May 2001 Swindon Link by swindonlink6

No. 228 • May 2001 • Circulation 22,000

XPRESS E Skips in all sizes delivered to your home or workplace Sand & gravel delivered

the positive newsforce in Swindon and the swindon wide what's on guide ...1.1., .- -

-^*

Make May the month

for a party in aid of

Prospect Hospice. Turn to page 20

Toothill Church celebrates 25 years of ministry in the West with a week of events and services - see page 5.

Blonde bombshells back China bid on page 2

are go

Moonwalkers

200 woman ready to walk a marathon wearing bras for Breakthrough breast cancer

There's a warm welcome from Mr Ali and his staff at "Purton 's hidden

Indian treasure"

Seth Narty, centre, who was present at the first prayer group meetings in 1976, with David and Nicola Hoare who moved to West Swindon in 1977.

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Tracey Lewis models last year's bra at a Twin Peaks training walk in April

Four bus loads of Swindon women, and a few blokes, will be decorating Wonderbras with hula garlands for their marathon walk by moonlight through London on 12 May. Help them to exceed last year's £30,000 fundraise. Details on page 4. Race for Life in Lydiard Park is on: see page 4. • EXPRE

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The Link Magazine • May 2001

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'Spirit of Swindon' takes to the water Landlocked Swindon will soon see its name riding the ocean waves when Norman Butler from Westlea and Andy Norris from Lechlade make a 70 day dash across the Atlantic in the Ward Evans Atlantic rowing challenge. Eighteen months after entering We're aiming to with 40 foot waves, Atlantic for the 3,000 mile race, Norman achieve a high storms, being run down by tanksaw the next stage of his dream placing in the ers and overturned by whales. come true when his self-built boat 'Spirit of Swin'Spirit of Swindon was launched 24 hour row for don." at the end of March. Starting in asthma at Sainsburys Now teamed up with Andy Tenerife on 7 Meet Norman and Andy, see Norris from Lechlade, Norman has October it will the 'Spirit of Swindon' and find built the 24 foot vessel from a standtake between 70 ard kit of 27 sheets of marine plyto 90 days to out about their adventure at a wood which all fifty teams from reach Barbados. 24 hour machine row in aid of around the globe have had to work The race will the National Asthma Campaign with. Swindon businesses including impose extreme physical and menon 17 and 18 May at Sains"It's really gratifying to see the Early Learning Centre, deSign, tal demands upon the teams. Along burys, Bridgemead. 'Spirit of Swindon' on the water Nationwide Building Society, the way they will have to contend after all the hard work to get this Innogy, and Link Centre have profar," said Norman. "Apart from vided assistance. Backing for fire-fighters China fundraising trek constructing the boat in my spare Norman's confidence in success Fire-fighters from Group 2 at Westlea station all went blond in public time, we've built a support team to has not faltered since he entered help us prepare ourselves physi- the race in September 1999. "Hav- at a mass bleach at the West Swindon Centre on 14 April with the help cally and mentally, and attracted ing Andy aboard is tremendous; of hair stylists from Partners hair salon. some major sponsorship." we get on well and he is very fit. The event raised money for the Fire Services Benevolent Fund and to help Sean Dunham take part in the Fire-fighters Trek along the Great Wall of Installers of quality replacement PVCu China in aid of the fund. windows, doors and conservatories

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The Link Magazine • May 2001

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It's time for Sainsbury's to bid for the Wiltshire Smoke-Free Award Concillor John Taylor, Lead member for Healthy Living, Swindon Borough Council writes

I have followed with interest ar ti cles in The Link over the last few months to encourage at Sainsbury's Bridgemead to change their policy on smoking in the restaurant area. I am disappointed that there appears to be a

or have introduced

need to persuade

been given the Wiltshire Smoke-Free award. These premises range from restaurants, hotels and pubs as well as workplaces and libraries. Let us hope that the next directory of award holders includes Sainsbury's at Bridgemead.

policies which restrict smoking in their premises. National and local surveys

have shown public support for smokefree provision growing steadily. In Swindon almost one hundred have

Sainsbury's regional management to change the policy, but at the same time encouraged that that level of management is open to persuasion. From that standpoint I wholeheartedly support The Link in highlighting the issues of smoking in public places. For Sainsbury's to choose to ignore public opinion on a subject as emotive as passive smoking surprises me. I confidently predict that the policy will be changed if Link readers make a concerted push at both local and regional level to have a smoke-free environment created in the restaurant area.

A considerable number of restaurants and pubs have already either banned smoking completely

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Drug use on the streets and in parks Councillor Taylor is also concerned about the subject of hypodermic syringes discarded in public places and is seeking feedback from the public as to how big a problem it is. " A year ago this issue received a lot of media attention, but a year on the problem remains in all areas of the borough," he said. "To the end of March council staff cleared 5,255 syringes from a variety of locations, but most worringly 2,600 from public open spaces." Councillor Taylor's strong advise is not to touch them, but report them for removal on 464100. Although the council removes syringes that are found in public places, he is keen for the council to find out how many more syringes are being dumped and establish the places where they are discarded regularly. "The presence of an active 'drug culture' in Swindon makes us no better nor worse than any other town across the country," said coun Taylor. "The measures taken by the council, which include investment in appropriate protective clothing and training of a large number of staff in risk awareness, plus a small number of extremely dedicated staff in meticulous collection and disposal safety procedures marks Swindon out as a leader in combating this most disturbing situation. "However we do not know the true situation and also whether syringes are being left in public places as a danger to children, adults and pets. If you can help us fight this risk to health, write to me at Swindon Council, Civic Offices, Swindon."

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The Lin k Magazine • May 2001

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High targets for Twin Peaks breast cancer bra walkers

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Hula dancers from Hawaii will be the theme for the Swindon Twin Peaks team who will walk a marathon by moonlight through the streets of London on 12 May. The two hundred women wearing Wonderbras decorated with plastic flowers will join 8,000 others from across Britain. Last year they raised £30,000 when walkers will be collecting at with 105 walkers; they're hoping Sainsbury's Bridgemead. Swindon marathon for a lot more this year. Major do"There is huge enthusiasm for walk - 19 May nations from Nationwide and the the walk, a great desire to raise Five women were turned away GWR fm Christmas Appeal will money to find a cure for a disease from the Moonwalk because the contribute to transport costs. that affects so many women," said all the places had been filled. So But you could help Twin Peaks team coordinator Eunice Salmon. they are organising a 26 mile with their fundraising at Manor "Last year Swindon had the larg- stride wearing decorated bras Garden Centre on 28 April when est entry I wonder if we will again?" on Saturday 19 May, starting at they have enlisted the support of The money raised from the mara- 9am from the Marriott Hotel. visiting TV celebrity gardener thon will go towards Breakthrough Charlie Dimmock, and also on Fri- Breast Cancer and the Bristol Can- If you would like to join them, call Nikki Butcher on 814848. day 4th and Saturday 5th May cer Help Centre.

Mountain of money needed by Twin Peaks organiser oEaAroti

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Race for Life, Sunday 10 June, Lydiard Park The uncertainty as to whether the 5km run and walk around Lydiard Park, because of foot-and-mouth, has been lifted. It will definitely take place to raise money for research into cancers that affect women. Last year the 1,400 women who took part in the first ever Race for Life in Swindon raised £70,000. The entry fee is £7.50 for women, £4.50 for girls under 16. Entry forms are available from Swindon Council recreation centres, the Race for Life hotline 08705 134 314, or go to www.imperialcancer.co.uk/raceforlife Entry on the day will only be possible if there is still space available. For training help, call the Lifestyle Development Team on 511033.

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Published by West Swindon Publications Papermakers House, Westlea Swindon SN5 7BD Tel: (01793) 872282 Fax: (01793) 878189 e: Ii nkmagazine@cornpuserve.com www.swindonlink.com Publisher/Editor: Editorial:

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TO BOOK ADVERTISING: Call Jenni Fowler on (01793) 872531 Booking deadline: 8 May Printed by Goodhead Print

Editorial copydate o June: 11 May Published: 26 May Copy for July: 8 June "The Link was first published for the West Swindon community in December 1978. It is completely independent of Link Centre

and, in fact, won a competition to name the leisure centre in 1984. Distribution in No rt h Swindon commenced in Janua ry 1994." The contents of The Link are protected by copyright. Use of advertisements in printed or electronic form is forbidden unless an advertiser or publisher has sought permission. Articles and photographs require similar authority

The Link Magazine • May 2001

nk.com

Celebrating 25 years of Ministry in the West

J a doctor's surgery was established. `""""" u ` """"" `'"''" ` U However, she and the late council church and on Saturday 26 May, neighbourhood worker Bob May, Toothill councillor David Cox, the welcomed newcomers to the area new Mayor of Swindon, will atand helped to start community tend a Souperlunch. On Sunday 27 groups in a house from the very May church members will talk about their lives in a TV Songs of early days. Last year the Bishop of Swindon Praise style of service. David Hoare, who is writing a Michael Doe described Olive at a service to celebrate her fifty years history of Toothill Church and is of church work as the 'minister for organising a display of photomud,' recalling her appointments graphs and archive material duron new estates in Swindon and ing the week, said, "we're celebratBristol, and also as a missionary in ing a quarter of a century of ministry in Toothill; the church building Africa. On Saturday 19 May a commu- opened in November 1978. We nity barn dance will be held in the hope as many people as possible J

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will join us in the services, or at the barn dance or the lunch, or just drop in to look at the photographs. A lot has happened in West Swindon to build a community and we'll be giving praise for the church's contribution." Programme at Toothill Church 19th: Barn Dance, tickets on the door, 6.30pm - 9.30pm 20th: Celebration Service, 2pm 26th: Souperlunch, home-made soup, bread & fruit, 12.30pm 26th: Exhibition, 2pm - 4pm 26th: Songs of Praise, 6pm

Is it important to collect and preserve the past? The success of the six books of photographs of the town published by the Swindon Society attest to the fascination with the past. The society has a slogan: history starts yesterday. A lot of important material The but taut on Dunzuich Drive, which tells the story of its develop- Toothill which served as a shop and ment has already disappeared, but conirnunzty hall from niid should steps be taken to collect relevant information and have it available, for use by local school children for example? How important is it to collect, document and make available pictures and recollections of the last 25 years of West Swindon, and also the development of North Swindon? The Link is interested in any photographs or items relating to West and North Swindon. We already There has been little interest have a vast collection of photo- when we have invited interest in graphs. Contact us at the address establishing a local history group on the left if you have anything through the magazine. Is this the time? you would like to show us.

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Staff redundant and places cut at after-school club Another West Swindon after-school club is facing a funding crisis due to cutbacks by Swindon Council. Last month The Link reported the problems facing Westlea afterschool club in having to balance its budget after Swindon cut its annual grant from £21,000 two years ago to £14,000 last year; now it has beenslashedto£7,000forthisyear. li A7 Toothill after-school club is fac,^ ^• .' ingsimilarreductions.Itcurrently provides low cost care for up to 35 w ` py t children a day but is now being ^iF forced to make staff cuts that mean only 24 children can be catered for. The club's childcare manager ^W Annette Gage said, "putting fees Ii ^ J k up will cause problems for some Ej parents. The government says Flashback to The Link May 2000. Toothill after school club celebrate being the there is money available for after- first in Wiltshire to receive the Aiming High Quality Assurance Award. school care but we're not seeing

ter

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it." The volunteers on the club's management committee are trying to find other sources of income and are applying to the Lottery Commission for a grant. The funding crisis will be discussed at the club's Annual General Meeting on 1 Ma y .

CLINIC AT HIGH STREET WOOTTON BASSETT

CCTV records vandals at work Two young people targeted Toothill Community Centre in mid-March whenthepayphonein the foyer was ripped from the wall and stolen. Although they gained under £30, the cost of replacing the 'phone will be over £400.

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We're still on the look out for ex-pupils from Brian Gardner's class at Toothill School who exactly ten years ago started to investigate the lost village of SNAP. Richard Legg, right, contacted us after Ben Marshall and Michelle Hawkins were pictured last month. Richard now lives in Walcot and has been taking an Information and Communications Technology course at Swindon College. He will be spending the summer at Butlin's as a technical assistant, ensuring , stage shows run smoothly. He said he cannot remember much about the Snap project, but does recall visiting the site of the village near Swindon. If you were in the class, call The Link on 872282

Centre Administrator Annette Kennedy said, "as well as the cost there is the inconvenience to local people; it was the only coin operated payphone in the area." The theft was recorded on the centre's CCTV system and the police are examining the tape. On a happier note, with help of a grant from Swindon Council, automatic doors have been fitted to the centre to make access easier for the disabled and people pushing buggies.

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The Link Magazine • May 2001

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Yet another tragedy narrowly avoided A party of school children from Westlea School narrowly escaped an accident in early April while crossing Corton Crescent behind the West Swindon Centre, at the same spot where teenager Shaun Shirley was killed in mid-January. Every Thursday during term time classes walk to and from the Link Centre and have to cross the busy road, close to the fuel station entrance. They are always closely supervised by teachers, support assistants and volunteer parents. On this occasion, as usual, a helper walked up the road to stop the traffic and a teacher stood in the road to guide the children across. While they were part way over a blue Mercedes came around the bend and rather than slowing down the driver weaved around the teacher to continue along Corton Crescent. Fortunately the children at the front of the party stopped in time. Attention was drawn to the problem of traffic congestion outside Westlea School in the April Link after there was an earlier nearmiss involving seven year old Richard Cook. Parents are demanding traffic calming measures to reduce speeds and the volume of traffic using Langstone Way as a rat run into Swindon. Following this latest incident parent-governor Dawn Dolphin said, "we need to educate people to slow down; a 30mph speed limit is too high in residential areas. Cars are going faster and people are in too much of a hurry. I hope the driver who nearly mowed down the children on Corton Crescent is thinking about his actions. "The council says there haven't been enough fatalities to justify spending money on traffic calming, but you can't put a price on a child's life. Our children are too precious to have to wait for one of them to be killed before putting up a few signs. If the council won't give us the money we will have to raise it ourselves. There should be a 20mph speed limit around all schools and speed humps either side would make drivers slow down. Schools need to get together

and mount a campaign." She added that parents want to see pedestrian crossing traffic lights installed on Corton Crescent, similar to the new set which started operation in April at Ashington Way, on the opposite side of the West Swindon Centre.

Walk to school Swindon Council is promoting National Walk to School Week, 21 to 25 May, to encourage parents to leave the car at home and take the healthier option by walking. For details and a curriculum tool kit,' call Margaret Tester on 466399.

Dr Rod Houseman Patients at the Link Surgery were shocked at the sudden death of highly respected GP Doctor Rod Houseman, 57, in late March, after he collapsed of a heart attack in Asda at the West Swindon Centre. Dr Houseman set up the Link Surgery next to the Link Centre in 1991, initially practising from a portable buildingbefore moving to a purpose built surgery in 1994. Dr Peter Swinyard of Dr and Mrs the Phoenix Houseman in 1997 Surgery in Toothill said, "it is tragic that the strain of general practice caused his premature death. He will be sadly missed by his colleagues." Dr Kandiah of Sparcells Surgery, added, "Rod was very dedicated. It isn't easy building a practice up, but he was a symbol of hard work. We will miss him."

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The Link Magazine • May 2001

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A vision for 30 years from ground level The Freshbrook Village Group community association for people living in Freshbrook, Grange Park and The Prinnells is holding a public meeting on 16 May to look at Swindon Council's 30 year plan. Councillors and officers will be on hand to outline the plan and discuss points raised by residents. The meeting is open to all interested in the town's development and starts at 7pm in Freshbrook Community Centre. The village group can also be found at www.freshbrook.org.uk NO NEED TO LIVE WITH HARD WATER CONTACT:

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Every pupil and most members of staff at Freshbrook School had a go at skipping during a marathon skip on the last day of term on 6 April, in aid of the British Heart Foundation.

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The original plan for a 24 hour event was cut to twelve hours, which was probably a wise move said organiser PE teacher Nicola Anderson. "Everybody had a great time and I think we'll hit the target of £1,000 for the British Heart Foundation. Some of the children learnt how to skip during the day and Jordan

Davies in the reception class was so pleased that he took a skipping

rope home to practice over Easter." A couple of Swindon Town players popped into school to skip with children in the playground and the Freshbrook adult skipping group joined in during the evening. Newcomers are always welcomed by the Freshbrook Skippers who meet on Friday 7pm to 8pm at Freshbrook School. For details, call Liz Szymczak on 486112. The British Heart Foundation celebrates its fortieth birthday this year and will be highlighting the dangers of heart disease during British Heart Week between 9 and 16 June. Meanwhile at Rainbow Playgroup which meets in Freshbrook School grounds held an Easter Bonnet competition. The playgroup has some places available for two year olds on two afternoons a week. For details, call Frances Cottell on 871421. The group also needs a play assistant. See the advert on page 37. Winning bonny bonnets, back, Jack Rabby, Sophie Byrd, front Jamie Perry, Kirsten Harris

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Crime survey identifies unsafe areas The Fear of Crime Survey distributed by the Freshbrook & Grange Park Neighbourhood Safety Team (NeST) in early March is producing a picture of attitudes to crime and safety in the community. Some four hundred survey "People have taken the trouble to formshavebeenreturned an dearly give us details of where in indications show that ninety-five Freshbrook and Grange Park they per cent of people living in the feel unsafe. area generally feel very or fairly "The combination of poor lightsafe in their own homes. ing, subways, graffiti and isolated Eighty two per cent said they pathways are clear factors behind felt very or fairly safe walking lo- their fear of becoming victims of cally in the daytime. But after dark crime. The NeST will be carefully the situation changes. Fifty seven considering how to tackle these per cent of respondents said they issues effectively." felt fairly unsafe or very unsafe A detailed summary of the rewhen walking around at night. sults will be published later in the Crime & Disorder Development year. For further information about Officer Paula Harrison said she the survey or the Freshbrook & was pleased with the information Grange Park NeST, contact Paula that the survey was producing. on 466473.

The Link Magazine • Ma y 2001

Children take a musical journey The mysteries of wind instruments were revealed when touring tuba players Gavin Woods and Stewart Death took children at Westlea School on a global tour called Travelling by Tuba II: The Sequel. The entertainment was closely linked to national curriculum music, history, geography and science lessons. Teacher Gwen Metcalfe said, "it was a superb overview of the history of the tuba and the development of wind and brass instruments over the centuries. "Gavin and Stewart covered a wide range of instruments and played notes on a conch shell from Fiji, a Viking horn and some unusual brass instruments like the serpent and soosaphone." During the day older children took part in musical workshops with the presenters. Gwen added, "It was a very educational and informative day and included lots of participation by the children who absolutely loved it." Stewart Death shows Westlea children how to get to grips with the sousaphone

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The Link Magazine • May 2001

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School takes on Harry Potter look Field School was more like Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry at the end of the Spring term when a dragon took shape in the school hall. Unlike in JK Rowling's 'Harry project. "In geography we have "it was lovely seeing the dragon been found a high perch so that it Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' been studying environmental is- grow from nothing." can swoop down to get airborne the Shaw school did not win it in a sues and recycling is one of them. All the artwork pieces have been The school needs a copy of card game down the pub. It was The children planned for the work- given a permanent homes in the Dragon Breeding for Pleasure and the creation of year 3 children at an shop by collecting wood, metal, school corridors. The dragon has Profit to confirm what theirs is. all day sculpture workshop run by card and paper and used it to make Some of the Brook Field artists bringing the Dragon together, front from left, Toni Robinson and Gordon the panels." Adam Farmer, Leah Blanchard, Sean McHught. Middle, Hannah Fawcett, Dickinson, funded by a £1,000 Headteacher Roger Nicholas grant from Swindon Council. said, "the school hall was full of Hannah Millward, Connor McKenzie, Milly Rogers, Sarah-Jane Rawain, Toni and Gordon worked with bustle and creativity. Literacy and Megan Staples, James Dredge. Back, artists Toni Robinson and Gordon over seventy children aged 7 and 8 numeracy have their place, but Dickinson, and art coordinator Claire Hughes to build a wish tree, three large sometimes children need to take collage panels and the huge ownership of something special. dragon using recycled materials. You could feel the infectious enArt co-ordinator Claire Hughes ex- thusiasm of children all day." plained the background to the Jacob Moore, 7 from Shaw said,

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Tasty arty idea Toni Robinson and Gordon Dickinson launched an artistic partnership on 19 April called No Added Sugar offering art workshops to schools and youth organisations. "We're both practising artists in our own right, but we're pooling our skills and enthusiasm to get people trying out artistic ideas," said Toni. "We'd love to hear from schools and groups where we can help." To contact No Added Sugar, e-mail: toni.robinson@virgin.net

Lots of promises raises a pile of cash The Friends of Brook Field School held another successful Auction of Promises on 30 March which raised over £5,700 for the school. More than a hundred promises donated by individuals, companies and organisations were auctioned by celebrity auctioneer Gary Vincent of GWR fm, including an evening on the beat for two people with local beat officer WPC Pat Jones. Pat said, "we'll cover the whole of West Swindon and could take in all sorts of incidents such as domestic disputes, road traffic collisions, burglar alarms or even a murder. We might carry out a foot patrol to maintain a high visibility. I am pleased to help the school with its fundraising and show the public how the police work." Fashion show: 9 May, 7.30pm. Organised by the Friends of Brookfield

School in association with the Catwalk Company. Tickets £2.50 adults, £1 child, from the school office, or on the door (if not sold out).

David sooths Goliath with music Year 2 and 3 children at Salt Way school entertained parents and friends with two performances of Giant Slayer, a schools' musical written by composer Margaret Carpenter who lives in Shaw. The musical version of the biblical story of David and Goliath was produced by teachers Paul CorbynBrown and Rebecca Dharmasiri. Some of the sixty strong cast, from left, Harry Brown, Matthew Tregelles, Rhiannon Holbrook, Ashley Carrington, Aiden Collett, James Hall

The Link Magazine • May 2001

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Wal-Mart on the way Construction of the ne Asda at North Swindon district centre started in late March and is now heading rapidly to an opening date by Christmas this year. It will be the UK's first purpose built Asda Wal Mart Supercentre, and at 150,000 square feet, is by far the largest single storey shop in Swindon. Asda spokeswoman Naomi Duggan said everything will be done by contractors HBG to minimise disruption to residents. She said queries can be directed to Ray Kenny at HBG Construction, New

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After 90 meetings, site visits and considering over 350 written submissions during a nine month consultation process, Swindon Council's final proposals for education provision in North Swindon moves into the formal statutory consultation during May. The borough council's cabinet and the ratification committee have confirmed recommendations submitted by a task force established to identify needs and come up with proposals. The report has been described by the council as 'the new century's most important consultation on the future of education in Swindon.' Councillor Chris Eley, Lead Member for Lifelong Learning, said, "as education is Swindon's number one priority, it is essential that the future pattern of education in North Swindon is based on full consideration of the facts and that the outcome is supported by all sections of the community." However, there is disappointment for some that there is no provision for sixth form schooling in the locality, nor for a much wanted swimming pool. Secondary and further education Under the proposals, two nine form entry secondary schools will meet the needs of 11 to 16 year olds. One will be a rebuilt Hreod Parkway School to the south of Akers Way, giving scope for links with existing recreational provision. A casualty of this redevelopment will probably be the school's swimming pool because of building and running costs. The other school will be in the North Swindon development, to the north of the Northern Orbital Road in the new village of Oakhurst where the first houses will be occupied this autumn. This campus should include a primary school and the relocated Brimble Hill and Uplands Special Schools. The earliest it could open is September 2004, ten years after the first people arrived in Abbey Meads. Haydonleigh school governor and former head teacher, Barrie Smith, is saddened by the long delay in providing additional 11 to 16 education, imposing considerable strain on existing schools. He is particularly disappointed about the lack of post-16 education in the proposals. "If a town the size of Cirencester can provide adequate sixth form education, how is it that the expansion area, reputedly the size of Salisbury warrants no provision whatsoever? At the very least, a sixth

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The Link Magazine • May 2001

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North children to go out of county

closer - but slowly However getting the money is still a big problem. The council's application to the government to sanction a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) was rejected last December and a new bid was planned for the summer. But a decision is now unlikely before December.

form should be provided at the new secondary school, but surely there is a strong case for a sixth form college in such a vast area." Primary schools Five primary schools are to be built in the development area, including a Church of England school at Taw Hill. A request for a Roman Catholic school within the area was not accepted. Residents of Rodbourne Cheney will be pleased that their school is not to be taken out of use, which was one of the options discussed. That school, together with Greenmeadow, Havdon Wick and Haydonleigh, will move to a standard entry size of 30 places over the next three to five years. This will disappoint governing bodies who would like the greater flexibility and access to resources which a larger entry number provides. Community facilities The report accepts that school buildings should be available for maximum community use, but the provision of all-weather pitches and a school-hall suitable for a community theatre will depend upon additional capital resources being identified. The original proposition for a swimming pool at the northern secondary school, as part of the community recreation facilities has been rejected because of the drain on school budgets, and that it 'could affect the financial viability of the Highworth Rec. pool, especially if sometime in the future a roof is provided.' Timescales The overall funding requirement for the educational provision exceeds £100 million. Council officers are finalising the details of a second application for the government's approval to a partnership arrangement, involving private sector finance. Swindon director of education Mike Lusty said the second application for private funding support would be submitted in September and a decision from government was expected by the end of the year. "It is a very tight timescale, but providing the bid is successful, we aim to start building in July 2003, ready for a September 2004 opening."

A group of parents from St Andrew's Ridge and Abbey Meads who do not want their children to attend Hreod Parkway School in September have negotiated places Farmors School in Fairford and have arranged for a Stagecoach service bus to pick them up. Julie Little, who took the initiative to contact the Gloucestershire school and Stagecoach, said, "when it was my turn to find out about the standard of education and lack of choice of schools available to us, I felt it was time to do Happy to be accepted at Farmors, from left, Anjalee and Tia something posi- Patel, Julie and Neil Little, Barbara Grillo and Daniel tive not only for Chew, Paul and Lyn Woodhall with their son Adam our son, but for others in my community, by look- myself and other parents are just ing further afield. The promised not willing to send our children to new school is still years away and Hreod. Our worries have been confirmed by the recent Ofsted inspection." Diary dates "Many parents have become desFamily disco organised by Friends perate for their children's future, of Abbey Meads School (FOAMS) it's their one chance. No-one should Saturday 28 April, 7pm. A magi- need to move from a nice new area cian for the kids; a licensed bar for like Abbey Meads to get a reasonthe grown-ups. able school for their child. Farmors Car boot sale organised by was happy to accept our children Burghley Park Community Asso- and the school is within easy comciation at The Hub: Sunday 6 May. muting distance. My message to Set-up: 7.30am; sales commence: any parents facing this dilemma, Sam. Cost per car (no vans) £5. just keep looking, don't give up."

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The Link Magazine • May 2001

Haydon diary dates Greenmeadow and Haydon Wick WI holds its AGM at the Haydon Centre on Monday 14 May, 7.30pm. Line dancing returns to the Haydon Centre on Saturday 19

www.swin

Hreod: better, but not good enough As anticipated, Hreod Parkway School failed to meet the standards required by Ofsted when an inspection report was published in April, when it became the second Swindon secondary school to go into special measures.

The inspectors, however, recogMay, 7pm. The Double R Dance nised that some significant imRanch hosts an evening of great provements had been made since music, dancing and company. the last inspection in 1996, when the school was found to have seriAdmission is £4.30 ous weaknesses. Since then, The Haydon Centre is starting two Andrew Fleet was appointed new fitness sessions: headteacher and the report notes • Fat burning NRG high impact there are areas of positive change aerobics on Wednesdays, 7pm. influenced by his leadership. • Cardiokick stamina and all round In 1996, 73% of lessons were satconditioning takes place on Tues- isfactory or better. This time Ofsted days, 7pm to 8pm. found 83% of lessons at Hreod

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reached this level, but 90% is required to take the school out of special measures. The inspectors identified many ar-

nesses and were concerned to ensure that the 'green

shoots' of improvement are given

every opportunity to thrive. We aceas of weakness cept the findings such as poor levels and will work with of pupil attainment, the LEA to address including those puthe weaknesses. pils with special They set us a very needs, in key areas clear agenda which of the curriculum. will move the Ofsted is looking school forward." Andrew Fleet, right, and Swinfor further imSwindon Council don director of education Mike provements in the has set aside £1 milLusty at the Ofsted report press quality of teaching lion to meet with the conference and learning, inshort term requirecluding attention to basic skills. ments of the school. The inspectors want to see imMr Fleet expressed surprise at proved attitudes and behaviour in an Evening Advertiser report that a minority of pupils and they rec- teachers at the school face losing ognise the part which an improve- their jobs. "I definitely did not say ment in the quality of accommo- nine teachers face losing their jobs. dation can play. Where teaching is unsatisfactory, To this end, the school and LEA we work closely with the indiwill be producing an action plan to vidual to provide support and address the problems. This will training. The action plan requires include: changes in responsibilities, but we • strengthening the governing body value all our staff highly and we • reviewing management responsi- will have to appoint three more bilities teachers by September." • continued work with Bath University 'attention to the minority of unsatisfactory teaching • a high profile teacher recruitment programme • a review of homework • an extension of special needs proOFFICE & SHOWROOMS vision Specialists in fireplaces, gas 'improvement in the quality of effect fires with or without flues, information on pupils attainments electric fires, gas & multifuel supplied to parents stoves, baskets & accessories 'attention to class regrouping to avoid a minority of pupils disrupt'.,,.. , Dare to ing the learning of the majority, consistent application of the bebe haviour policy and more staff traindifferent ing in behaviour management. Mr Fleet said that the inspection team was professional, rigorous, astute and fair. "They recognised that the school is moving forward, or stick , made clear statements on our weak-

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Just bin it! Car parts, bikes and abandoned contractors' equipment, plus the usual sweet wrappers and plastic bags were included amongst the litter collected by the parish council during its sweep of the Haydon Wick parish on Sunday 8 April. Clerk to the council Sue Martin expressed appreciation for the assistance given by parishioners and the 1st Swindon Sea Scouts, but not of the people who dropped the litter.

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The Link Magazine • May 2001

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Futuristic education at Greendown

School appeals to start in May

North Swindon MP Michael Wills was taught some computerised Maths by youngsters from Tregoze School when he formally launched the Future School facility at Greendown School on 30 March.

Although the governors of Bradon Forest School have agreed to increase its intake by another 24 places, an appeals panel is to be convened to hear requests from parents of thirty children in West Swindon who want places there. Headteacher Chris Montacute governors and will hear parental said the year 7 intake will rise to arguments for places." He added that the appeals proc252 children after governors made an offer to Swindon Council to ess has been brought forward a open another class in order to main- month so that schools can plan tain relationships with West Swin- early as a result of decisions. Children rejected by Bradon Fordon primary schools. "The extra places have been of- est or Ridgeway have now been fered on the basis of geographical offered places by Swindon Counproximity of home to school. The cil at Greendown which currently number could increase as the ap- expects a year 7 intake of 285 chilpeals panel is independent of the dren in September.

Schools rewarded Michael Wills cith TrcXo_-c p upils Laura Goss and Catherine King. Headteacher Ian Matthews is in the background and head of ICT Sally Barker is on the right

Speaking as Minister for Learning and Technology, with responsibility for IT in schools, he said, "this kind of provision is fundamental to the future of education. When these methods are used effectively standards go up. This is a path-breaking project and it is a real pleasure to see it happening in Swindon. I'm sure it is making learning more enjoyable." Future School is an independent learning computer programme that was initially developed in Australia for teaching children in the outback unable to attend a conventional school. Pupils watch a video of a real teacher giving the lesson at a board, then use worksheets to test their understanding. The normal maths teacher assists at each session and can monitor pupil's progress from a central console that shows which lessons

they have completed and what their scores are. Children from Tregoze School were using Future School for the first time. Katherine King, 9, said, "I like the way it explains how to do maths problems." Greendown School invested £60,000 to install Future School in a special suite with 30 PCs. It has been running since September and it is the only school in the region with the system. Head of Maths Jill Sarjent said, "it enhances teaching for the children as they all learn in different ways. They can learn at their own pace and it can be customized for each child. It also teaches them IT skills they will use in later life." Future School was initially intended to also help overcome a shortage of maths teachers but despite a national shortage Greendown's Maths department is now fully staffed.

Mr Montacute also announced that Braden Forest had been selected to receive a School Achievement Award from the Department of Education in respect of its substantially improved results over the last three years. "I' m delighted for everybody involved. The staff have worked incredibly hard to ensure students receive the best possible education. Tregoze School and Oliver Tomkins primary schools have also received the award which carries a one-off cash bonus to the school's budgets.

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Contributions and contact wanted Following the announcement that Greendown School's head teacher Ian Matthews will be leaving in August after 16 years, many parents and former pupils have asked if they can contribute to a leaving present for him. Headteacher designate Steve O'Sullivan is organising a collection. Contributions can be sent to him at the school. Mr O'Sullivan would also like to hear from pupils who have passed through the school since it opened. "Tell us where you are now and what you have done. We'd like to hear from you." Former pupil Caroline Moffat, right, from Freshbrook was presented with a prize for Endeavour and Achievement at the Swindon Caroline attended Greendown College Awards Evening on 6 between 1993 and 1998 and is now April. Other former pupils who at the University of the West of received awards were Leanne West England where she is taking a degree in culture and media studies. and Kate Rudkins.

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The Link Magazine • May 2001

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Eating help for the imperfect parent Health visitor Bindu Rattan is running a series of one hour child development talks at the West Swindon health centre on the topics that most upset and frustrate parents. The aim is to give parents the 3 May: meal times/eating; chance to reflect on some of the 7 June: temper tantrums, biting, difficulties they face and offer prac- head banging. tical techniques to bring about 5 July: potty training, bedwetting change in their child's behaviour. For details and to book a place, Coming up at the Thursday ses- contact Bi ndoo on 877233 or speak to your health visitor. sions, 10am to 11am,

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A Come and see why past and present parents believe we are unique A Registrations being accepted for 2002.

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With two children in nappies and a third on the way, Barbara Prothero from Peatmoor decided that she did not want to contribute any more to the millions of disposable nappies dumped in land fill sites every year and looked for a more environmentally friendly alternative. pies are as easy to She switched to use as disposables. using washable, There is no need to cloth nappies and use pins, no need to hasn't looked back. soak or boil wash. If As well as cutting I can do it, anyone waste, she says that can." she will certainly With Real Nappy have saved £600 by Week taking place the time her daughfrom 23 to 29 April, ter Isobel is potty Barbara would like trained. more parents to be A growing aware of the choices number of parents available. She is now are switching to the local agent for washable cloth napLollipop, a company pies or 'real' nappies, the most common Isobel Prothero models a 'real which promotes and reasons being the nappy' with mum Barbara raises the profile of wish to use natural real nappies and is products next to babies' skins, en- happy to talk to any parents about vironmental concerns and the po- taking a more environmentally tential cost savings. friendly approach to nappies, Using cloth nappies is no longer whilst saving money. Barbara can be contacted on the chore it was for previous generations either. "It couldn't be 874885 or . by e-mail at easier," says Barbara. "The nap- lollipopswindon@aol.com

The Link Maqazine • May 2001

.com

r--------i

Disappointment as under threes lose free places A plan by Swindon Council to offer all under 3s two free sessions a week at pre-schools in Swindon has been quashed b y the government. The council was proposing to the term before they reach their fund the free sessions from the fourth birthday. start of the summer term but a The hard work put in by forty childcare ruling by the Department of Edu- workers across the town was recogcation on 2 April forced a U-turn nised at Swindon Early Years Develbecause it wanted the council to opment and Childcare Partnership offer five free sessions which it awards evening at the end of March could not afford. Children will now when the Mayor coun Arthur Archer receive five funded sessions from presented ce rt ifi ca tes

Citizen i Advocates

Volunteers needed to get to know a person with a learning difficulty, li sten to their point of view and support them to defend their rights. '

If you are interested in speaking up for someone who might not

otherwise be heard and have an hour or so a week to spare, we would like to hear from you.

Donations to Shaw's Holy Trinity pre-school in the last year from local supporters such as DeVere Hotel, Early Learning, the Outlet Village, Megabowl, One Stop stores and the Jolly Roger Adventure have been boosted by a lottery award of £744 to purchase a tricycle, storage trolley and new educational books and toys. "It's been a successful fundraising year," said parent Hilary Coates. "To keep the momentum going, we're holding a fete on Saturday 5 May, 10.30am to 12.30pm, in Holy Trinity church hall. We'll have all the usual stalls selling cakes, nearly new items, facing painting, tombola and raffle. We'd like lots of support." Holy Trinity pre-school has some places available from September. For details call Sue Green on 872056. Matthew Marchant tries out the new lottery funded tricycle with from left, Joshua Durrant, Hilary Coates, Lydia Pouting, Alrik Kjellberg, Liberty Mountjoy, Hay Yeung Tang, Molly Nowell, Emma Hickey, Nikita Robinson. Back, Sandra Van Waveren, pre-school supervisor

Vol Welsh from Nine Elms receives her NVQ Level 3 in Education 3 to 8 from the Mayor

Swindon Advocacy Movement Telephone 465640/60 16--------J

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Ridgeway Pre-School Inverary Road, Wroughton q".^q ^^

West library to shut for refurb. Library assistant Lesley North writes West Swindon Library is to close for ten days in the early part of June whilst extensive refurbishment is carried out - the first since it opened in 1985. We apologise in advance for the inconvenience caused. We are sure our readers will appreciate the bright new layout. Pick up some new titles in May before the closure. Reginald Hill has another case for Goldsmith's Bad Boy, another from Dalziel and Pasco in Dialogue of the the author of The First Wives' Club. For a fresh look at video and Dead, and fellow sleuth Inspector Rebus is back in Ian Rankin's The DVD, we have the following, The 13th Sign, The Cell and The X-Men Falls. Ever popular Danielle Steele has and lots more from TVs The 1940's an unusual tale in Lone Eagle, while House. In CD new titles range from homegrown Beryl Kingston has Nellie Furtardo's Whoa, Fun Lovromance and a lost lover on the ingCriminals,LocotoDivineComedy and Chris DeBurgh. Music to high seas with Only Human. Bernard Cornwell's mighty suit all tastes. If you are planning travels for Sharpe gets his teeth into the Battle of Copenhagen in Sharpe's Fury, the summer we have some brand and Donna Leon is back with A Sea new guides in, including Russia, of Trouble, another of her crime USA, Java, The Netherlands, Sicily, and Seville and Andalusia, series set in Venice. For those who like their fiction good for planning or armchair travsophisticated and racy, try Olivia elling.

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LETTER FROM WESTMINSTER

Here's to the next 25 years <._

NAEA

South Swindon MP Julia Drown writes

BELVOIR Call for advice on: • Letting your home • Buy to let and let to buy • Rent, legal & household insurance services

• Free inte rn et adve rt ising and listing in our nationwide branches • Service individually tailored to your requirements • Free information pack on request

I was pleased to read in last month's Link of West Swindon's 25th anniversa ry and I wish everyone every success for the next 25. There is much to celebrate in West Swindon with some great facilities at the Link Centre and the Shaw Ridge Leisure Complex. There is the historic Lydiard Park and events at Lower Shaw Farm to enjoy and many landmark buildings to be proud of. We have strong community groups here - two of which have recently had lottery funds. The West Swindon Family and Community Project received a grant of £99,000 to purchase its house to continue its work supporting families. Sparcells and Peatmoor Community Association also received a grant of £29,000 for a part-time worker to help run the community facility. The government is keen to see local groups supported by lottery grants, through encouraging volunteering and supporting 'champions who are given funding to develop their skills for the good of

the wider community. I've enjoyed working with a range of voluntary and other groups in West Swindon on many issues, including tackling crime and graffiti problems and we have these and other issues to keep working on as we look forward to the next quarter of a Century. I highlighted the attractions of Lydiard Park last month in a House of Commons debate on the difficulties for tourism in the South West caused by foot-and-mouth. Swindon is still open for tourism.

Property to rent Call for details

Tel: 01793 601631 Check out our website www.belvoirgroup.com E-mail: swindon@belvoirgroup.com

0 A a

Community Dividend Scheme A minimum of 1% of the Society's profits are returned to projects to benefit

the local community

through the Members of the Cricklade & Swindon Railway Society receive a cheque for £1,000 in December.

Community Dividend Scheme.

If you think a project you know of could qualify for a grant of up to £1,000

call 0800 435902 for more information

Oxford, Swindon & Gloucester

Swindon South candidates got into election mood on 1 April at a meeting organised by the Swindon World Development Movement and Oxfam. The packed audience questioned the candidates on debt relief, corporate responsibility, climate change and the arms trade, as well as domestic issues such as foot and mouth, privitisation and proportional representation. 'Vote For Me - end world poverty, promote human rights,' from left, Simon Coombs (Conservative), Geoff Brewer, Liberal Democrats, Chris Thackery, World Development Movement, Julia DrownMP (Labour), panel chairman Bill Cullen, Swindon College politics lecturer

Visitors to the town spent some £216 million last year; six per cent of all jobs are now related to tourism - making this our second largest source of employment. We are soon likely to be the fastest growing tourist destination in Britain. I also introduced a Ten Minute Rule Bill in Parliament to co-ordinate the street works of cable companies and utilities. Many people have told me of their frustration when a company digs up a road one week, only to find a different one doing the same two weeks later. My Bill aims to minimise the disruption caused by constant and poorly co-ordinated road works. There are now some 300 companies licensed to dig up our roads, of which we have so far seen only 20 operating locally. I question whether this number is sustainable. In Swindon, one part of Fleming Way has already been dug up so many times that there is now no room left and there is an embargo on any new works. It clearly makes sense for companies to share road works. But too often they fail to co-operate either with each other or with the local authority. The Bill requires them to attend quarterly meetings with the council to agree schedules of work. The local authority would also be able to insist that companies share road works and ducts. The first reading received all party support. I will now be taking the campaign on to Ministers.

If you would like to get in touch with me on any issue then please write to 13 Bath Road, Swindon, SN1 4AS, tel: Swindon 615444.

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Tel: 01793 634084 Home visits by arrangement

New exhibitions, holiday amusements and free car parking at Lydiard Park

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Now that we are open again after the restrictions of foot and mouth, do visit Lydiard House to see our new exhibition for 2001, Lady Diana Spencer, Artist and Society Belle, writes Sarah Finch-Crisp, keeper of house. Lady Di, right, an accomplished society artist who shares a common ancestry with the late Diana, Princess of Wales, married into the St John family of Lydiard Park in the 18th Century. The little blue dressing room in Lydiard House, once her private closet, houses newly expanded displays of her works including jasper plaques, pictures and Wedgwood china which she designed. A new range of cards and gifts based on her delightful flower paintings will be available in the gift shop. Every Sunday afternoon in May visitors can see how Lydiard's volunteer needle women are progressing as they embroider beautiful seat covers for the house based on colour schemes and designs in the state rooms. The popular exhibition `Lydiard Park: The War Years', first shown in the house in 1994 is on display in Lydiard Park Visitor Centre. Rare photographs of the American hospital camp set up in anticipation of D Day casualties can be seen alongsidethose ofthe GWR Home Guard training in the park.

cludes prize and admission, runs through half term and a `Mad Hatters Ball' is held on 29 May, tickets £2. Charges and foot-and-mouth Car parking is now free at Lydiard Park. Admission to Lydiard House: Adults £1.40; under 15s and Gold Card holders 70p. Under 5s free A newly expanded cafe opens in the visitor centre in May. The house and formal parkland is open but the agricultural parkland remains off limits. There are notices on site to advise about this.

Iii

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LEARN TO DANCE

SARA Start any week at 7pm Monday: Atrium Wednesday: Footplate & Firki

Half term fun for children 'Hand on Hats' is a new children's amusement in the house beginning on 26 May. Pose in front of our newly restored mirror in a choice of beautifully made period hats, from gentlemen's beaded caps to ladies' extravagant straws. Made by historical dress maker Barbara Painter, the hats like `Teds for Tots' will remain a permanent feature in the house. An accompanying children's trail 'Frills and Flounces,' tickets £1, which in-

f.f.i. Ritmo Latino: 812177 Walk in - dance out!

11,1

Romeo and Juliet b y William Shakespeare

Monday 28th to Wed 30th May, 7.30pm • £11.50; £9.50 (conc. avail.)

Get ready to boogie at the bowl A whole series of concerts featuring dynamic music from around the globe are coming to the Old Town Gardens bowl.

2 June • African Hi-Life

21 July • Brazilian

Albert Nyathi & Imbongi playing township jive from Zimbabwe. Imbongi were the hit of WOMAD 2000 and come to Swindon direct from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

Rio carnival comes to Swindon with Viramundo performing samba, samba reggae, lambada and Brazilian funk.

June 16 • Cajun & Zydeco Tub thumping Louisiana swamp music from the Zydeco Brothers and R Cajun, who have recorded with and performed for Sir Paul McCartney.

8 July • Salsa Bombele Orquestra, featuring Colombian star Luisito Mosquera.

Tickets from the Swindon Information Centre In advance: Adult: £7; Concs* £22 £5.50; £7, On the day: Adult £9; Family**: £27 Groups (10 or more) receive 10% discount on full advanced price *Gold Card Holders, unemployed, O.A.P.s, children under 16 **2 adults & 2 children under 16

n Wa-

BBC1's The Chuckle Brothers in

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Party for Prospect during May Swindon's Prospect Hospice celebrates its twenty-first birthday on 1

May and they are hoping the whole town will party for 21 days to kick off a year of fundraising. One of the aims of the year is to boost Prospect's income by a massive twenty-one per cent so that the range of services can be increased. The annual cost to run the hospice is £2.3 million, over £6,000 a day, seventy per cent of which has to come from voluntary support. Currently the multi-professional team at the hospice provides spe-

invites you to see the new range of digital televisions from Loewe 12 months interest free credit (subject to status) Example: PLANUS • Digital 100 HZ anti-flicker technology • Super-flatline picture tube • NICAM stereo (can be upgraded to Dolby Pro-Logic 32" only) • Wide screen 16:9 format • Picture in Picture facility • Colours: Graphite or Arctic

Other ranges available. Call in for demonstration at our new showroom

Swindon's Art, Craft & Picture Framing Outlet A wide range of products for the artist, student, crafter & DIY picture framer

cialist palliative care for patients

thing much bigger says community fundraiser Gillian Richardson. "The Mayor and the town crier will be delivering a six foot card to the

hospice and cutting a giant cake to launch the year of events. We're hoping our supporters will organise their own parties in homes, schools and local halls during the following twenty-one days; it could

be a formal dinner or a mad hatters' tea party."

with cancer, motor neurone dis-

The target is to raise £7,000,

ease and AIDS, and those caring

equal to just one day's care at the

for them, both in the hospice at Wroughton and for people living in an area from Highworth in the north to Ludgershall to the south. 1 May is just the start of some-

Prospect Hospice. There's a trip for two to Paris for the party that raises the most money. Call 815142 for a Prospect pa rt y

fundraising pack.

Cheers. The Giant Card Company Joanna McKinley looks on as community fundraiser Gillian Richardson is topped up by Old Town Prospect shop manager Marlene Dailey, right, with help from volunteer Greta Smith.

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ered and the largest amount raised, as well as a shop window quiz. Registration beforehand on 815142 is £3; on the day £4.

Loose change

How To Find US

0 0

Instead of a sponsored Ridgeway ramble, stopped by foot-andmouth, Prospect Hospice is holding an `Outlet Outing' at the Great Western Designer Village on Friday 4 May, 6.30pm to 9.30pm. Supporters will be walking, pushing buggies or wheeling wheelchairs, and window shopping. The 'shops will be closed, but street

Prospect has launched a special pyramid shaped 21st birthday appeal collecting box. Decorated with the Prospect Hospice sunflower, it

cannot be missed and is an ideal collecting point for loose change at home or in the office. To get yours, call 815142.

Ii:"

Go to the limit

Link magazine advertising sales person Jenni Fowler is raising money for Prospect Hospice by

going over the top at an army assault course - and she wants readers to join her on 9 June. Organised by former army instructor Steve Collis, who now runs Upper Limits fitness, participants will receive full instruction with warm up, then take part in

team races over a demanding assault course. The cost of £34 (reduced from £45) includes transport to the site near Chippenham, refreshment, use of equipment and insurance. The pick up will be 1 pm at the West Swindon Centre and you will be back by 5.30pm. Upper Limits will donate £4 per person to Prospect Hospice. Call Steve Collis on 01666 838488 and say you want to join the Link Sunflower team.

If you cannot take part, but could sponsor Jenni, call her on 872531, or send cheques made out to Prospect Hospice to The Link, address page 4.

Swuidoo Wide Fashionable venue for a show The Swindon Branch of the Downs Syndrome Association holds a fashion show in an innovative location, the hi-tech, award winning Cellular Operations headquarters next to Peatmoor Lagoon, on 19 May. Downs chilTickets, dren and their which include siblingswillbe a buffet, cost joinedbyCell£5 per adult ,,, Ops staff to and £3 per child are available from Jenny Brett model clothes supplied by Tesco and Sargeo kids. 344615 (eves.)

Change of role shocks children Sixty year 6 children from Salt Way School, who went to see Patience being performed by the Swindon Gilbert and Sullivan Society at the Wyvern in March, were astonished to see their headteacher Sue Butcher on stage playing the leading role of Lady Jane.

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nice to share it with the children. It was the first visit to the theatre for some; seeing a funny l show live, where they could laugh made all the difference." ' Theatre staff gave up their afternoon to take the children on a backstage tour. Later in the year the Swindon Gilbert and Sullivan Society will be performing in aid of the RNLI and Macmillan Cancer Relief. Sue said, "next year we are performing lolanthe; as it is about fairies I am made for the part."

The character she played is larger than life, very bossy and full of her own self-importance. Six foot tall Mrs Butcher said, "I always end up playing big, bossy parts; I can't imagine why." She is no stranger to the stage and has been involved in amateur dramatics and singing since 1972. She has sung for the BBC, with the London Welsh Choir, and with local choirs. Mrs Butcher said, "singing helps me keep my sanity after a long day at school. I feel as if I am performing everyday in school so it was

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Venues

Comedy

The Arts Centre Wednesday 2nd, 8pm Devizes Road. Tel: 614837 Ardal O'Hanlon, best known as FaThe ,National Monuments ther Dougal McGuire in Channel 4's Record Centre, Kemble Drive. Father Ted, plus guest. £15. Wyvern Tel: 414600 Thursday 3rd, STEAM - Museum of the Great 8pm Western Railway, Kemble Drive. Omid Djalili in Warm to my Tel: 466655 Swindon Museum & Art Galle ry , Winning 17} Smile. An outBath Road. Tel: 466556 standing mimic m, Town Hall Studios and successful Regent Circus. Tel: 463210 actor, with good The Wyvern Theatre natured but raTheatre Square. Tel: 524481 zor sharp obContact venues to confirm date, time and price

Drama Wednesday 2nd, 7.30pm Lone Flyer. Newbury's Watermill Theatre's touring production of the life story of aviator Amy Johnson and her longing for escape and freedom. £6. Royal Military College of Science, Shrivenham. Call 01367 240280 for tickets Thursday 17th to Saturday 19th, 7.30pm The Taming of the Shrew presented by Old Town Theatre Company. £5. A rts Centre Thursday 24th, 8pm Adolf. Set in the Fuhrer's bunker in 1945, we are in the presence of an utterly compelling idealist, drawn into his warped logic as he moves towards pre-suicide contemplation. But while we think we know the rest, there is a sting in the tail ... £9.50. Arts Centre Friday 25th & Saturday 26th, 7.30pm Twelfth Night. Swindon Stage Company, made up of members of local theatre companies, presents this unique community project - Shakespeare's great comedy of love, loss, passion and punctured pride. £6. Wyvern Monday 28th, Tuesday 29th & Wednesday 30th, 7.30pm Romeo & Juliet. Caught in the feud between their two families love ignites between Romeo and Juliet. Theirs is a world in which religion,

family, sex and death dominate and dictate the boundaries of acceptable and honourable behaviour. £11.50. Wyvern

servations which make wonderfully exuberant comedy. £8.50. Arts Centre Saturday 5th, 8pm Susan and Janice in 'I Hate My Sister'. Comic panache, amiability and deftness combined with awicked li ne in female malice and evil one li ners. £6. Arts Centre

Film Wednesday 30th, 7.45pm The Criminal (15) This high quality British film noir stars Steven Mackintosh as J, whose chance encounter with a femme fatale ends in her murder. With Bernard Hill and Eddie Izzard. £3.50. Arts Centre

Magic Thursday 31st, 7.30pm Joe Pasquale in concert - 2001 .. a magical oddity! £12.50. Wyvern

Fetes & fayres Saturday 5th, from 11 am May Day Fair. Many stalls, fun fair, netball tournament. Pinehurst Peoples Centre. For details or to book a stall for your charity call 488580 Monday 28th Fun Day organised by the Rotary Club of Swindon, to include funfair, helicopter flights, charity stalls, craft tents, clowns & kite flying. All proceeds to MacMillan Nurses and the Life Education Centre. Polo Ground, off Marlborough Road. For details call 732611 Friday 11th to Sunday 20th Wootton Bassett Carnival. See

page 23

Family

RHAN1:1^ ►1 111111

Sunday 20th, 2pm & 5pm The Chuckle Brothers in Spooky

Dinner & dance with the Sounds of Darkness roadshow with Swindon's best DJ Gamma

Goings On. Barry and Paul get themselves into all kinds of trouble and have to so rt out some silly ghosts. Fun and laughter for all the family. £7.50. Wyvern

19May,7pm-11pm Supermarine Club, South Marston

Tickets from 875299 £5 adults, £2.50 under 15, under 5s free

WOOTTON BASSETT PICTURE FRAMING & STAMP CRAFT SHOP • Frames made to order • Mount cutting • Glass replacement • Limited and open edition prints • Stamps and accessories • Weekly craft classes For details ask for Margaret

THE FRAMING AND STAMPING CORNER 4 Potters Walk, just off the High St Telephone: 01793 840650 Open 6 days a week

Alessandra For crafts and gifts Cross Stitch * Tapestry * Embroidery Knitting yarn * Beads Sequins * Pinflair DMC stockist I st class picture framing service

Up to and over 50% off known brand names 8, The Arcade, High Street, Wootton Bassett

Tel: 848771 LOTS OF FREE PARKING!

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1 Apsley House Arcade, Woo tton Bassett,

Fete, Noremarsh School, 2pm - 7pm Car boot sale, Memorial Hall, 2pm - 4pm

Saturday 12 May Sunday 13 May Friday 18 May

Concert with Swindon Big Band, Memorial Hall, 7.30pm

Saturday 19 May

Grand Carnival Float Procession, starting Marlow Ave., 6pm

Sunday 20 May

Party in the Park with school choirs and the Wootton Bassett Brass Band, Old Town Park, near Noremarsh School, 3pm - 5pm

Pick up a programme from Wootton Bassett library or call Mary Harrison on 850763 or Eileen Lambourne on 850658

PHILIPPA P LAWRENCE Letting Agency

52 High Street Your local independent agent specialising in the le tt ing of all types of residential property in Wootton Bassett and the surrounding area

Tel: 01793 848506 Contact us for a

Full fitting service available Handmade footstools to orde r Re-upholstery of dining chairs etc.

Bassett: 11th - 20th May

windows, doors and conservatories.

,22 Ravens Walk, Wootton Bassett,

Free measuring & quotations 4

Carnival time in Wootton

Specialists in PVCU,

Tel: 01793 848177 or 770596

swags, & tails. All other valances, R-blinds, London, etc.

Tel: 01793 848855

JEN'S DISCOUNT COSMETICS AND HAIR ACCESSORIES SHOP

Made to fn,asur curtains,

personal and

professional service NAEA ^

YOUR FIRST STOP FOR ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT o °

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DOMESTIC APPLIANCE SERVICE CENTRE 11 The Arcade, High Street Wootton Bassett Tel: 01793 854378

Ladies, Gents & Children's Discount Clothes Shop T-shirts - underwear

Jackets - knitwear Schoolwear and lots more Feel free to come inside & browse at your leisure The Arcade, High Street, Wootton Bassett

Tel: 01793 848771

Wootton Bassett Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic Mrs Lesley Catling MCSP

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Follow Rosemary's new low-fat eating plan which now includes treats & watch the pounds and inches disappear! ,t Monday: Noremarsh Junior School, Wootton Bassett, 5.30 & 7pm ,t Thursday: Saltway School, Middleleaze, 6pm A Wednesday: Greenmeadow Primary School, Penn Close, 6 to 7.30pm A Wednesday: Abbey Meads Community School, Hugo Drive, 8 to 9.30pm * Call Dawn on (01793) 782639 A Call Sally on (01793) 731148 Membership fee £6.00 Class fee £4.30 Exercise only £3.30 (no membership)

Tuesday 1st, 8pm Ralph McTell. One of Britain's bestloved singer songwriters plays a mix of back catalogue favourites and recent compositions. £10. Arts Centre

Saturday 19th, 7.30pm A recital of organ and recorder music by Swindon Young Musicians Recorder Consort. Christ Church, Drove Road

Friday 4th, 7.30pm Frank, Sammy & Dean ... The Rat Pack, live from Las Vegas, featuring five piece band with supporting cast. £16.50. Wyvern Saturday 5th, 7.30pm Ten in a Bar. An evening with Swindon's premier close harmony singing group. Joining in during the evening will be Swindon Young Musicians Swing Band and choreographer Pollyann Tanner with some Tanwood Dancers. £8.50. Wyvern Sunday 6th, 7.30pm Chris Dean and The Syd Lawrence Orchestra and Singers - with a collection of the finest Big Band musicians. £14. Wyvern Sunday 6th, 7.30pm Fever! The Making of Peggy Lee starring Kate Dimble, accompanied by the Julian Hinton Trio, with sizzling renditions of Peggy Lee's classic songs £12. Arts Centre Friday 11th, 7.30pm Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. £12.50 -£17.50. Wyvern Friday 11th, 7.30pm Martyn Joseph, singer songwriter, Stewart Henderson, poet, Martin John Nicholls, singer songwriter, in concert, presented by Christian Aid. £6. Pilgrim Centre, Regent Circus Saturday 12th, 8pm All About Eve - Unplugged. Emerging in 1988 under a Goth banner, this Indie band quickly developed a softer sound with singer Julianne Regan drawing on everything from pop, rock and folk to alternative music influences. £10. Arts Centre Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th, 8pm Dominic Kirwan in concert. Irish singer with a new album 'Stone In Love With You' recorded in Nashville £14. Wyvern Wednesday 16th, 7.30pm An Evening with Charlie Landsborough. After 30 years of trying Charlie became an overnight sensation when he performed 'What Colour Is The Wind' on Irish Television in January 1995. £14.50. Wyvern Thursday 17th, 7.30pm A Night At The Musicals. A fresh, energetic, dynamic show direct from London's West End, with your favourite songs from your favourite shows. £12.50. Wyvern Friday 18th & Saturday 19th, 7.30pm Swing to Classics presented by The Kentwood Choir with The Band of the Army Air Corps. A musical extravaganza with something for everyone - popular big band numbers to classical highlights. £8. Wyvern

A Night At The Musicals, at the Wyvern on 17 May will feature children from Swindon's Kentwood Choir. Pictured above, last year's cast with Duncan Breeze and Myleene Klass, standing centre, who has left to join Popstars band Hear'say Tuesday 22nd, 8pm Martin Stephenson and the Daintees Founded in the early 1980s, the Daintees emerged as a response to the humourlessness of much of the punk music of the time. Martin's performances remain an eclectic mix, spanning rock to rockability via ragtime. £10. Arts Centre Wednesday 23rd, 7.30pm The Ultimate Sixties Show. The Imposters re-create those fabulous sounds you remember so well. £12. Wyvern Wednesday 23rd, 8pm Fairport 'Acoustic' Convention. This legendary folk act returns to deliver one of their renowned acoustic sets. £13.50. Arts Centre Thursday 24th, 7.30pm The Rollin Clones. After successful shows at venues in Bath, Bristol and Devizes, the Rollin Clones have a growing reputation as being one of the best tribute bands around. £11.50. Wyvern Sunday 27th, 7.30pm Urban Strawberry Lunch. Sonic is 77 minutes of spell binding musical alchemy from the awesome foursome of junk rock. £8. Wyvern Tuesday 29th, 8pm John Renbourn. Consummate guitar playing from a master takes you into a varied musical landscape with warm vocals and witty asides. £10. Arts Centre Thursday 31st, 8pm Stackridge. From jazz cafe and rock and roll, to jigs and reels via a healthy leavening of parady. £8. Arts Centre

Exhibitions Swindon Museum & Art Gallery to 8 July A Sense of Place Artists visions from the Swindon Collection showing Swindon throughout the 20th Century, as well as architectural drawings. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery has recently received eight new works of art from the Contemporary Art Society. There are five abstract paintings by Stephen Buckley, a digital print by Kathy Prendergast and two ceramic pieces by Ewen Henderson. Arts Centre to 12 May Looking in Wonderland Engraved prints taken from the original wood blocks for SirJohn TennieI's much loved illustrations for Alice in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking Glass. A Graphicus Touring Exhibition, exhibited as part of the Festival of Literature. Wyvern, Lower Foyer 1 to 27 May My Back Gate Fascinating photographs taken in and around Swindon by Mick Maslen, which focus on the everyday, and transform mundane or decrepit places into subtle close-up images.

Wyvern, Harlequin Bar 2 to 28 May My Friends and Other Animals Black and white photograph portraits taken by Richard Maguire throughout 2000 to capture friendship and life at the start of a new era. National Monuments Record Centre, The Gallery to 1 July The Birmingham Jewellery Quarter English Heritage has surveyed this historic industrial area, where traditional trades such as jewellery and silverware manufacture is still carri ed out in 19th and early 20th Century workshops. Arts Centre 16 May to 2 June One Man's Show Mixed media exhibition of new work from Gordon Dickinson

Tour/slide show Wednesday 9th, 7.30pm Swindon Society AGM followed by a slide show:'Swindon in 2000'. 50p/ visitors £1. Broad Green Centre, Salisbury Street, Details on 872035 Saturday 19th, 2.15pm Tour of the National Monuments Record Centre. An introduction to the work of the NMRC. Free

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Putting the front garden record straight from the action group point of view Terry King, chairman of FRAG (Front Garden Action Group) writes

Readers of The Link may have seen various letters in the local press or heard football supporters on local radio, alleging that we are against Mr Brady's proposal for a sports complex in the south-west corner of the Front Garden, near Blagrove industrial estate.

May we repeat what we said when we first heard the proposal in about April 2000, and have confirmed several times in the media: we did not object to his initial proposal. We

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providing it was not a 'foot in the door' for later housing development. This is still our view. We have a list of over twenty practical objections to housing development, such as noise, pollution, flooding, but they are not relevant to a sports complex.

It was only after Mr Brady formed a property company, some ten months after the examination-inpublic of November 1999 and announced that he wanted to build houses on the Front Garden, that we objected to houses, not to a

stadium. We have fought foroverfouryears to prevent housing development, using the same arguments that Thamesdown Borough Council had successfully used when defeating development proposals several ti mes during the 1980's up to April 1997. Swindon Borough Council

then became a unitary authority

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flooding, archaeological sites, canal, wildlife, noise, pollution and loss of recreational amenity. The fight is not yet over. So many events have occurred since November 1999 and there is so much public opposition to the council plans, that we believe the council should have reconsidered the situation and withdrawn their proposal.

As they have not done so yet, and because we had no other option,

we began legal action on 1 March and expect the case to be heard in the High Court, London by mid2001.

If we win this fight on behalf of thousands of Swindonians, we foresee the Front Garden becoming a country park, for the benefit of all,

retaining farms and adding public paths, picnic/barbecue areas. fitness trails, wildlife hides and

several viewing areas with maps and seating. Meanwhile we thank the public for the wonderful response to our

legal fund appeal, which has raised sufficient for the case to be heard. Any funds remaining after the case will be donated to local charities.

Additional donations can still be

paid in at any Lloyds/TSB quoting FRAG Legal Fund, account number 4355181.

• Information up dates are available at www.swindon.org.uk/frag Terry King can be contacted on 487154.

Council stands up to stadium developer pressure A special meeting of Swindon councillors on 18 April rejected demands from the development consortium headed up by Mr Brady that the council make an immediate commitment to sell 125 acres for the stadium leisure complex and housing to Swindon Town Property Ltd. A report to councillors made it clear that Swindon taxpayers would lose significantly if the land was sold before services had been installed. But the council agreed that STPL should be treated as a 'preferred developer' and to continue negotiations until December. Mr Brady has warned that his continued financial backing for the club is in doubt. However another developer is proposing a stadium to the east of the town.

Swindon Wide A childhood paradise in Paraguay

To mark the eighth Swindon Festival of Literature during the first ten days of May, The Link is launching a new occasional feature where we offer young people the chance to see their writing in print. In this first contribution Greendown pupil Anna Hirsch -Holland interviews her dad. Matt may seem just an ordinary man, married, with three children, who happens to be Director of the Swindon Festival of Literarture. But he spent his childhood in Paraguay, South America, where he shot birds with catapults and was chased by rabid dogs. In the spring of 1953 Matt, aged six, left Shropshire and set sail on the Highland Princess with his mother, father, four brothers and sister across the Atlantic and duly arrived in the hot, humid country south of the equator. Paraguay was very different to England. "The biggest shock was the heat and the smells," Matt reminisced passionately. He also had to get used to the brightly coloured birds, the rivers full of fish, the trees to climb, the sand to play in, and the horses to ride. "It was just endless excitement." His time in Paraguay was full of adventures but there was one particular memory that stuck in his mind. "On one occasion," Matt said, gazing into the distance as he

catches the memory, "when I was 9 or 10 years old, a man came running into the classroom, breathless. He said to our teacher, 'we need someone very quickly who is reliable to ride to the next village with a message for a doctor about medicine for a sick child'. I felt very proud when I was chosen and got my fastest horse. I took the letter and galloped off. "Along a stretch of road, I saw a dog come out of the wood and noticed immediately that its mouth was foaming. We'd been told that, in the tropics, if you see a dog with a foaming mouth, it's likely to have rabies. So I spurred my horse on and as we got level with the dog it jumped at us. We galloped even faster and there was this dog snapping at the horse's tail. It was getting bits of hair in its mouth and snarling." Matt's growling dog impression

is something to behold. "We galloped the remaining three kilometres to the next village." Taking awellearned breath, he continued more quietly, "so I gave this message to the hospital and they were very grateful. But then they just asked me to ride back to my village. I told them there was a rabid dog there and they just said, 'well go the other way through the wood.' It was big dark jungle with a very narrow path and I was terrified. Even though it was a completely different direction to where the dog had been, I still jumped every time I heard a bird or some other noise." Matt's family lived in Paraguay for seven years, so it was a big shock when they moved back to chilly England. "Soon afterwe came back there was the terrible winter of 1962-63, where everything was frozen up for months. Fashions in

clothes were also a surprise. In South America I would just pull on a pair of shorts, a cotton shirt, no shoes, and run off to school. In England everything was much more formal and proper. But I remained a bit of a wild boy." Matt also remembers how he was teased at Malmesbury Grammar School because of his funny accent and curly hair. "All the children seemed to have straight blond hair. It upset me a bit but I still enjoyed farming and other things." "Initially I was very sad about leaving Paraguay. I loved riding and the rivers, and my chickens, and the cows, and playing with the Indians. It was the life I'd got used to." Matt only knew England from history lessons and thought it full of kings and queens and big buildings. Living in Paraguay has had an important effect on Matt's life. "Now that Britain is much more multicultural than it was in the 1960s, it has given me a sense of being an international person, feeling at home in the world, wherever I am."

The director's pick With dozens of enjoyable attractions at this year's Swindon Festival of Literature, as comprehensively listed in last month's Link, it's hard to know what to attend. Matt Holland gives the festival a local flavour. Why is living simply so complicated? What makes a really nice person and what makes a really nasty one? How important is it to be popular? What is more exhilarating than fresh fish simply cooked? Are some people really more equal than others? What do talking trombones say? Why do the best stories instruct as they delight? Why do impressions? These are just a few of the challenging and life-enhancing questions being asked at this year's Festival of Literature. And because the festival's home and base is at Lower Shaw Farm in West Swindon, a number of key events will take place this side of town. For example, on Saturday 12 May, stars of BBC1's Castaway programme, Julia, Colin, and nine year-old Natasha Corrigan head for the farm to talk about the trickiness of living the simple life with thirty other complicated people on the island of Taransay. On Bank Holiday Monday 7 May, there will be a campfire with storytelling and music with Gabamouche Storytellers at Lower Shaw Farm, followed by children's author Pat Hutchins walking with children and chickens on Wednesday 9 May. And the previous Thursday, 3 May, it will be Libraries Festival Day,

with star storyteller Cat Weatherill lodged all day at the Link Library. Elsewhere in town during the first twelve days of May, you can see television cook Rick Stein talking about fresh fish cooking, famous former minister's wife Margaret talking about fresh life after Cook, and popular psychologist Oliver James tackling Britains on the couch. Or if you fancy exercising your body as well as your brain, there's an international fiesta night of salsa and merengue dancing on 4th May, with travellers' tales and talking trombones to boot! And for an early and adventurous start to the festival, why not see the sun rise on 1 May in Lawn Woods, with other festival followers, poets, minstrels, musicians, mischief, magic, maypole dancing, and hot breakfasts on site. Earlybirds catch the word!

At the festival launch on 20 March. From left, sponsor Dominic Winter of Dominic Winter Book Auctions, Oxford University Phd. Economics student and performance poet Ailish Johnson, BBC Castaways Colin, Julia and Natasha Corrigan, festival director Matt Holland

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The Link Magazine • May 2001

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Welcome boost for canal restoration The Wilts and Berks Canal Trust is financially buoyant thanks to donations made by local company Crapper & Sons. The company, which advertises Boned in 1914. The trust aims to Express Skips in The Link, has been restore the canal to enable boats to supporting the restoration of the once again travel its whole length. canal for the past four years by It will then form the core of the making donations to the Swindon Wessex Waterway Network linkbranch of the trust via the Land Fill ing the Kennet & Avon Canal with Tax Credit Scheme, which allows the Thames & Severn Canal and tax payments to be diverted to en- the River Thames. vironmental charities. Over the next few years it hopes Their latest contribu ti on takes to link the canal at Kingshill with the total given to over £108,000, by the length at Moredon. far the largest donation the group www.wilts-berks-canal.org.uk has received since it formed in 1977. Com an chairman Ro er Crapper said, "we identify very much with what the trust is doing for the environment and the communi ty . The fruits of its efforts can be seen with the stretches of canal now in water around Swindon." Harry Bromley, Swindon branch corporate fundraiser said, "there is no doubt that the Crapper company's involvement with its generous funding has been responsible for the enormous progress the Swindon branch has achieved." The canal was built from 1796 to 1819 but then faced stiff competition from the railways in the later 19th Century. This caused a decline in use and it was finally aban-

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The Link Magazine • May 2001

Pleasure tempers the pain The safe arrival of Siobhan Shirley on 5 April at 91b 7oz has replaced a little of the pain and tragedy the family have had to contend with since 13 year old Shaun was fatally knocked down on Corton Crescent, Westlea on 17 January.

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The family has been trying to "Shaun will be in our memories make sense of what life has to forever, but Siobhan has brought throw at them said mum Sandra. light into our lives." "With a new baby people who don't Dad Ray said the stress had been know about Shaun ask how many tremendous, particularly at children I have and I don't know Shaun's funeral in February. "We what to say. The pleasure of hav- were all packed up and ready to go ing Siobhan is mixed up with the to the hospital just in case the baby pain. At the same time strangers came early." recognise me from the papers and Sandra has started to allow say kind things, a lady in things to change in the house. Two Sainsbury's just gave me a big hug. year old Jonathan has moved into Shaun's room, but sorting out his wardrobe with help from her mum • 1 1 1 1 was heart rending. "I broke down with the pain," she said. "I keep looking at a picture of Jamie, Shaun, Rachael and Jonathon and try to imagine Siobhan with them. I feel cheated and angry that I could not have them all together." Maintenance free Although the family are moving UPVC fascia boards into a new phase, they still have the inquest to face and hope to cladding & gu ttering scatter Shaun's ashes at Old Expertly fitted at DIY prices Trafford on his birthday, 14 July. "It will be the only time when all FREE SURVEY seven of us will be together," said NO 1)L1'OSIT Sandra. "He never went to a Manchester United game, but we'll Work it out for yourself know he's running free with his 20' fascia board fi tt ed £ 60 idols whenever we see them play."

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Swindon literacy project takes on world class education role Storysacks, the brainchild of former Westlea School headteacher Neil Griffiths to develop literacy in the early years of childhood, is rapidly becoming a major cultural and community development tool across the globe. "The idea is so simple that it can First developed in the early 1990s by volunteers. Together with a picwith the help of a band of hard ture book to be read by a child and be easily adapted and it goes beworking volunteers at Westlea parent are soft toys of the main yond language development with School, Storysacks are now used in characters with props and scenery children. "It's incredible to think that every local education authority in to bring the story to life. A non-fiction book linked to the Storysacks are in use on opposite Britain and also in Canada, USA, Hong Kong, South Africa, Japan, topic, an audio-tape and a lan- sides of the Arctic circle. In northPeru, Australia, Italy and Norway. guage game based on the book are ern Canada sacks are used by A Storysack is a cloth bag con- included. Also provided is an ideas Innuit people to develop language tainingitemstodeveloppre-school card suggesting further ways for and reinforce cultural identity, language skills, designed and made parents to develop a child's listen- whilst in northern Norway they ing, reading and writing skills us- are used for similar purposes with Laplanders." ing the sack contents.

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oasis

233 Ferndale Road, Swindon. Tel: (01793) 536657

^ctcccact E For a new style or colour, call in today for a free consultation with our friendly staff

Park

Z)"4a* d r & Stadia Shaw Salon, Shaw Village Centre, Swindon • Tel: 874825

jjj

Mansfield Begbie Associates Ltd

e 1987

i MOVE ORTt GE years experience providing mortgages in Swindon, mortgages, you can be assured of excellent service from Mansfield Begbie Associates Ltd.

Visit us @ www.mansflelthegW.co.uk )0 would cost £243.75 per month interest only ce). This is fixed to 31/10/04. Free valuation (Maximum loan to value 97%).

•

• •

•

•••_

••

• • • •

•

Rates from 5.2% (APR 5.4%) or 5.45% (APR 5.7%) (subject to loan to value') to 31 / 10 / 03. Available with special remortgage package (No arrangement or valuation fees; legal fees paid). Maximum available 95% for purchases and remortgages. RE-MORTGAGE SPECIAL A discounted rate of 4.99% ( APR 5.3%) for two years. Legal fees paid. Free valuation. No 'Tie-Ins.' (Maximum loan to value: 75%).

100% mortgages now available for first and second time buyers NEGATIVE EQUITY MORTGAGES ALSO AVAILABLE

to suit your individual needs Mansfield Begbie Associates can arrange mortgages with the majority of building societies and banks in the UK For free advice and further information, call us now on

Swindon 772779 e-mail: info@mansfieldbegbie.co.uk Registered with the Mortgage Code Register of Intermediaries: No. 5508399 • Consumer Credit Licence: No. 499646 Credit broker fees of up to 1% on the advance may be charged at completion depending on the type of product and credit period. Rate applied is 5.85% (6.1 % APR) fixed to 31/10/04. Rates may vary. A wntten quotation on loans can be obtained on request. Only available to persons 18 years of age or over. Subject to status. Subject to our current lending criteria. A life assurance policy may be required. Example: A named couple aged 30 years and 28 years, both non-smokers, applying for an endowment mortgage of £50,000 over a 25 year term (300 monthly payments), completing before 31 August 2001 secured against a property being purchased for £55,000. 300 monthly mortgage payments of £243.75. Monthly endowment premium of £74.96. Total amount payable £145.768 calculated to include valuation fee £155. This calculation is based on the assumption that the discounted rate will apply throughout the term of the loan. Maximum loam £150,000. The rate applies to loans up to and including 97% of the purchase price or valuation, whichever is the lower. The fixed rate is applicable until 31/10/04, after which the then current variable base mortgage rate will apply. When an applicant is borrowing more than 75% the Society will require additional security. This is usually in the form of a Risk Charge. Rates correct at time of going to press.

Incorporated in England and Wales - Company Number: 3217240 - Reg. Office: 311, Ballards Lane, Finchley, London N1 2 SLY

y The Link Maaazine • Ma 2001

www.swind

Shaw Ridge girls want to look smart to win games Its hard to catch a netball when your skirt is flapping around your knees, or a zip suddenly gives way. But its a problem the girls in the Shaw Ridge netball team have to put up with when trying to win games in the West Swindon primary schools league. Team coach Jill Edwards said the girls are still wearing the original kit, purchased when the school opened over fifteen years ago. "Its the first and only kit they've ever } had and it's falling apart. The boys , , have had at least two football strips in the same time. r "The girls are always very enthusiastic, but it's very difficult to play to your best if you're in rags." Katie Pitts-Drake, 9, agreed. "The shirts are either too big or too small and the zips on the skirts are all broken. We could win more games if we looked smarter." The netball team needs £400 to purchase skirts, bibs and shirts with the sponsors name on them. If your company could help, call Jill Edwards at Shaw Ridge on 87160 1. ?

=!!

—'—= f .air _

f -

_ -

Swindon Council is looking for teams of girls and boys aged from 11 to 18 to take part in a 3 v 3 county wide basketball tournament at the Dorcan recreation complex on 24 June. The cost per team is £5 and there is also a wheelchair section for under 14s. For details, call Gladys Barr on 512828.

Ball club relaunched

4 tr -

Swindon's wheelchair basketball club has restarted on Saturdays, 11.30am to 12.30pm, at the Haydon Centre, Thames Avenue. The cost is £1 per session. For details, call Gladys Barr on 512828. She is also keen to meet anybody who can help run the club.

Saturday sport -^

Unhappy models on the netball court, front from left, Mia Harrison, Lisa Rutter, Katie Pitts-Drake, Samantha Bedry, Katie Tee, Georgia Turner, Roya Shahrokum. Back, Laura Whittaker, Megan Gibson, Lauren Chivers, Rhiannon Moore, Hailey Chivers, Catherine Forty, Back, Cloe Richardson-Leslie

PVC Conservatories

Shoot the hoop - teams wanted

Youngsters with disabilities get together at the Link Centre for Sport on Saturday (S.O.S.). For details, call Fran Pound or Steve Connolly at the Lifestyle Development Team on 511033.

JARDINERIE

Would like to introduce our new range of

Living gardens and interiors

cost cutting standard size conservatories • Installation and building services also available

the place to be this spring...

OR • Try our competitive Made to Measure service

• Imaginative and stylish plants and products from around the world • Affordable Garden Design

and Patio Planting Service

i II,' sue%G For further details contact

Classic Windows & Conservatories Ltd Station Road, Minety, Malmesbury, Wilts Tel: 01666 860736 Fax: 01666 860761 Eves & w/ends: Steve 01666 860885 or David 01 793 772463

• Lots of sound advice from our friendly team

• Come and enjoy fresh coffee in our relaxing cafe ..

be touched by inspiration

corn

The Link Magazine • May 2001

West environment survey results

Mountain of litter cleared

A questionnaire circulated to households in West Swindon last August and September by the Community Working Group of the 21st Century Swindon Forum has produced calls for better street cleaning, transport, bus services and recycling.

Suzanne Bullimore of the Sparcells and Peatmoor Community Association writes Thank you to all who supported Peatmoor Lagoon on Easter Monthe litter-clearing morning around day. A huge amount of rubbish was collected, including a deckchair and an old car seat, and full

It followed similar surveys in Highworth and Gorse Hill to gauge up to date opinions on environment issues at a community level and the results have been passed to Swindon Council's transport planning, waste management and environmental health sections. Respondents called for: • better removal of litter, dog waste, and graffiti and better street cleaning; provision of legal graffiti areas; • reliable bus services with friendly staff; buses to Wroughton, Marlborough, PMH and the new hospital; weekend and evening

Put those old phone books to good use

New 'phone books and Yellow Pages have been delivered which means 150 tonnes of waste could be recycled if Swindon householders use special recycling bins at the West Swindon Centre and Sainsbu ry 's Stratton to get rid of the old ones. If the 150,000 old directories and Yellow Pages are recycled, it will save energy, raw materials and landfill space, as well as around £4,000 in landfill tipping fees.

Events at STEAM in May Wednesday 3rd, 1lam & 2.30pm Toddler Special. Activities and storytelling

be specially collected for shred-

ding into animal bedding for stables and farms. The special bins will be available until mid-May.

Bins the book now at the West Swindon Centre, Swindon recycling officer with centre manager Julian Leggatt

Christmas recycled into new trees Christmas will be much greener in future, thanks to the 850,000 cards that were recycled across the town in January. With backing from the 21st Century Swindon Forum, Homebase, Swindon Council and Severnside Waste Paper, over 14 tons were collected. The money raised will be used to buy 850 trees for the Great Western Community Forest, to be planted in the Autumn. For details of the community forest go to www.gwestcf.org.uk or call Andrea Riding on 466315. i vet 0 .

^i3

SHAW VETERINARY CENTRE

CI1L

Shaw Village Centre, Ramleaze Drive West Swindon SN5 9PY

A friendly, caring se rv ice for you and your pet David Wames BVSc MRCVS • Stefania Glowka DVM MRCVS Michelle Lindsay BVM&S MRCVS

Consultations by appointment: Monday - Friday 8.30am - 7.30pm Saturday 9.00am - 4.00pm 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

Tel: (01793) 881919 (24 hours)

THE DROVE VETERINARY HOSPITAL

•z° '

Abbeymeads Veterinary Surgery For all your pets needs when healthy or ill Opening hours:

Unit 5

Abbeymeads Village Centre Elstree Way

Mon - Fri

Abbeymeads

Mon - Fri: 11am -12.30pm, 2pm - 4pm; 5.30pm - 6.30pm Saturday 2 . 4pm

Swindon Tel: (01793) 728728

EXTRA

Ordinary phone books can be

• clean and well lit cycle and pedestrian ways; more pedestrian bridges over major roads • plastics recycling; collection of recyclables; more information on recyclability; • more youth activities, but more policing and less tolerance of antisocial behaviour; • grass cutting and pruning of trees and hedges in all areas and particularly at road sides and roundabouts. Dr Dave Worsnip, chairman of the community working group, said the survey had not raised major surprises. There were a few specific calls for a community centre in Grange Park and improvements to Freshbrook community centre. Untaxed vehicles and unneighbourly parking in several named areas was mentioned, as was the need for traffic calming on Whitehill Way and Freshbrook Way. For a copy of the results and to find out more about the 21st Century Swindon Forum, contact Dave, daveworsnip@cwcom.net or call 762614.

gam - 6.30pm

Saturday 2pm - 4pm Consulting hours: By appointment

24 HR EMERGENCY SERVICE - All Sunday and Emergency consults by rppointment at The Drove Veterinar y Hospital - Telephone (01793) 522483

eggs. Thanks to Asda for generously donating them. Please contribute to the beauty of the lakeside by taking all rubbish home with you.

un4IOW wife

put in the normal paper banks to be recycled as tissue, newspapers and packaging. But Yellow Pages are more difficultbecause of the dye and need to

services;

bags were exchanged for Easter

Saturday 12th Meet the railway workers. Practical demonstrations and experiences from former engine drivers, firemen and railway workers. Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th We'll Meet Again. Find out what life was like during the Second World War, with jazz band, jitter-

bug dancing and spam sandwich tasting. Normal admission charges for all events. For details call 466646.

PETS AT HorE Worried 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.

Telephone Sheila Mitchell for further details on 873062

Thmeswood

Small Animal Hospital Helping you care more for your pet Swindon's most modern small animal hospital, situated in North West Swindon, offering high quality surgical and medical care at competitive prices within a caring, friendly and professional environment.

SERVICE

ACCOU NTANCY

ACCOUNTANCY

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

`GRA'

ACCOUNTANCY • Business Start Up • Book-Keeping

Tnx Assisi Diaecr

The tax and accountancy service for small businesses and taxpayers

• Annual Accounts • Self Assessment Tax

Self assessment • Tax returns Annual accounts • Book-keeping PAYE • VAT etc • Employed Self employed • In business

Short & long term

assistance and projects Free initial meeting

Tel/fax: 01793 871790 Free phone: 0800 5422 778 www.graaccountancy.co.uk

For a free initial discussion call Lyndon Day Tel/Fax: 01793 766000

BUILDING SERVICES

CARP ENTRY/JOINERY

GRAFT Extensions, repairs

Palm Joinery V

alterations and maintenance Blockpaving, patios & driveways

Drain clearance & repairs Garden construction & design Fencing, turfing, ponds/water

features & regular garden maintenance We offer a complete building service for your home and garden For good quality with efficient service and competitive prices call 01793 485539/07811 698457

Quality carpentry & joinery for the home/office * Manufacture & fitting * Supply & fit * Fit only Doors, kitchens, fitted & free-standing wardrobes and bureaus. mouldings and panelling

TEKGEL CLEANING If you would like a competitive quote for cleaning your office! shop etc., then Tekgel has the expertise to undertake your cleaning needs.

Just telephone or fax Stephen Bishop

All interior and exterior

Interior & exterior

painting and decorating Coving • Dado rails

High Quality Painting & Decorating

CALL 01793

725699 OR 07833 1 47327

and friendly service

HEATING & P LUMBING

ROB HALL HEATING, GAS & PLUMBING SERVICES Central heating installations,

• Boiler changes • Also riverboat appliances , Tel: 01793 874742 installation & servicing Mobile: 0468 027860 • Aga, Rayburn Sponsor to Wroughton specialist Shotokan Karate Club

Our technicians will safely restore your oven to r J^' sparkling condition using our own product range & patented equipment. Superb results in 2-3 his No aerosols, no sprays, no residue We also clean hobs, hoods & microwaves to the same amazing standards.

boiler servicing and repairs, bathroom and power showers All areas of plumbing

Tel: 07989 950070 or 01793 339546

MARQUEE HIRE

Mini Marquee Hire Quality Marquees The affordable temporary cover Ideal for Parties - BBQ's Christenings • Weddings

Celebrate in style RAg 187

empire

FOR FREE QUOTATIONS

29 Meares Drive Shaw, Swindon

The UK's favourite oven cleaners

VIN WH WHELAN

Interior & Exterior

No job too big or too small. Free estimates

places • Cookers

ONUV

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

Mobile: 0790 0216618

CONTRACTOR

CLEANING

DECORATOR

decorator

Dennis Brown Gas Engineer

A SUDS

or e-mail: tekgel@aol.com

Tel:01793 701394

FARE

No call out charge • No VAT

Tel: 01793 721401

Highly experienced painter and

LPG & Natural

• Same day service-

Call OVENU today for free quote (01793) 831 944 www.ovenu,co.uk

GK DECORATORS

Gas Services • Boilers • Fires & fire

_tis

• Guaranteed repairs

on 01793 729440

D ECORATOR

GAS REPAIRS

• Most leading brands

Washing Machines Twin Tubs, etc. Member of Tumble Driers I. S.E. Food Waste Disposal Units Service Spares Repairs

No job too big or small

DECORATOR

Same day, local service wherever possible

01285 712667

Electrical Engineers & Contractors •

Electric showers fitted from £260 + VAT

•

Consumer unit change from £160 +VAT

•

Security lights/extra points

• Full rewires •

Free site survey

•

Domestic/Commercial/Industrial

For a free quote call now 01793 436539 all work guaranteed

PAVIN

JUST PAVJl I6 Full Landscape & Garden Services Specialising in block paving,' creatively designed to meet your needs Free no obligation quote Tel=:,- 01793

Mob: 0771

SECTOR APPLIANCE REPAIRS

BATHROOMS

BUILDING SE RVICES

empire Repairs to most makes of: 3 Washing Machines 3 Dryers 3 Dishwashers 3 Microwaves 3 Vacuum Cleaners

Fitters and furnishers of luxury bathrooms

BUILDING SERVICES

Hillside

Hall & Son Ltd

Building

A reputation built on quality

John Phillips Servicing

We can also supply and fit: • Showers • Enclosures • Towel rails • Accessories

Services Extensions, loft conversions Specialists in all types of building & plastering All work fully insured

Traditional carpentry & building services Kitchens, loft conversions, stairs. doors, building work, bedroom fitments, domestic & commercial works undertaken Free, no obligation quotations

25 years experience All work guaranteed

FREE advice, surveys and quotations

Contact Dave on

Call 01793 644313

Phone 0179 3 436 539

01793 488470

or 07768 271994

CONSERVATORIES

Wiftshire

Fitted packages from 799+ VAT Includes suite, 10m 2 tiles and all fitting (excludes disposal of old suite)

CRAFTSMAN WOODWORKER

p4uttus

RENOVATING

Conservatories

to country houses

Quality double glazed windows, doors and conservatories

& cottages

call 01793 873424 or 07968 355557

ELECTRICA L/PLUMBING

* security lighting

* garden electrics * heating * bathroom installation

CALL STANLEY

•_

01793 343350

PLUMBING & HEATI

Lee Orton Plumbing &

Heating * Central heating * Bathroom and showers * Boiler servicing and repairs * All plumbing work undertaken * Reliable service * Corgi registered

Tel: 01793 874076 Mobile: 0378 787868

• Professional painting & decorating services • Interior and exterior • Domestic & commercial • Specialist finishes • Free estimates

A quality finish at reasonable rates

Tel: 01793 - 874139 Mobile: 07780 793253

0374 - 208527

e-mail: paulexton@lineone.net

GARDEN SERV

Grass cutting Hedge trimming

• Regular, occasional or one-off • Long grass no problem

We specialise in: Repairs • Replacements • New locks All makes

Free estimates and advice No call out charge

Tel:

PAUL EXTON

Telephone for a free estimate: 870515 or mobile

GARAGE DOORS

Tel: (01793) 874480 Mob: 07860 760364 w^1i Egn National Inspection Council o a — for Electrical Installation Contracting

t ecomtlls4

Offering a high standard of work with references available.

made to order

Domestic, commercial &

* lighting * rewiring

koNses its Pest $wiNJon

FURNITURE & UNITS

Shaw Electrical & Plumbing Ltd industrial installations Maintenance & repairs

DECORATOR

CeteCt th4q 1 S yeaws

ROOFING (cut & trussed)

Windows - Doors -

For a free, no obligation quote at your convenience,

DECORATOR

01793 611785 anytime

PLUMBING & HEATING;

Quality Plumbing & Heating • Central heating installation • Boiler servicing & repairs • Replacement boilers • Outside taps ,= U • Power showers • Bathroom installations All plumbing work undertaken

Reliable service, realistic prices

Tel: 01793 881905 Mobile: 0973 663367

SUNBED HIRE

Deb's Sunbeds

Home Rental

• Garden vac, leaves etc • Clean, tidy work • Sensible prices • Odd jobs. fencing etc Friendly. 7 day service

Chris Reed Swindon 538839 UPVC CLADDING PAUL DRAPER

uPVC Fascia, Gu tt e ri ng & Cladding CLADDING

FASCIAS

Fast tanning canopies and doubles also available Free installation & local delivery

Tel: Swindon 726906 anytime (Mobile 07778 - 641052)

GUTTERING

* FREE ESTIMATES *

Fel: (01793) 825965 3 Overton Gardens, Stratton St Margaret, Swindon

www.swin

2001

The Link Magazine • F

House Cleaners Wanted

Play the

JUST THE JOB

Mobile Hairdresser

Domestic Services Agency requires Domestic Cleaners & Ironers Flexible hours, good rates of pay Phone Jill or Sue on 861112

Good Rates, Friendly, Reliable Service

£5 per hour cash Pian

Cleaning and ironing in local private houses in Swindon Daytime hours to suit

Learn to Sing

Phone Swindon 340437 for further information

For further details contact HomeMaids on Swindon 469552

IRONING MADE EASY

DECOTEX Painter & Decorator

Looking for 15 men and women who want to lose weight

Give yourself a break

Specialist Artexing

Money back guarantee

Tel: (01793) 791388

Call Teresa on 348735

Let me do your ironing Collection/Delivery available

For Sale Girls Raleigh Max 16, age 6-9yrs, grip shift gears, excel cond, £45. Boys BMX, chrome, age5-7yrswith rear stunt pegs, good cond, £40. Tel: 531403 Raleigh Max mountain bike, 17"wheels, as new, cost over £300, accept £70. Tel: 887916 Raleigh Pirate boys bike, ideal first bike with stabilisers, 2yrs old, excel cond. cost £65, sell £30. Tel: 876809 Mountain bike, Eagle Lagoona, brand new, 18" frame, 21 gears, suit teenager, cost £275, sell for £150. Tel: 341818

raincover hood, canopy, cozitoes,

changing bag, excel cond, £130. Tel: 638551

Graco Literider pushchair, folds, reclining seat, lockable swivel wheels, hood, tray, as new, £30. Tel: 771640 Baby walk-through gate excellent cond, £15. Tel: 531403 Electronic activity table suit 9mths+, excel cond, boxed, £10. Tel: 01285 862513

Pram/pushchair, navy & yellow check, detachable carrycot, raincover &

footmuff, £80. Tel: 700620 Britax travel system pram, forward and rear facing, 5 position seat, from birth, £95. Tel: 763359 -

^3G

for an appointment

Ironing a chore? Not any more! Ironing done in a smoke free environment at sensible rates Call Jackie on 721878 or Donna on 721719

/\L&

For Sale

Brio, large selection of train track, trains,

Double headboard (dusty pink) with two glass topped bedside cabinets, £25 ono. Tel: 870175 Reproduction Strongbow sideboard, excel cond, £175. Tel: 831068 (after 6pm) Two mahogany units, 6' high, (1 glassfronted display; 1 bookshelves), & mahogany coffee table, £60 for all. 3 seater sofa & 2 seater sofa, both navy blue, £100 ono. Tel: 611588 (after 6pm) Grey ash wall unit, good cond, need of space, £80 ono. Tel: 873500 (eves) Revolving bookcase (on legs)17"x17", display cabinet, h: 74" , w: 59", any reasonable offers. Tel: 870482 Hostess trolley, electric, excel cond, hardly used, £50. Tel: 876076 Gas fire, main frame super coal effect, excel cond. £130 ono. Tel: 876440 LEC fridge/freezer h: 57.5" w: 21", excel cond & working order, £150. Tel:

Phillips 28" teak surround TV and TV/ video stand, £40. Tel: 345838 Fifty Years a Fisherman autobiography, John Wilson, bought £20 sell for £10. Tel: 706098 Stamp album "Lindner" mini sheet album & slipcase, as new (no stamps), £20 ono. Tel: 349814 Chuckle Brothers tickets, for two adults and two children, Sunday 20 May, £25 ono. Tel: 871913 Fishtank, I: 50cm, w: 25cm, h: 30cm, with lid 37cm, several accessories, 6 months old, £60. Tel: 879147 after 8pm Rabbit hutch with run underneath, 4' high, 4' wide, 15" deep, good condition, buyer collects £20 ono. Tel: 330399 Gas BBQ, cover, coals, unused, still boxed, with bottle, £90. Tel: 728694 Lawnmower Qualcast 12" cylinder complete with grass box and instruction booklet, £15 no offers. Tel: 722464 Trailer tent, Aztec Pennine, 2/4 berth, fitted kitchen,double burner, grill, sink, storage space, awning, co-ordinated upholstery and curtains, many extras, excellent condition, £1450. Tel:

343323 -

01793 886023

For Sale plus extras, £60. Tel: 872531 Red check school dresses, size 4-5, £5 for both. Tel: 331201 Four dresses, three long sleeve tops, individual designs, size 20/22, seven items for £27. Tel: 771640 Thai silk brides dress, exclusive design, long sleeves, v neck front/back, straighter style, £50. Tel: 771640 Snooker table, cues, balls, good cond, buyer collects, £40. Lechlade framed print, £10. Tel: 878757 Snooker table 6' x 3' slate-based table topwith balls and cues, £40. Tel: 763359 Roller blades, size 2, dark green, fair cond, £8. Tel: 876060 Bowls size 3, leather bowls bag, shoes size 7, waterproof bowls jacket, £30. Tel: 723733 Trax Gym membership to Sept 2002 unlimited use of gym/fitness classes, sauna etc, £150. Tel: 07775 956375 Bedroom curtains, quality make, blue background with flowers, pelmet & tiebacks, 54" and 66", £30. Tel: 874767 Dusky pink lined velvet curtains, pelmet, tie back to fit patio doors, £150 new, sell for £60. Tel: 706403 Various blue and yellow double size quilt covers and pillowcases, £10 each set. Tel: 331201 Single bed plus headboard, gd cond, £15. Black briefcase, £5. Tel: 722158 Double bed, vgc, very comfortable, sprung base, headboard, £50. Tel:

Tricycle, suit 12 months +, £10. Girls bike with stabilisers, 11" wheels, suit 3 yrs +, £15. Tel: 876842 Childs rear bike seat, as new, takes up to 22kg, £20 ono. Tel: 331201 Maclaren Chamade pram/pushchair

Tel: 876077 for details

www.perfectlynatural.org.uk

f d3 F -4

Call Ange la on

Free private for Sale & Wanted ads Send to address on page 4 by 12th of the month

Tel: Name & Address (not for publication)

L --------------------J

876777

Electrolux upright cleaner with tools, gd cond, £12. Tel: 876060 Daewoo cookmate, new condition, £75. Aluminium extension ladders 2 x 16' little used, £120. Tel: 612500 UPVC double glazed front door, white, stained glass and leading, excel cond, with frame & furniture, £150 ono. Tel: 871913

Brother AX140 electronic typewriter with word processing facility, LCD display with instruction, £50. Tel: 343323 Matsui Mini Hifi - CD radio tape player. power output 2 X 30W, as new with instructions, £20. ZY-FY 2 Active Multi media 64 Watt PMPO speakers, external power supply, £15. Photo Express scanner, complete with software, £20. Tel: 876391 Record decks, DLPS'S x 2, excel cond, £200 one for quick sale. Tel: 432664 LPs, 120 mixed soft rock and pop, excel cond, £1 each, £80 ono for all. Tel: 877496 Panasonic KX-P1 081 printer, dot matrix with computer lead, old but good, £20 ono. Tel: 349814 Drum kit, complete set of drums and cymbals, sticks, brushes, adjustable seat, £125. Tel: 763359

345156

Mobility scooter, perfect condition, dismantles, can deliver. Tel: 701963 for details Nissan electric window component, complete, gd cond, for 1 OONX - hard to locate second hand, £20. Tel: 639877 VW Vento 1.8GL automatic L reg, red, full service history, electrics, excel cond, £2,600. Tel: 706098

Wanted Fridge or fridge/freezer in good condition. Must be less than 3 years old. Tel: 873897

Childs car seat, 1 yr onwards, must be excellent condition. Tel: 433254 Middle aged or retired gentleman to look after unruly garden on a regular basis and keep a hedge in order, Lydiard area. Tel: 771174 (after 5 & weekends)

House exchange 2-bed ground floor flat in The Prinnels for 2-bed house in West Swindon. Tel: 879709

k.com

The Link Magazine •

Making play more interesting

Ma y

2001

Free welfare advice and help with new housing benefit forms

Childcare providers and volunta ry play organisations have access to free advice and information, as well as low cost play equipment hire from the Playcare Resource Service. The information library is located at the Swindon Scrapstore at Pinehurst People's Centre. Play equipment for hire includes parachutes, a badge making machine and face painting kit. The service is funded by Swindon Council's Community Education and the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership and is available to playgroups, nurseries, childminders and out-of-school providers. For more information contact Suzanne Graham on 465414.

The West Swindon Family & Community Project provides free, confidential advice on welfare benefits, debt, housing, employment rights and the CSA. The advice workers can also proTreasurer needed vide help with completing the new, The West Swindon Family & more complex housing benefit/ Community Project is looking for council tax forms which were in- a volunteer treasurer who can troducedatthebeginningofApril. spare a few hours each month. "The new housing benefit appliThe person must be trustworthy cation and review forms are very and committed, and would like to complicated," said Mina Bhogal. be involved in a busy community New worker at Peatmoor "Please come and get advice early organisation. Orla Purcell has been appointed to the part-time lottery funded to avoid non-payment of housing Expenses and an honorarium community facilitator position at Peatmoor Community School, tak- benefit and the problems that can will be paid. For details, call Alison ing over from Julia Amies-Green. arise, such as receiving notice of Cardis on 871303. A mother of six girls ranging in age from 17 years to twins aged eviction." eighteen months, Orla arrived in Shaw last October from Dublin where The three sessions a week at West Parivaar (Family) she was a community worker with an inner city regeneration project. Swindon Family & Community West Swindon Family and ComShe is responsible for attracting new community activities to the Project, 15 Gainsborough Way, Mi i 9 s munityProject,at15Gainsborough ed . Freshbrook (Tel. 871303) take place WaY Freshbrookhas started a new , aising with local groups. on: group for Asian women, Parivaar. Contact her on 887473 if 10am - 12noon Monday Meetings take place fortnightly on you have an idea that will Mondays,12.30pm to 2.30pm, with Wednesday loam - 12noon build community spirit in childcare. Peatmoor and Sparcells. Friday 12noon - 2pm This is an opportunity to meet Also Wednesdays loam - 12noon new friends, and share skills and Orla, centre, with Peatmoor at Holy Trinity Church, Shaw. community association memexperience with others. For inforbers, from left, Jane Deeley, No appointment is necessary at mation on the next session or to Suzanne Bullimore, acting any of the sessions. book a creche place, call 871303. chair, Liz Emerson, treasurer community school and h-

%:..'• ' '

i t^ '

w ^'^+G

^, Y

A 2 Z Home Improvements

Peatmoor meeting invite The next meeting of the Peatmoor Community Association takes place on Monday 30 April, 7pm at Peatmoor Community Primary School. The Annual General Meeting is on Wednesday 9 May, 7.30pm in the same venue. All residents of Sparcells and Peatmoor are invited.

All your needs in one number Kitchen/Bathroom fitting, Tiling, Plumbing, Electrics, Painting, Decorating, Carpentry and much more

Notice Board

Tel: (01793) 339671 Mobile: 0378) 207977

111 Pinehurst Road Swindon

A quarterly report of what's on at Peatmoor Community School

The Army Cadets opened a new Peatmoor School detachment on 5 March which has hall is available for attracted a good response from daytime hire during young people. For details, call the summer school 01 380 724114 or call into the school holidays. on a Monday, 7pm to 9pm. Information on rates and availabilWest Swindon Parenting Group is ity of the community facilities at a new workshop to help families other times from 887473.

• from Fencing to Extensions • Hll building works unde rt aken • Large portfolio to uiew

Tel: 01793 886023 Mobile: 07990 576464

manage behaviour and parenting.

A 6 week course begins at Peatmoor School, on Wednesday 25 April, 10am to 12noon with a free creche. For more information call Gwen Griffiths (Health Visitor) on 877233. New College is running a free'Return to Learn' course commencing 3 May for 10 weeks, aimed at people who need to get back into education and the job market. For details, call the course tutor Danni Hillary on 611470. Theatre Express Performing Arts is holding its Summer School at Peatmoor, from 6 to 10 August. Youngsters who want to take part should call David Kerwickon 01608 676024.

between 1 Cam and 6pm

We are looking for a yoga teacher

Call Gemma 639480

to hold classes at Peatmoor School Please call 887473.

RAINBOW PLAYGROUP

POWER TO CHOOSE YOUR FUTURE Select Appointments are delighted to offer the following employment opportunities, representing Northern Electric And Gas, one of the country's leading energy suppliers.

Freshbrook requires a part time playgroup assistant Qualifications an advantage but not essential

Swindon and Surrounding Area Field Sales Managers: £7.25ph + 35p per mile car expenses Home Energy Advisors: £6.75ph + uncapped bonus We are looking for ambitious, self-motivated individuals to join our existing successful sales force. Visiting door to door you will explain to domestic customers in their own homes, the savings customers can achieve on their energy bills. Full training and ongoing support, generous basic salary, guaranteed weekly earnings, 37 hours, five days, working Monday to Saturday.

Call Fran 872948

evenings

Ideally you will have a sales background, although this is not essential. We need you if you are customer focused, possess good communications skills and have the energy and enthusiasm to be successful. For further information please contact NORTHERN CT

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Laura Cox on 01793

614281

or email:l.cox@select.co.uk

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www.swindo

The Link Magazine • May 2001

Getting ready to recognise volunteers during Volunteers Week 1 - 6 June Sarah Codd of Swindon Volunteers writes In the February

Link, I described how 2001 is the International Year of Volunteers, and how Swindon Volunteers, as the local information point, is promoting the orange and blue ribbon to draw attention to the number of volunteers in the town. To date we have tied over a thousand ribbons and I need to order more so we can make sure that every volunteer in Swindon can have one. Swindon Volunteers have another good reason to celebrate. We have just been successful in receiving lottery funding to expand our service over the next three years. As well as having longer opening hours in the central office at 1 John

Street, we will also be employing an outreach worker to get out and about around the town promoting volunteering and bringing our service closer to you. Watch this space. As well as recognising and rewarding volunteers, the other main element of Volunteers Week is recruitment. Look out for a Community Transport minibus wrapped in the orange and blue volunteering ribbon in the town centre on Friday 1 June and Wednesday 6 June, 11am to 3pm. Come over and talk to us about getting involved in voluntary activity. For details beforehand, contact me on 420557.

A doctor's day out west A GP will talk about a working day at a meeting of the Patient Participation Group at the Ashington House Surgery, Westlea, on Wednesday 25 April, 2pm. Every welcome. BC The person who changed AD Histo ry is changing peoples lives Today

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SWINDON FAMILY CHURCH SUNDAYS 10.30AM THE WINNERS LOUNGE SWINDON TOWN F.C.

Church in north nears completion Members of the Church of Christ the Servant in Abbey Meads are looking forward to completion of their building at the village centre and moving from their current venue at Abbey Meads School. The spire is up, the scaffolding is down, and the deceptively large building will soon become a focus for community activity. The main worship area will seat 150 people with an overflow area for thirty more. Development of the church ministry is a partnership between the Methodist, Baptist, United Reformed Church and the Church of England. Methodist minister, Deaconess Maureen Spinks, right, completes her term of office in the summer and takes up new responsibilities in Gloucester in August. She is involved in the appointment of her successor, who will be of the Baptist faith. During her five years in the post, Maureen has been ve ry influential in helping the Abbey Meads community take shape and is pleased by what has been achieved during that period. "As well as sharing the Good News of Jesus, the church has been a catalyst for developing community activity, spotting

needs as they arise and being in the forefront of efforts to meet them," she said. The opening of the new church will be a fitting climax to her term of office. A range of celebration events are being organised, with the aim of attracting every North Swindon resident into the building.

Lions eat for India earthquake victims West Swindon Lions organised a members outing to the Biplob Tandoori in Old Town on 3 April and raised £285 for the Lions Indian Earthquake Disaster Relief. The club meets monthly and Car boot sale and barbecue welcomes anybody interested in Sunday 29 April its fundraising activities for good Holy Family Junior playground causes. For details of the next meeting, call Lion President Diane Set-up from 9am, sell from 10am Pitches £5 in advance, £6 day Benson on 872997 (eves) or Lion Call 435800/346305 for details Steve Austin 527364 (day).

PINEHURST PEOPLE'S CENTREI

6ui[ding with people Come and join us Sunday at 10am & 6.30pm For fu rt her information of other meetings ring: 873050, call into the Church office or visit www.freshbrook.org

NOW... WE ARE BACK ON THE FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH AT LINK CENTRE For more information, inclu. midweek activities, call Brian on 849731

Jesus said: "I have come that YOU might have LIFE and have it in its fulness"

in association with NEW FRONTIERS INTERNATIONAL

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Greenmeadow Primary School ]I

We are here!

Sunday Worship 10.30am Pastor Dennis Weaver

Final night of the nationwide tour of a multi-media event of poetry and music, images and stories from Christian Aid partners around the world, with singer songwriters Martyn Joseph and Martin John Nicholls, and poet Stewart Henderson The Pilgrim Centre, Regent Circus • Friday 11 May, 7.30pm Tickets £6 from the Pilgrim Centre office, Monday to Friday, 9am-4pm. Tel: 537642

OCAL CHURCHES All Saints' Lydiard Millicent — 10:30am Revd Peter Knight: 772417 (for the Village & Roughmoor) Holy Trinity Shaw — 10:30am Revd Andrew Hetherington: 770568 (the Church is at Shaw Village Centre) St Mary's Lydiard Tregoze — NEW TIME 1000am Revd Ann Mackenzie: 870244 Toothill Church - 10:45am Revd Mark Roper: 692620 (also Free Church minister for the parish) Westlea Church - 10:00am Revd Peter Knight: 772417 (this Church meets in Westlea School Hall, Langstone Way)

North Swindon Baptist Church

Sunday School & Creche -

A World of Difference

Web: http://nsbc.org.uk TEL: (01793) 345051

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The Parish of West Swindon and the Lydiards Baptist • Church of England • Methodist • United Reformed Church

The Link Magazine • May 2001

The Red Nose round-up

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A gallery of whacky activities on Red Nose Day 16 March •

Left, Greenmeadow youngsters spent the t day with pants on their' heads and raised £180. At Greendown, right, £2,000 was raised from r lots of different events including Ready, Steady Cook, Stars in their Eyes and soaking the teacher, including head ofhumanities Pete Gould.

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Children at Peatmoor Schoo multi-coloured with hairdos, from left, Helen Blenkhorn, Holly Lynch, Alison Read, Ben Borrman, Harley Vivash. Front, Scott Miller.

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Professional Healing Courses Learn this ancient healing art

Courses available at all levels, ,rth

Club spent an evening

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Reiki is safe, completely natural and highly effective complementary therapy. Reiki is not a religion or a belief system

Players in Shaw Judo

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throwing their Sensei to raise £320. Emma Bunce puts in one of 1,234 throws of the evening. Keep fitnutters at Link Centre team rowed 100,000 metres ,^ in 7 hours to raise £220. Standing Helen Maine, Arther ^, Beltrami, Kevin Rowles, Ken Boynes, Jean Gonclaves, Ian . ''" Richards. Rowing, Annette Richards, Simon Hancock. Not J , s^ pictured, organiser Caroline Painter and Dave Maine

small informal groups, individual attention, comprehensive manual, certificated. After course guidance and support. FREE INFORMATION PACK

Reiki Master/Teacher. Guild of Complimentary Practitioners F. J. Taylor, (01793) 848940 Mobile 07740 516238

Reiki treatments available for relief of st ress, pain, depression, low energy, etc. fjtO4@aol.com www.reikiretreat.co.uk

At Shaw Ridge

school, parent Julie Mills was volunteered by her son Joseph to make a Red Nose cake for a raffle. Teacher Jill Edwards modelled the Yfronts, while Jennifer Jones and Hannah Hugheson

a Field Market +it

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hold up their prize

winning posters

"To become the de of Field Marketii

Year 4 children at

Westlea School enjoyed a disco organised by parents Helen Hoar and Dee Blanche at

Hook village hall to raise £100

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Charity ice hockey match in aid of a children's ward at PMH. No rt h Star rec. team V Swindon Ex-Wildcats with Daryl Lipsey and Joe Dunn.

Sat. 19 May, 5pm Details/tickets from Link Centre hockey shop

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Senior Adminis£16,000 - £1 Office Executi^ £12,001 Finance Mana £20,000 pr c (20 hours per weel We are looking for professit our success. If any of the you please give u

0179377 or email headoffice@ Al

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Tel: 762602

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HYDRO Tel: 465630

Tel: 706666

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RECREATION GCMPLEX

sports centre

Tel: 533763

Tel: 526622