October 1992 Swindon Link

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No. 127 • October 1992 • Circulation 11,500

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west swindon's magazine

BOOK A BIKE FOR CHRISTMAS AT EXPRESS CYCLES

Christmas Club now running 96 - 99 Manchester Road, Swindon

and the swindon wide what's on guide Panto to bring in crowds again

I.

Bonfire builders needed Is there a group of people willing and able to organise the annual November bonfire night at Toothifi Farm? If not, this long running community event will not take place this year. For the last twelve years the event has been coordinated, usually at very short notice, by community workers from Thamesdown Council's Community Development department. Volunteers helped to build the bonfire from donated wood pallets, let off the fireworks and served refreshments. The community workers can no longer keep the bonfire going and it is now up to local people to organise themselves. Information on where to get materials and the responsibilities of organising a bonfire will be available, but the actual coordination and the work involved will have to be undertaken by a group. If any readers can take the project on, telephone Miriam Minty on 526161 ext. 4843 for information or The Link magazine on 872282 for free publicity.

Filled with fun, magic and excitement, Jack and the Beanstalk, this year's Pantomime at the Wyvern Theatre promises to be just as good as ever. The cast came together at a panto launch at Stone Lane Garden Centre in September to get the publicity band wagon rolling. Topping the bill will be 'Are You Being Served' favourite Trevor Bannister as the outrageous Dame Trott. He'll be joined by GWR/FM and Top of the Pops presenter Mark Franklin as Jack, Hugo Myatt as the Giant's Henchman, the Mollie Tanner Dancers plus a fabulous supporting cast. Once again, Swindon's panto will be full of fun, laughter, music and spectacle, in fact all thatyou would expect from a traditional pantomime for the whole family.

With the giant, Mark Franklin, Trevor Bannister and Hugo Myatt and Molly Tanner Dancers Kirsty and Kelly Rayment from Sparcells

All weather pitch court action fails A private action by four Grange Park residents to restrict the use of the floodlit all weather sports pitch at Greendown Community School failed atSwindon Crown Court on 18 September. The court action was brought by Mark and Tracy Fisher and John and Ruth Spranklin of Cower Close against Wiltshire County Council and Mr Roger Ogle, chair of governors. In a two hour judgement after a six day hearing, Judge Susan Darwall-Smith concluded that the noise from the use of the pitch and the intrusion of light from the floodlights did not constitute a nuisance in common law and it was not appropriate to impose restriction as to its use. Claims for damages were dismissed and costs were awarded to the defendants. The judge said she had the task of striking a balance between the demand of the residents to enjoy their property without unreasonable intrusion of noise or light, and the right of the defendants to use the sports facility for pupils and the community. The court heard from acoustics experts, residents, the school's headteacher and director of recreation, Mr Ogle and a county council officer. The judge made a site visit to view and listen to a hockey session in progress, from the pitch and from the households affected. The court reviewed the history of the case from the original planning permission fora school and flood lit all weather playing field in 1984 through to the court action brought by the residents.

The judge said that she believed a petition objecting to the pitch in 1990 was signed by residents living closeby before the pitch was in use because they did not accept the planning decision and in anticipation of noise. She noted that several residents overstated the problem of noise in their testimony. She said that the plaintiffs let the affect the pitch was having on their lives get out of proportion; their perception of the inconvenience had become coloured by their anger that it had been built at all. Judge Darwall-Smith criticised Thamesdown Council's Environmental Health Officer Brian Marshall for being over critical in his approach and for identifying with the residents' views more than he should have done. She preferred the evidence of the defendant's independent noise expert. She also rejected the evidence of local councilbr Simon Cordon who, being a Thamesdown and Wiltshire County Councillor, a school governor and chair of its community management sub-committee, had a foot in every camp. She criticised him for not informing the governors that he supported Thamesdown's demands for restricted pitch use. She complemented Creendown headteacher Mr Ian Matthews for taking a balanced, fair minded and sympathetic approach to the problems experienced by residents, whilst being mindful of the needs of the community. The

defendants had thought carefully about the hours that the pitch could be used and taken measures to reduce the inconvenience to residents. The hours they set were fair. In her view Judge Darwall-Smith said the plaintiffs had accepted noise from the M4, aircraft overhead, mowers, children playing in the street, and tennis courts next to the pitch, but did not accept the new development of the all weather pitch although it is quieter. Its use might be an occasional inconvenience, but not an actionable nuisance. She said that whilst the floodlights were bright, they were used in the darker months when residents were indoors. Although curtains might have to drawn earlier, that inconvenience did not constitute a nuisance either. The judge recommended that the pitch be used on alternate Sundays and that noise reduc, ing measures already in hand, extra rubber padding and loose netting behind goals and plantingof conifers between the pitch and housing, be carried out. She expressed the hope that relations between the school and the residents could be improved. In lifting the restrictions imposed by a temporary injunction in June, the Judge approved the hours of use set by Greendown Governors as reasonable. The hours, as recommended by Wilts County Council are 9am to 9pm Monday to Friday, 9am - 6pm Saturdays and lOam to 1pm on Sundays.

2 The Link Magazine October 1992

Thinking about divorce or separation?

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91IWcE E MAKE THIS CHRISTMAS A CHINESE EXPERIENCE YOU'LL NEVER FORGET!! Throughout December we will be offering our special Christmas menus for luncheon at £15 per head and dinner at £25 per head Book now for our Gala Evening on 9th December with disco and Karaoke, and for our entertainment evenings between 14th and 23rd December when we will have entertainment from leading comedians and female and male vocalists. Make this Christmas very special. Book now. Tel: 877888 MEAD WAY, SI'ARCELLS, WEST SWINDON

Divorce looms as a certainty for about 40% of all recently married couples. The chance of a co-habiting couple separating, or those involved in a second or subsequent marriage divorcing, are even higher. The real losers in divorce or Separation are often the children unless their future welfare and contact with the non-residential parent are carefully worked out without animosity. But, in many situations, the bitterness resulting fromaccusations and counter-accusations between couples is likely to overshadow any commonsense discussions regarding the childrens' future. What is also known is that many people do not know who to turn to for initial advice before getting into a legal process, the conclusion of which will have far-reaching repercussions for all concerned. To assist parents inthinkingabout the issues involved, an opportunity exists for informal and confidential advice to be given in consultation with the Senior Family Court Welfare Officer for Wiltshire, Alan Sealey. Consultations willbeavailableby appointment only and will be conducted at the Court Welfare Office at the Link Centre. Subject to availability, appointments will be arranged between 4pm and 6pm, Mondays to Thursdays. They will be free and confidential. Couples will not be seen together, the other partner will be not be contacted and neither will children be seen.

In the first instance the availability of sessions will be from Monday, 19 October until Thursday 26 November. If demand justifies, the service will be extended. The purpose of the consultation session will be, primarily, a) to explain the role of mediation if there is likely to be a dispute with your partner over children and/or property; b) to explain the Court process; c) to explain the role of the Court Welfare Officer; d) to consider the implications of the Children Act as it affects divorce or separation with chil dren; e) to consider what options there might be if you are in a violent relationship. There may be scope for a discussion about other matters if necessary and appropriate. The service on offer will not provide specific legal advice, neither will it provide any 'therapeutic' help or look at reconciliation. Otheragencies engaged in such work may be suggested. If you are interested in taking advantage of this offer please telephone the Court Welfare Office on 871333 to make an appointment. Please mention thatyouare interested in the special consultation sessions as the Service has other clients who are in the process of court proceedings. There can be no deviations from the times listed above and no visits to homes will be made.

AMRM1 Dt0 Published by West Swindon Publications 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook Swindon SN5 8P0 Tel: (0793) 872282

Ed/tonal: Roger Ogle, Publisher/Editor Advertising Sales: Tel: (0793) 872282 I Apple Macintosh design, layout and lasersetting Printed by Wiltshire, Bristol Published monthly. Copy date for November edition: 16 October The November edition will be published on 30 October

"The Link was first published in December 1978 exclusively for the West Swindon community. It is completely independent of Link Centre and, in fact, won the competition to name the leisure centre in 1984. The magazine is entirely self-supporting from advertising." Contents 4 Toothill 5 Freshbrook & Grange Park 6 Westlea 7 Shaw 8 At Your Library 9 Recreation 11-14 Swindon Wide 16-17 GCSE Exam Results 21 Letters to the Link 22 Local Lives

TAKE AWAY THE SUPERB AUTHENTIC CUISINE OF THE CHINESE EXPERIENCE

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.

Take Aways available 7 days a week 5.30pm - 10pm Advance orders advised especially at weekends © 877888

TO ADVERTISE IN THE LINK RING 872282

The Link Magazine October 1992 3

Choosing a secondary school Once again parents of 11 year olds are preparing to visit secondary schools designated to take children from West Swindon. For the second year, The Link is publishing the GCSE results from the three LEA schools serving this area, along with a commentary by the headteachers. This information is printed on pages 16 and 17, but as we said last year, the statistics are at best a crude indicator of performance and at worst, they are open to all manner of misinterpretation. The quality of the GCSE has this year been thrown into doubt by ill considered comments by the Minister for Education. He has been ac-

cused of 'scaremongering' by the Head of the Joint Council for the GCSE who says this year's results were 'accurate and valid.' But results apparently are not a major deciding factor for many parents according to recent research. A school's atmosphere, ethos,care, discipline and uniform are just a fewof the many indicators parents look for, along with their own intuition. What is certain is that Bradon Forest, Greendown and Ridgeway Schools area!! very different in character and history. What we say is, use the informationon page 16/17carefully. There's no substitute fora visit to each of the schools and asking lots of questions.

Introducing features Last month The Link appeared with a new look front page logo and included the Swindon Wide what's on guide. This month, we introduce a new element to the magazine. We will be running regular features on different interests. This month, on page 18, we feature weddings and the services that the Swindon's Wedding Centre. In November our theme will be Hair and Beauty. If you'd like to advertise a salon or beauty treatment, call us now on 872282. Toothill cub scouts have been filling Clarkes shoe boxes with items to Toothill play area send to children in war torn Serbia consultations and Croatia.. Councillor Linda Green writes: hocolate,plasplasTinned food, soap, chocolate, ters, toothpaste and a brush were Thamesdown Council's Leisure ters, some of the items included, as well Services Committee is considering as a letter from the individual box proposals forreducing maintenance costs of fixed play equipment in play filler written in Serbo-Croat Pictured above are Matthew Evans, areas, as well as reviewing safety Jonathan Wasylkiw,RobertKnapp, Carl recommendations. The development and safety of children is upPrice and Richard Corbin permost in the committee's views when taking decisions. Other districts in Swindon have Local pizza takeaway shop Piz- been reviewed, with older type zarama, at Shaw Village Centre, is equipment removed and safety surmaking readers a very special offer faces laid in some areas. Currently in October and November. under review are play areas in Visit Pizzarama to collect your Toothill. pizza and you can have any super The current policy aims to prosize pizza, thin crust or deep pan, vide safe play areas at250m or500m for the regular size price. intervals meeting current standards Look at the menu received with e.g. Health and Safety Executive, this copy of The Link and compare National Playing Fields Association the savings to be made between and British Standards. super size and regular size. The officer's recommendation inSays Pizzarama proprietor Mike cludes removing some equipment Grey, "just compare ourpriccswith and closing some of the smaller todthose charged by other pizza sup- dler areas to concentrate on larger pliers in the area and you'll see the areas, e.g. Toothill's Mayenden Park. savings to be made." As ward Councillors we are being No coupon is needed. All you consulted for our local views. All have to do is to visit Pizzarama at interested people can either contact Shaw Village Centre, place your meon 872247 or you can write to Pat order and you'll get a super bar- Bown at Leisure Services, Civic Ofgain at regular price. fices, with your views.

Pizza bargains

BROOKHOUSE FARM Middleleaze Drive, Shaw (0793) 874223

KIDS EAT FREE in October & November Monday-Wednesday 5pm-8pm Saturday 12 noon-6pm

HAPPY HOUR 5pm-6.3Opm Bitter £1 pint, Lager £1.30 pint

OPEN ALL DAY EVERY DAY

FRENCH FOR KIDS ON SATURDAY MORNINGS Small group tuition Learning through fun Songs, games, rhymes & activities Visual & audio-visual aids 4 - 7 years 930am - 1 0.3Oam 7 - 11 years 1045am - 11 .45arr £30 for 12 week session starting 7 November Greendown School Individual tuition by arrangement To book, call Eileen on 874717

The Complete , Hair& Beauty Service

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SUGARING The Natural Choice ' for Hair Removal The hair is removed from the'\ root complete with the bulb. The paste is a completely natural product which can be used safely with no allergic reaction on any skin type. After your first appointment you will notice that the hair will be much finer and sparser. For more information, call Diane on 0249 -891912

THE KITCHEN FITTER Kitchen supply and/or installation service * Professional installation service * Sensible prices * Worktop mitering service For a reliable, efficient service

TEL: (0793) 870790

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GGLEBOX I Specialists in video and TV repairs Free home estimates All work guaranteed Service from 8am - 9pm NO CALL OUT CHARGE Tel: Swindon 813485

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TOOTH ILL YYY

RON AHRENS BUILDER DECORATOR Specialising in all aspects of high quality building work especially decorating, carpentry & plastering. All work guaranteed. No job too small. Free estimates Telephone: 692134 (West Swindon)

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R.T. Far1e Landscape Gardener in West Swindon 20 years experience. Turfing, Paving, Fencing, Pergolas, Planting New Gardens, Rockery Construction, Crazy Paving etc.

-Tel: 875174 }

Toothill Chinese Kitchen English Food and Fish & Chips Special Chinese Food TakeAway Menu

Tel: 487055 Sunday 6 - 11.30am Monday Closed all day 5 - 1130pm Tuesday Wednesday 12 - 145pm 5 - 1130pm Thursday 12 145pm 5 - 1130pm Friday 12-1.45pm 5 - 1200am Saturday 12 2.00pm 5 - 1200am

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OPEN ALL BANK HOLIDAYS (MONDAY)

SATISFACTION GUARANTEED

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Toothill family makes contact A local family made a historic reunion with long lost American cousins in September. Don Lea of Markenfield, Toothill has been collecting information about his ancestors for years and has traced his family tree right back to the sixteenth century. There are over one hundred relations in the Swindon and Malmsbury area, and thereare others all around the world. When he heard that his second cousin June Dengate from Ohio would be touring Britain with her husband and daughter, he contacted her to arrange a visit to Swindon. Much tojune's surprise she- was greeted at Don's house by twenty members of the British connection whom she did not know about. "1 was asked if we would be visiting relations in England and I said there might be one or two, but I never realised there were so many," said June. "It's wonderful to know I have such a big family." June's grandmother was sister to Don's grandfather and it was her father who emigrated to the USA at the age of 16. His many stories about life in pee-World War I Wiltshire left a strong impression with June. Don took her to her father's birthplace, the pub run by her grandfather, and other sites around Malmsbury made the day visit an emotional one. "It's hard to put into words. Tears came to my eyes to see the places my father talked about," she said Don said that he was glad to meet June and her family. "I've been working on the family tree so that we can keep in touch with each other

Don Lea andhiswifePaton the left with June Dengate third from right and her husband and daughter and with the past. I'm so pleased that we could meet up. June will help me contact the relations of another of my grandfather's brothers who emigrated in the early 1900s. "It's a complicated business, but many of the lost relations are being fitted into the Lea family jigsaw."

Fancy Dress Halloween Family Night Saturday 31 October, 730pm - midnight Disco. Licensed bar Toothill Community Centre

ÂŁ1 Adults; 70p children over 12, under 12s free Prices for best fancy dress adult and child

5)

Entertaining coffee morning at church

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NEW KITCHENS, NEW WARDROBES CARPENTRY & ALL TYPES OF JOINERY + All units supplied rigid + Solid wood doors + Replacement doors fitted •. Windows, doors and furniture made to your specifications + Over 15 years experience + Free consultation without any obligation

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You're invited to a Coffee Morning at Toothill Church on Saturday 10 October from 10.30am to 12noon. It's being organised by the young people of Toothill Church in aid of the Church Restoration Fund who will provide entertainment. Please support your local church.

Group for boys The Salvation Army Boys Adventure Corps (SABA) has restarted and meets on Wednesdays,6pm in Toothill Community Centre and is open to boys aged 6 to 14 years of age. The members take part in projects, badge work, games and outdoor activities. Boys who took part in SABA before the summer break and have not returned are asked to join in again. New members are invited to turn up or telephone Clive Alexander on 826428.

Tootleabrook WI June Bradley writes: At our August meeting Mrs Penny Ady gave a most interesting and informative talk on colour and image. In September Mrs J Coats showed us how easy 'Yeast Cookery'is. Shedemonstrated many mouth watering recipes. Weallsampled these and are definitely going to treat our families to some of them. One of our own members also showed us how to make marzipan fruits. We were all surprised how easy these are to make and how realistic the results. Our next meeting on 21 October will be the Annual Craft and Produce Show. We are having a cake stall at the West Swindon Centre on 23 October. Please come and see us there. The WI has ladies of all ages and interests. We meet on the third Wednesday of each month in the CommunityRoomatToothillSchool at 730pm. For further information telephone 495520.

FRESHBROOK & GRANGE PARK Freshbrook Village Group Annual General Meeting Wednesday 14 October, 8pm Small Hall, Freshbrook Community Centre The centre is managed by a committee of people from Freshbrook and Grange Park. Everybody who lives in the area is a member of the FVG and is invited to the AGM to hear of what has taken place during the past year and to elect a new committee. New ideas and now faces will be welcomed.

Minders get together Freshbrook and Grange Park childminders next meet for their monthly coffee morningon Wednesday2l October in the FamilyRoom at Freshbrook School. Childminders and the children in their care throughout the area are invited to join in. For more information, telephone Anne Tulley on 873811. Jumble Sale Saturday 3 October, 2pm Freshbrook Community Centre 20p adm. Any donations of jumble phone 871017 or 872450 Jumble Sale Saturday 24 October, 2pm Freshbrook Community Centre 20p adm. Donations of jumble welcome, phone 872450 Proceeds to GWR Majorettes Indoor Boot Markets Sunday 4 October & Sunday 18 October, 9am - 12 noon Freshbrook Community Centre Setting up from 8am ÂŁ5 per table, just turn up For enquiries tel: 871017 or 872450

Saturday Activities for Children The FACES Club at Freshbrook Community Centre has spaces for children aged 6-12 years, every Saturday lOam-12 noon. Activities include snooker, football, bingo, painting and lots more. The cost is SOp per session which includes refreshments. For more information phone 87031 or 872450

Kids take over farm Forty youngsters from Freshbrook and Grange Park spent a September day at Southleaze Farm, making, playing and enjoying the outdoors. The event was organised by the Friends of Junior Fools which aims to give five to fourteen year olds the chance to develop a positive relationship with animals, the environment and each other. Supervised by adults, the children helped repair the farm maze, rode horses, made videos and took part in a farm quiz. A barbecue ended the day. To find out more about Junior Fools, or offer adult help for future events, telephone Sue Brewer on 876031 or Brenda Bell on 523134.

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Facechoice Pharmacy

JL SERVICES Carpentry & Joinery Custom furniture Fitted Interiors & Property Maintenance For personal, friendly service, contact JL SERVICES Tel: 695067

Carolyn Phillippo

Freshbrook Village Centre Tel: 870226 Opening limes: Monday - Friday 9am- 1pm 2.1 5pm - 6pm Saturday 9am- 12noon

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Architectural Designer

Persona! Service for all your Building Plans Local Authority Approvals Domestic Extensions & Alterations a Speciality Period & Modern Independent Kitchen Design Swindon 616605 (Freshbrook)

Enquiries welcome anytime

CARLTON REFRIGERATION 7 DAY SERVICE

SERVICE & REPAIRS TO ALL MAKES OF FRIDGES & FREEZERS LEC APPROVED SERVICE ALL WORK GUARANTEED

TEL: (0793) 512550

HUG your kids at home

Damp birthday celebration

Can be used indoors in all community halls

Š 762955 IN L. CS. AL4EV Hiding in the back row, with Rainbow Playgroup children, from left, play supervisor Ros Crannis, ex-chairwoman Wendy Clark and play supervisor Angela Kift The weather was not kind to Freshbrook's Rainbow Playgroup at their tenth anniversary fun day on 13 September at Freshbrook School. Although it was wet and windy, staff, parents and children carried on regardless and had a good time. The playgroup presently caters for eighty children and is open eight sessions a week. Formed in 1982 as an offshoot of the Freshbrook Community Centre playgroup to cater for the large numbers of underfives in the area, the group once had a waiting list of over one hundred children Nowadays, many of the children in the group can attend for three sessions a week and most playgroup age children can quickly be found a place. To find out more about the playgroup, contact the waiting list secretary Dawn Hardy on 874066.

LOCAL HEATING PLUMBING & GAS INSTALLER C.O.R.G.l.registered "From tap re-seating to whole house heating" Showers installed at reasonable prices

Tel: 538901

BELT them in the car Swindon Seat Belt Centre Unit 16, Station Industrial Estate Sheppard Street Swindon Tel: 488622

WESTLEA

6

Clowning Around

Westlea School Bonfire Thursday 5 November 6 3Opm start Adults C1.20; Child £1 (Pre-school tree) • Refreshments Tickets on sale at the school Group Guy Competition

Group celebrates Westlea's Little Hands toddler group held a party on 21 September to mark their first birthday and the opening of the new Sunshine Room a year ago. To join Little Hands, call Alison Barrett on 873003.

Not just a Garden Centre - more a gardeners' paradise where you can buy unusual and hard to find varieties of Fruit Trees, Ornamental Trees, Herbaceous Perennials, Roses, Trees, Shrubs, Alpines, Heathers and Conifers

and get expert advice from the people who grow them NEW FOR AUTUMN Universal Pansies and Autumn Bedding Plants Grange Farm Nurseries

Haydon End Lane Entrance off Lady Lane and Westfield Way, Haydon Wick

Members of Westlea Church taking themselves seriously Helen Lawrence writes: birthday with Roly Bain, an angli-

Gasps of wonder - shrieks of delight morning service as usual for Westlea Church? But now it's the grown-ups making the noise. A clown swings on a rope between two scaffolding crosses, (please don't let him scratch the school's floor!). 'Sometimes,' he grunts, clinging to the crossbar, 'all you can do is hang on to the Cross.' Slowly he steps out across the rope. 'Faith is like a slack rope' he says, 'it's very narrow but if you keep your eyes on the Cross, you'll get there in the end.' We are celebrating our eighth

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ASHINCTON WAY PHARMACY WESTLEA Pharmacists: Ken Schofield B. Pharm., M.R.Pharm.S. Ralph Palmer B. Pharm., M.R.Pharm.S.

If the Earth were only a few feet in diameter, , floating a few feet above a field /. somewhere, people would come from everywhere to marvel at it. People would walk it, marvelling at its big pools of water, its littte ols and the water flowing between the pools. People I would marvel at the bumps on it, and the holes in it, and they would marvel at the very thin layer of gas surrounding it and the water suspended in the gas. The people would marvel at all the creatures walking around the surface of the ball, and at the creatures in the water. The people would declare it precious because it was the only one, and they would protect it so that it would not be hurt. The ball would be the greatest / wonder known, and people would come to behold it, to be / \ healed, to gain Knowledge, to know beauty and to wonder \ how it could be. People would love it, and defend it with / \ their lives, because they would somewhere know / that their lives, their own roundness, could / be nothing without it. If the Earth were only a few feet in diameter.

Pictured below are the only founder members still in the group Chris and Oliver Woodward, left, and Richard and Alison Barrett

can priest and full-time clown. He says the clown mirrors our lives, tragedy mixed with comedy - an absurd, vulnerable figure open to ridicule - like Christians. After a wet, barbecued lunch, we made clowns of ourselves, complete with silly hats, silly noses and silly walks. Jesus used humour in his stories (just imagine someone with a plank in their eye!) to speak to people who take themselves far too seriously, people like us. In the end the clown, ridiculous and vulnerable but real about life and taking it as it comes, is the winner.

Tel: (0793)616840 DISPENSING We can dispense all NHS and private prescriptions. We always keep a wide range of medicines in stock, and are always pleased to order any special items.

OXYGEN THERAPY EQUIPMENT We supply oxygen equipment prescribed on the NETS and have many sets out on loan. We deliver oxygen to patients' homes throughout the area.

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nd

NEBULISERS Nebulisers are used for treating asthma and other breathing problems. You cannot get them under the NETS, but if your doctor advises one, we can supply them at VAT-free prices.

RESIDENTIAL AND NURSING HOMES We can give a pharmaceutical service to the homes in the area. This includes delivering medicines and giving advice on using, storing and disposing of them safely.

DELIVERY If you are housebound, we can possibly arrange for delivery of your prescriptions. Please let us know if we can help. OPEN: Monday to Friday 8.30am - 6.00pm Saturday Sunday

8.30am - 12.00noon 11.30am - 12.30pm

SHAW

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Free church minister moves up north An appreciation by Chris Clarke Helen Drummond (pictured right) became Free-Church Minister at Shaw in 1985 when she came to share with the Vicar Keith Boxall in caring for Shaw's 14,000 souls. Together they have built and nurtured Holy Trinity Church but she also been influential beyond Shaw and Swindon, visiting other congregations, working on many committees, trying to ensure that no-one need feel isolated from Cod's love. She combines a gift for seeing and telling the truth and therefore for teaching Cod's word, with concern for young people. Her non-Church interests include Sunderland football tearm, feminism and the sea. All of her friends in Swindon are grateful to her husband Ian and daughter Sarah and to Cod to have shared Helen for 7 years. Our prayers will be with her on 17 OctoJellytots Playgroup Autumn Fayre Saturday 31 October, 2pm 4pm -

Upper Shaw Farm Table Top Sale, Tombola, Raffle, Refreshments To book a table phone: 875282 Playgroup spaces

TheSunnySmiles Playgroup which meets in the Roughmoor Social Hall, Swinley Drive has places available on Monday and Wednesday mornings, 9.15am to 12noon. Call Jackie Wozniak for more information on 873284. Big rattle prize

The Friends of Shaw Ridge School have set themselves the target of raising £500 at a stall in the Brunel Centre on Saturday 17 October. There will be homemade cakes, books, plants and preserves and a raffle with a first prize of £100.

INTEREST RATES DOWN CAN WE HELP YOU MAKE THE RIGHT MOVE? Helen Drummond with Ian and Sarah ber when Helen will be inducted as United Reformed Church Minister at St Mary's, Morley, near Leeds. She will also be an Industrial Chaplain there.

Shaw W1 Kay Twyinan reports We had a busy afternoon with our cake stall at the Shaw Fun Day on 5 September. It was very pleasant to tell people about out meetings whilst selling the cakes. I hope all those who purchased our cakes enjoyed eating them! We are joing forces with Lydiard Millicent WI to hold a jumble sale at Lydiard Millicent Village Hall on Saturday 10 October. The hall will be open at 2pm. Entry is lop and refreshments will be available. Hope to see you there. At our October meeting, John Cirvan will be talking about Ghosts. Don't worry, we won't let anyone go home alone! We're a friendly crowd, why not join us? We shall be meeting on 19 October, 730pm at Shaw Community Centre. For further details, please contact Kay Twyman on 871614.

Whether you are moving house or thinking of re-mortgaging your present property, we may be able to help you. We have special discounts available NOW for First Time Buyers!! We can arrange fixed rate mortgages at very competitive rates (8.25% for 2 years) We can also arrange new loans at a variable rate of 8% with no deferral of interest (discounted rate which is 2% below the base rate of 10% for 12 months), subject to status, e.g. a mortgage of £50,000 could cost £283.33 per month at 8%. There are NO HIDDEN CLAUSES! You tell us what your requirements are and we will try to provide the arrangements to suit your individual needs.

Horse muck angers Peatmoor people Dog mess on footpaths has longbeen a hazard for pedestrians in West Swindon but avoiding horse droppings is becoming a sticky problem. Neil Gomez of Highmore Copse, Peatmoor was delivered some horse manure outside his house, and he was not amused. "Horse riders use the footpaths around here to ride from the surrounding countryside to Peatmoor lagoon. Everyday there arenewdroppingsand whenl found some right outside my house, I was quite angry. Riders should guide their horses off the footpath or bring a spade with them to clear it away." Paul Paymani from Highmoor Copse says playing around horse droppings isn't much fun. "It's very Surveying the latest horse droppings, mucky. It gets on your shoes and from left, Matthew Clarke, Matthew Kerslake and Paul Paymani onto bicycle tyres."

Swindon 873369 (2 lines)

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Mansfield Begbie Associates

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MORTGAGE & INSURANCE SERVICES Appointed Representative of Cornhill Insurance Marketing Group, members of which are Members of Lautro and Imro) in relation to life assurance, pensions and unit trust business only REMEMBER: YOUR HOME IS AT RISK IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR OTHER LOAN SECURED ON IT.

AT YOUR LIBRARY

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George & Carolyn

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Phillippo YOUR LOCAL AGENTS

Winners and scandal West Swindon Librarian Phil Edwards wrtes

Beauty Salon and Solarium Specialists in all aspects of beauty including: Aromatherapy, Waxing Red Vein treatment Nail tip extensions - gel and fibre glass Late night openings Ring Chris or Kerry for more information Potters Walk (High Street) Wootton Bassett

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ENISE' DRAPES Professionally made FESTOON & AUSTRIAN BLINDS Friendly personal service from measuring to hanging. Also made to measure curtains.

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THE BODY LANGUAGE XERGYMTM SHAPE AND BODY TONER as used by one of Swindon's leading aerobic and aqua-aerobic instructors is now available direct!

RRP £24.98 - SPECIAL PRICE £19.98 For a FREE information pack on how you can become a fitter & healthier person for the 90's, Call Paul Tucker or Chris Parker on 0793 514055

"If you were happy with your shape

- You really wouldn't care what you weighed!" 14 day money back guarantee if not totally satisfied

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Where the Best Evenings Begin

BALLGOWNS FOR HIRE or SALE EVERY gown is NEW this season The Suit Company Canal Walk Swindon Tel: (0793) 693875

Carriages At Three 20A Dyer Street Cirencester Tel: (0285) 651760

Colouring Competition winners We had a marvellous response to our 'colour-a-balloon' competition during the summer holidays, with some very imaginative ideas being produced among the 97 entries. We have broken the winning entries into three age groups, plus one overall winner. The top prize goes to jay Daggar, aged 11, of Godolphin Close. Jay's was a topical Olympic design which included the Olympic flare supplying the balloon's hot air. Jay wins a free entrance to the Link Centre Ice Rink, kindly donated by the Ice Rink Management. The other prizewinners are as follows: • Under 5's: Jon Richards, 5, of Wheatlands, Matthew Lewing ton, 5, of Beverly • 6 to 8 year olds: Carrianne Sopp, 6, of Ravenglass Road, Lee Iddenden, 7, of Tarragon Close • Over 9's: Michelle Horwood, 11, of Stamford Close, Sarah Bright, 12, of Scarborough Road Thanks and commiserations to all the other children who entered. A selection of entries wilibe displayed in the Library. Exhibitions During October we have two exhibitions at West Swindon Library. One is an exhibition of paintings by three groups of local leisure artists, and will run for three weeks from 8 October. The other is a display of topographical prints from the Wiltshire Library and Museum Services collection. This includes maps, churches, archaeological sites, homes great and small, townscapes and portraits, and it also illustrates a variety of print techniques. It runs from 29 September until 30 October. New Books at the Library Political scandals continue to attract media coverage. Possibly the most infamous case dates from the early 1960's. The Profumo Affair ultimately led to the downfall of the Conservative Government of Harold MacMillan. Following in the wake of the film 'Scandal', the Soviet side is now told in 'The Naked Spy' by Yevgery Ivanov a military attache in London. According to Ivanov's story his seduction of Christine Keeler was only one stage in his plan to ensnare Secretary of State for War John Profumo. The American side of undercover work is unveiled inJohn Ranelagh's 'CIA a history'. The book, based on the BBC television series, traces the CIA from its origins in the aftermath of Pearl Harbour through to its currently changing role following the demise of the Communist Eastern bloc.

From the book of a television series to a history of film, television and video. The Moving Image' by John Wyver describes itself as 'the first book to tell the entire story of moving images in all their forms, from the prehistory and invention of the cinema to television, video and beyond'. Such images have played a major role in the social life of the twentieth century. The book was originally published to mark the opening of the Museum of the Moving Image (MOMII) in London. One of the biggest stars of the 'moving image' was John Wayne. Being the child of a person of such public stature as John Wayne cannot always be easy. In her memoirs entitled 'John Wayne, My Father', Aissa Wayne says 'sometimes I wanted out frombeneath the weight of my father's gigantic stature, out from inside his shadow, where I could just be myself, whoever that might be. As John Wayne's daughter it was difficult to tell.' This, then is a personal story of a public figure. If you would like to borrow these or any other books, and you cannot find them on our shelves, please ask at the enquiry desk For a small fee we can reserve or request items not immediately available.

Training as an Advice Point Volunteer by Sarah Wood

I first noticed the article in The Link earlier in the year. It said 'Would you like to be a volunteer welfare advisor? For more information and to go on a basic training course, please telephone etc. etc.' I thought 'that sounds interesting', so I telephoned. I was told that you didn't need experience, just enthusiasm and willingness to help people, so I signed on for the course. The course was really interesting. It was everyThursday, 10amto2pm forsixweeks. It was held at Pinehurst Peoples Centre and it covered listening skills, income related benefits, equal opportunities, disability benefits, money advice for benefit advisors, National Insurance, housing and employment laws. Each week was more interesting than the last. The other people on the course were all really friendly, which made every Thursday pleasurable to go to. When the course ended, we were all asked what we would like to do next. This is when I came to the Advice Point at The West Swindon Family and Community Project. • If you would like to find out when the next volunteer advice training course starts, call the WestSwindon Family Project on 871303.

9

RECREATION

Sisters on the run

Minis take to the field again

A second eight week runningcourse for women starts on Tuesday 6 October between 7pm and 8pm at the Alamo, County Ground Complex in Swindon. The course is being run by Thamesdown Council's Lifestyle Unit and is part of the Reebok/Running Magazine Sisters Network which promotes fitness, fun and *friendship and promises that 'No woman is too old, too fat, or too slow to run with us.' The cost is £12 which includes a free T-shirt and fitness information. Contact Donna Mclvor at the Lifestyle Unit on 693787 ext 137 to sign up.

Young rugby players are back in training at Wootton Basset rugby club on Stoneover Lane. Boys and girls can play together up to the age of twelve and there are teams from children at every age group for under 7s to under 12s. Training sessions take place on Sundays between lOam and 1130am and there are matches against other clubs every three weeks. Parents and children can just turn up and join in or telephone Stuart Fulling on 850862 for more information.

YOUR INVITATION TO /LINK W CENTRE Tel: (0793) 871212 A GREAT DAY OUT

DARE TO RIDE THE DOMEBUSTERS THIS HALF TERM AND WE WILL GIVE YOU A HALF PRICE SKATE SESSION AT LINK CENTRE Every person purchasing a Domebust & Swim ticket will receive a voucher for a half price skate session at Link Centre

DOMEBUSTERS FAMILY TICKET 2 Adults & 2 Children or 1 Adult and 3 Children: £9.00 Spend 40 minutes riding the Domebusters followed by 20 minutes in the Lagoon Pool with waves and water cascade. Recreation Services Standard Prices: Adults £3.25. Conc: £2.40

BOROUGH OF NOV THAMESOOWN Ar

Weight Watchers NEIN SUPER START LINK CENTRE - COMMUNITY SUITE Thursday 6.30pm Swindon Centre - Milton House, 22a Milton Road Monday 6pm Tuesday 10am, 12.30 & 730pm Thursday lOam & 1230pm Saturday lOam Haydon Wick Community Centre

Wednesday 7pm Wroughton - Ellendune Community Centre Tuesday lOam Gorse Hill - Co-op Hall, 134 Cricktade Road

Wednesday 5.30 & 730pm

IrL >.

-

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FIT -!

STAY

FIT

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BY DESIGN LTD

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and Link Centre will be providing fun and excitement. From Monday 26 October to Friday 30 October for just £5 per day (90p Gold Card), Lincoln Bear will be waiting to meet anyone aged 5-12 years on his Holiday Camp. He will ensure that from 9.30am 3.30pm each day, everyone will have a fun-packed holiday. A structured daily activity programme will include skating, tra mpolining, bouncy castle, basketball, badn-linton, football, arts /crafts, videos and swimming, throughout the week. Bookings will betaken fromTuesday l3 October onwards, from lOam.

I

Tuesdays 7.30pm - 8.3Opm Exercise to Music with Lee

us

a

Wednesdays 7.30pm-8.30pm Absolute Beginners with Lee

Designed for those people who tD have not exercised for some me and need a gentle , LL re-introduction. Suitable >. for men and women of all ages and abilities.

a Fridays 6.30pm-7.30pm U. The 'Thank God Its Friday' Workout with Lee

Be Waterwise!

Get fresh for the weekend with

GYM GREENDOWN SCHOOL STILL ONLY £2.50 La.

Link Centre is also offering a 'Funtastic', Spooky, Halloween Party on Ice on Saturday 3l October, 8.15pm-I0.30pm. a There's a flee 'ghoulish goody' for the first 200 customers and there'll be special lighting, games, prizes, surprises and lots more.

1gM the Weight VOtehers stay Just one of the ntillions who ve lost Linni Lloyd-Henry

—........-.---,-------- —....-----......BRING THIS COUPON TO YOUR FIRST MEETING

SAVE &9 FREE REGISTRATION

For further details of any of these LU activities please contact Link Main Reception on Tel: 871212.

()ffcrcloses October 10th 1992 'too pay only coot steeling fee of 13 SIL This offer cannot he used in conjunction with any other offer.

Weight Watchers" If you cant get soameeting, try our Weight Watchers By Mail ServieL. Tel: e91.296

GET

.. . -I Total Body Conditioning Action Packed Half-Term ' Warm Up Aerobics, Stretch, at Link Centre Floorwork, Cool Down. lZ Yes it'll soon be holiday time again Suitable for Intermediates. '

Goulish time promised at Halloween Skate

For further information, please ring: 0272 272012

I

a

In addition to Lincoln's Camp, there exercise to music designed to are plenty of other activities for each 13 stretch that stressed body day of the holidays. Between lOamCs In Ilameach day (excluding WednesSundays 7.30pm-8.30pm . days) we have our 'Freestyle' session in the pool where floats, rafts, Exercise to Music with Lee games and watersports are all on Total Body Conditioning offer- anything goes within reason. UJI Warm up, Aerobics, (For children over 8 years only). Stretch, Cool down. Those who may want some swimSuitable for Intermediates. ming instruction are also catered for. During half term between 9amEveryone Welcome. lOam, we will be holding lessons for Beginners and Improvers. The cost rL ALL CLASSES HELD IN THE -1 is just £6.80 for 4 sessions.

•Kick start your diet with new SuperStart see the difference in just 2 weeks

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Left: Under 1 O making for the try line Alison Bruce says get ready for an

Tel: (0793) 533405

GET AT, STAY FIT • GET FIT, STAY FIT -

2200.

There's so much going on at Link. Come and join in the fun. (NB All information correct when going to print).

Personal Training for Individuals & Corporate Clients a speciality NO MEMBERSHIP JUST PAY ON THE DAY FREE RAFFLE AT THE END j OF EACH MONTH

TEL: 0488 - 684928 OR 0831 - 098273 FOR DETAILS

10 The Link Magazine • October 1992

A night out for a good cause

• CURTAIN • CALL TRAVEL

TEL: (0793) 740817

Special Christmas Shopping & Theatre Break - One Night Away By coach to London, departing Saturday 12 December, lOam, tour around London en route, before arriving at hotel. Overnight accommodation (doubles or twins) at 3 star central London hotel with continental breakfast on the Sunday morning. Rest of Saturday free to shop, making your own way to the 530pm performance of Ray Conney's hilarious new comedy 'It Runs In The Family' starring Windsor Davis and Sandra Dickenson. Best available seats. After breakfast on Sunday 13 December rejoin coach at 1030am for a visit to Petticoat Lane Market for more shopping. Returning to Swindon in the evening, after a trip through the London Christmas lights, arriving Bus Station, Swindon at approximately 7pm. Cost per person - £55

.:. .:. .:.

London Theatre Excursions Miss Saigon, 24 October, Saturday matinee Joseph, 21 November, Saturday matinee Starlight Express, 5 December, Saturday matinee Cats, 5 December, Saturday matinee Joseph, 11 December, Friday evening Les Miserables, 13 February 1993, Sat matinee Miss Saigon, 6 March 1993, Saturday matinee

£38.00 £28.00 £29.00 £30.00 £26.50 £37.75 £36.25

Bristol Hippodrome Excursions £22.50 Jack and the Beanstalk, 9 January, matinee Jack and the Beanstalk, 20 January, Senior Citizens £14.00 Me and My Girl, 27 February, LAST PERFORMANCE, Saturday eve £31.50

Savvas Cabaret Club Evenings

Gown sale If you're looking for a bargain ballgown, visit the Carriages atThree shop at 20a Dyer Street, Cirencester where, alongside the recently restocked hire rail, you'll find a Dress Agency Rail where everything is for sale on a 50/50 basis. Most gowns are priced at less than £100.

Fashion show offer Fairy Tale Bride, the West Swindon based bridal wear and ball gown hire business, is interested in organising fundraising fashion shows for local community groups. Fashion shows can raise a lot of money and they are a good activity for group members and those who buy tickets to support the cause. To contact Fairy Tale Bride, telephone Shatyn Fowler on 481346.

Call Maureen Gregory on 848263 to pro-register items for sale. Items can be delivered on the day between 9am and 1 Oam. Small toys or equipment should be packed in clear plastic bags. Take care with puzzles and small toys. Items for sale should be priced in multiples of 50p. NCT charges a 25% commission on sales

"Just to let you know about the diet. I've lost pounds!" 'Tsaid you could do it with NO the help of a Cambridge Counsellor." I.

I 1

the (Thbrldtoe Diet DEVELOPED BY DOCTORS OVER 20 YEARS

For details of your local Counsellor, call Rebecca Qifforde (Westlea) on 873201

VISITING CHIROPODIST Dianne C. Howard M.SSCH., M.B.CH.A Telephone 0793 - 850089

SWINDON SOFT WATER CENTRE Makes water softening simple

(Twice voted Night Club of UK)

Roy 'Chubby' Brown, 15 November (Meal NOT included) Chippendales, (ladies only) 30/31 October Adonis, (ladies only) 25 November Hale & Pace, 28 November (book early) Lenny Henry, 4, 5, 11, 12 December Jim Davidson, 18, 19 and 20 December

Carriages At Three, the bailgown hire shop situated in The Suit Company on Swindon's Canal Walk is regularly asked to put on fashion shows at local hotels, community or school halls. An evening of excitement, glamour and some ideas for the wardrobe always results. Over the last two years several local charities have benefited by £7,000. It has cost them very little; all they had to do was sell the tickets. The team of male and female models, of all ages and all sizes, give their time frwly and spend many hours in rehearsals to perfect their routines and put on a great show. There are three coming up: • 9 October at the Crosslink Centre, Kingsdown, for the Raychem Netball Club • 15 October at the Dunbar Club, Ocotal Way, for the Koalas playgroup forchildren with special needs • 18 Octoberat the Blunsdon House Hotel for the Cats Protection League. Tickets for all these events can be purchased from Carriages at Three, tel. 693875 orJuvals, teL 513196.

The National Childbirth Trust Baby Equipment & Toy Sale Link Centre, Saturday 24 October 11 am to 12 noon

No. 1 Best selling water softener In the UK

£22.00 £27.50/35.50 £30.00 £32.50 £32.50 £35.50

Deposit for Sawas £10 each guest. Price includes return coach, show, 3 course dinner and disco dancing Theatre excursions include return coach, ticket booking fee and VAT

FOR THE BEST IN ENTERTAINMENT, BOOK WITH CURTAIN CALL ON (0793) 740817

A__ET1 K1_N The world's most advanced fully automatic non-electric meter-controlled system

Showroom at 260 Ferndale Road, Swindon Call BRIAN COX on SWINDON 527172

SOFT WATER CENTRE WOOTfON BASSETT Come and see our full range of Water Softeners including the AQUADIAL, DOMEXTRA, EURO, OAKLANDS, PERMUTIT Also Available: Granular, Tablet, P.V.D. Sail All at Unit 4, Oaklands Enterprise Estate, Braydon, Nr. Wootton Bassett. Open Saturdays ONLY 9.30am - 4pm. OR Ring Swindon 853156 for further information or appointment.

PROFESSIONAL GUITAR TUTOR

45"Aeotice~ RM

has vacancies for both young and mature people interested in learning the Classical Guitar. Individual half hour lessons on a weekly basis. Music examinations from beginners to diploma level coached and encouraged

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

Swindon's Dance Power House

•

WyvernTheatre,7.30pmonSunday, 4 October. Proceeds from the showgo to fund a Child Care Centre in Swindon for children who have been neglected or abused, either physically, sexually or emotionally.

A group of concerned business men and women who together call themselves 'Swindon Business Cares for Child ren'are working very closely with the NSPCC and other social service departments to ensure that the centre, which it is hoped will open in October 1992 has the necessary funding to keep it going. Julian Clary, whose parents live locally, has taken a great interest in this project. The evening should prove to be quite entertaining. Tickets can be obtained from the Wyvern Theatre Tel: 524481

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

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

To be named as one of Britain's six National Dance Agencies has been exciting and enables us to go forward with confidence and energy to meet the challenges of the future. National Dance Agencies are an Arts Council funded scheme, aimed to develop a network of 'safehouses' fordancein the regions and to spread both the resources and expertise available in dance around Britain, away from London. There is no set model or role for National Dance Agencies (the name misleads slightly- we are not employment centres for dancers). Each agency has its own personality and mission. Thamesdown Dance Studio has pioneered dance initiatives in Britain for over a decade now and has always been a Regional Dance Centre, making Dance for Everyone a reality by providing a comprehensive programme of daily classes, performances and projects involving people of all ages, abilities and interests. Amateurs and professionals come together to demystify what could otherwise be an 'elite' and unknown business. As a National Dance Agency, Thamesdown Dance Studio will be able to: 'continue to offer a comprehensive programme of classes for local people ofallages, abilities and interests; develop further the programme of residencies with companies like English National Ballet, Kokuma, London Contemporary DanceTheatre, involving hundreds of school children, community participants and providing a valuable resource

for teachers; 'bring dance performance of the highest quality to audiences inSwindon includ ing companies like PACE from South Africa, Adzido, English National Ballet, Phoenix, London Contemporary Dance Theatre and Cholmondeleys; 'continue to seek out, encourage and develop talented dancers and choreographers through schemes like theTexaco Youth Dance Course; 'offer the Taking Risk performance series which brings avante garde, new choreography to the town. People still are surprised that dance has developed to such a high standard in Swindon, a place where people still 'pass through'. Hopefully, National Dance Agency status will prove once and for all there is life in dance and, above all, real talent outside London.

Trawrlermafl * family fish

restaurants & lake-awoys

Open Monday - Saturday 1130am - 2pm 430pm - 11 pm Car Park A West Swindon Centre

SUN SPECIAL 1st October to 10th November 2 Fish & Chips for the price of 1 ONLY with the six tokens from the Sun Newspaper Telephone Orders Welcome - 870455

y CINEMAS Iu ..uuuu u. .uuuuuIu IuuI uuu I uu IuuIuI IuIlluuu UIUuuIIu uuiiuuii uiuuuuu u uuuuiuiu IuuuuIuuuul

by Marie McCluskey, Director of Dance

Fans of colourful comedian Julian

Clary, star of Trick or Treat, Sticky Moments and Channel 4s Terry and Julian have the chance to see him in An Evening with Jul ian Clary at the

Contact BERNARD TANNER on Swindon 521743 or 514055 (24hrs)

Thamesdown Dance Studio - A National Dance Agency

Union Dance Company Photo: Hug h Glendenn

Julian does it for charity

SATURDAY MORNING MOVIES FOR KIDS AT THE MGM 10 October Problem Child (PG) 17 October Suburban Commando (U) 24 October An American Tail - Fievel Goes West (U) lOam '£1.70 MGM Shaw Ridge West Swindon

12

The Swindon Wide

Venues quick reference guide Arts Centre, Devizes Road, Swindon. Tel: 614837

ProfecsionaPBeauty 'lfieiupy in Rcljruj 'Treatment Rgoin Fu[[ range of 'Beauty Treat me nt.s and Aromatherapy Massage Teresa-Yayne John

9-[f'BC. City an1gui&1c T1 (0793)870192

Link Arts Studio, Link Centre, Whitehill Way, West Swindon. Tel: 871212 Oasis Leisure Centre, North Star Avenue,Swindon. Tel: 533404/5/6

Friday 2 October Music Hornweb. An exciting blend of blues, jazz, soul, funk, rock and improvisation. Presented by Swindon Jazz Front. Link Arts, doors open 8pm. £5, conc. £4 Music Lunchtime Concert. Rebecca Jones (violin), Christopher Sheldrake (baritone, Paul Turner (piano). Wyvern, 1pm-2pm. £1 all seats Dance Urban Classics presented by Union Dance Company. Town Hall Studios, 8pm. £4.25, conc. 2.75. Also Saturday 3 Oct.

Town Hall Dance Studios & Media Arts, Town Hall, Regent Circus, Swindon. Tel: 526161 Wyvern Theatre, Theatre Square, Sunday 4 October Swindon. Box Office, tel: 524481. Comedy An Evening with Julian Clary. Wyvern, Credit card booking, tel: 694055 730pm. £20, £15, £10

Tuesday 6 October Drama Much Ado About Nothing presented by Oxford EVIL 12 Stage Company. Wyvern 730pm. £10.50, £8.50, £7.50, conc. £1 off, School Parties: £5 each any performance. Also Wednesday 7 to Saturday 10 October, 7.30pm & Thursday matinee 2pm

rs an F Unit 12 Brindley Close, Cheney Manor Industrial Estate, Swindon

0793 421125

Tr

0860 808061

HANDMADE FIREPLACES IN BRICK OR STONE Profesionally built to your exact requirements. Free design service. Tel: Swindon 535291

CLEANING ENTERPRISES (WROUGHTON) For professional on-site cleaning of Carpets, Curtains, Upholstery and Vertical Blinds. Specialist, Oriental Rug Cleaning service. Licensed 'Scotchcare' services company.

For enquiries and estimates ring. 812575 A MEMBER OF THE

F

Established since 1963

THE KITCHEN DOOR COMPANY Transform your kitchen in one day with our beautiful range of custom made replacement doors. By using your existing units, you can have the luxury of a new kitchen at a fraction of the price. >- All doors & drawer fronts made to measure > D.I.Y. or full fitting senlice > Quality doors at the rigjht price > Large range from lamir ates to solid oak > Fitted in a day, No Mer;s, No Fuss Full range of accessor ?5 & extra units > Choose at home. No rDressure. No obligation

For further detail, telephone Swindon 871229

Wednesday 7 October Music Wells Cathedral Music School. Lunchtime brass concert. Wyvern, 1pm-2pm. £1 all seats Thursday 8 October Media Spitting Image: Behind the Latex. The experts reveal the secrets of the trade. Town Hall Studios, 8pm. £3, conc. £1.50 Friday 9 October Music Swindon Men of Jazz. Led by Graham Sheppard and presented by Swindon Jazz Society. Link Arts, doors open 8pm. £3, conc. £2.50 Saturday 10 October Craft Market 20 stalls of local crafts. Link Centre 10am to 4.30pm Drama 'Two" presented by Not The National Theatre. Arts Centre, 8pm. £5, conc. £2.50 Discussion A Career in the Theatre. Wyvern, llam-lpm. £1 Monday 12 October Comedy Wax Acts with Ruby Wax. Wyvern, 730pm. £12.50 Tuesday 13 October Music The Blues Band plus support. Wyvern, 7.30pm. £10.50, £8.50 Wednesday 14 October Music Bob Geldolf and The Happy Clubsters. Sir Bob (below) visits Swindon with a new band. Wyvern, 7.30pm. £10.50, £9.50 Thursday 15 October Music Edwardians Unlimited. Old Time Music Hall starring Leslie Crowther. Wyvern, 2pm and 7pm. Mat £4.50; Eve £5.50 Friday 16 October Dance Jonathan Burrows Group. An articulate and sharply original dance piece with a score on electric piano composed and performed live by Matheo Fargion. Town Hall Studios, 8pm. £4.25, conc. £2.75. Also Saturday 17 October. Music Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Conductor Kees Bakels, Soloist Karen Jones (flute). Wyvern 730pm. 911, £9, Young Person £4.

October Overview Saturday 17 October Craft Market Wyvern, lOam -4pm. Free Exhibition Apples & Orchards. Lydiard Country Park Visitor Centre. Explore the myth and legend of apples, their uses and propogation; demonstrations and tastings. Until 17 November Music/Comedy An Evening with Libby Morris. A musical and humorous evening about women with men in mind. Arts Centre, 7.30pm. £5, conc. £4 Music The Retreat - high energy folk/rock band. Link Arts, doors open 8pm. £5, conc. £4 Music The Canoldir Male Choir presented by The Swindon & District Welsh Society. Wyvern 7.30pm. £6, £5.50 Sunday 18 October Music Swindon Big Band in Concert. Present by Swindon Jazz Society. Arts Centre, 730pm. £3, conc. £2.50 Tuesday 20 October Dance/Drama REACH present A Russian Folk Tale. A multitalented performance from a mixed ability cast. Link Arts, 8pm. £2.50,conc. £2 Music Bitter Sweet by Noel Coward presented by Swindon Amateur Light Operatic Society. Wyvern, 7.30pm. £9, £7, phone Wyvern for details of other prices and availability of tickets. Also Wednesday 21 - Saturday 31 October, Sat mats 2.30pm

13

HAVE YOU TRIED SUGARING' YET The Zahra method of hair removal The simple way to smooth hairless skin, face, legs, underarms, bikini line, etc. To find out more about this unique beauty treatment, call Joanne on Swindon 613484. lam also a qualified beauty therapist and will make home visits I required.

PUT

YOURSELF ON THE MAP The Link magazine will be reprinting the very popular and useful West Swindon map in the New Year. To advertise on it, call (0793) 872282

CARTER, READ & DOVE SOLICITORS Contact us for all your legal needs including house sale & purchases, family matters, personal injury claims and employment law Commerce House, 34/35 Commercial Road, Swindon Tel: (0793) 617617

Friday 23 October Dance Filigree. A cross Libby Morris cultural adventure of dance and music from Spain, India and Egypt. Town Hall Studio, 8pm. £4.25, conc. £2.75

KINGFISHER CQNSERVATORIrS

Wednesday 28 October Children Mr Men In Happyland. Wyvern, 1pm and 3pm. £4.50, children £4, parties of 20 or more £3.50 Thursday 29 October Music The Hamsters. A powerful blend of Rhythm n Rock 'n' Blues, from BB King to Hendrix to ZZ Top. Link Arts, doors open 8pm. £4, conc. £3.50

1940's

WART1lLE DANCE with The Herb Miller Orchestra Saturday 17 October, 7.30pm Link Centre In aid of Headway Tickets £9 from Link Centre or Andy Cotton 882885

Friday 30 October Dance (Breaking) The Back of Love. Blok and Steil Dance Company from Amsterdam. Town Hall Studios, 8pm. £4.25, conc. £2.75

Saturday 31 October New Comedy Kevin Eldon and Roger Mann. The co-writers and stars of Channel Four's Packing Them In' in their full length show of comedy, songs arid improvisation. Link Arts, doors open 8pm. £5, conc. £4

The Best Barn Dances in Swindon at The Dance House, Ellehdune Centre, Wroughton 17 October Banjax • 21 Nov The Late Night Band Tickets cost £4.75, concs. £3.50 and £1 for under 12. A family discount ticket (2 adults plus any number of children) costs £12. To get a ticket, send an SAE to The Dance House, 131 Goddard Avenue, Swindon

A Kingfisher Conservatory will bring light and warmth into your home all year round! A traditional conservatory adds charm, elegance and value to your home, giving a special new living and entertaining space, with all the pleasure of the garden brought into your home. View three fully furnished conservatories in our spacious indoor showroom at Unit 7, Barnfield Road

Great Western Way, Swindon

Tel: 0793 - 643866 • Fax: 0793 - 481139 Open: Mon - Fri 8am - 6pm Sat. 8am - 4pm Sun lOam - 4pm

west Swlndan S

/

QUALITY CONSERVATORY FURNITURE ON SHOW

Swidon Wide - October

14

MRT SECRETARIAL WORD PROCESSING

Firework Display and Bonfire on Saturday 7 November in Lydiard Park Admission from 5.30pm. Food from 6pm. Fireworks at 7pm Organised by The 1st Purton and Lydiard Scout

Letters, CV's, Mailshots, Manuscripts and Reports. All work produced on a Laser Printer. Fax service available.

Films coming up in October

For a fast professional secretarial service, phone Maureen on 881733 (West Swindon).

E. Hodge Carpenter & Joiner New doors supplied and fitted Kitchens, wardrobes, replacement windows Repair work. Free estimates. No VAT. 30 years in trade. Tel: (0793) 641057

E.B. DENNIS PAINTER, DECORATORS CARPENTER WINDOW AND DOOR LOCKS F111ED NO JOB TOO SMALL Tel: (0793) 534352

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Lisa Clark reviews Clint Eastwood's new film It's refreshing to come across a Hollywood film that doesn't fall into the Hollywood formula trap. In Unforgiven, a western starring Clint Eastwood, there's no pop soundtrack, no forced romance and no line drawn between the 'good guys' and 'bad guys'. Unforgiven is an intellectually stimulating film that brings an unsentimental, realistic view of the American West and looks at the making of cowboy legends. As director, Eastwood proves the lone gunfighter didn't die with John Wayne. He borrows techniques learned from two of the greats Sergio Leone, of spaghetti western fame, and Don Seigel, who brought us 'Dirty Harry' and 'Escape from Alcatraz'. His tenth western, Eastwood has carved a charismatic character, that of a loner who sees too much and is driven by a hard-edged knowledge of himself. Here he plays Bill Munny, an exfighter who comes out of retirement for one last job. He teams up with his former partner - Ned Logan (Morgan Freeman) and a novice bounty hunter who calls himself the Schofield Kid (Jaimz Woolvett). The three of them plan a killing to avenge the slashing of a prostitute and to earn the substantial reward offered by her co-workers in a town call Big Whiskey. The Sheriff there, a practical hard-nosed ex-gunman named Little Bill Daggett (Gene Hackman), doesn't take lightly to the idea of prostitutes determining the sentence of two cowboys he let oft with a small fine. To prove it, he uses English Bob (Richard Harris) as an example of the brutal treatment he'll give to bounty hunters who come to town. Recording the true source of 'Wild West' information is W.W. Beauchamp (Saul Rubinek), adi me-store novelistwho has more to write about than he ever imagined. Both he and the audience get entangled in events that contrast sharply with fictionalized, romantic views of the West. This isn't a film for youngsters or if you get queasy at the sight of blood. But hire a babysitter if you have to because it's being touted as one of the best films of the year.

Thursday 1 October The Double Life of Veronique (15) Bizarre tale of two identical girls, born at the same time in different countries, whose lives are uncannily similar.... Link Arts, 7.45pm. From 2 October, MGM Carry on Columbus. Cashing in on Columbus' anniversary. Jim Dale in Carry on Columbus

Wednesday 7 October Romauld et Juiliette (12) Lighthearted romance between a boss and his cleaning lady. Arts Centre, 7.45pm From 9 October, MGM Blue Ice. Michael Caine in romantic thriller set in contemporary London White Men Can't Jump (15) Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson join forces for an elaborate scam set against the world of basketball. Thursday 15 October Merci La Vie (18) Provocative, outrageous blend of roadrrvie,thnller and fantastic comedy involving two women. Link Arts, 745pm. From 16 October, MOM Thunderheart (15) Young FBI agent (Val Kilmer) is forced to acknowledge his native Indian heritage when assigned a murder case on a South Dakota reservation. Beauty And The Beast. New full length Disney animation. From 23 October, MGM 1492: Conquest of Paradise. Ridley Scott's epic version of the Columbus odyssey. Strictly Ballroom (PG) Competitive ballroom dancing comedy from Australia. Friday 23 October The Friday Frightener: Night of the Living Dead (18) Classic carnivorous horror. Arts Centre, 9pm. Sunday 25 October Sheltering Sky (18) Arts Centre, 7.4Spm From 30 October, MGM Boomerang (15). Husbands And Wives. Woody Allen's bitter sweet comedy of two married couples.

The Link Magazine October 1992 15

M&S helps school counselling support project A generous donation of £10,000 by one of the country's leading stores will support aSchools Outreach studentcounsellorbased atGreendown Community School. Presenting the first of two grants on 18September,MrBarryLingard, manager of the Swindon branch of Marks & Spencer, said the company supported the work of Schools Outreach elsewhere and he was pleased to be involved with the first such project in the west country. Gordon Bailey, Executive Directorof Schools Outreach, said, "more

and more schools are finding the need for somebody to work alongside teachers and provide support to children who are experiencing social difficulties. Not being tied to a timetable means that a counsellor can spend time with youngsters and help them get to grips with whatever is troubling them." The head and governors at Greendown School have been in discussion with the national charity Schools Outreach since 1990. Local church members are also backing the work of Schools

MrLingard, left, passes over a5 ,000 cheque to Gordon Baileyof Schools Outreach with Roger Ogle, chair of Greendown Governors, rear left, and Ian Matthews headteacher

Outreach at Greendown by raising funds to support the post. An evening of entertainment at the Link Centre on 18 September raised £200. • The Greendown counsellor was appointed earlier this year but a training course was not available until October. She is Linda Hibbert, 35, from Australia. She has a degree in theology, plays the guitar, is a trained beauty therapist and was a youth worker back home. She has spent many months travelling the world and her main interest is riding motorbikes. Linda will start on 1 March 1993. + Carpentry .*.Painting & Decorating + Plumbing + Fencing & Garden Services + General Building & Repairs + Home & Office Maintenance and much more. IT JUST TAKES ONE CALL

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GCSE EXAM RESULTS

16

The headteachers of the three designated Local Authority secondary schools serving West which are displayed in the format requred by the Department For Education (as a percentage

Bradon Forest School

Greendown Community School

Purton Headteacher: Mr tan Perkins Tel: (0793) 770570 Once again Bradon Forest School examination results have been the best in the school's history. In summary: i) An average number of 5.26 grades A-C per pupil on roll the previousJanua ry was achieved; this compares favourably with our averages of 2.94, 3.16, 3.23, 3.43 and 4.52 in years 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990 and 1991 respectively. 50.8% of pupils on roll gained 5 ii) grades A-C or more, 36.4% gained 8 or more and 26.5% gained 10 or more grades A-C. 89.4% of the year group achieved iii) 5 grades A-C or more - the full range of pass grades - from the 91.7% of the year group who were entered for 5 GCSEs or more 99.2% - all students on roll in iv) January, apart from one who left us to share her success with another school, entered for at least one GCSE examination. This reflects our policy of entering all pupils who start courses and who show commitment to study, regardless of whether we are confident they will achieve a pass grade or not. 78.8% of the year group achieved at least I grade A-C, and 98.5% achieved at least I grade AG. v) 31% of the subject entries resulted in success at grades A or B - a pleasing improvement on the 1991 figure of 27.8%.

Grange Park Hoadteacher: Mr Ian Matthews Tel: (0793) 874224 In comparison with last year - our first public examinations - all the results show a dramatic increase. We congratulate all the students and staff for their hard work and parents for their support. Although there has been an improvement over the whole country, the Greendown improvement has far exceeded any national figure. Last year, our overall result was equal to the result over the whale of Wiltshire when the GCSE was introduced in 1987. This year, our overall result is similarto that of the LEA - other schools achieving the improvement in five years, Greendown achieving it in just one. The girls achieving grades A-C, for example, increased by over one third to a figure of 55%. The boys showed an even larger increase of nearly three times the previous figure to just under 30%. The statistics are of course affected by the fact that the year group had 12% of boys with statements of educational need - a disproportionate figure in comparison with other schools. This clearly has an effect on the statistics. All grades have improved, with considerably more pupils achieving the top grades than last year. over 65% of the year group got at least one grade A-C. Every one of the Year I I students left Greendown

We wish to celebrate the achievements of ourstudents and recognise in some cases the considerable successes represented by grades other than those at A-C. It is particularly pleasing to acknowledge those students who join us with learning difficulties yet leave with successful examination results. Achievements in GCSE apart, the successes of our students in the City and Guild's Pre-vocational course, our Basic Skills courses in Geography and History and instrumental Music examinations must also be recognised. Successful exam results need to be considered in a wider context. There has been considerable service to the local community, outstanding sporting performances at local, regional and national levels, and many otherextra-curricularactivities. Finally it is worth highlighting the process as well as the product. Our students should enjoy and appreciate the processes leading to their success. In this way, not only will they leave Bradon Forest with useable qua lifications, but also they will have become mature young adults, well equipped with a whole range of social and other skills, ready to meet the opportunities, responsibilities and experience of adult life. We wish them to regard learning as a desirable life-long process.

GREENDOWN with at least one GCSE. There is much to feel very pleased with in these results, but we are by no means complacent. The staff at Greendown know of many students who performed exceptionally well, but we also know of some who underachieved. We continue to recognise that we need to work on those students, particularly some of the boys who are capable of better performance. With our increasing experience of the public examination system and hard workby students and staff, we shall continue to raise the standards of pupil achievement. One final quite outstanding aspect of the results, not shown in the statistics below, are the grades for those students who were 'early entries' in Mathematics. Whilst early entry is not uncommon, the grades for students in Year 9 were exceptional, with all nine students entered achieving grade AC ,four students achieving grade A. In Year 10, with a larger entry, already 16% of the year group has achieved a grade A -C in mathematics. The results of these students is a most positive indicator of results to come in the future and strongly suggests that the staff and students are capable of delivering exam results which are comparable to the very best elsewhere.

Year 11 pupils on roll -132 (69 boys, 63 girls)

Year 11 pupils on roll -128 (60 boys, 68 girls)

Entered Awarded Awarded Entered Awarded Awarded 5+ 5+A-C 5+A-G 1+ 1+A-C 1+A-G Boys 62 29 60 69 49 68 Girls 59 38 58 62 55 62 Total 121 67 118 131 104 130

Entered Awarded Awarded 5+ 5+A-C 5+A-G Boys 60 16 52 Girls 68 37 67 Total 128 53 119

Entered Awarded Awarded 1+ 1+A-C 1+A-G 60 32 60 68 52 68 128 84 128

Boys 90% 42% 87% Girls 94% 60% 92% Total 92% 51% 89%

Boys Girls Total

100% 100% 100%

100% 71% 99% 98% 87% 98% 99% 79% 98%

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1992

17

Swindon comment on this year's GCSE results of the number of students on roll in January).

The Ridgeway School Wroughton Headteacher: Mr Tom Axon Tel: (0793) 812824

The Ridgeway was very pleased with its GCSE results this year. Virtually all the results showed an improvement on the previous year and all the targets that had been set for Year 11 were met. We believe that the very good results were due to hard working and well-behaved pupils being challenged by their teachers who demonstrated high expectations of them. The pupils were highly motivated and really wanted to succeed. Lessons were taught at the right pace and learning was interesting and stimulating. A number of the statistics are worth highlighting. 55% of the year group achieved five or more grades at A-C, and 84% at least one grade A-C. 30% of all pupils gained eight or more A-C grades. 8% gained eight or more grades at A or B and four pupils gained nine grades all at A. For the first time ever the annual academic trophy to the pupil with the best set of grades could not be awarded because there were four pupils whose results were equally good. In its place they are each receiving a special certificate to mark their success. It was not just the top grades that were good. There were many who would not have expected to get the top three grades and who did very

well. Overall, 92% of all pupils gained five or more grades A-C and 96% at least one grade A-C. From the staff's point of view there were improvements in some of the subject results where teachers had perhaps been disappointed last year. The Science Team were particularly pleased to see that 70% of pupils entered gained a grade C or above. One or two subjects which the school has been able to offer as options,also performed well, e.g. G CSE Physical Education and Business Studies. At 'A' level a similar picture emerged this year. The overall pass rate at 94% was the highest ever attained whilst the 34% of passes at grades A and B was very pleasing. Both these statistics place The Ridgeway School well within the top 150 comprehensive schools in the LJ}( and far above the national average. In all subjects there was evidence of excellent motivation being provided by teachers and considerable commitment shown by students. Few students experienced any difficulty achieving their provisional places in institutions of higher education. Of the 71 leavers from Year 13,40% wilibeginUniversity courses in October this year, 15% will attend various colleges and a small number have deferred entry until 1994.

Year 11 pupils on roll 190 (97 boys, 93 girls) Entered Awarded Awarded Entered Awarded Awarded 1+A-C 1+A-G 5+ 5+A-C 5+A-G 1+ 96 Boys 94 56 91 96 82 77 88 Girls 86 49 84 88 184 Total 180 105 175 184 159 -

Boys Girls Total

97% 92%

94%

58% 52% 55%

I-

94%

99%

95%

94%

95%

97%

84% 83% 84%

99%

94% 96%

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A LINK MAGAZINE SPECIAL FEATURE

18

GIVE A UNIQUE GIFT Local West Swindon artist offers hand painted watercolours in attractive floral designs. Select a traditional Victorian style bow to complement your choice. Hand drawn portraits from photographs also available. Order early for Christmas or that special occssion as all work is individually created. Reasonable prices: most items are under £20.

Original work doesn't have to cost a fortune. Telephone Carol on (0793) 874891

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L,44ake )3our 'Vedding Extra Special Anne and Dale Mooney from Toothill started their bridal hire business three years ago but soon found that they had to find premises to cater for all their customers. When they opened The Wedding Centre -Swindon'sonlyweddinghire shop - they decided to offer a complete package to wedding planners. "We just had to find premises," said Anne. "The number of dresses incur range had grown and as brides often choose their dress first, they also asked for help with other aspects of planning their wedding. "By talking to other businesses at wedding fairs we were able to choose those offering quality services. Now we can recommend hotels for receptions,carhire, discos, photographers and video makers, hairdressers, honeymoon flight bookings and insurance services." The Wedding Centre also hires out all the accessories necessary like shoes, veils, head pieces and petticoats. Men can also hire formal wear through a link-up withJensons mens wear on Cricklade Road. Hiring a wedding dress from The

CELEBRATION ROADSUOW will provide the music for any function - Children's Parties to Wedding Receptions. Very competitive rates Telephone 'Di.' Mike on (0793) 541430

FOR PEACE OF MIND IN THE FUTURE Contact Steve Flowers Norwich Union Life Insurance Sales Manager Life & Pensions (0225) 480870

Wedding Centre makes sense says Anne Mooney. "Why pay £700 to buy a dress which you may never wear again? Brides can hire a beautiful, modem quality dress from us forunder100. With all the accessories the total is £150. "Our aim is to make the wedding daya happy, memorable event without the crippling expense that can be involved." Interestingly The Wedding Centre also stocks a range of dresses for pregnant brides. For Link magazine readers, The WeddingCentreis makinga special offer to brides who book their wedding dress now for a 1993 wedding. Dale Mooney, who has run Professional Videos for two years, will video the wedding service free of charge. You don't have to hire a dress to book Dale's video service. For £150 he will cover the wedding day and produce an edited video, complete with titles and music. See the advertisement below for some of the services on offer to brides atTheWedding Centreor telephone themon487818 or878258 (evenings).

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For the Honeymoon to remember Imagination Air Travel 3 Lower Arcade Brunel Centre, Swindon Tel: (0793) 421888

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The Link Magazine. October 1992 19

Under 5s groups get together Two meetings for people involved in pre-school groups take place in October. The aim is to give them the chance to share ideas, talk about common problems and discuss how they can be dealt with. People involved with Playgroups will be meeting on Monday 12 October and those involved with Parent and Toddler Groups will be getting together on Monday 19 October. Both meetings take place between 1pm and 3pm in the Link Centre's Community Suite. Anybody involved with these groups, or would like to find out more about running them, is invited to attend. For further information, contact Pam Pixton or Mary Poultney on 871212, ext. 234.

The West Swindon Focus on Under 5s Group organises Play Workshops and a summer festival. The group is splitting into two one for people who want to attend committee meetings and plan activities, the other for those who can to help with group activities, but do not want to sit through meetings. There's a discussion for anybody interested in finding out more on Friday 16 October, 10am - 1130am in the Community Suite, Link Centre. There will be no calls for you to join a committee, but if you can help out in any small way with group activities, you'll be very welcome. There will be entertainment for children whilst you talk

NESS - Nine Elms, Eastleaze, Sparcells, Shaw - childminders are holding a coffee morning on Monday 12 October, 10am - 12noon, for anybody who would like to know more about childminders and the role they play in childcare. Please come along.

Le Francais pour les enfants On 7NovemberEileen Mochan from Grange Park is starting a 12 week Saturday morning club for children called French For Kids. Based atGreendown School, there will be one hour sessions for 4 to 6 year olds at 930am, and 7 toll year olds at 10.30pm. Eileen teaches languages to adults

and has been teaching her young son French. Using games, songs and role play, youngsters will quickly get a head start in French. There will be a maximum of 12 in a session, so early booking is essential. The cost for the twelve classes is ÂŁ30. To reserve a space, call Eileen on 874717.

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20 The Link Magazine • October 1992

The answer for bad backs RESIDENTIAL LETTING AGENTS West Swindon properties now required

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A West Swindon resident is making a bid to help back sufferers, and to prevent the bad backs of the future. Ian Mulholland of Toothill runs Choice Office Furniture and has recently started to stock HAG chairs from Norway. The range has been designed by physiotherapists working with furniture designers. Some eight out of ten people suffer from disorders caused by back strain. For the office worker, the problems are usually caused by the poor chairs they sit in. The aggravation for the sufferer and the cost to the country is huge, says Ian. "Over250 million manhours each year are lost because of time taken off due to back problems. It's very costly and once you have a back problem, it tends to stay with you unless you spend money for a chiropractor to straighten you out. "I'm constantly surprised that people will spend a lot of money on a fancy desk, but won't consider paying for a decent chair - the thing they'll be sitting on all daylong. The priorities are all wrong." Many businesses replace furniture regularly and with EEC legisla-

tion demanding better office seating, its important that chairs which help posture should be introduced. Both company decisions makers and employees - the users - have the chance to prevent future problems arising from poor posture. With more and more people working from home, it's important that the right seating is used. After all, if you're self employed, you cannot afford to be off work with a bad back. The HAG range offers seating for everybody. They are all designed to support the back in the right places and reduce the strain which arise from poor posture. Encouraging the back to maintain a natural position also provides internal organs with adequate room, resulting in improved respiration, blood circulation and digestion. But there's no substitute for trying one of these chairs. Visit Choice Office Furniture for a sit down with no obligation to buy, and you'll immediately feel the benefit of sitting correctly. Choice Office is to be found at BSS House on the Cheney Manor Industrial Estate. Telephone 521212.

Kids shoot at hockey stars The children of Oliver Tomkins School hoped to have raised over £1,000 at their sponsored event fun day on 18 September. One of the attractions was the chance to score goals with tennis balls against four Swindon Wildcats ice hockey players. Pictured below. Jordan Kirby, KellyStevensand Louise Thompson line up against, from le ,Daryl Lipsey, Bryan Larkin, Ryan Stewart and Scott Koberinski

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Lick your garage door painting problems Many garages in West Swindon are around ten to twelve years old now and some will need repainting, repair or perhaps replacement. Swindon Garage Doors in Maxwell Street have come up with the answer - low cost maintenance free garage doors. Available in a huge range of styles and finishes, the texture coated steel door will never need paintingand will last foryears. Thecostat00, inclusive of VAT, is only slightly more than the cost of a standard, primed door, which will be easily recouped from the cost of

materials and time spent on painting in the future. 'Kerbside appeal,' asestateagents call it, is a factor when selling your house. In the present difficult market, a well presented garage door can make the difference in whether or not you sell. And when a buyer finds out that heor she won't have to paint it, then it could clinch the deal. Swindon Garage Doors also service existing garage doors and stock parts for most types for the DIY enthusiasts. They can be contacted on 513796.

Letters to The Link

Letters should be sent byl6thof the month to the address on page 2.

Wick Farm

Cartwright Drive dangers

From Tony Mayer, Leader of Thamesdown Borough Council and Chairman, Policy and Resources Committee, in response to Rev John Flory's appeal to save Wick Farm published last month In his letter regarding Wick Farm, adjoining land has been sold with a Rev John Flory quite rightly points requirement on these developers to to the delays which have occurred provide a permanent access road to with the marketing of Wick Farm. Wick Farm. Unfortunately, there However, the history of the dis- havebeen delays within theCouncil posal of Wick Farm is more complex bureaucracy which have meant that than the Rev Flory suggests. The the property has not been put on the charity, the Jaycee Trust first ap- market until this month. Councillor proached the Council in 1988 when Bates (Freshbrook) has been parthe house was fully occupied by two ticularly active to ensure that officarchaeological groups. These ers responded more rapidly to groups were engaged in rather fran- Councillor's instructions. tic efforts to keep up with archaeolThe position, at present, is that the ogy in advance of the many devel- property is up for sale and theTrust, opments which were underway at along with any other bidder, can put that time. Since then, the recession in an offer. To date, despite its many has hit this area and development discussions with the Council, it has has dried up. As a result the work not done so. If the Trust is serious in for the archaeologists has dimin- its intentions regarding Wick Farm ished and the Archaeological Unit then I hope that we will see a realiswas closed in March this year. Even tic bid forthcoming in the near fuwith the recession, the group was ture. No one wants to see Wick kept occupied until then. Farm demolished, least of all the Because of its occupation by the Council, but we have to see what archaeologists, the Council did not other interests there are in the propput the property on the market at erty. that time. In 1991, the Jaycee Trust Unfortunately Govern ment interagain approached the Council to ference in local government, and its purchase Wick Farm. Councillors swingeing restrictions on Thamesfelt that the property should be put down's ability to fix its own budget on the open market in order to ob- in response to local needs, means tain the best price for the property in that the Council cannot invest in the the interests of the residents of property and we have to sell on the Thamesdown. At the same time, the open market.

From Mrs S IHills, Ransome Close, Old Shaw I read with interest the August front page story about Cartwright Drive. I recently drove through the village of Lydiard Millicent and was amazed to find a completely different road system. It consisted of several sleeping policemen, quite close together in conjunction with one-way systems, pedestrian crossings and a roundabout by the Purton turn-off. My complaint about Cartwright Drive is that it is an extremely dangerous road consisting of many twists and turns and worsened by the speed of drivers, some of whom use it as a racing track. It was noted that the authorities concerned felt that Cartwright Drive did not warrant any sleeping policemen or pedestrian crossings (despite the extremely precarious position of Brookfield Primary School). I am wondering what makes Lydiard Millicent right and Cartwright Drive wrong. It seems to me that perhaps the residents of CaitwrightneedaCouncfflororsomeone in power to take up our cause.

Car Boot Sale Saturday 17 October, 10am - 1 p Link Centre Car Park (next to surgery) £5 a car, no booking

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Local Lives The Black Homeland of Transkei A description of a year in Africa by Owen Senior of Shaw PROPERTY SERVICES

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One month ago I returned from Transkei where I had lived and worked for a year - where I had a home, not just accommodation. For newsworthiness I could have written this just after I returned, describing my initial reactions to Britain: "It's so green, so clean ... and so wealthy!" However I'm glad that I'm writing this after reintergrating and after a debriefing course n.m by the charity I went with, as this puts the year in perspective. Transkei is one of the black homelands set up in South Africa to 'cleanse' the white nation. It is the homeland for the Xhosa people and a landmark of Apartheid from its 1976 independence onwards - independence recognised by South Africa alone. It has many problems including large scale soil erosion, overgrazed land, a breakdown of family structures due to men working away in the mines, TB, polio and malnutrition. In the face of such suffering Transkeins are remarkably happy. I saw this specifically by working at Ikhwezi Lokusa, a school for the physically handicapped.

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When I first walked through the corridors, hearing the singing, and met the children, noting their disabilities, my reaction was one of wonder and pity. Both of these changed. The last thing the children want is pity, they are forever working to become as independent as possible. When a child's crutches slip and she crashes to the ground, no-one runs to help. Teachers stand by to watch her gather her crutches, crawl to the wall and ease herself slowly to her feet. This seemed cruel at first, now I know it is appreciated by the children themselves.

I also taught Scouts, filled in lessons and showed educational videos. Video lessons were an insight into the outside world for children who spent their school-life boarding and all their home life in a rural environment. In my spare time I taught table-tennis, A-level equivalent maths and singing - not my strong point! My maths students from the surrounding area struggled in groups of 120. One maths student took food and medicine to his ill teacher so she would return to the classroom. Again Isaw the struggle for education.

Children from Ikhwezi Lokuza School at an assembly following their return from a sports event

The culture is complex with strong So what did I do? I was a science teacher to two standard 2 groups traditions concerning initiation into aged around 12 and two standard 3 manhood, headmen and taking of groups. Science is usually taught in wives. Learning about these tradia very traditional manner whereas tions showed me that ours is not the volunteers believe that science is only way of looking at life, nor are about discovery - so I did experi- our values the only set. The tradiments and nature trails. The chil- tions are being eroded as people dren's feedback made it all worth- abandon beliefs in ancestors, little while. They know how lucky they men and traditional medicine in faare to get an education and work vour of Christianity. Whether it is hard - really hard. right or wrong depends on your The only tears I ever saw were viewpoint. Some people have complimented over work. I will never forget one evening hearing a knockon the door. me on giving my year to charity. The standard 3 girl who entered This is unrealistic. The children of was crying because, she said, she Ikhwezi and people of Transkeigave had been 'very silly'. She had writ- me back ten-fold what I gave them. ten her science notes in her science I would adviseany 17/18 yearold to homework book which was obvi- consider a year abroad before uniously a punishable offence. I never versity - not only does it open doors, used the stickand thechildren knew it opens your mind. this, so she and others were never I amavailable for free slide-shows crying out of fear, only out of disap- in the area, phone me on 771297. pointment with themselves. Do we Owen starts at Southampton University in early October. value our education so highly?

nk Centre Chant' .ober.

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ains galore at stalls arranged by44ar 'of commu roups at the monthly charitymar ephone the Link Centre on

The Link Magazine • October 1992 23

Anne moves on Anne Hall writes: On 11 October, we say goodbye to one of the newer brand of Anglican clerics, as Anne Thomas, our Parish Deacon, leaves to take responsibility for Woodgate Valley Local Ecumenical Project, Bartley Green, Birmingham. How will we remember her? The Girls' Brigade have their memories of hilarious camping expeditions! Others will treasure the day she led us 'dancing'around Toothill Church as we learned about David's ways of praising God. Challenging sermons - Christingle services, for many the essence of Christmas celebration - getting children to assemble the Crib on Christmas morning... Many remember her for her willingness to listen, and for her caring ministry to the bereaved and the dying. Anne is totally involved in the lifelong process of spiritual growth - in herself as in her parishioners. She has exercised a wider ministry in this field as a spiritual director, also leading Quiet Days and Retreats. We are very grateful to Anne for her work among us and wish her 'God speed' for Birmingham.

The Link Classifieds

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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. Rob Buries 870244 Westlea Rev. John Rory 770217 1 Shaw and Sparcells Rev. Keith Boxall 770568 Rev. Helen Drummond 874372 t also All Saints, L. Millicent

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Lost: Grey Tabby Cat with black stripes, white front, female wearing white elasticated collar. If seen please contact 29 Basingstoke Close, Freshbrook. Tel: 875789 Lost: From Featherwood, Westlea since 18 Sept. Black kitten, white bib, white on paws. Tel: 872244. Vacancies Toothill After School Club is looking for sessional workers to join its workers list for occasional help with children aged 5 to 11 years old. Some experience with children desirable. 4 hours a session; £4.11 per hour. To join the staff reserve list, contact Karen Drake on 487756. Part-time caretaker at West Swindon Young Peoples' Centre, Toothill Farm - 4-8 hours a week. £3.60ph. Cleaning, routine maintenance and some lifting. The applicant should be able to talk with young people and understand their point of view. Details and application form from The Secretary, 29 Warnford Cl, Toothill. Organiser required for established Senior Citizens Sunday Lunch Club. Basic duties to include buying, preparing and cooking meals for approximately 80 people. An honorarium of £40 per week will be paid. Phone Roy Williams, 872024, for further information

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