May 1995 Swindon Link by swindonlink6

THE

No. 157 • May 1995 • Circulation 15,000

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Distributed in West Swindon, Haydon Wick, Woodhall Park & Abbey Meads

The positive news force in West and North Swindon Fiat Uno

and the swindon wide what's on guide

Education counts cost of parents' success led to believe there would be space the education committee agrees to for more children. provide new mobiles. The December edition of The Link Now the county's school transport bill will be increased, and the reported parental confusion about school faces overcrowding unless the number of places available at Ridgeway. The Education Department's admissions booklet for parents stated that 240 places were available. But headteacher Tom A talented youngster from Shaw will soon be taking the next step towards her dream of becoming Axon surprised many parents at a full time actress. October open evenings by giving a 'guarantee' of a place to any child rector Julia Dickinson put her forBillie Piper, 12, from Nine Elms who wanted to attend his school. ward for the auditions." has won a half-scholarship to the Letters were later sent to parAgainst 23 others at the shortlist Sylvia Young Theatre School in auditions Billie's Shakespeare ents by both the Ridgeway chair of London, having been chosen over reading, singing and dance shone governors and Wiltshire's Chief 300 other young hopefuls. through. Billie's reaction to re- Education Officer restating the The Bradon Forest School year 7 ceiving the letter offering the schol- school's intake was an agreed 240. pupil has been a member of SwinEarlier this year four derelict arship was ecstatic. "It's fantastic. don's Sixth Sense Theatre ComI've always wanted to be an ac- mobile classrooms were demolpany for several years and has pertress; it's like a dream coming true." ished and two more were earformed in many performances at Her dad, builder Paul Piper, is a marked for use at other schools. the Wyvern Theatre. She has also Now that another 28 children little dazed about the sudden appeared in several TV adverts for change in Billie's life. "A lot has are expected, Ridgeway School broadcast in the USA. happened in a short time. There chair of governors Christine Gale Billie's mother, Mandy Piper are many details to sort out, like is concerned about the pressure on said the family were delighted with the scholarship and somewhere to accommodation. "We're delighted her success. "Billie has been a performer from a very young age. A star in the family: Billie Piper with live. We hadn't planned for her to that parents have received their She's always putting on little plays her parents Mandy and Paul, and leave home at such a young age, choice of school and we will we!come their children. But we desin the living room with her brother brother and sisters, Charlie, Harley but she has the talent and we don't perately need to keep the two moand Elie want to hold her back." and two sisters and she used to biles still on site. Billie will be starting theatre help choreograph productions at "We didn't quite realise how Continued page 2 school in September. Brook Field Primary School. good she was until Sixth Sense diWiltshire County Education Committees hard pressed budget will be put under greater strain following the decision by an independent appeals panel to permit an-

other 28 children to attend Ridgeway School from September. The schools agreed annual admission limit is 240, but a group of parents argued that they had been

Big break for actress Billie

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The Link Magazine. May 1995 Counting the cost of education places (continued from front page)

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"Unfortunately the LEA may have promised them elsewhere. At this point in time we just don't know what is going to happen in relation to buildings and future admission numbers." In the December Link magazine Mrs Gale said the school had been in negotiation with the local education authority to increase the intake but the authority had then agreed to remove mobiles in poor condition therefore reducing the number of places available. An Education Department spokesman was unwilling to com-

ment on whether extra funds for buildings could be made available, nor would he give an opinion on the extra cost of transporting more children to Wroughton. He did not know whether a precedent had been set for the future. Joint chairman of Wiltshire Education Committee Kevin Small blamed Mr Axon for raising parents' expectations for more places than had been agreed with the LEA. "We will have to consider the case for classroom space. We may be forced to dip into education reserves," he said.

No move from Toothill for GP

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ff1 link M%* Published by West Swindon Publications 13 Castle Dore Freshbrook Swindon SN5 8P0 Tel: (01793) 872282

Editorial: Roger Ogle

We're not leaving Toothill say Dr Kandiah and practice manager Jane Cremin at the village centre site where they hope to build a permanent surgery

A Statement from Dr Kandy Kandiah of the Toothill Surgery Many of Dr Kandiah's patients have recently expressed a concern that he is about to cease practicing in the Toothill area. May we take this opportunity to reassure our patients that this is not the case - Dr Kandiah will continue to provide a medical service to the people of Toothill in the future. Negotiations are at present taking place with Thamesdown Borough Council in order that a per-

Copy date for the June edition: 15 May Published: 27 May Copy for July: 13 June

Publisher/Editor d Apple Macintosh design, layout and lasersetting Printed by Wiltshire, Bristol

Published monthly.

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

manent surgery be built in the village centre. We are deeply committed to the area, and have the full support of the Health Commission in proceeding with our plans for a new purpose built surgery. We hope this will clarify the situation, and would like to take this opportunity of thanking our patients for their support, which we have found most heartening.

Contents 4 Toothill 6 Freshbrook & Grange Park 6 Westlea 8 Shaw

9 Haydon Wick 10 Local Election candidates 11-13 Swindon Wide What's On 14 At Your Library 15 Recreation 16-22 News & Views 23 Local Lives

"The Link was first published in December 1978 exclusively for the West Swindon community. It is completely independent of Link Centre and, in fact, won a competition to name the leisure centre in 1984. It commenced distribution in North Swindon in January 1994."

TO ADVERTISE IN THE LINK, CALL (01793) 872282

The Link Magazine. May 1995

West Swindon: 20 years old Is it worth a celebration? Twenty years ago next April, the first families arrived in what was then known as the Western Expansion - the first people to move into the impressive vision of the future. That future is now in the past! From a few houses surrounded by builders mud and minimal facilities, West Swindon is now almost a complete town unto itself, larger than Salisbury we were always told. Ten years ago The Link magazine organised a large exhibition

of photographs which were displayed in the library. There was also a gathering of local groups. What support is there for organising community celebrations during 1996? If anything is to take place, the drive has to come from people who live in the area. Events have to be decided upon, other organisations have to be involved, money has to be raised. The Link has put the idea forward. Call Roger Ogle on 872282 with your response.

Link news is free We at The Link magazine sometimes receive 'phone calls asking if there is a charge to publicise events or promote activities. The Link exists to report local, community news and to give space to community groups so that you can publicise activities, attract members and convey information about special events. It's all free, subject to space being available.

The magazine is funded entirely from advertising so that we can ensure every house in our distribution area receives the information it contains. If you have an event to publicise to the 15,000 plus homes we distribute to, let us know. If you want to advertise your business, call us also. The number is printed below.

The Link.

If you don't get The Link.... Very occasionally readers do not receive their Link magazine. We know because you are not slow to call us and complain. Sometimes, though rarely thankfully, the reason is that a distributor has decided its easier to dump the magazine and take the money. Again people are not slow to call us and tell us where the magazines have been dumped so that we can clear up the mess. If you don't get The Link by the beginning of every month, please call us so that we can sort out the problem. Right: It happens to us all

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Mike makes mag discovery A keen motorbiker has discovered Mike Smith has lived in Grange Park since late 1991 but has ignored the magazine on delivery every month until he took on the voluntary role of press secretary for the Horizon motorcycle club, and also the Swindon Association of Motorcycle Clubs. "1 had used to look at the front page and think The Link was just full of advertising," says Mike. "But I started to browse through it a couple of months ago and I was pleasantly surprised with its content. Its full of community news and local information. There's loads of it and I'm very impressed." Mike wants to promote a good image for motorcycling and has publicised several charity events

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Keen cake makers cook up cash An energetic group of Toothill School 9 year olds decided to raise a little more money for Comic Relief and also the Swindon's Chalet School in the last week of the Easter term by selling cakes to other children. Seven girls and one boy in Hazel Hamilton's year 5 class roped in mums, aunties and grandmas to

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help them bake 400 cakes and biscuits. "We were rushed off our feet," said Rebecca Deegan, describing the roaring trade her friends conducted at break times in the last three days of term. £60 was raised to be split between Comic Relief and the Chalet School for special needs in Swindon. Cakes for sale from, back to front, Samantha Woodley, Hayley Cypher, Gemma Irving, Rachel Gray, Matthew Pearce, Sara Egan, Melanie Lewington, Rebecca Deegan

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V.E. Day Family Event Toothill Community Centre Monday 8 May, 5.30pm Entertainment from West Swindon Townswomen's Guild, Dancing, a Traditional Sing Song, Refreshments. All Welcome

Outdoor project gets going Youngsters at Toothill School will be digging in to spruce up their school grounds during May. Wednesday 3 May is National School Grounds Day and pupils, staff and parent volunteers will be creating flower beds around mobile classrooms in readiness for BT Environmental Week from 22 to 26 May when topsoil paid for by English Nature will be arriving. Last month the school launched a plan to redevelop the grounds over the next ten years. The school playground was resurfaced in the Easter holidays and a new path has been made to the recently fenced pond. The BBC Wiltshire Sound 'Watch Out Wilts' programme is following the development of the school grounds and will be making reports on its progress.

New Russia aid trip planned A voluntary aid worker from Toothill returns to Russia in May. Tim Bath from Markenfield took part in a sponsored walk around Barbury Castle with eight friends on 1 April to raise cash for items he will be taking to poor families in the St Petersburg area. Tim visited Russia twice last year with Christian charity the Messianic Testimony with aid for or-

phanages and hospitals in the city. He flies to Russia on 28 May for two weeks with basic medicines like paracetomol and vitamins. He hopes to make visits to families in villages and small towns beyond the St Petersburg area where most of the aid has been going. Donations of items and cash will be welcomed. Tim can be contacted on 613219.

Pupils learn about blindness Guide Dogs for the Blind benefitted by fundraising events by Lower Juniors at Toothill's Oliver Tomkins Junior School during the Easter Term. Roy Martin from Purton visited the school at the beginning of March with his guide dog Zoe to talk about living as a blind person and the help trained guide dogs can provide. The children baked cakes and biscuits as part of their technology curriculum work and sold them to older children and staff. When •combined with the Lent Week collection, £130 was raised and presented to Roy Martin before term ended. He said the fundraising was very welcome and would help train another dog. "It was a good opRoy Martin with Zoe and from left, Martin French, Natasha Rue, Vicky Lewis, Sneha Mehta in front

portunity to tell the children about blindness and how guide dogs improve the quality of life for those without sight." It takes two years to train a guide dog and costs about £2,500.

FRESHBROOK & GRANGE PARK

Old painting gives new insights into studies Work by year 6 pupils at a Windmill Hill primary school has so impressed art historians at London's National Gallery that they sent a photographer to make a record during April.

Inspirational eggs Another eggciting event took place on the last day of term at Tregoze School when the judging of the annual Egg Decorating Competition took place. There were eggs decorated as aliens, swans, pirate, soldiers, kings and queens, and of course humpty-dumpty. One inspirational entry was an egg painted as the planet, 'The Oeuf.' Deputy headteacher Penny Purvis, returned from maternity leave for the day for the difficult task of judging some very inventive entries. Egg entrants, rear from left, Emma Price, Amber Graham. Front, Daniel Marriott, Gemma Wilson

PHILIP STONE Windmill Hill pupils with their own versions of a dyptych,from left, Richard Cooper, Kelly Gaskin, Paul Black, Sadie Cranis, Kimberley Moore The class has been studying the Wilton Dyptych, a fourpanel painting commissioned by King Richard II in the late 14th Century by an unknown artist, found at Wilton House in south Wiltshire. Ten year old Sadie Cranis said there was a great deal of information to be found in the painting. "We have been looking for clues about the different symbols in the paintings. Kelly Gaskin said the class had cooked and tried medieval recipes. Richard Cooper said many children had make their own copies of the dyptych using traditional techniques like mixing egg yolk with powder paint. Teacher Mark Hazzard said there is so much to find out within

paintings which gives children of all abilities many routes into the national curriculum. "On the face of it a painting is a painting, but when you look, you discover a great deal. "The Wilton Dyptych is a tremendous source for research and practical work covering history, creative writing, religious studies and technology work. The children have really been able to investigate the painting to quite a deep level. Their confidence has grown along with the quality of their work." Mark will be giving a lecture to other teachers at the National Gallery on how the Wilton Dyptych and other paintings can be used as an educational tool.

Choir continues singing success Freshbrook School's popular choir coached and conducted the 52 chilhas produced success once again, dren aged 9 to 11 years to success this time in the Swindon Music in the AJ MayCup forJunior Choirs which they won with distinction Festival on Friday 31 March. Teacher Charlotte Boyes marks. Choir line up. Emma Tanner and Christopher Fisher hold up the winners cup in front of the Freshbrook School choir, with teacher Charlotte Boyes on the left

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Contest brings out talent Two After School clubs came together for an evening of fun and entertainment on 6 April. Youngsters from Westlea and Toothill After School clubs had rehearsed their talents for weeks before performing in front of each other and forty parent supporters. There were dancers, musical recitals, puppets and rap dancers. Justin Stewart-Nicholson and Mark Knotts took top spot with a take-off of TV star Mr Motivator. Rear from left, Christopher Lockhart, Daniel and Michael Meed, Daniel Needs, Samury Abu-Ebid. Standing, Felicity Orr, Helen Banham, Alex Kubiak, Mark Knotts. Front, Justin Stewart-Nicholson

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HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Nutkins toddler group from Upper Shaw Farm have donated two boxes of Duplo to the West Swindon Health Centre baby clinic. Lynne Searancke of Nutkins said that the group had received many gifts over the years. "We decided to help the health centre as most of our members have used the baby clinic." Health Visitor Geraldine Piper, left, receives the Duplo donation from Lynne Searancke and her daughter Nicola, and Nicola Rooke

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Swindon 873369 "Representative only of CORNHILL INSURANCE PLC for the purpose of effecting investment business introductions only. CORNHILL INSURANCE PLC is regulated by the Personal Investment Authority for life assurance and pensions business'. Credit broker tees of op No 1% on the advance maybe charged at completion dopendleg on the type 01 product and rned.r period. Rate applied is 4.2%PA (4.5% APR) for one yew. APR is variable. Rates may vary. A written qootabon on loans can be obtained on reqoest. Orly available or persons 18 years of age or over. Subplot to states. Subject or our currentlerdeg criteria. A 4.2% reduction applied to the variable base mortgage rate, currently 8.4%. Those applicants benefiting from this special discountwho redeem their mortgage within three years horn the date of completion will be charged as additional two months interest This charge will be reimbursed It a new mortgage Is then taken out with the Society. Eoarrryrie: A married couple aged 30 years and 28 years. both non-smokers, applying for an endowment mortgage of £50,000 over a 25 year mm, (300 monthly payments), corrrpleirrg before 30 Acre 1995 secured against a property being purchased for £55,000. 300 monthly mortgage payments not 01 taco) £154. Moeddy endowment premium ol £74.96. Total amount payable £103,145. Calculated to indndo Valuation too £150. This calculation is based on the assompf on that the discounted rate will apply throughout the term of the loan. Macstrum boo £150,000. The 4.2% rate applies to lows op or and indcrdirg 95% of the purchase price or valuation, whichever is the lower. The discounted rate is applicable for one year. after wInd, the then current rate will apply. When an applicants borrowing more than 75% the Society wit roqsee additional security. This is usually in the herr of a Risk Charge.

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Swindon Town players will be turning out on Friday 12 May to serve refreshments to bidders at the Brook Field School Auction of Promises. There are meals, weekends away, spring cleans and a day of golf with town players to bid for. A licensed bar will be run by Paul Bodin, Martin Ling, Fraser Digby, Andy Mutch with help from Tom Jones of Reading, who will also be waiting on tables. The event organised by the Friends of Brook Field School costs £3 from the school or Jane Wall on 870149. Ticket numbers are limited. Book early.

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Car Boot Sale Link Centre Coach Park Saturday 20 May, 9am -12 noon Boots: £5 or £7 a day. Contact Lesley Brown, tel: 876465 or Jane Wall on 870149. Organised by Friends of Brook Field School

THE HORIZON WINDOW COMPANY IF QUALITY COUNTS, WHY SETTLE FOR LESS? Now offering new internally beaded windows with multi-locking mechanism and security hinges at prices that cannot be beaten The infants at Salt Way School in Middleleaze put on a special assembly for parents at the end of last term when they modelled some very fancy headgear creations. Pictured above from left are, Nusha Khayaki-Daryan, Sadie Jones, Carniella Freti, Tsian Brown, Shan ice Swaby

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Summer Fayre Saturday 27 May, 1pm Shaw Village Centre Community Hall Stalls, Bouncy Castle, Fun in aid of Jellytots Playgroup

Baby change The West Swindon Health Visitor team has announced that the Sparcells child health clinic is now held every Tuesday between lOam and 12noon at Sparcells Surgery (next to the Chinese Experience). All parents are welcome to bring their under 5s along. No appointments are needed.

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Players with Shaw FC under 9s Hammond at the end of March. were given an unexpected workout Nicky worked on ball skills and at their regular Monday evening techniques with the boys before training session when manager signing autographs and answerGary Holingshead was joined by ing questions about playing for Swindon Town goal keeper Nicky the Town. Nicky Hanunond with Shaw under 9s, rearfrom left, Matthew Mills, Matthew Collins, Thomas Green, Chris Flanagan, Eddie Powell, Nick Crowhurst. Front, Owen Allendon, Daniel Leith, Ben Hollingshead, Stuart Mundy, John Newman, David Bullimore

HAYDON WICK

Players go back in time for comedy

Herb talk

It's the 1880s. Take a Salford busi- has delighted audiences through nessman who prefers a tipple to the century and the Haydon Playworking in his shoe store. Give er's will be bringing it to life again him three bossy daughters, add an on 3 and 4 May at the Haydon unambitious 'workhouse brat,' Centre. Tickets for the performances at and you have a wonderful comedy called Hobson's Choice. 7.30pm are £2.50 from Haydon The play by Harold Brighouse Centre reception. Striking a Victorian pose,front left, Marilynn Carter and Maria Randle, rear, Janet Pearce, Lucia Giovanelli, Garry Woodhouse, Peter Craven, Joy Aldred, Janet Clark, Nick Carter, Mik Young (Director), David Bosley

The Garden Society look set for a mouthwatering meeting at the Haydon Centre on Tuesday 23 May, 730pm. Mrs Iris Smith will be talking about herbs and the evening includes cordial and biscuit tasting. All gardeners are invited along.

Sevenfields photos wanted The Sevenfields Conservation Group is looking for photos taken last Christmas Eve when a beautiful frost covered the area. If you can help, please contact Marilyn Beale on 725067.

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Help for summer fair needed Greenmeadow School PTA are currently working towards this year's Summer Fayre to be held on Saturday 8 July. Following the success of last year's event a full programme of stalls, games and arena attractions has been planned. The association relies on volunteers to man the stalls etc and would be pleased to hear from

anyone who could spare the afternoon to help out. If you'd like to help call 521141. As a result of the PTA's fundraising efforts during the last 18 months, the school has benefitted to the tune of £3,000. This has been used to purchase equipment as well as contributing to the school's ground development plans.

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Bowls for experts and novices Haydon Wick Bowling Club are getting into the swing of their second season of competitive bowls. The mens team play in the Swindon and District evening league and the ladies team will be making their debut this year. A mens team also plays in the afternoon 'tea and biscuit' league. A full programme of friendly matches has also been arranged throughout the season.

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This enjoyable activity can be tried for the price of your membership fee and a pair of, bowling shoes. Novice bowlers can borrow woods from the club and coaching sessions are being arranged for the coming year. If you are interested in joining this friendly club, and live in the parish of Haydon Wick, contact Duncan Harper on 644239

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Elections to Thamesdown Council - Thursday 4th May Information supplied by the candidates standing in Toothill, Freshbrook, Haydon Wick and Moredon Wards

Toothill Ward including Toothill, Westlea, Shaw and Roughmoor Maurice Fanning Labour Party Maurice is a well known figure after eight years on Thamesdown Council, five as chairman of Thamesdown Foundation for the Arts and a campaigner for the environment. He is chairman of the Great Western Forest which is planting trees on the Shaw Tip site.

Barbara Timpson Liberal Democrat

Peter Mallinson The Conservative Candidate

Peter Stoddart The Official Conservative Candidate

I am 59 years old, a local school governor and have been a town councillor. Being a local resident and retired, gives me the time and the interest to represent the views of all the residents of Toothill regardless of their political beliefs. I strongly believe that party politics have no place in local government.

The high level of Council Tax under Labour in Swindon and Wiltshire discourages investment in the town. I am committed to cutting the level of tax as other Conservative Councils like Wychavon and Brent have done. I am committed to getting the best value for money for the people of Toothill.

Barbara has lived in the area for 12 years, with her husband and two daughters. She has been an active member of the Liberal Democrats for most of this time. "Tories are in disarray, and the local Labour have too much of their own way" she says.

Freshbrook Ward including Grange Park Neil Bristow Liberal Democrat

Irene Cooke Labour Party

A Freshbrook resident, Neil previously represented the area for almost three years. This experience is invaluable for 'Getting things done". His key issues are: safety at Freshbrook Village Centre; pedestrian safety, especially Worsley Road; Lydiard car parking charges; vandalism, graffiti & litter; pensioners rights to use bus tokens in taxis.

Irene has taught in Swindon schools for many years. She is married with two grown up children. Asa local teacher and a mother she knows the anxieties of parents about standards in schools and rising crime rates. Irene believes that only the Labour Party has the commitment to deal with these problems.

Laura Holiday The Official Conservative Candidate As a professional business woman I am seeking to raise the profile of Swindon as a good town in which to invest. Labour has earned us the nickname the Borough of Thumbsdown and that is hurting Swindon. A new, Conservative council committed to business is needed to really make us the City of the 21st century.

Haydon Wick Ward - Elections for Thamesdown Council & Wiltshire County Council Tel Hudson Liberal Democrat Lives within the ward at 26 Tweed Close. As a keen exponent of community politics. He has acted as councillor's assistant, helping with casework for several years

Jeremy Jenkins The Official Conservative Candidate I am standing for these councils with one goal: to lower your Council Tax. Anyone who has been to either County Hall or the Civic knows that there is waste and inefficiency that is costing you money. I will campaign to make sure that you get value for money.

Kelvin King Labour Party I have lived in Haydon Wick for four years. I am a qualified electrician and a lecturer at Swindon College in the Electrical Installation Section. I believe we should work with the Parish Council, Community Association and other groups, so that we can enhance the quality of life of the people of Haydon Wick

Wiltshire County Council Election Ralph Chaplin Labour Party Ralph is a retired aircraft fitter living at 32 Haydon Court. During his working life in the aircraft industry Ralph has travelled the world, spending a long period in North America. Also standing (and pictured left) are: Tel Hudson - Liberal Democrat Jeremy Jenkins - The Official Conservative Candidate

Moredon Ward including Wood hail Park Valerie Butt The Official Conservative Candidate As Swindon is about to become a unitary authority we need a Conservative Council that is committed to providing the most effective services for the best possible price. Labour's paymasters, the trades unions, are committed to inefficiency and waste. Only the Conservatives will stop this.

Maureen Caton Labour Party Maureen has represented the interests of Moredon since 1987 and was unanimously re-selected by Moredon Labour Party to continue as their candidate. Maureen is currently chair of Thamesdown Labour Group and Women's Advisory Panel. Thamesdown Borough Council has chosen Maureen to be Deputy Mayor for the next municipal year.

Phil Rashid Liberal Democrat Having lived in Swindon for over eight years and editing the Thamesdown Charity Newsletter, I have been made aware of the difficulties confronted by various community groups. I will regularly produce your newsletter addressing and finding solutions to YOUR problems. My main areas of concern are housing and the environment.

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

Life Through Literature Matt Holland, Director of the second Swindon Festival of Literature. highlights some of the events at the beginning of May Are you a book lover, or do you pref er you r books on the box? Are you passionate about poetry, or even cool? Do you like a good story or story song? Are you a word-player, a know-all about newspapers, or a history hound? Are you serious about the place of reading and good words in your child's education? Do you like to explore, fact and fiction, life and love, through words? Do you know how to laugh, frisk, frolic, and feast? If you have read this far, the chances are that the Swindon Festival of Literature will have something in it for you! The festival kicks off at dawn on Monday 1 May in the Old Town Gardens Bowl with a human dawn chorus, traditional storytelling, bagpipes, Morris and Maypole dancing, general frolics and hot break-

Philip Ziegler who will talk about wartime Britain fasts. A May morning get-together for all ages, before going off to work, school and other duties. The remainderof the week's programme will not mean quite such an early start for festival followers. Each day sees events happen-

ing at lunchtimesand in the evenings at main venues around town. These include a books-into films evening with Joanna Trollope and Malcolm Bradbury; an illustrated talk by Philip Ziegler on the lives of ordinary people in wartime Britain; readings by three contemporary poets, including Danny Abse; a talk on subversive women and another on writing for Mills & Boon; and a whole day of both fun and exploration on the theme of 'children, parents and books' at the Link Centre on Saturday 6 May. The festival also goes out and about, taking authors, poets and performers to schools, libraries and hospitals. Full details of everything that is happening during the week can be found in the official programme, available from leisure centres and libraries.

Seeing similarities in history Corinne Glanville reviews the Madness of King George now showing at the MGM Written bywordsmith Alan Bennett, the film opens at the 1788 state opening of Parliament. King George III (Nigel Hawthorne), his devoted wife Queen Charlotte (Helen Mirren) and her Mistress of the Robes, Lady Pembroke (Amanda Donohoe) together with the remainder of the Royal family and household staff are all in a flurry of last minute preparation. As usual a united, imperius family front is to be displayed to an unsuspecting country. However, inside Windsor Castle the King is suddenly taken ill - afflicted by weird and irrational behaviour, ceaseless babbling, hyperactivity and an obsession with the loss of his colonies in North America. A trio of doctors are unable to reach an agreed diagnosis as the King's condition worsens. Meanwhile a political power struggle grips the House of Commons - a power dependent on the the King's good health. On one side William Pitt the Prime Minister (Julian Wadham) opposed by Mr Fox (Jim Carter)) fronting for the Prince of Wales who wants his father declared unfit and himself proclaimed Regent. As the King's

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his illness first manifested itself in 1788, recurring for short periods throughout the remainder of his life. From Dr WitVs journals and The Arts Centre diaries of Sir George Baker (first Devizes Road, Swindon physician to the King), historians Box Office: have pieced together the medical T centre (01793) 614837 records and it is thought the symptoms of madness were due to Saturday 13 May 8pm 'porphyria', a metabolic imbalance Ardal O'Hanlon. Channel 4's Father Ted presents a hilarious evening of with reproduces symptoms of mensharp observation and unexpected tal illness. It can recur and can be twists. Tickets £5.50 (Gold Card £5) hereditary. Friday 2nd June 7.30pm Alan Bennett draws masterful Someone who'll watch over me comparisons with the present day. Not the National Theatre presents a Clothes and language may change, powerful and poignant play inspired Should Nigel Hawthorne have by the release of Brian Keenan. but the relationships are the same. received an Oscar for this role? Tickets £6 (Gold Card £5.50) The rivalries and resentments are Fri 16/Sat 17 June 7.30pm condition worsens Lady Pembroke just as bitter, the politics just as The Kentwood Kompany. Songs approaches, Pitt with the recom- tortuous. But the demand to porfrom the shows mended action of a new physician, tray the Royal family as a model for Leis re Sewices in aid of the THAMESDOWN Dr Witts (Ian Holm). The King the public as strong. BOROUGH COUNCIL Arts Centre receives radical treatment which slowly helps him to regain his former self - just in time to foil the A Great Family Night Out at The Dance House Prince of Wales' scheming. Ellendune Community Centre Wroughton For me the plot lost its momenSaturday 20 May Florida tum in places, but the sets and the acting, particularly Nigel HawTickets £6 Conc £4, Under 12s £1 Family ticket £15 thorne, portrayed very well the atSeason ticket (10 dances): £42 mosphere of that historic period. Tickets on door or send cheques and SAE to So, was King George Ill mad? The Dance Housel3l Goddard Avenue Swindon He reigned from 1760 to 1820 and

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From 29 April Exhibition World War II: Swindon. Memories and memen-toes of wartime Swindon and VE Day, including a reconstructed Anderson shelter and a wartime kitchen. Swindon Museum, Bath Road, open Mon - Sat lOam - 530pm, Sun 2pm - 530pm. Free

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Wednesday 3 May Comedy The Joe Pasquale (above) Show - zany, unique. Wyvern, 8pm. £9.50, £8.50 Thursday 4 May - Saturday 6 May Drama The Roses of Eyam by Don Taylor presented by Old Town Theatre Company. Arts Centre, 730pm. £4

Music The Flashbacks Show. A three part musical extravaganza featuring music from the 50s, 60s and 70s performed by band Blue Bayou, Country star Marie Deveroux and Johnny Curtis. Wyvern, 8pm. £8, £7

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Course by WEA Swindon Women's Branch 'Relating to Teenagers' runs for 6 weeks. Health Hydro, Milton Road, 7pm - 9pm. £25 for 6 weeks Thursday 11 May & Friday 12 May Music Take a Journey Through Music - the pupils of Sarah Jefferies present a selection of songs from all corners of the globe. Arts Centre, Devizes Road, 730pm. £3.50, to book call 613156

Saturday 6 May Dancing in the street to celebrate VE day in 1940s style. Outside Swindon Museum, Bath Road in the morning. Details from the museum, 493188

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Thursday 11 May Music The Magical World of Musicals in concert - hit songs from musicals spanning Hollywood, Broadway and the West End. Wyvern, 230pm & 730pm. £14.50, £12.50

Friday 12 May Dance The Featherstonehaughs Go Las Vegas - acclaimed male dance company with a compelling new show. Wyvern, 8pm. £8, £6 Saturday 13 May Workshop by WEA Swindon Women's Branch 'Women's Spirituality' - an opportunity to nurture your spiritual dimension. Health Hydro, Milton Road, lOam - 4pm, linked with similar workshop on 17 June. £25 Psychic demonstration and clairvoyance with medium Billy Roberts (below). Wyvern, 730pm. £5.50

Sunday 7 May & Monday 8 May Train rides Friends of Thomas the Tank Engine weekend. Swindon & Cricklade Railway, Blunsdon Station, Tadpole Lane, Blunsdon, (tel: 771615 weekends), 1130am - 4pm. £2 Monday 8 May Mayday Fayre Organised by Wootton Bassett Lions. Lydiard Country Park, 1030am - 530pm. Adults £2, juniors £1

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Adults only Adonis - Men of the World. Hot, sexy, wild and back by popular demand. Wyvern, 630pm & 845pm. £10.50 Tuesday 9 May Comedy Eclectic-Pelican presents Icarus, Naked with Feathers. A Mr Bean meets Buster Keaton style comedy, incorporating puppetry, mime and a splendid soundtrack. Arts Centre, 730pm. £5.50 Tuesday 9 May & Wednesday 10 May Music Kentwood Choir in Concert '95 with special guests Swindon Opera. Wyvern, 730pm. £7

Comedy Ardal O'Hanlon plus support. Be prepared for an hilarious evening of ingenious observations and unexpected twists. Arts Centre, Devizes Road, 8pm. £5.50 Saturday 13 May & Sunday 14 May Kite Festival Kite workshops, demonstrations, stalls, plus access to the Science Museums land transport, agriculture and part of the aeronautical collection. Wroughton Airfield, flying times lOam - 5pm. Adults £3, children £1, under 5s free

May overview Sunday 14 May Craft event Rangers' Crafty Village. Try your hand at a wide range of country crafts and environmental activities - pottery, face painting, willow weaving, story telling, music and lots more. The Walled Garden, Lydiard Country Park. 50p plus small charge for some materials Music Voulez Vous, with the ultimate ABBA experience. Wyvern, 730pm. £9.50, £8.50

13 Wednesday 17 May - Saturday 20 May Dance Rambert Dance Company. Wyvern, 730pm. From £9 Variety Showtime Serenade presented by Stage Struck Arts Centre, Devizes Road, 730pm. £5, to book call 535052 Monday 22 - Saturday 27 May Drama The Canterbury Tales starring Brian Glover and Brian Cant. Wyvern, 730pm, Wed & Sat mat 230pm. From £10.50

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"This is the best way to have a new kitchen and save money" Fairport Convention: Acoustic, on the road, and at the Arts Centre, Old Town on 31 May Monday 15 May Music European Community Chamber Orchestra present Handel, Mozart, Delius, Tchaikovsky. Wyvern, 730pm. £9.50, £8.50

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Wednesday 24 May - Saturday 27 May Drama The Western Players present Cats Cradle by Leslie Sands - an intriguing whodunnit. Arts Centre, Devizes Road, 730pm. £3, to book call 724269 Friday 26 May Talk Breast Health by Julie Paterson. Thamesdown Area Well Woman Centre, Health Hydro, Milton Road, lOam - 12 noon. Free, to book a space in the creche phone 511064 Sunday 28 May Children Chucklevision live on stage. Wyvern, l lam &2pm. £5 Tuesday 30 May Workshop Art workshop for children 7-14 years with artist Karen Barton. Swindon Museum, Bath Road. £3, prior booking required, tel: 493188 Tuesday 30 May - Saturday 3 June Opera English Touring Opera present The Barber of Seville (30 May, 1 & 3 June) and Orpheus & Eurydice (31 May & 2 June). Wyvern, 730pm. £16, £12, save £3 if booking both operas Wednesday 31 May Music Fairport 'Acoustic' Convention. Arts Centre, Devizes Road, 8pm. £12

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Boring libraries? You must be joking! We have two wonderful weeks lined up for you this month writes David Reed.

Swindon Literature Festival 1 - 7 May A range of events for all ages. See Matt Holland's piece on page 11 or telephone the library on 871444.

Adult Learner's Week 15 - 20 May Don't be put off by the title. This is a national week aimed at discovering and celebrating the diversity of learning opportunities for adults, whether academic subjects, hobbies, or practical skills. The world is indeed your oyster when it come to chances to learn, whether via your library, local college, national organisation or the group that meets in your local community hail. Why not make some time to pop into your library to find out just how exciting learning can be? Don't miss these specialfree events: Tuesday 16th lOam - 5pm Swindon College Roadshow 11am - 1pm Computer Clinic with John Looker - free advice and answers for all your PC/multimedia queries. 630pm - 8pm Decoupage demonstration Wednesday 17th lOam - 1pm Watercolour demonstration by Frank Quinton Thursday 18th 1130am - 3pm Pastels demonstration by Peter Burton Saturday 20th 1030am - 1230pm Computer CD Rom demonstration by John Looker and Greendown School 1030am - 1130am Juggling (outside the library) by Highworth Juggling Club lOam - 12 noon Launch of our brand new graphic novel collection with illustrator Mark Wilkins, who will also be available for quick drawings of your favourite comicstrip heroes and caricatures. In the gallery, Angelo Demello, will be exhibiting his art work and painting in the library throughout the week.

Craft and Art Fair Ridgeway School Sunday 14 May lOam - 3pm Adm £1 adults, children free. Free draw with admission

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Paper folding Three special origami workshops are planned at Swindon Arts Centre on the second Saturday of each month, 13 May, 10 June, 8 July, lOam - 1130am. The ancient Japanese skill of paper folding will be taught by Japanese ladies who are residents of Swindon. The cost is £2 per session, £1.50 juniors. Ring 614837 to apply for a place.

Top 10 Titles this month Bernard Cornwell - Sharpe's battle. Sharpe and his riflemen in another bitter Peninsular War. Jack Higgins - Angel of death. A tale about a terrorist group wreaking havoc in Europe. John Le Carre - Our game. A double-agent disappears into the wilds of Russia. Ed McBain - Romance. Spring is in the air and so is murder in this new 87th Precinct novel. Anne Tyler - Ladder of years. On holiday Cordelia Grinstead walks away from her family and just keeps on walking. Lesley Grant-Adamson - Wish you here. Linda thought Tom was glamourous, exciting and fun: she didn't know he was a mass murderer Ken McClure - Trauma. Medical thriller. Craig Thomas - A wild justice. Political/adventure thriller about the corrupting power of gangsters and foreign investors in new Russia. Ben Bova - Brothers. Two scientist brothers come to hate each other and clash over the question of genetic engineering. Barbara Hambly - Children of the Jedi. Leia, Solo and Chewbacca embark on the Republic-saving mission to find the long lost children of the Jedi.

Townswomen's Guild Doreen Shaw, secretary writes Mr Clarke showed us slides at our April meeting called a 'pot pouri of people, places and other things' which was very entertaining and unusual from the first camera shop in Swindon to road signs, not forgetting the cute kittens and lovely flowers. Mr Clarke's commentary, or chats as he calls them, also added to the enjoyment. Our next meeting in the Link Centre is on 11 May, 2pm when there will be a talk on embroidery. If you would like to know more about the Guild contact Doreen on 693707 or Stevie on 873567

RECREATION

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Turn up - tune up Is your body in need of an MOT? Then come along to our Active Lifestyle Centre and have our instructors assess you and put together a fitness programme to suit your particular needs. We offer three packages: Bronze, £4.10, for those who want to topup their tart. Silver, £3.55, which allows you to use the fitness equipment followed by a sauna and jacuzzi. Gold, £6.80, which is Bronze and Silver combined. So why not pamper yourself? John used to play in a local league We're open 930am - 1030pm, team in Sheffield and organised Monday to Friday and 1030am - coaching sessions where up to 40 6pm at the weekend. youngsters turned up. "Kids do a few sessions of basketball at school and might compete in a team but Chill Out - in the coolest there's nowhere to develop their place in town! Its the Cool Kids Club on Satur- interest in their own time. A lot of days, lOam - 12 noon with lots of have hoops attached to their houses games and birthday celebrations. and nowadays they can see basCost: £3.05 adults, £2.05 juniors, ketball on satellite TV. "This is a chance to learn the plus skate hire. Or why not bring the family skills of stars like Charles Barclay, along to the ice rink for our Bank Shaq O'Neil and Michael Jordan." John is also looking for a few Holiday extended skating sessions on Mondays 8 and 29 May, 2pm - adults to help him start the youth development programme. 5pm. Kids who want to play basketCost: £3.05 adults, £2.35 juniors, plus skate hire. (See the advert on ball and adults who can help out, call John on 492455 (day) or 0585this page for other conditions). 478033 (eves or weekends). An exciting fun packed holiday camp with supervised activities from swimming (for over 8s), skating, ball sports, arts and crafts, bouncy castle and much more between Tuesday 30 May and Friday 2 June, 930am - 330pm. There are two age groups: 5-7 year olds and 8-12 year olds. Cost: £5.40 per day. Gold Card holders £1.50 per day. Registration starts on Sunday 14 May from 6.30pm. Forms are available in advance from Reception.

In the swim A freestyle session of fun and games with water floats. This runs each weekday during the school holidays (excluding Weddesdays), lOam - 11am. Cost: £1.70 adults, 85p juniors. Under 8s must be accompanied by an adult in the water, ratio 1:2. For further details of activities at the Link Centre tel: 871212.

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International centre Haydon Centre plays host to international badminton and table tennis competitors for the Federation Games on 20 and 21 May. In addition, the Haydon Wick Bowls Club welcome bowlers. This prestigious sporting event, organised for people with disabilities, attracts competitors from all over the world.

A cricket club is looking for players who would like to play to win with an emphasis on enjoyment, without the pressures of league placing. Winterbourne Bassett Cricket Club looking for new committed players to join them at their village ground just six miles from Swindon. To find out more, contact Ian Sharpe, captain, on 874468.

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Two youngsters who attend Kodokan Karate Association classes at Toothill Community Centre are the first from the club to achieve black belt status. Hayley King and Christopher Brown, right, who both attend Toothill School, have been training for over two years and now attend up to five sessions a week at different venues in the town. Club leader Lee Crown said Hayley and Christopher had done very well to qualify as black belts and had to demonstrate their skills and techniques during a three and a half hour grading session.

May time jog, walk or run

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Whatever your fitness level the lowship (NSF) on Monday 8 May Bruddel Trek & Fun Run in aid of has something for you. the National Schizophrenia FelAs part of the Croft Gala Fun Day in Old Town, there will be a one mile fun run within the Croft Campus and a four mile walk or Sunday restoration jog around Coate Water. For the The Wilts and Berks Canal Amen- keen ones there is a 10 mile run ity Group need more volunteers along the Old Town Railway Path. for their Sunday working parties All the events start at 12noon to help restore the canal at and start and finish at the Croft Sports Centre. The entry fee is £1 Moredon, off Purton Road. Steel piles have been placed in for children and £2 for adults, inthe River Ray by the aqueduct and, cluding free refreshments. as soon as the water levels drop, Sponsorship is optional and may the water will be re-directed so the be undertaken on a 50/50 basis, aqueduct can be restored. with half going to NSF which runs If you have a few hours to spare two community homes in Old on Sundays and want to know Town, and the rest going to a charmore about this interesting and ity of your choice. worthwhile work call Henry Smith For details and entry forms, contact Ann Billingham on 692596. on 875775

Walk a marathon The Wiltshire Wildlife Trust are looking for walkers to cross the neolithic ways between Avebury and Stonehenge on the seventh annual Sarsen Trail Sponsored Walk on Sunday 7 May. Just turn up and register at Avebury for the 22 mile walk between 7am and 10am before setting off. There is also a shorter eleven mile walk to Redhorn Hill, near Urchfont. Call 01380 725670 for details. The Trust has produced a programme of events covering Braydon Forest. Find out about birds, bees and butterflies and learn something of the natural history across North Wiltshire by calling 01380 725670 for a copy of the leaflet giving dates.

The Link Magazine. May 1995

Cougars look for USA support Swindon's junior ice hockey development programme is aiming to build on its successes by organising a trip for players from the Cougars under 19s team to the International Ice Hockey School near Minneapolis, USA in early June. Many of the players were members of the the unbeaten 1993/94 under 16s Leopards team which won the English and Great Britain championships. To get to the USA, 17 players and a band of loyal supporters are busily fund raising and need help with their efforts. In April they organised a Daisy Splat where a cow owned by Jane and James

YOU SPEND A THIRD OF YOUR LIFE SLEEPING WHY NOT DO IT IN STYLE?

Woolford at Hook Farm, Lydiard was let loose to dump her load. Carly Hampson from Woodhall Park won £200 when her plot was splattered! Fund raiser Arthur Riley says the USA trip will expose the young players to a much higher standard of hockey against more experienced Afnericans of the same age. "They will play with and against the local youngsters and receive intensive coaching. It will be a tremendous experience and is sure to raise the standard of Swindon hockey." To offer support to the Cougars, West Swindon's secondary call Arthur Riley on 874181.

school Greendown will be school of the week on Swindon Cable! Football club walks for Sky TV's Nickleodeon channel PMH children's ward on 6 and 7 May. Hosted by Jenny Powell, the Committee members and parents from West Side football club held a programme shows the lighter ten mile fund raising walk in the side of school life, and features pouring rain around the footpaths maths teacher Tim Neave doing of West Swindon on 30 October a rain dance and students shooting footballs at Swindon last year to raise funds for the club. Town goalie Nicky Hammond. £300 was raised, a third of which was donated to the Childrens Ward JennyPowellispicturedabove with some of Greendown's keen skaters: atPMH. The club runs five teams from Zoe Jones, British Ladies ice dance champion, and hockey players under 12s to under 15s. Dean Chapman, Ricky Kirby, StaffNurse Michelle Williams receives Matthew Baldock, Steven Mitchell, a £100 cheque from West Side under Ben Knock, Peter Davis 14s players,from left, Ross Kent,Jamie Mills and John Dart

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The Amazingly Good Travel Agents at the West Swindon Centre are pleased to announce the arrival of their new manager Sharon Benson

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S Slating/Tiling • Flat Roofing • uPVC Facias! ROOFING Soft its! AND PROPERTY Guttering MAINTENANCE • Fencing! Minor Repair Work Undertaken Sheds • Fireplaces Special Rates for Pensioners • Painting & For a Friendly, Local Service Decorating Telephone John • Home (01793) 790030 or Improvements (0860) 916790 Artexing & Coving

The Link Magazine. May 1995

Worried about who will look after your pets whilst you're on holiday? Pets At Home could be your answer. Pets at Home is a service which cares for all your pets (except dogs) in their own home anywhere in the West Swindon area only

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Telephone Sheila Mitchell for further details on 873062

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Open Monday to Saturday for free advice and sale of pet health care products and food. Consultations by appointment.

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CARTER, READ & DOVE SOLICITORS Commerce House, 34/35 Commercial Road, Swindon Tel: (01793) 617617

YOUR LOCAL GARAGE DOOR SPECIALIST Up and Over Garage Doors supplied, fitted, repaired (spare parts available) Remote Control Free Survey with no obligation quotation

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The third in a series of articles by Relate counsellors for The Link magazine.

Maintaining a balance in relationships Barbara Stapleton focuses on the importance of looking at things from all sides (The story below is fictional but based upon Relate's experience of working with couples)

at felt she did everything worked hard, looked after two children, and worried about her third child: husband Nick. Nick on the other hand was very laid back and couldn't understand why Pat got so uptight even about very small things. By the time they approached Relate, Pat was at the end of her tether, and she said there was no question of the marriage continuing. During counselling it emerged that they had experienced very different upbringings. While Nick was a favourite son, in albeit a disciplined household, and had everything done for him, Pat had had to adopt a very adult role from her early years. She had helped her mother run the family whilst her father, always very critical of her, suffered with multiple sclerosis. Pat constantly felt a failure despite working very hard: Nick constantly seemed to be successful without actually doing very much.

From Nick's point of view they were a perfect match and he thought Pat was a good wife who was well organised. Pat, on the other hand, felt weighed down with responsibilities which Nick was unwilling to share and she often got very angry about it all. In counselling, Pat came to realise that she had adopted roles within their relationship which did not allow her to be herself. Nick in his turn realised that, by not taking responsibility for things at home, he had colluded in keeping Pat in these roles. Once these issues had been talked about and shared, Pat and Nick found they could start thinking about how the situation could be changed. They felt closer to one another and could discuss things more easily. Counselling helped them risk this bit of change, and while at first they were miles apart, they were now in a position to go forward together. If you think you need help, contact Thamesdown Relate on (0793) 527664, 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Club for hard of hearing The Link Hard of Hearing Club meets on the first Friday of the month in the Community Suite at the Link Centre from 2pm - 4pm. The aim of the club is to help its members acquire information about technology and various new developments, as well as provid-

ing an opportunity for them to meet socially. Their next meeting is on Friday 5 May when the speaker will be Anne Chew, the equipment officer for deaf and hard of hearing people, from the WCC Social Services hearing and vision team

Calling Lacemakers and patchworkers, quilters, cross stitchers and needlepointers Windmill Lace Group are holding a Lace and Needlecraft Fair on 20 May, 1030am to 4pm at the Memorial Hall, Station Road, Wootton Bassett. There will be lace suppliers on hand as well as all types of embroidery, patchwork and quilting, picture framing and pergamano. The group meets once a month for the whole day between lOam and 4pm in the Link Centre Community Suite to work on pieces together, exchange information

and provide help for each other. The group does not restrict itself to working with lace. They have an interest in Danish White Work and Hard anger Embroidery for which special classes have been organised. Group members also turn their hands to beadwork, quilting, patchwork, box making, crochet and tatting. To find out more, visit the lace fair on 20 May or contact Hazel Hunter, 8 Maunsell Way, Wroughton, Swindon SN4 9JD.

Target your customers with an advertisement in the positive news force in West and North Swindon, telephone (01 793 872282

The Link Magazine . May 1995

Changes at Lydiard Park Countryside Ranger Michael Lilley writes

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JJeauIy

I'm writing this after a rather cold and miserable Easter wondering where you all were. a!//rc/aefe .TPrices Over the winter there have been Templars Firs, Wootton Bassett. SPECIAL SUMMER OFFER many changes. Our 'sleeping po- On Sunday 4 June from 2pm to licemen on the Hook Street access 3pm there will be an 'introduction Full Leg Wax with road have been reduced in height. to orienteering' meeting at the visibikini line £14 The green gate on the road be- tor centre. Bridal/Special Occasion tween the visitor centre and the We have three large shows in house hasbeen re-sited. The house May. Bank Holiday Monday 8 £15 Make-up itself is covered in scaffolding. May, 1030am - 530pm, sees the Eyelash Tinting £4.55 The conversion of part of our welcome return to Lydiard of the Lions Mayday Fayre with a wide workshop into a new interpretaTEL: GREENMEADM' BEAUTY tion room is nearly complete. We range of activities and displays for (01793) 612931 are putting finishing touches to all the family. Free consultation & advice On Sunday 28 and Monday 29 various displays and interactive games for this room. May the Living Heritage Country The cafe is under new manage- Show returns, highlighting aspects ment. After 10 years we have had of country life through displays, !: to say a fond farewell to Ross and arena events, quality crafts and June Woolford. We all wish them demonstrations. good luck in the future. For those of you interested in Talking of food and the sum- traditional country crafts and ruat competitive prices mer, the barbecues will only avail- ral ways of life come to our 'Crafty Free, no obligation home visits able between 1pm - 5pm this year. Village' on Sunday 14 May, lOam to view samples and albums Please book early as we are not - 4pm. This is Thamesdown's always in the visitor centre because Countryside Rangers' showcase of For a helpful, friendly, various practical and fun country of the nature of our work professional service contact One of our duties that take us crafts and environmental activiaway from the visitor centre and ties. It is being held in the walled PETER TAYLOR sometimes the park is the running garden and there will be wet Social & Commercial Photographer of events and guided walks. We weather cover. Entrance cost is have a packed month ahead. On 50p with a small additional charge on Swindon 693089 Saturday 20 May there is a walk for a few activities. (Brochure available) For further information please along the old canal at Wootton Bassett, from 1pm to 4pm. Meet at phone us on 771419.

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'New look' for Lydiard house Sarah Finch-Crisp Lydiard House reports on work taking place

Easter Saturday saw the arrival of a 65 tonne crane which lifted previously made scaffolding beams above the roof from where they were gently lowered and secured by a team of eighteen scoffolders. This was the only day when the re-roofing programme actually prevented the public from visiting the house - we closed in the interests of publicsafety. Since then a corrugated tin roof has been laid above the original roof, ready to protect the building as the old stone tiles and slates are stripped away. Apart from this one interruption it is business as usual in the house and gift shop with a surge of visitor numbers over the Easter period. Entering the house via a tunnel has proved popular! There are always quizzes and mystery trails available for children and families at the house. Our next special children's holiday activity, Time Tunnel, will be held during half term, Saturday 27 May - Sunday 4 June. Time Tunnel can be played throughout our opening hours and costs £1, which includes junior admission charge. Normal admission charges to the house are: adult 60p, junior and Gold Card admission 25p

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Sarah Finch-Crisp outside the house

Meanwhile behind the scenes our appeals for information about Lydiard Park Camp in the 1950s brought a tremendous response from local people. The camp invokes happy memories of a friendly community where you relied on neighbours and crime was virtually non-existent. An isolated spot in those days where the cry of foxes, crows and hooting of owls alarmed many a town dweller on first coming out here. The exhibition opens in early July and will run for 5 months.

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The Link Magazine. May 1995

ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES / VAT Problems? / Book Keeping? / Year End Accounts? / Cash Flow/Business Plans and all Accountancy Functions Phone or Fax (0 1793) 871165

Derek G Knight SUB-CONTRACTORS A SPECIALITY!

ENTERPRISE WORKS

I—

(WORKSHOP FOR THE DISABLED)

1 Purton Garden Machinery Tel: 854603 or 770707 (after 6pm)

• Fencing & Shed Manufacturer • Trade & Public Sales • Metpost Stockist Desktop Publishing, typesetting & Graphic Design Offset Litho Printing & Finishing Contract Packaging & Assembly Work Gips) Lane Business Park, Gipsv Lane, Swindon SN2 6DT

Tel: (01793 616288 Fax: (01793) 542235

Spares *Repairs *Servicing Overhauls to petrol & electric New & used machinery for sale Part exchange welcome Rotavator for hire With or without operator Lawn mowing and rough grass cutting, one off or on a regular basis Oaklands Enterprise, Braydon Nr Wootton Bassett

A huge range of basket & patio plants, also summer bedding plants

at Grange Farm Nurseries where you will find a wide variety of Fruit Trees, Shrubs, Herbaceous Perennials, Trees, Alpines, Heathers, Conifers & Roses and get expert advice from the people who grow them

Not just a Garden Centre - more a gardeners' paradise Grange Farm Nurseries Haydon End Lane off Lady Lane, Haydon Wick

In the heart of the Great Western Community Forest A fun day for all the family

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iz I

Sevenhampton, Nr Highworth, Swindon SN6 70G. Telephone: 01793 763939 Open Wednesday to Sunday 21X1-5.00 pm from IN March to 1st October, Last admission 430pm

2.111 pm Meet the farm animals 2.30 pm Sheep shearing at weekends 3103 pm Tractor and trailer fide (May-September only) 4.30 pm Bottle feeding the animals Lambing time in March and April Conservation trails to the many and varied wildlife habitats Adventure playground . Cream Teas Picnic Area Spinning and Weaving Displays . Accommodation Adults £275 Children £175 Concessions £225

Flying visit makes outdoor assembly There was a noisy end of term treat for children at Tregoze School in Grange Park on 5 April when they received a personal visit by an RAF crew in their helicopter. Crewman Paul Neill, with 72 Christopher's school assemblies. Squadron based at RAF Aldegrove The most recent featured a proin Northern Ireland, had missed duction by younger children entiseveral of his six year old son tled 'Close Encounters of the Tregoze Kind' about aliens landing in the school playground. So Paul made amends by arranging a real life close encounter with an RAP crew and their flying machine en route to a joint exercise at the fire service training college at Morton in the Marsh, via RAF Lyneham. All 230 children at the school, and their teachers, were able to climb into the passenger cabin of the Westland troop carrier in small groups and were given a conducted tour around the machine by Paul and his three colleagues. Left, Paul Neill with sons Christopher and Phi/lip

Twins support group

Under 5s wanted

The West Swindon Twins Support Group provides a meeting point for multiple birth parents and mum's to be. It's a place for support, advice and practical help like swapping or selling equipment and clothes. The group meets at 930am in the Health Centre on the first Monday of the month and at 130pm on the third Thursday of the month in the Link Centre playgroup room. For more information, contact Linda on 876272.

The new Link and Learn Playgroup opens at the Link Centre in June. To book a place, call Sue on 873822, or collect a registration form from the Community Suite at the Link Centre.

Kentwood concert The Kentwood Choir perform in Emmanuel Church, Haydon Wick on Thursday 25 May at 8pm. The concert, presented by the church's Thursday Group, is one of their main charity fundraising events of the year. Concert tickets are available from Sue Martin on 722446.

Wartime research Alan Thinthorpe from Toothill is looking for people who know something about the World War II anti-aircraft gun site that was located near the Oliver Tomkins School site. There was also an ammunition bunker closeby, where the houses at Belver are now. There is even a suggestion that it is still there and the houses have been built over it. Alan had a number of calls from his letter in the September edition of The Link, but he would welcome more information. Call him on 432316.

War requiem appeal Swindon Choral Society will be commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of the end of the second world war with a performance of Benjamin Britten's War Requiem on 14 October. A choir numbering 400 with singers from Germany and the United States taking part will perform the work which is a recognition of the futility of war, a reconciliation between warring nations and a Requiem Mass for the fallen. The West Forest Sinfonia and the Wessex Sinfonia will provide the music and Nicholas Riddle will conduct. In organising this event, the Choral Society has many needs. Although Thamesdown Founda-

tion for the Arts is supplying a grant and three banks are giving sponsorship, a lot more money is needed. There will be many visitors to the town for the performance and the society is appealing for help with accommodation. To find out more, or to offer donations or a bed, contact Elspeth Walker on 751356. New singers are also invited to take part. Call Chris Parrish on 750246 for details of rehearsals.

The Link Magazine. May 1995

Quick action avoids costly cock-up Council tax payers in Swindon were saved a lot of money when a major problem at the Link Centre was averted at short notice in April. The main sports hall was to be closed for four weeks from 10 April so that the floor could be refurbished. Alternative venues were found for regular classes and activity sessions. Special events were postponed and announcements advertised the dates when the hail would be out of use, including a message in last month's Link magazine. However all the plans were thrown into chaos at the end of March when a telephone call to the company contracted to do the work revealed that the special flooring material had not even been ordered from the USA. Link Centre manager Roger Byrne, pictured right, said the situation was not an ideal one. "We had planned for the closure and had made arrangements for our users. Although we were let down by the contractors, we had enough time to relet the space." All Swindon's recreation venues work to tight budgets and revenue targets, but he said there would be no loss of income. He acknowledged that the change of plans had caused a great deal of extra work for his staff. "The sports hail floor has not been resurfaced since the Link

Too busy to shop? Burdened by home responsibilities? Let our Buying and Delivery Service take the strain Groceries, Vegetables, Wines, Spirits, Books, Stationery, Toys, Flowers, etc. Dry Cleaning collected/delivered

You name the goods. You name the shop. We'll deliver it! Daily, weekly, monthly shopping undertaken

To place your order, contact Jamie & Ann Stevens on 705579 Call us with queries

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

Thbdde Health Plan

Centre opened ten years ago and it's condition is deteriorating," said Roger. "My concern now is to get a new floor as soon as possible. We will have to close later in the year, perhaps in December when we usually have a downturn in usage."

Delay for new village shop The refurbishment of the new Freshbrook convenience store has been delayed by a month because of the time needed to organise shop fitters, and to negotiate changes in the layout of the Post Office. The shop was destroyed by fire following a ram raid in March. Store managers are aiming to reopen on or around 22 May. โ ข Two persons have been charged with regard to the spate of burglaries in Grange Park reported in The Link magazine earlier this year says local policeman Peter Mathias. He added that they are now out on bail awaiting court appearances. Householders are encouraged to continue vigilance over the summer and consider security matters well before they go on holiday. The car used in the March ram raid embedded in the Dillons shop front at Freshbrook Centre.

Feeling lit Looking great

MAUREEN PEARSON A.T.T.

TAXATION ADVISOR For Advice and Help on Personal and Business Tax Completion of Tax Returns and Preparation of Accounts for the Inland Revenue 27 Holmleigh Haydon Wick Swindon SN2 3RH

TeI: (0i793) 724172

A 111OPtLO OF 11A fS (only at Hair by Design)

A beautiful selection of designer and traditional hats to hire for that special occasion. Classic hats for weddings, a "day at the races" or christenings.

HAl RDESIGN 123 Cricklade Rd, Gorse Hill, Swindon. Tel: 01793 616063 APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE ANY DAY UNTIL 9.00PM (FREE PARKING)

RIDGEWAY PRE-SCHOOL Our purpose c' Lo ved and' designed Pre-School offers quality education and professional childcare between Sam and 6pm every weekday, 50 weeks per years. (A range of schedules available) รง

RIDGEWAY PRE-SCHOOL INVERARY ROAD, WROUGHTON SWINDON

TEL: (01793) 845572 An Asquith Court Pre-School

S.C.S BOOK-KEEPING SERVICE Small Business Book-keeping, Wages, VAT, & Final Accounts

Tel: (0793) 873483 I.A.B. Registered

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J. Martin Tel: 694930 1 Alnwick, Toothill

AMI SKIPS 11/2, 2, 21/2, 3, 4, 5 yards capacity

5 days given to fill skip 2.3 tonne Mini-digger for hire

Freephone 0800-387613 Tel: 731610 8am - 8pm

DUNCAN SELF DRIVE HIRE Vehicles for Hire at Competitive Rates Vans • Lutons • Estates Cars • Mini Bus 272 Ermin Street Stratton St. Margaret Swindon

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

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

Thanks from Comic Relief From Jerry Marston, Managing Director, Comic Relief London As a regular reader of The Link, I was delighted with your coverage of the activities of West Swindon schools (Greendown, Toothill and Shaw Ridge) in support of Red Nose Day '95. Along with many other schools in Wiltshire and thousands across the country, their efforts have helped us achieve another brilliant successful event, and can I through you thank students, teachers, par-

Thanks for help

Telephone: Days: 01793 - 695613 Eve: 01793-828576 Mobile: 0836 - 204105 203 Rodbourne Road, Swindon

VACANCY

From David Pike, Ligden Publishers Thank you for the coverage given to Ligden Poetry Society (LPS) and Poetry competition in The Link. I have received a number of enquiries - some from areas other than west and northern Swindon. It proves that The Link makes a 'popular read' and is passed by readers to friends and relatives in other areas of the town. The reader catchment area for articles and advertisements may be even greater than you think!

Anywhere Immediate response Excellent price

ents and helpers for their support. As I write, the total raised this year has just passed £15 million, which is a testimony to just how much fun people are prepared to have for a serious cause. The money they have raised (please pay it in soon!) will go to support some of the poorest people in the UK and Africa to rebuild their lives. Once again, many, many thanks from all of us here at Comic Relief.

An Italian job? An Italian family with a 5 year old daughteris looking for afemale au pair' this summer. They live near Turin, a big city near the Alps. They speak some English knowledge of Italian is not essential. If you are interested, phone Swindon 872578 for further information

at Greendown Community School Grange Park Way, Grange Park, Swindon For the position of Clerk to the Governors and Management Committee from 1 June. An average of 6 hours per week throughout the year providing administration & support to full governors' and sub-committee meetings held in the evenings. More hours will be required in some weeks, less in others. Salary £1,789.67 per annum (inc. 4 weeks paid holiday). Pay award pending. For job description and details, send large SAE to Greendown quoting CGOV. SEC875.2 Closing date: 15 May

LL For Sale

For Sale

Hamster Haven Homemade tank - ideal Matsui de-humidifier, hardly used, £90. run around container. Free. Tel: 872282 Pushchair (not buggy) with accessories, Rabbit hutches, £5 each. Tel: 872195 good condition, £30. Tel: 770937 Modern budgie cage plus stand, extras, Ceramic King Charles spaniel, 2 feet as new, £25. Graf 101 ice hockey boots tall, £15 ono. Extension lead to fit flymo mower, £5. Qualcast lawnmower needs as new, size 35, £25. Tel: 725842 Sofa bed, 2 seater, pale pink and grey repair, £15. Tel: 873681 (Westlea) Qualcast 14" electric mower including stripe, ex condition, £50. Tel: 873179 Dining table, oblong dark wood as new grassbox, £35. Hotpoint full size tumble dryer, reversomatic model inc both £50 ono. Tel: 727863 (eves) permanent and temporary vents, £65. Tel: Beech framed 3 seater suite, green 871330 (Shaw) draylon, £60. Tel: 728732 Two lawnmowers, Qualcast Concorde 2 seater settee, rocking chair and arm £15, Black & Decker C35 £35 , both with chair, dark wood cottage style, recently box & in working order. Tel: 537250 recovered, excellent condition. Best offer around £150. Tel: 706537 (Woodhall Park) Wedding dress, stunning satin, ivory, long train, much detail/workmanship, Double glazed aluminium patio door and designer make, size 12, cleaned, hardwood frame, 8'x 7', £150. Hardwood headress, veil available, cost new £950, glazed front door, 33" x 78", £100. Tel: £400 ono. Tel: 615276 (Freshbrook) 872659 (Shaw) Wedding dress, ivory silk, taffeta, rosebud Venetian blind 1 7Ommxl 00mm £20 ono. detail around neck, size 12/14, £180, must Sound wooden front door 1 98mrnx8omm, be seen. Tel: 870982 (Grange Park) £20 ono. Tel: 870675 (Grange Park) Girl's mountain bike, suit 7-1 Oyrs Raleigh Curtains lined, red & white striped with Camaro, 20 inch wheels 13/20 frame, ex tie backs, 54" drop, £10, no offers. Tel: cond. £45, ono. Tel: 881553 (Westlea) 874767 (Westlea) Raleigh Nova bike, suit teenager orsmall Zanussi fridge 21" x 33", £85. Boys bike, lady, light blue, 3 speed, good condition, size 14, £25 ono. Tel: 876471 (Shaw) £40. Tel: 874905 (Middleleaze) Krug Baumen watches: gents gold watch £80, ladies gold & silver watch £75, never MacLaren Skipper pram pushchair, rain covers and cosytoes included, good worn, still in box. Tel: 872426 condition, £50. Tel: 887482 (Freshbrook)

For Sale

MacLaren Reflections pram/pushchair pastel shades, height adjustable handle, three position recline, raincovers for both plus matching sun canopy, excellent condition, £85. Tel: 876278 (Sparcells) Walk through white stair-gate vgc, £15. Tel: 535158 (Swindon) German combi pram pushchair ex cond only used four months, multi coloured parasol and cosytoes included, must be seen, £100 ono. Tel: 873886 (Freshbrook)

16 WWF figures, boxing ring, microphone and voice box, £35. Tel: 642742 Wanted Babysitter for two children, one two days a week and the odd evening, must be good and reliable. Tel after 7pm: 886752 (Freshbrook) Dark wood gateleg table to extend to max 60", two dark wood dining chairs, must be good condition. Tel: 433629 (Moredon)

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

Tel: Name & Address (not for publication)

The Link Magazine. May 1995

Local Lives

Parish of West Swindon & The Lydiards Anglican, Baptist, Methodist, URC

Fire report With every new job comes new challenges and The Link magazine has taken up the offer from Perry Payne, the new sub-officer in charge of Group I at Westlea Fire Station to provide us with regular reports. For those of you who may not know, we are the building hiding behind the new Westlea Police Station in the Chesters. We work closely with the police on many incidents and it certainly has advantages having them as our new neighbours. To refresh everybody on our history, Westlea Fire Station officially opened on this site on 9 September 1990.

Saturday 6 May 1pm and 4pm It Westlea Fire :ation Payment b donation. welcome No fixed fee.-All The station is crewed by 18 personnel operating as two groups of 9 on a shift system of 3 days and nights on duty and 3 off. Each group consists of seven firefighters, one leading firefighter and a Sub Officer who is officer in charge. I'm the Sub Officer on Group 1 and Martin Lloyd is my counterpart on Group 2. The man in charge of the whole station (and 2 others) is Assistant Divisional Officer Steve Law. We have two front line fire appliances at Westlea. One can be described as a typical fire engine carrying ladders, breathing apparatus, water, hoses and all the other items you may expect and the other is a specialist vehicle called a Rescue Tender. This vehicle is one of only four of its kind in the county and carries specialist cutting tools for use at road traffic accidents, gas tight suits for use at chemical incidents, decontamination equipment, radiation equipment, ventilation fans and an assortment of other specialised equipment for use at a whole range of incidents. We also have a vintage non-operational appliance kept at Westlea which the brigade still uses on some special occasions as a museum piece. My apologies to those of my colleagues still serving in

(for the village) &

Holy Trinity, Shaw (1030am) Rev. Andrew Hetherington 770568 St. Mary's, L.Tregoze (10.30am) (for Freshbrook & Grange Park) Rev. Rob Buries 870244 Toothill Church (10.45am) Rev. George Gibson 692620 (also free church minister for parish)

Westlea Church (lOam) Rev. Peter Walker 872932 Evening & other services as announced, full range of children's & other groups

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I I I U IN liii II

THE ODD JOB MAN

ave your car • ed for charity ea fire crews will be their hoses on to cars PMH Childrens Wiltshire Fire le Recreation & Welfare Fund

All Saints, L. Millicent (1030am)

New group sub-officers at Westlea Perry Payne, left, and Martin Lloyd this brigade who remember using this vintage as new! To bring you up to date, Westlea Fire Station has responded to over 4,000 incidents since 1990 and to nearly 300 so far this year. Both Martin and I are looking forward to continuing the good work at your Fire Station and I'll do my best to keep you informed of what's happening. If you wish to contact the station, perhaps for some fire safety advice for the home, we'll be pleased to hear from you, on 487562. Wanted: Westlea Fire Station needs an old fashioned hand operated mangle to wring out chamois leathers at the charity car wash. If you can help, call 487562.

Teenagers...don't you just love 'em! The WEA Swindon Women's Branch are running a 6 week course in helping parents understand and support their teenagers starting 11 May. Call Gina on 618233 for more details.

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

Very reasonable prices Free estimates Call Tony, the Odd Job Man on 01793-886022 11111(1111111111)11

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VACUUM CLEANER

REPAIRS

"We come to you" No call out charge Repairs to all makes of domestic & commercial vacuum cleaners

Home Repairs or Evening Collection

(01793) 881007 33 Angus Close Raroleaze West Swindon

Freshbrook Evangelical Church

Worsley Road Will give YOU a warm welcome Sunday 1 Oarrn 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 the Church Office, Tel: 873050

MICHAEL Pii CARPET CONTRACTOR Carpets Supplied & Fitted Carpets Adapted Prompt Personal Service Samples to your home

Tel: (01793) 695783

GUARANTEED REPAIRS... SAME DAY LOCAL SERVICE WHEREVER POSSIBLE WASHING MACHINES, TUMBLE DRIERS, TWIN TUBS, HOME LAUNDRY EQUIPMENT & DOMESTIC APPLICANCES SERVICE • SPARES • REPAIRS

WA S H CA RE SWINDON

0793 - 643785

TARGET YOU CUSTOMERS WITH THE POSITIVE NEWSFORCE IN WEST AND NORTH SWINDON

TO ADVERTISE IN THE LINK, CALL 87228

3 store y s, only 1 p lot.

THE WINDE MERE - Typical Clarke Design Designs, garages and elevational treatments are subject to variation.

5 BEDROOM "WINDERMERE" ONE ONLY £119,950 4 Bed Homes FROM

LONGMEADOW WHITEHILL WAY

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JUNCTION

LONGMEADOW OFF TEWKESBURY WAY, PRINNELS, WEST SWINDON. SHOWHOME OPEN: llam-6pm 7 DAYS A WEEK

n (01793)

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SELLING AGENTS: GA Property Services ir (01793) 511555 Connell ir (01793) 512991 LONGMEADOW SITE MANAGER COMMENDED BY NHBC

24 HOUR BROCHURE SERVICE FREEPHONE 0800 234777 OR WINCHESTER HEAD OFFICE (01962) 851144