April 2000 Swindon Link

No. 215 • April 2000 • Circulation 20,000

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Wiltshire Festival 18 - 19 August

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The Link Magazine • April 2000

OND Swindon City Status. Did we stand a chance?

The Link asked the right questions LE VISION A blow to Swindon's self-esteem, embarrassingly in its centenary year as a borough, was dealt in For friendly and professional service to TVs, Videos, Audio and Hi-Fi, Satellite systems & Computer monitors,

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early March when a leaked Home Office document revealed that an application for city status will not be considered in the final short-list.

LastJune The people who live in the town. At a The assessment of the 39 towns Link posed the time of supposed social inclusion, which had bid for city status was question, 'Are it has to be asked, have the people critical of Swindon's application we ready to be- of Swindon been excluded from because it was 'poorly constructed the exercise? ,p come a city?' and gives the impression of a parAs a result of reading The Link, A series of ticularly materialistic town, rather articles raised Jean Saunders of Friends of the than a rounded community.' doubt as to Earth called for a referendum on The report recognises Swindon's whether the city status. A mini-survey of 20 thriving business sector, extensive What wouldhehave town has what readers by the Evening Advertiser arts, entertainment and sports fathought? Former it takes to be a resulted in 17 people agreeing that cilities, but notes the town had littown clerk David the people should be asked. city yet. tle history until the coming of the Murray John, father Some of the elements of being a say th the t sy railways in the 19th century. modern Swindon leastt the whole city are in place, but the town's The media hyped argument with Reading, as to which is best suited process of seeking city status has rapid expansion has created a sense for city status, was also criticised. been shambolic and secretive. of discontinuity which is comThere were no criteria laid down pounded by more recent cutbacks Their bid was also thrown out.

The reaction of Swindon's by the Home Office, the city status in essential services and grants to Mayor, council leaders and offi- working group headed by the voluntary organisations. There is cials, local MPs, business people Bishop of Swindon met but five unease about what further growth and the Evening Advertiser was out- ti mes and the bid document has entails, particularly if already overstretched facilities cannot cope. rage at the insult and gross mis- never been made public.

If Swindon'sbid has beenbeaten The argument in favour seemed representation of the town.

The town's public image has to be based on acquiring prestige back, it is time to take stock about been damaged. Often the butt of and kudos, and enhancing the what it means to be a successful, snide remarks from those who standing of business in the town. big town, rather than have the Several of The Link contributors uncertainty about being a small know little of it, Swindon was lampooned in the national press: 'A were worried about what becom- city. And now is a good time to town with ideas above its station' ing a city might mean and ques- look at how to engage people in Daily Mail. 'Swindon dismissed as tioned whether it would be a good what it is to be a Swindonian in the thing from the point of view of the 21st Century. materialistic' The Times.

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The Link Magazine • April 2000

Wal-Mart plans for North Swindon may lead to major battle with Friends of the Earth

We have two large barns full of top quality furnishing r.00SE fabrics (often more ervus than 50 metres) which are the ends of ranges.

Also wallpapers. All are from leading manufacturers at greatly reduced prices.

Swindon could become the focus of an environmental conflict on a national scale as a result of recent articles in The Link.

In January we exclusively revealed that U.S. retail giant WalMart had acquired the 36 acre North Swindon district centre site under their British guise of Asda, which they bought out last year.

In total they have purchased 200 acres of land from English China Clay. Last month we reported that the next phase of the northern development, to the west of Lady Lane, is running six months behind schedule because Wal-Mart wants to re-examine planning conditions set down by Swindon Council before the next 6,000 houses can be built.

Environmentalists are keeping a close eye on Wal-Mart. Jean Saunders of Swindon Friends of the Earth said the national organisation had been alerted to their acquisition and she had written to the leader of Swindon Council coun. Sue Bates expressing her concerns.

"Swindon Friends of the Earth have grave concerns about WalMart and the social, environmental and economic impact of their trading policies," she said. "Our main fear is that the company will attempt to monopolise the entire North District Centre, which we believe will be contrary to the Local Plan policy which encourages several different operators.

Smoking ban goes down well Shoppers at the West Swindon Centre are breathing a lot easier since 1 March when a no smoking policy was introduced as a result of complaints to the management and letters in the February Link.

Asda store manager Mike Hepson said the company had responded to customer demands. "There have one or two objections but the overwhelming majority of people have been supportive of the policy.

There have been many positive comments and the atmosphere is much clearer, particularly for young children and older folk."

A worker in one of the mall shops welcomed the ban as shoppers would now be safer. She said there had been incidents when refuse bins caught fire because of lit cigarette ends.

After reading the March Link of Asda's change of mind, Swindon Council's environmental health education officer has invited the shopping centre to apply for the Wiltshire Smoke Free Award which would emphasise that the centre had become a no smoking zone.

"In America Wal-Mart has gained a reputation for selling anything and everything at knockdown prices using unethical practices, until they have successfully shut down all competition and cornered the market. Whilst this is the aim of most supermarkets there are none in the UK that are as aggressive or who sell such a widerange of products in such large retail outlets.

Papermakers House. Westlea Swindon SN5 7BD Tel: (01793) 872282

-

Fax: (01793) 878189 e: linkmagazine@compuserve.com www.swindonlink.com Publisher/Editor:

Roger Ogle

General enquiries: Tel: (01793) 872282 Stories for North Swindon. Haydon Wick, Peatmoor. Shaw Tanya Parkinson Tel: (01793) 705105

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

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

(01285) 861254

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.

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"There must be concerns that the size of this development will allow one retailer to draw in shoppers from a very wide area around Swindon and suck the life out of the town centre, and even other towns further afield."

A spokesman for Swindon Council said a requirement on the district centre developers will be to hold a public exhibition before a planning application is made and residents will have the chance to comment on the range of retail outlets and facilities proposed.

• For an update on the Friends of the Earth position, Jean Saunders can be contacted on 783040 or jeanews@gn.apc.org

the Link Magazine Published by West Swindon Publications

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The Link Magazine • April 2000

Mechanics hope

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Swindon South MP Julia Drown and representatives from English Heritage, the Architectural Heritage Fund, the Industrial Buildings Preservation Trust, Swindon Borough Council, plus the New Mechanics Institute Preservation Trust, all agreed that, after 14 years empty, there is a shared concern in the future of the building.

Swindon Council will now set up a meeting with the present owners who have proposed a hotel for the site. However last year English Heritage upgraded the building's preservation status to II* in recognition of its social and cultural heritage which makes it

more difficult to achieve commercial viability.

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It's that time of the year when leaflets of all persuasion appear through the letterbox telling you that one party is better than another; 'it's us against them, the others don't stand a chance; 'vote for me to make Swindon a better place; etc., etc.

But this year the local elections Swindon Council electoral regison Thursday 4 May could have tration officer Alan Winchcombe more impact. Boundaries have described this year's elections as changed, (only Highworth and "quite an interesting challenge."

He said that Abbey Meads votParks stay exactly the same out of 22 in Swindon), new wards have ers will have received a letter exbeen created and all 59 seats on plaining the procedures for the Swindon Borough Council are up postal voting system by the end of March before ballot papers are sent for grabs.

Most interesting is that people out in late April.

Although Mr Winchcombe and in four wards, including the new Abbey Meads ward, may not have two others run the electoral registo leave the house to vote. The tration office, a small army of peoHome Secretary has proposed a ple will be involved in delivering postal vote experiment in 44 wards polling cards, setting up and running polling stations and counting across England and Wales.

Most of the ward changes take the votes.

But before that another army of place in The Link distribution areas of West and North Swindon workers from the different politiwhere there has been greatest cal parties will be out, keen to conpopulation growth since the last vince you that their man or woman big change, when Toothill ward is best for the job in your area. was created in 1985.

In West Swindon Toothill ward is Rubbish system being split into two.

Toothill to change &Westlea 5 892 voters 2 members Thirty thousand more homes Shaw across the town are to receive &NineElms6,806voters3members black plastic bags as Swindon Freshbrook & Grange Park, which Council refuse removal service now incorporates The Prinnells from dumps its bin emptying system.

The plastic sack system has been the old Toothill ward 7,573 voters 3 members in successful operation in some In North Swindon, a new ward called area of the Borough for several Abbey Meads has beencreatedfrom years. Now West Swindon and Haydon Wick and Blunsdon ward, Moredon, plus Rodbourne, PineandincludesStAndrewsRidge,Ash hurst, Penhill, the Parks, Walcot Brake and all of the yet to be built and Lawn are being changed over.

Hayden III Packets of sacks will be delivpresently 2,649 voters 3 members ered every three months, initially ,499 voters 3 members with a good practice guide explainHaydon Wick ing the council's refuse removal 7 p procedure. (up from two) ^ The new system will be fully in Moredon 7,397 voters 3 members ' use by the end of April.

The Link Magazine • April 2000

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

Bass backs off settling bet Shaw resident Phil Archer has asked The Link to help persuade Bass brewers to settle a wager about the use of The Village Inn at Shaw village centre which they admitted losing nine months ago.

In mid-1998 Phil wrote to Bass on behalf of Shaw Residents Association to protest against their plan to ditch 'the family pub' concept which it had since opening in December 1987. Because of competition in the family pub market, Bass had decided to exclude children to create a more traditional adult atmosphere.

In reply to Phil's suggestion of a bet that the brewery would changes its policy before the millennium Phil Archer zttjlh and allow children back in, Stephen his daughters oe Savill, director and general man- and Hannah ager at Bass, offered to wager £500 establishing ho best to pay up.' that there would be no further However, despite e-mails and changes. The money was pledged assurances from Mr McMahon that to a charity of the winner's choice. payment would be made, and a In April 1999 Phil wrote to Mr warning in mid-February from Phil Savill claiming that he had won as that he would call in the media, children were being admitted into nothing has happened. the pub at weekends between 12 "It really is disappointing that I noon and 5pm. "I never in my am revealing all this to The Link," wildest dreams thought Bass said Phil. "Bass had an excellent would make a u-turn in less than opportunity to reap positive pubsix months," said Phil. "I asked for licity for the Village Inn and could the cheque to be made payable to have enhanced the £500 by holdPMH special baby care unit." ing a special event, or having a Unfortunately Mr Savill had re- whip round amongst customers. tired from the brewery, but Bass "Bass should now pay up gracebusiness manager Phil McMahon fully and help improve the vital agreed at the end of June last year work done by the PMH Special that the bet had been lost and was Care Baby Unit."

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Second Abbey Meads School head meeting Parents interested in sending their children to Catherine Wayte primary school in Abbey Meads ^''• have the chance to meet the head teacher Gaye Ching at two drop in sessions at the Haydon Wick parish council offices, next to the Haydon Centre on: Wednesday 12 April, 4pm to 6pm Wednesday 10 May, 5.30pm to 7.30pm Construction is on schedule for completion in the summer, ready for the September opening. The school will initially share its catchment area with Haydonleigh and Abbey Meads schools.

If you require any further information about the school, Mrs Ching canbe contacted viaSwindon Council's education department, Sanford i House, Sandford Street, Swindon. Tel: 463902.

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Accident and injury compensations (no win, no fee) Family and children House sales, purchases and mortgages Wills and estates Call Jackie on 01793 610466 for an appointment email: jbehan@bowerandbailey.co.uk

Parish Council holds local meetings Ina positive move to become more accessible to a section of its electorate, Blunsdon Parish Council is holding alternative monthly meetings at Abbey Meads Community School.

The next takes place on 17 April, 7.30pm. It will be a full parish meeting and residents will have the opportunity to raise any issues with councillors.

Service for mums A special service to celebrate Mothers Day will be held by Christ the Servant church on Sunday 2 April at 10.30am in Abbey Fashion Show Meads School.

Abbey Meads School To mark the occasion a booklet Thursday 27 April produced by local children's In aid of Little Stmshines Pre-School groups, with paintings, drawings Tickets £3 from committee and poems will be presented to members or call 702163 mothers.

Land and litter problems being addressed As a result of the public meeting organised by Swindon North MP Michael Wills in February, action is being taken to deal with residents' concerns.

Land ownership: A major prob- Protecting hedgerows lem with the upkeep of particular Sevenfields Conservation area strips of land at Abbey Meads and member Eddie Bedwell is conSt Andrews Ridge is knowing who cerned that contractors continue has ownership. Because site maps to damage the environment. He are so large, very small areas can accuses them of failing to erect be missed when housing land is adequate fencing to mark their surveyed and laid out. However boundaries. Contractors are the amount of litter and weeds can blamed for irreparably damaging be out of all proportion to the size. ancient hedgerows, as well as If you are aware of an unkempt pumping drainage water from sites piece of ground which nobody into Haydon Brook, causing floodseems to be concerned with, call ing. into the Haydon Development Rogue builders: Recently an AbCompany mobile office on Elstree bey Meads resident witnessed a Way to identify it on their site plan. JCB and dumper truck racing along The information will be collated so Elsham Way, towards Lyme Way, that responsibility for the upkeep watching in horror as the dumper can be determined. In some cases truck was forced onto the paveresidents might be able to purchase ment. If you see such incidents call the land. Tel: 700896.

HDC on 700896 or Link reporter Litter: The HDC has undertaken Tanya Parkinson 705105. two litter picks since the meeting and a team of workers from SwinARE YOU A NORTH don Council are now permanently SWINDON RESIDENT? on site to try and catch up with the • Problems with construction works? backlog of landscaping and maintenance. Residents are also asked • Concerns about planning, highways, open spaces, landscaping or other to be vigilant and to report any environmental matters? incidents of fly tipping that they • Queries about town planning witness. proposals?

Litter bins: Haydon Wick Parish Ring Swindon Borough Council's Council would like to point out Customer Liaison Co-ordinators that they were not invited to atfor information and help tend the meeting. They have pro• Zoe Dixon Tel: 466226 vided five litter bins along the main (Planning information) 653 footpath leading to the village cen• Samantha Henley JL tre and also a handyman to carry or Malcolm Read out a litter patrol and collec ti on Tel: 466487 SwinDon (Highway, traffic and ^0R0°^"`o^10O twice weekly.

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Book Day celebrated with read-in O1fTheWaII !Pupils and teachers at Greenmeadow Primary School participated in

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Invest lust £50 for a choice of Specialists in PVCU, Children came to school top interior design schemes windows, doors and dressed as characters from their to enhance your home. favourite book. Harry Potter conservatories. proved a big hit this year and We can help and advise you more traditional costumes like all the way from conception Bo-Beep were updated with an to completion, or give you all appearance of Shaun the sheep. you need to do it yourself.

Activities throughout the day included making books, roleCall now for a free consultation playing, games and quizzes. One Wendy Lane Interior Design class had a poetry blitz. tel. 01793 870659 Diane Pritchard, headteacher Tel: 01793 848177 or 770596 mob.

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Haydon Wick parish annual meeting The Annual Assembly of Haydon Wick Parish Council takes place on Tuesday 4 April, 8pm, in the parish offices, next to the Haydon Centre.

People who live in the parish Rubbish Disposal which covers Haydon Wick and Parish councillors are concerned most of Abbey Meads are welcome that a minority of residents in the to the meeting, which will present parish are using the council the council's performance plan. It litterbins to dump household rubis also hoped to be able to report on bish. Please ensure this waste is the progress of the framework plan left for the refuse collectors. for Haydon III development.

Taw Hill bridge link After discussions with the parish council the Haydon Development Objections to Company has agreed to provide a bridge crossing the ditch between large play area A group of residents from Lyme Taw Hill and Clary Road. Work on Way, Abbey Meads are unhappy providing the completed footpath with plans to site a large play area link will be completed within the incorporating a slide, climbing next 12 months. frame and swings on land between their houses, Pond Street On your bike and a conservation area.

Tony Garrett spoke for the con- The next meeting of the Greencerned neighbours when he said, meadow and Haydon Wick WI will "we are not opposed to a play area be held on 10 April, 7.30pm in the in principle, but we would like to Haydon Centre.

Guest speaker is Mr Vandercontinue to see children use the grass area for informal activities velde, who will be giving a talk like football and frisbee throwing. about 'travels on my bike.' VisiThe play area will take up a large tors are welcome. proportion of open space resulting in desecration of the shrubFun at the fox bery and almost certainly erosion of the ground in front of the Wild The Haydon Centre is running its Service Tree, which is protected." successful Sly Fox Easter camp However Swindon Council again this year.

Youngsters aged from 5 to 12 spokesman Chris Annis explained, "the playground will be sited fur- can come down and join in the fun. ther away from the protected tree There will be arts 'n' crafts, footthan is required. We will not be ball, hockey, treasure hunts and destroying any landscaped area bouncy castle, as well as loads of and after consultations with games.

The camp operates from 17 to 28 Sevenfields Conservation Group, we have altered the design to make April, 10am to 4pm. Early starts it more sympathetic with the area. and late finishes are possible.

Contact the centre for full deThe plan went before Swindon's planning committee on 21 March. tails on 706666.

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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 maybe charged at completion depending on the type of product and credit period. Rate applied is 575% (5.9% APR) for two years. APR is variable. Rates may va ry. A written quotation on loans can be obtained on request. Only available to persons 18 years of age or over. Subject to status. Subject to our current landing criteria. A 199% reduction applied to the variable base mortgage rate, currently 7.74%. A life assurance policy may be required.

Example, A married couple aged 30 years and 28 years. both non-smokers, applying for an endowment mortgage of £50,000 over a 25 year term (300 monthly payments), completing before 31 July 2000 secured against a property being purchased for £55.000. 300 monthly mortgage payments of £239.58. Monthly endowment premium of £74.96. Total amount payable £144.517 calculated to include valuation fee £155. This calculation is based on the assumption that the discounted rate will apply throughout the term of the loan. Maximum loan £1 50.000. The rate applies to loans up to and including 97% of the purchase price or valuation, whichever is the lower. The discounted rate is applicable for 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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Village centre clean-up plans on show Toothill residents have the chance to view proposals for improving their village centre when plans are put on display in Toothill community centre in April.

Over the last year the area has deteriorated as a result of more graffiti, damage to property and litter. Even the new fence to the rear of the recently opened doctor's surgery has been sprayed.

Now Swindon Council is mounting a campaign with the help of local traders to clean up the centre and make environmental improvements.

A package of measures has been put together: trees and shrubs are to be cut back and lighting im-

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proved so that vandals can be spotted more easily. Graffiti will be removed to make the centre more attractive.

Local beat policeman Phil Connor, a member of a working group of councillors, officials and traders, said, "there has been a rise in petty vandalism and a spread of graffiti at the village centre. At present the car park is enclosed by planting which makes it quite dark and forbidding. If we can reduce the number of hiding places and make it easier for people to see and report anti-social behaviour, then we might reduce the temptation to commit crime."

Swindon community development worker Pam Pixton said the display will give people the chance to see the plans and make further suggestions. "It must be said that the budget is limited, but once the

improvements have been made the council hopes to maintain the village centre to a higher standard in the future."

The plans will be on display at Toothill community centre on: • Wednesday 12 April, 6.30pm • Thursday 13 April, 10am If you are unable to attend, contact Pam Pixton on 465462 with viewpoints.

MP opens surgery Swindon South MP Julia Drown was guest of honour at Toothill's new Phoenix Surge ry when it officially opened on 22 March.

The doctor's practice, which first opened its doors to patients in late 1995, moved from a former council house across the road from Toothill village centre in November.

Stories come alive with play packs Parents whose children attend Toothill School's nursery unit have a new resource.

A library of over fifty play packs has been created by nursery teacher Charmian Harrison-Edwards and nursery nurse Nikki Redford, with help from parents and grandparents.

"We have a dozen storysacks, but decided to build a collection of play packs which are less complicated and use off the shelf toys which can be easily replaced. The main aim is to help parents and children to read books together; the play packs have been a big success since we started using them in January."

Toothill nursery has a few free afternoon places available. To book a place, or to enquire about sessions from September, call 497250.

Toothill nursery parents and children officially launch the play packs project with a party at the end of February with Charmian Harrison-Edwards, right, and urrsery nurse Nikki Redford, centre

11

WESTLEA

Parents and sponsors pay for high-tech room After an Ofsted report in December 1998 pointed out that the computers at Westlea School were becoming antiques, big efforts have made to upgrade and renew equipment. Now it has one of the most modern information technology rooms around, thanks to major support from parents. jector and a touch screen white There are seventeen computers ing for the work surfaces. available, enough for two children " Now that we have upgraded board so that teachers can demonper machine in a class, plus one for the equipment, our next target is strate to children whilst looking at a teacher to demonstrate software to buy a computer connected pro- them, rather than at a computer." on. The facility will be officially launched in early May. Headteacher Suzanne Seaton said the Friends of Westlea School had contributed £7,000 of the £12,000 to set up the room, raised from Christmas and summer fairs, Easter Egg hunts and bonfire night parties. The parents have been wonderful in turning up to all the fundraising events organised by the Friends. The balance came from the school budget and a grant from Nationwide.

"So far we have not had any government money for the ITC provision, but West Swindon schools are making a combined bid for a technician to maintain Mrs Sturman's class in the new ITC equipment."

Mrs Seaton paid tribute to par- suite. Her comment: "this is absoents Steve Orr and Chris Godfrey lutely excellent. We have been able to who networked the computers and get through a terms work in just afew to Trevor Carlton who negotiated weeks by having all the children worka special deal with Tangent Bench- ing at the same pace."

Jj

C

Chess success Westlea School's under 11s chess team once again qualified for the English primary schools chess semi-finals by winning the regional competition in Cardiff on 11 March.

Robbie White and Robbie Dams won all their games and Ian Matthews put in a brilliant performance to beat an experienced player two years his senior. The national semi-finals take place in mid-May. Winning moves, from left Alexander Kinloch, Daniel Bissex, Aiden Glennie, Ian Matthews, Robbie White, Robbie Dams

Experienced conductor wishes to form a small chamber choir' (S.A.T.B.), possibly meeting during the daytime.

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On all beauty treatments including Ultratone, the ultimate face and body shaper Some of the Ultratone Super Pro 20 treatments include: • Non-surgical facelift, elimination of fine lines and skin rejuvenations.

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SwindonDome day draws near Crafty children in Mark Hazzard's year 6 class at Windmill Hill School have recreated Swindon's famous railway village in miniature to be displayed in a suitcase at the Millennium Dome.

Thirteen primary schools across worked with Mr Hazr the town have been involved in zard on how to fit the designing artworks on the theme railway village into the •.s,. of journeys and each will be pro- suitcase. "We have all g' viding a suitcase to be displayed the main roads and have in the Macdonalds ' Our Town' area tried to show the houses like they are." of the Dome on 4 April. ° Sam Ozdemir said, The art displays will be complimented by dance and music per- "we had photographs to formances which will all be on work from so that the show in Swindon for the opening model looks like the real "' ` s of the new railway heritage centre place. It was quite hard ...

STEAM in June. to make sure all the colShanice Laing explained that a ours were right." t '` small group of children had Corrine Sutton said . f' !^shewaspleasedthattheir t i ' tp work would be shown off in the Dome and at A D TA STEAM. 1 ^!` O/t^1NTAGE

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Clever spellers Youngsters at Freshbrook School raised over £650 when children took part in a sponsored spellathon in aid of Mencap on 2 March.

Each age group worked to their own level of difficulty Just a few of the spellers who took part with their achievement certificates, including Bethany Reid who spelled 49 out of her fifty words correctly and raised £106.

From left, Alicja Nowak, Manjit Bharj, Anthony Nutt, Daniel Hughes, Afruza Miah, Bethany Reid, Aiden Simmonds

Easter football FA preliminary coach Paul Mutlow from Grange Park is once again organising a Mini-Soccer Centre at Freshbrook School from Monday 17 to Thursday 20 April, 9am to 3pm, costing £30. There will also be a Soccer Fun Day on 26 April at £8. For details, call Paul on 871464.

Paul undertook a sponsored run last October and raised £250 which was matched by his employers Motorola in aid of new football and netball kits for Freshbrook School.

Paul rear left, with the Freshbrook soccer squad, headteacher Bob Pattendon and teacher coach Emma Howarth

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13

Learn Technics techniques with an expert Over the last ten years Midge Duck from Peatmoor has managed to outplay ten keyboards and one electric organ, learning all they can offer and keeping up with technological improvements. Now she has professionals calling her up for advice on how to get the best out of their equipment.

She currently plays the top of Technics range, the KN6000, but is interested in passing on her knowledge to anybody who would like to use all the different facilities available on their keyboard. "If you know which effects and filters to use, you can achieve any sound," says Midge. You can edit your playing to create a whole orchestra if you want."

Midge comes from a long line of musicians. Her grandfather, a founder member of the black and white minstrals, encouraged her

and showed her how to play the piano. However she could never abide music teachers and taught herself to play by ear.

She is at the forefront of Technics technology and is willing to show others how to get to grips with their equipment. "We could get together every couple of weeks to share information and show each other how to play better."

To find out more call Midge on

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The Big Adventure starts at Brook Field Swindon South MP Julia Drown visited Brook Field School to open a brand new information technology suite featured in the March Link, and also launch the Big Adventure after school club.

First established at Greendown in 1994, the club at Brook Field is their first satellite facility. Twenty two children have registered for the 32 place scheme which offers care from 3pm to 6pm.

With three staff on hand, there will be a variety of activities on offer, from games and crafts to sitting quietly and reading, to watching television.

An exciting Easter holiday programme is planned with a huge range of activities: trips to the Cotswold water park, swimming, ice skating, arts and crafts, team games and cooking. Turn to page 21 and take advantage of the Big Adventure buy one week, get the second free offer.

Julia Drown launches the Big Adventure with Brook Field children, the Absolutely Amazing Magic clowns and club staff, from left, Alison David, supervisor Steph Brown, Angela Blackford, Tracey Bailey

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14

The Link Magazine • April 2000

Bowls the perfect summer game Purton Bowls Club is planning two events aimed at both the complete beginner and the experienced player.

On Saturday 13 May, a team of Wiltshire county coaches will be on hand to provide instruction to newcomers to the game and also to improvers.

On 17 July, the club is the venue for a Top Score Championship with

sixty of Wiltshire's top players in says bowls is an ideal game for the whole family. "Quite a few of our competition, Link magazine advertiser members live in West and North Mansfield Begbie Associates is a Swindon and we're very keen to attract more. We have an excelmajor sponsor of the event, The club had a successful 1999 lent green and club house and we outdoor season and has several welcome all ages."

Wiltshire competition winners The green opens on 15 April. To amongst its membership. find out more about the club, call Club secretary Chris Cheesley Chris Cheesley on 872446.

Competition sponsor Mike Rees of Mansfield Begbie, centre, with Chris Cheesley, left, and club chairman Ron Slade

for teams Boys and girls at Tregoze School are now playing in the West Swindon schools leagues wearing kits supplied parents Pete and Tracey Bailey who run the Big Adventure after school and holiday club.

The Baileys have two sons at the school; their daughter left last summer and the Big Adventure runs a breakfast club at Tregoze.

The club hopes to sponsor other schools where they organise breakfast or after-school activities, in which case there could be Big A teams playing each other.

The Big A teams with Tracey Bailey, left, Pete Bailey, centre, Tregoze School deputy headteacher Steve Richardson and team coach Helen Swanson

celebrates Swindon A decade of keep fit Lee Hogan has been organising keep fit classes in West Swindon and advertising them in The Link for ten years. Here he looks back.

ekl'c C Co &U&70/(& %f( Lee

Carol

Monday Holy Trinity, Shaw Tuesday Greendown* Wednesday Greendown/ Wootton Bassett Frida y Greendown

Monday Holy Trinity Wednesday Greendown Thursday Peatmoor Sunday Greendown

Fax: 01672 541367

*additional parking available at Greendown

We began with one class at Freshbrook community centre which soon became very busy. We later moved to Greendown School where Bodies by Design has been based ever since.

With Carol Hart and Lorna Slack as our main instructors, we now have thirteen successful exercise classes in West Swindon and are keen to start more.

We have worked with a number of leading companies to organise exercise sessions including Motorola, Galileo, the DeVere and Allied Dunbar and helped several causes such as: MIND, Help the Aged, Pre-School Playgroups Association, the GWR Christmas appeal and the British Olympic appeal.

Bodies by Design is best known for its aerobic classes, but we also have an extensive list of private clients for whom we arrange personal training. I have been called

the 'top people's personal trainer' by colleagues in the industry as I can boast Sir Seaton and Lady Wills, the Hon. Rupert Digby, the Countess of Huntingdon, Lady Lynch-Robinson and Jenny Pitman OBE among my clients.

We intend to be around for the next ten years and I would like to thank all those who have supported us over the last ten.

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

The Link Magazine • April 2000

Hopefuls train with Olympic gold medallist Swindon's Olympic pairs hopefuls Andrew Seabrook and Tiffany Sfikas had a rare opportunity to train with British Olympic gold medallist Jane Torvill at the World Speed Skating Championships in early March.

They were the only pair invited to perform an exhibition skate, choreographed by Jane Torvill, with six other skaters.

"We had not met her before; she is such a wonderful lady," said Tiffany. "She is so easy to get on with and we learnt so much during the week."

Andrew and Tiffany returned from two months training in the USA in late February. They skated at exhibitions in Altrincham on 20 March and Iceland at the end of the month. April will be spent training and preparing a programme for a guest appearance at a big ice gala in Chicago in early May.

15

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

Link gym to help build up Atlantic rowing stamina Swindon Borough Council have come on board Norman Butler's attempt to row the Atlantic by giving him a Cross Training Pass which allows unlimited opportunity to train in any of the borough's lifestyle centres, swim or take fitness classes.

Norman from Westlea and team mate Chris Higgins from Gloucester have entered the Ward Evans Atlantic rowing race in October 2001 and have to raise £50,000 to cover the entry costs, which include the purchase of their boat in kit form. They have nearly completed the boat and plan to launch it in early May. Once costs have been covered all sponsorship will be donated to the NSPCC. "We're building up business and community support," said Norman. "It is great that Swindon is backing me. The equipment in the Link gym is excellent; it will help me reach a peak of fitness."

Chair of leisure services committee Derique Montaut presents Norman with his X-training pass at the Link Centre active lifestyle centre

Courses available at all levels, small informal groups, individual attention, comprehensive manual, certificated.

After course guidance and support.

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

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

16

The Link Magazine • April 2000

Shakespeare takes centre stage of school's festival Months of hard work by 45 teachers and 1,200 performers comes to a spectacular conclusion when 13 primary and 3 secondary schools, a sepcial school, two colleges and two local drama groups perform versions of the Bard's work. Festival director Tim Noble explains the educational benefits being seen in West Swindon and further afield. ready to show their parents and all Why do a Shakespeare festival?, They are 'known' by countless collect his own writing together.

But why perform Shakespeare? of Swindon their versions of his a parent asked me last year. people across the globe and everyOne reason is that the National one who has struggled with the Surely it's too hard for children to plays starting on April 3rd, they Curriculum in English and the Lit- question of the meaning of life understand? Well, I take my cue will be adding their little bit to the from one of this country's finest world-wide record of Shakespeare eracy Hour in primary schools re- shares something with Hamlet.

Why Shakespeare? Well, he is acto N, Sir Ian McKellan, who wrote performances being collected by quires pupils of 10, 13 and 15 to to us in 1997 in sup- The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. have studied Shakespeare's work. somehow 'necessary' Our festival has attracted supFor GCSE in English Literature, for us all - otherwise Festival Launch port of our festival they must write an essay about he simply wouldn'tbe Saturday 1 April, 10am for The Tempest and port from the Shakespeare Centre some of his plays. read or watched out- to 4pm at Greendown said he believed that in Stratford, Education Extra in But there are other good reasons side schools.

School, Grange Park long before Shake- London, Swindon Arts Foundaspeare is studied, he tion and Swindon Council. too. In the 37 plays Shakespeare Somewhere on the Meet William American school and college stushould be perwrote, there are timeless stories planet, at any given Shakespeare, plus dents and teachers are keen to find formed. that for five hundred years have moment, there is a actors Susan Tulley Nationally fa- out more about the festival - and interested, amused, terrified, edu- Shakespeare play goDavid Suchet and cated and challenged the millions ing on. It might be in Shakespeare directors mous Sarah Gordon some are even coming to Swindon and Chris Geelan of to watch us perform. of people who have either read his a tiny upstairs room Everybody involved has worked plays or seen them acted. of a bombed-out house in some the Young Shakespeare Company Here can be found family jeal- war-torn province, or a huge and have helped teachers in the West enormously hard and the performousy, young love, murder, anger, expensive production in a national Swindon project by writing guides ances will be memorable for the pride, humility, generosity and capital's finest theatre, but he is to some of the lesser known plays children who have tackled the Bard and showing them how to intro- with such great enthusiasm. deceit - all human life, dramatised constantly being performed.

So if you want to see comedy to show his characters in the grip People clearly need and like his duce each work using a story-telland tragedy, farce and melodrama, of these emotions, heightened by plays - no other writer has been ing method.

Acting out these plays in differ- 'It's a Knockout' knockabout and translated into so many other langreat poetry.

His range is unparalleled in guages, despite them being writ- ent ways is fun - 1,200 children multi-media manoeuvres, ring world writing. Some like Falstaff, ten in 16th century English. His can't all be wrong! As they get 874224 and book lots of tickets now. the jolly boozy braggart who cor- collected plays, together with the rupts the young Prince Henry, or Bible, have been the biggest seller Romeo and Juliet, the world's most in world literature for hundreds of Monday 3 April to Saturday 15 April memorable lovers, are so much years. Not bad for a provincial Eng1.30pm & 7pm daily themselves that they almost have lish writer born over 500 years ago, a life outside the plays. who never bothered to keep or Tickets 14 adults, ÂŁ2 children from each school

Performances at Greendown School

or Greendown, tel: (01793) 874224

THEATRE EXPRESS FEES REDUCED! PRE 1997 RATES! .....

Summer Term starts May 2000

Theatre Express Performing Arts Schools & Theatre Company, has openings at its weekend performing arts schools, based at SWINDON and BURFORD

Theatre Express is fun!

Monday 3 April

Two Noble Kinsmen (Hreod Parkway) Two Gentlemen of Verona, Comedy of Errors (Shaw Ridge)

Tuesday 4 April

Much Ado About Nothing; As You Like It; All's Well That Ends Well (Wroughton)

Wednesday 5 April

Merchant of Venice (Saltway) Pericles (Robert Le Kyng) Macbeth (Tregoze) Much Ado About Nothing, The Dream (Brook Field) Julius Caesar (Crowdy's Hill School)

Thursday 6 April

It also helps to develop: self-confidence; self-esteem; articulation; imagination; co-ordination; expression; and other important life skills.

Theatre Express training is designed for 5 to 16 year olds. They come together in three age groups, with a maximum of 16 per group, working for one hour, with experienced tutors, in the disciplines of:

Friday 7 April

Love's Labours Lost (Abbey Meads) Coriolanus, Troilus & Cressida (Greendown)

Saturday 8 April

Henry V (Oliver Tomkins Infants) Richard 11 (Junction 16 drama group) Henry IV (Cirencester College)

Acting, Singing & Dance

Monday 10 April

Henry VI (Greendown) Richard III (Noremarsh) Henry VIII (Oliver Tomkins)

Tuesday II April

Romeo & Juliet; Taming of the Shrew; Anthony & Cleopatra (Greendown)

Contact Theatre Express for a free prospectus - Tel/Fax: 01608 676024

Wednesday 12 April

The Merry Wives of Windsor (Oliver Tomkins) Twelfth Night (Toothill)

Or write to: Theatre Express, PO Box 94 Chipping Norton D.O. OX7 3YL

Thursday 13 April

King John, Hamlet (Westlea) Measure for Measure (Ridgeway)

Friday 14 April

The Tempest (Oliver Tomkins Infants) Cymbeline (Haydonleigh)

Saturday 15 April

Titus Andronicus (Greendown) Othello (Head to Toe drama group) King Lear (Swindon College)

Now taking bookings for our Summer Schools 2000 FREE CINEWORLD TICKETS for the first few completed application forms

or E-mail:perform@theatre-express.com

THEATRE EXPRESS: THE 1ST CHOICE FOR PERFORMING ARTS IN SWINDON

Th e Link Magazine • April 2000 17

See u s on th e n et @ www. swin do nlink. com

Surfing could become Link Centre attraction

Drugs awareness

After months of behind the scenes negotiations, The Link can exclusively reveal that an internet cafe is being planned for the Link Centre.

Parents were given the chance in early March to meet Nick Bolton from Druglink at a number of West Swindon venues. n He dis- . ^^ played examples of different drugs and

The announcement was made at Action for Youth, a new forum in West Swindon set up by the Swindon Council community education team and Toothill ward councillors Peter Mallinson and Dave Cox, which met on 16 March.

Involving young people, full-time and sessional youth workers, the group aims to discuss activities and developments for teenagers in the area.

The internet cafe idea emerged after the Link Youth Unit was closed down a year ago and discussions have involved Swindon library service and the education department and also Swindon College.

If successful, the project could start in early June. It will offer internet access to all ages, with specific times available to young people.

A wish-list of activities discussed at the meeting included:

• re-establishing a youth club at Toothill community centre • re-opening the Link Youth Unit as a central and neutral place for young people to meet and gain advice and information • more sporting events and tournaments • better lighting and repairs to park equipment, such as basketball hoops

talked about

their effects.

He also described what • DJ & break-dance workshops parents might Community education worker Paul Ryan look out for if said there were financial restrictions on what they are worcould be achieved, but the meeting provided a ried children focus for future developments. are using illeHowever Katie Dixon, 15, from Freshbrook gal substances. expressed scepticism about the exercise.

One parent Nick Bolton with sessional "Young people have heard so many promises said, "we read youth worker Nicola Ham in the past about things that could be organabout the sesised; we'll just wait and see what happens." sions in The Link. It is a good idea to have this Further meetings of Action for Youth are information in the community. We learnt a lot y planned, call Paul R an on 465452 for details. about the terms used and the appearance of the New worker for youth centre drugs in circulation; it's all foreign to us.

Legal graffiti site Luke Chambers, 30, has been " We wanted to find out more and also to Councillor Cox also also announced that plans learn how to handle a situation should it arise." appointed temporary youth to provide a legal graffiti site in West Swinworker to be based at GreenNick said the majority of young people are don are well advanced. down School youth suite. not involved in illegal drug use. "It can be hard "The council is looking at building a wall at for both parents and young people to underHe has worked as a sessional youth worker in Highworth for Swindon Contractors depot to the south of stand each other if they become involved in six years and is studying partthe Great Western Way by-pass which is drugs. But it is very important for parents to reached by the underpass from Toothill. "Some keep communications open with teenagers." time for a diploma in commugraffiti is art by talented people, but it can be nity and youth work at the University of the West of England. displayed in the wrong place. A legal site will • Druglink holds parents evenings on the He has been involved in single-gender work provide a place for them to work. They are first Wednesday of every month between 6pm and setting up trips to Swindon's twin town different from the vandals who spray paint and 8pm at 47 Victoria Road, Swindon. For more information, call 610133. their 'tags' on public and private property."

Salzgitter in Germany.

18

^w

The L ink Magazin e • April 2000

VACANCY Playgroup Supervisor

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Campaigning for a family friendly Parliament South Swindon MP Julia Drown has been pilloried for wanting to take her young son to work with her in London. Here she explains why MPs who become mothers should get a better deal, and why Westminster staff should also have better child care facililities The Labour Government has launched a number of initiatives to encourage employers to become more family friendly. But the House of Commons itself is sadly lacking in this area.

There are two basic problems.

First, the hours of the House of Commons are unnecessarily long ,I nd especially unpredictable. We may start at 9.30am one day thinking that we will finish at the usual ti me of 10.20pm, then find that business has changed and we must be at the House until lam or even lam the next morning. That is no \c a y to run the country.

It would be reasonable to work through the night if we were discussing a genuine national emergency. But mostly when the House Sits very late it is caused by people playing silly games or repeating at great length points already made in debates. This means that MPs as well as many staff in the House of Commons have to make unnecessary sacrifices in their family lives to do their work.

Secondly, although there are around 10,000 people who work around Westminster there are no childcare facilities in the House of Commons. Man y parents would

Julia and her husband Bill with thrir son Harvey Dexter last December

welcome being able to buy a place for their child at a workplace nursery, just as they do in firms up and down Britain.

The House of Commons is still run like a gentlemen's club and it needs to be modernised, so that we encourage more of the very best people in the country, including parents of young children, to come forward and be MPs. This would be good for parents, good for their children and good for the country.

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Ruth Barrett, injured herself a few years ago when she went to an aerobics class too soon after having her baby. Concern about the lack of advice inspired her to train as a postnatal fitness instructor.

Ruth, who became an instructor name: ABI four years ago, has decided to ex- Exercise & pand and has given her business a Fitness. She runs courses in West Swindon which cover how to exercise safely NSPCC make the move after birth, back care, low impact The North Swindon Family Project, aerobic work out, fl oor exercises based in Penhill will now move to and time for relaxation.

You must be at least 8 weeks its more suitable premises in postnatal or have had a GP check Atworth Close on 3 April.

The project, which supports par- up to begin. Babies are welcome.

Ruth, who is a member of the ents and carers of young children in the northern development put Guild of Postnatal Exercise Teachback their planned move by a fort- ers, said, "my classes are a great night and are busily packing boxes. way to get back into shape. The The new centre offers a large group is small and informal and it a ctivity room, several family rooms , is a chance to socialise with other and larger office space. new mums."

Lynne Smith, project worker, ! There are suggestions that exersaid, "we are all reall y looking for- cise after giving birth can boost ward to working in this improved, morale and help with postnatal comfortable, quiet environment depression. Courses are also open where we can support those need- to ladies who are exercising for the first time and need very low iming help and information."

The telephone number remains pact aerobics. To find out more or the same: 705810. to enrol contact Ruth on 886394.

19

LETTER FROM WESTMINSTER Local elections sustain democracy

Bevirs Solicitors for Independent Financial Advice

Swindon North MP Michael Wills urges everybody eligible to turn out and vote on 4th May

See us first for impartial guidance on investment and money matters

Daffodils in March, Easter eggs in April and local elections in May. Once again an important exercise in local democracy is coming round in Swindon. And, unless there is a real change, most voters will not turn out to take part in it.

Since the General Election, voting in Swindon elections has been dreadfully low: under 20% in the Euro election, even less than that in some wards in local elections.

And Swindon's experience typifies that in constituencies up and down the country.

Does this mean that voters don't care about local government? I do not think so. Many of the con-. ` cerns of my constituents " which they feel most strongly about are properly the responsibility of local government, Does this mean that Swindon's council is not doing the business? I do not think it is that either. For many years Swindon's councillors have done an excellent job in serving the town and for all the complaints that surface from time to time, I think today's council continues that proud tradition.

Swindon has been fortunate in being able to find so may talented people willing to dedicate themselves to public service as councillors and as officers working for the

council. Swindon's current prosperity and so much that is good about the town, such as its community centres, owe much to the vision of the council.

I think the continuing low turn outs are due more to a general disillusionment with politicians and we all have to work hard to restore the faith of people in party politics and party politicians.

Winston Churchill once remarked that democracy is the worst system of government ever invented, except for all the alternatives. In the end, democracy is the surest way of protecting our freedoms and building security and oppor\ tunity for all our people. " Indeed it is the only way.

Politicians have to work hard to sustain people's faith in democratic politics. But equally democratic politics requires participation if the system is to work effectively. If people do not vote, their voices are not heard. If you abstain, don't complain. Voting is a highly effective way of telling politicians what you think of us. We need to know.

Please vote.

Michael Wills can be contacted at the Pinehurst People's Centre, Beech Avenue, Pinehurst, Swindon. Tel: 481016.

Investment clubs take off Forget stamp collecting or am dram, tens of thousands of people these days prefer to get together to debate investment strategy, to discern dot corns from dead certs, suss the FTSE and try to make money.

The growth of investment clubs in this country has been phenomenal.

Four years ago there were just 350. Today there are more than 6,000 and every month 200 more are formed, usually by relatively inexperienced investors or complete novices.

The West Swindon Investment Stock pickers, from left, Frank Middleton, Mike Penrose, Club was formed in Phil Archer, Peter Cruttwell, chair, Tony Neville, Steve September 1998 and Hollister. Front, Andrew Hunt, treasurer meets monthly at The Woodland's Edge in Peatmoor meetings are lively and informal, to share a drink and watch their every member has a chance to have his or her say, and each decision to nest-egg expand.

Making profits is of course a buy or sell a share is made by demoprime motivation for forming a cratic vote. Opinions and expericlub, and examples abound of ences are shared, everyone learns clubs which beat the profession- something new at every meeting.

For details on joining call the als. But investment clubs are about much more than this. The monthly chairman, PeterCruttwell on 813218.

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20

AT YOUR LIBRARY

Recruiting for the summer holidays During the summer Swindon libraries will be organising a reading game for children aged 3 to 16 years, writes Robert Cotterill.

Last year volunteers were recruited to listen to children talking about for the outstanding children's book and the best illustrated book of the the books they had read and also to help with the day to day adminis- year respectively. The titles to go forward to the Library Association tration of the game. We are on the look out again for adult volunteers, along with others from around the whole country are: young or old, who could be available for as little as two hours a week. Carnegie: Gillian Cross Tightrope; JK Rowling Harry Potter and the They will play a vital role in helping to provide a worthwhile reading prisoner of Azkaban initiative for youngsters. The game will be fun and experience has Greenaway: Babette Cole Hair in funny places; Michael Rosen Rover shown it has a beneficial effect on children's reading and conversational skills. If you would like to help, contact West Swindon library on This is the time of year when there are lots of jobs to do inside and out, 465555 for more details. whether it be gardening, DIY or decoration. Remember to check out Last month pupils from Commonweal and Dorcan schools helped your local library for the large selection of illustrated reference books. library staff to decide which four books should be nominated as Or if you are not feeling energetic why not curl up with a good novel or Swindon's recommendations for the Carnegie and Greenaway medals video, listen to a CD or music cassette?

New fiction for April Philip McCutchan Ogilvie under Fire It is Captain James Ogilvie's unenviable charge to keep an eye on an over zealous recruit. Yet

Dewar is not the only hazard the battalion has to face. There are the problems of discipline and command in barely endurable circumstances before they finally face a remorseless and terrible enemy.

Nicola Thorne In Time of War In this the latest instalment of the popular People of the Parish saga, Nicola Thorne follows the lives of characters in the years during and after the Second World War. Brian Freemantle Target The US and Soviet intelligence combine to eliminate a threat to Middle East peace - an unprecedented act in espionage history.

Marion Babson A Tealeaf in the Mouse To be part of the gang, Robin had to steal a rich lady's cat.

But he now finds himself in possession of a cat and witness to a murder. The latest in Marion Babson's delightful cat mysteries.

Barbara Taylor Bradford Where you Belong A novel set in war torn Kosovo which deals with the horrors and consequences of conflict.

Audrey Howard Rivers of the Heart Audrey Howard's enthralling novel is about a woman whose broken heart leads to a marriage filled with tragedy and passion.

Alexander Fullerton A Share of Honour March 1942, submarines based on Malta are denying supplies to the Afrika Corps. Berlin demands action; Paul Everard is in the thick of it.

Wordsmiths forge ahead •

^ n Wordsmiths is a new copywriting and public relations business based in Abbey Meads in Swindon.

Working with Penny is Specialising in creative promoPROMOTIONAL WRITING tional writing, with particular ex- Catherine Dow, a media relations pertise in the field of joint promo- specialist from South Africa.

We can write your ... advertisements • flyers tions, Wordsmiths provides writNew products, improved cusmedia releases • brochures ing and publicity services to small tomer services and, occasionally, newsletters • press articles and medium sized businesses. business relocations are all events and much more Set up in January this year, it has that need publicising from time to wordswt.iths Ih ci s o walj already undertaken its first writ- ti me and this is where Wordsmiths ing commissions for two local com- come in. with words! panies, Metropolis Printing and "We have over 40 years experiCall Penny Dennis on Link advertiser Interactions. ence in the corporate, public, me01793 721408 or e-mail to Founder Penny Dennis, former dia and voluntary sectors," said PennyWordsmith@aol.com marketing manager at Swindon- Penny. "You could say we are Penny and Catherine of Wordsmiths based crime prevention charity experts in writing top quality adCrime Concern, has been busy talk- vertising copy, feature and trade ing to potential new clients and is articles, and newsletters." confident that there is a real niche If you would like to find out Time slips away amongst the for Wordsmiths' services. more about Wordsmiths and its 1000s of books on our shelves ' She said, "many businesses can- services, call Penny Dennis on An old fashioned bookshop for customers who like things the way they not afford to retain advertising 01793 721408, or e-mail her at agencies or PR companies all year pennyword sm i thk^aol.com used to be with a standard of service for today. Book tokens available round. But they still want high Victoria Bookshop quality, affordable and imaginative publicity services on an ad30 Wood Stre e t, O ld Town, Swindon. Tel: (01793) 527364 hoc basis."

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22

The Link Magazine • April 2000

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The judges: Shirley Ludford, Matt Holland, director of the Swindon Festival of Literature and Link publisher Roger Ogle The closing date: Entries should be sent to The Link, Papermakers House, Westlea, Swindon SN5 7BD by Tuesday 31 May. Need some help with bringing your ideas together?

One of the events taking place during the Swindon Festival of Literature is ' Writing for Pleasure & Profit' on Sunday 7 May, 9.30am to 4pm at Lower Shaw Farm.

Veteran journalist Mike Stares is running an intensive workshop on how to write and submit news stories, features, articles and reviews for publication and for use in the media. Excellent for squeezing your ideas into under 400 words.

The workshop costs £35, including lunch and drinks. To book, call 771080.

A budding journalist from Shaw has just published the second edition of a magazine aimed at computer garners.

Andrew Mehta, 18, from Ramleaze has been producing fanzines for several years and selling them to other game addicts.

Now he has teamed up with Ben Evans from Freshbrook and four other contributors based in Bristol and Hereford to produce United Games, a 46 page black and white magazine which reviews games from the users point of view.

The latest edition contains an article on the Korean games industry and takes a look at the Pokemon phenomena.

There is also a look at the much awaited Play Station III, just released in Japan, and reviews of latest games for Dreamcast, Playstation, Nintendo 64 and PCs. The hand held Neo-Geo is given the once over as well.

The first edition of United Games sold out quickly and the feedback was that it offered good value for money. If you're a gamer, send a cheque for £1.50 to United Games, Wootton Bassett and District LiPO Box 61 Swindon SN5 9GR ons Club hold their annual May Andrew also runs a busy web Day Fayre at Lydiard Park on site where reviews and informa- Bank Holiday Monday 1 May tion on games can be found. Visit As usual there will a full prowww.game-extra.co.uk and win a gramme of attractions and rides game of your choice. aimed at adults and children. All Andrew has hopes of taking a money raised goes towards the journalism or media studies de- Lions charitable work. gree. But first he has to concenBookings are being taking for trate on revising for A' levels at trade, craft or charity pitches at the Swindon College. A third edition event on 852092. of United Games is planned after A big car boot sale will also take his exams are out of the way. place. Call 877203 to book a space

Stalls available

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Here's the challenge: The prizes: Stories can be on any theme, but it 1 Three stories will be chosen should have a Swindon connection i. to be printed in The Link and ii. broadcast on Shirley's Length: no more than 400 words BBC Wiltshire Sound Entrant's names should be programme enclosed on a separate sheet; they Book vouchers worth £20, £10, should not appear on the story £5 will also be awarded to the Multiple entries are invited winners

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THE SINK SINE'S GUIDE TO WHAT'S ON IN AND AROUND SWINDON

Literary treats in store from 1 to 13 May

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Festival programme now available Swindon's Festival of Literature is cited as a cultural high point that proves the town should be a city.

Leaving aside the fact that it is put together on very little money and a huge amount of goodwill, the seventh festival will again provide a tremendously eclectic gathering of literary talent which will delight, surprise and entertain.

At the launch of this year's programme on 16 March. festival director Matt Holland said he had recently experienced two city schizophrenic situations.

As the fame of Swindon's Festival of Literature spreads he had been contacted by the European Festivals Directory. Wishing to give its readers information on how to find Swindon, the caller asked, 'i s Swindon closest to the city of Bristol or the city of Reading.'

By contrast, when contacted by a representative of the British Festivals Association as to how to categorise Swindon's festival, he was asked, 'is it alright to put you down under city literature festivals?'

"It was a feather in our cap, but I couldn't help a wry smile," commented Matt.

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Picture/photo frames Lit Fest launch, former Treasure Hunt adjudicator and weather woman ' Prints & mirrors stocked Wincey Willis reveals the festival 2000 programme with key sponsor Dominic Winter, rear right, festival director Matt Holland, girls from 10 % discount with this advert Greendown School, from left, Anna Hirsch-Holland, Natalie Hughes, L — — — — — — — — Heather Stewart, Rachel Walker and front Jacob Hirsch-Holland

Whether Swindon is a city or not, The programme is now availits reputation is spreading via the able at libraries and book shops festival. Over 40 events take place around the town or from 771080. during early May and there will be Turn over for our centre page school visits by writers and poets festival diary of events. Book your in late April. tickets early.

OPEN ON MOTHERING SUNDAY 2nd APRIL

For the second year, The Link is pleased to sponsor the Swindon Festival of Literature programme on the internet @

www.swind^nIink.com

First acts revealed for Wiltshire Festival in August The programme for Swindon's renowed music event at Lydiard Park is coming together with the English National Symphony Orchestra booked for Friday 18 August, once again under the baton of Jae Alexander.

Soprano Maria Kesselmann and internationally renowed bass baritone Willard White take the solo spots, whilst the fabulous harmonies of the London Community Gospel Choir, left, will rise to the heavens.

The organiser's are still negotiating the headli ne actforthe Party in the Park on Saturday 19 August. but there are some mega names in the frame. Already confirmed are Tony Hadley, back by popular demand after a stonking performance last year, and The Vengaboys, currently riding high in the charts. " We are building on the success of previous years," said festival coordinator Andy Cotton, from Shaw. "It's going to be another great lineup when all the acts in place."

The Link is one the festival sponsors alongside Motorola, GWRfm, Classic fm, Newscom NIL and Swindon Borough Council.

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plenty! • It promises Like wise words from Kate Adie about the challenges of gathering

S

news and presenting news; insightful comment from Fay Weldon on the role of the novel in the twenty-first century; millennium ^erat4-N conversation and new university for Swindon celebrations with Professor Theodore Zeldin and Robert Lacey; poetic wit and wisdom from Wendy Cope and Brian Patten; social sciences made fiction from Tony Parsons and Maureen Freely; illustrated talks on churches and crop circles from Simon Jenkins and Lucy Pringle; the third Clive Brain Memorial Lecture on arts in education from Professor Ken Robinson; best-selling comic writing from Tony Hawks and Jasmine Birtles; consolations of philosophy and seductive storytelling from Alain de Botton and Cat Weatherill; international short stories on stage, performance poetry in pubs, all-day children's events and story walks; and of course, the now nationally famous Dawn Chorus and Swindon Slam! And a great deal more! Thirteen days of literary frolics, earnest exploration, teasing talks, laudable lectures, crazy competitions, serious stuff, and comic guff. The urge to communicate is unstoppable.

Each day there will be three or more events, at midday, teatime, and in the evening, carefully spaced and placed, to enable you to attend almost every event, should you have the stamina! The at-a-glance Festival diary is featured on the next page.A full programme is available at libraries, arts and information centres or from the Swindon Festival of Literature, Lower Shaw Farm, Shaw, Swindon,Wiltshire SN5 9PJ.Tel: 01 793 771080. Mark your own diary, so that during the first thirteen days of May you join us, to celebrate life, through literature, together. Come along, and surprise yourself, in Swindon!

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minstrels, equine surprises, and you! Lawn Woods,The Planks, Old Town, Swindon

;TORYWALK Ravensroost Woods, Braydon, Nr Minety £2 Tel: 771080

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'OEMS & PINTS — rh me, rhythm, and refreshment! D2, Fusion, High Street, Old Town, Swindon £4 ({3) Tel 480083

5.30am!

2Dm pm

ruesd JEGLECTED W

fERS — rediscovered! Swindon Museum &Art Gallery, Bath Road Tel: 466556 £3 (£2)

HE WORKING WRITER IN MODERN SOCIETY — words at work and play! Swindon College Tel: 498300 No charge .I TERARY SEDUCTIONS — creativity and sex! Swindon Museum & Art Gallery, Bath Road Tel: 466556 £4 ({3) 1ARTIN NEWELL — poetr

yp

erfo rmance! Beehive Public House Tel: 523187 No charge

1 pm 3.00pm 7.30pm 8.00pm

INednesd :

ROM PITCH TO PUB Li 'AT7UN — with Carole Blake Swindon Museum & Art Gallery, Bath Road Tel: 466556 {3 ({2)

:LIVE BRAIN MEM ORIAL L ECTURE by Professor Ken Robinson Main Hall, Swindon College,Tel:498300 No charge

; UE LIMB in conve y on Museum &Art Gallery, Bath Road Tel 466556 £4 ({3) .RIEL'S GIFT - with Erica Wagner Swindon Museum & Art Gallery, Bath Road Tel: 466556 £4 ({3) VENDY COPeads E r her poems Swindon Museum & Art Gallery, Bath Road Tel: 466556 £5 (£4)

URCHES with Simon Jenkins Christ Chu rch, Cricklade Street, Old Town £4 (£3) Tickets on the door only

E NGLAND'S bc

:ROP CIRCLES — an illustrated talk! Swindon Museum & Art Gallery, Bath Road Tel: 466556 £4 (£3) iECRETS OF CONSCIOUSNESS—you and your brain! Swindon Museum & Art Gallery, Bath Road Tel: 466556 {2 EEN FREELY, in conversation! Town Hall, Regent Circus Tel: 463210 £6 (£5)

'AY WELDON and

I pm 6pm

I pm 5pm 7.30pm I pm 5pm 7.30pm 8pm

Caturda :HILDREN'S DAY — T1VeTull1ors, lively workshops, livelier performances! Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 614837 iWINDON SLAM — live, competitive, and friendly poetry! Town Hall, Regent Circus Tel 463210 £5 ({4)

I Oam - 4pm 8p m

Cunda :

ESTIVAL WOR1l T- on writing and being published! Writing for Pleasure & Profit 9.30am — 4pm and 'itfalls of Publication 4.30 — 6pm Lower Shaw Farm, Swindon Tel 771 080 Includes lunch. \DLESTROP REVISITED — a dramatic presentation! Swindon Museum &Art Gallery, Bath Road Tel: 466556 {3 (0)

All day!

5pm

ind Miles Swindon Museum & Art Gallery, Bath Road £3 ( 0) Tel: 466556 ;UENEVERE — wi IILLENNIU M CONVERS ATION — good talk! Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 614837 £6 ( 5)

I pm 7.30pm

Tuesda y WAMPY'S LITEEI

#3YAPiCESTORS - past eco-warriors! Swin don Museum &Art Gallery, Bath Road Tel 466556 £3 (£2)

.ATE ADZE and guests, in conversation Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel: 6 14837 {7 (£5)

I m

8pm

Wednesday IIRTH OF THE BLUE

—

ated musical talk Swindon Museum & Art Gallery, Bath Road Tel 466556 £3 (£2)

iHORT STORIES ON STAGE — dramatic representation! Arts Centre , Devizes Road Tel 614837 {5 ({4)

I pm 7.30pm

Fhursda CORY MACLEA :

—

tales! Swindon Museum & Art Gallery, Bath Road Tel: 466556 £3 (£2)

ROM HOMER TO THE SIMPSONS — role of film! Swindon Museum &Art Gallery, Bath Road Tel 466556 £3 (£2)

MERCHANT OF VENICE — with music! Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 614837 £6 (£5 —£4.50) IALLADS TO BOOKS — the sung story with Frankie Armstrong Swindon Museum & Art Gallery, Bath Road Tel: 466556 £3 (£2)

I pm 5.30pm 7.30pm 8pm

Frid ;EVEN SUM

ustrated journey with Steve Bell Swindon Museum & Art Gallery, Bath Road Tel: 466556 {3 ( 0)

: ONSOLATIONS OF PHILOSOPHY — good talk with Alain de Botton Swindon Museum & Art Gallery, Bath Road Tel: 466556 £2 ;EDUCTIVE STORYTELLING — for consenting adults! Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 614837 £6 (£5)

I pm 7.30pm 8pm

Caturd 'ONY PARSONS —

windon Museum & Art Gallery, Bath Road Tel: 466556 £4 ( (.3)

"ONY HAWKS and JASMINE BIRTLES — a funny finale! Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 614837 £7 ((.5)

I pm 7.30pm

Setdo ri ZUide

26

COM PETITI ON

Hope that Prince will open STEAM

Get into the spirit of STEAM

Organisers of Swindon's new railway heritage centre are hoping Prince Charles will find a day in his diary in June when he can return to the town

Tim Bryan, curato STEAM, has written a definitive biography of 'Brunel the Great Engineer,' an in-depth study of his domination of engineering in the

to perform the opening ceremony, having toured the site of the £11 million lottery funded project a year ago.

Andrew Lovett, 33, newly appointed general manager of

STEAM - the Museum of the Great Western Railway, confirmed the opening date was being kept flexible until a Royal decision had been

Andrew comes to Swindon with 12 years experience of tourism and museums management with the Lake District National Park Author-

ity and City of York Museums Service. He is impressed by Swindon's history and relishes the challenge of making STEAM a major stop on the tourist trail in the South West.

Victorian era, in all a

its triumphs and sometimes disaster. Tim Bryan Prince Charles, well known for Ian Allen Publishing has prohis interest in architecture, spoke vided The Link with five copies of Andrew and his team are at a conference in April 1999 about "STEAM has a very important this fascinating book which draws finding new uses for industrial build- story to tell about Swindon, both charged with attracting a comparaon Tim's deep knowledge of arguings at the adjacent Great Western for the people who live here and tively modest 200.000 visitors in ably Britains' greatest ever engiDesigner Village. the large numbers who travel to the first year and hope to avoid the neer who died in 1859, illustrated the region. It will be more than a problems that have beset other with contemporary drawings and collection of a rt ifacts, including the lottery funded projects. "We have photographs of his innovations and famous engines. At its peak 14,000 realistic expectations of visitor numthe working conditions of the time. people worked for the GWR and bers. The designer village attracts To win a copy of STEAM will honour their contribu- five million people a year which Tim's book, worth ti on to the success of the town gives us confidence that the target £25, send your antoday." can be achieved." swers to these questions, by 12 April to The Link, A community celebration at STEAM made.

Swindon Council's museum service are planning a big party to cel-

ebrate the opening of the town's new heritage centre over the weekend of 1 and 2 July, outdoors at the Churchward site.

Papermakers

House, Westlea, SwindonSN57BD.

Harking back to the 19th Centu ry GWR fetes held in Faringdon Road Park, there will be steam driven funfair rides, a replica of Stevenson's Rocket, street theatre and performances by schools and community

1.What do Brunel's initials I.K. stand

groups. The artwork being created by fifteen schools for Swindon's day in the Millennium Dome on 4 April will be displayed. The dance and choral works being rehearsed for the Dome will also be performed.

2. In which year did Brunel die?

3. Where did the GWR line run?

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NE MANE ATTRACTION ► t Brookhouse Farm, Middleleaze Drive, Swindon Brookhouse Farm is now a Hungry Horse. We've given the place a whole new look, and from 21st March we have been serving food and drinks. Including, of course, our famous Big Plate Specials!

It's sure to be the centre of attention. And right now we're looking for all kinds of players to come and join our team from a Grill Cook to a Gardener. Not forgetting the Bar Staff, Waiting Staff. Kitchen Assistants and Cleaners to keep the place running smoothly.

You must be energetic and have a winning personality. Both full and part-time positions are available, and, except for the cook, no experience is necessary. That's because before you start you can look forward to a week of in-depth training together with competitive rates of pay and a lively working environment, So take the reins and give Phil or Claire a call on

.

01793 874223

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seed The 1st Swindon Jazz Festival In Association with The Music House Project

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Just desserts

Come and see a new permanent display opening at Lydiard House on 15 April writes Sarah Finch-Crisp, keeper of the house

NOW BOOKING Wednesday 26 April - Sunday 30 April DateTime 26th 8pm - 10pm 27th 8.30 - 11pm 28th 8pm - 11pm

Band Venue Rod Kelly Duo Pizza Express, Bath Road Southern Syncopators Kings Arms, Wood Street Pete Allen Jazz Band Hilton National Hotel Only 300 tickets @ £8" 28th 8.30pm - 11pm The Ritchie Bryant Quartet Villiers Inn, Wroughton 29th 12noon - 2pm Swindon Big Band Christ Church Hall, Only 200 tickets @ £4* Devizes Road 29th 1 pm - 3pm The Jazz Jiants Longs Bar, Victoria Road Terry Hutchins Sextet Fusion, High Street 29th 2pm - 4pm 29th 3pm - 5pm Roy Kirby Paragon JB Cross Keys, Wood Street 29th 4pm - 6pm Jamie Cullum Trio Kings Arms, Wood Street 29th 5pm - 7pm Antique Six Longs Bar, Victoria Road Roger Marks Armada JB Goddard Arms, High St 29th 8pm - 11pm Only 200 tickets @ £8* 30th 12noon - 2pm John Curries' Hot Stuff Kings Arms, Wood Street Two 4 Sax Mackenzies, Wood Street 30th fpm - 3pm Nick Gill Duo Reds Cafe, Wood Street 30th 2pm - 4pm Rod Kelly Trio Fusion, High Street 30th 3pm - 5pm Frampton Footwarmers Kings Arms, Wood Street 30th 4pm - 6pm Longs Bar, Victoria Road Severn Jazz Men 30th 5pm - 7pm 30th 8pm - 11pm Fretless & Friends Goddard Arms, High St Only 200 tickets @ £8` All bands & musicians listed are subject to confirmation and may change Single Weekend Stroller ticket only £20 allows free entry to all sessions!

Tickets (Cheques to be made payable to The Music House Project') from: Ray Butt, Official Organiser, 33 Chestnut Springs, Lydiard Millicent, Swindon SN5 9NA Supported financially by the Musicians' Union

The splendour of a Victorian dinner party will transform the dining room at Lydiard House with an authentic and lavish table display of moulded ices, replica fruits and sugar confectionery on the St John family's sparkling glass and silverware.

A formal dinner in the 19th Century was a serious business, beginning around 4pm and lasting anything up to four hours. When dessert, the most eyecatching of all the courses, was eventually served it was eaten by candlelight. At Lydiard the family would have entertained the local gentry and usually invited their closest neighbours, the parson and his wife.

The family benefited from having a large private ice house in their grounds which can still be seen in the park, albeit in a dilapidated state, to this day. Using ice from here the cook, Mrs Halliday, was able to make a delicious range of highly fashionable ice

creams drawing on her ingredients from the Lydiard estate; cream and eggs from Park Farm on Hook Street and fruits gathered from the walled gardens and green house.

Kitchen servants went to huge efforts to prepare the dinner and a wide range of tempting dessert dishes like the tartlets, boudoir biscuits, iced sponges and sugared fancies which today's visitors will now see replicated.

Sevenhampton Nr Highworth, Swindon Tel: 01793 763939 www.rovesfarm.co.uk Signed off A420 & A361. 3 miles NE of Swindon. behind the Honda car factory

Y

liday Opm)

BARN HIRE with wood-fuelled lamb/ r pig s p i t oasts or BBQ

Farmers portions - a meal for less than £10

Birthday parties Paintball parties Wedding receptions Anniversaries and parties _

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Swindon Wide

28

CRAFT

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SWINDON Clock, Watch & Jewellery sales, servicing & repairs

Specialist in 22ct gold Asian jewellery

A professional se rv ice for those treasured items

All the latest in jewellery fashions

Find us at

Penny Farthings Antiques Old Town, Swindon or telephone Ron Goulding

01793 - 536668 or 0976 - 965604 Collection/Delive ry of large items can be arranged

Rings from £25 Neck chains from £45 151 Manchester Road, Swindon. ( Near the bus station)

Saturday 1 April Music Swindon Choral Society Spring Conce rt . Holyrood Church, Groundwell Rd, 7.30pm. Tickets £8, from The A rt s Centre Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 April Music Swindon Young Musicians: Festival of Music. Wyvern, 2pm & 7pm. £5 Monday 3 April to Saturday 15 April Music Swindon Music Festival.

See details opposite

Tel: 01793 618688

Professional fully licensed bars for all types of event: Parties, Weddings, Christenings, Corporate Days, Shows etc * Real Ale • Bu ff ets * Marquees * Decorations * Catering Equipment Hire

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FOUR SEASONS

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

Sunday 2nd April 10.00am - 4.00pm Admission Adults: £2.50 Seniors: £2.00 Accompanied children: £1.00

Thursday 13 April and Friday 14 April Music That'll Be The Day. Wyvern, 7.30pm. £13.50 Saturday 15 April Music Syd Lawrence Orchestra.

Wyvern 7.30pm. £14 Family Food Glorious Food. Cake decorating demonstrations.

Lydiard House, 1 Oam - 4pm. £1.20/ 60p

Children Fantasy Food. Craft activity for 5-11 year olds. Lydiard House, 2pm - 4pm. £2 Saturday 15 April to Sunday 30 April Children Easter Egg Hunt, quizz for children. Lydiard House. £1 Sunday 16 March Music Introducing Robert Sainsbury, presented by The K School of Music. Arts Centre, 7.30pm. £4 Monday 17 April Lecture Great Western Railway in South Wales, by Terry McCarthy.

Presented by Friends of Swindon Railway Museum. Old Railway

Adele Anderson, Marilyn Cutts and Dillie Keane in Fascinating Aida, an evening of comedy and music on Wednesday 19 April

Tuesday 4 April to Thursday 6 April Dance Judith Hockaday School of Dance presents Dance with Me. Wyvern, 7.30pm. £7 Friday 7 April Psychic Keith Charles, The Psychic Cop. Wyvern, 7.30pm. £7.50 Saturday 8 April Music Best of Brass and Voices, presented by Swindon Male Voice Choir. Wyvern, 7.30pm. £6.50 Family Free for All Art. The Swindon Collection of 20th Century British Art. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery, 10am - 4pm. Free Children Have a Go at Art. Crafts

for 5-11 year olds. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery, 2pm - 4pm. £2 Sunday 9 April and Monday 10 April Family Sing a Song of Sixpence,

Museum, Faringdon Rd, 7.30pm.

Monday 17 April and Tuesday 18 April Ballet English National BalletTour de Force 2000. Wyvern, Mon7.30pm, Tues 2.30pm & 7.30pm. £10 Tuesday 18 April Children Animal Masks and Puppets. Lydiard Gateway Centre, 1 pm - 4pm. £1, book on 771419

Learn The Modern Jive & Experience A Night of

CEROC Professionally Qualified Instructors

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

featuring characters from Playdays

and Polka Dot Shorts. Wyvern, various times. £6.50 Tuesday 11 April Music Charlie Landsborough, sings songs from his album 'Still Can't Say Goodbye'. Wyvern, 7.30pm. £14 Wednesday 12 April Adult Ultimate Fantasy. Wyvern, 7.45pm. £12 Thursday 13 April Lecture An Unhappy Civil War The Civil War in Wiltshire with Dr John Wroughton. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery, 7.30pm 9.30pm. £2.50

W

Full disco & licenced bar Every Thursday at The Goddard Hotel Old Town 7.30pm until 11pm Only (plus £1 joining fee on your first night) CEROC Information Line: 01725 513966

Cj www.itmagic.demon.co.uk/ceroc/

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April overview Tuesday 18 April Adult drama The True Adventures of Radio 1 and The Wrestling. Arts Centre, 8pm. £9 Tuesday 18 April to Saturday 6 May Exhibition Swindon & No rt h Wiltshire Embroiderers' Guild Spring exhibition. Link Centre Library Wednesday 19 April Comedy Fascinating Aida, an evening of comedy and music.

Wyvern, 7.45pm. £11 Children Freaky Film, craft activity for 5 -11 years. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery, 2pm - 4pm. £2 Thursday 20 April and Friday 21 April Dance Swindon Academy of Dance presents Simply the Best.

Wyvern, Thurs 7.30pm, Fri 2.30pm & 7.30pm. £7 Saturday 22 August Family Circus Hilarious. Wyvern, 2pm. £6 Sunday 23 August Music Abba Gold. Wyvern, 7.30pm. £11.50 Tuesday 25 April Musical The Rat Pack Live in Las Vegas, featuring songs of Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jnr & Dean Martin. Wyvern, 7.30pm. £12.50 Children Activity Zone 2000.

Enviornmental play for 7 -11 year olds. Lydiard Gateway Centre, 1 pm -4pm. 50p, book on 771419

Swindon Music Festival Swindon's 91st annual music festival takes place at the Arts Centre, Devizes Road, 3 April to 15 April, with well over a thousand entries in different vocal and instrumental classes including new ones in jazz improvisation and electronic keyboard.

Official accompanists are acclaimed pianists Rosemary Lang and Paul Turner and the five adjudicators are all outstanding musicians in their own fields.

Members of the public are warmly invited to participate in the festival at only £1 per morning, afternoon or evening session.

There is so much musical talent in Swindon, especially among the children and yourenthusiasm and support as a member of the audience would be greatly appreciated.

The festival culminates in several championship concerts where the winners perform again their winning pieces.

Programmes giving details of all classes and competitors are available from Duck Son and Pinker, Fleet street, price £2.

29 Wednesday 26 April Music and Comedy Good Olde Days. Wyvern, 2.30pm. £6 Comedy Lenny Beige: One Man and his Talent. Star of his own Channel 4 show. Arts Centre, 8pm. £8.50 Wednesday 26 April to Friday 28 April Training Water Colour on the Loose with tutor Peter Robinson.

Arts Centre, 1 Oam-4pm. £36 Wednesday 26 April to Sunday 30 April Music Swindon Jazz Festival, featuring top jazz stars. See page 27 for programme Thursday 27 April Family The Adventures of Rupe rt .

Wyvern, 1pm & 3.30pm. £12.50 and £6 Music Paul Jones and Dave Kelly.

Acoustic set played by these Blues Band lead singers. Arts Centre, 7.30pm. £10.50 Friday 28 April Musical West End in Conce rt , featuring songs from Cats, Les Miserables, Chicago and more.

Wyvern, 8pm. £10 Music Jez Lowe & The Bad Pennies. Arts Centre, 8pm. £6 Saturday 29 April Comedy Joe Pasquale. Wyvern Theatre, 7.30pm. £11 Music Stackridge. Arts Centre, 8pm. £7 Family Show me the Money - Civil War Day. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery, 10am - 4pm. Free Children Family Jewels, craft activity for 5-11 years. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery, Bath Road.

2pm-4pm. £2 The Swindon Society Monthly Meeting Wiltshire Villages series IV

by Raymond Rumming Wednesday 12 April, 7.30pm Broad Green Centre, Salisbu ry St Admission 50p, visitors £1 For details, tel: 872035

Graham McCallion PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO

A beautiful keepsake of your most memorable day

WEDDINGS PORTRAITS COMMERCIAL

Also available for corsages, buttonholes, silk / sugarcraft flowers and other floral tributes No pressing involved

A unique service by Jan Haugh on 01793 The Barn, 116 High Street Blunsdon. Swindon

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Showing at the Arts Centre Wednesday 19 March, 7.45pm Character (15) In 1920's Rotterdam, a young lawyer quarrels with the city's fearsome bailiff. A stylish, dark, melodrama. Presented by Swindon Film Society Tuesday 25 April, 7.45pm Onegin (12) Dramatisation of Pushkin's verse novel set in 1820 of love spurned and lost. Staring Ralph Fiennes and Liv Tyler.

For Swindon Film Society details call 720051

881991

I can offer advice on colour, style and how to wear a hat so that you not only look great, but feel confident and comfortable

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53 Devizes Road Swindon Tel: (01793) 521515

30

The Link Magazine • April 2000

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For Sale

For Sale

Two ladies Raleigh bicycles, in good condition, £10 each. Tel: 523583 Raleigh Dese rt Strike mountain bike, gd cond, suit 8-12 yrs, £50 ono. Tel: 872945 Brand new ladies Raleigh mountain bike, 18 gears, purple, £150. Tel: 722343 (eves) Boys bikes: one 14" frame, 5 gears, suit 51 0 yr old, £25; one 16" frame, 15 gears, £35.

Tel: 870729 Kiddicraft baby walker, good cond, £10.

Tel: 496527 Silver Cross pram pushchairc/wsun canopy, rain cover, vgc, £60 ono. Tel: 882504 Mothercare baby bath, stand & tray, £20.

Baby bath seat, £5. Avent baby bottle warmer, £10. Pram/pushchair& various accessories, £80. Tel: 704191 Mothercare Verona 2inl pushchair, shopping basket, rain cover, apron, sun shade. exc cond, £45 for quick sale. Tel: 887443 Mamas & Papas 3 in 1 Prime Nido pram, with car ry cot, separate pushchair, raincovers, sun canopy, cosy toes, vgc, cost £600 +, sell for £150 one. Tel: 879558 Twin buggy, 3 position, full lie back included, raincover, £50. Tel: 878799 Birth 0/9 months car seat, £12. Peter Rabbitbouncingcradle,£10. Duck door bouncer, £8. Baby's first play gym, £5. Tel: 875698 Travel cot, excel cond, £35. Mamas & Papas pram pushchair, incl raincover and sunshade. £20. Tel: 877686 Mothercare cot, new, £150. Tel: 643450 Baby buggy, 2 position recline, dark blue teddies design, £15. Tel: 640353 Climbing frame, tubular steel, dismantled for easy collection, £15. Tel: 876449 ELC swing 0-3, bucket swing, vgc, £15.

Kettler tricycle, vgc, £12. Tel: 871117 Bags of baby/toddler clothes from 0-3 months upwards, from £7 per bag. Tel: 534426 Brownie uniform, jumper 26", 2 polo shi rt s, culottes 24", cap, vgc, £15. Tel: 871117

Slim girls clothes, age 9- 10: M & S coat, £25: M & S matching t shirt & trousers, £15; M & S dresses, £15 each; Guiss jeans, £20; Oshkosh dress, £15; various dresses under £10. All clothing hardly worn. Tel: 887597 Childs wool & sheepskin lumber jackets. sizes 26 & 28, £3 each. Camping gear, £10.

Tel: 488771 Bag of maternity clothes, size 12-14, 23 items, £25. Mothercare Olympus pushchair incl cosytoes, liner & sun canopy, £40. KL Jeenay nest egg car seat, 0-9 months, incl head hugger, £10. Klippan car booster seat, as new, £4. Tel: 534426 Action Man new cu rt ains, 2 duvet sets, table lamp, dustbin, 4 jigsaw puzzles, new lunch box, never used. Tel: 829330 School rugby top red/red with white hood, reversible, 40" hardly worn, £10. Tel: 831067 Ski jacket, trousers, size 12 worn once, £60.

Qualcast hand mower, excel cond, £30. Tel: 701037 Koho ice hockey stick, left handed, gd cond, £15. Childrens videos, £3-£5 each. Tel: 870222 Hydraulic rowing machine, new, £100. Tel: 873606 8 pre-lubricated Swiss bearings, for aggressive and speed skating, exc cond, used once, £30. Tel: 870222 Sofa bed, free to take away. Junior bed and mattress, £15. Tel: 872869 Sofa, good cond, 3 seater, £50. Cot, Cossatto, vgc, £50. McClaren pushchair/ pram. £40. Tel: 875353 Ducal Victoria pine coffee table, glass top with pine shelf under, vgc, £85. Ducal Victoria pine wine table as new, £35. Ducal Victoria pine plant stand, as new, £30. Tel: 879558 Drop leaf kitchen table, 4 chairs, wood veneer, £25. Tel: 722343 (eves) High quality solid beech dining table with cane base & six chairs, immaculate cond, £375. Tel: 423571

I- --------------------1 Free private For Sale & Wanted ads I Return this form to The Link, Papermakers House, Swindon SN5 7BD I 14th of the month. Entries are subject to available

-

-

Tel:

Name & Address (not for publication) All adve rt s will appear in The Link and on the swindonlink internet web site

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For Sale Reproduction hi-fi unit 29" high, 17" depth, 17" width, excel cond. £80. Tel: 881746 Mahogany coffee table, TV & video stand, £50 for the two. Calor gas heater, £35. Tel: 522307 (day), 872077 (eve) Dining table & four chairs in mahogany and upholstery finish, extendable, £80. Tel: 871674 TV and video unit, teak, with drawer, £15.

What-not, mahogany, £10. Tel: 879274 Nathan 6' teak sideboard, 3 drawers, cupboards, vgc, £95. Creda slimline dishwasher, exc cond. £125. Tel: 876187 Two recliner chairs, 250. LargeTVcabinet, £10. Petrol leaf garden vac, £60. Tel: 872024 Conservatory furniture, 2 seater, armchair, wall unit, coffee table, lovely cond, cost £1,000 sell for £200. Tel: £887928 Black cane conservato ry suite, floral cushions, vgc, £220. Tel: 524651 3 piece cane conse rv ato ry furniture, £149 ono. Tel: 873796 Solid wood, 3 piece suite, floral, burgundy, gd cond, £120 ono. Tel: 619346 after 3pm 4 ft round dining table, £20. Pine cover, video & TV unit, £15. Tel: 0793 9404119 White furniture, ideal for child's room, gold handles, 2 tallboys, chest, bedside cabinet, desk/dressing table, £45 the lot or will sell separately. Tel: 871682 Children's bedroom furniture, drawers, wardrobe & shelf unit with drawers, £70 ono.

Tel: 701653 Cabin bed & 3 drawer chest in light grey, vgc. Tel: 481639 3 & 2 seater suite, cream and green, £125.

Reproduction mahogany dining room suite: extending table, 4 chairs, 2 ca rv ers, £200.

Hifi cabinet, £125. Nest of tables, £20. Tel: 870034 Pairtan sheepskin rugs, £3. Kitchen worktop 5ft x 2ft, wood look, £2. Pair folding 1/2' doors, teak effect, £10. Womens sheepskin jacket, 10-12, £5. Tel: 488771 Philips cooker with gas hob, electric oven, white, vgc, £65. Tel: 873124 Cannon Camberley double oven, 3yrs old, vgc, white, gas, slot in, £150. Tel: 872840 Panasonic combination microwave, grill oven and microwave in one, recipe book & equipment, £70 ono. Tel: 701653 Verene gas fire for pre-cast flue, extremely realistic coal effect fire, £480 new, unused, £250. Tel: 871499 Tumble dryer, Electra, non tangle action, hardly used, in excel cond, £65. Tel: 705214 Bush personal tape, earphones, mini speakers and carry case, £10. Kodak 335 camera with carry strap and integral flash great 1st camera. £5. Nikon 210 compact camera, wide angle lens, easy to use, up grade forces sale, £30. Spectrum keyboard and games, call for prices. Tel: 617095 Aiwa digital mini hi-fi system SX-FNS505

For Sale brand new, unwanted prize, (rrp £170), £100 ono. Tel: 706452 Sony 20" colour TV, r. control and stand, £40. Tel: 874034 Camera Minolta x-300 SLR, 50mm lens plus Soligar 80-200mm zoom, gd cond, £70. Tel: 534368 Phillips facial solarium, as new, £25. Tel: 524194 Cellulite for Men hardback book, never read, rrp £10.95, price £4.95. Tel: 572782 Novum electric sewing machine, gd cond, hardly used, £30. Tel: 524194 Various spo rt s comedy videos including Jimmy Tarbuck, Leslie Nielson vgc, 6 total, £25 ono. Tel: 882504 Large 3 level hamster cage, bowl, bottle, toys, food, sawdust, house, ball etc, £40.

Tel: 728367 Rabbit hutch, new, 411 long, on legs, extra run underneath, weatherproofed, made with 1" wood, £40. Tel: 706403 Four be rt h touring caravan 1982, gd cond, electric hook up, many extras, £600. Tel: 872014 Nissan Bluebird, F reg, 1.6 LX, saloon, silver, MOT & tax, PAS, c/I, a/w, electric sunroof, new battery & alternator, excel cond, £995 ono. Tel: 887759 (eves) Piaggio Hexagon 125cc P reg, one owner, 6000 mis, tax, MOT, excel cond, luxury scooter, £1150 ono. Tel: 541156 Ford Capri Laser, 2 litre, B reg, white, average cond, MOT to Aug, £250 ono.Tel: 829638 Audi coupe 2 litre, 16v M reg, FSH, taxed & MOT, exc cond, specialist green, £7900.

Tel: 881746 Two spare wheels with brand new tyres for Ford Escort Estate, 3 door, £30. Tel: 491666 Thule roof bars for MK3 VW Golf, gd cond, £45 ono. Tel: 706098 Toyota Supra 3L, auto, red, E reg, alarm, MOT, tax Oct, £2595 ono. Tel: 875372 VW Jetta GTI 8v, 1988 (E), metallic grey, MOT Aug, tax June, many extras include big bumpers etc. engine rebuild 700 miles ago, bargain £1250. Tel: 336845 Kawasaki Z400 custom Twin 1979, registered in UK in '90, last used '93, engine runs, but bike needs attention/cleaning, offers?

Accommodation wanted 2-3 bedroom house, preferably in W. Swindon area, tenancy immediately. Work phone: 01666 832569. e-mail: afshar@lucent.com Room in shared house from 25 April, preferably in W Swindon, but will consider town centre. Tel: 0961 461925

Accommodation available Female lodger required fora bedroom house in Woodhall Park, £250/month, all inclusive. kickboxer32 @ hotmail.com

The Link Magazine • April 2000 31

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

Now booking. Try Drive 2001 The Swindon and Wiltshire road safety teams are accepting bookings for a big Try Drive event in June 2001, which will also combine a Swindon & Wiltshire Business and Camping & Leisure exhibitions.

Booked for Saturday 30 June and Sunday 1 July 2001 at the Science Museum, Wroughton, the event is sure to attract a huge crowd. At previous Try Drives, visitors have been able to try their hand at digging with a JCB, drive a bus, look at latest model cars and see inside military vehicles.

Other attractions include arena displays, quad biking, meeting members of the emergency services and most importantly, learning about road safety.

For details on booking a stand for your business or club at this much bigger and better event, call Margaret Tester on 466362 or e-mail: mtester@swindon.gov.uk

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

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

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01793 883600 Your local friendly place to hire quality cars Skurrays established 100 years

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32

The Link Magazine • April 2000

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Lost brother, family & friends from Martin Davis Ca) mdavis2978(@t^aol.com I grew up in Rodbourne and went to St Mary's School, then moved to Stratton and went to St Josephs, got married and bought my first house in Gorse Hill. I worked for the Evening Advertiser then for Panda Estate Agents. I moved around quite a few times ending up in a big house in Shaw.

I moved to Canada in the late 80's and now live in sunny California, USA. I have not been back to Swindon for 10 years and want to find my family especially my brother Graham Davis. Please contact me if you know me or have information about my family.

Looking for Ron and Cathy Young from Jerry Walton @ jrwalton@email.msn.com During the Summer of 1964I worked at Square D Limited. Ron and Cathy were so kind to offer me a place to stay. Unfortunately I lost contact with them. Can anyone help me locate them?

Jerry Walton, 14023 SE 47th Street Bellevue, WA 98006 (425) 747-6818 Looking for a Swindon e-pal from Janet Fergin nee (Yates) @ fergin@iweb.net.au I attended Kingsdown High School until 1966 and worked for quite some ti me in the old Swindon Permanent Building Society close to the Town Hall then at Brown Brothers on Dorcan Way. I still have family in Swindon and have been back three times. I have lived in South Australia for 20 years and have three adult daughters, twins who are now 24 and an older girl of 27. I am interested in having a female pen pal of around the same age (late 40s) who would remember those happy times or even better, someone may remember me and would like to write.

Looking for information on Eric Hill from Linda Majusiak @ cherylsm@ptd.net My father's name is Anthony Hill. His father's name was Eric Hill. He was in the Royal Armoured Corp and passed away on 10 October 1941 in a motor vehicle accident. If anyone has any information on Eric Hill or his family, please contact me. This is of great importance.

Let The Link know if you are able to help any of the above. If you are not online, we can relay an e-mail message. Call 872282

we

l et

•

you r elax,

0\ The new name in residential property management and lettings Home Choice is a market leader in Swindon with over 100 rental properties under management, from small studio apartments to executive houses'.

Our dedication to providing the best possible service to our clients is backed by a link to the Private Business Ombudsman and the UK Association of Letting Agents.

We offer our tenants and landlords peace of mind knowing that we will look after any problems they may have as quickly and

Prices for advertising space start at £120 Limited availability Boost your business.

Reserve a space now by calling Jenni Fowler on (01285) 861254

skilfully as possible.

We take on as much (or as little) responsibility as the landlord wants - from drawing up tenancy agreements to rent collection, right through to full management.

For further information, please contact Sue Gidney on 01793 431

The Link Magazine • April 200 0

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

Air ambulance celebrates tenth year with collection (Jay

33

A 2 Z Home Improvements All your needs in one number

Volunteers for a tin collection in Swindon town centre are needed by the Wiltshire Air Ambulance Appeal on Saturday 22 April.

Kitchen/Bathroom fitting, Tiling, Plumbing, Electrics,

Painting, Decorating, Carpentry and much more Tel: (01793) 692340 Mobile:(0378) 207977

111 Pinehurst Road Swindon

LOOKING FOR INDIVIDUALITY?

deter ^albraith Haudbuilt fitted bedrooms '!i The event is timed to coincide with the tenth anniversary of the service which is jointly operated

by Wiltshire Police and the ambulance service. Whilst most of the running costs are met by the police, the ambulance element has to be met by public contributions. The service receives no public funding and this year the appeal target has risen by £40,000 to over £200,000.

Based in Devizes, the Boeing Explorer helicopter can reach any part of Wiltshire within eight to 12 minutes and has become essential in saving lives of people who would die if transported on congested roads. Recently the helicopter air-

+ Individual handbuilt finish on all bedrooms lifted its thousandth patient o hospital.

Kevin Hitchens, air ambulance paramedic and sub-officer on the flight team says, "please help; remember, 'it could happen to you,' there may be a time when you or a member of your family will be thankful that the air ambulance exists."

Twelve people are needed to rattle charity tins in the town centre. To offer your help, call fundraising coordinator Steve Chesworth on 01249 463431. Contact him for information about the appeal, making donations or helping at other fundraising events.

Firefighters plagued by hoax cal l s The busy start to the year has continued with a further 96 calls being responded to by the firefighters at Westlea but the largest category of incidents this time was false alarms, writes Ian Jeary.

With the increased industrialisation of Swindon, calls due to faulty fire alarms are a fact of life for us, even though we do work together with companies to reduce these faults.

But the more disturbing issue is the number of hoax or malicious calls we received this month.

Twenty per cent of false alarms were hoaxes. Apart from wasting our time and the dangers that an unnecessary emergency response presents, more fatal consequences could unfold.

Whilst dealing with a hoax call, a real incident might be taking place elsewhere in West Swindon.

The delay in another engine responding from Swindon and ourselves diverting from the hoax site could mean that people who might have been rescued from a fire and survived, become victims. The time delay will also mean that the incident will be considerably worse by the time we arrive and much more dangerous for all concerned.

We take hoax calls seriously and investigate them with the police.

This could lead to a heavy fine or a prison sentence for those responsible.

+ Manufactured individually to customer requirements + Choose from over 40 different finishes - hardwood, softwood, sprayed etc.

Woodworking since 1969: an excellent finish and personal service

Tel: 01793 526335 guaranteed, all at an affordable price

PETROL PRICES

UP AGAIN! There's never been a better time to buy a scooter. See the fantastic range at The Cycling Centre, Swindon's No.1 scooter dealer.

Puch Maxi 5000 Moped Ideal for around town Was £799. Now £599. Only 3 left. j

No secret

See our sensational SY/^ scooters

Westleafirefightersubofficer Martin Lloyd desperately tried to keep his fortieth birthday on

Zoom past traffic jams No parking problems Full year's road tax only £15 Eco fri endly Powerful 50cc Honda designed engines Automatic gearing -just twist and go Ideal for commuting, shopping or just for fun Fantastic eye catching colours 6 models to choose from including an exciting 125cc easy-rider motorbike

Saturday 11 March a

secret but his colleagues spread the word and we are happy to play along

Spring cleaning the garage or shed might be one of your tasks for Easter. Please check the flammables you might have stored such as petrol, barbecue lighter fluid, paraffin and paint thinner. Make sure they are kept away from children; stored in a secure cabinet or cupboard and kept in their original containers. If not, mark them clearly and remove the old labels.

Please keep quantities to a minimum and do not store these liquids under the stairs.

Remember, most injuries, especially to children, occur in the home and garden, so a little thought could make all the difference.

If you have any queries call our Community Fire Watch line: 487620 for domestic fire safety advice. Or you can arrange a visit to your local community group.

Prices

from £999 I

and insurance packages specially su it ed to your personal requirements arranged.

Easy terms available. Written quotations on request

NOBODY BEATS LING CENTR S

When it comes to deals on wheels - we're streets ahead SAVE £££'S ON LEADING BRANDS Expert friendly advice • Low prices • Top service B.M.X. specialist

windon

e e og inline ran ites, skate skboards &s ice skate

f"

xy

233 Ferndale Road, Swindon Tel: (01 793) 536657

The Link Magazine • April 2000

34

Dog owners are falling foul of law Residents living on St Andrews Ridge are calling on dog owners to clear up mess to protect children from heath risks.

A Swindon Council spokesman said a dog A fixed penalty of £1,000 is not acting as a deterrent to dog owners who continually al- warden is now patrolling the area, but the low their animals to foul footpaths and grass parish council has responsibility to fund dog verges next to children's play areas. Since a bins. A spokesperson for Blunsdon parish dog fouling law came into force in 1996 no- council acknowledged that residents have body in the Swindon area has ever been pros- made them aware that there is a problem and they are currently liaising with Swindon on the ecuted.

Local mum, Sarah Hook said, "I am fed up best way to help. Haydon Wick Parish Council with my children walking in the stuff. Dog has provided signs across the parish and will bins are needed; if owners fail to use them they follow up complaints about specific incidents, should be fined." if witnessed, with Swindon Council.

Senior singers look for new members A group of senior citizens known as the Carousel Singers are looking for new members.

They entertain in retirement and nursing homes, church and chapel clubs, Silver Threads meetings and sheltered accommodation.

A pianist who enjoys easy listening music, can keep in time and play the melody is needed.

This is a paid position and all performances are in the daytime. Singers, both male and female are also required.

For details about this easy-going group call Beryl on 48 7542.

J ets W00107 D

NOW OPEN

WHY STRUGGLE WITH HEAVY CANS & BULKY BAGS? LET II DO THE WORK?

The Cats Whiskers Country Cattery Ivy House Farm, Grittenham Nr Wootton Bassett

.PHY

Luxury for yotir cat f_

and peace of mind for you.

Cuddle duties daily. Purposefully and professionally built to conform to the latest environmental health requirements.

Comfort, hygiene and safety of prime importance.

Spacious. heated, bright and airy chalets.

All runs protected from the elements.

Single. double and famil units available.

Open all year, gam - 5pm For details, call Mrs Briant 01666 51075

Top pet food delivered free to your doo 3 Full Range of Complete Dog Food 3 Complete Cat Foods 3 Cat Litter 3 Rabbit & Bird Food 3 Supplies for all Small Animals 3 Dry Mixers 3 Puppy Food and much more available at competitive prices

For information and free sample, contact your local agent: Wendy & Roy Rudkin.

Tel: 01793 873021

PETS AT HOME

Come to

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

Pets At Home could be your answer

Kitchen Top of Vic Hill -.

Old Towtr` r

Tel: 527057

Pets At Home is a service which cares for all your pets (except dogs) in their own home anywhere in the West Swindon area only.

We stock all your pet requirements: Hills Science, Eukanuba, Pedigree, Omega, Repnor

Telephone Sheila Mitchell for further details on

We have rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds, chinchillas, tropical & cold water fish

873062

Local free delivery

Open Mon - Sat, 9am - 5.30pm

verc,^^ SHAW VETERINARY CENTRE

^

'1q

" Cenrf^

Shaw Village Centre, Ramleaze Drive West Swindon SN5 9PY

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

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

Tel: (01793) 881919 (24 hours) THE DROVE HOSPITAL

Abbeymeads Veterinary Surgery For all you r pets needs when healthy or ill Abbeymeads Village Centre Elstree Way Abbeymeads Swindon Tel: (01793) 728728

Opening hours:

Mon - Fri g am - 6.30pm Saturday 2pm - 4pm

Consulting hours: By appointment Mon - Fri: I Iam -12.30pm.

2pm - 4pm; 5.30pm - 6.30pm Saturday 2 - 4pni

24 HR EMERGENCY SERVICE - All Sunda and Emergency consults b. appointment at The Drove Veterinar y

Hospital -

Small Animal Hospital

Helping you care more for your pet

We have just finished the development of the most modern small animal hospital in Swindon with state-of-the-art veterinary facilities for our clients and their pets Situated in North West Swindon, with ample parking, we continue to provide high quality surgical and medical care at competitive prices within a caring, friendly and professional environment.

We welcome enquiries in writing to the practice manager, or ring for an appointment to register your pet.

VETERINARY

Unit 5

c,

"Thameswood

Telephone (1(1793) 522483

The Link Magazine • April 2000

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

35

Beavers move home

UL

SARACEN

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

Inexpensive transport ready at hand SWINDON CYCLES SUPERSTORE 60A Beechcroft Road off Stratton Cross Roads, Swindon Tel: 700105

,GG,NENCE PENHILL

Repairs and after sales service MOO„^^ aEEq^pGR ;

Workshop on the premises with trained staff Spares & Accessories

WE AHE HERE

•

GOpq^ LL

Open: Mon to Sat gam to 5.30pm Closed Sundays

Parent helpers Janice and Andrew Jefferies with the Beavers

School invests in its staff Toothill's Oliver Tomkins Infants School has successfully achieved the Investor in People award for its commitment to its staff.

Delighted headteacher Penny Summers said, "this is recognition for our commitment to training and development of the people who work in the school, our most important resource for delivering quality education."

Are you a happening woman?

The Swindon Businesswomen's Breakfast Club is inviting women in Swindon to apply for its annual 'Make it Happen' award.

If you live or work in the Swin- and family), where you are now in don area and you have the poten- your life, where you want to be in tial to move your career into man- 5 and 10 years time, how you plan agement, or have taken a career to achieve this, and what differbreak or been out of formal educa- ence the Make it Happen award tion, or have the determination to will make to you and your plans.

Send it, with your name, address succeed and can show what £1,000 worth of support could do for you, and telephone number to Sara Holden (SBBC), Manton Corner, then it's worth applying.

Professional career advice, sup- Bath Road, Marlborough SN8 1NR. Applications will be acknowlport and encouragement from a personal mentor is also offered. edged and those short-listed will be invited to an interview.

The closing date is 13 June.

Your application should take up no more than two sides of A4 and Recycle those 1 describe your background (work o ks p h one bo New BT directories and Yellow Home security Pages are on the way to replace the with the WI 150,000 in use in Swindon, which Tootleabrook WI next meets on means 150 tonnes of waste paper.

The blue cover BT books can be Tuesday 18 April, 7.30pm at the Toothill Community Centre where deposited in paper banks, but YelPC Geoff Suffolk will speak about low Pages have to be recycled sepacrime prevention and security in rately. Until mid-May there will be a special container at the West our homes. All are welcome.

For further information contact Swindon recycling centre in the Asda car park Jean Brock on 539456.

RON'S STORES 195/7 Rodbourne Road

Swindon

YOUR

CALL 5FORIRST GARDEN, F

PET

(close to the Designer Village)

AND

DAY

L 1 SUPPLIES

Tel: 523262

Gardening 80 litre compost 40 litre compost 40 litre peat£l.99 40 litre horse manure Growbags 3kg Growmore

25 litre John Innes compost £2.55 3kg blood-fish bone £1.99 3kg lawn sand 99p 3kg Lawn Weed-n- Feed £2.20 Grass seed from £1.30 500g

£3.99 £2.85 £2.50 99p £1.25

Seed po ta toes, peas and beans all sold loose

Supavalue 30m hosepipe sta rt er pack £9.99 12" hanging basket kit £3.99 Weedol gun litre £2.49 4 litre path & patio cleaner £4.99 + 500 ml wood furniture cleaner

Outdoor tap kit

£9.99

Eldorado gas BBQ

£49.99

1 8 piece barbecue set

£19.99

ARCD/G RCD protector plus £8.75

free

1 kg Miracle Groplant food £2.99 £2.99 Path cleaner gun litre Baby bin 175ml £1.99 £14.99 SS250 garden trimmer 10 piece garden tool set £9.99

No More Nails £1.99 Telescope portable light £16.99 Plasplus Pro tiler £9.99 £6.99 Stanley jet cut saw 138 piece tool kit £23.99 Hilka 40 piece drill bit set £9.99

DIY 5 piece brush set

£1.99

5 litre masonry paint colours £9.99

7" roller & tray

£2.29 radiator roller tray 4 litre Creosote £2.89 5 litre masonry paintpaint b/w £8.99

1.25 litre b/w gloss Berger£3.99 3 litre emulsion Berger £6.59 Yale keys £1.75 £2.25 Car keys from

36

SERVICE

ACCOUNTANCY

ACCOUNTANCY

AE R IAL S ERVICES

TAO

Getting a clear TV picture isn't difficult

`GRA' ACCOUNTANCY • Business Sta rt Up • Book-Keeping • Annual Accounts • Self Assessment Tax Sho rt & long term

assistance and projects Free initial meeting

Tel/fax: 01793 871790 Free phone: 0800 5422 778 Rehbern@graaccountancy.fsnet.co.uk www.graaccountancy.co.uk

BUILDING SERVICES

TA.Assisr D,.ECr

Self assessment • Tax returns Annual accounts • Book-keeping PAYE • VAT etc • Employed Self employed • In business

Call Abbey Aerials of Haydon Wick :• Multi-point systems •:• Satellite installations e e Poor reception area specialists ar t o Amplifiers J t o All work guaranteed v 7 days a week •:• 100% customer satisfaction

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

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

The tax and accountancy service for small businesses and taxpayers

Hall & Son Ltd A reputation built on quality Traditional carpentry & building services Kitchens, loft conversions, stairs, doors, building work, bedroom fitments, domestic & commercial works undertaken Free, no obligation quotations Call 01793 644313 or 0468 271994

DECORATOR

CARP ENTRY

C

Trevis Carpe

try

For all your carpentry needs including fitted kitchens and bedrooms Wood and laminate flooring

Tel: 01793 514069 Mobile: 07932 140287

GK DECORATORS Tel: 01793 701394 Mobile: 0777 5894563 Interior & exterior painting and decorating Ceramic tiling Coving • Dado rails No job too big or too 1 small. Free estimates and friendly service

ELECTRICAL SERVI CES

E LECTRICAL SERVICES

HO ME CL EANING

STEVE PACKER ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

Electrical contractors

PW Couis

CL

• Fully qualified electrician • Domestic, commercial and industrial installations • Quality workmanship guaranteed • Free quotations • 24 hour call-out

Tel: 01793 436844 Mobile 0976 691989

ROOFI NG

Pro

Mobile: 0836 507571

Fr

SECURITY C C T V

• All aspects of flat

SYSTEMS SYSTEMS

roofing • Strip and retile, all

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

•

competitive price

Tel: (01793) 701110 Mobile: 07979 392403

anin .'

Ula

PFS PFS 74 Victoria Rd. Swindon Tel: 642792 email: pfssecurity@msn.com www.pfs-securitysystems.co . uk

ironing

o

ffs '`

li abl w

Electrical

Wilts Flat Roofing Specialist

repairs A quality job at a

!^

scion 1 Service

LOCAL

SECURITY

^y

^^^e

Fax: 01793 877199

Contractors

Same day, local service wherever possible Washing Machines Twin Tubs, etc.

Tumble Driers I. S.E. Food Waste Disposal Units Service Spares Repairs

Member of

DEC ORATOR

PREMIER PROPERTY SERVICES The only call you'll need to make for quality: • Painting & decorating • Paper hanging • Coving & artexing • Wall & floor tiling Domestic and commercial High standards guaranteed Call 525671 or

O DD JO BS

J OB

Tel: 01793 887509

•

P

THE ODD

(of Peatmoor

Your

APPLIANCE REPA IR S

cep _^

MAN

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

r ^:

01793 469552

Free estimates Call Tony, the Odd Job Man on 01 793 - 886022

SUNBE D HIRE

TELEPHONES

Deb's

When the phone rings does it seem it's always for the kids?

Sunbeds

Home Rental Fast tanning canopies - with or without facial boosters Doubles also available Free installation & local delivery

Tel: Swindon 421665 anytime (Mobile 0378 - 641052)

Why not get a telephone extension fitted to your existing line?

You've got your computer installed, but are those trailing wires causing a hazard to all the family?

Why not have another jack fitted and prevent an accident?

For minor repairs and new work call:

J2 TELECOM (01793) 763331 during office hours

37

SECTOR

April fund raising

APPLIANCE REPAIRS I I APPLIANCE REPAIRS I I BUILDER

Christ Church & St Mary's Book and Coin Sale Saturday 1 April, 10am - 1 pm The Church Hall, Devizes Admission 30p

Empire Construction Limited • Most leading brands€

• Guaranteed repairs • Same day service No call out charge • No VAT

A SUDS

DECORATO R Professional painter, decorator & ceramic tiler All interior and exterior work unde rt aken

For free estimate call Paul on 1 or 07712 749315

Repairs to most makes f /Washing Machines 3 Dryers 3 Dishwashers 3 Microwaves 3 Vacuum Cleaners John Phillips Servici c_ 25 years experience All work guaranteed

DECO RATOR

HELAN VIN W WH AN High Quality Painting & Decorating Interior & Exterior FOR FREE QUOTATIONS, RING

01793 725699 PLUM BING & HE ATING

PAVING

Empire Plumbing & Heating Transform & increase the market value of your home with a blockpaved driveway, patio or parking area Various colours & designs

O Boilers & central heating O Bathrooms & showers O Servicing & fault finding Installations, repairs and maintenance

Installed by skilled CITB tradesmen with 20 years experience

Whatever you need, we're here to help you

For free estimates

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

Tel: 01793 704224 or mobile 07803 320220

TV REPAIRS

ILLIAMS V

& VIDEO Specialists in repairs of TVs, videos, satelite, microwaves, audio equipment & in car hi-fi's. Free estimates 30A COUNTY ROAD, SWINDON

Tel: 01793 423371 Mobile 0976 752073

UPVC C LA DDI NG PAUL DRAPER uPVC Fascia, Gutte ri ng & Cladding CLADDING

FASCIAS

® GUTTERING

* FREE ESTIMATES *

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

O UPVc conservatories O Property renovations O Garage & loft conversions O Painting & decorating O All professional craftsmen Whatever you need, zve're here to help you

Tel: 01793 436539 Mobile 07775 621764 or 0973 760167

ELECTRICIAN

Dave Ody For all your domestic & commercial requirements New installations • Showers Extensions • Extra sockets Re-wires • Security lighting • New fuse boards

Jumble sale Saturday 1 April, 11am - 1pm Freshbrook Community Centre In aid of Freshbrook Youth Club Entrance 10p To donate call 465413 Croft Playgroup Table Top Sale Croft Sports Centre, Marlborough Lane, Old Town Saturday 1 April, 9.30-11.30am Admission 20p Easter Fayre Pendlebury Nursing Home, Old Shaw Lane Saturday 8 April, 2pm Good quality jumble, bric-a-brac, tombola, cakes, toys, tea & Hot Cross buns Free admission, all proceeds to Residents Amenity Fund National Childbirth Trust Nearly New Sale Saturday 8 April, 11am - 1pm Oasis Leisure Centre Includes children's and maternity clothes, equipment, toys, Admission 50p. For information on selling goods call 771854

No VAT charges • Free quotes 24hr call out facility

Tel: 01793 878609 Mobile: 0585 543294 Ramleaze, Swindon

PLUM BING & HEATIN G Quality Plumbing & Heating • Central heating installation • Boiler servicing & repairs • Replacement boilers (^^ • Outside taps

I

ROOFING

Secure Roofing Services

• Power showers • Bathroom installations Re"" 8966

All plumbing work unde rt aken Reliable service, realistic prices

Tel: 01793 881905 Mobile: 0973 663367

Seen a photo

,

you want? 0% t1 Pictures in The Link are taken in colour, even if they appear in black and white.

Copies are available at £1.50 for 6" x 4" or £4 for 6" x 8." To get a copy(ies), send a cheque made out to 'West Swindon Publications' to Papermakers House, Westlea, Swindon SN5 7BD. Specify the month and page the photo appears on, with brief description, and don't forget your name, address and telephone number. Photos will be mailed within two weeks.

You're safe in our hands Specialist in all tile and slate roofing, leadwork, chimney pointing, repairs & guttering All work guaranteed 24 hour call out on storm damage

Tel: 01793 338059 0790 977 4603

38

The Link Magazine • April 2000

Events at Lower Shaw Farm

The Russian connection

Crafts Weekend _J °" )\ a e;;^^.

Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 April Includes mosaic, felt-making, silk painting and more. For adults and older children. £30/day Working Weekend ^ ^.^'1.

Friday 7 April to Sunday 9 Apri and help with the garden, animals, maintenance, etc.

Work in exchange for delicious food.

Children's activity morning: Wednesday 12 April, 10am - 12.30pm For children and their parents. Bring a packed lunch. £5 per family Children's activity afternoon: Wednesday 12 April, 1.30pm - 3.30pm For children and their parents. Bring a packed lunch. £5 per family Easter Holiday Activity Day: Tuesday 18 April, 10.30am - 3.30pm Crafts, baking. egg hunts, feeding the animals and exploring the farm.

Bring a packed lunch. £10 All events need to be booked. Call 771080

Russian speakers gather for an informal get-together on Friday 14 April and Friday 12 May, 8pm at the White Hart Pub, Stratton, Swindon.

The aim is to bring together people interested in the Russian language and culture. For more information contact Julie.Harrison@bigfoot.com or call 337113

LE TTERS TO THE LINK Should be sent to the address on page 3 by the date given

From P Bolton, Ayrshire Close, Shaw I would like to congratulate Mr Ted Spalding and The Link for their efforts in getting a smoking ban in the Asda Mall.

There have been times in the past when I found the smoke really unpleasant and it is a pleasure to know that I will be able to do my shopping and browsing in a smoke free environment.

NEED HELP WITH YOUR GARDEN? ---

Mr Rotavator Creative Gardens

Landscaping, patios, paths & ponds,

r" O

fencing, clearance, block paving

Wn„anoa,a^^=o^,oq^o=^

• Locally run family business • Close board/panel or picket fencing & gates • Repairs & refurbishment • Concrete posts available on panel fencing • Made to measure gates • Pressure injected timber treatment on all close board • Friendly help and advice on all fencing matters

Unit 67. Penihn.ke Ccntrr. Chene y Manor. Swindon

Tel: (01793) 616288 Fax: (01793) 542235

Chelworth Landscapes

Swindon's No 1 Fencing & Shed manufacturer

Fencing and landscaping services

Gipsy Lane, Swindon

• Garden fencing

• Concrete & timber posts

• Garden sheds

• Fencing accessories

• Paving slabs

• Garden ornaments

• Trellis panels

• Traditional wood logs

• Greenhouses

• Peat free soil improver

Fencing panels from £10.25 Come along and check out our quality products. Our customers tell us that we give the best value for money in the area.

Trade enquiries welcome

,t Panels and trellis, closeboard, picket, post & rail, chainlink, security etc. * Patios, decking, water features, turfing and planting

For free quotation & advice `phone (01793) 750390

LAND CAPII\IG GENERAL GARDEN MAINTENANCE & CONSTRUCTION

• Patio cleaning, grass cutting, gardens tidied up • Drives & patios - slabs, concrete, block paving • Turfing & grass seeding • Fencing - closeboard, panels etc.

• Ponds & pergolas

Contact 01793 692687 1Mobile 07711 253508

or 750947

swtnDOn BOROUGH COUnCIL

Swindon Contractors

Northern Road Nurseries & Florists 2 minutes from O asis & Outlet village Visit us for Mothers Day flowers Now available: * Clematis climbers & shrubs from 51.50 * Alpines & heathers 85p * Roses 52.50 * Young plants & hanging basket selections * Stoneware, compost and much, much more

1A Northern Road, Swindon Open 7 days a week • Easy parking

Tel/fax 01793 535580

G/

N

DOCY4RS LANDSC PING LANDSCAPING & GARDEN MAINTENANCE n Fencing: Close board/ Panels/Gates n Block Paving • Patios, Paths, Turfing • Hedging & Mowing Trained team • Fully insured For free quotation Tel: (01793)) 526571

too small

Give me a call for a free quote.

Contact , ^•

John Wadsworth . on 11* A 01666-860400

JJ

Tel: 01 793-702076 Mobile: 0831 269308

ENTERPRISE WORKS

No job

GA

N

LAWN & HEDGE CUTTING GENERAL GARDEN CLEARANCE FENCE STAINING & MAINTENANCE Give your garden a makeover Tel: 01793 873630 Mobile: 0781 8430556 gardengroomer@ aol.com

AMI SHIPS 2,212,3,4,5 yards capacity 5 days given to fill skip 2.3 tonne Mini-digger for hire

Freephone 0800 - 387613 Tel: 731610

8am - 8pm

The Link M

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

ine • April 2000 39

Giving disability style Dressability is an innovative Swindon based charity group helping disabled and elderly people who find clothes and dressing a problem. Thanks to a £103,500 lottery grant it can now operate on a full time basis.

SA14(4^ y

lay

a^ucr.^ed ®i

^

^

t« `

^^^1^^P,i.

o

Now is the time to select from our in-depth range of NEW and

INTERESTING Plants %q1 UOa^ Dressal'iiit tt customer Tim Kilminster wearing a custom made waistcoat

The scheme, set up in 1998, adapts clothing and where necessary produces custom-made items designed for specific disabilities.

Volunteer and clothing advisor Sian Barry said, "I can't put into words what I felt when we heard we had got the grant, I'm excited and really pleased. We will be able to reach and help more people, which is so important because if you can't dress yourself, you stay in bed."

Clients do not have to be registered disabled to benefit from the help on offer. Many elderly people who have difficulty using their hands are able to have clothes adjusted with velcro and a bit of design ingenuity to help them wear old favourites again. A tie can be adapted to clip on easily.

People in wheelchairs often need items of clothing adjusted to meet their specific needs. Temporary disability can also be catered for

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The lottery award means the service can be taken out to the homes of more disabled people, who often have difficulty getting out and about. There are plans to publicise the service more widely, operate on a full time basis and find a more permanent workshop.

Sian explained, "we will be able to make alterations more quickly and research into garments which accommodate specific difficulties."

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The Link Magazine • April 2000

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Smoking has achieved a But when is that? There is higher profile lately with rarely a perfect time to increasing bans in public ` •, stop, with life's challenges places, such as the West taking us unawares, but Swindon Centre to ad- °: the key is to prepare for -e dress the concerns of pasthe quit date and have as sive smoking effects in re- ' many coping strategies in sponse to customer deplace as possible to premands.

Stopping smoking reduces the empt those at risk situations.

All this and many other conrisk in the long term, of lung cancers, other cancers, stoke, chronic cerns are covered in the six week lung disease. Smoking is a con- course which provides continual tributory factor in the incidence of motivational support to strengthen heart disease with Swindon ha y - your will power which, with aning a higher than national average other therapy of your choice, such number of deaths from coronary as nicotine replacement doubles heart disease. So there is a grow- your chances of quitting.

If you would like support leave ing awareness among us all to look at our lifestyles and modify as nec- a message at the Well Woman Centre on 511064 and I will return essary.

Whatever effect these incentives your call. have the reality is that giving up smoking is not easy for many peo- Swindon Well Woman Centre ple.

Annual Dinner & Dance Quitting works best when you Blunsdon House Hotel feel strongly that this is what you Friday 7 April, 7pm for 7.30pm want to do and are prepared to Dress: Black tie or lounge suit give it your best shot. In fact presDance to the 'Smart Set' surisation from other well meaning folk can have the opposite efIn aid of the essential work of the centre for local women fect and a 'I'm damned if I will' Tickets at £28 from the Well attitude.

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The Link Magazine • April 2000

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41

Book of Hreod memories nearly ready A group of year 10 pupils at Hreod Parkway School are eagerly awaiting the return of the annual year book from the printers in Canada.

The annual project first started , r Ms Gee expects that all 275 copin 1987 by former deputy head, ies at £12.50 each, will be sold. teacher Tony Bareham and has beI `^" The majority of the year 11 stucome a tradition at Hreod. v dents buy them and collect autoThe 64 page, black and white graphs in the cover. It has become year book with hardback cover ' a tradition that pupils and staff . ' F,, i printed with the school name and p^ r a" look out for, I can guarantee we V ' ^q logo is a record of school life dur will sell out." ing the year. Apart from an yl` " '' jj+ Students who helped on this introducation by headteacher An" ' -^' year's book are really pleased with drew Fleet, most of the year book the final product. Hannah Gilbert content is photographs of special said, "I really enjoyed seeing the events, trips, concerts,- tutor and pictures, it's great to hold up and year groups and general school say we did this." Liz Dowdell activities. ^ agreed, "it's been great fun; the Teacher Candida Gee oversees book will have lovely memories.,, Jr Ye ` the project with a team of youngsters who select the pictures, crop them for the printers, decide on the The Y2K year book team with Candida Gee, centre, from left, Liz Dowdell, layout and write captions.

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42

T he Link Magazine • April 2000

Prospect to affirm life at Living Well Experience A big fund raising event in aid of the Prospect Hospice will encourage all participants to seek out a healthier lifestyle.

Taking place on Saturday 29 April between 10am and 5pm at the Crofts Sports Centre in Old Town, the day will have three main components: • A sponsored ramble on the Ridgeway: a 6 or 10 mile walk from Croft onto the Ridgeway and back • An org anic farmers market offering healthy produce • Exhibition, demonstrations and participation with complimentary health practitioners.

BELVOIR Call for advice on: • Letting your home • Buy to let and let to buy • Rent, legal & household insurance services

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The cost is £2 and 50p for children. The entry to the ramble is £2.50 and participants will be asked to raise sponsorship. # money raised will go towards the £1.8 million annual running costs of thee e¢ Prospect Hospice.

Ann Wilkins,headoffundraisingatProspect said the Living Well Experience will ^° l be a fun event with something for everyone to take part in. "The day will emphasise y healthy living and celebrating life in aid of the Prospect Hospice." dill Carter, coordinatFor more information on taking part or ing complimentary for details of attractions, pickup a leaflet in health event at Liza- one of the five Prospect shops in Swindon, ing Well Experience or call Ann Wilkins on 815142.

'Cutting, Colouring, Creating!'

Light refreshments & drinks Raffle in aid of Breast Cancer Care Wednesday 1 2th April, 7.30pm I Westcott Place, Swindon Booking essential

Well over 100 women have expressed interest in 'Walking the Walk' in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer as a result of articles in The Link.

The Swindon Twin Peaks team, as they have

r A

called themselves, are now practising for the overnight marathon walk on the streets of London on 14

May wearing their bras.

If they all take part £10,000 will be raised from entry fees. It could be a lot more as one woman has been promised £300 in sponsorship according to team organiser Eunice Salmon, left. "The interest has been incredible. The Link articles must have generated over 100 calls. The information has spread all over Swindon."

Groups of women are preparing for the walk and entries have now closed. Eunice is encouraging women and girls who have missed out on the London walk to take part in the Lydiard event below.

Race for Life • Sunday 14 May

from

41510 I NTERIOR

DESIGN for

5 kilometre walkffun run exclusively for women around Lydiard Park to raise money for Imperial Cancer Research Fund Pick up a leaflet at Link Centre or call Nikki Green at Swindon Council leisure services on 466526 Free training sessions organised by the Swindon Lifestyle Unit 10.30am Sundays 2 April to 7 May Beginners Walking 7pm Beginners Runners Tuesdays 21 March to 9 May Call 511033 to book a place.

Be a sole supporter on UK Trainer Day: 7 April Buy a special tag for £1 and wear your trainers to school or work on UK Trainer Day in aid of Imperial Cancer Research Fund. Call the charity hotline on 0870 162 1622 or Nikki Green on 4 66526.

Marathon runners raise cash for kidney centre Twenty five runners from BT will be taking part in the London marathon on 16 April including Terry Dixon, right, from West Swindon, Simon Riley from Cricklade and Ahmed al Sudane from the town centre who will be raising money for the new Swindon kidney dialysis unit which opened in January.

The centre came about after a hard fought campaign during which 63,000 people signed

"`" 7"

a petition.

Although the Wiltshire Health Authority agreed to support the opening of the unit, the full capital cost of providing this facility and all its equipment was left to the Swindon Kidney Patients' Association.

To date some £180,000 has been donated but ongoing fundraising is needed to buy more equipment so that more patients who are diagnosed with chronic renal failure can be treated.

To boost Terry and his colleagues, send cheques payable to Swindon Kidney Patients Association, to Terry Dixon, British Telecom, ppDO05 North Star House, North Star Avenue, Swindon SN2 IBS. Tel: 544409.

The Link Magazine • April 2000 43

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

Roger and out says Abbey Meads officer

irary Administrators Needed NOW!!

Popular community beat officer PC Roger Guy retires at the end of April, having spent his last five years with the Wiltshire constabulary covering North Swindon. Refusing to let him retire quietly, Link reporter Tanya Parkinson caught up with him as he reflected on his 30 years in the service.

Having joined the force straight become polarised, taking things from school, PC Guy has spent all out of all proportion, when being his working life as a policeman. flexible and able to mediate may His entire career has involved close have resolved a situation before it contact with the people he has met got out of hand."

He describes his time as beat on his beats, which have covered Cricklade, Highworth and most officer in North Swindon as one recently the Northern Develop- big learning curve. "It has been an ment. He said, "I joined the serv- eye opener looking at planning isice to work with the public on a sues and very interesting watchdaily basis and I've been lucky ing the area become established."

His final day on 23 April will be enough to have done that throughtinged with sadness. out."

"It is a good time to Roger has witleave as the first phase nessed many draof the northern develmatic changes: opment around Abjobs are no longer bey Meads is almost for life and the old complete. But I will industries in Swinmiss the uniform and don have gone. the job that goes with "People are much it." busier and estabPC Guy is married lished community to Anne and has four life has been children. He intends eroded," he obto spend more time served. He dewith them, especially scribed the public over the summer. "I as 'more challenghave no long-term ing' and less inclined to accept things at face value. plans and will spend my retire"You used to be able to tell some- ment doing whatever the wife tells body not to do something and they me, although I do intend to tackle our back garden and spend more would stop," he mused.

One of the best aspects of his job time fishing."

North Swindon residents will has been made possible by the continuity of having always served on no doubt wish PC Guy all the best the northern side of Swindon. "I in his retirement and thank him now meet people I spoke to and for his efforts in making the growknew as youngsters who have ing area a safe place to live. His grown up and started families of cheery smile and his much appretheir own. They don't often recog- ciated traditional approach to ponise me, but it often brings a smile licing in the community will be much missed. when I relate back."

The Link would like to wish Being a middle of the road man, Roger has sometimes been frus- Roger good luck and thank him trated by his inability to prevent for the support and information things happening. "People often he has provided.

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44

The Link Magazine • April 2000

CAR COMP N

Station and shed complete and ready to visit After eight years of sweat and toil members of Swindon and Cricklade Railway are delighted to have completed a new station and running shed.

HOMECARERS We are actively seeking reliable and experienced carers for Swindon and surrounding areas Mornings, evenings and weekends available Car driver & telephone essential • New improved pay structure For further information, please ring Swindon 772449 The Care Company (Ashgrove) Ltd, 27 Victoria Road, Swindon

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Hard working volunteers inside the new Hayes Knoll shed with the Richard Trevithick 040 saddle tank engine. Front from left, John Hankins, Aaron lVebb, Mike Lay, Peter Todd, Gordon Titcombe, Martin Barclay. Rear, Craig Douglas, 9, Joe Titcombe, 7, Dave Titcombe

The working railway line that Get steamed with the ran from Cheltenham to SouthEaster Bunny ampton closed down in 1961. Most Steam train rides and of the original route has long gone chocolate eggs I but members of Swindon and Sunday 23 April and Cricklade Railway run a line at Monday 24 April, 1lam to 4pm Blunsdon and as revealed in our (Tadpole Lane between March edition they are currently Blunsdon & Purton) laying track to Mouldon Hill with ambitious plans fora station there. F_ The frontage of the new Hayes Knoll Station and shed, located about one mile north of their car ! park at Tadpole Lane, is a replica of the old Didcot Station and every The smarter way to buy effort has been made to keep the Powertools & Accessories authenticity of the building.

Mike Lay, one of the volunteer trustees explained, "the platform and signals that run alongside the station have come from main line TOOL cast-offs around the country and the imitation brass lamps were made from timber by some of our members. Apprentices at Rover Comprehensive range of did the steelwork." hand & power tools inc: The station has a false front with large windows so that passengers

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repair workshops behind. Renovation is painstaking, one engine took 17 years to rebuild.

Mike said, "equipment is sometimes almost scrap when it arrives.

The process of cleaning, stripping, replacing timber and rebuilding is very long, it certainly takes a lot of patience."

New volunteers are made very welcome. There is always something to be done whether it is ditching, painting, laying concrete or more skilled lobs such as carpentry. The youngest member is seven, the oldest is in his 70s.

For more details call Geoff Austin on 726807.

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The Link Magazine • April 2000

45

Canal project gets major cash injection Continued restoration work on the Wilts & Berks canal at Mouldon Hill is assured thanks to a donation waste disposal company Crapper & Sons.

The payment in-lieu of tax payThe donation byCrapper&Sons, will also allow completion of able to the government under land who advertise Express Skips on Mouldon Lock. fill legislation permits work on the The Link front page, will be used to Walkers and horse riders already canal which is part of the Crick- make further repairs to the More- enjoy the canal towpath and in lade Country Way leisure corridor don aquaduct over the River Ray due course it will be used for boatincorporating the Swindon & and make navigable a one-mile ing and angling. It is also developCricklade steam railway and foot- stretch of canal north of the More- ing into an area rich in wildlife, Canal committee corporate don Road, adjacent to Taw Hill. It paths. member Harry Bromley welcomed Money that would have been paid in landfill tax is handed over at Moulden Lock. From left, company directors Richard, Howard, Lawrence and Roger Crapper & Sons continued support. "The funding from this enviCrapper with canal group committee member Harry Bromley ronmentally aware company will contribute to the greater leisure enjoyment of the countryside." ,t The next phase of the project ^i

of over £27,000 made by Swindon will involve restoring the route south to the Kingshill section of the canal.

The North Swindon Development Company has agreed to build a culvert under the Moredon Road when it constructs the northern orbital road to Lady Lane.

However this is held up because of the delays to the 6,000 home Hayden III development. Work on the new road will not start for at least four months with the culvert being installed at some time in the next year.

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Action at Home family get switched on to energy Since January The Link has been following Kristianne Drake, Steve Brown and their son Roan from Westlea who have been changing their lifestyle to save energy, money and help the environment by using an action pack from the Action at Home scheme.

This month they + temperatures where have cut down on enpossible. ergy use. Why bother?

The family received Firstly, wasting energ two low energy light <. is a waste of money. bulbs with the action pack. Designed to last Secondly, it contributes up to eight times as to environmental problems such as global long as a normal bulb, warming. Thirty per each one could save them up to £50 in its cent of energy in the _ UK is used by houselifetime. They are parholds. Everybody has ticularly good in arthe power to make sim_ eas where lights are ple changes in the home on for a long time, Steve and Roan with a to help protect the such as the bathroom low energy light bulb planet. light which is left on All around their house Steve and for Roan at night.

Kristianne have made simple The family is also thinking about changes that cost absolutely noth- improving their roof insulation. To ing, like making sure lights are get even more energy conservaswitched off in empty rooms and tion ideas tailored to their home curtains closed at dusk. This is they've filled out the Home Engood for privacy too. Remember- ergy Survey that came with the ing to switch off the television and action pack.

"Every little helps," says Steve. computer when they are not in use is also important. Even on standby "It doesn't cost anything to make a they still use 25% of the electricity, few changes and after a while they as if you were using them. become second nature."

To see if they are making any In the kitchen, they are cooking with lids on pans and using flat- difference, Steve and Kristianne bottomed pans on their electric hob will be checking their bills closely.

Why don't you make an impact to help cut costs.

As much as possible, Steve and on the environment?

Call Kristianne let clothes dry naturally Catherine Rice of Wiltshire Agenda outside and always run their wash- 21 on 526244 to join the Action at ing machine on full loads at low Home scheme.

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46

The Link Magazine • April 2000

Easy Iron

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

Home ironing services Competitive prices Call Andrea on (01793) 870830 or mobile: 0793 288 3127

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Information: call Brian on 849731 in association with NEW FRONTIERS INTERNATIONAL

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

OCAL CHURCHES All Saints' Lydiard Millicent — 10:30am -A Revd Peter Knight: 772417 (for the Village & Roughmoor) Holy Trinity Shaw — 10:30am Revd Andrew Hetherington: 770568 (the Church is at Shaw Village Centre) t St Mary's Lydiard Tregoze — 9:00am, 10:30am Revd Ann Mackenzie: 870244 Toothill Church — 10:45am Revd Mark Roper: 692620 W (also Free Church minister for the parish) Westlea Church — 10:00am Revd Peter Knight: 772417 (this Church meets in Westlea School Hall, Langstone Way)

Campaigning for a fair deal for farmers Swindon World Development Movement organised a stall outside the Oxfam shop in Regent Street in early March to raise awareness of Fair Trade Fortnight.

Samples of Fair Trade chocolate, coffee, honey and dried fruit were given away with information about providing farmers in poor countries with a fair 1. 'I wage and decent

work conditions.

The WDM next meets on Wednesday 12 April, 7.30pm at Queens Park Social Hall, Euclid Street, Swindon. New members are welcome. For details call Chris Thackray on 695979 .

^^

y

t

Swindon Council leader coon Site Bates, second left, with members of WDM at the Fair Trade fortnight stall, from left, Ken Tenerril, Chris Thackray, Sue Birley, Katherine Nash

Christian carers group meetings

m=g m

m ___°__

building with people

AND AT

Tax the speculators Eddie Bedwell from Haydon Wick writes I recently come across a campaign investment or trade as it is comwhich I would like to share with pletely unproductive. readers. The charity War on Want War on Want is asking fora small is asking Gordon Brown to intro- tax of 0.25% to be levied on these duce a 'Tobin Tax' on currency unproductive transactions. This speculation. They claim this would will calm financial markets and enormously help people in devel- help developing countries like Braoping countries. This is so called zil whose economy has been unbecause it was proposed by the dermined by speculation in recent years. In addition the tax will raise economist James Tobin.

Almost two trillion dollars (that revenue of up to £250 billion for is two thousand billion dollars) is international development.

If you think that this is an excelexchanged between currencies on the world's markets everyday. lent idea, write to Gordon Brown Ninety-five per cent of this is specu- asking him to bring it up with Eulation, people trying to make a fast ropean, American and Japanese profit by guessing which way ex- governments. If you would like change rates are likely to move. more information call Waron Want This does not help international 0171 620 1111.

fr g 2' o'

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

Are there any Christian carers out there who would enjoy getting together with others for support and encouragement? A small group meet for a time of sharing and prayer once a month. If you would like more details contact Sue Jones on 887068.

The Bible: a live read through In which book will you find history, poetry, dreams and visions, letters and love songs, written thousands of years ago but still packing a punch today?, asks Lisa Ludlow.

To mark the Millennium, the low normal church services to run congregation of Rodbourne in the morning and evening.

The Bible will be read from the Cheney Baptist Church have set themselves a challenge to read the Contemporary English Version, an Bible aloud from cover to cover by up-to-date translation which is a team of more than forty readers, published by Bible Society here in Members of other Swindon Swindon. A Bible Society exhibichurches,includingStJohn's,Hay- tion will show how the Bible has don Wick and New City Church, come down to us through the ages.

Whetheryou're fascinated, scepare joining us to complete the project, which will be held in the tical or justcurious about what the Baptist church on Cheney Manor Bible has to say, you are very welRoad from Monday 10 April to come to drop into the church at Thursday 20 April. any time during the reading. Why Reading will begin at 10am and not take a break from the shopping finish at around 8.30pm each day and listen in?

For details, or if you would like except Saturday, when the finishto take part as a reader, ring Pastor ing time will be 6pm.

Sunday will be a rest day to al- Peter Norris on 702832.

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

The Link Magazine • April 2000

Royal visitor promotes the role of carers Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal made a private visit to Swindon on 22 February to open a national conference arranged by Swindon's own Princess Royal Trust Carers Centre, Focus on Carers and Self Help.

The conference discussed "This is where Carers Centres how best to encourage staff at come in. Focus employs specialGP practices to identify the carist staff to offer appropriate help ers on their lists and to offer when it is needed. Their aim is to them appropriate support at the support carers in order to help surgery. Working with primary them to manage their caring role. health care teams to identify We all need access to informacarers is a particularly importion to give us control over our tant area of work for the Prinlives as well as regular time to cess Royal Trust for Carers staff ourselves. Focus is determined all over the UK. The Princess to ensure that all carers in Swinspent the morning listening to don have just that." speakers and met many of the If you are a carer or if you delegates over coffee. know someone with caring reGillian Barber, Coordinator of sponsibilities, then please conFocus, said, "we wish to identify tact Focus for information on its and contact everyone in Swinservices. don who is responsible for lookCarers cover a wide age range ing after a partner, relative or and can include young people friend who is unable to manage caring for parents, brothers and without help because of illness, sisters or grandparents. Call disability or old age.

531133, or drop into 25 Morley street, Swindon "Carers often see their GP as the first 'port of call' (facing Villett Street car park) between 9am and when they need help, but doctors are not always 5pm, Monday to Friday. able to keep up to date with the enormous range of At any other time, leave a message on the information and services that are available. answerphone and someone will ring back.

Can you help?

Focus on Carers and Self Help is in urgent need of volunteers who can offer some time, commitment and reliability. No special skills are required as training will be given.

Do you have three hours to spare each week or fortnight? Would you like to help other people?

Would you like to learn new skills and gain self-confidence? Are you respectful of an individual's need for confidentiality? If you answered yes to these questions then we would love to hear from you.

For more information contact Maggie Davison, Focus on Carers and Self Help on 531133.

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