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THE

LINK No. 103 October 1990 Circulation 10,500

How did Matthew do? Find out how much was raised for Special Baby Care by Matthew Fiddes at his fete advertised on our front page last month. Turn to page 16 Pictured be/ow: Matthew and his mum Majella at the fete.

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West Swindon As Our Community November conference to involve residents and agencies A conference which aims to give residents a chance to say what they think of West Swindon takes place on 6 and 7 November. People living in the area, local community, health and social workers, teachers and churchmen/women are being invited to take part in a big get together to 'take the pulse' of the community and see if local services could be improved. Joint organiser Rev. John Flory says the conference is a chance to take stock. "With new building slowingand people settlingdown, it's a good time to take a look at what kind of community we have by bringing together people who live in the area and those who work in West Swindon. It's an opportunity to be clearer about the problems and to share ideas on how to improve things."

Community Development Officer Laurence Yeoman, also organising the two days, doesn't want the word 'conference' to put people off attending. "It sounds too grand, but it's not. Living in West Swindon affects people in different ways. It's important that residents are able to express their views on what it's like to live here. It's a chance to share and exchange ideas, and look to the future." Lunch will be provided on both days and there will be free childcare available. There is no cost to people living in the area who attend. The conference takes place in the Community Suite at the Link Centre from 9.30a.m. to 2.30p.m. on both days. Readers who would like to attend can use the booking form on page 30 to register their interest.

ON MONDAY 15 OCTOBER, 7.30pm - 9pm COMMUNITY SUITE, LINK CENTRE This is an opportunity to meet Superintendant Bill Pryke, Commander of Swindon North Police Sub-Division, who will • Give a General Overview of Police Work in the Division (including West Swindon) • Outline the challenges presented by the opening of Shaw Ridge Leisure Park • Speak on the importance of working with the community through Neighbourhood Watch Schemes and other measures

And will answers questions from the public.

ALL WELCOME

486872 Health report confirms W. Swindon survey results A recent report produced by Swindon's director of public health, Dr John Parsons, has pinpointed lonliness and isolation in new housing areas as a major problem in Swindon. He indicates that some illnesses might be caused by social isolation and displacement resulting from themovementofpeopleaway from family and other traditional support systems. This creates greater demands on statutory services, voluntary support bodies like Relate (marriage guidance) and local G.P services. A large survey published in the April 1989 edition of The Link included a question "Do you ever feel lonely?" The survey results were presented to Thamesdown Council's Community Development Committee on 28 September. Not published in the survey report is the fact thatoutof 568 replies returned, 275 said they never felt lonely. However218 said they felt lonely sometimes, 43 said often and 11 said they felt lonely most of the time. (21 did not answer). Added together272 respondents living in West Swindon, 50%, indicated some feelings of loneliness. Turn to page 15

for information on the survey results.

We go to school again Parents and their 10 year olds will be asked to choose a secondary

school soon. Every autumnThe Linkvisitsthe schools designated to receive children from West Swindon. This year we've asked the studentstowritetheirirrpressions of the school. We start with Greendown on page 13.

No more fireworks displays for West

This photograph taken last year shows how the south-west wind was blowing over the crowd gathered at the West Swindon Centre

After 8 years, the annual firework spectacular at the West Swindon Centre will no longer take place. Last year a number of injuries occurred as a result of overcrowding on the site and firework fallout. Now major sponsors and site owners ASDA say it is unsafe to continue using the site. Up to 10,000 people attended in 1989. But last November, for the first time, the wind was blowing from the South West. This meant that spent fireworks were falling back onto the crowd. ASDA has decided to sponsor

the Swindon Lions fireworks show at the Polo Ground in Old Town on Saturday 3 November. Unfortunately many people will lose out by this decision because of the already huge traffic jams that take place around the Polo Ground will be dramatically increased. Combining with an existing event means that there won't be a choice of shows to attend. The Link voiced these points and called for the West Swindon show to be transferred to Lydiard Park. Perhaps readers need to make their views heard as well.

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I West Swindon's Fire Station off ing water imported from drought Mead Way was opened by official free Kennet District. The new high-tech building feaspeeches and demonstrations ustured in last month's Link magaBelow: County Council chairwoman zine is home for 18 firemen who Mary Salisbury with Wiltshire Fire live close-by and can turn out at a Chief John Craig moments notice. After the staff based at the station, and their families, were blessed by Brigade Chaplain. Mrs Mary Salisbury, chairof the County Council, unveiled a plaque which triggered the station call-out alarm. The firemen performed drills using their brand new fire engine and emergency tender, showing off the wide variety of techniques and equipment used to deal with different emergencies. On the last drill, hoses held too high and the strategic direction of the wind caused a sudden downpour upon the dignatories assembled to witness the demonstration.

flillfik Malti0% Published by West Swindon Publications 13 Castle Dore Freshbrook, Swindon Editorial: Roger Ogle, Publisher/Editor Tel: (0793) 872282 Advertising Sales: Elizabeth Wood Tel: 871793 d Apple Macintosh design, layout and lasersetting by Keystrokes

"The Unk was first published in December 1978 exclusively for the West Swindon community. It Is completely independent of Unk Centre and, In fact, won the competition to name the leisure centre in 1984. The magazine Is entirely self-supporting from advertising."

Contents 4 Toothill 6 Freshbrook & Grange Park Electronic Design 7 Westlea Printed by Western Webb, Bristol 8 Shaw Recreation 10 Published monthly. 11 Arts Scene 12 At Your Library Copy date for the 13 Education Matters November edition: 14 Day In The Life 15-27 News & Views 17th of October. 29 Home & Garden The October edition will be 30 Letters & Small Ads. published on 26th October. 31 The Reference Page

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

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Tim looks forward to leading Swindon Town out in April

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

Pictured with Cohn Calderwood, Angela Warren, rear, Tim Gibson, centre, and runners up Anthony Pyle from Toothill (left) and Sarah Valters from Westlea

We've found some winners in the competition we've been running over the summer months in association with Dewhurst The Butcher and the West Swindon Centre. At stake was a football signed by the Swindon Town players and manager who took the team to Wembley in May, and for under 14s, a chance to be the team mascot at a home game. We asked adult readers to answer nine questions about the town's team, the West Swindon Centre and The Link Magazine. Due to some of prize winners being on holiday we were not able to arrange a photograph with Swindon captain Cohn Calderwood until this edition. Winner of the football was Angela Warren from Stratton St Margaret who said some of the questions were tough. "We had a family argument about which club in Argentina Ossie Ardiles had played for," she said. "1 had to ring Swindon Town and had to ring back later because they didn't know." Nine year old Town fanatic Tim Gibson of Wool laton Close, Grange Park, took three days to assemble a vivid collage of photographs of players and the scenes at Wembley, and will be leading the team out on 27 April at the home game with Leicester City. Cohn Calderwood described Tim's work as an outstanding picture. Tim's mother Gillian said the letter awaiting Tim on return from holiday sent him into ecstasy. "It was better than three weeks away. Now his friends will believe he's won."

£20 was raised for the Prospect Foundation from entry fees to the football competition.

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Link readers have given a boost to a crazy idea to raise money for the Tenovus Cancer Research Institute in Cardiff. Members of the Swindon Business Women's Breakfast Club are driving an electric C5 tricycle from London to Paris on 4 October. Last month Shushma Patel, proprietor of Freshbrook Chemists and one of the club members, appealed for donations to get the show on the road. In just three weeks £150 was contributed to the fund, as well as a CB radio to help the team keep in contact with each other. Now the CS has to help them finish the job.

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Getting to know you Toothill's new neighbourhood community worker is quickly getting to know the area by meeting individuals and group members. Miriam Minty has moved into Stamford Close, Tooth!!! from Scunthorpe where she started and ran a Women's Outreach Project for 14 months. Originally from Chester, Miriam started training as a teacher at Sunderland Polytechnic and then transferred to a Combined Arts course. After gaining her degree she spent a year as a welfare officer with the Students' Union. Miriam said the Toothill job appealed to her because it would allow her to concentrate on working with people in one area. "I had to work in three diverse neighbourhoods in Scunthorpe which didn't allow me to develop strong contacts. Being just in Toothill will allow me to get to know the people well and work with them to develop groups which will benefit the area." One of her first tasks will be to coordinate the now traditional

Miriam Minty

Community Bon-Fire and fireworks event atToothill Farmon 2 November. Even though she hates fireworks, she's plugging her ears and looking for volunteers to make it a big success like last year. Miriam can be contacted at Thamesdown Council's Community Development Division on 526161 ext.4831 or 613183.

Make the bonfire a big one This year's community bonfire event at Toothill Farm takes place on Friday 2nd November and volunteers are needed to make it successful. It will be the only organised fireworks event in West Swindon. An estimated 3,000 people attended last year and lots of help is needed to organise safety and marshalling, building the bonfire, letting off fire-works, catering, etc. Another theme is needed as well. Last year's was 'beat the poll-tax' and the year before the Houses of Parliament went up in flames. Ideas and help should be offered to Miriam Minty on 613183 or 526161 ext.4831.

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Some of the pupils atToothill School spent an afternoon in September learning science by watching a play. The Kinetic Theatre put on No Smoke Without Fire to get across lots of messages about how things are made from electricity, how electricity itself is made and what the dangers there are when handling different kinds of energy. The play told a story about a company which makes plasticducks. The arrival of an 'energysaving' machine makes life simple at first, but its greedy appetite for fuel creates lots of problems. The two man theatre-in-educati. -ì company enthralled the audience with quick costume changes by acting out all the parts. The pupils were sent back to their science projects full of ideas.

The Kinetic Theatre, actors Graham Scottand Michael Whibnorewith,from left, Caroline Lambert, Diane Bentley, Christopher Pentecost and Michael Fall ows, and the energy hungry duck producing machine which had ideas of taking over the world

FRESHBROOK & GRANGE PARK A Flood of Enquiries for Exchanging ideas and Noah's Ark Playgroup experiences at Freshbrook School

church premises on Worsley Road to provide parents with an opportunity to meet staff and look around. Our aim is to create a loving and caring environment in which children can Several months ago, out of our dee learn and play. sire to serve the community, sire Interested person should contact Freshbrook Evangelical Church pro- Mrs Nita Grainger on 490498 duced a questionnaire to research the Friends of Freshbrook School needs of families in the area. CAR BOOT SALE Followinga positive response,plans Saturday 6 October have been made to launch the Noah's 10.00a.m.-1 2.00 noon Ark playgroup in January 1991. We Pitches £4/5 have already appointed a supervisor To book phone 874925 with a full Nursery/Infant teach qualification and a deputy supervisor who holds the P.P.A. certificate, has muchexperience in the careof children and is also a qualified nurse. We shallinitiallyberunningatleast three morning sessions per week, and Freshbrook willbe holding an open evening at our

Last month we featured Alice Warnes andAnn Fisher, two teachers from "lMrat! Another new playgroup in West Freshbrook School who have gone to the United States for a year on the Swindon! Aren't there enough already?" If this is your reaction to plans fora Fulbright exchange scheme. In this edition we meet Muriel Hackney and Peggy Doekson who have taken their places and ha ye just spent their first new playgroup in Freshbrook you could be forgiven - but think again. month at Freshbrook.

Peggy and Muriel are two well travelled teachers from Stillwater, Minnesota where they work in different schools of about 700 primary age children. Situated in the St. Croix Valley, 20 miles from MinneapolisSt. Paul, the town of about 13,000 people is the oldest in Minnesota and was the site of abrutal and decisive battle between Chippewa and Sioux tribes in 1839. Muriel has travelled to Europe on several occasions and has taught in France. Peggy has taught in Japan. They were friends as well as colleagues in Minnesota and went on a teaching trip to Denmark in 1989. On stoppingover in Britain last year they meta Wiltshire Primary School Advisor who has helped them set up the exchange. "The exchange process has worked out very well," said Muriel. "We had been exchanging information and photographs with Aliceand Ann for a year and we met each other in Washington D.C. in August. They've smoothed things for us so well and our colleagues in Stillwater were ready to help them when they arrived." Even with all the preparations, there are obvious differences and cultural shocks. "When we walked in we immediately felt at home," said Peggy. "There was the bustle of getting things ready for the new term and we quickly made a bond with our new colleagues." "Our system is different in so many ways. Our school at home start at 830a.m. and finishes at 230p.m., and we find it unusual that the whole school stops forbreak and lunchtime. We're used to lunch breaks being staggered into three 30 minute shifts, with each class arriving in the lunch hall at 3 minute intervals. Seeing children drinking milk from bottles was strange. I don't think ours will have ever seen milk in a bottle. "At home also, hardly any parents come to the school gate. A few children walk, but most will travel in those yellow buses which you see in films or in shared cars organised by parents." Other differences they have found is the prescence of religion in schools and the limited amount of testing that takes place.; Muriel is interested by the changes taking place in the financingand management of British schools. "Every state is different in the way education is run and Minnesota is a leader in the USA. What is common is that taxes,

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Gratitude for sympathy Finding their English teachers on the front page of The Stillwater Gazette, from left Robert Crossley, Sarah Higgs, Lee Hare, Carly Razey with Peggy Doekson and Muriel Hackney financing and accountability takes place at a local level. There is no local authority and in our area, each school principal is responsible for management which is based on cooperation and consensus. Everybody is involved in a consultation process where it affects their job. This carries over to our work with children and parents. If them is a problem, parents are expected to be fully involved in sorting things out with the teacher." Both Muriel and Peggy are surprised by how hard British teachers work. They are used to having a lot of help in the classroom and using pm-produced education materials. It means that they will be working hard to keep up the flow of project work to keep their classes satisfied.

Val and Terry Iles of Turnham Green would like to thank all the many people who expressed their condolences following the tragic death of their son Michael in August. The kind sympathy and support has given them encouragement and strength in their time of sorrow.

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• In their letters to their friends at Freshbrook School, Alice Warnes and Ann Fisher say they have been made very welcome in what they say is a totally different system of education. They arrive for work at 7.15a.m. and have been amazed by the organisation of the staggered lunch time which keeps overcrowding to a minimum. There's such a wealth of resources in the schools that they're already wondering how they will ever get used to using everything sparingly when they come home. • The Link has taken a series of photographs of Muriel and Peggy which they will send to the weekly education page in their local newspaper The Stillwater Gazette.

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A group of Westlea mums have completed a project which will help preparechild ren in the area for school The Link reported in June that the group had completed 50 play packs and were opening a library in the PATCH mom at Westlea School so that they could be lent out. Barely three months later, and a C250 donation from ASDA, a further fifty packs have been completed to increase the range of stimulating idea s available to children and parents in the area. Each play pack is based on a theme to stimulate a child's imagination and encouragediscussion between parent and child. Subjects like colours, numbers, words, animals, objects of interest are all included. Each pack contains a variety of items such as a book, toys, crayons, paper, things to countandalsoa suggestion card which gives parents ideas on how to use the contents. The PATCH room was set up to create better links between parents, teachers and children. Headteacher NeilGriffiths said the play packs were invaluable in helping parents prepare their children for school 'The mums have put so much time and care into making the play packs. They've done a magnificent job and so have the mums who looked after the children whilst the others could work on the pack

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ASDA Manager Les Lloyd was almost overwhelmed by the thanks he received from the Westlea Play Packs mums when he attended a celebration marking the completion of their project "The packs offer many rich experi- didn't know we had," said one group ences which parents can build upon member. "There are some brilliantly with their children to stimulate lan- clever ideas which will help children guage, manipulative, creative, math- learn. We're thankful to ASDA for ematical and social skills." their donation. We've been able to Fifteen parents have worked to- buy good quality books and the magether for nearly eighteen months on terials to finish the packs." making the packs. "Many of us have The Play Pack Library is open on re-discovered or developed skills we Friday from 2.15p.m. to 3.30p.m.

Safe crossing called for A group of Westlea parents are going to take their campaign fora safer road crossing by presenting a petition to ThamesdownCouncil'sPublicWorks Committee. Following an accident reported in the August L.ink magazine, a public meeting at Westlea School on 19 September was called to discuss the wellknown dangers to pedestrians on CortonCrescent,betweenWestlea and the West Swindon Centre. Mike Rowlands, an engineer from Thamesdown's Environmental Services Department, attended the meeting and explained that Wiltshire County Council sets the budget and Thamesdowndecides where it should bespent. He said Corton Crescent had been considered in 1989 by the Committee, but was not considered a priority. The recent accident was the first in six years and traffic and pedestrian usage did not meet the criteria for a pelican crossing. Mr Rowlands indicated that 'traffic calming' measures might work, such as speed humps or narrowing the road. The meeting heard that in three years Gateway and ASDA had betwcen them spent over 15 million on internal rebuilding, but very little on external works. There werepredictions thattheextra ffic generated by Shaw Ridge Leisure Park will endanger pedestrians even more. The open air market and the new doctor's and new health centre next will also attract peopleon foot.

Large numbers of Westlea School children alreadyuse the mute to walk to swimming lessons at the Link Centre every Thursday. Alison BarrattfromEastleaze said it was very hazardous to get across Corton Crescent with young children or a pram. "You can't see the traffic coming down the hill and round the corner fromFive-Ways roundabout." Ruth Girling of Benwell Close recounted several incidents when drivers had to make emergency stops to prevent them running into a column of children crossing the roads. The meeting was reminded that Gateway had made a public offer to provide a pelican crossing in 1987, but the offer was ignored by the County Council. It was generally felt that ASDA had to make a contribution to improving the situation in order to keep customers visiting their store. Those attending agreed to lobby the Public Works Committee on 22 October by calling for • speed humps, a chicane or mad narrowing on Corton Crescent; • new road markings and warning signs; • new landscaping to the West Swin don Centre car park to improve sight lines; • financial contributions from ASDA and the Shaw Ridge Leisure Park to pay for the work, • speed humps in Langstone Way, outside Westlea School, to prevent drivers finding a quick way round the measures in Corton Crescent.

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SHAW New head, traditional values

The opening of a second school building on Shaw's Brook Field School site has also seen the arrival of Roger Nicholas, the new headteacher who has moved from a school in Chippenham. Coming originally from West Wales, he brings a strong sense of 'community,' a solid feeling in the traditional area he was brought up in, but something that is still being built up in Shaw. The idea of the school as a community and the influence of school in the community are important matters he says. "When I first visited Brook Field, I could sense the school had'personality.' Iwas struck by the warmth of the staff and the children,and the settingof theschool in the neighbourhood. "I immediately felt the potential for developing the partnership between the school and its community which had already been started. I want the school to be a positive influence and be part of creating a history and a 'culture' within the area. We do this by focussing on the child's growth and by creating strong links with parents." Mr Nicholas is well aware of the pressures on education and on families but sees the role ofschoolas a calming influence.

"Society places great expectations on families to be successful and keep up appearances; there's a demand for achievement. Children need to be protected so that they can develop their full potential academically and socially. It's important they can do this in a calm atmosphere. Thinking back to his boyhood in Wales, Mr Nicholas often compares schools and schooling. "My school was one of those old Victorian buildings with highwindows which you couldn't see out of. Our schools today children a rich environment which is conclusive to producing quality work. "My 85 yearold uncle was headmaster and he told me recently that there is a greater expectation of the Hard at work with Roger Nicholas, primary child these days than there from left, Jenna Walsh, Lucie Haugh and Elaine Meddlycott. ever has been in the past. "The important point is that the basic skills and values are still the Shaw Residents' same. Mathematics, handwriting, good behaviour, concern for others Association meets on are just some of the things which the first Monday of the were important in the past and are month at 7.45 p.m. in just as relevant today." Mr Nicholas added that in addiShaw Church. tion to children's needs, the chalIf there are any matters lenge for the future is to build that Shaw people would stronger partnership with parents like raised, just turn up. so that they become more involved in education.

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1st & 75th for ShawW.l. Debbie Griffiths reports: What fun we had at Shaw WI's 1st and WI's 75th birthday celebrations recently. We ho-de-hoed our partners and swung our corners all evening at our Barn Dance at Saltway School. I recommend it as an evening of fun (and exercise) for all ages. WI's all over the country were celebration on the same night and in true WI tradition, raising money for charity. We raised ÂŁ64 to be donated to four children's charities. The first WI was formed in 1897 in Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada after the death of a child. Our next meeting is on Monday 15 October at 730p.m. at Shaw Community Centre (the portacabin by the shop). We're having a speaker on Victorian Magic Lanterns which promises to be a very illuminating evening. Anyone liking more details please telephone me on 875725. I have one those dreaded machines so please be prepared to leave you name and telephone number. Apologies to the lady who rang last month. You didn't leave your number! See Page 30 fora birthday photo.

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RECREATION

5th year for Shaw Ridge 10k Run An invitation from Keith Burke

Women's power energy Sunday140ctoberwfflseethirtyeight women from all over the South West of England powerlifting in West Swindon. Following the success of a men's competition at Greendown School in April, Ann and Steve Brown from Shaw are organising the event as a qualifier for the National Championships. With sponsorship from National Power and Pebley Beach Garage, Wroughton, and refreshments provided by Pizzarama, Shaw, there will alsobe two special events at the end of the competition. One will be a Sponsored Daadlift by two male power-lifting champions. Together they will try to lift 1,000lbs. as many times as they can with piwds being donated to the Mayor of Thamesdown's Helping Hand Fund. This will be followed by a bodybuildingdisplaybya male and female duo. "We had a good response from local people in April, many had never heard of powerlifting," said Ann Brown. "1 hope more will come along to see what women can do. You don't have to be big to take part, I'd like to

Since Shaw Ridge School opened in 1985 we have looked at various ways of raising funds. In September 1986 we held our first 10k Run and followWith Lee Hogan M.P.E.A, R.S.A. ing its success it has becomeanannual event in our school calendar. Tuesdays 7.30pm4.30pm Exercise to Music with Lee We hold our next run on Sunday Total Body Conditioning October and are looking for as many Drama Studio, Greendown School people as possible to take part. There is a Fun Run at 1020a.m. Saturdays 5pm-6pm which starts and finishes at the school. Cardio-Funk with Tracy Anyone over 9 is welcome to join in. A Great New Exercise Class At 10.45a.m. the main event takes using the best & latest music. place and follows an accurate course Willows Hall, Freshbrook School For the Fit, the Young, the Young of lOkamund the roads and footpaths at Heart, Men & Women Alike of West Swindon. It will be fully marshalled and the St. John AmbuSundays 6pm-7.15pm lance Brigade will be in attendance. Fitness Training with Lee There are prizes for the winners and No dancing, No music, Circuit each competitor will receive a hand Training, Stamina Building, made ceramic medallion. There is also Team Games - For Men a spedal prize for anyone breaking the Sports Hall, Greendown School course record of3l minutes 11 seconds. Sundays 7.30pm-8.30pm I would like to thank our sponsors Exercise to Music with Lee Mansfield Begbie Associates, CornTotal Body Conditioning pleteclazingServices,TheRoyalBank The Gym, Greendown School of Scotia nd plc and Total Fitness withEveryone Welcome out whose help we could not n.m the event. NO! MEMBERSHIP Entry costs: Fun Run £1.75; S.R6. NO! REGISTRATION £3.00 (surehargeCl ontheday). Fomis JUST PAY ON THE DAY fromShawRidgeSchool,RidgeGrcen, £2.50 all sessions. Classes and times to suit everyone we hopel Shaw, Swindon, Wilts SN5 9RW. Two young motorcross riders from Telephone: 870691 for details We hope to see you them Toothill have been collecting trophies since The Link first introduced them to readers in May. Tristian,10,andSimonGreenwood, 7lpictured below) have raced in eight D.O. meetings over the summer months and have enjoyed themselves a great deal. STRUCTURAL HEALTH CONSULTANT

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Pumping iron for the big event. Ann Brown, right, and Julie Cross from E.asfleaze.

see more women showing interest" At 7st. 41b. Ann will be lifting over three timesherownbodyweight She will be going fora323lb. deadlift at the competition. "Come along for an energy charged day," she says. The Women's Powerlifting Competition takes place on Sunday 14 October, from 11.30a.m. to 5p.m. at Greendown School, Grange Park. Tickets arein advance fmm881856, or £3 on the door. Children are free.

Skate Back to the glamourous 70's Saturday 6 October 8.00p.m.- 1 0.30p.m.

Skate down memory lane to the days of platform shoes and bell bottom trousers at the Ice Rink's 'Clam Rock Night'. Reminisce to the sounds of the era and test your knowledge in our 7(Ys music quiz. There will begames, competitions and many prizes.

New Tai kwan do club starts Learn the art of Korean karate with Black Belt Tim Neave. It starts on 2 October and meets every Tuesday and Thursday at Greendown School. Juniors 6.30p.m. - 7.45p.m. Seniors 8p.m. - 9.30p.m. Cost: E2 per session

Camp registration Lincoln's half term activity camp takes place from 29 October to 2 November. Registration starts at "It's good fun," said Tristian. "Hike 10a.m. on 15 October at Link Centre the jumps the best" reception. Dad Steve 'Griz' Greenwood has been giving his sons lots of help with motoitross techniques. 'Tiistian is Gymnastic number more skilfulland navigates the course. The Concorde Girls Gymnastic Club Simon isa bit ofa speed merchant and which meets at Greendown School goes for it a bit. He fell. off six timesin had a good response from the listing one race but got going again. He has of activities in last month's Link. The contact person has changed a good attitude. "They've both improved a lot since and any girls who would like to know they started in April. They're learning more about joining the club should to handle speed safely." ring Sally Martin on 852490.

ARTS SCENE

Book early for Aladdin A host of stars will make this year's pantomime at the Wyvern Theatre the best there has ever been. The ever smilingFloella Benjamin - favourite of millions of TV watching children - has the star role as Aladdin. She's supported by Bucks Fizz singer Bobby C as Wishee Washee. (rheWyvern says thatBobby's supporters from around the country have not bought up all the tickets). Also in the show is HTV presenter Su Porter plus several others. Floella and Bobby played Aladdin

together last year, so this year they'll be giving it some extra zip. Especially as there are going to be some amazing special effects - look out for the flying carpet. With magnificent costumes, lively singing and dancing, and lots of audience participation, this year's panto is sure to be great fun for the whole family. Aladdin runs for five weeks from 14 December to 19 January. Book now by calling the Wyvern Box Officeon52448l. Thecredit card line is 694055. Eastern promise for Christmas. Floella Benjamin, Bobby G and Su Porter supported by girls from the Molly Tanner School of Dancing

There's so much on at Link Arts in October

R.T. Farley

Link Arts worker C/any Bean writes.

Forchildren, our Monday afternoon (4-5p.m.) Drama Club is already proving a big success,as is ourTuesday afternoon (4-6p.m.) Art Club. Don'tmiss out on these excitingFUN sessions! Dance Classes are also well under way on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. This month's special Childrens event is on Saturday 13th when six successful writers who have contributed to the children's book The Bees Knees will come a long to read and perform material from the book. Again, lots of fun is promised and the book will be on sale for only £2.50 a copy. The Bee Knees starts at 2.00p.m. and tickets cost only £2.25. Our Jazz concert this month is on Friday 5th, and features contemporary sax playerMartin Speake along with Loose Tubes' guitarist John Paricelli, Steve Watts (Bass) and Steven Keogh (Drums) complete this excellent quartet. Doors open at 800p.m., with tickets priced from £2.00 to £4.00. Staying with music, local rock band Shrink, who have recently returned froma ground-breaking tour of East Germany, will be appearing on Saturday 6th. Doors open at 800p.m. and with two fine support bands on the bill, it should be a hot, sweaty, get-up-and-dance type gig! Tickets cost only £2.50 in advance, £3.50/f3.00 on the day. Folk/ rock fans can catch two excellent concerts on 12th and 13th: on the Friday Pressgang make a welcome return to Swindon supported by the The Judacutters while the extremely popularPagan Fringe are playing on the Saturday night. Local bands will also be featured on Saturday 20th and Friday 26th at the Swindon Rock Front gigs. Laughter comes to the Link in a big way in October as we focus on Comedy this month. On Thursday 11th Eric Idle and Robbie Coltrane star in the British film 'Nuns on the Run', while fans of American humour should not miss the wickedly

ROPERTY MANAGERS funny sex farce 'Scenes from the Class Struggle in Beverley Hills' on Thursday 25th. Both films start at 745p.m. For those who appreciate the humour of the written word, poet Charles Thomson will be among those appearing at our first Writers Cabaret - an evening of laughter, comical stories and poetry and a licensed bar. Doors open at 8.00p.m. and tickets cost 3.00/.00 concessions. On Tuesday 23rd Eddie Izzard returns as part of our New Comedy night. Those who saw Eddie earlier this year will not want to miss the chance to see him again - he is very very funny! Also on the bill is engaging Irish comic Niall Macanna. Tickets cost £4.00, £3.00 concession early booking is advisable. The Fabulous Salami Brothers will bring our comedy season to a climax at 800p.m. on Saturday 27th with their own brand of magic, music, juggling and organisedchaos. Tickets £4.00, £3.00 concessions. For those who want to try their hand at juggling, our Juggling for Beginners workshop on Sunday 28th will help with the basics; juggling is fun, fulfilling (!) and could come in really useful if you ever find yourself on The Generation Game Finally, we are launching Looking East, a celebration of Eastern European Culture, on Monday 22 October with a whole host of events to follow next month. To help us decorate the Link as part of this festival, we are on the lookout for any Eastern European material (every day objects, photos, etc) but especially Flags!!! If you can help, or if you want to know more, contact Mel or Clarry at Link Arts (Tel: 871212 ext 227).

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AT YOUR LIBRARY

Buy a book at the library Besides lending 305,000 books a year to our West Swindon readers might be interested to hear that we also sell books. Sellingbooks isn't normally a priority,but here inWiltshirewe seeitas an important service, particularly as they are of local and historical natuie The county is a beautiful place to discover, rich in history: archaeological, natural and industrial All the new books we sell are displayed on our 'Salespitch' stands on the counter area in the library. I have drawnoff a selection of titles to review - hopefully there is something to suit all tastes.

INTERIORS

'Off the Map of History' - the development of North-East Wiltshire to 1600. £2.95. This title covers some of the early history of the West Swindon area which judging from the enquiries we have received has been the subject of many school projects recently. Knowing little of West Swindon history myself I was amazed to discover in this concise booklet that the land beneath our feet was a commercial production centre for pottery and ceramic goods during Roman times. Kilns were operated in Toothill, Eastleaze, Westlea and Upper Shaw Farm. Not far from Lydiani Mansion

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West Swindon Carolyn Kennedy, pictured below, describes a side-line in library work themisafield stillknownasBlacldands may only have mild curiosity for the indicatingthat this area has anunusu- town's past. The body of the book is mainly allyblacksoilwhichispmbablydueto photographs -many published for the the ash deposits from the kilns. The booklet is well illustrated with first time and collected from the arphotographs, line drawings and dia- chives of the G.W.R Museum. They grams and well worth its'value if local include selections of the magnificent roiling stockand engines and provides history interests you. a tableau of SwinOld Recipes don's social history and Remedies: collected around during the days of the railway. An inWiltshire. £1.95 teresting section deThese old recipes, remedies and scribes the children's fete organhousehold tips isedannuallyby the were collected Mechanic's Instifrom Wiltshire folk over 25 years tute. Each child reago. The authors ceived on entry to the fete a packet say many are containing a 1/2 lb. worth trying although they do slab of fruit cake. As the fete grew the suggest that with some of the remcakecuttingbecame a problem until a edies the 'cure' seems worse than cake cutting machine was designed the disease. Here area few samples. in the trimming Head Cure. Bind a quantity of black shop to speed up the process. pepper in a handkerchief and saturate Thiscompilationisauniqueglimpse with camphor. Lie the patient down into a past that is now gone forever. and put the preparation over the paThe Ridgeway - National Trail tients head. In a few moments the Guide by Nigel Curtis. £7.95 headache will be relieved and the The entire 85 miles of this national patient asleep. trail is covered in this complete and RecrpeforSciatka. Keeptwonutrregs official guide for long distance and in your pocket and in a short time the weekend walkers. pain will go!! The route is conveniently broken Cough Syrup. Bake a large carrot in into sections with colourphotographs water with 3 tablespoons of brown and Ordnance Survey map inserts. sugar until the carrot is soft. Strain off If like me the actual prospect of the the liquid which will be thick, bottle whole of the Ridgeway is just too and take a teaspoon 3 times a day. much and of course not to be accomWiltshire Pub Guide. £1.95 plished on a Sunday afternoon then CAMRA this useful book provides circular In a county that has 8 individual routes off the trail so you can explore breweries and has over90% of its pubs the local area. It provides good backnow selling real ale this guide gives a ground information, details of public full description of all known real ale tmnsport,historygeology,wildflfeand pubs,hotels and winebarsin Wiltshire. includes accommodation and campThe guide is arranged alphabeti- ing sites. cally by villageortown witha series of Wessex lmagesbyJohnChandler. symbols providing information for £14.95 each listed pub. Details include such The varied landscape of the lovely information as whetherfood is served, Wiltshire downs to the Dorset coast is availability of family rooms and the evoked through extracts from writers method of dispensing the aleeitherby who lived or travelled through the gravity, handpump or electric pump. area from the 9th century to the early Amapreferenceforeachpubguides years of this century. you tothecoi iudlocationon the insert At the core of this book are descriptions of village and country life with map. Swindon and G.W.R. by Richard newcolourphotographs, reproduced Tomkins and Peter Sheldon. £11.95 sepia photos and line drawings com-Although theG.WR. has long since bining to provide vivid images of the gone and the railway works dosed, landscape and its inhabitants. Swindon town will always retain a It is a fascinating companion to all reflected image of the times when its who know and love the Wessex rename was synonymous with the gion. highest standards of craftma nshipand Theabovearejust a fewof the books youcanpurchasefmmWestSwindon reliability. This book aims to evoke memories library. We also have a collection of of the G.W.R. and the steam em and Wiltshire postcards forcalat12pence will have a wide appeal to both the each. Look for our Christmas cards enthusiast as well as local people who too.

1V1y Sch"l In the first of our visits to the four secondary schools serving West Swindon, students at Greendown Community School take over a page to describe what it's like

The newcomers view Three firstyears give their impressions after theirfi rstfew weeks Rebecca Nobes: When I first went to Greendown it seemed I would never find my way around, but after a couple of days I could without getting lost. I am getting to know lots of different people. Ontheflrstdayl onlytalked to the people I knew but soon I started making new friends. I enjoy learning French and doing Science because it is new and interesting. All the teachers are nice and friendly. All my sisters friends come up tome when lam eating my lunch and stare and laugh at me. Some of the 5th years look like giants. They tower above me. I also like to choose enrichments it is better than just being told what we have to do. I like Greendown better than my primary school because there are more interesting and exciting things to do. I like Thursdays best because we have Personal Development all day. I also like Art because the teacher is funny and talks a lot.

Shona Redpath: When I saw Greendown for the first time I thought the school was huge but now I have actually started at it does not seem so big. All my teachers arc really nice. Best of all I like French. I have wanted to learn it for a longtime. I also like Science, especially the experiments. I think that gym at Greendown is much better than it was in my primary school, so is netball. I also like having Enrichments which is being able to choose our own lessons from 2.15 till 3.30. The only thing I do not like at Greendown is when it is home time, break time or time to change a lesson. The stairs are always blocked and when you try to get down them you are always pushed and shoved. It's nice seeing everyone in Greendown wearing school uniform because in primary school you did not have to wear it so hardly anyone did.

Rebecca Nobes, sitting, and Angela Phillips in the Resource Centre Angela Phillips: Greendown is very big but it's also fun. It gives you a lot of freedom because you can choose a lot of things. On a Monday we finish at 21 Op. in. Three days awcekwc have Enrichments and on a Thursday we have Recreations. On a Tuesday I have picture book making, on a Wednesday I have language learning base, on a Thursday I have netball and on a Friday I have parachute making. Greendown is very modern and you learn things without knowing it. Dike Humanities because the teacher is friendly and because we can do things howwc like. It doesn't matter if it's cartoon pictures or serious pictures as long as we do our best. I like French too because it's not just learning numbers and words, it's drawing and speaking a lot. And we play bingo in french numbers and sing songs. That's the hard bit because it's hard to sing about things you don't know the meaning of. I don't like Maths but at Greendown everything seems fun. I like Art even though I'm not that good at it. It's exciting art that seems very easy to do. On a Thursdayin gymnasticswe've been practising forward rolls and in Netball we've been practising skills.

Getting a broad picture Louise Wilkes, pictured below wants to be a journalist. She went out and interviewed staff and parents. So here I am, a 5th year at the newest and certainly the most modern (could we go so far as to say trendiest?) school in Swindon. Although it's had its fair share of stardom, Greendown has been at the top of everybody's criticism list at one time or another since it opened. So I thought here is an ideal opportunity for me to get the public's view of the school and at the same time set straight a few dubious rumoursthatseem to beflyingabout. I spent time talking to people whose children are reaching secondary school age. I learnt that the main worry in many parents' minds is the fact that everything is so advanced and vastly different to when they were atschool. One parent summed up for me why she felt some people disapproved of the school: "Because Greendown is so new and the teaching methods different, people don't fully understand it. They can't see how the pupils can be learning anything as it is such a change from the education available when they were at school. Because of this I think people automatically assume that it is wrong." OK, that's what people have to say about the school, but what do they think about the pupils? One very critical mother had this to say, "Making regular trips to and from Grecndown, taking my child to playgroup, I have seen a variety of pupils and quite frankly their behaviour appalls me. They are rude and insolent and the way they talk to the teachers is very distressing. I am not criticising the teachers particularly, but surely the fact that the discipline is so slack, it has an effect on the way the pupils behave." WOW! What do you make ofthat then Grecndown? I presented my findings to the head Mr Ian Matthews for his reaction: "People always criticise new schools. It's partly jealousy and partly the fact that they don't fully understand what we're trying to achieve here. We're not a utopia; if we were then I think it would be time for me to retire. People have this annoying habit of criticising things before they have had a chance to achieve their objectives. It takes 10 years for a school to establish itself and we're not even half way there yet, but the future looks promising."

And now I come to the delicate subject of exams. Not something I'm looking forward to. Well can you blame me? The pressure is made worse by a weight we all feel hangingoverus. After being the guinea pigs for 5 years, will we be able to prove ourselves to the world? Can we win the respect of those who are looking atus through narrowed eyebrows and thinking 'I have serious doubts as to whether this newfangled way of learning is actually going to work'? Well time will tell. An optimistic Mr Matthews confirmed my suspicions: "It's cruel justice, but exam results are what the public judge a school by. The most important thing is that the individual pupils achieve their own personal aim. But if exam results are bad then the public will say, 'An that doesn't work, we always said it wouldn't, and ifexam results are good then the public will say 'Look at all the advantages they had'. So as far as the school is concerned it can't win". However to finish on a lighter note I'm glad to say the feed back I received from the public wasn't all bad. "There is a good atmosphere around Greendown, the teachers and pupils are polite and friendly and everyone is treated as an equal,which I find very impressive," was one comment that cheered me up considerably. O.K., so my life at Greendown hasn't exactly been a fairground of fin and happiness. But I will always be gratefulfor all all the opportunities I have been given to achieve my many hopes and ambitions for the future. For example, if it wasn't for the backing I received from the school to fulfill my love for rock climbing I don't think I would be anywhere near the standard I am today. Also my dream to become a writer seems to be one step closer, beginning with the work experience placement I have been allocated in November. But right now, life out there in the big bad world seems too far away to fully take in. Howl will feel when I finally walk out of the school gate for the last time I don't know. Maybe I'll write an essay entitled 'Life after Greendown...'.

Next month, we visit Bradon Forest School, Parton

DAY INTHE LIFE

Keeping things humming along nicely Gordon Hicks, resident of Freshbrook, joined the Link Centre as Technical Manager nearly six years ago, just before it opened. Since then he has nurtured and encouraged the vast amount of machinary in the building with loving care.

An early riser, I have no need for the alarm radio except to listen to the 6.30a.m. bulletin. I can usually will myself to wake up at what hour I require. I go to work early as I cherish an hour or so at my desk without any interruptions. Before this, I visit the plant room; a quick check will tell me if anything major is wrong so ... heat recovery pressure and temperature, pump pressure, ice chiller condition, AHU (Air Handling Unit) chiller running, swim pool water condition OK, boiler pressure and temperature all OK good. The duty technician will do his rounds shortly in much greater detail which will pinpoint any potential troublespots. The next stop is the Technical Workshop and read the log to see what happened dur-

ing the previous evening, what needs doing, what urgent stores are required. I hear the Zamboni ice resurfacer going round the rink, cutting a thin film of ice off the surface and laying hot water to meld a new surface. Thank goodness that it's working OK this morning. This hard working machine is underpowered for this hard job. Rrunning on propane gas it runs hot and doesn't need much of a hiccup to cause problems. A 'Good Morning' to the duty technical staff warns me of any pending problems. If I get this timing right I might get a quick cup of tea with them, then it's up to the office. The computer is bleeping, so I check back through the computer sheets to see what alarm had triggered it. Ah yes, a

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late evening lift alarm which had been dealt with OK. I push open the window wide the large building computer humming in the corner keeps the office too warm, and sit at my desk. I check the computer and run through the 'fault report' which will give me a list of malfunctioning machinery. The next job is to lookatmy diary to see what is happening today contractors coming to work, representatives visiting, stores arriving, meetings to go to. I need this information to pass on to the first shift duty personnel when they go through the events and possible problems of the day. With the information gleaned I can plan the day knowing it won't go smoothly, too many diversions crop up - always! I can now get going with some paper work with relative peace until my Assistant comes in and gives his report. We review the days happenings, what priorities to give to various defects,

routine maintenance and requirements for special events such as microphones, power supplies etc. By this time the day staff has arrived and settled in, phones begin to ring and the hustle of busy offices is evident. A clerk hands me a pile of invoices - all need checking and signing, discrepancies to chase up. I jot down all the phone calls I need to make as I go along and do them in the afternoon when it is cheaper. Yes, we are very conscious of keeping our costs down. I start to write ..... Someone to see you'-'Will you come and look at this machine' - 'There is a carpet kicked up which is dangerous' 'Will you sign this worksheet for the contractor' - The lift has broken down '- 'It's too hot in this room' oom'-'It's too cold in this room' (Yes same 'It's room) - 'Is this parcel for you?' There's alight flickering' - 'Yes they did say they would deliver the parts today' - 'You promised this job yesterday'... A job on the Air Handling Units on the roof gets me away for an hour but not out of touch as, the bleep of my radio tells me not to be too long! Mid-afternoon the duty shifts change. I pass on relevant information to the new shift and my Assistant will issue the job sheets and change the priorities if necessary according to the information to hand. In the late afternoon the day staff start to leave, the office begins to quieten. At last I can get on with the paperwork I tried to do early this morning! Later a bleep on the computer - I glance at the screen - it says - Time to go home' a reminder as time goes so quickly. Gosh! I'm tired - I hope I don't get called out tonight....

American railroads in town in October

• LATE NIGHT SURGERIES • 24 HOUR EMERGENCY TREATMENT WESTLEA TT HILL

TEL: 881919

There's a rare chance to see some of the most impressive model railways layouts in Britain at Swindon's Holiday Inn at the end of October. The National Model Railroad Association is holding a convention and the public can visit for one hour between 2p.m. and 3p.m. on Saturday 27 October. There will be six large layouts in different scales. The largest is a massive 30' by 20'. There will also be videos and slide shows of real railroads in North America. If anybody wants to join the Association, they can attend all three days of the convention: 26 -28 October. Telephone local enthusiast from Toothill, Geoff Bishop on 872202.

Last month we pictured Geoff with his model. Here, exclusive to The Link, is part of the layout he has been building for the convention at the end of the month

WEST SWINDON SURVEY RESULTS Here's a brief run down. Copies of the full report on the survey analysis can be obtained from the Social Policy Unit at Thamesdown Borough Council A longquestionnairewas published in the April 1989 edition of The Link, in conjunction with the Borough of Thamesdown's Community Development Division. The survey, distributed to 9,500 households, in our area aimed to: • discover residents opinions about the quality of life in West Swindon, • give people the chance to identify issues of importance to them, • get an idea of the satisfaction with local services and facilities, • and find out what readers thought of The Link. We published what readers think of us in May this year and it was very encouraging. On 27 September, Thamesdown Council's Community Development Committee received a report on the 568 survey forms that were returned for analysis (a 6% return). The survey form was long and required concentration. Therefore it is fair to assume that only some people would be inclined to fill it in. More women than men responded to the survey, whilst young people were under-represented. So although care needs to be taken when interpreting the results, as the report says, 'it gives a valuable snapshot of life in West Swindon." Generally those who responded to the survey felt that West Swindon was a good place to live. However the area had more to offer young couples and young children than teenagers, pensioners and those on limited incomes. The most popular areas were Freshbrook, Toothill and Westlea, with Middleleaze, Grange Park and Sparcells less highly rated. 50

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Freshbrook Community Centre Tuesday 7pm - 8pm Thursday 730pm - 830pm

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Pedestrian Vandalism Childcare Routes & Grafitti Traffic Layout Control Size of of roads Road at Schools Schools Land Development Crossings

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A big percentage of readers rated West Swindon highly for themselves, but it's not so good for teenagers s and families on low incomes.

and other public agencies providing services. The report concludes by saying the survey was a very useful exercise and shows that the Council cannot be complacent. Every effort should be made to complete the development of West Swindon properly.

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What are the major problems identified by residents? Dog mess and litter come out tops, followed by road and traffic problems. Size of schools was quite low generally, though 30% of Freshbrook answers said it was a major problem.

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The report suggests: there are two West Swindons the established part, Toothill, Freshbrook and Westlea where problems are more typically 'urban, and the newer areas in Shaw and Sparcells where 'frontier' issues of development and lack of provision are major concerns.

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Matthew raises £428 for special baby care Matthew Fiddes, the front page hero from last month's Link, organised a fete and a raffle at the beginning of September to help a local family and the Special Care Baby Unit at Princess Margaret Hospital and was able to present a cheque for £428.

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Matthew, 11, of Grindal Drive, Grange Park decided to help the Jennings family of Hampton Drive to buy a headstone for their baby Stuart who spent nearly five months in Special Care, but sadly died at the end of July. Deborah and David Jennings raised an amazing £1,700 for the Unit whilst Stuart was being cared for. Because of the support of West Swindon people at Matthew's fete on 8 September, he was able to present a cheque for a further £428.31 to the unit. Matthew's mother Majella Fiddes said the fete and raffle was his idea entirely. "He wrote to dozens of local companies who responded magnificently with some very generous prizes. "When the last Link came out we were snowed under with further donations and offers of jumble from kind readers. The numbers who came to the fete were tremendous." Matthew would like to especially thank Eddie Adams of the Fox and Hounds, Wroughton and Amtrac Express Parcels for their extra help with organising the fundraising. After presenting his cheque to Sister Pat Saye on 17 September at the PMH Special Care Baby Unit, Matthew was given a tour of the unit. Afterwards, wide eyed by what he had seen, he said, "The babies are so tiny, and it's amazing how expensive all the equipment is. I enjoyed organising the fete and coming here makes it all worthwhile." Sister Saye, who lives in Freshbrook, said the money would be spent on an oxygen monitoring machine and a little plaque would be placed on it recognising Matthew's valuable efforts.

The raffle prize winners were: 1st Mr and Mrs J. Dunn of Longthorpe Close, Tootill 2nd Rosaiyn Wasyiliw, Audely Close, Grange Park 3rd Tina Violet, Moredon Road Those who donated to the fundralslng effort. A large nunter of anonymous givers. Amtrac Express Parcels Anchor Foods Barclays Bank Bluebird Toys British Telecom Boots Chemist Burmah Oil Cheney Manor Bakeries Clover Leaf Coopers Chemist Dewhurst Butchers, West Swindon Dominos Pizza Eleanor Merryweather Elmina Envelopes Farepac Hampers Freshbrook Community Centre Fox & Hounds, Wroughton GWR Radio Hickmans, W.S. Centre Holy Rood Parents/Friends Assoc. House of Flowers Kwik Print LArome (UK) Ltd. Link Centre Arts Theatre Littlewoods Mansfield Beg bie Associates Marks & Spencer Martin's Newsagents Motorsave, W. Swindon Centre Link Magazine Nappy Dispatch Nationwide Anglia NEM Insurance P.D. Morgan, FCCA PH H Pizzarama Readers Digest Teresa's Hair C ar e W.H. Smith

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NEWS &VIEWS Spitfire misses big day

A local model aircraft builder was hoping to make his own Battle of Britain anniversary flight but was foiled in his attempt. Eddy Barker, of Sidney Close, Grange Park, has built a quarter scale model of a Mark IA Spitfire over the last twelve months and was hoping to fly it on 15 September. But engine problems grounded him on the big day. Because the model is so large, with a wingspan of 7 feet, he is required to have a certificate from the Civil Aviation Authority permitting him to fly it on designated sites. With a 30cc. engine and built in remarkable detail, right down to cockpit dials and smears under the gun ports, the Spitfire looks almost like the original in the sky. Eddy said his aim was to repro-

duce an exact copy in appearance and flying characteristics. "I started working from plans but made several visits to museums to take in details of a Spitfire and get a feel for the machine. The model is capable of 70mph., about a quarter of the full sized machine. It will carry out the same acrobatic manoeuvers and has the same problems. .'lJcause it lands like a real Spitfire, the model won't glide in; it needs to penetrate the air, otherwise it will fall over its nose. We fc"' that outlast week." a member of Swindon Model Aero Club, Eddy spent most of his free time over the summer at Wroughton aerodrome. Headvises anybody interested in modelling to join. He only started modelling 20 months ago and has built 6 model aircraft and written off three.

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Almost as big as its maker Eddy Barker with his Spitfire

"Picking up ideas and help from others is the best way to learn and to stay safe. It's a hobby to be treated with respect. You're dealing with a powerful engine which can harm you or spectators, so it's important to fly with other people." Eddy himself is learning how to fly his Spitfire. The early test flights were taken by a more experienced club member and he is gradually taking over the control box. • To join Swindon Aero Modellers, visit the Swindon Model Centre in Theatre Square, near the Wyvern, for an application form.

Protecting Cats Stephanie Giles, Co-ordinator of the Wootton Bassett, West Swindon & District Group of the Cat's Protection League describes its work

Formed over 60 years ago, the CPL aims to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome strays,unwanted and injured cats where possible, to encourage the neuteringof all cats not required for brooding and to provide public information on cats and kittens. Our was formed last year. So far we have found homes for 216 cats and kittens, 90 have been neutured and in all 370 cats were helped one way or another. Did you know that in 5 years a female cat can be responsible for some 20,000 descendants, many of which can only expect a life of misery and endingup wild. Aneutured torn makes abetter pet, no spraying or wandering away getting into fights. If we can help you towards the cost of spaying or neutering please phone 611170. If you have lost or found a cat i..'ntly phone 851364 p.m. 630p.m. to 830p.m. With so many cats disappearing in West Swindon we advise you to keep yourcat in at night.

New injection times The Department of Health's new child immunisation programme is currently being introduced at clinics and doctor's surgeries in West Swindon and there is concern that parents don't become confused over the alterations. Children born after 1 July 1990 will now receive injections at the age of 2,3 and 4 months, then later at 12 to 18 months. Children born before 1 July will continue to receive the programme which was running previously - injections at 3, 6 and 9 months. Guy Montezuma, Nurse Manager for the West Swindon Health Visitor team explained that the new arrangements means that children will receive maximum protection from the new immunisation schedule. "Research is constantly taking place and recent work shows that immunisation should take place during the most vulnerable period in a child's life." Health Visitor Janet Ascherson added that the changes could be confusing to parents, especially if olderchildren are being immunised at different times. If there are any queries talk to a Health Visitor, ring Toothill Health Clinic on 642133 or ring your G.P. Surgery. Vaccinations can be carried out by your local G.P. or at the following Child Health Clinics: • Toothill - Monday from 3p.m. • Freshb rook - Thursdays from 3p.m. • UpperShaw Farm -4th Friday of the month from 2p.m. • Greendown School Community Suite - 2nd Wednesday of the month from 2p.m.

£50 reward for precious pet Josie Houghton of Eldene is desperately trying to find her much loved Chihuahua dog Tammy. Her pet has been sighted in Toothill and at the West Swindon Centre. The dog is sandy coloured, with white furunderherneck, whitepaws and a white blaze on the top of her neck. She is 9 years old and has an overshot top jaw. Josie is despairing overTa mmy's loss. She's offering a £50 reward for information leading to her return. Readers are asked to contact the police on 528111 if they see the dog. Josie is concerned that whoever has her pet may now be too frightened by all the publicity to return her. If this is the case she says please leave Tammy in a box in the back garden of her home at 34 Bowleymead, Eldene.

NEWS & VIEWS New hail and community room Stephanie's built in 4 days Secretarial Residents of Peatmoor watched in The PeatmoorKingdomHall will Services amazement as a new worship cen- serve the congregations in West tre for local Jehovah's Witnesses appeared over four days in midSeptember. In a well-planned and precisely timed operation, Witnesses in the building trade from all over the south-west, backed up by others providing labour, worked for 48 hours to complete the timber framed, brick and tile clad Kingdom Hall on Peatmoor Way. Altogether around 200 people were involved in getting the building up, which has been paid for entirely out of donations from the six hundred Witnesses who make up the four congregations in Swindon.

Swindon and Penhill. A spokesman said it was the largest 'quickbuild project' in the country. In addition to the worship hall, a separate community room was being built. This was a requirement in return for a concessionary price on the land. The structure was erected in four days followed by some final fitting out and decoration over following weekends. The community room is to be handed over to Thamesdown Council to manage. It will be available for hire by local groups for meetings and is big enough for a playgroup to be established.

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O The Stonham Housing Association is looking for help from people in West Swindon at their local care and rehabilitation project. They are searching for a Treasurer, Secretary and a fundraiser to join their local management committee. To find out about what is involved, telephone Akila Sroya on 526889. O The Volunteer Bureau at Thamesdown Voluntary Services Centre has a vast amount of information about opportunities to offer volunteer help to many organisations in Swindon. To find out more about voluntary work, ring Maria Grime on 538398.

The project is starting anew preparation course for volunteers in the autumn. If you would like to have some fun, make friends and learn mom about yourself and others then this could be for you! The course will be held at the project on Thursday afternoons during October. It will cover listening and talking to others, self awareness, values and attitudes and confidentiality. In addition there will be an opportunity to look at problem solving and interviewing skills. A creche is provided. People who have done our courses have gone on to volunteer in local projects and groups, to further training and paid jobs. All of them enjoyed it! If you want to know more then contact the project on 871303 or drop in at 15 Gainsborough Way, Freshbrook. There's no obligation!

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NEWS & VIEWS

Exciting times ahead for DofE Centre

Calling Childminders Childmindes are often isolated in the important work they do. But Gerry Turner is a new coordinator who wants to bring them together. Below she introduces herself. Hi, I'mGeriy Turner, the new Area Co-ordinator for Eastern Wiltshire. My job is to provide support and information for all childminders, to help with any queries that you may have and to help set up any courses that might be of interest to you. I can also help with problems, such as non payment of fees, difficulties with contracts and any worries that you may have concerning childminding. Childminders are often rather isolated because they work in their own homes, so support groups play an important role, giving childminders a chance to talk about their experiences, good and bad, to someone who understands, and to

offer help or advise, if and when it is needed. There are two groups in your area. One that meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Toothill School in the Community Room, from 1000a.m. to 12 noon, The other which is just starting up, is meeting on Wednesday 17 October from9.15a.m. to 1100a.m. in Mobile 13 at Freshbrook School. I will be at both of these meetings, so whether there is anything that you would like to ask me or if you have a specific problem or if you would just like to have a coffee and a chat with other childminders, please, come along to one or both of these meetings. If you should need to contact me, my phone number is 497343.

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The West Swindon Duke of Edinburgh's Awards Centre got off to a good start at Greendown School with a display of a whole range of activities that can be undertaken to gain the awards in the scheme. Sub-aqua diving, judo, first aid, model aircraft, gliding, sailing, the police and fire service, camping and lots more were all in evidence on 11 September. The awards centre, which is based at Greendown School, aims to help youngsters work for the different parts of the awards through individual assistance and weekly group activities. The programme for October is: 4th Orienteering First Aid & Team Building 5th 12th FirstAid &Sports/KeepFit 19th First Aid & Camp Skills 26th First Aid & Orienteering 27th Night Hike To find out more about the Duke of Edinburgh's Awards Scheme, telephone John Prowse on 612207 or Chris Lowthian 693731. Pictured top right: John Purvis of OK Diving Services helps Miles Thwaites into a diving harness with assistance from Chris Lothian. Bottom: Michelle Thorn and Lisa Lansdown get a feel for flying from Eric Brown of the Vale of White Horse Gliding Centre.

Grand Auction Saturday 13 October

Auction at PHH Wednesday 24 October

Lydiard Millicent Parish Hall Proceeds to Organ Fund at All Saints Church Lydiard Millicent Viewing from 10a.m. Auction starts 130p.m. Donations of items to be auctioned will be gratefully received. Telephone 771197

PHH Sports & Social Club Windmill Hill Business Park Annual Charity Auction in aid of Brimble Hill School, Sadler Unit, Victoria Hospital & Guide Dog Training ALL. WELCOME Donations for the auction to Liz Johnson on 887000.

Craft Fayre

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Main Hall, Bradon Forest School, Purton Saturday 14 October 10.00a.m. .4.00p.m. Refreshments available Get your Christmas presents at the Craft Fayre. Last year was a great success and many stall holders are returning.

Two car boot sales at the Link Centre Coach Park Link 3-5 Playgroup

1st Toothill Scout Group

Car Boot Sale

Saturday 6 October 9a.m. - 12noon Pitches £4/I5 To book phone 695499

Saturday 13 October 10.000. m. Pitches £4/,5 To book phone 485597

Sparcells boundary bann problem sorted out A centuries old problem for people in Sparcells who are planning to get married in the Church of England has been sorted out. Until recently the parish boundary line used to divide Sparcells into two and in fact was thought to run through some houses. This meant that team vicar Keith Boxhall had to decide whether banns of marriage had to be read in the Ecumenical Parish of the Lydiards, at Shaw Church, or in Purton Parish. "The parish boundaries were drawn up in the 17th Century when Sparcells was farmland. The problems started to arise about four years ago when the first people started to move into the new houses. I've had about a dozen enquiries from couples proposing to get married. I could tell from their address in which parish they lived in about half of the cases. But in at least six I had to jump on my bike and check which side of the boundary line their houses were." He explained that the delay in resolving the difficulty had to await the decision of the Minister of the Environment as to whether house building was to be allowed at

Red hot phone

Toothill puppeteer and entertainer Ian Moorehouse was almost overwhelmed by phone calls booking him for parties and events, following publication of the September Link.

As a result of our first article about him a year ago, the BBC television contacted him to feature in a series of videos about puppeteering. These are intended for transmission on a Europe wide satellite channeland may be shown on the regular ground based channel. Ian will organise the entertainment for a children's party including games and ending with a puppet show. He also enjoys performing for playgroups or as part of charitable fundraising events. To contact Ian, telephone 610079 or 523134.

CURTAIN CALL TRAVEL Savvas Cabaret Club Excursions Price includes return coach, 3 course dinner, full supporting show and disco dancing 17 November 1 December 16, 21, 22 Dec. 11/12 January

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Theatre Excursions Keith Boxhall holds up the map that defines the new parish boundary in front of the house in Sparcells that used to be in two parishes

Ridgeway Farm, north of Sparcells. When the planning application was turned down the members of the two parishes sat down to redraw the boundaries. The entire area of West Swindon is now within the Lydiards parish and disputes on where people live shouldn't arise.

Mr Men & Nellie come to town It's children's time at the Wyvern Theatre in a few weeks. On the afternoons of Tuesday 30 and Wednesday 31 October Mr Men and the whole entourage of othercharacters attend MrHappy's party. Mr Uppity, Mr Nosey, Mr Nonsense, Mr Silly and Little Miss Naughty will all be there for music, games, stories, magic and FUN. Then on the afternoons ofThursday I and Friday 2 November, Nellie the Elephant arrives for a panto-style show for children aged four toll. There will be magic and illusions from Dan the Magic Man and Ko from Tokyo and a special appearance by Candy the Clown. Tickets for both shows are £3.50 for adults and £3 for children, and £2.75 each for parties of 20 or more. These shows will be very popular. Ring the box office on 524481 to make a booking.

oing Wel at the Wyver 'indon & District Wets Society are hosting a concert by the Dunvant aIe Choir on 20 October. Tickets are £5 and £ m the Wyvern Box on 524481

8 December Saturday Matinee

Starlight Express £28

Cinderella at the Bristol Hippodrome starring Michael Barrymore Sunday 23 December (Mat.) £17.75 Saturday 19 January (eve.) £17.75 9 January

Miss Saigon

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For Reservations and Further Details, please ring Curtain Call Travel on 740817

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For a ree estimate on all types of large and small Accident or Paint Repairs, contact: Terry Davis, Ridgeway West Paint & Body Centre, 2 Lynton Road, Cheney Manor Industrial Estate, Swindon Tel: 0793-491149 • Fax: 0793-521564

Taking shape on Shaw Ridge

Last November we published a panorama of photographs showing an untouched Shaw Ridge, just as work was starting on building the Leisure Park in West Swindon, which will bring in thousands of people from far and wide. At the time the builders predicted most of the attractions would be open within 12 months. However the various elements in the park will be ready at different times. Already open is the pizza restaurant (bottom left in the photograph), to be followed in early December by the First Leisure Corporation night club, theme restaurant and multi-lane superbowl (top right).

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Pinkerton's pub and family restaurant (bottom right) should be open by the end of the year and the Cannon eight screen multi-plex cinema (middle right) is due for Easter 1991. Work has just started on the De Vere 4 star hotel and this should be ready by the end of next year. However, several Grange Park residents have contacted Freshbrook councillors about the erection of a tall crane on this site. The planning permission prohibits vehicle movement on Sunday, or between 8p.m. and 8a.m. other days. Dust and noise should be kept to a minimum as well.

No Las Vegas says council Thamesdown Council is taking enforcement action against Pizzahut to remove the illuminated sign and floodlights erected on the roof of their restaurant. The planning permission for the Leisure Park is that there will be no externally lit signage unless agreed by the council. There are fears that a proliferation of lit signs will give a 'Las Vegas feel' to the park says Freshbrook councillor Bob Pixton. The precedent of accepting one sign would allow all the other operators on site to do the same, thus creating an intrusion on people living Get guilty sign down says Bob Pixton closeby.

Back to school for OAPs A group of pensioners from Stratton St Margaret returned to school when they visited Greendown recently. Twenty members of the Beechcroft Thursday Pensioners Club were given individual tours by students which included sitting in on classes and talking to students about their work. They also had the chance to examine the exhibition of technology work by local primary schools, followed by a hands on computer session for half an hour. The visit ended with a welcome cup of tea. Group secretary Joan Sly said the visit was very enjoyable. "Mr Matthews the headteacher came to speak at our group some months ago. When we asked him a second time he said we should visit Greendown. "The difference compared with our days at school is enormous.

Old hands try out new technology

There's a lack of regimentation, a happy atmosphere and the students seem to be enjoying school. "I think a lot of us would like to go back."

NEWS & VIEWS

West Swindon focus on Under 5s is ho/ding a

Free Awfumn P/ay Workshop for a//parents & pre-school children

Tuesday 23 October, lOam - 12 noon CommuriHy Suit e, Link Centre flaking, painting, glue/ng and sticking. Junk table, giant Z3r/o train set raffle. New Attraction: Sandwich Making!

Baby Equipment Sale (No clothes) Saturday 6 October in the Community Hall at the Link Centre. Organised by the West Swindon branch of the National Childbirth Trust, sellers keep 75% of the sale price and the rest goes to NCT funds. To register last minute items for sale, contact Helen Snook on 870028 or Beverley Cejer on 876696 for a registration form

Fun Camp for December

Help children stay safe

When approached by parents at a local playgroup if there was anything available for children in the summer holidays, three Greendown gymnasts showed a bit of enterprise by organising a summer camp for three to 9 year olds. Clancy and Dulcie McMullen and Emma Kilby organised a programme of trampolining, gymnastics, painting and ball games for 40 children, for two hours a day for two weeks in August. From the contributions made for their efforts by grateful parents, the students were able to donate £80 to school funds. They are thinking another Fun Camp in the Christmas holidays and would like to know how many parents would like theiryoungsters to take part. Write to Clancy McMullen at Greendown School, Grange Park Way to express an interest. Below: Greendown head Ian Matthews receives the cash raised from entertaining youngsters from Clancy, Emma and Dulcie

With a number of reported local incidences of adults following children or trying to entice them into their cars, the Stranger Danger campaign by Swindon Police is more important than ever before. Community Liaison Officer PC Ian Home, once a beat officer in West Swindon (pictured below), is touring local schools showing a video and delivering a blunt message. "Don't go with people that you do not know well."

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Ian, from Grange Park, believes it is important that parents reinforce his campaign. "Parents should identify who they regard as a safe person for a child if, for example, he or she is playing in the street and needs somebody to turn to. "Children also need to know that they can break the rules sometimes. They must know that they can kick, bite, run away, shout at strangers so that they can stay safe." PCHorne is always ready to help with advice and can be contacted at Swindon Police Station on 528111 ext. 4145.

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Holy Rood Infant and Junior Schools are the designated schools for families in West Swindon who wish their children to attend a Catholic school. Buses are provided free of charge to take these children to school and return them home. Escorts are now needed to accompany the children on these buses These posts are suitable for those who only wish to work for part of the week. In addition to the salary the return bus fare are paid to enable escorts to return home during the day. If you are interested why not telephone the Head of Holy Rood Juniot School, Mr Lake on 527679 for more details.

Cooks wanted to help Fresh brook Lunch Club survive A much needed lunch club for retired people could close if it cant find more volunteers to help. The small club which meets on Friday in Freshbrook Community Centre was started by MarieCrane, herself a pensioner. It provides lunch and a social get together for about a dozen people. The catering was provided by the Centre's cafe until it closed in August. The club now relys on whoever they can persuade to help out, until they find some volunteers who can commit themselves to cooking for the members. Please ring Maureen Barker on 87017 with offers of help.

Helping out in an emergency, Pixton, right, and Community Centre Manager Maureen Barker, left, with Marie Crane

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YOU AS] C1 1E) FOR irl:. 22nd October, 1990, sees the opening of our new Midland branch in Westlea. This branch owes more to you than it does to us. You wanted longer opening hours. There's an automated lobby service 24 hours a day seven days a week. More room to move around in, was an obvious improvement. So obviously, we've done that too. Machines to help with simple transactions and staff to handle complex ones. You'll find there's more of both. Together with a reception desk for enquiries and a private interview area should you want a quiet word. So if you have any more bright ideas about improving our branches, here's one bank that would like to hear them.

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NEWS & VIEWS Are the bright lights for you? New performance school aims to help youngsters find out

A new school is setting out to give youngsters the chance to learn how to express themselves in many of the performing arts. The Viviene Taylor School of Performing Arts will give children aged five to 16 years instruction in acting, mime, voice improvisation, dance, clowning and juggling. It will be run by Howard Taylor from Lydiard Millicent who has a long and varied background in teaching the performing arts. Most recently he has spent three years at a Performing Arts Centre in New York, teaching and direct-

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ing young peoples theatre and musical productions. At the same time he was AssistantDirectorofa Circus School based in Florida and New York. Young people used to learn juggling, clowning, high wire and trapeze work and put on complete shows. Howard says the aim of his venture in Swindon is not to find the stars of the future. "Initially I'm not looking to turn youngsters into artists. What we're doing at first is to offera general foundation course so that young people can try out a whole range of different techniques.

It's important they have a taste beforehand to see what they want to specialise in. For example, you don't get many boys going to dance schools; but they would be keen on juggling or clowning." The school is running a foundation course for one hour a week for the next two and half terms for children in three age groups. Enrolment takes place on 24 and 25 October and includes a free introductory class. For further details, refer to the advertisement below or telephone Howard Taylor on 772136.

Making maps of West Swindon Learn how to on 9 October Everybody uses maps whether you're using an A-Z or directing a lost driver trying to get out of West Swindon. An exciting exhibition at Lyd iard Park based on a national project has just ended, but the idea of making maps of local community areas lives on. Mapping artist Anthony Holloway and Lyd iard Parklnterprotive Ranger Neil Hillier are holding three discussions /practical sessions on Tuesday 9 October to help readers see how they might make a

Candy floss raises ÂŁ250 Thamesdown's Mayor, Coun. Derique Montaut, received a cheque for ÂŁ250 from Lionel Dicks, managerof the WestSwindon Centre on 13 September. The money, which was donated to the Mayor'sHelpingHand Fund, was raised on the candyfloss stall and wheel of fortune which were attractions at the Centre's Bank Holiday Monday events. Coun. Montaut said that despite Swindon's buoyant economy there were people in the town living in poverty and it was important for business and members of the public to help. The Helping Hand Fund assists families by making small grants to help buy basic items like children's shoes and household items.

map of their neighbourhood. As part of West Swindon's Fif- Below: Lionel Dicks presents theMayor teenth year in 1991, we at The Link with a cheque magazine would be interested to know if individuals, neighbours working together, schools, church and community groups could put on an exhibition of maps they have made. But to get some ideas, come along between 11a.m. and 1p.m.; 2p.m. and 4p.m. and 6.30p.m. and 830p.m. on 9 October to talk to Anthony and Neil in Link Arts Studios.

Nimrod Jigsaw Library

by Dr Barbara J Carter, President

Foundation Course: 2"2 Terms An introduction to Acting Mime 't Voice Improvisation t Dance Clowning Juggling

Wednesdays - Lydiard Millicent Village Hall 3.1 5pm: 4.1 5pm: 5.1 5pm:

S - 7 years 8 - I years 12- 16 years

Thursdays - Drama Studio, Greendown School 330pm: 430pm: 530pm:

5 - 7 years 8 - I I years 12 - 16 years

FREE INTRODUCTORY CLASSES with the Opportunity to Enrol Wednesday 24th October & Thursday 25th October Course Fee: E12 (First Half Term( Limited Places: For further information & postal enrolment details, contact course tutor Howard Taylor on Swindon 772136.

)

The Nimrod library has been in existence for about 15 years and works on the same system as for books. Initially it was started to help people who are convalescent, but it has been found that the help is endless. Elderly folk who live alone, mothers or fathers who are housebound with children in bed while their partners work,and lonely folk new to the town before their family join them, are all members of the library. To borrow the puzzles it only costs three pence per hundred pieces, which means a 500 piece puzzle would be 15p. In the first instance this is on loan for three weeks, but if it takes longer we do not mind at all so long as we know it is still safe. Why do I tell you this? Well, we have had the generous help of the Central Church in letting us use a 'm, not only for opening to the public but as storage space for the puzzles. Now we are hoping to move to the new premises in this Church but we have one big prob-

1cm. Our helpers are getting along in age (I believe the youngest is about 70 but don't let on!). We are desperate for help and hope you are the very person we seek. Whatisaskedofyouistogive one and a half hours per month to greet folk, show them the puzzles, stamping the one they choose and working out how much to charge. If you could do this most helpful service to the community, would you give our secretary a ring on 534249 or write to her: Mrs Joan Nowell, 11 Denbigh Close, Lawns, Swindon SN3 1EV. We would be so pleased to hear from you. Should you be in a position where you only wish to borrow jigsaws either by coming yourself, or sending someone else, then we are having to cut our opening time to just Thursdays 200p.m. to 330p.m., for the moment. We would be very pleased to see you at the new church building at the top of Regent Street from 22 November.

GREEN TENDENCIES

Peatmoor picnic fun Twenty people cycled or walked to Peatmoor Copse to take part in a Community Picnic on 15 September, organised by Freshbrook councillor Bob Pixton and Community Development Officer Laurence Yeoman. There were games and guided walks through the copse by members of the Peatmoor Community Woodland Group.

Plans for the Mayor and Mayoress to arrive by tandem had to be modified when Mrs Montaut was unable to attend. Instead the Mayor came across country on a mountain bike loaned by Express Cycles of Manchester Road. Pictured right: Express CyclingMayor with others who got on their bikes for an afternoon out on the byeways of West Swindon

Walk For The Rainforests Time is running out to rescue the remaining great rainforests but there's still time to take part in a sponsored walk organised by the Swindon Area Supporters Group of the World Wide Fund for Nature to help save them.

Sunday 7 October in Lydiard Country Park Join the Mayor of Thamesdown who will open the event at 1030a.m. and Mr Bernard Davey (BBC weatherman). The walk will finish at 4.30p.m. and last walkers are requested to clock in' at noon. Sponsor forms from: Keith Knighton on 813404, Peggy Dayton on 854267 or Jill Skerry on 782947.

Green Guide help wanted A New College student in 'A' Level Communications is carrying out a practical project to help the community. Eileen Nevitt from Shaw is going to give the West Swindon map printed in last February's Link a green flavour. She is planning to have the roads printed in light grey so that that the open spaces, play areas, pedestrian and cycle routes can be highlighted. She's also going to show the location of bottle banks, telephone and post boxes. On the back of the map will be useful information on how and where to save aluminium, oil, CFCs, furnitureand all the other resources that can be recycled. Eileen would like to know what other information readers would

Eileen holding the map she's going to turn green like to see on the map. Please drop her a line with your ideas, by 30 October via The Link, 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook.

uster with nc 0me lelivery servi I OCK

Row would you like to watch the latest video films without having to leaving your house? What about these? Tango and Cash, War of the Roses, Black Rain, Ghostbusters II, Back tothe Future 11 and Driving Miss Daisy - just a few of the big films available for just £3 per hire. New Releases is a new service which specialises in bringing you only the very latest releases, quickly and at low cost. You ring them on 513489 anytime between 10a.m.

and 2a.m. the following morning and New Releases will deliver the film you want within a few minutes. They will then pick it up half an hour after it has finished. There is no membership fee and as a special introductory offer to help you find out how quick and convenient the New Releases service is, the first video only costs £1 per household to hire.

Ring 513489 for the best films going.

If you go down to the woods The Peatmoor Woodland Group is launching their winter season of voluntary work on Sunday 4 November with a day of cutting, clearing and making paths. The group of volunteers have a 9 year plan to copice the woodland to open up glades forground plants and different kinds of insect and birdlife to develop. They are building paths and bridges around the copse to create a small haven for wildlife in our urban setting. More people are needed to join in with the work. It's a great chance to get out and enjoy the open air whilst doing something helpful for the environment. There will be a talk and slide presentation about the ancient history of Peatmoor Copse and the work of the conservation group at a venue to be decided upon. All readers are welcome to attend. Ring Ross or Liz Curd on 876654 for more information.

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NEWS &VIEWS

Report on Link Centre Community Suite outlines next moves A report on the work of the Community Suite at the Link Centre, presented toThamesdown Borough Council's Community Development Committee on 27 September, outlines new work that could be developed.

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It gives examples of the wide range of activities that have taken place in the Suite and highlights the large number of users it has. According to the West Swindon Survey (reported on page 15), there is a high awareness of the facility with 89% of replies knowing where the Suite is and 54% having been in it. The next highest were Freshbrook Community Centre with 76% and 48%, and Toothill Community Centre with 73% and 35%. The report suggests that more welfare right and money advice work could take place, building on the established Relate and Adult Guidance sessions. The Suite would be a good venue for After School Care, a Single Parents Support Group and groups to help parents and teenagers understand each other better. The report refers to the inability to get a community resource room going earlier due to inadequate

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tre. Another, which will be a recipe for chaos, is 'West Swindon Community Link.' There has been name confusion ever since The Link Magazine won the competition to name the West Swindon Leisure Centre. Calling the Suite 'Community Link' could really mix people up.

New Link Centre c ommunity worker The new Community Activities in the area with considerableexperiOfficer at the Link Centre is Tony ence of working with young people Hillier, pictured below, who arrives and adults. Most recently he has spent six months looking after his one and half year old daughter. Before that he was a youth worker in Wandsworth, at an Equal Opportunties Resource Centre where he worked on health matters. He has been a youth worker on a large London housing estate and a teacher in a remand home for girls in Leeds. He says hebringsa stronginterest in developing provision for under 5's, health issues and AIDS education. He wants to get the resource centre part of the Community Suite established and sees the job as an exciting challenge.

Make a new resolution for the Autumn JoinPause

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staffing. However this should be able to open forcommunity use soon, offering equipment and materials to localgroups who need to produce newsletters, posters and badges. A new name for the Suite is put forward for consideration by councillors to improve its 'identity.' One is West Swindon Community Cen-

Sixth birthday for Westlea Church

When was the last time you played pass-the-parcel in church? We did - and there were lollipops between each layerof paper. All the partying was to do with Westlea Church Allyson Cardis writes: The long hot summer hols have celebrating her 6th birthday. faded into distant memory and if Our present, when we got it, was you've been twiddling yourthumbs a piece of paper. It was just a bit of and thinking about Christmas someone else's letter (from St Paul shopping (groan!) maybe you to Timothy actually), 'God has not given us a spirit of timidity but of should have come to Pause. September kicked off with a talk power, love and self control'. Some on homeopathy from Fiomeopathic present! Consultant ManjitKaurVirik. Also An old friend of Westlea, Rev. two Pause members were treated David Howell encouraged us to to a facial and make-up by Make- believe that God could use us up Consultant, Jackie Mutton, who even us and our children. We are came to give us some tips on skin timid because we know we often care for the winter. mess itup. But we will take David's So if you feel the need for divert- encouragement to heart. There are ing conversation, or just fancy a people around us who want to see change from the housework, join God's power at work and to know us at 10a.m. in Toothill Community his love for them. God can reach Centre on Friday 5 October. them through us if we allow his From Friday 12 October we're Spirit of power, love and self conmoving to the Community Suite at trol to open the way. If you want to the Link Centre from 12 October know more, please get in touch. onwards, at 10a.m. (refreshments Unfortunately, just as we got to the cakes, we had a gatecrasher and free creche available). During the next month we are very noisy and very pink! But more having a series of talks on good of that next month... WestleaSchool very kindly share health, starting on 5 October with children's diet and health. their bright and cheerful facilities Un 19 October we're discussing forour services and Sunday Clubs. Women's I lealth and on 2 Novem- So we say a big thank you to the ber, Slimming school and especially to Bob Ovens So shake off those Autumn blues; who so faithfully opens and locks get fit for that Christmas shopping! up for us every week. Thank you.

HOME & GARDEN Autumn's the time to plant After the ravages of prolonged hot als, which flower year after a year, QUALITY SHEDS weather and draught, many gar- and they have lots of these. AND FENCING For a bit of colour in the next few deners will be visiting Garden Centres to restock their garden to replace plants which have died. Grange Farm Garden Centre in Haydon Wick is one of the closest to West Swindon. Being a nursery as well, the proprietors Alan and Valerie Trotman offer the kind of green fingered experience that you need when you decide to buy plants. Autumn is of course the best time for planting and Grange Farm is the best place to buy everything you need for the garden. They have a wide selection of trees, shrubs and fruit trees. Nowadays people are planting more perenni-

months, Grange Farm raise their own winter flowering pansies. Getting your soil in good condition is important as well, but be 'green' about it; don't use peat. Grange Farm Nurseries have lots of peat free alternatives such as coco chips and bark. They also stock paving slabs, rockery materials and all the other accessories for making next summers garden beautiful. If you need good advice and want to visit a traditional nursery, there is no alternative but Grange Farm Nurseries, which is tucked away off Lady Lane in Haydon Wick.

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Garden Club decides to continue West Swindon's Gardening Club attracted a few new members to its annual meeting on 10 September. Due to a fall in interest, there were fears that the club would have to close. After a long discussion it was decided that it was worthwhile to

continue the club for the next three months to see if more people can be brought in. The next meeting takes place on Monday 8 October at 8p.m. in the Community Suite at the Link Centre. John Matthews will be speaking about spring flowering bulbs.

Autumn Joys Claire Beaton considers some of the jobs that need to be done over the next few weeks The autumn is rushing upon us green again and soften the turf. without allowinga moments pause After last year's dry summer, I to enjoy a slow change of leaf col- did not find time to spike the lawn our. In a short few weeks, we must with a border fork and so even last tidy ourgardens from the onslaught spring there were still large cracks of the summer to leave all quiet for running under the matted grasses. what! hope is going to be a good, A perfectionist would also top dress rainy winter. with a mix of sand and compost, so First, I must clear the borders of that all the cracks and holes were the dying bedd ing plants, fork over filled. It's something I have only the cracked soil so the clods of clay ever found the time to do once in do not set solid during the winter ten years however! One thing the lawn should not and add a dollop of compost. The beds will then be ready for me to need though, is feeding. It has not pop in the odd bulb or two that can been growing hard enough to wear be relied upon for a spring display. itself out this summer and feeding At the same time there is the too soon before it has had a chance lawn to see to, once rain has fallen to re-establish its growth could just to encourage some grass to shoot burn away its tips.

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• Letters to the Link

Local W.l's celebrate together

Letters with full name and address should be sent to The Link, Branches of the Women's Institute all over the country celebrated the 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook, Swindon by the 20th of the month seventy-fifth birthday of the organisation on 11 September. Both the West Swindon branches held barn dances, the Tootleabrook teaming up with Hook W.I. to hold a supper dance in Hook Village Hall, Fight for Outer Circle Bus Route Must Go On and Shaw doing the same at Saltway School. For Shaw W.I. it was a from Councillor Sue Bates, Selby Crescent, Freshbrook double birthday, as they were celebrating the first year since the branch was formed. Jam currently campaigning for the route be re-instated. re-instalment of the Outer Circle 2. Write to Mr D J Levell at the At Hook Village Hall, two Presidents Glasses raised for the 75th and 1st at (20/21) bus service. Planning and Transport Depart- cut the cake, Maureen Titcombe of Hook Shaw, from left, Yvonne Gray, Sheila Many of you have contacted Cur ment, Wiltshire County Council, (left) and Jude Bradley of Tootleabrook, Hurrell, Cheryl Moore, Shay Gillard Pixton and myself about the with- County Hall, Trowbridge, Wilts drawal of this service and your stating the reasons why the service comments have been passed on to should be re-instated, both social both Thamesdown Transport and and financial. Wiltshire County Council Planning 3. Get a petition from either & Transport department. Councillor Pixton or myself and There is a great social need for get your friends and neighbours to this route, not just for the residents sign it. Copies can be obtained by phonof West Swindon, but for people from areas all over our town. Pres- ing Bob on 695317 or me on 872247. sure must be continued if we are to When we have enough petitions stand a chance of getting our route we will present them to the relback. evant authority. I am asking you to do 3 things: The County Council must make 1. Write toThamesdownTrans- funds available to subsidise this port, Corporation Street, Swindon much needed route. (Mr John Owen) requesting the The fight goes on!!

The Link Classifieds

DESPERATE? LONELY? SUICIDAL?

Lineage ads cost £3.50 per single column centimetre inclusive of VAT. Lost and found are free. Cash with advert to The Link, 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook, Swindon

• For Sale

• Playgroup Vacancies

BBC Compact Computer+ Keyboard (no monitor). £150 ono. Tel: 495140

Due to timewasters, the Link 3-5 Playgroup have vacancies for children immediately. Also places available from January. For further details, contact Karen Ryman on 695499.

• Childcare Registered Childminder in Ramleaze has vacancies for 2 children, full time or part time. Situated close toSaitway School. Tel: 872563

You don't have to be suicidal to share your problems with us. Phone anytime day or night, or call into 6 Curtis Street, Swindon between 8am and 10pm

• Vacancy Handyman/gardener wanted Toothill/Freshbrook area. 5 hours a week at £2.94 per hour. Paid monthly. Contact Akila Sroya on 526889.

Clothing Alterations & Repairs Tel: 872096

Westlea Playgroup Santa Suit for hire

Telephone 870136 or call in to the Playgroup

Mrs White, Freshbrook

Application Form to attend the West Swindon As Our Community Conference at the Link Centre 9.30am - 2.30pm, 6th & 7th November Name

Address Telephone: I can attend on both days

LII

I can only attend on Tuesday 6th November

I can only attend on Wednesday 7th November LII I will require Childcare for

(number) children. Please give their namesand ages below:

I will require VegetarianNegan Meals LI Please return this form by 23 October to Laurence Yeoman, Community Development Division Thamesdown Borough Council, Civic Offices, Swindon SNI 2JH

Jolly Hockey Sticks and Gym Slips

The Awfully Good Youth Theatre Company presents

Daisy Pulls It Off A pastiche of late 1920's, early 1930's life in a girls private school

22 - 26 October inclusive 7.30pm Drama Studio,Greendown School Tickets from Greendown

THE REFERENCE PAGE LOCAL COUNCILLORS TOOTHILL, WESTLEA, SHAW & ROUGHMOOR/SPARCELLS Thamesdown Borough Council Tony Free, 9 Featherwood, Westlea. Tel: 874531 Ricky Midwinter, 4 Anglesey Dose, Westlea. Tel: 873537 Peter Stoddart, 9 Fairlawn, Liden. Tel: 692812 Surgeries for Free& Midwinter: Friday6pm-7pm, Community Room, Toothill School. Wiltshire County Council Alan Winm ill, I The Holbeins, Grange Park. Tel: 875129

FRESHBROOK & GRANGE PARK Thamesdown Borough Council Simon Cordon, 53 Matley Moor, SwindonTel: 617723 Sue Bates, 8 Selby Crescent, Freshbrook. Tel: 872247 Bob Pixton, 12 Lambert Close, Freshbrook. Tel: 695317 Surgeries for Bates & Pixton: Wednesday 7pm-7.30pm, Community Room, Freshbrook School. Wiltshire County Council Simon Cordon - as above.

INFORMATION FOR NEW ARRIVALS TO WEST SWINDON Arrivals Officer: Pam Pixton. She will visit you and provide advice and an information booklet about community facilities. Tel: 695317. Newcomers Coffee Morning: Tuesday 10.30am-12noon in the Community Suite, Link Centre.

LOCAL HEALTH SERVICES Doctors •Doctors Ketkar, Matheson, Nixon, Holden, Chippendale, Means &Swinyard, Ashington House, Ashington Way, Westlea. Tel: 614840. -Doctor C. Reddy, Freshbrook Village Centre. Tel: 870494. 'Doctor Godbole, Ramleaze Drive, Shaw. Tel: 874894. -Doctor Kandiah, I Deerhurst Way, Toothill. Tel: 511253. & Sparcells Drive, Sparcells. Tel: 881928 Health Visitor Team, 4 Deerhurst Way, Toothill. Tel: 642133/610459. Baby Clinics: Mon 1.30-4pm 5 Deerhurst Way, Toothill. Wed 10.30am-12.30pm Shaw Church (entrance rear door). Wed 2pm-4pm Greendown School, Grange Park. Thurs 2pm-4pm Freshbrook Community Centre. Thurs (2nd &4th of the month) 2pm-3.30pm Sparcells Comm. Centre Fri 2pm-4pm Upper Shaw Farm, Shaw Ridge. Family Planning: Free clinics every Wednesday 6-8pm 5 Deerhurst Way. No appointment necessary. Cervical Smear Tests. Pharmacies -Ashington Way Pharmacy: Mon-Fri 8.30am-6pm; Sat 8.30am-12noon. Sun 11.30am-12.30pm Tel: 616840. -Coopers, West Swindon Centre: Mon-Thurs 9am-8pm; Fri 9am-9pm; Sat 9am-6pm Tel: 872033. •Kingswood Chemists, Shaw Village Centre: Mon, Tues, Wed Fri 9am630pm; Thurs 9am-5.30pm, Sat 9am-5pm. Dosed 1-2pm. Tel: 886076. 'Ralph Palmer Pharmacy, 3 Deerhurst Way, Toothill: Mon-Fri 9am-lpm &2.30pm-6pm; Sat 9am-12noon. Closed 1pm - 230pm. Tel: 512063. -The Village Pharmacy, Freshbrook Village Centre: Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri 9am-lpm & 2.15-6.30pm; Tues 9am-lpm & 2.15pm-5pm; Closed lpm-2.15pm.Sat 9am-12 noon. Tel: 870226. Dentists -Brendan Ball & Associates, Freshbrook Village Centre. Tel: 873044. -Mrs. Beagley, Town Square, West Swindon Centre. Tel: 872340. -Mr Parkinson, Shaw Village Centre. Tel: 882122 Optician •RJ Holmes, Town Square, West Swindon Centre. Tel: 870011.

PET CARE Vet -Shaw Village Centre. Tel: 881919. Mon-Fri 8.30am-6pm, 8pm-10pm; Sat 9am-12.30pm.

Ecumenical Parish of West Swindon & The Lydiards

Freshbrook ,evartgelical Church

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

Worsley Road gives YOU a warm welcome Sunday lOam Family Praise with Children's Covenanter Movement & creche 6.30pm Evening Worship and Communion For details of mid-week meetings, house groups and other activities, telephone Rev. Peter Grainger on 490498. Church Office, Tel: 873050

MOBILE MECHANIC

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

E COME TO YOU 'Non-Starts *Servicing 'Tuning •M.O.T. Work 'Breakdowns 'Electrical Faults *Clutches fitted

No Garage Prices or Waiting

Please Telephone

876211 ANYTIME

HILLIER FUNERAL SERVICE LTD 55 Victoria Road Swindon Tel: 522797

252 Whitworth Road Swindon Tel: 522145

PRIVATE CHAPELS OF REST 24 hour personal service throughout the year A FAMILY BUSINESS OFFERING HELP AND ADVICE WHEN MOST NEEDED

Morrison & Masters TOWN SQUARE, WEST SWINDON CENTRE. TELEPHONE 870055 for

WELFARE BENEFITS ADVICE POINTS Welfare BenEfits, Housing, Debt Counselling Advice West Swindon Advice Centre, 15 Gainsborough Way, Freshbrook. Tel: 871303. Mon, Wed & Fri 10am-12noon. Toothill Advice Point, Toothill Community Centre. Tues 10am-12noon.

THE CHURCH Anglican-Methodist-U.R.C.-Baptist. Church Office Tel: 874221. Freshbrook Evangelical Church. Church Office. Tel: 873050. St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church. Tel: 874400. Jamal Mohammadia Friday Prayer Group for Muslims. Mr Khan Tel: 881262

House Sales and Purchases & all Property Work (written estimates given) Divorce, Criminal and all Court work Wills and Probates WEST SWINDON'S ONLY SOLICITORS! Also at 20 Commercial Road, Swindon. Telephone: 526601 and 69a Cricklade Road, Gorse Hill. Telephone: 481602

TITCOMBE GARAGE LIMITED

hull •I.UUI

=WESTMEAD DRIVE, — WESTLEA, SWINDON TEL (0793)641643

WEST SWIN ON'S LOCAL GARAGE

24 BREAKDOWN & RECOVERY (ANY DISTANCE) SERVICING & REPAIRS Q MOT's WHILE YOU WAIT PARTS & ACCESSORIES SHOP Q ACCIDENT REPAIRS Q. CAR BODY SPRAYING ALL ESTIMATES tNLSPARCELLS GIVEN FREE G COLLECTION & DELIVERY SERVICE EASTLEA.ZE 0 INSURANCE CRASH GRANGE' REPAIRS PARK, AUTHORISED REPAIRERS TOOTH ILL FOR LEADING F RES H BROOK INSURANCE COMPANIES NATIONAL

BREAKDOWN

Westmead :mpoyment Area

Tewkesbury Way