONCRETE EQUIPMENT GRINDERS CAR MAINTENANCE CUTTERS WOODWORK DECORATING EQUIPMENT GENERATORS TRANSFORMERS LIGHTING HEATERS GARDENING COMPACTORS LADDERS DELIVERY AND COLLECT/ON SERVICE EASY PARKING MON-FRI. 8am - 6pm; SAT. 8am - 5pm Unit 8, Marlborough Road, I. Est. Wootton Bassett. Telephone: Swindon 854821
LIBRARY NEWS Many thanks to the Editor for allowing your local library a regular spot in The Link. Over the coming months I hope to be able to keep you up to date with library events and exhibitions, general news and information, as well as offering a list of recommended new titles which have recently been added to our stock. Events for May include a floral art exhibition between April 29th and May 13th, 'The Craft of Maureen Corrigan'. Maureen will be working in the library demonstrating her skills with real and artificial flowers come and try your hand. For those of you who take so much pleasure in our art exhibitions, we expect a very attractive display entitled 'Purton Artists Past and Present' between May 6th and 20th. The library will be participating in a 'Speak Week' two day event on Friday and Saturday 15th and 16th May when members of the Swindon Speech Therapy team will be available in library. More detailed information about new book titles will be available in future Links, but this month keep you eyes open for the superb new winner from Craig Thomas entitled 'Winter Hawk', Tom Clancy's spy chiller 'Red Storm Rising,' and Pamela Sargeant's epic saga or romance and adventure 'The Shore of Women'. Please remember the library will be closed on Tuesday 26th May. Linda Black - Librarian.
We could not include Linda Black's photo with the description of her day in the last edition - so here she is. If you would like to share a day in your life contact the Editor of The Link.
Clothing Alterations and Repairs Bookkeeping service for Self—Employed Tel: 872096 Mrs White, Freshbrook.
Purton helping hand Carnival Fete Day Monday 25th May, from 12 noon Bradon Forest School. Stalls, sideshows, refreshments, bar, hot air balloon, helipcopter rides, parachute display, tug-o-war, arts & crafts exhibition, fun castle, West Swindon's GWR Majorettes.
THE REFERENCE PAGE
EXCURSIONS & TOURS
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YOUR LOCAL COUNCILLORS Toothill, Westlea & Shaw Thamesdown Borough Council Tony Free, Toothill Farmhouse, Bodiam Drive, Toothill, Tel: 619834 Ricky Midwinter, 4 Anglesey Close, Westlea. Tel: 873537 Bob Wearn, 20 Bradenham Road, Freshbrook. Tel 871536 Wiltshire County Council Alan Winmill, 1 The Holbeins, Freshbrook. Tel: 875129
Freshbrook & Grange Park Thamesdown Borough Council Simon Cordon, 89a Victoria Road, Swindon. Tel: 47626. Martin Leighfield, 29 Lambert Close, Freshbrook. Tel: 692305. Bob Pixton, 12 Lambert Close, Freshbrook. Tel: 695317. Wiltshire County Council Simon Cordon - as above INFORMATION FOR NEW ARRIVALS Arrivals Officer: Pam Pixton, Tel: 695317 Newcomers Coffee Morning: Tuesday 10-1 1.30am in the Community Suite, Link Centre. LOCAL HEALTH SERVICES Doctors Doctors: Ketkar, Flowers, Matheson, Nixon, Holdon, Chippendale, Swinyard, Ashington Way Surgery, Ashington Tel: 614840. Doctor G Ready, Freshbrook Village Centre. Tel: 870494 Doctor Godbole, Ramleaze Drive, Shaw. Tel: 874894 Doctor Kandiah, 1 Deerhurst Way, Toothill. Tel: 511253 Health Visitor Team 4 Deerhurst Way, Toothill. Tel: 642133/610459 Baby Clinics Mon 24pm 4 Deerhurst Way, Toothill. Wed 24pm Greendown School, Grange Park. Thurs 24pm Freshbrook Community Centre. Fri 24pm Upper Shaw Farm, Shaw Ridge. Pharmacies Coopers, West Swindon Centre - Open 8am-8pm Mon-Sat Tel: 872033 Ashington Pharmacy - Open 8.30am - 6pm Mon-Fri. Sat - 830am 12 noon. Sun - 11.30am - 12.30pm. Tel: 616840 Dentists Brendan Ball & Associates, Freshbrook Village Centre. Tel: 873044 Mrs Beagley, Town Square, West Swindon Centre. Tel: 872340 Hearing Aid Practioners Wiltshire Hearing Services: Tel: 873067 WELFARE BENEFITS ADVICE POINT Welfare Benefits, Housing, Debt Counselling Advice West Swindon Advice Centre, 15 Gainsborough Way, Freshbrook on Mon 1-3pm Wed & Fri l0am-12 noon. Toothill Community Centre, Tuesday l0am-12 noon Housing A Housing Advice Service, is available to tenants of houses rented from Thamesdown Borough Council. Mike Weston is available to give information and advice every Tuesday 2pm-4.30pm at Toothill Community Centre. Tenants should note that it is not possible to pay rent at the advice sessions. USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS West Swindon Library Tel: 871444 Link Centre Tel: 871212 National Westminster Bank, West Swindon. Tel: 8704.66 Solicitors, West Swindon - Morrison & Masters, Tel: 870055
TO ADVERTISE IN THE LINK RING: 771534 or 872282
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Saturday 9th May. Spalding flower parade £5.50, £4.00. Sunday 17th May. Bournemouth £3.50, £2.50. Thursday 21St May. Chelsea flower show £4.50, £3.50. Sunday 24th May. Eastbourne. Monday 25th May. Alton Towers £12.00, £10.50. (Includes admission). Details of all May excursions are in our leaflet - out now! Enquiries and bookings: Freshways Stores, Freshbrook Centre or Fleming Way kiosk, near Primark tel: 615399. Thamesdown Transport
ENQUIRIES & BOOKINGS: - FLEMING WAY KIOSK, NEAR PRIMARK, tel. 615399 -
HILLIER cc7rzera/ C$ervice 55 Victoria Road, Swindon Tel: 22797 Chapels of Rest Broadway. Whitworth Road Tel: 22145
24 hour personal service
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ASHINGTON WAY PHARMACY WESTLEA Stockists of Nelsons Homeopathic Remedies Antica Erboristeria Products New World Cassettes Relaxation & Learning Tapes Mon - Fri 8.30 - 6pmSat 8.30 - 12 Sun 11.30 - 12.30 Tel. Sw. 616840
Morrison & Masters TOWN SQUARE, WEST SWINDON CENTRE. TEL. 870055 for House Sales and Purchases and all Property Work (written estimates given) Divorce, Criminal and all Court work Wills and Probates
WEST SWINDON'S ONLY SOLICITORS! Also at 20 Commercial Road, Swindon, Telephone 26601
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PERTEMPS JOBSHOP "Renowned as Swindon's No. 1 Agency" When seeking employment whether te,npora,y or permanent speak to the people who care and understand. SECRETARIAL AND OFFICE DIVISION. . . Speak to our experienced secretarial staff. SALES DIVISION. . . Deal with our sales consultant, the person who understands your needs, having 'first hand knowledge of sales and marketing. ACCOUNTS DIVISION... You can count on a high standard of service from this division. TECHNICAL DIVISION... Contact our time served technical consultant. INDUSTRIAL DIVISION... Talk to our friendly and helpful consultant who will work for you. DRIVING DIVISION. . . Ask for our Transport Manager.
SECOND TO NONE
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s
ring -PertempsJobshaps -now! on Swindon 615021 101 Commercial Road, Swindon SN! SPL NISSAN Over 100 top quality used cars NEW NISSAN CARS & VANS all part exchanges welcome ALWAYS OVER 100 TO 1-2 year Gemini warranties CHOOSE FROM Best selection of hatchbacks, saloons, ALL NEW NISSAN CARS HAVE estates, sports. A FREE 3YEAR WARRANTY OR 100,000 MILES Low deposit/no deposit finance on selected vehicles subject to status NISSAN — MORE FOR YOUR Gemini more money for your car MONEY Please come along and talk to US, we want to become your garage. We want to become the best, the most reliable — we want you to have the most professional service from us
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Gemini Motor Company Ltd Wootton Bassett Road Swindon. Tel. 644555
NISSAN
NISSAN
Evenin.s: Contact Steve Jones. home phone number: MaImesLrv 6182
Open 7 Days (Sun. Viewing Only)