April 2008 Swindon Link

Be E-Linked. Read the magazine @ www.swindonlink.com No. 311 April 2008 • Circulation 26,000

YOUR CHILD DESERVES THE BEST Excellent standards of Education and Daycare for 0 - 7 years

MEADOWPARK the positive newsforce in Swindon and the swindon wide what’s on guide

Arts flourish in North Swindon Artwork by children and professionals working with them give creative inspiration at seven new schools. See pages 14 & 15

Tickets now on sale for Festival 15

Nursery & Pre-Prep School Tel: Swindon 752600

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Tel: 01793 770998/770253 Fax: 01793 770998

Let the ideas flow forth. Launching the festival programme on 20 March, festival director Matt Holland and councillor Gary Perkins, with festival cheeky girls Maisey Saunders and Beth Powell

Youngsters at Red Oaks Primary School with a huge sculpture in their school’s reception area

There’s something for everybody at Swindon’s long running Festival of Literature which starts at 5.30am on 5 May and runs until 18 May. Famous names, bright people and great ideas to stimulate and challenge and we have it all in the centre pages of this edition.

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swindonlink.com • April 2008

NEW Anglo-Portuguese Restaurant opens 3rd April**at

THE FAMOUS ALE HOUSE

Mayor’s night leads Monday charity curry fundraising

The Bombay Lounge is becoming the popular place to go for charities and community groups after the owner Hanif Robbani teamed up with The Link to create a source of income from having a good curry.

146 Redcliffe St, Swindon Tel: 01793 321872

Enjoy great, genuinely home cooked, English and Portuguese food We serve kids meals and Sunday lunch Our wide variety of food stretches from good old English jacket potatoes with your choice of filling to traditional Portuguese soups.

There are tables outside so when the weather is good you can enjoy outside too!

* Join us on 3rd April and taste our food before you buy

The Mayor and Mayoress Michael and Sue Barnes with Hanif Robbani, centre, and Malar Robbani, left, Jasmin Ali, and dhol drummer Simran Randhawa Since we launched the charity evenings in mid-February, the first five evenings have raised over £2,000.

The idea has caught the imagination of organisations right across Swindon. Nearly every Monday until the end of September is now booked up, from the Army Benevolent Fund to a parent and toddler group mum’s night out, swimming and gym clubs and several football teams.

At the curry night in aid of the

Mayor of Swindon’s charities on 3 March, Mayor Michael Barnes said the evenings are a great idea to bring people together over a good meal. “The mayoress and I are really impressed by the commitment and generosity shown by Hanif. With the number of groups signed up the curry nights will be a successful venture which involves the whole community.”

Book a table at the Bombay Lounge to support the charity nights coming up by calling 887799 or 882233.

To book an evening call Roger Ogle at The Link on 608840 or mail: publisher@swindonlink.com Coming up: 7 April Epilepsy Action who provide advice and support to people suffering from epilepsy 14th Swindon’s Prospect Hospice, providing specialist care and support for people living with a life-threatening illness and their families 21st The Army Benevolent Fund - supporting soldiers injured in action and bereaved families 28th Well Woman Centre & Man@WWC 12 May Sunny Smiles Parent and Toddler Group, Peatmoor 19th Swindon Tigersharks swimming club 2 June Breakthrough Breast Cancer - Swindon & Wiltshire 9th Homestart Swindon - supporting families with under 5s 16th Stratton Juniors Football Club 23rd Friends of the Swindon Hydrotherapy Pool 30th Ashington House Medical Centre Patients Representative Group 7 July Blunsdon Colts Football Club 14th Swindon Ocotal Link, supporting Swindon’s Nicaraguan twin town 28th Britannia Majorettes

Mayor’s Charity Meal at the Curry Garden, 90 Victoria Road Monday 7 April, 7pm Starter, main course, side dish rice or naan: £12.50 or choose from regular menu. To book call 521114 In aid of TWIGS and Swindon Cares

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swindonlink.com • April 2008

Council plan to delete Arts and Heritage and create ‘Culture’

CYCLE REPAIRS Over 25 years experience

Swindon Council is considering cutting two key jobs crucial to making the town an attractive place and replacing them with a cultural czar who would look for more efficient delivery of services and exploit greater money making opportunities in the arts and heritage fields.

Rumours that the council wants to get rid of the head of arts services and cut the position of heritage manager have been circulating since mid-February.

The two present post holders - head of arts Helen Miah and heritage manager Sarah FinchCrisp, who has been keeper of Lydiard House for the last 23 years - would be invited to apply to become the newly created Director of Culture.

When asked to comment, councillor Nick Martin, Swindon cabinet member for finance and resources and chairman of Lydiard Park Project Board, said he was aware that there had been discussion about ‘harmonisation’ of roles, but he was not involved in the specifics of council staffing.

But Bill Cotton, Swindon Council’s director of economic regeneration, confirmed that he was undertaking a review of the way

arts and heritage are managed. “The proposal is to create a new head of culture and delete the positions of arts services manager and heritage manager. This would bring more efficiency and allow the borough to undertake more effective marketing of its provision, whilst looking for improved income generating opportunities.

“The council is committed to excellence in the delivery of arts and heritage to the people of Swindon; our customers are the most important people we serve.”

Behind the scenes arts and heritage groups, and also business leaders, have been lobbying the council, not to damage the achievements in both fields.

The Heritage Lottery is believed to have demanded explanations from the council.

Denys Hodson, member of Lydiard Park Project Board and Continued on page 6

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swindonlink.com • April 2008

Mansfield Begbie Associates Ltd

In appreciation of Apple this April

Twenty years ago this month The Link was produced for the first time using the new technology breakthrough: desktop publishing.

Providing mortgage services for the community since 1987

SPRING HAS SPRUNG!

The March Link, outside the Apple store in the Big Apple

We were the first publication in Swindon to take control of the page layout process by several years and some 240 editions later we’re still at it, though using much faster equipment which costs a lot less.

The launch of The Link as a business in 1987 followed the recent introduction of Macintosh desktop computers by Apple linked to page layout software and the invention of the laser printer. In early 1988 the equipment set us back over £3,000 (more like £6,000 in today’s money).

We recently upgraded our Macs which are about a thousand times faster but half the price.

DTP allowed the ordinary person to break into the highly restricted world of publishing and certainly gave us the opportunity to create a highly readable magazine which has grown from a ten thousand print run to 26,000, given away free of charge.

For many people The Link is a significant source of local news and, for some businesses, it is the only place

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they ever need to advertise.

Desktop publishing was only the start of the revolution in the flow of information around the globe in ways few imagined in 1988 - from local, lower cost publications to the completely new electronic outlets via telephone cables and without wires to mobile ‘phones.

Extraordinary changes have taken place in such a short time and Apple, a niche and often sneered at computer maker, and at one time near bankcruptcy, has become a major player in providing powerful, easy to operate computers which allow quick delivery on paper and the internet, whilst providing a great user experience and superb design.

Most people nowadays will know Apple for its ubiquitous iPod or the iPhone, or will wonder at the paper thin MacBook Air, as advertised on television.

We appreciate Apple for allowing us to bring The Link to you for twenty years.

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Call Nicola Norridge on (01793) 602540 (9am - 3pm) advertising@swindonlink.com May bookings by 3 April “The Link was first published for the West Swindon community in December 1978.

It is completely independent of Link Centre and, in fact, won a competition to name the leisure centre in 1984.

Distribution in North Swindon commenced in January 1994.”

The contents of The Link are protected by copyright. Use of advertisements in Copy for June: 6 May printed or electronic form is forbidden unless an advertiser or publisher has Registered in England & Wales. No: 4513027. sought permission. Articles and Registered Office: 130 High Street, Hungerford, Berks.

Printed by pcp, Telford photographs require similar authority The Link cannot be held responsible for goods or services offered by its advertisers

Editorial copy date for May: 7 April Published: 26 April

21/3/08 11:59:16

swindonlink.com • April 2008

Moredon Bridge plan could open development flood in the West

A planning application for 200 houses between Moredon railway bridge, between Sparcells and the River Ray, being considered by North Wilts District Council is the start of demands by housing developers to build beyond the Swindon border whilst exploiting the town’s resources.

Over the last three editions The if it allows developers to get their Link has highlighted the pressure hands on Ridgeway Farm. from house builders on Swindon Andrew Jones has registered and North Wilts Council. Last year his objection with North Wilts. a consortium of builders argued at “We have lived in Sparcells for 10 a regional planning enquiry that years, and the air pollution has they could quickly satisfy govern- become worse due to increased ment house building targets for the traffic on Mead Way. The relief road Swindon area if given permission extending Thamesdown Drive to to develop land to the north of Barnfield Road and Great Western West Swindon, beyond Peatmoor Way has not been built which is and Sparcells at Ridgeway Farm, scandalous.” and also north of Priory Vale, at Councillors at the West Swindon Tadpole Farm.

Forum on 10 March said they are Regional planning inspectors say disturbed by the planning applicathat North Wilts should find land tion. Coun Nick Martin said Mead for 2,000 homes as urban exten- Way had become the main route to sions to Swindon, in addition to the M4 and more homes attached Swindon Council allocating land to West Swindon would only make for around 35,000 homes within its the problems worse. own boundaries.

Coun Steve Wakefield said, apart

5

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The River Ray after 15 hours rain on 15/16 March. Houses at Sparcells can be seen just beyond where new homes are proposed

A consultation exercise on Swindon’s development strategy is currently taking place until 12 May, but the Moredon Bridge scheme is an attempt to get round any discussion on where all the proposed development should go.

Sparcells resident Pete Wilson voiced his objections to the proposal by saying, “the congestion on Mead Way is huge and is going to get worse as 2,000 homes still have to be completed in Priory Vale. The Moredon Bridge site is not a good position to build houses; it will be bad for everybody in West Swindon

from the road network, new homes in North Wilts next to Swindon would impose extra burdens on the town’s infrastructure.

The councillors agreed that Swindon officers should express the council’s objections strongly.

The North Wilts consultation period for Moredon Bridge ended on 27 March and the application will be considered on 23 April or in May. •To comment on Swindon’s future expansion, copies of the Core Strategy are available at libraries and: www.swindon.gov.uk/ corestrategy

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New homes for newts: Education director Ian Bickerton reported that Toothill Primary School should be opened on time in September and building work on Millbrook Primary in Freshbrook will start in late Spring, with completion due by September 2009.

The possibility of great crested newts being found on the site of the new Shaw Ridge Primary has delayed the project by 9 months. He said building work should start in June with a view to completion by September 2009.

Pedestrian and cycle network access project in the West: Following publication of a survey in the March Link transport officer Phil Martlew said residents had been sending in helpful comments and he hopes to publish the survey results in the June edition.

People at the meeting said the tree cutting programme in March was opening up overgrown footpaths and revealing accumulations of litter. They said it was important that footpaths are safe, well lit and litter free.

There is still time to send in your ideas. Find the survey form at: www.swindon.gov.uk/accesswestswindon or call 445500

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swindonlink.com • April 2008

Lanterns light up North Swindon

Arts & Heritage job cuts. Cost effective culture to be offered Over 100 children accompanied by adults launched what could become an annual event to bring the com- continued from page 3 chairman of Friends of Lydiard Park, said he is alarmed by the council’s plan to cut the position of keeper of the house and overall park manager. “We have heard of this staff restructuring and I am very concerned that this was not brought to the Lydiard Project Board for discussion; it devalues the contribution of the board to the redevelopment of Lydiard Park.

“The trustees of Friends of Lydiard Park have felt bound to make representation to the Heritage Lottery Fund as the council’s proposal seems to run contrary to the agreement upon which the lottery grant was given, to have an experienced manager on site.

“By common consent Lydiard Park is one of the jewels in Swindon’s crown. It can only remain so with the intensive and passionate management that takes into account both the delicate fabric of Lydiard House and the needs of the visiting public to the park.”

Mr Cotton’s plan is out for consultation amongst the staff directly involved and also the arts and heritage teams. Depending on the response to the rationalisation proposal, he hopes to make an announcement on the way forward by the end of April.

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munity together on 19 March.

As the sun set the crowds were waved off from North Swindon Library by the Mayor and Mayoress of Swindon to weave a glowing path along footpaths to Isambard Community School on the first-ever parade, carrying lanterns and waving banners.

Mum Yvonne Tylee said her children had been excited about the expedition. “It’s a colourful outing; the children were given lovely lanterns to carry. We all hope it will be first of many parades.”

Cakes and drinks were ready for the walker’s arrival at Isambard and Mr Music Man, Martin Maudsley, provided entertainment.

Tia Greenridge said, “me and my friend Tyra loved taking part; it was

very exciting.”

Drama practitioner Rebecca Lloyd, who organised the event for Flux arts project, said, “it was a very simple, beautiful event to bring people together. Mums new to the area have met others who are established here, and children have also formed friendships. It’s been really powerful.”

See more photos of the lantern festival at: www.swindonlink.com Above, Amber Taylor with friends Elizabeth, Elouise and Victoria Tylee getting ready for the parade. Left, Tia Greenridge and Tyra Penney helping to distribute lanterns. Right, masked walkers on their way through North Swindon Centre

Big turn-on planned for 2 May Swindon’s BBC big screen in Havelock Square will be officially switched on Friday 2 May, 5pm, live on local TV and radio.

There will be fun, entertainment and demonstrations all afternoon. Put the event in the diary.

21/3/08 12:01:59

swindonlink.com • April 2008

7

Prestigious award for brand new school

Youngsters from Isambard Community School in North Swindon will have more than being the first ever pupils to attend the school to remember their childhoods by.

Eleven will recall the day they their story of the transition between film director Gurchetan Singh and Mattey said, “I am very proud of the walked up the red carpet for an primary and secondary school from screencomposer Barry Andrews students. The process of making the Oscars-syle ceremony at London’s young girls and boys to teenagers, by Mobile Media at Swindon’s film was a wonderful experience for Leicester Square Odeon, and the from different backgrounds to fel- Council’s Create Studios. them and so was going to London to Pupil Ryan Jones, who gave the hear they had won. We look forward thrill of their school being called out low pupils forging the identity of acceptance speech, said, “it was to watching their film making go as winners of the First Light Movie a new community.

The children worked with indus- incredible to be up there and receive from strength to strength.”

Awards for best documentary, at a try professionals to learn scripting, our award from Lizo Mzimba who star-studded event on 4 March.

The Child and Me was selected Their film entitled The Child and creative writing, filming and acting we see on TV every week. from over 200 entries from across “It was great making the film, Britain and was judged by Orlando Me was made last summer and tells skills and were teamed with local and I can’t wait to plan our next Bloom, Kevin Spacey, Nira Park, The Isambard winning crew with Blue Peter presenter Lizo Mzimba project now that we have had this Stephen Fry and Sam Mendes. It can and Andy Burnham, MP, Minister for Culture, Media and Sport. incredible award.” be seen at: www.electricdecember.

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swindonlink.com • April 2008

Get ready for June’s community sporting extravaganza

Bikinis were definitely not on the agenda when beach volleyball star Lucy Boulton launched this year’s Challenge Swindon - Festival of Sport in early March.

Get Active Month. Some options to Apart from volleyball, dragon sign up for in June: boat racing, angling, badminton, squash, hockey, netball, tennis, 1st The Castles Bike Ride - 10, inflatable table football and boc19 and 25 mile cycle routes ride in cia (like boules) will be on offer at aid of Macmillan. Details from Jill leisure venues across the town over Greenway: 521630 Festival of Sport weekend - 31 May 7th Five miles to Fabulous. 5 mile and 1 June. Some of the tournaments women’s bike ride. Call Tamina are for individuals and others are Oliver: 466315 or toliver@swindon. for teams - so now is the time to get gov.uk together with family, friends and 8th Find your way round Swinwork colleagues and decide which don by bike - Fun, family cycle sport to enter. orienteering event using the cycle A range of fun games and demnetwork. Call Gladys Barr: 07951 onstrations for people of all ages are 712727 or gladys.barr@swindonalso planned, and a festival atmopct.nhs.uk. sphere will be created by jugglers, 14th & 15th Cancer Research Race stilt walkers and face painters. for Life at Lydiard Park. For details: All the details can be found at: www.raceforlife.org www.challengeswindon.org.uk The festival kicks off a month 15th British Heart Foundation dedicated to getting everybody in Family Cycle ride. Call Sharon Swindon active for the whole of Woodford: 07909 546596 June. There will be something for 28th & 29th Para Challenge - DisLucy Bolton gets Swindon’s Festival of Sport and Get Active month going absolutely everyone to get involved ability Sporting event. Contact Ben with coun Justin Tomlinson in. See some of the opportunities to Humphrey: 617782 or bhumphrey@ participate on the right.

The Challenge Swindon initia- swindon.gov.uk family or work colleagues. Last Coun Justin Tomlinson, cabinet year’s events were greatly enjoyed tive, which includes the Festival 29th Wanborough Fun Run, an member for leisure, culture and by all participants. If you missed it, of Sport, first launched last year, is event for all the family at Hooprecreation, said, “the Festival of here’s your chance to get involved part-funded by Sport England and ers Field. Mail: Sue Smith: sue@ Sport and Get Active month will be a in a wonderful range of community aims to help people be ‘more active, suesmith.info great chance for everyone to get out activities, whether individually or more often.’

Other events are listed at: and have a great time with friends, as part of a team.”

• Walks in the West - see page 43 www.challengeswindon.org.uk

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Festival OF

spor t The opening weekend for the

Get Active Month June 2008 The Festival of Sport is a community focused event taking place on Saturday 31st May and Sunday 1st June 2008. The weekend will be packed full of sports tournaments and free activities for the whole community to enjoy.

If you’re not the competitive type why not come along for a family day out and try one of the many free activities on offer at Coate Water Country Park, The Polo Ground and Dorcan Recreation Complex. The Macmillan Castles Bike Ride is again taking place at Croft Sports Centre on Sunday 1st June. There really is something for everyone with festival, cultural and sporting activities on offer throughout the weekend including: s American Football s Power Kiting s Parkour s Rowing s Grass Boarding s Croquet

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10 swindonlink.com • April 2008

Super fit senior thanks his saviours

ALL ABOARD WITH IVOR THE ENGINE Sat 5th & Sun 6th April

Meet the real Ivor and his crew.

Enjoy various stalls & a bouncy castle IN AID OF PROSPECT HOSPICE

Blunsdon Station Tadpole Lane.

Tel: 771615 Trains: 11am-4pm Cafe, shop and free parking

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1 - 21 April 08.indd 10

By rights Ivor Pope, 73, from Grange Park, should be dead, not because of his age, but because of the massive heart attack he suffered in the Link Centre swimming pool on 16 January.

By coincidence Anne Pope, 68, The former swimming coach also a former swimming instructor, visits the pool several times a week had decided to watch Ivor after where he swims up to 12,000 metres some shopping. “He indicated that (480 lengths). There isn’t any fat on he had a couple of lengths to go him; for his age, Ivor is a remarkable and I went back to my magazine,” example of being fit in his younger she said. “But I didn’t hear Ivor years - he swam for the Swindon push off and looked up to see him Dolphins in the late 1940s - and face down in the pool; I thought he continued a training regime into was looking for his nose clip on the retirement. At home he has a cabinet bottom of the pool. But when he of medals won in masters competibumped into the lane rope I knew tions over the last 20 years. there was something wrong because Ivor and Anne, right, thankful for quick he has had skin cancer and has to reactions and good training be careful what he touches.

“The attention of Paul the life guard was attracted when I went to the pool side and he jumped in to grab Ivor. He shouted for me to press the alarm on the wall and I couldn’t see it, but within seconds six Link staff arrived to pull Ivor out and administer first aid. Donna Seabrook kept me company whilst her colleagues did the resuscitation.

I was told later that Ivor’s heart had stopped and he had already swallowed a lot of water.”

Luckily paramedics were only across the road in the rest room at the West Swindon Police Station and arrived a few minutes later to use their defibrillator to jolt Ivor’s heart back into action before taking him at breakneck speed to the GW Hospital. “I don’t know the names of the paramedics but they also did an amazing job,” said Anne. “I had to sit in the front and it was like a rally drive across the town. In the back Ivor had to have another jolt because his heart had stopped. The staff in ICT and coronary care did a wonderful job stabilising and caring for him.”

After three weeks he was transferred to the Bristol Royal Infirmary where he had to have a triple by-pass operation which took five hours.

The medical team found one of his arteries 100 per cent blocked, and two others working at barely ten per cent of their capacity.

Ivor pulled through and is now in recovery. “They told me I only survived because I was fit and strong enough to recover, even though the doctors are still amazed that I had a heart attack. I’d like to thank everybody who has helped me.”

The couple are keen that Ivor’s heart attack should not put off people of all ages from eating a good diet and exercise.

Ivor hopes to start swimming again in a few months and they plan to visit their swimming coach daughter in New Zealand later in the year when it’s safe to take a long haul flight.

“There are still lots of things I want to do before I really throw in the towel,” he said.

20/3/08 18:26:39

swindonlink.com • April 2008

Mayor to check up on dental practice

Teaching good habits from a young age will be a priority for a dental practice opening at Redhouse Village Centre, where all children will be offered free treatment.

The official opening by Mayor, treatments, including whitening Councillor Michael Barnes, will be and implants will be on offer.

Mr Abbassian said that he is keen followed by a two week period of registrations before dentists begin to develop links with local schools and to make sure that youngsters working on 21 April.

Initially, Mr Foad Abbassian and feel relaxed when they sit in the Mr Shahrokh Erfanmanesh from dentist’s chair. The first thousand Milton Road Dental Practice will children to register will receive a have the capacity for 15,000 patients goody bag containing a tooth brush, at the Redhouse surgery and expect toothpaste and a timer. “The first a rush of interest when their list check is very quick and we just opens as they are the only dentists count the teeth and get them used to the chair. The next time is then in Priory Vale.

Although there will be no NHS much easier and we can be more appointments for adults, prices will thorough.”

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12 swindonlink.com • April 2008

Students take footie and first aid to South Africa

New College tutor Karen Storey, from Westlea, will be following in her daughter’s footsteps when she travels to South Africa with a party of students to work in a deprived area. and midwifery. “Each year we look The Health & In April, along with Health & for something that will enhance Social Care colleagues Allie Tyler Social Care stupupils’ education and training,” and Dawn Evans, and 10 students, dents, aged 16 said Karen.

Karen is heading to the Eastern to 19, have been Last year she worked in Kenya Cape to work in a community looking forward with children affected by HIV/ where HIV/AIDS is rife. They will to the trip for AIDS and thought her students be teaching parents and teachers months. Their would benefit from a similar exfrom a local school about basic first course prepares perience. Karen has already had an aid and safety and, to bring some them for a variety Karen and insight of what to expect in South light relief, they will be promoting of careers includAllie, ready Africa from her daughter Laura team sports such as football and ing nursing, ocfor big trip Dunham, who visited the country cupational health netball. with Greendown School in October.

The college students have all seen a DVD of the trip. “They have found it fascinating and heart rending,” A group of Greendown pupils who made a once in a life- said Karen. time visit to South Africa in the Autumn held a premiere During a hectic fortnight the of a video of their trip made by local filmmaker Gurch group will have one weekend Singh, at a fundraising presentation in early March. break when they will be turning “It was incredible to visit Moriteng Wa Tutu School; the their hands to a different type of welcome was just so amazing,” said Kate Birch. “We made work - helping out on the game such friendships; the experience has made us appreciate reserve where they will be staying what we’ve got. We learnt so much from the visit. It was where they hope to be rewarded a privilege to go to South Africa.” with glimpses of lions, elephants, Greendown is looking forward to another visit by hippos and springbok. teachers from Moriteng in July and hopefully some of Travel costs have been covered their partner students. Pupils in Year 8 to 10 are raising by participants but they would money to fund the trip. To help, mail Cristina Bennett: welcome donations towards first cbennett@greendown.swindon.sch.uk aid resources and footballs for the Greendown’s South Africa travellers, back from left, Natalie Irving, school they will be working in.

Jessie Howard, Kate Birch, Jessica Price, Sadie Tuttle. Front,Charlotte Contact Karen Storey 611470 ext 222 for details.

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Greendown looks forward to partner’s visit

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Home Cinema Installations • Plasma • LCD • Projectors • AV setup & calibration • Hidden wiring • Feature lighting • Dedicated power supplies

For free home surveys call Antony on 01793 728668 or 07748 962689 www.homecinemainstallations.co.uk

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Charisma Blinds - the place for quality and value

Manufacturers and suppliers of all types of blinds Full fitting service or cash and carry Factory showroom open Monday to Thursday 9.30am - 5.30pm Friday 9.30am - 5pm, Saturday 10am - 4pm BSS House, Cheney Manor Ind. Est., Swindon. Tel: 01793 434584

21/3/08 12:03:52

1 - 21 April 08.indd 13

15/3/08 11:17:29

14 swindonlink.com • April 2008

Arts flourish in North Swindon. Children As part of the Percent for Art agreement between Swindon Borough Council and John Laing plc, the PFI company, artists have worked closely with the schools during the design phase and after they opened.

Their creative input can be seen in the brightly coloured panes of glass

Seven new schools in North Swindon have been filled with vibrant art works in each school, permanent artworks to reflect the school’s global village with paint and materials. Inspired by in the grounds and buildings, and and their ‘hands around the world’ the children’s work, Jae went on to produce vibrant and colourful textile displays of artwork resulting from values.

Textile artist, Jae Maries, ran a series hangings for the school hall. educational workshops.

At Red Oaks Primary School, artist Charlie Carter, has created a seating sculpture from oak, aluminium, steel and resin in the main reception area

of workshops at Red Oaks on the theme of movement. After a dance workshop, Jae and the pupils created life-size images of themselves decorated

Ceramic artist, Mari-Ruth Oda worked with Brimble Hill and Uplands special schools to create a series of art works: green ceramic panels in Up-

Claire Ogbourne, Rebecca Baxx, Ben Allen and Owen Leadbeater, pupils at Brimble Hill Special School with blue water themed 3D ceramic panels made by Mari-Ruth Oda Right, Mari-Ruth’s textured leaf ceramic works shown off by Fraser Andrews and Nicole Tiet at Uplands Special School

Spurgeons is a voluntary organisation whose main focus is helping children and young people living in disadvantaged communities, marginalized groups or those suffering as a result of disrupted lives.

In Swindon, we offer a service whereby an adult befriender gives time to a child within local authority care. Our volunteers enjoy the challenge of building a lasting friendship and the children benefit greatly from a consistent, fun relationship with someone outside the care system.

We need more volunteers to fulfil these roles Full training be given and out of pocket expenses paid for mileage and activities For further information please contact Beverley Johnston, Project Manager on 01793 615049 or spurgeons@swindoniv.fsnet.co.uk

www.spurgeons.org Registered Charity No 1081182 Company No 3990460

Swindon Mentoring And Self Help

Youth Project Needs You You could make this year a positive turning point for a young person who desperately needs a

VOLUNTEER MENTOR! Training dates for 2008 are: 19th April - 21st May 20th September - 8th October For further information/to apply please call us on 01793 879297 or download an application form from our website: www.smash-youth-project.co.uk Registered Charity No. 1107900

1 - 21 April 08.indd 14

21/3/08 12:11:03

swindonlink.com • April 2008

stimulated by work with professionals through a public art project managed by Artpoint Trust. lands with a leaf theme, and blue water themed panels for Brimble Hill.

Uplands pupils created artwork on the theme of constellations, working with Alison Cockcroft, whilst Brimble Hill pupils worked with textile artist Jo Dixon, using materials linked to the four elements to make a series of

silk panels which Jo developed into finished pieces.

Beccy Waldman, Assistant Director of Artpoint, “we’re pleased with the outcome of the programme; the artist led educational workshops which have animated and enthused the pupils and the pupil inspired permanent works

of art will provide creative ideas for years to come.”

www.artpointtrust.org.uk

• The May and June edition of The Link will feature artworks created in Orchid Vale and Moredon primary schools, Nova Hreod College and Isambard Community School.

Far left and centre below, a Jo Dixon workshop at Brimble Hill.

Left, Adam Culley and Caitlin Peck with Alison Cockcroft’s intricate constellation artwork.

Below, the textile hanging by Jae Maries created after a dance workshop at Red Oaks Primary

15

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1 - 21 April 08.indd 15

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16 swindonlink.com • April 2008

Swindon College

Fair Trade gets a look in at Peatmoor

Children at Peatmoor Primary School were exposed in early March to what is being done to give food producers in poor countries a better deal.

To inspire to succeed

Peatmoor School pupils getting behind Fair Trade for food producers

Take a Part-Time course this Spring!

Swindon College’s NEW guide is out NOW!

For information call FREE on 0800 731 2250 or visit: www.swindon-college.ac.uk Swindon College, North Star Avenue, Swindon SN2 1DY

A school assembly heard talks about how food growers are kept in poverty by low prices paid for their products so that rich consumers in the West can have low cost food whilst generating good profit for the big food companies.

Lynn Forrester of the Swindon Fair Trade Coalition talked about the problems faced around the world and how buying food with the Fair Trade logo ensures that producers will be paid a fair price so that they can feed their own children and send them to school.

Bombay Lounge restaurant owner Hanif Robbani talked about farming relations in Bangladesh who are exploited, some earning as little as 50p a day, whilst the cost of buying rice has risen dramatically.

Pat Macdonald of Sainsburys displayed Fair Trade products and Greendown pupils set up a Fair Trade cafe after the assembly.

Earlier in the week Peatmoor children travelled to Greendown to cook with Fair Trade ingredients provided by the Co-op at Peatmoor.

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20/3/08 18:28:42

swindonlink.com • April 2008

17

Moredon gets top rating from Ofsted

Two years after opening its doors, Moredon Primary School has been described as outstanding by Ofsted inspectors.

In 24 out of 27 inspection cat- and passionate team providing munity as well as all the staff at egories the school was given the outstanding leadership and totally the school.”

Always looking to improve, the highest possible mark. The achieve- committed to doing the best for ment is all the more remarkable as their pupils. The school will now staff will be working on the Ofsted Moredon Infants and Juniors only be included on an Ofsted register recommendations on improving came together in the newly built of outstanding providers; the only pupils’ writing skills. “We have an school, led by headteacher Lauren primary in the urban area of Swin- absolute commitment to giving the best to our school: every single day don to achieve this.

Connor, in 2006.

“To get 24 grade ones is a phe- we ask what are we going to do to The inspectors commented not only on pupils’ exceptional nomenal achievement for everyone make it better.” progress but also on their personal involved in teaching, support and • Nursery places on offer. There are development and their exemplary welfare in the school,” said Ms a few places available in the nursery behaviour. They praised the staff Connor. “We are absolutely thrilled at the school for September. Call with the inspector stating that the and delighted that the team has 600344 for details head, deputy head and other senior been recognised. It’s a success for members of staff are a dedicated the children, parents and the com-

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Moredon Primary pupils and parents celebrating with headteacher Lauren Connor

1 - 21 April 08.indd 17

20/3/08 18:28:56

18 swindonlink.com • April 2008

Music classes with a buzz

Contact Victoria on: 07841 988414 or The Keepsake Co. e-mail: vdavey@thekeepsakeco.co.uk www.thekeepsakeco.co.uk

Clay Impressions

Getting to grips with the basics of music with Bumble Beats can save hours of frustration and help youngsters make rapid progress once they pick up their chosen instrument.

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Piano teacher, Joy Walker, above, first devised a course to teach children rhythm, notation and musical terms after parents brought four or five year olds for lessons expecting them to learn how to play the piano straight away. Joy explained, “they can learn but they need to understand differently.”

Joy, who achieved an MA in music in South Korea before teaching at the national arts academy in Seoul, recalled her first lessons. Her mother, a conductor, was her first piano teacher when she was four.

“When my mum tried to teach me notes to read I couldn’t do it. When she taught me on the stairs with each one representing a note, I could get more idea.”

When her own daughter was ready to learn about music, Joy thought it would be more fun to teach her along with other toddlers and decided to set up Bumble Beats.

She set about writing her own songs, recorded them with her husband and sister-in-law and uses them alongside puppets, games, and activities to teach the rudiments of music.

The first classes began in January at North Swindon Library and extra classes are already being planned to accommodate the steadily rising number of mini-maestros.

Free 20 minute taster sessions will be available on Saturdays 5 and 19 April. To book a place call Joy on 0845 8672185

Claire sees kids care as a dad thing

Are you a father with pre-school children who would like help and advice, and to spend quality time with your kids?

Claire Black has recently started working with fathers and their children on a one-to-one basis to help with all aspects of parental life within the Moredon and Rodbourne Cheney areas.

Later this year, she will be running fathers’ drop-in groups and Saturday clubs so dads can spend time with their children. If you have any concerns or issues you would like support with or require further information contact Claire on 608198 or 075287 62440.

Nappies+coffee = nappucino

Parents in North Swindon can get first hand advice about environmentally friendly cloth nappies and see a range of samples at regular coffee and cloth get-togethers in Abbey Meads, called nappucinos.

Organiser Jennifer Hanselman incentives and was closely involved said that it’s a great way to find in the nappy network. On moving out about reusables whilst meeting to Swindon she was surprised that other parents interested in doing they were not promoted in the same their bit for the environment. “The way and decided to set up her own people who come along have lots group with support from Wiltshire of ideas about sustainable living; Wildlife Trust and the Swindon Real one of the mums has a collection Nappy Network.

“Cloth is very user friendly. It’s of baby slings that she brings. You can find nappies and slings on the no longer terries and pins, modern web, but until you can see and try nappies are quick and easy.”

Nappucinos are held every second them, you don’t know if they’ll Friday of the month, 1pm to 3pm, at work for you.”

Jennifer began using cloth nap- Christ the Servant Church. pies when she lived in the North www.swindon-realnappynetwork.

East where her local council offered org.uk or call Jennifer on 815013.

1 - 21 April 08.indd 18

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swindonlink.com • April 2008

Farewell to Children’s Information Service

A trailblazing charity which has kept parents in touch with pre-school and children’s matters since late 1999 has closed down after losing its funding, with some of the services being taken over by Swindon Direct, the council’s one stop shop information centre managed by Capita.

Jan Aylward of Homestart said base of knowledge and information At a farewell party on 12 March CIS manager Annette Palmer said vulnerable parents will be reluc- which is going to be lost after it is she was sad an independent infor- tant to visit the council offices for folded into a much larger general mation centre is being lost. “We information. “The CIS shop was council run information service.”

Swindon Direct is open at Watt were set up to provide information warm and friendly, close to the town Tyler House on the Civic Offices on childcare but the service evolved centre; parents felt welcomed.”

Gerry Gardner, director of Trio site, off Beckhampton Street, from to cover a much wider age range.

We took on the requirements of Childcare which initially managed 8am to 6pm in the week, until 8pm the Childcare Act 2006 to provide the CIS, was critical of the closure. on Thursday, and 9am to 1pm on information for 0 to 19 year olds “The council think taking over Saturday.

The telephone contact line is two years early; it only comes into children’s information will be more efficient but it won’t be in a family open from 8am to 8pm weekdays force on 1 April.

“We also developed a range of friendly environment; I’m not sure on 445500. community based children’s proj- there will be the intuitive underects and some have been passed standing of parents’ needs.

“The CIS has built up a huge dataonto other organisations.”

Cutting a farewell cake, from left, Annette Palmer, Ben Biddiscombe, Sandra Stephens, Linda Malcolm-Stewart, Deb Reeves, Ravi Panesar, Lisa Webber

19

VACANCIES WEST SWINDON CHILDREN’S CENTRE is looking for

Two enthusiastic, well motivated Play Workers to join our friendly team 16 hours per week term time 12 hours per week during school holidays Ideally you will have an NVQ Level 3 or equivalent child care qualification.

Minimum requirement is Level 2 with willingness to train to Level 3 Sound knowledge of the needs of children is essential

Child Care Manager Minimum Level 3/4 child care qualification Minimum 3 years supervisory experience 25 hours per week Sound knowledge of the needs of children is essential We are an equal opportunities employer Closing date for all positions: 11 April Please contact: Julie Batson

Tel: 01793 871303 or e-mail: familyproject15@tiscali.co.uk

Little Foxes Childcare & Education

For children and their parents Established 1986 The Common, Brinkworth, Wilts Tel: 01666 510356 Just a 15 minute drive from West Swindon & Priory Vale on B4042

Close to M4 junction 16, just a short drive from West Swindon For children 3 months to five years Open all year from 8am to 6pm Extensive outdoor play and garden Grant places available For information telephone: 01793 851495

www.thedaynursery.com Brinkworth Road, Wootton Bassett, Swindon SN4 8DS

1 - 21 April 08.indd 19

l

l l l l

An independent family run nursery offering quality care and education within a safe, secure, stimulating environment for all babies and children from 0-5 and an out of school club for children aged 5-11 years Open: Monday to Friday, 7.30am-6.30pm, 51 weeks of the year Full, part time and term time places. Government funding for 3-5 year olds High staff to child ratios with qualified and experienced teaching staff and nursery nurses Nutritious 3 course meals, hydro pool, multi sensory room, school hall with gym apparatus, secure gardens, mini bus for trips out and about

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20 swindonlink.com • April 2008

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1 - 21 April 08.indd 20

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Recycling kids gear

The annual National Childbirth Trust nearly new sale takes place on Saturday 5 April, 11am to 1pm, at Oasis Leisure Centre.

The event offers a fantastic range of quality clothes for babies to 4 year olds, cots, prams, nursery equipment, maternity wear, toys, DVDs and books. Entry: £1.

For a sellers’ pack send a cheque for £2.50 payable to ‘NCT Swindon branch’ to Sellers’ Packs, 2 Wyvern Close, Swindon, Wilts, SN1 4DL.

Playgroup gives April to Amber

Freshbrook Playgroup is pulling out all the stops for the hospital that is treating one of its children.

Amber Martin has had a severe medical history and has been at death’s door on six occasions since she was born, almost four years ago. She was born at Swindon’s GWH, with bilary atresia and given only days to live. Three weeks later, when she had turned a deep shade of yellow, her parents, Andrew Martin and Anna Hollick, were told she had two hours to live unless she received Amber with playgroup friends immediate treatment at the liver specialist centre at King’s Amber’s dad Andrew, said, “you College Hospital. see a lot of children dying around The ambulance took less than you once you have a sick child; an hour to reach central London it’s horrible, you always wonder if and life has been yours will be next. a rollercoaster for We were told to give Amber ever since. up, I nearly did once She has had a livwhen the doctors er transplant, menadvised us to turn ingitis five times, off the life support and has just been machine, but Amber undergoing tests pulled through.” to rule out the pos“Once you see sibility of cancer. how the money is She is susceptible used, and it’s doing to every infection, something for your but her parents family, you realise describe her as ‘a how important it is; fighter ’ and she we shouldn’t ever doesn’t let it stop give up on all the her making friends Amber, suffering severe jaundice other kids.” in hospital with mum Anna and playing with her brother.

How to help Playgroup appeal organiser Cara Hooper said, “most of us have Amber’s April includes an open children of our own and Amber’s day, cake and toy sales, bag packexperience has really opened our ing at Asda, a ‘doctors and nurses’ eyes to the care and treatment she fancy dress tour of the town.

For event dates, visit the open has received and how vigilant we must be to ensure children don’t day. To make a donation to the bring infections in which might playgroup fundraising call Cara Hooper on 882867 for details. effect her.”

Amber’s April, to coincide with Open day at Freshbrook her fourth birthday, will raise Playgroup at Millbrook School awareness and money for the 4 April, 9 to 12am; 1pm to 2pm Starfish Appeal. Its target is £1 million to refurbish and expand the Prospective, current or past children and parents are invited to world leading Mountbatten Ward see the activities and equipment at King’s College Hospital.

Without intervention liver dis- on offer, and meet the staff over tea, coffee and cake. ease in young children is usually fatal, but the Mountbatten Ward has Registration available on the reduced mortality rates from 60 per day. For details call cent in 1977 to just 4 per cent.

Angie Evans on 87768

21/3/08 12:12:23

21

Do you have any Gold?

If you have, then you have cash!

9 – 14 – 18 – or 22 carat = Best Prices Paid We buy scrap Gold, any amount any condition.

Contact Barry on 07798 - 682198

Community finds its voice in radio station

Broadcasts on the town’s latest radio station kicked off from their County Ground home on 15 March with the Mayor of Swindon flicking the switch to start the non-commercial station which will be manned by a team of volunteer presenters including nearly 20 who responded to an article in the November Link.

Swindon residents and other Also present to personally media. “Response has been present the station’s permisvery positive from individusion to go live was Martin als, community groups and James, Ofcom’s head of schools. We welcome anyradio broadcast licencing. one who writes and would As a lifelong supporter of like their work considered Swindon Town FC he had for broadcast to contact us. another reason for making There’s a wealth of local the trip from London and talent and we want to give stayed on to watch the home people the opportunity to game. have their work heard.”

Simon Hyde, who has Volunteers to present, remade a hobby of amateur search, and help with adminradio presenting, picked up the ‘phone to offer his ser- Launch day, Shirley Ludford with the Mayor of Swindon, istration are needed by the vices after reading an article Town Crier Fred Ferris and professional presenter Peter station. Call Shirley Ludford on 612517 for details. in The Link. He is currently Heaton-Jones (Photo: www.calyxtv.co.uk) Jo West from Abbey Meads was www.communityradioswindon.com on air with Chippenham Hospital Radio and has previously also spurred into action after reading been heard on BBC and commercial The Link. “I don’t normally volunteer stations. He will take the Saturday but I felt really inspired to find out morning slot and promises a broad more,” said Jo, who will read other musical mix and a light hearted people’s work and some of her programme that people can get own writing.

Project coordinator Shirley Ludinvolved with. He said, “many people dream of playing good music and ford has been very pleased with the talking to an audience; I get a real support and encouragement from buzz out of it.”

Highlights from this edition The station will encourage and of The Link will be promote local literary talent, broadbroadcast on Swindon casting a poem for the day as well 105.5 on Monday 31 March, as regular slots for short stories 10am to 11am and plays.

Turn that unwanted Gold into Cash

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Abanazer role for Eastenders and Extras actor

Shaun Williamson, known to millions of TV viewers for his role as Barry in Eastenders and in Ricky Gervais’ Extras, arrives in Swindon next December to lead the cast in Aladdin, this year’s panto spectacular at the Wyvern Theatre.

Shaun will star as a wonderfully wicked Abanazar alongside, for the first time in Swindon, an amazing 3D genie which will circulate around the auditorium.

Further special effects take the audience into a 3D cave of riches where Aladdin finds his fortune and later on an amazing magic carpet ride.

Aladdin kicks off the Wyvern’s Christmas season on Friday 5 December and will run until Sunday 4 January 2009.

Excited by this year’s panto, Wyvern Theatre manager Andy Hill

21-52 April 08.indd 21

21/3/08 12:58:17

Swindon Wide What’s

22

& Family ARDECCA Children Thursday 3rd - Sunday 13th, week-

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at our new workshop Fieldrise Farm Kingsdown Lane Blunsdon Saturday 12th April, 11am - 3pm Free Make and Takes Patchwork techniques Decorative painting Natural dyeing and celebration books ■ No previous experience necessary ■ ■ ■ ■

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01793 855377 / 602470

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Swindon’s widest choice of discounted

Art & Craft products

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NOW LOCATED AT

Unit 35 BSS House Cheney Manor, Swindon See & feel the products before you buy, and get personal advice from our knowledgeable & friendly staff Well worth a visit!

Tel/Fax 01793 513069 www.purplenimbus.co.uk

21-52 April 08.indd 22

days 6pm - 8pm, Saturday 1pm - 8pm, Sunday 2pm - 9pm Next Generation Fun Fair Fair. Link Centre. Tel: 07860 539651 Centre Saturday 5th, 10am - 5pm Craft Fair. Village Hall, Lacock, Wiltshire. Tel: 01380 860261 Saturday 5th, 9.30am - 4pm Swindon Stamp & Postcard Fair.

20p/children free free. Western Community Centre, Rodbourne Cheney.

Tel: 528664 Saturday 5th to Sunday 6th, 11am - 4pm Ivor the Engine. Charity event for Prospect Hospice. Swindon & Cricklade Railway Saturday 5th to Saturday 19th, (closed Sunday), 10am - 5pm Farmyard FriendsTrail. Drop-in activity. £1 per child (includes small prize).

Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Saturday 5th to 31st December, (closed Sundays), 10am - 5pm Time Travellers Activity Pack. Includes wordsearch, historical games, hieroglyphics and colouring. A dropin activity. £1.75 per pack. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Wednesday 9th & 16th, 11am - 4pm Diesel Train Rides Rides. Swindon & Cricklade Railway Wednesday 9th to Thursday 10th, 10.30am - 3.30pm Easter Holiday Activity Days. For 5 to 12 years. Spring into action round the farm. £15 per child. Lower Shaw Farm Friday 11th to Sunday 13th.

Creative Music Weekend. Weekend for music lovers. Lower Shaw Farm.

Friday 11th & Friday 25th, 9am 1.30pm Farmers’ Market. Local food and other produce. Swindon Town Centre, Canal Walk. Tel: 07775 614790 Thursday 17th, 2pm & 5pm Indiana Chuckles and the Kingdom of the Mythical Sulk Sulk. Our hapless heroes set off on another adventure full of mistakes, pitfalls and danger.

From £11. Wyvern

Friday 18th, 5pm - 8pm

Theatre

Tuesday 1st to Saturday 5th, Tue - Thur 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Fri & Sat 5pm & 8pm, Sat 2pm.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Bill Kenwright’s production of this sparkling family musical. From £24. Wyvern Wednesday 9th to Saturday 12th, 7.30pm Death by Fatal Murder. Hapless Inspector Pratt, Miss Maple and Constable Thomkins, with confusion, mystery and mayhem as the bodies start stacking up. £6. Arts Centre Friday 11th and Saturday 12th, 7.30pm Pizza Making! Make organic pizza and cook in an earth oven, above.

Under 11s to be accompanied by adult.

Adult £10. Lower Shaw Farm Friday 18th to Sunday 20th Working Weekend - In The Spirit of WWOOF. Get to know the farm, turn your hand to old jobs and new, enjoy good company, and good food. Free.

Lower Shaw Farm Sunday 20th, 1pm - 4pm Make a Hanging Basket. Practical craft and gardening activity. Normal admission charge to house & walled garden applies. Lydiard House & Park Friday 25th, 9am - 1.30pm Farmers’ Market. Fresh, tasty local food, and other produce, available to the public. Last Friday of each month.

Swindon Old Town, Godwin Court.Tel: 07775 614790 Friday 25th to Sunday 27th Yoga and Massage Weekend. Iyengar Yoga for beginners and experienced practitioners with opportunity for walks in the Wiltshire Countryside.

Lower Shaw Farm Saturday 26th to 3rd May Wiltshire Wildlife Trust Week of Walks. Encouraging children to organise a walk. Kirsten Kerr-Bonner Tel: 01380 725670

Film

Wednesday 2nd, 7.15pm Les Petites Vacances (PG). Retired teacher takes grandchildren on a trip but is mysteriously reluctant to tell parents her itinerary. French with English subtitles. SFS. Arts Centre Wednesday 16th, 7.15pm.

Red Road (18). Tough, intelligent thriller in which a woman working in CCTV surveillance has to unexpectedly confront her past. SFS Arts Centre Friday 25th, 7.15pm.

The Prestige (12A). Magic, mystery and intrigue in 19th Centuary London.

SFS. St. Michael’s Hall, Highworth.

Tel: 330639 Swindon Film Society (SFS) film are for members only. It is however possible to join on any evening

Abigail’s Party. As the alcohol flows and the ‘nibbles’ are handed around, Mike Leigh’s ruthless, achingly funny examination of suburban life begins to bite. £14. Wyvern Thursday 17th, 7.30pm Celebrating Linda Smith. Fellow professional performers pay tribute to Linda Smith - comedian, writer and radio broadcaster who died tragically early. Supporting Ovarian Cancer Action. From £10.

Arts Centre Wednesday 23rd to Saturday 26th, 7.30pm The Darling Buds of May. The loveable, irrepressible Larkin family, Pop, Ma and their six children in rural idyllic bliss in Kent. Adult £6. Arts Centre Wednesday 23rd to Saturday 26th, Wed & Fri 7.30pm; Thurs & Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm Come On, Jeeves. By PG Wodehouse & Guy Bolton. From £15. Wyvern

Venues

Arts Centre Devizes Road.

Tel: 614837 Lower Shaw Farm Old Shaw Lane, Shaw. Tel: 771080

Lydiard House Tel: 770401 Swindon & Cricklade Railway

Tadpole Lane. Tel: 771615

Swindon Folksingers Milton Rd.

Tel: 521301

Swindon Information Centre

Regent Street. Tel: 530328 Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Bath Road. Tel: 466556 University of Bath in Swindon Marlowe Avenue. Tel: 328800 Wyvern Theatre Tel: 524481 Confirm date, time and price with venue.

21/3/08 11:32:47

On in April Music

Wednesday 2nd, 8.30pm Emily Zuzik The Beehive Pub, 55 Prospect Hill. Tel: 523187 Friday 4th, 8.15pm Swindon Folksingers Club Jim Bainbridge. Members only. Membership is free - apply at least two days prior to evening.

Friday 4th, 8pm Teddy Thompson Trio. Personalised reworkings of songs from America’s rich country music tradition. £10.

Arts Centre Saturday 5th, 8pm Shoo Shoo Baby. Never Undressed.

Dazzlingly glamorous musical duo blend dry humour, rich harmonies and pulse-racing costume changes in their hugely successful show. From £10. Arts Centre Sunday 6th, 8.30pm Kola Koca. The Beehive Pub, 55 Prospect Hill. Tel: 523187 Sunday 6th, 7.30pm

Old time rocker Ian Anderson, MBE for 40 years’ service to music Jethro Tull. Legendary flautist Ian Anderson and Martin Barre on guitar play a selection of songs from their 34 albums, supported by the Tull band.

From £25.50. Wyvern Tuesday 8th An Evening with Neil Ruddock & Paul Merson. De Vere Hotel, Shaw Ridge Leisure Park. Tel: 878785 Friday 11th, 8.15pm Swindon Folksingers Club. Dearman, Gammon and Harrison. Members only.

Saturday 12th, 8pm 101 Singers. Bach’s Mass In B Minor with Swindon Choral Society and the Chameleon Arts Orchestra. Adults £10. Holy Rood Church, Groundwell Road. Tel: 466454 Sunday 13th, 7.30pm The Fureys and Davey Arthur.

Legends of Irish music sing all their hits. £13. Wyvern Tuesday 15th, 1pm (7.30pm Sold Out) Simply Ballroom. Sensational ballroom dance spectacular hosted

by Sam Kane and Sophie Lawrence featuring international championship dancers. £20.50. Wyvern

21-52 April 08.indd 23

23 Wednesday 16th, 7.30pm Off The Wall. Europe’s leading production dedicated to recreating the spirit of Pink Floyd. £13. Wyvern Friday 18th, 8pm Last South - Pursuit of the Pole. New drama charts the incredible journey of two of the world’s most revered explorers. From £8.50. Arts Centre Friday 18th, 8.15pm Swindon Folksingers Club. Bryan Bowers. Members only. Membership is free - apply at least two days prior to evening.

Friday 18th, 8pm Shirley Bassey Tribute. See advert right. Blunsdon House Hotel.

Friday 18th 70s Night. See advert right. De Vere Venues.

Friday 18th to Saturday 19th, 7.30pm & Sat matinee, 2.30pm SALOS present Sing, Sing, Sing.

New College. Tel: 851504 Saturday 19th, 9pm - 2am The Erin Bardwell Collective (Reggae). 7” Vinyl Single Launch. £4. The Victoria, Old Town. Tel: 692225 Tuesday 22nd The Sugababes. Oasis Leisure Centre. Sold out Wednesday 23rd, 7pm The Kooks. Million-selling Brighton indie-rock act. £18.50 + £2.50 booking fee. Oasis Leisure Centre. Tel: 445401 Friday 25th, 8.15pm - 11pm Swindon Folksingers Club. Open House. Members only. Membership is free - apply at least two days prior to evening.

Sunday 27th, 3pm

@

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Shirley Bassey Tribute Friday 18th April 2008

Surley Bassey, The Show with the Midas Touch. This sensational tribute show captures all the power, passion and glamour of Shirley in her prime. See the dresses, the drama and pure sophistication of this authentic Shirley Bassey tribute act.

Spice Girls Tribute Swindon Recital Series. Sarah Markham (saxophone), above, Paul Turner (piano). From £8. Arts Centre Sunday 27th, 7.30pm Oxford Philomusica. Oxford’s professional symphony orchestra, resident at the University of Oxford. From £14.

Wyvern Tuesday 29th, 8pm Focus Feat. Features original members Thijs Van Leer and Pierre Van Der Linden with material from their current CD and Sylvia, Hocus Pocus, Focus III and House of the King. £16.

Arts Centre Tuesday 29th, 8pm Georgia Mancio Quartet. An intriguing reflection of her Anglo-Latino background plus South American and European music. From £8.50.

Arts Centre

Friday 30th May 2008 With live vocals and all the girl power they can muster The Spice-ish Girls provide an action packed performance including all the hits that made the Spice Girls one of the most successful acts in pop music history!

Fully choreographed to simulate the original dance routines and concert performances of the real Spice Girls…A must see show!

Dance to your favourite tribute artist and disco Tickets are £35.00 per person and include a set 4 course candle lit dinner Doors Open at 8.00pm. (Not suitable for children) Why not meet your party in Carrie’s Bar for a pre-dinner drink

21/3/08 11:33:22

Swindon Wide What’s On in April

24

Comedy

Tuesday 8th, 7.30pm

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Call now for an appointment on 01793 871120 or 07967 363322 HOME VISITS AVAILABLE

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Make a personal appointment to find just the right hat for you www.hirehats.co.uk

Line Dance

with

Midnight Cowboys Tuesday: Even Swindon, 7.00 Community Centre Jennings Street (off Rodbourne Road) Wednesday: Highworth, 7.00 Thursday: Coleview 7.00 Community Centre, Nythe Road

Step by step instruction for absolute beginners. Weekend socials in Highworth and Swindon For more details Ring Lewis Watson on 764732 Ten years of teaching!

KUDOS FENCING Patios, decking & landscaping

Local Family Business • All types of fencing installed • Full patio/decking service • Made to measure gates • All pressure treated timbers • Help/advice on all fencing & landscape matters

Free estimates on 01793 855800 Unit 23 & 24 Oaklands Ind. Est. Braydon, Swindon

21-52 April 08.indd 24

Pam Ann: Terror at 41,000 Feet.

Written and performed by Caroline Reid. £17. Wyvern Friday 18th, 8pm Jongleurs Comedy Club. Top comedy with some fantastic acts. 18+ only. £10. Wyvern Monday 28th, 7.30pm Jethro. Legendary Cornish comic.

Slightly politically incorrect, but rated by many as the funniest man in the land. 18+. £25.50. Wyvern

Exhibitions

To 30th August, 10am - 5pm Resonant Forms. Artists’ ideas and how they structure their work. Free.

Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Tuesday 1st April to 10th May, 10am - 5pm On Assignment. Exhibition by New College’s Photography Foundation Degree students featuring Council employees at work in unusual settings.

Free. Arts Centre Wednesday 2nd to Saturday 26th, Mon to Fri 11am - 5pm, Sat 10am - 1pm Swindon Artists Society Spring Exhibition. Well established local art group. Free. Arts Centre

Out & About

Every Monday in April, 4pm Discover West Swindon. Walks from Lower Shaw Farm ending with a cup of tea.

Wednesday 9th, 10am - 12.30pm Pond Dip and Bug Hunt. Splashing time for children in hunt for underwater monsters, bugs and beasties. Suitable for 5-11years (must be accompanied by an adult). Coate Water Ranger Centre. Tel: 490150 Sunday 13th, 10.30am - 1pm A Song of Spring. Ideal walk for juniors and beginners. Gentle 2-mile (3.2km) stroll around Coate identifying resident and visiting birds. Coate Water Ranger Centre. Tel: 490150 Saturday 19th, 11am - 3.30pm On The Buses. After meeting at Stanton, jump on a bus to Highworth and take in the undulating landscape on our journey back to Stanton. Wear stout footwear, and bring waterproofs.

Swindon Rangers. Tel: 490150 Outdoor activities: book in advance, wear suitable footwear and clothing, take packed lunch if required.

Talks & Meetings

Wednesday 23rd, 10am To m b s t o n e s a n d E p i t a p h s .

To 28th June, Mon-Sat 10am - Thamesdown Probus Club talk.

5pm Blunsdon House Hotel. Tel: Dan Queen’s Park Family Scrapbook. Dangerfield, 763733 An exhibition featuring views and Thursday 24th, 7.15pm memories of Queen’s Park over the A Voyage Around My Grandfather. last 50 years. Free. Swindon Museum Wiltshire Family History Society & Art Gallery Branch Meeting. Gorse Hill CommuWednesdays 2nd, 9th, 16th, nity Centre. Tel: 823632 23rd, 1pm, Thursdays 10th, 24th, Friday 25th, 7.30pm 7.30pm A Celtic Feast: the Tale of The ChisThe Tranquillity Zone Discover an eldon Cauldrons. Talk about one of oasis of calm & well-being. Free. the most spectacular iron age finds Health Hydro, Milton Road. Tel: ever made in Britain. £4.50. Swindon 465715 / 537454 Museum & Art Gallery Wednesday 2nd Saturday 26th, 10am - 4pm Ubuntu Demo Day. Linux-based operating system for home and office use. Talk to users, try it, install it and take it away. Free. University of Bath in Swindon, Oakfield Campus Monday 28th, 10am - 12pm Monthly Archivist Visit. Free consultations and advice with expert for researchers in local and family history.

Central Library. Tel: 463238 Wednesday 30th, 10am - 12.30pm Wroughton aerodrome, now home to and 1.30pm - 4pm the science museum 20th Century Airfields. Illustrated lecture charting the progress of aviation through airfields. University of Bath, Oakfield Campus.

Friday 4th, 7.40pm - 9.40pm Transcendentalism, Pragmatism and the Cracker-Barrel. Philosophy In Swindon. Speaker: Sean Hennessey. Everyone is welcome - turn up on the night. £2, students free. Arts Centre Wednesday 9th, 10am Bandits, Women and Souvenirs.

Thamesdown Probus Club talk.

Blunsdon House Hotel. Tel: Dan Dangerfield 763733 Thursday 10th, 7.15pm Queen Caroline - The Unwanted Queen. Wiltshire Family History Society Branch Meeting, speaker Paul Booy. Gorse Hill Community Centre.

Tel: 823632 Saturday 12th & 26th, 10am - 5pm Meet the Railway Workers who worked on the locomotives and in Swindon Works. Adult £6. STEAM, Museum, Kemble Drive. Tel: 466646 Monday 14th, 7.30pm Rail Talk. History of Great Western Railway by Dave Ellis. £2. Ellendune Community Centre, Wroughton.

Thursday 17th, 10.45am.

The future of rural churches. In order to survive, the church will need to find a new role within a changed rural community. Speaker Sir Roy Strong. Malmesbury Abbey.Tel: 01666 825019 Saturday 19th, 2pm - 5pm Wroughton and District Gardeners’ Show. Most classes open to enter.

Closing date for entries is 17 April.

Adult 50p/children free. Ellendune Centre, Wroughton. Tel: 814153

Finds Service. Wiltshire’s Finds Liaison Officer available to look at archaeological finds. Free. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery. Tel: 466556

FUNDRAISING

Friday 4th, 7.30pm SOL Fundraising Quiz Includes chilli and crumble supper, bring your own drinks Adults £10 Even Swindon Community Centre, Rodbourne. Tel: 330118 Saturday 12th, 12pm - 5pm Therapy and Pamper Day Individual taster sessions in aid of the Well Woman Clinic. £2 entry plus treatment fee Winners Lounge, Swindon Town Football Club. Tel: 511064 Saturday 26th April, 7.30pm Mayor’s Moonwalk Quiz Night Includes supper. Proceeds to Breakthrough Breast Cancer and Penny Brohn Cancer Care Teams of 6, £8.50 per person Oasis Leisure Centre.

Monday 28th, 2pm Charity Tea Dance Swindon U3A Dance Orchestra Prize Draw. Light refreshments available. £3 Gorse Hill CIU Club For details call 740263

21/3/08 11:33:52

Link pages 2008 imposed a-w:Link Pages 2008 a/w

19/3/08

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Page 3

WELCOME TO THE FIFTEENTH SWINDON FESTIVAL OF LITERATURE! 5 – 18 May 2008 Daffodils, dandelions, and flower-filled roundabouts apart, Spring in Swindon signals the start of the festival season.

First out of the blocks is the Festival of Literature!

Now that we have stretched our bodies out of winter slumber, let’s stretch our minds.

This year’s Festival offers entertainment, exploration, and ideas aplenty. It includes prize-winning novelists, poets, politicians, philosophers, scientists, storytellers, historians, film-makers, fairtrade-makers, artists, and activists. Ours is a festival that sets out to prove that when readers meet writers, and writers meet readers, enjoyable, interesting, serious, worthwhile, unpredictable, funny, and memorable things happen.

The Festival begins, as ever, with fun and the rising sun, at dawn on that high ridge overlooking the town in Lawn Woods – on the Spring Bank Holiday, Monday 5th May! And on each subsequent 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 one, should you have the stamina! For the full at-a-glance Festival diary, turn over the page.

And then, mark your own diary, so that from the 5th to the 18th May you know where to be, if you want to be meeting, greeting, hearing, talking, listening, and celebrating the world of words, with others!

Please read on, and come along.

MATT HOLLAND Festival Organiser

Swindon Festival of Literature, Lower Shaw Farm, Shaw, Swindon Wiltshire SN5 5PJ • Tel: 01793 771080 e-mail: litfest@lowershawfarm.co.uk Website: www.swindonfestivalofliterature.co.uk

5 – 18 May 2008

See over for full diary

Diary 2008

Dawn Chorus

Swindon Festival of Literature, Lower Shaw Farm, Shaw, e-mail: swindonlitfest@lowershawfarm.co.uk Bank Holiday 5th May

Friday 9th May

DAWN CHORUS 5.30am Lawn Woods, High Street, Old Town Tel 01793 771080

CHARLOTTE BREWER 12.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837

The BIG SCREEN Experience 12.30pm Wharf Green, Swindon Town Centre Tel 01793 771080

EDWARD MARSTON 7pm Highworth Library, Brewery Street Tel 01793 463500

THE BEAUTY OF BOOKS 6pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837 Man from Story Mountain – 5th

Tuesday 6th May MARION MOLTENO 12.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837 JOHNNIE WALKER 6.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837

Marion Molteno – 6th

STEVEN BERKOFF 8pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837

Wednesday 7th May BEE WILSON & NICKY BRITTEN 12.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837 Bee Wilson – 7th

LIU HONG 7pm West Swindon Library, Link Centre Tel 01793 465555 DAN KIERAN 6.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837

Virginia Ironside – 8th

Youth Slam! – 10th

A C GRAYLING 8pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837

BEN OKRI 8pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837

Saturday 10th May YOUTH SLAM! 11am Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837 SWINDON SLAM! 7.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road,Tel 01793 614837

Sunday 11th May ECO IDEAS & PRACTICES DAY 10am – 4pm Lower Shaw Farm, West Swindon Tel 01793 771080 TONGUE & GROOVE 7pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837

Monday 12th May

Thursday 8th May

LAURIE MAGUIRE 12.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837

VIRGINIA IRONSIDE 12.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837

KNITTING & KNOWING 7.30pm Lower Shaw Farm, West Swindon Tel 01793 771080

SALLY VARLOW 7pm Lydiard House, West Swindon Tel 01793 770401

BLOODAXE POETS MONIZA ALVI & IMTIAZ DHARKER 6.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837

TOM PAULIN 6.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837

Imtiaz Dharker – 12th

JOEL JOFFE 6.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837

ANDREW MOTION 8pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837

JOHN MILTON: His Paradise Lost?

LANCE PIERSON 8pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837

Swindon Festival of Literature, Lower Shaw Farm, Shaw, Swindon Wiltshire SN5 5PJ • Tel: 01793 771080 e-mail: swindonlitfest@lowershawfarm.co.uk Website: www.swindonfestivalofliterature.co.uk

5 – 18 May 2008

Swindon, Wiltshire SN5 5PJ • Tel: 01793 771080 Website: www.swindonfestivalofliterature.co.uk Tuesday 13th May

Diary 2008

MARINA LEWYCKA 6.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837

TRACING FAMILY HISTORY – MARY TURNER 12.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837

MARCUS du SAUTOY 8pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837

STARTING FAMILY HISTORY 3pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837 MIRANDA GLOVER 7pm North Swindon Library, District Centre Tel 01793 707120

Friday 16th May

Family History – 13th

MARTIN KEMP 12.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837 ELIZABETH WILSON 7.30pm Museum & Art Gallery, Bath Road Tel 01793 466556

RICHARD HOLMES 6.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837 DEATH & TAXES – MARCUS MOORE 8pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837

Wednesday 14th May

JUDY COOK 8.15pm Swindon Folksingers, Milton Road Social Club Tel 01793 521301

Barry Davies – 14th

POEMS & PINTS & MUSIC! 7.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837

Saturday 17th May

YOUR MANUSCRIPT & PUBLISHERS – CAROLINE TAGGART 12noon Richard Jefferies House & Museum, Coate Tel 01793 466454

STORYTELLING, RIDDLES, & POEMS with Matt Holland 11am Old Town Library, Victoria Road Tel 01793 616289

Marcus du Sautoy – 15th

SUSTAINABLE BUILDING 12.30pm National Trust, Heelis Tel 01793 817400

GLOBAL WARMING – BRIAN CLEGG 12.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837

ALLIANCE OF LITERARY SOCIETIES 2pm Holiday Inn, Coate Tel 01793 783040

BARRY DAVIES 7.30pm Swindon Town Football Club, County Ground Tel 01793 466454

Poems & Pints & Music! – 16th

THE SECRET GARDEN 2.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837

TIM SMIT 6.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837

HILLTOP STORYTELLING 6.30pm Round House, Barbury Castle Tel 01793 771080

JOHN PILGER 8pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837

LUCY PORTER 8.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837

Thursday 15th May

Sunday 18th May

SACRED SITES & DRUID DETECTIVES GEORGE WINGFIELD & PENNY BILLINGTON 12.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837

CHILDREN & FAMILIES DAY 10am Lower Shaw Farm, West Swindon Tel 01793 771080

Hilltop Storytelling – 17th

Festival Finale! – 18th

FESTIVAL FINALE! 7.30pm Town Hall, Regent Circus Tel 01793 601700

For full programme of events, telephone 01793 530328 or go to your nearest library, information or leisure centre.

DOMINIC WINTER

SPECIALIST BOOK AUCTIONEERS & VALUERS

Sunset at Lower Shaw Farm

These diary pages have been sponsored by

Link pages 2008 imposed a-w:Link Pages 2008 a/w

19/3/08

14:48

Page 2

JOHNNIE WALKER – from pirate ship to Radio 2 trip – in conversation with Shirley Ludford Presented in association with the Link Magazine From pirate radio to Buckingham Palace and an MBE and a broadcaster’s voice now known to millions, Johnnie Walker has a remarkable story to tell.

As a young man obsessed with music, Johnnie longed to move his contemporaries with the kind of beats he found irresistible. Deejaying in local dance halls and pubs around his childhood home in Solihull gave him a taste for playing his beloved music.

With luck and not a little front, he swung himself a slot on one of the newly-launched pirate radio stations, and his incredible career began. He even had a spell broadcasting out of Swindon; well, actually Wootton Bassett. His new autobiography now tells the full and extraordinary story.

ANDREW MOTION – the Poet Laureate presents poems, and looks at poetry in life and education Presented in association with the Swindon Division of the National Union of Teachers What part does poetry play in twenty-first century life? What part does it have in formal education? Are poems for everyone?

They are for us tonight.

Andrew Motion will look at the role of poetry, read and talk about his poems, and answer questions.

Appointed as Poet Laureate in May 1999, Andrew Motion is the author of numerous collections of poetry, an autobiography, and countless articles on the place of poetry in life. He has taught poetry at the University of Hull, edited Poetry Review, and runs the Creative Writing MA course at Royal Holloway. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.

BARRY DAVIES – on Interesting, Very Interesting, in conversation with Adver editor Dave King Sportsmen and women have an important job to do but so do those who comment on or describe their actions to a huge listening and viewing audience on radio and television. It’s a tricky job, sounding both relaxed and excited, ordinary but well-informed, impartial and interesting. Only the best athletes win and only a few commentators succeed and become the voice we want to hear on big sporting occasions.

The voice of Barry Davies is one of those. He has guided audiences through some of the most compelling moments in sport over the past 40 years, including 10 World Cup football finals, many Match of the Days, 10 Olympic Games, numerous Winter Olympics, and even the Boat Race. In his new autobiography, he looks back at everything from the Hand of God to crooked judges and commentary cock-ups. It’s interesting, very interesting, behind the scenes in the commentators’ box!

CHILDREN & FAMILIES DAY – with writing workshops; bookchases; story-walks; bookstart; bookstalls; bookish fun; and lots more to do, together!

Presented in association with the Lower Shaw Farm Children’s Project

10am – 12noon and 1pm – 3pm CREATIVE KIDS JUNGLE DEN! – for children from 5 – 12 years old, enter a magical jungle world and get creative: writing, drawing, shaping, making!

10am and all day BOOKCHASE in the HAYLOFT! A brand new game for all the family that tests more than mere book knowledge. In fact, the less you know, the more you might win! A brilliant, exciting, and fun experience from the clever minds of Art Meets Matter.

10am and all day – BOOKSTART STAND with BOOKSTART BEAR! Plus lots more from your library for children: Rhyme & Time Story Time; information about nursery education, and free Bookstart Packs for babies!

10.30am and other times. WILLOW DOME WRITING WORKSHOPS. Look, see, hear, and write with Community Poet Tony Hillier. Make poems, write stories, or even tell jokes! All ages welcome!

11am and other times STORYWALKS around the farm and by the campfire with Andrea, Claire, Melissa, or Matt, and maybe even Lou Lou the Lamb!

ALSO, on Children & Families Day at Lower Shaw Farm, there will be a TREASURE HUNT, TALKING with the ANIMALS, READING & WRITING TIME, WORD GAMES, an USBORNE BOOKS STAND, and maybe even a little bit of PLAY, ROPE SWINGING, and GIANT HAMMOCK JUMPING in the BIG BARN! Come, read, write, think, and have fun!

Johnnie Walker Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837 6.30pm • 6 May • £6 (£5)

Scratch Choir at the Dawn Chorus – see 5th

Andrew Motion Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837 8pm • 8 May • £7 (£6)

Audience at the Round House – see 17th

Barry Davies Swindon Town Football Club County Ground Tel 01793 466454 7.30pm • 14 May • £5 (£4)

Festival followers

Children & Families Day Lower Shaw Farm Old Shaw Lane West Swindon Tel 01793 771080 10am – 4pm • 18 May Entry charge for the day: £5 adult • £4 child Light refreshments available, but, if you like, bring a picnic!

Down at Lower Shaw Farm

Swindon Festival of Literature, Lower Shaw Farm, Shaw, Swindon Wiltshire SN5 5PJ • Tel: 01793 771080 e-mail: litfest@lowershawfarm.co.uk Website: www.swindonfestivalofliterature.co.uk

5 – 18 May 2008

See previous page for full diary

Swindon Wide

29

Zany singers want to hear like minded voices

Ten in a Bar, reputedly Swindon’s premier singing group, is looking for men and women to join them.

The band of voices is noted for its unusual and wide ranging repertoire, high quality singing, as well as its zany sense of humour and concerts for good causes.

If you enjoy singing unusual arrangements of popular classics including spine-tingling numbers, and of course, off the wall comic sketches, an audition with Ten in a Bar is just what you’re looking for.

They say you do not need to read music or have ever sung on stage before. If you are a creative person, they can do the rest. For details call musical director Jill Hodge on 740447.

Old Railway Museum pictures on show

A collection of photographs taken just before the opening of Swindon’s first Railway Museum in 1962 at the former GWR railway workers dormitory on Faringdon Road can be seen at West Swindon Library until 11 April.

Unofficial railway works photographer Roy Nash, 80, has delved into his vast archive to illustrate how the giant engines were moved on low loaders from the railway works to be slowly installed into the museum display hall.

Roy’s favourite image in his exhibition is taken from the driver’s point of view as the historic loco Lode Star made its way down County Road without the benefit of railway tracks.

Roy has mounted the exhibition because there is still a great deal of interest in the town’s railway history.

“It gives me a kick to be able to show off these pictures to the public,” he said.

More of Roy’s images can be seen at: www. swindonlink.com

A replica of Brunel’s broad guage engine wheels arriving at Faringdon Road from the railway works.They can now be seen at Steam, Museum of the Great Western Railway

SWINDON CYCLES

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With 250 bikes on show THE price is right THE parking is free

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21-52 April 08.indd 29

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21/3/08 11:34:16

30

swindonlink.com • April 2008

the bigger picture Hollywood beckons for Bobbi’s dancers

Organisers of an international dance festival spotted talented youngsters from West Swindon based Bobbi’s Academy of Dance in a London show last year and have invited them to take part in the Dance Excellence Festival in Los Angeles in 2009.

The academy specialises in from 23 American states and 26 freestyle dance and is one of other countries for a week of dance two UK schools to be invited to workshops.

Academy administrator Mandy California. They will join dancers

Williams said that there will be tremendous opportunities for the girls during the week-long event. “They will be able to audition for American

shows, compete for a scholarship and work with top Hollywood producers and choreographers in three days of workshops. And they will also showcase their talents in a performance at Disneyland.”

Girls from Bobbi’s Academy are no strangers to the West End, having taken to the stage at Saddlers Wells, Her Majesty’s Theatre and the Albert Hall. “Now they will be able to say that they have auditioned for Hollywood producers,” said Mandy. “We are highly honoured to be asked.”

The school is stepping up to the challenge of raising £26,000 to take sixteen girls plus ten chaperones to LA. A series of fundraising events is planned including bag packs, a curry night at the Bombay Lounge and a show at the Arts Centre.

“I screamed out loud when we were given the letter saying we had the chance to go to California; it’s amazing,” said Melissa Treen. “We really want to go and will be working hard to raise the money.”

Look out for Bobbi’s girls or to find out how to donate to their dream trip, call Mandy on 07900 930506.

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21-52 April 08.indd 30

21/3/08 11:34:38

FANTASTIC CHINESE CUISINE AT TWO GREAT VENUES www.swindonrendezvous.co.uk

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A fantastic new restaurant offering the best in oriental cuisine All You Can Eat Menu

Sunday & Tuesday to Thursday: £16 per person Fridays & Saturdays: £19 per person

Sunday lunch £12.50 all you can eat Private dining room for up to 20 guests Private free parking after 5pm (George Whites yard opposite)

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21-52 April 08.indd 31

Reserve a table for your birth date

Free Bottle of wine

If a table is booked for 6 or more the birthday boy or girl eats for free (For example 5 pay and 1 eats for free.

Birthday must be on actual day booked.

(Only valid on all you can eat or any set dinner.

I.D. will be required)

Book a table for 4 and receive a FREE BOTTLE OF WINE for every 4 guests (Offer only available on all you can eat and set menu, please present this voucher when ordering.)

21/3/08 12:53:18

32

swindonlink.com • April 2008

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Schwarzkopf Bonacure Gift Sets Incl. shampoo, conditioner & treatment

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Does my bum look big in this?

Healthy ambitions for fitness trainer

Starting out on a Youth Training Scheme, Ian Baker from Haydon Wick could never have imagined how far he could go in the fitness industry.

Sixteen years later, after training year was employed by a chain of at Swindon College and working leisure clubs in India to bring their for Swindon Council in a variety staff up to date with his upbeat and of roles, including Youth Fitness innovative classes.

Ian said that when he arrived Development Officer, Ian set up his in India, the style of fitness trainown company: BPM Active.

He has become well known on ing was reminiscent of school PT the national fitness circuit and last classes from the 1950s. “I wasn’t around then, but it Ian, teaching the importance of stretching seemed that I was to fitness students in India watching an old film when I went into the first class; lots of emphasis on repetition and muscle building.

“I set out to teach them the wow factor. The people in my classes were fantastic and very willing to learn. It was a great opportunity to teach in a different culture.”

Back in the UK, BPM Active provides health and fitness training with a fresh approach and up to the minute classes, including fitness hula hooping and Bollywood dancing, as well as innovative step and Players wanted aerobics.

Shaw FC under 11s are already preIan aims to become a major player paring for the next football season in the fitness convention scene, and want to sign up new players who showcasing presenters and new are under 11 on 1 September. ideas across the country. “There has The squad practises on Fridays, never been a better time to exercise; 6.15pm to 7.30pm, at Greendown there are so many things to do.”

School in Grange Park. For details He continues to promote health call Andy Phillips on 871044. and fitness for young people through BPM Active’s Group X Fitness Programmes for schools or Black belt demo youth groups which feature the latInternationally renowed Taekwon- est trends, such as fitness cheerleadDo instructor Lawrence Sanchez is ing, urban funk and soccer jam. giving black belt demonstration at To contact Ian about training prothe Link Centre on 9 April. See the grammes, call 0773 242 7882. advert on page 35 for details. www.bpmactive.co.uk

Private Consultations - Available Now Pink Gym (members only) - Mondays 5.30pm - 7.00pm Freshbrook Community Centre - Tuesdays 10.30am - Noon Rodbourne Cheney Primary School - Fridays 6.00pm - 9.00pm Tregoze Primary School - Saturdays 10.30am - 1.00pm

Time to shape up for Summer!

To book your Initial Consultation or for more info Call Lisa your local Cambridge Counsellor on:

Tel: 01793 320444 Photos: Lisa Curtis Cambridge Diet Counsellor covering Swindon & surrounding areas

21-52 April 08.indd 32

21/3/08 11:37:21

swindonlink.com • April 2008

ADVANCED REFLEXOLOGIST Mrs Lesley Taylor MCFHP, MAFHP, MIIR, MAR

Corns, Calluses, Verrucas, Thick Nail or Heal Pain Call Freephone 0808 108 8545 or 01793 849914 Clinic at 113 High Street Wootton Bassett

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Registered member of the British Association of Foot Health Professionals

■ Home visit service ■ Routine foot and nail care, fungal infections, thickened nails, corns, calluses, verruca, hard skin removal, foot massage ■ Day, evening and Saturday appointments

Tel: 01793 348004 or 07789 542282 I.T.E.C.(dip), I.I.H.H.T Qualified member of the International Council of Holistic Therapists

• Reflexology • Relaxing Massage • Remedial Massage Therapy • Eastern Head Massage • Hopi Ear Candling • Reiki Healing

Deborah Goodge Call today: 01793 870426 Nine Elms, Swindon www.holistic-therapy-clinic.co.uk

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE

33

DO YOUR FEET NEED CARE AND ATTENTION? ROBERT S TAYLOR

Corns • Calluses Verruca • Foot massage Nail infections Thickened skin & nails Medical pedicure

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For all your foot care needs: Pedicure, corns, calluses verrucas, thickened nails Nail Infections.

Foot Health Checks and Foot Massage Home visit service Evening appointments

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Banish fears, phobias, anxiety, stress and mental/emotional blocks holding you back with Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) See web site for details of Reiki courses, workshops, gift vouchers & special offers

Reiki Master/Teacher, EFT Practitioner/Trainer & Holistic Therapy Lecturer

t: 01793 871410 m: 07720 635761 www.cherriannmatthews.co.uk

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YOGA CLASSES Haydon Wick Mon: 6.30 - 7.30pm (Beginners) Cricklade Mon: 7.30 - 8.45pm Priory Vale Tues: 7.30 - 9pm

Details of all classes from Dawn Morse BSc (Hons) on 700659 www.achievesuccess.uk.com

21-52 April 08.indd 33

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21/3/08 11:40:39

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swindonlink.com • April 2008

Have a knock

Take to the pool in aid of charity

Croquet is by no means the sedate The annual mass Swimathon is set for Link Centre pool from 17 to game it’s made out to be; it’s been 20 April. described as chess with hammers.

Now in its 22nd year, the national thon Foundation which promotes Swindon Croquet Club launches event will again be helping Marie the benefits of physical activity its outdoor season on the club lawns Curie Cancer Care and the Swima- through swimming. at Moredon on 12 April where Call into Link Centre members will be showing off their reception for a leaflet or deadly techniques used to outdo register to take part at: opponents. www.swimathon.org There are ‘come-and-try’ evewww.mariecurie.org.uk nings on Tuesday and Wednesday Left, Olympic medalist Duncan throughout the summer. For details Goodhew and Olympic hopeful call John Airey on 873026.

Chris Jones A course for seniors will start on • Chris from Ash Brake 12 May. To book a place call Carole takes part in Olympic trials Jones on 514401. in April.

Crazy weather forces Mad March Hare move to 30 March

Heavy overnight rain forced the postponement of the Mad March Hare run, power walk and family fun run in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer on Sunday 16 March.

“But the condiPart of the route through Lydiard Park was under water and the 350 tions did not give us participants had to be told that it a choice.”

Keen runner Arhad been rearranged for 30 March.

The 60 volunteer marshalls who thur Beltrami, 73, ran mark out and supervise the course from his home in The Prinnells sporting his were also asked to return.

Breakthrough branch chair- number to meet up woman Shirley Garman said vol- with seven members unteer spirits had bounced back of his family who were quickly. “We were all down when taking part. “They we arrived; it was the first time we’d were all coming up organised such a major event and from Trowbridge, but had been planning the Mad March the organisers had to consider safety first.

Hare for a year.

We’ll all turn up on 30 March.”

“One moment I MMH organisers letting go of their frustrations on 16 was in tears and then • One to one Personal Training at the studio or your home March laughing when I ar• Exercise programmes to follow at home and the gym It is sponsored and supported by rived at Greendown in the rain,” • Nutrition & weight management advice said committee member Eunice Swindon Link magazine, Les Slinn • Lifestyle checks Salmon. “Everybody had worked Fitness, the Big Adventure Store, • Running Club FITNESS CLASSES so hard over the last year, but you Doves Farm Organics, Greendown Motivation Monday 12.30-13.15 FITBALL Community School, Triumph Incan’t do much about floods.”

Tuesday 12.30-13.15 SALSA Confidence “After all that preparation, let’s ternational, Swindon Council, and 18.00-18.45 SALSA Weight Loss say we had a good dry run,” said received a lottery grant.

Wednesday 13.00-13.45 YOGA De-Stress committee member Margaret • The Link is distributed on the weekThursday 12.15-12.45 CORE Look Good end of the MMH so if you receive this Nicholson.

Friday 12.30-13.15 BODY TONE The Mad March Hare is organised in time, go along and support the Feel Great in memory of Irene Hare, a stalwart runners and Breakthrough Breast Unit 86, Basepoint, Rivermead Drive, SN5 7EX of the Swindon Twin Peaks mara- Cancer at Lydiard Park on Sunday Email: lslinn@supanet.com Tel: 01793 703156 thon walking team who died of 30 March. Runs, walks and family fun runs start at 10am. breast cancer in 2006. www.lspersonaltraining.com

PERSONAL

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21-52 April 08.indd 34

SATURDAY 26 APRIL: IN-STORE BROOKS FREE GAIT ASSESSMENT DAY, SHOE FITTING & ADVICE

www.thebigadventurestore.com

We cater for triathlon, running & adventure racing!

• Mizuno, Brooks, New Balance, Saucony, asics • Issac, Cube • Video gait analysis • Free parking

20/3/08 17:42:17

swindonlink.com • April 2008

35

Basketball player aims for NBA but could become jet ski world champ

Spencer Wells is known as ‘the machine’ at Greendown School because the 16 year old spends every break and lunch time shooting hoops and perfecting his court skills.

Xtreme Freestyle Technology in the England Under His target is to Brazil, in April to test out a new jet 18s squad: he has play for the National ski they are preparing for him. been invited to trials Basketball AssociaSpencer is also sponsored by Old in May. He currently tion in the USA and Town Engineering and Booth & plays for South West hopes to spend a Son Welding in Purton but would England U18s, Soyear in an American appreciate any additional offers lent Kestrels U16s prep school from of sponsorship to help with exin Southampton and September next year. penses. To see him in action, type Swindon Sonics.

To support him in in Spencer Jetski on YouTube.

Spencer’s talents his career, the whole Potential sponsors can contact are not limited to family may make the Danny Wells at: wells970@btintbasketball. He is a move to the States if ernet.com world class jetskier his dad, Danny can Left, Spencer going to the edge on his and was runner up obtain a work visa. jetski in the World Free“His dream is to style Championplay basketball for a ships in 2007. This living and he trains every day without fail to achieve year’s event takes place in the US in October and Spencer is aiming this dream,” said Danny.

Before he heads for the States, for the number one spot. In prepathere could be a place for Spencer in ration, he will visit his sponsors,

Kids take over Link Centre

Paralympic judo champion Ian Rose joined 200 children from special schools across the town for an Activity Access Extravaganza at Link Centre at the end of February.

The event organised by Swindon Council and supported by the Royal National Institute for the Blind offered a range of activities including trampolining, fencing, croquet, ice skating, snooker, climbing, dance and football.

Above, Ian Rose and the Mayor Michael Barnes compare metalwork with Shannon Wells and Jack Haydon

ATC cadet to march 100 miles for a bus

Greendown student, Alex Cole, will march 25 miles a day for four consecutive days to raise funds for a new mini bus for ATC 1244 Squadron and to support his school’s work in South Africa.

Alex, 14, has been training hard with his team mates from the Upham Road unit as they prepare for the gruelling Nijmegen Marches in July. Each weekend they cover a greater distance, building up to a qualifying weekend in April where they will complete two 25 miles marches to be given a place.

The largest walking event in the world centres on Holland’s oldest town Nijmegen and attracts over 40,000 entrants each year. The marches began in 1909 to improve the stamina of Dutch soldiers and have become world famous as a test of endurance with a carnival atmosphere.

21-52 April 08.indd 35

Alex will take part as a civilian, carrying water and a first aid kit to cope with the inevitable blisters en route.

Older members of the squadron will march in the even more challenging military event, requiring them to carry a 10kg backpack. There won’t be much comfort at the end of each day as they will camp out in sports and community halls.

“I don’t know what to expect,” said Alex. “I’ve heard that it’s friendly and it’s a really festive time with everyone cheering you on.

When I joined the cadets at the end of 2005 I set myself some goals and Nijmegen has been something I’ve wanted to do for some time.”

The Swindon School of

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Black Belt Demonstration Wed 9th April, 7.15pm

For more information, contact: Mr J Jones II Dan (I.T.F) (School Secretary)

Tel: 07795 355250

20/3/08 17:43:17

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swindonlink.com • April 2008

Knitters lend a hand to keep bear paws warm

74 Basepoint, Rivermead Drive, Swindon

Professional friendly service in a large modern salon for every aspect of your dog’s grooming needs Collection & delivery service Appointments not always necessary

Ring Denise on 01793 608747 or 07866 507633 www.hairofthedoguk.net

Animal lover Sarah Chilvers from Peatmoor has been utterly inundated with offers of help since appealing in the March Link for knitters to keep rescued Moon Bears warm.

Jill Robinson, founder of the char- readers have been brility Animals Asia, put out an SOS liant,” she said. “I had after a dramatic drop in temperature callers as soon as the at her bear sanctuary in southern magazine came out; China. When the bears rescued from within two weeks nearly cruel bile farms are anaesthetised 40 people were knitting for check-ups and surgery it is vital and I had to start telling to maintain their body temperature people that I had enough and Jill asked supporters around for the time being.”

From the sanctuary the world if they could make some in Southern China, Jill super-size mittens.

Unable to knit herself, Sarah Robinson already has contacted The Link and was over- around 200 mittens in all whelmed by the response. “The shapes, colours and patterns and hundreds more are on the way. In her web site blog, she wrote, ETS T OME “they are all so lovely A Moon Bear with toasty paws in the Animals Asia surgery, being looked after by volunteer vets and they represent the Worried who will look incredible support we have around some on to other groups that care after your pet whilst the world. If the mittens keep ar- for bears. Thank you to all who are you’re on holiday? riving, we may look at forwarding helping us.”

P

A H

Pets At Home could be your answer 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

Telephone Sheila Mitchell for further details on 01793 873062 email: sm4hannahlightfoot@talktalk.net

With the help of Chocolate on Chocolate, the specialist Somerset mail-order company, we can relieve your cravings.

Win an emergency supply from their Chocolate Pharmacy range at www.swindonlink.com Competition ends 9 April.

Compassion - for you and your pet Communication - we listen

Asda West Swindon gets ready to withdraw free plastic bags

Continuity - of care throughout your pet’s life Cost - good value, great offers

Convenience - a clinic near you Car parking - plenty!

62 - 64 Purton Road Swindon SN2 2LZ (end of Akers Way) Tel: 01793 526780 Open: Monday to Friday, 9am - 6.30pm Saturday 9am - 12noon

Get Ready For Summer Free weight and lifestyle assessments

24 Hour Emergency Service. Tel: 01793 526780 www.thameswoodvets.co.uk

21-52 April 08.indd 36

Friday 13 June: Jill Robinson will start her UK speaking tour in Swindon with a gala evening at the Pagoda Palace, Peatmoor. Her talk about the foundation’s work in China and Vietnam will be followed by a vegetarian banquet and entertainment from a Tina Turner tribute act, an auction with MC Paul Martin of ‘Flog It’ and a disco. Tickets cost £35. To book a place or a table, call Sarah Chilvers on 07866 519232.

Emergency notice for anybody suffering post-Easter chocolate withdrawal symptoms

“Making life better for you and your pet” Care - always

Thameswood Veterinary Clinic

Fundraising for Moon Bear Rescue

Tuesday 15 April: Charity curry night at the Bombay Lounge. Profits from the restaurant and takeaways will be donated to Animals Asia.

Call 887799 to book a table.

A trial at West Swindon Asda has been so successful that the company has announced that it will remove free plastic bags from all its checkouts nationwide from June.

In January, free plastic carriers February because of problems with were taken away from the end of storing single-use bags under the checkouts at the West Swindon checkout. They are to be refitted store; one of six Asda supermarkets with bag storage under the counter to trial the ‘bag on request’ scheme. and strong display hangers for the In a drive to change shoppers’ hab- bags for life.

“There weren’t many complaints its, customers are asked whether they have their own reusable bags although one or two customers and, if not, whether they would like thought it unfair to have to buy bags,” said Bev. “We explained that to buy a Bag for Life.

If customers need free bags, it was a one off purchase.”

An Asda HQ spokesman comthey are available but are kept out of sight under the counter. “The mented, “as a company we are response has been really positive looking to reduce carrier bag use by and sales of reusable bags have been 25 per cent. In West Swindon, we very good,” said customer services have seen a 1,000 per cent increase in purchases of bags for life; the early manager Bev Tyler.

Free bags temporarily reap- signs of customer support for this peared at the end of checkouts in policy are encouraging. “

20/3/08 17:43:38

swindonlink.com • April 2008

African education for Swindon councillor

TILING

In just over a year, Ethiopia has become a second home to West Swindon councillor Garry Perkins who fell in love with the country after taking up an invitation to learn more about their education system.

Since his first visit in March 2007 rote learning, with children sitting small amounts could keep them in pens and pencils: hopefully I can he has returned on six times, set- on benches facing the teacher.

Garry has become passionate make a difference.” ting up a business and becoming He would like to become ininvolved with an orphanage. The about the country which does not Swindon Council cabinet member live up to television images of fam- volved at a broader level in educafor Children Services says there is ine and scorched earth. Almost 90 tion in Ethiopia and hopes to armuch to be learned from Ethiopia per cent of the country is green and range a meeting with the Ethiopian where the school system is remi- fertile and exports include coffee, Minister for Education on his next niscent of the situation in the UK flowers and beef. Now undergoing visit in July. an industrial revolution, he says the For more information and/ in the 1950s. country, known as the or to offer money to support the birthplace of mankind, orphanage or donate educational could take the lead in the materials, mail: ecp@swindon1. development of Africa. fsnet.co.uk China is investing heavily in the country to secure raw material resources, there is a masProfessional, experienced tiler.

Specialist in all aspects of the trade. sive programme of road • walls and floors • kitchens building and develop• bathrooms • conservatories ment of industrial esCall Leon for a free, tates. Garry immediately no obligation quote on: saw there was a shortage 01793 524147 or 07919 255673 of engineering and infrastructure maintenance back up. As the owner PRIMARY COLOURS Children in the orphanage supported by Garry of an electrical engineerPainting & Decorating He was invited to see the coun- ing company in Swindon, he has Services try’s schools after a chance meeting started up a business in Ethiopia to • Internal & external work with an Ethiopian ex-pat whilst make electrical control equipment • Competitive rates visiting his son in Dubai. Having in local factories.

• Professional and reliable Garry has also become involved heard about the excellent stanTel: 01793 828547 dards of education in Ethiopia, with an orphanage in the capital Mobile: 07736 847597 Garry seized the opportunity to Addis Ababa which cares for 140 see for himself. He was struck by children, and recently paid to rethe value placed on education and place the building’s tin roof, but is the children’s willingness to learn, planning to rebuild it entirely. He even though their schools are short said, “I felt that in my position, I had of resources. Teaching is often by to do something to help. Relatively

37

Riddler’s Cottage Flowers

Old Shaw Lane, West Swindon Fresh flowers for every occasion weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, or just to say ‘I love you.’

Call Lesley Dredge on 772869 or 07743 504415

PILATES Total Lifestyle Coaching

A slow controlled exercise programme to improve posture, strength, flexibility and mobility; reduces stress and tension.

Wyvern Theatre - Thursday Lunchtime 12.10pm & 1.10pm (40min classes) Purton-Silverthreads Hall – Thursday 6.30pm & 7.45pm

Class numbers limited to ensure individual support. To arrange for a FREE TASTER, call SHAUNA on 01793 752353.

L. J. TILING

ANYTHING TRANSFERRED ONTO DVD DISC Specialist in Cine Film Transfer, Camcorder Tapes, VHS Tapes, Camcorder Discs We collect and deliver over a wide area

T: 01793 705333 / M: 07831 575758 PO Box 2079, Manvers St, Bath BA1 3TJ

PS PAINTING & DECORATING No job too small • Free estimates

Also general maintenance Call Phil on 724541 Mobile: 07790 102280

Paradise Pets Ltd

Gambia collection continues

Former Westlea Primary School headteacher Neil Griffiths is appealing for books, pencils, crayons and money for pre-schools in the Gambian town of Gunjur.

Neil Griffiths, now a children’s author and an education consultant promoting Story Sacks worldwide, has made a ten year commitment to work with pre-schools in the town and help with teacher training.

He is sending a container of educational supplies in June and will be returning to Gambia with money to improve education. For example £25 pays for one child’s education for a year, £10 pays for 150 dinners.

See Neil’s Project Gambia wish list at www.cornertolearn.co.uk or call Corner to Learn on 421168 to make a donation.

21-52 April 08.indd 37

Your local pet store supplying top quality pets.

Birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, Wiltshire’s st speciali largest store. gerbils, reptiles and lots more. pet soon Visit us Food and accessories for all your pets Manor Garden Centre, Cheney Manor, Swindon

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Mon - Fri: 9am-5pm; Sat: 10am-5pm Sun & Bank Holidays 10.30am-4pm

Tel: 01793 512400

www.paradisepetsswindon.co.uk

20/3/08 17:43:57

38

swindonlink.com • April 2008

Ken’s big climb for epilepsy

Epilepsy sufferer Ken Kimber, from Peatmoor, will be donning his walking boots in May to climb Ben Nevis, to boost awareness and raise money for Epilepsy Action.

“Sufferers can respond to differ- to be carried out for doctors to be Father of two teenagers Ken was now travel to work at a school in ent things, such as flashing lights, confident of such procedures. diagnosed with epilepsy in 2001 Devizes.

Ken’s big climb takes place on 10 As a registered member of diet, during times of particular and initially struggled with what to many is an invisible disability. Epilepsy Action, Ken has become hormonal change or often, stress. May. Coach holiday company PS He had to surrender his driving acutely aware of the needs of suf- These can cause seizures which can Travel, based near Bristol, have allicence while his condition was ferers. “Epilepsy is an illness that be a very frightening experience for ready promised a £100 contribution. investigated, which meant chang- can affect anyone, at any age and both the sufferer and their friends To sponsor him online, see: www. ing his teaching job to one within from any walk of life,” he said. “Six and family. For some sufferers they justgiving.com/kenkimber out of ten people with epilepsy have are a daily occurrence, unmanaged Swindon.

Living with a far milder form of no known cause for their disability. and uncontrolled. “ Curry night in aid of Epilepsy Action is raising money the disability than other sufferers, Further research needs to be made Epilepsy Action and thanks to medication, Ken is into how hereditary the condition to support sufferers with advice Ken has also booked a charity night helplines, dedicated nurses and able to live a normal life and can is, and into what triggers it off. specialised publications. Some can at the Bombay Lounge restaurant be treated through surgery, but as at Peatmoor Village Centre on 7 the illness is localised within the April. Call 887799 to book a table brain, much more research needs to support the charity.

Sounds of Oz at Orchid Vale

www.chipsaway-sven.co.uk

MOBILE CAR SERVICING & REPAIRS ★ Electronic tuning ★ Welding ★ Electrical work ★ MoTs arranged (no re-test fee)

For a reliable local service with over 25 years experience (No VAT to pay)

CALL GRAHAM ON (01793) 873045 or 07867 556350

MOBILE CAR REPAIRS • • • • • • • •

Servicing Repairs Brakes Exhausts M.O.T. Free call out No VAT Engine diagnostics

SLATER’S MOBILE SERVICES

Tel: 079999 44262

GARY VARDY Motorcycle Repairs Servicing & Tuning 30 years experience Factory trained Honda • Suzuki Kawasaki • Yamaha

Call (01793) 481008 Mob: 07787 183719 Unit 91, Pembroke Centre, Cheney Manor Estate, Swindon

FIAT & ALFA ROMEO ✶ All cars welcome ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶

cam belt replacement engine & gearbox repairs & rebuilds electrical fault code reading MOT repairs Air-Con service £58.75 vehicle sales inc. VAT servicing to light commercials

Tel: (01793) 840667

21-52 April 08.indd 38

I N D E P E N D E NT

BMW & MERCEDES SPECIALISTS • Fixed Price Service & Inspection • Full Diagnostic Service • Full Air Conditioning Service

Open 8.30am 5.30pm

Call for friendly advice, reliable service & quotes. All major credit & debit cards

OPTIMA MOTORS

A class topic about Australian Aboriginals led Year One pupils at Orchid Vale on a trail of discovery, ending up with a special visitor who showed them all how to have a blast with a didgeridoo.

Children from Bumblebee class began their studies by hearing a tale about how the instrument was discovered by an Aboriginal warrior trying to blow termites out of a hollow branch.

They went on to learn about the Aboriginal story of creation, Dreamtime, and another traditional tale about the Rainbow Bird explaining where fire comes from.

To get a true taste of Australia, the youngChris Wholeland with didgeridoo players sters tried out recipes for lamingtons, Anzac biscuits and There was also time to hear anchocolate crackle cakes. other traditional tale from Chris and Chris Wholeland, the didgeridoo to marvel at the animal noises he man, led a lively and noisy session can produce using the didgeridoo, and brought enough instruments which provided the soundtrack for for everyone to have a go. All the a game of animal statues. children managed to make some Inspired by the workshop, the sort of noise trying to match Chris youngsters painted their own Abfor holding a long note. original art banners.

39A Station Road, Wootton Bassett (Opposite St Ivel)

PC AUTOCARE

01793 772542 Unit 1, Bagbury Park, Lydiard Millicent

20/3/08 17:44:28

swindonlink.com • April 2008

39

Be a bigger winner with Age Concern Swindon “The sooner you’re in the sooner you could win,” says Jo Osorio of Age Concern Swindon.

The Age Concern Weekly Lottery guarantees 1,000 winners each week with a first prize of £2,000, and smaller amounts for runner ups.

And from April there is a jackpot winner of £50,000 each quarter.

All lottery profits help fund the work of the Age Concern charity and in Swindon it raises funds for support services such as home visits, information and advice and advocacy for older people.

For details call Ann Hurcomb at Age Concern Swindon on 692166. www.ageconcern.org.uk/weeklylottery

Forefront makes first year impact

House sellers using Forefront have saved over £400,000 by avoiding agency commission based on the selling price.

Since launching the no frills estate agency a year ago, Tristan Brown, rights, has taken instruction on properties with a total value of £53 million and sold 126 homes.

An independent survey of sale boards across the town showed that Forefront is already sixth in the market place.

And Tristan attributes the speed of Forefront’s success to his advertisement on the front page of The Link. “It definitely has lifted business; the magazine has a great reputation and I see it there on the coffee table in every house I visit.”

Located at Basepoint Business Centre, West Swindon, the agency keeps overheads low and charges flat fees of only £400 on instruction and £400 on completion. Tristan reckons the slow down in the housing market is working to his advantage. “If people are dropping their asking price they realise they may as well come to us as they will save thousands in agency fees.”

One of the highlights of his year was saving a seller over £6,000 in four hours. The Abbey Meads property sold for £350,000 on the same day it was listed; other agents had wanted to charge 1.75% plus VAT. He said, “it’s been a brilliant year seeing the idea work and being my own boss. It’s been harder than I thought it would be but enjoyable; I’ve got a good team with me.”

See the ad on the front page if you’re thinking of moving home.

21-52 April 08.indd 39

SLUGCLEAR ADVANCED PELLETS 700G

6X ORGANIC CHICKEN MANURE 8KG

£4.99

only

REC PRICE

£3.99 OUR PRICE £1.99

VITAX COMPOST MAKER 2.5KG

J ARTHUR BOWER BOWERS MULTIPURPOSE COMPOST 70LTR

£2.49

£3.99, or 3 for only £10

only

PROVADO ULTIMATE BUG KILLER 1LTR READY TO USE

WE HAVE AN EXTENDED SELECTION OF OLD FASHIONED ROSES

only

from

£3.99

FULL SIZE GRO BAGS 5 for only

£4.95

These will look lovely in mixed borders.

HILLS SCIENCE PLAN DOG all 15kg bags save £5 on RRP

SUPA RABBIT EXCEL DELUXE 10kg only 15kg only

£7.49.

£7.99 £11.50

FREE PARKING AVAILABLE

SEE OUR HUGE RANGE OF GLAZED, TERRACOTTA & EARTHENWARE POTS. Embossed “Warm” Terracotta Pot 3 designs 30cm to 36cm high only

£9.99

Glazed Pot New designs & colours 44cm diam x 33cm high only

£19.99

(01793) 771766 toomers.co.uk

Stone Lane, Lydiard Millicent, Swindon.

Open Monday to Saturday 8.30am-5.30pm Sunday 10.30am - 4.30pm.

Open Bank Holiday. Most major credit cards accepted.

NOW ON-SITE THE GARDEN CENTRE IDEALLY SITUATED FOR ABBEY MEADS AND WEST SWINDON

Telephone :01793 772866 / 07977 486471

21/3/08 11:41:54

40

swindonlink.com • April 2008

KUDOS FENCING SUPPLIES LTD. Kudos

To Purton From M4 J16 & West Swindon Wootton Bassett

.

...

...

...

... .......

To Brinkworth

......

.... ....

..

...

.

● All

fencing ● Gates ● Chain link

● Trellis ● Decking ● Tools ● Fixings ● Cement ● Trade

& DIY welcome

Tel: 01793 855800 Unit 23 & 24 Oaklands Enterprises Ind. Est. Braydon, Swindon

TWIGS can be found at Manor Garden Centre, Cheney Manor, Swindon.

Tel. 523294 www.richmondfellowship.org.uk/twigs

GAZEBO LANDSCAPING

Highworth Landscapes

GENERAL GARDEN MAINTENANCE & CONSTRUCTION

Electrical & Building Services Est. 1977

Patios • Paths Block paving • Drives All walling inc. natural stone Lighting • Decking Fencing • Pergolas All types of water features Tel/fax 01793 764362 Mobile: 07860 762339

PAVECLEAR Driveway, Paving and Patio Cleaning For a Free no-obligation quote call:

01793 701741 www.paveclear.co.uk

• Fencing - closeboard, panels etc.

• Drives and patios - slabs, concrete, shingle • Patio cleaning, grass cutting, gardens tidied up • Turfing and grass seeding • Ponds & pergolas Contact: 01793 692687 Mobile: 07711 253508 Quality products & workmanship

Gardeners get going in Haydon Wick

Some of the young gardeners at Haydonleigh

D.A. DRIVEWAYS & PATIOS LTD ❐ Block Paving ❐ Landscaping ❐ Fencing ❐ Decorative Stone ❐ General Maintenance For a professional and affordable service, free consultation and written quotation

Tel: 01793 878062 or 07866 523898

LTD

B L U E P R I NT GARDEN DESIGN

Est. 1987

Patios, Block Paving, Walling, Fencing, Close Board, Gates, Decking, Tree Work, Turfing, Building and Property Developing.

Portfolio and Client Testimonials Available

Office/Fax: 01793 827117 Mobile: 07790 922081

21-52 April 08.indd 40

Gardens are needed for this year’s Open Gardens in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer on 14 and 15 June.

Over the last few years most of the gardens have been in the Old Shaw Lane and Nine Elms area. But organisers Lesley and Ray Dredge are appealing for more people across West and North Swindon to open up and show off their gardening talents.

To find out how your hard work can earn money for a good cause, contact Lesley on 772869 or: rdredge1@toucansurf.com

Green fingers are itching at Haydonleigh Primary School as youngsters get ready to plant up their new vegetable garden.

The Food for Life Partnership parents, grandparents and teachers Flagship School is committed to had worked hard over the winter to getting children and parents in a prepare the new organic vegetable ‘garden to table’ project and this garden with advice from the Soil Asyear the children will be planting a sociation. “We planted an orchard brand new vegetable garden. in the Autumn and everybody has Last year’s small patch, right been working hard to get the vegoutside the school kitchen, has etable garden ready, though all the been dedicated to growing herbs to rain recently has not helped. make it easier for head cook Karen “The children love the hot meals McFadyan and her colleagues to prepared in the kitchen and it really step outside to pick garnish for the makes a difference when they know home cooked dishes. some of the ingredients were grown Headteacher Helena Stevens said in their garden.”

LYDIARD LANDSCAPES

Free estimates

Show off your work

Spring open day at special garden

TWIGS - Therapeutic Work in Gardening Swindon - opens up on Sunday 27 April, 11am to 4pm, in conjunction with National Beanpole Week, Swindon & District Beekeepers Association and FAB (Flowers and Butterflies).

• Discover creative ways to use hazel for beanpoles, rustic arches, plant supports and clothes props; • Explore the themed gardens and buy plants to take home; • Buy handcrafted items made in the on-site studio, as well as planters and a range of items produced using recycled material; • See The Haven butterfly wildflower area; • Enjoy the peace in the replica iron-age roundhouse; • Relax on the patio with homemade refreshments and live music; • Try the Jack and the Beanstalk children’s activities.

Director: Nicholas Garner

Fully insured

All types of garden work undertaken from maintenance to full landscaping. Modern & traditional garden design including: Fencing & Decking • Qualified Tree Surgeon Shed, Summerhouse & Garden Room Construction Garden Clearance • Local Family Business Have your garden ready for the summer Contact us now for a FREE quotation

Tel: 07788 582843

Email: blueprintdesign@ntlworld.com

21/3/08 11:42:24

swindonlink.com • April 2008

Landscape & Garden Specialists Patios, Driveways, Fencing, Turfing, Bricklaying and General Maintenance

1st Premier Landscaping

Chelworth Landscapes

Fencing & Garden Maintenance

• Fencing and gates Closeboard, trellis, panels, picket, chainlink, security etc

• Landscaping Shingle, paving, water features, turfing and planting

• Garden maintenance

For all your creative needs

Grasscutting, tree and shrub pruning, clearance etc.

07876 232776

For free quotation phone (01793) 702029

47 Worsley Road, Freshbrook, Swindon

LANDSERVE

Garden Maintenance & Landscaping

Professional care for your garden Grass Cutting - regular maintenance Landscaping - Patios & Paving - repairs & cleaning Hedge Cutting & Pruning

No Job Too Small. All works insured

Call Martin Emery MI Hort. for free quotation

on 01793 703306 or Mobile 07771 956294

www.chelworthlandscapes.co.uk

GARDEN MAGIC RHS Exhibitor 2005 RHS Silver Medal 2006 Professional design & landscaping service Hand drawn imaginative and individual designs.

Plant plans for colour and interest

FOR A FREE CONSULTATION CALL JILL BLACKWOOD ON: 01793 322880 MOBILE: 07951014119. e-mail gillian.blackwood@ntlworld.com www.jillblackwoodgardendesign.co.uk

FREETH GARDENING SERVICES LTD EST 1990

Lawn & garden maintenance Hedge cutting & planting Tree planting & pruning Weeding & much more

Tel: 01793 486507 Mob: 077382 98004

willslatergardencare@hotmail.com

❖ Landscaping ❖ Fencing and gates supplied and erected ❖ Trees pruned and felled ❖ Rubbish removed ❖ Patios and shingle laid ❖ Wood chip & compost supplied ❖ Turfing and grass cutting ❖ And all aspects of garden maintenance

Tel: 01793 875451 or 07940 247152

35 Spencer Close, W Swindon

41

SKI’S TREES

a w garden services

Every client & every garden is different.

To fulfil the potential of your garden we offer a planning & design service, from a Gold Medal winning designer, that is individually tailored to suit your taste & home.

We offer a complete or phased project to suit budget and circumstances as well as planting plans, beds and border designs.

General garden maintenance & landscaping also undertaken.

Fully public liability insurance.

TREE SURGEON NPTC QUALIFIED TREE FELLING / DISMANTLING HEDGE TRIMMING STUMP REMOVAL TREE THINNING AND PRUNING GENERAL GARDEN MAINTENANCE

FOR FREE ESTIMATES AND ADVICE 24 HOURS, 7 DAYS A WEEK CALL NEIL ON:

01793 870441 OR

Tel/Fax: 01793 850595 Mobile: 07919 543733 www.awgardenservices.co.uk

07828910093

D ebbie’s Garden Maintenance Services

✭Grass cutting ✭Hedge trimming ✭General garden tidy ups ✭Regular maintenance or one-off makeover ✭All garden waste removed

Call 874806 or 078129 18790

David Hawkins Tree Surgeon

GARDEN DOCTORS LANDSCAPES LTD LANDSCAPING & GARDEN MAINTENANCE

Fencing: Close board Panels & Gates Block Paving • Patios Paths • Turfing • Trained team • Fully insured For free quotation

Tel: (01793) 526571 Mobile: 07760 127139

All types of tree services and landscaping Hedge cutting Turfing • Fencing Fruit tree pruning

Fully insured Free estimates 14 years experience

01793 611861 07967 594707

www.acerpaving.co.uk

01793 725051

www.gardenroom-uk.com Patios・Planting・Turfing・Fencing・Decking・Maintenance

21-52 April 08.indd 41

21/3/08 11:54:39

42

swindonlink.com • April 2008

Tailor-made

by SueLynn Curtains Pelmets Roman blinds Swags & tails Cushion covers No job too small For further information call

Sue: 01793 870451 or Lynn: on 01793 330595 Hand built bedrooms of distinction

Peter Galbraith Est 1986 • Individual custom made fitted bedroom and home study furniture • Traditional and modern design • Wide variety of finishes available • Free estimates and expert advice

Call 01793 526335

www.petergalbraith.co.uk

D & L Blinds

Rollers • Verticals • Venetians Pleated Blinds • VELUX® Conservatory Blinds

Quality blinds at affordable prices Fast and reliable service Evenings & weekends no problem All blinds fitted free

Choose from a wide range of fabrics from the comfort of your own home

Contact Paul on 01793 619428 Free quotes no obligation

THE COMPLETE CURTAIN SERVICE Curtains to satisfy every requirement • Free estimating, design and advice • Home visits by appointment • Make-up and fitting service

And BLINDs of all kinds •Wooden •Venetian •New linen •Roman •Verticals •Roller •New Eastern materials

free parking outside the showroom at 252 Cricklade Rd or call Tracey or Amanda on 01793 611051

See the carpet or floor covering of your choice, where it will be laid, next to your other furnishings.

Appointments to suit you: day, evening or weekend.

Home Choose Carpets has over 30 year’s experience of serving customers in the Swindon area.

Estimating is free. Luxury underlay, all accessories and installation are included in the price! There are no hidden extras - and no obligation.

Call Trevor Salter on

01793 812995 or 07860 882588 or email:

homechoosecarpets@hotmail.com www.carpetsswindon.co.uk

21-52 April 08.indd 42

20/3/08 17:49:24

swindonlink.com • April 2008

43

Step out and discover the West

Free Active Swindon health walks from Lower Shaw Farm were launched in early March with an exploration of a route to Peatmoor Lagoon and back Walks will take place every Monday in April and May, starting at 4pm and returning in time for a cuppa at about 5pm.

Get out and discover new parts of the area. Turn up and join in or call Andrea Hirsch on 771080.

The walks are organised in conjunction with Active Swindon. www.swindon.gov.uk/leisuresport/ activeswindon

‘Working with the community for the community’

Walking out West from Lower Shaw Farmn

Harry Potter author helps MS centre look for big bids

This is a significant year for the Swindon MS Therapy Centre: not only is it the twenty-fifth anniversary since it formed, but it is also the year they plan to sign and seal a deal on a move to their own larger premises in West Swindon.

Apart from meeting the £40,000 they know all about striving for annual costs of providing support ambitious targets and therapy to MS sufferers the They are aiming to raise £10,000 charity is raising £300,000 for a new at the MS Centre’s 25th Anniversary centre, plus another £200,000 to fit it Auction on 25 April, 7.30pm at the out. But seeing as the charity does Hilton Hotel including: not receive any NHS funding, and • a very special edition of Harry relies entirely on public support, Potter and the Deathly Hallows signed by author JK Rowling; • a week in a Spanish apartment: • high speed laps around Castle Coombe in a classic Lotus Elan; • a tour of Sky News studios; • a photo of England’s 1966 World Cup team signed by 9 players; • plus a host of other prizes to bid for - including a laptop, fitted car stereo, B&B in a local farmhouse and a quarter page advertisement in The Link worth £250.

Tickets cost £14 or £125 per Snazzy Scrapbooking at Basepoint held a customers’ open evening in late Febru- table of 10 and includes a supper, ary and donated proceeds from the event grand and silent auctions and to the Moving Soon Appeal. “As we’re entertainment from 7 piece band going to be neighbours when the centre ‘No Idea.’

To offer further prizes and to moves to Rivermead Drive, it was good to help the appeal,” said owner Val Mc- book tickets, call the Swindon Cloud, pictured with MS Centre trustee Therapy Centre on 481700.

Call for the silent bid catalogue.

Viv Wise

Get in tune with your keyboard

Sign up for the Children’s Fete 08

Keyboard Capers helps people with Technics keyboards to learn about all the various buttons and settings.

At the fortnightly meetings at Moredon Community Centre, professional players share their technical know-how with beginners and amateurs so they can try new features for themselves.

For details mail: midge_gibbs@ hotmail.co.uk www.keyboardcapers.com

Swindon’s oldest summer event, which started in 1866 will again take place on Saturday 19 July.

After a fifty year break the Children’s Fete was re-launched by the New Mechanics’Trust to bridge past and present, and to draw together groups and neighbourhoods, with a focus on the inspiration of children.

To book a stall or offer an attraction call Jennylee Hall on 07977 451480.

21-52 April 08.indd 43

MAINTENANCE OF OPEN SPACES AND FOOTPATHS IN THE PARISH OF HAYDON WICK TENDERS ARE INVITED FOR THE ABOVE CONTRACT TO COMMENCE ON 1 JULY 2008

Free magic in the library

West Swindon Library hosts an afternoon of mystery for children on Thursday10 April, 3.45pm, when magician John Williams will be performing to under 8s.

It’s a free show but tickets must be obtained from the library beforehand.

SPECIFICATION DOCUMENTS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE PARISH COUNCIL OFFICE, THAMES AVENUE

Pre-school dance

Ballet for 3 to 4 year olds takes place at Peatmoor Primary School on Tuesdays 2.45pm. To book a place call Caroline Bowles on 887473.

Tel: 01793 722446 Email: clerk@haydonwick. gov.uk CLOSING DATE FOR TENDERS: 1 May 2008

ELECTRICAL

Professional electrical services for domestic and small business. From a single socket to a complete rewire.

AIR CONDITIONING

Supply and install systems to suit your specific needs, we use top quality products for efficiency and first class reliability.

HEATING

Kalirel central heating system without pipes ... a stylish, cost-effective centrally controlled electric radiator in every room.

ROOFING

All aspects of roofing undertaken by quality craftsmen - tiling and slating - fascias and guttering - chimney repairs - lead work new builds - extensions and repairs

SECURITY AND NETWORKING

Home and small business security, CCTV, video door entry, automatic gate opening.

Structured cabling design and installation, voice and data convergence systems, network maintenance and support

Tel: 01793 554935 sales@brunelservices.co.uk

www.brunelservices.co.uk

21/3/08 12:54:04

44

NEED AN ELECTRICIAN? For all electrical work in your home, garden and workplace

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Kitchen, bathroom & shower circuits House rewires & extensions Garden lights & sockets, pond pumps Wiring for log cabins, garages, sheds Electrical inspection & testing Portable appliance testing Part P registered

Call James Nicholls

Extensions Garage & loft conversions Alterations / renovations Kitchens/bathrooms Conservatories Garden walls/porches Block paving/patios No job too big or small!

Over 15 years experience.

Call Neil Tanner for a free & fair no-obligation quote on 07967 155502

07974 711962 01793 812303 AMALIA ELECTRICAL SERVICES LTD

www.benchmark-construction.co.uk

Want your wall or floor tiles fitted?

HOUSEHOLD MAINTENANCE

Then call

TILEfix for a free quotation to get them fixed and grouted with the minimum of fuss Tel: 01793 495364 Mob: 07767 242124 Email: tilefix4u@aol.com

AWS tiling

mail: info@benchmark-construction.co.uk

• Kitchen/bathroom upgrades • Painting and decorating • Electrical fittings replaced • Laminate flooring • Door hanging • Locks • Tiling • Leaking taps • Flat pack furniture • Fencing • Garden maintenance • No job too small & much more John Woodham

Phone: 01793 870040 Mob: 07765 002949

KTL

Plastering Fully qualified with over 25 years experience

Walls and floors Kitchens, bathrooms and conservatories Clean and efficient service Liability insurance Free quotes

Two coat plaster/re-skimming Dry lining/coving Timber/metal stud partitioning External finishes Floor screeding Small building works No job too small

Call Andy: 01793 529839 07796 813372

Home: 01793 709811 Mobile: 07778 665115

ADVERTISING WITH STAYING POWER Call us about high impact advertising in Swindon’s most closely ready publication 01793 602540 advertising@swindonlink.com

21-52 April 08.indd 44

doctor glass

repairs & replaces cracked, broken or misted double glazed windows Also hinges and locks

Call: 01793 633336 or 01793 854448 Emergency call outs: 07976 219671

Bathrooms

& Kitchens

Complete installations to dripping taps

Ideas to reality

♦ Plumbing inc. pumped showers, towel warmers ♦ Electrics ♦ Wall & floor tiling ♦ Carpentry ♦ Laminate & wood flooring ♦ Appliance installation ♦ Also other home improvements No job too small

Call Mark Ashdown for a free quote Tel: 01793 887766 Mobile: 07979 267757

REPLACEMENT uPVC • Fascia Soffits Guttering Cladding • All work carried out on tower scaffolding • Bargeboards • All sizes of properties

01793 422973 07834 708627

• 10 year warranty • Over 10 years experience www. detailfascias.co.uk

MILESTONE Building Services

GENERAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Outside Ground works, patios, paving, brickwork, fencing, decking, landscape gardening Inside Carpentry, plumbing, kitchens & bathrooms, tiling & flooring No job too small • Free estimates Dean Scanlon 01793 422032 • 07789 681536

J’s Electrical ✭ Extra sockets and lights ✭ Shower and cooker installation ✭ Fuse board replacement ✭ Complete re-wiring ✭ Security lighting ✭ P.A.T. testing NO JOB TOO SMALL Mobile: 07985 195893 Tel: 01793 320447 Also general plumbing, tiling & plastering

COUNTYWIDE HEATING & PLUMBING SERVICES ❖ Gas and LPG ❖ Boiler servicing & breakdowns ❖ Boiler exchange ❖ Full system installation ❖ Landlord safety checks ❖ Power flush ❖ Plumbing ❖ Emergency call outs Reliable friendly service

Competitive rates Tel. 01793 887419 Mob. 07912 882090 countywideheating@yahoo.co.uk

PB Plastering & Bricklaying

General Building Services

Including Patios & Fencing Skirting & Coving Wall & Floor Tiling Painting & Decorating Call Pete

Tel: 01793 542654 Mob: 07790 283186

The Fitting Crew UPVC, Facia, Cladding, Soffits, Guttering We offer Free quotes No deposit needed Best prices No salesmen 10 minute survey

Local family business 17 yrs experience Repairs & cleaning No job too small All work guaranteed

NO MORE PAINTING, MAINTENANCE FREE, DEAL DIRECT To arrange your FREE survey, call Richard on 01793 725155 or mobile: 07760 143221

20/3/08 18:04:19

45

D & M Enterprises

MJAC Services Heating & Plumbing

Mark Cryer Gas & Heating Engineer All heating and plumbing jobs and emergency breakdown cover

Grey Skills

For all your property & garden maintenance

we are ... ‘the men to do it ..’

■ All types of fencing, decking, pagodas ■ Painting & decorating ■ Laminate flooring ■ Ceramic & floor tiles ■ Kitchen fitting ■ Secondary fit carpentry ■ Plaster boarding, plastering & rendering ■ Plumbing, bathroom suites

Give us a try. For a free no obligation quote, call Jeff on 07747 606344 or Vito on 07812 180535

Tel: 01793 701814 Mob: 07788 514607

Email: mark.cryer@ntlworld.com

24 hour ansaphone 01793 700796

For all your home improvements A local reliable & friendly service 24 years experience Installation & Servicing NG & LPG ✓ Boiler & System Upgrades ✓ Breakdown & Maintenance ✓ Bathrooms, Showers & Wet Rooms ✓ Power Flushing / Descaling ✓ DIY Assisted Projects ✓

For all your plumbing, heating & gas requirements call Assured on

01793 700 820 www.assured-plumbing.co.uk

Mature professional tradespeople will carry out all jobs, big or small

• Kitchen & bathroom installations • Fitted wardrobes • Painting & decorating • Decking • Real wood & laminate flooring • Carpentry / Plumbing / Electrical Tiling / Building work undertaken Call for free no obligation quotes All work guaranteed

Tel: 01793 493478 (eve) Mob: 07964 096007 (day)

Trevor Wyse Painter & Decorator

Building/Groundworks & Hard Lanscaping Extensions, Garage & Loft Conversions Driveways & Patios All building work undertaken All work guaranteed, FREE quote and advice

Also tiling, coving, dado rails.

All work approved & guaranteed

Wallpaper specialist For free quotation call Trevor on 07976 885203 or 01793 723023

Mob: 07956 301957 Tel: 01793 348597

‘my experience your pleasure’

PREMIER BUILDERS

GB

(SWINDON LTD) est. 1989

Brickwork & Roofing Specialists

Plumbing Services

Walling • Extensions • Alterations Houses • Replacement Windows Plans drawn • Full design & build service • Insurance & Grant work Professional workmanship at competitive rates Please call us for a prompt free quotation. ‘No job too small’

Tel: 01793 704653 Mobile: 078899 21570

Unit 14a, Turnpike, Blunsdon

• • • • • • • •

Domestic Plumbing Leaks & Burst Pipes Tap Washers & Ball Valves Immersions & Hot Water Cylinders Radiators Replaced Taps, Sinks & Toilets Full Bathroom Installations Wall & Floor Tiling

Tel: 01793 524 200 Mobile: 07810 823 966 gbplumbing@hotmail.co.uk

G.P. Building Specialist Ltd Established for 22 years Specialist in loft and garage conversions & building extensions All types of maintenance and general building work Telephone: 01793 435876 Mobile: 0782 444 2143

0777 574 8682

21-52 April 08.indd 45

Home Handyman for all those little jobs around the home

Leaking taps • Washing machine/ dishwasher waste pipes • Tiling Laminate floors • Electrical fittings Locks • Door hanging • Skirtings Architraves • Shelving • Curtain rails Flat pack furniture assembly & repair Wired and wireless network installation Computer repair, set up and installation And much much more All work guaranteed and insured Free, no obligation quotes & estimates

01793 876798

Lydiard Home Services www.lydiard.biz

Plumbing & heating services From dripping taps to complete bathroom installations 24/365 emergency service

No call out charge No job too small • Fully insured Call Chris Bray on 01793 702171 Mob: 07951 219908 e: aps-enquiries@hotmail.co.uk

20/3/08 18:04:44

46

MERLIN BATHROOMS

Complete bathroom installations Supply & fit or fit only Established 21 years Fully insured

Call Peter on 878732 or 07774 432346

BATHROOMS

RS

BATHROOMS

BUILDING SERVICES Galaxy Construction Ltd

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS

FROM DESIGN TO INSTALLATION

Wall & Floor Tiling For a free estimate Call Sean on 703550 Mobile: 07749 862361

    

❉ Quality bathroom suites fitted - tiling, electrics, flooring all taken care of ❉ All types of plumbing undertaken - leaking taps, pumps, tanks, burst pipes, machines installed Free estimates

01793 876600 07748 964433

Approved Plumber

Extensions Garage conversions Garden walls & patios Block paved driveways Plastering & coving

For a free quote call Leighton on 01793 813438 or 07917 208094

DECORATOR

DECORATOR

DECORATOR

• Interior/exterior painting and decorating • Wallpaper • Tiling • Coving • Laminate flooring • Doors & skirting replacement • Kitchen • Bathroom internal alterations

A CHANGE OF COLOUR

PAINTING AND DECORATING

Interior & Exterior Painting & Decorating

FREE ESTIMATES

Call Andy: 01793 729354

or 07900 835116

HANDYMAN

HEATING & PLUMBING

Please call Paul to arrange an estimate or 01793 335269 for any 07917 824187 enquiries

PLASTERING

CHRIS ANGELL PLASTERING PLASTERING All aspects of plastering, rendering and dry lining undertaken Clean, tidy & reliable

Tel: 01793 528243 07709 815316

April 08 Repair & Improv.indd 46

ain te

REDUCTIONS FOR OAPs

HEATING & PLUMBING Quality Plumbing & Heating

RJ PEARCE PLUMBING & HEATING LTD Plumbing & Heating Services 30 years plumbing & heating experience British Gas trained

Central heating installations All Plumbing work undertaken Servicing & repairs Bathroom Installations All at competitive rates

20 years experience in plumbing work

Alec McKay Tel: 01793 878353 Mobile: 07963 953439

For further details call Richard on 01793 879156 or 07747 723606

PLASTERING

PLUMBING

E-mail: alecmckay@aol.com

Tel: 01793 849010 Mobile: 07976 572905

Boiler servicing & repairs Replacement boilers Outside taps Power showers Bathrooms & tiling Reg: 128966

All plumbing work undertaken Reliable service, realistic prices

Reg: 203455

Kevin Rolfe Tel: 01793 881905 Mobile: 07973 663367

PLUMBING Select Plumbing Services

Brian Jones Plastering Services ✭ External rendering ✭ Plastering two coat ✭ Re-skimming ✭ Dry lining ✭ Coving ✭ New or repairs

• Central heating installation • • • • •

• Central heating • Bathrooms & showers • Competitive rates • All work guaranteed • No job too small

Call 01793 334823 or 07788 572043

EP

HEATING & PLUMBING

INTERIOR & EXTERIOR

ID

Telephone: (01793) 497461 Mobile: 07919 671307

For free estimate call Paul Comer on 01793 321981 or 07775 840236

JOBS NEED DOING AROUND THE HOUSE?

Most jobs undertaken No job too small Friendly, reliable and honest service provided Insured and guaranteed work Free estimates

• High quality experinced workmanship • All work undertaken • A friendly reliable service with references available • Full Public Liability Insurance cover

PR

No job too small • Rooms left tidy daily Free no obligation 24 hour quotations

Independent decorator specialising in all aspects of interior and exterior decorating ✓ Domestic and small commercial ✓ Insurance work undertaken ✓ Full Public Liability insurance ✓ Free no obligation quotation ✓ References available Age Concern registered decorator

r&

DECORATOR & CARPENTRY

De cor ato r

BATHROOMS

Repairs, maintenance or new installation at a competitive price

From an annoying drip to a full bathroom re-fit No call out charge Free quotations Professional & friendly service

07747 752190 01793 529192

• Everything from a new tap washer, to a complete bathroom suite.

• No job is too small.

• No callout charge.

• Free estimates.

For a professional, reliable service, contact us now Tel: 01793 875888 Mobile: 07951761764 www.selectplumbingservices.co.uk

21/3/08 12:19:39

47

BUILDING SERVICES

Paul Rhind Bathroom suites and kitchens fitted

UPVC windows & doors Conservatories, fascias and guttering Roofing & building maintenance Painting, decorating, ceramic tiling Telephone/fax: 01793 874807

DOUBLE GLAZING

CARPENTRY

CARPENTRY

J&R Carpentry Services

J S Property Services Home & Garden Improvements

❍ Fitted bedrooms and kitchens ❍ Replacement doors & staircases ❍ Laminate floors ❍ Household repairs and general maintenance ❍ Decking - supplied and fitted

General carpentry Fitted kitchens / bedrooms Laminate and solid flooring Replacement doors Skirtings / architraves Decking and patios General building maintenance

Free estimates Jamie Scanlon 704309 or 0777 594 8833 www.jspropertyservices.co.uk

ELECTRICIAN

Free no obligation quotes

Kevin Cook Tel: 814833 or 07776 142981

ELECTRICIAN

SAFE & SHAW

Arc Electrical Services Ltd

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

Windows, Doors, Conservatories

Supplied. Installed. Repaired Free estimates, free advice No Salesmen Your local choice

01793 611398 07968 757860

HOME MAINTENANCE

✓ EXTRA SOCKETS / LIGHTS ✓ SECURITY LIGHTING/FIRE ALARMS ✓ GARDEN LIGHTING & OUTDOOR SOCKETS ✓ SHOWERS/COOKERS INSTALLED ✓ FUSE BOARD REPLACEMENT ✓ COMPLETE RE-WIRING FREE QUOTATIONS, NO OBLIGATION

Please call 07769 883717

Painting and decorating Carpentry services Private garden & commercial grounds maintenance Turfing, fencing, patios Wall tiling Fascias & guttering Roof repairs Friendly, reliable & competitive

Call Glen on: 01793 487450 07774 841879

PLUMBING

• Installations and modifications, interior or exterior • Full compliance to all regulations • P.A.T. undertaken • All work fully guaranteed • Free quotations • 24hr call out • Fast, top quality service

for Kitchens & Bathrooms Tel: 874480 Mobile: 07860 760364

ALL KITCHENS FITTED

(Howdens, Jewsons etc.)

• Free survey • Building work • Plastering • Tiling & worktops • Electrics & plumbing • Wooden flooring • All types of worktops fitted incl granite

COMPLETE BATHROOMS FITTED Building work, plastering, tiling, electrics, plumbing, furniture APPROVED

30 years experienced tradesman

ROOFING

❇❇❇

Call Neil on 01793 700436 07725 028776

FLOORING

P.J.J. FLOORING SERVICES All aspects of flooring: wood to carpet MASTERFITTER

N I CF

arcelectrics@aol.com

Steve George

● Felt roofing ● Asphalt roofing ● Sheet roofing ● Tiling ● Slating ● Single Ply ● Fascia ● Guttering

April 08 Repair & Improv.indd 47

01793 872054 0770 480 1959

KITCHEN & BATHROOM SERVICES

G R SERVICES

CARPENTRY

TILING

TileSure CERAMIC TILING

Walls & floors Bathrooms, kitchens & conservatories Under floor heating fitted Complete bathroom fitting Fitted by tradesman QUALITY FINISH Call Maurice on 01793 349704 or 07904 142692

National Institute of Carpet & Floorlayers

Wood & ceramics • Supply or fit only Commercial/domestic • Safety flooring All work guaranteed 17 years experience Call now for a free, at home consultation

01793 493119 07970 865883

MAINTENANCE

RETIRED TRADES ASSOCIATES Retired and semi-retired tradesmen available for all household tasks

Electrical • Plumbing Carpentry • Decorating Plastering • Patios • Extensions Call Andrew on 01793 820991 or 08456 444170 (calls charged at local rate)

• Reliable • Trustworthy • • Affordable •

TILING

GILES BROS CERAMIC TILING FLOOR & WALL SPECIALISTS Free Quotes Call Lee on 0771 8102 921 Call Mike on 0778 8444 084 or 01793 520526

21/3/08 12:21:20

48

ACCOUNTANCY

AERIAL SERVICES MagicSat Ltd EUROPEAN SATELLITE SPECIALISTS

Chartered Certified Accountants

Small Business Specialists Tel: 01793 610008 email: enquiries@dykebrading.co.uk

www.dykebrading.co.uk

CARPET CLEANING The Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialist

• Carpets, rugs, curtains, suites etc • Emergency call out available • Hard floors cleaned and sealed • Stain removal • Protection treatment • Fully insured • Quickly usable

You’ll be amazed how affordable it is ....call for your free estimate from your local independent on 01793 731418 or mobile: 07808 355487 Email: cliff.whiteway@btinternet.com

COMPUTER SUPPORT Com Master’s PC Repairs

From fixed dish to fully motorised systems • Plasma TVs, European satellite cards, accessories • Wide range of digital aerials • Audio installs

Tel: 01793 706921 Mob: 07765 224637

AIRPORT TRAVEL

AERIALS & SATELLITE SYSTEMS

AIRPORTS Connect Ltd

CHRIS PAYNE

Freeview & Sky installations TV & radio aerials Home cinema Extra TV & telephone points

✭ ✭ ✭ ✭

Tel: 01793 700078 Mobile: 07904 330724

ESTA FREEVIEW SKY DIGITAL

CHIROPRACTOR

Tel: 431111

email: travel@airportsconnect.com www.airportsconnect.com

Affordable & reliable cleaning programmes, tailored to meet your needs and budget

FREE SPINAL HEALTH CHECK • • • • •

NECK PAIN BACK PAIN HEADACHES SPORTS INJURY CAR ACCIDENT

Free 20 minute consultation to assess if Chiropractic will benefit you.

Please call

01793 602454

Chiropractic is a natural and safe approach to help the problems above and many more such as knee and elbow pain, repetitive strain, heavy lifting injury, etc. And we can help young and old alike.

54 Basepoint Centre, Westlea, Swindon

Clare Duncan-Hawes BSc (Hons) MSc DC

Member of the British Chiropractic Association & College of Chiropractors. Registered with GCC

www.cjduncan-hawes.co.uk

JUST PULL UP, PRESS A BUTTON AND DRIVE IN

The Automatic Choice

A wide range of garage doors to suit your requirements See our displays at

THE GARAGE DOOR CENTRE Maxwell House, Maxwell Street, Swindon or for information on installation and repairs

01793 513796

email: swindondoorservice@btinternet.co.uk

www.garagedoorsupplies.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY

REMOVALS

Images with difference White Van Man Single items moved anywhere in Swindon for £20

The Domestic Oven Cleaning Service

To book your Oven Clean call 01793 520362

Great prices on house removals

WEDDING & EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY

www.artkore.zoomshare.com

Regular cleans, Spring cleans, Moving in or out cleans Trained and insured staff Equipment and supplies provided Quality Service Guarantee

Call us now for free, no obligation quotation Tel: 01793 511885

IRONING

GARAGE DOORS

10% discount with this advert

Service Sector April 08indd.indd 48

Competitive prices

CLEANING

Tel: 01793 422534 or Mobile: 0792 005 6077

We use caustic free cleaning products with a fresh solution each time.

Hobs, extractors, microwaves and barbecue grills also undertaken

Reliable travel for business people and holiday makers

Homes That Sparkle From People Who Shine

Free home & business visits Jargon free advice & support Upgrades/repairs All parts & labour guaranteed Flexible hours, inc. eve/weekends

OVEN CLEANING

Specialist airport transfer services by car, MPV or 8 seater minibus

No call out charge

Friendly & reliable local service On call until 8pm 7 days Get set for digital

Why go anywhere else?

When we’ll come to you..... ✻ ✻ ✻ ✻ ✻

AERIAL SERVICES

www.wiltshirelandscapes.zoomshare.com

Disposal of unwanted items Garden rubbish removed Fully insured Call for a free quote

Tel: 01793 706821 Mobile: 07796 236436

Trudy’s Ironing Service FED UP WITH IRONING??

Let me do it for you Dry cleaning service Same day ‘Express’ service available Can collect & return within 24 hours from home or work Smoke and pet free environment On a regular basis or a one-off job Established 2002 - now in your area

Contact Trudy on

07875 011 775

TV & VIDEO REPAIRS GOGGLEBOX TV & VIDEO REPAIR SERVICE ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭

Free home estimates No call out charge TV & video tuning All repairs guaranteed

Tel: 01793 - 812738

21/3/08 12:23:02

50

swindonlink.com • April 2008

We believe that Jesus Christ is able to forgive our past, give meaning to the present and hope for the future

Sunday services are at 10am & 6.30pm

For further information you can either ring (01793) 873050; e-mail: office@freshbrook.org or visit: www.freshbook.org

“the gift of God is Eternal Life” (Romans 6 v23)

Invest time in the youth to reap dividends

Young Time Bank is looking for adults with a few hours a week to invest in helping young people become active in their community.

Volunteer facilitators work with made redundant on health grounds the people I’ve worked with have a group of youngsters, listening to after 31 years at Plessey Hydraulics, all been smashing, really lovely how they would like to improve Fred was looking for work when people.”

The experience of working with their community and supporting he saw an advert for YTB in West young people made Fred consider them to take action. Some of the Swindon Library.

His first project was at Green- a new career direction and he took possibilities are producing a film, setting up an exhibition about the down School where youngsters a post as a teaching assistant at environment, organising a fund made a film about stereotypes Churchfields where he says he has raising event or producing a news- and bullying. Father of five Fred never been happier.

Volunteers receive full training said that he loved the youngsters’ letter on local youth issues.

For Fred Blunt, becoming in- energy and the exchange of ideas. and ongoing support as well as volved with Young Time Bank “It was very different and much resources for this group’s project To find out more call Alex Delaopened up new horizons and led more enjoyable than engineering. to a career change. Having been I think that Young Time Bank is ney on 02077 856369 www.youngtimebank.org.uk a marvellous organisation and

‘Friends’ style cafe would be young people’s cup of tea

Sunday Worship 10.30am Sunday School and Creche Meeting at Abbey Meads Community School

On Thames Avenue next door to Morrisons Contact: Revd Raymond Adams Tel: 634258

St. John’s Haydon Wick Sunday Services 9am 11am

Traditional communion service Eventful, contemporary worship with children’s groups meeting

www.stjohnshaydonwick.org.uk

21-52 April 08.indd 50

A survey of hundreds of youngsters from West Swindon showed the majority are happy to live in the area but life could be improved with a wider range of facilities.

One of the most popular requests from the young people was for a performance cafe with a small stage, similar to the coffee shop in the Friends TV series. This type of venue would be an ideal place for bands to perform and to hold open mic nights, said Brian Senior of ncounter, the charity which carried out the survey.

Twenty per cent of young Youth leaders Claire Camm and people living in West SwinHeather McCall, centre, with youngsters don, including 450 students at Holy Trinity Church, Shaw from Bradon Forest and Greendown schools, were asked either ‘good’ or ‘great’. Over half of their thoughts on living in the those surveyed play sport outside area, what they do in their leisure school and 75 per cent of them think time and what they would like that local facilities are good or great to do. The results will be used by but there were requests for cheaper ncounter, a Christian based charity access. Among those favouring an which works in conjunction with arts venue, a performance cafe with local churches, and by other groups recording and rehearsal facilities working with young people. was the most popular idea.”

“We were very encouraged by the A steering group of young people survey and we were pleasantly sur- is looking at all survey responses prised at how many people enjoy and will be involved in moving living in Swindon,” said Brian. “The proposals forward. majority rated living in the area as www.ncounter.co.uk

Join us in worship on Sunday mornings

Westlea Church, Westlea School: 10am St Mary’s, Lydiard Tregoze - the church in the park: 10am All Saints’, Lydiard Millicent - the church in the village: 10.30am Holy Trinity, Shaw: 10.30am Toothill Church: 10.45am For details of these and our other services call the Partnership Office on 874221 Email: partnershipoffice@btopenworld.com www.wswinlyd.org.uk Anglican • Baptist • Methodist • United Reformed Church

21/3/08 11:55:01

This is not just another shared equity scheme... this is a chance to own all of the home for half of the price.

GeorgeWimpey have an exciting opportunity to enable you to buy your first home with the help of the Government’s unique First-Time Buyers Scheme.

You own 100% of your home but could reduce the amount of your mortgage by up to 50%!*Visit us to find out more, we’re open daily 10am – 5pm.

georgewimpey.co.uk/homebuy

Oakley Park

Off Dorcan Way SN3 5BL 0845 026 4157

Royal Mead

Okus Road, Old Town SN1 4GX 0845 026 4163

1 & 2 bedroom apartments available from just £64,998 with the English Partnership.†

Disclaimer: Prices correct at time of going to press. *Offers available on selected properties, for a limited period and subject to normal George Wimpey terms and conditions. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT. Check that this mortgage will meet your needs if you want to move or sell you home or you want your family to inherit it. If you are in any doubt seek independent advice. Eligibility conditions apply. Fifty percent is the maximum government contribution. Some buyers will qualify for lower levels of assistance. APR. 6.0% typical. †Price is based on cheapest 1 bedroom apartment available and is based on a maximum 50% mortgage with the English Partnership scheme.

Link Mage Ice Ad

20/3/08

09:37

Page 1

Slip down to Link Centre and give it a go!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Disco Sessions Skating Courses Beginner Sessions Ice Dance Instruction Ice Hockey Teams Figure Skating Club Skate Hire FREE for X Training Passport Holders

r o f n u f t Grea family! all the Call 01793 445566 www.swindon.gov.uk/iceskating

Whitehill Way,Westlea, Swindon SN5 7DL