Issuu

the

No. 126 • September 1992 • Circulation 11,500

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west swindon's magazine

96 - 99 Manchester Road, Swindon

(0793) 534907 & 513705

Pharmacy to close An important community facility will be lost in Toothill when the pharmacy on Deerhurst Way closes on Friday 25 September. Confirming the possibility of closure, as reported in The Link last month, pharmacist Ralph Palmer said that it was not possible to continue the business at Deerhurst Way for several reasons. "Like so many other small businesses, the recession has made it impossible to continue. We rely heavily on the number of prescriptions we make up and the pharmacy has just not been doing enough business. "The lease was up for renegotiation at the end of September and with likely rent increases, I was advised that this would be a good time to call a halt. Another reason is the fact that future prospects for small pharmacies does not look promising. The Government is looking to cut costs by reviewing the way we are reimbursed. "I'm very sad at having to make the decision and sad for the community which will loose an important service."

Two GP surgeries near to go ahead The building of permanent surgeries for two doctors working at the West Swindon Centre and at Sparcells are almost ready to start. At Sparcells, Dr Kandy Kandiah received planning permission in August for a surgery next to the

Audrey Willettfrom Hampshire Drive, Ramleaze recommended the sign at Dr Godbole's Shaw surgery for a Link magazine, photograph. "It's a brand new building but I think the sign gives a nice historical touch to the area," said Audrey.

Chinese Experience restaurant, close to the site of the proposed Roughmoor Village Centre. The building will have two consulting rooms and rooms for minor surgery, health visitors, nurses and a counsellor. Dr Kandiah presently practices from a temporary building on Sparcells Drive and attracts patients fromPeatmoor,Shaw and Haydon Wick in north Swindon. He also has a surgery at Deerhurst Way, Toothill. Building should start at the end of September with a mid-1993 completion. Dr Rod Houseman has applied for planning permission to build behind his temporary surgery next to the Link Centre. After a delay caused by a land price wrangle between Thamesdown Council and the Regional Health Authority, agreement has been reached and building should start soon after planning permission is hopefully granted in a few weeks. In the long term, Dr Houseman hopes to extend his surgery by adding a cottage hospital to serve West Swindon.

Multi-Cultural Family Fun Evening The Swindon Spiritual Assembly of Bahai invite West Swindon residents to a multi-cultural community event on Saturday 3 October 7.30pm in the Community Suite at the Link Centre. There will be displays of ethnic dancing and the chance to try exotic cooking from many different cultures and communities. Tickets cost £1 from Shala Davarpanah on 872853 or Mrs Rahmani on 871126. Proceeds will be donated to CALM (Children Cancer & Leukaemia Movement). People from other cultures are invited to wear national costume. Offers of dishes from their countries will be very welcome.

Youth cafe project needs adult help A group of teenagers are starting a cafe bar and they want some help from people with experience in running such places. The idea to turn part of the some help to take the project to the Community Room atGreendown next stage. Group member School into a more attractive facility Matthew Waldron said, "We need for young people was hatched at glasses, a till, wine racks, towels the beginning of the summer and a coffee machine." holidays. A group of fifteen The youngsters would also like youngsters have been meeting to meet adults who have run cafes several times a week to discuss the orpubs and could give themad vice. project. Darren Stanier said, "We know The bar will be called 2022 and what we want, but we don't have will be decorated with a futuristic much experience and we need theme in mind. Non-alcoholic fruit some help." Greendown youth worker cocktails with names like Cloud 9, Eyeofjupiterandsomethingcalled Richard Williams said teenagers the 'Greendown Gunger' will offer need more low cost places to go to a taste of the future. meet each other. Whilst the ideas have come Offers of help can be made by forward easily, the group needs contacting Richard on 874224.

NEW TH(S E(T(ON PL44. 41iC4i5tJt, 4t/iEt

Turn to the centre page for reviews and a diary listing of the best of what's on in and around Swindon.

2 The Link Magazine September 1992

Birth mark removal hope

Karensa Bailey from Westlea describes how disfiguring birth marks which cause people great distress can now be easily removed Seven weeks later I had my first Dye Pulse Laser. After a further 7 September when treatments will Having been born with a 'port wine stain' on my face and reaching the painless treatment from a Shanning treatment, the stain is expected to be given24 hours a day ata Birmingage of 17, with GPs not even Karensa's birth mark before treatement disappear completely. ham hospital. The aim is to make knowing where to get treatment, I I have seen children with stains doctors aware of the treatment and thought I would always have it. far worse than mine, including a to press the NHS to install more My parents got me on a waiting young baby with a strawberry mark laser machines around the country. list for Argon laser treatment, but I on her nose, which because her GP If you would like to know more, would have had to wait three or was ignorant of this treatment, grew or could help with fund raising, more years, or paid several thousand in four months to cover her nose and please telephone me on 872638. pounds to go privately. mouth. Her nose will have to rebuilt In April this year, my mother saw by plastic surgery. If only she had an article in a womans magazine been treated at the start. about a support group called 'Red, 'Red, Black and White'are holding Black and White' who have raised an awareness raising week starting in the Ecumenical Parish of West money to treat children up to 18 Swindon and The Lydiards years who have a port wine stain or An Evening with Come, Ye Thankful People, Come 'strawberry neave' absolutely free. Adrian Plass Come and join us as we thank God Are you completely confident of for His provision for our needs this your ability to succeed at work, at yearand pray fora fairer d is tribu tion of the world's resources. Everyone home, on the football field ....? BOOJ< 6L9W J0.IR CULR357L7vLc21s You aren't? Well, an evening with will be very welcome at any of our Adrian Plass may be just the tonic Harvest Festival services. you have been waiting for. If the Sunday 20 September at 10.45amat man is anything like his books, he'll Toothill Church. To be followed by ? RECOVER - REBUILD AND REPAIR tell the story of how he gets by with a Third World and Fellowship lot of help from God and some from Lunch. ''p.. his friends, in an hilarious yet Curtain & Austrian All Domestic & Antique Sunday 20 September at 10.30am at blind making in your encouraging way. Work; Office and fabric or our's. Full Reception Seating, He'll be at the Link Centre on All Saints Church,Lydiard Millicent. range of fabrics Screens, etc. available Friday 18 September at 730pm to The congregation is meeting in the FREE ESTIMATES provide an evening of fun and Parish Hall at the moment because of repairs to the church roof. entertainment. I" Evenings Workshop Tickets ÂŁ3 each from Graham Sunday 27 September at 1030am at 0793-854414 0793-848540 L Light, tel 875270, or the Scripture Holy Trinity Church, Shaw. ,\\ Union Bookshop, Faringdon Road, Sunday 27 September at lOam at Swindon. The evening is in aid of 'Schools Westlea Church. The congregation Outreach,' a charity that provides meets in Westlea School, Langstone pastoral care workers in schools. Way. From January a student counsellor Sunday 4 October at 10.30am at St will be working in Greendown Mary's Lydiard Tr egoze (the church School. in the park).

Harvest Festival Services

TAC UPHOLSTERY

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!fi1ik Mtko Published by West Swindon Publications 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook Swindon SN5 8PQ Tel: (0793) 872282

Editorial: Roger Ogle, Publisher/Editor Advertising Sales: Tel: (0793) 872282 d Apple Macintosh design, layout and lasersetting Printed by Wiltshire, Bristol Published monthly. Copy date for October edition: 19 September The October edition will be published on 2 October

'The Link was first published in December 1978 exclusively for the West Swindon community. It is completely independent of Link Centre and, in fact, won the competition to name the leisure centre in 1984. "The magazine is entirely self-supporting from advertising." Contents 4 Toothill 5 Freshbrook & Grange Park 6 Westlea 7 Shaw 8 At Your Library 11-14 Swindon Wide 15 Recreation 21 Classifieds 21 Letters to the Link 22 Local Lives

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

Tel: (0793) 521212 Open: Mon. - Fri. 900am - 530pm Sat. 900am - 100pm

TO ADVERTISE IN THE LINK RING 872282

The Link Magazine â€˘ September 1992

Free holiday fun West Swindon free holiday playscheme - WASPS - once again provided fun, games and lots of activities for hundreds of youngsters across the area.

Forum to give voice to under 5s

The

A meeting, with free child care, on Tuesday 29 September aims to give a Complete voice to young West Swindon children, and parents are invited to attend. Hair& The meeting starts at lOam. The Under 5s groups and people who Beauty work with them have been circulated free creche opens at 930am and Service with information, but the organisers coffee is served at 9.45am Creche places have to be booked are keen to see parents who are not connected with existing networks. by calling 871212 ext 234. Linda Wright of the Thamesdown Swindon Round Table is Committee for Under 5s said, holding a bone marrow "Parents have a lack of power. A tissue matching clinic on Unisex Hair&Beaut, Salon forum will bring them together to 9 September, 11am - 9pm, discuss pre-school provision across 5 Coieview Parade at the old Nationwide building the area so that they are better able on Princes Street, Swindon. Nythe Road to voice their needs to local The clinic is being run on Coieview, Stratton authorities and government." behalf of the Anthony Nolan Local community worker Pam Tel: 832318 Bone Marrow Trust. Pixton said there are many groups but no coordination between them. "There is still a very large number of THE CONVENIENT BIKE SHOP FOR WEST SWINDON under 5s in the area and I'm sure there are many parents who would like to talk about what is available for their children."

QUALITY CYCLES

FOR YOUR PIECE OF MIND

IS A MEMBER OF

The West Swindon Town's Womens Guild Mrs E M Wooldridge delivers a different kind of invitation Roll up, roll up, you ladies I don't offer you today A ride on the dodgem cars To chase your blues away.

Spares Repairs Servicing Sound Advice

Something of much more value 'Twill give you so much more Join us at the Town's Womens Guild What are you waiting for?

GOGGLE Ox

We are open to suggestion Two hours of entertainment plus Stately homes, and seaside trips Come along with us.

J.A. Meadows, Melrose Cl., Eeaze Mrs C Bowles, Wareham Cl. T'hiII MGM Peter Pan colouring competition Cara Davies, 6, Tamworth Dr, Shaw Adam Twine, 8, Sparcells Dr, Tanya Porter, 11, Oakham Cl, Thill Great Warbirds Air Show L. Edwins, Braybrooke Cl, Nine Elms; M. Bekker, Winstanley Cl, Freshbrook; D. Pettifer, Chevalier Cl, Shaw; B. Orchard, The Holbeins, Gr. Park; S. Everitt, Moresby Cl, Westlea; K. Smith, Charolais Dr, Shaw; R. Parker, Redcap Gdns, Shaw; N. Atkins, Cabot Dr G. Park; J. Lockyer, Lydiard Millicent; C. Twine, Sparcells Dr

Even if we've got good friends We can always do with more So remember Link Centre Town's Womens Guild I'll give you the date once more September 10th at 2pm Is when we meet again So we'll be looking our for you And hope to see you then. So roll up ladies, don't be shy Come and join us there After all, we wouldn't ask you If we didn't really care And we are offering something good Which we want you to share.

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Have no fears to come alone Our welcome is for all You'll see just what we mean When we greet you in the Hall.

The 2nd Thursday in each month We meet from 2 till 4 In the Community Hall at the Link Centre We had an enormous post bag this month as entries for the three Which is up on the first floor. competitions in the August July is our last meeting edition poured in. The winners Before our Summer break are: Then we meet up in September MGM Tom Cruise competition With lots of plans to make. Mike Jarvis, Cavie Ql., Nine Elms

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TOOTHILL

R.T. Farley

RON AHRENS BUILDER DECORATOR

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

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

Tel: 875174

Toothill Chinese Kitchen English Food and Fish & Chips Spe'cial Chinese Food TakeAway Menu

Tel: 487055 ci J.

6 - 1130am Sunday Monday Closed all day 5 - 11.30pm Tuesday Wednesday 12 - 145pm 5 - 1130pm Thursday 12 - 145pm 5 - 11.30pm Friday 12 - 145pm 5 - 1200am Saturday 12 - 200pm 5 - 1200am

OPEN ALL BANK HOLIDAYS (MONDAY)

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Call Brian Smith 'SWINDON 824419 87a Ermin Street, Stratton St. Margaret Swindon.

AN EVENING OF MUSIC In aid of Toothill Church Restoration Fund 8pm SATURDAY 26 SEPTEMBER Angela Cook, Piano • Andrew Wright. Clarinet Programme will include pieces by Benny Goodman, Brahms, Schumann, Saint-Saens and Milhaud AT THE RIDGEWAY SCHOOL INVERARY ROAD, WROUGHTON

Tickets £2.50 available from: Katherine Brown 618964 or Arthur Wilkinson 872169

Hope for youth centre A group of teenagers are hoping that the opening of a youth centre in October will provide a permanent base for young people across West Swindon. ahceaft After many openings and closings over the last 15 years, the chances of the Toothill Farm Youth Club Star struck staying open are looking good. Suzanne wants Thamesdown Council recently spent £16,000 on refurbishing the to sing more old cowshed and fifteen teenage members of the WestSwindon Yong Peoples' Centre management committee have been decorating it during August. They have set Halloween at the end of October as their target for an opening night. 'We want the centre to appeal to all young people across West Swindon," said group member Liz Hadden. "It'll beaplace to meetand there will be discos, parties and project groups using it as a base." Youth workerJo Marchement said young people were closely involved in developing management policies for the centre. She added that more adult volunteeryouth workers were needed so that the centre could open A young singer from Toothill is on several evenings in the week. hoping for more opportunities to Call heron 871212 ex229 with offers. show how she can perform. Nineteen year old Suzanne Rees, pictured above, was 'discovered' by Tootleabrook WI impressario Andy Cotton from Shaw last year after reading about June Bradley writes: We had an excellent meeting in July her in The Link. She has appeared in when Mrs Whittle gave a talk on the several charity concerts organised many uses for herbs, both medicinal by Andy over the last fifteen months and culinary. Some of these were and has sung at the Bristol quite unknown to us. Did you know Hippodrome, Bath Pavillion, for instance that ants dislike Penny Swindon's Oasis and recently Royal? I've confirmed this by travelled north to Manchester. planting some by my front doorand Several of the shows have been in aid of CLIC - Cancer and Leukemia the ants have gone. On 19 August Mrs Penny Ady in Children - and Suzanne has sung gave an interesting demonstration alongside the likes of Alvin Stardust, on Colour and Image and its effect the Searchers and Russ Sainty. on our appearance. She has been taking singing On 16 September Mrs J Coates lessons to develop her voice and is will be giving a Yeast Cookery regular at the Wednesday night demonstration. Karaoke sessions in Swindon's Visitors and newcomers are Steam Train pub. always welcomed at our meetings "Tve really enjoyed myself singing which take place on the third on stage and would love to do more Wednesday of each month in the shows," said Suzanne. "I'm a bit Community Room atToothill School. nervous at first, but once I start If you would like to know more singing it's great. My ambition is to about the group please ring 495520. go much further if I can."

FRESHBROOK & GRANGE PARK Rainbow Playgroup 10th Birthday Fun Day Sunday 13th September 11.30am - 2.30pm Freshbrook School Community Room and school site

Gardens in flood alert

A group of Grange Park residents are worried that there houses could flood if Wiltshire County Council do not drain the grounds of Greendown School properly. Bingo at Freshbrook Four houses in Bonner Close back Community Centre starts on onto a new landscaped bank next to Sunday 13 September, 7pm. the school fence. Water running off Everyone is welcome and light the bank in the August monsoon refreshments will be on sale. weather produced mini-lakes which Organised by the Freshbrook Village rose close to the back door steps. The residents have been pressing Group and the Friendship Club. Jumble Sale Saturday 3 October, 2pm Freshbrook Community Centre 20p admission Donations of jumble welcome Tel: 871017 or 872450

Indoor Boot Market Sunday 4 October and Sunday 18 October gam -12 noon Freshbrook Community Centre ÂŁ5 per pitch (tables available) To book phone 871017 or 872450

the County Council to install a drain at the bottom of the bank to prevent the water from settling in their gardens, but are worried that the Council will not have the cash to pay for it. "When it rains hard the water settles on our side of the fence very quickly," said resident organiser John Davies. "Something has to be done to prevent damage to our homes, but the problem has to be agreed by various committees." A spokesman for the County Council confirmed that a report on the problem was being prepared for the Education Committee suggesting solutions.

Freshbrook Village Centre Tel: 870226 Opening Times: Monday - Friday

9am- 1pm 2.1 5pm - 6pm Saturday

9am- 12noon

AA *** RAC

Marsh Farm Hotel Coped Hall Wootton Bassett Tel: (0793) 848044

Racy book from first time novelist A writer fromGrangeParkis looking for a publisher for his first novel. David Pike from Rochford Close has tried about twenty so far without success. Entitled 'Sex, Ghosts and Gassy Beer,' the novel is about a young man who lives in a near derelict, haunted cottage, beside a disused canal in Wiltshire, close to a fictional village called Ockbourne. He's intrigued by sightings of a benign young female ghost who seemingly drives away his girl friend and who continued to appear without warning to protect him. There are numerous other characters ranging from an antisocial dog called Major, a motorcycingdwarf and a psychotic thug from an industrial town called Swalebridge (Swindon). Father of two David summerised the story as one of 'loneliness, insecurity and mis-guided affection, with a few racy bits.' "1 suppose there is an element of Tom Sharpe in my writing I like a tongue in cheek style. The characters are created fromexperience and once my imagination starts running,I find it quite easy to develop them."

Facechoice Pharmacy

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Situated 1.5 miles from West Swindon Surrounded by open countryside

David also enters lots of poetry competitions and has had poems which pokea bitof fun at technology published in technical magazines. It's a field he knows a bit about as he works in the atomic energy industry and spends much of his time writing technical articles for scientific journals and minutes of meetings. All pretty dry stuff compared with what he creates at home. Ifanybody knows how David can make an impression on a publisher, give him a ring on 875941.

Freshbrook Village Centre Tel: 873217 As from Monday 14th September and Mondays thereafter, the Salon will be closed due to staff training. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause, but it is due to our commitment to excellence for the benefit of our new and existing clients. Sue and her staff look forward to seeing you at the following times. Tues, Wed 9am - 6pm Thurs 9am - 8pm Fri 9am - 7pm REDKEN THR( (IF ( IF I BI Sat. 8.30am - 130pm APPOINTED Any clients with Monday appointments SALON after the 14th are asked to contact us.

KITCHEN FITTING SPECIALIST Any make of Kitchen or Bedroom Fitted * Replacement Doors supplied in Solid Timber or Laminates * Suppliers of 'Symphony' Kitchens & 'Misty' Bedrpoms * All Work Insured & Guaranteed * Full Design Service

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(0793) 887136

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WESTLEA

Carolyn Phil I i P p0

BA(Arch)

Westlea School Table Top/Car Boot Sale Saturday 19 September 10am - 12 noon Table tops: C4 - Car boots: ÂŁ5/6 on the day Tel: 870469 daytime or 695499 evenings

Architectural Designer

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

Needleworkers get together

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Anew needlecraft group forming in West Swindon is looking for new members. It's called 'Stitches' and is for people interested in embroidery, cross stitch, tapestry, needlepoint, or any other forms of needlecraft that members would like to pursue. The first meeting took place in the Community Suite at the Link Centre on 3 September. Stitches will be meeting on a Thursday evening once

a month from 7.3Opmto 9.30pmand will cost 75p to cover costs. The group is the brainchild of Mary Evans from Shaw who says that Stitches is a chance for people who enjoy needlework to get together to swop ideas and to share their enthusiasm. To find out when the next meeting takes place, telephone Mary Evans on 876066.

Music passes at local music school

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

ASH I N CTO N WAY PHARMACY WESTLEA Pharmacists: Ken Schofield B. Pharm., M.R.Pharm.S. Ralph Palmer B. Pharm., M.R.Pharm.S. . C1UP 1, h'

The following pupils of the Westlea Music School run by Paul and Frances Issitt, were successful in the July exams of the Associated Board, Royal Schools of Music. Kate Aldridge, clarinet Grade 3, Rhianne Kandiah, flute, G.1, Merit; Distinction; Katherine Barber, flute Helen Lear, flute, G.5, Merit; G.1,Merit; Christopher Barrett, flute, Caroline Pike, clarinet, G.2, Pass; G.7, Pass; Louise Cronkrite, flute, Georgina Purdue, flute, G.4, Pass; G.3, Distinction; Glare Dickson, Niyaz Rahmani, piano, Cl, Merit; clarinet, G.5, Pass; Christina Kirsten Roberts, clarinet, G.5, Edwards, clarinet, G.4, Merit; Distinction; Anna Stott, clarinet, Alexander Forbes-Smith, clarinet, G.2 Merit; Sara Stott, flute, G.2, G.2, Merit; Alison Goulay, flute, Pass; Karen Trevaseus, piano, G.4, G.3,Distinction; Lucy Harris, flute, Merit; Yvonne Trevaseus, piano, G.3, Distinction; David Hodges, G.3, Pass; Alison Williams, piano, flute, G2, Merit; Claire Jeans, piano, G.1 Merit; Rachel Wood, flute, G.4, G.3,Pass; Rhiannon John, flute, G.1, Distinction; Alice Woodward, Merit; WendyJones, flute, G.3, Merit; clarinet, G.3, Distinction.

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

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

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

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

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

8.30am - 12.00noon 1130am - 1230pm

SHAW

Shaw Village Fun Day • Saturday 5 September Shaw Village Centre Fun, games, entertainment, stalls, car boot sale, fancy dress competition, refreshments

Cycling safely Pam Voyce writes For the last four years the opportunity has been taken to offer a course in cycling proficiency to the ten and eleven yearolds who attend Shaw Ridge School. We received guidance from the local Road Safety Officer and support from parents. The last school year was no

exception. The course took place during May and the children involved all succeeded in passing both the written and practical tests. We would like to thank all those drivers who exercised care and consideration in the area around The Bramptons and Ridge Green, Shaw while the cyclists were training.

Shaw Ridge School youngsters who gained cycling proficiency certificates, back row from left, Jamie Stephens, Clare Allison, Lisa Weller, Jayne Curtis, David Price. Front row, Christopher Blythin, Naila Mogul, Jake Hewitt, Lee Venis. Philip Stewart not pictured.

CAN WE HELP YOU MAKE THE RIGHTMOVE? Whether you are moving house or thinking of re-mortgaging your present property, we may be able to help you. We have special discounts available NOW for First Time Buyers!! We can arrange fixed rate mortgages with the major Building Societies and Banks from as low as 9.30% with no deferral of interest We can also arrange new loans at a variable rate of 8.95% with no deferral of interest (discounted rate which is 2% below the base rate of 10.95% for 12 months), subject to status, e.g. a mortgage of £50,000 could cost £316.98 per month at 8.95%.

Shaw WI Kay Twyman writes: Our July meeting was very entertaining! Our speaker, Marilyn Tasker talked to us about her career as an Air Stewardess in the sixties. She had us laughing when we heard about the tricks played on her as a 'green' stewardess and she kept us amused as she recounted lots of awkward, embarrassing and funny moments with the passengers. It was a very enjoyable evening and Marilyn then won first prize in our raffle!

We did not meet in August but we shall havea cake stall at theShaw Fun Day on 5 September - please come and see us there! At our September meeting on 21st at the Shaw Community Centre, we'll be given a demonstration by Mrs Jamieson on making Japanese Ribbon Flowers. The meeting starts at 7.30 pm and we'd be delighted to welcome visitors. For further details please call Kay Twyman on 871614

Earthkids comes to West Swindon A major conference which will raise awareness of people who provide play and learning for children takes place in West Swindon on 29 October. The conference called 'PlayGreen' participants a chance to learn how which has the theme 'Environmental to help children become more Play and Youth Work' is the sixth environmentally aware through and last in a series which have their play. The conference, which takes place already taken place in England and Wales. Play and youth workers, at Shaw's Brook Field School, will landscape designers, teachers, be chaired by BBC Weatherman environmentalists and parents will Bernard Davey. Lunch and childcare be involved in discussions and are included in the the cost of £11.75 practical activities. Workshops such for parents and voluntary sector as gardening as play, inventing workers. To book a place, call Paul Ryan of environmental games and creating classrooms outdoors will give the Earthkids Project on 493618.

There are NO HIDDEN CLAUSES! You tell us what your requirements are and we will try to provide the arrangements to suit your individual needs.

WE CHARGE NO ARRANGEMENT FEES Swindon 873369 (2 lines)

IRS

Mansfield Begbie Associates

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

AT YOUR LIBRARY

DUNCAN SELF DRIVE HIRE

Passing comments on your local library An invitation from Christine Owen Have you ever felt when visiting your library that there are things we could do to improve the service we give? Have you ever wanted to make a comment or ask a question about the service and felt unable to do so?

If so you should look out for the the amount of noise in the library Reader's Comments Book which caused by children. The days are enables you to make comments or long past I'm afraid when libraries criticisms (orcomplimentsof course) were havens of quiet and anyone and know that there will be a reply who dared breathe too loudly was written in to the book when you hushed by everyone nearby. next visit the library. You will find However we do rely on the coWest Swindon's Comment Book on operation of everyone who visits the table in the readingand reference the library to keep noise to an area of the library. acceptable level because if it gets too One comment which we have loud both readers and staff can be Open Daily 9am - 6 pm received a lot recently, partly because inconvenienced. Obviously we do Sundays 9am - lOam of the summer holidays, concerns speak to children who are behaving in an unruly manner, but when we are busy it is not always easy to nip the problem in the bud. With very young child ren we rely on parents to be aware that a lot of noise is unacceptable; so please all WINDOW AND DOOR LOCKS FITTED you mums and dads remember that your children can disturb other NO JOB TOO SMALL people in the library. Imight add thatadults ma library can also make a lot of noise. We are a focal point for the community and people do meet friends here and have a chat. As I said earlier we do not hush everyone at the slightest sound but all library users need to be aware of the effect their For a high standard of work with references available conversation is having on others. So what's new in the library this Telephone now for a FREE estimate. Tel: 870515 month? A most amusing, but also very useful book we have had recently is called 'Modern Manners. THE VALET SERVICE The essential guide to to living in the 90's'. It is full of really useful FOR YOUR HOME information on how to behave at Royal Ascot, Henley Regatta and Royal Garden Parties, should you DECORATING ever be fortunate enough to go. But INSIDE OR OUT it also covers more mundane SPECIAL RATES FOR occasion like births, marriages and Over 12 years PENSIONERS deaths, letter writing and interviews. Oh yes, and it tells you how to go experience about hiring domestic staff! Free Estimates Another unusual book is 'St Call Decor Valet Tiggywinkles Wildcare Handbook' for a Free Estimate Full Insurance Cover which covers in great detail how to SWINDON 824372 cope with injured wildlife. Much of the information is rather advanced No job too small. Personal service for home use, but it is useful nevertheless. Next a book by the mother of Fifi, A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A.. Peaches and Pixie all about the the bliss of babies. Who is this woman you ask? Paula Yates wife of Bob Geldof and mother of three angelic looking children with strange 11 names. Actually the book isa serious guide to pregnancy and parenthood, written in a readable style, covering everything you might need to know. It's called The Fun Starts Here' and you'll find it in the medical section SPECIALIST in Paperhanging, Graining, of the library. Marble and Decorative Effects Finishes. Finally watch out for ourdisplays and exhibitions in September. There will be a special display of books from our 'Women in Mind' section; we will have a special sale of new '..', local history books and prints, and Vehicles for Hire at Competitive Rates Vans. Lutonsâ€˘ Estates Cars Mini Bus 272 Ermin Street Stratton St. Margaret Swindon

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local artist James Trew will be exhibiting his latest watercolours and miniatures followed by spectacular photographs of the Transkei in South Africa.

The Transkei an exhibition of photographs by Owen Senior of Shaw who worked In a school for disabled children on placement with the Project Trust. West Swindon Library 22 to 29 September On Saturday 26 September, he will be in the library to talk about his work. Owen is desperately looking for financial help in order to enlarge his photos. If anybody can hel., call him on 771297.

Local artist shows

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Anew exhibition by local artistJames Trew,pictured above, takes place from I to 19 September at the West Swindon Library. James, 72, from Ravenglass Road, Westlea first showed talent when he was sixteen but, against the encouragement of his art master, went into commerce and then was called up for wartime service. After the war hebecame involved in the table glassware trade and travelled around Europe designing and buying glassware for distribution in Britain. Taking early retirement in 1980 allowed him to pursue a life-long desire to pursue his interest in art and now finds his 'retirement hobby' takes up a large part of his life. James works in water colour, oil and gouache on large canvases and also in miniature. He has exhibited extensivelyin surroundingcountries and his paintings and drawings are now widely distributed in private collections around the world.James Trew, September exhibition

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10 The Link Magazine September 1992

Early racer propect

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Eight year old Bernie Smith from Langdale Drive, Freshbrook is becoming a hot shot of the racetrack. He started drivinga bangera year ago in grass track races and although he has not won yet, from twelve starts he has had two seconds, a third and two fourth places, racing against boys up to twice his age. Bernie's car is a standard Ford Fiesta 1100 fitted with regulation roll cage and a specially raised seat and extensions to the pedals. He races every three weeks between April and November and gets up to 50mph at the Thamesdown Banger Racing Club's bumpy, dusty track off the Oxford Road.

Dad, Malcolm rides the passenger seatto keep an eyeon things. "Bernie gave me a fright in his second race when he spun the car at full throttle and jumped the tyre bank," he said. "He's learning all the time and also helps me out in preparing the car for races." Freshbrook School pupil Bernie said he saw his dad racing and wanted to have ago. He said, "1 like driving a lot and just like to finish the race. When I'm ten I'll be able to race on my own." Bernie's hero is Brazilian Formula I racer Ayrton Senna and later in the year a car will be painted in his colours for a charity meeting.

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

SATURDAY MORNING KIDS MOVIES RETURN TO THE MGM

Dr Hook comes THE FOE RILES INTO TOWN Hold onto your hat! They're Armed comedy based upon their own to Link Centre and Dangerous and riding into original material. There will be send A one night stand by U.S. supergroup Dr Hook on Thursday 24 September is selling out fast.

Swindon's Wyvern Theatre on 15 ups of Swan Lake and The Godfather. It's accessible, upfront and 16 September. They are The Posse, eight of entertainment, combining cabaret, most talented and funniest black comedy and straight narrative. Through the humour, Armed and actors in the country. Their show Armed and Dangerous is a series Dangerous presents a subtle portrait of sketches, stories and standup of the Black experience in Britain.

Sat 19 Sept The first time in Swindon

Open to so many activities 'O

Still featuring the distinctive voice of Ray Eyepatch Sawyer, pictured above, Dr Hook shot to UK fame with 'Sylvia's Mother' in 1972. This was followed by a further 10 successes. Twenty years later the group continues to ride high in the album charts with 'Completely Hooked' which reached number 4 in July. Dr Hook isthe second big concert promoted at the Link Centre by Andy Cotton from Shaw, following the success of the 60s Night in June featuring The Tremeloes and The Searchers. Tickets cost £10.50 from Andy on 882885 or Link Centre reception. Credit card bookings on 871212.

A free day of fun, activity and learning is promised at Swindon's Health Hydro in Milton Road on Sunday 20 September to celebrate its centenary this year.

Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (PG)

Asi The 1ydro is well known for its established Turkish Baths in the swimming pool and is increasingly country and also one of the most being recognised as a centre for modern fitness rooms. Take a tour and have a go. complimentary therapy. The Lifestyle Unit based at the The open day is a chance to see, learn and in some cases have a go Hydro will be running their 15 minute at a variety of activities. In the fitness test. Are you up to it? Also based at the Hydro is the swimming pool at different times of the day, you'll be able to try Thamesdown Well Women Centre. canoeing, scuba diving, lifesaving, This facility is run by women for aquarobics and have a swim. Don't women. Volunteers will be on hand forgettotake your swimming things. to talk about what's on offer. And remembering that the Health Link magazine readers will remember our feature on the 20 Hydro is one hundred years old, types of complementary therapy on there will be guided tours to explain offer at the Hydro. These include some of the building's fascinating therapies like acupuncture, hypno- history. Did you know that'in the old therapy and homeopathy. The open days' the swimming pool water was day gives you the chance to find out heated at the GWR railway works more about the different therapies and pumped three quarters of a mile bytalking to the practitioners. Many back to the Hydro? That is just one will give demonstrations and some of those interesting bits of informawill beoffering shorttaster sessions. tion you'll pick up on the tour. The Hydro will be open between Howfitareyou?The Hydro Health Suite houses one of the longest 10am and 3pm.

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26 Sept Flight of the Navigator (U) 3 October Who Framed Roger Rabbit (PG) lOam • £1.50 MGM Shaw Ridge

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Venues quick reference guide Arts Centre, Devizes Road, Swindon. Tel: 614837 Link Arts Studio, Link Centre, Whitehill Way, West Swindon. Tel: 871212 Oasis Leisure Centre, North Star Avenue, Swindon. Tel: 533404/5/6 Town Hall Dance Studios and Media Arts, Town Hall, Regent Circus, Swindon. Tel: 526161 Wyvern Theatre, Theatre Square, Swindon. Box Office, tel: 524481. Credit card booking, tel: 694055

Getting out and about A huge number of outdoor events are taking place during September, too many to list here. They range from a weekend cycling around Wiltshire's White Horses, visiting Wroughton's Dark Age battle sites, or taking a walk with a former GWR steam train driver as he describes the route he so often travelled on the footplate. There are also events which will involve you working in woodlands, making better compost and learning how to use a map and compass properly. Details of all these and more can be had by calling 493553. Carpentry

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Saturday 5 September Music Wiltshire Youth Orchestra Summer Concert. Programme: Elgar, Szymanovski, Franck. Wyvern, 8pm. £4.50, conc. £4 Children The Utterly Brilliant Timmy Mallet Show. Wyvern, 11 am & 2pm. £5.50, child £4.50 Sunday 6 September Events Night Glow. Illuminated hot air balloons to the music of Queen played at mega-volume. Laser show. Swindon County Ground, 6pm. Free. Monday 7 September Events British Novice Ice Skating Championship, sponsored by Burmah Castrol. Link Centre, 5pm-1 Opm. £1; conc. 50p Tuesday 8 September Performance Pace Dance Company. Wyvern, 8pm. £6, £5. conc. half price Thursday 10 September Music National Youth Jazz Orchestra. Wyvern, 730pm. £6.50, conc. £5

TV star Dave Benson-Phi at the Wyvern on 24 Septe

Friday 11 September Music Lunchtime Concert. Emma Cypher (clarinet), Craig Ball (trumpet), Paul Turner (piano). Wyvern, 1pm. £1. No reservations. Music Pete Allen Jazz Band. Wyvern, 8pm. £7.30. In aid of Barnardos Saturday 12 September Events Wiltshire Balloon Festival. 70 Hot Air balloons and masses of attractions. Mannington Rec., Great Western Way. Free Music Lunchtime Bash. Swindon Young Musicians. Wyvern, 1230pm. £1. No reservations Performance Calla Voce. Pot-pouri of songs, poetry and literature. Arts Centre, 730pm. £5, conc. £2.50 Sunday 13 September Events Wiltshire Balloon Festival. 70 Hot Air balloons and masses of attractions. Mannington Rec., Great Western Way Tuesday 15 September Comedy The Posse (pictured right). 'Armed and Dangerous' Wyvern, 8pm. £7.50, £6.50, conc. half price Comedy Hanging Around presented by Trestle Theatre Company. A unique production, suitable for all ages, portrays different stages of growing up using full face masks. Laughter guaranteed. Phoenix Theatre, New College. £5, conc. £2.50. Tickets: Wyvern box office Wednesday 16 September Children Think of a Number Roadshow. Johnny Ball explores Maths and Science. Wyvern, lOam & 2pm. £5.50, children £4.50, Comedy Wyvern, 8pm. The Posse. Armed and Dangerous' Thursday 17 September Drama Young Director's Showcase. Link Arts, 7.45pm. £2, conc. £1. Also on Friday 18 and Saturday 19. Music Wyvern, 730pm. Swindon Young Musicians. £4, conc. £2 Friday18 September Music Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Owain Arwe Hughes, Soloist: Nicola Loud (violin). Wyvern, 730pm. £11, £9, Youth £4

What's On Overview Saturday 19 September Record Fair Wyvern, lOam - 4pm. Free Hornby Dinky Exhibition Oasis Leisure Centre, 11am - 4pm Performance Phoenix Dance Company. Wyvern, 8pm £7.50, £6.50, conc. half price Sunday 20 September Performance Youth Moves. Phoenix Dance Company. Wyvern, 8pm. £5, £4, conc. half price Garden open Hillbarn House, Kathryn Tickell Band at Link Great Bedwyn. South of Hungerford Arts on 29 September to Marlborough A4. Medium sized garden with hornbeam tunnel, pleached limes, herb gardens. A series of gardens within a garden. Teas. Open 2pm to 6pm. £1.50, children 30p Monday 21 September Events Opening of Reconstructed Ticket Office. GWR Museum, Faringdon Road. Tickets C1.80, conc. 90p Tuesday 22 September Drama Village football team struggle to win first Anglo-Scottish FA Cup. Wyvern, 8pm. Come on Sinderby. £6, conc. half price Children Jaws and Claws with Terry Nutkins, Chris Packham and the most dangerous creature in the world. Wyvern 11 am & 2pm. £5.50, children £4.50. School Parties £3.50 each Thurdays 24 September Music Apollo Saxophone Quartet. Wyvern, 8pm. £7.50, conc. half price Careers Wiltshire Opportunities Fair. Oasis, lOam - 6pm. Children The Dave Benson-Phillips Show. Music, sing-a-long, magic and prizes. Wyvern, 11am & 2pm. £5.50, children £4.50 Friday 25 September Comedy John Hegley and Nigel. Celebrated TV comedian with his deadpan guitarist partner Nigel in an evening of lunacy. Link Arts. 8pm. Tickets £5, conc. £4 Saturday 26 September Music Lunch with No Image. Wyvern, 1230pm - 2pm. £1 Opera The Barber of Seville by Rossini. Wyvern, 730pm. £9.50, conc £8, Under 18's half price Children's Book Fair Wyvern, 1 Oam - 4pm. Free Antiques Fair Oasis Leisure Centre, 1 Oam - 5pm. Performance National Youth Dance Company. Town Hall Studios, 8pm. £4.25, conc. £2.75 Tuesday 29 September Music The Kathryn Tickell Band. Northumbrian folk piper. Brilliant music. Link Arts, 8pm. £7, conc. £6

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5 Sept Tom Easby 12 Sept Bob & Paul 19 Sept The Vipers 26 Sept To be confirmed

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has vacancies for both young and mature people interested in learning the Classical Guitar. Individual half hour lessons on a weekly basis. Music examinations from beginners to diploma level coached and encouraged Contact BERNARD TANNER on Swindon 521743 or 514055 (24 hrs)

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to a sequel without reason.The crowded theatre proved there's still many who enjoy watching the action-packed comedy adventures of detective Riggs (Mel Gibson) and Murtaugh (Danny Glover). The movie lacks both a clever plot and orginal dialogue. In haste, the writers pilfered scenes from Jaws, Down and Out in Beverly Hills and Turner and Hooch. The special effects and stunts were another matter altogether and is probably the reason why crowds keep coming back for more. It starts with quite a bang. Riggs and Murtaugh stumble across a bomb laden with enough explosive to level an eight story building. Only seven days from retirement Murtaugh wants to wait for the bomb squad. Riggs, on the other hand, is almost sure he knows how to defuse it. Of course, they go for it and you can guess what happens next! Besides imploding buildings, there are high speed car chases, 80 foot falls, a ride on the window of a subway train and the torching a dozen derelict houses. Naturally our heroes emerge unscathed.

From 4 September, MGM Power of One. Boxing movie based on famous novel set in South Africa starring John Gielgud and Morgan Freeman. White Sands. William Dafoe, Mickey Rourke and Mary Elizabeth Mastrianni in murder mystery. Knight Moves. International chess murder intrigue starring Christopher Lambert. Thursday 10 September Howards End. Merchant Ivory adaptation of EM Forster's story of British stiff upper lip and beautful sets. Link Arts, 745pm. From 11 September, MGM House Sitter. Goldie Hawn and Steve Martin comedy. Christopher Columbus. George Corraface and Marion Brando. History in the making on the high seas. Wednesday 16 September Mississippi Masala. Romance between Black and Asian and the racial prejudice that results. Arts Centre, 745pm. Friday 18 September. The Sentinel. Classic horror. Link Centre, 9pm. From Friday 18 September, MGM Unforgiven. Clint Eastwood stars and directs in (another) western with Gene Hackman

Lethal Weapon afficianados will also have the benefit of several inside jokes, including a reference to Murtaugh's exploding toilet by pesky Leo Getz (Joe Pesci). This time around, Getz is a blond Beverly Hills estate agent who wriggles into the illegal firearms case Riggs and Murtaugh are trying to crack with Riggs counterpart and love interest, Internal Affairs police officer Lorna Cole (Rene Russo). Good boy turned bad is Jack Travis (played by British actor Stuart Wilson), the mastermind of a scam to sell police confiscated firearms on the blackmarket. But before Murtaugh hangs up his badge for good, he becomes obsessed with bringing Travis to a halt. Of course, if he does hang it up, how could they make LW 4? As in previous films, Eric Clapton is recruited for the soundtrack, aided by Sting and Elton John.

Above: Madonna looking conventional A League of Their Own. Madonna and Geena Davies play baseball in all woman team coached by Tom Hanks.

Thursday 24 September. My Own Private IdahoRiver Phoenix and Keanu Reeves as two young hustlers on the road. A final note for pyromaniacs and Link Arts, 7.45pm. demolition devils, there's a second From Friday 25 September, building blast at the very end after MGM the final credits. It was a special Patriot Games. Harrison Ford treat for the ten people who and Anne Archer in spy thriller remained to the curtain close. based on Tom Clancy novel.

RECREATION

Local bowls The new season at the Greendown Community School indoor bowls club opens on Sunday 4 October. Three full length carpets are available each Sunday during the indoor season, with four two hourly playing sessions between 930am and 530pm. If there is demand two additional sessions may be made available on Saturday afternoons. There are currently 60 members and there is still room for more. The annual subscription is £3 and a fecof £1 per player is payable for each rink booked. Experienced or new players are welcome and a few sets of bowls are available for anyone wishing to sample the facilities before joining the Club. Furtherdetail fromclub secretary, Mr E Pritchard on 873094.

Junior players wanted

Be a turkey and learn how to bowl

Under 13s who would like to play If you're aged six to sixteen and would like to learn howto 10 pin bowl, then football for a local team have the Swindon Turkeys Youth Bowling Club could be for you. And for parents chance to try out for West Swindon the Saturday morning sessions offer great value for money. Juniors (11 - 13 years). The club was launched at the Superbowl on Shaw Ridge last February Training takes place on Wed- and after a summer break restarts on 5 September. The youngsters nesday evenings. Turn up or call receive expert tuition from Bob O'Conner and Col Knight and are Danny Williams on 870380. separated by age for competition purposes.

Swim pool closed The Link Centre's swimming pool will be closed from Monday 7 to Friday 18 September inclusive to enable a full refurbishment of the changing moms, toilets and shower facilities. A spokeswoman said that the Centre would like to apologise to customers for any inconvenience caused. "The refurbishment will provide much improved facilities for everyone," she said.

From September the club will be running a singles league for members and matches at Bristol, Bournmouth and RAF Lyneham have been arranged. Plans are being made to take a team to Europe to play. Newcomers will be coached in abeginners league and will be absorbed into other leagues as they become more experienced. Joining the Turkeys is quite simple. Just turn upon a Saturday morning at lOam. The session lasts until midday and costs £2 plus 50p trophy money. Use of the bowling alley, coaching and shoe hire is all included in the price. A line-up of Turkeys

Six sunbeds for the price of five The summer is drawing to a close and the we'll be seeing less of the sun. But the Link Centre has the answer for perking up that fading tan whilst making you look and feel good. The Centre is offering six sunbeds for the price of five, that's right a FREE sunbed. So long as you book and pay during September, October and November, you don't have to

use all six sessions until the end of the year. Each of the four sunbeds in the centre's Health Suite feature RUVA fast tanning tubes. Goggles are provided to protect the eyes and qualified staff are always on hand to provided friendly advice. The cost for the six sunbed sessions is £18.75. To book, contact Link Centre Reception on 871212.

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16 The Link Magazine September 1992

SUGARING

MASSAGE THERAPIST

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

Tel: 0793 - 874196

r 110C,110 10T Beauty Treatments & Aromatherapy Half leg wax £ 6.30 Sports massage £10.00 Eye lash tint £ 3.85 Electrolysis (7 mm) £ 3.00

Special Opening Offer Deep Cleanse Facial £10 when you bring this advert during September

Tel: (0793) 772123

Connie Jeepes IHBC, ITEC Day & evening appointments

Headaches, Stress, Tension. From stiff neck to aching feet, all relieved with massage From £10 per treatment. Home visits arranged

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

JIL SERVICES Carpentry & Joinery Custom furniture Fitted Interiors & Property Maintenance For personal, friendly service, contact

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

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Introducing Women Out West! Kerrie Stone writes: If you are a woman who happens to be free on Friday mornings why not come along to Women Out West (formerly Pause). Enjoy various demon-strations, meetings and outings and make new friends. We meet at the Link Centre Community Suite fmm9.30am until 1130am and we provide a free creche to allow you to relax and follow your own interests for a couple of hours each week.

Our Autumn programme begins on Friday 4 September with a demonstration on food ideas for adult parties. Also in September, we have a coffee morning and a visit to the Community Garden Centre at Moredon where we pick up some tips on what to plant in autumn to ensure anattractivegarden next year. All women, aged 18-80, welcome! For further information phone Allyson on 539819 or Kerrie on 875820.

Beauty salon opens closeby A new beauty salon - Jeepers - has been opened to provide a wide range of beauty treatments to West Swindon people. Run by Connie Jeaps, pictured right, Jeepers is to be found within the Just Hair Salon at The Parade, Purton. There is a welcomingatmosphere and therearea wide range of exciting treatments on offer including electrolysis, waxing, sugaring, make-up and nail care. Specialist treatments are also available such as electro-therapy facials which are deeply cleansing and balancing, and cellularlite massage, an invigorating treatment for anybody trying to rid themselves of those unwanted pounds. Connie also offers aromatherapy and sports massage to help strained muscles recover properly. The new salon is situated only ten minutes drive from the Link Centre and there is ample free parking. Connie hopes that existing and

new clients will enjoy their visits to her new salon which is both private and comfortable. Daytime and evenings appointments are available and Connie can send you an explanatory leaflet before an appointment is made. She can be contacted on 772123.

Self defence for women A martial arts expert living in West Swindon is planning a series of classes designed to teach women how to defend themselves with simple, easy to learn techniques. Russell Jenkins, right, from Castle Dore, Freshbrook began to think about women's safety after his wife started an evening job some months ago and decided to put his Karate and Tai Kwan Do skills to use. "Every week there are stories on TV or in the local paper about women being attacked, but there are few opportunities for them to learn what to do if, heaven forbid, they find themselves ma threatening situation," said Russell. "The course is not sophisticated martial arts. We'll go over basic Street awareness issues like walking in a positive, purposeful way and being aware of your surroundings, and I'll be teachingbasic self defence. Women will learn how to get out of and escape from an attack. We'll concentrate on just a few techniques and moves, but we'll do them over and over again so that they become

a natural response to an attack." During the course he will use body armour so that women can practice kicks and punches with full power. Those on the course should approach it with a serious attitude to learn how to deal with the unexpected. Russell's first course starts on Wednesday 30 September at Freshbrook Community Centre, 6pm to 7pm. He's holding an enrolment session at the centre on Wednesday 23 September, 6.30pm to 7.30pm. Places are limited to 20 women and the cost of the six week course is £15.

The Link Magazine • September 1992 17

Mrs Thamesdown sums up her year Miss Thamesdown 1992 Ruth Docherty, who lives in Shaw and was married in July, looks back

On Wednesday 25 September last year, I was crowned Miss Thamesdown. It was a very enjoyable and exciting night. Since then I have met many friendly people and have learned about the marvellous charities at work in Swindon. The 'Miss Thamesdown' competition is an annual eventorga nised byHighworth and CrickladeRound Table. It was held in The Blunsdon House Hotel and the event raised over C2,500 for charities - the main beneficiary being the Swindon Ileostomy Association. I moved from Dublin to Swindon in April 1991. I entered the competition originally with a view Ruth Docherty to meeting people. Being Miss Thamesdown has enabled me to help with the marvellous fundsettle into a new community quickly raising activities organised by the and has given me the opportunity to many charities in Swindon.

I look back on my year as 'Miss Thamesdown' with great fondness and remember many great events. MacDonalds Happy Day back in October was a great day! An auction was held with the aim of raising money for the St Evelina Children's Trust. In December the Evening Advertiser held a Christmas Toy Appeal and I enjoyed collecting donations in the Brunel Centre. The Wootton Bassett and District Lions Club held their annual May Fayre in Lydiard. It was a great success and a most enjoyable day out. What a pleasure and privilege it has been to have been chosen as 'Miss Thamesdown'. I thank most sincerely all those people who have helped to make this year such a happy and memorable one for me.

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The Friends of The Link Surgery are looking for volunteers to help with a transport scheme designed to enable partients with mobility problems to get to their appointments at the Doctors. Sometimes patients who may be elderly or have limited mobility due to disability find it difficult to travel to the surgery. West Swindon is a large area and the bus routes may not always take you door to door. Whilst a brisk walk during the summer may seem manageable, the same walk in winter can be a daunting prospect. If you have a bit of time and have a suitable roadworthy vehicle and you feel you could help, please contact Paul Lawton on 875968. Although this will be a voluntary scheme, we will be help to help with fuel expenses.

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The Link Magazine • September 1992

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years and people living in Westlea and Shaw were treated to it when the wind was blowing from the east. But the 'historic smell problem,' as the public relations officer from Thames Water delicately put it, should be a thing of the past. £29 million has been spent over the last three years redeveloping the works at Barnfield Road to make it the biggest in the Thames Water area and one of the most modern and environmentally friendly in the country. Not many towns have a sewage works close to its centre but they were close to the countryside when first developed at the end of last century. They have now been surrounded by housing. Over the years the works were progressively developed to cope with Swindon's growth until a major project had to be undertaken to deal with the increased amount of waste produced by Swindon's population. New, more stringent quality standards for treated waste water also forced action as well. As the old works reached capacity, the smell from untreated sludge on site often confirmed the strain it was under. By enclosing the most smelly parts of the sewage process and installing high-tech air scrubbers, most of the smell has been removed. "I can't say the works will be totally smell free but nearly all of the offensive odour will be removed," said manager Denis Horsman, on a tour of the site arranged for The Link. "Raw sewage smells a great deal. We have enclosed the initial separation and treatment process where paper and coarse material is screened out. The air from this building is filtered or scrubbed as it is sucked out." The next stage outside removes the grit washed in off the roads. It's

Denis Horsman watches billions of invisible bugs cleaning up Swindon's sewage

odd seeing bright green peas and yellow corn standing out against the grey of the grit. This food is obviously highly resistant to human digestion processes. 54 million litres of waste water and sewage are treated daily and all of it is cleaned by microbes or 'bugs' before discharge into the River Ray which joins the Thames. Water cleanliness is a big issue at present with European Commission directives demanding ever more stringent standards. More bugs get to work in three new sewage sludge digesting tanks fitted with air scrubbers to eliminate smell. The methane gas produced bythesludgewfflallowsookilowatts of electricity to be exported to the national grid - about half the power needs of the works. Once digested, the sludge is squeezed almost dry and transported to farmland around Swindon. Bearing in mind its position, Thames Water have planted 48,000 trees to screen the works from view. At present the works is controlled by six people. Fully automatic control is proposed for the future.

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The Link Magazine September 1992 19

You can do it if you want to Local fitness instructor Lee Hogan reflects on achieving your best

It was the largest gathering of international sportsmenand women for decades, the most successful Olympic Games of modern times. Records were broken as individuals and teams competed for those coverted gold medals. We witnessed some great British performances from the likes of Linford Christie, Sally Gunnel and the mens coxed pairs rowing team. But to me, worth mentioning in the same breath as those who stood on the medal rostrum, are those who achieved their personal best. The 'P.B.',as it is referred to in the trade, says much more about an individual than is widely recognised, to me when I see the initials after a performer's result. I know he or she, no matter what position they

may have come, has put everything they have into that effort and you can surely ask no more. Over the years, as a fitness instructor and personal trainer, I have been pleased to witness many ordinary people, non-sports people, achieving and exceeding their personal goals and the pleasure and pride it has given them. I believe we all possess the potential to improve our fitness and performance the question is whether or not we choose to do something about it.

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Bring in the outdoors Conservatories are so versatile because they can be used for such a variety of activities. Play room, breakfast room, haven for indoor plants, or somewhere to relax, the extra space conservatories offer will be welcomed by anybody who invests in one. One of the best places to see a range of conservatories on display is at Kingfisher Conservatories and Windows at their new showroom on Barnfield Road, off the Great Western Way. Proprietor Simon Cole, who lives in Grange Park, has three full-size conservatories available to view - all indoors. The conservatories are fitted out with an attractive range of cane furniture which is also available for sale separately. Kingfisher can supply and install uPVC conservatories in a wide range of styles from the classic Georgian or the popular Victoriana, through to the modern sun lounge. The type and styles of windows, doors, glass and fittings are also very wide so that the conservatory you select can

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KINGFISHER CONSERVATORIES It's easy to select a conservatory at Kingfisher be designed precisely to suit your needs. Kingfisher Conservatories and Windows is open seven days a week Monday to Friday from 8am until 6pm, Saturdays 8am to 4pm and Sunday lOam until 4pm. They can be contacted on Swindon 643866.

Putting scrap to good use Quality waste is something Swindon Scrapstore welcomes. They have a massive list of items they can make useof from envelopes, card and tiles to elastic bands, wool, cotton reels and yoghurt pots. By reusingmaterials which would otherwise be wasted, Scrapstore helps the environment at the same time as providing valuable play materials. Members of Scrapstore are community organisations like playgroups, primary schools and cub and brownie packs who can take the waste items without charge. Most donations to Scrapstore come from businesses, but

householders can also save and contribute items which they would usually throw out. Yoghurt pots, toilet rolls, corks and plastic bottles are just a few of the items that could be put to good use. Scrapstore is based at Merton Fields School in north Swindon. Collections can be arranged but deliveries would be more helpful. If you have items to put to good use, call Scrapstore on 723584. They would also welcome voluntary help when it is open each Wednesday from lOam to 230pm. Expenses are paid. If you can help, call the number above.

A Kingfisher Conservatory will bring light and warmth into your home all year round! A traditional conservatory adds charm, elegance and value to your home, giving a special new living and entertaining space, with all the pleasure of the garden brought into your home. View three fully furnished conservatories in our spacious indoor showroom at Unit 7, Barnfield Road Great Western Way, Sc1.oii Tel: 0793 - 643866 • Fax: 0793 -481139 Open: Mon - Fri 8am - 6pm Sat. 8am - 4pm Sun lOam - 4pm

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QUALITY CONSERVATORY FURNITURE ON SHOW

20 The Link Magazine September 1992

RESIDENTIAL LETTING AGENTS West Swindon properties now required

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GCSE results show improvement all round All three of the county secondary schools serving West Swindon showed improvements in their GCSE exam results, published on 27 August, in line with the national trend. At Bradon Forest School, last decision to enter students who were year's impressive results were ready to take GCSE Maths one or surpassed, with 51% of the year two years early. Thirty Year 10 group achieving five grades A to C. students were entered a year early 36% passed eight at A C. One with 26 achieving one of the top student passing eleven at grade A three grades, nine with grade A. Nine Year 9 students (14 year olds) and another twelve. "Our results were good last year, were entered two years early. All but this year represents the best yet; passed with four getting an A. At Ridgeway School, 55% of we're very pleased for the students," said deputy headteacher Mike students in Year 11 passed with five grades A C and 84% achieving I or Gourlay. At Greendown School, there was more A - C. Headteacher Tom Axon said he a dramatic improvement on last year's disappointing performance. and his staff were delighted withthe Year 11 girls raised their 5 A to C results. "The students and staff are results from 41% to 55% whilst 30% to be congratulated." He added that he was also very of boys passed 5 A to C compared with 9% last year. Overall the pass pleased with the A Level results. There had been a 95% pass rate with rate went up from 25% to 45%. Headteacher Ian Matthews said 35% of the results at grades A or B. the results was due to the response Incontrastwitha turningawayfrom of pupils to staff determination to A Level science nationally, he said do better. He also drew attention to that performance in Physics and the extra success arising from the Chemistry had been excellent. -

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The Link Magazine September 1992 21 Last month's Link magazine carried a report of the Swindon Health Authority (HA) meeting which discussed the opting out of local Health Services. So, what is a Trust? How does it differ from present arrangements? The first hospital to be granted Trust status was Guys' in London. How has it and later Trusts fared? When Trust status is granted by the Secretary of State for Health the unit or hospital becomes 'selfgoverning' and is directly responsible to the Department. It 'opts-out' of local Health Authority control and planning. Its income will come from contracts with the District HA, GPFu ndholders and private patients. One trust has a contract with its local Vet! The board of directors is appointed by Government and the Regional HA which itself was appointed by Government. Trust directors should include a nursing officer and a doctor. Local authorities and Trades Unions will no longer sit on the board. The Community Health Council, the patient's voice in the NHS, will no longer have the right to inspect and monitor services on behalf of users. This will be a privilege and, except for the statutory yearly meeting held in public, this could be withdrawnat the whim of directors. The District HA will have to transfer the hospital, land and

Health Service Trusts Anne Lubin explains equipment to the Trust which becomes the legal owner. It can dispose of assets as it chooses. The Trust sets its own pay and conditions of work, its own contracts, which can contain restrictive clauses that go against the Nursing cede. Whistle-blowers' have been dealt with harshly in the last two years. Whilst at present, a Directly Managed Unit like Princess Margaret Hospital, may not sell more than 10% of its beds to private care, a Trust has no restriction and could, in theory, contract all its capacity to the private sector. There is no legal requirement to provide for NHS patients if other contracts-are more profitable. A two tier service will result where money comes before need. Administration costs increase, reducing money left for pa tient care. There will be pressure to do work cheaply rather than well and the sensible planning of and assessment of local needs will be upset. We all know of peopled ischarged too soon after hospital care and without the back up of district nurses, to speed turnover. No extra money is available from Government for patient care but it has found £300 million to get these

changes off the ground. The final bill will not be known for sometime. Trusts are not a success story. Every day brings news of bed closures, reductions in services and loss of specialists. I have a long list of them which I'll can send to anybody who would like to know more. Years of team building and expertise are being lost to the NHS and the country, as well as training and research facilities. This is not the whole story, there isn't enough space, but I would be willing to speak to groups on the subject and to answer questions on what I believe is the privatisation of the NHS.

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Local Lives If it's Saturday, it must be Poland

A Swindon speedway rider from Sweden is looking forward to a well earned rest with his wife Nicky and new born son Marcus James when the season ends in October. Jimmy Nilson, who lives in Grange Park, has just returned from the World Championships held on 29 August in Poland where he competed against the world's best riders and took 12th place. It was the fifth time in his career he has qualified for the world finals.

It's been another busy season. As one of the riders with the Swindon Robins, people might think that he spends mostof this time in the town. In fact, between March and October, Jimmy spends each week flying to and from speedway meetings in Britain, Sweden and Poland where the sport is very popular. InSwindon a crowd will average around 2,000 but in Poland 25,000 people at a league match is common. Occasionally there are also forays

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into Germany, France and Denmark to race. By mid-October he will have travelled to and ridden in about 110 meetings, each with five races lasting about 60 seconds. "Although you ride for a team to gain points, you are also riding as an individual to win prize money," he said. "It's an expensive sport. Each bike costs ÂŁ3,500 and I have six of them in Britain and Sweden. They lastforone season before lsell them. The demands of riding at the top level puts stress on the frames so that they weaken. Engines can last two or three seasons if maintained properly and don't blow up. "Not including transport, the annual cost of buying and maintaining the bikes costs around 0,000. There are seven Swedish riders travelling around Europe and we get some help from Scandanavian Airlines to cover some of the cost. Getting sponsorship at the moment is very difficult. Locally I get help from Ern-in Windows and Kinetico Water Softners (both regular Link magazine advertisers). "There's a lot of administration for me and Nicky on top of the travelling and racing, but I have to ride a lot to keep the bills paid."

Jimmy and Karen with Marcus James Injury is an inevitable part of speedway and Jimmy has broken both shoulders, wrists and several fingers. In 1988 he was sidelined for six weeks whilst recovering from crashes. "It's essential to have good concentration. I get angry with myself if my performance starts to slip and you get stick from people who expect you to do better. But sometimes you're riding so much that you don't know which country

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Jimmy riding in Swedish international colours Jimmy arrived in Britain when he was eighteen to ride professionally. He is the first toadmit that speedway riding did not come easily. In his home country speedway is run by hobbiests who provide development programmes to train youngsters in contrast to Britain where clubs are run by promoters and there is little finance for coaching. "I wasn't a natural on a bike," says Jimmy. "1 worked with a coach who improved my style and technique. Here you have to rely on natural ability to get to the top. "You have to be determined and committed as well. I was always the person who would stay in the garage to work on the bikes and not go off to parties."

you're in. If I have a bit of time I play golf. It's a long game which is so different to the speed of riding around a track." During the season jimmy has little time for anything other than travelling, maintaining and riding bikes and being with his family. "I keep in touch by reading The Link magazine," he said. In the winter he keeps himself fit and prepares for the following March. Most years he has returned to Sweden to help out in his father's grocery shopand last winterhespent six weeks in the Florida sun. But with a new born son to spend time with, it looks as if the Nilson family will be hibernating in Grange Park during the cold weather.

Letters to The Link Letters should be sent by 16th of the month to the address on page 2.

Save Wick Farm! From Rev John Flory

about proposed community use by the voluntary sector. A local registered charity whose sole purpose is 'to promoted the moral and spiritual welfare and the preservation of health of (residents) and to establish, maintain and develop a service of individual counsellingand practical advice' has some support now, being the only group that has shown a sustained and serious interest in restoring and developing the property. The Borough Estates Department said they would put it on the market by Easter this year - but nothing has happened. And what is the Borough selling? A leading Councillor has said that no one has made them an offer -but you cannot make a serious bid when you do not know what is lobe sold, what restrictive covenants may be placed on the purchaser, and where access will be from. Several possible uses have been ruled out by the decision to almost completely surround it by new housing and to route a public footpath/cycleway right past the front of the building - but it still has a potential for community use for just those reasons - its accessibility. But who is going to be willing to buya listed property in an advanced state of decay? No one surely, if the Borough wants to hold out for an unrealistic price. Now that all the experts are predicting that the property slump is likely to go on and even to get worse, why doesn't the Borough stop ditheringand take what it can get for Wick Farm? After all, if they sell to the Charity, they will make possible a much needed service to the community at no cost to themselves. For goodness sake, let's save this little bit of our local history and put it to good use for this and future

Way back in August 1987 The Link magazine ran an articleon the future of this property on the behalf of the Borough's now defunct Arts and Recreation Department, asking the local community for ideas as to its future use. At that time several ideas were put forward, all of which would have been of benefit to the West Swindon community - but none were taken up. Instead the Swindon Archaeological Project was favoured, and the main building has been in continuous occupation by a cashstrapped and dwindling band of archaeologists during the last five years. At first we were told that there was no where else suitable in the Borough for them to go, but it has recently been established that they can be moved at only one month's notice if necessary. In November 1988 another article appeared in The Link which highlights the importance of preserving this property. There is evidence that the site has apparently been in continuous occupation since pre-Roman times, and the present early eighteenth century farmhouse has been listed Grade II by the Borough's Planning Department. This may have proved something of an embarrassment to Arts and Recreation because they then had to spend a large sum on a new roof, after winter gales nearly demolished the property. Apart from that, it is clear to the casual observer that very little has been done to care for or conserve the b uild ing a nd'grounds' which have a depressing air of dereliction. Does anyone believe that the Listed Buildings people would have been as lenient had the farmhouse been in private hands? Now, because of the dithering of generations. the Borough Council, the only future for Wick Farm may well be • A response from Councillor Tony demolition. Councillors have come Mayer Leader of Thamesdown and gone and waxed hot and cold Council will appear next month.

The Link Classifieds

Lineage costs 20p per word inc. VAT. Cash with advert to The Link, 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook, Swindon

Wanted: Good condition fishing tackle. Rods, reels, nets, boxes, etc.

Also wanted by collector, any very old tackle. Tel: 875757 Clothing Alterations & Repairs Tel: 872096

Mrs White, Freshbrook Washing Machine Repairs

• Same Day Service • Guaranteed Repairs For a friendly, helpful

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West Swindon. Hours to be negotiated. Mrs J Woolley, tel: 872547

S.C'S BOOK-KEEPING SERVICE Small Business Book-keeping, Wages, VAT. & Final Accounts

Tel: (0793) 873483

Freshbrook Evangelical Church Worsley Road

Ecumenical Parish of West Swindon & The Lydiards

Sunday lOam Family Praise with children's Covenanter Movement & creche 630pm Evening Worship and Communion For details of mid-week meetings, house groups and other activities, telephone the Church Office, Tel: 873050

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

MICROWAVE REPAIRS

MOBILE MECHANIC

No call out charge

WE COME TO YOU

Will give YOU a warm welcome

'Non-Starts 'Servicing 'Tuning

Free home estimates on most makes Contact Microwave Service (0793) 813485

•M.O.T. Work 'Breakdowns 'Electrical Faults 'Clutches fitted

No Garage Prices or Waiting

Please Telephone 876211 ANYTIME

SATISFACTION GUARANTEED

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

Telephone Phil Barrett on (0793) 873003 (Westlea)

RENOVATIONS ALTERATIONS REPAIRS EXTENSIONS PLANNING SERVICE AVAILABLE FREE QUOTATIONS ALL GENERAL BUILDING WORK UNDERTAKEN

QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP

P&L Browne BUILDERS

9793 496483

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Telephone: (0793) 641643 Fax: (0793) 491020

TITCOMBE

TITCOM GARAGE LTD

GARAGE LTD. Westmectd Drive, Westlea, West Swindon

FREE FIT EXHAUST CENTRE

24 HOUR BREAKDOWN & RECOVERY - CAR AND COMMERCIAL SERVICING & REPAIRS

BOSCH

MOTs WHILE YOU WAIT

. SERVICE

TITCOMB E GARAGE

BOSCH PARTS STOCKISTS DIAGNOSTIC & PETROL INJECTION SPECIALISTS c PARTS & ACCESSORIES SHOP ' ACCIDENT REPAIRS

BOSCH

STOCKIST

CAR BODY SPRAYING (COURTESY CAR WHEN AVAILABLE)

Grange Park

' ALL ESTIMATES GIVEN FREE t COLLECTION & DELIVERY SERVICE

INSURANCE CRASH REPAIRS AUTHORISED REPAIRERS FOR LEADING INSURANCE COMPANIES

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