August 2002 Swindon Link

No. 243

August 2002

Circulation 22.000

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LJ the positive news force in Swindon and the Swindon wide what's on guide

Exclusively revealed A West Swindon photographer's unique historical archive of Swindon's murals on pages 20 & 21 Left and right: scenes from the past. Murals depicting the canal age on Cambria Bridge

Silver jubilee to golden jubilee

We go worldwide insid

s hidden Indian treasure

We bring two from Toothill together after 25 years - see page 2

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Art, butterflies and the Queen's jubilee

Fully licenced Tandoori & Balti Restaurant

to Afghan aid worker makes an appeal on a visit to Westlea: 'Please stop bombing our country' - page 7

Smile Menders Brendon and Natasha Ball and Linda and Richard Swift went to Ukraine in July - see page 6

Moonwalker Eunice Salmon went to Peru to raise money for Breakthrough Breast Cancer page 41

Francesca Elloway, Ezati Ezai and Baba Atseko visited Swindon from the Democratic Republic of the Congo - page 46

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Oliver Tomkins Infants School celebrated thejubilee by opening a butterfly garden. Story on page 40 Above. headteacher Penny Summers with Liam Belcher, whose mum Karen made a giant celebration cake

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The Link Magazine • August 2002

Silver jubilee memories in Toothill S

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Most people are pleased to see their photograph in The Link. But for Jackie Sherry in Toothill, seeing herself in the June edition was a complete shock.

There she was 25 years ago aged six, wearing a decorated hat and tucking into biscuits at a street party organised by the first new residents of West Swindon.

People had only started to move into the 'western expansion' fifteen months previously and about 200 houses were occupied in 1977, separated from the rest of the town, • with an infrequent bus service and ! only a small hut for a shop. Like people all over the nation, the resi- Rachel Smith, and other families dents of Markenfield and Long- with children in the area, the Walkthorpe, pulled together and organ- ers, Bennetts, Strattons, Clearys ised games and food for children and Grouvels.

And everybody from that time and a party for adults.

"The main thing I can remember remembers the Hoar family's big about the party was my friend's white collie Alba. dad Mick Bennett dressed in overalls covered in lollipops and the children chasing him around the park," said Jackie. "With the jubilee coming up I had wondered if The Link might have any pictures from 1977. It was so surprising to see myself in a picture I never knew existed."

When Jackie rang us for a copy of the picture taken Jackie, like most of the children

by David Hoar, she was not prepared for the suggestion that she in the early days of West Swindon, might appear in another photo had to take a bus to the Parks to with David's son Martin, the two attend primary and secondary and a half year old sitting next to school. Martin was young enough to start at Toothill Primary then go her.

Because of the age difference on to the Ridgeway School.

Martin, who now lives in Freshthey did not know each other, although as children they lived five brook with his wife Tracey, said, "I doors apart in Longthorpe. But only have vague memories of the within a few minutes of being in- silver jubilee; even then I'm not troduced Jackie and Martin were sure if they are my own. But it was comparing names and experiences. fun meeting Jackie again."

Martin is now assistant manager Many people they grew up with are still in West Swindon, or else- at Waterstone's in the Brunel Cenwhere in the town. Jackie's best tre and Jackie, mum to 12 year old friend is still Joanne Proberts, then Callum, lives in Tooth i 11 with partthere was Catherine, Debbie and ner Paul, and is a receptionist at Richard Thurtell, Mark and Maria Taw Hill medical practice.

Davies, Kerry and Zara Porter, • West playgroup is 21- see page 16

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The Link Magazine • August 2002

Mother plans multi-cultural event for the whole community to support new hospital in memory of her daughter

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Inderjeet Bharaj's death from an asthma attack in The Prinnells on 18 February, as she walked to an aerobics class at Shaw, was sudden, lonely and an utter tragedy for her family and all those who knew her.

Now her mother Balbir and friends are planning a major fundraising programme to raise thousands of pounds for the Evolution Appeal at Swindon's new hospital.

They want as many readers as possible to attend fund raising activites, provide sponsorship and offer help.

The first big event coming up is a multi-cultural evening on 5 October at the Zurich Life King Edward's Place training centre in Wanborough.

Mrs Bharaj said the loss of her daughter, just a few days before her sixteenth birthday, had been absolutely devastating. "It's one of the worst tragedies anybody can have to deal with, because nobody ever thinks their child is going to go before them.

"Indu was such an intelligent girl with a tremendous personality; she had an impact on so many people around her. You just cannot imagine what it is like - it seems so unjust and cruel. It will be impossible to get over."

Although Indu had had serious bouts of asthma in the past, her condition was under control and there was no indication that she could be struck down so suddenly.

Some 700 people paid their respects at her funeral. ' Balbir said the idea of raising money for the hospital's Evolution Appeal started to take shape some weeks after the immediate shock

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of Indu's death had passed. " Our small organising group wants to bring together people from all communities and cultures to share our common humanity in aid of our new hospital."

The organisers are also appealing to Swindon businesses to sponsor auction and raffle items for the evening. A programme of entertainment and menu details for 5 October will be published in August.

Details of tickets, times and where to make donations are being finalised.

To contribute an auction item or j raffle prize, call Sushma Patel at Freshbrook Pharmacy on 870226.

The appeal committee would also like to hear from anybody wi ll ing to organise a future event in memory of Indu.

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New award to recognise good people Swindon Council has launched an award with six categories to recognise the contribution of Swindon people to their town and the Mayor would like to hear of worthy nominations.

The individual should have been born, or live or work in Swindon, or have strong links with the borough. Awards will be presented at six full council meetings during the year. The first award for the youth category took place in July. The dates for the other five awards are: Category Good neighbour Carer in the community Environmental Sporting achievement Work for charity

Closing date 1 2 September 1 8 October 27 December 1 8 February 1 0 April

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The Mayor coun Stan Pajak, above, Deputy Mayor coun Derek Benfield and last year's mayor coun David Cox will consider the nominations and decide on the winners who will be presented with sixinch engraved Galway crystal plates.

For information about how to make a nomination, contact the Mayor's secretary Carole Deamer at the Civic Offices, Euclid Street, Swindon SN1 2JH or mail: mayor@swindon.gov.uk

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4 The Link Magazine • August 2002

Teething problems as new council system takes shape Wider discussions Swindon Borough Council, like all large local authorities, has reshaped the way it handles the decision After two years of operation, making process after the Local Government Act 2000 insisted that the system of committees, a feature of Swindon Council's attempts to take council business closer to local authorities for over 100 years, be abandoned.

A major objective of the 2000 budget involving major cutbacks the people through area panels is Following a consultation exerbeing changed to become less cise and with the experience of a Act is to produce a system which in arts and cultural activities, as community based. year's trial during 2001, the coun- allows the public to understand well as signficant reductions in The panels bring together ward cil has opted for a cabinet style easily who is responsible for mak- grants to voluntary organisations. councillors in a public forum to At the last council meeting of administration. How well this sys- ing decisions. Yet a point re-iterdiscuss local issues, council politem has functioned over the first ated throughout the audit is the the year before the elections Lacies and also points of concern year of operation has been re- 'lack of clarity around roles and bour put forward a council tax rise raised by residents of an area. viewed by external auditors, RMS responsibilities, of both individu- of 15.5 which was agreed.

The six panels have been reRobson Rhodes. Their report, als and different bodies,' summed duced to four, covering larger arDemocratic Renewal: The Moderni- up by one interviewee: 'issues just eas. Whereas the west panel was sation of Local Government in Szvin- get tangled up in a messy structure.' discrete in the three West Swindon If councillors and officers have don, highlights some problems exwards, these are now combined perienced by the councillors and problems understanding the syswith Penhill, Gorsehill, Pinehurst, officers operating within the new tem, which on paper looks like an Moredon and Western ward, an upturned bowl of spaghetti, there structure. increase from 8 to 19 councillors. must be even greater problems for In North Swindon, the panel the Swindon Council taxpayers which includes Abbey Meads, they serve. The report does not Haydon Wick, Blunsdon and identify whether people became Highworth has 10 councillors. more aware of the situation or have om lete p Pro y e The panels now meet four times a been put off by the political hiatus Maintenance Services Year, instead of six, though they have over past months.

Council chief executive Paul Doherty + Kitchens discretion to meet more often.

Last October Labour gave up its + Bathrooms Shaw and Nine Elms councillor In November the council could long running control of the coun+ Renovations Nick Martin questions the relhave opted to have an elected cil after Ofsted failed its education + Industrial maintenance department, to let the Conserva- mayor but decided against the evance of the new arrangeements. + Plumbing tives run things for the first time in move. The Link highlighted the "TheWestSwindonareapanelwas + Electrical 25 years, until the May elections inadquate consultation exercise starting to make headway and more people were attending to put + Carpentry when Labour took back control, that took place at the time.

The auditors acknowledge that questions and take part in discusFloor & wall tiling albeit without an overall majority.

The Conservatives took the op- the council is currently achieving sions of local issues. We now have + Painting & decorating portunity to look at council spend- against most of the requirements panels with peculiar geographical Mobile: 07785 522377 ing and generated a huge storm of on their checklist. One officer relationships, a lack of common protest when they put forward a quoted that the new process is interest, and no budget or legal Tel: 01793 616170 authority." 'probably a better system.'

But council leader Sue Bates said An Action Plan to improve clarity and accountability is being im- the previous system was not fiplemented and will be monitored nancially efficient and panels were not well attended. "Reducing the by the auditors, In July another set of auditors panels to four means that we have started a comprehensive perform- been able to put wards that have ance assessment' which one officer common issues together and are described as the 'mother of all in- ! next-door to one another geographically. This allows major isspections.'

This will bring together all the sues to be debated directly with inspections and published per- residents of Swindon.

"We are also looking at devolvformance indicators on the council ing central funds for local use." for a report in December.

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the link Magazine Published by West Swindon Publications Papermakers House, Westlea Swindon SN5 7BD

'Tel: (01793) 872282 Fax: (01793) 878189 e: publisher@swindonlink.com www.swindonlink.com Publisher/Editor: Editorial:

•

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

It i s completely independent of Link Centre and, in fact, won a competition to name the Roger Ogle leisure centre in 1984. Distribution in North Tel: (01793) 872282 Swindon commenced in January 1994."

The contents of The Link are protected by copyright. Use of advertisements in printed or electronic form is forbidden unless an advertiser or publisher hasl sought permission. Articles and photo' graphs require similar authority Printed by pc p, Telfor d

The Link Magazine • August 2002

Crime reduction comes from effective action

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The best way of dealing with crime and anti-social behaviour relies on different agencies and communities working together to identify problems and the actions needed to solve them.. That's the responsibility placed on the police and local councils by the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

At a conference of police officers, councillors and community group representatives at the end of June to launch Swindon's second Crime and Disorder Reduction Strategy, the top six community safety priorities were identified as: • anti-social behaviour • dealing with hate crime • protecting vulnerable people • drugs and alcohol misuse • working with young people as victims and perpetrators of crime • making neighbourhoods safer

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of the individual, using their knowledge of the law and also the access to information and resources. It is critically important not to allow meetings to become talking shops, where it sounds like you're doing okay, but you're not actually delivering anything. Partnerships work if action is taken to deal with complaints quickly and

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effectively."

The easy to read, colourfully illustrated Crime and Disorder Reduction Strategy April 2002 - March 2005 document is available from

the Crime and Disorder Implementation Team, Premier House, Station Road, Swindon SN1 ITZ. Tel: 466473.

Also available is the Swindon Major Crime Audit 2001 which compares crime in the town with others and breaks down crime rates and also perceptions of safety in the community.

At a local level Neighbourhood Safety Teams (NeSTs) provide a forum for representatives from community organisations, Launching the crime reduction plan, Swindon's police chief Sup. Ian Maidment schools, councillors, council officers and the police to with Bill Pitt and Crime and Disorder coordinator Miriam Minty

The strategy documents set out in detail how agencies and community organisations working together under the umbrella of the Safer Communities Strategic Board will tackle problems faced at a neighbourhood level.

Conference guest speaker Bill Pitt, head of the Nuisance Strategy Group at Manchester City Council which has been at the forefront of measures dealing with anti-social behaviour, gave a hard hitting talk setting out what the Swindon Partnership must do to build its credibility. His unit has secured some 2,200 court orders against individuals and families causing community disruption over the last seven years.

"There needs to be a mix of solutions which support vulnerable people and also those causing aggravation. However, the bottom line is that those who cause a nuisance must know that there will be severe consequences if they persist in anti-social patterns of behaviour. People must not be made to live in misery and fear, to feel inadequate and tormented by small groups.

"Communities want organisations who will champion the needs

discuss issues of concern

such as crime, drug use, graffiti, vandalism, litter, play opportunities and youth provision.

Two NeSTs cover Toothill and Freshbrook & Grange Park. Meetings are not generally open to individuals. Concerns about an area should be raised via local councillors or call Jane Dudley on 466473, mail jdudley@swindon.gov.uk Getting ready for a community cleanup at Freshbrook village centre on 20 July, organised by the NeST: Terry Iles of Freshbrook Village Group and Jane Dudley front the Crime and Disorder Unit

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6 The Link Magazine • August 2002

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Swindon Smile Menders take aid to the Ukraine Another mercy mission to provide dental and health care to children and adults in Ukraine took place during July when Brendon and Natasha Ball, and Richard and Linda Swift from the Freshbrook and Milton Road dental practices delivered £20,000 worth of supplies to the city of Cherkassy.

And after two years of planning, i mprovements in dental and health fundraising and delicate bureau- care for their people.

"You cannot imagine how much cratic negotiation, they departed in two vehicles on 10 July on a four bureaucratic discussion has been day journey towing a six metre involved. Every last item has had former school's mobile clinic to be to be listed for customs clearance used in the region around the city, and the digital pictures of the unit an area the size of Wales with a taken by The Link and e-mailed to Ukraine in early July will be essenpopulation of 1.5 million.

The trip is a continuation of work tial evidence to get us across the Brendon and Richard started in border."

Smile Menders has received vast 1999 when they first delivered dental equipment and materials to amounts of practical assistance and Cherkassy and provided up-to- discounted price materials. Dentists on the Wiltshire Local Dental date training for local dentists.

In 2000 Dr Ivan Kovolenko and Committee have made major concolleague Kateryna Kormovenko tributions, and the Wiltshire visited Swindon to observe dental Health Authority has provided practice. Later that year Brendon health education information.

Now repainted and refitted the married their translator Natasha, who has become an essential link three tonne clinic has been dediin developing contacts with cated to Pete Holland, partner in Ukraine and finding ways through Holland Handling at Minety, the waste management company relevant bureaucracies.

Tel: 01793 616840 "Our hearing aid advisory service has helped many people with their hearing problems" Call us and hear how we can help you. Home visits can be arranged.

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The idea of providing mobile health care started to take shape and a new charity, Smile Menders, was formed.

Speaking before they left, Brendon said, "dental treatment is available in the city but in the rural areas it is non-existent.

"Dr Kovolenko is now regional director of dental services and plans to use the unit to provide care for children shut away in orphanages. His wife Nadia is director of paediatric services and is organising a health care programme for mothers with babies. " We're all very excited about the prospects for this project. There's been a lot of hard work pulling it together at this end and the people in Ukraine have been working equally hard to persuade civil servants that the unit will result in real

which used the caravan as a workers canteen before handing it over.

Pete fought a long brave battle against cancer and died in 2000.

The unit was refurbished and re-insulated to cope with the harsh Ukraine winter by staff at Glenpac Southern in Cricklade and it was repainted by Titcombe Garages in Westlea. MFI, Mays Carpets and Cutting Edge Signs helped. Wiltshire Police provided blue and yellow reflective strips which happen to match the colours in the Ukraine flag.

The team will also be delivering equipment to Chekassy general hospital from the late Dr Dilleep Godbole's surgery at Shaw Centre. Some was donated to a hospital in the Crimea last year.

To find out more, call Brendon on 873044 after 29 July.

The Link Magazine • August 2002

Afghan aid worker appeals for attacks to stop Aid worker Sahar Gul from Afghanistan, who visited Edward and Stephanie Glennie in Westlea in early July, wants the USA to stop bombing his country. Before returning to Pakistan he provided an insider's view to his work, life under the Taliban and the current needs of his country.

Sahar met Edward many ince in Afghanistan, where he has organised schooling for 300 years ago when he worked as an engineer in Pakistan. He's children. He said they come a Pakistani, brought up in from very poor families who otherwise would be sent out to Peshawar, whose parents come from Afghanistan. beg. They are each given a uniform, school books, and enough Over the last 15 years he has money to buy food for themworked for several aid organiselves and their families. sations on both sides of the "About Rs.1000 (£12) pays for Khyber Pass, and is currently a uniform and a relief package. with the German charity HamBooks have been provided by mer Forum. the North West Frontier ProvPeshawar is the frontier city ince of Pakistan. My role is to on the Pakistani side of the organise education, while my pass. Surrounded by refugee Sahar with Edward and Stephanie colleague provides vocational camps, it is base for organisaHe experienced life under the training for the parents." tions of all kinds with an active Uruzgan is the province where Taliban, and valued the security interest in Afghanistan.

"We provide medical help for and the respect for women that 40 people were killed recently in a misdirected US bombing raid. children from the Afghan war their government provided.

When asked what he would like While he does not condone many zones," said Sahar. "Some we meet in Peshawar, others we go to find aspects of the Taliban era, such as to say to Link magazine readers, in Afghanistan. The most common the destruction of theBuddhisthis- Sahar replied, 'tell the USA to stop injuries are from exploding mines, torical sites, he believes that the bombarding Afghanistan' before bomb blast, burns and gas poison- US intervention was a combina- extending an invitation to visit his ing. Some are treated in Peshawar, tion of brute force and ignorance country. "Please come and see for but those with the most complex that has continued the destruction yourselves, and enjoy our hospiinjuries are flown to Germany for of Afghan life, and has alienated tality, our food; Afghanistan is falocal people. He believes there mous for its fruit and honey — and free treatment."

Now that Kabul is more accessi- were more effective and less bru- our way of life."

Edward and Stephanie Glennie ble, the children are often treated tal ways to seek out Al Qaida.

Sahar returned to Pakistan the on 872578 would be very pleased there. However, Sahar has mixed feelings about the events of the last day after the photograph above to tell you more, and pass on queswas taken to visit Uruzgan prov- tions to Sahar. year

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8 The Link Magazine • August 2002

Street name suggestions needed

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Link readers asked to help address a problem As the expansion of Swindon continues remorselessly, Swindon Council officers are faced with the problem of coming up with names for a multitude of new roads.

To prevent problems for the tinue with Haydon End, south of Their 20th Century forerunners exploited untapped resources of Royal Mail as well as the general ThamesdownDrive,andtheFront place names, Great Western Rail- public, the council mustavoid hav- Garden in about two years time. way engineers, statesmen and sol- ing similar names within the same The council would welcome sugdiers. Nowadays, for the develop- postal collection district. Names gestions from readers of The Link ment in Priory Vale and soon the of living local people are not con- whocouldhelpinfluencetheidenFront Garden, originality is a little sidered appropriate and, naturally, tity of the area.

Suggestions sent to The Link, adanything the slightest bit salacious harder to come by. dress on page 4, will be forwarded The various areas of North Swin- is ruled out.

The need for new ideas will con- to Swindon Council. don already developed can be distinguished by the themes chosen Map is well received to provide most of their street Version 4 of the North Swindon map produced by The Link with help names. Greenmeadow's rivers and Haydonleigh's flowers and herbs from staff at Swindon Council is again proving to be a hit with residents, the emergency services, delivery drivers and trades people. are well established, The map is the only up to date housing area has been started.

Abbey Meads features names Copies can now be obtained associated with leisure and enter- guide of the fast changing landtainment, especially the cinema, St scape in North Swindon and is from a wide range of outlets - see Andrews Ridge writers and art- already out of date because a new opposite. ists, Ash Brake long distance footpaths. Red House in Priory Vale, Asda Walmart still not big enough to the west of Lady Lane, will in- Plans have been submitted for a 15,000 square feet extension to the elude streets named after Manor Asda Walmart supercentre which is barely six months old.

Class locomotives of the old GWR. Ha den A sign of things to come y Attention now turns to the Wick Parish later in the year at the Oakhurst area to the north of Council has ,.

Thamesdown Drive. Swindon l Q objected to =—} e Council is considering names p l the self-conbased on famous golf courses and twined unit _ -, ; nature conservation. But it is beattached to coming increasingly difficult to the main think to think up original themes 1bi store selling from which an adequate stock of non-food F n^ names can be gleaned. i tems b e`" °^ ~a m cause of the disruption to existing car-parking, Asda-Walmart store is 145,000 servicing and pedestrian arrange- square feet and phase II which ments. opens in late August covers 200,000 However the extension falls square feet. Big names like Comet, within the legal agreement to build and Homebase will open there.

360,000 square feet on the North • Art project takes shape in North Swindon District Centre site. The Swindon - see page 22.

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Residents of Ash Brake will be turning out in force to Swindon Council's planning committee meeting - probably on 30 July - to hear its decision on the controversial commercial development of the site on the corner of Thamesdown Drive and Lady Lane.

After protests from residents have submitted their views on the supported by two parish councils, application to planning officers.

The site was earmarked for the developers scaled down their proposals to one restaurant, a take- 'roadside uses' on the framework away and a retail unit, which could plan passed over ten years ago.

Derek Richards of Haydonleigh be a video shop.

Campaigner Tracy Godwin said, wrote to The Link in June to say "we're still not happy with the pro- planning designation for the site posal. The smell and traffic move- was known to residents. He said, ment around the site is going to be "fast food facilities and a video a major nuisance to those living shop would, I am sure, be welclose by and the developers are comed by many living in the area, unable to give us any guarantees especially youngsters."

But Abbey Meads coun Charles that this can be avoided."

These concerns are shared by Lister responded in the July Link Haydon Wick Parish Council, but saying that residents have every their colleagues at Blunsdon feel right to complain. While the nathattheschemeisprobablyasclose ture of the commercial use was to an acceptable solution as is likely unspecified, he believes people have a right to expect neighbourto be achieved, Both councils and the residents friendly proposals.

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Plus, new on version 4, a map showing how to travel from M4 junction 16 to the A419 at Blunsdon via West and North Swindon

FROM: Priory Vale show homes Abbey Meads Abbey Meads Primary School

Haydon Wick Haydon Wick Parish Council Office, Home Ground

Abbey Meads Medical Centre

Haydon Centre

Church of Christ the Servant

Taw Hill Taw Hill Medical Centre

Dewhurst Estate Agents

Other locations Swindon Tourist Information Centre

The Floral Studio Abbey Meads Rendezvous

Customer Services. Premier House, Station Road, Swindon

Look Fantastic Hair Salon Catherine Wayte Primary School

Moredon Library

Pizza Hut, North Swindon District Centre

West Swindon Library North Swindon mobile library service

The North Swindon map is published by

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10 The Link Magazine • August 2002

First family makes history Swindon's newest housing area welcomed its first residents on 1 July, when Chris and Tracy Barnes and their two daughters Jessica and Natalie moved a mile and a half from St Andrew's Ridge in North Swindon to the Bloor Homes Saunders' Brook site at Priory Vale where 5,500 homes will be built over the next ten years. ing development in the town for Their nearest neighbours are seven years. Sales Manager Lornearly a mile away and being the raine Palmer, said there has been only people living in Priory Vale is tremendous interest in the site. a bit spooky said Tracy. "It's excit"Saunders' Brook is a super develing to move to a new house and be opment and it came as no surprise the first residents, but very strange when our first sales were off plan. to be surrounded by fields and We built Mr and Mrs Barnes' new building works. But its all changhome and our first show house at ing so quickly here that we'll be the same time. We're sure that they welcoming others in no time." will be very happy there."

The couple were moving to Spain earlier in the year, but when The Bloor Homes sales office is that plan fell through their itchy open seven days a week between feet took them in the direction of 10am and 5.15pm and is located on Priory Vale where 5,500 houses Redhouse Way, off junction 7 on will be built over the next eight Thamesdown Drive. Tel: 702255. years. Being in the building trade, • Crest Homes opened a large Chris had worked as a sub-con- Lorraine Palmer helps Chris, Tracy, Jessica and Natalie Barnes find their new show centre in a manor house comtractor for Bloor Homes and knew home on the brand new North Swindon road map designed by The Link with plete with mill pond off junction 7 of their reputation. site manager Martin Mills, Paul Springay of the North Swindon Development on 13 July.

The couple were impressed by Company and site sales assistant Jane Day www.prioryvale.com the new range of three storey family homes. Chris and Tracy have New footbridge becomes a charity challenge for children purchased a spacious three bedroom Marlin house which features All year five and six Swindon primary school children were invited to design a'Bridge of Dreams' in July, a family room, kitchen and dining in a competition devised by Haydon Leigh School teacher Linda Knight to mark the installation of a new room on the ground floor, a lounge high-tech bridge over Thamesdown Drive. and master bedroom on the first A panel of judges, many of ^g level and two further bedrooms whom were involved in the design Lti on the top floor. and construction of the bridge, will The arrival of the Barnes family seek out the most imaginative enis also a celebration for Swindon try and the winning designer will based builders Bloor Homes. officially open it in September. ^la Saunders Brook is the first housFor every entry, the North Swin •^ s^ •_„ ;,

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12 The Link Magazine • August 2002

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Plan for north schools goes in The next stage in the tortuous process of getting new secondary schools in North Swindon should be achieved by the end of August when Swindon Council submits an Outline Business Case (OBC) to the Department of Education and Skills (DfES).

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• building a new secondary school at Priory Vale, alongside a. primary school, two special schools, and community and sporting facilities to serve North Swindon • building three further primary schools.

Design works, school catering, cleaning and ongoing maintenance of the schools for 25 years would be part of the contract, and also possibly the maintenance of the already built Abbey Meads and Catherine Wayte primary schools.

Swindon's education department is currently reviewing sites designated for primary schools in Priory Vale to see if they can be rationalised without compromising ease of access from housing areas.

The council must prove that the project is value for money in a further submission to the government. Neil Selby from Swindon's project management department said council officers have worked closely with the Department of Education and Skills on both the PFI bid and the preparation of the OBC. "Basic need is a fundamental issue in North Swindon. Schools have to be provided in the new housing areas and Hreod Parkway is in urgent need of replacement, as are the special schools at Uplands and Brimble Hill."

If the OBC satisfies civil serv-

Looking forward to a new school John Simpson and Andrew Fleet

ants at the DfES, it is likely the council would advertise the project to potential partners in October.

During 2003 prospective partners would come up with proposals for the schools based on specifications laid down by the council, including provision and community use of facilities outside school hours.

A short list of developers would then be chosen to put forward detailed designs and the successful company would be chosen by early 2004.

If the current programme is achieved the new school could be open by September 2005.

Hreod headteacher Andrew Fleet said, "the prospects are ex-

tremely exciting. We're starting to think about the specifications for the new Hreod Parkway and we will be involving teachers, governors and parents in the process."

John Simpson, education director from Tribal Group which now runs Swindon's education department, said, "the PFI project is an i mportant development during gy/ our contract and '^ 1 we will be closely involved to en-

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Abbey Meads School held a colourful circus dayfeteon 6 July.

Clowning around were Charlotte Evans, Tim Cook, Luke Jones, Oliver Scott, Ashley Viveash

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14 The Link Magazine • August 2002

Year 7 places available at Greendown After all the worry about the lack of secondary school spaces for West Swindon children, there are now around 15 places available in year 7 at Greendown in Grange Park from September.

Made to In the Spring over fifty children parents but would welcome en- who are still reviewing the best measure curtains, were without a place at either quiries over the summer holidays. school for their child and would swags, & tails.

Bradon Forest or Greendown be- He said, "there may be parents like a further discussion."

All other valances, Mr O'Sullivan can be contacted cause both schools were full. In R-blinds, London, etc. on 874224.

June Swindon Council finally gave Free measuring & quotations _, , • The plans for Greendown's new guarantees to the Greendown govFull fitting service available r q £3 million buildings were put on ernors about the quality of proHandmade footstools to order display at short notice on 17 and 18 posed new buildings and it was Re-upholstery of dining chairs etc.

July. A multi-purpose hall, 9 classagreed that the school could exrooms and laboratories, new sopand by another 150 children over the next five years. cial areas and toilets should be ready by January 2004.

Greendown headteacher Steve Swindon Council architect Nic O'Sullivan agreed that the late de1 Apsley House Arcade. Wootton Bassett. cision had created uncertainties for Year 6 youngsters who attended the Newland said the project preGreendown induction days in mid- sented the school with the opporJuly were each given a learning pass- tunity to rationalise the location of port which sets out what to expect departments and facilities like the from secondary school, tips on re- library and resource centre which search, the school rules, uniform and have suffered from piecemeal exequipment requirements. Holding the pansion over several years to cope passport to their futures, from left, with the demand for secondary Kitchen/Bathroom fitting. Tiling, Plumbing. Electrics, Chelsea Watson from Tregoze School, places in West Swindon.

Painting, Decorating. Carpentry and much more Sally Blyth from Westlea, Matthew He added it would be a chalTel: (01793) 339671 om Freshbrook, Chris Downes lenge to run a building site with Crane from 111 Pinehurst Road from Oliver Tomkins Swindon Mobile: (07778) 207977 th e sc ho ol in operation.

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If one were to believe newspaper reports in May, the directors from j Tribal Group who are now running Swindon's education department are on the brink of shutting primary schools in West Swindon because of falling rolls as the population of the area matures.

But as parents would expect things are far more complex and there are no plans or even suggestions that schools will close. Nevertheless one was forced to write I to worried parents to assure them that there was no threat.

Mick Daniels, head of resources and planning, explained that the government requires every local education authority to keep school places under review and the Year 6 Salt Way School children put on Schools Organisation Committee an end ofyear musical spectacular, 'The has to assess demands for places Rocky Monster Show.' Nathan Ifill over the next five years and strat- starred as the rock singing mad professor with Samara Brown as the intrepid egies for dealing with shortages detective who foiled his evil ways and surpluses.

The committee met in July to count such as the condition of review a draft schools reorganisa- buildings, the effectiveness and tion plan before going out to con- popularity of a school, and whether sultation. Comments will be con- the facilities can be used for comsidered in late September and may munity activities."

The number of temporary classlead to discussions about the needs ^ of specific communities and the rooms at Swindon schools was a surprise to the Tribal directors and schools that serve them.

"The plan will look at areas of is a major issue for the committee the borough in general and does to deal with. Mr Daniels said the not identify schools," said Mr report could reveal that the school Daniels. "The government expects surplus problem could be solved councils to have between eight and by removing places in mobiles. ten per cent surplus places avail"School closure is always a conable. There are no surplus places troversial issue and would only be at secondary level but the last study considered if the evidence supports showed around sixteen per cent in such a proposal. It's an issue that primary schools. would have to be discussed openly "Population changes in some ar- with the communities concerned."

A studyofsurplus places in West eas means that schools can have extra places which they are often Swindon last Autumn by the edukeen to remove as they are a drain cation department under the Conon the school budget. The commit- servative council did not support tee take a range of factors into ac- closures of any primary schools.

The Link Magazine • August 2002

Summer sports weeks

Go to Africa this summer at Peatmoor

Greendown School is holding two Peatmoor Community Primary School will again be running a Gifted weeks of summer holiday activi- & Talented Summer School, Monday 12 August to Friday 23 August. ties where youngsters aged 9 to 13 It's free to children in years 6 to making and hopefully claywork. years can try out new sports, de9 from any school who are able to The two weeks will culminate in a velop their skills and have fun in attend both weeks. The summer drum performance and an exhibia safe environment. school will focus on southern Af- tion.

Qualified PE teachers will coach For details and an application rica and workshops will include football, netball, hockey, tennis, drum making, drumming, danc- form, call 887473 or mail: badminton, volleyball, rounders, ing, textiles and printing, mask head@peatmoor.swindon.sch.uk cricket, athletics, orienteering, The sound of drums during the Peatmoor School Africa week in July gymnastics and dance. There will li i by Sammy Larya also be a separate football coaching course runby English FA quali -... ^^ a fied coaches. ' . .

-^` r Each weekcosts£50.Call874224 for a booking form.

Free information on offer The Children's Information Service celebrated its first birthday at the end of June by launching:

A summer activities fact sheet to help parents fill the long summer holidays with interesting an d safe things to do; and 'Where to send my children and when for all their developmental needs' leaflet to help clarify what help is available at each stage of growing up.

The CIS provides free information on anything to do with children aged 0 to 14 years. Drop into 13 Market Street between 10am and 3pm or call541786 from 9.30am to 4.30pm, or leave a message at other times. i

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Selection of blinds available to order CLOTH CABIN 30 MORLEY STREET

_ Also at Peatmoor in August Kite making workshop for 7 to 12 year olds: 28 August, 1pm - 3pm Cost: £3 per child which includes materials.

Mini-tennis skills three day course from 28 to 30 August. Sessions for 3-5 year olds: 10am -10.45am: cost £7.50. For 5-7 years from 10.50am - 12.00 noon: cost £9.

To book a place, call 887473.

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16 The Link Magazine

ust 2002

Pre-school comes of age Freshbrook Playgroup celebrated its twenty-first year with a barbecue, bouncy castle and fun activities for children on 6 July.

Former members of staff and only come two sessions a week. children also attended to meet the "I'm really pleased that the group present parent management com- is still managed by parents; it's so mittee and staff, and remind them- important that they should be inselves of the many hours spent at volved in their children's preFreshbrook Community Centre in school education." their earlier years.

Present playgroup chairwoman Doreen Shaw, one of the first Amanda Steele agreed. "We still supervisors at the playgroup, who believe in the original aim of partransferred from the hut in front of ent participation. We have a strong the present building, said she was committee and excellent support pleased to see it still running. "In from parents." those early days there were so Former members of staff who ^ many families with young chil- also attended included Val Iles, dren in the area that we had over Jan Marriner, Tracy Minton and 100 on the books and they could Pat Matthews.

Parents and toddlers at Nutkins which meets at Upper Shaw Farm took off on a toddle in aid of Barnardo's at the end of June. The group meets on Tuesday and Friday mornings. For details of places, call Hazel Clarke on 335803.

Pre-Prep School 4-7 yrs Nursery School 2-4 yrs

Pre-school rescue

Baby Nursery 0-2 yrs

After several months closed due to staff recruitment problems, Sure Start Pinehurst and Penhill has helped restart the Little Pinetrees preschool in Pinehurst.

A member of the Sure Start team, Lis Mills is the supervisor at the pre-school in addition to organising learning activities for the programme at other times.

Prior Park Prep School 7-13 years Holiday School Flexible fees

From ÂŁ2.50 per hour Nursery Grant

Open 7.50am-6.00pm

Sure Start has also funded the rent and re-

r Individual Care Individual Learning

Meadowpark Nursery and Pre-Prep School Calcutt Street Cricklade Swindon SN6 6BB Contact

Mrs S Hanbury or Mrs R Kular

Tel: 01 793

752600

A Meadowpark is a well established thriving school with faultless DfEE and OFSTED reports across the 0-7 years age range A Conveniently located for Swindon and the surrounding area in a pleasant rural environment in the grounds of Prior Park Prep School

♌ Come and see why past and present parents believe we are unique

A Registrations being accepted for 2003.

Certain places available for 2002

decorating of the room in Pinehurst community centre, as well as new equipment, toys and learning materials.

The management committeewhich includes some

Lis Mills and assistants Lisa Lewis and

Helen Mullis with Little Pinetrees parents, is keen to have more volunteers to join it, and to Sure Start is also helping to keep help out in the pre-school. You the Sunshine pre-school in Penhill don'thavetobeaparentofayoung open part-time by providing staff child to do either of these, to run it, since the supervisor left.

Little Pinetrees is now taking Lis and her deputy Lisa Lewis are registrations for next term. Con- both running some sessions there. tact Lis Mills at Sure Start on For details about places, call 651828.

651828.

The Link Magazine • August 2002

Toddlers return to Toothill After a long absence without a pre-school group in the area, parents with 0 to 4 year olds have the chance to get together every week from 9 September at Toothill Community Centre.

Meeting on Mondays, 9am to 11am, Toothill Toddlers is being organised by West Swindon Family and Community Project and costs £1 per family.

For details call Julie Batson 871303 at the project or Swindon Council community worker Pam Pixton on 465462.

All quiet for the summer in Shaw Shaw Chatterbox toddler group which meets at Holy Trinity Church Shaw Church on Wednesdays, 10am to 11.30am, will be closed on 31 July, 7 and 14 August and re-opens on Wednesday 21 August.

New parents and toddlers aged 0 to 4 are invited to join in to chat, play, have coffee and squash.

For details call Julie Batson 871303.

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13 Market Street, Swindon Tel: 01793 541786: 9.30am to 4.30pm

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_ - To celebrate our FIRST BIRTHDAY i on 10th and 11th August 4W we will be giving away

Your `one stop shop' for all your back to school needs. * We stock a comprehensive range of school wear catering for ages 3-18. si Our junior boys sturdy fit and sli m fit trousers are especially popular s'Y Stockists of uniforms with logos for Peatmoor School, Tregoze School and Toothill School _

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First year for schoolwear shop A shop providing a one stop solution for busy parents who need to kit out children for school celebrates its first anniversary on 11 August.

Jacqui and David Henshaw have "We have a lovely response from had an excellent year since they shoppers who come from all over opened a National Schoolwear the region," said Jacqui. "Parents Centres franchise in the Brunel are really pleased to be able to buy Arcade and have established them- all they need in one shop from staff selves as the place to go for quality who are child friendly and know what they are selling. Although clothing at very keen prices, The spacious shop caters for 3 to we are a specialist schoolwear shop 18 year olds and stocks a wide our aim is to provide excellent range of garments and footwear value in terms of both wearability all the year round. They also stock and cost."

It's the back to school season sweatshirts, polo shirts and fleeces for Tregoze, Peatmoor, Toothill and a trip to Swindon's National and Lydiard Millicent schools and Schoolwear Centres will be well several in East Swindon. worth it.

17

Plain sweatshirts and knitwear available in red, royal, bottle, maroon, navy, grey and black

For your convenience we will be open on Sundays, 10.30am-4.30pm, from 21st July-8th September inclusive.

Also late night shopping until 7pm on Thursdays.

balloons and goodies to childlren a n

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18 The Link Magazine • August 2002

uklinks4 There are some great resources on the Internet.

But do you know where they are?

Some holiday shelf help' from the libraries The first port of call for holiday travels is probably your travel agent but make the second your local library, writes librarian Pat Gould.

All Swindon libraries have a had done some research before one step, so come in for holiday guides, good selection of popular novels of my holidays, I only found out leaflets and information for local for escapist holiday reading, so later that my first name was slang events and places to visit.

Perhaps you might like to take take some adventure, mystery and for something quite obscene in that the most restful holiday of all, be romance with you. The libraries particular country.

But we've got so much to see in an armchair tourist and lose yourcan also provide guide books and information with popular series the British Isles and we often take self in a good travel book. Happy such as 'Lonely Planet', 'Rough for granted what is on our door- reading and happy travels.

Guide' and 'Eyewitness' titles.

It always adds to the enjoyment of a foreign holiday if you can speak even a few words of the language, Libraries across Britain will be running the Reading Planet game so try the library for phrase books from 20 July to 14 September. or language courses and have a go; Children are being , . it is alwa y s appreciated. I wish I , „ __, .

- "r } books. They'll be re warded with colourful sticker packs to decorate

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Children who complete six books will receive a -.-.- • certificate, medal and an invitation to a big party with surprise entertain\_ ment in September. °2 Joining in the Reading Planet is completely free. Children's librarian Rachel Douglas and princiDiscover a new dimen- pal library manager Kristianne Drake show off sion during library open- the Reading Planet. Visit the library to enter the ing hours across Swin- game this summer I don.

Go games at West library

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The library service has expanded the range of games for Playstation available for hire at West Swindon library.

Call in for everything from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone to Scooby Doo, Spiderman, David Beckham's soccer, Alex Ferguson's manager, and WWF s as well as lots of car driving, snowboarding, cricket and fantasy games.

Playstation 1 games cost £2 a week and PS2 games cost £3.50.

All titles can be reserved for 75p.

Library manager Joanne Richardson in the games corner

Volunteers needed to launch Home Library in the West Since 1990 the library service has worked with the WRVS to provide access to library resources for people unable to go there due to disability, long term illness or temporary incapacity.

Under a new name - Home Li- and the kind of books they would brary - the completely free service like selected next time the volunis expanding so more people can teer visits.

To volunteer your services to use it. It already operates from 11 libraries; in the Autumn, West Home Library, contact coordinaSwindon library will join in. tor Debs Osorio on 463505, mail Home Library functions with the dosorio@swindon.gov.uk or write help of over 50 volunteers using to Home Library, Liden Library, their cars to deliver the books and Barrington Close SN63GHF. Contact her also about using the other items directly to homes every three weeks. They also chat to us- Home Library service when it ers about the books they have read opens in West Swindon.

19

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Art gets people thinking Art projects burst out around the town at the end of June and in early July - in schools, in offices, outdoors, pubs and shopping centres - as part of Swindon Think Art organised by Swindon Arts, the independent arts development charity. Here are just two pictures from a multitude of events.

Mad Hatter

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Tel: (01793) 345395 Mail: bola@bolaskitchen.co.uk Six primary schools visited the lawns of Lydiard House to create sculptures from willow and objects found in the woods with help from No Added Sugar. The Mayor coun Stan Pajak joined youngsters from Westlea and Greendown schools to help finish off Swindon's green dome.

Oliver Tomkins Junior School coordinated its art week with Think Art and children had the chance to explore a wide range of creative activities. Artist Laurie Plant helped children make bird boxes in all manner of strange shapes from wire, expanded foam, wood, and glue.

UNLIMITED STEAM TRAIN RIDES at the Swindon £t Cricklade Railway

STEAM & VINTAGE WEEKEND 10th & 11th August. Open 10.30am

International newcomers to launch Party in the Park A new feature of this year's Wiltshire Festival will be exposure for performers who are just receiving recognition.

Chanteuse Rebekah Del Rio will sing on the Classical evening and at the Party and new pop band the Dead —.

Abigails will be flying in from Australia.

One of the most intriguing performers is Siana. Her dad is Rob Wasserman, bass player with the legendary Grateful Dead, and nor godfather is one of the great survivors of rock Lou Reed.

As a child she would accompany the deadhead caravan and play at the feet of such greats as Bob

Dylan and Paul Simon.

Now she's on her own and looking forward to her European debut in Swindon.

"I came to Britain as a child with the band, but this will be my first ti me performing. I' m really excited to be able to debut my CD." Even though Siana grew up with the musical influences of the 60s, 70s and 80s, her style is right up there for the 21 st Century. Catch a fl avour at www.sianamusic.com Festival details on page 28.

Stationary engines

Car boot

Saloon/sports cars

Vintage caravan

Commercial vehicles

Traction engines Motor cycles

Ex-military vehicles

Tractors

Trade stands

Model tent

Fire engines –

Organs

"° '

Steam road rollers

Trains run from 11am to 4pm each day

Blunsdon Station Tadpole Lane Swindon

Uow-tof W TADPOLE LANE To PURTON

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BLUNSDON

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Free car parking Organised by the Swindon & Cricklade Railway (Registered Charity No 1067447)

PUB PURTON ROAD

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NORTH SWINDON

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Swindon Wide

The Golden Lion Bridge An evocative scene on the side of a house on Fleming Way created by unemployed people on a job creati on scheme in 1976.

The bridge crossed the canal in the town centre at the intersecti on of Bridge Street

A remarkable archive of

and Canal Walk as

shown in the photo below. It was installed by the GWR so that workers would not be delayed by the swing bridge it replaced.

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Swindon was once famous for its large number and variety of murals.

Dotted around the town were huge artworks on gable ends, depicting scenes from its history, its people, the achievements of business and even reference to classical art.

The murals received considerable press coverage and they became a major tourist attraction during the late 1 970s and 1980s. Organised by Thamesdown Community Arts officer Terry Court, they were a bright, unusual expression of self-confidence in the town's future.

When keen photographer Tony Leggett was relocated with his work to Swindon in 1981. he was drawn to the murals and set about recording them for his own interest. It appears he was alone for when he approached Swindon Council, they did not have a complete set of images.

"I was surprised that there was no archive of the murals," said Tony, who lives in Nine Elms. "They tell a fascinating story aboutthe town and are an amazing piece of history; it's a great pity that so many of them just don't exist any longer."

The Arkells Brewery mural on County Road is in good condition but most of the murals have disappeared because private properties have been sold, redeveloped or have had to be maintained.

Swindon Artscape manager Celia Yeoman said the council gets lots of requests for information and images from students at schools and colleges studying murals for GCSE, A' level and higher qualifications.

Arkells

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"

Swirndor Wide Swindon's artistic past

21

" Murals were a very popular art form in many towns in the late 70's and early 80's and can be seen as a reaction to the formality of the remote art gallery. The fact that they were in the public domain meant they were social and as such have been associated with expression of a community's history, ideas and beliefs. Many were about change in the political and social climate as well as an increase in awareness on the part of artists, for example in Belfast and Derry, or the peace murals commissioned by the Greater London Council."

She added that Swindon Council's arts policy is now focused elsewhere. "In a way community murals gave way to Swindon Borough Council's public art policy and the nationally acclaimed collection of artworks that has grown since 1988. In the present climate it is highly unlikely that any new murals will be commissioned."

I mages on offer

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Tony Leggett, left, has produced an A3 size poster featuring eight photographs from his archive at £2.95.

Individual images of the murals are available as cards (A6 size with envelopes) at £1 each or £7 for a set of eight.

Framed 6" x 4" prints are £4.95.

Post and packing costs from £1.50.

To order posters, cards or prints, call TDP Media on 886668.

e b y K en Celebrating Swindon s voluntary organlsatlons, paimd _ — . ._._.. ...- . White on a building in Rodbourne, near Bruce Street bridge, in 1981 to George and the Dragon, after Uccello, painted in 1975, restored in mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Swindon Council of Social Service 1 985. Originally sponsored by Mike Knight Tyres on the side of their (now Voluntary Action Swindon). Pick out the the logos and references to community transport, meals on wheels, the scouts and playgroups. building on the corner of Rodbourne Road and Manton Street.

Discover Swindon's Biggest Secret!

Free half bottle of wine When you a enjoy a 3 course meal for just £20 per person in the De Vere Hotel's Park Brasserie )ffer runs until 31st August 2002 If you would like a copy of our menu please give us a call and we'll be happy to send you one.

De Vere Hotel, Shaw Ridge Leisure Park, Whitehill Way, Swindon, SN5 7DW 'This advertisement must be produced to receive your complimentary wine.

'Cannot be used for Sunday lunch or in conjunction with any other offer.

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King Class Locomotive passing through Swindon railway works, Henry Street. A tribute to the power and emotion of the steam era, painted in 1976, restored in 1985. obliterated 2001. r.

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Young and old combine to commemorate the Queen's jubilee

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Pupils from two local schools have joined with members of the Haydon Wick Over 60s Club to produce lasting memorials of the golden jubilee.

Working with artist in residence Susan Carr, who lives in Hayden Wick, stained glass windows have been designed and made for the north site of Hreod Parkway School and the offices of the Haydon Wick Parish Council.

The south site of the school will benefit from two large banners, created with help from the Hayden Wick Over 60s Club who contributed painted silk designs.

The window at the council offices was designed and made by children at Haydon Wick primary school.

Funding for the projects came from the parish council. Susan, whose two year residency came to an end in July, said she hoped the artworks, as well as the house banners made last year, will eventually be transferred to the new Hreod Parkway school when it opens in September 2005.

Parish councillor Pat Cutting said, "knowing that so many children have worked on the window gives it a sense of community. The colours coming through it are lovely."

FOUR SEASONS

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

Sunday 18th August 10.00am - 4.00pm u a

Admission Adults: £2.50 Seniors: £2.00 Accompanied children: £1.00

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144 children helped make the jubilee stained glass window hanging at the north site. Some of them with Pat Cutting, second left, and Susan Carr, centre, from left, Ben Vowles, Louise Higgs, Liam Lye, Laura Fitzgerald

Arts at Asda Wal-Mart comes together You might not usually associate a supermarket with art, but that's about to change at the Wal-Mart supercentre in North Swindon.

Since last November two internationally renowned cartoonists Simon Grennan from Brighton and Christopher Sperandio from New York have been meeting people and observing community life for a highly visual, colourful and thought provoking year long commission for Swindon Borough Council in partnership with Asda Wal-Mart.

Simon said he and Chris had been gathering points of view from a wide range of sources in and around the store. "We've tried to meet as many people as possible from all walks of life to create a picture of the unique character of the area.

"There's such a range of backgrounds and experience here; we've talked to young and old, local residents and people travelli ng through, bee-keepers and gardeners, school-children, keyboard fanatics and mothers with toddlers."

Focusing on life at the 24 hour Asda Wal-Mart store. Simon followed a night shift from 10pm to 6am to ensure that the cartoonists got the full, if rather bleary-eyed picture.

As a final piece of investigation, the cartoonists have arranged for pupils at Hreod Parkway School to produce their own alternative views of the Asda store. These pictures will be permanently displayed on the computer screens in the new li brary next to the supercentre which opens in the Autumn.

Working towards the launch of "Celebrating Swindon - Artists at Asda Wal-Mart" in November, a big exhibition in more ways than one, Simon and Chris are developing a series of artworks to reflect their findings and draw attention to

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cI) the supercentre as a central part of the developing life of Swindon.

Celebrating the supercentre's first anniversary, a series of large billboard portraits of people in the area will be displayed on routes from Swindon town centre to the store over the following 12 months.

Huge posters will be displayed on a giant billboard in the entrance of Asda Wal-mart.

The artists' work will also have a certain moving quality as they will completely decorate a double decker bus with a group portrait which will run on a route from town to North Swindon for a year.

"The last six months have been enormously enjoyable," said Simon. "Having worked all around the world, we've had a great welcome here."

Look out later in the year for a special cartoon centre page pull out produced especially for The Link by Simon and Chris.

• ' Celebrating Swindon - Artists at Asda' is a Grennan & Sperandio project commissioned by ASDA Wal-Mart and Swindon Borough Council's Artscape, developed and managed by Artpoint.

• Grennan & Sperandio's work can be seen at: www.kartoonkings.com www.swindonartscape.co.uk www.artpoint-trust.org.uk

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7.00pm > 9.00pm 1.00pm >3 OOpm 10.00am > 4.00pm 7.00pm > 9.00pm 7.00pm > 9.00pm 7.00pm > 9.00pm 7.00pm > 9.00pm 7.00pm > 9.00pm 7.00pm > 9.00pm 7.00pm > 9.00pm 7.00pm > 9.00pm 7.00pm > 9..00pm 9.30am >1 1.30am

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Drama & Creativity > The Way of Play

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Wed 25/09/02 Sat 16/11/02 Sat 12/10/02 & Sun 13/10/02 Sat 16/11/02 &Sun 17/11/02 Sat 12/10/02 Mon 23/09/02 Fri 04/10/02

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Fri 04/10/02

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f 1.50 £34.50

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27

SWIhdGr Wide

Artists get their wall back Possibly the only legal graffiti wall like to think the wall will now stand in Swindon has been rebuilt, thanks up to further damage and provide a to the efforts of Toothill councillor place for artists to practiceoverthe summer."

Mary Martin.

The wall at Mannington is well SK8 problems used by artists to display large The skateboard sessions in the pieces. but vandals destroyed it for Link Centre coach park have been a second time earlier in the year. suspended until problems with Coun Martin. right, thanked getting equipment in and out of Swindon Services for doing the their storage container have been job. "It's a great pity that vandals resolved. More volunteers are have to damage a facility that is needed when sessions restart. To used by creative young people. I'd offer help call 465452.

ts. eat

C Try us! Well worth a visit A few of the items we stock Airbrush Mosaic tiles Basket making Pergamano Beads & sequins Pyrography Candle making Quilling Glass paints Rug making Sculpting clay Sandy Art Cross stitch Silk fabrics Face paints Silk paints Hama beads Stamping Jewellery making Sewing threads

Electronic musicians Keyboard Capers, the social group for Technic's keyboard players of all ages. get together on two Wednesdays a month to exchange ideas and help each other improve their knowledge at Moredon Community Centre. 7.30pm to 10pm.

For details call Midge Dack on

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63 Pembroke Centre Cheney Manor Trading Estate Swindon SN2 2PQ Tel/Fax 01793 513069 Email: enquiries@facswindon.co.uk Phone for directions. Free parking

Swindon's latest tourist attraction is now open, right. See if you can get out of the maze grown from maize, or will it make a monkey out of you. Visitor details below.

•

P1

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Welcome to the wonderful world of Maize Maze.

The Great Western Maze is a monkey puzzle of a maze set in the beautiful countryside of North Wiltshire, just south of Swindon, close to junction 1 6 of the M4.

Most people are good at solving mazes, or are they?

Come and be inspired, or misguided by our 3.5 kilometres of paths.

Give the whole family a really fun trip out.

Open until 8 September, 1 Oam - 6pm Admission: £3.50 children, £4 adults, £13 family of 4 Directions - 1 mile south of M4 junction 16.

Take the Wrou hton exit (Ha Lane).

Continue straight on for 1 mire.

The Great Western Maze is on the right.

RTHE

For more info: 01 793 731 806 www. g reatwestern maze. corn

GREAT WESTERN MAZE

Swindon Wide Wh(At's

28

Venues The National Monuments Record Centre Kemble Drive. Tel: 414600 STEAM - Museum of the Great

Music Saturday 3rd, doors 6pm World Music at the Bowl - Apna Sangeet.

Saturday 10th, gates: 5.30pm, concert: 7pm Firework and Music Fantasia with Performing Arts Symphony Orchestra. In advance £20/c hild £12; on the dayE23/£15. Bowood House.

Ticket hotline: 01625 560000

Western Railway

Friday 23rd, gates: 5pm, concert: 8pm Classical Extravaganza. Jae Alexander conducts the English

Kemble Drive. Tel: 466655 Swindon Museum & Art Gallery, Bath Road. Tel: 466556 Town Hall Studios Regent Circus. Tel: 463210 The Wyvern Theatre

National Orchestra. £18 + booking fee. Lydiard Park. Tickets from Link & Oasis Leisure Centres orcall01285

Theatre Square. Tel: 524481 Confirm date, time and price with the venue

869596

Theatre Monday 12th to Saturday 17th, 7.30pm; also Wednesday & Saturday 2.30pm Misery. Leslie Grantham and Sandra Maitland star in Stephen King's heartstopping thriller. An engaging commentary on the pitfalls and dangers of fame and idolatry. £8.50 - 211.50. Wyvern

Tours Saturday 17th, 2.15pm Tour of the National Monument Record Centre. An introduction to the work of the NMRC. Free

The UK's best known and most successful Bhangra band combine Asian tradition with contemporary Western rhythms resulting in high energy dance music. £9. Town Gardens. For advance tickets (£7) call: 530328. Also Bhangra dance class, 6.45pm free to ticket holders Sunday 3rd to Saturday 10th, 7.30pm, also Saturday 10th 2.30pm (no show on Sunday 4th) West Side Story. Wyvern Theatre 2002 9th Summer Youth Project. One of the theatre's biggest events of the year involving 250 local young people aged 9 to 25. From £8.50. Wyvern

Yil

Sunday 25th, gates: 1 pm; show:3pm Party in the Park. Claire & H. Al, Mis-Teeq, above, Aurora, Liberty X, Honeytrap and All Stars. See page 19 for international newcomers. £19 (under 10s £12) + booking fee.

Lydiard Park. Tickets as for Classical Extravaganza

Jae Alexander conducts the English National Orchestra on 23 August Tuesday 27th, 7.30pm The Kingdom of Song. A tribute to Disney and Warner Bros classic songs, for all the family. £12.50: children £8. Wyvern Friday 30th, 7.30pm Welcome To Our World presented

by Lynn Hawkins with special guests.

Bands of the Army Air Corp and local artists including Tanwood Dance. £12. Wyvern Saturday 31 August, 7pm Military Band Concert with the Regimental Band of the Devonshire and Dorset Regiment, The Rifle Volunteers and accompanied by the Swindon Male Voice Choir, in memory of the service of soldiers from the Great Western Railway Works, Wills Tobacco Factory and Garrards who enlisted with the 4th Battalion Wilts. Infantry and the 43rd Wessex (Wyvern) Division. £10.

Wyvern

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Grange Tiny Tots creche Events - bands and dances - bingo Members bar - bar meals - quiz nights

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• Child's party room - includes use of suite for your disco/e ntertainment GRANGE DRIVE • STRATTON • SWINDON Tel: 01793 825525 info@strattonleisure.co.uk

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Or in August Exhibitions Lydiard House Fashion in Film See the original costumes worn by the stars of Gosford Park. The Golden Bowl. Portrait of a Lady and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, courtesy of Cosprop. Normal a^

29

Family events and children's activities Every day during school holidays All Aboard the Holiday Express.

The Great Western Railway pioneered holidays for workers. On your travels around STEAM find clues and solve the puzzle. discover your final destination and win a souvenir. Also daily talk at 2pm.

Normal admission charges. STEAM Sunday 4th, 10am - 2.30pm Millennium Trail. A walk from Bincknoll Castle to Moulden Hill.

Wear stout footwear and bring a packed lunch. For details call Swindon Ranger service on 771419 Monday 5th, 2pm - 4pm Dance Workshop for 7 to 10 year olds. run in conjunction with Swindon Dance, the workshop is open to all abilities and will be themed around the Art Gallery exhibition A Moment in Time. £3. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery. Booking essential, call

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Costume from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom The Gallery, National Monuments Record Centre A Royal Celebration A selection of photographs from the NMRC archives recording the celebrations, pageantry and commemorative structures which mark royal coronations and jubilees.

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Join Peggy Patch. Poppy the Cat and Whybird from CBBC. A brand new concert for 3 to 7 year olds. £7.50; family £25. Wyvern

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Saturdays 10th, 24th Meet the Railway Workers. Join former engine drivers, firemen and railway workers to find out about life 'i nside'the Swindon Works. Normal admission charges. STEAM Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th, gates open 10.30am Vintage Transport Weekend.

Stationary engines, fire engines. commercial and ex military vehicles, traction engines. organs, car boot. model tent, steam train rides: 11am to 4pm. Swindon & Cricklade Railway. Blunsdon Station. Tadpole Lane. For details call 814403 Sunday 11th, 11am to 4.30pm Victorian Extravaganza. Themed activities for all the family including lace making. storytelling, craft stalls, quoit throwing and guided walks.

Richard Jefferies Museum, Marlborough Road, Coate. Tel: 466556.

Free parking at Coate Water Country Park Monday 12th to Friday 16th 2pm to 4pm Print-a-Tshirt for 5 to 11 years.

Themed sessions - Monday: Myths and Monsters: Tuesday: Bright and Breezy: Wednesday: Animals; Thursday: Egyptians; Friday: Dinosaurs. £4.50. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery. Booking essential, call

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Swindon celebrates Rio+10 in August It's ten years since world leaders launched Agenda 21 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 and Swindon will be celebrating at the end of August with a town centre display to coincide with a tenth I anniversary conference in South Africa, writes Swindon Agenda 21 officer Lynn Forrester, below.

Agenda 21 is an action plan to pro mote sustainable development in the 21st Century. Its aim is to improve the quality of life for people around the globe - now and in the future.

Local Agenda 21 plans were put in place and Swindon's own strategy.

The Seeds of Change', was designed with local priorities in mind. It highlights the philosophy, 'think globally, act locally', and the belief that individuals can make a difference by making changes in the way they live their lives.

Working in partnership with local community and voluntary

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Open Wednesday to Sunday and daily during school holidays 10.30am - 5.00pm • The world's largest living willow maze • Meet and feed the animals • Tractor and trailer rides all season • Huge big bale straw stack & bouncy castle • Adventure play area and giant sandpit • Indoor heated toddlers soft play area • Animal racing • Crafty half hour • Toddler story time during term time • Granary tea rooms Barn dances & wedding receptions Children's birth

With winter still some months away. the last thing on your mind is your central heating system. However now is the time to ensure that your boiler and heating system are working safely and efficiently.

Independent gas specialist Gastech is all too aware of the need to protect the planet from the effects of global warming and wants to make sure domestic boilers are burning gas efficiently, as well as saving you money.

The domestic sector is responsible for 40% of energy consumption and produces 25% of carbon monoxide emissions. In turn domestic heating and hot water account for 85% of this consumption.

Gastech also has plans to change its vehicles to LPG fuel and to make employees aware of energy saving methods in the workplace.

Gastech provides free advice on methods of saving energy on your central heating system and offers their own Blue Diamond service which provides comprehensive maintainence at a sensible price.

Call 484744 for details.

groups, businesses and individuals. Wiltshire Agenda 21, neighbouring local authorities and other statutory organisations, Swindon has persued practical programmes including: • reducing waste going to landfill by increasing recycling and composting; over 5.000 compost bins have been given free to Swindon residents in the past few months: • provision of over 200 bins for the hygienic disposal of dog faeces; • providing a sustainable transport system for the borough. New schemes have included two park 'n' ride sites, bus priority lanes, new cycleways and 'Safer Routes to Schools for our children: • establishing the Great Western Community Forest: • reduction of carbon dioxide emissions by promoting energy efficiency via Warm Hearted Homes and the local energy advice centre; • reducing Swindon Council's energy consumption and introducing sound energy management techniques and practices throughout its own operations; • providing efficient energy advice to businesses across Swindon: • raising awareness about global issues like fair trade; • introducing Neighbourhood Safety Teams (NeSTs) and the Street Wardens Scheme; • returned over 250 empty private properties to use with the help of the Swindon Empty Homes Partnership; • the council has also invested in a demonstration scheme to encourage 'intelligent & green' housing and the Integer homes' as they are known, being developed in Abbey Meads.

The event on Friday 30 August, in the Parade, is a chance to enjoy a festival atmosphere. Discover what 'Seeds of Change' has meant for local people and why everyone has their part to play in sustaining Swindon and our precious planet.

For further details about the event or Local Agenda 21 in Swindon, contact Lynn Forrester, Local Agenda2l Co-ordinatoron466167 or mail: Iforrester@swindon.gov.uk • Recycling letter: page 42

31

S.WIhdGr wide

Art gives life to new hospital Along with all the plans to complete Swindon's Great Western Hospital in early November, and the huge logistical exercise to transfer staff and patients to the new location at Commonhead, artists have been commissioned to create visually interesting and therapeutic pieces of art around the huge building.

The ArtAlive project is funded by donations to a special section of the Evolution Appeal, not by the tax payer. or from money designated for patient care.

The first work has been commissioned from nationally known stained glass artist Amber Hiscote - a 50 square metre window made up of 24 panels to be mounted in the five floor front entrance atrium, creating a river of vibrant colour in front of the 600,000 people expected to visit the hospital annually.

Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust communications director Chris Birdsall said the window will make a significant and confident statement about the role of the visual arts within healthcare.

Other major projects include a stained glass window for the chaplaincy incorporating multi-faith themes and uplifting designs for the three internal courtyards accessible to patients and staff.

ArtAlive is professionally managed by a specialist arts agency, Artpoint, which has a track record of commissioning works of art for public spaces. They are also involved in the Asda-Walmart project as described on page 22.

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The front entrance atrium at the Great Western Hospital, site of the Amber Hiscote design. left

Lower Shaw Farm Old Shaw Lane. Shaw Summer Holiday Activity Days for 5 to 12 year olds Tuesday 6th or Wednesday 7th 10.30am to 3.30pm Explore the farm. story walks, art and crafts. baking, treasure hunt, feed the hens, collect the eggs. Wear old clothes and bring a packed lunch. £12. Booking essential, call 771080

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For a secure outlook, call Transcable on 01793 854865

32 The Link Magazine - August 2002

Cycle for hearts Enjoy a sponsored ride through the Wiltshire countryside and help raise much needed funds for the battle against heart disease.

The British Heart Foundation Cycle Ride takes place on Sunday 8 September, from 9am, last departures 10.30am.

The two routes, 50 miles and 25 miles, start and finish at Lydiard Park, are planned to combine interest, safety and scenic beauty and will be clearly sign-posted and marshalled at key points.

The registration fee is £5 in advance or£10 after 3 September. Call Freephone 08000 648748 for a registration form.

GPs set up high-tech health and community internet suite North Swindon MP Michael Wills and take greater responsibility for transparent relationship between visited the Taw Hill Medical Prac- personal health matters. As their doctor and patient. I'd like to see tice on 13 July to launch health advocates, internet access civil servants visiting this project HEAL@TH, the latest initiative to means we can guide patients to to learn how it can be spread to promote well being in the area, reputable sources of in-depth in- surgeries elsewhere."

Standing for Health Education formation. In some cases, this re- Only patients registered with the Access Library at Taw Hill, pa- duces unnecessary stress by giv- practice are able to use the health tients have access to 12 computers ing people access to medical fact information facilities. The suite is connected to theinternetviaahigh- sooner rather than later." also being used for training NHS speed satellite link to search health Michael Wills said, "the set up is staff and community sessions are information for themselves, very impressive and is at the fore- planned, including general internet Dr Peter Crouch said he and part- front of developing an open and access and a homework club. ner Dr June Morris are committed LaunchingHEAL@TH, Michael WillsMP, centre, with from left, Christopher to providing information and Lawrence, Eric Gee of IT specialists Paper River, Dr Peter Crouch, Dr June knowledge about health issues. Morris, Mark Edwards, Taw Hill residents' association 'This internet health library will t I help patients educate themselves .

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33

The Link Magazine • August 2002

Group trained in heart attack action Women in the Parivar multi-cultural social group which meets at the West Swindon Family and Community Project spent an important two hours in July learning what to do in the crucial minutes following a heart attack.

Some seventy per cent of heart attacks

happen outside hospital, yet only one per cent of the population is trained in the vital skills that can mean the difference between life and death. People living in Swindon have a higher than average chance of suffering an attack.

As a practical response to the problem Wiltshire St John Ambulance offers a free two hour 'Breath of Life' course which provides the basic skills to perform cardio pulmonary resuscitation.

St John trainer Margaret Nicolson, from left, The courses take Mo Bassi, Jemy Peerwala, Monsurat Balogan place at St John centres For details, call Micaela Owen or can be organised in a location convenient to an organisation. on 01380 728372 or mail: training@ St John would like to hear from wiltshire.sja.org.uk community groups, churches or New members are always welschools willing to host a course in come at Parivar. For details call their area.

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Winning teams in the west Jack Moody was the star at Westlea School when he scored the winning goal at the annual West Swindon 5-a-side primary school's football tournament organised by year 10 students at Greendown School taking the junior sports leadership award course.

Eleven primaries in the West as well. Ten schools entered teams Swindon league which includes St which now play high 5, a modified Mary's, Purton, took part. netball game played by four playIn the netball tournament the ers over four quarters. Team memgirls from Tregoze School repeated bers switch position in each quartheir dominance in the winter ter to equal out the advantage league by winning the tournament gained by having tall players.

The Tregoze high 5 team Melissa

Williams, Jazz Carlin, Lema Tollman, Leanne Edwards, Kimberley Pearce, coach Tracy Wall, Lauren Gibbons.

Not present, Lauren Rogers The Westlea lads, back from left, Andy Corcoran, Billy Charman, team coach Clive Halliwell, Conor White, Chris Stewart. Front Scott Robins, Jack Moody, Michael Rayner. Not pictured, captain

Andrew Westall.

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34 The Link Magazine • August 2002

PosemaryConley Diet au! Fins,, Clubs

SOLUTION Maintenance free UPVC fascia boards cladding & guttering Expertly fitted at DIY prices

Follow Rosemary's new low-fat eating plan which now includes treats & watch the pounds and inches disappear!

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Noisy end of year support rang out at Lydiard Park on 17 July as some 500 children and parent supporters cheered team members at the West Swindon primary schools sports. Above, frantic activity at a relay changeover

High achievers encouraged Young sports personalities at Greendown School were recognised at a first ever awards evening, held in the Winners Lounge at the County Ground on 1 July.

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Achieve Success Fitness Consultancy Sports Massage Therapy Clinic PILATES CLASSES Holy Trinity Church, Shaw Village Centre Monday: 6pm - 7pm; Wednesday: 7.30pm - 8.30pm Taw Hill Worship CentreTuesday:8pm - 9pm •:• PERSONAL FITNESS TRAINING AVAILABLE INYOUR OWN HOME •:• SPORTS MASSAGE THERAPY

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A few of the award winners with Ama Agbeze. Year group sports persons of the year, from left, Linford Webb y8, Edward Snook, y10, Samantha Dell, y9, Sarah Tyas, y10, Ama, Sam Morris, y7, Reece Holdgate, y9, Kerry Keen, y7, Carla Dixon y8, Laura Worley, y9

Nearly 250 students, parents, staff and school governors heard nominations for achievement, commitment and improvement in a wide range of sports and acknowledged representation of the school at county and national level.

Winners were presented with cups and medals.

The guest speaker was 18 year old England netball player Ama Agbeze, who admitted to being devastated a few weeks earlier when she heard, in the middle of her A' level exams, that she had been dropped for the Commonwealth Games.

She spoke of the wonderful op-

On their bikes for Sport Relief Users of the Link Centre Active Lifestyle Centre focused their exercise efforts on 12 July by working out for Sports Relief.

Customers and staff took turns to clock up miles on static bikes, and covered a total of 319 miles in 11 hours, raising £130.

Pauline Lansdown takes on Link staff member Piers Harold, whilst Wendy Humphries and Maria Hesson await their turn to have a go

portunities playing sport had given her. "Believe in yourself and your dreams," she told the students.

"Never say I can't, always say I can."

Greendown headteacher Steve O'Sullivan congratulated the PE department for organising an excellent evening and thanked parents for assisting with the catering. "This year has seen a huge expansion in sporting activity, with well over a third of the school participating in lunch time, after school and out of school sport at all levels. All of those who take part are winners; the effect throughout school is very positive."

The Link Magazine • Auaust 2002

Prime Bodies helps gold medal hopeful Talented dinghy sailor Ross Harvey from Shaw will be spending his summer holidays at regattas all over Britain and Europe in his quest for Olympic recognition one day.

The 16 year old who has just left Bradon Forest School has been sailing competitively over the last four years, training every weekend and school holiday throughout the year.

When advised that he needed to i mprove his fitness to break through to the highest level, he turned to Prime Bodies Fitness Centre in Peatmoor who have provided free membership and devised a fitness programme to build up his strength.

Ross sails a Laser Radial, the youth version of the boat in which Ben Ainslie won Olympic Gold in Sydney. He is currently a member of the Great Britain transitional youth squad and competed earlier in the year at the RYA Volvo youth championships and world trials in Weymouth where he finished thirtieth in the 120 strong Laser Radial fleet, despite being one of the youngest competitors.

In early July he sailed at an inter-

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36

The Link Magazine • August 2002

Scolarest Catering

require a reliable and hardworking cook at Greendown School 9am to 2.30pm, school hours only + benefits For details, call Christine on 852979 Greendown Playgroup, Grange Park Supervisor required 5 mornings: 9am - 12.15pm, plus paid planning hours Level 3 NVQ or NNEB equivalent

Every house in Swindon should have received in July a colour newsletter outlining the masterplan for the Southern Development Area which was formally submitted for planning approval by Bryant Homes on 19 July.

The scheme drawn up follows an extensive pro- considered as the location for a football stadium, has gramme of public consultation and provides an over- now been allocated for employment use and a 1,000 all vision for the land use between the Great Western space park and ride.

Way, Old Town and the M4, designated for around Copies of the newsletter are available from Swin3,500 homes. Approximately half of the site will be a don Information Centre or Johanna Hatton at PPS on country park and the weste rn co rn e r o f the site once 014542 75630, mail: j ohanna.hatton@pp ss outhwest.co.uk

Trust threatens to call on Government to act on Mechanics Institute Progress could soon be made towards the restoration of the Mechanics Institution in the centre of the railway village when a response to the long delayed consultants report on its future goes before Swindon Council's cabinet on 31 July. in Swindon, hopes the council will The report funded by English cial use for the derelict building.

Assuming the discussion is not use its powers to carry out 'urgent Heritage and Swindon Council took eight months to complete and deferred, the New Mechanics In- works' recommended by the Iona further five to get to cabinet and stitutionPreservationTrust,which sultants, on the privately owned * states there is no viable commer- has campaigned for over 7 years to Grade II listed building.

The jC250,000 cost can be charged have the building restored as a central feature or community hfe to the owner. If un-recovered English Heritage can underwrite fi C eighty per cent of the cost.

J.F.K Trust spokesperson Martha Parry said that the trust is adaBUILDING mant that not another winter should pass without these miniSERVICES mal protective works being completed.

Extensions, Alterations, "The council has refused to take Renovations this first step for years. Now we beg them to move things forward, All aspects of garden by undertaking the urgent works. construction including fencing All the information they need is Al! general building work now clearly up to date.

"We have written to our two MPs Tel: Mr J.F. Keenan and to the head of English Herit(01793) 727824 age Sir Neil Cossons, who once worked at the GWR Railway Museum in Swindon and knows the 1 Mechanics well. If the council is not prepared to act on 31 July, then we are asking them to seek immediate central government action to Convert your loft from this .... do the works necessary to keep out weather, animals and vandals. to an extra room public body One or the like this ivate the owner er to must act to motivate _ release this building, before the C a ll trust can bring down the further funding it has identified and apThe Loft People ply to the Heritage Lottery Fund.

"This is an issue of interest across Freephone Swindon, because the trust hopes 0800 91 7 8695 a restored building will again play ts former role of uniting Swindon id: e-mail. people in community cultural ac–enquiries@theoftpeople.com tivities and shared citizenship."

NEED EXTRA

For more information contact Tracy O'Connor on 873179

Vacancy at Peatmoor Junior Youth Club Peatmoor Community Facilities Peatmoor Community Primary School We are looking for a play manager for our popular youth club aimed at children aged 9 to 12, from September 2002 Friday 6pm - 8pm £7.13 per hour (pay award pending) For further details and an application form, please `phone Caroline Bowles Tel: (01793) 881613

Heron After School Club a Community Primary School Two posts are available for this popular well-resourced term-time after school club (3pm - 6pm) from 6th September Play Manager £7.13 per hour & Play Assistant £5.14 per hour (pay award pending)

For further details and application forms, please telephone Mrs Griffiths or Mrs Ponting on 01793 887473

37

VACANCIES Farepak Mail Order Limited is one of the leading hamper packing companies in the UK. The Christmas packing programme will soon commence at our Westmead site and we now have vacancies for Warehouse Packers and Line Feeders.

PART-TIME MUSEUM ASSISTANTS - Lydiard House, Lydiard Park Rate of pay: £5.47 per hour plus enhancements for weekend working We are looking for three Part-Time Museum Assistants to join the busy

No experience is necessary for these positions as training will be given, but applicants should be reliable, physically fit and possess good coordination skills.

and enthusiastic Museum team at Lydiard House. Duties to include meeting visitor needs, operating the main reception and gift shop, security, cleaning and assisting the Museum Keeper in a variety of roles. Hours will be approximately 16 per week worked on a rota basis to include some weekends.

In return they will be rewarded with a competitive rate of pay, attendance allowance and a free hamper at Christmas. Protective clothing will be provided

Former applicants need not apply.

n III s f i! 1• n

Closing date: 23.8.02.

Interview date: w/c 2.9.02 & w/c 9.9.02.

,-

Hours of work are:

Application forms and further details are available from Premier House, Station Road, Swindon SN1 1TZ. Tel: (01793) 466431 (24 hour answering service). Minicom for deaf users (01793) 436659. Please note that we cannot accept CVs.

8am to 5pm Monday to Thursday 8am to 2pm Friday

We are actively working towards equality of opportunity and welcome applications from any individual.

Farepak Mail Order)

CLERK TO GOVERNORS Required ASAP.

NOR (June 2002) 323 + 47 Nursery

To provide administrative support to Governors, eg. arrange and attend two meetings per term, produce and circulate

Farepak Mail Order Limited is a highly successful mail order company supplying hampers and gift items for Christmas Due to our forthcoming busy season we now have vacancies for Temporary Service Centre Administrators for Day and Evening Shifts .

agenda/minutes/annual report to parents, liaise with Governors Support Team at Swindon Borough Council.

A small honorarium of £675 per annum is available.

Closing date: w/c 26.8.02.

Ideal applicants will have a professional telephone manner, accurate keyboard skills, together with the ability to work under pressure whilst always maintaining the highest standards of customer service

Anyone interested may visit the school by prior arrangement with the school office. For an application form please send a SAE to Headteacher, Salt Way Primary School, Pearl Road, Middleleaze, Swindon SN5 5TD. Tel: (01793) 881065.

We are actively working towards equality of opportunity and welcome applications from any individual.

In return they will be rewarded with a competitive rate of pay and a. free hamper at Christmas.

Hours of duty: Monday to Friday gam to 5pm Day Shift 5pm to 9pm Evening Shift Some additional hours and weekend working may be required

Farepak Mail Order

38 The Link Magazine • August 2002

Reel fans win dream date

Bluebells go marching on

Smash Hits subscriber Heather Weston from Freshbrook and best friend

The Swindon Bluebells Majorettes celebrated their first anniversary in June with new uniforms and the girls are now seeing their training over the winter months pay off at carnivals and parades over the summer.

The girls practice at Greendown School on Friday evenings

Kelly Rowan have become ever bigger fans of Irish celtic pop band Reel after Heather won a dream date competition to meet them at the London Aquarium in mid-May. "I saw Reel at the Westlife concert last year so I was really keen to win the date," said Heather. "They're a really friendly group of boys who play great music; they deserve a lot more recogni- and are keen to attract new tion."

At The Link's members aged 7 suggestion to 14 years.

For details, Heather has written to Wiltshire call Christine on Festival organis- Doyle ers to book them. 852979.

HYDROTHERAPY i POOL FOR DOGS

W,M CENTRE

Swimming is suitable for all types of dogs and is especially helpful for: Arthritis, Spinal Injuries Hip/Elbow Dysplasia and Recovery from Surgery, Maintaining Fitness & Weight Loss

Telephone Gill on 01793 706224 for details

4 ^"^'enlr fL

PETS AT HOME

Swindon's 5 Star at Hotel

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

Pets At Home could be your answer

SHANGRLLA

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

Telephone Sheila Mitchell for further details on 873062

CATTERY Individually heated accommodation with comfo rt able bedding or outdoor facilities available To view book an appointment on

A friendly, caring service for you and your pet

Common Platt, Swindon

HOSPITAL

Abbeymeads Veterinary Surgery For all your pets needs when healthy or ill Opening hours:

Unit 5

Abbeymeads Village Centre

Monday - Friday 8.30am - 7.30pm

Elstree Way

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

Tel: (01793) 881919 (24 hours)

'•

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You can be sure of a total piece of mind service for cats and small animals within your own home (sorry, no dogs).

THE DROVE

Consultations by appointment:

9.00am - 4.00pm

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VETERINARY

David Warnes BVSc MRCVS • Stefania Glowka DVM MRCVS I

Saturday

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Creature Comforts offers a professional, caring and reliable home pet feeding service when you are away.

Contact Helen Murphy Tel: 01793 635498 Mobile: 07798 568462 E-mail: helen. murphy2@ntlworld.com

01793 770514

SHAW VETERINARY CENTRE Shaw Village Centre, Ramleaze D ri ve West Swindon SN5 5PY

GoIVA9 away OVA kolidc y o v 1

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Mon - Fri

9am - 6.3opm

Saturday 12noon - 3pm Consulting hours: By appointment Mon - Fri: 9am - 10.30am; 3.30pm - rpm; 5.30pm - 6.30pm

Saturday

12noon - 3pm

24 HR EMERGENCY SERVICE - All Sunday and Emergency consults by° appointment at The Drove Veterinary Hospital - Telephone (01793) 522483

Now selling

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Helping you care more for your pet Swindon's most modern small animal hospital, offering high qualit' surgical and medical care at competitive prices within a caring, friendl y and professional environment.

62 - 64 Purton Road, Swindon Tel: 01793 526780 Open: Monday - Friday 9am - 6.30pm. Saturday 9am - 11 am Consultations by appointment 24 Hour Emergency Service • Ample free parking

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MOBILE DOG GROOMING The complete mobile' Do- Grooming Salon that cones to you

f'"G We groom your dog in our mobile salon, not your home 0- No mess or fuss for you t- Experienced qualified staff We use only fresh water for bathing ♦ Prices include ears, nails & free general health check

To make an appointment call 01793 731829 Mobile 0798 4647744

39

The Link Magazine • August 2002

Top grade for Chris Euphonium player Chris Martin can add ATCL after his name since achieving grade 8 in his Associate of Trinity College London exam in May. Tutored by brass teacher John Winterflood with encouragement from Amanda Hodder, head of music at Greendown School, Chris aims to become a regular member of a championship standard brass band.

"It was a challenge to achieve the highest possible grade; hard work but satisfying," said Chris.

Now he's awaiting the results of his GCSEs in the Autumn.

Right, Chris with Ainaiida and John

Fire open day excitement

NATHAN PERKINS LTD

Visitors to the Westlea fire station open day on 29 June had the added Windows Doors Porches bonus of witnessing an actual call out.

Conservatories Parents and children had to rapnom, _^^^ idly get out of the way to watch two crews jump into their fire engines and race away lights flashing and horns blaring. f i^ Watching mum Jane Longsdale$ 10 years !

Smith said the unplanned event t independent brought home the professionalism e ^^ trading of the brigade. "It was brilliant to Full range of finishes see the firefighters pulling on their trousers, jackets and helmets. The All work guaranteed l ' children were amazed to see what Tel: 01793 887690 ^ ^ lJil washing the y^ During the five hour open dayy ! ' //^/ ^ s Mobile: 07798 682271 there were demonstrations of vehicle extrication how to deal with house fires and what to do when a chip pan catches light. Firefighters CHARISMA were also able to give out a lot of I LINDS fire safety information.

Sub-officer Martin Lloyd said, "it was a bit of a nightmare to have a shout with all the visitors at the A rainbow of colours for station but I think people appreciated seeing it take place. We had a your home this summer! wonderful turnout- well over 1,500 Catch the rainbow at Charisma Blinds people during the day. It gave us a The factory - the place for quality and value chance to show off and also get over a serious message. We'd like Manufacturers and suppliers of all types of blinds to thank everybody who came Full fitting service or cash and carry along and supported us."

Pictured above, Debbie Francis with Esme and Richard in the passenger seat, Andrew Wait in the driving seat, Ryan O'Shaunessy in the back row

Factory showroom open Monday to Thursday 9.30am - 5.30pm Friday 9.30am - 5pm, Saturday 1 Oam - 4pm

BSS House, Cheney Manor Ind. Est., Swindon. Tel: 01793 434584

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40 The Link Magazine • August 2002

Combined golden jubilee celebration

Gardeners cash in for breast cancer

Oliver Tomkins Infants School marked the Queen's Jubilee at the end of its creative arts week in mid-July by opening a butterfly and insect garden which will be used as an outdoor classroom.

Designed by nursery nurse Caroline Belson, the garden has a number of distinct areas around a central pergola, including a meadow, vegetable patch, a pebble beach and a wood.

A weekend of open gardens in West Swindon in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer in June proved a huge hit with around 800 people

wandering the streets, mainly in Nine Elms, discovering some fascinating designs and hidden corners.

Co-organiser Denise Jones said a lot more gardeners want to take part next year. "So many have said that there was a great community spirit over the weekend."

Swindon Breakthrough Breast Cancer coordinator Shirley Garman collects the £2,038 raised at the open gardens from Lesley Dredge and Denise Jones

Sharon Watson organised an ice cream factory with her daughter Becky and Peter Newton r

•

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To find out more about a new gate installed at your home, call Kudos Fencing on Swindon 855800

Unit 23 & 24 Oaklands Ind. Estate, Braydon, Swindon

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Give your garden a makeover Tel: 01793 873630 Mobile: 0781 8430556 e-mail: gardengroomer@aol.com www.garden-groomers.co.uk

Mr ROTAVATOR Creative Gardens Get your

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Made to measure gates: double gates, single gates, bi-fold gates, ti mber gates, steel Gates, ornate gates.

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, West Swiudou team rector Rcv Stephan Skinner launches the garden intraditional Mexican styleby wacking a inata fullo confetti butterflies with the help of Rev Alan Hawker, Archdeacon of Malmesbury, watchetl ' ;, headteaeher Penny Summers

GA

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O For all landscaping needs: patios,ponds, block paving, fencing, clearance, free estimates, competitive rates, big or small - we do it all! mrrotavator@ hotmail.com

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Plant sale and cream teas at Riddlers Cottage, Old Shaw Lane, in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer: Sunday 25 August, 2pm - 5pm,

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For all your water garden needs Gardon pond maintenance and construction Pond vac service, no need to remove fish Pumps, filters supplied and installed • Free estimates/surveys Tel: 01793 8 73179 • Mobile: 07941 048358

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• Patio cleaning, grass cutting, gardens tidied up • Turfing and grass seeding

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41

The Link Magazine • August 2002

Getting high on laughter Eunice Salmon from Nine Elms, coordinator of the Swindon Twin Peaks moonwalkers team, and Ros Evans from Old Town took a 10 day hike up to 4,000 metres over the Andes in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer in June. Here she describes their trip and thanks their sponsors If laughter is good for the soul we certainly came back thoroughly refreshed and also inspired to raise more money for Breakthrough.

Twelve strangers were thrown sun drenched evening when all together with the common aim of the day tourists had left.

On the morning of the winter walking up the Inca trail from Kilometre 82 to the ancient Inca solstice we watched the sunrise at mountaintop city of Machuu Pichu 6am and our Mestizo (mixed race to raise money for breast cancer Inca/Spanish) guide Adriel percharities through Walk-the-Walk, formed an ancient Inca tribute to who organise the London Moon- the sun, mountains and earth.

Strangely, at first to me, this fitted walk each year.

Lydiard Village Society Annual Show of Fruit, Vegetables & Handicrafts Saturday 31 August, 2pm - 5pm, Lydiard Millicent Parish Hall To enter classes, schedules available from Pat Russell on 771116

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

D & L Blinds

Sewcraft

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

QUALITY BLINDS AT AFFORDABLE PRICES

Fast and reliable service Evenings & weekends no problem All blinds fitted free Choose from a wide range

Haberdashery Also Knitting yarns Quilting material/accessories Beads and sequins Craft products Cross stitch & tapestry kits available or to order

33 Havelock Street Swindon Tel: 01793 536778

of fabrics f'ronr the comfort of your own home

Contact Paul on 01793 619428 FREE QUOTES NO OBLIGATION

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM 53 FLEET STREET. SWINDON CENTRE MODERN

Eunice and Ros shoe their guide Adriel 'Mad Dog' Vilcas Hancco The Link's coverage of the Golden Jubilee on a ridge overlooking Maclnne Pichu

It was a bit like a long distance hiking version of Big Brother, but it brought out the best in everyone as we supported each other through campsite night time temperatures of -7'C and bouts of severe sickness and diarrhoea.

There were fantastic sites along the way, each one leaving us wondering how and why the Incas managed to build their fortresses, paths and stairways high up in the Andes. The views culminated in the classic picture post card view of Machuu Pichu, as seen through the Sun Gate at 5pm on a glorious

neatly with his Roman Catholic beliefs.

On arrival back home, many people made comments on how brave we were, but I can't see it that way. It was simply a great honour and privilege to be there trying to raise funds and awareness in a battle to combat a dreadful illness. And yes Ros and I found ourselves being 'told-off' for giggling too much.

What an achievement and thanks so much to everyone who sponsored us and came along to watch our slide show on 18 July.

Also to Peru in aid of deaf blind children Three colleagues from Zurich Life are taking to the Inca trail in September in aid of Sense International, the only UK charity working in developing countries with children who are both deaf and blind.

Barry Butler, from Peatmoor, said the team have to raise £10,000 and they would be grateful for R IC support from readers.

Sponsorship of £10 pays for the l professional assessment of a child's i yens ,nse needs; £100 provides the sensory toys and equipment for an entire I child support unit.

To help, contact Barry at home Ready to trek, Barry with Zurich staff on 639889 or work 504675.

Sarah Hammond, Claire Edmonds and www.senseinternational.org.uk Louise Muir-Sage

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42 The Link Magazine • August 2002 Rainbow Therapy Clinic

PC SERVICES

Harmonise Ynd, body & spirit!

Relax, de-stress , be pampered Town centre clinic Reiki and aromatherapy

For business and home Repairs, spares & upgrades Set-up &training Contact Phil on t: 01793 531201 m: 07747 747000

07949 393179

DECOTEX

The Cutting Room Hairdressing Salon

Painter & Decorator

on St Andrew's Ridge

Specialist Artexing

Call Penny on 341214 to book an appoinment

Tel: (01793) 791388 Friends & Partners

IRONING SERVICE

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FOR NEW RELATIONSHIPS

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The local Introduction Agency that cares about people

For details call (01793) 871342 or email: enquiries@friends-and-partners.co.uk

For Sale Mothercare Out-of-town 3 in 1 pushchair/carrycot, burgundy, excellent condition, £60 ono. Tel: 700456 Early Learning Centre climbing frame & slide free to agood home. Tel: 882155 White wooden cot £30. Sangenic nappy bin £7. McLaren 3 in 1 pram, blue daisy design, £35. Tel: 874885 Scottish green plaid pleated skirt size 20. Tel: 722335 Wedding dress, white, long train, detailed bodice, size 10/12, drycleaned, £100. Tel: 618288 Wedding dress, white, size 12, suit lady 5'2" and under, short sleeves, fitted bodice, full length with train and lovely bow at the back, £100. Also white veil, two tier embroidered with pearls; headdress and shoes size 5 - can sell separately £20 each. Tel: 879561 Mens shoes, new, unworn, Clarks. size 12. extra wide fit, £15. Tel: 874447 Real leather bomber jacket, worn twice, size XL, £15. Tel: 887737 Victorian dolls house, step by step guide of how to build, all parts included. £500 ono. Tel: 530817 Ercol two seater settee, £75 ono. Tel: 722705 Black ash three drawer filing cabinet. good cond, £20. Tel: 874673 Dining table and 6 chairs, black, good condition. 5ft x 3ft, oval. Tel: 871806 -------I- ---------

-

Competitive rates Free collection/ delivery Discount for new customers Call Liz on 0771 512 8006

For Sale Smal Small computer desk, suit child or teenager, blue beech, good condition, £15. Tel: 874673 Double bed, good condition, £25 ono.

Sofa bed, good cond, £20 ono. Tel: 722158 Double divan bed with drawers plus brass headboard, £50. Tel: 875319 Wrought iron head board, fit 4ft bins bed, good condition, £20. Tel: 878784 Burgundy 2 seater leather sofa, good condition £120. Tel: 321877 Mahogany piano stool with storage in seat, £65. Tel: 01672 841341 Worktop fridge, brand new condition, 9 months old, £50. Tel: 882783 Frostfree freezer, £25, matching fridge, £25, vgc. Tel: 631060 Daewoo Autocook microwave vgc, £45.

Wall garden 4'3" x 22". new, £50. Tel: 612500 Oil-filled electric radiator, vgc, £10. PYE Easy Logic, 24" TV, £45. Winged armchair, £5. Tel: 872955 Colour TV 14 inch, £25. Abdo board £15. Babysling used one, £10. 0 - 12 months girls clothes. Tel: 723084 Playstation 1, analogue controller, memory card, 5 games, £75 ono. Tel: 770080 Compact Samsung camera, slim-zoom 145s. 38 - 145mm, Schneider lens, excellent condition, £85. Tel: 881353

Free private for Sale & Wanted ads Send to: The Link, Papermakers House, Rivenhall Road, Westlea

Reiki Reflexology Indian Head Massage Lorraine Mills MICHT IIHHT Reiki Master Tel: 07899 675318

Lose Weight Feel Great Get fast effective weightloss using naturally derived products from " Herbalife" Call Brian or Jan for more info.

01793 872659 www.feelgoodlookgood.net

Ironing a chore?

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Ironing done in a smoke free environment at sensible rates Call Jackie on 721878 or Donna on 721719

For Sale D e Armond Starfire bass guitar, vintage D style semi acoustic bass guitar, immaculate condition, includes hard case, £270. Tel: 631363.

Large rabbit hutch with built-in run, good cond, well made. £30 ono. Tel: 878960 Plant pots, few dozen, 4ins and bins across, £3 the lot. Tel: 722335 Conservatory. 9' by 12'. upvc double glazed. buyercollects, £800. Tel: 348699 Hedgemaster hedgecutter, £60. Tel: 612500 Large trailer ideal for camping or general use, £50. Tel: 534040 Vauxhall Cavalier. 12 month MOT. 1 00 % reliable, Greg, £195. Tel: 876166 Rover216GT116V, red, sunroof. alloys, central locking, 6 month tax, & MOT. 4 new tyres, vgc, £995. Tel:07970 865348 Suzuki AP 50 scooter, 50cc moped, X reg. 1800 miles, black, taxed, dealer serviced from new, includes helmet, £850 ono. Tel: 335770 Nissan Bluebird 1.8LX 1986 Dreg, tax & MOT. good condition, same family owned since new, 55,000 genuine miles, £450 ono. Tel: 706838 Honda Vision, 1988 vgc, taxed & MOT November, £120. Tel: 724493 Vauxhall Corsa Club 16V. 3 door hatchback. racing green, 10k miles, FVSH, s/ root, 12 months tax & MOT, immaculate cond, £4,500 ono. Tel: 340262

Wanted Laptop computer with CD rom. Tel: 615918 Old type mincer. Tel: 695040 Mature, honest handyman to help with odd jobs in the home and garden, Westlea area. Tel: 872687 (eves)

Exchange Te l: Name & Address (not for publication)

L

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2 bed ground floor flat for 2 bed house/ maisonette. Tel: 879709

To let Seaton luxury 2 bedroom house near seafront, sleeps 4/5. own parking space.

Tel: 875647

Letters to Letters should be sent to the address Rubbish From:Eddie Bedwell - 21st Century Swindon Forum So how much rubbish have you dumped in the countryside this week?

"Not me - I'm not a halfbrain," I hear you say.

Of course we all do because our dustbin bags end up in a landfill site in the countryside. If you have not been to a site you should try to get a visit - it is a very depressing eye opener.

But, can we do anything about it? Yes - a lot and action is needed urgently; available sites are running out in some areas. You can: • Reduce your possible sources of waste by buying wisely; • Re-use, many things can be put to other uses after their first life; • Recycle. Household green waste is typically 30% of a bin bag and can be composted in and for the garden. Every one who can should have compost bins. There are recycling banks around the town for almost everything in the bin bag.

Contact the Waste Management Department for details on how to save and recycle more, tel: 463000.

Thanks to Blue Peter bikers From: Helen Wilmer, Swindon Bikeathon coordinator We would like to say thank you to everyone who took part in the Blue Peter 2002 Bikeathon raising money for the Leukaemia Research Fund in May. Nearly 400 children took part in the Swindon event, 1 of 70 around the country. Last year's Swindon Mayor David Cox started the ride, and even cycled the route himself.

He said, 'this is a wonderful event.

Everybody is out having fun, the sun is shining and we are raising money for a really good cause.'

Absolutely Amazing Magic were a great hit with the children, and also Fretless and Friends Jazz Band made a great impact on the atmosphere. Thankfully Mitchell Cycles were present to help with any punctures or problems children had on route with their bikes.

Competition winners Shakespeare in the Park J Watkins, Birdcombe Rd, Westlea; J Nichols.

Horseshoe Crescent; E Brooks-Markey, Sudeley Way, Grange Park; A Liddle, Ravenglass Rd, Westlea; P Amr. Godolphin Cl, Freshbrook; B Henderson. Ogbourne St George Classical Extravaganza J Matty. The Elms, Nine Elms; W Jones, Welcombe Ave, Park North: Mrs Grimwood, Bainbridge Cl, Grange Park; C Barrow, Watercrook Mews, Westlea. J Jeans, Avonmead, Greenmeadow Party in the Park J Hutchison, Buttermere, Liden; V Morgan, Honeysuckle Cl, Haydon Wick: C Fitzgerald, Belsay, Toothill: LSpruce, Deerhurst Way, Toothill; M Sheffield, Foxwood, Westlea

The Link Magazine • August 2002

The Link on page 4 by the 12th of the month

PLUMB IT

Swindon Festival of Literature

WATER

from Ann Cullis, Swindon Festival of Literature organising committee

On behalf of the festival I am writing to thank you very much for The Link's support and involvement in this year's festival.

As always we have enjoyed working with you and were delighted with the fantastic coverage of the festival in the magazine and with the other ways in which you have shown your support. To have such positive promotion and coverage really does make a difference to our profile.

We look forward to working Radio 4 Today presenter John Humphrys together with you on next year's with festival director Matt Holland tenth anniversary festival.

Penhill will not be shut off from Abbey Meads From Marilyn Beale on behalf of the Penhill Forum

The story, a shock, horror front page in the Evening Advertiser in June, was incorrect. No footpath link between Penhill and Emerson Close, Abbey Meads is to be closed, and it was unfair to run the story with no comment from anyone in Penhill.

several occasions we have cornplained about the flooding of this route and no doubt this is the reason the people are going through Emerson Close.

The stretch of cycle route between the two bridges from Penhill to Abbey Meads does not comply with Swindon Council's own cycle route safety policy and this was pointed out at the planning stage. There are too few exits and not enough houses overlook it to make it open enough for personal safety.

Residents of houses which do overlook the route have planted cypress leylandii trees and pedestrians are faced with a long run of side walls, 6 foot fences, tall trees, bends etc.

We have also had cause to complain to the Swindon police about the impression some of them have given.

One is reported to have stated One of the winning photographs in the Swin- that Penhill children are sent don Volunteers photographic competition by parents to rob and not to during June's volunteer week. A young come back empty handed!. If helper cleans up Groundwell Brook between this was true it would be a Penhill and Abbey Meads on a community child protection issue. environmental clean-up day organised by The perception of Penhill the Environmental Group for Groundwell as a crime ridden community, apart from not being The facts are that there is a true, is that people who are on cycleway with two bridges, cost- their own and vulnerable on both ing over £10,000 each, crossing sides of the brook, are unnecessarGroundwell Brook between ily furtherisolatedby fear. Penhill's Penhill from Abbey Meads, which crime rate at present is at an all give the two communities access time low. to the wider cycle way network.

Lastly, some councillors have And they will not be closed, suggested fencing off Penhill. We There are further cycleways say, forget it. Penhill is not a no go across a flat green'kickabout area' area and we will not allow them to (which Penhill negotiated at the make it one. Some 7,500 adults and framework planning stage to ben- 800 children live here and they efit both communities)which leads deserve as much respect as any to Abbey Meads village centre. On area of Swindon.

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ACCOUNTANCY

Tc A s

• Business Start Up • Book-Keeping • Annual Accounts • Self Assessment Tax

Services Di

The tax and accountancy service for small businesses and taxpayers

Short & long term assistance and projects Free initial meeting Tel: 01793 871790 Free phone: 0800 5422 778 www.qraaccountancy.co.uk

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

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

CARPET CLEANING I I CARPENTRY/JOINERY ' Superb specialist cleaning of carpets, curtains, upholstery and leather Recommended by Gilberts, Spillers & Normans

For your free evaluation call

e Manufacture & fitting, or :• Supply & fitting of standard joinery items to suit your individual requirements v Fitted wardrobes & kitchens v Doors, architectural mouldings, skirtings, dado, panelling Please feel free to ask for items not listed. Free no obligation quotations

Freephone: 0808 144 5425

DRAINS MG D dm [f

AERIAL SERVICES I AERIAL SERVICES

Go

BLOCKED DRAINS CLEARED FAST • CCTV surveys • High pressure jetting • Pipe relining • Locally based - competitive rates • 24 hour call out

• Central heating installation • Boiler servicing & repairs • Replacement boilers • Outside taps • Power showers • Bathroom installations us All plumbing work undertaken Reliable service, realistic prices

Kevin Rolfe

All work guaranteed Tel: 01793 702601 Mobile: 07774 943 783

CL EANING

• On call until I0pm 7 days a week • FM aerials • European & motorised satellite systems

• All work guaranteed • Free estimates • Security and CCTV systems

Tel/Fax: 01793 705945 Mobile: 07939 425067

c$ Whitewa

COMPUTER SUPPORT

• Carpets, rugs, curtains, suites etc

Sales / Service / Support Spares / Repairs / Upgrades Networking / Training Web Design

The Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialist • Emergency call out available • Hard floors cleaned and sealed • Stain removal • Protection treatment • Fully insured • Quickly usable You'll be amazed how affordable it is ....call for your free estimate from your local independent on 01793 731418

Sigma Computer Solutions

For expert advice and prompt on site service call Neil on 01793 633924

or mobile: 07808 355487

or visit us at Dauntsey car boot sale every Sunday

Finail: cliff.eehiteway@btinternet.corn

sales@sigmacomputersolutions.co.uk

ELECTRICAL/PLUMBING

Dave Ody

SHAW Electrical

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

& Plumbing Ltd Domestic, commercial & industrial installations ; power & electric showers - lighting rewiring * fuse boxes upgraded installations tested

Free quotes 24hr call out facility

Tel: 01793 878609 Mobile: 07885 543294

Tel: 01793 828882 & HEATING Quality Plumbing & Heating

No call out charge

SATELLITE SERVICES Sky Digital authorised installer ITV Digital installation

ELECTRICIAN

• No call out charge

PLUMBIN G

• TV & FM aerials • Extra satellite points • Video & TV repairs • Signal amplifiers

ADVANCED AERIAL a

Ramleaze, Swindon

* heating * bathroom installation * security lighting

Tel: (0 1793) 874480 • Mobile: 07860 760364 IlljI

II National Inspection Council

.,,wo.•...T.^ for Electrical Installation Contracting

Your local quality assured NICE IC cont r actor

REMOVALS & STORAGE I I REMOVALS/STORAGE SKI P HIRE 31 MR

REMOVALS

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mt sA% is i J

..w. • . a bigger then » e s ona!

Tel: 01793 772888

SKIP HIRE REMOVALS & STORAGE

THE MAN WITH A VAN (Est 1993)

24hrs - 7 days a week •

Single items to a full house B di ff erent size vehicles Disposal of unwanted items

Tel: 01793 881905

Tel: 01793 772888 Fax: 01793 772444

Mobile: 07973 663367

EMail: ashobbs@theashgroup.freeserve.co.uk

Id _/

Single items ac Full house

* Storage specialists st Packing service + Late bookings

Tel: (01793) 727307 Mob: 0781 1 188564 We recommend: L OKVnSTORE

www.removalsswindon.co.uk

• DOMESTIC WASTEhousehold, garden, DIY • BUILDERS WASTE • BUILDING SAND, SHARP SAND & BALLAST

SUPPLIED IN SKIPS

01793 771977 NEW

ROAD, PURTON

45

SECTOR APPLIANCE REPAIRS

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

A PPLIANCE REPAIRS

BUILDING SERVICES

Hall & Son Ltd Repairs to most makes of: 3 Washing Machines 3 Dryers -: 3 Dishwashers 3 Microwaves 3 Vacuum Cleaners

John Phillips Servicing 25 years experience. All work guaranteed

Same day, local service wherever possible

A reputation built on quality

No call out charge • No VAT

Traditional carpentry & building services Kitchens, loft conversions, stairs, doors, building work, bedroom fitments, domestic & commercial works undertaken Free, no obligation quotations

A SUDS

Call 01793 644313

p

• Most leading brands

Washing Machines Twin Tubs, etc.

Member of Tumble Driers

• Guaranteed repairs • Same day service

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

or 0776S 271994

CONSERVAT ORIE S

West Wiltshire `Windows - Doors Conservatories Quality double glazed windows, doors and conservatories

DECORATOR

GK

Highly experienced painter and PECO RATORS decorator All interior and exterior

Tel:01793 701394 Mobile: 0790 0216618

work unde rt aken

Interior & exterior

quote at your

For free estimates. call Paul on

convenience, call 01793 873424 or 07973 831875

Mobile: 07712 749315

For a free, no obligation

ELECTRICAL SERVICES &?4dett

GARDEN SERVICES

SPARES • REPAIRS • SERVICE,

• Regular, occasional or one-off • Long grass no problem • Clean, tidy work • Sensible prices • Odd jobs, fencing repairs, etc.

Friendly, 7 day service

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE SERVICE CENTRE II The Arcade, High Street Wootton Bassett Tel: 01793 854378

SUNBED HIRE

Deb's Sunbeds

Home Rental Fast tanning canopies and doubles also available Free installation & local delivery Tel: 01793 619758/726906 anytime ( Mobile: 07778 - 641052)

and friendly service

GUTTERING Fully

1983

guaranteed

Business Corporate, Industry, Private—All Fields • Translation

• Sub-titling

• Interpreters

• Management Consultants • IT Consultants

• Voice-over • Tuition

t e l : 01793 701274 web: www.sanogroup.com

boiler servicing and repairs, All areas of plumbing

• Cover or replacement quality fascia systems with yearly cleaning services booked in (optional)

TV & VIDEO REPAIRS

Tel: 07989 950070 or 01793 339546

*. Free home estimates

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UPVC CLADDING PAUL

GOGGLEBOX TV & VIDEO REPAIR SERVICE

DRAPER

uPVC Fascia, Gu tt ering & Cladding CLADDING

FASCIAS

® GUTTERING

*r No call out charge * All repairs guaranteed

Tel: 01793-812738 MRPOMTEOERIEROF THE IRSURYTE OF LIRGUISIS

PLUMBING SERVICES

bathroom and power showers

FREE ESTIMATES ON 01793 855700

1RANSLA1ONS IN 200+ L ANGUAGES'

HEATING, GAS &

Central heating installations,

Unit 23 & 24 Caklands Ind. Est. Braydon. Swindon

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wINDOVVS

Doors • Conservatories • Soffits • Fascias • Guttering

ROB HALL Established

Mobile: 07702 285865

iao

1ERMIIN

HEATING & PLUMBING

Chris Reed Swindon 538839

TRANSLATORS

DOUBLE GLAZING SETTING NEW STANDARDS OF QUALITY

Freephon e 0800 32 8 5467

Grass cutting Hedge trimming

Front a 13 amp fuse or cleaner bag to fridges or vacuum cleaners we offer an efficient & personal service.

painting and decorating Coving • Dado rails No job too big or too small. Free estimates

S ee Se'wcee4 YOUR FIRST STOP FOR ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

DECORATOR

* FREE ESTIMATES *

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

46 The Link Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ August 2002 Good as new sale Quality children's clothes & toys Walcot Dome Community Centre Saturday 24 August, 1pm Attractions include fire engine,

face painting, police car, refreshments All proceeds to Koalas Opportunity Group for children with special needs

Places at cubs and scouts The 1st Toothill Scouts are desperately in need of adults to lead or help at scout sessions.

The group also has places in all age groups: Beavers 6 to 8 years; Cubs 8 to 10't years; Scouts 101 to 14 years; Explorers 14 to 18 years.

Explorers are a new grouping which replaces Venture Scouts.

To help and to enquire about places, call Chris Rawlings on 520387.

North Bible club North Swindon Baptist Church has places for twenty children aged 5 to 9 at its 'FROGS. Club' holiday bible club, 29 July to 2 August, loam to midday at Abbey Meads Community School.

There will be songs, puppets, Bible stories, crafts, games and face painting.

Contact Rachel Kay, tel: 341531, Jackie Mitchell, tel: 341743 or Rachel Weaver, tel: 345051.

o^Evange1.

Worsley Road ?^

building with people Come and join us Sunday at I Oam & 6.30pm For fu rt her information of other meetings ring: 873050, call into the Church offi ce or visit www.freshbrook.org Jesus said: "I hare come that YOU might hare LIFE and hare it in its fulness"

C

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Body and soul in the Congo Geoffrey Hill reports on the visit to Swindon of a mission partner from Africa "In a time of war, is it diffi-

cult to love your enemies?" was the question put to two African Christians from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire) who visited West Swindon in late June.

They replied "those who provoke the civil war in our country are people who are a long way away and the fighting around us has been between rebels and Government soldiers. We are not fighting our neighbours: locally all we want to do is live together in peace."

They described what happens when fighting comes to their area, "All the peo- Visiting The Phaze youth group at Holy Trinity Church, Shaw, led by Rev Mike Dilly and ple in our town flee to the Jacqueline Kirwan, centre, Ezati Ezai, Francesca Elloway, and Baba Atseko. St Mary's forest and because there is vicar Rev Ann Mackenzie is centre right, and Geoffrey Hill, rear left no work to do all the Christians among us (no matter what provided a unique insight for all nominated me in his will to look church we belong to) gather to- who met them, into the day to day after the family, bequeathed me gether to pray, to ask for God's life of their community and the his medical instruments and said I help and to support each other." stark contrasts between their life was to become a nurse. It was not The visit of Baba Atseko and and our own. an easy decision to train all over Ezati Ezai, together with Dr They live in Aru, a town in North again, but God helped me to do Francesca Elloway, a mission part- East Congo, close to the border what my father wanted." ner of the Church Mission Society, with Uganda, where there is no Years later Ezati's earlier expewho for eight years has been linked running water or electricity for rience is a great asset in the ambito the Ecumenical Partnership of people's grass-thatched homes. tious teaching and seminar proWest Swindon and the Lydiards, Ninety five per cent of the popula- grammes arranged in connection tion look after their farms in order with the health centres, because so to feed their families, they have no few books or any other health or SWINDON other employment. Any surplus community related teaching is food is sold to buy essentials like available for nurses or church or FAMILY CHURCH paraffin or salt. A man is not eligi- other community leaders. ble to marry until he owns the The three visitors also explained SUNDAYS 10.30AM implements needed to farm his how the civil war has in one way THE WINNERS LOUNGE land. been a blessing for their people.

Dr Francesca Elloway is the coBecause of the insecurity, noSWINDON TOWN F.C. ordinator of the Anglican Church's one goes out after dark (always PINEHURST PEOPLE S CENTR seven health centres in a radius of 6pm) and travellers into or through fifty miles from Aru, which serve the area are few in number. The NOW... WE ARE BACK ON THE about 70,000 people. Ezati is the scourge of AIDS, although beginFIRST SUNDAY OF THE chief nurse and Baba the adminis- ning, can be arrested, they believe, MONTH AT LINK CENTRE trator of the project, and they were if people are alerted to its terrible on their first visit to England. consequences. Seminars on AIDS For more information, inclu. midEzati told us "I was a teacher for all levels of the community are week activities, call Brian on 849731 and happy in my teaching, but an urgent priority in their current in association with NEW FRONTIERS INTERNATIONAL when my father, a nurse, died, he programme.

Greenmeadow Prima ry School ^I

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West Swindon & the Lydiards churches

We are

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All Saints' Lydiard Millicent

sit To Safeway

For details of our weekly services

Holy Trinity, Shaw

North Swindon Baptist Church

St Mary's â&#x20AC;˘ B4 Oos

Sunday Worship 10.30am - Sunday School & Creche -

Pastor Steve Mann

Web: http://nsbc.org.uk TEL: (01793) 320 1

Lydiard Tregoze

Toothill Church Westlea Church

please contact the Partnership Office: 874221

M

MORTGAGE SERVICES

B

Associates Lmile^

ortgage Brokers

Serving the community since 1987

Mansfield Begbie Assoc iates Ltd

WHETHER ITS RAIN OR SHINE WE NAVE MORTGAGE FOR

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With 14 years experience providing mortgages in Swindon, including tracker mortgages, you can be assured of excellent service from Mansfield Begbie Associates Ltd

For example, £50,000 would cost £277 per month capital repayment (excluding insurance). This is discounted to 31/1 / 04. £250 cashback on completion. (Maximum loan to value 970).

Daily interest, tracker discount.

• 4.35% (APR 4.8%) discounted to 31/1/04

Rates from 4.3% (APR 4.8%) or 3.95% (APR 4.2%) (subject to 'loan to value') for two years. Available with special remortgage package (No arrangement or valuation fees; legal fees paid).

Maximum available 95% for purchases and remortgages.

• ••••'

NEW

For a limited period: 5 year fixed rate of 5.69% (APR 5.8%) available for

mortgages & remortgages fixed until 30/11/07 (Max loan to value 90%)

' •_

• kAI 1.

• • •

mortgage....

RE-MORTGAGE SPECIAL`,,, A discounted rate of 3.95% on a daily interest basis (APR 4.2%) for two years. No 'Tie-Ins.' (Maximum loan to value: 75%).

No arrangement fee.

100% mortgages now available for first and second time buyers NEGATIVE EQUITY MORTGAGES ALSO AVAILABLE You tell us what your requirements are and we will try to provide the arrangements to suit your individual needs Mansfield Begbie Associates can arrange mortgages with the majority of building societies and banks in the UK

us now on

^,,,^

;1EMBER

For free advice and further information, call

M

Swindo n 77277E'!

General Insurance No 6740

e-mail: info@mansfieldbegbie.co.uk • www.mansfieldbegbie.co.uk Registered with the Mortgage Code Register of Intermediaries: No. 5508399 • Consumer Credit Licence: No. 499646

Mansfield Begbie Associates Ltd. is an Introducer Representative of Allcover Financial Services authorised to give investment and pensions business intoductions only.

Allcover Financial Services is regulated by the Personal Investment Authority for investment and pensions business.

Credit broker fees of up to 1 / on the advance may be charged at completion depending on the type of product and credit period. A written quotation on loans can be obtained on request.

Only available to persons 18 years of age or over. Subject to status. Subject to our current lending criteria. A life assurance policy may be required.

Example: A married couple aged 30 years and 28 years, both non-smokers. applying for a repayment mo rtgage of £50,000 over a 25 year term (300 monthly payments), completing before 31/8/2002 secured against a property being purchased for £55,000. ly 300 monthly mo rt gage payments of £277. Total amount payable £83.295 calculated to include valuation fee 2195. This calculation is based on the assumption that the discounted rate will a pp throughout the term of the loan.

Maximum loan £150,000. Rate applied is 4.35% (48% APR) discounted to 31/1/04. Rates may vary. The rate applies to loans up to and including 97% of the purchase price or valuation, whichever is the lower. The discounted rate is applicable until 31/1/04, after which the then current variable base mortgage rate will apply. When an applicant is borrowing more than 75% the lender may require additional security. This is usually in the form of a Risk Charge. Rates correct at time of going to press.

Incorporated in England and Wales - Company Number: 3217240 - Reg. Office: 311, Ballards Lane, Finchley, London N12 8LY