Issuu

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EXPRESS

Magazine

CYCLE SPECIALIST

1et & MVM.z? PR9CE

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No. 113 August 1991 Circulation 10,500 it

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Rescue planned to prevent W. Swindon market closure A rescue package is being put together to keep the open air market going in the Link Centre coach park, thirteen months after it was launched. Tuesday 30 July was its last day under the terms of the licence held by the present operators and desperate efforts are being made to ensure that there is no break in service. The market has been poorly supported by traders and customers for months due to the recession and lack of promotion, but Toothill ward councillor Ricky Midwinter has been working to keep it going. "1 was very disappointed when I heard that the traders had been given notice. I'm in touch with Wendy Fair Markets and am hopeful they will run it from next week I'm very keen to see the market continue and develop at the weekends." A spokesman for Thamesdown Council's Estates Department said the initial twelve

months operating licence had come to an end and confirmed that Wendy Fair was being approached to run the market until the new tender

for the market contract was advertised. The mini-bus service for the housebound will continue as a condition of any future contract.

Your help wanted for Green Map The Link magazine promised a 'green map' of WestSwindon last year,butit never came about. We're having another go and we need your help. The idea is to print the street map of the area in grey and overprint the green open spaces, cycle/footways and locationof recycling points. We will also publish information about ways to recycle other materials in the town, i.e. oil, furniture, old fridges etc. The map will have limited value if you're trying to find your way round in a car, but if you're out for a walk or a bike ride, it will show how much greenery there is and how well linked

up the various parts of West Swindon are. This wifibe the first time this kind of map has been attempted in Swindon, so we need your help - the people who actually do the walking and cycling at present. Local councillor Bob Pixton, chair of Thamesdown's Environmental Forum, is coordinating the information to go on the map. He knows many of the foot/cycle routes, but not all. If you can suggest a route that should be included, give him a call on 695317. Or you can send him a sketch map at 12 Lambert Close, Freshbrook Closing date 20 August.

A taste of Victorian times Children from Salt Way School, Shaw donned Victorian costume on 11 July and attended the wedding of two of their classmates at St Mary's Church, Lydiard Park The wedding, conducted by local vicarandchairofgovernorRev Keith Boxall, was the cuhnination of a study topic on RuralLife in the Lydiards during Victorian times. The fifty eight to eleven year olds adopted the names of people on the parish register at the turn of the century. Farm workers, game keepers, milk maids and local dignatories attended the reenactment of the 1901 wedding of maidservant Maud Mary Twine and James Henry Embling, the farmer from nearby Wick Farm, played by Fiona Talbot and Andrew Quinn. The ceremony was followed by a parade, a picnic of Victorian food and traditional games and entertainment on the lawn with members of staff and parent suitably dressed for the occasion.

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Department of Education was a remote, rumbling volcano," she explained. "Over the last two years there has been a huge eruption leaving teachers knee high in paper. There is so much coming at us. "What they're telling us to do is not that different from what we've been doing foryears. But nowadays everything teachers do has to be written down, recorded and analysed. The new assessment procedure haven't told us anything new and children would not have lost so much teaching time." The end of term saw a series of parties and presentations to Mrs Williams who will be spending her retirement gardening, sewing and travelling.

Mrs Margaret Williams, pictured last year cutting the 10th anniversary cake

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A local headteacher has just retired with a unique record. Mrs Margaret Williams, headteacher of Oliver Tomkins Church ofEngland Aided InfantSchool since it opened in 1980, retires after 40 years in teaching. With early retirement available to teachers, very few stay in the profession as long. Her most memorable moments at Oliver Tomkins School were the tenth anniversary party lastyearand in 1984, when Bishop Oliver Tomkins made a visit to ring the bell which used to hang in the church school atHook which is nowa hotel. Although sad to leave the school, Mrs Williams explained she was glad to be leaving the uncertain world of education. "For years the

Copy date for the September edition: 15th of August The September edition will be published on 5 September

"The Link was first published in December 1978 exclusively for the West Swindon community. It is completely independent of Link Centre and, in fact, won the competition to name the leisure centre in 1984. The magazine is entirely self-supporting from advertising." Contents 4 Toothill 6 Freshbrook & Grange Park 7 Westlea 10 Shaw 11 Local Lives 12 Recreation 14 At Your Library 15-18 Adult Education Programme 19 Arts Scene/Green Tendencies 20 29 News and Views 30 Letters & Small Ads. -

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

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Deadly access play area nominated for award A new play area in Shaw has been nominated for a landscape design prize in Swindon's prestgious annual Bishop Awards. But as we featured last month, the attractions at the Clay Pits Play Area could have fatal consequences forpeople crossing Cartwright Drive. The planners designed the mad with long curves to try and slow drivers down. In fact it seems that drivers are encouraged to speed up, despite not being able to see pedestrians or parked cars. A new road to north of Shaw appears to have done nothing to divert drivers trying to get to Nine Elms and Peatmoor. Cartwright Drive is still seen as a short cut and local people want somethingdone to slow traffic down. Swindon MP Simon Coombs has taken up the problem with Thamesdown's Environmental Services Director on behalf of local resident Anthony Lewis of Jersey Park. In a letter to the MP, the Director says that Cartwright Drive is not dangerous enough to be considered for the limited funds available. He

says that "my surveys showed that nearly all the traffic had a speed of less than 40mph and no accidents have been reported to the police within the last three years. It is therefore not possible to allocate this site a high priority." Fellow resident Betty Wilson of Plattes Close is incensed by the idea that 40mph is condoned. "You take your life in your hands every time you cross. Some of the children attending Shaw Ridge School have to cross Cartwright Drive twice daily. I often hear the screech of brakes because neither drivers or pedestrians have a clear view up or down the road." Anthony Lewis wants to see speed humps to slow traffic down and divert some drivers onto other roads. "People who cross Cartwright Drive are living on luck and something has to be done before there is a fatality," he said. The mad is to considered in the Director of Environmental Services annual pedestrian review report. The Link would like to hear from anybody else concerned about the dangers on Cartwright Drive.

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Challenge day set for 1 September Teamwork, initiative, skill, courage (a little), enthusiasm (lots) and desire to have fun. Have you got it? The Swindon Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme is holding a communityChailengeDayonl September to raise money for young people's activities and the charity Dreamflight. Eight teams of twelve people will be given a series of tasks based on the skills required for successful DoE expeditions. Map reading, erecting a tent blindfolded, neutralising an alien space ship and crossing a river without being caught by the alligators are just some of the challenges for the teams - all within the confines of Greendown School. Each team will need to organise its own sponsorship. The money

will be split between the Award Scheme and Dreamflight which is raisinga quarterof a million pounds to take a plane load of incurably ill, sick or disabled children on their holiday of a lifetime to Disneyworld in Florida. The challenge events start at lOam and finish at 5pm, with a break for a barbeque lunch. To find out more and to enter a team, contact Karen Linehan on 872495.

Postponed A community soccer tournamet for under 11 years set for6July has been postponed for lack of interest. It will now take place on Sunday 29 September. Details will be published next month.

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Circus came to Toothill School when the fourth years performed for other children and parents in the annual leavers production of Barnum. Singing, dancing, and circus acts played to packed audiences, with all 60 departing youngsters haying a part in the musical written and directed by teachers Penny Purvis and Sue Tinker.

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Historical detective work A class of eight and nine year old children at ToothillSchool have spent the summer term making a fascinating study of the village of Snap, near Aldbourne, south east of Swindon. The work has been all the more interestingbecauseSnap disappeared just 70 years ago. All that is left is a wooded hillside which covers up the rubble and foundations of cottages occupied by people who gradually moved between 1896 and 1914. Why the people moved out is not clear, but agricultural recession and the attractions of work in Swindon are the likely causes. The project was conceived by class teacher Brian Gardner and Toothill School headteacher Richard Jackson and involved children visiting the site on several occasions, taking dozens of photographs, illustrating and writing down a huge amount of information. They also collected a large quantity of artifacts which had to be sorted, classified and thought about. Many people were contacted for information about the village including Kenneth Watts, author of an award winning book on the village and relations of people who lived there. Ken Ponting from Cirencester,

whose family moved out of Snap at the end of the last century, visited the classroom. He said the children's work was incredible. "We have a bible fromSnap Chapel dated 1812 and the family has always known about Snap, but the children have filled in a lot of the details unbeknown to us." AnothervisitorwasJohn Fisher, great grandson of Rachel Fisher, the last person to live in Snap, who visited the site with the children. "They have gone into so much detail. It took a long time to read all of it, so the amount of work bringing it together for display must been huge. Brian Gardner said the children had got a great deal of excitement and pleasure out of their study. "Kenneth Watts' book looked at the history of the village but by following up the descendents of the residents, the children have unearthed a great deal of original information." To commemorate the last residents, the present landowner has agreed to allow Toothill School to erect an engraved stone as a permanent memorial to the villagers said Mr Gardner.

Children from Mr Gardner's class show off the large model of Snap to John Fisher and Ken Ponting whilst being filmed for Central TV

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Community Centre help wanted Freshbrook's Community Centre is desperate to hear from skilled people who can help out. The volunteer management committee wants to meet any electricians, plumbers, carpenters or general handymen (people) who could offer their services free of charge, with expenses paid. The centre finances are in a difficult state, but the committee does not want to let the condition of the centre deteriorate. Anybody who can help out is asked to contact the centre manager Maureen Barker on 871017.

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Church Youth Club wins award Many people gathered on Wednesday 10 July at 11.00am at FreshbrookEvangelical Church, Worsely Road to see a presentation of £250 made to Mrs Ruth Wright, leader of the Church Youth Group, by Mr Albino Evola, Deputy Store Manager of Sainsbury's Homebase and Mrs Karin Arnold, Personnel Manager. The sum of £250 was given to enable the Youth Group to buy a table tennis table and accessories. Mr Evola said how happy he was to know that the Youth Group would benefit from the award which is one of only two made this year in Swindon. On receiving the cheque, Mrs Wright said how delighted she was with the gift because it would enable many of the teenagers to enjoy friendship and fun together. Sainsbury's Good Neighbour scheme was launched in 1983 with £7,000 from Sainsbury's Charitable Fund to help local community projects.

Thanks from Marie Volunteer youth worker Marie Crane would like to thank all the young people and youth workers who attend the cafe club at Freshbrook Community Centre for their kind gifts presented to her recently.

Lee Baldrey, Ruth Wright, Albino Evola - Deputy Manager of Homebase, Karin Arnold - Personnel Manager

Fete fun Freshbrook School's tenth anniversary fete on 29 June raised £2,500 for school funds. Pictured below with the tenth anniversary photograph of the whole school taken from a helicopter, Peter Chambers, Mavis Perry and Zina Ioannou

Juble m Sale Saturday 3 August, 2pm Freshbrook Community Centre Quality Goods for sale lop admission Offers of lumble to community centre please, tel: 871017

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Sport for all Teams made up of children from Windmill Hill School's sports day each age group took part in tests of was a non-traditional event once skill and strength whilst parents folagain, involvingevery child all dur- lowedtheirprogressamundtheschool ing the afternoon. field. Below, Jason Johnson from Uxbridge Road takes a standing jump. G. Park TV pictures on the blink

The Link magazine has been receiving reports of television reception in the middle of Grange Park being affected by the building of the hotel on the Shaw Ridge Leisure Park. Many households living in Marney Road who are tuned into Central TV have seen their pictures deteriorate as building works have progressed, but it is surprising that people in the Lisle and Camden Close area are also affected. The Link would like to hear from anybody who is experiencing problems with their reception.

WESTLEA

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Natasha Jerdet of Benwell Close, Westlea won the prize for the most bc, Aiful eyes in the bouncing babies competition at the Westlea School fete on 29 June. She's pictured right with her mum Nicky. Just under ÂŁ2,140 was raised at the fete, including.0,000 made from an auction. The money will be spent on a computer and printer, football and netball posts, books and equipment to develop the technology curriculum.

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Building uncertainty upsets users A delay in opening Westlea's new community centre is frustrating potential users. The building, funded by Thamesdown Council with a contribution from McLean Homes, arrived at the end of May after a little push by a story in The Link. Eight weeks after being erected, an opening date still has not been set. The Westlea After School Club is particularly affected by the uncertainty according to coordinator Sue Sheikh. "It's all been a bit slow. All the groups were hoping to have an idea of when we could start in the new building before the summer break, so that they could plan their activities before going on holiday. "The After School Club has had twenty applications for the staff positions, but we don't know when we can employ them from. Whenever we ring we're told that bookings are not being accepted yet." Denis Onley, Community Centres Officer with Thamesdown Council's Community Development Division, said that permission had only recently been given to move money allocated to another project to allow Westlea and two other new social halls to open. He confirmed that the electricity -

supply to the George and Ann Tweed Community Room next door was inadequate and thata newcable would have to be laid. "The furniture has been ordered and caretaking arrangements are being made. We will be able to explain everything at a meeting planned for 5 September, when we hope to announce an opening date."

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Post office gets it's act together at last The long running battle to get a post office at Shaw Village Centre is nearly won. After refusing to open a branch for nearly four years since the village shop opened, the Post Office is now recruiting staff and hopes to be in business by the end of September. The good news has been welcomed by the Shaw Residents' Association and the elderly residents of George Tweed Gardens at the village centre. Association chairman Bob Bauld said the organisation had been arguing on behalf of all age groups. "Most residents have found it very inconvenient not having a local post office. Families and the elderly in Shaw and Sparceils will welcome the decision by the post office. The need has been obvious for years." Unemployed mum Paula Woodham of Middleleaze said she was

Ready to use their local post office,from left, Lilian Sharpling,Sid Tilling, Georgina Coyle, Joan Bauld, Paula Woodhams, Jean and Bill Lewis

doubly pleased as collecting her ben- unable to travel to the nearest post efit and child allowance would be office at the West Swindon Centre. easier. Many will now be able to collect At least twenty of the seventy resi- theirown pensions. LiianSharpling dents of George Tweed Gardens are said the new post office was very

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welcome. Sid Tilling said that he collects pensions for three of his neighbours at the moment. Jean Lewis said having a post office close-by made her feel safer. "1 don't like travelling on the bus after collecting my pension. Now I'll be able to pop in and buy a stamp and a birthday card for my grandchild and send it straight away." Alan Iles, managerof theJCR store at Shaw Centre, said the company had been fighting for a post office since before the shop opened. "It had to come; it's a pity it wasn't much earlier," he said. A spokeswoman for the post office explained the decision to open the branch was a commercial one. "We have always had the situation under review. The business is now available in the area to make a branch viable."

Fun day for Shaw Bob Bauld, chairman of Shaw Residents' Association writes:

Shaw Residents' Association are holding the first ever Shaw Village Funday on Saturday 7 September at 2.00pm. It will be held on the the village square car park by kind co-operation of the local traders and ThaniesdownBoroughCoundil. The Manager of the Village Inn has generously consented to the general public using the Inn Car Park on that day. Also he is going to stay open all day for this occasion. It is hoped that on this day all the local residents along with their familyand friends will support the event where there will be something of interest for all age groups. For the children there will be a Fancy Dress competition, Pony Rides, Fairground Rides, Face Painting and an Inflatable. The Swindon Pegasus Band will play at intervals during the afternoon and arena events include GWR Majorettes, Liddington Ladies Morris Dances and Keep Fit Demonstration. There will be the ever popular Fairground Organ, stalls selling a wide variety of items

and a Car Boot Sale section - pitches available at ÂŁ4. Teas and refreshments will beavailablein the Church hail. There will be a Grand Raffle with a good selection of prizes donated generously by Shaw Village Traders and local businesses. Miss Thamesdown will be judging the competitions and the Westlea Fire Engine will also be on hand. The day will be an enjoyable one with something of interest for everyone. The SRA Committee are looking for local support for the event and hope it will promote strong links with each sector of the community. Please contact Mr R Bauld, I George Tweed Gardens, Pilgrim Close, Shaw, tel: 886193 for further information and also entry forms for fancy dress and booking for car boot pitches.

The next meeting of the Shaw Residents Association takes place on 5 August

Jumble thanks Shaw Women's Institute would like to thank those who donated jumble for their jumble sale at Moredon Community Centre in July. ÂŁ100 was raised. A donation will made at the end of the year to CUC. The W.I. will be holding a cake stall at the Shaw Residents' Association fun day on 7 September.

TO ADVERTISE Ifi WEST SWWDOI4'S MAGAZINE TELEPhONE 871793

A AAA AAAAA

APPLICATIONS ARE INVITED FOR MEMBERSHIP

w WOOTTON BASSETT GOLF CLUB

ESIGNED BY PETER AUJSS

AND OLIVE CLARK to international championship standards, the superb 18 hole course at they'w Wootton Bassett Golf Club ill offer golfers in the Swindon ar4lorth Wiltshire areas the most outstan' g facilities. Construction of the beautiful Par 73 parkland course is now well underway and it will be ready for play next summer. Two 9 hole loops, both starting and finishing at the Clubhouse curve through the gentle Wiltshire countryside. The imaginatively designed course with its picturesque lakes and water hazards was specially created by Peter Alliss and Clive Clark to provide the challenge and variety the club golfer a first class course. All the club facilities are of the highest

standard and include a full irrigation system for fairways, greens and tees. Naturally, Club Membership is strictly limited to avoid overcrowding and will be at the Secretary's discretion. Demand for membership will, however, be considerable, as it is realistically priced, with prices increasing in phases as the course opening approaches. In order to take advantage of the exceptional value offered by early membership and to secure your place in the Club, we strongly recommend you to apply now for a Founder Membership information pack or to arrange an appointment to view the course. Please phone 0793 849999 or write

to The Membership Secretary.

THE WOOTTON BASSETt' GOLF CLUB, WOOTTON BASSETt', SWINDON, WILTSHIRE, SN4 7PB. TEL: 0793 849999

AT YOUR LIBRARY

12 DuringJuly we said good bye to our full-time assistant Avril Ties. We wish her all the best in her new job. Among her contributions to the library which we shall miss is her artwork Whenever we wanted a poster or display notice we could always turn to Avril, who did some marvellous work for us. If you have an artistic ability and would be able to do some attractive simple signs or posters at short notice and on an occasional, voluntary basis, please call in at the library or phone us on 871444.

Ice time and new books by West Swindon Librarian Phil Edwards

Our exhibition for August is entitled 'What is it?' See if you can identify a selection of unusual items loaned by museums across the county. The exhibition includes a quiz. Coinciding with this exhibition will be a special display created by the Link Centre Ice Rink staff on our summer activities theme of 'Ice'. Details of this year's children's activities at the library were given in

Jet Ranger Robinson R22 Schweitzer 300

Charter Air Taxi

For that Special Occasion, we offer the opportunity to take the controls and fly a helicopter yourself at Thruxton Airfield. Upon presentation of this voucher you will receive £5 off your first flight with FAST Helicopters Ltd Thruxton Airfield Nr. Andover, Hampshire (0264) 772508 Contact Julie. *One voucher per person

Gift Vouchers

AqdeJ 604014 I e!Jev

Voucher*

last month's Link magazine, but to remind you, they are aimed primarilyatchildrenupto theageof eleven and will take place on three consecutive Thursday mornings at 10.30am, beginning on 8 August. We aim to provide a good selection of newly published items and the lives of the famous and infamous continue to attract a good deal of interest from our readers. We have a separate section for general biographies but many others will be found in the subjectareas with which the person is associated. Sports biographies are a good example. Among recent arrivals at WestSwindon is the autobiography ofcricketer,GraemeHick: 'MyEarly Life'. Born and raised in Zimbabwe, his career with Worcestershire has led him to be the great 'hope' of English cricket. At the time of writing,that'hope'has somewhat faded, given his performances in the early Tests against the West Indies, but maybe that will have changed by the time you read this. Jimmy Greaves the former soccer star, has become tremendously popular as a TV 'expert'. His first book This One's On Me', talked frankly of his life in football and of his coming to terms with alcoholism. The sequel, entitled 'It's a Funny Old Life', brings his story up to date and reveals amongst other things, why he named is rabbit after Tan Botham! Both titles are available in paperback Music is also a field which provides a rich source for biographies. New to the library this month are the stories of several prominent names in pop history, particularly of the Sixties. 'Sandie Shaw, the World at My Feet' is the story of a singer who, though no longer a force in the re-

cording business has at least survived. Others have not been so fortunate. In 'No-one Gets Out of Here Alive', Jerry Hopkins and Danny Sugarman reveal the complexities of the life and the mysterious death of Jim Morrison, lead singer with the Doors, and now the subject of a film by Oliver Stone. Marvin Gaye was shot dead by his father. His best known hit 'I Heard it Through the Grapevine' is the title of a new biography by Sharon Davis. The Pet Shop Boy's careers took off in the Eighties. Chris Heath's Pet Shop Boys, Literally' follows them around Britain and Asia on their 1989 tour and provides an insight into their first experience of performing 'on the road'. Other recent biographies include 'Schwarzkopf - an insider's view of the Commander and his Victory' by Robert Parrish. Two officers who served under him give their view of 'Stormin' Norman'. There is also a newbiographyofthefflmstarDustin Hoffman, by Ronald Bergan. Finally, the unexplained rarely fails to excite and in Wiltshire we've had our fair share, from the Warminster Thing' to the strange circles which have appeared in cornfields near Devizes and elsewhere. The writers of 'Crop Circles, a Mystery Solved', Jenny Randles and Paul Fuller believe they have the answer not just to this phenomenon but they also cast serious doubt on UFOs in general. In contrast Timothy Goodin: 'AlienLiaisons' believes governments across the world are preparing fora controlled release of information on UFOs which will 'completely overturn our understanding of our place in the Universe'. Well, you pays your money (or brings your library card) and you takes your choice! Happy reading.

FAST FOOD AND SUMMER FUN Summertime is barbecue time and what better way to enjoy picnics, garden parties or caravanning than with a clean, controllable, efficient barbecue from Color? With an impressive selection to choose from and prices starting from £36.95 we think we can cater for everyone's taste!! So for mouthwatering results and sizzling special offers come along to Swindon Color Gas Centre Heating Systems Ltd. Bridge End Road,Swindon Open: Mon- Fri 9am- 5pm • Sat9am - 1 2noon

Tel: 613391

RECREATION

Smart look for new team Anew football team receivedaboost in July when a local sports shop handed over a strip. The newly formed West Swindon under Us team started practice a few weeks ago and will be playing in maroon shirts adorned by the names of their sponsors West Side Sports of Shaw Village Centre. Team manager Ron Sproule said the team greatly appreciated the help fromWestSide'sownerTomTaylor, who donated a strip to the under 13s team last year.

Anne Dawson (S.R.H.) State Registered Hairdresser Offering you a professional service in the comfort of your home. For an appointment, please telephone Swindon 870330 or 0860 585157

Some of the under us squad line up with Tom Taylor, centre

Top footballers

Surprise visit

The lads in the Shaw Ridge School recently won theannualWestSwindon schools under Us five a side football tournament held attheLink Cntre recently. Pictured with their trophies, rear left to right, Paul Morton, Richard Blankley, Mathew Deer, Denial Smithson, Richard Hewitson. Front, Eran Palti, Jamie Mills, Jonat hen Dart

Tennis star Nick Brown, who held up British interests in the men's singles at Wimbledon, made a surprise visit to the Delta Tennis Centre in early July. Tennis Development Officer Neil Allen explained that practice for a tournament in Bristol had been rained off. "Nick rang up to ask if there were any courts available and we were happy to help out," said Neil. Nick Brown, right, meets Tim Robson, head coach at Delta, with Neil Allen

westsiode Sports

s,w

Shaw Village Centre,Shaw (between JCR & Show Church)

Tel: 875712 Opening Times: Mon, Tues, Fri 1 Oam - 6pm Wed 10am - 2pm • Sat 9.30am - 5.30pm

Look awesome this autumn The Link Centre is launching several new aerobics classes aimed at all ages and all fitness levels. Step - Step - Step Step Aerobics is the latest craze. A high intensity low impact workout involving co-ordinating step movements froma bench. Cateringforall levels of fitness it appeals to both men and women. Fitness Funk A funky new class suitable foreveryone,whateveryourfitnesslevel. You can join in straight from work and exercise away the stresses of the day. Includes a free swim tool The M.C.T. Club (Men's Circuit Training) A session designed with fun and enjoyment in mind. Come along on a regular basis and you'll really notice the difference. Pick a class to suit you and your lifestyle on the right.:

Monday Ladies Lifestyle 930am -1130am Aqua Fitness 12 noon - 100pm Step-Step-Step 1 230pm -130pm Evergreen Lifestyle 130pm - 330pm Tuesday Lunchtime Workout 1 230pm -130pm Simply Physical 730pm - 830pm Wednesday Link lifestyle 930am -1130am Fitness Funk 600pm - 700pm The M.C.T. Club 730pm - 830pm Step-Step-Step 830pm - 930pm Thursday Evergreen Lifestyle 930am -1130am Lunchtime Workout 1 230pm -130pm Simply Physical 730pm - 830pm Friday Link Lifestyle 9.30am-11.30am Fitness Funk 600pm - 700pm Sunday Cardio Funk 1030am- 1 130am Further details contact Link Main Reception, telephone 871212.

GET AT, STAY AT •GET AT, STAY FIT •GET AT, STAY AT' GET AT, STAY AT •GET AT, STAYAT •GETFIT, STAY Al

LATE NIGHT OPENING Thurs 11 .3Oam - 8.30pm • GET AT, STAY

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EXERCIS E CLASSES With Lee Hogan M.P.E.A, R.S.A. C)

Wednesdays 7pm-8pm The Absolute Beginners with Lee An Exercise Class specially designed for those people who have not exercised for some time and need a gentle re-introduction. Suable for men and women of all ages and abilities The Gym, Greendown School

Tuesdays 7.30pm . 8.30pm Exercise to Music with Lee Total Body Conditioning. Warm Up Aerobics, Stretch, Floorwork, Cool Down. Suitable for Beginners/Intermediates The Gym, Greendown School 'Bodies By Design Ltd. is sponsored b'

Sundays 6pm-7.1 5pm Fitness Training with Lee Circuit Training, Stamina Building, Team Games. Mainly for Men, but who cares? You've got to start somewhere. Sports Hal( Greendown School Sundays 7.30pm.8.30pm Exercise to Music with Lee Total Body Conditioning. Warm up, Aerobics, Stretch, Floorwork, Cool down. Suitable for beginners/Intermediates. The Gym, Greendown School Everyone Welcome

NO MEMBERSHIP JUST PAY

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£2.50 all classes PERFORMANCE SHOES Swindon's leading supplier of sports footwear

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TEL: 0488- 684928 OR (0831)098273 FOR DETAILS

LOCAL LIVES

WASPS at Lower Shaw Farm

A.E. PAVING

Martin Hawes, a resident at Lower Shine Farm pays a tribute to the WASPS workers

Patios, Crazy Paving, Block Paving, Driveways, Garden Walls, Turfing, Fencing No job too small

Telephone: 876066

Itwas Monday 23Ju1y (1990), 10am, peddling into the yard in a cloud of dust, came Ruth, Liz, Jennie, Dawn Cherry and Ian with their many offspring. "Where do we park all these bikes?" was the first of many questions. The W.A.S.P. (Western Area Swindon Playscheme) playleaders had arrived to hold the first week of their summer playscheme at Lower Shaw Farm (1SF). After the obligatory cuppa and a quick meeting it became obvious they meant business in the way they spread out around the farm preparing activi-

Whether it's for a boat, caravan, or trailer. BRITANNIA TOWING CENTRE Unit 16, Station Industrial Estate, Swindon Can Help!

ties ready for the 115 children that would arrive that day. And what did these handful of workers setup? In the 'barn' there were swings, trapeses, badminton, volley-ball, camp-building and muml painting. In the 'warehouse', mask-making, pottery, painting, paper flower making, bubble-blowing, badge-making and box-sculpture. In the 'yard', table-tennis, stiltwalking (and making), pony-rides, penalty kicks, skipping, feeding the chickens and ducks and resting on the veranda. In the 'quiet room' there was games, books, drawing, technic lego and comfy chairs for children to sit and draw breath. Out in the 'back garden' was a barbecue (for 140!) and an inflatable. As if that wasn'tenough children could go over to the playing field of our neighbouring school to play rounders, football, parachute games and horse around with a seven foot high beach-ball.

distribution so the children could eat was, to my eyes, a logistic task of nightmarish proportion. However, even this ran smoothly with the queue that snaked the length of the veranda congaring in through the kitchen, via the lunchbox wall and out into the pleasure garden and soon even the peacocks honk was swamped by the sound of chomping cusps, from which the ducks had a feast with the leftovers. Incidently, every time we deflated the inflatable the ducks would immediately waddle onto it and startbeha ving to all the world like it was a pond, flapping their wings and looking very pleased with themselves. After the last of the children and playleaders had gone leaving peace and tranquility to return, I came across a scrap of paper pinned to the kitchen wall which I think reveals the secret of the WASPS energy and organisation. I'd like to think of it as

* Towbars for Cars, Vans & Light Vehides * Seat Belts (Kangol & Britax Approved) Or Child Safety Seats

Tel: 0793 613147, 0793 488622

LLT[JaUSTAT 'FFICE SUPPLIES

invites you to help celebrate their move to new premises with these special offers NAKAJIMA ELECTRONIC TYPEWRITERS AE 580 Normally £395 Special £295 AE 800 Normally £345 Special £275 Normally £445 Special £345 AE 830 All models feature: 16,000 - character storage memory (upgradeable to 48k) 40 character LCD 44 line correction memory (500 characters maximum) Suppliers of commercial stationery, office machinery

and accessories and office furniture. Repair and maintenance service available on most office machinery.

Tristat Office Supplies Ltd Unit 7, Oaklands Estate Braydon, Swindon, Wiltshire SN5 OAN Telephone: (0793) 853002 • Fax: (0793) 853002

24 July 1991 - Amanda Worrad, Manageresss of ASDA (WASPS sponsors), in the centre, launching this year's p1 ayscheme at Lower ShawFann with Councillor Ricky Midwinter The word soon got around West a tribute and role of honour to those Swindon that 1SF was the place to unsung workers, it read as follows: be, bringing 142 children the next Ruth Tea white no sugar day, followed by 148 and finally Fiona Coffee white no sugar 152. Life with WASPS here was Jennie Coffee white 2 sugars pretty busy but we residents were Dawn Tea white no sugar all mightily impressed with the fact Ian Black coffee no sugar that in amongst the apparent chaos Cherry Tea black no sugar there was a great amount of order. Anna Coffee white no sugar Remember that it was a little un- Angela Tea white no sugar nerving for us to have a big event The WASPS free summer playrunning here that we weren't or- cheme for 5 to 14 year olds ganising, but the staff (mostly local takes place from 11am to 3pm, mums and Ian our postman) had Mondays to Thursdays at the been working together on following venues: playschemes for the last five years Westlea School from 29 July and ran things with skill, humour Greendown School from 5 August and care. We all enjoyed having the Toothill Farm from 19 August. place buzzing with so many local There is no charge, bring your children clearly enjoying the farm's own lunch, wear old clothes, turn unique atmosphere. There were re- up for fun. markably few tears given the WASPS is coordinated by the Play number of children. Service of Thamesdown Council's Stacked up in the kitchen on the Community Development Division last day was a wall of 152 lunch with financial assistance from boxes and organising the lunchtime ASDA

AUTUMN 91, SPRING & SUMMER 92 - NEW SEASONS, NEW OPPORTUNITIES Why not Progress Through Learning in West Swindon? Swindon College is attempting to make these local learning opportunies as relevant as possible to people living and/or working in the area, and as easy as possible to take up. Over the next three pages you will find a complete guide to all the daytime, evening and weekend Adult Continuing Education courses specially tailored to your needs. All classes take place at Greendown Community School in Grange Park unless indicated otherwise. Outside the College, Greendown is one of the best adult learning centres in North East Wiltshire. It offers a pleasant, modern environment with up-to-date equipment, daytime and evening refreshments for adult learners, evening duty staff, including a receptionist and weekday and weekend purpose-built childcare facilities. The College's West Swindon Area Office is based at the school. Childcare is available for a small additional fee at all daytime activities.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: *- Ring Swindon 613313 .- Pick up a free copy of Swindon College's 1991/92 Part -Time Courses Brochure in the Link Centre Library. A copy can also be obtained by ringing 613313. Look out for our 'information and advice desk' in the West Swindon Shopping Centre on Wednesday 4th September from 10am to 2pm

HOW TO ENROL FOR COURSES

GUIDANCE FOR ADULTS

By post, complete the enrolment form on the back page of this 4 page pull-out guide and return by 28 August. *- In person at any one of the enrolment sessions listed below: Mon 2 Sept 12noon to 8pm Regent Circus and North Star Colleges Tues 3 Sept 2pm to 8pm Regent Circus and North Star Colleges Thurs 5 Sept 6pm to 8pm St John's, Marlborough Sat 7 Sept 10am to 2pm Greendown School, West Swindon Tue 10 Sept 6pm to 8pm Ridgeway School, Wroughton Wed 11 Sept 5pm to 8pm Warneford School, Highworth Thur 12 Sept 6pm to 8pm Wootton Bassett Comp School

The ADULT GUIDANCE UNIT offers Educational and Careers Guidance to those overl 9 and out of full-time education. An advisor is present every Tuesday in the Link Centre Mall from lOam - 12noon to discuss courses and career options. For more information, telephone Swindon 618866.

Please remember that all courses are filled on a first come-first served basis. It is advisable to enrol early.

PAYMENT may be be made by cash, cheque, Access or Visa Cash is only acceptable when payment is made in person heque should be made to 'Wiltshire County Council' and send with your completed enrolment form When using Access or Visa, please make sure that the name and address given is known by the credit card company. Any discrepency will invalidate your enrolment. Full refunds will be paid to students on a course which is cancelled. Other refunds are at the discretion of the College.

OTHER LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES OFFERED BY SWINDON COLLEGE The College has a vast range of courses suitable to those seeking qualifications or training. For information contact the College's CENTRAL ADMISSIONS AND INFORMATION UNIT on Swindon 491591 ext 208.

AUTOMATIC FEE CONCESSIONS If you live in Wiltshire, receive any of the following Benefits and can produce the relevant document - see brackets - you are automatically entitled to a fee concession of either 50% or 100%: Unemployment Benefit (Benefit Girocheque) Income Support (Order Book) Family Credit (Order Book or Entitlement Notice) Housing Benefit (Local Authority letter showing entitlement) Invalidity or Severe Disability Benefit (Invalidity or Severe Disablement Book) For courses with a reference code ending with an 'N', the automatic fee concession is 50% For courses with a reference code ending with an 'S', the automatic fee concession is 100% Some assistance is available for the payment of examination fees for those students eligible for automatic 100% fee reduction. If you do not qualify for automatic fee concession, and the full payment of a fee would cause you genuine financial hardship, you can discuss your circumstances (in the strictest confidence) with Ms Alex Sandell, the Adult Continuing Education Organiser. She is based at Greendown School and can be contacted on Swindon 871413.

PROGRESS THROUGH LEARNING IN WEST SWINDON 1991- 92 ARTS & CRAFTS Calligraphy

Thurs 7-9

10 wks

3 Oct

£25

AG4O1N

Creative Embroidery Crochet

Tues 7-9 Thurs 9.30-11.30

10 wks 6 wks

8Oct 7 Nov

£25 £15

AG2O1N AG4O3N

Dressmaking - All Standards

Wed Thu

Dressmaking - Clothes for Young Children Fri Flower Arranging O Tomkins School O Tomkins School O Tomkins School Bradon Forest School Bradon Forest School Village Hall Lyd Millicent Village Hall Lyd Millicent

Mon Mon Mon Wed Wed Thu Thu

7-9 1-3 9.30-11.30

10 wks .10 wks

2 Oct 3 Oct

£25 £25

AG3O5N AG4O4N

10 wks

4 Oct

£25

AG500N

10 wks 7-9 10 wks 7-9 10 wks 7-9 10 wks 7-9 10 wks 7-9 10.15-11.45 10 wks 10.15-11.45 10 wks

7 Oct £25 27 Jan £25 27 April £25 2Oct £25 4 March £25 3 Oct £25 5 March £25

AG1O7N AG1 08N AG1O9N AG376N AG377N AG475N AG476N

£12

AG600N

Know Your Sewing Machine Sat Swindon College, Ferndale Rd

10-12.30

3wks

Painting and Drawing

Tues

7-9

10 wks 1 Oct

£25

AG203N

Patchwork and Embroidery Mon

1-3

10 wks

£25

AG111N

12 Oct

7Oct

Photography & Darkroom for Beginners An introduction to 35 mm camera techniques - how to take better photographs and the basis of black & white and colour darkroom practice. The course will involve an additional cost for consumable materials used. 12 places only AG309N Wed 7-9 10 wks 25 Sept £25 10 wks 15 Jan £25 AG31ON Wed 7-9 Pottery For Fun

Mon Wed

7-9 7-9

10 wks 10 wks

30 Sept £25 2Oct £25

AG113N AG31 1 N

Silversmithing and Jeweller,' Making

Tues Tues

7-9 7-9

10 wks 10 wks

lOct 21 Jan

£25 £25

AG2O5N AG2O6N

Upholstery and Soft Furnishings

Thurs 7-9 Thurs 7-9

10 wks 3Oct 10 wks 16 Jan

£25 £25

AG4O9N AG41ON

ADULT BASIC EDUCATION W Swindon Family Project Toothill Church Rooms Greendown School

Tues 9.30-11.30 Wed 9.30-11.30 Wed 7-9

30 wks 30 wks 34 wks

17 Sept £5 18 Sept £5 18 Sept £5

Starting in Business: Finance, VAT, PAVE & Business Taxation 4 wks 13 Nov Wed 7-9

MG31 5N

CLERICAL, OFFICE AND SECRETARIAL Mon Wed

7-9 1-3

30 wks 16 Sept £47 30 wks 18 Sept £47

SG142S SG316S

Typewriting - RSA II & III Bradon Forest School

Tues

7-9

30 wks 17 Sept £47

SG273S

Pitmanscript- Beginners

Tues

7-9

30 wks 16 Sept £47

SG243S

10 wks 30 Sept £34.50 £34.50 10 wks 3 Oct 10 wks 15 Jan £34.50

SG118N SG413N SG317N

Book-Keeping - RSA I

Keyboard Skills for Word Processing Mon 2.15-4.15 Thurs 7-9 Wed 7-9

Word Processing (View) - Students require typing skills and be able to type at 17+ words per minute. Entry to Pitman. Elementary exam possible. Will need to buy a textbook. 10 wks 2Oct £34.50 SG318S Wed 7-9 10 wks 13 Jan £34.50 SG119S Mon 2.15-4.15 Thu 7-9 10 wks 16 Jan £34.50 SG414S Word Processing (Locoscript) Tues 7-9 Bradon Forest School 10-3 Bradon Forest School Sat

8wks 1 wk

15 Oct £27.50 SG214N 19 Oct £13.50 SG671N

Word Processing (Locoscript) for the Improver Sat 10-3 Bradon Forest School

1 wk

23 Nov £13.50 SG672N

COOKERY AND SUGAR SKILLS Cake Decorating - BeginnersTues 7-9 Sugar Paste Flowers -Bradon Forest School

Wed 7-9

£25

FG214N

8 wks 9Oct £20

FG308N

10 wks 1 Oct

DANCE, DRAMA, MUSIC ETC Ballroom Dancing - Beginners Mon 7.30-9 0 Tomkins School

10 wks 7 Oct £18.75 DG121N

Ballroom Dancing - Improvers Wed 7.30-9

10 wks 9Oct £18.75 DG321N

GG244S GG35OS GV524S

Guitar and Banjo - Folk Style. Basic guitar and/or banjo styles using chord and finger style techniques based around well-known popular songs. Students will need their own instruments although enquiries weboonie from those without. 10 wks 8 Oct £25 Tues 7-9 DG250N Parent & Toddler Movement to Dance. 12 family group places. (Repeated in Spring and Summer Terms)- Link Centre, W Swindon Wed 10-11 5 wks 25 Sept £8 NG321 N Wed 11-12 5 wks 25 Sept £8 NG322N Wed 10-11 5 wks 6 Nov £8 NG323N Wed 11-12 5wks 6Nov £8 NG324N

RSA/GCSE GCSE English

Wed

7-9

30 wks

18 Sept £47

GG300S

GCSE English Literature

Mon

7-9

30 wks

16 Sept £47

GG100S

GCSE Human Biology

Wed

7-9

30 wks

18 Sept £47

GG3O2S

GCSE Law

Tues

7-9

30 wks

17 Sept £47

GG200S

GCSE Maths

Mon

7-9

30 wks 16 Sept £47

GG1O1S

GCSE Modern World History Wed

7-9

30 wks

19 Sept £47

GG3O4S

RSA Numeracy

Mon

9.30-11.30

30 wks

16 Sept £47

GG1 02S

DIY: CARS, HOMES & GARDENS

GCSE Psychology

Thurs 7-9

30 wks

19 Sept £47

GG400S

GCSE Sociology

Thurs 7.15-9.15

30 wks 19 Sept £47

GG4O1S

Bricklaying for Beginners Swindon College Ferndale Rd

BUSINESS, FINANCE AND MANAGEMENT Mon

7-9

5 wks

7 Oct

£25

MGi 02N

Direct Marketing Mon - [derived from CAM syllabus)

7-9

5wks

18 Nov

£25

MGi 03N

Sales Promotion Mon -[derived from CAM syllabus)

7-9

5wks

13 Jan

£25

MG114N

Marketing Communications Mon 7-9 - (derived from Institute of Marketing syllabus)

5 wks

9 March £25

MG115N

Investment and Thur the Stock Exchange Thur - A Layperson's Introduction

7-9 7-9

5 wks 5 wks

7 Nov £12.50 5 March £12.50

MG41 2N MG41 3N

Personal Taxation & Investments

7-9

3 wks

9 Oct

MG314N

General Marketing - Introduction to

£13

Start Music with Electronic Keyboards Wed 7.30-9.30 10 wks

Wed 7-9 Fri 7-9

2 Oct £25

DG326N

6wks 29 April £20 6 wks 1 May £20

BG329N BG5O5N

Car Maintenance for beginners

Tues 7-9 Wed 7-9 Thu 7-9 Thu 7-9 En 7-9 Fri 7-9

16 wks 1 Oct 16 wks 2 Oct 10 wks 3 Oct 10 wks 16 Jan 10 wks 4 Oct 10 wks 17 Jan

£40 £40 £25 £25 £25 £25

VG2I9N VG33ON VG416N VG417N VG5O2N VG5O3N

Electronics - An Introduction Interior Design

Tues Thu Wed Wed

7-9 7-9 7-9 7-9

10 wks 1 Oct 10 wks 3 Oct 10 wks 20ct 10 wks 15 Jan

£25 £25 £25 £25

EG22ON EG418N AG332N AG333N

Woodwork

Tues Tues

7-9 7-9

10 wks 1 Oct 10 wks 14 Jan

£25 £25

AG221N AG222N

£25

UG419N

GENERAL INTEREST Wed

£9.50

Astrology - An Introduction

Thu

7-9

10 wks

30 Jan

Canals in Swindon

Tues Tues

7-9 7-9

1 wk 1 wk

12 Nov £2.60 31 March £2.60

UG245N UG246N

You don't have to enrol in person any longer. Use the return form below to book your courses now. Full course brochure available at Link Centre Library. Visit the information and advice desk in the West Swindon Centre on Wednesday 4th September, lOam - pm. All courses take place at Greendown Community School in Grange Park unless indicated otherwise.

Psychology for Fun - Participants in this course will be invited to delve into the areas which interest them. These could include developmental, cognitive, social and comparative UG336N psychology. Wed 9.30-11.30 lOwks 22Jan £26 The Renaissance: Change and Discovery. A chance to learn about artistic developments, voyages of exploration, the Reformation and developments in thought in the 15th & 16th centuries. 10 wks 8Oct £25 UG273N Bradon Forest School Tues 7-9 Understanding Your Dreams An introductory course for anyone interested in exploring and sharing their dreams. In a supportive group setting learn practical techniques to help you recall and interpret your 10 wks 21 Jan £25 UG216N dreams. Tues 7-9

HEALTH, BEAUTY & HAIRDRESSING 8 Oct 28 Jan

£20 £20

PG224N PG225N

Hypnosis for Relaxation; Positive Thinking and Stress Control 10 wks 3Oct Thu 7-9 10wks 16Jan Thu 7-9 lOwks 30A0 Thu 7-9

£25 £25 £25

PG42ON PG421N PG422N

Aromatherapy for Beginners Tues Tues

7-9 7-9

8 wks 8 wks

Assertion Training for Women

Tues 9.45-11.45 10 wks 14 Jan £25 lOwks 29Apl £25 Wed 7.30-9.30

UG226N UG338N

Job-Hunting Skills For anyone who is considering a career change or who is looking for work. The course will include writing CVs, completing application forms and interview techniques. If you are eligible for Automatic Fee Remission (see below), you will be charged a specially 6 wks 8 Oct £15 UG227N reduced fee of only £6. Tues 7-9 Parents & Teenagers. For parents, teenagers and anyone else who may find the subject of interest. This course is designed to provide an opportunity for participants to explore the following issues: adult/teenage relationships; ways to communicate; mutual understanding; co-operative ways of working and playing'; what being a teenager means to parents/teenagers/society; where to find practical help or information if required; possibilities of on-going support and/ or community action.The Tutor is a trained counsellor with considerable experience of working with young people and adults. She is currently working as a Student Welfare Officer, freelance trainer, group facilitator and counsellor. UG128N Mon 7-9 10 wks 7Oct £25 Wed 7.30-9.30

Stress Management

10 wks 2Oct £25

UG339N

Weight Control - The Hay System of Compatible Eating. -This course includes special PG504N 6wks 8 Nov £15 help for problem dieters Fri 7-9

Dealing With Stress An opportunity to identity your major sources of stress. We will look at how to take care of ourselves and protect ourselves from too much stress. We will also explore how stress can be used positively and creatively. This course will be run jointly by two experienced tutors, Lucie Hartley and Laurence Yeoman.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT! EFFECTIVENESS

Swindon College Ferndale Rd

Assertiveness Training Assertiveness training is about learning to say what you think, feel and need whilst respecting other people's right to do the same. This course is an opportunity for men and women to come together to look at different and more effective ways of communicating with other people. This course will be run jointly by two experienced tutors, Lucie Hartley UG423N Thurs 7-9 8 wks 3 Oct £34 and Laurence Yeoman.

Sat

10-4

1 wk

26 Oct £15.75

PG621N

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KEEP FIT, SPORTS & OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

French II

Thurs 7-9

20 wks

10 Oct

£50

LG43ON

Carriage Driving for Beginners. 6 places per course - Lower Shaw Farm, W Swindon 29 April £35 Wed 6-8 6 wks KG351N Wed 6.30-8.30 6wks 10 June £35 KG352N Thurs 6-8 6 wks 30 April £35 KG44GN Thurs 6.30-8.30 KG447N 6wks 11 June £35 Sat 10-12 £35 KG61ON 6 wks 5 Oct Sat 10-12 6 wks 2 May £35 KG611N Sat 10-12 6wks 13 June £35 KG612N

French II

Wed

9.30-11.30

20 wks

2Oct

£50

LG345N

French II

Tues

7-9

20 wks

8Oct

£50

LG235N

French III

Wed

7-9

20 wks

9Oct

£50

LG342N

French HI

Thurs 9.30-11.30

20 wks

26 Sept £50

LG432N

Get By In German

Thurs 7-9 Thurs 7-9

10 wks 10 wks

3Oct 23 Jan

£25 £25

LG433N LG439N

German I

Mon

7-9

20 wks 30 Sept £50

LG133N

German II

Tues

7-9

20 wks

lOct

£50

LG234N

A Guided Canal Walk Along Swindon's Canals -Fire Station, Fleming Way, Swindon Sun 2.00-4.00 1 wk 5 April £2.50 KG608N

Modern Greek for Beginners Wed

7-9

20 wks

9Oct

£50

LG341N

Get By In Italian

Tues

7-9

6wks

28Apl

£15

LG237N

Keep Fit, Freshbrook School Mon 6.30-8.00

Italian I

Tues

7-9

20 wks

8Oct

£50

LG238N

Portuguese II

Thurs 7-9

20 wks

3Oct

£50

LG434N

Get By In Spanish

Thurs 7-9

6 wks

30 ApI

£15

LG435N

Spanish I

Mon

7-9

20 wks

30 Sept £50

LG135N

Spanish Il

Thurs 7-9

20 wks

3Oct

£50

LG436N

Spanish III

Tues

20 wks

lOct

£50

LG236N

Tues Wed

6.30-8.30 6.30-8.30

8wks 8wks

5 May £20 lOJune £20

KG228N KG340N

10 wks 30 Sept £18.75 KG128N

Keep Fit for the over 50s using the Extend Method -Link Centre, W Swindon Thur 11-12 10 wks 3Oct £12.50 KG442N Thur 11-12 10 wks 23 Jan £12.50 KG444N Practical Stable Management - Dauntsey Sat 2-4 Sat 2-4 Sat 2-4 Understanding Horses - Module 1 Thu 7-9

10 wks 5 Oct £25 10 wks 18 Jan £25 10 wks 2 May £25

KG601 N KG602N KG603N

10 wks 3Oct £25

KG426N

7-9

10 wks 9 Jan £25

KG427N

Understanding Horses - Module 3 Dauntsey Thu 7-9

10 wks 30Apl £25

KG428N

Understanding Horses - Module 2 Thu

LANGUAGES Dutch for Beginners

Wed 7-9

20 wks 2 Oct

£50

LG348N

Get By In Dutch

Wed 7-9

6 wks 29 Apr £15

LG349N

Get By In French

Mon 9.30-11.30 6 wks

7 Oct £15

LG134N

Get By In French - Swindon Sat 9.30-3.30 2 wks 16 Nov £17 College, Ferndale Rd Sat 9.30-3.30 2 wks 8Feb £17 French I Tues 9.30-11.00 20 wks 5 Nov £50

LG611N LG6I2N LG231N

French I

LG131N

Mon 7-9

20 wks 7 Oct

£50

NAVIGATION, RADIO & ELECTRONICS Navigation I - RYA Competent Crew/Day Skipper. An additional fee will be payable to cover course materials and examination costs. Tues 7-9 22 wks 1 Oct £63 UG242N

YOGA & ORIENTAL EXERCISE T'aiChi - Beginners Thurs 7-8 -O Tom kins School, W Swindon

10 wks 3Oct

T'aiChi - Improvers Thurs 8-9 -0 Toni kins School, W Swindon

10 wks 3Oct £12.50 YG433N

CD 0.

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£18.75

10 wks 1 Oct

£18.75

YG270N

Yoga-Village Hall, Purton Wed 10-11.30

10 wks 2Oct

£18.75

YG371N

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ARTS SCENE

Family fun, Music & Comedy highlights at Link Arts

There's live folk music on Saturday 31 August, at the Village Hall, Lydiard Millicent Details on page 23.

sharpest, yet amiable entertainers on the circuit on 27 September, and the eccentric, surreal Eddie Izzard. There's also film and drama at Link Arts, plus dance, drama and media at Town Hall Studios and the Arts Centre. Full details in the broA Summer Art Exhibition, organchure from Thamesdowns arts. Eddie Izzardat Link Arts on 2 November ised by Fine Art Promotions, is to be held in Broad Town Village Hall, near Wootton Bassett on August Bank Holiday weekend, 25 and 26 August. Over 100 paintings will be on display; the combined work of fourteen well-established and promising artists from Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire. The entry fee of 25p will be donated to the Wiltshire Trust for Nature Conservation, as will the proceeds of a raffle. Refreshments will be available and children under 14 will be admitted free. The Exhibition will be open from 2pm until 7pm on Sunday 25 August and from 11am until 6pm on Bank Holiday Monday. Further details about participating artists or other aspects of the Exhibition can be obtained from Elizabeth Johnson, Fine Art Promotions, Tel: 731441.

The new arts events programme has been published, giving details of autumn performances, films and events at arts venues in Swindon. For families, the season starts on 28 September with two performances by funnyman Professor Paradox. A month later (26 October) the mapcap flying Chesticoffs will involve theiraudience in judicious juggling and crazy clowning around. If music's your thing, there's jazz from Billy Jenkins 'Voice of the People' on 13 September, Huellas, traditional music from Ecuador on 21 September and blending blues, folk and classic African sounds, the Malian singer and guitarist Boubacar Tra ore on 25 October. S.E. Rogie's laid back and seductive 'palm wine' style of music should be irresistible on 30 November. Link Arts Studio has established itself as the funiest venue around with its New Comedy evenings. Regular compere Paul Ramone puts a spark into the evenings which will include Jeremy Hardy, one of the

Art for Nature Conservation

GREEN TENDENCIES Can Bank in Action

West Swindon's can bank is now taking deposits alongside the paperbank at the West Swindon Centre. The largeblue containerhas been sponsored by Anchor Foods who have nominated the Childrens Cancer and Leukemia Movement (CALM) to receive the proceeds from recycling cans. Aluminium cans are preferred in the can bank as they have a higher recycling value, but steel cans are acceptable and can be extracted. If food cans are being saved for recycling, please ensure they are clean before making a deposit in the can bank to avoid public health problems. Opening the can bank, in the foreground Thamesown Recycling Officer Anne Billingham and John Holland of Holland Handling, rear left to right, Candy Witts of CALM, Lionel Dix, Manager of the West Swindon Centre, Sarah Denning of Anchor Foods

LOSE A STONE IN 4 WEEKS AT

Tuesdays 7pm Holy Trinity Church, Shaw Village Centre For more details, phone Sheena on 874085

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

Looking for a New Career or Job Opportunity? Get Specialist Help with your CV A professionally prepared CV enhances your prospects of getting that important initial interview. Also Available:

Our service includes: • Help from a qualified professional • 4 original prints of your CV

Career Counselling - identifying career opportunities - application letters - identifying transferable skills - interviewing techniques - confidence building

Contact MJM Professional Management (0793) 762128 A NEW LIFE FOR WASTE

Have A Great Party! \

IN THAMESDOWN CAN BANKS SPONSORED BY ANCHOR FOODS BIJRMAH CASTROL CMB PACKAGING READERS DIGEST ON BEHALF OF LOCAL CHARITIES AND COMMUNITY GROUPS

How long will it take? The Link Magazine will give £5 to the person who predicts when the can bank Is emptied. Will it take a month, 6 months, a year, two years for the can bank to be filled? Send your predictions by the end of August to us at 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook

Hire our Mini-Clown Bouncer. 10'x10' inflatable with rain cover. Ideal for children's parties, pre-school groups, fetes etc Indoors & Outdoors.r

To book, ring West Swindon's ACE FUN CASTLES on 873552

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Guiding hands at Freshbrook Church depart Two well known and much loved members of the Freshbmok Church congregation leave the area in August to manage a retirement home for the Overseas Missionary Fellowship in Kent. Bernard and Jean Welch were amongst the eight people who came together to establish the beginnings of Freshbmok Church in early 1982. When funds became available to put up a building, Bernard took on the role of on-site project manager, organising contractors, coordinating volunteers and mixing a lot of cement. The church is now firmly established in the area and with a congregation numbering 300, it's a big wrench to move on said Bernard. 'We're part of a big family here and we had to thinklongand hard about going. But the Lord has called us and we are both privileged to serve him in a new capacity and sad to leave theFellowshipinFreshbmok." In fact, Bernard and Jean's new life will link them to their earlier years. Bernard was born into a missionary family in China and went to the Bible Training Institute with a view to serving in the Far East with

IVANGELICAI CWRCH

Bernard and Jean Welch

the Overseas Missionary Fellowship. Jean was also training for the same aim when they met and married and then stayed in this country. Twenty nine years later, they find themselves working for the Overseas Mission in a different capacity.

Minister for Westlea Chuch West Swindon's church without a building will soon haveits own minister. Westlea Church which meets at WestleaSchool wifibe joined inSeptember by Dick Grey from Malmesbury who is just completing theological home-study training. Westlea Church is a non-denominational church made of Christians from many different backgrounds and is part of the united West Swindon Ecumenical project which brings together Anglicans, Methodists, Baptists and the United Reform Church. Father of two teenagers, Dick is presently a computer manager with a communications company and will continue with his full time job. After four years of training, he says he feels nervous about taking up the post. "It's a young church establishing the right way to make itself relevant in the community. I see my role of guiding, encouraging and helping in that process." "I feel excited with the opportu-

Dick Grey

nity to contribute and apprehensive about whether I can do the job." Dick will be ordained into the Ministry on 12 October. To find out more about the Westlea Church, telephone Jane Abbotts on 872932.

Noah's Ark Under Fives Nita Grainger writes:

Since our morning sessions at Freshbmok Church are now fully subscribed, we are considering running afternoon sessions. If the demand is sufficient, we may commence in the autumn. If you are interested in your child attending an afternoon session, please contact either Cheryl Grandfield, tel. 538994 or Debbie Tilley on 873595.

ADVERTISE IN THE LINK. CALL 871793

NEWS & VIEWS

Jesus lady makes 300 Liz Hepburn is quite used to hearing mothers trying to correct their children when they call out across a shop, "Look, there's the Jesus lady!" On another occasion, she heard a whispered conversation in the doctor's surgery between parent and child, "No it's not Mrs Hepburn, it's Mrs Heaven." For Liz, it confirms that the message she carries from God is getting across. Almost certainly, she must be the most well know person in the area. Every week she conducts three to four a ssemblies in one of the local primary schools, singing songs and telling bible stories. She estimates that she is seen by over 4,000 children. Starting in 1986 at Shaw Ridge School she has now clocked up 300 assemblies in the area, the anniversaryitself taking place atShaw Ridge Liz Hepburn with he cake where she was surprised with cards presented to her at Shaw Ridge School sent by all the schools she visits and a celebration cake. "I really love the work of making Shaw Ridge headteacher Keith the bible come alive for the children. Burke said Liz's work was much By retelling the stories in a way chilneeded and greatly appreciated. dren can relate to, I feel I'm helping "She's absolutely brilliant." them understand the message of Liz said she started visiting God. I couldn't do this on my own; schools on a voluntary basis on be- the glory has to be with God." half of the West Swindon EcumeniShe said that she would like to cal Churches, but since the national thank all the children for sharing curriculum was introduced she feels their smiles, songs and prayer with her work is even more important to her, and all the people who help her occasionally take the pressure off continue her work with their teachers. prayers.

Charles HAR 0 I Ni G

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Lydiard Landscaping

All 650 pupils at Greendown School spent a week at the end of term pursuing projects of their choice around the theme People and the Planet.' Based on an environmental day last year, the theme week gave youngsters the chance to investigate a wide variety of subjects and participate in lots of practical activity. These included findingoutabout Eskimo peoples, pollution of the seas, discovering footpaths by taking long walks around West Swindon, a camping and rock climbing trip in Wales, a tour of the House of Commons with Swindon MPSimon Coombs, the production of a theme week magazine and election of a

School Council for next year. Diane Holness, from the Bristol ScuiptureShed, worked with twenty students to create a number of large outdoor sculptures from junk delivered and removed by local waste management company Holland Handling. A groupof fifth year school leavers returned fora week to design a giant jigsaw pn7zleonlarge wooden stagingblocks used in the drama studio, painting a mural on the other side. The paint and varnish was donated by McDougall Rose of Swindon. Theweek's activities was recorded for future television broadcast by a team working for the BBC Education Department.

School leavermuralisfs,from left, Tim Lewis,Kajal Somaiya, Emma Kilby, Clancy McMullan, Emma Volpetto and Barrie lee of McDougall Rose

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Sunday School Prizegiving with a Difference Ann Hall reports:

All the congregation of Toothill Church enjoyed the Sunday School Prizegiving on Sunday 7 July. I thought it was really something special. The service was led by the Sunday School Superintendent Mrs Marjory Walmsley. Six children dressed up as characters from the Bible and five children interviewed them and asked questions. From their replies the other children and the adults had to guess who they were. We had Noah, Abraham, Joseph, David and Matyand Martha. One of the older girls also interviewed a mystery voice, who turned out to be Cynthia Dowdeswell, the chairperson of the Toothill Church Committee, who has been an active member of the church for ten years. After each interview we had an appropriate hymn or song. After Joseph' everyone was delighted to hear a song from 'Joseph and the AmazingTechnicolourDreamcoat', sung by Jason Donavan. Then two of the senior girls sang

a Gloria Estefan song 'Coming out of the dark,' written while she was paralysed after a car crash. In the prize giving, every Sunday Schoolchild, fmrntheyoungestthree year old to the eldest, 14, went forward to receive a book presented by Rev Ian Handscomb and Rev Anne Thomas. Marjory thanked her fellow teachers for their hard work during the year and was thanked in turn by Anne Thomas for her leadership. About 40 children attend the Sunday School which is run in three age groupings. Any children from Toothill who would like to come along will be made most welcome. It is now summer holidays and the Sunday School starts on Sunday 8 September. Toothill Church has a real family atmosphere and we all value the children. They are 'our children' and those of us who are single or married but have no children are grateful for the opportunity to sharing in the work with them.

NEWS & VIEWS

Winning photo Mitzy Chantye from Rodbourne, Swindon was the winner of the photographic competition held by Hallmark Photography during the June West Swindon Under 5s Festival. She and her mother are pictured receivinga framed canvas effect portrait from Kevin Hall of Hallmark Mitzy inspects her likeness

Outings for under 5s The Upper Shaw Parent and Toddler Group is once again opening the play area at the Upper Shaw Centre every week-day afternoon during August for parents with under fives across West Swindon. The enclosed, secure play area hasa large sandpit, slide, play house and benches for tired parents. The play area will be open between 2pm and 4pm on dry days. Refreshments will be available and the cost will be SOp per parent and child, pluslOp for each extra child. The Upper Shaw Farm Centre is opposite Shaw Ridge School, Ridge Green, off Shaw Road.

New date for Teddies picnic The West Swindon Under 5s Festival Teddy Bears Picnic In June was postponed because of the wintery wet weather. The new date Is 6 September at Lydiard Park, 11am - 2pm. Take your best dressed teddles, mums or dads and a picnic (and hope for September sunshine).

Help at hand for youngsters Students at Greendown School will soon have another person to talk to, apart from teachers, if they need to turn to somebody for help. The school governors agreed in July to fund the appointment of a school counsellor with the help of the national charity, Schools Outreach. Gordon Bailey, founderof Schools Outreach on a visit to West Swindon recently, said the organisation employed very skilled individuals to bean independent source of help for young people. 'Teachers are under tremendous pressure to make sure that children cover the national curriculum. More and more schools are finding the need for somebody to work alongside the teaching staff to establish relationships with students in a non-authoritarian capacity. Not being tied to a timetable or the demands of the curriculum means a counsellor can spend time with youngsters to get to grips with whatever is troubling them, and if necessary visit parents to discuss why a youngster isn't happy. "Our experience is that once a counsellor joins a school, students very quickly find him or her and are eager to talk about what's on their minds. It might be boy or girl friend worries or it may be a family breakup. Having a trusted, independent adult willing to offer the time to listen to them is important for youngsters. "Our role is to help young people look at their problems and think out the wise course of action." Greendown headteacher Ian Matthews said the school governors

LIVE FOLK MUSIC with THE BALROGS' Sat. 31 August, 7.30pm Village Hall, Lydlard Millicent Including a Ploughmans Supper with wine or cider. Tickets: £5; OAPs & children £3 from Jean Flory on 770217. In aid of church roof repairs.

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Gordon Bailey

recognised there are many pressures on young people in an area like West Swindon with its shifting population, high levels of family break-up and conflicts between material demands and uncertainty over work prospects. "In addition to education, we are concerned to provide social help, but the demands on teachers nowadays limits how far we can go. A school counsellor will give students somebody to turn to so that problems can be discussed early, rather than when things get difficult for student, family and the school." Hopefully the counsellor will be appointed in September and will join Greendown in November after a period of training withSchools Outreach. Cash for ASH. Greendown third years Arthur Barr, Edward Chivers and Matthew Kerslake, all keen basketball players got so involved in a project on smoking that they decided to raise money for the antismoking organisation ASH. In 15 minutes, they shot 551 baskets and raised £50.

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Take a walk for rescued animals Animals in need of care are going to benefit from the efforts from Majella and MatthewFiddes family from Grange Park. Majella Fiddes and her twelve year old son Matthew are raising money for the Animal Rescue Centre at Grittenham by organising a sponsored walk on Bank Holiday Monday, 25 August, and they want animal lovers to join in. The route starts at lOam from the Lydiard Park VisitorCentreand will take walkers along Shaw Ridge and backtothePark. Altogether it should take between 11/2 and 2 hours.

Adults and accompanied children, with or without dogs, can take part. Majella, a saleperson with L'Arome perfumes home party scheme is also donating some of her profits from sales. Party organisers will receive a lovely gift for holding the party and the rescue centre will receive 20% of all sales made from the wide range of Echoes perfumes and Swiss System skincare products. Readers can obtain a sponsor form or book a L'Arome party via Majella or Matthew on 870689.

The Swindon FlowerShow N I) o allabout competitions involv4 ing enthusiasts, the colourat the Oasis Leisure Cen- ', ful displays and exhibitre in September is the tions, and the chance to annual highspot for garSH0W talk to experts infloraland den lovers in the area. .. vegetable gardening atThree large halls are , tract those who want ideas being turned over to fl. flowers, fruit and vegeta- 116p' and inspiration. There will also be a large art bles, crafts and bee keeping. Even a squash court will become the and craft fair and many trade stalls. And there's a chance to win a venue for floral demonstrations. Competitions will be held for vir- balloon flight in a free lucky protually everything. Not only will the gramme draw. fatest marrow and most colourful The Flower Show takes place on blooms bejudged, home madewines Friday 6September,2pm to lopmand of all kinds, floral art and the tastiest Saturday 7 September, 10am - 7pm. fruit cake will also be scrutinised. Adults tickets are £1.75, OAPs £1.25, Of course the Flower Show is not children and gold card holders 75p.

IPIPIEE

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WU & ABOUT Kids Film Fun in August It's the summer holidays and Elizabeth Wood reviews the feast of good films at the MGM Cinema on Shaw Ridge.

q.v. 'Uplio[stcnj

Quality New & Restored Furniture, Antiques Restorations & Recovering Undertaken Showrooms - Gilberts Newport Street, Swindon Telephone 539913

CLEANING ENTERPRISES (WROUGHTON)

For professional on-site cleaning of Carpets, Curtains, Upholstery and Vertical Blinds. Specialist, Oriental Rug Cleaning service. Licensed 'Scotchcare' services company. A technical problem for The Rocketeer Showing at present are CINDERELLA (U), the classic full length Disney cartoon, the new actionpacked adventure ROBIN HOOD PRINCE OF THIEVES (PC), starring Kevin Costner, and the strange and wonderful EDWARD SCISSORHANDS (PC). ROCK-A-DOODLE (U),a feature length cartoon from the makers of The Land Before Time will be showing from 1 August and on the same day those heroes in a half shell are back with TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES II (PC) Cowabunga! From 2 August MGM present THE ROCKEIEhR (PC), the exciting new feature from the Walt Disney Studios. A dangerous adventure begins when handsome air racing pilot Cliff Secord (Bill Ca mpbell) finds an extraordinary rocket pack, a device that enables him to sweep through the sky when it is strapped to his back

Set in Los Angeles in 1938, Cliff masters the use of the incredible flying apparatus. With a newly designed helmet that helps to guide him through the air and keeps his identity secret, the media turn him into a hero, dubbing him the Rocketeer. But there are a number of people who will go to any lengths to take possession of the rocket pack, including a deadly would-be world dictator. Togetherwith his girlfriend Jenny (Jennifer Connelly) the stage is set for an extraordinary adventure that tests Cliff's mettle to see if he has the stuff that heroes are made of. Also starring Timothy Dalton as Neville Sinclair, movie star and secret Nazi spy the film features spectacular special effects. Details of these and all the other films showing can be obtained from the 24 hour MGM Hotline on Swindon 877727.

DOMESTIC, COMMERCIAL & I'NDUSTRIAL INSTALLATIONS, MAINTENANC D REPAIRS

For enquiries and estimates ring 812575 A UfU&A W THE

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@UU 8 ABOUT Step back in time this Summer Tim Bryant, Curator of SwindonsGreat Western Railway Museum, invites you to discover the world of steam

Swindon's Railway Museum, situated in the heart of Brunel's historic Railway Village, remains one of the town's top tourist sites, attracting visitors from all over the world, including the USA, Australia, Japan and New Zealand. Despite Swindon's close links with the Great Western Railway the vast majority of the museum visitors come from outside the Borough. So if you are new to the area or have lived in the town for many years why not pay us a visit?

Brunel's Great Western Railway linking London and Bristol, fully opened 150 years ago in June 1841, and the GWR Museum celebrates the history of the Company, its locomotives, and the men and women who worked for it. The museum is situated in a historic building, constructed originally as alodginghouseforrailway workers in the 1850's before being converted into a Wesleyan Chapel, which it remained for 90 years. Today the main hail of the mu-

A photo from the archives. Swindon's railway works in the years before 1914, now celebrated at the GWR Museum

Early summer reductions on all sizes of panels and posts.

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Free delivery. Supply only or supply and fit.

Trellis work - All shapes and sizes made to order. Excellent prices. K. Wood Fencing Tel: (0793) 848260 Eves: 692658

sewn is dominated by 4 steam locomotives and a 1934 Railcar, which grab your attention as soon as you enter the building! Those who always wanted to be an engine driver can realise their dreams on the cab of No. 2516,which is open to thevisitors. Upstairs, is our new exhibition 'Return to Swindon' which opened in 1990, and has proved very popular. Here the stoiyofSwindon Works and the Railway Village is told in a series of new displays and recreated workshop scenes. Elsewhere there is a wealth of other interesting things to see and do; posters, prints and nameplates line the walls, and for children a model railway, and a 'touch table' where you can punch a ticket and handle all manner of other railway items. The first part of any visit involves stepping back in time to the Victorian era! Next door to the museum at 34 Faringdon Road, is a restored railwayman's cottage, its gas lighting and period furniture give a real insight into what life must have been like for GWR employees and their families 90 years ago. The museum is only a short walk from the Brunel Shopping Centre, in Faringdon Road. Why not visit this Summer,andmlivethe'AgeofSteam?'

Countrywide Property Management

Museum Opening Hours

Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm 2pm - 5pm Sundays Admission Charges Adults £1.65. Children/OAP 75p Under-fives Free!

Did you attend St Joe's in 1978? The search is on for former pupils of St Joseph's School, Swindon Five former school friends have joined together and organised a school reunion for pupils who attended the fifth form in 1978. The reunion is to be held at the Nythe Road School on 14 September. Tickets are £3. To obtain a ticket please contact Jan Marriner (nee Saunders) on 870859

Serving Peatmoor The new Roughmoor Social Hall servingPeatmoorand the north end of Nine Elms will be available for booking froml September. Located nextto theKingdomHallonSwinley Drive, the room can be book via Thamesdown Councils Community Development Division. Tel. 526161 ext. 4786.

QUALITY SHEDS AND FENCING DIRECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER • • • •

Residential Letting Agents PROPERTIES IN THIS AREA URGENTLY REQUIRED FOR PROCEEDABLE APPLICANTS

Contact Paula Grant Tel: 613459

SHEDS WORKSHOPS STABLES AVIARIES DOG KENNELS

OF FENCING & GATES SUPPLIED AND FITTED • Fill ESTIMATES • Flu DIU VERY ALL

Tel: 848674 or eve.854967

Haydon End Lane Entrance of Lady Lane and Westfield Way, Haydon Wick Tel: Swindon 721221 OPEN DAILY

• Trees Shrubs • Alpines• Heathers • Conifers Roses • Herbaceous Perennials • Bedding Plants, Geraniums & Fuschias• Hanging Baskets

• Rockery and walling stone Discounts on all composts PURCHASE OR EXCHANGE YOUR HTA GIFT TOKEN WITH US

Invest in one block driveways and never worry about cracking or sinking again. Numerous colours, patterns and shapes to choose from. Why not let us transform your garden by adding a patio and stylish walling? We also undertake turfing, property maintenance, fencing and all types of garden ponds.

THE PRICE WE QUOTE IS WHAT YOU PAY No hidden extras Daytime (0793) 729915 (9am - 5pm . Evenings (0793) 485018 24 hour Answer machine available

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BUSINESS GROWS WITH THE LINK

Advertisements in The Link work! Ask anybody who lives in West Swindon which publication they read. Most will say The Link magazine. Why? Because it's relevant. People don't browse through or ignore The Link, like they do other publications. They read it very closely because it's about their area and it's the best way of finding out what's going on.

Advertisements must have impact. If they don't you're wasting money. The Link is distributed to over 10,000 newly built homes in West Swindon - about 30,000 people who are all consumers of products and services. If you need to communicate with them, there's no better way than through The Link.

Telephone 871793 and we'll help you get your message across

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NEWS & VIEWS

Bumps and Babes

Take to the skies

Bumps and Babes is a group for first time mothers. The aim of the group is to provide support during pregnancy and right through the first year. The group meets every Monday in the Community Suite in the Link Centre from 2.00pm-4.00pm. New mothers and mothers-to-be have the the opportunity to meeting one another and there are also regular speakers covering topics such as weaning, teething and speech development. New members are always welcome and anyone interested in joining should contact the Chairperson Carole Barnes on 613865

Ever wondered what it's like to fly a helicopter? Or is there somebody you want to surprise? It's the kind of thing that many people thinkabout, now here's your chance! FAST helicopters, based at Thruxton Airport near Andover, is offering E5 off the cost of a first flight to readers of the Link magazine. FAsrspeciallseinhelicopterflight training, aerial photography, charter, air taxi and pleasure flights, using Robinson R22 two seaters and Bell Jet Ranger 4 seaters. On a visit to FAST, chief pilot Michael Green will describe the capabilities of the machine, run through the techniques used to fly it and then up you go for a thirty minute trial flight. For a short time, underhis watchful eye and immense experience based on 26 years and 9,600 hours flying helicopters, he

will hand over the stick so that you get that wonderful feeling of being in control in the air. Flying a helicopter is an experience everyone should try. Whether it's something you've always wanted to have a go at, or whether you'd like to give somebody a very special present, FAST Helicopters will make the occasion one to remember. Who knows, you may be caught by the flyingbugand of course FAST are the ideal people to help you learn. To arrange that special occasion, contactJulie Wiltshire at FAST Helicopters on (0264) 772508. A ÂŁ5 off voucher is printed on page 12.

Tree of rememberance The sad death of Jan Devine from Freshbrook in early 1990 was commemorated at Toothill's Oliver Tomkins Playgroup when her husband Gordon planted a flowering willow. Jan died inJanuary 1990 after contmctingMotorNeuroneDisease. She had been very involved with the playgroup which both her sons attended. Afterplanting the tree in the pour-

ing rain at the beginning of July, Gordon said Jan's sudden illness had been an utter shock and he greatly appreciated the playgroup's tremendous gesture. Chair of the playgroup Liz Mann said the family had been an important part of the playgroup and they wanted to remember Jan. Below: Gordon Devine plants the tree watched by playgroup committee and staff

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THAMESWOOD VETERINARY CLINIC Nicholas Hartley MA., Vet. M.B. M.R.C.V.S. West Swindon .Tel: 526780 62 . 64 Purton Road. Mon. - Fri. 9am-6.30pm Saturday 9am- 11am Old Town. Tel: 542300 1 Ashford Road (see map) Mon. - Fri. 9am-6.30pm Fri. 2pm-3pm Saturday 5.30pm-6.30pm F ast Swindon. Tel: 511267 29 Cavendish Square.

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"We are here" IF-

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Calling local ladies Sheila Leighfield writes: West Swindon Ladies Club is an organisation formed some years ago, for the benefit of ladies living in the West Swindon area. It is not rustricted to young people, or indeed, to the older lady, but designed to cater for the tastes of all, young or older. The main idea of the club is to have a selection of interesting speakers and demonstrations throughout the year, for example on 19 August an optician from Haines & Smith will be coming to give a talk and on 2 September a demonstration and talk on Wool Spinningby Mrs Carol

Rumming is scheduled. Apart from talks and demonstrations we also have a Beetle Drive, Skittles evening and a Christmas Fun Night arranged for members. We meet on alternate Monday evenings from 7.30pm to approximately 9.30pm in the Community Room at Toothill School. It doesn't cost much to be a member and if you are interested in joining us please ring Mrs Sheila Leighfield on 873131, she is our Chairperson and will be more than delighted to give you further details. We hope to hear from you, come and join the fun!!

Morrison & Masters TOWN SQUARE, WEST SWINDON CENTRE. TELEPHONE 870055 for House Sales and Purchases & all Property Work (written estimates given) Divorce, Criminal and all Court work Wills and Probates

WEST SWINDON'S ONLY SOLICITORS! Also at 20 Commercial Road, Swindon. Telephone: 526601 and 69a Cricklade Road, Gorse Hill. Telephone: 481602

Letters to The Link

Letters should be sent by 16th of the month to The Link 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook, Swindon SN5 8PQ

NSPCC Collection

Stolen hanging basket

From Val Hemmens, Group Organiser NSPCC, Purton I would like to express my thanks towards all the people who gave their time and efforts during the NSPCC House-to-House collection in June. Despite a shortage of helpers, we managed to cover Nine Elms, Shaw, Peatmoor, Middleleaze, Ramleaze and parts of Eastleaze and Grange Park. Thanks to the generous response of these householders we reached the marvellous total of £1225.00.

From an anonymous octogenarian resident of Elsie Hazel Court, Freshbrook In reply to Mrs Watkins of Westlea letter (July Link), there was a hang-

Please accept the basket and enough cash to replace the plants we rescued. Editor: Unfortunately the basketdoes not belong to Mrs Watkin's mother. ingbasketoutsidelilsieHazelCourt, The reader who has had a white lying on the ground contents scat- plastic hanging container (12" ditered. ameter) stolen near Freshbrook VilIthad been thrown over thehedge lage Centre is asked to contact The during the night of 17June. My wife Link. rescued and replaced what plants she could. After enquiries were made amongst residents and at other sheltered homes, the plants were replanted in the ground and the basSwindon police report a spate of ket cleaned. garage thefts in West Swindon over the last nine months. Literally hundreds of garages have been raided, sometimes in broad daylight. Their theory is that car boot sales in different parts of the country are being supplied with high quality goods for sale, no questions asked. The police recommend that garages arekeptlocked duringtheday and certainly at night. If possible fit Bathroom and Kitchen a second lock as they suspect their re-furbishment undertaken are duplicate keys around for certain makes of garage lock fitted by

Lockup your garages

IlIJYOR

builders.

No more chips for Olive Olive Strange, pictured below, Toothill School's first cook retired at the end of term after over thirteen years. Altogether she spent twenty one years in the school meals service. When she arrived in September 1978, she prepared lunch for 12children. Nowadays the kitchen staff prepare meals foran average of 120. Olive said the personal contact with the children made her work at Toothill enjoyable. "Seeing them arrive as tots and growing up was lovely. Watching the concerts and other activities was also good." She said that the diets of some children worried her. "When I first came very few would eat vegetables but we encouraged them to try a little. Anything with chips and they would be happy, but its sometimes heartbreaking to see good food that we've cooked being thrown away." Children and staff held a party for Olive before school broke up and presented her with several gifts. Olive, centre, oversees her last school dinner serving

Bathroom and Kitchen. Suppliera & Installers

Pembroke Centre Cheney Manor Ind. Est. Swindon Tel: Les or Allen on 532623/431044

New look raises cash

HILLIER FUNERAL SERVICES LTC. 55 Victoria Road Swindon Tel: 522797

252 Whitworth Road Swindon Tel: 522145

PRIVATE CHAPELS OF REST 24 hour personal service throughout the year A FAMILY BUSINESS OFFERING HELP AND ADVICE WHEN MOST NEEDED

Do you know if your child is playing somewhere safe? Please take care during the summer holidays Sponsored by the Brendan Ball Dental Surgery Freshbrook Village Centre

Toothill Community Centre bar member George Brown shaved off half of his beard in July to raise money for the Prospect Foundation. By keeping his half-shaved look for a week, George from Oakham Close raised £300 in contributions from centre users.

Westlea toddler group needs newcomers TheTiddley-WinksParentandTod-

dler Group meets on Thursday between 2pm and 4pm in the Westlea Community Room,Langstone Way. New members are welcomed. Ring Carole King on 876486 for more information.

Calling Mountain Bikers Wootton Bassett Lions are organising a Mountain Bike Race meeting near Wroughton on Sunday 29September. A series of races for 14yearolds to veterans over courses ranging from one to ten miles will take place. For entry forms, send an SAE to Lion Brian Haynes, Farthings', The Street, Lydiard Millicent, SN5 9LU

The Link Magazine's Guide to West Swindon is available from the Community Suite at the Link Centre. For a copy and to find out about local community groups, telephone 871212.

The Link Classifieds Lineage ads cost £3.50 per single column centimetre inc. VAT. Cash with advert to The Link, 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook, Swindon

Sandys Silk Bouquets made to the price you can afford. Baskets, Posies, Headdress's at your price, not the Shops

Tel: Sandy 0793 875665 Clothing Alterations & Repairs Tel: 872096 Mrs White, Freshbrook

MINI SKIPS IN WEST SWINDON Tel: 480527 or 0860 871250

Repairing that vital equipment When your television goes on the blink, does panic set in? For many people, getting the box in the corner of the room repaired is the most important thing in the world, and that's whereTrevorCook or Cook's TV and Video Repairs comes in. He will visit your home without charge and make a free estimate of the cost of repair without obligation. Most makes of TV and video can be repaired and all work is guaranteed for three months inclusive of parts and labour. Trevor's workshop stocks a large

range of spares which means that most repairs can be dealt with immediately and the equipment can often be returned later the same day. If parts need to be ordered, he will lend a set without charge to make sure you don't miss anything. New and reconditioned TVs and videos are available for sale at reasonable prices with fullback-up and rental terms are very competitive. Trevor's aim is to provide a fast, efficient service with that personal touch. Customer satisfaction is his watchword. Cook's TV and Video Repairs can be contacted on 825795.

The tender way to remove hair If you havn't been on your summer holidays, now is the time to remove unwanted hair before you reveal all on the beach. Christine Williams, pictured right, is one of several practitioners in the area of the Zahra method of removing unwanted body hair. The treatment is based on removing the whole hair from the follicle using a natural sugarbased paste. It can be applied on any part of the body and face and is suitable for all types of skin, even the most sensitive Removing facial hair makes women look and feel younger and also give them more confidence, whilst male cyclists, swimmers and body builders have hair removed to improve performance. Treatment aims to remove a large number of hairs in one go and because the entire hair is removed, iegruwth is slow and the skin is softened. Also, most dark hairs

MOBILE MECHANIC WE COME TO YOU • Non-Starts 'Servicing •Tuning •M.O.T. Work .Breakdowns 'Electrical Faults 'Clutches fitted

No Garage Prices or Waiting A personal service from Trevor Cook

Please Telephone 876211 ANYTIME

Ecumenical Parish of West Swindon & The Lydiards

Freshbrook Church Worsley Road

Anglican, Methodist, U.R.C., Baptist. Toothill

Rev. Ian Handscomb 693384 Rev. Anne Thomas 496421 St. Mary's L.Tregoze for Freshbrook & Grange Park

Rev. Rob Burle 870244 Westlea

Rev. John Flory 770217 t Shaw and Sparcells

Rev. Keith BoxaIl 770568 Rev. Helen Drummond 874372 t also All Saints, L. Millicent

lighten in colour with regular treatment. Another plus for the Zahra method is that it less uncomfortable than othermethods of hair removal. Chris tine Williams practices from a well equipped treatment room in her home at Peatmoor. She can be contacted on 871863.

A portrait makes a perfect present Louise Wilkes meets a local artist from Westlea If you're searching for the perfect gift for someone special then Carol Popjoy may be able to solve your problem. Carol who has an HND in graphic design and practices in Swindon, also paints portraits, a hobby she has had since childhood but which she would very much like to make professional. A portrait makes a very unusual and touching gift, and is just that little bit more special than a photograph. Mostly Carol does pencil portraits, but she also paints in watercolour. Her technique is to take a photograph of her client and then interpret it in an artistic way, picking up on the subject's best features. Carol with one of her recent portraits Although she will do 'life' portraits Carol feels that she can achieve about two hours. her best when working from a phoIf you are interested in having a tograph, as it is difficult for people, portrait or would like an illustrator especially children to stay still for with no agent's fees to worry about, the length of time needed, usually then contact Carol Pop joy on 874891

Will give YOU a warm welcome Sunday lOam Family Praise with children's Covenanter Movement & creche 6.30pm Evening Worship and Communion For details of mid-week meetings, house groups and other activities, telephone Rev. Peter Grainger on 490498. - Church Office, Tel: 873050

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Visit your local, friendly, Drop-In Centre which offers: confidential support, information and advice.

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The Samaritans You don't have to be suicidal to share your problems with us. Phone anytime day or night, or call into 6 Curtis Street, Swindon betweeen 8am & 10pm.

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