October 2000 by swindonlink6

No. 221 • October 2000 • Circulation 21,000

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the positive newsforce in West and North Swindon end the swindon wide what's on guide Freshbrook pub comes of age: page 6. Abbey Meads pub to close: page 15 Choose the name for the new pub at St Andrew's Ridge: page 15

Linked by love Fairy tale romance for Freshbrook dentist Brendon Ball and Ukrainian translator Natasha Manamsa. See the story on page 36.

,spirit of Swindon to ride the Atlantic in 12 months time Norman Butler from Westlea has renamed his boat and has one year left to prepare for an epic ocean rowing race. See page 34.

Walmart Asda aims to open by Christmas 20 01

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The Link Magazine • October 2000

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The Link Magazine • October 2000

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

SOS at the BBC WE COME TO YOU'

Listeners revolt at loss of Shirley and Sandy shows

Many BBC Wiltshire Sound listeners are outraged at changes being made at their local radio station. festival for 8 years and recently ran a writing competition on her programme in conjunction with The Link. The campaigners have not been deterred by the intransigence of the station management. They have collected over 1,00 signatures on a petition in support of the two A protest campaign to stop presenters. At a pickett outside the Old the changes has been mounted by Andy and Norma Miller Town studios, protestors confrom Toothill along with fronted Vernon Harwood on Michael and Lindsay Ponting the door. However they were Over 50 protesters braved the rain on 8 Septe tuber unable to persuade him of from County Road. to demonstrate outside the BBC studios But their phone calls and their case. Norma Miller said, "a lot of letters to new station manager people look forward to the weekVernon Harwood, who arrived end to hear Shirley's happy go from Radio Gloucester five months lucky voice. She is a great friend to ago, have had no response. They many in Swindon and Wiltshire. CURTA IN or O complain that they have been un- She's a genuine caring person; it's SERVICE made? able to get an adequate explana- a crime to have her shoved into the tion for the changes. P ices front: back room." When Michael Ponting tried to Campaigners will be collecting Curtains £25 Tie backs £15 raise his complaint with the BBC signatures at the West Swindon Pelmets £25 • Accessories £5 in London, the Broadcasting House Centre on a Saturday in October. Austrian blinds £20 switchboard just transferred his When complete the petition will H anging from , 1,5 call back to the Swindon studios. be sent to the BBC Director GenPrices exclude material cost "They should leave things as eral Greg Dyke. To show support Free estimating and advice, they are," said Andy Miller. "It's contact the Millers on 0786 Design, making and complete what the people want." 7761505 or the Pontings on 526006. fitting service available, He added that Shirley, below, deLarge range of material samples serves to be recognised for all the available. Prices from £6 voluntary Call Tracey or Amanda on work she has

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Published by West Swindon Publications

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Editorial copy date for November: 11 October Published: 28 October Copy for December: 10 November

Fax: (01793) 878189 e: publisher@swindonlink.com www.swindonlink.com Publisher/Editor: Roger Ogle General enquiries: Tel: (01793) 872282 Stories for No rth Swindon, Hayden Wick, Peatmoor, Shaw Tanya Parkinson Tel: (01793) 705105 tanyaparkinson@ameads.freeserve.co.uk

"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 January 1994."

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The Link Magazine • October 2000

Fuel protest puts paid to looking at Swindon together A conference to give Swindon people a chance to discuss what they think of the town, planned for 23 September, had to be postponed because of the fuel shortages that gripped the count ry. "The Link provided the only proMartha Parry of the New Mechanic's Institute Trust, who had motion for the conference. Withorganised 'Looking at Swindon ... out ongoing publicity closer to the together' explained, "there was so date, it was not viable to hold it." 'Looking at Swindon... together' much local newspaper reporting given over to fuel crisis earlier in will now be held on Saturday 4 September that there was no space November. Details will be pubto promote the conference. We lished in our November edition. also had distribution problems for our own newsletter and trust members received the information too late."

Trust bid for museum turned down A request to Swindon Council by the New Mechanic's Institute Trust to rent the railway museum in Fleet Street has been rejected. The building, which has been empty for a year since it made way for STEAM, stands next to the derelict Mechanic's Institute which the trust is fighting to save. The trust has a grant from the Architects Heritage Trust to rent offices. The museum would be an ideal venue for a semi-permanent exhibition of their proposals.

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Swindon residents have the opportunity to raise issues and to be consulted on proposals affecting their neighbourhoods at six area panels made up of ward councillors covering the town. People who want a problem debated should contact their local councillors and there is a public question time at the beginning of each meeting. Panel meetings take place on: 5 October South East 12 October South Swindon 18 October East Swindon 19 October North Swindon 2 November West Swindon 9 November North Central

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City or town? Are we trying

hard enough? In August The Sun complimented Swindon for a ttracting a major expansion by Honda, who might be exporting cars back to Japan. At the same time journalist Judy Jones lambasted the town and its city aspirations in the New Statesman. Her article concluded: "To me, Swindon's great tragedy is not that it has so conspicuously failed to reinvent itself as a go-ahead, culturally rich and vibrant city afterthe final collapse of its railway industry in the 1980s, but simply that its

elected leaders have barely started bothering to t ry." No other publication has given the town's leadership the chance to reply in their own words. Here Swindon Council leader Sue Bates takes up the opportunity.

omments from Judy Jones in the New Statesmen C magazine about Swindon were not unexpected. The article in The Sun threw down the gauntlet to those who have a different view. However it is my responsibility as Leader to speak up, promote, accentuate the positive, and be proud of the achievements Swindon town has made. Think of Sunderland - granted city status in 1992. With all due respect to them, one could ask, 'what was so special about them?' They were the largest town yet to receive City status, and its shipbuilding industry had fallen on hard times. What else was it renowned for? The arrival of Nissan gave the city the impetus for economic rejuvenation, and the rest as they say is history. The success of the football team has only been in recent years, it has a university - albeit formed from the former polytechnic. Let me address some of the criticism. Judy Jones praised the Designer Outlet centre (we should be grateful for that), but 'Swindon - a lost civilisation waiting to be unearthed.' What on earth is she on about? Following the demise of the railway works, we didn't hang around waiting for a pick me up - we just got on with the job, reinventing ourselves, building a strong economy. Her most bizarre criticism is 'of being too successful by half!' What's wrong with that? Is it not our job to achieve economic prosperity, and ensure our residents share in that prosperity and security? Her basic criteria come down to two things: having a cathedral and a university. As many local people know, we are getting our own university in conjunction with Bath University. This is a significant step on the road to achieving and providing first class higher education in the town. Bath University is not one of the new universities created from the

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institution with a rich and historical

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demic tradition. A cathe-

dral? Fora ' '" country' that is more secular, more culturally diverse, and more at ease with itself, does a town have to define itself by the existence and magnitude of a religious building? This is a new millennium (albeit in the Christian calendar), but these are also new and exciting times. We don't need to identify ourselves by outdated criteria from the last millennium. Of course, Swindon is proud of its history as a railway town, but discovery of Roman ruins in Abbey Meads has uncovered a wealth of history we never knew existed. We are also looking to the future for Swindon. We are developing the 30 Year Vision, which will set out how Swindon needs to develop and adapt over the coming years. You cannot transform a town overnight. Change should be

planned to ensure that the 'new' Swindon for the 21st Century really is 'fit for purpose.' Civic leaders and officers are prepared for that challenge now as they have been in the past.

See the debate @ www.swindonlink.com A series of highly sceptical articles on city status in The Link last year preceded Judy Jones views. In May, we asked if the town ever stood a chance following a leaked Home O ff ice assessment of the town's prospects. They appear in the City Debate section on our web site. Judy Jones' has given her permission for her full article to appear there as well. What do you think? Visit the site and add your views.

TOOTHILL

Fly to our NeST says safety team

COOPERS

Do you belong to a community group, run a business, work with a local organisation or represent your area as a neighbourhood watch co-ordinator? If the answer to any of these the proposed Toothill neighbour- • Graffiti is absent from Toothill village centre for the first time in questions is yes and you want to hood safety team (NeST). For nearly a year the Freshbrook well over ten years and there are make your neighbourhood a safer place, you can get involved with NeST has been tackling a range of hopes it can stay that way. The community centre and pubissues including graffiti, drugs awareness and access to regular lic furniture have been cleaned up Corn dolly meeting police surgeries at Freshbrook after Swindon Council agreed to The Tootleabrook WI next meets Community Centre. Now the idea spend £5,000 on environmental at Toothill Community Centre, is spreading. The Swindon Coun- works. A programme to cut back Toothill on Wednesday 18 Octo- cil community safety team is look- trees and shrubs is awaited. A report on provision of CCTV ber, 7.30 pm where Mrs R Jamieson ing for representatives from volwill be speaking on corn dollies. untary groups, organisations and cameras at Toothill centre will be discussed at the council cabinet in All ladies from across West businesses to get involved. For more information, call Paula October. Swindon will be welcome. For details call Jean Brock on 539456. Harrison on 466473.

CHEMIST

Clubs cater for youngsters Two new after school clubs were opened by the Big Adventure during September, one at Freshbrook School, the second at Oliver Tomkins juniors in Toothill. The Big A opened its first after schoo in 1994 at Greendown. It !r f= also has a centre at Brook Field primary A = school. . mini-bus service is operated u t to transport children from A other schools to the afterschool centres. It also operates Oliver Tomkins headteacher Rev Andrew Pagett with Tracey atMoredonin- Bailey and youngsters launching the new Big A club in fants school Toothill. Front, club supervisor Monica Sharma, assistant and hopes to Kieron Grieve open at Abbey Meads in North Swindon. In Janu- and Tracey Bailey, specialises in ary a club opens at Salt Way school. offering a flexible service to parBefore school breakfast clubs ents whereby they can choose the also run at Tregoze and BrookField sessions they require and are not tied to contracts. The new clubs at schools. During school holidays the Big Oliver Tomkins and Freshbrook Adventure caters for up to 150 chil- have places available. To find out more, call Pete or dren a day at Greendown and is available to parents and children Tracey on 875992 or go to www.the-big-adventure.co.uk wherever they live. See the competition on page 18. The Big Adventure, run by Pete

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Crossing point to be considered by road danger panel Children crossing Rowton Heath Way to and from Freshbrook School are putting their lives at risk from fast moving traffic says Annalise Hosking from Grange Park. She spoke about the dangers on the S bend in the road on 7 September when the West area panel considered her petition signed by 25 parents. The panel heard that the road was considered in the 1999 Local Safety Review but was not considered sufficiently hazardous for a controlled crossing. The site has been approved for a school crossing patrol, but nobody has been found to do the job.

Councillors agreed to ask the Local Safety Panel to agree to a pedestrian crossing or traffic speed reduction measures at its annual meeting in the Autumn â€˘ A 12 week project costing ÂŁ500,000 to improve traffic flow around the Mead Way roundabout at Paddington Drive starts on Monday 2 October.

Pub comes of age with a party Freshbrook Centre's Windmill pub celebrates with a coming of age party on Friday 13 October, one day short of the eighteenth anniversary since it first opened in 1982, and eleven years after it became the Windmill. Retired Toothill resident Ernest said past managers are being in- play house which is attached to Kimber from Beverley won the vited to the party and he would the pub." He explained that the bouncy competition run in the May 1982 like to hear from anybody who has Link for Whitbread after he sug- worked there. It's also open to castle enjoyed by thousands of chilgested the pub be called The Corn- past and present customers, dren had to be replaced and he had flower. As a lad he used to play though entry might have to be by come up with a design for a play fort with wooden walls, perspex where the pub was built, in fields ticket. dotted with the blue flowers. "We're planning live music and sides and roof. "It will be a great The Link ran a second competi- a buffet to toast the Windmill addition to the Windmill, where tion in August 1989 when the brew- which has become an important parents can sit and supervise chilery decided the refurbished pub social centre for Freshbrook and dren playing on the climbing should also be rebranded. Cathy Grange Park, especially with the equipment whilst having a drink. Baker from Grange Park was fea- large screen TVs for sports fans." It's the first of its kind." To book a party ticket, visit Paul tured on our September 1989 front "We're also going to launch our page calling for the pub to retain latest attraction, a new permanent or Lynne or call 873227. the traditional name. Present landlord Paul Davoile

Fifty years together

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A gathering on 2 September at Lydiard House saw Jean and Ron Brock from Freshbrook celebrating their Golden Wedding anniversary 50 years to the day, with over sixty family members, sixteen of whom were at their wedding including the best man and two bridesmaids. They came to SwinOn this occasion don in 1982 where Ron's brother was Ron became sales able to attend. In manager at the Bible 1950 he had to sail Society and Jean away a couple of worked at Brimble weeks before the Hill School. happy day to start Both retired at the post graduate studend of 1992 but have ies at an American kept very busy, paruniversity. This time ticularly at St Mary's he came by air from Church, Lydiard his home in New Tregoze where Jean York State together plays guitar in the with his son and music group. She is daughter. Jean and Ron met at a youth club also a founder member of in North Somerset, but their first Tootleabrook Women's Institute. date was on VE night in 1945. Af- Ron has been a churchwarden and ter leaving school Ron was com- is presently involved in fundraismissioned in the Royal Engineers ing and organising the repair and and served in North Africa before restoration of the vandalised hisa career in sales and marketing. toric east and west windows. Jean qualified as a opthalmic and Ron said, "we've experienced all state registered nurse. the pleasures and turmoil of marThey are uniquely blessed to riage, the joys and sadness of parhave twin sons and twin daugh- enthood. We both believe that sucters, but tragically their youngest cess in marriage comes to those son was killed in a road accident couples who work hard at it, refuse to give up when the going gets when he was thirteen. Jean later returned to nursing tough and persist in trying to keep and as a teacher of mentally and the vows they made on their wedphysically handicapped children. ding day."

SHAW & ROUGHMOOR

Brook Field kids support orphanage child A visit to Uganda by a Brook Field School teacher in 1999 has led to children raising money to support an orphan. But the youngsters who organised a fund raising stall in the summer term may not know what has happened as a result of their efforts because they have left. In June Dale Burr took an assembly and talked about the dire needs of the children he met in Africa. "I went to see a friend who worked in Banunule nursery and primary school in the capital Kampala where ninety orphans are cared for. Most have lost their parents because of Aids. "The school has almost nothing and was threatened with closure. The kids are so happy, even though they wear rags and are given one bowl of porridge a day. I came home feeling that we are so lucky and live in luxury by comparison." After the assembly some year 6 pupils asked if they could raise money and, without Dale knowing, the youngsters organised a toy collection and ran their own stall at the summer fair in July. "It was great how they took the initiative," he said. "They pre-

sented me with £75 and I sent it to the nursery to sponsor a child for a year. Unfortunately the information came back on the first day of the holidays and most of the children who raised the money are now at secondary school." Dale asked The Link to tell the fundraisers about Sam Magoola, a six year old, who now lives with relatives in Kampala and attends Banunule school where he likes learning English because he wants to speak like the teachers. He enjoys eating and looks forward to porridge at breaktime. Football is Sam's favourite sport and he wants to be a striker in a team. When he is older, Sam would like to be a doctor so he can look after sick people. Dale said he hoped that future year 6 children will be able to continue supporting Sam at school.

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Holiday club success The first holiday club held at Peatmoor School during the summer was a success and a half term club is being planned for the end of October. There are places available. To book, call Peatmoor School on 887473. Crafty kids at Peatmoor, from left, Thomas Barron, George Curd, assistant playleader Sarah Coombs, Sian Smith, Victoria Hill, Oliver Smith, Matthew Hill, supervisor Suzie Wagner, Ryan Jones, Sam Stevenson, Callum Jones,

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Residents campaign blocks house plans Swindon Council planners have refused a planning application to build two houses on the staff car park at the Shaw village centre doctor's surgery on the grounds that that it would overshadow and reduce the light to adjacent properties. Justin Holloway of Angus Close was delighted by the response. "Not only would it have overshadowed houses, the development would have restricted the potential for expansion at the doctor's surgery." He said local councillors Wakefield, Martin and Stewart had been very helpful in having the plans blocked, and the Shaw Residents' Association had lent its support.'

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Confined to a wheelchair because of cerebral palsy, Jamie uses the specialised touch screen computer to communicate with teachers and classmates. He is the first in a Swindon mainstream school to have the equipment and his progress is being monitored for its application with others who have communication difficulties. The cameleon is able to hold hundreds of pages made up of symbols and words. Working with education support assistant Sue Sheikh, thirty pages have been programmed so that Jamie can ask questions, start conversations and take part in classroom activities. This screen can be positioned on a table or attached to his electric wheelchair so he can talk to friends in the playground. Once a sentence is formed, the cameleon will speak it for him. "Although Jamie also works with a speech therapist and has great difficulty expressing himself verbally, he can hear well and is very aware of what's going on around," said Sue. "Jamie's speech has been stimulated by being in a mainstream environment where everybody is chatting away. The cameleon gives him the opportunityto communicate with his peers.

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His language skills have come on tremendously over the last year. "Jamie navigates through the pages from an index screen which leads to sub-indexes. It means he has to make choices about what he wants to say and has to concentrate very hard to get to the screens that he needs to make his point, or ask a question. Apart from a standard set of symbols, we have drawn some special ones that he likes and recorded sounds so that he can

Sue with Jamie and his wheelchair attached computer

add expression and fun. "Jamie is a very happy boy who has to work really intensively to achieve communication." Having demonstrated the cameleon for The Link, Jamie said, "I like school."

Grandparents return to school Over 150 grandparents spent the day at Westlea School on 22 September to find out what youngsters get up to nowadays. Dennis, 68, and Shirley Wheeler, 65, of Chippenham look over grandson Robbie White's, 10, homework diary

Bonfire night in Westlea Westlea School's firework spectacular takes place on Friday 3 November, 5.45pm for 6.30pm. Tickets are £1 child, £2 adult or £5 a family from the school office.

Dog dirt gets to council cabinet The long standing problem of dog fouling in public places will be discussed at Swindon's cabinet on 24 October when a report on the provision of dog dirt bins is presented. Westlea school pupil Beverley Harris raised a petition amongst class mates earlier in the year to protest about the fouling of routes to school, including the habit of some owners who scoop the poop, but leave it hanging from trees and shrubs in plastic bags. The issue has been discussed at both the West and the North area panels. The report will indicate that the cost of providingbins and the manpower to empty them on a regular basis could be over £200 a year for each one. Former Thamesdown and Swindon councillor, and dog owner, Bob Pixton wrestled with the problem for many years. He was responsible for signs in the early 1990s asking owners not to let their dogs foul public parks and an early experiment where an outdoor toilet was created in Grange Park. "The idea was not a success because the device was plugged into the drains which could not cope with plastic bags. "I understand the frustrations, but bins are not the answer. They

A Thamesdown remnant still in place. The dog owner advice sign by the Ferrers Drive open space in Grange Park

are expensive to maintain and it's unrealistic to think there can be effective enforcement. You have to ask if the cost is good value for money. "The bottom line is the attitude of dog owners and their respect for other people. Their dogs foul public areas, they have the responsibility for picking it up and taking it home to put in their own bins. Having said that, there is no easy answer to dealing with irresponsible dog owners."

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North beat man off to police in war zone Weigh-in Work-out Weigh less Greenmeadow School, Penn Close Wednesday 6pm - 7.30pm Abbey Meads Community School Thursday 7.45pm - 9.15pm Other venues available on different nights Call Sally on (01793) 731148 Membership £6.00 Class fee £4.25 (First class £10.25 then £4.25 weekly)

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Long serving North Swindon community beat officer PC Qahir, Q, Sheik swaps the relatively calm pavements of Haydon Wick, Abbey Meads and Taw Hill in early October to face the challenge of patrolling in war torn Bosnia. Having been with the Wiltshire Constabulary for 18 years, he has no idea about his specific duties until he arrives in the capital Sarajevo. He will be one of forty officers from across Britain on a six month tour observing the methods of their counterparts to ensure policing is fair and impartial. Reporting directly to the United Nations, he must help the police from the former communist regime become a democratic force. Q is aware of the dangers in the assignment. Mines are a hazard, but the greatest problems are likely

Bench for play area The Hayden Wick Community Association 300 Club has donated a bench which has been installed inside the children's play area opposite the bowling green. Members pay £12 a year and stand to win up to £50 in a monthly draw. Some of the money paid in is kept for community benefit. Thanks to contributions parents have somewhere to relax whilst their toddlers play. To join the 300 Club call the Haydon Centre on 706666.

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Q described the secondment as an exciting adventure, though he is both nervous and anxious about the family he is leaving behind. "I am looking forward to experiencing a new culture and learning the language. I think it will enable me to help with the initial interviews of the increasing number of illegal immigrants picked up in Swindon." Whilst away PC Sheik is hoping to keep in contact with his family via phone and where possible, email. He also hopes to come home for Christmas and has promised to update The Link about his trip. to come from the locals themselves. They are known to consume huge quantities of cheap drink and their driving under the influence is often lethal. He said, "the 'macho' image means I am having to develop the muscles in my right arm because I've heard that when they meet you and shake hands they see who can do it the hardest." Having dark skin may also cause tension. Q has been told that Serbs have a low respect for African policemen, but he has had assurances that the Union Jack displayed on his uniform should resolve problems.

Who will do the policing?

North Swindon residents are becoming concerned about the lack of a beat officer in their neighbourhoods. PC Sheik had Abbey Meads and Taw Hill tacked on to his Moredon, Haydon Wick beat after Roger Guy left last year. By his own admission Q has been finding it very tough to be in all places at once. MP Michael Wills has promised to take this issue up at the highest level, but residents should be vigilant and report anything suspicious to the police.

Land for bikers planned With illegal motorcycling causing danger to pedestrians and damaging the environment in Sevenfields, Pond Street and the paths between Woodhall and Burghley Park, a policeman is trying to find solutions to the problem. Residents are fed up with illegal lem of finding insurance PC biking and the riders are frustrated Blythin has now arranged for Swinthey have nowhere to go. So PC don Council to run trial sessions to Roger Blythin from Westlea sta- measure the noise level. "We do tion is attempting to find an open not want to aggravate the problem space for motorcyclists which will so we must make sure the area is satisfy both parties. He has identi- suitable and will not cause offence fied a suitable piece of land, but to those living nearby first." does not want to disclose its whereabouts 1u ' st yet Playground improved He said, "this problem will not go away unless we are able to proand then vandalised vide an alternative and acceptable Haydon Wick Parish Council has area for the riders." recently upgraded the play area in Having solved the initial prob- Trent Road Field with fencing to keep dogs out and the provision of a new footpath. However the gate and fence has Basket making already been vandalised on sevat the WI eral occasions. If you see anyone Greenmeadow and Hayden Wick causing damage call the police. WI plays host to Mrs Nora Unfortunately the toddler play Kennedy who will demonstrate the area at Primrose Close, which was art of willow basket making. The promised for this summer, has meeting will take place on Mon- been delayed due to problems day 9 October, 7.30pm in the Hay- Swindon Council has had in obtaining tenders for the safety surdon Centre. New members are always wel- face. It is hoped to be open by the come to attend. end of the year.

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"Representative only of CORNHILL INSURANCE PLC for the purpose of effecting investment business introductions only. CORNHILL INSURANCE PLC is regulated by the Personal Investment Authority for investment business'. Registered with the Mortgage Code Register of Intermediaries: No. 5151731 • Consumer Credit Licence: No. 222123 Credit broker fees of up to 1% on the advance maybe charged at completion depending on the type of product and credit period. Rate applied is 5.84% (6.0% APR) for 18 months. APR Is variable. Rates may vary. A written quotation on loans can be obtained on request. Only available to persons 18 years of age or over. Subject to status. Subject to our current lending criteria. At .9% reduction applied to the variable base mortgage rate, currently 7.74%. A life assurance policy may be required. Example: A married couple aged 30 years and 28 years, both non . smokers, applying for an endowment mortgage of £50.000 over a 25 year term (300 monthly payments), completing before 31 January 2001 secured against a property being purchased for £55,000. 300 monthly mortgage payments of £243.33. Monthly endowment premium of £74.96. Total amount payable £145.642 calculated to include valuation fee £155. This calculation is based on the assumption that the discounted rate will apply hroughout the term of the loan. Maximum loan £150,000. The rate applies to loans up to and including 97% of the purchase price or valuation, whichever is the lower. The discounted rate is applicable for 18 months, after 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.

The Link Magazine • October 2000

North Swindon District Centre due for completion by Christmas 2001 Plans for the district centre to serve North Swindon were put on display in Abbey Meads and Haydon Wick during the last week of September and will be available for inspection until 9 October at Swindon Council's planning offices. Councillors on the Planning Committee will consider the proposals and public comments at a meeting provisionally set for 30 October. The project by Asda Wa Mart will cover 37 acres on a site to the north of Haydon End Lane, west of Lady Lane, and accessed by vehicle from junction 6 of the new Northern Orbital Road (see drawing on page 14), and from Lady Lane. In total there here 360,000 t square feet of retail space, equal to the size of Greenbridgeretail park.

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SETTING NEW STANDARDS O QUALITY

likely be provided. • the completion of Thamesdown arms of the V Drive between Lady Lane and PurThe two ar ^^^ will be separated by a tree ton Road (see drawing on page 14). lined traffic calmed bus-only street which will bring people from • leaving Lady Lane south of Ela new roundabout on Lady Lane. stree Way open to vehicular traffic, linking Westfield Way with To avoid the impression of one Thamesdown Drive, Elstree Way large building mass, roof lines will and the district centre be arranged at different heights with openings to create a varied • access and car parking arrangements, including pedestrian routes appearance. and the provision of a bus link into Heavy planting will surround the the central square site to create buffer zones from housing areas, and there will be • landscaping between the district safe pedestrian and cycle routes centre and adjoining houses, including the possibility of tennis leading to and from it. courts and a play area on the southPlanners at Swindon Council are ern boundary seeking public comment on: • the large public square with as• the form and architectural de- sociated play provision and health sign of the district centre and fitness centre, and the library and a health centre close-by. Comments will be welcomed until 9 October. The exhibition can be

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Happy Birthday Taw Hill Surgery Taw Hill's doctors practice opened its doors at the end of September last year and has seen a steady rise in patient numbers to over 600 people now on its register. Opening hours have been ex- has been helped by their innova- to another temporary buildingina tended to cope with the growing tive website where patients can year as the current site is eardemand and the surgery is staffed view the appointment diary be- marked for development. A permanent building at Taw Hill vilfrom lam to 7pm. fore calling the surgery to book. Dr Peter Crouch and Dr June Mr Morgan said "we regularly lage centre is scheduled for SepMorris work with two nurses, a get e-mails from visitors comment- tember 2003. To get in touch call 709500 or health visitor and a visiting corn- ing on the usefulness of the site." The practice may have to move www.tawhillsurgery.com munity midwife. On the administration side there is a team of eight receptionists and practice manager school Andrew Morgan. After months of prepara tion, Catherine Wayte Primary School opened • in September with 125 children, 50 of whom are starting for the first time in reception classes. As well as headteacher, Gaye with sandpit and large parasol. Ching, there are five teachers, six There is also a pond, a central courtsupport staff and an aclministra- yard with picnic tables and seattion manager. They have spent the ing where some of the children can first couple of weeks getting to work or eat their lunch. Jessica and Hannah, both 6 know the children and helping them settle into the daily routines. thought their playground was The school has a real :multi-cul- great. Jessica chuckled, "the playtural feel with youngsters from the times are best because the boys are USA, France, Japan and Brazil all always chasing me." Hannah getting to grips with their new added, "the new playground is really big so we can use the skipenvironment. Yuka Matsudaira, 9, said "this is ping ropes." my second English school and I Our condolences Dr Crouch said, "this has been think it is very good. I think my the most challenging, yet thor- teacher Mrs Messenger is very We were very sorry to hear of the sudden death of Mrs Ching's oughly enjoyable surgery that we kind." The £2million school on Elstree husband Rod, 55, in the early hours have had the pleasure of being involved with. We are lucky to have Way has eight classrooms, a de- of Sunday 17 September. Our such a dedicated, hard working sign / technology room, a large net- thoughts are with her at this tragic worked computer suite, hall and and caring staff." Most patients are able to get an library. Outdoors, the reception children appointment the same day, usually at a time that suits them. This have their own play area complete

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MP helps address issues Speeding cars, few facilities for young people and a lack of beat police officers were the main concerns expressed to North Swindon MP Michael Wills at a second public meeting held at Abbey Meads Community School on 8 September. Residents told the MP that most lary had received extra funding of the issues raised in February for community policing. had been resolved. It was agreed The Link raised the lack of a youth that Swindon Council was keep- worker and youth club facilities ing up with ground maintenance, for the growing numbers of youngthough some work is required to sters living locally. Mr Wills promcut back shrubs which are causing ised to pursue the matter further a blindspot for drivers on Salzgit- and highlighted a pilot computer ter Drive. scheme, run during August, in conSt Andrew's Ridge residents junction with Abbey Me ads School raised road safety on Highdown that he had helped to organise. Senior council planner Martin Way where cars speed across roundabouts. Sarah Hook from Trewella told the meeting of proBlunsdon Parish Council pointed posals for an office development out that the opening of the local on the St Andrew's Ridge employcentre will result in more pedestri- ment area off Salzgitter Drive. He ans. Council traffic engineers have also stated that during the week of 13 November there will be a public agreed to study the problem. The MP heard that North Swin- exhibition to show the housing, don had lost its beat policeman primary and secondary school proand residents feel there has been posals for Haydon 3. Afterwards Michael Wills said an increase in graffiti, minor vandalism and attempted break-ins, it was a good meeting. "I am as well as a serious fire at Taw Hill. pleased that the general feeling is Mr Wills stated that he had al- that concerns are being tackled. It ready spoken to the Chief Consta- demonstrates the value of regular ble about the matter and would meetings and I plan to hold ancontact her again as the constabu- other in the Spring."

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The Link Magazine • October 2000

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New northern road gets underway in October

The Link Magazine â€˘ October 2000

Friary Pub to be demolished?

Barely 3 years after it opened the Friary Pub and the popular children's Wacky Warehouse play den are destined for closure and demolition to make way for a hotel. The North Swindon Development Company is pleased to announce New owners Bass Breweries toric hedgerow could be damaged. that construction of the Northern Orbital Road (NOR) will commence have applied for planning permisSwindon Council senior planin October to create a link from the Wacky Warehouse roundabout in sion to replace the existing build- ner Martin Trewhella said his BeAbbey Meads to the Purton Road adjacent to Taw Hill. The work will ing with a thirty bed hotel and a partment had concerns which will take approximately one year. Jeff Davis of Project Management Con- 200 seater restaurant, with a mock be raised with the applicants besultants Trench Farrow & Partners writes. fore the plans go to committee. Tudor elevation, For details and to comment on Residents living next to the site The purpose of the road is to en- the measures described above are able the start of the Haydon III de- designed to quickly clothe it with fear the new car park will encroach the project, visit the Planning Development. The first phase of a green mantle, and to ensure it has on the planting belt that acts as a partment at Premier House, Stahouse building - commencing appropriate noise screening and noise buffer and are worried a his- tion Road, Swindon. Summer 2001 - will be to the north wildlife measures. of the NOR. The full details of the Help Arkells name their pub? The tie-ins at the Wacky Warehouse proposed housing and community (junction 5) and Taw Hill (junction Arkell's Brewery managing director James Arkell is in a quandry. He facilities will be available at a pub11) will require significant amend- cannot decide on a name for the new pub due to open at St Andrew's lic exhibition later this year and will ments to existing roads. Our con- Ridge local centre in early Nobe publicised in The Link. tractor, Edmund Nuttall Ltd. is at vember. Plans for the North Swindon Dis- present finalising traffic managej Seventy-six suggestions have trict Centre are available for inspec- ment designs with Swindon Bor- been received and he is appealing tion at Swindon Borough Council's ough Council and the police to en- to readers to state their preference offices at Premier House. Illustra- sure that any disruption is kept to from the short list below. Brilliant white fascias 6 month tions of the Wal-Mart Asda scheme, a minimum. Write to Mr Arkell, Arkell's interest which were on display in North free offer! The traffic management system at Brewery, Kingsdown, Swindon by Swindon during the last week of written details the Wacky Warehouse roundabout 9 October with your choice. on request September, can be seen on page 12. The Happy Abbot will require the existing roundaThe NOR will provide the main The Jolly Abbot The very best bout to be removed and a tempoaccess into the district centre. quality system for longer One Under The Tun rary mini-roundabout constructed. durability fitted by the The Abbot's Tipple The road will be a dual carriage- This is shown in the adjacent partners for over 15 years The Centurion way with seven junctions. These sketch. The objective is to ensure Locally run family business The Racing Dog will be traffic light controlled with that any disruption to public trafAll work guaranteed Windy The Windy Ridge a pedestrian crossing phase. Envi- fic is kept to a minimum. TempoCover or replacement The Monk Unit 67 Pembroke Centre, Chene Manor, Swindon ronmental issues have been consid- rary traffic lights will be avoided , The Saint Andrews Inn ered throughout the design and and only used if absolutely necesThe Pigeon Wood , planning of the new NOR sections. sary outside peak traffic hours to minimise disruption. During the past two years, the route has been subject to extensive The modifications to Purton Road ecological measures, including the at Taw Hill will have little affect on relocation of wildlife to suitable al- the existing road during the early p ternative habitats in consultation stages of the project, as most of the with English Nature and Swindon new road can be constructed offline, as can be seen from the adjaBorough Council. cent drawing. Again the use of trafn Along much of its length, a combific lights at this junction will be nation of carefully designed earth kept to a minimum. bunds, sometimes incorporating Whether you are a total acoustic fencing, will be con- Completion of the NOR next year structed on both sides of the road, should reduce traffic through beginner or want someto visually screen it from adjacent Moredon and Haydon Wick. more advanced, housing and act as noise barriers. We would like to take this opporNew College has a wide These will be landscaped with subtunity to remind all parents that range of courses to suit stantial planting of native species construction sites can be extremely of trees and shrubs which will act all abilities. dangerous. During the construcas corridors for wildlife. tion of the North Orbital Road our Areas of grass will also be sown contractor will be using very large Courses run at West Sw thus creating additional habitats. earth moving equipment, excavatAbbey Mead's, Pinehurs Badger and reptile fencing and tuning very deep trenches and controlQueens Drive. nels will be provided at strategic ling a large number of construction locations. At the road junctions, vehicles. It is not a safe place to attractive shrub planting and a display. We would be very grateful tinct range of more ornamental for any assistance in keeping chiltrees will add colour and year dren away from the site. round interest. A representative from Edmund Planting will generally be under- Nuttall will be happy to visit taken in the first suitable season schools or community group to disOr check out our website at after the road has been completed. cuss the dangers associated with www.newcollege.co.uk Wherever possible, existing trees construction sites. and hedgerows will be retained, For further information on this but some will require removal. project, please do not hesitate to Swindon Whilst construction will have an contact Jeff Davis of Trench Farrow immediate environmental impact, & Partners on 716930.

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LETTER FROM WESTMINSTER New dental provision welcomed

A long campaign finally paid off last month when I opened North Swindon's new mobile NHS dentistry unit with the Health Minister Lord Hunt, writes North Swindon MP Michael Wills. The area has been without an faced with the choice of travelling People have rightly come to ex- tained increase in funding. This NHS dentist for four years, and into Swindon or paying to go pri- pect that the National Health Serv- will pay for more consultants, those who needed treatment were vately - not an attractive choice, ice will be there to care for them nurses, GPs, medical training particularly for elderly people, or when they are ill, regardless of places, scanners and hospitals. those with young children, who where they live or their ability to People want to know that the often need the most dental care. pay. NHS is there for them - and for September also saw the launch But over the past twenty years it everyone else. In Swindon we can of a £100 million scheme for NHS has been starved of funds whilst already see that becoming a reality Advanced Reflexologist dentistry. It will mean that pa- the demand for its services has through the new dentistry scheme tients can phone NHS Direct to increased. This Government inher- that serves Highworth and Abbey & Kinesiologist find a dentist, and the scheme has ited an NHS stretched to its limit, Meads and we can see the new also earmarked up to £35 million with run-down hospitals, long hospital taking shape at CommonCLINIC AT HIGH STREET to modernise NHS dentists' sur- waiting lists and demoralised staff. head. WOOTTON BASSETT geries and establish up to fifty DenSaving the NHS is taking time Years of neglect cannot be put tal Access Centres by next Spring. right overnight, but there has been and hard work. It is one of the For an appointment with The NHS is one of Britain's most a good start. Earlier this year the most worthwhile challenges this Mrs Lesley Taylor enduringly popular institutions. NHS received its largest ever sus- Government faces.

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Did you find the Filling Station that escaped the fuel crisis? That was a joke that my friend cracked one Thursday evening in early September when I set out in a white transit van that barely had enough diesel to last the evening. Ian Howard writes. I was on my way to the only don. It was started seven years Filling Station that ran as normal ago by Swindon Christian Fellowduring the petrol shortage. ship (now New City Church) and Unlike the rest of us the home- is now supported by over a dozen less community of Swindon was churches and other secular groups. unable to panic buy bread and We rely on the support of the other daily requirements from su- public to survive and are always permarket shelves. For many The looking for new helpers. Money Filling Station was the only way of aside we always need cans of food, ensuring that they ate at all. toiletries and other consumables While for the rest of us the food that can be given out on the night. and fuel shortages were frustra- Maybe you have a tree laden with tions that were forgotten once the apples. We can distribute them as tankers started rolling, a life of well as other fruit of reasonable shortage and insecurity is the norm quality. for this group of people. As we approach the winter we Confused? I hope not. The Fill- need blankets, sleeping bags and ing Station is a twice weekly soup warm clothing. Please contact The kitchen operating in central Swin- Filling Station on 881757. r 0^,r"' "'

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Free back screenings This year during National BackCare Week, 16 to 22 October, local chiropractor Sandra Davies DC is offering free screenings at Shaw Chiropractic Clinic, Unit 5 Ramleaze House, Shaw Village Centre. Sandra says, "if you have ever wondered what a chiropractic clinic is like, or are worried about the health of your spine, joints or muscles, now is the perfect time to find out. A free screening will show you what to expect from a chiropractor and will give you an ideal opportunity to ask questions." To find out about this free service and what it involves, call Sandra on 887801

AT YOUR LIBRARY

Homework from books and free access to the internet Now there is even more reason to visit West Swindon Library writes Robert Cotterill The children are back at school and the demands of homework topics are really making themselves felt in libraries where many answers to tricky questions can be found. If you need to join you will have to fill out a library membership card Fortunately the knowledgeable staff at the enquiry desk are aware of the resources which can be tapped. If we cannot supply the answer at and show proof of your name and address. This is the season of witches with Hallowe'en at the end of the month. a local level, we often contact the splendid team at the Central Reference Library or spread the search further afield. Our job is not, of course, to West Swindon Library has put together a collection of spooky movies, do the homework, but to direct the child towards an appropriate both for adults and children on video and DVD. Pop in - if you dare! The library continues to hold displays and welcome craftspeople and source. In October four PCs with internet access will be installed within the hobbiests who would like to exhibit their work. If you run a playgroup, library area. This is in addition to those in the new training suite set up nursery or teach at a school, talk to the library staff about displaying by Swindon College in the former exhibition space. The library PCs can children's work. We have display boards, cabinets and a large window be booked for a maximum of one hour per person per day, and are free and ledge area for displays. To find out more call 465555. if you have a valid library card.

Big take up at library computer training centre The new Swindon College computer access room in the West Swindon libary opened on time at the end of September and there has been an enthusiastic interest. In less than two weeks, nearly 100 people signed up, mainly as a result of seeing the advertisement in the September Link magazine, according to centre manager Julie Hoskins. which suit them, free of charge. "We've had a tremendous re"We've had lots of older people sponse from all age groups," she interested in learning how to use said. "The location in the library is e-mail," said Julie. "It cost 37p a just right. It's secure, easy to get to minute to 'phone family overseas; and complements the activities take-mail is instant and costs just 1p a ing place elsewhere in the Link Cenminute." tre. We're talking about access to The computer centre is starting the creche facilities to give parents numeracy and literacy courses for with young children the chance to people to improve basic skills so come in and use the equipment." that they can progress onto comThere are thirty five PCs availputer work, writing CVs and makable for courses aimed both at the ing job applications. inexperienced and those who want For opening times and other into brush up skills and pursue a formation, see the Swindon Colqualification. Newcomers can take lege advertisement on page 9. a six hour taster course, at times

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18 The Link Magazine • October 2000

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We're doing as well as the Aussies say teachers A trip down under to study how the Australians organise education for children with special needs at the end of August, proved to West Swindon teachers that British schools achieve equally good results, although their counterparts have a lot more resources available to get the job done. Tregoze teachers Karen Winterburn and Kate Andrews were pictured in the September Link preparing for their trip. They spent five hectic days visiting 15 primary and secondary schools in South Australia studying programmes for children with learning difficulties and also how the more able are provided for. Karen, now deputy headteacher at Westlea school, said she and Kate had concluded that the schools in this country achieve an equally good standard of education. "We looked at the effort they put into gifted and talented chil-

effort being put into developing thinking and problem solving skills which can be applied in other subjects. Here there is more content and specific knowledge in each subject." However the fundamental difference both Kate and Karen noted was the level of resources available to schools in Australia. Karen said, "the number of staff and the equipment in the classroom was very impressive. It made us quite envious to see what they had, but we were pleased that our children are being well taught in this country."

dren, and whilst the emphasis in the curriculum is different, our children do well. There the curriculum is more open ended, with

Lottery funded community project launched Things are really taking off in Peatmoor after the appointment of a community worker by the Peatmoor and Sparcells community association. Julia Amies-Green from Shaw, who responded to a vacancy advertisement in the September Link, has been appointed to the part time position, funded by a £29,000 grant over three years from the National Lottery. She will work with people living in the area to generate community spirit and participation, using the facilities at the primary school. Julia starts in November and initially will be meeting local groups and talking to people about what they would like to see happening. If you have any ideas for events and activities, contact Tern Peacock, headteacher at Peatmoor, on 887473.

People who visit Peatmoor village centre may notice a heron in flight on the side of the school. It was designed earlier in the year by the children with help from artist Melissa Cole who worked on a blacksmith forge in the playground.

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The Link Magazine â€˘ October 2000

Boys buck the trend and do the biz at Greendown A dozen years ago, performance at GCSE level by boys attending Greendown School was not impressive at all and the playground chat amongst year 6 parents was not positive. However results have been steadily improving across the board and are well above national averages. And for the second year running, boys at the school have produced more 5+ A to C GCSE passes compared with girls. sidered as uncool. We've introduced a range of measures to counter these outside influences and to try to deal with the 'macho' culture. "Student potential is identified at an early stage in their career at Greendown, individuals who need Seven of the nine Greendown boys who achieved A in GCSE Maths a year early extra teacher attention are targeted pictured in the new Future Schools maths computer suite which opened in during the GCSE course and we September. Front, Leon Foster, George Tilley, Danny Dunn, James Towers, sometimes run single sex classes Daniel Roberts, Kris Collict, Craig Gilbertson. Not pictured, Alex Povey and to help boys concentrate on the Danny Ridge. In total 25 boys and girls passed with A-C in year 10. work they have to do.

This is completely opposite to the national trend where boys' performance has been declining against girls, causing worries in education circles about the reasons boys are not doing well. Headteacher Ian Matthews said

considerable effort had been put into working out why boys do not do as well as they should and taking positive steps to deal with it. "There is a anti-achievement, antiboffin view in society; to be seen to work hard at school is often con-

"Working with parents, we try to give praise, particularly to boys, to keep them focused on the future benefits of passing their exams with good grades." The Greendown GCSE 5+ A-C Boys Girls 52.17% 1997 35.19% 54.17% 1998 36.49% 51.69% 42.60% 1999 57.61% 51.16% 2000

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Pa rt -time Courses in Swindon and Shrivenham Starts Po rt rait of the A rt ist An Introduction to the National Monuments Record Poetsand Painters Understanding Past Landscapes

Community plays to plot town's history in twelve parts Swindon's history could be explored in a bonanza of creative writing by primary and secondary school children, after Swindon Community Arts Foundation awarded a grant of ÂŁ2,000 towards a project proposed by Greendown School teacher Tim Noble. It will involve twelve primary Swindon as a resource. It has huge schools who will take a period of potential and will extend children history in Swindon and create their well beyond the curriculum." Business readers who would like own plays. John Orum of the Colway Thea- to know more should call Tim on tre Trust, Britain's most experi- 874224. enced community theatre company has already committed himOU 1 self to working with the project. The Open University holds an Obviously Swindon's railway " heritage is a major feature of the open day at the West Swindon litown's history and provides a great brary on 3 October where infordeal of source material," said Tim. mation on courses will be avail"But there is a lot of evidence from able and tutors will be on hand to other periods: the Romans, the ca- discuss requirements. See the adnal builders and post-railway vertisement on page 17. times." OU 2 Tim was responsible for coordinating the ground breaking West Oxford University's Department Swindon Shakespeare Festival for Continuing Education is runduring the last academic year. The ning a course on Understanding mammoth effort was supported Past Landscapes with a focus on by lottery funds and grants from West Swindon in conjunction with organisations outside Swindon, the National Monuments Record but the support from local busi- Centre. The twenty week course will ness was non-existant. As a result there is little chance of organising study Lydiard Tregoze and Lydiard Millicent using historic such a major project again. Tim hopes the new initiative will and aerial photographs, archaeattract greater interest from busi- logical and architectural surveys. ness sponsors. "I'd like to think There will be four field trips to that companies will be keen to back study the landscapes. For details, call 01865 270308. an educational project which uses

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20 The Link Magazine • October 2000

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The childcare problem for parents Mums returning to work are often faced by inflexible and expensive nursery provision, unsympathetic employers and negative attitudes towards their needs. Some wonder whether it is worth going back. A meeting on 7 September organisedby Marianne Crowley and Natalie Strong brought some of the frustration to the surface from the 40 women who were there. Marianne herself was faced by a demand for double the fees to keep the days she needed care for her son Daniel. She said, "I know a mother who works full time and takes home £800 per month, but has to pay £600 in care." South Swindon MP Julia Drown attended the meeting to listen to parents, with representatives from the Swindon Early Years Partnership, the Chamber of Commerce and the Institute of Personnel and Development A key issue of concern that came out of the meeting was inflexible hours by childcare providers, es-

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pecially for those on shift work. not a luxury. In a town crying out Nurses were particularly bitter for skilled staff, it is a necessity. at the way NHS managers at PMH Julia Drown said, the meeting were spending money on recruit- was useful in that it identified that ing staff in Australia when they Swindon is relatively well off for had employees willing to work childcare. Although government extra hours, but need help with action has encouraged the big exchildcare facilities to suit the hours pansion of childcare places in the they work. town, there are still gaps. A midwife, who had spent four "I understand the needs of shift years training, had given up work working parents having difficulbecause she felt it was not viable to ties in getting childcare. I have pay for nursery care, raised the concerns of nurses with Other parents said they had to the local health trust and expect to accept low paid jobs with unsocia- see improvement. ble evening and weekend work, so "I' m also continuing to push the their partner could look after the government to extend the eligibilchildren. Women with more than ity of the Working Family Tax one child found it virtually impos- Credit provisions to help even sible to return to the workplace. more people with their childcare Marianne said, "the overriding costs." feeling at the meeting was that the If you are a parent or carer and government and employees need have experienced difficulties write to do more to help and entice to Marianne Crowley, 20 Devon women back to work. Childcare is Road, Swindon, SN2 1PQ.

New twins club opens in October• Charlotte Corfield from Middleleaze was delighted when told to expect twins, but having given birth to Oliver and Ethan in mid-April she was disappointed to discover that there was no group for multiple-birth parents. Not one to be put off by a bit of organisation, the former Freshbrook School teacher is reviving the West Swindon Twins Club, which is open to all parents in the town. She said, "well over fifty sets have been born at PMH this year, I was the sixth mother to have twins in the same week. Nobody seems to know why Swindon has a higher than average incidence of twins. "We do have particular needs when looking after twins. The group aims to be a place to share the joys and moans of coping with a double bundle of fun." Charlotte, Ethan The twins club meets for the first time on and Oliver Monday 2 October, 10am to 12 noon in the Toybox Junction creche at the Great Western Designer Village. Get togethers will be on the first Monday of the month, more often if there is a demand. For details, call Charlotte on 881015.

Kids clothes at keen prices Nicci Nyahwa and Joanne Lune are celebrating a year since setting up their as new kids equipment and clothes business, Snappy Dressers. They hold sales at playgroups and charity events where a range of quality clothing at realistic prices is offered, with a percentage going to the host. For details, call Nicci on 886877 or Joanne on 542726.

Open 50 weeks a year, 8am-6pm Full range of schedules available Qualified teachers following the nursery outcomes for learning

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NEARLY NEW SALE organised by the National Childbirth Trust to include the sale of baby, children and maternity clothes and baby equipment and toys

For more information and to arrange a visit, please contact Mrs D Bailey (01793) 845572

Saturday 7 October, 11 am to 1 pm, Oasis Leisure Centre Admission 50p Contact Amanda Heard on 771854 for a seller's pack Please note: Good quality baby equipment, toys, baby and maternity clothes in clean condition will be sold on a 25% commission basis to the Swindon branch of the National Childbirth Trust. No sale, no fee.

NCT

The Link Magazine • October 2000 21

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

Top marks for two playgroups Two West Swindon playgroups recently inspected by Ofsted are celebrating excellent reports on the quality of education and stimulation provided for the children in their care. The report onGreendownplay- able learning outcomes are being cause all the staff are new. We group in Grange Park comments achieved and there is a friendly, have a good team and the children on the high standard of its educa- stimulating environment. Theonly are happy." She paid tribute to assistant sution programme and the partner- point of action required is improveship it has with parents. The desir- ment on outdoor play provision. pervisor Andrea Nevitt who left Supervisor Tina Lewington said the playgroup after the inspection. To find out about places, call she was delighted with the report. Toddler group "The praise is really pleasing be- Jayne Yaldon on 874614.

appeals for members So many members have flown away from the Little Ladybirds parent and toddler group that it is in danger of closing. The group meets on Wednesdays 1.30pm to 3.30pm at Roughmoor Social Hall, Swinley Drive, Peatmoor and is open to any parents who would like to meet up and give their children the chance to play with others. Organiser Sam Hill said it would be a shame if Little Ladybirds had to fold. "We're open to parents wherever they live. If you can get over to Peatmoor do join us. "We're a small informal and friendly group of mums with a room to fill and a lot of good quality toys bought recently with a grant from the GWR fm fund." Sam said that parents will be welcome if they just turn up, or you can call her on 887205.

The Holy Trinity Church Acorn Playgroup at Shaw village centre has also been highly commended for the 'caring, secure and stimulating atmosphere for children's learning and development' that it provides. The quality of education promotes the desirable learning outcomes and the children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is fostered appropriately. There are places available. Call Sue Green on 872056 for details. Some of the Acorn playgroup children with staff and parents from left, Denise Martin, Hilary Coates, Marian Oakes, Pam Sloggett

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22 The Link Magazine • October 2000

Youngsters set out on road to fame and fortune

Pacific calling

Two football mad boys from Shaw are hoping for a striking future as professional footballers after being signed up by premiership team Southampton FC.

Dave Tomlinson's plan to compete in the Hawaii World Iron Man championships came a step closer in August when he won the British championship for his 35 39 age group. Dave, from Westlea, has been running marathons since 1982 and taking part in triathalons for over ten years. This was his fifth triathalon. A member of the Swindon Tigersharks Tri team, he had to swim 2.4 miles in a lake, cycle 112 miles, then run a 26 mile marathon, without a break. To get to Hawaii he has to gain a qualifying place in another race abroad early next year. If successful he will then have to raise the cash to get himself to the starting line. Dave Tomlinson on the move

Sam Parker and Liam Williams, both 8 and with Lydiard Youth FC, were picked out for their potential from well over one hundred others at Southampton Academy trials earlier in the year. Both families are now even more focused on football. Sam's dad Simon coaches Lydiard Youth. Academy training takes place on Saturday mornings and Tuesday evenings at Bath University, with games on Sundays. Kit and the away coach are funded, but families have to commit the time and cover other travelling costs. Sam and Liam's first game for Southampton was against Chelsea

in early September when they were beaten 5-4. The results are not seen by the club as important, players are getting to know each other and are trying out different positions. Liam, who has been kicking a ball since he was 10 months, said, "I just got into it and kept playing all the time. My favourite position is left or central defence, I definitely want to be a professional." Sam agreed, "I also want to be a professional footballer; I spend most of my time playing." Lydiard Youth FC runs an under 8s, 9s,10s and 11s teams. If you are interested in joining them call Pete Bailey on 875992.

Northern girls get organised A new football club has been launched for girls living in the Abbey Meads area. Part of Blunsdon Colts FC, the New team line up girls team has an emphasis on pickRear from left, Nikki ing up skills in a fun and enjoyable Hicks, Emma Skinner, way, within recommended FA Karen Ainscow. guidelines. Middle, Alana Fowler, Training is taken by RSA health Dani Hudson, Molly fitness qualified Nikki Hicks, with Collins, Hannah Beverly Wright and Karen Glass, Rosie Ainscow on Saturday mornings, Magillevery, Lea 10.30am to 11.30am at Abbey Blanchard. Front, Meads school. They hope to deShaun Hudson velop talent so that the squad can (helper), Kristi play friendly games later this seaMurphy, Sophie son and join a league next year. Ponting, Amy Vizard, Out and active There are a few places available. Gemma Johnson Get Active Day Swindon, on 20 Call Nikki on 330726 for details. September, brought out thousands of people who danced, Ladies only course West based team looks for players An introduction walked, swam and got into exerto football coaching course cise. In West Swindon, Chiseldon Girls and Ladies football club is being run in October. It is aimed at Children, staff and parents at has places for girls at its training sessions at Greendown women with any experience and is ideal School all weather pitch on Saturdays: Shaw Ridge school went for a brisk for teachers, students, players and mums. walk around West Swindon beFor details, call Danny Robinson at SwinStarters under 7s, 2pm - 3pm fore returning for a fresh fruit don Council on 466550. Under 10s 3pm - 4.30pm breakfast donated by Sainsburys. Under 12s & Under 14s, 4.30pm The ladies team train on Wednesday, 6.30pm to 8pm at Open at the ALC Ballards Ash in Wootton Bassett. There will be free induction vouchers on Chiseldon compete in the Wiltshire County Girls League and offer at Link Centre's Active Lifestyle Cennew players in all age groups are welcome. tre when it holds a first anniversary open For more information, call Ian or Sue Povey 875271. weekend on 14 and 15 October.

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Swindon's support for Breakthrough breast cancer is set for another big boost during breast cancel awareness week. Last year a breakfast served by Eunice Salmon and volunteer helpers raised £600 when 65 people visited her home in Nine Elms. She's hoping the fundraising will be well into four figures at this year's breakfast on 20 October, between lam to 10am at Brook Field School, Cartwright Drive, Shaw. Admission is by timed ticket and booking is required. No cost has been set, but a minimum £5 contribution will be welcomed. Eunice is looking for donations of breakfast food stuff, so that all cash goes to charity.

Last year's Mayor, coun ,Joy Brunt enjoying breakfast served by Eunice in October 1999 And she needs volunteers to assist with cooking, setting up and clearing away afterwards.

" Our first breakfast last year wat very well supported," said Eunice "Brook Field has kindly provided is bigger venue and we're hoping foi a really big turn out." She added that Melinda Mes senger has been approached for c signed brato be auctioned, GWR': Clarke & Stiles have been invited and there will be a raffle. To make a booking, donate fooc and to offer help as a cook, cal Eunice or 871601. • In April Eunice coordinated 10: Swindon walkers for the Break through marathon through Londor who raised nearly £40,000.

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Party on for every occasion Business has been brisk since the Giant Party Shop opened in mid-July. In fact, the response from Swindon party goers has been so massive that within a few weeks, proprietor Joanna McKinlay had to appoint three full time assistants. "The business has taken off beyond our expectations; we're already thinking about expanding," she said. "It's amazing what party animals Swindon people are. They really love to dress up and put on a show." The shop is well located at the bottom of Victoria Hill close to the college car park, and caters for party people of all ages. There are five hundred costumes available to cater for any fantasy, a huge

The Giant Party Shop

* Costumes (500) for children and adults * Masks: Freddie Kruger, Scream, Jason A * Pumpkins and cauldrons A * Smoke effect machines * Spiders webs, nails, fingers & tongues; * Witch & devil wigs, hats and capes Visit our 8 foot alien sleep chamber All occasions catered for 183 Victoria Road (near the college) (01793) 692929/695858

number of masks and wigs, plus special effects to make every event really special. Balloons, streamers, spider webs and all you need to make halloween scary is on offer. " We've got everything: an Elvis studded white suit, historical outfits from medieval barons to Victorian dresses to 1 920s gangster suits," said Joanna. "The 1970s is big at present. We've got the flairs, cat suits and Austin Pouters wigs to really help you strut your stuff." To see all the goodies on offer, go to www.giantpartyshc,p.com

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Steps security stop shots being taken This year's Wiltshire Festival at Lydiard Park over the August Bank Holiday was once again an excellently organised event with the Classical Extravaganza and the Party on the Park wowing 30,000 people right across the age spectrum and musical interest. Yet the event ended on a sour note for some when a minder from the Steps security entourage enforced a no-photos directive too literally and snatched a camera from Swindon Evening Adve rtiser photographer Susan MorganJones and removed the film. Consequently The Link pictures of Steps in Swindon are the only ones published. More can be seen at www.swindonlink.com

Organiser Andy Co tt on said the were really pleased to have seen action by the Steps minder was such big names in Swindon. unneccessary, but it had not spoilt "It gives us the basis for attractthe enjoyment of the huge crowd. ing even bigger pe rf ormers to the " We've had tremendous feedback Wiltshire Festival." Jessica Sowdon from Toothill, about the two concerts. People quoted last month, said the Party came up to her expectations. "It What a performer: Edwin Starr put was a great event. There were all his soul into kicking off the party over 20 of us; we really had a great with some great numbers ti me. The organisers did a good job at putting on an excellent show."

f ;

JI Linda Thompson and Gill Edwards from Shaw went to the Pa rty to see Spandau Ballet heart throb Tony Hadley. Cheers!

i1 Freshbroo < fairies at the party: Holly Mills, Alicia Williams, Molly Watson, with Harry Williams

Classical pairing: teenage soprano sensation Charlotte Church sang with the incredible bass baritone Willard White

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Swindon's Art, Craft & Picture

Visiting the Great Western Designer Village? The cafe next door at STEAM serves great tea and coffee and meals cooked on the premises. And entry is free. Cafe manager Christine Hamilton-Kelly is keen to g .^ spread the word that you do £ not have to visit the museum t ti i ^j enjoy the personal attentions of her staff. We offer a full F' table service, just like the old days. Sit down, relax and well ` -s*^ come to you." Christine, who used to be catering manager at Greendown School, said everything on the menu is home-made. "The trio of sausage and mash what we have to offer." with onion gravy is becoming a Next time you're shoppin at the favourite, so is our lasagne. We've village, or want somewheres differhad some lovely compliments and ent to entertain a busines _ client, we want more people to discover stop by STEAM for a surprise.

Framing Outlet A wide range of products for the artist, student, crafter & DIY picture framer DMC Needlework Main Agent

All year round low prices guaranteed Hours of opening Mon/Fri 9.00am to 5.30pm Sat 9.00am to 5.00pm

Framework Art & Craft 63 Pembroke Centre Cheney Manor Trading Estate Swindon SN2 2PQ

Free parking Please phone for dire ctions

Tel/Fax (01793) 513069

CAKTRAEAD & DOVE

Hi-tech HQ could get top prize

S O L I C I T O R S

The controversial Cellular Operations HQ on the edge of Peatmoor lagoon is one of the entries for an award from the British Construction Industry at the end of October. Applauded for its daring design and lambasted by some Peatmoor residents, the £6 million structure features hi-tech energy saving measures, themed toilets, and an external fountain that shojts into action to greet people as they step out of the sensor operated lifts.

Commerce House, 34/35 Commercial Road Swindon SNl 5NS A fast efficient fully computerised service for * Conveyancing * Family Law * Wills & Probate For more information visit our website:

www.crd.org.uk Or telephone for a quote:

Fax: (01793) 511249

Tel: (01793) 617617

L 'x.

C^OC^I^ 1 XL Monday 23 - Friday 27 O tober 2

S3Sw1nDon .LL BOROUGH COU11C1L

Pick up a leaflet from your local laisure centre Link Centre • Oasis Leisure Centre • Health Hydro • The Rec, Highwo rth Dorcan Complex • Croft Sports Centre • Haydon Centre • Delta Tennis

S CE t p

LAS(

GOL^ TENNIS 5)

p ,

^ AM

Swindon Wide

Salos Presents

/^ Wyvern Theatre ^^ 19th - 28th October Evenings 7.30pm Saturdays Matinees 2.30pm Tickets: £6 - £10 Concessions available on opening night, Mondays & Matinees

Box Office: 01793 524481 www.salos.org Swindon Amateur Light Operatic Society

rCHINESEV

Sunday 1 October Wrestling Big time American Wrestling. Wyvern, 2pm &7pm. £10 Music The Les Bruce Big Band in Concert. Arts Centre, 7pm. £6.50

TRESTAURAMT

50 High Street, Wootton Bassett, Swindon

Tel: 01793 853121 Open Tuesday to Sunday Rice, noodles, wine, beer, juices Authentic Chinese food • Takeaway service available CHRISTMAS BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN •

Fully licensed • All major credit cards accepted

The ultimate weekend evenings Friday and Saturdays. Diners can stay for the night club with a live DJ Oriental Express family meal - only £15 for eight items

Monday 2 October Friday 6 October Music Imbizo -the sound of Zimba- Music Bournemouth Symphony bwe (below). Wyvern, 7.30pm. £10 Orchestra - Grieg, Tchaikovsky, Embroiderers' Guild AGM & dis- Sibelius. Wyvern, 7.30pm. £17.50 play of work. Churchfields School, Music Roy Harper. Arts Centre, 7.30pm. £3 8pm . £10, standby £6 Tuesday 3 October Saturday 7 October Drama Outside Edge by Richard Ballet Cinderella. Wyvern, 3pm & Harris. Wyvern, 7.30pm. £10.50 7.30pm. £16.50 Music Swindon Choral Society Wednesday 4 October Music Supergirly, Naughty But with singers from St Michael's Nice (left). Wyvern, 8pm. £12 Church, Salzgi tt er choir, pe rf orm Brahms Germain Requiem accomThursday 5 October Talk The Golden Age of the Swin- panied by Chameleon A rt s Orchesdon Works with Brian Arman. Steam, tra. St Peters Church, Westlea, 8pm. £10, for tickets call 614837 Kemble Drive, 7.15pm. £2.50 Music Barron Knights. Wyvern, Family Sixth Sense Theatre Company presents Just So Stories with 8pm. £11 music, songs, puppetry and comedy. A rt s Centre, 2pm £5 Comedy Rich Hall. Arts Centre, 8pm. £9 Sunday 8 October Children Bananas in Pyjamas It's Showtime. Wyvern, 12 noon & 2.30pm. £5.50 Monday 9 October Comedy Bill Bailey. Wyvern, 7.30pm. £12.50 Wednesday 11 October to Friday 13 October Musical That'll Be The Day. Bringing back the good times of the 50s, 60s & 70s. Wyvern, 7.30pm. £13.50

You don't have to fly to the Big Apple to experience

y\ Cl , J

the outntjc atmosphere oo

AMERICAN-ITALIAN

)xford Road (near Sa nsbury's) Stratton St Margaret, Swindon

el: 01793 836 500 er it's a family ight out ids or the i relax at f a hard day, wnd to get it of Toni's

aloney's - A Big Of Little Italy.

Live music eve ry Friday eve n

October overview Thursday 12 October to Saturday 14 October Theatre Old Town Theatre Company presents Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Arts Centre, 7.30pm. £5, Postal enquiries to OTTC, PO Box 594, Swindon SN1 3UQ Friday 13 October Pudding Extravaganza run by Highworth WI. Eat nothing but puddings, live music, quiz, bar. The Rec Centre, The Elms, Highworth, 7.30pm. £6, call 764234 to book

SALOS go mad in Mack & Mabel at the Wyvern, 19 - 28 October See advert opposite.

Saturday 14 October Family Polka Dot Shorts, suit 2-7 year olds. Wyvern, 12 & 3pm. £6.50 Psychic Keith Charles. Wyvern, 7.30pm. £7.50 Music Minerva String Quartetfrom Bath. St Mary's, Purton, 7.30pm. £6, family £15. For tickets call 770525 or on the door Saturday 14 October & Sunday 15 October Arts Training Letterpress Printmaking at The Alembic Press, near Abingdon. Call Arts Centre on 614837 for details, £48 Sunday 15 October Music Swindon Recital Series. Young Musicians' Showcase. Percussionist Andrea Vogler and pianist Maria King play Saint Saens, Vivaldi and Paul Smadbeck. Arts Centre, 3pm. £8, book on 612775 Monday 16 October Music Hugh Cornwell, original singer, songwriter & guitarist from The Stranglers, with Sumyunguise. Arts Centre, 8pm. £10 Lecture European Steam with Mike Dodd. A look at steam railways on the continent. Steam, Kemble Drive, 7.30pm. £2 Tuesday 17 October Theatre Oxfordshire Touring Theatre Company presents Beautiful Thing, a sensitive comedy about love flowering between two adolescent boys. Arts Centre, 7.30pm. £8.50

27 Thursday 19 October Talk Swindon in the Age of Steam with Brian Way. Steam, Kemble Drive, 7.15pm. £2.50 Thursday 19 October to Saturday 28 October Music Mack and Mabel presented by Swindon Amateur Light Operatic Society. Wyvern, 7.30pm, Sat matinee 2.30pm. £6- £10 Saturday 21 October Family Meet the Railway. Join former engine drivers, firemen and railway workers. Steam, Kemble Drive, 7.15pm. £2.50 Thursday 19 October to Saturday 21 October Theatre Head to Toe Theatre Co presents Crimes of Passion: The Erpingham Camp and The Ruffian on the Stair by Joe Orton. Arts Centre, 7.30pm. £4.50 Sunday 22 October Music An Evening with Gerard Kenny. Arts Centre, 7.30pm. £13 Monday 23 October Music Steeleye Span. Arts Centre, 8pm. £14 Tuesday 24 October Family The Adventures of Sinbad. For age four and above. Arts Centre, 2.30pm. £5, family ticket £16 Wednesday 25 October Arts Training Halloween Hi-Jinks. A trick and treat day for 8 - 12 year olds. Arts Centre, 1 Oam - 3pm. £11 Thursday 26 October Family Dave Benson Phillips. Wyvern, 2pm. £6 Talk Romance of a Railway with Amanda Huntley. Includes a special showing of `Romance of a Railway' made to commemorate the centenary of the GWR in 1935. Steam, Kemble Drive, 7.15pm. £3 Comedy Auto Boosh, fresh from the Edinburgh Festival, Julian Barratt and Noel Fielding return with more surreal humour. Arts Centre, 8pm. £7 Friday 27 October Music Little Johnny England. Arts Centre, 8pm. £7 Saturday 28 October Arts Training Tile Story at The Thunder Valley Emporium, Cricklade Road. Leaflet available. Call Arts Centre for info on 614837. £15 Theatre Blow Up Theatre present Somebody to Love - a theatrical tribute to Queen. Contains strong language. Arts Centre, 8pm. £7 Saturday 28 October & Sunday 29 October Family Thomas the Tank Engine visits Steam. Steam, Kemble Drive, 11am - 5pm. £4.80, children £3 Tuesday 31 October Theatre The Dreamer. Martin Luther King reconciles his relationship with his wife and fellow campaigners in the days leading up to his murder by James Earl Ray. Arts Centre, 7.30pm. £8.50

Lower Shaw Farm

Learn The Modern Jive & Experience A Night of

CEROC Professionally Qualified Instructors Children's Morning Wednesday 4 October 10am - 12.30pm Feed the black sheep, follow the nature trail, play in the barn, collect eggs, make seasonal craft. Snack provided, bring picnic lunch. Half Term Autumn Activities Tuesday 24 October 10.30am - 3.30pm Make a lantern to brighten up the dark evenings. Weave with willow, bake, help to make a campfire and li sten to stories around it. Feed hens, look after the animals, swing in the barn. Bring a packed lunch and warm clothes.

Dance to the classic sounds of the 40's to the 90's Just Turn Up Come on your own or with friends No previous experience necessary Complete beginners welcome - anytime

C_,

Full disco & licenced bar Every Thursday at The Goddard Hotel Old Town

Limited places for both events book on 771080

The Swindon Society The Story of Coleshill House by Dr B Lawton Wednesday 11 October Broad Green Centre, Salisbury Street, 7.30pm. Admission: 50p/visitors £1 For details tel: 872035

8pm until 11pm Only (plus £1 joining fee on your first night)

C-

CEROC Information Line:

01722 326306

www.compworks.co.uk/ceroc

Blunsdon Indoor Market Abbey Stadium, Lady Lane Blunsdon, Swindon (just off the A419, Swindon to Cirencester Road)

1 ` ` II -`tom indoor

The biggest market in the West

ednesday, aturday & unday m to 3pm Ypenevery

274 stalls selling a huge variety of goods at bargain prices

Also car boot sale every market day

FREE ADMISSION Ample free parking

Coach parties welcome (please ring for further information)

Tel: 01793 706006

r--------^

Need a picture framed Looking for a mirror

Beautiful at

I Wednesday 4 October, 7.45pm Tuesday 24 October 7,45pm DISCOUNT Boys Don't Cry (18) Show Me Love (15) Two sixteen year old girls wear Based on real events, Hila ry Swank FRAMING CENTRE

Mini Make-Over £35 igers & toes shape `n' paint Eyebrow tidy Eye lash tint Make-up application Fully inclusive price

Unit 44 BSS House Cheney Manor Ind Estate Swindon Tel/Fax: 01793 432592

Colour analysis

For friendly professional advice and huge range of frames all at great prices

Group discounts given for up to 4 people. Phone for details

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE

Cut out for 10% discount

L--------J

WILLS

BEARS

Professionally drawn by

SOLICITORS

THE AN DREWS PARTNERSHIP A professionally prepared will can avoid delay and

distress for your family Home visit service: Single £49.95 Double £69.95

for Independent FinancialAdvice See us first for impartial guidance on investment and money matters Offices in Swindon, Wootton Bassett and Caine

Tel: (01793) 642245

Contact Jeremy Angell on 01249 814536 Authorised by the Law Society to conduct investment business

The Ridgeway School Inverary Road, Wroughton, Swindon SN4 9DJ The Ridgeway School can now offer full catering facilities, with licensed bar, for weddings, christenings, birthday and anniversary parties, conferences, seminars etc. Dates for Christmas parties and New Year festivities still available.

For further details about catering for functions held at the school, or for catering at private venues please contact Ma rilyn Indge on 01793 846116 or Martin Carter on 07974 261853

won an Oscar for her role as a petty thief who moves to Nebraska and reinvents herself as a boy. At ti mes a crime story, a boy-meetsgirl romance and a weird Western, it's haunting emotional resonance lifts this film well above most trailerpark portrayals of disaffected America. Arts Centre, £3.50 Wednesday 25 October, 7.45pm Solomon and Gaynor (15) Set in the Welsh valleys just before World War One, the tragic story of two lovers from different communities, one Christian, one Jewish. Arts Centre, presented by SFS For details about Swindon Film Society (SFS) call 720051 The Arts Centre is in Devizes Road. Box office: 614837.

makeup, have parties and fall in love - with each other. This debut feature by director Lukas Moodysson grossed more in its native Sweden than Titanic. Arts Centre, presented by Swindon Film Society Thursday 5 October, 7.45pm Being John Malkovich (15) Stars John Cusack, Cameron Diaz, and John Malkovich and revolves around the discovery of a portal to John Malkovich's brain. Arts Centre, £3.50 Sunday 8 October Les Visiteurs (French with English sub-titles) Described as Monty Python meets Blackadder'. Selected by the Anglo-French Society. Victoria Pub, Victoria Road, 8pm. £2.50

Win a party for Christmas The Swindon Megabowl has lots of fun planned with visits by Father Christmas and loads of children's parties. But you don't have to wait to have a great time. Every Friday between 4pm and 6pm there's Crazy Cosmic Kids with music by in-house DJ Neville, all for £2.50 a game. Father Christmas will be visiting the Megabowl during December to meet the children of Swindon. It's also the place fora Christmas party with a magical difference. All children's parties booked and paid for before 31 October will receive a free gift. Here's a great competition to win a children's Christmas party for yourself and five friends. Just answer this question: What is the name of Swindon Megabowl's children's DJ? Send your answers to Kerry Porter at the Swindon Megabowl, Shaw Ridge Leisure Park, Whitehill Way, Swindon, SN5 7DN by 18 October.

Planning some great pa rties. New Megabowl manager Jon Barclay with assistant Michelle Howa rth, left, and promotions manager Kerry Porter

Everyone's thinking about that all important Christmas party, where to go and what to do

Regular Entertainment Music Nights, Quiz Nights, Race Nights, Darts, Pool, Skittles Open 7 nights a week and weekend lunch-times

*_ t

Membership available Only 96.00

The Red House Club, bring the family, and enjoy prices you probably haven't seen for years.

We have the perfect solution at Megabowl - party with us!

SANTA'S PACKAGE • 2 games of ten pin bowling • Shoe hire • Choice of delicious par ty basket meal • Christmas party box with hats and novelties

•

• Christmas crackers • A bo tt le of bubbly for the winner

Swindon Megabowl, Shaw Ridge Leisure Park, Swindon • Tel: 886 886

Se do* w de Rhythm and grooves

Oktober Treffung

An afternoon of explosive drumming and stabbing rhythms is promised at a drum & bass masterclass on Sunday 12 November, 2pm. Two top session players will be on hand. Mark Mondesir who has played drums with Courtney Pine and John McLaughlin, and his bro.' Michael, (bass with Whitney Houston, Neneh Cherry and Billy Cobham) will demonstrate their talents of playing at the pinnacle of jazz and rock music. It will be an insight into the mental telepathy needed to play in a top class rhythm section. The workshop held at Greendown School costs £10. To Mark & Michael (inset) Mondesir book a place call drum tutors Paul Ashman on 702948 or Steve Jobbins on 07889 201815.

Youth go acoustic and folky Swindon's Acoustic Youth is relaunching itself on 7 October with a workshop at the Pinehurst People's Centre from 11 am, aimed at stimulating interest in folk singing, fiddle and flute/whistle playing, and different styles of folk dance. No experience is necessa ry , just an interest in making music, singing and dancing, says organiser Karensa Newman. A concert in the evening features award winning singer/guitarist Gjenya Cambray, 12 year old fiddle player extraordinaire Sam Sweeney, the Acoustic Youth band and 'Celtic-funk boy band' All Jigged Out. For details and tickets, call Karensa Newman on 421021 email:kerensaay2k@supanet.com or go to www.acousticyouth.org

Russian Connexion!

The next meeting of the Swindon This informal group usually meets Anglo-German Society takes place on the second Friday of the month, on Wednesday 4 October, 7.30pm at the White Ha rt , Oxford Road, at The Savoy, Regent Street, in Stra tt on St. Margaret, 8pm. The aim is to bring together peothe Diana Dors Room. All levels of ability welcome. ple of any nationality interested in Practice your German, help Russian language and culture. other improve their skills and make Eve ry body is welcome with their new friends. For fu rt her informa- friends and ideas. Call 337113 for details. tion call David Ha rt on 524726. david@anglogerman.8m.com russianconnexion@hotmail.com

Parlez-vous francais?

Bridge 2001

Native French speakers needed for conversation with students at Greendown School, Mondays, 10am - 1 pm. £6/hour For further information contact Eileen Mochan on 874224

Phil Rashid is organising the 5th Mayor's charity bridge tournament on Saturday 27 January from 9.30am. Call him on 07803 197826 to take part

Schools orchestra and choir to form in the west Music teachers from the Swindon Music Cooperative are holding workshops in West Swindon primary schools during October to recruit sixty children who will come together to form an orchestra and choir. Funding from Swindon Council to create their and the Department of Education own orchestra in means that tuition at the after the community. school music centre will be free of Hopefully, at the charge for a whole year. end of the year The seven to nine year olds will they will decide learn violin, viola, cello and double to continue with bass in groups at Freshbrook individual tuition School after half-term, with the aim and stay toof pu tt ing on concerts at the end of gether as an orevery term. Singers for a choir are chestra. also being recruited. "If funding can David Barnard, director of Swin- be secured, don Music Centre, said the project we're looking at Freshbrook headteacher Bob Pattendon, left, with will give a big boost to the number starting a brass tutors from the Swindon Music Co-op, Helen of children learning an instrument. band and a Godrey, Richard Couldridge, Rosie Couldridge, "Tuition is free and pupils will re- woodwind sec- Simon Couldridge, Diana Bickley, Barry Newland ceive an instrument on loan with- tion." Information will be available David Barnard at the Swindon Muout charge. It's an exciting opportuni ty for children to work together through primary schools or call sic Centre on 487802.

SARACEN

THE BANBURY SUITE Weddings • Conferences • Functions Enjoy Sunday lunch in idyllic surroundings Acclaimed chef, balcony seating Three courses £11.50 £9.50 with this advertisement

230 bikes on show, the choice is great - the choice is yours

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Deposit reserves on our birthday/Christmas club

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Tel: 700105 Repairs and after sales service Workshop on the premises with trained staff Spares & Accessories Open: Mon to Sat 9am to 5.30pm • Closed Sundays

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Professional: 01793 766027 www.wragbarn.com email: info@wragbarn.com

30 The Link Magazine • October 2000

Hillside Building Services • 9

Extensions, loft conversion, ^` r.^ r fR 8i! specialists in all types of building & plastering All work fully insured Contact Dave on 01793 488470

hlosandrR Crafts Made to

For all your CROSS STITCH supplies

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

Also

Free measuring & quotations Full fitting se rv ice available Handmade footstools to order Re-upholste ry of dining chairs etc.

Tapestry & embroidery

Sorry! We have to cancel our advertising Nick Mahon writes about how business has boomed for his building company The Loft People

We thought when we first advertised in The Link that we would get a small number of responses which we could handle. How wrong we were! Since we started advertising in The Link we have been inundated with requests for quotations for our loft conversion system. We are now booked solid to the New Year and are busy recruiting more staff to cope with demand. We know that there are a lot of you out there who have contacted us and

not yet had a reply. Please bear with us; we will get back to you. You won't be seeing us in the magazine for the next few issues while we respond to the calls we've had. However, do still contact us in the meantime for an informal chat about your needs. We will return to The Link in 2001; how could we miss out on such great advertising! • Dare we publish The Loft People's phone number? 0800 9178695.

Picture framing se rvice

Abbey Meads primary school:

18 Apsley House Arcade Wootton Bassett

ROWS STORES YOUR I ST CALLN 3 GARDE , 'ET AND DIY

195/7 Rodbourne Road Swindon (close to the Designer Village)

Tel: 523262

;Upp LIES

www.ronstores.com

Supavalue Pearl GLS bulbs pack of 10 Phillips Energy Saving bulb Supalec cordless jug kettle 1 litre stainless steel fl ask Ironing board Rechargeable Halogen spotlight Smoke detector 24 hour timer 500 watt Combi floodlight & PIR 13v cordless hammer drill Galvanised wheelbarrow 24" Topper & free secateurs

£1.99 £2.49 £9.99 £9.99 £5.99 £9.99 £3.49 £5.99 £8.99 £34.99 £15.99 £9.99

Garden 80 litre compost 40 litre peat Pansies - tray Polyanthus - tray

£3.99 £1.99 £3.99 £3.99

^''^^

. -

•-

Headteacher Marilyn Brown was surprised to see herself on the front page of the Evening Advertiser in August and to read that she dislikes her school building. She has asked The Link to publish her real thoughts about the need for extra space that has been making headlines. ow time flies when you're a very positive design feature to having fun is the old say everyone's advantage by creating H ing that reflects perfectly two classrooms in this high roof how this last year has passed for space area. This would allow us to k increase our pupil numme. hers without the need for I am thrilled with the a mobile classroom. happy atmosphere that Financially this is a vipervades our school and able option because of the the many traditions and already high costs of heatexpectations that are already firmly established. ing the space. We are also a community facility and Despite what you may in the long term these two have read in other publiadditional classrooms cations, I love the building with its high ceilings and glass would be used for adult or cornmunity education activities. roof sections. In our minds, in a school that is It creates a spacious feel and both the children and I love to watch so new, this is still an option worth the movement of the sky. "It's like consideration. We feel the alteraa moving picture that changes tions could be paid for within a every day, isn't it Mrs Brown?" relatively short time. said a very perceptive year 6 girl. This really is a building to be We are however experiencing proud of and we aim to provide very high energy costs, heating ap- and maintain the best facilities proximately 40% of the space we possible for the children and corncannot use, together with higher munity of Abbey Meads. than expected pupil numbers. We • The governor's arguments for an quickly realised the need for addi- extra floor were rejected by Swintional classrooms and began to don EducationDeparment and the explore possibilities. The govern- first mobile classroom was fining body and I felt we could utilise stalled at the end of August.

Energy efficiency advice in Swindon

Onion sets, daffs, tulips, crocuses - all sold loose

handy

the facts

1 Apsley House Arcade, Wootton Bassett,

Tel: 01793 848855

m =I

regulator £75.86

The Warm Hearted Homes Roadshow is touring Wiltshire during Energy Efficiency Week, which runs from 23 to 29 October. Advisors will be on hand to provide energy efficiency advice and free low energy lightbulbs. So, if you want to stay warm this winter, cut fuel bills and help combat global climate change, go along and make your Pledge for the Planet. The Warm Hearted Homes Energy Efficiency Roadshow will be outside Debenhams in Swindon on Wednesday 25 October. To find out more, contact Jo Badham at Warm Hearted Homes on 0800 0284 885.

Old Town: a great place to shop

0/^COIPC4 ,-

MEN'S SHOES

Do you need a hat but don't want to BUY one?

102 victoria road old town swindon

Then just call

W IIts

SN 1 350

an outstanding selection

0/a'ij 1 1 7;j

The finest in Cantonese, Sichuan, Peking & South East Asian Cuisine 1 Menu avai able on request Fully Licensed

53 Devizes Road Swindon Tel: (01793) 521515

• Church

•K

• Loakes

• Grenson

• Barker • Padders • Rohde •. Clarks • Hush Puppies

BLAYLOCKS Bath Road Corner Old Town, Swindon

hart an -

tel/fax: (01793) 43 57 57

^"he ad ^atter

on (01793) 704005 or

creative

0410 298790

inspiration for your home

to see our large selection of Hats to HIRE! Take your time with a personal appointment to find just the right hat for you

Comfort and quality from Spillers Although Spillers Furnishing on Victoria Road was established in 1843, its approach to home furnishing is thoroughly up to date, whilst retaining the tradition of service and quality upon which its reputation is built. Spillers stock all the top brand names administration offices at the Great to furnish living rooms and bedrooms Western Designer Village. and run the unique 'schemes come true' Not content with running a successful where staff will help you match fabrics, business, managing partner Trevor curtains and furniture to achieve the Whittle and his wife Elaine, who live in desired effect in a room. Abbey Meads, will be taking part in the For older customers and those who New York marathon on 5 November in have difficulty standing, Spillers has a aid of 'Dreams Come True,' the charity range of taller arm chairs and which helps terminally ill children. electrically powered recliners. To make a donation drop into Spillers The company also takes on contract or send a cheque made out to Dreams work and has just completed fitting out Come True to Trevor at the shop.

t 0

r n ° `

free

design and

measure service o

For sales and se rv ice on Rotary watches, call into • O DEACONS (Est. 1848) 11-15 Wood Street, Swindon Tel: (01793) 522072 & 527530 Fax: (01793) 480149 www.deacons-jewellers.com

32 The Link Magazine • October 2000

PARKING CENTRAL SWINDON

GOGGLEBOX TV & VIDEO REPAIR SERVICE

Annual long stay parking only £45.50 per month

Free home

estimates

* No call out charge * All repairs

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Contact: Alison Kearney

OVENU® The UK's favourite oven cleaners

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

AA&JP Body Repairs

I^au^ _61ra2 ,recta€ &omft4acy

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Tel: 822193 Radio de-coding while you wait FREE PARKING Open daily 8.30am - 5.30pm Sundays 8.30am - 9.30am

Accident repair specialists • Respraying - panel beating • Chassis welding • Free loan car • Insurance approved repairers • •

MOT & mechanical repairs 3rd pa rt y expe rt s (especially if it's not your fault)

M.O.T.

Cars, Motorcycles, Class 7

01793 428430 More than just your local bus company

Thamesdown At/GPc OZltt&"

Launched in October last year the Children's Information Service has proved a

great success, receiving over 2,000 telephone calls from people needing information. In September alone over 280 calls were taken. Annette Palmer, Gerry Gardener and John Spencer run the service, which is funded by the government, managing and updating a database of contact numbers and facts covering childcare, private and local authority schools, Keeping the information flowing; clubs and activities for chilAnnette Palmer, Gerry Gardener and dren with disabilities. ParJohn Spencer ents, carers or children can The website, which was setup at obtain this information by making the beginning of the year is upjust one telephone call. John Spencer said the most com- dated daily with new information, monly asked questions relate to and averages over 2,500 hits each finding local childcare, toddler month. The CIS is looking for new groups, school catchment areas and the availability of funding to- premises with a shopfront so that people can pop in to collect inforwards the cost of childcare. "The response we are getting is mation. It is also keen to provide a great. We are a one-stop shop, more extensive list of clubs. If you though people have sometimes run an organisation, give the team made ten or more calls before they a call with your details. get to us. They are really pleased The Children's Information we can give them all the informa- Service can be contacted on 541786 tion they need and we are getting or by email: cissw@aol.com or visit quite a few repeat customers which www.chiIdcareIink.gov.uk/ is a good measure of our success." swindon

Help for separated families Don't worry we can fix it

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)

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Dial up for child care information A service aimed at helping parents and carers of children aged 0 to 14 years soon celebrates its first anniversary.

fie

fr /'

corporation Street, Swindon SN1 1 DS

A course on Monday 2 October, 9.30am to 12 noon, called Changing Families is being held at the North Swindon Family Centre. It is aimed at North Swindon or new partners and stepfamilies. Run jointly by the NSPCC's parents who want to help their children with changes in the fam- North Swindon Family Centre and ily caused by separation, divorce the child counselling service at the Family Mediation Service it offers a mixture of information, discussion and activities in an informal Dog chips at atmosphere. The course is free of charge and Toothill centre The Swindon branch of the tea and coffee will be provided. RSPCA holds a microchipping People from other areas will be day on Saturday 7 October at welcome if there are enough places. For more information contact Toothill Community Centre, Angela Jeffery at the North Swin10am to 2pm. Owners will be able to get their don Family Centre, Atwell Close, dog or cat microchipped for only Penhill on 705810. £12.50 with all proceeds going towards helping animals locally. Anyone can get his or her animal microchipped. The chips, which are no bigger than a grain of rice, are a quick and easy way of identifying your pet. They are painlessly inserted into the scruff of the animal's neck. Each microchip has a unique

number, which is held on a national database which allows a vet, the council dog warden, an RSPCA inspector or an animal centre to easily identify a lost pet.

Calling sufferers of colitis and Crohn's disease The North Wiltshire Group of the Colitis and Crohn's disease Association holds a general meeting in the Postgraduate Lecture Theatre at Princess Margaret Hospital, on Wednesday 25 October, 7.30pm. The hospital dietician will be giving a talk and there will be an opportunity to meet our medical advisor and other members of the group. For further information contact Sue Thorn on 612640

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

The Link Magazine â€˘ October 2000

Release your fantasies with interior design help Twelve year old Matthew Hodge from Rodbourne daily wakes up in his dream, thanks to the imagination and talents of Peatmoor based interior designer Wendy Lane who runs Off the Wall designs. His bedroom now features a castle wall, mullioned windows, a blue ceiling and all manner of dungeons and dragons effects. "A child's bedroom can reflect his or her personality and interests," says Wendy. "A room could be turned into a palace for a princess, a seaside holiday, a circus tent, teddy bears picnic or a perhaps a recording studio. What's

more, it can bean educationalprocess where the child can be involved

Exterior designs get virtual showcase Photographs of graffiti on the wall built by Swindon Council for artists to express their work can now also be found on the internet at the Link magazine web site. The wall at Mannington opened in late August and provides the only legally sanctioned venue in the town for graffiti artists. To have pictures displayed on our site, send in a photograph or email a .jpg file. See the and Rob Mortimer and Toot hill councillor Dave Cox address on page 3.

www.swind nlink.com

in creating the design." Wendy says everybody can afford interior design from her flexible and comprehensive service. "Sometimes a customer just requires advice on ideas, a colour scheme or choosing a fabric. Or they want a total room or whole house makeover. The Off the Wall service is geared to a wide range of budgets." Now's the time to turn your home into a castle, a palace or even a grotto in time for Christmas. Give Wendy a call on 870659.

OffTheWaII INTERIOR dESIGN Enhance your home or business by investing in a choice of top quality interior design schemes. We will help and advise you all the way from conception to completion, or give you all you need to do it yourself. Call for a free quality consultation

Wendy Lane - Swindon's own Interior Designer tel: 01793 870659 mob. 07990 914192 email: offthe wall@btinternet.com

MOBILE CAR SERVICING i REPAIRS w. * Electronic tuning * Welding * Electrical * MoTs arranged (no re-test fee) For a reliable local service with over 20 years experience (No VAT to pay) CALL GRAHAM ON (01793) 873045 or 07867 556350

GARY WILKINSON_ Car Body Repairs and Paint Spraying M.o.T. Repairs and Welding Free Estimates Unit 12 Brindley Close Cheney Manor Industrial Estate Swindon

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The Link Magazine • October 2000

Landlocked town's own boat to ride the ocean waves In barely a year Norman Butler from Benwell Close, Westlea will be in Tenerife at the starting line for the adventure of a lifetime - racing across the Atlantic in rowing boat. He started preparing over 12

Buy direct from your local manufacturer and save money At Faringdon Upholstery we manufacture top quality upholstery supplied direct to the public. We make your furniture the way you want it, with thousands of fabrics to choose from.

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KINGFISHER V

months ago for the 3,000 mile race to the Caribbean sponsored

Ward Evans. All SP,rtt Of SWundOh competitors have ®SE Norman Butler to build their own boat from a standard kit and fund their costs, whilst preparing themproject. Fund raising is on target selves physically and mentally. Norman has built the boat and and we are seeking further corpobeen training hard. Most recently rate sponsors to get to the start line his rowing partner had to drop out on 7 October 2001. and he is now looking for another Norman, who works for National Power, is backed by fitness, to take up the challenge. The changed situation means he nutritional and medical advisors has been able to rename the boat in to assist his preparation. He has honour of his home town Spirit Of also received support from Olympic champion Steve Redgrave, the Swindon. "Having the boat named Spirit Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire Sir Of Swindon is a good way to thank Maurice Johnson, sailors Sir Chay the people in and around the town Blyth and Tony Bullimore. who are helping to make this a The boat is currently on display genuine team effort, one in which at the Science Museum Wroughton. If you could see yourself rowing the whole community is increasthe Atlantic, or can offer sponsoringly sharing in," said Norman. "Things are going well with the ship, call Norman on 882198.

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The Link Magazine • October 2000

COMPETITION

Take to the highway: in your car and on the web Planning a day trip or a weekend away, or want a nice Christmas present? All the information you need is in the 2001 Collins Road Atlas Britain and Ireland - from the traditional maps, road routes and town plans, to a new handy 'drivers web-site guide.' And you can win a copy. The atlas lists relevant web sites • route planning maps for tourist and venue of Britain and Ireland information, ferries, • • • detailed one-inch uread Atla-s p x R ban maps weather and useful motoring organisacompletely revised town and city centre tions. -• Fully updated for the plans millennium with over • detailed section on 3,000 changes since the London last edition, there is more northern France detail than ever before in MaT^0N shopping map colour coded maps. And !^:°" -- = rapid place just in case you can't de-l;; names search incide where to go on a day' " dex. trip, there is a list of the top The 2001 Collins Road Atlas 1,000 places to visit. The road atlas costs £9.99 (spiral bound) or £7.99 (paperback). More details can be also features:

found at the Collins website: www.fireandwater.com Win a copy Thanks to Collins Cartographic we have three copies to give away through The Link and also at www.swindonlink.com Tell us the name of the Collins website by writing to The Link, Papermakers House, Westlea, Swindon SN5 7BD. Closing date: 13 October.

Find a friend at swindonlink.com

There are some

The Link web site receives e-mails from around the world, from people

great resources

who want to make contact with old friends or need information. Here are two examples: • Barry Jones attended Headlands School until 1961 and Jenny Jones (nee Willis) went to Commonweal until 1963. They married in October 1965 at St Mary's Rodbourne and now live in Devon. They are visiting Swindon on a nostalgia trip in November and would like to meet long lost friends of the 50'sand60's. See thematwww.thepinesateastleigh.co.uk or send an e-mail barry@thepinesateastleigh.co.uk • Where is Raymond Easton of Swindon? Angela Green-Ingham from Osgoode Hall Law School, Toronto Canada is trying to contact him on a matter of interest. Contact her at anghba@sympatico.ca

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36 The Link Magazine • October 2000

CL Reclaimed Timber Ply, timber, hardboard, T chipboard, sleepers, telegraph poles Delivery arranged in Swindon area

Drop by or tel: 829715 The Yard Tate Estate Kingsdown Road Stra tt on St Margaret, Swindon

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For a prompt friendly professional service Telephone: 875354 Mobile: 07970 483393

Linked to love and marriage Anybody who knows Freshbrook dentist Brendan Ball will see him as a confident, lively New Zealander. But he was turned to jelly when he visited the Ukraine in August 1999. It was not the border police demanding his papers, but a translator called Natasha Manamsa. Fourteen months later on Saturday 30 September, they were married. Brendon visited the Cherkassy region of Ukraine, with colleague Richard Swift last summer, after being inspired by a series of articles in The Link about the work of charities Dentaid and Hope Now. They delivered dental materials and provided training for local dentists in up to date techniques. He caught sight of Natasha at a dinner for Hope Now workers. She was not supposed to be there, but was filling in for another translator who was not well. "Many blokes will know the feeling: when the heart does a flutter and you know you've been hit," said Brendon. "It really was love at first sight, but Natasha did not know why this newly introduced man was so nervous." Natasha came to Swindon last May to translate for two Ukraine dentists who were invited by Brendon and Richard to observe dental work in England. Brendon put the question and Natasha said'da.' "I am so happy to marry Brendon," said Natasha, after arriving in Swindon with her 14 year old

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Stratton Baptist Church. Brendon acknowledges there is such as a thing as divine intervention. "I happily admit that I was avoiding Christianity, but too many improbable events which have drawn us together have taken place, for it to be coincidence. "Perhaps The Link should

also take some responsibility for helping our paths cross." Brendon is planning a major dental aid project for 2001 with Hope Now. Natasha will be pivotel in helping to negotiate the bureucratic minefield that will come with organising it. daughter Katya. "This is what God wanted for us." She was baptised in the River Dniper in July by Hope Now director Vic Jacopson. He also conducted their wedding at Upper

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The Link Magazine • October 2000

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

Help Age Concern this winter That was the message being put out at an information stall at the West Swindon Centre during Age Concern week in early September. Jo Osorio, director of Age Con- • and, of course, taking advancern Swindon, said, " people may tage of our services which can help be surprised to know the many older friends or family members ways in which we work to enable right now." everyone to make more of life. To find out more, call Age ConSome of the opportunities include: cern Swindon on 485011. • campaigning with us for im.. m,s, provements and changes for

everyone when they are older • making a donation or help- ^; ing with fundraising • joining us as a volunteer

• Garden maintenance • All exterior work

NEED HELP WITH YOUR GARDEN? Winter tidy up! Pruning, planting Ornamental gravel All types of fencing No job too smal

Call for a free quote ohn & Ann Wadsworth 01666 860400

Crime and the older person Although statistically, old people are not at a greater risk of crime, the fear of being a victim is both genuine and disabling. The issue is the subject of the ing about it. All older people are next meeting of the Swindon Coa- welcome to attend the meeting lition of Older People on Tuesday which takes place at the Drove 17 October, 2pm with guest speak- Social Hall in the Drove Centre, ers Miriam Minty, Swindon crime Southampton Street, Swindon. and disorder co-ordinator, Dave Frampton from Victim Support • Age Concern produces a useful Wiltshire and Alan Weston of the leaflet with hints and tips to imWiltshire Bobby Van. prove security in the home, how They will talk about the fear of to deal with malicious phone calls crime and what the borough coun- and what to do if a crime does take cil and other organisations are do- place. Call 692166 for a copy.

Could you be a millennium winner? Age Concern's Millennium Awards are designed to bring the generations together. Since June 1998 £500,000 of national lottery money has been given to groups around the country - but none yet in Swindon. Grants are given to individuals or ness skills to youngsters. Grants groups of up to four, over the age of between £2,000 and £10,000 are of 50 to use their skills and experi- awarded. ence to work with people under 25. The work is done voluntarily Recent award winners had plans with the money being spent on the to introduce arts, sports, local his- expenses of the project itself. tory, reminisces, cookery, commuFor an application pack call nity gardening, dance, IT and busi- 692166.

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South Swindon MP Julia Drown, right, joined theAge Concern team fora spot of awareness raising at the West Swindon Centre on 9 September. From left, Eve Osorio, Brian Mason, Joan Mace, Gloria Morgan, the Age Concern Busy Bee, Ann Evans, Sandra Lewis

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38 The Link Magazine • October 2000

Quick thinking school saviour meets play leader at fire station Roxanne Bradford from The Prinnells knew what to do when she saw smoke billowing out of two storage sheds at Tregoze School in early August. The bright nine year old got on Trio Cool Kids holiday club also Roxanne with Elaine and leading fireher new mobile phone and dialed lost a lot of materials, but dona- man Gareth Evans and firefighter 999. Within minutes a crew from tions from parents and local corn- Dave Adamson

SPIRE DOG TRAINING CLUB

Puppies trained after their first vaccination, when socialisation is so important.

Veterinary approved. Floor fully covered with rubber matting - no slipping. Clicker training as seen on TV Qualified trainer - 34 years handling and training dogs Help and advice given on all aspects of bringing up a puppy.

'Phone Pat: 01793 339608

SHAW VETERINARY CENTRE Shaw Village Centre, Ramleaze Drive West Swindon SN5 9PY

A friendly, caring service for you and your pet David Warnes BVSc MRCVS • Stefania Glowka DVM MRCVS Michelle Lindsay BVM&S MRCVS

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

Tel: (01793) 881919 (24 hours)

Ten-in-a-Bar in Concert Friday 3 November, 7.30pm New College, Swindon Tickets: £7.50 to include narking.

THE DROVE

Have fun training your dog the kind way

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VETERINARY HOSPITAL

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

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

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

The Link Magazine • October 2000

A 2 Z Home Improvements

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For Sale

q^ Kinetico Block Salt Water Softeners guarantee soft water 24 hours a day. Only 19" high, non-electric, meter controlled\ Rent, lease, purchase. DIY sales & service. Salt delivered.

Tel: (01793) 339671 Mobile:(0378) 207977

For Sale

Racing bike, £30. Moses basket,

Ice hockey skates, size 4, £20. Tel:

£10. Graco twin pushchair, £50.

876124

Steam sterilizer, new, £15. Tel:

3 blinds, Laura Ashley, £50, blueberry design, 2 roller - 5ft bins wide & 2ftwide, plus4ftAustrian. Tel: 870213 Two seater sofa and two chairs, Drayton, pastel fleck, gd cond £100. Tel: 725885 Two seater and 3 seater sofas, blue, multi, Scotchguard, vgc, £100. Tel:

Cannon 144 Auto Super De-luxe gas Orla electronic organ, manual, ideal cooker with rotisserie grill, £100. Tel: for beginner, excel cond, with stool, 770188 £80. Tel: 828407 2 orange Calor gas bottles for cara- Paperbacks, vgc, various authors, 9 van, £5 each. Blue Calor gas bottle books, £5 for the lot. Tel: 704169 for mobile fire, £10. Tel: 07901 Contemporary fiction books, vari652398 ous authors, immaculate condition Sony Trinitron 21" TV, remote con- Tel: 881217 trol & stand, excellent picture, £45 12V floodlight suit mounting on caraono. Tel: 705119 van, trailer or boat, £12. Tel: 529476 CD drive, pe rf ect working order, £20. 9"x5" x3" pavers, interlocking, covWindows 95 CD + manuals, £25. Tel: ering 88 sq ft, 1 Op each. Tel: 872915 07901 652398 Qualcast electric cylinder mower, Colour TV, Thomson excel cond, £50. metal roller, £40. Qualcast push Wheelbarrow, £20. Briefcase, lock- mower, gd cond, £10. Tel: 421716 able, £15. Tel: 722158 Large hamster/guinea pig cage, one Teak television and video corner unit, level, gd cond, including water bo tt le, £10. Tel: 876384 £10. Tel: 881398 Samsung fax/telephone/copier heat Hamster cage, £8. Tel: 876124 sensitive paper type, 4 spare rolls, 4/5 berth tent, used twice, £50. Car ideal for home/small business, £50. seat, 9 months-4 yrs, £20. Tel: 641650 Tel: 344814 Trailer Oft x 3ft, lid cover and spare Olivetti Jetwriter 910 word proces- wheel, vgc, £150. Tel: 611781 sor, 10" monitor, separate keyboard Two brand new Alpine car speakers, & printer disc drive, excel cond, £120 30 watts RMS incl wiring kit, £25. Tel: ono. Jones electric sewing machine, 704169 very gd working order, carrying case, Thule roof rack bars and tray for £40 ono. Tel: 433254 suitcases etc, suitable for Citroen Compaq PC Pentium 75,32mb RAM, pre-loaded Windows 95, Office 97 Xantia £20. Tel: 344814 incl Word/Excel/PowerPoint, 15" col- Peugeot 106 XND Graduate diesel, our screen, keyboard, mouse, all L reg, only, 37,700 miles, excel cond, leads, HP LaserJet III printer, ideal £2,500 ovno. Tel: 874870 for homework, £150. Tel: 344814 Wanted Singer sewing machine with table, Budgie and cage. Tel: 870774 needs some repair, electric, £15. Car radio, Nissan, new boxed. Tel: Cheap SLR camera with lenses for

345047

Girls Raleigh bike, suit 6-9 yrs, £30. Tel: 876449 Girls mountain bike, age 7-10, £20. Boys bike age 6-9, £20. Both with gears. Tel: 07901 652398 Childs bike and cycle helmet, 3-5 years, £20. Ke tt le go-ka rt , 4-8 years, £20 vgc. Tel: 879414 Avent bo tt le warmer, £10. Pram/ pushchair, sun hood, basket & accessories, blue&white, £80. Tel: 704191 Avent bo tt le and food warmer, excel cond with instruction leaflet, £10. Tel: 881353

345332

Suite, brown velvet, stool, £200. Double bed, £50. Dining table, 4 chairs, sideboard, £50. Tel: 870472 Large decorative oak mirror, £40. Emperor cherry wood grandfather clock kit, as new, £400. Tel: 421716 Bureau and bookcase with glass doors, oak, 1950, £140. Tel: 881553 Chairs, 4 kitchen/dining, rush seats/ pine, 3 years old, £100. Tel: 881553 Mens wardrobe, hanging space and drawers, 1930s vintage oak, £65. Tel:

Fisher Price child's kitchen includes cooker, sink, fridge, excel cond, £20. Tel: 876842 Fireguard, nurse ry , extending, £7.50. Tel: 538245 Graco Literider pushchair, two posi- 881553 tions, washable comfo rt seat, fabric Pine open top dress, 4'6" gd cond, hood, lockable swivel wheels, £35. £80. Tel: 724225 Tel: 771640. Wall unit glass display mahogany Moses basket, canopy & stand, white colour, 6' high, 4' wide, excel cond, Broderie Anglaise, 2 sheets & quilt, li ghts, £100 ono. Tel: 725885 as new, £15. Tel: 529476 Pine table, antique finish with turned Twin buggy, Mamas & Papas, um- legs, approx 2' square, gd cond, £12. brellafold hood, raincover, lightweight, Tel: 881398 immaculate cond, £100. Tel: 872942 Standard single bed on castors, Playpen/travel cot, Comfi, nearly new, 76cm width, 48cm height with mat£15. Tel: 887403 tress, pastel blue pa tt ern, good clean Navy pushchair with hood, 2 posi- cond, £20 ono. Yellow baby bath, tion backrest and rain cover, gd cond, free. Tel: 879223, can deliver locally £40 ono. Tel: 882603 Dresser, buffet hatch style in cherry Maclaren 2 in 1 pram complete with wood finish 6'6" high 4' long, 1'3" apron, raincover, cosy-toes and sun wide, vgc, £400 new, £150 one. Tel: canopy, £85. Tel: 876384 610242 Beatrix Po tt er nursery collection cur- Medium oak wood round table with 4 tains, quilt, lamp shade, changing mat, chairs & separate cushion pads. Tel: cot bumper, £25. 2 bridesmaids 536087 dresses, size 10, peach, mint green, 2 seater sofa, light salmon pink col£10 each. Mothercare steam steri- our, removable/washable cushion lizer, £6. Tel: 886770 covers, £25 Tel: 344814 (eves) Mans suit, (Marks & Spencer) inside Small stainless steel sink with taps, leg 31 ", chest, 41 "-42", hardly worn, size 12" x 15", £5. Tel: 529476 £25 ono. Tel: 875564 Extending fire guard for most types Maternity clothes, size 14 - 16, one of gas, electrical and open hea rt h, £5. bag. Girls clothes, 0-3 months, 2 Tel: 876384 bags. All vgc, £10/bag. Tel: 875492 Electra tumble dryer, vgc, £60 ono. Ladies Sekonda qua rt z watch, new, Tel: 729128 £10 ono. 8" dome pendulum clock, Electric extractor oven hood, brand new, £10 ono. Ba tt e ry charger for all new, unwanted purchase, still in box, radio & toy ba tt eries, new, £12.50 £30 ono. Tel: 887115 ono. Double radio cassette recorder, 6 months old, £15 ono. Ladies travel- Fridge, good working order, £60. Tel: li ng suitcase on wheels, 18" x 24" x 694492 10", £5 new. Pocket laptop, new, Hotpoint slimline dishwasher, white, £50. Tel: 887322 £4.50. Tel: 613491

For Sale

874767

college student. Tel: 873298

Boosey & Hawkes 400 saxophone, excel cond, hardly used, complete with case, books & accessories, £450. Tel: 871765 Violin 3/4 size Redwood bow plus case, Czech make, vgc, £89. Tel:

Electric guitar, Telecaster shape at reasonable price. Tel: 878605

886757

Digital piano, Technics, full size, weighted keyboard pedals, plus stool, immaculate, £300. Tel: 887785

Missing Cat, named Coke, since 5Aug, Freshbrook area. Female, short-haired, small, 6 months old, black with white paws, chest & tummy, and small white stripe between eyes. Reward. Contact C Evans, 693494

r-------------------1

Free private for Sale & Wanted ads Send to address on page 3 by 12th of the month

Tel:

Name & Address (not for publication) L- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - J

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725699

OR 07833 147327 HOME SECURITY

IS YOUR HOME SECURE? Locks • Key Cutting • Safes Fire Equipment • CCTV Access Control Systems For all your security needs call on The Swindon Security Centre The Victoria Centre (half way down Victoria Road)

Tel: 01793 486644 Free quotations & 24hr emergency services

Washing Machines Twin Tubs, etc. ember of Tumble Driers I. S.E. Food Waste Disposal Units

Service Spares Repairs

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

BUSINESS SERVICES Your very own

webs'lite indigo internet can get

your company on line for only £199.00 Call (01793) 825682 E-mail: enquiries@indigosolutions.co.uk

indigo digosoloutions.co.uk

ELECTRICIAN

KgVIN WHEIA N Dave Ody High Quality Painting & Decorating

Same day, local service wherever possible

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

ODD J OBS

THE ODD J OB MAN

CARPENTRY/JOINERY

Palm Joinery Quality carpentry & joine ry for the home/office * Doors, internal & external * Kitchens * Skirtings & mouldings * Fi tt ed and free-standing wardrobes, bureaus etc * Manufacture & fitting * Supply & fit/fit only No job too big or small

Tel: 01793 721401

• Most leading brands • Guaranteed repairs • Same day service

No call out charge • No VAT

A SUDS

DECORATO R --- -- - - -

GK DECORATORS Tel:01793 701394 Mobile: 0777 5894563

Interior & exterior painting and decorating Ceramic tiling Coving • Dado rails No job too big or too 1 small. Free estimates and friendly service

ELECTRICAL/PLUMBING

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

Shaw Electrical & Plumbing Ltd

&f44ett

Domestic, commercial & industrial installations Maintenance & repairs * lighting * rewiring * security lighting * garden electrics * heating * bathroom installation

Tel: (01793) 874480 Mob: 07860 760364 wi e Esc National Inspection Council U ,a for Electrical Installation Contracting

PLUM BING

& HEATI NG

Empire Plumbing 0 Heating

Small building work, carpent ry , joine ry , painting & decorating, fitted wardrobes and kitchens, plugs and washers fitted "No job too small" Very reasonable prices

O Boilers & central heating 0 Bathrooms & showers 0 Servicing & fault finding Installations, repairs and maintenance Whatever you need, we're here to help you

Free estimates Call Tony, the Odd Job Man on 01793-886022

Tel: 01793 436539 Mobile: 0973 760167 Mobile: 07775 621764

E € sewer SPARES • REPAIRS • SERVICE YOUR FIRST STOP FOR ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT From a 13 amp fuse or cleaner bag to fridges or vacuum cleaners we offer an efficient & personal service. DOMESTIC APPLIANCE SERVICE CENTRE 11 The Arcade, High Street Wootton Bassett Tel: 01793 854378

PLUMBING _&

HEATIN G

Quality Plumbing & Heating • Central heating installation • Boiler servicing & repairs • Replacement boilers ^ • Outside taps • Power showers • Bathroom installations ° B °" All plumbing work unde rt aken Reliable service, realistic prices

Tel: 01793 881905 Mobile: 0973 663367

APPLIANCE REPAIRS I BUILDER

Vacations

Empire Construction

International Ltd

Limited

O UPVc conservatories O Property renovations O Garage & loft conversions O Painting & decorating O All professional craftsmen

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

DECORATOR

Enthusiastic telephone operators required for city based travel company. Pa rt or full time basis; no experience necessa ry as full training provided. For details please contact Tony or Paula on 01451 822822

Tel: 01793 436539 Mobile 07775 621764 or 0973 760167

25 years experience All work guaranteed

I DECORATOR

Greendown Community School Grange Park, Swindon

Highly experienced painter and

PREMIER PROPERTY SERVICES The only call you'll need to make for quality: • Painting & decorating • Paper hanging • Coving & artexing • Wall & floor tiling

CLEANERS

decorator All interior and exterior work undertaken For free estimate call Paul on

Domestic and commercial High standards guaranteed Call 525671 or

REQUIRED Flexible hours to suit APT&C Scale 4: £4.60 per hour Working weeks: term time + 2 weeks For further information, call Greendown School on 01793 874224

Mobile : 07712 749315

Gas Services • Boilers

ARE

• Fires & fire

Dennis Brown Gas Engineer

places • Cookers

29 Meares Drive Shaw, Swindon

• Boiler changes • Also riverboat

Tel: 01793 874742 Mobile: 0468 027860 Sponsor to Wroughton Shotokan Karate Club

Friendly P fession l ier

installation &

Re lar or one-offs

servicing

Honest reliable,

• Aga, Rayburn specialist

m CONTRACTOR

Deb's Sunbeds

Home

01793 46955 2

UPVC CLADDING PAUL DRAPER uPVC Fascia, Gutte ring & Cladding

Rental Fast tanning canopies

\LL \' 1

Telephone the Catering Manager on 01793 877372 or 01793 850856

Hours of duty:

Monday to Friday

Day Shift Evening Shift

9am to 5pm 5pm to 10pm

General Service Administrators Successful applicants for these vacancies will be good team members who are flexible in their approach to working hours. They will be physically fit as some lifting may be required and hold a full clean driving licence. Hours of duty: Monday to Friday 37 3 14 per week between 7.30am and 5pm In return we offer competitive rates of pay, a free hamper at Christmas and a pleasant working environment.

and doubles also available Free installation & local delivery

Tel. Swindon 726906 anytime (Mobile 0378 - 641052)

Good rates of pay

pressurised environment.

SUNBED HIR E

in term time at Greendown School

excellent customer service in a

-.3

KITCHEN STAFF REQUIRED

Service Centre Administrators Ideal applicants for our Service Centre will have a professional telephone manner, accurate keyboard skills, together with the ability to provide

For aping & ironing

appliances,

Excellent rates of pay and conditions. Hours to suit eve ryone! Call Jennie Cumming on 01793 876979 or 07957 551159

Farepak Mail Order Limited is a highly successful mail order company supplying hampers and gift items for Christmas. Our busy delivery season is now underway and we have the following temporary vacancies:

LPG & Natura

playleaders, preferably with some experience of working with 4 to 12 year olds, who would like to get involved in this exciting new project.

Placed by Fairfield

HOME CLEANING

I GAS REPAIRS

CL M

We are looking for enthusiastic

Whatever you need, we're here to help you

John Phillips Servicing

X^ D70NE

A new breakfast, after school and holiday club has just opened at Upper Shaw Farm Community Centre.

* FREE ESTIMATES *

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

Farepak Mail Order

42 The Link Magazine • October 2000

Auction

Bishop presses Brown to persuade world leaders

in aid of funds for 1st Rodbourne Cheney Scout Group Saturday 14 October behind St Andrew's Church 12noon - 2pm auction preview 2pm auction begins

The Bishop of Swindon joined a World Development Movement (WDM) stall on Saturday 2 September in the town centre to publicise the continuing campaign to cancel third world debt The Bishop agreed, "today and A cut out chancellor Gordon of the UK and the Chancellor in Brown was asked to 'Go For Gold' the drive to end debt, but said far everyday, the poorest countries in and win over representatives of too little relief is being provided to the world repay $60 million in debt. the International Monetary Fund too few countries. "Despite all the As a result, 19,000 people die daily and the World Bank to clear debt hype we have heard from world because their governments do not at their meeting in Prague from 22 leaders, poor countries are still re- have the money to spend on health paying their debts at the cost of and education. to 29 September. " Wealthy governments have Saturday shoppers were taken their people's health and educaaback by Swindon's Theatre des tion. By June 2000 only five coun- said all the right things, but the Bicyclettes fiery representation of tries had begun to receive any debt action has not followed." For further information on the the oppression and exploitation of relief. Other seriously indebted the poorest countries by the rich, countries such as Haiti and Bang- Swindon WDM, call Chris Chris Thackery of Swindon ladeshdonotevenqualifyfordebt Thackray on 695979. WDM welcomed the leading role relief. This is their last chance in • Did you make it to the Filling Station in time. See page 16. this millennium year."

DECOTEX Painter & Decorator Specialist Artexing Tel: (01793) 791388 JUST THE JOB

PRESS-TIDE

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

DOMESTIC IRONING SERVICE Reliable, high quality service you can depend on Next day turn around Free pick-up and delive ry Only £12 per stone Tel: 722896

Beauty & Aromatherapist Fully qualified. I.I.H.H.T. Waxing, facials, manicures, pedicures, massage. Telephone Carol on 01793 886876

Go for Gold Gordon: the Bishop offers the Chancellor the chance of gaining the best prize whilst Prudence Poverty appeals for help and IMF and World Bank keep his arm well twisted behind his back.

Play the Piano Learn to Sing Phone Swindon 695235 for further information

to book an appointment

SWINDON FAMILY CHURCH

BC The person who changed AD Histo ry is changing peoples lives Today

,^vange fi .

SUNDAYS 10.30AM MEETING AT THE WINNERS LOUNGE SWINDON TOWN

FOOTBALL CLUB AND AT THE PINEHURST

PEOPLE'S CENTRE All ages of children & teens cared for Information: call Brian on 849731 in association with NEW FRONTIERS INTERNATIONAL

Hisec

y,O0 -Worsley Road a'^^

^ ^z, m

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building with people

Come and join us Sunday at 10am & 6.30pm For further information of other meetings ring: 873050 or call at the Church office Jesus said: "I have come that YOU might have LIFE and have it in its fulness"

Greenmeadow P ri ma ry School ]I

We are

r here!

Pastor Dennis Weaver

LOCAL CHURCHES All Saints' Lydiard Millicent — 10:30am Revd Peter Knight: 772417 (for the Village & Roughmoor) Holy Trinity Shaw — 10:30am Revd Andrew Hetherington: 770568 (the Church is at Shaw Village Centre) St Mary's Lydiard Tregoze — 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)

North Swindon Baptist Church

Sunday Worship 10.30am - Sunday School & Creche -

Understanding loss The West Swindon Ecumenical Partnership has started a weekly coffee morning for anybody who has experienced loss and bereavement at Toothill Church on Thursdays, 10am to 11.30am. Church members who understand the grief being felt are on hand to listen and chat and give support. A team of people are also available to spend more time on a one to one basis with those who would like to talk in more depth. The drop-in is open to anyone who feels the need to be with someone who cares and understands. For more information, call Rev Jan Partridge on 534992. Other members of the clergy team are available on the numbers in the advertisement below.

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

o o yo o a °= - m

c a w mU

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

The Boli^ igb oke Hote1, Restaurant &Bar In the c ountry, but so close to you Eat out for £20 for two Monday to Thursday evening Traditional in style, modern in service Bookings now being taken Our non-smoking dining ro( holds fifty sitting and sixty bu ffet style. • Set 4 course meal available from 1st to 24th December • Open for Christmas Day luncn 9• *, Book now to avoid disappointment

The Bolingbroke Combi gives you a selection of Chicken Wings, Spare Ribs, Onion Rings,

Mixed Leaf Salad, Crusty Bread, all on a large platter to share, with a bottle of house red or white wine

Dining Room (non-smoking)

available to hire for weddings, christenings, parties and other celebrations All day conferences Large garden for marquee, corporate or private events RESTAURANT AND BAR OPENING HOURS Afternoon

Evening

Monday

CLOSED

7.00pm - 10.30pm

Tuesday

CLOSED

7.00pm - 10.30pm

Wednesday

CLOSED

7.00pm - 10.30pm

Thursday

CLOSED

7.00pm - 10.30pm

Friday

12 noon - 2.30pm

7.00pm - 11.00pm

Saturday

12 noon - 2.30pm

7.00pm - I I.00pm

Sunday

12 noon - 3.00pm

CLOSED

Luxury accommodation at J

The Bolingbroke

® !!

_ f.` . , ,

Eight large centrally heated double glazed en-suite rooms, each with colour TV and tea/ coffee making facilities

The Bolingbroke, Hook, Nr Wootton Bassett, Swindon Tel: (01793) 852357 • Fax: (01793) 854972 Booking advisable at weekends • All major credit cards accepted