May 1991 Swindon Link by swindonlink6

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It's time to elect new councillors On Thursday 2nd May, voters in Thamesdown go to the polls to elect a new council. Ten candidates are standing in the two West Swindon wards - six candidates for two seats in Toothill, which includes Westlea, Shaw and Sparcells, and four candidates for one seat in Freshbrook ward, including Grange Park. On pages 4, 5 and 6, we offer readers the chance to compare the candidates. Each has been given 250 words to introduce themselves and explain why you should give your vote to them.

May Day Fun

at Lydiard Park Monday 6 May from 12.30pm Attractions include: Lester the Clown, James Dylan stunt car act, Devizes 'Major-Wrecks', Shire Horses, Veteran Vehicles, Punch & Judy, Children's Fun Fair, car boot sale & much more.

First baby celebrates 15th year On 14 March 1976 the Davies family were the first to arrive in Swindon's 'western expansion area,' green fields, building sites and no facilities at all. A month later their daughter Janice was born and fifteen years later, still living in the same house in Markenfield, Toothill, the family celebrated her fifteenth birthday on 16 April. Janice, who attended Toothill Primary and is now a fourth year student at Greendown School, is pictured right with mum and dad Terry and Teresa Davies.

Cafe society aims to offer good food to young people An exciting new project is being planned which will bring together under 25's with nothing to do during the day. Called the Grub Club, the project will be a weekly lunch club for younger people in the community and is the idea of a group of women living in Toothill. Michelle Sutton, one of the organisers said that young mums, the unemployed and people on low incomes are very restricted in what they can do. They can also become isolated from other people. "There must be lots of young people around during the day who would like to get together over a meal. We want to offer a good food at low cost, along with the chance to meet and make friends." A creche will be run alongside the lunch club to give young mothem a break. "Mums often don't have time to eat a decent meal during the day; its sometimes late in the evening and cold," said Tammy Cowdrey. Toothill Neighbourhood Worker Miriam Minty, who is helping the group, said Grub Club is aimed at both men and women. "It will be a cooperative venture which involves some of the members planning the menus, buying the food

Goodfood ies,Jront, left to right, Lesley Cox, Michelle Sutton, Nina Houston, rear, Pam Pixton, Nicki Bradford, Miriam Minty

and cooking it." She added that when the project is off the ground special events and trips could be organised. The group is looking fora venue to hold Grub Club and would also welcome the help of older people with experience in catering and child care. People interested injoiningGrub Club, or helping to organise it, can contact Miriam Minty on 877083.

Proud Tim leads Town out

Tim Gibson, ready for his big day

A long wait comes to an end on Saturday 27 April when 10 year old Tim Gibson from Grange Park leads out Swindon Town as team mascot. Tim won a competition run last summer by DewhurstThe Butcher, The Link magazine and the West Swindon Centre. We asked entrants to draw or paint a picture celebrating Swindon's magnificent success in the play-offs for a Division One placing. How things change in less than a year. From the verge of the first division to keeping away from the relegation zone, the Town's fortunes have swung. But Tim's not put off by the team's performance. His dad took him to Wembley last year and he goes to the County Ground as often as possible. He's out every evening playing football in the street or the local open space. Tim says he's been practicising hard for the outing. "I'm really looking forward to walking out with the team and also being able to take a few shots at Fraser Digby. I'm hoping they will good enough to beat him." Next month we'll publish a photo of Tim on his big day.

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A very special little girl We are saddened to report the peaceful death on Sunday 14 Aprilof53year old Katie Orme from Sparcells. Katie was fighting a rare form of children's cancer and endured long and difficult chemotherapy treatment sessions with great bravery. She was pictured with her mother Julie on our February front page, just before they left for Disney World in Florida. The trip was sponsored by the 'Make a Wish Foundation,' a charity which aims to help terminally ill children have their wish of a lifetime. Katie's condition quickly deteriorated after their return from a wonderful holiday. She is remembered by the staff and children at the Link 35 playgroup, and everybody at Shaw's Brookfield School where she managed to spend a few weeks at the beginning of the year. Julie 01 Inc would like to express her deep gratitude for all the wonderful support and help given to both her and Katie

by all the staff at PMH, members of CALM (Children's Cancer and Leukemia Support Group) and all their friends and relatives during Katie's illness. A moving funeral service on 23 April was conducted by close family friend Marjorie Jeffenes and attended by 100 people at Kingsdown Crematorium, followed by a gathering at Sparcells Community Centre.

fWak Magam Published by West Swindon Publications 13 Castle Dore Freshbrook, Swindon Editorial: Roger Ogle, Publisher/Editor Tel:(0793) 872282 Advertising Sales: Elizabeth Wood Tel: 871793 Apple Macintosh design, layout and lasersetting by Keystrokes Electronic Design Printed by Western Webb, Bristol

Published monthly.

Copy date for the June edition: 18th of May The June edition will be published on 31 May

"The Link was first published in December 1978 exclusively for the West Swindon community. It is completely independent of Link Centre and, in fact, won the competition to name the leisure centre in 1984. The magazine is entirely self-supporting from advertising." Contents 4-6 8 8 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18-21 22 23

Candidates for election Toothill Freshbrook & Grange Park Westlea Shaw Local Lives Recreation Education Matters At Your Library Arts Scene News and Views Letters & Small Ads. Green Tendencies

The contents of The Link are protected by copywright. Copying of advertisements for business use, including publication is forbidden unless advertisers or publishers have sought permission. Articles and photographs require similar authority.

TO ADVERTISE IN THE LINK RING 871793

Youngsters getting raw deal - claim Teenagers in WestSwindon say they are not being treated with respect and called a press conference in April following negative reports in the local evening paper. About 40 young people attended toputtheirpointofviewacross. They claim that the management at the Link Centre is insensitive and some of the security staff go out of their way to intimidate teenagers. They feel that the Centre is not catering for their needs. Others say that the adults who run Toothill and Freshbrook Community Centres have banned them from entering the buildings. The general view from adults is that the

teenagers who hangaround outside the shops are intent on making trouble and call the police. A girl at the meeting accepted that trouble occurred occasionally. "We don't go out to cause trouble it just happens sometimes."

54 Conar,

Well, what do you think? Some say that teenagers living in West Swindon don't know how good they've got it. Others say you need cash to pay to use facilities. The Link wants to hear your views on the young in the west. We would like to hear from adults, parents, teenagers and others with something to say. Drop us a line to the address on page 2 or ring 872282.

Personal Introductions in the Swindon area for single, separated, divorced or widowed people who want to make a new start

'Nutters' create dangers at Leisure Park entrance/exit Drivers trying to get in and out of Shaw Ridge Leisure Park are going to cause a serious accident says Eastleaze resident Martin Parrott. The park has a 'left-in, left-out' traffic arrangement but Martin regularly sees drivers taking short cuts by doing U-turns in the middle of Whitehill Way to get in and out of the park, rather than drive up to the roundabouts to get themselves into the left lane. He's had several near misses and is fuming at the inadequate highway design. 'There are nutcases who are trying to jump the queue by cutting across the oncoming traffic. I've had to stand on my brakes quite a few times when some idiot suddenly swings across the road." Media attention so far has been concerned with the inconvenience to visitors to the park because of traffic jams at busy time. But Martin

believes that the poor design will cause a fatality soon. "It's all very well the planners saying numbers visiting the park will settle down; they're wrong," says Martin. "It's in the interests of the facilities to maximise interest and the hotel will increase traffic flow. And there are always going to be stupid people who will take the short cut if they see one. "What is needed are seperate in and out lanes at the entrance which filter traffic to and from the roundabouts on Whitehill Way. "I'm a supporterof the park; it's a great benefit to the area. But if this extra traffic is endangering and inconveniencing residents, then local people should start complaining." Thamesdown Planners have agreed to look at the access situation at the Leisure Park reports Freshbrook councillor Bob Pixton.

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Thamesdown Council

April reflections There was no truth in three stories published in the April edition. Sally Davies' story that Lydiard Mansion is to be sold and turned into appartments was without basis. However we apologise to the staff of the Management Centre who thought their jobs were on the line. Andrew Capel's story that Wiltshire County Council was going to build lots of bike routes is pie in the sky, whilst the idea that a vandalised crash barrier at the Link Centre is to be preserved as a piece of urban art was eyewash. We look forward to its early disappearance.

The candidates for Toothill Ward Dannie Camburn Marilyn Harrison Rosemarie Saunders Labour Party Green Party Conservative Party

Out and About Bowls club to set up? Greendown Community School is thinking of purchasing a full size indoor bowls mat. Bowlers are asked to write expressing their interest in using such a facility to Mr Matthews, Headteacher, Greendown, Grange Park.

Fun Run to Toothill and back The Holy Rood junior School 8 mile road race and fun n.m takes place on 19 May. Old Town to Toothill and back. Entrants should contact Terry Dixon on 874492.

Discover a new walk On Sunday 19 May,2pm, the Allied Dunbar staff conservation group is holding an open day along the route of the old Swindon to Cricklade Railway, next to West Swindon. The voluntary group has planted over 2,000 trees during the last two years along a path which makes a pleasant circular walking or cycling route from Westlea to Spa reells. The site is accessible to wheelchairs and there will be displays showing the work of the conservation volunteers who will be conducting guided walks, including a circuit of Peatmoor Lagoon. The path is to-be found running north of the Westmead Industrial Estate (head for the Barnfield Road chimney from Westlea), and south of Sparcells. For more information, ring Tim Miller on 876555.

Walking Book Thamesdown Council Parks Service has produced a welcome booldetwhich gives straightforward guidance on twenty walks in and around Swindon. Some are closeby, including the one above, others are a car drive away. All are described in detail, with a map, points of interest to note and a convenient places for refreshment. Getout there and take the air with this useful publication available at .95 from bookshops, the InformationCentreand manyThamesdown Councils recreation facilities. • Sculpture walk at Lydiard Park - turn to page 17.

I've lived for the past 3 years in Toothill (having previously lived in central Swindon fbr almost 2l years). I am impressed by what local Labour councillors have achieved. They have campaigned hard and strong for the needs of all residents. Thamesdown Council itself has a good record of providing services, and we in West Swindon benefit from these. Many issues however still need addressing, and when elected I will be campaigning for: • a proper Youth Club - not all the local youth can afford the prices such as those at Shaw Leisure Park - they need a place of their own to meet • more clean, safe, play areas • housing repairs - I will work hard to ensure all tenants receive the level of service they want and deserve • provision for the elderly, eg an indoor bowls rink • improved access to buildings giving more opportunity to disabled residents I want to see more safe cycle routes in our area and into town, plus 'Park and Ride' schemes which could help alleviate some traffic problems. Locally, Labour believes it is the right ofresidents to receive the services they need and want, administered efficiently and as economically as possible, paid for by a system that is affordable by all. I look forward to representing you on Thamesdown Council. I ask for your support - please vote LABOUR on May 2nd.

As the other parties chop and change candidates and policies to cover past failures, the GREEN PARTY offers consistency at a time of uncertainty. I stood last year because I support the view that iflocal communities had control over their own lives some of the ludicrous decisions affecting the people ofToothill Ward would have been avoided. That belief has not changed, in fact over the last twelve months it has been reinforced as the continued economic expansion policies (supported both by the Conservatives government and the local Labour council), and the resulting deep recession have come to dominate all our lives. I have lived in Toothill for six years and have therefore experienced the problems facing West Swindon residents first hand. Many of these problems can be solved by Thamesdown Borough Council if only the councillors had the will to do so, that's why, as a GREEN councillor I will work towards the following local objectives as a priority. • providing footpaths along roads and safe pedestrian routes to schools and shops, including crossings for major roads eg Corston Crescent. • relocating council services to a West Swindon district office. • improving community facilities in Westlea, Sparcells and Shaw. • supporting after school care schemes fur children and providing workplace nurseries. • declaring 'Green Belt' between Swindon and Wootton Bassett and stopping further expansion The Earth Can't Vote -You Can! A vote for the GREEN PARTY is a vote to support the earth (as it supports us), and give us all a future.

Your Money, Your Vote As many of you may remember, I stood as the Conservative candidate in the 1990 elections in Toothill. This year due to a Labour Councilor's resignation, you have two votes on May 2nd. On May 2nd, 33 million voters will have the chance to elect 12,255 local councillors in 369 councils. 1991 sees more council seats being contested than in any year since 1987 - with elections in every part of England and Wales except London. Many people will look to the May elections as a test of national opinion. But they have a more important purpose. They will determine the quality, and the cost, of local services in the years ahead. These services affect us all. Local authorities provide schools for our children. They care for millions of elderly people. They help to protect people's environment and the quality of their lives. The Conservative Government recognises the tremendous importance of local authorities - both for the work they do and for their place in Britain's democratic system. The Government has given local authorities new responsibilities - for environmental protection and community care - because we recognise council's key role in providing services in accordance with local needs. Voters must be sure that the councillors they entrust with these tasks are the ones who will do the job most efficiently and effectively. Please give Jo and I your support on May 2nd, we will be EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE.

Elections - May 2nd (including Wcst1ca, Shaw and Sparcells)

A FEATURE FIREPLACE

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Careful How You Spend It I have lived in Nine Elms, West Swindon for nearly four years now, and have two teenage children. I feel I know the problems that we share here in West Swindon, and equally as importantly, I have the time to properly represent you. I am standing as a Conservative because I feel local government has a vital role. In Education, Housing, Community Care, the Environment, Transport and other areas, the effective involvement of local government can help secure a better quality of life for us all. Done well, local government enables good services, responsive to local needs, to be provided at a reasonable cost. Done badly, local government creates oppressive bureaucracies, damages the pride of local communities, devalues the services upon which people rely, and imposes heavy bills. Few except Labour's far left, set out to create municipal madness. But Labour and the Liberal Democrats do not have anapproachwhich sets people above institutions. The Conservatives do. That is why we are giving power in schools to parents, to headteachers and to governors. That is why we are giving choice to tenants and more opportunities for those in council housing to buy their own homes. On May 2nd, please remember you have two votes. It's your money. It's your vote. Careful how you spend it. Please give Rosemarie and I your vote, you won't be wasting it. Jo Stevens

Liberal Democrats believe in good local services with value for money. That's why we want to see the Number 21 bus route back on, and why we've successfully opposed the introduction of car parking fees at Lydiard park. This year Thamesdown Council has a £2 million budget deficit, due to overspending by Labour councillors. We want all parties to work together to solve the Council's cash crisis - the ruling Labour group refuse. Despite that, Liberal Democrats will continue to fight any Labour proposals to threaten local services. Already charges for car parking, some sports facilities and the crematorium are rising. The Council mustn't continue to solve its budget mess by extending these increases in charges to its faciites. Our belief in value for money also leads us to fiercely oppose Labour spending on frivolous items, such as £20,000 on a Political Assistant for the Labour Party Group, £12,000 on a new reception desk, £50,000 on a stained glass window and £500 for organisations like the Swindon Transvestite Forum. Liberal Democrats will replace the Poll Tax with a local income tax. Everyone pays, but being based directly on income you pay according to your ability. It's a fair system that is easy to collect, and difficult fur people to evade. Compare that to Labour's four-prong rating system and the Conservative confusion, and you can see that Liberal Democrat policies make good plain common sense. I hope that you will agree and VOTE LIBERAL DEMOCRAT on May 2nd.

Having served as your County Councillor for six years and as Leader of the Labour Group for the last two, I feel well placed to pursue the interests of West Swindon through the vagaries of Local Government legislation. I believe that today, in politics, people expect their representatives to have a responsible managerial attitude toward the efficient and economic delivery of the necessary and desirable services, rather than slogan shouting. However, there is a difference betweenmanagingonbehalfofALL the people and the self interest of a minority. Whilst I remain a visionary of a more just and equitable society, the day to day issues affect our immediate quality of life and by applying principles to practicality and compassion to common sense, we can make the best ofthe bad job created by the many restrictions imposed upon local democracy, by the present Government. Of the local issues you tell me about, I am already well involved in the traffic bottlenecks on and around Great Western Way, clearing and landscaping the site for Shaw Community Centre (actionhas now been promised) and the Westlea Brook. Footpaths and cycleways are high on the list. I am concerned about the standards ofrepairs to our tenented houses and intend to press for much better systems ofpreventative maintenance offering better quality living at lower cost. Regular attendance at surgeries over the years is an indication ofmy accountability. Something noticeably missing in other Parties. I look forward to your support.

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Thamesdown Council Elections - May 2nd

The candidates in Freshbrook Ward including Grange Park Simon Cordon Liberal Democrat

Julie Deacon Green Party

Ivor Dix Labour Party

As your councillor for the last six years I have served the community with one guiding goal - to put local people and local issues first. Generally Thamesdown is a reasonable council, but too often their priorities are wrong. Take the No 21 bus. We need it back. It will cost just £20,000, but Thamesdown say no. Speed restricting measures are needed in many streets. Thamesdown say no. Bus passes would be better for our pensioners than the token system but Thamesdown say no. More pavements are needed, e.g. Whitebill Way; Thamesdown say no. Iwant measures to dear our streets and play areas of dog fouling. Thamesdown almost said yes, but instead formed a committee to discuss the problem - little has been done. Traffic, around areas like Blagrove, need attention. I support Windmill Business Park's appeal against Thamesdown's 'No' decision for a second entrance/exit. I will continue to campaign against Thamesdown whereverthey say 'No' because for me it's these very local issues that matter most. All year round consultation is essential. I have worked with residents on issues like the Galileo landscaping, the primary school catchment areas, the Greendown floodlights, and numerous individual and street based problems. For me monthly surgeries in a cold hall are no good. When I say 'as near as your nearest phone or postbox', I mean just that. On May 2nd, vote for Simon Cordon to allow me to continue to give Freshbrook and Grange Park a strong voice at Thamesdown.

Having lived in Swindon for most of my life, I believe that its rapid growth is spoiling both town and urban fringe and its prosperity relies on a boom economywiuithisunsustainable. Many inourcommunityasbeingleftbehind and manyofSwindon's developments do not help the unemployed and low waged. Our present polluting and wasteftil transportsystem based on the car is no help to those without a car, and the development of large retail outlets on the edges of Swindon suck lie out oflocal retailers who best serve the elderly, disabled and those without the means to travel. Here are some of the objectives I would work towards: develop an integrated transport network incorporating park and ride, improved bus services, linking existing cycle paths. Introduce a rapid transport, light railway system linking West Swindon with the town centre and other areas of town. • improve business for local retailers by providing creche facilities in the village centres. • develop a comprehensive recycling service collecting paper, cardboard, glass, plastics, metal and aluminiumcansseparatelyththeweekly refuse collections. • ensure all new development schemes approved incorporate pedestrian and cydeways and give space to wildlife and planting. • implement a programme of energyconservation, by improving insulation in council houces and giving grants to assist private owners to do the same. Improve energy conservation in all public buildings. • provide community facilities for Grange Park. • stop further development and declare a'GreenBelt'amundSwindon.

Residents have a clear choice in this election, a Labour councillor who will work for the benefit of all residents, or someone who offers unrealistic promises to you. The last two Thamesdown elections have seen Labour councillors elected to our ward, I believe this is an endorsement ofthe hard, honest work that they do for the community. There is much work to be done in the ward, and I hope you will support me on May 2nd by voting LABOUR yet again. As your local team we are aware that there are problems with some aspects ofthe council, it is our job to represent your views and sort the problems out. We believe that it is very negative to just 'sound off' without the back up of action. Labour offers you positive action - all year round. We are regularly in contact with you via newsletters and are available for consultation at our weekly surgeries or by telephone. We also involve ourselves in campaigns to BENEFIT our community. Campaigns such as the reinstatement ofthe Outer Circle bus route, cleaning up of Shaw Ridge, and the provision of a crossing on Worsley Road. Thank you for the warm reception I have received whilst canvassing, as your LOCAL candidate, living locally, I hope you will give me your support to enable us to further our work for the community and to assist councillors Bob Pixton and Sue Bates in their efforts. We believe in putting YOU before political dogma.

Adrian Masters Conservative Party

Liberal Democrats - Out of Focus With Reality I'm 23 and work in the ward at PHH as an Operations Analyst. The Liberal Democrat's recent modest revival has occurred despite their plethora of policy commitments, not because of them. It is time for the Liberal Democrats to be exposed for what they are. They lack the ability and consistency ofpurpose to face up to the necessary decisions of a party of government. Their rhetoric stresses personal freedom; but their policies, and their voting record inthe House of Commons, where they consistently support Labour belie that rhetoric. The list of the Liberal Democrat's deficiencies is long; they offer no coherent or comprehensive economic policy; they would give new powers to the Trade Unions; they would inhibit free enterprise with new regulatory bodies; they would rush the United Kingdom into a European currency union as quickly as possible, irrespective of the economic consequences; and their record in local government is a tale of waste, overspending and close co-operation with Labour. The Liberal Democrat's present themselves as a Party with no past, but a bright future. On the contrary, they are a rag-bag of discredited Socialists and fellow travellers with an army of policy skeletons in their cupboard. It falls to the Conservatives to expose them. Voting Liberal Democrat is almost the same as voting Labour. I believe Freshbrook nowneeds a Conservative voice on Thamesdown Council, and I ask you therefore to give me your support on May 2nd.

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department and other help organisations like the CAB. They are also able to help claimants make appeals against DSS decisions and attend tribunals. The Advice Point recently carried out a survey of 45 people at Toothill Village Centre. 26% had used an advice giving organisa tion, and 80% of the total would use a local advice point if the need arose. For those who want to know more about them they are holding an open session in Toothill Community Centre on Tuesday 14 May from 12 noon to 2pm. All visitors will be made welcome. The Toothill Advice Point is open from Warn to 12 noon on Tuesdays. Alyson Cardis and Cynthia Dozvdeswell

Scout trophy winners The Eagle Patrol of the 1st Toothill Scout troop was recently presented with a plaque for corning top locally in the national 'Go for A Million' competition. The six boys took part in sporting and outward bound activities, and alsoorganised a banquet at London's Drury Lane Theatre. The competition was organised to boost the name of scouting and attract new members. Toothill Cubs and Scouts caters for nearly 150 young people and adult leaders are always welcomed. Enthusiasm is needed, training is

Four of the six winners David Armst rang, lanto Kinsey, Joe Wall and Simon Farrow

provided. Contact Chris Rawlings on 520387 with offers of help.

Balloon returned from north of the border The first year and reception infants at Toothill School held a balloon race in April. Donations of balloons by the Halifax and the gas by BOC helped lift off. The furthest was returned from Scotland. • The 450 children at the school raised £1,653.74 during a sponsored sports week which took place to celebrate the Year of Sportand ended on Comic Relief Day in March. Half went to Comic Relief, the rest will spent on school needs.

Team playing out of its league The Toothill Community Centre club darts team could go through the whole season without a win. The two women, four man team lost the closest game by I point. Their biggest defeat was a 26-1. Team captain George Brown explained that the centre had registered too late and the only place available was in the top division of the Thamesdown and District Darts League. "We haven't found our level yet," he said. The last game is played on 2 May Leekingfgd scores,from left, Shirley before the team starts competing in Grouvel , George Brown, Nigel Marlow, the summer league, in division C. Linda Rooke.

FRESHBROOK & GRANGE PARK Windmill Hill C P School School change times - paints unconvinced Parents objecting to an earlier school start/finish time at Freshbrook School presented a petition representing 259 families of about 400 of the 600 children to the governors at a consultation meeting on 16 April. Governors want to reduce the lunchbreak from 75 minutes to 45 minutes. To avoid traffic conjestion with Windmill Hill School across the road, they propose school starts at 8.30am and finishes at 2.30pm. But objecting parents say the changes will be very disruptive to their lives, particularly those who work and would be faced with finding after school care. Parents who attended the meeting discussed the proposals in small groups, with a governor or senior teacher listening to comments. Although the meeting organisers were persuaded to display the comments made, parents were not permitted to express their views to the whole meeting said Tony Fitzgerald of GrangePark. "The case for change was not well made and objectors were not allowed to ask questions or

put points to the meeting. It was a divide and rule exercise in my opinion." Governor's chairman, Joe Wylie said the governors had identified a major problem in managing the school and had the responsibility forfindinga solution. "Ouraimwas to gather views from as many people as possible. Some people were intent on a slanging match; so often public meetings are dominated by a few whilst the others attending don't get a chance to have their say. "We had positive feedback about the conduct of the meeting." The governors meet on 14 May to discuss the school time change. • Governors at Greendown School have reconsidered a proposal to start the school day 10 minutes later following parental objections. Disruption to transport arrangements and the proposed early lunch break for senior students were cited as the main problems. There will be no change to start/ finish times, though the lunch breaks are to be altered.

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Group formed to get youth action A public meeting on 8 April to confront the problems faced by young people in Freshbrook, other users and the managers of Freshbrook's Community Centre agreed to set up an Action Group to look at how more youth facilities can be developed in the area. Over 40 people attended, half of whom were teenagers. The meeting called by the centre management committee aimed to give all sides the chance to say what they thought of each other. At present young people use the centre cafe area on two evenings in the week and on a Sunday afternoon with supervision by youth workers. They are not permitted to enter on other evenings because of disruption to other user groups, and general abusive and obscene behavjour in the past. As so often is the case, the minority spoil things for the majority, but at the same time it's very difficultfor young people to keep others in order, or complain to adults. The youngsters present said they had tried to open the cafe last year, but had to give up because they could not supervise a few of the teenagers who were set on causing trouble. In the short term, the meeting identified that many of the problems could be sorted out if there were adults willing to assist in opening the cafe area to give young people somewhere to go. Other pointers towards solutions were: • more paid or voluntary youth

workers are needed in the area • a youth building is needed (Wiltshire County Council agreed to the siting of a hut on Freshbrook School grounds about five years ago) • getting the Toothill Farm youth building open again • young people trying out the opportunities offered by the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme at Greendown. Afterwards, community centre chairman Terry Ties said, "It was a very constructive meeting. I was pleased that young people and adults were able to talk to each other and the setting up of the Action Committee was a positive move forward". Sharon Thomas, 17, said that young people in groups were too easily branded as troublemakers by adults who call in the police. "We're too young for pubs, we don't want to stay at home with our parents all the time, and we want to meet your friends. There should be more to keep us off the streets." Keith Lloyd, 19, said that the meeting had brought out a lot of the problems faced by all sides. Volunteer youth worker Marie Crane, 81, said she doesn't have any problems with teenagers. "1 respect them and they respect me. If I cando it, Idon't see why otheradults should not come and help out." The Freshbrook Youth Action Committee has its first meeting on I May in the community centre. It is open to anybody who can offer ideas and interest.

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WESTLEA We have the money, all we need is a building Parents in Westlea are jumping with joy because they've secured the backing to start an after-school club for local children. A small group of activists have been writing grant applications and attending meetings and have been granted £13,500 to get the project off the ground. But their enthusiasm could be dampened because the arrival of a long awaited community building is taking so long. The After School Group received a donation of £5,000 from National Power, on condition that Thamesdown Council matched it. The council's Community Development Committee recently agreed to contribute the cash and the group was also awarded a one-off equipment grant of £3,000 by the Play Service. They will also receive £500 from the GWR Christmas Appeal. The grants will allow a three afternoon play club tobe launched, which will be increased to a five afternoon a week care scheme for working parents - if a lot more money can be secured in future years. However, the acheivements by the parents could be blunted if a promised community building doesn't arrive soon. Thamesdown Council received £30,000 from McLean Homes in 1989 as a contribution to community facilities as

part of a deal to allow housing development next to the Delta Tennis Centre. The council has topped up the building budget by a further 0,000 and the temporary building is being prepared for delivery this summer on the Westlea School site. Parent organiserSue Ahmed said of the grant gaining successes,

'We're really pleased and thankful for all the support. We need to keep the momentum going and get started." Until the building arrives, the group will be conducting a further survey of parents and children to establish their specific demands on the after school play/care project.

Eastleaze - base for national car club

A national motoring club is based in WestSwindon and coordinatorPaul Greaves from Eastleaze, pictured above, is looking for new members. He started the National Cabriolet Club last year to bring together and provide services to owners of the soft top version of the Ford Escort. 'We have about forty members across Britain with more joining every week," says Paul. "Over35,000 Cabriolets have been produced in the UK, so the potential is huge."

Ford recognise theclub which has negotiated discount deals on parts and servicing with many dealers. It runs competitions, social events, produces a newsletter and will be selling add-on extras for the car. To find out more about the National Cabriolet Club, give Paul Greaves a ring on 874882. Paul has compiled a list of over 300 car owner clubs in the UK. If yours isn'ta Cabriolet, but you want to join a club, he may be able to help.

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Traidcraft is an alternative trading items will be on sale and there will company which operates Christian be the opportunity to place orders principles through trade with Third for clothing. World co-operatives. They sell a Last year's show was very sucvariety of goods including recycled cessful; hopefully even more people paper products, jewellery and will come this year. Admission is fashion accessories, clothes and ÂŁ1, concessions SOp, with all profoodstuffs such as tea and coffee. ceeds going towards the work of A number of people associated Traidcraft to promote fair trade. with West Swindon Churches and For more information please call committed to Traidcraft's cause, are Ruth Barrett on 430423. putting on a Fashion Show to pro- Below: Fashion show organisers mote the clothing range in this year's Caroline and Philip McLaughlin, Nick clothing catalogue. OtherTraidcraft and Ruth Barrett

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Testing time for residents' association

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Shaw Residents' Association could fade away if there isn't more interest from the people of Shaw says this year's chairman Bob Bauld. Unfortunately the date advertised in last month's Link magazine as the Annual General Meeting was incorrect. However the dated id not produce a rush of interest and Bob is hoping that there will be more people on the correct date which is Tuesday 7 May. The Association is important because it provides a focus for community problems says Bob. "Recently we've been concerned about the renewed increase in under age drinking at the Shaw Ridge play area. The noise carries to the houses below and the litter of beer cans is pretty bad. "We're also worried about children playing on Old Shaw Lane where it crosses Roughmoor Way. It's a fastroad and we've been pressing Thamesdown to provide a safe, complete crossing point." Bob added that the Association is turning its attention to organising social activities. A fun day is being

planned for September and there will be a cheese and wine party after the Annual Meeting. After several years of community involvement in Gorse Hill before he came to Shaw, Bob admits to being disappointed that there isn't more interest in the local residents' association. "It's a great pity that people show such little interest. We could do a lot more with wider contacts around the community." The Shaw Residents' Association Annual General Meeting takes place at 745pm, Tuesday 7May in Shaw Community Centre. Cheese and wine will be available following the meeting. A proposal to alter the Association's Constitution so that the quorum attending the annual meeting should be reduced to 12 from 25 will be tabled. Groups wanting to book a stall at the SRA September fun day, can do so by ringing Bob Bauld on 886193.

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Holy Week and Easter in West Swindon I like Easter week more than Christmas! At Easter we celebrate the victory of our LordJesus Christover sin and death and his rising from the dead. It is a time of joy and singing and sunshine (if we are lucky) and spring flowers. There were services everyevening during Holy Week (the week before Easter) at the various churches in the parish. As you probably know, WestSwindon is an ecumenical parish (Anglican, Baptists, Methodists and United Reformed working to-

gether). We also work closely with the Roman Catholics at St. Peter's. Maunday Thursday Evening The first service I went to was on Maunday Thursday evening at St. Mary's, Lydiard Tregoze. At it we remembered the institution of the service of Holy Communion by Jesus the night before he died. It was lovely to meet in the old church, built mainly in the 15th century, with its interesting wall paintings, fine monuments and Victorian box pews. We took commun-

Ann Hall from Toothill attended many of the services held at the different churches which make up the Ecumenical project in the area and describes how they celebrated Easter

ion from a very deep silver chalice made in thel7th Century. The Anglican team rector Rev. John Flory preached on three themes, service to our neighbours (we remembered Jesus washing his disciple's feet), being fed by God with bread and wine (the body and blood of Jesus), and Passion - being done to (Jesus allowed men to do cruel and painful things to him in order to fulfil his Father's will and accomplish our salvation).

dles were lit until the whole church was ablaze with light. This symbolised the resurrection of Jesus and the people dedicated themselves to the serviceof Christ for another year. Easter Sunday. Family Communion Each congregation had its own Communion service and I attended Toothill, my home church. Itlooked lovely with flower arrangements and lots of daffodils. The Rev Ian Handscomb asked

The Sunday School children at Toothill Church with the triptych depicting the Easter story

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Good Friday morning The Sunday School children at Toothill School had made a colourful triptych below the alter depicting Jesus carrying the cross, Jesus hanging on the cross and the Resurrection. The Baptist Minister Rev. Ian Handscomb led the service and spoke of 'People at the Cross.' There were lots of children, some of whom did the readings and prayers, and many people from other churches. Good Friday afternoon We attended a service of meditation at AllSaint's, Lydiard Millicent. It's a lovely old church but, unlike St. Mary's, very simple and plain. It looked especially stark as the alter frontal had been removed to symbolise the stripping naked of Jesus; a big wooden cross stood in the chancel. John Flory led a service of Bible readings, hymns, prayers, music and periods of silence. People commented on the peace of Lydiard Millicent and we went home content to leave Jesus resting in the grave, his suffering over. Easter Sunday. The Dawn Service A gathering of people at 630am as dawn was coming and mist lay over the countryside. Rev Keith Boxall and Rev Anne Thomas led the congregation into the darkened church with a big decorated candle used at Easter time followed by the congregation. One by one theircan-

the children to look for a hidden Easter egg. The little girl who discovered it was disappointed to find the box empty. Ian described how the disciples felt disappointed when they found Jesus' tomb empty. But their sorrow turned to joy when they found he had risen from the dead and appeared to several of them. The children received little easter eggs and we sang joyful praises to the risen Jesus and God the Father and the Holy Spirit. Afterwards we had a short, but effective play performed by the Sunday School girls on the conflict of going to church or going skating at the Link Centre. Sunday Evening Praise The service was held at Holy Trinity Church, Shaw, the newest and largest of the church buildings in the parish. Rev Keith Boxall and LTRC Minister Rev Helen Drummond led us in traditional hymns and modern songs and choruses. We sang and sang praising the Risen Lord, and Helen preached a helpful sermon. So we came to the end of very happy day and a helpful Holy Week. We had been with Jesus in his suffering and death, and in his resurrection and victory. We felt contented, joyful; moreable to cope with whatever life might hold for us. Join us. You will be made very welcome at any of our services. The Church office number is 874221.

NOW OPEN - Sports shop on the west side West Swindon has a sports shop at last. No more trailing into town for that shell suit, no more having to find a parking space just to buy a squash ball. There's a local shop run by people involved with sport who can provide expertise and advice. Westside Sports at Shaw Village Centre is a venture between partners Tom Taylor from Freshbrook and Graham Shepperdson from Chippenham (pictured right) who started trading on three evenings a weekat theLinkCentre lastAugust. "We launched ourselves at the Link Centre with the idea of finding out what local people wanted and hoping that we could find premises

Topping off that special outfit

to establish a full blown shop," said Tom. "People told us clearly that West Swindon required a sports shop and luckily we were able to find the unit a Shaw quite quickly." An article in the December Link magazine advertising a brand new shop unit at Shaw Centre got things moving and Westside Sports were up and running four months later. The new shop trades in branded goods. All the well known names in sports and leisure wear will be found there - Adidas, Puma, Nike, Slazenger- and all sports are catered for. WestsideSportshavea wide range of quality trainers and sports shoes, swim wear, shell suits, tennis, squash and badminton racquets, plus leotards, cricket bats, bags, snooker cues, squash balls and so on. If they don't have what you want, they'll do everything they can to get it.

41 Graham Shepperdson is a tennis and squash coach and strings racquets on the premises. Prices at Westside are very competitive, which is a good reason for saving the cost and inconvenience

of travelling into town for sports wear and equipment. For details of opening times, turn to page 11 of this edition. Call in or call Westside Sports on 875712 for some of the best deals around.

BUSINESS GROWS WITH THE LINK Tracy I(arpinski and some hats

Hats nowadays are an accessory, but for the formal occasion a hat is a must. So what do you do; buy one which you may never wear again or go without? Tracy Karpinski has a solution. She has set up House of Hats, a hire business aimed at women in Swindon who need that essential item for that special occasion. She has over 100 hats available and is always adding new ones. "Women are willing to spend a lot on clothing, but don't want to spend a fortune on a hat," says Tracy. "It's understandable, but a hat is often essential to show off what you're wearing. A well chosen one will do just that." She takes pride in meeting her customers to show the range availableand helpingthemmakea choice. It costs ÂŁ12 to hire a hat which is about a third less than it costs to buy one new, and there is a ÂŁ10 deposit. Tracy always allows lots of time for hire. For example, you can collect a hat in a House of Hats box on a Thursday before a Saturday wedding, and return it on the Monday afterwards. The House of Flats has a good solution to a problem faced by many. To make an appointment with Tracy, telephone 539510 after 6pm. I

Advertisements in The Link work! Ask anybody who lives in West Swindon which publication they read. Most will say The Link magazine. Why? Because it's relevant. People don't browse through or ignore The Link, like they do other publications. They read it very closely because it's about their area and they can discover what's going on.

Advertisements must have impact. If they don't you're wasting money. The Link is distributed to over 10,000 homes in West Swindon - about 29,000 people who are all consumers of products and services. If you need to communicate with them, there's no better way than through The Link.

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RECREATION

What to Expect when you learn to skate at Link Centre

Jane takes on Centre challenge

Anya Kent gets you ready to have a go If you would like to know more Of those adults who join our beginners course 95% will be able to skate about ounce skating activities please across the ice, stop (in a controlled contact Alan Seabrook, Skating Demanner!) and walk backwards on velopment Officer in the Link rink. the ice - after just six lessons! On arriving at the rink you will be Notes For Your Diary divided into small groups of 8-14 • Tuesday 7 May people. The initial aim is to build Course Registration for June /July confidence to take the first steps onto • Tuesday 14 May the ice. Once on, everybody sits Registration for Lincoln's May Half down (a numbing experience!) and Term Holiday Camp then taught how to stand back up in • Tuesday 28 - Friday 31 May a safe and dignified way. By the end Lincoln's Holiday Camp of the first lesson 90% of the class will be able to skate slowly from one Skate deal for side of the rink to the other. When learning to skate adults two Bank Holidays need to feel confident and not made in May to feel foolish and this is the main The Link Centre ice rink is offering a objective of our professionals. For children who have achieved low cost way of cooling off on the Link Grade 7, there are two new two Bank Holidays in May. Cut out courses for those interested in power the coupon on page 19 of this edition skating or ice hockey. Our power of The Link and there is free skate skating course will teach children hire worth 55p on Monday 6 and how to achieve maximum use of Monday 27 May. On these days, the rink is introtheir blades , an essential skill for those who want to succeed in ice ducing the cone zone. There will be free skating around the rink but hockey, speed and figure skating. The ice hockey course gives an within the cone zone, there will be opportunity to learn the skills of games, races and special events with hockey in a structured format, mov- prizes taking place. ing from one level to anotheras your There's gonna be lots of fun at the Link rink on Bank Holiday. skills improve and develop.

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A father presented his son with an award when the Peatmoor Angling Club held its annual trophy presentation and disco in early April. James Gray from Grange Park scored 75 points out of a maximum of 80 to take the trophy presented by the Pizza rama takeaway at Shaw. There to present the trophy to James was his dad Mike who is area manager for Coach Caterers Ltd. who operate the takeaway outlet. The Pea tmoor Angling Club has a membership of 250 and caters for 10 to 16 year olds, pensioners and people with disabilities. Below: Mike and James Gray

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There's going to a leap in activities at the Link Centre when new Activities ManagerJaneLewis gets into the swim of things. Jane, currently manager of High Wycombe Sports Centre, is looking forward to the job. "Thamesdown is a leader within leisure and recreation circles. I was very impressed by the well used, well liked, busy and friendly atmosphere at the Link Centre. I'm looking forward to working with the staff and developing the programme of activities to make themeven mom attractive toa wider range of people." It's been a doubly exciting time for Jane as she was married on 13 April and has just returned from her honeymoon in the Bahamas.

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EDUCATION MATTERS Primary schools take on a testing challenge

15 RON AHRENS BUILDER DECORATOR

The assesment of seven year olds in primary schools has recently attracted a lot of attention. Without doubt, the demands on teacher time are considerable; would their time be better spent on teaching children, rather than testing? The Link was invited to visit Freshbrook School in April to find out what is going on.

Are they tests or not? The 1988 Education Act introduced the no[ion of testing children at different stages of their school lives, the spur being to give parents the chance to compare schools and thereby encourage schools to improve performance through competition. Although the politicians have been using the pass/fail, success/ failure, neatness of the word test, what is going on is a long, timeconsuming process of assessing children's abilities ma range of tasks. Teachers carried out a series of personal assesements on each child throughout the Easter term, using the requirements of the National Curriculum as their benchmark During the first part of this term, each child will takepart in a number of Standard Assessment Tasks (SATs) to formally measure the work done last term. These tasks focus on English, Maths and Science, and can be practical, oral or written. Some SATs involve children working in small groups, some require teacher and child to work individually, like reading together. Although the whole assessment exercise was conceived as takingten hours over a three week period, according to Freshbrook School head Philip Gurney the whole process will take much longer and will run until half term, and impose costs on

Invitation to parents to visit Grange Park School There's a chance for parents to visit the new school serving Grange Park, due to open in September, to view the facilities and meet the headteacherSteve Menham in May. The informal open evening at Tregoze School will be held from 7.30pm on Thursday 23 May. Car access is off Hay Lane

schools. "We're taking the SATs very seriously and teachers have spent a great deal of extra time in background planning and preparing the necessary materials. 'We had a broad picture of how the SATs might be carried out but it was unfortunate that the detailed guidance on how to use the assessment procedures arrived just four weeks before we were supposed to put them into practice. "The Education Authority has been supportive in arranging training and the schools has its own budget. We have been able to provide some extra back-up for the seven teachers who are carrying out the assessment."

The staff atFmshbrookSchool are expecting the SATs to support their own judgements of a child's abilities and see the exercise as helping them focus on what each child needs. As Mr Gurney says, "The SATs will benefit children if they help teachers continue to review, develop and improve their teaching practice." Parents will receive information individually later this term about how their child performed in the SATs. At present the Government is not requiring schools to publish the results of the SATs. Nor are schools required to submit the information gathered so as to allow Local Authority comparisons. Teachers very much want this to Seven year old Daniel Coxhead reads to be the case. Also for the future, the Freshbrook School teacher Cally Savory SATs have to simplified and the heavy administration removed. Perhaps most important, the topics for assessment have to be varied. If they remain the same,what is now a wayof findingouta child's learning needs will become just a pass/fail test. Teachers will then come under pressure to ensure that children get through it, rather than help them acquire a broad education.

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Spring is here! It's the time for you all to be thinking about your gardens. Before you get down to hard work, come and browse through our gardening section. We have books which range from general gardening principles to books on specific plants. There are also those to inspire you in creative design which give fresh and original ideas. Many people are now planning summer holidays. The library has a good selection of books on Britain and other countries which you can use to help choose your destination or give you information about the place you have chosen. Language packs are available for those who want to go away prepared. If you are planning to stay in Britain we have information on campsites, farmhouses, guesthouses and hotels. If you are unable to find the information yourself please ask and we'll be glad to help you. We also hold information and leaflets on a range of leisure activities from cycling to historical sites and places you can visit in Wiltshire. For those of you who would like a working holiday (!!), we have information and details about summer jobs both in Britain and abroad. There are also study holidays, conservation holidays-holidays forarts, craft, walking, writing in fact holidays where you can do anything and everything except relax! Spring is also a time for romance and beauty. There are plenty of romances for you to read. We even have a copy of Jane Seymour's 'Guide to Romantic Living', and a -

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Old Town. Tel: 542300 1 Ashford Road (see map) Mon. Fri. 9am-6.30pm Fri. 2pm-3pm Saturday 5.30pm-6.30pm

Plans on view Thamesdown Council is producing a new Local Plan for the borough which will update and replace a variety of existing plans for different parts of Thamesdown. The draft plan covers the quality of the environment, land for employment and housing, where new shopping facilities, recreation and community facilities should be provided and transport routes developed. A display of the proposals in the draft plans will be on show at the West Swindon Library on Friday 17 May, 4pm 7.30pm. Planning officers will be on hand to discuss the plans and listen to comments at the local exhibition. -

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selection of books on flower crafts, which are particularly appropriate this season. Now on to staff news. The most recent appointment is Eleanor Snowdon who joined us part-time at the beginning of April. Phil Edwards has joined the team for six months, to take over from Carolyn Kennedy who is on maternity leave. Phil comes to us from Devizes library and says "While Devizes is by no means a 'sleepy market town', it will be interesting to see how work in a new community like West Swindon differs". Next month I'll hand over to Phil to give you the news and views and maybe you'll find out more about him. Stop Press.... Carolyn gave birth on 11 April to Edward William who weighed in at a healthy 61b 7oz.

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National Pet Care Week runs from4 to 12 May and Thameswood Veterinary Clinic is organisinga display at the Link Centre. It will include information about pet shops, charities and professions concerned with the care of animals and pets. The aim of the week is to: • promote responsible pet ownership • make people aware of the benefits of pets • raise awareness of working animals • increase public awareness of the professionals involved with pet animals. Thameswood Vet will also be holding a jumble sale in aid of Thamesdown Animal Sanctuary at 9am on 4 May at their Cavendish Square Clinic in Park South. To promote responsible pet ownership the Clinic will also be offering FREE routine worming tablets to their client's pets at any of their three clinics (see left).

Cat Protectors hold sales The Wootton Bassett and West Swindon Cat's Protection League have been operating for just over a year and have helped nearly 900 cats/ kittens during that time. The group aims to rescue and rehabilitate stray and unwanted cats, provide information to the public on the care of cats and kittens and encourage the neutering of all cats not required for breeding. As part of 'National Pet Week' the Cat's Protection League are holding a bazaar on 4 May at the British Legion Hall, Wootton Bassett and also a stall at Lydiard Park on 16 May. Items which they could sell would be most welcome. Please phone 611170.

ARTS SCENE What's On At Link Arts in May PROFESSIONAL

Recreation Trainee, Martin Rendell, invites you to this month's film, music and comedy at Link Arts.

Film Thursday 9 May - Goodfellas (18). The story of real life mafia supergrass, Henry Hill, portrayed by Ray Liotta. This exciting mobster movie captures your imagination and is sure to keep you glued to the screen. Robert de Nim and Joe Pesci head the superb supporting cast. Thursday 23 May - Blue Steel (18). Jamie Lee Curtis plays Megan Turner, an innocent rookie cop in New York, whose first night on the streets goes drastically wrong. A deadly game of cat-and-mouse begins, with Megan as the villain. Price £2.25, concessions £1.75 plus £1.00 membership. Start at 745pm. Music Friday 10 May - Kingmaker plus support. A young and very talented group. Watch out for their second E.P. 'Waterproof'. Agroupthatmust be seen before they become hugely popular! Doors open 8.00pm. Price £4.00, concessions £3.00. Saturday 11 May - 'Meli Antu' World Music at its best. This exciting Chilean band play superb Latin music on traditional musical instruments. Catch them at Link Arts before they return to their homeland. Doors open 800pm. Price £4.00, concessions £3.00. Friday 12 May - The John Law Quartet are four very talented young musicians. They have only been together for six months, but play as though they've been a group for a lifetime. Doors open 8.00pm.

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Comedy Friday 24 May - Presenting Sean Hughes. This wonderfully talented comedian has stunned the cabaret scene with his stand-up comedy. He won the 1990 Perrier Award and is a master of the comic anecdote. As a stand-up comic, Sean Hughes is hard to beat! Doors open 800pm. Price £4.50, concessions £3.25.

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Next Month New to Link Arts

The Link Arts Teenage Drama group. Open to 11-16 year olds. Starts on 3 June and runs till 29 July. Monday evenings from 630pm 8.00pm. Price £2.00 per session. Tickets available at Link reception for all events. Contact Mel or Clarry on 871212 for further information.

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Surprises in the park Visitors to Lydiard Park will get a pleasantand unusual surprise if they move away from the popular playareas and the visitor centre. Dotted around the park are a number of outdoor sculptures created out of natural materials designed to stimulate an awareness of the environment. The works are the result of a commission given to sculptors from the Bristol Sculpture Shed. One of artists Clare Rangeley has taken a horse chestnut tree felled in high winds and woven its branches into intricate shapes and arches to create a living sculpture. Many of the tree's roots are still embedded in the ground and the whole work of art is just coming into leaf. "People often ignore fallen trees but I felt drawn to it when we first arrived," said Clare. 'People will have to physically interact with the tree by walking along its trunk and through the arch created out of the interwoven branches. And all

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Tree sculptor Clare Rangeley

around there's a lovely smell of wild garlic crushed by the feet walking around it." Clare's tree will be an interesting site to visit throughout the year as the foliage develops and the seasons change. It's worth a visit.

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18 A new daytime group which brings together women from different cultural backgrounds is being formed in West Swindon. The handful of women who live in Toothill want to provide a place where black women and white women in mixed relationships can talk about the problems they face

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NEWS & VIEWS Multi-cultural group for West and find support from each other. Toothill multi-cultural group organiserValerieMorris said that black women are under great pressure, and so are their children. "There are quite number of black fa milies and white women with mixed race chil-

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dreninWestSwindon. Often they're on their own and would like to talk to others in the same situation. Many of them come across barriers in areas like health provision, education, discrimination in getting work and childcare. "1 started thinking about a group when I tried to set up childcare for my daughter and the childminder said she would have to talk to the other white mothers to see if they minded their children playing with a black child. I was very shocked." Valerie says that black children are particularly affected by racism, in the form of taunts, name calling and the difficulty of making friends. "My daughter Chloë has said to me she would like to be white because other children would like her then." Toothill Neighbourhood Worker Miriam Minty said the group aimed to create a positive image amongst its members. "This will be a place

for the women to express their frustrations in the company of other women, in a warm, friendly and supportive environment. We want to create a positive atmosphere so that members can work through the problems they face everyday. "There are quite a few mixed race families in the area who may find the group useful. Sometimes children in mixed relationships grow up thinking they're white. As they get older and often when they get to school they discover that they are called names and treated differently. The mothers can often feel very isolated in helping their children understand the situation." TheToothill Multi-Cultural group presently meets on a Friday from 12 noon to 2pm at Toothill Farm, Bodiam Drive. To find out more about the group, telephone Miriam Minty on 877083 or 613183. Getting the new group of the ground, from left,MiriamMinty,DeniseStewart and Valerie Morris

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West Swindon Townswomen's Guild Are you new to West Swindon? Where can you go to meet new friends and enjoy a social afternoon? Sally Davies invites new members to join. The Townswomen's Guild is seeking more members. It's a nationwide organisation, founded more than 60 years ago, dedicated to advancing 'the education of women so as to enable them to make the best contribution towards the common good'. Sounds a bit stuffy, but it isn't at all. The 'education' is in the form of entertaining speakers each month, with many subjects ranging from cheese to chocolate, history of pub signs, parks, both local and national, toy making and travel. Our forthcoming programme includes a useful talk by a solicitor on Wills and Relations' (there is many a pitfall there), Water Divining, History of Street Names, some musical entertainment, a Christmas decoration demonstration and the stories behind our familiar carols, which will conclude an entertaining year. The more serious side is to take up women's issues nationally. There

is a drive to save trees and funds are raised with white elephant and craft stalls around the area. We also support the Prospect Foundation and the last stall raised money to send parcels to the soldiers in the Gulf. In the stiff words of the Guild's constitution, this is 'education of women in the principle of good citizenship'. The Guild also aims to provide leisure time activities. Many Guilds have a drama group or choir, they play bowls, tennis, scrabble in national competition. There's also trips. We're going to Longleat in May. There is an annual subscription but you may come as a guest for a small fee to see if you like the group. The West Swindon branch meets in the Ike Gradwell Suite of the Link Centre on the second Thursday of each month. The next meeting is 9 May at2.00pm. If you want to know more, please ring the Chairman, Mrs Norma Stevens, telephone 873567.

NEWS & VIEWS

How well is your heart?

Link Centre Charity Market - Sat. 18 May Bargains galore available from the charity group stalls

Is your heart healthy? Are there things in your lifestyle which is damaging it and may give you problems in the future? Health workers in the area are The local health visitors, district settingout to help you answer these nurses, schools nurses and workers questions by holding a 'Look after from the Swindon Lifestyle and your heart' roadshow on Thursday Health Promotion units will be pro2 and Friday 3 May at the West viding information and advice on Swindon Centre. diet, smoking and exercise includPutting the heart in focus is part of ing lists of slimmingclubs and activthe local health authority's drive to ity classes in the area. There will improve the general health of the also be a smokalyser which demoncommunity says local health visitor strates the effect of cigarette smokcoordinator Jenny Jardine. "Heart ing on the body. disease is one of the factors which "You need a push in most things indicate how healthy a community in life - especially if you have to is. At present the rate of heart dis- make a change," said Janet ease is too high and needs to come Ascherson. 'We hope to give those down." who visit the roadshowa little nudge Health Visitor Janet Ascherson in the right direction." said, "We aim is to raise awareness The 'Look After Your Heart of heart disease and help people Roadshow' will be open from 2pm identify what they can do to prevent - 8pm on both 2 and 3 May at the it." West Swindon Centre.

To book a stall, telephone the Link Centre on 871212 ext 234. The next dates are 15 June, 20 July, 21 September.

Make a date to skate

Visit our superb ice skating rink on either Bank Holiday 6th or 27th May and save 55p. Free skate hire with this coupon. Public skating 7 days a week. Sessions include: • Family & Friends • Cool Kids Club • Disco

Health service expands in west West Swindon's long awaited Health Centre opens at the end of May. Thelocal health workers are making their move in the week beginning 20 May, from the temporary facilities in council houses inToothill which they have occupied since 1977. The baby clinics atToothill, Greendown and the Upper Shaw Farm willcloseand be replaced by sessions at the health centre on Tuesday af-

ternoons and all day Friday, an increaseof50% in the number of hours. For parents, formula milk and vitamins will be available every weekday from 9am to 5pm. The new Health Centre will also be the base for a physiotherapist, chiropodist, community dentist and a mental health team. It opens on Monday 27 May and the telephone numbers are 877233 and 877244.

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NEWS & VIEWS New teens disco to be launched Elizabeth Donovan CIPTAC (Dip.), BABTAC, IFA after mistakes at nightclub BEAUTY THERAPIST The Shaw Ridge Open Day on 6 April turned sour for a group of youngsters attending a disco for teenagers at Cairos Nightclub. Only ten turned up for the Streetwise disco advertised to last from 5pm to 8pm, but were told at 630pm that it was closing because there were not enough people in the house.

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sion to close early had been wrong. The company was reviewing its approach to young people in all its outlets. He said he had written separately to Mrs Whitfield and to Darren to apologise for the inconvenience caused and enclosed complimentary tickets to the Superbowl with a refund of the entry charge. He said that a new Streetwise

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Irate Westlea mum Brenda Whitfield told The Link that she thought the nightclub had acted irresponsibly by turning out youngsters when their parents were expecting them to stay for the advertised time. "My son Darren had gone to the Leisure Park with his friend Ron Andrews to see a film, but were given a token offering them SOp off the entry. They thought it would be a grown up thing to go to the nightclub. I was horrified when they came home to find they had left at half past six and had wandered around the park and the Link Centre until 8 o'clock. "With entry at £1.50 and a can of drink at 65p, that's more than a weeks pocket money and they weren't offered a refund. I was irate and made my feelings clear over the 'phone." Seventeen year old Ron Andrews from Toothill, who had returned earlier in the day on leave from the Army, said he was disgusted when the nightclub refused to refund the entry charge. Peggy Walsh fmmToothil, whose grandson attended the disco,agreed with Mrs Whitfield that discos for teenagers was an excellent idea but the arrangements so far were just not good enough. "Young people in West Swindon really need somethinglike this," said Brenda. "It gives them a chance to enjoy themselves in a safe place. They need to be treated as young adults." Cairos manager Mike Hilkene, who had just returned to work after a serious operation, said the dcci-

Disco for under eighteens would be launched on a Tuesday from 7pm to 10pm, starting on 7 May. He added that a lot more thought was going into how the disco will be organised, with competitions and events to make it an exciting and enjoyable night out for youngsters.

Link Centre access report delay There has been so much publicity and such a lot of response to the Link Centre's request for views on what should be done about access to the building that a report due to be put before Thamesd own Council's recreation sub-committee in April has been held over until after the local elections. The council is considering what should be done about who should bepermitted to enter the open access centre following a rise in rude and abusive behaviour towards both users and staff by people hanging around the building. Centre coordinator John Fisher said that there had so much comment from user groups and staff that a committee report in April would not have reflected the range of opinions. He said that a longer report would be presented to the new committee once it had been formed after the elections. Let The Link know what you think about the needs of young people in West Swindon. Details on page 3.

NEWS & VIEWS School to help rocking youngsters Youngsters in West Swindon are going to have the chance to take the road to rock stardom from next September. Greendown Community School is in the process of setting up a ÂŁ10,000 rock studio with professional instruments and high tech computerised recording equipment. The facilities will be used by the school students and by young people from the community. And to get the studio centre stage publicity, at the end of September the first Greendown Rock and Pop Festival will take place, involving local bands and music shops. The scheme is the brainchild of newmusicteacherAndrePysanczyn who was given the brief to stimulate music development at Greendown. He put theproposal before the school governors who provided the backing. Andre spent the Easter holidays with volunteer helper Steve Wiltshire laying carpet in the existing

"Give me a chance to sing"

Suzanne Reece, above, from Toothill has a dream. She wants to join a band and sing. But things have been moving slowly and she hasn't found an outlet for her talent yet. Suzanne has sung at parties and occasionally in pubs with backing from records. Recently she won a heat in a national Karaoke competition at the Shaw Ridge Tavern and sang Whitney Houston's 'Greatest Love of All' in a local final at Cairo's nightclub. "I really love singing. You'll catch me practicing all the time," said Suzanne. "It's frustrating not being able to use my voice." Suzanne would like to audition with an already formed band, or get together with people who are just forming a group. She can be contacted on 526443.

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music room and knocking down walls to prepare a recording suite. Now they are awaiting delivery of the equipment so that they can get the studio up and running. "It's a very exciting project which will benefit the school students and young people living in the community," said Andre. 'We're going to have professional standard equipment and users will have trained musicians and technicians to help them learn instruments and record music. We'll also have a computer which will allow individuals to compose, play all the instruments and provide a printed version at the end. It'll be a great tool for students studying forGCSE music whereyou get 60% of the marks for composition and performance." He said there would be formal courses for teenagers to learn instruments, weekend music workshops and summer schools. Already formed groups looking for technical help and guidance will also receive support. Other schools who need high quality facilities will have access as well. Volunteering his services in the settingup and running of the studio is Steve Williams, a manager with BT, who plays with the Aquarius Showband. "Having a go at pop music is the dream of so many youngsters nowadays; the Greendown studio will give them the chance. It also has many other possibilities like recording radio plays, or talking newsletters for the blind, audio presentations, making radio jingles for businesses. Local bands will be able to get a feel for what its like to be in a studio and soloists could record demo tapes to showoff their talent." Full details on access to the studio and the scale of charges have yet to be worked out. For Andre and Steve, getting the wires and plugs into the right places are the first priority as they move closer to the rock festival later in the year.

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Moves Fitness Aerobic Dance Exercise Classes are held at the following venues: Mondays 7.30pm Oliver Tomkins Junior School, Toothill Tuesdays 8.30pm Freshbrook Community Centre Wednesdays 10.30am Freshbrook Community Centre Thursdays 7.30pm Holy Trinity Church Hall, Shaw Vill. Ctre.

Letters to The Link Letters should be sent by 16th of the month. Address on page 2. Not taken in

From Mrs D Witts, Westminster Road, Toot hill As usual when my Link arrived, I have solved the problem.

read it immediately. So when I reached page 3 and read the outrageous suggestion that the Japanese were to have our wonderfulLyd iard Mansion I did like you said, think of writing to protest. Then I thought again, it will soon be 1 April. So here's hoping that I

Even though our Council do do some silly things at times,I pray that they would never destroy our heritage by selling it to another country and make fools of all of us. Thank you for my Link paper, I have enjoyed it ever since the beginning.

Stop picking on dogs

4. Horses using the same footpath and depositing far more than dogs. 5. Motorcycles on the same stretch aggravating, annoying and endangering animals and humans alike. Last but not least: both last spring and again now a pair of breeding mallards have used both the stream and the copse by Westlea school. Last year they were driven away. Twice this year I know they have been stoned by children. I would expect them to leave again soon for more amenable nesting grounds. Is this enough for your readers to think about orwould they like more?

From JHodges,Langstone Way, Westlea

Isn't it time we stopped picking on the poor old dogs in this area. Why not look at the following 1.Trees vandalised on the footpath between Westlea and Barnfield 2. Street lights vandalised on the same footpath so that wires are left exposed at the base. 3. Oil and other rubbish disposed of in the stream at Westlea causing hazard to wild life. We have had at least one kingfisher on that stretch during winter. I haven't seen him for a couple of weeks.

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Don't knock community clean-ups

From Bob Cretchley, Parham Walk, Grange Park

I was disappointed to see the article rubbish there. in last month's Link in which Mr 4. I agree that the compost heap Leverton was so critical of the ef- does attract some garden rubbish forts taken to clean up Greendown that does not rot down quickly, and Copse. I also live near the Copse further steps need to be taken to and make the following points, educate people regarding the use of 1. As someone who's been involved this. in all four Copse clean-ups to date 5. I am grateful for the interest I've been very pleased at the sup- shown in the copse by local councilport from local residents reflected lors, and the fact that they and by the large number who've helped Council officers have been prepared at them. to give up Saturday mornings to 2. The initiatives taken to build the assist in the clean-ups is surely community compost heap and to something to be applauded, not erect the no dumping signs were sneered at. taken as a result of discussions with Finally, I am grateful for Mr these residents. Leverton's concern over Greendown 3. The initiatives have undoubtably Copse and look forward to him worked. The copse is far cleaner joining us at future clean-ups, should now than it used to be a few years theyprove necessary. Unfortunately ago, and people do generally ap- we've not seen him at any of the pear to have stopped dumping bulky previous four.

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Lineage ads cost £3.50 per single column centimetre inc. VAT. Cash with advert to The Link, 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook, Swindon Vacancy for playgroup assistant at church based playgroup in Shaw. 4 Sandys Silk mornings per week, starting September. For application form tel: Bouquets Emma on 876387. made to the price Vacancy for playgroup supervisor you can afford at Rainbow Playgroup, Freshbrook. 4 mornings per week. Writeto Wendy Baskets, Posies, Clark, Rainbow Playgroup, CommHeaddress's unity Room, Freshbrook School. at your price, not the Shops Professional Childminder, 3 years experience, Shaw. Registered & Tel: Sandy 0793 875665 trained has vacancies for one under 5 and two after school children from Clothing Alterations & Repairs Brookfield. Tel: 877068. Tel: 872096 For Sale: Y Reg. Metro. White. Mrs White, Freshbrook Reliable. £1,000. TeL 495140

Comedians accept funny race funds Comic Relief cross country running raised £1,000 in March at Bradon Forest School. Students carried each other on piggyback, by wheelbarrow, running blindfolded and doing the course which included a flooded ditch by conga. A cheque was presented to Oxfam by the students on 15 April, with a little help from number one Red Nose Stonkers Norman Hale and Gareth Pace at the Wyvern Theatre.

Below: Hale and Pace get their hands on the dosh presented by Bradon Forest pupils Sally Beasant and Benoit Lewis, left, to Swindon Oxfam representative Margaret Lewis in the centre.

Ecumenical Parish of West Swindon & The Lydiards

A 30 year old man earning £12,000 a year might be shocked to learn his annual salary will have soared to nearly E200,000 by the time he is 60. But if you reach that salary, which assumes 10% growth over the next 30 years, what happens when you give up work? Mike Rees, Managing Partner of local insurance consultants Mansfield Begbie Associates points out that this means a hefty pension will have tobearranged ifyourstandard of living is not to plummet. Take the 30 year old above. If he starts making monthly contributions to a Personal Pension Plan of £150 gross (112.50 net), i.e. 15% of his current salary and increases this by a healthy 8% every year, he can expect an initial pension of £101,000 a year based on LAUTRO growth projections of 13%. However, that would only represent 50% of his final salary. If he had started the

same contributions 5 years earlier, he could then have expected an initial pension of £150,000 ayearbased on 13% growth projections. Mike says, 'The message from our industry is that an individual should start a pension plan at the earliest opportunity whatever the monthly premium. The cost of the delay is frightening and can never be recovered." Being at the end of the current tax year, now could also be the time to getoutof the State Earnings Related Pension Scheme (SERPS). Mike makes the point that there are vast sums of money in previous employer's pension funds that may be better utilised by transfer into your personal scheme, which does NOT entail regular contributions. Mike Rees is available to provide any advice on these very important matters. See the advertisement on page 8 or contact him on 873369.

Summer Courses for adults All Courses at Greendown Community School unless otherwise stated Length Code Price Day Starts Times Subject Flower Arranging 9wks AG109N £19.00 - Oliver Tomkins School Mon 13 May 7-9pm Greek For Your Holiday 6wks LW342N £12.60 - Junior Sch Wroughton Wed 1 May 7-9pm 6wks KG349N £29.50 Carriage Driving - Pony Pairs Wed 5 June 7-9pm 6wks KG437N £29.50 Carriage Driving - Beginners Thurs 4 July 7-9pm Both courses above take place at Lower Shaw Farm Yoga - Hatha for beginners, 6wks YG21 ON £9.55 Mon 7 May 7.30-9pm - Westlea School 5 days 22-26 July CG137N £39 + Course book £3.95 Word Processing-Intro. WEEKEND COURSES Painting Landscapes in Acrylics & Oils. Sat. 18 May 9.30am-3.30pm AG624N £8.50 MG605N £17 Effective Presentations. Sat. 11 May & 8 June 9.30am-3.30pm LG12N £17 Get By In French. Sat. 11 & 18 May 9.30am-3.30pm Guided Walks - Exercise, information and enjoyment on two 6- 8 mile walks

- From Greendown School. Sundays 19 May & 16 June

UG615N £17

KG634N £29.50 Carriage Driving- Pony Pairs. Sat 8 June for 6wks. 1Oam-12pm Understanding your dreams - Introductory course to recall,interpret and share dreams UG640N £8.50 in supportive group. Sat 11 May 930am - 330pm Full details are available from the Adult Education Office at Greendown, tel: 871413.

Worsley Road

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

GOOD NEWS WORKSHOP

Don't leave it too late to start a pension

Freshbrook Church

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• Carpentry & Joinery • Home Improvement Work • Windows & Doors Fitted • Bricklaying • Plumbing • Painting & Decorating • Plastering All Work Completed With Care and A Smile Swindon 487643 (24 hrs)

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Family Praise with children's Covenanter Movement & creche 630pm Evening Worship and Communion For details of mid-week meetings, house groups and other activities, telephone Rev. Peter Grainger on 490498. Church Office, Tel: 873050

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4HR BREAKDOWN RECOVERY SET PRICE SERVICING M.O.T.'S WHILE DY • PARTS AND ACCESSORIES MECHANICAL REPAI' CE RECOVERY • SPRAYING 24HR BREAKDOWN E PAC PARTS AND ACC: • M.O.T.'S WHILE YOU WAIT L REPAIRS BODY REPAIRS SPRAYING 24HR BRE __

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