October 1999 Swindon Link by swindonlink6

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www.swinckinhink.com Swindon's web site puts schools Shakespeare Festival on the global map. Story on page 5 - ------ -- --------- - -

Swindon's largest family adds number 13 Welcome to Eleanor Povey of Grange Park, born 26 August, the latest in the long line of young Poveys who stretch back nearly twenty years. Story on page 2.

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Nine of the thirteen with dad Ian, aged 41, mum Sue, 39. Rear from left, Christopher, 12; Matt, 9; Callum, 8; Katie, 5; Thomas, 7. Front, Michael, 10; Abbie, 2 years on 12 October; Alex, 14. (Not pictured, Becky, 19; Hannah, 17; Charlotte, 15; Jessica, 3)

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The Lin k Ma gazine • October 1999

Number 13 won't be the last Veteran mum Sue Povey of Grange Park has hinted after the arrival of her latest baby that it might not have been her final pregnancy. Eleanor, born at the end of August, is a lovely child, but Sue and husband Ian have decided that thirteen might be an unlucky number. I FO I I

Having produced a football team with a couple of reserves, they

Correction

could be heading for a rugby squad.

The wrong telephone number for the new Abbey Meads community primary school was printed in West & North, The Link magazine's directory in the September edition.

Already a busy family, Ian, who works for Rover, finds time to coach the expanding and successful Chiseldon girls football club, Sue is the secretary. Membership is up to fifty players in different teams and they are looking for more players. See page 19. "Having a large number of chil-

Please note the correct number

(01793) 723239

3 Education for boys and girls aged 7 to 13 3 Outstanding academic results (58 academic, music, art & sports awards in past 5 years) 3 Fully equipped sports hall opening January 2000 3 Computing at the forefront of technology 3 Full after-school provision 3 A welcoming Christian environment

dren makes it easier to manage a family," said Sue. "Everyone has their own job around the house and there's always somebody to play with. Nowadays the older children are helping out with babysitting and holiday care. "Eleanor is as good as gold and has fitted in really well. Everybody loves her." After Abbie, number 12, Ian wasn't surprised when Sue announced another baby was on the way. "It's never boring in this family. We all get on well with each other and the children quickly learn to be tolerant, to share and to help each other." Thomas, 7, likes being in a large family. "It's great having the others to play with." Katie, 5, said, "I like having new babies in the house." But Matt, 9, is not too sure about being one of many. "It gets a bit too noisy sometimes." As for the next generation of Poveys, Sue said that one of her older daughters has declared she would like lots of children, whilst another has stated she won't be having any.

Sue Povey, in pregnant pose for The Link

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The Link Magazine • October 1999 3

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Lottery boost from Link readers An advertisement, article and leaflet in the September Link about the new Prospect Hospice Lotte ry produced an excellent response from readers. But the organisers are appealing for more applications. The new lotte ry , aimed exclusively (he P at people living in Swindon and it ► ^e ^oS surrounds, is heading for its first big draw on 5 November with £1,500 in prize money on offer. The top prize is £1,000 and there will be 74 other weekly winners. It costs £5,000 a day to run Prospect Hospicewhich provides specialistpalliative care _ _ to help individuals and those close the them throughout the many stages of illness, including death. Eighty per cent has be found from voluntary sources. Lottery manager Linda Bishop said she was very pleased with reader reaction. "People took the time to read the article about the new lottery and there was a positive commitment to helping. In the first three

weeks of September at least half of the applications to take part in the lottery were from , 02` Link readers. "It only costs £1 a week to enter and all the c0^ money raised goes to the Prospect Hospice. Our slogan is we can both be winners,' and I would encourage everybody who has not joined to send in their application before the _ first draw on 5 November." Application forms are available from the Prospect shops in the Brunel Centre, Havelock Street and Victoria Road, Old Town. Or telephone 615870. Door to door canvassers needed desperately People willing to distribute the Prospect Hospice Lottery brochure then call back to collect applications are needed. To help contact Linda Bishop or Joan White on the number above. ,

We have two large barns full of top quality furnishing LOOS fabrics (often more EN than 50 metres) which are the ends of ranges. Also wallpapers. All are from leading manufacturers at greatly reduced prices. Why not come and see us? Sue Cutcliffe. Giles Green, Brinkworth, Nr Chippenham. Tel: 01666 510685 Open Monday - Saturday 9am - 1 pm

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Cut the city secrets Myste ry, confusion and nonsense is the hallmark of becoming a ci ty . In his exclusive contribu ti on last month to the Link debate on whether the town is ready to be a city, Tony Mayer, former Thamesdown Council leader who initiated Swindon's bid for city status by organising an informal referendum in 1993, made a telling point. In supporting Swindon's bid for city status, he commented that it is ridiculous that some thirty towns are engaged in a competition at all.Whilst the media love a competition - The Times supports Reading in favour of Brighton, the Reading Evening Post knocks Swindon, and the Evening Advertiser trumpets Swindon's claim - nobody questions the city selection process. Tony Mayer asked why there has to be an 'unseemly scramble for the magic one.' If a town merits city status, then it should have it. Yet everything is shrouded in mystery. The Swindon City Status

Group of invited 'representatives from the community' met five times in 1998 before submitting an application to the Home Office, the first town to do so. The document is still not publicly available, nor have Swindon people been consulted on the matter. The Home Office earlier this year invited towns to apply to become a city and Swindon Council resubmitted the same document. No criteria for becoming a city were specified, but Home Secretary Jack Straw will put his recommendations to the Privy Council who will advise the Queen who will then choose one happy town at some upspecified date in the next three months, leaving the rest to wonder where they went wrong. We have been told that city status does not actually confer any financial benefits on a town. The last government made all the polytechnics in the land into universities. So is there a problem about

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Published by West Swindon Publications Papermakers House, Westlea Swindon SN5 7BD Tel: (01793) 872282 Fax: (01793) 878189

e mail: linkmagazine@compuse rv e.com Internet: www.swindonlink.com Publisher/Editor: Roger Ogle General enquiries: Tel: (01793) 872282 Advertising:

Jenni Fowler Tel: (01793) 872531

Advertising deadline: 10th of

the month

Editorial:

General

Tel: (01793) 872282

North Swindon Tanya Parkinson

Tel: (01793) 705105

Copy date for November edition: 15 October Published: 30 October Copy for December: 12 November 'The Link was first published for the West Swindon community in December 1978. It is completely independent of Link Centre and, in fact, won a competition to name the leisure centre in 1984. Distribution in North Swindon commenced in Janua ry 1994."

The contents of The Link are protected by copyright. Use of advertisements in printed or electronic form is forbidden unless an advertiser or publisher has sought permission. Articles and photographs require similar authority. Printed by Wiltshire, Bristol

& delivery

creating thirty new cities? As it is Brighton already calls itself 'the city by the sea'. Why doesn't Swindon just go for it and call itself a city? As we go into the 21st Century, lets have some transparency in the process and if Swindon is serious about being a city, perhaps it should engage its people in feeling confident about its status.

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Local Agenda 21 Strategy develops As part of its commitment to developing a Local Agenda 21 Strategy, Swindon Council has launched a consultation called 'Sowing the Seeds of Change' to involve people, community organisations and business in developing a vision for the next century which protects the local environment, while maintaining the town's stable economic growth and improve society. It includes: • a LA21 questionnai: distributed with Swindc News in mid-October • a survey on the intern at www.swindon.gov.uk via wwwswindonlink.cor inviting e mail comment: • a conference on 16 Oct, ber at the De Vere Hotel together aorganisations and individuals to discuss the best way of

achieving sustainable

development at a local level. Agenda 21 Coordinator Sean SpencerWort commented that the consultation will give people the chance to find out more and to the development of a strategy to protect the environment."

Care for the environment competition The Great Western Community Forest and Burmah Castrol are once again running the annual Young Persons Environmental Competition. Leaflets have been circulated via schools and libraries providing details for entering and the prizes on offer. For more information before the closing date on 15 October, call Sarah Baird on 466315.

URGENT objects to future expansion Town Swindon Urban Regeneration and Greenfield Environment Network (URGENT) is hoping to organise a public meeting in October in advance of the Examination in Public (EIP) of the Wiltshire Structure Plan 2011 which starts on 9 November. In question is whether another 5,000 homes need to be built in addition to the 10,000 home Northem Expansion. Swindon Council and Wiltshire County Council propose that these houses are built on

fied. Watch the local pressor visit www.swindonlink.com for latest information. For details, call Jean Saunders on 783040 or Charmian Spickernell on 850007.

the Front Garden between Old

Town and the M4. North Wilts District Council has to find space for another 3,500 houses, and they could be sited between West Swindon and Lydiard Millicent. Set up last year, Swindon Urgent is a forum for individuals and organisations such as Swindon Friends of the Earth, Council for the Protection of Rural England, Friends of Coate Water, Swindon Trades Union Council, Swindon Federation of Council Tenants and Front Garden Ac ti on Group. The umbrella organisation is calling for improvements in the town in order that:

Front Garden Action Group calls 1 November march The Front Garden Action Group is preparing its case against development ready for the Examination In Public due to start on 9 November, writes coordinator Terry King. The basis of the case is that the Front Garden is a most unsuitable place to build on because of wet boggy ground, caused by the M4, the River Ray, the canal, the many brooks and ponds, the archaeological sites and over 70 species of wild life including five that are protected.

• housing provision meets the needs of local people • brownfield sites and existing supplies of land are used before any more countryside is built on • a green belt around Swindon to protect its rural setting is maintained • there is a reliable, efficient and quality public transport service • development does not outstrip available water supplies. At the time of going to press a meeting date had not been identi-

In addition the Front Garden is on the wrong side of Swindon with regard to the main employment areas, causing even greater traffic problems. It is the last green space between Swindon and the area of outstanding beauty beyond the M4. If you wish to show your support against development, please turn up with torches and banners on 1 November, 6.15pm at the Wyvern Theatre car park, for the last public event before the EIP for a procession through Swindon. For details, call 487154.

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

The Link

Lottery boost for millennium Shakespeare spectacular It started with 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' at Westlea School in December 1997 and grew into a Shakespeare Festival with 500 children from four schools putting on The Tempest. Next Spring, thanks to a National Lottery Millennium Fund grant of £5,000, every West Swindon school and a few beyond will be performing one of the Bard's plays with the help of professional actors and Shakespeare teachers. Festival 2000 is going to be a world first. Coordinated by Greendown School primary liaison teacher Tim Noble, the project has already been nationally recognised and featured in a BBC Radio 4 documentary earlier this year. "The lottery grant is a great breakthrough," he said. "The local teachers are overflowing with ideas and enthusiasm, but we were being held back by a lack of resources to fund the professional support we need. We have now secured Chris Geelan and Sarah Gordon of the Young Shakespeare Company to work with us; others in education and theatre are showing great interest. "We have found that children make amazing progress right across their education when tackling Shakespeare. They are able to

grasp the difficult language and his concepts with amazing maturity, and it shows in their general approach to school." The Shakespeare Festival still needs £25,000 to achieve its aims

and Tim is making a renewed appeal to Swindon business to back a project winning world wide attention. He can be can be contacted at Greendown on (01793) 874224 or via cceditor@cableinet.co.uk

ine • October 1999 5

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Preparing for the festival. Tim Noble with Chris Geelan and West Swindon teachers

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All the world's a stage ... via www.swind4niink.com The West Swindon Shakespeare Festival has fea- Noble has received e-mails from ten US schools. "It is fantastically exciting," he said. "Now that all tured on Swindon's web site for the last eight months and is linked with one of the sites run by a top the schools are on-line, I'm hoping that children will be able to exchange e-mails with others in America Shakespeare teacher in the USA. As a result of reading about the West Swindon about their Shakespeare studies. It's a new and project and seeing photographs from The Link, Tim unexpected dimension to the festival."

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It is now easier to book a room at Freshbrook Community Centre or find out what is going on there. Janice Brown has been ap-

Pedalling success A gas engineer with Transco, from Freshbrook, has raised nearly £600 and is still collecting towards his target of £1,000 for the Cancer Research Campaign.

pointed part time administrator, to manage the centre office and to promote positive and new uses for the building. The centre programme includes a playgroup, senior ci ti zens club, aerobics, martial arts at slimming clubs, children's dance and dog

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The main hall is available for private function hire and compe ti -tiverasndhc poular licenced social club. Janice is on du ty in the centre on Tuesday and Thursday 10am to 1pm and Friday loam to 2pm. The office is also open between 6pm and 10pm Monday to Friday. To find out more, call 871017.

Food for thought Four girls and a leader from 3rd Freshbrook Brownies attended a World Camp at Foxlease in Hampshire during July, along with 3,000 other children from 55 countries. The theme of the camp was Food and Nutrition, building on project work by Brownies around the world. The Freshbrook pack had studied organic food.

Bruce Elder was pictured in the August Link, before making an eight and half day 340 mile trip to Gallasheils by bike. Although he hit a psychological barrier half way through, he kept going, despite nearly being run down by two motorists, repairing two punctures and having to call on a local bike shop to repair a broken gear set. Anybody who would like to reward his efforts with a further donation to cancer research can call Bruce on 872319.

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From Kaos in Swindon to chaos in Las Vegas Lesley Shaw from Middleleaze has had a summer to remember. When Michael L came over to Lesl Swindon's Ka nightclub

*lday 6 August, the

is were still too gh and they turned to yellow pages for a wedding chapel. Sadly the Berisfords had to leave that morning. "It was disappointing to get married with just the photographer td the organist as nesses," said Les-

anc

asked 'doyoulike Northern Soul,' she knew they were made for each other. That was in March 1997. They eventually organised a wedding 6 late July this year, balloon over the fa Las Vegas strip at Though they want to stress they have had a wonderful time, they certainly won't forget some memorable mishaps which include: • being booked into the wronghotel in Manchester and being evacuated in a fire alarm; • a 4 hour flight delay; • arriving at the luxurious Luxor hotel in Las Vegas to discover the room they had booked was not available; • most crucial of all, finding out that strong winds made ballooning impossible. Michael and Lesley were woken at 4am on four days running to be told that they could not fly. By coincidence Tregoze School pupil Leanne Berisford and her parents were also staying in the same hotel and were woken each morning, ready to witness the take off.

ofessional photos came out, above, but the pictures on Lesley's camera did not. • hiring a car with soft top which started to come adrift at 60mph. • returning home for a reception at Bishopstone village hall to discovered the key holder had gone on holiday. Another was found just in time. "The party was fabulous, everybody had a great time," she said Lesley. "We went to the Marriott Hotel that night and guess what happened? The fire alarm went off in the early hours." "We really did enjoy our trip," said Lesley. "But when you add up the list of mishaps, it does sound like a catalogue of disasters." She and Michael have booked a half term holiday in Turkey. With their luck they are wondering if it is such a wise place to visit. A fuller account of this story can be seen @ www.swindonlink.com

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Lions help counselling student Zarine Jacob from The Prinnells, Shaw was presented with a laptop computer in August by West Swindon Lions to assist her studies on a part-time counselling course. The mother of two teenagers suffers from rheumatoid arthritis and typing into a computer will be easier than hand writing lecture notes. The laptop was made available by Fairchild Semiconductors and Leisureline of Cricklade loaded the software. The West Swindon branch is Zarine Jacob receives the laptop from holding a'Meet a Lion' evening on Lion President Diane Benson, and welTuesday 28 September, 7.30pm in fare committee chairman Chris Hillard. the Link Centre community suite. It's a chance to discover the range find out how easy it is to join. of community service activities For more information about the that Lions are involved with and Lions, call 752722.

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After months of being seen by visitors on the Internet, the Taw Hill doctor's surgery finally opened on 20 September in temporary premises off Queen Elizabeth Drive, two years in advance of building a health centre at the proposed village centre. Nearly one hundred patients have joined the practice led by Doctors Peter Crouch and June Morris, half of whom first registered their interest via e-mail to www.tawhillsurgery.com which has been publicised through The Link and on our web site at www.swindonlink.com The large facility is one of only three in the country funded by a special government grant to set up doctors surgeries in areas of population growth. There are two consulting rooms, a treatment room and a room for attached staff, such as health visitors and midwives. Dr Morris moved to Swindon in 1997 after 10 years in her practice in Portsmouth to join her husband Roy Lawrence who is a general and vascular surgeon at PMH. They have a six year old son.

nology at a teaching hospital in Birmingham where he managed a national pilot scheme coordinating the use of new technology in the delivery of health care by GPs and hospital doctors. The practice is a test bed for new technologies. A computerised booking system has been installed and patients will be able to access an In Touch with Health console in the waiting room which holds 10,000 health related topics on-line. Dr Crouch assured The Link that people will always come first at Dr Crouch and Dr Morris with their Taw Hill. "The technology is an staff, from left, receptionist Sarah Bailey, nurses Catherine Campbell and aid to efficiency so that we can Gayle Auckland, receptionist Jane spend more time with our patients Carter, practice manager Val Groves who are our primary concern." To register with the Taw Hill Dr Crouch is one of the Swindon practice, call in at Queen Elizabeth police surgeons and was until re- Drive, telephone 07050 123623 or cently head of information tech- visit www.tawhillsurgery.com

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Play park plans

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DUNCAN CAR SPARES COMPREHENSIVE STOCKS OF GUARANTEED NEW & USED SPARES MOT FAILURES & ACCIDENT DAMAGED CARS & COMMERCIALS BOUGHT FOR CASH I PARTS REMOVED BY IJ OUR OWN PERSONNEL ^

A long awaited first playground for Burghley Park will be open by the end of October, situated to the right of Queen Elizabeth Drive. Two new play areas have recently opened on Ab- site behind Lyme Way has been delayed after objecbey Meads at Kelly Gardens and the Village Green. tions from Sevenfields Conservation Group that it is Others planned include a site off Thamesdown Drive too brightly coloured. A new toned down version, and between the footbridge and the new school. The sensitive to Sevenfields, is being planned.

CAR AUDI SERVICES

Ridge residents protest at local centre size

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Some of the 27 residents who met representatives from developers Bell Projects on 6 September to raise their objections

The decision on the St Andrew's Ridge local centre returns to Swindon Council's development control committee on 5 October after a group of residents raised objections to the size and opening hours of some of the shops at its meeting on 9 September. A resident, unwilling to be named, said there was a need for local facilities and house buyers were aware that it was planned. However people are concerned about the density of development and the opening hours of some of the units. Plans before the council are for five shops with flats above, an

Arkells pub with six bed and breakfast rooms and a day nursery. The residents are unhappy that Blunsdon Parish Council approved the plans on their behalf, without any consultation. Swindon Council senior planning officer Martin Trewhella said the shop units were smaller than those at Abbey Meads centre and car parking is deemed adequate. "The takeaway and the nursery have agreed to voluntarily modify their opening hours and the recommendation is for the scheme to go ahead." The centre is likely to open in the late summer next year.

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Swindon 772779 "Representative only of CORNHILL INSURANCE PLC for the purpose of erterang investment busines, :rxroc uctions only. CORNHILL INSURANCE PLC is regulated by the Personal Investment Authority for life assurance and pensions business'. Registered with the Mortgage Code Register of Intermediaries: No. 5151731 • Consumer Credit Licence: No. 222123 Credit broker fees oI up to 1% on the advance may be charged at completion depending on the type ot product and credit period. Rate applied Is 4.28% (45% APR) for two years. APR is variable. Rates may very. A written quotation on loans can be obtained on request. Only available to persons 18 years of agent over. Subject to status. Subject to our cunent lending coterie. A 2.56% reduction applied to the variable base mortgage rate, currently 6.85%. Those applicants benefiting from this special discount who redeem their mortgage whhln live years from the date of completion will be charged an up to a maximum 01 4% on the loan amount. This charge will be reimbursed M a new mortgage is than taken out with the Society. A life assurance policy may be required. Example: A marned couple aged 30 yea and 28 years, both nonsmokers, applying for an endowment mortgage of £50,000 over a 25 year term (300 monthly payments), completing before 31 March 2000 secured against a property being purchased for £55,000. 300 monthly mortgage payments net of tax of £t 68.03. Monthly endowment premium of £74.96. Total amount payable £123,01 a calculated to include valuation fee £155. This calculation is based on the essumptian that the discounted rate will apply r throughout the term of the loan. Maximum loan £150,000. The rate applies to loans up to and Including 95% of the purchase price or valuation, whichever is the lower. The discounted rate Is applicable for two years, alter which the then current rate will apply. When an applicant is borrowing more than 75% the Society will require additional security. This is usually in the form of a Risk Charge. Rates correct at time of going to press.

HAYDON WICK & WOODHALL PARK

Learning safety first A free course to enlighten youngsters on the importance of safety is being re-run following its success first time around. The fun and informative course called 'Children Keep Safe is being organised by the North Swindon Family Centre. Aimed at children between the ages of seven

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Watch the rubbish Haydon Wick Parish Council has received a number of complaints about black refuse sacks being left out for up to a week, especially in the Windflower Road area. They are appealing for householders to keep bags indoors until the night before or the morning of collection so that foxes and cats do not empty contents into the streets.

Annual meeting Residents living in the Haydon Wick parish, including most of Abbey Meads, are invited to the AGM of the Community Association on Monday 4October, 7.30pm in the Haydon Centre. Elections for the new management committee will take place. Six people will also be chosen to represent the association on the joint management committee of the Haydon Centre. For more information beforehand, call Brian Holden on 723745.

Cryptic competition Work out the answer to this cryptic clue and win tickets to a special family event. You've heard of alternative comedy and alternative music, well, if the millennium bug doesn't get us going, the alternative party will. It promises to be a fun and friendly event, and will be centred on the family." But where and when is it? What is it for? Send your best guesses to Tanya Parkinson at The Link. Address on page 3.

3 No.142573

and ten, sessions will cover road safety, fire prevention, safe cycling, bullying and a talk from the community police. The popular format used previously will include a drink and biscuit to start, followed by a talk and discussion, ending with an activity to emphasise the message. It runs after school until 4.45pm from Tuesday 12 October at the Haydon Centre. Contact Della Drury on 705810 to book a place.

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TOOTH ILL

New life for Toothill Farm barn Swindon Council's community and leisure committee has accepted a proposal by Toothill Scouts to take over the barn at Toothill Farm community centre and turn it into a base for their activities. After twenty years as a youth lease the building to the scouts, centre run from time to time by providing they clean up the extevarious groups of volunteers, the rior and maintain the site in good council wants to find another use order. for the building and the land. Chris Rawlings, group scout Recently the barn has been used leader for 1st Toothill Scouts, said as an outdoor gallery by graffiti he had been looking for a base for artists. But residents living close the successful and much needed by have had enough of the spray group for many years. "We were paint cans and other rubbish left one of the very first community behind. Their campaign has been groups to start in West Swindon, successful in forcing the council to after people arrived in 1976. We have made enquiries about having take action. The community and leisure com- our own building over many years, mittee on 16 September decided to but without success. I'm pleased

we have a chance to bring our groups together." The scouts cater for over one hundred boys in a beaver group, two cub and one scout pack. Each has a waiting list. For several years they have had to meet in three venues. The barn, now covered in

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Dr Peter Swinyard Dr Robert Forrester

PHOENIX SURGERY The building work on our new permanent surgery at Toothill Village Centre is running on schedule. We are continuing to register new patients and look forward to meeting you.

All enquiries: (01793) 433211 Phoenix Surgery, Deerhurst Way, Toothill Village Centre

Vandals hit community centre

Graffiti artists have been at work in the Toothill village centre area over the summer, spray painting walls on the local shop, takeaway and the community centre. Centre administrator Annette Kennedy, above, said it was a great pity that all the hard work being put in by the management committee, to bring people to thebuilding was being undone by a few intent on spoiling the area.

Ring of coppers to encircle new surgery Toothill's new Phoenix doctor's surgery is expected to open for business on Monday 15 November, almost exactly four years since the practice welcomed its first patient on 20 November 1995 in a converted house opposite Toothill village centre. To celebrate, and to raise funds for patient comforts, the Friends of Phoenix Surgery (FOPS) are planning a ring of coppers around the new building. All patients and friends of the surgery are urged to hoard their 1p and 2p pieces and come and lay them around the surgery at a special function which FOPS will organise. "As a 1p piece measures about 2.1cm and a 2p about 2.6cm, it will take an awful lot of small change to achieve the target of a complete encircling of the surgery," said Freda Troughton, honorary secretary of FOPS. "We want to do something to which every patient, however hard up they are, can contribute." FOPS has already donated to the surgery, the music system for the waiting room, an ECG machine for monitoring heart conditions and an operating couch for the treatment room.

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Holidays spent fighting Westlea School teacher Mandy Sturman set off on her summer break to pursue her passion in Civil War history and take part in a big battle in Chichester as a senior member of the Sealed Knot Society. She's been fighting her way around Britain and taking part in events across Europe since 1982 when she joined General James Carr's Regiment of Foote. A flat mate persuaded her to go along for a laugh.' Now she is a sergeant major and is drum major to the whole Army of Parliament, which numbers some 3,000 members. Mandy's music degree led her to research more deeply into Civil War military music and she trains other drummers for the army. As a history specialist, she is keen about preserving the historical authenticity of the Sealed Knot, to give a true picture of the times. "I know we're absolutely mad, but it's great fun, with fantastic camaraderie; we have friends all over the country," said Mandy, whose 11 and 13 year old children are also drummers. "Many women fought in the Civil War by disguising themselves as boys and men.

Even now women in the fighting ranks don't always declare themselves." Mandy is also a member of In Touch with History, a group who dress up in period costumes to provide authentic interpretations at museums and old houses.

Caribbean trip the hard way Norman Butler from Westlea is planning to visit Barbados - but it won't be until October 2001. He's going to have to row the 3,000 miles to get there, and he hopes to make lots of money for the NSPCC.

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The 34 year old commercial analyst with the Early Learning Centre has teamed with prison officer Chris Higgins, 44, from Gloucester to take part in the Ward Evans Atlantic Rowing Race. Up to fifty teams have entered. All will row boats built by the oarsmen from standard issue kits, which will be closely scrutinised before the race starts to ensure they are constructed correctly and have the required safety equipment. "This is the ultimate challenge," said Chris. "We're going to be competitive; with favourable conditions the row should take about 60 days. The long time scale is needed to build the boat, raise the

money and prepare ourselves physically and psychologically. We'll be out in the Atlantic without any close support, reliant on our pre-race planning and on our ability to get on with each other." The team will be organising many fundraising events over the next eighteen months and are looking for business supporters and individual sponsors. Once race entry costs have been met, all sponsorship will be given to the NSPCC. They are very keen to hear from schools interested in following their progress. To find out more, call Norman Butler on 882197.

LETTER FROM WESTMINSTER IT to open up Millennial life chances Echoing the Prime Minister's pronouncement in mid-September that Britain has to become a world leader in information technologies, Michael Wills, MP for North Swindon, and junior minister at the Department of Trade, says we must not be left behind in a digital divide. As we approach the end of the millennium, with all the accompanying hype, thoughts turn to what the next one will hold for us. In many ways we know what changes are immediately in store because we are already living through them. The convergence of information and communication technologies, epitomised by the growth of the Internet, is creating greater changes faster than ever before. Broadcast television in the US took 13 years to reach an audience of 50 million. PCs took 16 years. The Internet did it in just 4 years. There are extraordinary opportunities here. Information is power and used to be the prerogative of the few. Now, thanks to the Internet, it is increasingly the opportunity for the many. The trouble is that technological revolutions always trail causalities their wake. In the US, where 40% of households are on-line, the gap between the take-up of digital facilities in high-income households and lowincome households widened by 25% between 1997 and 1998. In this country, 41% in a recent survey identified cost as the main barrier to using these technologies. If this digital divide is not tackled, it will entrench existing social and economic exclusion. By 2000, over 60% of new jobs in USA will require advanced technological skills.

Skills will need constant renewal and these technologies are the key tool for lifelong learning. Those who fall behind will be unfulfilled potential, too few skilled workers, too much rescue spending, too little opportunity for too many. This is why the Governmenthas been devoting such effort to bridge the digital divide in Britain. We are spending ÂŁ1.7 billion over the next three years to make sure that everyone is able to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the information revolution. By 2002 every school in the country will be hooked up to the Internet, 95% of them by high-capacity links; all Swindon schools already are. Every teacher will receive training to ensure that their children are able to take advantage of information and communication technologies. A national network of 800 IT learning centres will be set up by 2002 to improve access to for adults. And up to 100,000 recycled computers will be provided for low income families in the inner cities. The challenge for the millennium is to equip all the people of Britain with the tools they need to succeed. These new technologies are the bridge to the future and we cannot afford to leave anyone stranded behind. â€˘ Michael Wills can be contacted on 481016.

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The Youth Unit, Link Centre Drop in or make an appointment or call Jo Marchment on 46546 6 for details

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Business support for staff with problems Home Office minister Paul Boateng attended a seminar at Relate on 7 September with representatives from some of Swindon's largest companies to discover how they are making relationship counselling available to their staff_

He commented, "employees bring their relationships into the workplace and Swindon business is at the forefront in creating partnerships between the private and public sectors by providing support through Relate. Supported staff contribute to the health of the company." Relate Manager Christine Gill Minister Paul Boateng with Christine said fifty four per cent of the 170 Gill, left, and Swindon South MP million working days lost annu- Julia Drown ally are caused by emotional probMotorola with 2,600 workers in lems and stress. "It can be difficult Swindon has an employee assistfor people in the work place to ance programme which advertises admit that they need help with Relate's services. relationships. Workers who can The charity receives little supgain support will feel valued and port from either the Government will take less time off." or local councils.

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New information lifeline launched on 27 September Are you looking for a childminder, searching for a prima ry school or simply trying to organise your child's social life? A new free service has is now available to help you. By making just one telephone to 5pm daily. Calldren may also Childrens Information Services want to use the will be linked together via the Incall, parents, carers and children ers outside these service for ternet. themselves will be able to access a times will be able themselves." wealth of information about child to leave a message The Children's Information Although at Service enquiry line: 541786. related services from a new project on an answer mafirst it will be Listing available managed by Trio Childcare Con- chine. mainly about If you run a club, society or group nections. They will hold lists, conFree information childcare, the which involves 0 to 14 year olds tact numbers and data covering guides are also three project and want information about your childcare, schools, facilities for chil- available on care team members activities made available, send it dren with disabilities, clubs and for your child, such plan to gather to the CIS, FREEPOST (SCE 8915) as choosing a social activities. and provide in- Swindon SN2 2XJ. Aimed at 0 to 14 year olds, the childminder, playformation reltelephone line is open from 9.30am group or holiday evant to families playscheme. Once on a wide range Ten out of ten for free established, more of issues, as well leaflets will be pubnursery with places as social and lished on learning Annette Palmer, Project Manager sporting activi- A recent Ofsted report on difficulties, health Moredon Infants School praised issues and family with information worker John Spencer ties. Annette its provision of good quality edusupport. In line with government strat- Palmer, Project Manager said the cation which ensures pupils make Children's Pa y Supplies egy, to have a children's informa- service is long overdue. "The team good progress. It also included Mail Order tion service in every local author- are extremely excited about it. We glowing comments on the new All tableware and food ity, Swindon Council have pro- are really looking forward to tak- pre-school facilities. The nursery opened 18 months vided funding for this initiative ing calls and would stress it is defiboxes sold separately ago offering up to five free sesnitely a two way process, we would through the Early Years DevelopFree cup lids & bendy straws ment and Childcare Partnership. like to know what our clients needs sions, morning or afternoon, for Everything you'll need for your party Project Director, Gerry Gardner are so that we can endeavour to children who are three before 1 is here in our FREE cdlour catalogue, September. explained, "we intend to create a meet them." The Swindon service is up and one-stop-shop for parents by proTel: (01793) 497551 or 433998 viding a central contact point for running two months in advance of Adult and childrens bouncy children's information. Older chil- a national launch when all castle hire available

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Playing safe? The dark nights are approaching

but your kids still want to play in the streets or the park. Abbey Mead's beat officer PC Roger Guy, right, provides some tips to help keep them out of danger. 1. No child under the age of 9 years should be out alone after dark, older children should be with friends and not on their own 2. Children should keep to well lit areas

3. Ensure your youngsters let you know where they are going, what time they will return and who they are with. 4. All children, whatever their age, should be aware of 'stranger danger.' 5. Light clothing can be seen more easily in the dark. 6. Make sure bikes have lights and that they work. PC Guy explained that the play areas are often close to housing for the added safety of children. However youngsters using them, particularly during the evening, should keep in mind the welfare and peace of those living close by.

Nursery teacher Hilary Poole, front, and assistant Jenny Watson with Kai Gops i ll, Adam Bishop, Bradley Fegan, Lauren Millbank, Celia Berry

The Ofsted report states, 'the quality of teaching is good and the nursery is already having a clear impact on standards of attainment and progress throughout the infant school.' Headteacher Anthea Hilson said she was delighted with the assessment. "The nursery aims, through a play environment, to develop social awareness and early academic skills. The children also settle into the school environment easily. "We're thrilled that this new venture has been given such high

praise so soon after opening." There are a few spaces left for this term. For details, contact Moredon Infants School on 535992.

AT YOUR LIBRARY

Autumn delights

JUST THE JOB

Now that the dark months are upon us, it's definitely the season to curl up with a good book or alternatively, listen to an audio tape, watch a video or listen to a CD or music cassette, writes librarian Robert Cotterill.

Domestic Services Agency

There are always plenty of de- for babies through to teenage tilights on offer at West Swindon tles. We also have children's story Library at the Link Centre. tapes which are free and children's Books may be borrowed free of videos which cost 75p per week. charge for three weeks, so whether Adults have an excellent collecyour interest is romantic fiction or tion of videos to borrow including crime or you want to improve on a feature films and non-fiction with skill or hobby, you are sure to find prices from 75p to £2.50 for a week what you want. loan. Adult spoken word audio There is a similarly vast range are also popular as are our music for children from thick card books CDs and cassettes. We always welcome new readAwesome Autumn ers. To join, please bring some book sale official proof of name and address, Buy a book that you don't e.g. a drivers licence, benefit book have to return! or even a bill. Friday 29 October, 9.30am - 8pm Opening hours: Tuesday, ThursSaturday 30 October, day, Friday, 9.30am to 8pm; 9.30am - 4pm Wednesday 9.30am to 1pm; SaturMany previously enjoyed day 9.30am to 4pm. (Closed Sunbooks at rock bottom prices day and Monday). Tel: 465555 New books for October Maeve Binchy The Return Journey brings together short stories about journeys which have a special significance and This Year It Will Be Different - fifteen stories about very different Christmases Pamela Evans A Smile For All Seasons Tragically widowed shortly after marriage, Eve's pregnancy is the only thing that keeps her going. Then she meets Meg, also single, also pregnant, who offers Eve a job in her boutique. Eve may even have found a new love - then Meg reveals a secret ... Dick Francis Second Wind When meteorologist Perry Stuart accepts a Caribbean hurricane-chasing ride he learns more from the flight than just wind speeds. And back home in England he faces threats and dangers as deadly as any natural disaster. Helen Forrester Madame Barbara A young woman travels to Normandy to see where her husband was killed in the D-day landings.

She meets a French chicken farmer turned taxi driver/carer for his old mother and dying brother. Can they find happiness together? Jack Higgins The WhiteHouse Connection Members of a splinter group are being killed off. Normally no-one would worry, but this could topple two governments and derail the Irish peace process. Dillon & Johnson must stop the unknown assassin now. Alexander Kent Second To None Sir Richard Bolitho has been killed in action; his nephew Adam, in command of the frigate Unrivalled, is ordered to the Mediterranean where he must face more than just the French, unprotected by his uncle's patronage. Sara Paretsky Hard Time A good Samaritan act lands V.I. Warshawski in an intrigue that brings her head to head with one of th< world's largest providers of pri vate security and exposes the ughi ness of the Hollywood backlot.

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The Link Magazine • October 1999

BLAYLOCKS SWINDON'S FAMILY SHOE SHOP (Est. 1920)

FOR BACK TO SCHOOL FOOTWEAR • CLARKS • STAR-RITE • ELEFANTEN

Peatmoor school completes western expansion With nearly 12,000 houses occupied and no more land for further development within the present boundaries of West Swindon, it could be said that the opening of Peatmoor community primary school on 8 September marks its completion. The school represents the final piece in the jigsaw for town expansion in the west, planned in the early 1970s. The first people arrived in Toothill in April 1976. The £2.3 million school, handed over to headteacher Terri Peacock three weeks earlier than planned on 21 July by Swindon Contractors, is the first to be built by Swindon Council since it regained responsibility for education as a unitary authority in 1997. Mrs Peacock said it was wonderful to open a new school with so many eager children, keen staff and supportive parents.

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The Link Magazine • October 1999

Balloons away to launch first north school The 170 children and staff celebrated the opening of the new Abbey Meads community primary school by letting off bright blue gas filled balloons on 9 September. The westerly wind took them off in the Oxford direction and returned labels are being plotted on a map.

0 Backache, Le 0 Neck, Shoulder, Arm Pain The occasion was a bit overwhelm- programme had slipped badly earing for a few children who burst lier in the year. Headteacher into tears on seeing their balloons Marilyn Brown gave huge credit floating away. to her teachers and admin officer Scott Sturgess, 10, was optimis- Jackie Chalice for helping to get tic that his balloon would end up the school ready. "The fact that we in Australia. "I like it because Mrs were able to open in time is down Rose was my teacher at Haydon to the staff who gave up their holiLeigh and she is my teacher here." day to prepare the classrooms. It was a race against time to com"It has been a marvellous first plete the project as the building week, despite the builders."

Parent Susan Moore from Gaynor Close expressed appreciation for what the school had achieved. "I'm very pleased that they kept us informed all the way; it's impressive that the school has opened to a high standard." The £2.3 million school will cater for 210 children when full and has a suite of community rooms and a multi-play pitch available for hire by local groups. Mrs Brown hopes to organise a community festival after half term. Mum moves in and gets involved • Parents from St Andrews Ridge As well as keeping her children amused this summer Helen Miah are planning to organise a 'walkspent much of her time helping staff ensure the new Abbey Meads ing bus' to and from school superCommunity School opened on schedule. vised by parents on a rota. She moved to St Andrew's Ridge from Somerset barely a year ago. The reasons for choosing North Swindon were simple, "we wanted a new house and we found a development with lots of them. We also wanted to live in a growing and expanding area." Helen is a busy working mum with three young children, Joshim 6, Korim 3 and Jamal 2, but she was determined to take part in community life. "I decided that I must have the courage to join in, because no-one would involve me if Helen's role as governor has now I didn't put myself forward," she come to an end after she was apsaid. pointed as professional assistant Helen found The Link invaluable. in the Swindon Borough educa"I discovered a new school was tion department. Not content on Keyboards and Text Processing being built at Abbey Meads and it taking a back seat she will become Computers for Dummies needed governors. Having had a member of Friends of Abbey Microsoft Office for Beginners eight years' experience in educa- Mead's Community Primary Microsoft Office for Improvers tion and knowing that Joshim was which will raise funds for the Advanced Microsoft Office going to attend, I decided to put school. Family History using Computers my name forward." Now that Abbey Meads School PowerPoint Presentations When the chair of the initial gov- has opened, elections will be held Databases using Access Desk Top Publishing erning body moved away, the com- in due course for parents to join Sign Language for Beginners mittee voted for Helen to take his the governors. place. • Schools are always interested in In the last few months she has people willing to become goverattended meetings with other gov- nors. To find out more, contact the ernors at least one night a week governor support unit at the eduand has been involved in the ap- cation department, at Sanford pointment of the head teacher and House, on 463000. other staff, formulating policy and Building work has started on a deciding on school uniform. She is second school for Abbey Meads responsible for designing the on Elstree Way. Governors will be needed there later in the year. school logo.

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The Link Magazine • October 1999

berle , Ultimate `Top To Toe* Workouts now available in your area Monday 8 to 9pm Westlea Primary School, Langstone Way Tuesday 7 to 8pm Holy Trinity Church, Shaw Wednesday 7.30 to 8.30pm Churchfields Upper School, Salcombe G rove Thursday 8.15 to 9.15pm Holy Trinity Church, Shaw Sunday 10.30 to 11.30am Upper Shaw Community Centre, Ridge Green Also: Aerobics, Thursday 7 to 8pm, Link Centre, West Swindon

Any queries call 01793 726659 STILL ONLY £3.00 PER SESSION Amberley has recently instructed at The News of The World's "Feel Fab" weekend Also currently appearing in Monica Grenfel's "Get Back Into Your Jeans" fitness video

Football for girls Chiseldon Girls Football Club, who were voted Club of the Year for the Southwest Region by the Football Association 1st Regional Awards for Girls & Ladies Football Clubs, are back in training and girls from age 5 to ladies interested in joining a busy and successful club are invited to find out more. The teams train at Greendown School in Grange Park, on: Friday 4.30pm - 6pm Under 12's & 14's: Both these age groups will be competing in the newly formed Wiltshire County Girls Football League.

LeiL Watch the &work-out pounds and all for inches lust14•is* disappear! eigh-in

Saturday 3pm - 4.30pm Under 8 - 10 years: Saturday 2pm - 3pm New this year is a starters group for girls aged 5 to 7 years. The training is an introduction to football for girls with fun games designed to develop basic skills and understanding. Wednesday 6.30pm - 8pm The Chiseldon club also have a ladies team who compete in the South West Ladies League. For details on any of these sessions telephone Ian or Sue Povey on Swindon 875271.

For fishermen A junior pike fishing competition takes place on Saturday 16 Octo-

ber, from 8am, at Lake 59 at South Cerney. Entry is free. For details, call 878741.

Basketball players Coaching has restarted on Saturday and Sunday at the Haydon

Centre. There are sessions for 7 through to 13 year olds on Saturdays and for ladies and men on Sunday evenings. For details, contact the Haydon Centre on 466472 or Gladys Barr on 465632.

Physiotherapy when needed by the patient A new physiotherapy se rvice was officially opened in North Swindon on 22 September by ex-Scotland rugby captain Mike Biggar.

Or exercise Combine safe and only for e ff ective exercise •15 with a low-fat eating plan

Classes in WEST SWINDON & WOOTTON BASSETT Call Wendy on 01793 877750 embership fee £5.80 (first class £9.95) Booking advisable

BLUNSDON ABBEY PHYSIOTHERAPY The Gwylfa John Suite Abbey Meads Medical Centre Elstree Way, Swindon

Mike Biggar with Alex Tobin, left, and Helen Hall

Located in the Gwylfa John Suite at the Abbey Meads Medical Centre, the Blunsdon Abbey PhysiTel: 01793 701333 otherapy Clinic is a joint venture between the practice and the East Fax: 01793 701444 Wilts Health Care Trust and will provide quick access to a high quality private service. Staffed by chartered physidEICliICe^ ^^L^lua^ otherapists, the range of services on offer are shown in the advertisement on the left. It is managed Therapies available for by Alex Tobin, who is manager of physiotherapy for the health care Neurological conditions Muscle & joint problems trust and is also a professional adincluding: • Occupational disorders visor for the Chartered Society of • Stroke ♦ Sports injuries Physiotherapists. "Patients will receive the high• Head injury • Back & neck pain est quality care at times which are • Multiple sclerosis • Muscular disorders convenient to them," she said. • Parkinson's disease • Arthritic conditions "Appointments can be made via a • Cerebral palsy GP or direct to us. My colleague • Overuse injuries Helen Hall works with people with • Sprains and strains of Advice on posture, fitness muscle and joint problems, and joint and muscle and general mobility sports injuries, whilst I specialise • Post-operative conditions problems on rehabilitation of people who have suffered strokes, have head II All specialist treatment and advice provided by Cha rt ered Physiotherapists I' injuries or suffer from neurological conditions."

Gentle giant opens new service Mike Biggar captained Scotland for three games in 1980, at the end of a six year run with the national team where he won 24 caps. In 1992 his car was hit by an HGV and he spent five weeks in a coma. He describes it as 'a crash tackle which didn't come off.' After five months he was discharged using a walking frame and told that his condition would not improve. However perseverance and physiotherapy with Alex Tobin and Helen Hall over the last six years has seen a dramatic improvement in his lifestyle. "Alex and Helen have helped me relearn everything," said Mike. "All the old failings are still there, but I have had to redevelop natural instincts which people take for granted, and manage my body differently." In the last five years, Mike has learnt to drive, married and is now proud father of two year old Tom.

The Link Magazine â€˘ October 1999

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

Sponsors needed as skiers show great promise Two youngsters from Shaw are making an impact on British skiing and are showing promise for top international competitions. The Link has featured Michelle Palmer, 14 in July, several times over the last year. She has returned to dry slope competition in Britain after spending part of her summer holidays at the British children's team training camp in New Zealand. Now she is being joined by brother Daniel, 11, who is seeded as the top boy in Britain for his age group

New fitness centre opens on 16 October The opening of Link Centre's new active lifestyle centre has been delayed a month from the previously advertised date. Situated in the old arts suite, the ALC will feature state of the art cardio vascular equipment and weight training stations. A feature of the decor will be a floor to ceiling palm tree. There is a chance to see the facilities at an open weekend on 16 / 17 October, which includes a free prize draw for all attending.

"I think I am much fitter and stronger, and have better technique after the summer training on snow," said Michelle. "It was really great; I was very lucky to go." Her performances since returning reflect her improvement. At the Scottish dry slope championships at the end of August, she was not only the top girl in her age group but also top female in the slalom competition. The result put her in the top ten females in Britain. At the Welsh championships on 4 September, she came second in all age groups. But at the All England Championships on 11 September, Michelle was only able to manage fifth in her age group. However she is the highest seed in her age group. Before going to New Zealand she was second in the European dry slope championships against 13 to 15 year olds from across the Continent. Daniel took third place in the slalom and giant slalom at the Scottish championships beating several older boys. At the All England he came in fourth. Michelle will be training on snow at half term and hopes to be selected to represent Great Britain in next year's competitions. The ability and successes of their children continue to surprise parents Geoff and Sandra Palmer. "Both Michelle and Daniel are seizing the opportunities and are putting in great performances," said Geoff. "Their coaches say that they both have great ability and have the potential to represent their country at all levels." Keeping two young athletes showing potential is an expensive business and the Palmers would welcome sponsorship. To offer help, call 874095.

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Nurture yourself! Would you like to discover new ways of caring for yourself? Do you want to learn more about your body? WEA Swindon Women's Branch will be running 'Nurturing Yourself,' a new six week course on Women's Health in partnership with the Well Woman Centre.

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Breast cancer breakfast October is Breast Cancer awareness month and Eumice Salmon from Nine Elms, is hosting a breakfast and coffee morning in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer on Thursday 21 October. Eunice, right, did the overnight Wonderbra Walk for Breakthrough in April. All are welcome and are asked to make a donation in return. There will also be cakes to buy. Call Eumice on 871606 to book a place.

Fax: (01793) 511249

Nearly new sale

to include baby, children and maternity clothes, and baby equipment and toys Oasis Leisure Centre Saturday 9 October, 11 am to 1 pm Admission 50p Goods sold on a 25% commission basis to Swindon branch of the National Childbi rt h Trust. Contact Sharon Ma tt hews on 874764 for seller's packs and information

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A project launched on 13 September, to give children and young people across Swindon and the surrounding area the chance to learn video making, animation, sound recording, photography and web site design, has been acclaimed as an example for similar developments around Britain. Foundation, £10,000 worth of equipment from Intel, and support in kind from Swindon Council. Twelve year old Greendown i student Katie Thomas said she was looking forward to more workshops. "It's going to be great fun for people who want to get into drama and the media." Jade Balmer, 10, from Tregoze School, said, "it's excellent..I really li ke the animation, but it takes a Users, grant providers and project managers, from front left. Toby Wright of long time to make the scenes." Intel, John Heavens, Anil Baines, Jade Balmer, Joanne Ellis. Rear, Pax Forty workshops have already Nandi, Arts Council, coun Derique Montaut, chair, Swindon community and been booked in schools and youth leisure committee, Katie Thomas, Lou -lamilton, project director, coun Jo clubs in and around Swindon. To Ga rton, chair of Swindon education committee, Maurice Fanning, chair, find out if there are any places Swindon Arts Foundation, Mike Lusty, director of Swindon education available, contacl project director Lou Hamilton on 463224.

Pax Nindi, of the Arts Council of England which awarded a £136,000 lottery grant to start the Mobile Media Club, said it was the only multi-media project of its kind. "We were impressed that young people would be able to try different kinds of communication media-especially in rural areas. The proposal was well put together and it was clear how its aims would be delivered.

"This project is an example which could be developed elsewhere." Youngsters from Greendown School and Tregoze primary took part in the first workshop before presenting their animation, videos and publishing work to an invited audience. The £160,000 cost of the project is being met by the lottery, a £5,000 grant from the Swindon Arts

Farewell party for museum Staff at Swindon's most versatile building are all set to celebrate the end of the latest chapter in its colourful history. The GWR Museum in Faringdon Road, once a 'barracks for single railwaymen and later a Methodist chapel, before being turned into a museum in 1962. closes on 3 October. Swindon's new railway heritage museum, Steam, opens next spring. Swindon Council is considering how to best utilise the building as part of a wider town centre cultural regeneration study - due to be completed in the new year. Curator Tim Bryan, right. said, "we are entering an exciting new chapter in the museum's history, but staff see this last season as a celebration of all that we have achieved in the past 37 years."

There will be a farewell party over the weekend of 2 and 3 October, 1 Cam to 5pm on Saturday and 2pm to 5pm on Sunday. Attracti ons include live music, stationary steam engine. miniature train rides and drop-in activities for children. For more details call 466554.

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It's the scene for over 30s singles The arrival of UK Singles Club in Swindon gives over 30s a place to go where theywill feel at ease about meeting others, where they don't feel out of place and overwhelmed by young clubbers, or deafened by

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modern dance music. The emphasis is on having a good time in a more sophisticated setting which is why they have organised a programme of discos and live bands at the Hilton Hotel. I Three dates are adve rt ised for October below, including a live music night with Blues Brothers tribute band The Booze Brothers. Playing some incredibly funky blues and soul, the evening is guaranteed to get the shiest onto the dance floor and making friends. Eve ryone is welcome, but smart dress is required, including a tie for the men. For details, call Phil direct at UK Singles on 01291 624163, or call the 24 hr recorded dance update on 01291 623123.

New jazz venue Former Shaw resident Pete Allen celebrates his twenty-first year as a full time professional musician by launching the Goddard Arms in Old Town as Swindon's latest jazz venue on 1 October. The concert starts at 8pm and tickets cost only £3, from Ray Butt on 770929. Beforehand, boogie-woogie pianist Jamie Callum, left, and his band will be kicking off the evening in the Vaults Bar of the Goddard. It promises to be a lively evening.

Looking at Lydiard Swindon artists will be displaying their interpretations of Lydiard House and the park at West Swindon Library in the Link Centre forone week from 1 October. Tunleys Arts and Graphics have provided £50 prizes for the best entries in three categories: people, buildings, nature. Entrant Peter Burton from Moredon with Sarah Finch-Crisp, keeperofLydiard House, centre, and Swindon Council's visual a rt s officer Celia Yeoman

Lit. ideas wanted Plans are being made for the Swindon Festival of Literature 2000 next May and director Matt Holland would like to hear your ideas to launch the town literarily speaking into the next thousand years. Authors already in the frame are Terry Pratchett, Sue Townsend and Julie Burchill. Call Matt on 771080 with your thoughts, or write to Lower Shaw Farm, Old Shaw Lane, Swindon

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GREAT DANCES AT THE HILTON NATIONAL SWINDON Saturday 2 October: Disco/dance. Members £4 Friday 22 October: Big Band Nite with the Booze Brothers as The Blues Brothers. Members £6 Friday 29 October: Disco/dance. Members £4 Friday 12 November: Disco/dance. Members £4 Friday 19 November: Disco/dance. Members £4 Friday 26 November: Big Band Nite with the Rufus Doors (disco band) £6 Yearly membership £5 (to 31 August 2000) Join at the door Eve ryone welcome • Sma rt dress • Guys a tie for entry 24 hr recorded dance update on 01291 623223

For details, call Phil direct at UK Singles on 01291 624163 www.swindonlink.com

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Friday 1 October Music Sonny Black & The Dukes. A rt s Centre, 8pm. £7.50 Ballet Giselle presented by Parlov Ballet. Wyvern, 7.30pm. £14 Friday 1 October to Saturday 31 October Exhibitions The Unexplained, intriguing photography. Swindon Museum & A rt Gallery. Free Friday 1 October to Friday 8 October Exhibition Looking at Lydiard. West Swindon Libra ry. Free Saturday 2 October A rt s Training Watercolours: Be Bold. Arts Centre, 4pm. £12. Book on 614837 Musical Forever Plaid The Heavenly Musical. A rt s Centre, 7.30pm. £9. Book on 614837 Comedy Bill Bailey. Wyvern, 8pm. £10 Saturday 2 October & Sunday 3 October Family Farewell to Faringdon Road GWR Museum, Sat 10am5pm & Sun 2-5pm. £2.40/£1.20 Sunday 3 October Music Austin, supported byAnish - two local bands. Arts Centre, 7.30pm. £4. Tickets from 822051 Monday 4 October & Tuesday 5 October Drama Romeo and Juliet. Wyvern, 4th: 10.30am & 7.30pm, 5th: 10.30am & 2.30pm. From £5 Tuesday 5 October Music Beauty & the Beat. 60's show starring Susan Maughan and Dave Berry. Wyvern, 8pm. £10 Wednesday 6 October & Thursday 7 October Music That'll Be The Day. Wyvern, 7.30pm. £12.50 Thursday 7 October Drama Blue Remembered Hills by Dennis Potter, presented by Yellow Earth Theatre. Arts Centre, 7.30pm. £8 Friday 8 October Music Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. Wyvern, 7.30pm. £17.50 Friday 8 October & Saturday 9 October Music A Taste of Autumn, presented by The K School of Music, in aid of Swindon Kidney Patients. Arts Centre, 7.30pm. £5, book on 695406

Saturday 9 October Exhibition & show Decorative folk a rt & craft- demostrations and sales. Coleview Community Centre, Towcester Rd, Stratton St Margaret, 11.30am-4.30pm. £2.50/75p Saturday 9 October & Sunday 10 October Masterclass Writing for the theatre, led by Nigel Forde. Over 16s only. 10am-4pm. £16, details on 614864

Music The Australian Pink Floyd Show. Wyvern, 8pm. £12.50

Sunday 10 October Ballet The Nutcracker presented by the Vienna Festival Ballet. Wyvern, 3pm & 7.30pm. £14.50 Monday 11 October Comedy Bradley Walsh. Wyvern, 8pm. £13 Wednesday 13 October Dance Without Trace by V Tol Dance Company. Wyvem, 8pm. £10 Slide show William Hooper Selection. Swindon Socie ty monthly meeting. Broad Green Centre, Salisbury Street, 7.30pm. Visitors £1

Outside William Hooper's shop: the cover of the Swindon Society's most recent book. Slide shows on 13 and 22 October

Thursday 14 October to Saturday 16 October Drama Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Christopher Hampton, presented by Old Town Theatre Co. Arts Centre, 7.30pm. £5, book on 619923

Music A Carpenters Masquerade. Wyvern, 7.30pm. £9.50 Friday 15 October Lecture Keith Charles The Psychic Cop'. Wyvern, 7.30pm. £7 Saturday 16 October Music The Syd Lawrence Orchestra. Wyvern, 7.30pm. £12.50 Workshop Bedroom Beetle, for ages 5-11. Lydiard House, 2-4pm. £2. Book on 770401 Sunday 17 October Music An Evening of Big Band Favourites presented by The Les Bruce Big Band. Arts Centre, 8pm. £5.50. Book on 766129 Music Margo O'Donnell. Wyvern, 7.30pm. £10.50 Tuesday 19 October Music Legenda ry Blues Man, Kim Simmonds (of Savoy Brown) plus the Bob Hall Show. Arts Centre, 8pm. £7.50 Thursday 21 October & Friday 22 October Comedy Al Murray The Pub Landlord. Arts Centre, 8pm. £10 Thursday 21 October to Saturday 30 October Musical The Music Man by Swindon Amateur Light Operatic Society. Wyvern, 7.30pm, 2.30pm matinees on 23rd & 30th. From £7

October overview Thursday 21 October Lecture Swindon in the 1950's. Swindon Museum & A rt Galle ry , 7.30-9pm. £2.50 Friday 22 October Slide show Life & Times of William Hooper. Florence Street Mission Hall, Gorse Hill, 7.30pm. Free, donations to Prospect Hospice. Tickets from Paul Williams, Somerset Farm House, Hinton Parva, Swindon. (send SAE) Saturday 23 October A rt s Training Wood Engraving. Arts Centre, 10am-4pm. £18 Music The Bushbu ry s. Arts Centre, 8pm. £7.50 Sunday 24 October Music Barbara Thompson & Paraphernalia. Arts Centre, 8pm. £10 Monday 25 October Music Swindon Music Club. Arts Centre, 7.45pm. Details on 523505 Tuesday 26 October Family Lost in Monster Wood by The All Electric Puppy Theatre for over 4s. Arts Centre, 2pm. £6. Family Jack and Jill's Nursery Rhyme Adventure. Wyvern, 2.30pm. £5.50 Workshop Aliens from Outer Space. Swindon Museum & A rt Gallery, 2-4pm. £2 Thursday 28 October Comedy Ed Byrne on the Road. Arts Centre, 8pm. £9 Workshop Spooky Portraits, for 5-11 year olds. Lydiard House, 24pm. £2. Book on 770401

25 Friday 29 October Arts Training Halloween Horrors, for 8-12 yr olds. Arts Centre, 10am-3pm. £10 Lecture Beatle Pete Best's Magical History Tour. Arts Centre, 8pm. £7 Saturday 30 October Music Julie Felix in Concert. Arts Centre, 8pm. £6.50 Music Emerald Ensemble playing Vivaldi. St Mary's, Pu rt on, 7.30pm. £5. Family Halloween Pa rt y. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery, 4.307.30pm. Free admission From Saturday 30 October Exhibition Swords & Spurs. Lydiard House. £1.20/70p

PORTRAITS

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0 People

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Alan & Valerie Watkins invite you to join them at All showing at the Arts Centre, 7.45pm Tuesday 5 October Among Giants (15) With Pete Postlethwaite. £3.50 Wednesday 20 October The Red Violin (15) Mystery drama that follows a fabled violin, born of craftsmanship, love and tragedy in 17th Century Italy. Presented by Swindon Film Society Wednesday 27 October Hana-Bi (Fireworks) (18) Thriller. Presented by SFS

Activities on the farm

Good selection of bar snacks and restaurant food available all day. Beer garden. Children welcome. Live music on Sunday evening

bookkings

High Street, Lechiade Gloucestershire Tel/fax: (01367) 252198

Christmas

I for school-leavers parents and friends You are welcome to look

around the college and talk to staff on

A fair with a difference Antique collectors & toy fair Saturday 9 & Sunday 10 October

Choice of a college Care of a sixth-form

Science Museum Wroughton, 10.30am - 4.3opm Adults £1.50 including access to aircra ft collections

Refreshments, disabled facilities, free parking On A4361, M4 exit 15 from the east, M4 exit 16 from the west. Follow the signs for the Science Museum

for

You are invited to an

Friday 1 to Sunday 3 October Fungus foray Friday 8 to Sunday 10 October Singing and music Friday 15 to Sunday 17 October Willow basket making - come for all or part Wednesday 20 October Childrens workshop -^ Y Saturday 23 October Life changes - a course .1 for women, drawing on Chinese medicine te Tuesday 26 October Half term activity day for 5- 12 year olds. Seasonal arts and crafts, bread-making, stories and campfire. Bring a packed lunch and warm clothes. £12 per child (£10 per child for siblings) All events must be booked in writing or by telephone: Lower Shaw Farm, Old Shaw Lane, Swindon. Tel: 771080

150 stalls in hangars amongst the aircraft creating a unique and exciting atmosphere: China, 20s & 30s postcards, jewellery, glass, toys, stamps, books, ephemera, furniture, militaria and much more

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Heiston Road, Park North, Swindon, Wilts. SN3 2LA Freephone 0800 980 4911

5W6"e

Millennium fireworks

Dance out this autumn

Asda is launching millennium celSwindon Dance at the Town Hall studios has launched its latest ebrationswitha monster fireworks programme which includes: event on Wedneday 3 November. • Flamenco, Salsa and Egyptian dance workshops Fireworks and bonfire at Westlea • a boys only class for 10 to 14 year olds in jazz, street, break, capoeria School Friday 5 November, from • ballet, tap, jazz, contempora ry and Asian for all ages 5.45pm From 13 October to 25 November, Swindon Dance is coordinating the Details of both events in the No- 'taking risks' dance festival featuring some of the most exciting and vember Link. Organisers of other innovative dance companies appearing at 16 venues across southern fireworks and bonfire pa rt y looking England. For details of the Swindon Dance programme or 'taking risks,' call for publicity should contact us on 463210 or pick up a leaflet at the Town Hall Studios, Regent Circus. 872282 before 15 October.

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Braydon Forest School Class of '81 reunion County Ground Winners Bar Friday 8 October, 7.30pm. For tickets, call Tania on 874559 or Sarah on 01367 244068.

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The Link Magazine • October 1999

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

Toddlers, teens, mums and dads celebrate birthday

Discover the Magic of Autumn at Stone Lane Garden Centre Full range of Unwins spring flowering bulbs in stock

* Yeoman Snipper Secateurs Only £1.49 Past and present members of Nutkins toddler group came together at the Upper Shaw Farm centre at the end of August to mark its tenth anniversary. There were newborn members Alison Kerr, who moved from as well as families from the very Woodhall Park to Bath, recalled first meeting in 1989 who returned booking the hall for the first time. from other parts of the country to We were part of the Bumps and Babes group for under ones at the see old friends. Link Centre and we wanted to keep in touch. It's so nice to see Nutkins still attracting mums from such a wide area. Steven Hinns, 11, from Nine Elms, was one of the first children to attend. He has just started at Bradon Forest and said he could remember playing in the big sand Ply, timber, hardboard, pit at the centre as a baby. chipboard, RSJs, sleepers, Party organiser Jo Scott, who has telegraph poles, bricks, just moved to Yorkshire, put the sand & gravel (in bags) success of Nutkins down to an exDelivery ar ranged in Swindon ai cellent venue and the willingness For more details pop in of parents to participate in runor tel: 829715 ning the group. So popular is Nutkins that there Open: Mon - Sat, 9am -5pm is a waiting list to join. To find out The Yard, Tate Estate, Kingsdown Road, Stratton St Margaret, Swindon more, call Sarah Casey on 700590.

.._;

* Yeoman 24" lawn rake Only £3.99 ilk Yeoman garden rakes & hoes Only £5.99 Dwarf, slow growing and rare conifers We have a striking range of over 150 sparkling varieties. Genuine dwarfs a specialityy. These are ideal for rockeries, tubs and small gardens

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The Lin k Magazine â€˘ October 1999

Achievers over 50 to be recognised

Info shop opens with appeal for more help

Back on Track are looking for nominations to the 'Achievers in their Third Age' awards which celebrate the contribution older people make to the economic and social life of the community. The awards represent Swindon's Nominations are invited by 6 unique contribution to the United October for achievers aged at least Nations International Year of Older 50 years of age on 1 January 1999. People 1999. They aim to recog- The awards will be made at a connise, support and encourage peo- ference on 'Age & Productivity in ple in their third age to enhance the Workplace' on 29 October 1999 their learning, personal develop- at Swindon College. ment and growth. The winner in each category will There are four categories of be awarded prizes to the value of awards: approximately ÂŁ150 with seven a. Employee runners-up prizes. b. Vocational learner To nominate someone, call Julia c. Job finder in the past year Falaki on 533370. d. Community volunteer

Swindon Coalition of Disabled People has launched a long planned advice and information shop on the first floor of the Brunel Centre, close to House of Fraser. Available will be information on services for the disabled, jobs, education opportunities, leisure provision and holidays. Staffed by volunteers, the shop is open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 2.30pm. More volunteers are needed to permit a 9am to 5pm service. Training is provided and there is an opportunity to take a vocational qualification in customer services. For more information, call Steve From left, Joe Backs hell, admin worker Milner on 430045. Becky Warwick, Steve Milner, project Visit the SCDP pages @ coordinator, Brian Freeman, chairwww.swindonlink.com man, Clive Parker

Coalition meetings Gays & Lesbians

inter

ctions

Practical help for CV preparation, interview and presentation skills, career management and personal development. Call for further information on our cost effective career assessment services

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Swindon Gay Men and Lesbians Coalition holds an informal gettogether on Tuesday 5 October, 7pm to 11pm. For details, call Sue Williams on 466512 Older People

Swindon Coalition of Older People next meet on Friday 22 October, 2pm at the Drove Centre, Southampton Street, Swindon. There will be speakers from Swindon Council housing services and planning department. For details, call Jo Osorio at Age Concern Swindon on 692166.

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How not to encourge naughtiness Helen Bays, Health Visitor specialising in parent education and support, is looking for parents of babies to under 10s to join a course in West Swindon on promoting positive behaviour. She writes: All over the world parents are ficult behaviour, but builds on teaching their children to misbe- what is positive in both parent and have. We do not mean to do it but child, so that everyone ends up behaving well is all important to calmer and more confident. us. That is why we pay so much The course will allow you to attention to their misbehaviour. share the joys and sorrows of bringTherein lies the problem. ing up children, with other parIt is a basic rule of human nature ents, and learn some new apthat behaviour that is noticed in- proaches to common problems. creases, while behaviour that is For details, call Helen Bays or not, decreases. Children crave at- Gwen Griffiths at West Swindon tention and even negative atten- Health Centre on 877233. tion like scolding or smacking is better than none, so if being Awesome naughty creates a fuss, it is worth being naughty again. adolescence Helen Bays is also running a five week course called Priorities in Parenting Adolescents, from 5October for parents of older children. Growing up can be a bewildering and anxious time, both for the young people and their parents. =. As offspring change from dependent children to independent adults, questions abound: How much freedom should be This can escalate to a negative given? cycle of behaviour, whereby the Where can they go on their own? child can only gain attention by When? being naughty. When they are What boundaries are reasonable? good, the frazzled parent breathes How can they be enforced? a sigh of relief and takes the opportunity to attend to something else. How do you talk about sex, drugs, The cycle can only be broken by undesirable friends? catching them being good. If we How do you know if things are want the good behaviour to in- going wrong? crease, we have to notice it and How do you let go of your'babies'? praise the effort. This also helps The sessions will focus on unthe child's confidence and self es- derstanding adolescence, commuteem. If we hear nothing but nag- nicating effectively and setting ging and criticism, we feel dimin- boundaries. There will be time to ished and worthless, but if we are discuss issues brought to the group told that we are valued and able, by participants. we feel good about ourselves. Anyone with a child of secondThese are the principles on ary school age is welcome. To find which positive parenting is based. out more, call Helen on 877233 or It does not overlook children's dif- Karen Paul on 428800. f.

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The Link Magazine • October 1999

fresher.... Cleaner...

brighter That's what your home will be after a visit from Rainbow International - specialists in carpet and upholstery care and fire and flood restoration. We offer you a professional, quality, fully insured service, guaranteed to lift grease, grit and dirt thoroughly and gently without risk. Your carpets will stay cleaner longer, smell fresher, look brighter and feel soft to touch. If your carpet colour has faded, then why not ask about our unique colour restoration, which brings back the manufacturer's original colour? Can't shift those stains? Leave it to the experts! Let Rainbow bring brightness into your home! So call now to take advantage of our Autumn Special - a 10% discount on any of our services until the end of September 1999. For further information and a free no-obligation estimate, simply call Shaun on

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Disco of darkness for Divali Divali, the Hindu and Sikh Festival of Light at the end of October, is going to be celebrated by a new Asian disco, Sounds of Darkness. Launched by Gurm Mudhar, 27, from Grange Park at private functions in June, the Diwali disco at Swindon Town's County Ground Winners Lounge on 30 October, will the first time he goes public with the Bhangara beat. "I've been thinking about setting up a disco for a long time," said Gurm. "I've attended Bhangara gigs for many years, but now that the music is so popular in the mainstream dance scene, I deTickets for the Divali disco on 30 cided it was time to go for it." He said that a group of friends October cost £4, free to children suggested the name for his disco under 12. Tel: 875299. Call this number to book DJ and Gurm has turned his nickname into his stage persona. From Gamma for a lively night of Bhangara, Bollywood and Westnow on he is DJ Gamma, right. Gurm plays a wide range of ern dance and chart music. music, depending on his audience. "I'm into R'n'B, Hip Hop and Soul, as well as Bhangara. I'll play a The Link magazine is looking for a designer with knowledge programme which the customers of Pagemaker and Photoshop want to hear. I also have a good selection of Bollywood dance muLimited and variable hours sic which goes down really well." Mac skills an advantage Up to now, Bhangara discos have Possible opportunity to learn had to be brought in from BirmingAdobe InDesign ham or London, but now Gurm is E-mail CV to available to take bookings for parli nkmagazine@compuserve.com ties, weddings and cultural events. or call 872282

dich9 ` Two couples from Freshbrook have come together to launch a new service to ensure weddings pass off as smoothly as possible. Old friends Julie Johnson and

....

for the perfect day

Linda Ledger had been thinking

about launching a new business to take the stress and strain out of getting marri ed. When Julie decided she was getting married herself, the project sta rt ed to crystalise from dreams into the reality of what is needed to create a day to remember. Using her wedding on 4 September as a target date to launch their new enterprise - Crystal Wedding Services, Julie and Linda with their respective partners Peter and Tony, can now offer an impressive range of services using their own skills and talents. Or they draw in other professional providers who have been vetted. " Weddings can be incredibly stressful to organise," says Tony Ledger. "There are just so many things to see to and after all the hard work, it should be a perfect

Launch

Julie and new

busine over a nine tie r_cake complete with ss partners Tony Le left, and Peter Jo.

planning with the couple, make the bookings and to suggest the li ttle touches that will surprise the guests." Crystal Wedding Services currently offer the following: • Bridal gowns - all dresses made to your requirements • Veils and tiaras - from a range on offer, or hand-made to order • Cakes - made to order • Flowers - bouquets, table arrangements and for the reception • Bridal Accessories - favours, jewellery, photo albums, candles, shoes

occasion, enjoyed by all. Often the Crystal can offer is invaluable to bride and her helpers are tired out marrying couples. "People are so • Car hire, photography, wedding insurance, hair and beauty and cannot appreciate the day. The busy nowadays that its difficult to aim of Crystal Wedding Services is find time to deal with all the details. • Liaison with wedding venues to take the strain so that the organisers If a wedding is going to go well, it • Wedding planning and organisation don't have to wo rry." will be down to the planning that Crystal offers different levels of goes on beforehand. It's too easy to For an initial chat about how Crystal service to suit all needs and budgets, book the reception, order the flowers Wedding Services can make your from specific requirements, such as and book a photographer, then wedding a perfect occasion, call cakes and car hire, through to discover a ll the dates at the church or 531157 (days), (07958) 414487 complete project management. registry office are already booked. (eves) or (0402) 431077. Linda believes the experience "We're here to advise, to do the A full'corour brochure is available.

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

The Link Magazine • October 1999

Women urged be alert

Angela Cracknell Chiropodist

Eight sexual assaults in West Swindon since March have made alarming headlines and police have urged women to be on their guard, but not to panic.

Registered Nurse MSSCh MBChA

)

On each occasion the offender

1 scream has been running and has ap- 2 draw attention to yourself proached his victim from behind 3 if you are trained in self defence committing a minor but distressuse it if necessary ing sexual assault. 4 try to get a good description and Several have taken place in and note the direction in which the around the Kiln Park area between offender ran off Toothill, Freshbrook and Grange 5 run to an occupied area and Park. The last offence was on 14 knock on the first front door June; none have connections with two recent rapes in Swindon, for 6 telephone the police on 999 immediately which two men have been charged. The assaults have taken place in Seen this man? broad daylight up until about 8pm. The description police Swindon CID Acting Detective have issued is that of a Inspector Jennings said, "the Tallis white male, 5' 8", late Walk footpath between Grange teens or early twenties, Park and Toothill is a common link. short dark hair of slim We believe there is a good chance medium build, wearing this man is local." a tracksuit or similar His advice for lone females is to sports clothing. try to avoid isolated or unlit places. If you think you recognise him call DI If you are approached you should: Jennings on 528111.

isitf ^ a r^ixt

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VETERINARY SURGEONS

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C/ W

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SHAW VETERINARY CENTRE David Warnes B.V.Sc. M.R.C.V.S. Shaw Village Centre Ramleaze Drive, Shaw Swindon SN5 9PY

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SECURITY

Master locksmith • Safe engineers Over21 Years service in the U security business

74 Victoria Rd. Swindon Tel: 642792

24 hour emergency call out service Free survey & estimates Safe opening & servicing Supply & fit all types of lock & access control systems CCTV, alarm systems • Digital locks Burglar bars & grilles made to insurance industry standards AA approved • Member of MLA Chubb • Yale • Union

email: pfssecurity@msn.com www.pfs-securitysystems.co.uk

Swindon 01793 644367 Mobile 0860 553575

Intruder Alarms/CCTV, Access Control Installation/Maintenance of Intruder/Fire Detection Systems IS09002 Certified Installer • NACOSS

WHE

High Quality Painting & Decorating

01793 725699

Free estimates

SECURITY C C T V SYSTEMS SYSTEMS

or 07712 749315

Installed by skilled CITB tradesmen with 20 years experience

PF S PFS

Call for a free estimate on (01793) 729794 or mobile 0402 921551

Interior & Exterior

Very reasonable prices

SECURITY

Call Abbey Aerials of Haydon Wick • Multi-point systems e Satellite installations v Poor reception I ) area specialists • Amplifiers • S All work guaranteed • 3 7daysaweek v 100% customer satisfaction

For free estimates call Paul on .

THE ODD J OB MAN

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

Getting a clear TV picture isn't difficult

EDECORATOR

Tel: 01793 701394 Mobile: 0777 5894563

AERIAL SERVICES

Same day, local service wherever possible Washing Machines Tumble Driers Twin Tubs, etc. I. S.E. Food Waste Disposal Units Service Spares Repairs

DOMESTIC APPLIANCES BOUGHT & SOLD Video / Hi-Fi / TV/Microwaves Washing Machines! Dishwashers Fridges I Freezers! Cookers, etc. • Full guarantees • Top cash prices paid for goods under 5 years old Installation - Delivery - All leading makes VISIT OUR SWINDON SHOWROOM

FOR FREE QUOTATIONS, RING

&H Empire Plumbing & Heating O Boilers & central heating O Bathrooms & showers O Servicing & fault finding Installations, repairs and maintenance Whatever you need, we're here to help you Tel: 01793 436539 Mobile: 0973 760167 Mobile: 07775 621764

I PLUMBING & HEATINGI Quality Plumbing & Heating • Central heating installation • Boiler servicing & repairs • Replacement boilers • Outside taps • Power showers • Bathroom installations All plumbing work undertaken Reliable service, realistic prices Tel: 01793 881905 Mobile: 0973 663367

SKIP HIRE

SUNBED HIRE

7 days a week...

Deb's

KELLYS

Sunbeds Home

SKIPS 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 yard

Rental Fast tanning canopies -with or without facial boosters Doubles also available

01793 849416 or 07771657508 ...... 7 days a week

Free installation & local delivery Tel: Swindon 421665 anytime (Mobile 0378 - 641052)

G3 A ^3

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

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

• Most leading brands • Guaranteed repairs • Same day service

No call out charge • No VA

John Phillips Servicing 25 years experience All work guaranteed

CLEANING

ELECTRICIAN

Dave Ody For all your domestic & commercial requirements New installations • Showers Extensions • Extra sockets Re-wires • Security lighting • New fuse boards No VAT charges • Free quotes 24hr call out facility

Tel: 01793 878609 Mobile: 0585 543294 Ramleaze, Swindon

PROPERTY SERVICES

PREMIER

PROPERTY SERVICES Whatever you need, we will be able to help • Kitchens • Bathrooms • Plumbing • Electrical • Decorating • Carpentry • Wood • General flooring building Friendly and e fficient service Hi gh standards guaranteed Call 525671 or Mobile 0973 760167

TOOL HIRE

1 0%

Call in or telephone us OFF

01793 61785 Unit 2267 Dunbeath Road, Elqin

01793 469552

I ROOFING Wilts Flat Roofing Specialist • All aspects of flat roofing • Strip and retile, all repairs • A quality job at a

competitive price Tel: (01793) 701110 Mobile: 07979 392403

I' TV REPAIRS

Just moved to new premises offering: Massive power tool showroom and larger hire stock We pride ourselves on range, prices, advice and delivery

HIRE WITH I THIS AD!

G6AdaI^

LaD^3

For Sale

Gents Hercules commuter, 3 speed, 26" wheels, gd condition, £25. Tel: 871983

2 seater 3 piece suite, cream/floral, £30. G plan 4ft fitted wardrobe, £12. Rocking

Girls bike, £20. Mamas & Papas play-

chair, count ry style, £5. Tel: 870353

pen, £25. Beatrix Potter nursery collection, £35. Tel: 886770 Girls bike Raleigh Fizzer with stabilizers, 3-5 yrs, good condition, £35. Tel: 871606 Mens Raleigh Max 21" frame, 21 gears, 1 yr old, v-brakes, £150 spent on extra parts, vgc, bargain at £220. Tel: 881520 Raleigh Demon, boys bike, 16", vgc, £45. Tel: 881425 2 go-carts, £15 each. Boys bike 3-5 yrs, £15. Cabin bed, exc cond, £70. Tel: 872170 Kettler go-kart age 4-8, £30. BMX bike, age 3-5, £10. Both exc cond. Tel: 879414 Silvercross combi pram/pushchair, cover, mattress & shopping tray, silver grey, neat, clean condition, £30. Tel: 701779 Bevi changing unit with bath, changing mat, 3 drawers, pastel coloured handles, unit white, vgc, £35 ono. Tel: 887395 Silvercross Victorian teddy pushchair, exc condition, c/w sun canopy and raincover, £50. Tel: 882504 Mamas & Papas pram/pushchair with raincover & sun canopy, blue & white, good condition, £75. Tel: 874646 Mothercare 2 in 1 pram/pushchair, raincover, cosytoes, parasol, blue check, £65, vgc. Tel: 874559 Mothercare Winnie the Pooh wooden folding highchair, £20. Tel: 874559 MacLaren Chamade 2 in 1 pram, incs: raincover & canopy, exc cond, £50. Sofa bed, grey print, foam filled, £30. Tel: 877142 Little Tikes log cabin, £160. Tel: 874764 Britax car seat, 9 months +, excel condition, dark colours, £15. Chicco pushchair navy/white check, reclining, £5. Headboard, single, golden, £3. Tel: 487739 Baby OK interchangeable child bike seat, cost £70 sell £30, hardly used. Tel: 876809 Seven summer/party dresses, 4 blouses, new, one bathing costume, 9/10yrs, £29.75. Tel: 771640 One pair new Farah trousers, sand. One light grey, BHS. Waist 30", inside leg 31", £10 each. Tel: 771640 Grey coat, full length, new, size 14, immaculate condition, velvet trim, £40. Tel: 878816 Size 16 salmon leather 2 piece suit, £30. Folding bed, £20 ono. Exercise bike, £25 ono. Tel: 522707 (day), 872077 (eve) Dynamix weight bench & 35kgs of weights, used twice, must see. Tel: 07887 894 088 (after 6pm) Bauer Ice skates, size 4, £30. Puma King footy boots, size 5.5, £5. Addidas

Antique pine double headboard, only 10 months old, exc cond, £25. Tel: 485509 Habitat black sideboard vgc, sliding doors, central shelf, taller section and cutlery drawer, 5' long, £35, buyer collects. Tel: 495784 Hotpoint fridge, 9 cu ft, 53" high. Hotpoint upright freezer, 9 cu ft, 53" high. £60 each or £100 for both, must be collected. Tel: 705985 Electric solid hob cooker, gd working order, £35. Zanussi washing machine, vgc, £60. Metal De-lux detector, almost new, £55. Tel: 881750 Electric cooker, cream, with timer & clock, exc condition, £65. Large Kenwood mixer plus accessories, vgc, £60. Tel: 520211 Belling electric cooker, white, double oven, exc condition, £125. Tel: 702387 Piano stool, as new, exc cond, £30. Tel: 875991 Technics electric organ with stool, offers considered. Tel: 520305 Brother electronic typewriter, AX-1 10 and typing first course guide book & paper, £30. Tel: 871606 N64 with 2 controllers and 7 games, all boxed, exc condition, £150. Tel: 881640 Canon EOS10 SLR camera body, £200. Canon USM zoom lens 35-135mm, £130. uSM zoom lens 100-300mm, £170. Tel: 874523 Page One minicall pager with spare number cards and battery, excel cond, £20. My Belle spotlight see through telephone, excel cond, £8. Tel: 879147 Hamster cage, 3 unit Rotastak, mansion, li ving area & burrow, tubes included, boxed, in gd condition, £60. Tel: 881520 Rotastak hamster housing, various units, £35 the lot or will split, also hamster cages. Tel: 874242 Two wicker cat baskets, exc condition, £6 each. Tel: 464695 Rabbit hutch, new, 411 long, made with 1" wood weather proofed felt roof, on legs, 3 doors, £30. Tel: 724512 RSPB Birds magazines, 1985-1994 (40 copies, £20. Tel: 524061 Rucksack 18in x 12in x 6in, 3 zipped sections and map pocket, bottle green, unused, £5. Tel: 611751 Greenhouse 5ft x 7ft, collector to dismantie & transport. Free. Tel: 877142 Nissan Micra 1994, L reg, dark silver, taxed Nov 99, MOT Aug 2000, exc working condition, £3000 ono. Tel: 700631 Ford Fiesta 1.1 LX, M reg, 5 doors, sun roof, 5 speed, Caymen blue, tax & MOT, 2 lady owners, £3300 ono. Tel: 619882

Predator boots, size 5.5, £15. Tel: 870222 Round dining/breakfast table & 4 chairs, pine effect, solid wood, £25. Tel: 692620 4ft 61n pine bedstead with matching head & footboard, as new, £80 ono. Tel: 694973 Brass effect three armed sitting room light, chain hanging, £10. Tel: 878782

Wanted Good quality 3/4 size acoustic guitar. Tel: 878605 Old and modern electric trains and train sets. Tel: 615918 Girls Raleigh bike with 5 gears, 5-8 yrs. Tel: 871606

-------------- -----1

Free Private For Sale & Wanted ads.

ILLIAMS V & VIDEO

Return to: The Link, Papermakers House, Swindon SN5 7BD by 14th of the month. Entries are subject to available space

Specialists in repairs of

TVs, videos, satelite, microwaves, audio equipment & in car hi-fi's. Free estimates 30A COUNTY ROAD, SWINDON Name & Address (not for publication)

Tel: 01793 423371 Mobile 0976 752073 L

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not want your ad to appear on the swindonlink internet web site

The Link Magazine • October 1999

Millennium Thoughts

Holistic Massage Therapy Female only

What is the point of life?

1/2 hour = £12 1 hour = £20

Tel: Julie ITEC IIHHT 886291

DECOTEX Painter & Decorator Specialist Artexing Tel: (01793) 791388 Play the `:3 Piano

Learn to Sing Phone Swindon 695235 for further information

Professional Haird> essing in your oven home

If you would you like to know more about being a Christian at the end of this century, the West Swindon Churches are running an Alpha Course on Wednesday evenings through the Autumn. A special, free, introductorybuffet supper and presentation about Alpha takes place on Wednesday 29 September, 7.30pm, in Holy Trinity Church, Shaw Centre. It is a chance to find out about Alpha without commitment to attending any further sessions. There's something special about Year 2000. Perhaps this is the time to find out what and why. For more information, call the Alpha Administrator on 874221.

(Hair 61 Sarah Mobile hairdressing in the comfort of your own home at prices you can afford Phone: 01793 882186

Cuts froni £3.50 For appointftlents, call Tracey A.,878217

SWINDON FAMILY CHURCH

BC The person who changed AD History is changing peoples lives Today

Live with integrity Love wholeheartedly Trust God in all things

Evange ^zc `'/^ - Worsley Road

m ma (i, m building with people

(Community Suite)

All ages of children &teens cared for Information: call B ri an on 849731

Come and join us Sunday at 10am & 6.30pm For further information of other meetings ring: 873050 or call at the Church office

in association with NEW FRONTIERS INTERNATIONAL

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

& PINEHURST PEOPLE'S

CENTRE

OCAL CHURCHES All Saints' Lydiard Millicent - 10:30am Revd Peter Knight: 772417 (for the Village & Roughmoor) Holy Trinity Shaw -10:30amRevdAndrewHetherington:770568 (the Church is at Shaw Village Centre) St Mary's Lydiard Tregoze - 9:00am,10:30am Revd Ann Mackenzie: 870244 Toothill Church -10:45am Revd Mark Roper: 692620 (also Free Church minister for the parish)

Westlea Church - 10:00am Revd Peter Knight: 772417 (this Church meets in Westlea School Hall, Langstone Way)

Millennial madness is upon us, writes Rev. David Earnshaw, pastor of Freshbrook Church. This year sees not only the usual pre-Christmas commercial hype, but also the big countdown to the end of this second millennium. Media reports on the year 2000 and all its implications will rise to a crescendo over the next three months. And the Internet abounds with websites predicting doom and the world's end. At the end of 999 as the year 1000 dawned we know that stealing was rare, bakers gave away bread, enemies were reconciled and the priests worked overtime hearing confession. When midnight came an d nothing happened the nation soon returned to life as it was before, almost as if the nightmare was over. In fact up and down the land the bells of every church rang, announcing the rebirth of the world rather than its burial. Is there any spiritual meaning to the new millennium that we are fast hurtling towards? There is and there isn't. We know from history that Jesus Christ stepped into this world around years 4/5 BC. That being the case the new millennium com-

menced in 1995 - sorry, we've missed it. Those who have given us the Gregori an calendar were a few years out. The Bible teaches quite categorically that at some stage in the future Jesus Christ will literally, in his resurrected body, return to this earth. We are repeatedly encouraged to be ready for that return. Why is He returning? The Bible leaves us without any doubts whatsoever: He is returning to bring in His millennial kingdom. Who will live in that kingdom? Those who have acknowledged that He came the first time and that He came to die on the cross to be our Saviour. Every time we recite the Lord's prayer we say "Your Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven ..." The coming of the third millennium may have some earthly significance, but we should be concentrating more on His coming millennium. What better way of preparing than committing your life to, and getting to know the man behind the millennium, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Councillor out and about

mmm

SUNDAYS 10.30AM AT THE LINK CENTRE

Countdown to the real meaning of the millennium

o Vl ^ N

. 8 W can

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

Freshbrook councillor Chris Eley is holding street surgeries in the following roads in October. 2/3 Cromwell, Edgehill, Fleetwood Court and Pendennis Road 9/10 Mulcaster Avenue, Poynings Way and the side roads off them 16/17 Grantham Close, Hop ton Close, Lambert Close, Langdale Drive, Newbury Drive, Roundway Down 23/24 Hampton Drive and all the roads off it 30/31 Worsley Road and all the roads off it Leaflets will be distributed in the week before, with a'councillor please call' sign. Householders are invited to display this if they want him to visit.

Clothing needed

Don't miss your millennium vote

Swindon Council social services are collecting winter clothing for Kosovo refugees living in the town. The majority are young men in their early twenties, but a recent group of arrivals includes some women. Marian Ward of the adult services team said, "we are in need of coats, anoraks, jeans, sweat shirts, jumpers, skirts, dresses and blouses." If you can make a donation, call Marian Ward on 466952 or Judith Potter on 466917.

As a result of boundary changes, all seats on Swindon Council are up for grabs in the elections next May. The council's electoral registration department has circulated all houses with voter registration forms to be returned by 10 October. Residents who do not send them back will receive a follow up letter and later a personal visit from a council officer to ensure everybody of qualifying age is registered. If you have not received a form, call 463543.

The Link Magazine • October 1999

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

Mission Romania discovers hidden hospital A team from Swindon based charity Mission Romania returned at the end of August from another visit to the Transylvanian town of Targu Mures. Their visit was timed to coincide with the arrival of an articulated truckload of donated aid from the people and businesses of Swindon. We again had a wonderful response to our requests for donations, so much so that we were unable to send all of the clothing, bedding and shoes that people gave us. However, we are planning to send another truck out before the end of October if we can raise the necessary finance. It was really lovely to return to Targu Mures and meet all our old friends again. With the twelve month interval since my last visit it was easy to see where advances in living standards are occurring. Having said that, it is also easy to see where they have not. Indeed, for a lot of the people we support, their standards have taken a backward step. Quite a number of shops have shut since last year and a lot of the goods that are available are foreign imports. A much bigger profit level for the shopkeepers, you see. But for those on the lower end of the social scale the prices are beyond their reach. That is where we come in. We are now working with over 25 selfhelp groups including orphanages, churches, elderly folks homes and charities and these are just the peo-

communism. Mission Romania has now

The Mission Romania team were given a special wheelchair and were delighted to be able to help this double amputee

pie who, at times, have to decide between buying food or medicines because they can't afford both. The donated aid that we deliver helps to take some of the pressure off them and hopefully improves their standards of living. It was heartening for the team to find that a couple of the charities have grown to the extent that we can no longer help them and we were able to advise them on the next steps for their organisations and where to look for further assistance. But the team found a home/ hospital situated in an old castle which houses 245 young mentally disadvantaged patients, 95 women and a small number of men. The hospital has not received any funding for over 4 months and the staff have not been paid for at least three. Their dedication is such, though, that they are still coming in to work so that the people in their care do not suffer. Laszlo Pokorny, the Hospital Director, stated that he now has a system in place where his staff are rotating through long holiday peLoading the truck at the Bible Society riods so that they can get a partin Westlea, from left, Sally Mitchell, time job and salary to assist with Neil Holton, Rev David Blandford their lack of money from the hosUpper Stratton Baptist Church pital but they still keep coming volunteers sent another truck of back to help out. aid to Kosovo on 10 September. The electricity supply to the hosIt was the tenth from Swindon, pital was cut whilst we were actubringing the total to some 150 ally there. We were glad that we tonnes of clothing, bedding, toilet- were able to donate a sum of money ries and food. At least one more immediately that would ensure load is planned, as long as £3,750 that the electricity was reconcan be raised to pay for the truck. nected. There are still hundreds of places Send donations to Upper Stratton Baptist Church, Green Road, like this all over Romania where Stratton, Swindon or call 538851. the staff just won't let go and it Latest information can be found makes you feel very humble at at www.usbc.freeserve.co.uk ....... times. It is one of the big differ-

Kosovo aid tenth trip

The Erabtttonat

This year it contained even more medical equipment as well as the usual clothing, bedding, footwear, toys and stationery goods. Team member Julian Leggett, manager of the West Swindon Shopping Centre, reports on the trip and appeals for help for the Year 2000 trip. ences in attitudes that have developed since 1989 and the end of adopted the home / hospital as their main support project for next year and will be glad to receive donations of clothing, bedding, good quality footwear and especially financial assistance. If everyone in the Swindon area gave us just fifty pence, it would provide enough money for the hospital to function properly for two years and get some of the more urgent repairs carried out. This would make such a difference to the quality of life for the patients and enable the staff to get on with their real work. In the meantime we continue to work with and support all of the other groups that we have assisted since 1990. Mission Romania is now planning a Millennium collection. They canbe contacted via Julian on Swindon 872987 or 644119 by e-mail to julian@7roses.freeserve.co.uk www.mission-romania.org

'cioot of Re iki 'eating Learn this ancient healing art Reiki is safe, completely natural and highly effective complementary therapy to all other forms of health care. Reiki is not a religion or a belief system An important difference between Reiki and other energy therapies is that once activated in your hands, you have it for life and can treat yourself.

Courses available at all levels, small informal groups, individual attention, comprehensive manual, certificated. After course guidance and support.

Reiki Association Master F. J. Taylor, (01793) 849914 or 07775 932984 (mobile)

Reiki treatments available £10 per half-hour or £20 per fill hour

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Visit the largest traditional pagoda Chinese Restaurant set in over two acres of

beautiful grounds overlooking Peatmoor La goon *

Disco/Karaoke evenin g s ff pecia of er Friday I st, 8th, 15th & 29th October on Tiger Beer & Thai Beer. Friday 5th & 26th November Buy two, Price 120 (£ 15 for Privilege Card Holders) * Includes a mouth watering three course meal % get one free on 22 OctobE

Special

., only.

Friday 22nd October Friday 12th & 19th

ur 'itime Ce

,. Menu A: 4 course meal £23.50 per person Menu B: 3 course r erson

Christ . 5 course mi Chinese cat •

»..

ate '

Pepperbox Hill, PeatmoorWes w^ Telephone 01793 877888 Fax 01793 873883 Prices may be subject to 10% service charge

Sunday lunch: £10 only

We tried to be different; we became unique! Now established as Swindon's premier

Indian restaurant 0

• Comfortable and relaxed air conditioned surroundings j Scenic view •'• Booking strongly f recommended Sunday buffet: 12noon to 5pm •'• Take-away service Purton Peatmoor Lgjqe g

^j^ gsei

Lydiard Millicent

—

at Peatmoor Village Centre

—

Nine Elms

Middleleaze

•

From Haydon Wick & Abbey ' Meads Sparcells Chinese Experience estaurant

Shaw

Westlea, Freshbrook, Grange Park,

Toothill

LAKESIDE BRASSERIE

R ou g h m oor

Village g

Centre

Peatmoor Lagoon, Swindon

Tel: (01793) 887799/882233 Open:

Mon - Sat 12noon - 2pm; 6pm - 11.30pm Sun 12noon - 11.30pm. (Bu ff et 12noon - 5pm)