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Bond in town

The picture, the people and the park

Find out how Motorola storeman Perry Dyson from Freshbrook became a Turkish guard for °: -- ' a day on the Bond movie set on page 39

This wealthy landowner blew his wealth on race horses. As a result Swindon now has a major new tourist attraction to enhance its stately home. Keeper of Lydiard House Sarah Finch-Crisp, provides a preview to an important and fascinating aspect of the town's histo ry on page 25.

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North Pole trip sets o ff to raise cash for CALM

Bill Padgett from Shaw and Rose Knight from Freshbrook

Richard Bull from Haydon Wick, left, set off on 25 March to trek to the Magnetic North

Pole as part of the Gadget Shop Polar Challenge team. Swindon's childrens cancer charity CALM will benefit from his every step. You can still help with sponsorship.

are both excited about being nominated to take part in the ancient ceremony of receiving Maundy Money from the Queen at Bristol Cathedral on 1 April.

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The Link Magazine • April 1999

New meeting called for Peatmoor/Sparcells parents Due to confusion by Swindon Education Department in advertising a meeting on 17 March about the new Peatmoor Community Primary School, a repeat is being organised by the governing body.

Prospective parents are invited to meet the headteacher Mrs Terri Peacock and the governors on Tuesday 13 April, 7pm at Brook Field School, Shaw.

Mrs Peacock willive to g an insight g into her plans P

make the school a centre of learning excellence and she and the governors will also answer questions.

AprofileofMrsPeacockappearsonpage34. There is also a report about the progress of the new Abbey Meads communityY primary P Y school.

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WE ALSO SELL Ward boundary changes by-passes forgo tt en community The naming of new electoral wards resulting from proposed boundary changes has upset residents in Sparcells and Peatmoor who feel that their community continues to be forgotten.

If the current proposals put forward by the Local Government Commission for England are accepted, council representation in North and West Swindon will change significantly in May 2000.

The huge Toothill ward which includes Sparcells and Peatmoor (three councillors at present) will be split in two: Toothill & Westlea with two councillors, and Shaw & Nine Elms with three members.

The question is being asked why Nine Elms, an area of 800 houses without a village centre, has been recognised when Peatmoor and Sparcells, a distinct 'urban village' of some 2,200 homes has not.

The area was developed to have its own community identity, but even though the first people moved into Sparcells in 1988, they are only just beginning to get their own facilities like a school and shops.

Neil Cushing, chair of the Sparcells and Peatmoor Community Association welcomed improved political representation but confirmed the sense of being forgotten. "It would have been very nice if the new ward could have contained a reference to both Sparcells and Peatmoor, as this may help the council remember us," he said. "Even though they have given the association funding, they managed to leave us out of their listing of community groups last year."

Swindon Council's electoral services manager Alan Winchcombe said members of the council had approved the name of the new wards after discussion and public consultation. The Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions is likely to give approval by the autumn.

The boundary of the existing Freshbrook an d Grange Park ward, represented by three councillors is to be redrawn to take in The Prinnells, which is currently in Toothill ward.

The proposals also include creating a new three member ward named Abbey Meads, to represent the first area of the north Swindon expansion.

Gas improvements Transco starts work in West Swindon in April to upgrade gas mains.

Major roads affected will be Tewkesbury Way and Whitehill Way. Residential area roads off Bodiam Drive in Toothill and Gainsborough Way in Freshbrook will also be worked on.

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School bus dangers need sorting out Parents living in Shaw and Sparcells have expressed increasing concern for their children's safety as a result of overcrowding on school buses to and from Bradon Forest School.

Worries were first raised last Scott. "But we are keen to ensure summer because children were sit- that pupils travel to school safely. ting three abreast on seats designed We would expect the local authority to guarantee that a seat is availfor two, or even on the floor.

Throughout the Autumn Term, able for every student."

He said he had not received any the school worked closely with Swindon Borough Council to as- recent complaints and was unasess the situation and rectify it by ware that there are still problems reorganising the passes for some on some routes. But he would look routes. Deputy head Phillip Scott, into the situation.

There are a number of reasons in charge of transport, says the Borough were co-operative in try- for overcrowding: ing to resolve the situation. How- • Buses come from different ever, they do not hold a database sources. for travel places and allocation is • Coaches meet the standards required of their operators and an ad hoc pencil and paper exercise, which can result in children have seatbelts, while buses do not. in the same family being given • Often, more than one bus covers passes for different routes. a particular route and children "The practical and legal responmay use the wrong one. sibility rests with them," said Mr • Swindon contracts an operator to provide a bus of a certain size, but the operator may sometimes Tenants to be use a smaller one. more involved • The whole system is surrounded Swindon Council's housing comby inconsistent legislation. Requirements upon schools organmittee is planning to give tenants ising trips are different to those a louder voice in how their eson local authorities providing tates are managed.

A leaflet was distributed in transport to and from school.

A Swindon Council spokesMarch describing plans to set up Local Area Panels in 23 housing woman said, no complaints had areas. Each panel will consist of been received about the 35 bus. six to eight people who will re- However we are aware of the caceive training and support so that pacity problems. These are being they can represent the views of looked at and in the lead up to the re-tendering of the school bus servneighbours.

Potential volunteers will be in- ice for September, we are hoping vited to an initial meeting in April to resolve these issues. Once we and the first LAP meetings should are into April, year 11s on block release who don't travel in every take place in May. To find out more about being day will help to reduce numbers. part of the consultation process, "Anyone concerned about the call housing committee vice-chair school bus service can contact the Toothill councillor David Cox on Passenger Transport Unit on 615005.

466213."

AitinNMagat ^ Published by West Swindon Publications Papermakers House, Westlea Swindon SN5 7BD Tel: (01793) 872282 Fax: (01793) 878189 e mail: linkmagazine@compuse rv e.com Internet: www.swindonlink.com Publisher/Editor: Roger Ogle General enquiries: Tel: (01793) 872282 Advertising:

Jenni Fowler Tel: (01793) 872531

Editorial: General Gina Dennis Tel: (01793) 849518 North Swindon Tanya Parkinson Tel: (01793) 705105 Printed by Wiltshire, Bristol

Copy date for May edition: 16 April Published: 1 May Copy for June: 14 May

"The Link was first published for the West Swindon community in December 1978.

It is completely independent of Link Centre and, intact, won a competition to name the leisure centre in 1984. Distribution in North Swindon commenced in January 1994."

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

TOOTH ILL

Hot cross buns on offer Toothill Church is holding a hot cross bun breakfast on Good Friday to bring people together and encourage them to think about the meaning of Easter.

Church member Audrey Donaldson says, "we will discuss together the significance of the cross on the bun, considering what the empty tomb means for you. We hope people will come and find out and have a really happy Easter."

The breakfast is free and will take place from 8.30am to 9.30am on Friday 2 April. It will be followed at 9.45am by a short act of worship.

Dance fever strikes early Three year old Daniel Coombs of Toothill has become one of the youngest children ever to gain his first Rosette Award for disco dancing.

Daniel is the son of dance teacher Mike Coombs, who runs the Step In Time Dance Centre. For his award, he had, to perform two dances choreographed by his father according to rules set down by the International Dance Teach- -_ ers Association. The Rosette scheme is aimed mainly at 4 to 8 ' year olds.

"We're extremely proud that Daniel did so well in the exam," said Mike. "It's particularly pleasing for us to see him following in our footsteps, given his age. next exam will be in 'h June, possibly with a four year old partner, on Latin and ballroom routines, as well as disco. If the partnership works well, competitions Daniel the winner with his mum and are a possibility for the future.

Step In Time offers classes for dad, Stacey and Mike Coombs, his dancers of all ages in disco, line grandmotherjune and her dance partdancing, sequence, ballroom, Latin ner Henry Adams and jive. They will run sessions for existing groups or will try to setup classes in areas where a few Day centre opens people have expressed an interest. A new one day a week centre for Step In Time Dance Centre can adults with learning difficulties be contacted on 421124 or 823881. starts at I oothill Community Centre on 8 April.

Started by Les Wilson, in response to health service cutbacks, Toothill Community Centre is there will be a staff ratio of 3:1, two looking for a local company to of whom are fully trained in the sponsor a garden area for them, administration of prescribed drugs. and someone to keep it tidy.

A variety of activities will be on Centre Administrator Annette offer during the day including: Kennedy said, "we are looking to • Cookery to increase independenhance the front of the centre now ence and basic life skills that we've got rid of the graffiti. • Art & craft - drawing, painting, We want the building to look welmoulding, puzzles and probcoming. Companies have been lem solving to enhance motor sponsoring the planting of roundaskills and encourage self expresbouts, so we hope someone will be sion and social interaction willing to support us."

• Music - to listen and play As well as brightening up the along with approach to the centre, a garden • Reading - a quiet session where area would provide an attractive a member of staff reads to those photographic backdrop for the unable to experience the pleasmany wedding receptions held ure of reading for themselves there.

• Board games for all.

As none of the centre's manageEach activity will have results ment committee has gardening recorded individually and inforexpertise, they are also looking for mation fed back to parent or carer someone prepared to keep up the on a regular basis. garden once it has been planted. A The cost is £22 per day per pertoken fee would be payable. son. To find out more and to book For details, call Annette on 614492. a session, call Les on 853146.

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HAYDON WICK & WOODHALL PARK

Parish council considers further north expansion

Saturday 27 March, 2pm Emmanuel United Reform Church, Haydon Wick Spring bazaar All proceeds to Chalet School and SANDS Saturday 24 April, 2pm WI Spring Fair • Haydon Centre, Thames Avenue To be opened by the Mayor of Swindon Bric a brac, cakes, plants, nearly new stall. Refreshments Proceeds to equipment for Goddard Ward at PMH

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Worries about the controversial bus only link between North Swindon and Haydon Wick and the siting of a district centre proposed for the Haydon 3 development ensured good attendance at the Haydon Wick parish council annual assembly meeting on 9 March.

Councillors and residents re- The parish council will be calling main fearful that moves to close on Swindon Borough planners tc Lady Lane from the junction at site the district centre building: Elstree Way to the Manor Farm away from housing and to require pub will effectively divide a com- developers to create a strong plant munity in half. All agreed that cre- ing buffer zone. Noise and ai ating a bus only link would cut off pollution issues from the centre vital amenities in Haydon Wick to were also discussed.

Abbey Meads residents. A source close to the Borough'!

People who live on the Swan planning deparement has hintec Hill development off Haydon End the bus only proposal may be pu Lane complained that the planned on hold so that traffic volumes car northern district centre would be be further assessed. situated too close to their homes. Parish council elections There will be an election of Parisi Embroidery talk Councillors in May. Those eligible Margaret Gardner will be speak- to stand should be over 21 years o ing about embroidery at the next age and live or work within th4 Greenmeadow & Haydon Wick WI parish of Haydon Wick which in meeting in the Haydon Centre, on eludes Burghley Park and most o 12 April, 7.30pm. People new to Abbey Meads. For details contac the area are especially welcome to Sue Martin, clerk to the council or

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Birds living around Seven Fields recently took delivery of some newly built homes.

On Sunday 7 March keen volunteers from the Seven Fields Conservation Group erected tree boxes to give greater protection to songbirds that are threatened by larger species, particularly magpies.

B & Q awarded a £250 grant for the 18 boxes built by Therapeutic Work In Gardening (Twigs), for robins and tits. Bat and hedgehog houses were also made.

Marilyn Beale, group member said, "we hope to protect our songbirds and encourage more into the copse area. We would like to find homes for surplus boxes in gardens on the perimeter of the nature reserve. If Link readers would like to offer a site they can contact me on 725067."

Nigel Woodward from B & Q helps put up a bird box with Bill King, chair of the Sevenfields group

Leave your rubbish at home Rubbish is littering many parts o the reserve endangering wildlife Seven Fields Conservation Groul are reminding people to take litte home and ensure rubbish bags di not split.

Humpty Dumpty launches nursery Almost half a century later than intended Moredon Infants Sch celebrated the official opening of its nursery class on 5 March.

When the school was completed in 1952 it was intended to use room for under fives. However due to large pupil numbers this did materialise.

The nursery opened in February and caters for three and four y olds. Up to 50 excited children watched as Humpty Dumpty from Wyvern Theatre cut a ribbon. Head teacher Anthea Hilson said, "we delighted to have a nursery here after all these years."

To add your child's name to the waiting list for September contact school on 535992.

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Doctors for Taw Hill

GPs arrive in new home

In a bid to relieve pressure on existing doctor's practices, people living on the isolated Burghley Park development will soon have two GPs on their doorstep.

Plans for a temporary surgery temporary surgery next to the have been submitted to Swindon Taywood show house in August. and subject to approval, Doctors In due course a purpose built facilPeter Crouch, the local police sur- ity will be built at the planned Taw geon, and June Morris, will open a Hill village centre.

The Abbey Meads medical practice opened its doors to its first patients on 15 March.

Community building on the move again Groups using the tempora ry community centre on Elstree Way have been worried that they may lose a local facility when builders start work on a second Abbey Meads school in August.

However Swindon Borough Council have stated that the temporary facility will be relocated until the community primary school at the village centre is available.

• Find out more about the second Abbey Meads school on page 34.

PARTNERS si

After working out of the Carfax "we are looking forward to proStreet medical centre in the town, viding long lasting and stable paand for the last ten months a tient care for Abbey Meads."

Enquiries and appointments can portacabin on Elstree Way, a purpose designed facility is welcome be made on 709100. The house accommodation for the six doc- calls and emergency number is tors. Partner Dr Juan Ochoa said, 709111.

The staff available for a photo: front from left, practice manager Pam Dobson, Dr Juan Ochoa, Dr Jo Owen-Jones, Dr Diana Turbin, receptionist Pat Moran.

Rear, Geraldine Wanless, Cathy Yeomans, Jan King, Dr Steve Hicks, Karen Hope, Carolyn King, fundholding manager Brian Reed. Not pictured, Dr Macoustra, Dr Hawkins

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Supermarket plans meet objections The application by Lidl supermarkets to build on land they own opposite The Friary on Lady Lane will go to Swindon's development control committee on 12 April. The proposal is for a larger building than stated on the strategic plan for the area.

The planning department has received objections from local residents. Should you wish to comment, the scheme can be seen at Premier House, Station Road.

Abbey Chat finds a sponsor From a double-sided A4 sheet, Abbey Meads' bi-monthly newsletter, Abbey Chat has grown with the community and now has a major sponsor - Arriva Ford of Swindon.

First published in September C 1997 it now appears as a 12 page, A5 magazine, funded by advertising and support from the Abbey Meads Community Association.

Editor Mike Warr, is the man behind each issue with major input from Deaconess Maureen Spinks.

The main aim of the magazine is to keep residents up to date with news and views from around the area. "Our intention is to build a sense of community," said Mike.

"By producing it we are trying to live up to the developers statement 'a lifestyle for the 21st century'."

Although time consuming Mike Mike Warr with enjoys the challenge and is comDeaconess Maureen Spinks mitted to making improvements.

"The best part is the knowledge tion, Abbey Chat will remain limthat we are building a two way ited to the 2,000 homes on Abbey communication between the asso- Meads and St Andrews Ridge. ciation and the residents."

Anyone wishing to contribute Although sponsorship relieves articles, or help with distribution, the financial pressures on produc- should contact Mike on 701307.

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A ninety year old from Freshbrook gives the adage,'you're never too old to learn' a new meaning. r Ted Mackenzie has eagerly taken to computers and the Internet after taking a free course at Swindon College's Learning City training centre. On 19 March he became the first winner of the new Life'!^ ^ long Learning Award, presented

by College principal Dr Steven "It's wonderful getting on the Griffiths at the annual prize giving Internet; I have friends all over the ceremony.

Bachelor Ted was a national pro- country and I'm looking forward duction manager with the Daily to contacting my great niece in Mirror in the 1930s and spent fif- China."

In a fascinating historical referteen years in colonial administration in Nigeria until he retired at ence, Ted is using his father's old independence in 1961. Part of his telegraphic identification in his long retirement has been spent own e mail address. His father ocean racing and cruising around was a Daily Mail war correspondent in the 1890s sending back telthe Caribbean.

Describing his new hobby, Ted egraphed reports from conflicts said, "you have to know something around the world.

Even the most organised of comabout computers nowadays. I received excellent instruction; it's a puter users are struck by glitches marvellous course at Learning and Ted's machine went down in City. For all those people who are early March. "It was cruel to lose afraid of new things, its about everything," he said. "But it was a learning, not education - you re- good way of learning how to reinstall all the software." ally are never too old to learn.

Books and computers together Pupils at Freshbrook School are combining technology and literacy with the opening of a new facility.

Comfortable independence

The school library and comput- port Assistant had been taken on ers have been brought together in to assist with IT learning and the adjacent rooms so that half a class needs of year 6 children.

Teachers have also received excan be reading an d choosing books, whilst the other half is learning tra training so that the use of the information technology skills. computer room could be planned Deputy headteacher Jane Par- into curriculum delivery.

Galileo has donated fifteen comsons said that governors and parents had helped reorganise and puters which will be networked redecorate a cloakroom area and a and the school hopes to have an classroom, and also install special Internet connection in operation lighting. A new Education Sup- soon.

ESA Ladan Davarpanah, front, and parent helper Kini Drayton work with children in Mrs Lesley Gallimore's reception class

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BROOK EDGE, ABBEYMEADS, SWINDON SALES CENTRE OPEN DAILY 1 1 AM TO 6PM A RANGE OF 4 BEDROOM DETACHED HOMES FROM £110,000 TO £160,000 TELEPHONE (01793) 706611

Elstree Way. After 3 roundabouts turn left into Cagney Drive and look for the Westbury sales office.

Prices correct at time of going to press. tPart exchange available on selected plots, subject to status, terms and conditions. tOnly 1 incentive per sale

12

SHAW & ROUGHMOOR

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Did you know that acupuncture can help these and man other conditions?

Brook Field backs explorer's trek for Swindon children with cancer Children from Brook Field School are following Richard Bull's footsteps across the Arctic with interest, because many of them are sponsoring him in aid of Swindon children's cancer charity CALM.

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Appointments now available at: Shaw Chiropractic Clinic,West Swindon Telephone: 01793 887801

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Brook Field children try out some arctic exploration gear with Richard Bull, right, and John Billett. Front, from left, Jack Cox, Edward Salisbury, Ross Shaw. Rear, Sam Deacon, Natalie Stone, Amanda Osborne, Richard Wilkins

Richard from Haydon Wick was difficult time.

Organisation chair Don exclusively pictured with the chairMacarthur said, "we are very man DonMacarthurinlastmonth's pleased that Richard is supporting Link after we suggested CALM as us. CALM families and schools a local good cause worthy of suphave enthusiastically taken up the port. idea at quite short notice. The He departed for Canada on 25 children are excited about followMarch as a member of a six person ing the trip on a map and on the Gadget Shop Polar Challenge team internet. One family has raised for the five week 375 mile trek to over £70 in signatures in just a few days." the Magnetic North Pole.

There is still time to back RichWith John Billett from Devizes, Richard is also raising money for ard's arctic trek by calling CALM the Mitchemp Trust, which takes secretary Sue Edwards on 791470.

Follow the the Gadget Shop disadvantage children on advenPolar Challenge trip via ture holidays. The group includes www.swindonlink.com two English women and they will be joined by actor Brian Blessed.

The team will brave tempera- tures of minus 55'F and will be armed against polar bear attack. ..

The Magnetic North Pole is one of only two points on the globe where the earth's magnetic field is di7 rectly downward and its position is constantly shifting.

Apart from sponsorship for the miles he covers on skis, Richard will also be carrying a CALM flag signed by supporters to be photographed on arrival.

Children and staff at Salt Way had CALM is entirely run by volun- a bad hair day in aid of Comic teers who provide support to fami- Relief on 12 March and raised £142. lies with children who have can- Above: Four year 6 examples of Red cer. As the running costs are very Nose bad hair, from left, Tara Wilson, low, all donations go towards help- Oily Smith, Emma Cowdrey, Junior ing children and their parents at a I Small

WESTLEA

13

Westlea award winner Trina Gibson of Westlea is still pinching herself to make sure she did not dream that she visited Buckingham Palace to meet the Queen and collect her MBE. an antechamber, she was accompanied into the ballroom to accept her award from the Queen.

On her return to the antechamber, Trina was perturbed when the medal was taken away from her.

However, it was promptly returned, safely in its box.

"It was a once in a life-time experience," said Trina, "but it flashed past so fast that the memory is already fading."

However, she and her family will have a personalised video of the occasion to prove it really did happen.

The award was presented to Trina on 23 February as husband Mark and sons Derek and Keith proudly looked on. It recognises her service to the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and to the multiple sclerosis community.

"It was a mind-blowing occasion; there was so much to see and do," said Trina.

Because of her wheel chair, Trina was accompanied by her own personal usher, who was 'very nice and helpful.' After a short wait in Trina and Mark Gibson in the Buckingham Palace courtyard

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Children study D-day at first hand Forty four year 6 children and five members of staff from Westlea School sailed for France early on Sunday 14 March to complete their work on Britain since the 1930s with a focus on World War II. Staying in a hotel at Port au Bessin, midway between Caen and Cherbourg, the group visited the Gold, Omaha and Arromanches DDay landing beaches and Le Memorial peace museum at Caen.

Taking in an earlier period in British history, and another conflict with continental Europe, the children visited the Bayeux Tapestry which depicts William of Normandy's victory at Hastings in 1066.

The cross channel trip was a first for Westlea school, which has always taken groups of children on residential weeks in Britain.

Commenting on their return, year 6 teacher Alison Pass said, "it was a wonderful educational experience."

We hope to pubHolding up a map for the landing beaches, rear Farrell Copp, Kate Weatherburn. Front, Daniel Nicholls, lish photographs of the trip next month.

Samya Mallik in front of their class air raid shelter

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Website Design, Setup & Maintenance Call Mark Hodgson on (01793) 879381

COOPERS CHEMIST WEST SWINDON CENTRE

Fine fragrances, toiletries, ear piercing etc.

APS, developing & printing One free 35mm 24 exp film with every 35mm roll developed on the premises

Books for babes encourages young readers 1999 is the National Year of Reading and, as part of our commitment to literacy, Swindon Borough Libraries are supporting the national Bookstart project, writes group librarian Joyce Kirk-Brown.

Thanks to sponsorship by The scheme was officially launched on 24 March in the Brunel Sainsbury's, each pack consists of Centre by Swindon South MP Julia an attractive canvas bag containDrown and supported by local ing two board books, a laminated action rhyme placemat, a helpful sporting celebrities.

The project is a joint venture be- advice leaflet, suggestions for furtween public libraries and health ther reading and information about visitors. The Bookstart packs are Swindon libraries.

It is impossible to overstate the given out by health visitors at the seven-to-nine month checkup, importance of early literacy develwhen around 85% of parents at- opment and pilot projects of the tend. The aim nationwide is to scheme have shown dramatic rereach every baby in the UK by the sults. Parents reported that looking at books became one of their end of the year. child's most enjoyable activities, more books were bought and more visits to libraries made.

Attention span and concentration levels were increased with benefits lasting at least into the Specialists in PVCU, first two years of primary school.

Once at school, children scored windows, doors and

conservatories, also carpentry, fencing, patios, floor tiling.

Telephone:

Open 7 days a week

01793 848177

Mon - Fri gam - 8pm,

or 01793 770596

Sat 9am - 6pm, Sun 1 Oam - 3pm

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WEST SWINDON CENTRE 4 ^

TEL: 886871

Opening Hours: (Open Bank Holidays) Monday - Saturday 12noon - 2pm (Sunday lunch closed) Monday - Sunday 5pm - 11 pm

Unit B3, West Swindon District Centre

Chicken and Sweetcorn Chowder (serves 4)

Ingredients:

Seasonings:

2oz breast of chicken 1/2 tin sweetcorn cream 1 beaten egg 3 cups chicken stock

1/2 tsp white wine I tsp salt 1/2 tsp sugar pinch white pepper dash of sesame oil 2-3 tbsp cornflour s

a

2 tbsp vegetable oil

Method: 1. Wash and mince chicken breast. Marinate with white wine, pinch of salt, pepper and 1/2 tsp cornflour for 10 minutes 2. Heat saucepan with 2 tbsp vegetable oil. Stir in the minced chicken until slightly cooked. Add the chicken stock, bring to the boil. Pour in sweetcorn cream and season.

3. Thicken chowder with cornflour solution. Blend in beaten egg, garnish with parsley and serve

Joyce Kirk-Brown shows off a Bookstart pack to Wes flea fi re station sub-officer Martin Lloyd and his son Sam, 6 months, and Sandra Mitchell from Fresh-

22 Ravens Walk Wootton Bassett

Tel: 872033

Garnish: 1 sprig parsley

consistently higher marks not only in English but also in Maths.

If your child falls outside the target age range of seven to nine months, there is no need to miss out on these benefits. Even without a Bookstart pack your child will benefit from using your local library. We have lots of board books and picture books to loan, regular storytimes for the under fives and staff who will offer helpful advice. It costs nothing to join.

Please remember to bring something with your name and address on it, such as a family allowance book or drivers licence, if you haven't visited us before.

For further information contact West Swindon Library on 465555, Moredon Library on 464490 or Central Library on 463238

Stories for Comic Relief Children from Oliver Tomkins Infants School nursery class visited the West Swindon library dressed as their favourite characters on Red Nose Day to enjoy the weekly story time.

Librarian Robert Cotterill reads stories to under 5s every Friday between 10.30am and 11am. There are also nursery rhymes and songs to join in with. Parents, carers and children should just turn up and participate.

15

Buy or sell at WEAR IT WELL For choice, quality and low priced garments for A any occasion,visit Wiltshire's largest as new clothing agency with the great reputation

59 North Street, (off Eastcott Rd), Old Town, Swindon Telephone: 695223 New & nearly new bridal gowns at greatly reduced prices now in stock

Programme for Lit Fest launched An eclectic collection of top names have been booked for this year's Swindon Festival of Literature held over the first nine days of May. Tickets are now on sale.

Free speaking Edwina Currie will be talking at the DeVere Hotel, Professior Richard Dawkins takes a literary approach to science, Royal biographer Penny Junor might reveal a few secrets about her encounters with Charles and veteran broadcaster Ludovic Kennedy will talk about whether God is but fiction. i1 Add in Novelist of the Year Beryl .

Bainbridge and philospher Roger Scruton, who recently wrote nasty things about Swindon, plus loads —` of other events, and you have an amazing literary package.

Look out for the barn red programme in libraries and information centres or call 771081.

See the festival programme @

www.swindonlink.com

Deputy Mayor of Swindon Joyce Brunt with from left, Festival Director

Open: Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat 10.00am - 430 pm

11!

Reeo0nition

Trophies Plaques & Awards Badges - all types Signs & Graphics Engraving Cad for our free brockwe, BSS House, Cheney Manor, Swindon SN2 2PJ Tel: 01793 535900

Matt Holland, poets Sarah-Jane Arbury and Marcus Moore and coun Derique Montaut, chair of Swindon's Leisure Services Committee

Party Box

Classical star makes special appearance at festival Her hit album 'Voice of an Angel' has topped the charts, she has sung for the Pope and now she will appear at The Wiltshire Festival's Classical Extravaganza at Lydiard Country Park on Friday 20 August.

Probably the UK's largest name in classical music, 13 year old soprano Charlotte Church is a coup fororganiser Eddie Sharpe and Andy Cotton, from Shaw - celebrating their fifth year of putting on the show.

This will be one of only 10 public performances she will give this year.

After the success of the 1998 event organisers are hoping for a total sell-out for the 1999 Classical Extravaganza which is again sponsored by local company Motorola and Classic fm.

To add to the spectacle will be the yearly arrival of the WWII Spitfire on the tail of a Messerschmidt 109. Other vintage aircraft will also join the aerial displays choreographed to the music of the

children the opportunity to show their skills with a professional orchestra.

The ever popular 'Last Night of the Proms' second half will be performed by Ms Bethan Dudley on a welcome return to play in her home town.

Audience enjoyment will be enhanced by a 60 foot square video screen to show stage action to people sitting further back.

Festival promoter, Eddie Sharpe said, "we were very luck to get Charlotte as, due to her age she will only be performing a limited number of shows this year.

The week before she is playing Kensington Palace.

"We are trying to get better artistes every year: Charlotte is certainly the biggest classical name we have orchestra.

Charlotte Church will join the secured. We are also confident of English National Symphony or- having an exciting bill for Party in chestra conducted by resident con- the Park." Details will be anductor, the enigmatic Jae Alexan- nounced next month. der.

Tickets cost £18 plus booking A welcome return will be made fee and are available on 07050 in 1999 to the Swindon Arts Foun- 677536. Book now as this show is dation choir, giving local school sure to sell out quickly.

The One Stop Party Shop n Novelties & Gifts n Fancy dress access • Balloons & balloon decoration service Helium gas kits A wide range for weddings, birthdays, Christenings and parties 1 3 Apsley House Arcade High Street, Wootton Bassett Tel/fax: 01793 853976 Mobile: 0378 954903

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Thursday 8 April Music Beginish (below). Arts Cen- Children The Lost World - journey to the depths of the jungle, meet the tre, 8pm. £8.50 ^giant crocodile. Suit 5-11 yr olds. t Swindon Museum & Art Gallery, 2pm - 4pm. £2, book on 466556 Thursday 1 April

^

Hillside Building Services (^

OEpAT/O,LO

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Extensions, loft conversion, 'rE specialists in all types of building & plaste ri ng All work full insured Contact Dave on 01793 488470

Lecture Brunel: The Great Engineer. Tim Bryan talks about the life, work and projects of Brunel. GWR Museum, 7.30pm. £2 Music Angela Brown (right) and The Mighty 45s - 'the hottest blues show around'. Arts Centre, 8pm £9

CREATIVE CURTAINS The complete service from ideas to hanging, all at affordable prices Hand made curtains, Roman blinds, quilted bed covers, Austrian blinds, cushions etc.

For a free estimate ring Christine on 01793 875869

Friday 9 April Masterclass The Swindon Recital Series - masterclass for saxophonFriday 2 April Comedy Craig Charles, (of TV's Red Dwarf), Wyvern, 8pm. £11.50 Saturday 3 April Family Puffing Billy and the Fireman - meet Mr Bell, fireman and

take a ride on the miniature train.

GWR Museum, 10am - 4pm. £2.40, children £1.20, u 5s free

SS(UL4 S^1ff!WJrAA*

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MUSIC NIGHTS, QUIZ NIGHTS, RAGE NIGHTS, PARTS, POOL SKITTLE$ OPENTWIGHTSA WUK AND WUKENO LUNCH—TIME$.

TNSRSRSA"Y/$A PLACE YeLl GilNii4/N6 TN6fAM/LYANO NA V( A FtW DA!#K$AT WSU 11L9 W/US PR/CIA.

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IN ANO AIN FPR AN A/PMICArIQV IP f

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Menu available on request Fully Licensed

53 Devizes Road Swindon Tel: (01793) 521515

Open: Tuesday to Sunday 12noon - 2.30pm; 7pm - 10.30pm Closed Monday

Booking advisable for our 30 cover restaurant Small weddings, Christenings

present Sarah Markham (saxophone) and Paul Turner (piano).

Arts Centre, 8pm. £8, tickets available from Dawn Ball on 644051

maintain The Haven at Moredon Gardens. To book call 526228 Family Flower Power- magical mystery tour of plant secrets and folklore in Lydiard Country Park, 11am - 2pm. £1.50, juniors 50p.

Book in advance on 771419 Music Syd Lawrence Tribute to the Big Band Era. Wyvern, 7.30pm. £12.50 Saturday 10 April Music Dick Gaughan (above). Arts Centre, 8pm. £6.50. Supper after the show, £5.50 book with tickets

[ook, Nr Wootton B assett, Swindon Tel/Fax: (01793) 852357

Sunday lunchtime roast Midweek lunchtime menu on request

Friday 9 April Music The Swindon Recital Series

Sunday 4 April Gardening workshop Gardening with flowers and butterflies -•help

& far

or an evening meal in pleasant surroundings, try our own: Chicken Cognac to Lamb Demerara * Salmon Citrus To name just afew of our special delights all freshly prepared at the Bolingbroke

Markham. Arts Centre, 2pm. For

details call Dawn Ball on 644051

Music The Great Western Chorus and the Barber Shop. Wyvern, 7.30pm. £7

Wednesday 14 April to Saturday 17 April Drama The Western Players present The Circle by W Somerset Maugham. Arts Centre, 7.30pm. £4, for tickets call 724269

Excellent beers & wholesome house wines

For the finest in Cantonese, Sichuan, Peking and South East Asian Cuisine

ists & clarinetists by Sarah

Craig Charles at the Wyvern on Friday 2 April Sunday 4 April & Monday 5 April Family Easter Bunny Specials on Swindon & Cricklade Railway.

Blunsdon Station, 10am - 4pm.

Admission charge Tuesday 6 April Comedy Crazy Chicken Comedy Club. Mackenzie's, Wood St, Swindon, 7.45pm. £5 Tuesday 6 April to Saturday 4 April

Drama Haunting Julia by Alan Aykbourn. Wyvern, 7.30pm, & 2.30pm, Tues & Sat. £7 - £10.50

Thursday 15 April Music The Manfreds featuring original band members. Wyvern, 7.30pm. £15.50 Saturday 17 April Comedy Mel & Sue, stars of Channel 4's 'Light Lunch' and 'Late Lunch'. Wyvern, 8pm. £12 Sunday 18 April Music The Illegal Eagles take you through the musical history of The Eagles, 1972 - 81. Wyvern, 7.30pm. £12.50 Tuesday 20 April Variety Golden Days of Variety.

Wyvern, 2pm. £8 Comedy Roy Walker - host of TV's 'Catch Phrase'. Wyvern, 7.30pm. £12.50 Wednesday 21 April Music Voulez Vous - Silver Tour 1999. Wyvern, 8pm. £11

April overview

17 Sunday 25 April Music The K School of Music presents A Song for Springtime.

Arts Centre, 2.30pm & 7.30pm. £5.

For tickets call 695406 Friday 30 April Drama Jump to Cow Heaven - a gripping triumph of tension and suspense. Arts Centre, 8pm. £7.50

Brinkworth Golf Club Brinkworth, Chippenham, Wiltshire Tel: 01666 510277 Weekday round of golf from only £8 Weekends only £10 Q Q

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Fi lm at the Arts Centre Tuesday 6 April, 7.45pm Primary Colors (15) Based on the best-selling novel by `Anonymous' , this is a thinly disguised fictionalisation of Bill Clinton's campaign for the Democratic nomination. John Travolta, plays the presidential candidate with Emma Thompson as his long-su ff ering wife in this entertaining take on American political morals. £3.50

Wednesday 21 April to Saturday 24 April Comedy The Phoenix Players present Rumours by Neil Simon.

A rt s Centre, 7.30pm. £4, advance booking on 525616, 3pm to 8pm daily. Limited tickets for Wednesday from A rt s Centre from Tues 6 April.

Thursday 22 April Music Seventies rock 'n' roll star Ian Hunter with suppo rt from his daughter, Trade Hunter. Wyvern, 7.30pm. £10

Tuesday 27 April to Wednesday 28 April, 7.45pm Dancing at Lughnasa (PG)

A moving drama set in Donegal

Sprechen Sie Deutsch?

The next meeting of the Swindon Anglo-German Society will be held on Friday 9 April, 7.30pm onwards at The Manor (lounge bar), Cheney Manor Road.

Join in with an informal evening of German conversation. Call 524726 for more information.

000 0

A weekday round of golf half price during April when you produce this adve rt at the clubhouse aQ (no photocopies accepted) n, j

VISITOR CENTRE Sevenhampton, Nr Highworth, Swindon • Tel: 01793 763939 Signed off A420 & A361. 3 miles NE of Swindon

in 1936, where the tranquil lives of five sisters are shattered by the return of a long-lost brother

OPEN DAILY 27th MARCH TO 11th APRIL then closed until summer holidays 11am - 5pm (last admission 4.30pm)

and an old flame. Superb cast is

* Bottle feeding & meet all the farm animals *Rural cra ft demonstrations * Granary Tea Rooms * 7 Nature walks * Bouncy castle and ball pond * Adventure play area * Toddlers indoor play area

led by Meryl Streep, and includes Michael Gambon, Kathy Burke, Catherine McCormack. £3.50

* NEW Willow `Beastie' and Maze Group and school visits all year by arrangement

FOUR SEASONS Coming soon - a new kind of

Chinese (Experience f

DOLLS, DOLLS HOUSES t

MINIATURES SHOW Hilton National Hotel Swindon Junction 16, M4, Lydiard Fields

Sunday 25th April 10.00am - 4.00pm .. ^ Admission :_-Adults: £2.50 Seniors: £2.00 ^ 1 Accompanied children: £1.00 F !

From Sunday 28th March until the end of April the restaurant will be closed for an extensive refurbishment. Look out for details in your local press for a truly Oriental experience in Swindon.

Bookings and enquiries still being taken.

We look forward to seeing you again in May.

Charity May Ball Saturday 15th May Live music, disco, entertainment and buffet for £25 per person.

Telephone 01793 790180 / 532221 for details and:; ticket availability.

Chinese (Expert ence ' N Pepperbox Hill, Peatmoor, West Swindon Telephone 01793 877888 Fax 01793 873883

Se^tdat

18

7rede - 4

Ornamental Ceramics

MossWr d Crafts i

For all your

CROSS STITCH supplies

Come and join us ... at our warm friendly studio. Enjoy the delights of learning this new hobby from a qualified teacher. You'll create items which will impress friends and family, small classes mean individual attention. We also have stocks of greenware, bisque and ceramic supplies.

Also tapestry & embroidery DMC stranded cotton in stock

18 Apsley House Arcade Wootton Bassett

For details ring Sandie or Vic on Swindon 813700, mobile: 07971 776707

Tel: 01793 848855

' I i' sue

DEVELOPMENT THROUGH Di & !

Our drama programme is designed to develop ongoing confidence, self-esteem and communication skills.

PuiMaxv CLASSES: Children find our classes fun and highly motivating and parents everywhere are delighted with the results Become involved in our stimulating Theatre A rt s programme for 12 - 17 yr olds

YOUTH THEATRE:

Classes now enrolling at: Swindon Link Centre, Haydon Wick, West Swindon (Greendown School), Croft Sports Centre, Wroughton & Crick!ade

Helen O'Grady CHILDREN'S DRAMA ACADEMY For further details please phone:Principal Jenny Hatch on 01672 520 528

STOP! LOOK and LISTEN before you commit yourself to any major home improvement. New windows, doors and especially a new conservatory can transform your home... a ; CH

ECKj,j,$T

but it's worth using this si mple checklist: a

y

Q c orcE A,e me range of designs and various gO°d locking options?

'

Quacking good time

Win £500 cash at the Great Swindon Easter Duck Race on Sunday 4 April in aid of the Swindon Kidney Dialysis Appeal.

Organised by Swindon Rota ry Runner up prizes include a DisClub, the duck race takes place in neyland Paris Weekend and two the stream running through the tickets to Phantom of the Opera in Westcott Recreation Ground, op- Bristol.

At 12noon there will be a sponposite the Running Horse pub on sored duck waddle for children.

Wootton Bassett Road.

Ducks cost £1 on the day of the For sponsor forms, call Brian Walkley on 790683. race, which sta rt s at 2.30pm.

Chinese takes a break The Chinese Experience restaurant will be closed from 28 March until the end of April for a complete refurbishment.

It is the first closure since the ibility in how seating and ente rt ainrestaurant opened in 1991. Over ment areas can be arranged.

The first function on reopening the last four years the Chinese Experience has become ve ry popu- will be a spectacular ball in aid of lar as a venue for business and the Swindon Ukraine Orphanage charity functions. The stage will be Appeal on 15 May. For tickets to removed and the ground floor this glitzy charity event, call Bill opened up to create greater flex- Allen on 790180.

Date set for first jazz fest Swindon's first everjazz festival is now in the diary for 28 to 30 Ap ril 2000 at SwindonTown Football Club.

Local musician and jazz enthu- 11 April: Pete Allen Jazz Band £10 siast Ray Butt is putting together a 16 May: Acker Bilk and his £12 All Star Band programme involving top names 13 June:The Temperance and local musicians. £12 Seven He is also after sponsorship to make the event happen. For de- 11 July: Tommy Burton's Spo rt tails contact Ray Butt on 770929. inghouse Quartet £12 To set the scene, a thriving jazz To reserve tickets send a cheque scene is developing at Winners with SAE to 33 Chestnut Springs, Jazz Club at the County Ground. Lydiard Millicent or call into SwinThe Sunday gigs coming up are: don Town FC.

1;

April at Lower Shaw Farm

Wednesday 21 April and a Thursday 22 April, 10am - 12.30pm Children's workshop Crafts and play around the farm for children under 5 and their parents and carers. Come and feed the sheep, see the lambs and collect hens' eggs.

Bring a picnic lunch. £5 per family Saturday 24 April, 5pm to 7pm • Drumming workshop Learn African and other world rhythms. Workshop £6. Stay for evening meal and campfire £3 extra.

For further details and to book call 771080

REP

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@

The Link Magazine • April 1999

www.swindonlink.com

Hard going in a hot spot Geoffrey Hill, a member of St Mary's Church in Lydiard Park writes about West Swindon's connection with the conflicts in central Africa which hit the headlines in March after the murder of tourists.

Confused by all the news of people fighting each other somewhere in the middle of Africa? We all

churches in this country. One is St. Mary's, Lydiard Tregoze and Francesca keeps up a lively correare. spondence with the people here.

But one who is in the thick of it is Over the years she has vividly Dr Francesca Elloway, a mission described what it means to work partner of the Anglican Church with folk who have little in mateMission Society. Seven years ago rial possessions but who are rich she went to (now) Congo to head in faith. When trouble surrounds up a network of Church Health their towns or villages, they 'melt' Centres, which provide essential into the surrounding forest until it medical services to the local peo- is safe to come out again. As a ple in the North-East of the coun- foreigner, Francesca cannot do this, try. Because of rebel activity she so the local Church leaders have has twice been forced to leave. had to ask her (with other mission Francesca, who comes from Bris- partners) to leave their country. tol, is supported with the prayer Francesca is now in Uganda and gifts of a number of different working at a mission hospital

about 25 miles away from her own location in Congo. She is still able to help in running the Health Centres, because two of the African staff regularly cycle across the border for advice and to take back essential supplies.

She is truly a 'displaced' person, living out of a suitcase for months and losing many of her possessions op each occasion she has had to leave. From her letters it is clear she cares little about this, but does care deeply for the trials of her Congolese friends. After 8 months (this time) in Uganda there is still no sign when she may be able to return to them.

Lottery saves Well Woman Centre

Whizz Kid

Swindon Well Woman Centre has been saved by the award of a £29,700 grant by the National Lottery Charities Board.

runner

A personal mid-life crisis has led Sandra Whitaker, Centre Ad- Joanne Greener of Grange Park Swindon Council had withdrawn its funding to the centre ministrator, welcoming the news to enter the Ap ri l's Flora London from 1 April 1998 and dwindling said, "the grant recognises what Marathon and pledge £500 for funds meant that the centre was the Well Woman Centre is achiev- children with limited mobility. ing locally and its potential to help near closure.

The lottery grant covers the sal- women in the Swindon area. It ary costs for two part-time work- will allow us to continue to proers and the centre's running costs vide our services and give us breathing space to develop addifor one year. tional sources of funding to ensure our future beyond 2000."

A The Well Woman Centre pro0 vides a range of free quality services specifically for women by women, including medical screening, support, information and ad-

•

vice.

WELL WOMAN CENTRE

Mon 5.30-7.30 N'e'ed 12.30-2.3() Fri 10.00-12.00 Tel:511064

Sandra Whitaker, left, with management committee chair Marlene Wheeler holding up the lottery letter

Wonderbra walkers Two Swindon Council workers will be walking the London marathon route overnight before the main event on 17 April.

Wearing only Wonderbras and space blankets, they are raising money for Breakthrough Breast

Cancer.

Both Eunice Salmon from Nine Elms, left, and Emma Nielsen from Purton have had friends and family who have died from the disease.

"We're celebrating the fact that we both still have breasts and our lives; we want to raise money for research to find a cure and support for women undergoing treatment," said Eunice.

If you can help, details and sponsorship forms can be obtained via The Link, address on page 4.

E da aate4 /o HAND CRAFTED CARD MATERIALS By mail order • 01249 81.9186 Extensive range of peel o ff 's, quilling suppliesS p giddy blank cards r ^^^rerrAry Best Wishes plus much more, Get well Send A5 SAE I' e S°°" for catalogue Good Luck & price list to 22 Falcon Road, Congratulations Caine,

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Women to pull a Hercules Future fundraising events include a sponsored swim on17 April and 100 women are needed to take part in a sponsored Hercules pull in May. For details about the centre and to help fundraise, call 511064.

19

Joanne, on the treadmill at the DeVere Leisure Club above, is running for Whizz Kids, a national children's charity that aims to improve the lives of disabled children by providing tailor made mobility aids, giving them a freedom and independence that other children take for granted.

"Since receiving information from Whizz-Kids, I have realised how much we take our mobility for granted and the difference these aids can make to disabled children," she said.

Joanne will be one of a team of 1,000 runners all taking part in the marathon to raise £1 million. She is training three times a week, gradually building up the distance she covers so that she is able to complete the 26.2 mile race.

The £500 Joanne hopes to raise will cover the cost of one specially adapted trike.

To sponsor her, call 876616.

7.00pm to 8.00pm Simply Physical - basic hillo Aerobics with plenty of floorwork Holy Trinity Church, Shaw Village Centre. West Swindon.

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• Please bring your own water • Mats are provided !.W'comfortable clothes & ' suitable footwear • Classes taught by Rich Tel. (07771) 605918 for further details

20

The Link Magazine • April 1999

Shaw skiier takes top spot

Berle , Ultimate *Top To Toe* Workouts now

available in your area Monday 8 to 9pm Westlea primary School, Langstone Way Tuesday 8 to 9pm Everybody's Gym, Greenbridge

1.

1T 111:i►I 411*^t lW_1*1 Monday: 5.45pm & 8.00pm & Thursday: 7.00pm St John's Church, Haydon Wick.

Nicole, 338786 Tuesday: 9.30am Toothill Community Centre, Dunwich Drive. Jenny, 613423 Thursday: 11.00am & 12noon Wyvern Theatre. Sharon, 873317 Thursday: 7.00pm Freshbrook Community Centre, Worsley Rd. Jenny, 613423

Wednesday 7.30 to 8.30pm Churchfields School, Salcombe Grove Thursday 8.15 to 9.15pm Upper Shaw Community Centre, Ridge Green Sunday 10.30 to 11.30am Upper Shaw Community Centre, Ridge Green A friendly fun class (with no jogging) suitable for all levels

Any queries call 01793 726659

Schoolgirl skier Michelle Palmer took the top British Girls Under 15 placing in the Giant Slalom at the recent World Schools Ski Championship in the Czech Republic on 25 Februa ry.

Thirteen year old Michelle, right, was competing in the championship for the first time as part of the England team. She had spent a month in Chamonix at the Thomson Bri ti sh Ski Academy preparing for the event and is returning there after only ten days at home to continue her racing season. Her next event is the English Alpine Races at Super de Voluy.

Although Michelle is training hard and has barely spent any time at home this winter, she is managing to keep up with her schoolwork with the support of Bradon funded her skiing out of their own Forest School. Her teachers have savings. But to achieve her full been sending work out to her at potential Michelle will need to find the Academy, where she spends commercial sponsorship.

If you can help, contact Sandra three hours a day with a tutor.

So far. Michelle's toarents have or Geoff Palmer on 874095.

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Calling cricketers

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Play cricket? Know cricketers?

Moved to the area? Looking for a new club?

Swindon United Churches Cricket Club play at an attractive village ground near North Swindon which has been the winner of the Best Pitch Awards.

To find out more, ring David Martin on 770171 for details.

Kelly Hillier-Bowden from Shaw has once again been chosen as goalkeeper for the Wiltshire Schools Under 17s hockey squad.

This is the third season she has joined the age group squad.

The fifteen year old also plays for Swindon Ladies and is hoping to be called up for the South West schools squad.

Complementary practitioners come together to benefit clients The Optimum Health Group draws together a team of professionally qualified practitioners with a wide range of specialist skills.

The group enables them to work closely with each other to bring about the optimum health of a client. Rather than being based from a practice, they variously work from home, from clinics or will visit you.

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offered by Alison Deacon, a reflexologist, whose training involves an understanding of the benefits of other therapies.

Alison was trained in advanced reflexology by Anthony Porter, Princess Diana's former reflexologist, through the International Institute of Alison Deacon, front left, with Sandra Reflexology. She has just been Davies, Hazel Kenee and David Rowan awarded membership of the Associa- problems or you can visit her, along with Alison, at their town centre clinic. tion of Reflexologists.

David Rowan, MAHP MRGP, is a Hazel Andrews, Lie Ac., MBAcC, offers traditional Chinese acupunc- master practitioner of Neuro Linguisture, effective for a wide range of tic Programming, a powerful tool for disorders, from back pain to skin con- changing your responses and fulfilling your potential. ditions to chronic fatigue.

Chiropractor Sandra Davies, D.C., Trish Cosford, Cert. CC & Dip PST works with back problems and related offers counselling. Other therapies symptoms such as migraine and neck, such as kinesiology and aromatherapy arm, shoulder and leg pain. are also available through the group.

Chiropodist Hazel Kenee, MSSCh Call Alison Deacon on 887809 for MBChA, will come to your home, more information or to discuss your with advice and treatment for foot needs.

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

First photo for Olympic hopefuls Andrew Seabrook's new skating partner Clare Dawson was ill for The Link photocall last month, but we are pleased to publish the first picture of them together.

Clare, 18, from Telford, was training at the Link Centre rink when Andrew had to look for a new partner in early January. They decided to try a few routines and now the pair are working hard to attain the level Andrew had reached with his previous partner.

By the end of the year they aim to win the British Pairs Championship. After that, the Salt Lake City Olympics in 2002 will be in their sights.

Andrew and Claire outside the Link Centre rink

The Link Magazine • April 1999

Skater sells CD to fund passion Former Greendown pupil Matthew Barrett is being helped towards a career on the ice from Swindon nightclub Fusion, for whom he works part time.

Matthew, from Freshbrook, is studying for A' Levels in Business Studies, Sports Science and Psychology at Swindon College. He has been skating since he was 10.

Trained by Lesley Norfolk-Pearce, Matthew is currently practising for his Silver exam. He hopes to work in show skating and, ultimately, to become a coach himself.

To help Matthew raise money to finance his development as a skater, Fusion have produced a CD of top dance music played at the club for him to sell.

"I'd like to thank Fusion for their support," said Matthew. "With skating being such an expensive sport, it will help a great deal if I To buy a CD and help Matthew can sell the discs." on his way, call him on 692688.

21

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Super at Salt Way Olympic athlete dropped in to Salt Way primary on 16 March to encourage children taking part in exercise routines for 'Super Schools.'

Money raised through sponsorship helps children showing sporting talent to meet the cost of training and competing.

for stress/depression/ back pain, etc.

F.J. Taylor, Reiki Master

Tel: (01793) 849914 or 07775 932984 Reiki training available at all levels

Roger Black with Razval Karim and Sharnni Wilson

- -

Gymnasts shine for Swindon

Shaw Ridge School's young gymnasts have once again performed well at the South West England Gymnastics Competition.

Two girls' teams and one boys' end of February. As schools teams port from parent helper Mrs Book your appointment with team took part in the competition, competing against club gymnasts, Bagwell. Around 90 children in held this year at Melksham, at the they made an excellent showing, different groups attend sessions Martin Drew MBcHA, MSSch with the girls A Team managing each Thursday evening. It is unuCHIROPODIST 6th place out of 18 and the boys 3rd sual for a primary school to have a out of 5. club of this calibre and its excelChildren's verruca surge ry open.

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LE TT ER FROM

WE STMIN STER

The Right to Roam Although a large part of MP Michael Wills' North Swindon constituency lies within the town, there is also a substantial rural area. Here he comments on Government moves to give the majority the right to enjoy the count ryside.

Many constituents have told me "This is a busy time in Westmin- Under the new laws we will all be restrictions to prevent visitors ster, as the Government sets about free to enjoy this heritage of moun- putting at risk the very landscapes how pleased they are that the Govdelivering on the commitments it tain, moor, heath, down and regis- and communities they come to see. ernment has delivered on this made at the election and in the last tered common land. Across Eng- Land managers willbe able to close pledge. I believe it is a powerful land and Wales it will open up land for short periods, and Na- symbol of this Government's deQueen's speech. tional Park Authorities and other termination to open up opportuLast month another of these was about four million acres of land.

In my North Swindon constitu- localauthoritieswillbeabletoclose nitiestoeveryone,whetherineduhonoured, as the Government announced it would introduce laws , ency there are many working land where it is in the interests of cation, employment or our free to give people greater freedom to farms, so I am pleased that the wildlife, heritage or land manage- time, so that we can all get more out of life." explore our open countryside. Government's package includes ment to do so.

Make a new start with a quiet revolution this Easter

Discover the real Jesus at one of the churches in West Swindon See the combined churches adve rt isement on page 39

Millennium celebrations in Swindon After a failed lottery bid, Swindon Borough Council's community and leisure services department is requesting £30,000 from the policy and resources committee at their meeting on 8 April, for millennium celebrations. ready planning and how they Southern Arts, who were adminmight like to be involved in the istering the lottery funding, refestival. "We want lots of local ceived applications totalling £36 participation," she said. million. With only £650,000 availCommunity and Leisure Servable, Swindon's bid was one of ices are already starting to put tomany that were passed over. gether a Swindonwide millennium The money requested from policy and resources is needed to Announcing the coming of STEAM diary. Plans currently include a at the Churchward site Festival of Sport and annual events start work on organising Swindon City Festival 2000 and celebrations cause we think there will bea natu- such as the Literature Festival, the for the 21st birthday of the Na- ral feeling of euphoria as people Wiltshire Festival and the Old tional Dance Agency for the South embrace the first summer of the Town Gardens Concert Series. of England, Swindon Dance. Once millennium," said Public Arts OfBut, to the borough, STEAM, the new railway heritage museum, is this has been secured, further spon- ficer Lorraine Cox. Once start-up funding has been Swindon's millennium centresorship will be sought.

"Swindon City Festival will aim found, Lorraine will be contacting piece. Its opening in the spring of to gather people together through- community organisations and 2000 will launch the summer of out the borough to celebrate be- schools to ask what they are al- celebration.

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Registered with the Mortgage Code Register of Intermediaries: No. 5151731 • Consumer Credit Licence: No. 222123 Credit broker fees of up to 1 % on the advance may be charged at completion depending on the type of product and credit period. Rate applied is 30% 4.2% APR) for two years. APR is variable. Rates may ve ry. A written quotation on loans can be obtained on request. Only available to persons 16 years of age or over. Subject to status. Subject to our current lending criteria. A 3.05% reduction applied to the variable base mortgage rate, currently 695%. Those applicants benefiting from this special discount who redeem their mortgage within five years from the data of completion will be charged an additional six months Interest. This charge will be reimbursed it a new mortgage is than taken out with the Society.

Example: A married couple aged 30 years and 20 years, both non-smokers, applying for an endowment mortgage of £50,000 over a 25 year tenn (300 monthly payments), completing before 30 June 1999 secured against a property being purchased for £55,000. 300 monthly mortgage payments net of tax of £152.75. Monthly endowment premium of £74.96. Total amount payable £116,464 calculated to include valuation fee £155. This calculation is based on the assumption that the discounted rate will a pp ly throughout the term of the loan. Maximum loan £150,000. The rate applies to loans up to and including 95% of the purchase price or valuation, whichever Is the lower. The discounted rate is applicable for two years. after which the then current rate will apply. When an applicant is borrowing more than 75% the Society will require additional security. This is usually in the form of a Risk Charge. Rates correct at time of going to press.

•

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24

The Link Magazine •

11999

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At that time there was a shortage of housing for young married couples and many, having experienced gloomy rented rooms, ended up returning to their parents.

Graham and Rose were determined to start their marriage in a proper home. So when, in 1953, the opportunity arose to buy a quarter acre plot from Mrs Maslin at Lower Shaw Farm, they jumped at the chance.

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Easter 1953 was spent, in a bright burst of spring sunshine, with a crowbar, pick and shovel, digging out a stony bank to make a 'pullin' required by the planners. For the following eighteen months, "freezing in the winter winds, browning in the sun," Graham and Rose, dug trenches, mixed cement, nailed cedar tiles to roof timbers and threw up 'giant worm-casts' whilst excavating for the septic tank. From skeleton rooms, carpeted with buttercups and clover, emerged a home.

The bungalow stood, just three miles from the town centre, on the main road from Swindon to Purton. Rose remembers watching the procession of bicycles heading to and from the GWR works.

Closer to the gates, when the 'hooter' went, the bicycles became a torrent, filling the road.

Rose herself had started work at as a GWR 'Comptometer Girl' shortly after leaving grammar school. The mileage office was at the top of 72 stairs and the nearest toilets were three floors down.

When, eventually, one was built on her floor, you had to ask the manager for the key to use it. As office junior, she was expected to collect the bosses' coats from the cloakroom for them. Career choices for girls were generally limited to teaching, nursing, shop or office work. In Swindon, GWR was a prime employer, "if you could get 'inside', everyone thought you were made for life."

ing everything, but it specialised in birthday cakes. Meat, milk, bread and groceries were all delivered by various vans. Doubledecker buses ran twice a day, though they often had room only for Rose and her son, but not the pushchair.

Rose says it was traumatic when they first heard that their country lane was to eventually be found in the middle of the biggest housing development in Europe and residents put up strong objections to Swindon's plans to expand westwords.

She was sad to lose the fields and cows at the back fence. But Old Shaw Lane was and is a settled community where people support each other. The road, no longer a main route, is still used more by walkers, cyclists and horses than by cars. For her, it retains the feel 1953: Rose makes a start on the of a 'rural island' in the midst of foundations of her new home West Swindon.

"I've enjoyed my life here, the countryside, my garden. It was a lot of hard work building the bungalow but I've never regretted it. I love my home and enjoy the people in the area."

With her strong connections to Swindon's railway past, plans for the STEAM heritage centre and the possible restoration of the New 'Cedar Tops', as Rose and Mechanics Institute have delighted Graham named their bungalow, Rose. "We need to be able to look became a family home with the back on the history of the town - it birth of their son, Chris. Rose is anchors people to their roots." glad that Chris grew up surLooking across the beginnings of rounded by the countryside. She Cedar Tops to Lower Shaw Farm remembers riverside walks punctuated by glimpses of kingfishers and herons. In their season, the fields were filled with cowslips and primroses, mushrooms and blackberries. Peatmoor Copse was known as 'the jungle', a source of adventure for small boys.

The hamlet grew and with more houses a village shop opened sell-

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

The Link Magazine • April 1999

25

A painting, the people and the park From March 27 visitors to Lydiard House can see a replica of a huge painting by the famous artist George Stubbs.

'Lord Bolingbroke's favourite mare in the grounds of Lydiard Park was In an exclusive preview for The Link, Sarah Finch-Crisp, Keeper of commissioned by the decadent racing enthusiast Frederick St.John in Lydiard House gives a fascinating insight into the past and a glimpse of the 1760's. The picture celebrated Frederick's passion for horses and what a glorious life the artistocratic St Johns must have lived at Lydiard before family fortunes were gambled away. pride in the newly landscaped grounds of his ancestral home.

The painting The original which now belongs to a private collector was one of a number of pictures by Stubbs which hung at Lydiard until the St. John family left their dilapidated home during World War II. The picture was painted to hang over the library fireplace which is where the gilt framed replica can be seen by visitors today.

The people Frederick St. John, 2nd Lord Bolingbroke, below, kept a large stable at Lydiard Park and raced with black colours at Newmarket ri__iL

'Lord Bolingbroke's favourite mare in the grounds of Lydiard Park'

by George Stubbs

This carefully executed design produced a very natural looking landscape which remained untouched by Frederick's cash strapped descendants. As the St. John family fortunes declined the grounds, like the house, became neglected. In the early part of this century the dam wall was holed and Frederick's glittering lake, shown to such effect in the Stubbs painting, gradually drained away leaving only the lower stretch of water.

Yet today's observant visitor can see much of the original 18th Century gardens and vistas beyond those original lawns and avenues.

The castellated dam wall, ha-ha, walled garden, stables and even an icehouse remain in varying degrees of preservation.

The beautiful landscape of Frederick's day lies astonishingly near the surface and for thousands of people every year it provides a relaxing haven in an increasingly urban environment.

sion in his leg; but by the immedi- a fitting landscape for the newly ate assistance of a Surgeon, his remodelled Palladian mansion he Lordship is in a fair way of recov- inherited. Sweeping lawns, serpentine lakes, broad avenues and ery."

Given to violent tempers and a vast walled flower garden were eventual madness, Frederick had laid out in the fashionable Capamore success on the turf than in his bility Brown style. domestic arrangements. Frequently in financial difficulties, he sold the family's town house, Battersea Manor, in 1763. In the His most famous horse was the following year his marriage to the legendary Epsom winner 'Gim- well known society artist, Lady Another great crack' whose victory against Sir Diana Spencer, ended in divorce.

James Lowther's 'Ascham' caused Portraits of the couple can be seen a sensation in 1765. Betting on the in the house. race exceeded £100,000 with one nobleman alone rumoured to have The park As much Frederick left two great legacies: laid down £30,000. as you can That year Frederick's name was his patronage of the artist George eat from mentioned in The London Chroni- Stubbs and the splendid cle: "On Wednesday last the Lord relandscaping of Lydiard Park in Four selected Viscount Bolingbroke had the mis- the 18th Century. buffet table Frederick oversaw the complete fortune to be thrown from his horse for only on the heath at Newmarket, by transformation of Lydiard's for£4.99 which he received a violent contu- mal Elizabethan style gardens into

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26

The Link Magazine • April 1999

Play equipment dangers

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Sponsorship move on hold Moves by Grange Park residents to take over the maintenance of the Grindal Drive local play area, with sponsorship provided by Charisma Blinds, have been put on ice.

Fears that the site would be bulldozed led to the sponsorship offer.

Swindon Council's response was strangely unenthusiastic.

Responsibility for play areas is changing departments and nothing can be decided until this happens. So negotiations will have to start again in April. Lee Murray of Charisma Blinds is frustrated by all the delays. However, she says that a number of councillors are now showing support for the parent led initiative.

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something similar happening to someone else," he said. "I hope the council will learn from this next time it could be a lot worse."

Although the accident was reported, Gary is disappointed that no one from has contacted him.

A spokesperson from Swindon Borough Council said that a complaint has been made to the Parks Section and that their insurance and administration departments are awaiting a detailed report.

They will then carry out a full investigation as a matter of course.

• Swindon Council started removing small play equipment from housing areas last year, because maintaining them to a high standard is too expensive.

Contact The Link on 872282 if you think equipment in the larger play parks needs looking at.

An accident at the white horse play area off Cartwright Drive in Shaw on Valentine's Day has raised concerns about the maintenance and safety of older play equipment in many of Swindon's parks.

Sixteen year old Gary Read, right, was spinning around on a witches hat with two friends when he heard aloud crack. He was thrown backwards onto the ground from about ten feet in the air, the heavy post landing about a foot from him.

Gary was rushed to PMH in an ambulance, with his neck and back immobilised.

Thankfully nothing was fractured, though Gary is still in some pain and had to take a week off work. He is now concerned about the safety of Swindon's play areas generally. "I'm worried about

9.00am - 7.00pm • Sat 9.00am - 1.00pm.

OBI 3 ON 3 Swindon Council Leisure Services is organising a 3 on 3 basketball tournament at the Link Centre outdoor court on Sunday 11 April, 1pm to 4pm.

Free throw competition as well.

The cost is £3 per team. For an entry form, call 466472 by 6 April.

Ultra Clean achieves fifth year Alan Trask from Grange Park started his Ultra Clean business in 1994 after working for a national carpet cleaning company which he found was not as ethical as he would have liked, selling services and products which were not necessarily needed and in many instances were overpriced.

He went on training courses with Prochem Ltd and discovered there is a serious science in cleaning carpets and fabrics. It is not just a matter of getting carpets or upholstery wet. The appropriate products should be used to clean different types of fibre and fabrics in order to avoid leaving a sticky residue which would cause resoiling more quickly.

Five years later, Alan would like to thank all his customers for supporting him. "I can honestly say that advertisements in The Link have brought tremendous results and I would like to thank all the readers who have used the Ultra Clean service."

Alan has always updated his skills and machinery in line with his intention of giving a good service to his clients.

Ultra Clean has a friendly approach from the first customer contact to the ti me that the technician has completed the job. The company is always willing to give advice on stains, which

Alan Trask at your service

they believe should be left to the professional carpet cleaner with their many products, which can achieve a positive result in many cases.

Last year saw big developments in Ultra Clean when they were approached by a fire and flood restoration company, DRL, to become their area co-ordinator to carry out work for major insurance companies.

Ultra Clean are also licensed to supply and treat fibres and fabrics with Stainshield Professional from Chemspec Europe which gives a warranty against stains.

As Ultra Clean reaches its 5th birthday it is offering a special discount of 25% off normal prices to the first 10 retail customers during April.

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^t©^ ^^^e L ; ne & Patio Cleaner 2 Itr RRP £4.99

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Pellets 800g RAP £4.49

£3.49 ,

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28

See us on the net

The Link Magazine • April 1999

S ) ^rf•o^, o J. F. K

Agenda 21: local action

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BUILDING SERVICES Extensions, Alterations, Renovations

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S UPERGLIDE WARDROBES

Although Agenda 21 is a global initiative, launched at the United Nations Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, it is all about assuring quali ty of life, for ourselves and for our children and grandchildren, through sustainable development at a town and community level.

It takes account of a whole range of issues that affect and threaten our future lives, encompassing social, economic and environmental factors, including:

Swindon launches Agenda 21 leaflet Swindon Borough Council is seeking to involve the people of Swindon in the development of its Local Agenda 21 Strategy with the launch of a new leaflet.

'What on Earth is Local Agenda 21' gives definitions, explains how national and local government are addressing the issues and gives ideas on how individuals can limit their impact on the environment.

Since his appointment as Local Agenda 21 Co-ordinator in October 1998, Sean Spencer Wort, right, has written a review of best practice and drawn up recommendations to be put to the Environmental Services Committee at the end of March.

Once these have been agreed, the All sectors of the community will be stage is set for the council to develop asked to help in the development of its vision for Local Agenda 21 and these plans through various events - so action plans to deliver it. watch this space.

Time for a big clean up Tidy Britain's National Spring Clean Month in April sees a number of local groups pitching in to clean tip the environment locally.

• Seven Fields Conservation Group are tackling Penhill Copse and other parts of the conservation area on 4 April. For more information contact Marilyn Beale on 725067.

• Abbey Meads Community Association are organising a tidy up of footpaths and verges on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 April to make the area a litter free zone. Teams of volunteer residents will be leaving the community centre on Elstree Way at 9.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm or 3.30pm. Sacks and pickers will be available. Children should be accompanied.

• Staff from the Great Western Designer Village Nike Facto ry Shop will be taking company environmental policy into the community with a tidy up of Toothill Park near Markenfield and Kiln Park, behind Oliver Tomkins preschool between Toothill, Freshbrook and Grange Park on 26 and 27 April.

Organiser Sean Wimble is approaching local seconda ry schools to help out.

To offer your energy, call him on 484440 for details.

Fairtrade

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Following Fairtrade Fort- F ""^ night in March, Wiltshire Agenda 21 wants consumers to continue their commitment to buying goods which help producers in poorer countries.

Fairtrade guarantee that farmers are paid a fair wage and work in decent conditions, with respect for the local environment. Coffee, tea and chocolate are three of the common items bearing the logo. By choosing them, consumers help put an end to the patterns of trade that keep people poor.

For an information pack on Fairtrade, call Wiltshire Agenda 21 on 01380 729218.

Launch of green corridor On Saturday 10 April, there is a chance to see plans for a canal and leisure link between the Cotswold Water Parks and Swindon.

The Cricklade Corridor Project is being launched at Prior Park School, Cricklade, between 11am and 4pm.

There will be exhibitions and displays from groups involved such as the Ramblers Association, Swindon &C ri cklade Railway, the Wilts. & Berks. Canal Amenity Group and local councils.

Children's activities will be on offer.

Project Officer David Evans says, we particularly want to encourage Swindon people to come along and give its their ideas and opinions. They are very much part of this project."

The Link Magaz ine • April 1999

www.swindonlink.com

for a global solution

29

Graham McCallion

• Efficient use of resources • Limitation of damage by pollution • The protection of biodiversity • Access for all to food, water, shelter and fuel to meet their basic needs • The opportunity for satisfying work for all • The protection of people's health • Access to knowledge

GM foods in focus for 21st Century Swindon Forum

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Genetically modified foods is to be the focus of the next public meeting on Tuesday 20 July organised by 21st Century Swindon Forum in the summer.

Local organic farmer and chair of the Soil Association Helen Browning is already booked to speak. She is a powerful advocate for the alternatives to genetic engineering. Other speakers will be invited.

The Forum is a voluntary organisation that was set up in July 1997 to take up the challenge of Agenda 21. It brings together individuals, local groups and statutory organisations to work for a sustainable quality of life without exploitation and environmental destruction.

Specialist groups within the Forum discuss issues relating to the built environment, transport, lifestyle changes, the community, biodiversity - real world policy matters that need to be put in place by government to contribute towards a more socially just and

ecologically sustainable world.

As well as developing its own projects, the Forum works with other local organisations. Currently they are helping the Top Drawer Furniture Recycling Project to promote the environmental benefits of reusing furniture, and assisting Swindon Scrapstore publicise how waste materials can be used by community groups.

Speakers are also available to talk on many issues, such as `how to live without a dustbin'.

To find out more about the Forum, contact Jean Saunders on 783040.

• Genetic modification has been taken up locally by SCAM, Swindon Campaign Against Modification of Food by Genetic Engineering. It can be contacted on 790438 or by e-mail at sbirley@gn.apc.org

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Recycling: a big part of the agenda Swindon Council's new Recycling Officer, Amelia Craighill, below, brings to her post a pedigree of four years academic research on waste management and recycling issues.

Amelia, 26, has spent the last four „J years at the University of East Anglia I 0 in Norwich, where, amongst other ' things, she was involved in the analysis of data for local authorities including Norfolk, Milton Keynes and Bath.

After only a few weeks in her new post, Amelia is still finding her feet.

She will be promoting recycling through talks to schools and commuCentral to her function, she says, is nity groups, managing contracts for bottle and can banks, and investigat- one key message, "keep on recycling ing the possibility of a new door to everyone can make a difference, even door collection scheme. It is also part in small ways."

For advice on recycling and a list of of her brief to advise both the public facilities, call her on 466079. and small businesses on recycling,

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Scrapstore needs help Swindon Scrapstore needs volunteers to help sort and display reusable materials collected from factories and offices to provide playgroups, schools, clubs and training organisations with low-cost creative materials.

It currently has 196 member organisations and serves some 20,000 children, from toddlers to teenagers, as well as adults with a range of disabilities.

Scrapstore is open, term time only, every Wednesday from 10am to 2.30pm and on the first and third Saturday of each month from 9.30am until noon. It is located at Oakfield School, Marlowe Avenue, Walcot.

If you can help, contact Project Co-ordinator Chris Fisher on 513982.

III

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Swindon

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30

The Link Magazine • Anril 1999

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The Swindon Library service are holding a series of teddy bear storytimes during the Easter holidays: Wroughton: Tuesday 6 April, 11.30am - 12noon Moredon: Thursday 8 April, 2.30pm - 3pm West Swindo: Friday 7 April, 10.30am - 11am Take your teddy along for a story and a singsong.

Baby, children and maternity clothes, baby equipment & toys Oasis Leisure Centre Saturday 10 April 11am - 1 pm • Adm: 50p All items sold on a 25% commission basis to the NCT Swindon Branch.

No sale, no fee

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Mobile Aromatherapist & Beauty Therapist

Call Julie Gauger on 887886 for seller's pack and information

Shaw playgroup places available

Telephone: 01793 695185

Upper Shaw Farm playgroup held an Easter egg hunt at the end of term and raised over £50 for group funds.

The group has places available for under 5s. For details, call Gill Sycamore on 878311, or drop into Upper Shaw Centre, opposite Shaw Ride School.

JV atural 13eaut y

Full marks for pre-school

-The /Von-Surgical 3acelift

Haydon Meadow Pre-school at the Haydon Centre is celebrating an excellent Ofsted report.

No significant weaknesses were social development. There are found. Educational provision for many opportunities for the chilthe 73 children is good and staff dren to develop their listening and provide a caring, friendly and re- speaking skills. The areas of mathlaxed environment. There is a ematics,physicaldevelopmentand strong emphasis on personal and creativity are all well covered.

Smoothes away lines and wrinkles, and rejuvenates skin tone and texture

C, lfti/ead, a r (07793)852829 Also available - waxing, manicures, pedicures, lash & brow tinting, ear piercing, etc.

Toddler group on the up

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Toothill toddler group Little Poppets is riding high, with a newly elected committee, and masses of enthusiasm.

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kr4%k A super wide range o • Bouncy ballpools

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• Gladiator joules • Rodeo Bull • Surfmachine • Snowboard • Human wheel of fortune • Soft play ballpits (great for tots indoors)

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Co-ordinating gift-wrap and party games: Barbie, Bugs Life, Thomas the Tank, Winnie the Pooh & Barney to name a few.

All this and a 7 day money back guarantee delivered by post to your door. How much easier can it get?

Phone now for your FREE colour catalogue on (01793) 433998 or 497551 or 0410 150644 Waste not want not. Disposable tableware sold separately You only need to buy as much as you need

Children and parents took part in a sponsored obstacle course on 11 March which raised £251 for new equipment

Each week, the group now runs a planned ac ti vi ty such as making cards for Mother's Day, gift boxes for Easter or planting cress seeds.

Last May The Link reported that Toothill's only toddler group was on the brink of closure, with falling numbers and rising costs. Since then, it has turned itself around and now regularly has at least 10 children at every session.

Maria Park, mother of Jordan, 2, an d Tia, 6 months, says, "a lot of mums think 'I don't want to go in there, no-one will speak to me'. But people here are really friendly."

Although she has lived in Toothill for less than two months, Maria has been elected to the group's committee and is busy designing posters an d flyers. She would encourage local mums, dads, childminders and even grandparents to bring children along to Little Poppets. "It helps children get ready for nursery and enables their carers to meet people and make new friends."

For more information, contact Viv Paxton on 641365.

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

The Link Magazine • April 1999

Two farms to visit in April Roves Farm near Highworth will be open every day during the

Easter holidays until Sunday 11 April. Its a really busy time for farmers Rupert and Joanna Burr with hundreds of expectant ewes ready to deliver. There are also hundreds of lambs already born.

The farm is open between 11am to 5pm and there is plenty to do whatever the weather. Cuddle, stroke and bottle feed the lambs, play in the indoor ball park or take one of several walks around the farm to see the wildlife and many interesting features such as the maze in a field of willow trees.

Mega fundraising

Eastbrook Farm at Bishopstone, east of Swindon, has a free open day on Saturday 24 April between 11am and 3pm. The 1,350 acre farm is renowned nationally for its organic produce and this is a chance to see how healthy and very tasty food can be produced using high animal welfare standards and without antibiotics.

Farmer Helen Browning and her staff will be giving guided tours, including tractor rides on to the Ridgeway. A barbeque will be available serving up organic burgers and sausages from Eastbrook animals.

oo^t TIC yp^^'

The Friends of Brook Field School would like to thank all those who made their fundraising auction on 5 March an outstanding success, writes Lindford Madley.

GWRfm's Gary Vincent was on top form and ensured top prices were bid for the items on offer.

Over £5,000 was raised during the

1

III

Washing machines • Fridges p

evening.

The money will be used to purchase numeracy, literacy and Information Communications Technology (ICT) resources which could not otherwise be afforded from the school budget.

31

okers D ryers • Twin tubs & more

221 Kingshill Road Swindon Open Mon - Sat 9.00am to 5.30pm

Rupert Burr with new born lambs

Parent and baby group up north Maureen Spinks, Deaconess at Abbey Meads, is restarting the Parent and Tiny group in April.

Mums, dads or carers are invited to bring their under ones to 1 Hayward Close, Abbey Meads, on Friday mornings at 10am.

Children can play with toys, while parents can have a coffee and a chat.

For more details call Maureen on 706558.

O( I ( S/ E Made to tt measure curtains, f swags, & tails.

All other valances, R-blinds, London, etc.

Host Families required for young foreign students a tt ending English language courses in Swindon.

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Please contact Nita Martin on (01672) 539368 or(01672)539561

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for details

Parent group to the rescue Fed up with tantrums? Infuriated with answering back? Want more ideas about managing behaviour and parenting?

If you're saying yes, yes, yes to these questions, the West Swindon Parenting Group is for you.

A free six week course begins on Wednesday 14 April, from fpm to 3pm, at Holy Trinity Church Hall, Shaw Village Centre. A creche is also free. The only cost is the refreshments.

For more information about the group, call health visitor Catherine Hamersley on 877233.

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COME AND SEE ... PLAY, TRY & BUY ON DISPLAY IN OUR FARMHOUSE GARDEN Slides • Climbing Frames • Swings • Trampolines • Tractors/Trailers Sandpits • Play Sand • Nursery Equipment • Rubber Tiles & much more

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Full range of schedules available Qualified teachers following the nursery outcomes n n for learning Please contact Mrs G Simonds on (01793) 845572 (Mrs Simonds is a trained nursery inspector)

I

I

32

The Link Magazine • April 1999

Hot Plates: innovation in feeding the less well off A West Swindon based charity, already attracting interest from as far afield as India and Zambia, is seeking funding to enable it to establish a national food voucher network.

Hot Plates was set up in 1994 by David Edgecumbe from Grange Park and Julian Kay, with support from their wives. "Our aim is to facilitate the work of local community organisations and churches in providing for those on a low income or in personal difficulty, through a growing national food voucher scheme," said Mr Edgecumbe, who now acts in a voluntary capacity as project manager.

"Because the vouchers are only valid for food and are non-transferable, the scheme offers a simple but effec ti ve way of ensuring that an individual or family receives a good, hot meal."

The charity grew out of the realisation that, despite Britain's relative affluence, there are still many who struggle to make ends meet.

By working closely with organisa-

tions such as the West Swindon Family and Community Project, Homestart and The Filling Station, Hot Plates is able to distribute vouchers to the people who need them most. These include families on low incomes, the elderly struggling on meagre pensions, the homeless an d people faced by sudden illness or other crises. An occasional treat of fish and chips for the family of a man fighting depression, or a meal voucher for someone struggling to come to terms with homelessness, can provide a lifeline.

Hot Plates vouchers are very secure and not easily abused. Each voucher is countersigned by the distributor, who also writes the recipient's name or national insurance number. When the voucher is cashed, this must be matched by identification.

For the scheme to work, Hot Plates spends considerable time developing good relationships with outlets prepared to take the vouchers. It is vital that they understand and accept that voucher holders may well be under extreme pressure and that some, because of their circumstances, may not be the cleanest of customers.

In West Swindon, Freshbrook Takeaway and The Trawlerman already participate, but new outlets are always needed.

In its first year, Hot Plates is-

sued 468 £2 vouchers to people in West Swindon. This figure has risen to thousands, spreading throughout Swindon and to areas of London. It has so far been funded by grants from local businesses such as Burmah Castrol, Allied Dunbar, Reader's Digest and GWR; with support from the

Church and other community organisations. New funding is now needed to enable the scheme to grow towards its vision of a national network. Given the current overseas interest, it could also become the inspira ti on for similar projects worldwide.

If you can support Hot Plates, through funding or being an outlet for them, contact Project Manager David Edgecumbe on 881611 or Administrator Linda Emery on 525676. www.cablenet.net/ —hotplates Vacancy

Due to the success of Hot Plates, the charity is looking for a part time adminstrator. Initially this is for 8 hours a week, but this is likely to increase as the work of charity develops. For details, call David Edgecumbe on 881611.

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SERVICES Repair and service to all makes of car radios and

cassettes de-code service available

Bradford Road, Old Town Swindon. Tel: (01793) 528396 MoTs six days a week

Tel: (01793) 480544 Mob: 0374 935344

DUNCAN CAR SPARES COMPREHENSIVE STOCKS OF GUARANTEED NEW & USED SPARES MOT FAILURES & ACCIDENT DAMAGED CARS& COMMERCIALS BOUGHT FOR CASH

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The Link Magazine • April 1999

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

Support for families of drug users

Rui m oRu

A West Swindon mother has recently set up a support group for people with family members or close friends on drugs.

Families Anonymous meets on Thursdays at 7pm in the Citizens Advice Bureau Offices, 1 Faringdon Road and members are known only by their first names.

Pauline, from Shaw, set the group up with help from Druglink, having discovered that the nearest support group was in Oxford. As well as meeting weekly, members can contact each other or a na-

tional helpline at times of stress -

PROPERTY SERVICES

there's always someone at the end of a 'phone.

For Pauline herself, this has made a huge difference. "When I first needed help, there was noone around to talk to. I felt that it was all my fault that my daughter was on drugs," she said.

To find out more, turn up at a group meeting or ring Pauline on 874728. Alternatively, Druglink are always there to listen on 610133.

• Plumbing & heating

FOR QUALITY PAINTING i DECORATING

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Contact Andrew Goddard

• Joinery/carpentry

• Painting & decorating • Fencing

No job too small

Tel: 640412 Mobile: 0378 909234 (24 hours)

Family centres saved All Swindon's family centres are to remain open thanks to an extra £252,000 found by Swindon's Policy and Resources Committee to increase the Social Services budget for this year only.

The threatened closure of one of five family centres brought local communities together in a massive show of support through joint rallies, petitions and letters.

Councillors could not fail to see the strong sense of local ownership of the centres and the worry caused by the lack of funding to continue their operations. As a result, an indicative budget will be drawn up for the year 2000 to 2001 so that consultation can take place in the autumn.

Mark Thomas, co-ordinator of the West Swindon Family & Com-

33

coR`^ RE` No. 139485

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Tel: 01793 702764 Mobile: 0467 421798

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munity Project, is obviously delighted with the decision but says that uncertainty over future funding remains. "The anxiety generated was a very negative experience. On the one hand, we are told of the importance of the work we do and the positive service we provide. On the other, we were suddenly threatened with closure."

Family & Community Project chair Simon Harlow would like to thank everyone who signed the petition and sent letters to the council. Their support was very much appreciated.

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T he Link Magazine • April 1999

34

Private Tuition in all subjects & levels

• Key Stages 1 -4 • GCSE & A Level • Special Needs Call

Personal Tutorials New teachers 01672 539368 also wanted 01793 538730

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NURSERY & PRE-PREP Individual Care Individual learning at Prior Park Preparatory School Cricklade, Wiltshire

Peatmoor head ready to start Terri Peacock, the new headteacher at Peatmoor community primary school viewed the building site that is to be her school in September and declared she was sure it will be ready on time.

She has just departed Mrs Peacock met parMountford Manor junior ents at Sparcells social hall on 17 March and school where she was talked about her hopes headteacher to prepare the ground for the first chilfor the school. dren at Peatmoor. She has Until the building is also been deputy at Eldene handed over, Mrs Peaand Park North primary. cock will be based in "Having worked on the east Sanford House where side of Swindon, I have a she will be appointing staff, ordering equiplot to learn about the west ment and meeting parand many people to meet," she said. "It's a wonderful chal- ate a happy, stable, but stimulat- ents from Peatmoor and Sparcells. lenge to start a new school, par- ing, environment for children to She can be contacted on 463069 ticularly when it has a major com- learn and grow in." and will also be available to meet munity element within it. It is a One of her first projects to in- parents on a drop-in basis between feature that has to be developed volve the community is to start a 2.15pm and 3.15pm at Brook Field delicately by the governing body wildlife area within the school School on: and interested bodies to provide grounds. Volunteers will be called • Monday 19 April an important resource for the area. upon to don wellies and bring their • Tuesday 25 May • "Above all, the priority is to cre- forks and spades.

Wednesday 23 June

fl

Abbey Meads head meets parents

I

The countdown to the opening of the new Abbey Meads community primary school in September started in earnest when headteacher Marilyn Brown met over 200 parents on 17 March.

For children aged 6 months to Mrs Brown emphasised her in- fortable, confident and valued; all 7 years (out of school and holiday ! tention to work in partnership with children should be given the provision 7.45am - 6.30pm) the community as reported exclu- oportunity to achive their maxiPlease call Shelagh Hanbury B.Ed (Hons) sively in last month's Link. De- mum potential" i Rajvindar Kular B.A (Hons) scribing the ethos of the school, Chair of the temporary governshe said, "children, parents and ing body Dave Marshall said he TEL: (01793) 752600 community should feel safe, com- was pleased with the positive response from parents, but appealed for them to make their choice of school soon as funding descisions IMPORTANT DECISIONS REQUIRE are based on numbers enrolled.

PROFESSIONAL ADVICE He also announced sponsorship

by Motorola for a school logo competition.

Buying, selling or remortgaging? i^ Anyone who missed the meetWe give an efficient fully computerised service ing can contact Mrs Brown at the and keep you informed throughout the process Education Department, Sanford House, where she is currently Parish Council offices, next to the Telephone now for a quote: based on 463069. She will be avail- Haydon Centre, from 2pm to 5.pm able to meet parents at the Hayden on Tuesdays 20 April and 18 May.

CAKTEK,KEAD & DOVE

S

Second north school in the pipeline

O L I CIT OR S

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Tel: (01793) 617 617

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———————————————————-

THEATRE EXPRESS

I

Swindon Council is starting to draw up plans for a second primary school for Abbey Meads, to open in September 2000.

The 210 pupil school for 4 to l lyear olds will be built off Elstree Way, where the temporary community centre is presently sited. The scheme goes before Swindon's planning committee in June.

To see the plans and discuss the proposals, contact Eileen Roberts at the Education Department on 463069.

PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOLS & THEATRE COMPANY

Meeting for potential parent governors

Professional Acting, Singing & Dancing We have a small number of openings for new students Your child could enjoy exciting weekends, mixing with like-minded new friends Next term starts 24 April 1999 4

Call now for a prospectus on: 01608 - 676024

I 1

Or write to: Theatre Express, P. 0. Box 94, Chipping Norton D. 0., 0X7 3YL or E-mail us on: expressl@globalnet.co.uk Theatre Express also holds summer schools lasting for one week during the summer holidays L— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — J

From September schools are required to have an additional parent governor, elected by other parents.

Readers with children at any of Swindon's schools are eligible to stand for election and anyone interested should contact their school to enquire when the election will be taking place. No specific qualifications or experience are required but it does need a commitment of time, a keen interest in education and a willingness to work in a team.

Swindon's governor support service is hosting a series of seminars to allow people to find out what the role of a school governor entails.

These will be held at the Drove Centre, Drove Road, Swindon on: Thursday 22 April, 6pm to 8pm; Saturday 8 May, 10am to 12noon and Wednesday 16 June, 7pm to 9pm.

To take part, contact the Governor Support Team on 463875.

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink. com

Patron visits Shakespeare kids Children involved with the West Swindon Shakespeare Festival met theirpatron when Royal Shakespeare Company associate artist David Calder spent a day visiting the area at the beginning of March.

He talked with young actors £50,000 so that the English Shakefrom Westlea primary school and speare Company with Sarah Greendown School who per- Gordon of the Buttonhole Theatre formed The Tempest in Decem- can be resident in West Swindon ber. Tregoze school children had to work with over 1,000 pupils. the chance to find out what it is The aim is to achieve a national like to play Shakespeare before first with every year 6 primary their production on 24 and 25 school class and year 7 from GreenMarch. down performing short versions After the success of this year's of each of Shakespeare's plays. festival, an ambitious millennium Business sponsors are sought to Shakespeare event is planned. contribute part of the total. To find Festival coordinator Greendown out more, call Tim Noble on 01793

Cuts in class size - is it good news?

The announcement that Swindon primary schools are to receive an extra £587,000 to reduce the size of infant classes may result in the loss of teachers for older children in the future, say local headteachers.

The grant from central govern- signed to help regulate class size. ment, guaranteed for the next three This has raised concerns that some academic years, will ensure that schools may see funding reducno child between the age of 5 and tions. The result could be fewer 7 is taught in a class of more than teachers for older children and thirty. Teachers have been asking more mixed age group classes. for this for some time and it is Norrie Porter, head of planning undoubtedly good news says and resources in Swindon's EduSwindon education committee cation Department confirmed that chair Jo Garton. "I am delighted mixed age classes are part of the that we got nearly all the money government's planning. But, he we asked for, and ahead of the said, according to Ofsted Chief government's original schedule." Inspector Chris Woodhead, "there However, there is also to be a is no inspection evidence of any change in the way Planned Ad- impact on the performance of chilmission Limits are calculated, de- dren in mixed age classes."

Theatre school fun There has been an eager take up of places with Theatre Express since its Saturday performing arts school opened at Greendown in January.

Catering for children from aged 5 to late teens, Theatre Express offers one hour classes in acting, `, $ singing and dancing. The groups' . are small and friendly and are great fun for youngsters who want to develop their skills.

It also runs its own agency and theatre company to provide talented young people with a route to professional work.

Left, singing tutor Rosly

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Marlborough with students in her teenage sin'ing class

The Link Magazine • April 1999

35

36

The Link Magazine • April 1999

Queen meets faithful subjects Bill Padgett and Rose Knight are looking forward to a unique experience when they are presented with Maundy Money by the Queen at Bristol Cathedral on Maundy Thursday, 1 April.

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The tradition dates back to the Middle Ages, when each year the sovereign visits a different cathedral and distributes money to the poor, one man and one woman for each year of his or her age. Recipients are given two purses: a red one holding standard coinage and a white one with sterling silver pennies adding up to the monarch's age.

"I'm getting excited about seeing the Queen, but a bit nervous," said Rose, 88, from Freshbrook.

"I've just got to remember not to hit her with my walking stick."

Rose was nominated by Ann Mackenzie, vicar of St Mary's in

Fleur

Find us in

Lydiard Park, who describes Rose as 'salt of the earth'. She admires Rose's continuing involvement with church and community and her capacity to cope with change.

Team Rector Andrew Hetherington nominated Bill for his faithful service to the Post Office and to churches throughout Swindon.

Because his youngest son has physical and learning disabilities, Bill has always maintained a special interest in those who are disadvantaged. "I don't really understand why I've been selected," said Bill, "but it is very exciting and a great honour."

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The Link Magazine • April 1999

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The Link Magazine • April 1999

After Red Nose Day ... what else could you do?

Did you watch Comic Relief? Did you get the message that one of the reasons that poor nations remain poor is the huge burden of debt that is owed to Western nations?, asks Phillada Ware of Swindon Jubilee 2000.

Jubilee 2000 is a national movement which aims to persuade the event in London on Sunday 13 June with speakers, music, church governments of the wealthy nations of the world to release this burden services and a human chain which will give a great and colourful send from the poorer nations by the year 2000 to enable them to concentrate off to a boat sailing to Cologne with a cargo of messages, banners and their resources on health, education and the wellbeing of their citizens. petitions.

If you would like to be part of this, a coach is being organised from Last year about 50,000 people travelled to Birmhingham, on the occasion of the G8 Summit, to demonstrate to the leaders of the worlds' Swindon. It will leave Ashington Way, West Swindon at 8.30am and richest countries the commitment of ordinary people in Britain to this the bus station in the town centre at 8.40am.

The cost is £8 for adults, children £5 issue. This year the G8 meets in Cologne on 19 June and there will be Apply to Phillada Ware, The Rectory, Blunsdon, Swindon SN2 4DG. a massive international demonstration there.

If you cannot get to Cologne, there is an opportunity to attend a huge Tel and fax: 729592

New animal care centres for North Swindon Thameswood Veterinary Clinic has received planning permission to expand its practice on Purton Road to improve its service to owners of small pets.

Established in 1986 by present owner and principle veterinary surgeon, Nicholas Hartley. The premises was once a newsagent and sweet shop for workers at the power station that ^vE used to be on the site of the present VETERINARY SURGEONS Pembroke Park. Work should be V, Simon Gower & Associates B.V.Sc., M.R.CV.S. completed by early June.

7 ^ " 77 High Street, Purton Bath Road, Cricklade • Q RO^ The Drove Veterinary Hospital Tel: 771869 Tel: 751698 will open a branch at the new Please telephone for consulting hour • All consultations by appointment Abbey Meads village centre in 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE: TELEPHONE 771869 the week beginning 19 April.

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Worried who will look after your pets whilst you're on holiday?

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The Link Maqazine • April 1999

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

Millennium Thoughts

ACER CARE SERVICES (Pa rt of East Wiltshire Health Care NHS Trust)

Bugs & digits. How important are they?

Gina Dennis looks at how numbers are ge tt ing in the way of a critical issue. And she points out, for those planning a millennium baby on 1 January, 9 April is the best day to conceive.

In the midst of the current millennial obsession, it may be interesting to pause and ask

what the millennium is an d if life has been reduced to a numbers game.

A debate is raging as to whether the new millennium actually begins on 1 January 2000 or 1 January 2001. The system of numbering which gives rise to this debate is based around the birth of Jesus Christ. Neither represents the true 2000th anniversary of the birth as the calendar has been tampered with so many times that the dates we are using are merely a

conception of a millennium baby, a new aspect of millennial hype being unleashed.

Even if the year 2000 is an illusion of base-ten thinking', most experts believe there will be at least some disruption.

Predictions range from

CHEERFUL, CARING TEAM WORKERS REQUIRED

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minor inconveniences to

major social collapse, apocalyptic revelations and warnings of the end of the world. The Red Cross advice is to put aside about a week's worth of food and water, just in case. It may also be wise to be prepared to go without electricity for a couple of days, though most current predictions convention. seem to be that this is unlikely.

And, although it is the calendar Travel will almost certainly be a commonly used by much of the nightmare, though not necessarily world, many religions have their because of computer glitches. The own calendar, for which next Janu- millennium is being billed as one ary has no particular significance. of the biggest travel events in hisNumbers also form the basis of tory. The truth is, no one is really the 'Millennium Bug', which has sure what will happen as midnight led to predictions of confusion and strikes on the last day of 1999. The disaster. The problem is a simple future is fact-free. technical issue that stems from the There are numerous web-sites long tradition in computer pro- dedicated to different aspects of gramming of abbreviating years the millennium. A useful starting to two digits. In 2000, computers point is www.year2000.com could become confused -'00' could As seen outside Freshbrook Church mean either 2000 or 1900.

There are also concerns that computers may have difficulty with two other dates, 9April, which is the 99th day of the 99th year of the century, and 9 September, the 9th day of the 9th month of the 99th year. 999 had a particular use by programmers. If computers are susceptible to the Millennium Bug, they may show some early signs of confusion on those dates.

By a curious coincidence, 9 April is also the date suggested for the

SWINDON FAMILY CHURCH

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Live with integrity Love wholeheartedly Trust God in all things SUNDAYS 10.30AM AT THE LINK CENTRE (Community Suite)

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iiLOCAL CHURCHESI All Saints' Lydiard Millicent - 10:30am Revd Peter Knight: 772417 (for the Village & Roughmoor) Holy Trinity Shaw -10:30amRevdAndrewHetherington:770568 (the Church is at Shaw Village Centre) St Ma ry's Lydiard Tregoze - 9:00am, 10:30am Revd Ann Mackenzie: 870244 Toothill Church - 10:45am Revd Mark Roper: 692620 (also Free Church minister for the parish) Westlea Church - 10:00am Revd Peter Walker: 872932 (this Church meets in Westlea School Hall, Langstone Way)

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The Link Magazine • April 1999

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"As a family run business, our aim is to provide good advice and a service to a high standard which is responsive to our customers."

The Link magazine can vouch for the service and the quality of desks, chairs and storage units available: we turned to Choice when we moved office in September.

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The Link Magazine • April 1999

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Mobile hairdressing in the comfo rt of your own home at prices you can afford Phone: 01793 882186

e -mail to the swindonlink web site @ www.swindonlink.com from Chuck Parker in Hawaii I lost contact with good friends Marie Anderson an d her daughter Kelly Anderson a long time ago.

They lived in Edington Close, Toothill during the 1980s.

If anyone knows their location please let me know. I live in Hawaii now and can be contacted at miral@lava.net.

Le tt ers by post to The Link, Papermakers House, Westlea, Swindon SN5 7BD ore - mail: Ii nkmagazine@compuserve.com

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For Sale Mountain bike, 12 gears, red & white, good cond, 24 x 1.75 tyres, suit 15 yrs upwards. Tel: 421814 Raleigh Petite Extreme girls bike, suit age 4-7 yrs, exc cond, £30. Early Learning Centre, single swing frame, gd cond, £10. Tel: 873460 Raleigh Pret ty Extreme girls bike, pink/ purple, suit 6 - 9 yrs, vgc, £25. Tel: 874178 Girls bike, 10 speed Raleigh Cassis, ex cond, £85. Tel: 530518 (eves) Boys bike, 16 inch Raleigh Extreme, mint cond. suit 6-9 yr old, tyres fantastic tread, £40. Tel: 642464 Twin pushchair, side by side, Chico, 5 positions, raincover, cosy toes, sunshade, gd cond, from bi rt h, £55. Tel: 886919 Silver Cross pushchair, Victorian teddy design, exc cond, c/w sun canopy & rain cover, £100 ono. Tel: 882504 Avent Naturally Sterilizer, £10. Cot pram bedding, £10. Gold look two'tier trolley, £9. 8 x 2kg Fit for Life Orbatron weights, £12. Tel: 771640 Sanagenic nappy disposal unit, £10.

McClaren yellow/blue check cosy toes, £10. Baby Bjorn navy/white baby carrier, £15. Girls mountain bike, needs slight attention, £10. Wallis full length wool/cashmere coat, £10. Tel: 420347 Mother Care car seat, light weight, good as new, £10. Tel: 886831 Mother Care Olympus car ry cot/pushchair, Balmoral design, navy, exc cond, with cosy toes, £60. Black velour maternity dress, size 12, worn once, £10.

Tel: 876370

For Sale Musical mobile for cot or crib, Beatrix Potter theme, exc cond, boxed, £15.

Tel: 886831 Kineswood umbrella folding double buggy, with raincover, hardly used, £50.

Tel: 537690 Formula Tyco World Champion' racing car set, many extras, including speed sound and lap counter, hardly used, £50.

Tel: 871742 Girls school pinafore dresses, 2 x age 6-7, & age 7-8. Pleated grey ski rt age 7-8. All £1.50 each, gd cond. Tel: 872607 Girls school blouses, short sleeve, white, 5-6 yrs. Green school cardigans, 5-6yrs. Green/white check summer dresses, 5-6 yrs and 7-8 yrs. All £1.50 each. Tel: 872607 Ladies Eastex suit, size 14, navy/mustard, never worn, suitable wedding etc, cost £170, sell £70. Tel: 725100 Weider step machine with instructions, £100 ono. Reebok step with video, £30.

Wax heater and wax, £20. All in excellent condition. Tel: 642711 Health Rider fitness machine with video, £60. Tel: 642711 Sunbed, Contesa by Ablec, five 6ft tubes, use horizontal or standing up, variable height, electric timer, on casters, one pair goggles, £70 ono. Tel: 496187 Belling Classic cooker, 4 rings, double oven, exc cond, £200 ono. Tel: 616169 (before 5pm) Electric cooker, vgc, £50. Extendable dinging room table & 4 chairs, £55. Tel: 886474

r------------------Free Private For Sale & Wanted ads.

Return this form to The Link, Papermakers House, Swindon SN5 7BD by 14th of the month. Entries are subject to available space and are published on a first come first served basis.

For Sale

For Sale

Bosch gas hob, dark brown, electronic ignition, exc cond, £30. Tel: 644562 Silent Night child's bed with storage under, 5'6" x 2'6", exc cond, £50. Raleigh mountain bike, black, 24", vgc. Tel:

Double radiator, 43" x 23" approx, gd cond, £20. Tel: 870660 Tefal sink top washing machine, ideal for small flat, caravan etc, light weight & portable, exc cond, £45 ono. Tel:

874546

877024

Two seater Derwent sofa, gd cond, light green, £100. Tel: 701525 2 x two seater sofas, pink & cream li ghtly patterned, exc cond, prefer to sell as pair, £250 or £150 each. Tel: 701711 Single divan & headboard, £30. Cream double wardrobe vgc, £30. Cream dressing table, £10. 2'6" wall unit, £20.

Tel: 693731 Teak oval dining room table & 4 chairs, £50. Tel: 724615 Nest of 3 tables with rough iron legs and solid wood top, £60, to match lamp table, £30, nearly new. Tel: 700135 Double folding guest bed, exc cond, £50. Turbo powered hoover, upright, and tools, £50. Tel: 881905 Captain bed & matching chest of drawers, £120. Round pedestal Country Manor table & 4 chairs and matching corner unit, £210. Oval teak effect, dining table, 6 chairs, £250. Tel: 705317 Sofa bed, double fold-out, vgc, £45.

Matsui midi hifi, boxed, £20. Matsui portable colour TV, £20. Tel: 692620 Solid pine Welsh dresser, hand-made by local craftsman, 7ft tall, 3 shelves, 2 cupboards, 12 months old, £180 ono.

Tel: 703177 1955 five piece suite, beige draylon, 2 corners, 3 single, used together or separate, £120. Tel: 771640 White wicker chair, £7. Little Tikes play garden, suit 18 months -4 yrs, exc cond, £25. Tel: 881362 Kidney shape dressing table with drawers and mirrors, matching chair and cheval mirror, ivory colour. Tel: 882880 Mahogany wall unit, 2 yrs old, as new, 6 ft x 6ft, 4 drawers & cupboards, drinks cabinet, leaded light, cost £900 sell £400. Tel: 875517 Mahogany wall unit, comprising drinks cabinet, 3 cupboards, glass display unit & open shelving section, £100 ono. Tel:

Ladder, wooden, 2 section, 12ft closed, vgc, £40. Tel: 871170 Lawn mower, Flymo, £20. Rock-a-tot car seat, 0-9 months, with foot muff and head support, £25. Baby boys clothes, various prices. Baby bath, £5. Tel:

886831

i

Name & Address (not for publication)

I

q Tick if you do not want your ad to appear on the swindonlink internet web site

Hi-fi cabinet, black ash, ample storage space for albums, CDs etc, vgc, £10.

Tel: 881291 Pine table with 4 chairs, gd cond, £65 ovno. Tel: 870364 Oak style extending oval table with heat proof top & 2 chairs, £60. Tel: 872836

876518

Flymo hover lawn mower with grass box, long cable, £60. Tel: 874131 Flymo Chevron mower, c/w collecting bag, vgc, would suit large garden, £50 ono. Tel: 882504 Top soil in bags, bag of gravel. Free.

Tel: 882880 Thorn stereo CD, no speakers, £20. Pirate ship and playset, £10. Cozy coupe, £5. Thomas quilt cover set, £8. Alphabet computer, £6. Tel: 876862 Electric typewriter, po rt able, good cond, £15. Tel: 644562 Canon AP600 electronic typewriter, operating manual & 3 ribbon cartridges, £25. Tel: 770241 Sega mega drive CD and 6 games, £40 ono. Tel: 876404 Akai 3 way loud speakers, black, 22.5 ins high, 10.5 ins wide, £30. Tel: 644562 Pye midi music centre with speakers, twin cassette deck, record turntable & radio, vgc, £50. Tel: 617454 Casio keyboard, seldom used, £100 ono. Tel: 887802 Drum kit, 2 piece Pearl Export with piccolo snare & cases, no cymbals or cymbal stands, exc cond, £300. Tel: 871768 Kayak Pyranha Rotobat complete with Neoprene spraydeck, gd cond, £200.

Tel: 542596 after 4pm.

Rabbit hutch, new, 3ft I Oin long, 22ins high, 3 doors, on legs, weather proof, felt roof, £35. Tel: 724512

Wanted Stair gate with centre opener. Toys &

summer clothes for 12-18 months in gd cond, will pay reasonable prices. Tel: 886831

'Long John' coffee table, with lower shelf, oak or oak effect. Tel: 772062 Awning suitable for patio doors, Eft or over. Tel: 541017 Double bed, wrought iron, with or without mattress. Tel: 541017

See us o n the net @ www.swind onlink. co m

The Link Magazine • April 1999

Perry stands guard on Bond movie Swindon's high tech £82 million Motorola mobile phone factory became a Turkish oil refinery on 5 j March for a day of location shooting for the new James Bond spectacular 'The World Is Not Enough.'

The scenes of sunny Turkey had Morceau, who plays Elektra, the to be imagined as chilly winds and daughter of murdered oil magnate the occasional snow flurry swept Sir Robert King, played by David across the set. Mud underfoot did Calder. not deter the well wrapped crew, Royal Shakespeare Company 'a . Y. whilst a tanned and immaculate actor David Calder is pictured on Pierce Brosnan went through his page 35 as patron of the West Swinpaces, which lasted all of 30 sec- don Schools Shakespeare Festival. onds for each take.

As usual, new technology is an World domination through the important feature of the filmwhich power of oil, greed, revenge and includes the world's smallest mo*• high-tech terrorism are some of bile phone, made by Motorola.

-? the ingredients for the film which Company employee Perry sees Bond trying to protect Sophie Dyson from Freshbrook, right, had

43

RYANS FURNITURE & GIFTWARE

Pierce Brosnan as Bond meets up with M, Judi Dench, outside the Turkish HQ of King Industries (Photo: Calt^Y Multimedia Szoindon)

the face to fit the bill and he was taken on to play a Turkish guard as an extra.

"It was really good fun to be involved," said Perry. "I'll appear in three scenes, so long as they are not edited out for the final cut.

"I was in the RAF for 17 years and had to do guard duty; I wasn't bothered about the cold weather."

Perry's daughters Kylie and Sian are impressed that he will be appearing in a film. And wife Carrie prefers him with a military haircut again.

'The World Is Not Enough' will be released in November.

Are you looking for something a little different or unusual?

Ryans stock a constantly changing selection of Oriental, Ethnic and British furniture and gifts

14 Wood Street Old Town, Swindon Tel: 01793 422522

YOUR SATISFACTION IS OUR GUARANTEE

GREENBRIDGE RETAIL PARK DRAKES WAY ®

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Manor Cabinets plc, Kelvin Rd, Greenbridge Ind. Estate, Swindon

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GREENBRIDGE ROAD • z SWINDON RUGBY CLUB

©(01793) 423478

Also showrooms at Basingstoke, Farnham, Reading, Thatcham & Windlesham. When calling, please mention The Link Magazine

Now in our 11th consecutive year of trading, Solo is one of Swindon's leadi conservatory and window comp a s Alt products to latest B.S.L, B.B.A. and highest security sto _

Phone Now ftsJi FR^EE Ti'rinn,lly y

Advice and

otation ithout â&#x20AC;˘ obligation!

Stone Lane Garden Centre, Lydiard Millicent Tel hone free on 0800 317174