west Swindon's
Magazine THE
LINK No. 90 September 1989 Circulation 10,000
100% commitment to Leisure Park Building work at Shaw Ridge Leisure Park starts in just a few weeks - that's definite. The sale of land was agreed on 22 August along with a firm commitment from all the companies to take part. Shaw Ridge Leisure Park will comprise of an 8 screen cinema, a superbowl, night club, family pub, pizza restaurant and five star hotel. Confirming a start date Michael Oldrleve, for Carter Commercial Developments, said, "All the operators have now made substantial financial contributions and are 100% committed to the project.
"Work on site will commence towards the end of October and we expect to see the Leisure Park trading by Spring 1991. He also confirmed that Cannon Cinemas had taken over the multi-screen cinema and would be operating eight larger auditorium rather than the 10 originally proposed by CIC/ UA. "It will be fitted out to a higher standard than we envisaged," said Mr Oldrieve. "I've also commissioned a larger than life bronze sculpture of Swindon actress Diana Dors as our contribution to the arts in Thamesdown. It will be located outside the cinema."
iff
1h
NOW FULL TIME AT BLUNSDON HOUSE HOTEL Monday to Saturday
Š 721701 W. Swindon Health Centre start
Health Centre for derelict site next to Link Centre
Call for pub to keep 'traditional name' decided to change the A Freshbrook resident has called for Freshimage of The Cornflower. It will be rebrook's village pub to ally convenient to keep the name origihave a family pub nally given to it. Cathy close-by. Baker from Sidney "But why change Close, Grange Park is the name? It's only objecting to a proposal seven years since The to change it's name because it's unnecesCornflower was built. It's all so new around sary and will confuse here that it's imporpeople. tant to try and put Pub owners Whitdown roots. The pub bread Severn Inns are got it's name because spending ÂŁ250,000 on somebody knew the refurbishingmeCornfield where it stands flower which closed in used to be covered in mid-August to allow cornflowers. It's a building works to take lovely original name place. The pubis being which gives you an completely rebuilt inidea of what was here ternally and extended before; it has the sense to create a two bar hosof tradition that the telry. A special emCathy Baker, hoping Freshbrook's pub owners are trying to phasis is being given will re-open with the same name in the re-development build into it. "Look how Gateway at the West Swindon to families who want to go out to a pub together. A comfortable lounge and family Centre is still known as Carrefour. It's too room will allow parents to enjoy a drink and easy to think that a new name can change it's a meal with their children. image, but I think a new name for The The Link ran a competition on behalf of Cornflower will just cause confusion. It will Whitbread Severn last month inviting read- take years to overcome and in the meantime ers to come up with suggestions for a new Freshbrook will have lost something of it's name. past" However, whilst she is enthusiastic about A spokeswoman for the owners como the alterations, Cathy Baker cannot seet why mented, "Whitbread Severn Inns have dethe name of Freshbrook's pub should disap- cided to re-name The Cornflower in order to pear. "1 think it's great that the owners have fit in with the pub's new look and feel. It is decided to cater for the family. We often felt that this will help to emphasis the changes pop up to The Village Inn at Shaw Centre that are being made at the pub during it's because the facilities cater for our three chil- refurbishment." Freshbrook's pub will re-open in October. dren. I'm really glad that Whitbread have
Work on building West Swindon's permanent health centre starts on 4 September, several years late. After a long period of planning and many proposed start dates, the area should have a centre providing a comprehensive range health care by the beginning of 1991. Although the completion date is set for 2 November 1990, building hold-ups and moving staff in from different sites is likely to delay the day when the first customers enter the centre. Because money and a start date for the health centre have not been confirmed until quite recently, the District Health Authority has not been able to find a Doctor to set up a practice in the Centre. However it will provide facilities for two dentists, clinics for chiropody, speech therapy, audiology, antinatal care and child health. The Community Psychiatric Service will beholding mental health clinics in the centre and it will provide an office base for Health Visitors and District Nurses.
New pre-school guide A new edition of Toddler Out West' has just been published. It's a guide book for parents with pre-school children and it's packed with information about parent and toddler groups, local services and facilities for under fives. Copies can be obtained from the Community Suite at the Link Centre.
SAVE & RE-CYCLE On pages 16 & 17 we st&t a two part feature on how West Swindon people can make a small contribution to saving the worlds resources.
-. JOIN THE PHH PEOPLE... PHH Europe plc leading the field in Vehicle Fleet Management, Employee Relocation and Property Services We are a multi-national corporation, market leaders and innovators. We are constantly expanding and developing in all directions - and we're on the lookout for the kind of people who want to share our success. Our prestigious headquarters are located on the Windmill Hill Business Park in West Swindon. It's an impressive building, and it contains a friendly team of commited professionals doing an impressive job. If you would like to become part of the PHH Team, we can offer opportunities in the following areas:
.. U
ADMINISTRATION SWITCHBOARD/RECEPTION CLIENT SERVICES U PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT U We can promise a superb working environment, attractive salaries and a wide range of benefits - plus the real chance of developing your skills and your career with us.
To find out more about what PHH Europe can offer you, call Gina Chapman, Personnel Executive, on Swindon (0793) 887000, or write to: PHH Europe plc, PHH Centre, Windmill Hill, Whitehill Way, Swindon SN5 9YT.
PHH Europe PHH
FRONT PIECE
3
Test team cricket bat on offer A cricket bat signed by players from the all conquering Australian test cricket team and the much maligned England team will be won by somebody living in the Swindon area. And all the money will go to people suffering from Cerebral Palsy. Local insurance brokers MansBelow: Mike Rees displaysthe field Begbie Associates, apvaluable bat pointed representatives for Cornhill Insurance, sponsors of test cricket, have secured one of only thirty bats in the country. It's sure to be sought after by enthusiasts of the game. Mansfield Begbie are working with a group of Swindon people who are raising money to provide 2 year old Alex Mortimer from Sfratton St. Margaret for specialised treatment at the Centre for Brain Injury, Rehabilitation & Development (BIRD) in Chester. The pioneering Centre provides unique rehabilitation therapy for children and teaches parents how to manipulate limbs in order to condition the brain to accept the right movements. Five thousand tickets have been Published by West printed and Mansfield Begbie Swindon Publications director Mike Rees, who lives in 13 Castle Dore Sparcells, is looking for people Freshbrook, Swindon willing to sell them. "If all the Tel: (0793) 872282 tickets are sold, £1,200 will have Publisher/Editor: been raised. The draw will take Roger Ogle place on 1 December so we have a bit of time. The second prize is Advertising Sales: a luxury sports bag and 10 runElizabeth Wood ner-ups will receive T-shirts with Tel: 871793 the Cornhill 'C'day Sport' test d Apple Macintosh design, match logo printed on them." layout and lasersetting by Alex's mother Vera is overMacOgIe. Printed by Western Webb, Bristol whelmed by the help she is receiving. "Caring for Alex is hard Published on the Wednesday work as he needs attention all the time, I haven't actually met Mike closest to the first of the month. Copy date: 20th of Rees yet. His offer of help came out of the blue. It's truely amazthe preceding month. ing, we really appreciate it. Mike Rees, who plays for "The Link was first published in Purton Cricket Club, is keen to December 1978 exclusively for the West Swindon community. contact players with other clubs It is completely independent of who could sell tckets. Cricketers Link Centre and, in fact, won the and others willing to help people competition to name the leisure suffering from Cerebral Palsy can centre In 1984. The magazine is call him on 873369 or contact The entirely self-supporting from Link on 872282. advertising."
The Link
Contents 3 Front Piece 4 Toothill Freshbrook & Grange 5 Park 6 Shaw 8 Westlea 9 For Women 11 Day In the Life 12 Recreation 13 At Your Library 14 Art Scene 16/17 Save & Re-cycle 20 New &Views 21 Home & Garden
"VINNYS UNISEX HAIR SALON
(Formerly Wakkies) Special Offers: Opening Hours • Sunbed Monday 9am - 1pm Tuesday to Thursday 9am - 5pm • Beautician Friday 9am - 7pm • Special rates for OAP's Saturday 9am - 3pm • Free Coffee
Unit 1, Woodshaw Village Centre, Woodshaw, Wootton Bassett Tel: 854653
O BURGLAR ALARMS O FIRE ALARMS SECURITY LIGHTING O DOOR & WINDOW LOCKS
o
FREE QUOTATIONS - FREE SURVEYS
.
FOR YOUR LOCAL SECURITY SPECIALIST TELEPHONE SWINDON 765295
crimecure
DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL SECURITY INSTALLATIONS A Member of the Federation of Security Companies
CONCERTS, EXCURSIONS & TOURS Concerts Now Booking The Beach Boys 6 Sept N.E.C. Birmingham £23.00 9 Sept Hammersmith Odeon £15.00 Black Sabbath 26 Oct Wembley Arena £23.50 The Who Aerosmith 17 Nov Wembley Arena £17.50 11 Dec London Arena £17.00 Erasure Motorhead 20 Dec Hammersmith Odeon £14.00 Paul McCartney 21 Jan Wembley Arena £29.00 All prices are inclusive of luxury coach travel and top price concert tickets Adult Excursions Child £7.00 £5.50 Wed 13 Sept Somerset Tour Sun 17 Sept Afternoon Tour £3.50 £2.25 £6.00 £4.50 Wed 20 Sept South Wales Tour
T
Enquiries and Bookings at THAMESDOWN TRANSPORT The Travel Shop, Nr Primark, Fleming Way. Tel: 615399
We are not only THE MOUNTAIN BIKE SHOP. We also stock most other shapes and designs and our price promise means we can meet or beat any offer in the area. DIAMOND BACK
SPE(IAL/ZEL7.
MARIN1
Wird MOUNTAIN BIKES
it OVER 1,000 CYCLES USUALLY IN STOCK *MOST LEADING MAKES * FREE AFTER SALES SAFETY CHECK (1 MONTH AFTER PURCHASE) * CHRISTMAS/BIRTHDAY CLUB * SPARES + REPAIRS * ALSO ASK IF WE HA VEANY SPECIAL OFFERS CONSIDER WHAT WE CAN OFFER THEN RING
EXPRESS CYCLE SPECIALISTS SWINDON 34907 OR 513705 96-99 MANCHESTER ROAD, SWINDON
TOOTHILL
4
J(TTT Mobile Car Valeting Service Have your car cleaned professionally Available 7 days a week. Prices from ÂŁ10 Telephone Swindon 541520 (Toothill) SWINDON SOFT WATER CENTRE
Helpers wanted for cub/scount group The Toothill Scout Group consists of two cub packs and a scout group catering for about 75 boys. They are always in need of adults who can contribute towards making the sessions a useful and interesting experience for youngsters. Group Scout Leader Chris Rawlings would like to meet men and women who can give some time and commitment to the Toothill group. No experience is needed. They will be working with qualified adults and will gain experience whilst they learn what scouting is all about. To learn more, contact Chris Rawlings on 20387.
Makes water softening simple No. 1 Best selling
water softener In the UK
K1_N -k__ET1
The world's most advanced
fully automatic non-electric meter-controlled system
Showroom at 260 Ferndale Road, Swindon Call BRIAN COX on SWINDON 27172
RALPH PALMER PHARMACY 3 Deerhurst Way, Toothiil Hours of Opening: Mon - Fri 9a.m. - 1p.m. 2p.m. - 6p.m. Sat. 9a.m.-12 noon
Telephone: 512063
R.T. Farley Landscape Gardener in West Swindon
k 20 years of experience. k Turfing, Paving, Fencing, k Planting new Gardens Rockery Construction, Pergolas etc. k Tel: 875174
Ii
Helpful Scouts provided a barbeque at West Swindon's Community picnic in June
Did you know that Toothill now has a Credit Union? Lucy Hartley writes: The Credit Unions provides a service for residents of Toothill to save and borrow money. It's non-profit making and all surpluses (after running expenses and providing for reserves) are returned to members as dividend and rebate. As Toothill Credit Union has now been registered by the registrar of friendly societies, it will be holding an inaugural meeting on
Women's practical exhibition with free child care
Choose Us First For the Best Quality Take Home Food Available Fried Freshly For You Cod, Plaice, Haddock, Skate, Huss, Scampi, Chips, Various Pies, Sausages and Chicken.
Why not try one of our delicious Curries for a change? Have you had one of our big beefburgers? They're Great. Open Monday - Saturday 11.30am - 2pm; 430pm - 11pm Car Park 'A' West Swindon Centre TELEPHONE ORDERS WELCOME - 870455
Friday 15 September at 8.00p.m. in the main hall of the Community Centre. The meeting will be held to celebrate the registration and to elect the credit union committee. Cheese and wine will be provided. Anyone inToothill who is interested in joining the credit union and/or the committee will be very welcome. We hope to see many new faces there!
Badminton Club needs new members The Concord Badminton Club has Just moved to West Swindon and Is desperately looking for players to join. The club plays In a competitivie league and Is based at Greendown Community School in Grange Park. The club meets on Thursday evenings, from 7.30p.m.. Contact John Hare for more Information. Tel: 874008
The Thamesdown Women's Workers Education Association is holding an exhibition on Tuesday 12 Septemberto showoff the kinds of courses organised by women and for women. The exhibition will have a practical side with the chance to try out carpentry, simple electrical jobs and other DIY jobs. The Women's WEA also wants to meet women who can tell them about the courses they want to see organised in the future. The exhibition takes place at Toothill Community Centre on Tuesday 12 September, between 1p.m. and 4p.m. There will be free child care and after-school activities.
FRESHBROOK & GRANGE PARK Place for local Footpath not in right place A local councillor thinks a new footpath has been built in the wrong place. Freshbrook councillor Bob Pixton has campaigned for years to get a crossing point and footpath across Whitehill Way to allow pedestrians a safe route to and from Grange Park. However he thinks that the footpath completed under the direction of Wiltshire County Council only a few weeks ago has been built on the wrong side of Grange Park Way. "1 was surprised when I saw which side of the road thefootpath was built. I then expected pavements on both sides of Grange Park Way. The new footpath does nothing for the people who live in The Holbeins or other roads off Sudeley Way, because there is no connection to it from those houses. "People continue to walk up the grass verge on the other side of the road from the new pavement; if this continues I will be campaigning for another pavement to be put in as well." Whilst Cotm. Pixton is monitoring the situation he has asked Thamesdown Council to reduce the height of shrubs in the centre of the roundabout on Whitehill Way which make it impossible to see oncoming traffic. Below: A safe crossing point for Bob Pixton with his children Gemma and David
problems
The next meeting of the Freshbrook Village Group residents' organisation takes place on Wednesday 20 September. The first half an hour of each meeting is given over to a general discussion of points and problems raised by residents. If anybody in Freshbrook and Grange Park wants to raise any topic to the good of the community or have any complaints that the FVG should take up, please attend between 7.30p.m. and 8p.m. in Freshbrook Community Centre.
5 Facechoice Pharmacy Freshbrook Village Centre Tel: 870226
Opening Times: Monday to Friday 9am - 1pm; 2.15pm - 7pm Saturday 9am 1 2.3Opm
LE YOZ1RE9E.5 FASCINTATING AT
ae)fv Unisex Hair Salon
New to West Swindon ColorcilEyerow 6" Eye(as/1 'Thithig al:co o&Iwel[Colouraiits - Rcvita[ise your hair colour at home wit/i Colourauits Colour !Ncfresuzer eclu.sive to Cut ii' ÂśDry
Arms needed
Copier donation
The Freshbrook Friendship (senior citizens) Club meets every Tuesday in Freshbrook Community Centre. They are looking for a volunteer(s) to help them set tables and chairs at 1230p.m. in readiness for the dub sPssion, and then help to put them away again at 4p.rri. If you can help please contact Maureen Barker at the community centre on 871017.
The Freshbrook Village Group is interested in hearing from any community group who might put their old photocopierto good use. Groups should send a letter to The Centre Manager, Freshbrook Community Centre, Worsley Road, Freshbrook byl5September.
Freslilrookjl)iC[age Centre • Tel- 873217
V!M
-iI I I IYX DT125R
4
The motorcross style of the DT 25R reflects the on-off road performance of the latest of the Yamaha top-selling 125s. At homeand on the highway on the dirt, this stylish trailster brings fun, freedom and pure excitement!
Hypnotic dentist Janice Baxter meets a dentist who takes a different approach to treating patients: Are you one of the many people who have a fear of the dentist? If so, then perhaps hypnosis is for you. The word hypnosis means different things to many people. Practised professionally, it is a comfortable and painless way of making the individual feel totally relaxed, simply, by quietly talking to them. The majority of people will go into a trance quickly and easily. During this trance, contrary to popular belief, the hypnotist has no power whatsoever over the individual. Local dentist Brendon Ball, who practices at Freshbrook Village Centre, attended a course organ.. ised by the British Society of Medical and Dental Hypnosis. He discovered he had the ability to make people relax and with en-
-'
Advanced engine and chassis technology are the hail marks of the successful TZR 125. Its race-bred thrusting style and performance bring together the excitement and thrills of a true lightweight sports machine. VISIT YOUR LOCAL DEALER AT
A relaxed Brendan Ball thusiasm, rather, than a background knowledge, he proceeded to use his new found skill on some of his anxious patients. He has found these relaxation techniques to be a great success with helping adults and children overcome their fears.
Artdean Motorcycles 207 Rodbourne Road Swindon. Tel: Swindon 34985/36671
YAMAHA THINK SAFETY4IRST
SHAW
6
Sponsorship helps Nick to National Championships in his very competitive class. If he gets into the top 15 he will be able to race in other countries. Mansfield Begbie Associates have been helping Nick to keep his kart competitive by supplying him with expensive equipment. Hopefully his driving skill Nick, sponsor on his back, in action can take him to the top of his Rissington where he leads the class. pack in the club league table. W.I. for Shaw Success in the prestigious national championships in mid- Are you new to the Shaw area? September near Middlesborough Do you want to meet new friends, might lead Nick to an interna- learn anew hobby, debate topical tional karting licence. To get there issues. If you do Sue Penfold says he has had to win many races and why not join the W.I. become one of the top 40 drivers On Monday 18 September, 730p.m. at Holy Trinity Church there will be a chance for you to come along and decide on the formation of a Women's Institute. When you join a W.I. you are part of the largest womens organisation in Britain. You can take part in sport, art & drama, WOOUON BASSETT SALON home economics and craft 41 High Street, Wootton Bassett schools, outings to places of hisSeperate Mens Salon toric interest and debate issues Open 6 days a week on environment and public aflate Night Friday fairs. Members may attend courses SHAW SALON, Shaw Village Centre at Denman College (and someFormerly Cut n' Dry times take husbands). The W.I. Only the name has changed has its own magazine. It pubJoanne. Lesley. Shirley & Vicky lishes its own books. Come along available for Top. Friendly Service Tel: 874825 on the evening of Monday 18 Septemberto find out more about the W.I. For further details contact Sue Penfold on 771208
Go-kart racer Nick Clark keeps getting better and better. Nick, from Meares Drive, Shaw first appealed for sponsorship in The Link early this year. Local insurance brokers and financial advisors Mansfield Begbie Associates came to Nick's assistance and his results have taken him to the British championships in September. During August Nick competed in an invitation only event which was filmed by TVS to be shown later in the year. At the beginning of September he races in the Midland Championships to be held at his home track at Little
DISPENSING
SHAW VILLAGE CENTRE RAMLEAZE DRIVE SHAW TEL: 886076
(Miss D. Collet, B. Pharin.)
N.H.S. DISPENSING PREGNANCY TESTING PATIENT ADVICE & COUNSELLING OPENING TIMES Open: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 9.00a.m. to 6.30p.m. Thursday 9.00a.m. to 5.30p.m. Saturday 9.00a.m. to 5.00p.m. Closed for Lunch 1.00p.m. to 2.00p.m.
Lost contact The Shaw Baby Sitting Circle being set up by Helen Colley from Plattes Close is coming together nicely and more parents who want to join are invited to contact her. A lady from The Bramptons contacted Helen some weeks ago, but unfortunately she has lost the name and teiphone number. "Please call me again," says Helen. Helen Colley can be contacted on 871779.
Shaw Residents Association Meeting Thursday 7 September 7.45p.m. Shaw Church Shaw Village Centre Guest Speaker: Denis Onley, Thamesdown Borough Council Subject: Proposed Shaw Community Centre
Vet to start practice in area West Swindon will soon have its own veterinary practice, at the new commercial units that were completed two months ago in Shaw Village Centre. The practice is a joint venture between Alan Robertson who runs surgeries at Purton and Cricklade and Peter Southerden from the Eastcott Hill practice in Swindon. "There has long been an acute need for a vet to be based in West Swindon, which bordersboth our areas," said Alan Robertson. "The Shaw surgery will fill a gap between our two practices and will allow us to provide a better service to people living in the West. It will cater mostly for small, domestic animals. Our other surgeries will provide back-up where hospitalisation or complex surgery is required." The Shaw practice will be one of the few around to offer evefling surgeries with appointments available between 8p.m. and 10p.m. every weekday. It will also be open between 9a.m. and 12.30p.m. on Saturday mornings. "At present the builders are fitting out the surgery," said Alan. "There's been a great deal of interest from clients and we're looking forward to the end of September when we can open."
Community Centre to be discussed at next S R A meeting The July meeting of Shaw Residents Association was the unfortunate victim of industrial action. The guest speaker Chris Anis of Thamesdown Borough Council was involved in the 6 national strike days of NALGO, one of which proved to be the date of the residents meeting. However vice-chairman, Mr Steve Brown armed with maps and plans of the new play area behind the shops at Shaw Village Centre, bravely continued with the meeting. The plans for the play area were well received and are currently on display in the yellow hut behind Shaw Village shops. A few residents expressed concern over the play area to be built at Shaw Ridge, however the Residents Association was not given sight of these plans and has therefore been unable to affect the decision. The landlord of the Village Inn offered to display community notices in the pub. There will also be a notice board in the extension he hopes to have built in the future. The next meeting of the Association is in Shaw Church in the Village Centre on Thursday 7 September at 7.45p.m. The guest speaker will be Denis Onley from Community Development at Thamesdown Borough Council. He will report on progress on the community centre and will answer residents questions on community matters. Any items for the agenda should be sent to The Chairman, 3 Randall Crescent, Shaw (tel: 876133) by 1 September.
flM 8
B
Mansfield Begbie Associates
Associates
YOUR MONTHLY MORTGAGE PAYMENTS ARE TOO HIGH LET US HELP..... We are proud to announce a major link up with one of the four largest building societies in the U.K. regarding new low-start schemes for both mortgages and remortgages. The income multiples are higher than normal, and quotations are free, as Is our advice. THIS IS NOT A DEFERRED INTEREST 'ROLL-UP' SCHEME WHERE YOU END UP OWING MORE MONEY THAN YOU STARTED WITH! With this Building Society loan you could use your equity to subsidise your payments in the early years. Using £5,000 of your equity you would be able to save £229 per month in the first year, e.g. on a mortgage of45,0O0, you could reduce your monthly payment to £248.96 (interest only), a saving of £174 per month.
This could take away any financial worries enabling you to look forward to a more stable way of life. There are no hidden clauses and you may like to find out how much uou could save. If so, please ring either of the numbers below. Swindon 873369 (2 lines) or 827725. Appointed Representative of Cornhill Insurance Group, member of Liut,r and LM.R.O.
We also cater for all other types of insurance including Pensions, Savings, Motor, Commercial and Household policies.
WESTLEA 8 Will Asda pay for safe crossing?
RON AHRENS BUILDER & DECORATOR
'
Specialising In all aspects of high quality building work especially decorating, carpentry and plastering. All work guaranteed. No Job too small. Free estimates
Telephone: 692134 (West Swindon)
HAIR CARE IN THE COMFORT 'u OF YOUR HOME '
Fully qualified in all aspects of hairdressing
, Day & evening work Call Dawn on Faringdon (0367) 22672
School crossing on Corton Crescent - in need of close supervision A road crossing point is proving to be a danger point for children at Westlea School. Every week classes of children walk to the Link Centre from the school to take swimming lessons. They have to cross Corton Crescent at the rear of the West Swindon Centre at a point where it is difficult to see around a dangerous bend. Commenting on the situation, headteacher Neil Griffiths said he was very worried that there will be a serious accident one day. "The cars, buses and lorries travel very quickly along the road. Where the children cross it is very difficult for staff to see traffic coming round the corner and for drivers to see pedestrians. "I understand the County Council and the owners of the West Swindon Centre have been discussing the problem but as yet nothing has been done." A representative of Gateway gave a promise that they would pay for a pelican crossing on Corton Crescent at a public meeting on 7 September 1987 held to explain the plans for redeveloping the West Swindon Centre. Perhaps Asda can be persuaded when they take control.
Running for fun Locally based company PHH are organising a staff Fun Run on 10 September and they would welcome any West Swindon joggers who would like to join in. The runners will be fund raising foran electric wheelchair for Andy Blunt from Middleleaze, the husband of one of their members of staff. The targetfrom the run and an annual charity auction in October is ÂŁ2,000. The run on 10 Septembertakes place at 10a.m. around a marked course in Lydiard Park. Sponsor forms can be obtained from Liz Johnson at PHH on 887000.
So where has talent, ambition and hard work got you so far? It happens to the best people. No matter how much effort and talent you put into your job, no one seems to notice it. Let alone reward it. Not so at Allied Dunbar Assurance. A company where good people get promoted and enjoy the rich rewards that come with good results. We are Britain's largest unitlinked insurance company. You'll deal with a wide product range which helps people with their future financial security. You'll receive top class training and the backing of the finest administration.
No experience necessary How much will you earn? It's up to you. Last year over 750 of our Sales Associates earned in excess of ÂŁ22,000. And many of them had no previous selling experience. Far more important than age, sex and background, and even education are the qualities of determination, drive and enthusiasm. If you think you could succeed as a Sales Associate, phone Keith Arnold on (0392) 51056 at Allied Dunbar Assurance plc. Allied Dunbar Assurance plc is an equal opportunities Group
Working for yourself At Allied Dunbar you'll be self employed. So your rewards are directly related to your efforts. Naturally. It takes ambition, selfmotivation and drive to respond to this challenge, but for once you'll be paid what you are worth.
ALLIED DUNBAR PIRS( )NAI. FINANCIAL (;L 'll)ANCE
I
Calling Nannies
FOR WOMEN You too could foster a child
9
A tiny notice in the last Link brought "I'm divorced, I couldn't foster." forward several nannies working in "We're not married. We couldn't foster" the area. Other nannies who would These statements are not necessarily true, but they are illustrate some of like to know more about a support the misconceptions that people have about fostering. As Mike Thomas, group should contact Sally on 872074. Fostering andAdoption Officer from Wiltshire's Social Services Department
describes, fostering is no longer like it used to be.
Infants under surveillance A survey to improve child health and investigate the causes of infant death is being launched on 1 September by the Swindon Health Authority. Every baby born in the twelve months after 1 September will bepart of the survey according to research worker Jan Long of the Swindon Health Promotion Unit. "The aim is to see if there is alink between growth rates and health. Half the babies will receive the high quality of care given by Health Visitors and the parents of the other half will receive a special growth chart on which detailed information about the baby's weight will be recorded. "The Health Visitors will explain how the survey works and all we ask is that parents keep good care of the health records and to have the baby weighed at the specified times. "Family doctors, health visitors and hospital staff are all part of the monitoring programme and we will be keeping parents closely involved. "By keepingadose eye on a child's growth rate we hope to be able to spot any health problems early on." Information about the Infant Surveillance Project will be available in doctors surgeries and clinics from leaflets or Health Visitors.
New seat belts laws A new law came into force on 1 September requiring children to use rear seat belts in cars, if fitted. Vehicles registered after April1987 must have rear seat belts fitted. The law does not apply to registerations before this date, but all cars used since 1982 must have rear seat belt anchorage points. Where there are seat belts available, they must used. If there are more children than seat belts, they can all be carried legally so long as all the available seat belts are used. The Swindon Seat Belt Centre at the Station Industrial Estate supplies and fits child safety restraints. They can also provide advice on the best types of equipment as well as a free check to all Link readers. Their telephone number is 613147.
LADIES
There are many ways of helping There is also an increasing need to HIRE OR PURCHASE within the community and fostering is find families for Afro-Cambean and HATS, GLOVES, BAGS, Asian children of all ages; for both one them. Fostering has undergone many long-term and short-term placements. JEWELLERY changes in the last few years. The We positively welcome applications (ALL TO MATCH) days when fostering was purely about from black and Asian families. FOR ALL OCCASIONS Do you think you and your family caring for very young children are no Weddings, Cocktail-Parties longer with us. The majority of the could help? If you would like to find children who need homes today are out more, please contact me Mike Funerals, etc. older and also want to stay in contact Thomas, Fostering and Adoption Demonstrations in your home with their parents. Indeed, this is very Section, Wiltshire County Council, at special request. Telephone important for them and is something Social Services Divisional Office, Suzanne on 541094 we ask foster carers to encourage. Clarence House, Clarence Street Today's foster carers are not just Swindon. Tel: 31131 ext. 222 volunteers. They do a job that at times can be difficult and demanding, but is also rewarding. They also come from a variety of backgrounds and we welcome interest from people who are divorced, unemployed, single, couples who are not married, as well as families. Fostering can be undertaken on a long term and on a short term basis and although the task of fostering is changing, the qualities that make Sugaring is the ancient art of hair removal by its roots for a people good foster carers are many long lasting effect and much finer, more sparse re-growth. and varied. These include a sense of Bikini Line £3.50 Half Legs £5.50 Prices: humour, an interest in and a concern Under Arms £2.50 Top Lip £2.00 for children, an ability to see through Other prices on request difficulties with support, offering a lot and expecting little and, recognizing Qualified Sugaring Practioner: Tracy Bedwell the value of small rewards. 11 Goidsborough Close, Eastleaze, West Swindon With the changing nature of the Telephone (0793) 870931 task, it is important to emphasise that foster carers are not to be left alone to handle things. As well as initial training, we hope to offer foster corers FOSTER PARENTS ARE NEEDED FOR continuing support, both through group meetings and individual visits. MANY CHILDREN OF DIFFERENT In many respects the support and advice offered by other foster carers AGES AND BACKGROUNDS. is invaluable as, after all, they are also doing the same work and facing CAN YOUR FAMILY HELP? the same concerns. The recent relaunch of our scheme to provide older adolescents with foster care puts even greater stress on the training and the support that foster parents need to be able carry out the task with confidence.
SUIP]arzi
zahrza
the natural way to feminine beauty
Trouble and Strife Womens Theatre Company present NEXT TO YOU ILIE, a bold, provocative piece of theatre about pornography and the 'glamour' industry and their effect. Saturday 23 September Link Arts Studio 8.00p.m.
Trim-In living. This will not only allow Most of us have tried to lose weight members to lose weight, but also go at some time and most of us don't some way to protect them from some find it easy, says Health Visitor Janet of the diet related diseases such as Asherson. Dieting often fails because coronary heart disease and strokes. Do you feel you'd like to take people get bored with what they are eating and they lose motivation. control of your eating, your weight The TRIM-IN course aims to help and your futurehealth? lf you would people overcome some of the com- like more information, or a place on mon problems they experience when the course, contact Janet Asherson at Toothill Clinic, Tel 642133. frying to lose weight. TRIM-IN starts Wednesday 6 SepTRIM-IN is a 10 week course availep tember I.30-2.30p.m. in the Small able to a maximum of 12 people. The tember focus will be to help people learn Meeting Room in the Community about healthier ways of eating and Suite at the Link. Cost 50p per week.
To find out more, contact Mike Thomas at the Fostering & Adoption Section, Social Services Department Clarence House, Clarence Street, Swindon. Tel: 31131
Heron want to bU your house, Selling your own home is probably your single biggest obstacle to moving. Even if you find a buyer, it's unlikely you'll be offered your full asking price. Neither do you have any guarantee that the selling chain won't break down in the future. Heron can solve your problem with their part-exchange plan.
28 days, avoiding broken chains, and saving estate agent's fees and probably stamp duty too.
AVON MEADOWS, CHIPPENHAM Elegant four and five bedroom family homes, set in the peace and tranquillity of the Wiltshire countryside.
PART-EXCHANGE PLAN' Subject to inspection, Heron will, within 7 days, make you an extremely attractive offer based upon independent estate agents valuations. After acceptance, you'll have a fixed, guaranteed offer' and a fixed guaranteed price on your new Heron home. Usually, this will enable contracts to be exchanged within
THE HAWTHORNS, SWINDON A superb development of luxury three and four bedroom family homes. Ideally situated close to open countryside, it also provides easy access to local shops and leisure facilities. 1'
(I The Statesman. Four bedrooms from £158,000.
? 04
(OIPPt500M
AVON MEADOWS
K
...re -
The Envoy. Four bedrooms from £129.500. _,jJJjf
ece
Showbome open Mon to Fri 2pm to 6pm. weekends 10am to 5pm. Telephone: (.2 320i.
The Royale. . Four bedrooms from £142500.
QUALITY FEATURES OF THESE HERON HOMES Stylish fitted kitchen with oven, hob and hood. Choice of luxury fitted carpets. Elegant bathroom, built-in wardrobes to most bedrooms, downstairs cloakroom, security system with smoke detectors, cavity wall insulation, gas central heating, turfed front garden and garage. Many also have a fireplace in the lounge. Visit the sales centre and showhome today and find out about our special purchase schemes.
SIDE c
Showhomes open Moo to Fri 2pm to 6pm, weekends lOam to 5pm. Telephone (0793) 772255.
LIj
ç9Heron Homes The Royale. Four bedrooms from £142500.
HERON A HERON lNTl:F',-\TI,)NAL COMPANY
tTo move up by parr.exchuogsng your present home ,, should by in an urea approved by us uod ,here must be a reasonable price differential. Only available on selected plots. Offer sabrc, to scams, survey and legal reyorts. Heron Home reserve the right to amend or withdraw thrir schrmrs as any ,imr. Prices correc, a, ,imr of going m press
My first major problem of the day is actually getting out of bed. It's not through any lack of enthusiasm for the day ahead, I just have trouble waking up. The latest technique is that a friend in London phones me and makes me chat to her; I then have to promisethatl'm standing up. It's a bit expensive for my friend, so I'm going to have to think of something else. I've tried putting the alarm clock in the linen basket but I appear to be able to turn it off in my sleep. I have three appointments today, in Cardiff. I enjoy the journey there with Brian Redhead and John Humphries as my companions. My first visit is to an existing customer. I know that he's in the market for an annual supply of forms and I'm very hopeful that he will buy them from me. He gives me the opportunity to put forward a quotation. I get the impression he would like to place the order with us, if I come up with the right sort of pricing. I also get a cup of tea. On to the new, splendid County Council buildings. I have been calling on this customer for over eight years, so meeting is very informal. They will be in the market soon for a new style of form which Stralfors specialise in producing, so I come away feeling fairly confident. My last appointment is with a new contact. I have to find out as much as I can about his company and present Stralfors as well as I can in a fairly limited amount of time. Fortunately he's very interested in evaluating an alternative
DAY IN THE LIFE Cheering the team on Elizabeth Perrett from Grange Park is an Accounts Executive with Stralfors, selling computer stationary and furniture. She's also responsible for looking afterthe sponsorship of the Swindon Wildcats Ice Hockey team at the Link Centre. As the team starts a new season, she describes a busy day chasing business
British employee of Swedish company meets two Canadians on ice. Elizabeth shows the new cover of the Ice Hockey programme to Wildcats captain Daryl Lipsey, left, and new Canadian import player Scott Koberinski
to his present supplier, so I think I have approached him at the right time. At lunch time I find a place to park in town, always a problem in Cardiff. I manage to park near the National Ice Rink, home of the Cardiff Devils. I try to buy a new briefcase. My beautiful, but tatty, old briefcase was stolen from my car last week, together with my Time Planner. It was so annoying, they would of no use to anyone else, but I'm really lost without them. Anyway the thieves couldn't have liked my taste in music, they left my cassettes behind. Back now to our office. I spend
LOSE YOUR EXCESS POUNDS WITH CAMBRIDGE DIET EXTRA Contact Your Counsellor Rebecca Clifforde (Westlea) on Swindon 873201
THE
CรกTnbr!de DIET
Vi Stevens (Electrical) Electrical Contractor & Engineer Domestic, Commercial & industrial installations Fire Alarm Installations 24 hour, 7 days a week call out service -No Job too big -No Job too small SpciaI offer on all new shower installations this month. Ring now for free survey 'Quality work Guaranteed .Competitive rates Tel: Swindon 870948
the afternoon returning calls and trying to obtain appointments with new potential customers. We have recently launched anew Environmentally Friendly continuous listing paper which gives me something new and interesting to talk about. Companies are becoming increasinglyconcerned about environmental issues, so most people are prepared to see you to hear about it. 600p.m., as usual finds some of the Stralfors Salesforce in Rudi's at Regents Circus. It's nice to go and unwind before going home in the evening. I keep promising myself that I should go swimming instead, but it's
11 remained a promise so far. As part of my job, I am involved in looking after the sponsorship of the Stralfors Wildcats Ice Hockey team and tonight I have arranged to go over the new programme cover and to meet one of our new imports, Scott Koberinski. I stay on for a while to watch the training session. It's nice to see everyone looking so sharp and enthusiastic. I have a lot of trouble convincing my boss that giving up a lot of my spare time to be involved in the hockey is a hardship; it's fairly obvious I thoroughly enjoy it. So that's the end of my business day. No two days are alike and in sales your work is never done, there's always something you could be doing. With a really nice group of customers, a good company to work for, a nice group of colleagues and an expanding town like Swindon to aim at, it's never dull and mostly fun.
Ice Hockey game changes The fixture list of games to be played by the Swindon Stralfors Wildcats printed in last month's Link magazine should be amended because of last minute changes in the programme. Richmond has dropped out of the league and their place has been taken by Lee Valley Lions. The dates involved are 11 November, 3 December, 17 February and 4 March. The game against Slough on 31 March will now be played on Wednesday 21 March.
SOFT WATER CENTRE Come and see our full range of Water SWteners including the NEW 19"HIGH PERMUTIT 2000E. DOMEXTRA, BRUNER, PERMO, SEREIN AND EURO RANGE IN STOCK All at Unit 4, Oaklands Enterprise Estate, Braydon, Nr. Wootton Bassett. Open Saturdays ONLY 9.30am - 4pm. Ring Swindon 853156 for further information or appointment.
CARTER, GOVIER, READ SOLICITORS Contact us for all your legal needs including house sales & purchases, matrimonial matters and criminal law 103 - 4 Commercial Road, Swindon Tefi. 617617
RECREATION
12 i Philip Stone Painter &
Decorator For a high standard of work with references available.
Telephone now for a FREE estimate Tel: Swindon 870515
'I
A West Swindon sailor has just returned from a World Championship competition in Canada. David Chadwick from Chandos Close, Grange Park sails Laser 2 dinghies with Jonny Meers from Witney, near Oxford. Earlier in the year they qualified to be part of the British team to compete in the World Laser 2 Championships held at the Olympic Harbour on Lake Ontario, Canada. Over 100 boats from ten countries took part in a week of racing at the end of August. David works as an engineer with Intergraph, the Computer Aided Design company with headquarters in West Swindon. The company has made a considerable contribution to the cost of David's trip. Pictured right, David and Jonny in action at Farinoor Reservoir, Oxford
Local company backs laser sailor
VTNCENTS F DRIVE HIRE LTD
01 'AY INDUSTRIAL PARK, BLAGROV. Tel: Swindon 613133 xecuUve .2-16 Sea.... •E - 7 cwt to 7.5 ton i iRE - 1 ton to 7.5
OVER 100 VEHII TRY OU
September: time to try something new
AVA SPEC
Promotions officer Anya Kent wants you to get fit at the Link Centre
Pizzarama
Now open at Shaw Village Centre offering take-away and home-delivery service
NEW
style
ThinCr5t £2.15
ftOnt Ofl'.ngs go" atm
Mont!
-
toll us!
WE DELIVER FREE ON ALL ORDERS £7.50 OR OVER. £1.00 charge for orders delivered under £7.50 - please allow up to 30 minutes delivery time.
If you are looking to get fit, enjoy yourself, learn something new and meet new friends - Link Centre has the answer. Come to see us today and book yourself onto one of the many courses we have on offer. Skating, trampolining, archery, canoeing, swimming and yoga are just a few of the activities available. You're never too old, young, large or small to take advantage of what the Link has to offer. After all, we take great lengths to ensure our courses are designed in such a way that everyone can take part. For further details on booking and a FREE courses brochure Tel: 871212
Yes! We do Garlic Bread - You'll love it! Every pizza is freshly made for you, to order. No need to queue - phone your order in then collect. Even better, we'll deliver! Salads and cold soft drinks available, vegetarian dishes too! Our pizzas come in two ..izes - Regular 0 person). Super (2-3 people)
We look forward to serving you. SERVICE! FOR HOME DELIVERY OR PICK-UP TEL:
874844
Take Away - Pick-up Monday to Friday 12 noon -230p.m. 5.00 p.m. -11.30 p.m. Saturday, Sunday 12 noon - 1130p.m. HOME DELIVERIES 7 Days ,from 5p.m to 11.30 p.m.
how Village Centre Ramleaze Drive
PARTIES
CATERED FOR! 21,
West Swindon only
ACCESS/VISA/AMEX WELCOMED ON ALL ORDERS! /
Lunchtime Leagues Leap into Action How would you like to relax, let off steam, take a complete break from work and meet new friends all during your lunch break?! Link Centre would like to offer you the opportunity to do so. Interested? If so, read on At the beginning of September, both our soccer and netball lunchtime leagues leap into action, at the following times:Soccer Wednesdays 1230p.m.I .30p.m. (Starts 6 September) Netball Mondays 12.30p.m.I .30p.m. (Starts 11 September) Why not get a company team together? For further details, and an Entry Form please telephone 871212.
Session changes in the Rink In light of the problems we experienced with Ice Hockey matches on Saturdays we have decided to reprogramme ice time to make things a little easier for us and at the same time provide a better service to our users. From 2 September all Saturday afternoon sessions will be cancelled so that: • There's more time in which Ice Hockey matches can be played. • There's less interference for those skaters who book patches. • The protective screens around the rink can be put up Saturday morning and removed first thing Sunday. • There will be no need for Ice Hockey players to enter the rink during session times. For those skaters who usually join us on the Saturday 1 .30p.m.-4.00p.m. session, we would like to offer the following alternatives: Saturday Kids Session 10.00a.m.-12 noon Disco Session 8p.m. - 10.30p.m. Sunday Family Session 10a.m.-12.30p.m. If anyone has any queries they should contact Main Reception on 871212
Ice hockey for kids Would you like to play ice hockey? If you are 16 or under, join us at Link Rink on Mondays, 4p.m. to 5p.m. Link Centre's Ice Hockey open session offers boys and girls the opportunity to receive basic training. Those youngsters that show potential will be selected for team training. It's important to note that anyone interested in coming along to the Ice Hockey open session must have achieved Grade 4 skating. If you have any queries or would like further information please telephone 871212.
13
AT YOUR LIBRARY Librarian Linda Black introduces new staff Lots of new faces on the staff this month! We welcome to our ranks Jacquelyn Else who is with us in a temporary capacity for three months as assistant librarian. We should also like to introduce Stephen McEntee who has taken up the position of full-time assistant. We are very pleased to have a male team member to support us and there will be more news of Stephen next month. Our other new recruit is part-time assistant Linda Macleod. A big thank you to all our customers who have been so supportive whilst so many new staff are training at the same time. Can I also add my personal thanks to library users for the immense support and kindness we all received during the difficult month of July at times of national industrial dispute. All the staff were extremely appreciative. Our major exhibition for September is the R.IB.A. (Wiltshire Branch of the Royal Institute of British Architects) Wiltshire schools exhibition. This is an exhibition of photographs of entries in the recent competition held for Wiltshire schools.
Let's Get Slimmin' Swindon
Rebecca and Julian will try to get you as light as feathers A group of Cambridge Diet Counsellors are launching a slimming campaign to raise £3,000 for Swindon's Prospect Foundation. Eight counsellors have joined forces to organise the mass sponsored slim-in by their patrons and others who want to take part. The event starts on Wednesday 13 September with aweigh-in at The Sheraton Suite in Swindon and the participants will have 28 days to loose as much weight as possible using the Cambridge Diet. As an incentive Cambridge Nutrition Ltd. will donate £1 for each pound in weight lost by the first 50 slimmers to take part. "We're trying to encourage as many people as possible to join in," said Cambridge Diet counsellor Rebecca Clifforde from Westlea. "It'll be a great way to do something about your health and well being, as well as
New Books
1. Smith, Wilbur. A Time to Die (Heineman) Already in great demand - yet another epic adventure with an African landscape. Theblurb says 'excitement, stunning location and sheer narrative power are combined in a novel that vibrates with the author's deep feeling for the heartbeat of the African wild. 2. Le Carre, John: The Russian House (Hodder & Stoughton) Set in the third summer of the Perestroika, John Le Carre continues once again to catch history in the act - another spy thriller par excellence! 3. Uris, Leon: Milta Pass (Doublday) A massive novel from one of the great writers of our times. Uris takes us from the pogram-cursed Russian Shetles to the American dream - from Hollywood in its heyday to the new state of Israel in 1956. 4. Rayner, Claire: Clinical Judgements (MIchael Joseph) The unforgettable story of one month in a hospital and how its staff face questions when there are no rules to tell them what to do. A vivid picture of medical practice and hospital life today. 5. Seymour, Gerald: Home Run (Collins) First rate thriller writing! Espionage in the Far East set against the Islamic Revolution and its aftermath. 6. Gavin, Catherine: A Dawn of Splendour (Grafton) A classical writer who has produced the definitive novel about the French Revolution. Power and passion against a background of blood and glory. 7. Rice, Anne: The Queen of the Damned (Macdonald) The third volume of the Vampire Chronicles. A story in which the oldest and most powerful forces of the night are unleashed on an unsuspecting world. 8. Timpson, John: Paper Trail (Muller) A first novel by journalist, radio personality and author of the bestselling 'Timpson's England'. Pastoral good fun after the style of James Herriot, it is an affectionate portrait of 1950's Norfolkboth moving and hilarious. helping the Prospect Foundation." Fellow counsellor Julian Varian from Shaw said men should not hold back. "We want men to be involved and also couples. It's something men and women can do together. Readers who want to take part in the slim-in or sponsor somebody can contact Rebecca on 873201, Julian on 875279 or Tina Saunders from Sparcells on 873788.
9. Hunter, Matthew: Schiller (Heinemann) 'Schiller is a stunning and highly inventive novel of suspense. Featuring one of the most thrilling all action chases in recent fiction, it exposes the brutal new realities of the secrets trade in an era of east-west detente' - so says the jacket! 10. McBain, Ed: Lullaby (Hamish Hamilton) Yet another exciting 87th precinct novel. American thrills - more killing, blood and guts. Plenty for the guys to read this month!
DUNCUN SELF DRIVE HIRE Vehicles for Hire at Competitive Rates Vans • Lutons • Estates Cars" Mini Bus 272 Ermln Street Stratton St. Margaret Swindon
Tel: 822193 Open Daily 9am - 6 pm Sundays 9am - 1pm
Pets At Home Worried about who will look after your pets whilst you're on holiday? Pets - At -Home could be your answer. Pets - At - Home is a new service which cares for pets (sorry, no dogs) in their own home. Telephone Swindon 873062 forfurt her details
OA0
Salisbury Street Swindon Tel: 619562
FOR NEW AND NEARLY NEW BABY EQUIPMENT ON SALE: NEW Cots, safety gates, high chairs, baby walkers NEARLY NEW Prams, buggies, cots, high chairs ALSO nearly new maternity and baby clothes
LET US Sea:YOUR GOODS FOR YOU HIre SarVJe Available
Refurbish Your Kitchen in 1 Day! Yes! In only 1 day your old kitchen can become your Dream Kitchen without the usual mess. For less than half the price of a fully fitted kitchen we will make and fit new door and drawer fronts to any size, in solid timber or laminate. If you need extra units, new worktops, sinktop, appliances, we will supply these too.
or see us at British Gas Show Room Regent Street, Swindon A Designer is there every Saturday
Uz1imZti2a
ARTS SCENE It's showcase time at Link Arts
14 ¶0 MAGIC
ct
),w THE MAGICIAN with over 25 years experience • Birthday Parties • Fetes • Playgroups
THE FIz & Wiz CHILDREN'S DISCO SWINDON 872926
NOW WITH
The Clown From 3 to 300 Children.
Telephone WIZ (Peter Watts) CIRCENCESTER (0285) 653929
WRIGHT PLANNING SERVICES
Guitar Tuition
1 to 1 Tuition by Building Plans prepared, Planning & Building Regulation Professional Guitar Tutor Beginners to Diploma Approvals obtained Standard "All the headaches taken out of your hands" Contact Bernard Tanner The Shaftesbury Centre All work undertaken by fully Percy Street qualified engineer. (off Rodbourne Road) Telephone Steve Wright on
Swindon 871553
creL 514055 or 21743
THE COTSWOLD COLLECTION Probably the best collection of QUALITY PINE FURNITURE in the West Country, at the most competitive prices. Come and see for yourself. Most items are immediately from stock. Credit terms wailable. 33 Cricklade Road, Gorse Hill, Swindon. Tel: 511898 r' Open: Monday to Friday 9.30am - 5pm Closed Wednesday
Thursday 28th September, 7.30p.m. Temba Theatre Company presents
BACK STREET MAMMY at Link Centre, Whitehill Way, Westlea Dynette has a wonderful future ahead of her but her dream is threatened by an unwanted pregnancy. BACK STREET MAMMY is a warm dramatic sotry, at times irresistibly funny, at time harrowingly tragic.
Tickets: £3.60 (Cones: £1 off) Box Office: 611181 or Link Centre Reception
The Brunel Radio September Showcase will be bringing the best in entertainment to all the arts venues in Swindon, and the studio theatre at the Link Centre is no exception. ROCK FANS will be treated to CHASING FRAMES and INDIAN SUMMER onSaturday2nd and BAND OF GYPSIES supported by DIRTY STRANGERS and ROCKIT DOLLS on Friday 29th. Both concerts start at 8.00p.m. and tickets cost £2.50! £2.00 concessions. Two marvellous drama events are in store: TROUBLE AND STRIFE bring their show 'NEXT TO YOU I LIE' straight from the Edinburgh Fringe. The play looks at the glamour/Page 3 industry and its effects on men and women, and is on Saturday 23rd at 8.00p.m. TEMBA THEATRE CO., recently seen here in 'MOTHER POEM', will perform 'BLACK STREET MAMMY', a warm, dramatic and often very funny story of a girl whose dreams are threatened byan unwanted pregnancy, on Thursday 28th at 7.30p.m. Each performance cost £3.50/2.50 concessions. On Tuesday and Wednesday 12th and 13th we are hosting a mixed arts performance entitled 'CHANGE' which will incorporate music, video, dance, drama and art on the theme of THE ENVIRONMENT. Shows start at 7.00p.m., and tickets are £2.50! £1.25 concessions. FILMS this month are (14th) John Waters' cult movie HAIRSPRAY (PG), and on 21st Charles Dance and Ben Kingsley in PASCALl'S ISLAND (15), both at 7.30p.m. The CHILDREN'S film on 16th is WILLOW (PC), whilst on Saturday 30th, LAMBETH CHILDREN'S THEATRE will be bringing their puppet version of GULLIVER IN LILLIPUT to Link Arts. Both children's events start at 2.30p.m.
Launching the September showcase at the Wyvern Theatre, the Mayor of Thamesdown Coun. Ken Savage, Wyvern Director Alan Lord and Brunel Radio's Trevor Fry
Finally, JAZZ buffs have the chance to see Polish sax player ZBIGNIEW NAMYSLOWSKI and his quartet (16th), SPIKE ROBINSON and THE BRIAN DEE TRIO (22nd) and THE DAVID CROSS BAND (30th).
Do you remember Irma? Anyone with an interest in writing and the Second World War should contact MelJones, the Link Arts Officer. He is helping to coordinate a local group who plans to put together and publish a collection of individual contributions that captures the moods and memories of 50 years ago. A preliminary meeting is planned for October so please leave or send your name, address and phone number to Link Arts or the Link Centre reception for his attention, as soon as possible. He will contact you with further details in due course. Further details from Link Centre, telephone 871212
Lunch club too popular The Harmony Lunch Club which meets In the Community Suite at the Link Centre Is proving so popular that too many people want to join. Organiser Joy Jansen would like to explain to would-be Fun day for youth members that even the waiting Wootton Bassett Sea Cadets are list is full. "At present we can holding a Youth Fun Day on Satonly cater for 40 people, but we urday 9 September. A numberof have another 40 waiting to join. youth organisations are taking "I receive several enquiries a part, so it will be a great way of week, some from people who finding out about them. The Fun Day takes place from are already attending a lunch club elsewhere. All I can say Is 2p.m. at the Sea Cadets headplease be patient, and if you quarters, Training Ship Turbulent, already attend a lunch club Jubilee Lake, Brinkworth Road, please give it your support." Wootton Bassett.
Opportunities for Adults and Young People at Greendown Community School Grange Park Way, West Swindon
GREENDOWN
Greendown continues to expand the range of activities for people in the community. Apart from the comprehensive range of adult education courses published in the August edition of The Link magazine, the list below gives details of community groups and activities taking place at Greendown, with times, costs and contact names. ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE (Please note that you do not need to have connection with the school to join in) Playmates )0 - 3 years) Tues. 2pm -4pm Wed. 9.30am-1 130pm. SOp per session. )Possiblewaiting list). Contact Contact Jackie Kirwan on 872718. Playgroup (3 - 4 years)
Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri. 9.15am - 12noon. (Limited places). Enquiries to Mrs Goddard on 874748
Woodcraft Folk )6 - 12 years)
Wed. 530pm - 730pm. Contact Phil Lewis on 487706.
Greendown Youth Soccer )under 16)
Wed. 5pm. 50p per session. Contact Neil Ramsey on 875732.
West Swindon Youth Soccer )u 1 2's & u 6's)
Wed. 6pm. 50p per session. Contact Phil Bathe on 875556.
Greendown Youth Drama ) ii to 18's)
Thurs. 6pm-8pm. £12 per year. Contact Jools Dowling on 874224.
Junior Jujitsu )8 to 1 4's)
Mon. & Thur. 630pm - 8pm. £1 per session. Contact Quentin Ball on 770702.
Table Tennis ) 11 - 16's)
Mon. 7pm- 10pm 50per session. Contact Mr Warner on 644848.
Concord Gymnastics Cub
Mon. 515pm - 7.1 5pm; Fri. 6pm - 8pm; Sat. 9am - 1pm. Contact Ms Winterbottom on 790118.
Jr Training Corps
Fri. 7pm - 930pm. Contact FIg. Officer Harris on 617396.
ACTIVITIES FOR ADULTS Health/Fitness multi-gym available for workouts from 330pm any weekday. SOp per session plus £6 annual membership Acourse is run for adults who have no experience with this equipment. Contact Steve O'Sullivan on 874224. Adults Fitness club.
Mon 8pm - 10pm. £20 per 10 weeks. Contact Steve O'Sullivan on 874224.
Ju-jitsu
Mon & Thur. 8pm - 10pm. £1.75. Contact Quenlin Ball on 770702.
Moves Fitness
Tues 730pm - 830pm. Contact Liz Donovan on 870902.
Table Tennis
Mon 7pm - 1 Opm. 50per session. Contact Mr Warner on 644848.
Badminton - Concord Club )competitve league club)
Thurs. 7p.m. Contact John Hare on 874224.
Badminton - 'Social badminton'
Tues. 8pm-lOpm. £1 per session. Contact Julie Kirk on 487484.
West Swindon F.0 - (Wilts League)
Training Wed. 8pm. Contact Mal Bird on 490543.
Pipers Sunday league F.C.
Contact Dave Sullivan on 870022
HIRE OF ROOMS AND USE OF GENERAL FACILIflES: The classrooms, drama hall and sports facilities are available for hire by community groups, charitable bodies and businesses at reasonable rates - please phone the school for details. The workshops and computers are also available to Adults who have the appropriate skills - please contact the school if you wish to have open access to these facilities. GREENDOWN IS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC USE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR - INCLUDING THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS Contact the school office for further information about the above organisations or assistance with booking facilities. Telephone 874224. The publication of the above information has been made possible by PHH Europe plc. Windmill Hill, West Swindon.
Imagine if
[MN8A0_HH CUDD NO
NO MORE PAINTING • Replace wood with maintenance free uPVC fascia, cladding, bargeboards, guttering and window trims. • Perfect for all external and internal use instead of wood. • Stockists for Swish, Celuform and Deeplas uPVC building products. • Twinwa)) and Triplewall po)ycarbonate, idea) for carports, conservatories, extensions, etc. • lO year guarantee • Free cuffing service - all at trade prices • Free help & advice and professional fitting service
• FREE DELIVERY SERVICE
Kingfisher makes building a car port or canopy an attractive proposition. • The durability and strength of aluminium with a lightweight attractive design • Rustproof & Maintenance Free • Supply and Fix or erect yourself • Ideal for outdoor parties, open air workshop, laundry room, • Protection against the elements Call us first and you will save CECs
WE ARE RERE
Ng Be\ SocWv
1M1.á M.:
O(
SAVE & RE-CYCLE- A Link Magazine Pull-Out Guide to where you can recycle waste items Ott
flOW..
-
\&'00 4 0009 000 0
O
drink are each
Half of all drinks cans are made of aluminium which can be re-cycled. • Take your cans to THE CAN BANK behind McI Iroys, Granville Street. • Alternatively save them for your own community group/school. Coopers Metals, Gypsy Lane pay about 70p/kilo if you deliver. They also accept seperated steel cans for recycling. • The Barnfield Road dump also accepts aluminium and steel cans.
Alumium is non-magnetic -check your cans against the magnetic stip around your fridge door
Swindon Furniture Project Tel: 644774
eW eg
At;~
Wood
Qi
.4400\ string
Cc
-.fl
all types of fabric
Open an account at your local Bottle Bank Toothill Village Centre Freshbrook Village Centre West Swindon Centre car park b
oVN '
CtIrds
W9'
Toot's For Self-Reliance Unwanted tools can be restored and reused Tel: Joliffe Studio on 26161 or Swindon Pulse Wholefoods on 692016
y
Scrapstore Merton Fields School, Stratton SM, Tel: 692596 Open: Weds. 10.30am 2.30; 1st Sat. each month 9am-12noon Collections: 1St Tues. each month -
Paper Collections • One ton of paper recycled saves 17 trees. • Waste Newspapers & Magazines are N collected by local primary schools. • Local community groups can raise money by booking a skip from Thamesdown Council free of charge. Tel: 26161 ext. 3519
Oft
Sump Oil. D.I.Y. Oil Changes are a very serious source of pollution if poured down the drain. Drain it into a can and take to Barnfield Road dump or ask your garage whose recovered oil will already be collected for recycling.
Aluminium Foil, Stamps & Coins Accepted by Oxfam shops, Christian Aid and Guide Dogs for the Blind Local outlet Tel: 692596 -
Charity Shops Usually need good quality clothing (not jumble), toys, books, records and bric a brac. Look in the telephone directory for the nearest branch of Oxfam Shop, Samaritans, Shelter, Barnado's, Red Cross, Age Concern. • House to House collections: ring WRAPS on 541783 • Cardboard collections (large quantities): A. Freeth. Tel: 750468 • Small quantities can be left in a special skip at Barnfield Road dump
This page has been sponsored by Brendan Ball & Associates, Dental Practioners, Freshbrook Village Centre and published by West Swindon's magazine The Link.
ends 01 Thanks to Swindon Friends of the Earth for providing the graphics L
and th infnrmtinn Nj!'
Contact: David Searby on 875516
Save & Recycle
It makes Sense
How you can help Swindon's dump become a community recycling centre The dump at Barnfield Road must be oneof the most visited places in Swindon. The queues to get in at the weekend and the stream of cars in and out on weekdays must prove it. But whilst most people want to stay there as short a time as possible, many do not realise that much of what they are throwing away will be re-used in one way or another. Pete Holland at Barnfield Road
"Wereclairn other peoples'waste and it's a challenge to see how much of it can be re-cycled," says Pete Holland who with his brother John run Holland Handling. The company has the contract to manage the Civic Amenity Site at Barnfield Road and runs a very busy skip hire, car breaking, and metal recovery site at Minety. "We're all too aware that we can do our bit to help save the earth by making sure as much as possible is reused. Over 500 tons of waste is brought to the dump every week. We try to extract as much as possible before it goes to landfill sites, but the people who bring it can help a great deal by sorting it out before dumping it." Pete would ask people living in West Swindon to bear the following in mind when using the site: • fold cardboard and put it into the special skip • papers and magazines go in a separate container • keep bottles seperate, containers are provided • place car batteries upright in the special pile- the acid contaminates soil if it gets into land fill sites
Come on West Swindon Help save more trees
Save Glass Use Your local bottle banks at Toothill Village Centre Freshbrook Village Centre West Swindon Centre car park b This advertisement has been sponsored by Thamesdown Glass Re-cycling
The only time the WRAPS people ever see The Link is when they pick up a bundle of newspapers for recycling. We would prefer readers to keep the magazine for the useful information it contains, but we would agree that helping to save trees from being cut down is the best alternative
SKIP HIRE & METAL MERCHANTS
use for The Link.
WRAPS is Ted Curtis, Nigel HusseyandPaulNeedham whohave set up a co-operative to re-cycle paper. Since they started collecting paper five months ago they reckon they have saved 1,700 trees, a small wood at least. Ted, Nigel and Paul (pictured right) gave up various jobs or unemployment when Bootstrap Enterprises suggested a recycling co-op could work. "We jumped at the idea," said Nigel. It was a chance to run our own business, provide a public service and help the world." The three want to assure other groups who collect paper. "It's been proved that our service compliments school and charity collections paper; we don't want to compete with them. Anybody who has access to a paper collection skip should use it. We concentrate on kerbside or door-to-door collection and there is a huge quantity of paper to be picked up if only people would put it out." At present WRAPS have two rounds in West Swindon. One covers most of Freshbrook, the other collects in Westlea and Shaw. They only collect about a ton of paper per round, a quarter of what they should. Not all paper based products can be easily re-cycled and WRAPS ask people to help them by not putting
• collect the oil that drains out of people who are abusive and unhelpyour car - it causes terrible prob- ful," said Pete. "If we can get people lems if it's just poured down the to sort their waste at source then they nearest gully in the road can get in and out quicker, the queue • bring metal non-ferrous and fer won't be so long and more waste can rous separate for melting down be re-used. There are lots of signs at • bring your old fridges and freez- the dump showing where to put the ers the CFCs that are harmful to waste. There are always helpful staff the ozone layer can be extracted on duty to guide you. We want more and re-used. people to be part of the challenge to Please do not leave your rubbish at save the earth's resources." the gates of the dump. The site is open from 930a.m. to 6p.m. in the NEXT MONTH: Friends winter and until 8p.m. from April to of the Earth have a the end of September -7 days a week. "Nearly everybody tries to make say and we list more our job easier, but there are a few recycling ideas
HOLLAND HANDLING Swindon & Minety everything out. They can only ree cycle newspaper and writing paper. cycle • Cardboard and items like cereal boxes need a different re-cycling process. There is a skip at the Barnfield Road dump for card board. • The glue on envelopes literally gum up the re-cycling machinery. • There is so much ink in telephone books that poisonous chemicals have tobeused to bleach thepaper for re-use. If you live on a WRAPS round, put out your newspapers for collection. Roughly speaking the rounds are • Freshbrook to the west of Gains borough and Liskeard Way - second Monday of the month. • Westlea, Ramleaze, Shaw (Cartwright Drive/Old Shaw Lane) third Tuesday of the month. Re-cycling makes sense says Paul Needham. "Our service is a small contribution to something which our children and grandchildren may thank us all for." WRAPS can be contacted on 541783.
7 Day Service for Industrial, Domestic and Builders Waste. Factory and Site Clearance. Car & Commercial Vehicle Dismantlers. Scrap Metal Merchants. Scrap Cars & All Types of Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals Bought 30 TONNE WEIGHBRIDGE Yard & Weighbridge: Holland Handling Queens Street, Braydon Minety, Wiltshire Tel: Malmesbury (0666) 860229. After Hours: Swindon 771747
18 Prince Charles in June was reduced to using a rather low epithet when bemoaning the poor command of English acquired by his equerries at public school. It seems that he is the victim of his father's fondness for the offending expression. All kinds of excuses have been made for his faux pas. The best seems to rely upon the theory that he 'caught' such language in the cradle, and that it just slipped out in public, to spoil his 'standard' style. The press had great fun with Prince Charles' choice of language and some 'journalists' thought they could use his outburst to attack English teachers in comprehensive schools. However, this seemed to backfire on them once the nature of the privileged and expensive private educational backgrounds of his equerries were revealed. Meanwhile at Greendown School teachers of English were awaiting the Government's report 'English for ages 5 to 16' by Professor Brian Cox. This document sets the standards required for English in the new National Curriculum. Establishing a new school has been an exciting and enjoyable venture for all of the staff at Greendown. Obviously with such a start as a school the public has always expected the highest stan-
EDUCATION MATTERS English "bloody" English As children make their wayback to school, Ken Rabone, deputy head at Greendown, reflects on a princely prouncement on the English language and describes how teachers are trying to give children a better grasp of it dards from Greendown and we whole thrust of Professor Cox's have always striven to deliver document. The report recommends three the best. Professor Cox's report was therefore keenly awaited as areas of study for secondary an external test of our own phi- schools. Three areas we have losophy and direction. The pos- always put at the centre of own sibility existed that the direction work. 1. speaking and listening, the Government and 'English 5 2. reading, 3. writing. Greendown to 16' wished English teachers to as a school has always placed a take would be very different to great deal of emphasis upon the the path Greendown had em- importance of reading. It is something that many secondary barked on. Confidence in our work and schools, in a crowded curricuapproach led us, on reading the lum, seem to have difficulty in report, to greet it with affirma- finding time for. Professor Cox tion and a sense of confirmation. has stated quite clearly that 'heavThe report is excellent. It puts the ier weighting should be given to child and development of their reading and writing' in the seclanguage at the centre of its brief. ondary school. A whole chapter It recognises that children are of the report is devoted to the individuals who progress in dif- importance of literature for imferent ways at different times. The proving abilities in speaking, lisreport calls for sophisticated tening and writing. To return to Prince Charles. methods of assessment: 'for example the use of language exer- There are areas of controversy in cises out of context or other ac- the report. One of which is certivities of an and kind' are con- tainly the whole notion of 'Standemned. At Greendown students dard English'. I can remember are encouraged to develop their being told by my Junior School language skills in 'vigorous, teacher in Birmingham that I committed, honest and interest- couldn't speak English. This hurt ing' situations and this is the me greatly, dented my self-es-
Regal Windows.
Unit 3 Wyndham Road Hawksworth Trading Estate Swindon Wilts SN2 1EJ
Why spend your holidays or free time up ladders painting windows or doors that are draughty, ill-fitting and have probably seen better days? We are a local company that manufacture windows, doors and conservatories in uPVC or Aluminium at our factory on the Hawksworth Trading Estate in Swindon. • We are members of the Glass & Glazing Federation • We don't take deposits. (payment is made on completion). GGF • We give a 10 year Guarantee. (Transferrable). • We also insure our Guarantee for 10 years. (Transferrable) • Our fitters are trained by us and only work for us. (not sub-contract).
I
Let Bob Mason, your local Representative give you a friendly, no obligation quotation and say goodbye to those wasted hours. Telephone: Swindon 881910 (evenings), Swindon 618138 (daytime) and ask for BOB MASON
teem and for along time did much to convince me I was failure. It certainly did nothing for my confidence as a developing student of language. How can someone born and Englishman not speak English? Are we all meant to talk and sound like Prince Charles? English teachers throughout the country will be struggling to raise the standard of English in schools. Very often they will be doing this with inadequate resources and oversized classes. The section of the report that deals with Standard English is a minefield. When Professor Cox writes 'many important opportunities in cultural activities .... education .... industry, commerce and the professions' are closed to those without 'Standard English' then one of the worst aspects of the British class system could be seen to be raising its ugly head. For too long talent has been excluded and success denied to those who do not quite 'fit' with the standard dialect, tone and stilted vocabulary of the public schoolboys who run most of our important institutions. Therefore let us welcome a Prince who embraces a living language of the people, even if it leaves the battleground of language a little bloody.
Baby Lost Support Group Liz Mann, right, of Freshbrook writes: A friend and I got together some 4% years ago with the aim of forming a group to support women (and their partners) following the loss of their baby through either miscarriage, stillbrith or termination for foetal abnormality. We affiliated to the national Miscarriage Association but later called ourselves the 'Baby Lost' Support Group as we found that people who had lost a baby other than by miscarriage were not contacting us. Most of our work is done over the telephone with lathes ringing for a chat soon after losing their baby. If possible I put them in touch with a group member who lives nearby so that they can perhaps meet for a coffee and a chat 'face to face'. If this is not possible or relevant then I try to support them myself. The group as a whole meets occasionally on an informal basis in the home of a group member and gives the chance for people attending to express their feelings and to talk to others who have been through the same experience. We have a small core of 'supporters' who have stayed with the group; the people we support tend to come and go according to their needs. In fact one of our past members has gone on to form a local SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death) group, so Any stillbirth referrals we get are now passed on to SANDS. As well as supporting from per-
sonal experience, the fact that we belong to the Miscarriage Association means that we have access to literature and information on specific medical issues relating to miscarriage and are kept informed about the latestnational issues, etc. We also receive information from the SAFTA (Support After Termination for Foetal Abnormality) organisation and we have formed links with other relevant local support groups through the Self Help Project and the Well Women Centre. Our aims at the moment are to widen our circle of supporters (to this end we would be very glad to hear from anyone who has experienced the loss of a baby who feels that they could now offer support to others), and, of course, to go on giving support to those who need us. My telephone number is 872081.
NEWS & VIEWS Restaurant at new hotel sure to appeal to West Swindon people The first hotel to be built in West Swindon opens in mid-September bringing much needed accommodation to the town as well as a keenly priced restaurant, open to non-residents which local people are sure to welcome. Hotel Ibis atthe Delta Business Park off Great Western Way is the fifth hotel in Britain built by a French company which has same 300 budget priced hotels across Europe. The Swindon hotel will provide 120 bedrooms, including two specially designed for people with disabilities. There will also be conference rooms, a lounge bar and a restaurant. Although Hotel Ibis is essentially aimed at the business market, there will be many convenient spin-offs for West Swindon residents according to Damian Murphy, the man responsible for pulling everything together as it nears completion and managing the hotel once it opens. 'There is a great shortage of reasonably priced hotel rooms in Swindon. Hotel Ibis will provide accommodation for business people visiting the town and company staff who need to attend courses and
Ready to serve. Hotel Ibis General Mrnager Damian Murphy, right, with his assistant Didier Judenne conferences in the area. We also recognise that large numbers of people have moved to the town to set up home, away from friends and relations. It's not always possible to put up visitors, especially if they are coming for a family gathering, for example. We will be able to provide a comfortable place to stay close to the people they are visiting. Mr Murphy also sees Hotel Ibis
19 FOC4L POINT FPES
restaurant appealing to West Swindon people, from the point of view of both quality and price. Hotel Ibis has built a reputation for providing good food at reasonable prices. The menu will be aselection of dishesfrom France, England and Europe. "As an example a three course inclusive meal will cost £8.50 per person, whilst a la carte main courses range from £4.25 to £7.50.. There will also be a children's menu and we will be serving Sunday Lunch for families as well as an Express Lunch for business people in a hurry. "The restaurant will have a warm atmosphere and to compliment it before and after a meal, there will be a well stocked, intimate bar lounge." With only a few days before opening Damian Murphy is looking forward to meeting residents of West Swindon. "The Hotel Ibis slogan is a 'Quality Alternative to Expensive Hotels'. I'm sure local people will quickly feel the friendly atmosphere that our staff will create; I've no doubt residents of West Swindon will feel at home with us."
hotel 1*b1*S91
CONNECME
7p Max 4pMn per hour
THE OPEN EFFECT GAS FIRE WITH RADIANT AND CONVECTED HEAT
THIS REVOLUTIONARY CONCEPT IN HEATING YOUR HOME IS SUPPLIED COMPLETE WITH THE LATEST FOCAL POINT FIRE FITTED WITH BRITISH GAS APPROVED FLAME FAILURE DEVICE AND SPARK IGNITION OUTPUT UP TO 3Kw Available locally from Heating Systems Ltd. 14 The Orbit Centre Ashworth Road Great Western Way Swindon Tel: 612060
Jag
e ,,, exreoi",,
We are pleased to annunce the opening of West Swindon's first hotel and restaurant in mid-September. Come and try the selection of French, English and European dishes in our warm and friendly restaurant. You'll be delighted by the good quality and reasonable prices. Full 61 la carte menu and three course inclusive menu at £8.50. Children welcome. Family lunches on Sundays. Relax before and alter in our intimate bar lounge. If you have friends and relations visiting, we will provide ideal accommodation close-by at sensible prices. Telephone: 514777 Hotel Ibis, Delta Business Park, Great Western Way, West Swindon
T
Ill I
NEWS & VIEWS Garden Competition success SU RECLEAN
20 P B PLUMBING SERVICES
Boilers Serviced Pump Fitting Service Water Soitners Fitted Washing Machines & Dishwashers Installed
Carpets . Upholstery • Powerful up to date equipment • No mess • No fuss • No shampoo • FREE ESTIMATES & ADVICE • Lounge Carpets - Hall, Stairs - Landings • Bedrooms • 3 Piece Suites - All Types expertly cleaned.
Swindon 874460
Telephone: (0793) 642995
HURSEHOES HXYDOH WOCK
PURCHASE OR EXCHANGE YOUR GIFT TOKEN WITH US.
'THE PRESENT FOR THE FUTURE'
VISIT YOU LOCAL GARDEN CENTRE THIS WEEKEND Large selection of • Trees. Shrubs • Alpines. Heathers • Spring Flowering Bulbs • Conifers • Herbaceous Perennials Haydon Wick, Swindon
Tel: 721221 Entrance Junction Lady Lane & Westfield Way
1JALrJTUMNf;
Raymond Stansfield DECORATOR with over 30 years experience.
Craftsman in Paint and Decor SPECIALIST in Paperhanging, Craning, Marble, and Decorative Effects & Finishes. 'S ,55\
Te1ei,lirm
'N'S 'S
(0793)
871299
•S S S
GGLEBOX Specialists in video & TV repairs Free home estimates All work guaranteed Service from Barn - 9pm NO CALL OUT CHARGE
TEL: SWINDON 813485
A winning line-up. The prize winners pose with the Mayor and Mayoress of Thamesdown The area's first ever gardening competition has been acclaimed as a great success by members of the West Swindon Gardening Club. Over 40 residents entered their gardens into the competition and choosing the winners was a difficult task according to Fred Fowler, chairman of the club. "The standard of thegardens was exceptional and choosing the winners was very hard. It has been a great year to hold our first competition in. The Mayor of Thamesdown Coun. Ken Savage presented the prizes to the winners at an awards ceremony at the West Swindon Centre on 12 August. Looking at a display of photographs of the winning gardens, he congratulated those who entered for their hard work.
A Festival Of Colour For September visitors to Lydiard a weekend to note in your diaries will be 22-24 September when the House will be transformed by over 5,000blooms. On the theme of Museums Year 1989 the flowers are being displayed through the joint efforts of the Swindon Floral Art Society and the Borough of Thamesdown Parks Department. This colourful event promises to round off a busy summer for Lydiard House, which Is open Mon-Sat 10a.m.- 1p.m., 2p.m.5.30p.m. and Sundays 2p.m.-5.30p.m.
Garden Club Annual Meeting Following the success of their first gardening competition the West Swindon Gardening Club is holding Its Annual General Meeting on Monday 4 September. It takes place at 8p.m. in the Community Suite, Link Centre. The Gardening Club holds lively discussions about gardening techniques and arranges a speaker or a demonstration at most meetings. New members are invited to join In and take part in the club. The prizes were donated by: • West Swindon Centre - Trophies for the winners of the best gardens under and over three years and shopping vouchers for £50, £25 & £10. • John Toomer Group (Stone Lane Garden Centre) - Gift vouchers for £10, £5 and £2 in all three categories. • Grange Farm Nurseries& The Link Magazine -£10 vouchers to the winner of the garden of less than one year. • David Greetham of Mill Lane Gardens - A trophy to winner of the garden with most unusual plants. The list of winners: Over 3 years Hilda Huckle, Ramleaze Drive, Shaw Claire Beaton, Yarmouth Close, Toothill Jenny Piatek, Luddesdown Road, Toothill Under 3 years Des & Jackie Jackson, Miller Close, Middleleaze Kathleen & Leslie Fuller, Colchester Close, Toothill Mark Hillier, Nine Elms, Shaw Under 1 year Stephen & Doreen Collett, Angus Close, Ramleaze Sandra Doyle, Gairlock Close, Sparcells Richard Willett, Gartons Road, Middleleaze With the most unusual plants Claire Beaton, Yarmouth Close, Toothill
HOME & GARDEN 21 Now's the time to take cuttings for next year's blooms and Simple as a Daisy Claire Beaton tells us how Many of the flowers we fill our gar- Girl'. They can be bought in a few den borders with have such compli- Garden Centres each spring, but they cated flower shapes: double snap- are more likely to be found on Plant dragons and petunias, asters with Sales tables at 'Yellow Book' gardens powder puffs of quills. Overall they that open for charity. September may be an odd month can weigh the beds down with their colour. If we have a dubious sum- to be thinking of next year's summer mer; yes, 1989 has been marvelous, display, but it is the time to be taking but we have had to wait since 1976 cuttings of such tender perennials for such a summer; these heavy you wish to keep and perhaps grow blooms hang their heads and disinte- in increased numbers so they can be grate in the rain. The simpler flower planted out as a main display next shapes are usually more robust and, summer. You could also pay your of these the daisy shape is one of the neighbours a compliment by asking permission to take afewcuttings from sunniest and most attractive. I think I have become so fond of their gardens. These tender perennithem because they are such tough als grow so quickly you would be customers. The hardest thing about unlucky if your friends could not them is their naming. The tender spare any cutting material! Armed with a plastic bag and sdsperennial daisies, usually known as Paris Daisies, have become my latest sors/secateurs/pruning knife choose enthusiasm, and these are the latest stems that look young and healthy, victim of the professional plant- still producing new leaves. Try to namers' insistence on correct nomen- take one without a flower bud, but if clature. The purists will tell you it is this is difficult, do not worry, just called Argyranthemum frutescens. remove it later. Cut shoots are put This is the simple daisy, white with a into the plastic bag until collecting is yellow eye, grown in lollipop shapes finished and taken inside. Here each cutting is reduced to a in pots and usually called the mar3" length, leaves removed from the guerite. Other forms of Paris Daisy are bottom %rds and the stem cut cleanly available in shades of yellow or pink, below a leaf joint. These cuttings or again in white but with varying fe-- want to root for you: their chief liage: green, or a very fine grey fili- obstacles will be any fungus that rots gree. These are grown with names them faster than they can root and such as 'Jamaica Primrose', 'Mary extremes of wet/dry around them Wootton', 'Vancouver' and 'Chelsea First precaution is to dunk all cut-
tings into a tub of systemic fungicide. This feels expensive but any left can be sprayed onto a deserving plant outside (roses mildewy from the drought). Next, use dean pots (or other containers). These cuttings will be staying put until next spring, so a fair depth of potting mix is needed to provide space for their roots. I mix a multi-purpose compost 50-50 with perlite for my potting mix, which seems fairly successful. The aim is a mix that will be warm and moist without being too damp. These plants must not grow too much during the winter so there is no need to worry
•
: .
about the low level of nourishment in the mix. From the fungicide bath, the cutting has its bottom end tipped briefly into rooting powder) then into a hole made with a dibber/pencil. Space about six around the edge of a pot, firm the mix gently around the stem, dunk the pot into water, drain, then into a plastic bag or propagator. The plants should be rooted in three to four weeks and then weaned from their sheltered home. Then they should be as simple to keep until next spring as any fuschia or geranium dug up from the garden.
•um•u..•..•..uu.•..
- 1 HANDIHIRE TOOL AND PLANT HI
EASY PARKING - COLLECTION/DELIVERY SERVICE
hridy j
MON-FRI. 8am-6pm; SAT. 8am-5pm Unit 9, Marlborough Road Industrial Estate, Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire SN4 8AX Tel: Swindon 854821
U... •UUUU•UU•U.U• ••••UI•..... U...
' q1
Lydiard Millicent Tel: Swindon 771766
Garden and Pet Centre Part of the John Toomer Group
• • • •
Large Range of Value for money Bulbs and Seeds Widest Selection of Top Quality Shrubs, Conifers & Trees in the area All the Accessories needed for Autumn Planting Helpful Staff ready to give Advice and Ideas for Successful Autumn Planting
SPECIAL OFFER - Spend £25 on shrubs and receive one Shrub FREE of charge
AUTUMN NATUtES NATURAL liME FOR PLANTING
END PIECES
22 Play to be made more important A new worker who will specialise in developing play opportunities for local children has just started work in West Swindon. Paul Ryan (pictured below) comes to the area from a course and various play and community work jobs in Manchester, Southampton and London. His appointment is the result of a campaign last year to improve play opportunities for children. Parents in Toothill argued for financial support from Thamesdown Council's Arts and Recreation Committee for an after-school club. The club was eventually funded by local charities, but the Committee agreed to employ a Play Development Worker' to work in West Swindon. Paul will be working with people over teh age of 5, and at present there are an estimated 3,500 youngsters between the ages of 5 and 10 in the areaand 1,300 between the ages of 11 and 15. His brief is to discover what the needs of local children are and then work with local people including children - to raise the profile of and improve the opportunities for play. Many people may ask why should a play
Lydiard House: Swindon's Past nestled with Swindon's Future Steve Greenwood takes a look at one of the attractions on our doorstep Following visitor figures of up to 1,800 per week this summer Lydiard House is rapidly establishing itself as a major tourist attraction. Many West Swindon residents who visit the House and Park
actually do so from houses built on land once part of the Estate! Much of what is now 'Hi-Tech' business parks and housing estates used to be land overseen by the owners of Lydiard - the St. John family. In fact the original estate covered some 5,400 acres. Mentioned in the Domesday book, Lydiard House and Estate
passed into the hands of the St. John family in the 15th Century and remained theirs for the next 500 years. The family portraits currently line the walls of their ancestral home in a vivid and impressive display. In contrast to the nearby 20th
worker be employed; children lust play don't they. But Paul believes that the way children learn and develop should be understood. "Play is something that children do all the time. It's one wayby which they develop physically,, intellectually, emotionally. Play is a natural, creative and interactive way of learning and if the quality of play activity available to local children is good, it's an important contribution to the development of the community." Paul's job is to work with and through local people to create better play opportunities for children rather than to organise play activities directly. In this way, there will eventuallybe more, and more relevnt, play opportunities. Whilst he has commitment to assist the development of the
existing Toothill After School Club and the WASPS free playschemes, he is keen to meet people in all parts of West Swindon who have ideas about meeting the needs of children in their
Other Thamesdown Attractions
Keystrokes A complete Electronic Design and Desktop Publishing service in West Swindon. Reports, newsletters, posters, leaflets, brochures, forms, programmes, business cards. A wide range of typefaces, styles and sizes available to compliment creative electronic design.
Tel: 872282
century architecture, Lydiard House is classical in design, remodelled from an older version of the building in 1742. It is renowned for the elegance of its Palladian and Rococo ceilings and intriguing painted glass window. The House and Park, both sadly dilapidated, were bought by the Swindon Corporation in 1943. Since then the House has been painstakingly restored to its former state of wellbeing. The last resident of the House, Vernon Henry - 6th Viscount Bolingbroke, 7th Viscount St.John - was a learned and keen lepidopterist or butterfly collector, and was often seen stalking the grounds with his large net! The present Viscount emigrated to New Zealand and has never lived in the house his ancestors once occupied. Admission is free to the house where souvenirs and modestly priced gifts are on sale. Explore the rich heritage of Swindon further by visiting the Great Western Railway Museum (and Railway Village Cottage), The Museum and Art Gallery in Bath Road, and the Richard Jefferies and Agricultural Museum at Coate Water.
What does the future hold? September 3rd sees the start of a week during which a Bible-based exhibition, 'Has Mankind a Future', will tour the village centres of West Swindon. Providing interest for everyone, the exhibition uses the Bible to shod light on the social, political and environmental issues of modern life and paints a positive picture of hope for the future. The exhibition also has a display of old Bibles and there will be a competition to find the oldest Bible in the area. In a bid to find out the attitudes of West Swindon residents towards current world events, religion and the Bible, a door-todoor survey will be carried out during the week and the results published. Evening talks at the venues below will consider various subjects related to the Bible and modern society, complementing the theme of the exhibition. Leaflets detailing the week's activities will be delivered to all Going on Holiday? Pensioner will look after your home and/or pets and garden. Excellent references. Tel: 614879 for quotation
homes in the area and there will also be a caravan in Car Park B of the West Swindon Centre during the week. All these arrangements have been made by the Christadelphians of Eastcott Hill, and are subject to God's Will. All are welcome to attend. Exhibition Sites
Monday 4 - 1230pm -9 .00pm Club Room, Link Centre Tuesday 5 - 930am - 900pm Club Room, Link Centre Wednesday 6 - 200pm - 900pm Upper Shaw Farm Community Centre Thursday 7 - 930am - 900pm Toothill Community Centre Evening Talks - 7.30p.m.
Monday 4 - Toothill Farm The Bible, God's Answer' Tuesday 5 Freshbrook A future - through Christ' Wednesday 6 - Freshbrook 'Is God in control?' Thursday 7 - Toothill 'Israel, a key to the future' Thursday 7 - Westlea 'What does the future hold?' Clothing Alterations & Repairs. Tel: 872096 Mrs. White, Freshbrook
THE REFERENCE PAGE LOCAL COUNCILLORS TOOTHILL, WESTLEA, SHAW & ROUGHMOOR/SPARCELLS Thamesdown Borough Council Tony Free, Toothill Farmhouse, Bodiam Drive, Toothill. Tel: 619834 Ricky Midwinter, 4 Anglesey Close, Westlea. Tel: 873537 Peter Stoddart, 9 Fairlawn, iden. Tel: 692812 Surgeries for Free & Midwinter: Friday 6pm-7pm, Community Room, Toothill School. Wiltshire County Council Alan Winmill, 1 The Holbeins, Grange Park. Tel:875129 FRESHBROOK & GRANGE PARK Thamesdown Borough Council Simon Cordon, 16 Branksome Road, Moreden. Tel: 617723 Martin Leighfield, 112 Redcliffe Street, Swindon. Tel: 692305 Bob Pixton, 12 Lambert Close, Freshbrook. Tel: 695317 Surgeries for Leighfield & Pixton: Wednesday 7pm-7.30pm, Community Room, Freshbrook School. Wiltshire County Council: Simon Cordon - as above.
23 MOBILE MECHANIC
Ecumenical Parish of West Swindon & The Lydiards Anglican, Methodist, U.R.C., Baptist. Toothill
WE COME TO YOU • Non-Starts • Tuning M.O.T. Work • Breakdowns • Electrical Faults • Clutches Fitted
Rev. Ian Handscomb 693384 Rev. Anne Thomas 496421
St. Mary's LTregoze for Freshbrook & Grange Park Rev. Tony Price 870244
Westlea Rev. John Flory 770217 1
Shaw and Sparcells
No Garage Prices or Waiting
Rev. Keith Boxall 770668 Rev. Helen Drummond 874372
Please Telephone 876211 ANYTIME
t also All Saints, L Millicent
INFORMATION FOR NEW ARRIVALS
Arrivals Officer: Pam Pixton. She makes visits, provides advice and an information booklet about community facilities. Tel: 695317. Newcomers Coffee Morning: Monday l0am-12 noon (without children) Tuesday 10.30am-12noon (with children). Community Suite, Link Centre.
HILLIER
LOCAL HEALTH SERVICES
FUNERAL SERVICE LTD
Doctors *Doctors Ketkar, Matheson, Nixon, Flowers, Holden, Chippendale, & Swinyard, Ashington House, Ashington Way, Westlea. Tel: 614840. -Doctor C. Reddy, Freshbrook Village Centre. Tel: 870494. -Doctor Godbole, Ramleaze Drive, Shaw. Tel: 874894. *Doctor Kandiah, I Deerhurst Way, Toothill. Tel: 511253 & Sparcells Drive, Sparcells. Tel: 881928. Health Visitor Team, 4 Deerhurst Way, Toothill. Tel: 642133/610459. Baby Clinics: Mon 1.30-4pm 5 Deerhurst Way, Toothill. Wed 10.30am-12.30pm Shaw Church (entrance rear door). Wed 2-4pm Greendown School, Grange Park. Thurs 2-4pm Freshbrook Community Centre. Fri 2-4pm Upper Shaw Farm, Shaw Ridge. Family Planning: Free clinics every Wednesday 6-8pm. 5 Deerhurst Way. No appointment necessary. Cervical Smear Tests. Pharmacies -Ashington Way Pharmacy: Mon-Fri 8.30am-6pm; Sat 8.30am-12noon; Sun 11.30am-12.30pm Tel: 616840. -Coopers, West Swindon Centre: Mon-Thurs 9am-8pm; Fri 9am-9pm; Sat 9ain-6pm Tel: 872033. •G.K. Chemists, Shaw Village Centre: Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri 9am-6.30pm; Thurs. 9am-5.30pm, Sat 9am-5pm. Closed 1-2pm. Tel: 886076. -Ralph Palmer Pharmacy, 3 Deerhurst Way, Toothill: Mon-Fri 9am-lpm &2-6pm; Sat 9am-12noon. Tel: 512063. *The Village Pharmacy, Freshbrook Village Centre: Mon-Fri 9arn-lpm & 2.15-7pm; Sat 9am-12.30pm Tel: 870226. Dentists -Brendan Ball & Associates, Freshbrook Village Centre. Tel: 873044. -Mrs. Beagley, Town Square, West Swindon Centre. Tel: 872340. Optician RJ Holmes, Town Square, West Swindon Centre. Tel: 870011 Vet Shaw Village Centre. Tel: 881919. (Open from October 1989) Mon.-Fri- 8.30am-6pm, 8pm-10pm; Sat. 9am-12.30pm
WELFARE BENEFITS ADVICE POINTS
Welfare Benefits, Housing, Debt Counselling Advice -West Swindon Advice Centre, 15 Gainsborough Way, Freshbrook. Mon, Wed & Fri 10am-12noon. Tel: 871303 -Toothill Advice Point, Toothill Community Centre. Tues. 10am-12noon.
COUNCIL HOUSING
Thamesdown Borough Council Housing Advice Service Tuesday 2pm5pm at Toothill Community Centre.
THE CHURCH
Anglican-Methodict-U.R.C.-Baptist. Church Office Tel: 874221. Freshbrook Evangelical Church. Sec: D. Linnecar Tel: 872884. The Bridge Christian Fellowship. John Gibson. Tel: 27250. St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church. Tel: 874400. Jamal Mohammadia Prayer Group. Mr. Khan Tel:481986
55 Victoria Road Swindon Tel: 22797
252 Whitworth Road Swindon Tel: 22145
PRIVATE CHAPELS OF REST 24-hour personal service throughout the year A FAMILY BUSINESS OFFERING HELP AND ADVICE WHEN MOST NEEDED
THAMESWOOD VETERINARY CLINIC Nicholas Hartley MA., Vet. M.B. M.R.C.V.S. 62 - 64 Purton Road. Tel: Swindon 26780 Mon. - Fri. 9am- lOam; 2pm-3pm; 5pm-6pm Open Surgery Mon. - Fri. 6pm-6.3Opm Saturday 9am- 11am
O'4 SI5W
'
Renault Centre
29 Cavendish Square. Tel: Swindon 511267
24 Hour Emergenc Service
Frsqodc
Morrison & Masters TOWN SQUARE, WEST SWINDON CENTRE. TELEPHONE 870055 for House Sales and Purchases & all Property Work (written estimates given) Divorce, Criminal and all Court work Wills and Probates WEST SWINDON'S ONLY SOLICITORS! Also at 20 Commercial Road, Swindon. Telephone: 26601 and 69a Cricklade Road, Gorse Hill. Telephone: 481602
TITCOM BE GARAGE LIMITED
WESTMEAD DRIVE, WESTLEA, SWINDON TEL (0793)641643
flhlui IuIu.i
WE ARE WEST SWINDON'S LOCAL GARAGE OFFERING: * 24 HOUR BREAKDOWN AND RECOVERY * SERVICING AND REPAIRS * MOTs WHILE YOU WAIT-7 DAYS A WEEK * ACCIDENT REPAIRS AND CAR BODY SPRAYING * MINI BUS AND CAR HIRE * ALL ESTIMATES GIVEN FREE
APPOINTED
PARTS & ACCESSORIES TRY US FIRST FOR ALL THESE ITEMS FOR ALL POPULAR MAKES OF CAR "COME TO US FOR A BARGAIN BEFORE YOU LOOK ANYWHERE ELSE IF IT'S NOT HERE, IT WILL BE IN 24 HOURS" OILS, LUBRICANTS & ADDITIVES BATTERIES WITH 3 YEAR WARRANTIES ALL LUCAS ELECTRICAL PARTS INCLUDING STARTERS, ALTERNATORS, HEADLIGHTS, IGNITION PARTS, BULBS & FUSES. RADIATORS; WIPER BLADES OIL AND AIR FILTERS STEERING & SUSPENSION PARTS OIL AND WATER PUMPS SHOCK ABSORBERS; BRAKE PARTS FAN BELTS; GASKETS PETROL PUMPS ACCELERATOR & CLUTCH CABLES EXHAUST PIPES; TYRES "COME TO US FOR A BARGAIN BEFORE YOU LOOK ANYWHERE ELSE" IF IT'S NOT HERE, IT WILL BE IN 24 HOURS