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No. 255 • August 2003 • Circulation 22,000

66'e tue junlfiahly' proud of/lie quality of our produces and our refxutation for reliable service and at/en/ion to detait-

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the positive newsforce in Swindon and the swindon wide what's on guide Priory Vale

Returning after

sculpture

spectacular planned for North Swindon's Mexican intersection. See page 28.

64 years: the

For the first time ever

. a

Mechanics'

Institute -,;

PRIORY VALE

children's party. ^• ^.

See page 20

See page 19

Royal recognition for recycling project

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Rachel George from Grange Park is the 1,000th carer to register with Swindon Focus, the Princess Royal Trust Carers Centre and received a visit from Melinda Messenger. See page 16.

Swindon Children's Scrapstore is one of onlytwo projects in Wiltshire to receive the first Queen's Jubilee Award for Voluntary Service in the Community. Lieutenant-General Sir Maurice Johnston presents the award to Scrapstore manager Olivia McCann as the Mayor of Swindon coun Derek Benfield holds the Queen's citation with management committee chairperson Christine Fisher. Full story on page 3.

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Th e Link Magazine • August 2003

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A celebration of Abby's life: 27 June Suzanne Bullimore, who attended a highly successful fund-raising event at the Lydiard House Management Centre in aid of the Abby Smith Cancer Fund, writes: Friends, family, work colleagues ties to buy raffle and balloon race Barbara Windsor. The highest bid and supporters gathered to eel- tickets and to bid for celebrity auc- of the evening was £550 for the ebrate Abby's short life and to sup- tion items. signed Manchester United football, port her parents, Helen and RichThere was an amazing selection probably the last one ever to bear ard. Abby died of a brain tumour of donations ranging from signed David Beckham's signature. in July 2002 after seven months of books, footballs and snooker cues Abby's mother, Helen, was treatment. to an item of clothing worn by touched by everyone's generosity At the end of an emotional evening over £8,000 had been raised for the John Radcliffe Hospital children's cancer ward 4B and Swindon's volunteer run children's cancer support charityY CALM. PP Guests danced to The Smiley •' R .^„ Al -`Mac Showband and throughout ^ th e eveningthere were o PP otun r +^ -may — 't^ ^^ ^.W^ I/ +

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the donated'tems i and support. Special .

thanks go to The

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cerFundbutthereare many more planned throughout the year. Cash donations can still be made at the Royal Bank of Jumping for Abby's Fund. Helen Smith, front right, Scotland, Commerwith Abby's grandmother Hazel Cherry, centre, and cial Road, Swindon, A66

Natasha Riordan. Back, Graham Chisholm, Dave Top- sort code 16-33-11, no. ping, Christian Cherry raised up to£3,000 forAbby's account 10073212. Fund by making a parachute jump on 5 July

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The Link Magazine • August 2003

Recycling scheme receives Royal recognition

WORK! Have FUN!

Swindon Children's Scrapstore, a charity which puts waste to good use has won a unique award from the Queen, one of only two in Wiltshire. Out of 1,270 nominations for the inaugural annual Queen's Jubilee Make new Friends! Award for Voluntary Service in Earn some extra cash the Community, two hundred projects were recognised across the Feel great UK. The monarch's representative INTERESTEID?? Lieutenant-General Sir Maurice Take a look at m y site: Johnston visited the Scrapstore on www.lookfabfeelfiib.com 1 July to present a framed citation signed by the Queen proclaiming or call Joanna on 'outstanding voluntary work in the 01793 702475 community' and an unusual enjoanna@comleyj.fslif'e.co.uk graved glass obelisk. Whilst talking with the volunteers and staff at the Scrapstore base at the Pinehurst People's Centre, Sir Maurice who assessed the Esta6fis1"ed over 10 lears nominations before submitting recommendations to the Queen said, Winning awards for recycling rubbish. The Lur:l Liciitc;i, nt with the Mayor ' WE COME TO YOU "by collecting clean business waste of Swindon and Scrapstore volunteers, staff and committee members AT HOME OR WORK' and unused industrial material and making it available to community Sixty eight companies donate many businesses still do not know * FREE organisations, the Scrapstore pro- waste materials, from computer about us. They would be surprised collection & delivery vides opportunity for education, paper to plastic offcuts from in- what our users can do with the Servicing & repairs creativity and a lot of enjoyment dustrial processes said chair of the waste materials they dump every for members of other voluntary management committee Christine day." BIKE WE ALSO SELL DOCTOR groups, pre-schools and schools Fisher, who was project manager The Scrapstore can be contacted * New cycles across Swindon. The idea is sim- for ten years. "This accolade is a on 513982 or mail: swss@ • Parts & accessories ple and straightforward. tremendous honour for everybody scrapstore.co.uk "The Scrapstore has become a vi- involved in Scrapstore which has www.swindonweb.com/scrapstore tal resource for groups in Swindon always relied on volunteers to col- • Peatmoor kids recycle cast offs. and helps the environment. The lect donated materials, sort it into Page 18. award is thoroughly deserved." usable quantities and maintain the Set up in 1985 by Thamesdown displays for user groups to choose Council of Churches and Friends from." of the Earth, Scrapstore is now used Project manager Olivia McCann by some 400 community organisa- said a member of the management tions and the materials it recycles committee, the volunteer coordiare used by over 30,000 children nator, a volunteer and a supported and adults. employee would be representing Funding for the project is pro- Scrapstore at a Buckingham Palvided by Swindon Council, the Com- ace garden party in August. "We're • Poles & curtain trace • F g, design and munity Fund (lottery) and SITA all extremely proud to have been l[ 00s of stock fabrics a Environmental Trust through Com- nominated and selected for the •' Lining from £1.50/m • Mal ijvi ce munity First (landfill tax credits). award by the Queen. It will raise • Bl' : ets, swags & tails Headings from 40p/r Donations this year have been our profile in Swindon's business ushion inners from • Rail 1fdt service received from Zurich, the Co-op community. Although we've been Os of trims from 7,° • Ho •' by appointment and the GWR Community Trust. going for nearly twenty years, fUl accessories & ho] • Ra i Ards made-up

dam

Swindon's big festival takes a year off The Wiltshire Festival at Lydiard Park, the region's largest music event, which in the past few years has featured Blue, Steps and Charlotte Church, has been postponed until 2004. The decision was taken following the withdrawal of promoter Eddie Sharpe of Heaven On Earth Promotions late in 2002. Organiser for the last ten years Andy Cotton of TAO Productions had been confident that this year's event could take place but time ran out to secure sponsorship and suitable headline artists. New promoters Aurora Promotions Ltd will be teaming up with TAO Productions to ensure that the festival returns stronger than ever in August next year.

Who is your special citizen? The Mayor of Swindon coun Derek Benfield is looking for nominations for Swindon's carer in community They can be made for a person who was born, lives or works in, or who has strong links with, the Borough of Swindon and has made a contribution to their community. For details and an application form contact Carole Deamer on 463599. Closing date: 11 September.

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The Link Magazine • August 2003

How big should Swindon get?

WORRIED

Although planners have to find land for another 1,900 houses in the Swindon area as part of the Local Plan to 2016, The June Link pondered an unasked question: 'Is Swindon destined to get another 20,000 houses' in the period after this date. Charmian Spickernell from the Swindon branch of the Council for the Protection of Rural England responds. With regard to the article IsSzuin- homes rather than affordable and commitment to retaining Green don destined to get another 20,000 key-worker housing; commuters Belts and the possibility of new houses CPRE would say that in- rather than communities. Out- Green Belts to prevent urban stead of'Predict and Provide' plan- ward expansion has been costly sprawl in growth areas and the ping is now based on 'Plan, Moni- and the infrastructure and serv- strengthening of green wedges tor and Manage'. and corridors. ices are overstretched, CPRE is calling for the Swindon Monitoring shows that Swindon By contrast, the New Swindon is 34 per cent under-built accord- Company is producing exciting rural buffer to become a Green ing to the Structure Plan alloca- plans to re-generate the town cen- Belt to check unrestricted sprawl, tions. Large greenfield develop- tre. This is what needs to happen preventneighbouringtownsfrom ments have produced executive first. Adding thousands more merging,assistinsafeguardingthe houses to the Structure Plan allo- countryside and assist in urban cations will fuel the need for more regeneration. greenfields and act as a disincen- • The revised draft Local Plan to tive to renewing the centre. Other 2011 should have been published towns such as Leeds that have con- in June. But nearly 3,000 comments centrated on urban renewal have were received on the first draft as a result of public consultation, with become success stories. • Business Start Up The regional planning guidance over 2,500 objections, Swindon • Book-Keeping for the South West only sets a fig- planners have been given a new • Annual Accounts ure of 3,000 houses to be built per deadline of October 2003 to draw annum in Wiltshire up until 2006. up the document. • Self Assessment Tax For more information, contact A ft er that monitoring will takeover. Short & long term The Government's document local policy team leader Richard assistance and projects 'Sustainable Communities' pub- Bell on 466706 or rbell@ Free initial meeting

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Tel: (01793) 872282 "The Link was first published for the West Swindon community in December 1978. It is completely independent of Link Centre www.swindonlink.com and, in fact, won a competition to name the Publisher/Editor: Roger Ogle leisure centre in 1984. Distribution in North Tel: (01793) 872282 Swindon commenced in January 1994." Editorial: Fax: (01793) 878189

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The Link Magazine • August 2003

Swindon town centre. Is it worth bothering about? Part 2. In the July Link Peter Andrews, chief executive of the New Swindon Company, asked if it is worth regenerating Swindon centre.

The VNBEATABLE

Pi r e Carle y

Martha Parry, whose background is urban planning and community development work, and is well known in the town for her voluntary work with the New Mechanics' Institution Preservation Trust. comments on the quality of community consulta-

ti on and participation, and explains why we should all look closely at the proposals now emerging.

Last month Peter Andrews com- consultation events with invited mented on the drive to renew Swin- representatives of local organisadon's centre: 'If we don't then the tions and members of the Swintown will die and with it the herit- don Civic Trust as a result of perage and opportunities for genera- sistent pleas for direct involvement tions to come... What's your view? of local people. The Company's Let us know what you think could proposals, displayed for two days make a real difference to Swindon." in the Brunel Centre, included some Die is perhaps too strong a word, ideas from those earlier events. The Mechanics' Trust was espebut it is true that Swindon's economy could decline if appro- cially pleased to see a designated priate action is not taken to con- 'Heritage Quarter,' and a proposal solidate the growth of the post- to re-route through traffic from war period. More importantly, the Emlyn Square, which was only inpeople of Swindon deserve the troduced in the 1970's. However, there are several conpleasurable experience a fully decerns. One is the abject acceptance veloped city centre can offer. Post-war growth of the town has of Bath University's plans to limit resulted in a huge increase in popu- its town centre presence to a 'cullation, in a ring of suburbs; pub- tural' centre near the Wyvern. The licly funded 1970's town centre University was invited to Swinshopping and civic areas; and the don on the understanding that it salvation of the GWR Railway Es- would develop its facilities at tate housing. North Star, not at the out of town The growth - both economic and Coate Water site. The Company physical - was artificially'planned' and the Borough Council need to be pressed to stand up for Swinrather than naturally 'evolved.' World-wide, the 1960s and 1970s don over this issue. were notorious for over-confident Another is the apparent wish to action and inadequate understand- exclude community sector organiing of the complex social and envi- sations from the decision-making ronmental impacts of these often process. heavy-handed interventions. Informing and consulting are not Professionals were just not as fully nearly enough. Many studies of informed as they thought they were. what makes for successful regenI have argued elsewhere that the eration show that the deeper and things that need fixing in Swindon wider the community is involved, are almost entirely the result of the better the results. The New big-headed, poorly informed plan- Swindon Company Board of Dining since World War II. I have rectors does not include any comseen and been involved in re-dress- munity representation, let alone ing similar 'own goals' in both display any local perspective based Canada and the USA, long before upon 'grassroots' experience I came to Swindon in 1980. There- among its consultants and staff. fore, I really need to be convinced The consultation so far has been that development thinking is now narrow and cautious, and the com'joined up' and informed by the position of the decision-making progress made elsewhere in the board has been and will continue to be challenged by local organisapast 15 to 20 years. It IS crucially important to get it tions until it opens itself to local right in consolidating Swindon's participation. growth NOW. Both the Mechan- Everybody in Swindon should ics' Trust and the Swindon Civic seek answers to a few simple quesTrust have been trying to collect tions: Who is going to decide what and express local views to the New happens to Swindon Town CenSwindon Company for the past tre? How will they decide? And year, since the first directors were who will benefit? Ultimately, the appointed. They have been lis- question in terms of community tened to in several respects, but in participation is: What are they some very important regards the afraid of? Perhaps the next company board prospects are worrying. Beginning with the positive, the meeting could address this basic New Swindon Company held two question.

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The Link Magazine • August 2003

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Polish city on Swindon streets Swindon's twinning with a Polish city has been recognised by the naming of a Thamesdown Transport single decker bus' Torun - City of Copernicus'. Most of the bus company's fleet said, "what a wonderful way to is named after railway engines celebrate the agreement we have built in the Swindon works, but formed with Torun. This is a the policy was broadened last year unique arrangement for Poland as when three vehicles were named they do not appear to name buses after towns linked with Swindon in the way we do in Swindon. and Highworth - Salzgitter, Ocotal "OurlinkwithTorunisbeingcomand Pontorson in Germany, Nica- memorated both by its name on the bus and by including the name of its ragua and France. Last year's mayor of Swindon famous son Nicholas Copernicus, coun Stan Pajak, one of the prime the man who revolutionised our movers behind the link with Torun, thinking about the universe."

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La Garenne-Colombes, a tidy suburb a short distance from the boulevards of Paris, played host for three days in late June to Haydon Wick Parish Council chairman, Richard Hailstone, his wife Julie, fellow parish councillor Phil Eagle and his wife, Pauline. r fly„ The visit co-incided with the I community's annual three day fes , i_; val and visit by their existing twin town of Wangen in southern Germany. The Haydon Wick party was welcomed by Mayor Philippe Juvin, who visited Swindon at the end of May. Richard Hailstone presented the mayor with a glass rose bowl to commemorate the occasion. In thanking his hosts, he explained that the bowl was a gift from the people of Haydon Wick. He hoped that the visit would be a forerun- Vive la difference. Richard Hailstone ner of a long and beneficial friend- contemplates a possible innovation for Hayden Wick: a hi-tech mobile 'pooper ship between the two communiscooper' in La Garenne- Colombes ties. In Riviera-like weather, the party Richard pronounced the visit a enjoyed a trip on the Seine in one great success. "Our task is now to of the famous bateaux mouches tell the people of Haydon Wick and, back in Garenne, a concert in about the benefits of twinning and a church presented by a local or- the delights of an urban town a chestra and a choir comprising short bus ride from the most atsingers from the town and tractive city in the world," he said. "La Garenne-Colombes is waiting Wangen. On his return to Hayden Wick, with a warm welcome".

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The Link Magazine â€˘ August 2003

Westlea speed restrictions in place for next term A road safety campaigner is looking forward to the completion of a safety scheme outside Westlea School, two years after funds were approved. Work on installing speed reduc- worried about traffic speeds on Dawn Dolphin said parents had under the Safer Routes to School ing humps and curb build-outs on Langstone Way as drivers take a been waiting too long for the job to scheme. But our hopes turned to Langstone Way will take place short cut between Whitehill Way be completed. "We started cam- frustration with one delay after during the summer holidays, ready and Great WesternWay.Theyhave paigning to make Langstone Way another. for the new school term in Septem- also been concerned about parents safer with great optimism, particu"There have been so many near ber. Phil Martlew at Swindon parking on both sides ofLangstone larlyaftertheprojectwasapproved misses and we must be thankful a Council's traffic management de- Way, endangering children who tragic accident has not taken place. partment said the humps would walk to school and restricting be the softer kind because school emergency access. " We'll be glad to see buses still use the road, as opposed ^ ' the road safety The project was due to be corn_., measures in place; to the controversial75mmhighver- pleted during the Easter holidays â€” there will be uproar sions installed on Freshbrook Way but was delayed because local cont' , _ .. if they don't get the which have caused drivers much sultation had not taken place and aggravation. job done in time." the West area panel had to be South Swindon Schoolgovernorshavelongbeen shown the plans. Parent governor MP Julia Drown, who has campaigned for 20mph zones outside all schools also welcomed the project. Dawn Dolphin escorting her son Zac across

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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 temporary positions for Warehouse Packers and Line Feeders. No experience is necessary for these positions as training will be given. but applicants should be reliable. physically fit and possess good coordination skills. 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 Hours of work are: 8am to 5pm Monday to Thursday 8am to 2pm Friday

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Example: A married couple aged 30 years and 28 years. both non-smokers. applying for a repayment mortgage of £50.000 over a 25 year term (300 monthly payments), completing before 30/9,03 secured against a property being purchased for £55.000. 300 monthly mortgage payments of £261.50. Total amount payable £78.844 calculated to include £199 arrangement fee. This calculation is based on the assumption that the fixed rate will apply throughout the term of the loan. Maximum loan £150,000. Rate applied is 3.79% (4.4` o APR) fixed until 30/9/05. Rates may vary. The rate applies to loans up to and including 97% of the purchase price or valuation whichever is the lower. The fixed rate is applicable until 30/6/05, 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

The Link Magazine • August 2003

School campaigners donate bank balance to Winston's Wish Parents who campaigned for places at local secondary schools in 2002 have closed their bank account and made a donation to Winston's Wish, the pioneering charity which helps children and young people cope with the death of someone close. °vh. West Swindon Parents for ImChairman of WSPIE Winston's Wish communiproving Education (WSPIE) was Andrew Hill said that parcations manager Mike Lupton set up when parents of 126 chil- entshadbeenrudelyawak- " ' " thanked West Swindon pardren were told in late 2001 that ened to the fact they did not ents for thinking of the charthey could not attend Bradon For- have a choice of secondar y ity. "Death is not something est School because it was full. And school. "It was shocking to we are comfortable with as even though many had specified discover that 126 children adults and we generally don't Greendown as a second choice, could not attend a local secknow how to cope with the /`' they were told by Swindon Coun- ondary school and could grief of a child. But the fact is cil that they would have to send be spread allover town and '` every 30 minutes a child under 18 in the UK is bereaved their children to schools all over also that the council was of a parent through natural the borough where places were unaware of the situation = causes or long term illness, or available. until it was too late." Mike Lupton of Winston's Wish, centre, unexpectedly through acciAn energetic protest campaign, Committee secretary receives the WSPIE donation from dent, murder or suicide. including a 6,000 name petition, Marc Tielemans said Andrew Hill, left, and Marc Tielemans "Children also need to come pressured the council to find places WSPIE had done its job and to terms with the death of a whilst other parents decided to Winston's Wish had been grandparent, or a brother or sister. send their children to Wootton chosen to receive £481.65 after fel- the death of a loved one." Bassett School. low committee member Pat Set up in 1992 to support chil" Winston's Wish has a wide The campaign also helped the Matthews died unexpectedly ear- dreninGloucestershire, Winston's range of professional and practicouncil focus on future secondary her in the year leaving a 12 year Wish became a national charity in cal help to directly support chilschool needs in West Swindon old son. "We became very aware of 2001, providing a national tel- dren over the telephone and to which led to the £3 million expan- the important work of the charity ephone helpline, a range of sensi- help adults understand the needs sion programme at Greendown, which offers remarkable support tively written publications aimed of children through activity sheets due to be completed in September. to children who have experienced at children and young people and and booklets. We have also devela website specifically for teenag- oped ways to help a child positively remember somebody who ers. They also run residential week- has died, or indeed who is dying, end camps for children, parents so that they understand what is and carers where feelings of grief going on and do not carry a burcan be worked out, and provide den of guilt through their lives" The Winston's Wish Family Line practical training for school teachers so that a bereaved child can be is 0845 203 0405. www.winstonswish.org .uk supported by his or her peers

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Cuba cycle ride in aid of deaf children A mum from Grange Park who was helped by the National Deaf Children's Society after she went deaf at the age of three is planning to raise money for the charity on a ten day bike ride in Cuba. Gail Welch from The Holbeins has committed = u herself to raise £2,600 by November when she and ten others will cycle 400 kilometres across the island, both on and off road. Gail said, "I'm already 1 1, quite fitas I am a postwoman in Cricklade and I try to go for a bike ride every day with my son Anthony to build up my stamina." Gail went deaf overnight as a child because a problem ; in her ear drum had not been picked up. Friends and RAF ^^ neighbours at Lyneham where her father was stationed rallied round ,; Y in 1980 to raise money for t' one of the first 'phonic ear' hearing aids. Gail later attended gives essential support and also the support unit at Ridgeway help society understand the needs School and took a degree in graphic of deaf children." Donations to Gail's bike ride can arts. "The NDCS has helped me and be made by sending a cheque made m y family over many years and I out to NDCS Ltd. to The Link, decided I wanted to help them," Papermakers House, Westlea, said Gail. "Children who are deaf Swindon SN5 7BD or via the need a lot of support to acquire NatWest Bank: NDCS Ltd., Cycle language and to cope with the Cuba No. 2 Account, account no. world around them. The NDCS 78688639, sort code 60-02-08.

The Link Magazine • August 2003

Mother says Malmesbury maternity unit can be used by other Swindon mums

Having a baby outside the town can be recommended according to a West Swindon mum after her nomination for the maternity unit at Malmesbury Hospital was shortlisted in the National Childbirth Trust's (NCT) 2003 Better Birth Environment Awards.

Corinna Mazzotta from Ramleaze, who gave birth to her son Benjamin last year, is delighted that the unit is one of 40 selected

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birth environment are more likely to have vaginal births. Poor birth environments could partly explain why normal births are now in the minority, as recently reported by the Department of Health. Corinna said the Malmesbury unit has nearly everything that a woman wants. "The staff are really committed to ensuring pregnant women have a positive experience of labour and birth. I would not have had the personal attention if I had been in a big hospital where they could be dealing with

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3,000 births a year. "If Benjamin had difficulty with breast feeding, he might have been put on a bottle rather than nurses working with me to get him to breast feed because they just don't have time to spend with you." ->v Senior midwife at Malmesbury Sue Noble, said, "we're delighted to have been shortlisted by the NCT for this award and see it as highly valued vindication of all the hard work the staff here have put into ensuring that women and their

out of 400 to be recognised for

access to valued birth facilities and the opportunities for women to control their birth environment. "I am thrilled that Malmesbury has been shortlisted. My family and I could not have asked for more from the unit. Their excellent staff and facilities have received well-deserved recognition." The panel of judges from the architectural, midwifery and obstetric professions shortlisted Malmesbu ry because it put women and their families' needs at the heart of the birth environment. Specifically they looked for units that had facilities that women believe are most important in enabling them to have the type of birth they want, such as space to move around, a high level of privacy, easy access to toilet and bathroom facilities, preferably en suite, and a homely-looking room. New NCT research highlights women who have access a good

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Free dance sessions for pre-schoolers A new dance club for parents and toddlers has been set up with the help of the National Lottery Millennium Fund. Gemma Pixton from ^y► • Freshbrook has received a Millennium Innovators Award to develop dance sessions for pre-school chi lf. dren, which are open to par. ^ t. ents and carers from any where in Swindon. The 45 minute sessions I take place on Wednesdays, 9am at Freshbrook Community Centre, 10.30am at I Toothill Community Centre. From September there wil I be an afternoon session at fpm at Freshbrook. Just turn up and take part Gemma with sonic of the participants in her class at Freshbrook Community Centre or call Gemma on 634940.

Are your child's demands getting you down Do these questions ring bells, asks health visitor Catherine Hamersely 'I've tried everything; I don't know what else to do?' 'I feel I'm banging my head against a brick wall.' 'Why do I have to keep saying the same things over and over again?' 'There's got to be a better way to bring up children.' Does this sound familiar? Are you interested in getting together with others on a parenting course? It's relaxing and enjoyable. You'll find i support, have some laughs, make new friends, become a happier parent and you won't believe the difference it can make to your children. Introductory evening: Wednesday 10 September, 7pm, West Swindon Health Centre. To book a place contact Catherine Hamersely, Health Visitor, West Swindon Health Centre, tel: 877233.

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The Link Magazine • August 2003 13

Toddling for Barnardos Nutkins Parent and Toddler Group at Upper Shaw Farm took part in the annual Barnardos Big Toddl in late Mayforthethird year and raised E450 with a quarter of the amount raised being kept by the group.

Kids shop make-over The Children's Information Service relaunched its drop in shop in July after staff from Zurich created an interactive wall scene for children to decorate with animals and fish.

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)Cady to stride out for charity, from left, Thomas Lawrence, Alayah Simms, Evie Lawrence, Thomas Wilmot Left, children at Ridgeway Pre-School raised

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The group meets at Upper Shaw Farm d Community Centre on Tuesdays and Fridays IOam to 12noon. For details of places, call They also published their new 'orah Wilmot on bullying leaflet and summer ac347618. tivities leaflet. Call the CIS on Four of the youngsters 541786 for a copy.

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Wednesday 13 August from 10am to 3pm with craft, music and other activities, when a new benefits leaflet which outlines help for families both financially and 'in kind' will be available. If your child has not yet entered the CIS jigsaw picture competition there is still time. Drop into the CIS for an entry form by 4 August.

Playgroup places for September Upper Shaw Farm Playgroup, which is celebrating its fifteenth year, Jellytots Playgroup at Brook Field has sessions for pre-school children. School, Shaw has vacancies for3to The group has an experienced staff, and superb facilities including a 5 year olds. Call Sandra Medcraft purpose built outdoor play area. For details call Pam Porter on 877936. on 349862 for details.

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14 The Link Magazine • August 2003

Science college to benefit community Ridgeway School is celebrating being a designated school specialising in science and the environment which will see £600,000 of Government money being introduced over the next four years, for refurbishing laboratories and developing links with primary schools and local colleges. our pupils for the future. The extra , Headteacher Elizabeth Cooper I L resources opens up so many possisaid the successful bid creates a bilities of working with other edu-wide range of educational opporcational bodies and to involve peotunities. "This enables us to make ple of all ages and interests in our a significant difference to learning school." ; by pupils of all abilities at both Ridgeway and our partner primary schools. We will also be working Bradon get together on science and environmental SueWaller(neePotter)andTeena projects with Headlands and (Ellis) are organising a school reChurchfields Schools and union for pupils who left Bradon a Crowdys Hill Special School. We — Forest Secondary Modern School will also be developing our links from 1970 to 1975. L with Swindon and Lackham ColI It takes place on Friday 22 Auleges and New College, as well as gust in the function room at The the University of Bath in SwinAngel, High Street, Purton. The cost don." is £5; partners will be welcome. At the beginning of the year only Getting down to science, Ridgeway pupils, from left, Ben Reade, Amy Shayler, For details call Sue on 334950 or £3,000 had been raised towards Faye Lloyd, James McGowan, Carl Byworth, Hayleigh Gilbert with back row, Teena on 878392. the £50,000 which had to be pro- business manager Astrid Morris, Elizabeth Cooper, head of sciencePhil Bevan, vided by the school. However over science teacher Lorna Lear Six terms from 2004 200 sponsors have helped - from ingactivitiesbystudentsand staff Science Museum Wroughton. Mrs Cooper said specialist sta- Swindon Council's cabinet has parents who contributed £35 to at the school raised £15,000. Swindon businesses, such as the Two science laboratories are to tus would not detract from other agreed that schools will convert Dick Lovett Group, Pebley Beach be renovated and a third will be aspects of the curriculum. "Focus- to a six term year from September Suzuki and Johnson Mathey Fuel built to be called the Creative ing on science allows us to offer a 2004. The summer holiday will be at Cells who have each contributed Planet Centre. This will be an in- wider range of courses at all levels, £5,000. formation resource centre corn- and to develop important links least five weeks long, but the Easter The largest single amount of plete with a computer suite and with primary schools and higher break will no longer be linked to £15,000 came from the Bristol based video conferencing facilities, as education. Science and a greater thecrucifictionofJesusChrist.This Medlock Trust, which supports the well as an environmental garden, awareness of the environment are major adjustment means that terms development of science and links to be developed as a community becoming even more important in will be broadly of equal length with primary schools. Fund rais- resource in conjunction with the society and we will be preparing throughout the year.

The Link Magazine • August 2003 15

Youngster gets to sea at last

Few tears as children are 'evacuated'

When Sam John from Tooth ill left Greendown School last summer to join the Royal Navy as a nervous 16 year old, she was one of the youngest to join up. A few days after her seventeenth birthday in mid-July she boarded her first ship HMS Liverpool. Following ten weeks of very been to several countries, taken hard basic training last Autumn, part in numerous outdoor expedishe passed out to commence a four tions and because of the intensive year apprenticeship in weapons training she's well on her way to engineering at HMS Collinwood gaining an engineering degree by in Portsmouth. She should have the time she's 19." been sent to sea at the beginning of Angie added that Sam was well the year but being under 17, the prepared at Greendown for her war against Iraq meant the Navy life of adventure. "She had lots of had to keep her busy with other opportunities to take part in sports activities. These included crewing and outdoor activities and did brila sailing boat to the south of France liantly in her GCSEs. and a three week trek in Peru to complete her Duke of Edinburgh's Gold award. Proud mum Angie John said her daughter had been itching to go to sea. "Sam's wanted to join , the Navy and specialise in weapons for years but =her young age has prevented her from joinin °^ RNRMSt T1iE a ship. She's delighted to be out there and applyep ing her training. :\ ^ "I' m amazed by the range of activities Sam's been involved within just ' s — a year, apart from what a ` ri e i

All the children from Haydonleigh School made a trip Kemble in early July as part of their World War II studies. Eleven year old Jessica Price describes the experience. Before we came to been on a train. The ride school we had to beto Kemble was quite come an evacuee by quick and a lot of fun. On dressing in 1939 the platform were lots of clothes. I wore a skirt, people waiting for us ina shirt, cardigan and cluding reporters and the an old fashioned behome-guard. ret. My suitcase We followed many made me feel even banners and eventually more like an evacuee ar ri ved at Kemble School and I carried my mum's old doll. where we ate our lunch and had a Finally everyone had to say good- short play on their enormous fi eld. bye to their Dad who would be In the village hall we got told going to fight in the war, and their whose house we would be going to; Mum who would stay at home. I was going with a man called Mr When I arrived at school, I Cooper. I felt it a bit scared going off looked around at everybody's out- with someone I didn't know. fits and they looked excellent. BeThen the air raid siren sounded fore we went to Kemble we had to and we all quickly put on gas masks make an identity card with infor- that we had made, until the all clear. mation about ourselves to show We heard a talk from real evacuofficials, and also a label with our ees, one was Mrs Cooper who name, school and number to tie to spoke about being sent from Lonour clothes. Just before going we don to Devon when she was three all went into the school hall for our years old. After that we all wrote a last assembly to sing songs like postcard home which we posted Roll out the barrel, Pack up your trou- on the way back to the station. bles and We'll meet again. Then we Before we left we sang for the got into a very old, noisy bus which adults who had helped make our was made before the war to take us day so interesting. Everyone reto Swindon station. ally liked the songs and the real I was quite nervous waiting on evacuees said they brought back the platform because I had never memories.

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The Link Magazine • August 2003

Melinda helps Focus to recognise 1,000th carer A West Swindon mum at the end of her tether at the beginning of the year had a lovely surprise on 11 July when Swindon celebrity Melinda Messenger dropped by with a bouquet of flowers to welcome her as the 1,000th carer to register with the Princess Royal Trust Carers Centre, known in Swindon as Focus on Carers and Self Help. Rachel George from The Holbeins Focus provides practical and themselves as husin Grange Park turned to Focus for emotional support for anybody band, wife, son, support when caring for her 11 year who looks after a member of their daughter, partner old son Lewis got too much for her. family, close friend or neighbour or friend." Rachel said she , He has severe dyspraxia which because they have an illness, disovermeans he has short term memory ability or are frail with old age, often became problems and difficulties coordi- at great personal and financial cost. whelmed by the renating physical and mental activ- They estimate there are about sponsibility of beity. With three other children to 18,000 carers in Swindon with over ing available almost weekdays. -w care for, her feelings of grief from 4,000 providing care for over 50 24 hours a day for Rachel with the death of her father three years hours a week. But as director of Lewis. Now with Melinda and ago and trying to maintain her Focus Gillian Barber says, "a sig- help from support Focus suppor reflexology business, Rachel spi- nificant number of people don't worker Elaine worker Elain recognise they are carers, seeing House, she has been ralled into depression. able to put her life into balance asked by Focus to help raise its profile; there are so many people again. "I was surprised to be asked if who act as carers and they need Melinda Messenger could come to both recognition and practical Abbey Meads Dental Practice my house, shocked in fact; who help. "It's a fantastic organisation would say no to meeting somebody like that. She is a lovely per- which does not interfere in your son, really down to earth and un- life, because you decide how much NHS and private care derstanding of the experiences of help you need. It's important to other mothers. She gave us a lot of know that if you're struggling to • Modern comfortable environment cope, you are not alone." time. Melinda said she had experiFocus won't be able to send • Cosmetic treatment including veneers, crowns and bridges enced post natal depression after Melinda round to help you care • Tooth Whitening her second son was born and be- for somebody, but they can cercome more aware of the need for tainly help relieve the burden. • Denplan Call them on 531133, 9am to 5pm support. "I was delighted to be Affordable dental care for everyone

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Shaw hut disappears to make way for doctor's extension and new hall A piece of West Swindon's history was unceremoniously compressed into a skip in early July when the temporary community hall at Shaw village centre was demolished. The bright yellow portakabin Practice whereby the surgery will first appeared in Westlea in the be allowed to extend to provide more early 1980s soon after the residents consulting rooms and a small hall to arrived. They bitterly protested be used for clinics. Under a legal that landowners Bradleys had not agreement, the practice will make considered the needs of house buy- the room available for use by comersby not providing a meeting place. munity groups. Councillor Nick Martin said the The hut was replaced by the George and Ann Tweed social hall arrangement had joint benefits. at Westlea School and was moved "There has always been a plan for a community centre at Shaw but by the council to Shaw in 1988. Eventually it was condemned in council finances have never al2000, forcing Jellytots playgroup lowed this. This agreement means to be relocated to Sparcells social an increase in the number of GPs hall and then to Brook Field School. serving the community whilst proNow Swindon Council has struck viding local groups with another a deal with the Ridge Green Medical place to meet."

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The Link Magazine • Auaust 2003 17

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o' o

Acupuncture at Taw Hill Medical Practice Mark Ackland BSc PhD Lic Ac MBAcC

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Appointments call: 07973 - 185158 SESSIONS: Mondays 9am to 12noon and Fridays 4pm to 7pm Please contact the practice or visit www.tawhillsurgery.nbs.uk for details. TAW HILL MEDICAL PRACTICE, QUEEN ELIZABETH DRIVE. SWINDON SN25 1 WL TEL: 01793 709500 • Fax: 01793 723875 E-MAIL: ENQUIRIESCCTAWHILLSURGERV.NHS.UK

Reception open: Monday to Friday lam to 6.30pm Tel: 01793 709500 • Fax: 01793 723875 E-mail: enquiries@tawhillsurgery.nhs.uk www.tawhilisurgery.nhs.uk New patients always welcome

18 The Link Magazine • August 2003

uklinks4 There are some great resources on the Internet. But do you know where they are?

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Link visit connects kids with school's past Talented children from Brook Field who have produced'a what to do this summer' guide for other pupils were given practical help when they visited The Link offices at the end of June. The group were able to askques- they came across an edition from tions about the way stories are July 1988 featuring the fete which found and were shown how the marked the official opening of magazine is put together on Mac- Brook Field. First headteacher Peintosh computers. Looking back ter Woodcock is pictured being through early copies of The Link soaked in the sponge stocks. Holding up a Link with the past, from left, Millie Bailey, Christopher Deeley, Freya Skerten, Sean Alin with the rest of the group pictured at The Link office on screen including teacher Jane Walford with Michael Snowden, Jane Walford. Front, Tyler Duprie, Kati/ Sellars, Ben Madley, Adina Nyahwa,

Connor Doyle and Danielle 5

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CO-OPERATIVE FUNERAL SERVICE SWINDON yS, ^,ON Of f.G^^A

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Clearing out clothes for charity

• i i•1o Community Dividend Scheme A minimum

of 1% of the Society's profits are

returned to projects

to benefit the local

community through the Community Dividend Scheme. If you think a project

The Co-op helped Greendown Playgroup with an £800 grant to replace gas heaters. In 2001 the group received £900 to help refit the building when it was moved to its present site in Grange Park

you know of could qualify for a grant of up to £1,000, call 01865 256235 for details.

Oxford, Swindon & Gloucester

Children at Peatmoor Community Primary School had a big sort out in June to help the Shaw Trust as part of an effort to reduce rubbish. The project called SAY Recycle by collecting unwanted clothes. is a joint initiative between the A mountain of black bags of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, Swindon clothes were donated to the Shaw Services, local charities and 21 Trust, which helps disabled and disschools across the town, advantaged people to achieve their Working with Catherine Rice potential in work opportunities. from Wiltshire Wildlife Trust the The reduce, re-use, recycle postpupils looked at how to reduce, re- ers were also put up in the Shaw use and recycle their rubbish and Trust's shop. why this is so important for the Other schools are donating environment. In workshops, chil- clothes to Barnardos, the Prospect dren designed posters to encour- Hospice and the British Heart age the whole school to do their bit Foundation.

^ial.'`ada^

sfer VHS tlo and all

taped media

THE LINK MAGAZINE'S GUIDE TO WHAT'S ON IN AND AROUND SWINDON

Wedding videos Irreplaceable TV programmes and sports events Children's first steps. Birthday parties. Christenings & Confirmations. Multiple copies: overseas copies; edited copies 7' 1 Obsolete formats, i.e. Betamax, Video2000: camcorder tapes

DON'T LOSE THOSE MEMORIES Tel:01793 612187

Inviting young and old to the new Children's Fete Saturday 9 August, 2pm - 9pm. Faringdon Road Park ``--"

The children's fete, an event last held in 1939,

takes place again on the theme 'linking Swindon's

culture across the generations.' Put on by the Mechanics' Institution then, the revival is being organised by volunteers from the New Mechanic's Institution Preservation Trust, the charity trying to save the derelict Mechanics' building in the town centre for community use. The event is free and there is no charge for fundraising stalls by children's organisations and schools. However donations to the Mechanics' Trust will be welcome. Attractions include children's activities and entertainment, rides. food, dance and music from the 1930s to the present, including Nebulae, the local band who won the Diesel Award for the UKs best new band in July.

Mobile: 07940-810733 e-mail: vhstodvd@btinternet.com www.vhstodvd.co.uk Unit 2a. Grime to S hin e. G r ee n b n dge Road. Swindon

categories: Victori an, World War II

and the 1960s. 2. A feature of the children's fete was the slab of fruit cake given to each child. Can you make a cake as good as they did before the war? The 'elder children' will be the The fete in the park before World War / judges. Organiser Martha Parry said. To participate, to book a stall or as this is the first event of its kind for general information call the for over 60 years we're keen to Mechanics' Trust on 520592. attract as many children's organiwww.new-mechanics.com sations as possible. We will be crossing time and generations in Swindon and we would particularly li ke to meet people who were there in 1939 - who we are calling the elder children - to share their memories." There are two competitions: 1. The best fancy dress in three

Over 2,500 sq. ft. of products for the Artist, Crafter and Student D.M.C. Main Agency Daylight Lamps Stockist Picture Framing DIY Framing Supplies Well worth a visit. Try us! Framework Art & Craft 63 Pembroke Centre Cheney Manor Trading Estate Swindon SN2 2PC!

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Is it worth ÂŁ100? Did you take a picture at the Swindon Summer Festival in July? The organisers are looking for images that captured the vibrant energy and colour of the event. The prize is ÂŁ100 in vouchers from Sight 2 Sound, Regent Circus and entries will be displayed at the Civic Offices in September. Entries from adults and under 16s are needed by Monday 4 August. Send them with your details to Barbara Dixon. Visual Arts Officer, SwindonArtscape. Premier House. Station Road. Swindon SN1 1TZ. For more information, call her on 466520.

Celebrate all things Indian There's all day Asian entertainment on 2 August at Swindon's first Mela in Old Town Gardens. Food, stalls and a children's funfair plus li ve bands. DJs. dance and martial arts performances will take place. See the advert on page 20. Bombay Baja will be entertaining at the Mela

AUGUST 2ND & 3 D LYDIARD COUNTRY PAIRK

AIR DISPLAYS HARRIER - HAWK - SPITFIRE - LANCASTER PLUS SEA KING HELICOPTER, TUCANO, DENNY DOBSON UTTERLY BUTI'ERLY, PELTS, PIPER ARROW

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LIVE ENTERTAINMENT Throughout & Til Midnight on Sat.

TOP TRIBUTE BANDS ABBA GOLD & PINK FLOYD FAIRGROUND & FIREWORKS Info 01985 216644 / 24hr Tickets 0115 912 90(10 Tickets available at some Tourist Information Offices

WWW.SWINDONSHOW.CO.UK

Show content subject to change without notice. Aircraft subject to operational availabi li ty.

SwirdGr

Tony's wide view of life

Top digital images on show at West Swindon Library Swindon has had a long associati on with photography and also the Royal Photographic Society (RPS), writes Maureen Albright. A meeting to form a Field and Camera Club took place in 1898. Ninety years later a group of enthusiasts at Swindon Camera Club decided to form the Swindon Imaging Group. or SwIG. to become acquainted with the newtechnology of digital photography. For the first time the Royal Photographic Society's Digital Imaging Group are to show their 2003 Print Exhibition in the town at the West Swindon Library at the Link Centre, from 2 August until 1 6 August. The

RPS

Group's membership is over a thousand and the exhibition currently shows work from 1 50 different photographers includ-

ing several locals. This exhibition represents the very best in digital work and is well worth a visit.

Wide

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An exhibition of unusual panoramas taken and created by photographer Tony Leggett from Nine Elms will be on display at the West Swindon Library from 18 to 30 August. The multiple images manipulated and stitched together on computer create whole new perspectives.

Be read to by CD West Swindon Library has taken receipt of a new collection of 90 stories read on compact disc, featuring well known authors such as David Baldacci, Roddy Doyle, Peter Carey and Marion Keyes. They cost ÂŁ1.30 to hire for three weeks.

Where's your favourite Swindon place? Swindon Civic Trust is running a free competition to find 'Swindon's Favourite Places.' Entries can be in any form suitable for exhibition visually or acoustically such as graphics, photos, drawings, writing, recordings, videos. DVDs, models and art installa-

tions. Any place that can be readily visited by the public should be featured and submissions in several age categories, as well as non-commercial groups, will be welcomed. The judges will look at the quality of the personal entry and its ability to evoke a positive response: vision, imagination and public rapport will all be highly valued. The closing date is 24 October. ready for an exhibition in November. For details, call 520592.

Swindon Wide Read around a maze The Great Western Maze, south of junction 16 M4, was the setting on 12 July for the launch for this year's summer reading challenge for children run by libraries run by Swindon Council and Wiltshire County Council The aim of the challenge, which this year is based around the themes of labyrinths, mysteries and puzzles, is to encourage children to pick up a book during the summer holidays. As part of the promotion children who sign up for the reading project in July will have the chance to win one of 40 free family tickets that have been generously donated by Great Western Maze. Every child who takes part in the reading scheme will be given a special pack which includes stickers to record every book read. Children will also be able to talk about the books to volunteers in Iibraries. The Reading' \ Maze is free to enr 1_ ter and is open to all children in the town aged five to 11. Drop into a Swindon library for details. Launching the ^:q reading maze, " Lynda Warren of the Great Western Maze with Chris = Moore from Wilt'i f / N shire libraries. left. ; ri and Robin Griffiths from Swindon Libraries. and Jessica and Nanae Harts

•

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Swindon & Cricklade Railway celebrating 25 years, 1978 - 2033 Vintage & Classic Transport Weekend Saturday & Sunday 9th & 10 August Unlimited steam train rides 11 am to 5pm Adults £3.50 Children over 3 years & OAPs £2

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^1.

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WEST SWINDON

Swindon's Amazing Ma^^ The Great Western Maze is a 7 acre maze carved from a living maize crop set in the glorious No rth Wiltshire countryside. The allure of a maze crosses all boundaries; the appeal to children of being outside with a huge puzzle to solve is equally enjoyed by adults. The notion that it is fine to be lost with the absolute certainty that you will be victorious is a great, good feeling. But that does fully explain the mystery of the maze, the courtyard with its world class puzzles and games adds to the equation, but still there's a missing ingredient. Maybe it's the people that come to the maze? Everyone of them is pre-disposed to have a fine time and .... they do ! Now two mazes to enjoy: The Great Western Maze Swindon is 1 mile south of M4 Junction 16 And... The Great Western Maze, Bath is 3 miles west of Bath on the A4 Call 01793 731170 or visit our web site www.greatwesternmaze.com

Opening times: 1 Oam - 6pm • Daily from 11 July to 7 September • Weekends from 7 to 30 September Admission • Adults £4.50; children/concs. £4 • Family of 4 £15. • All 'Maises free (with ID) Conditions • Under 14s to be accompanied by a responsible adults • Regret no dogs please

Th1E

GREAT WESTERN MAZE

Swi-ith r Wide

Regenerating Lydiard Park In the September 2002 Link, Keeper of Lydiard House, Sarah Finch-Crisp, exclusively outlined the multi-million pound project to bring Lydiard Park to life for the whole community. Here she provides an outline of developments since then, which can be found in detail in a newsletter available from the house or by calling 770401.

The story so far In January this year Swindon Borough Council lodged a bid with The Heritage Lottery Fund to restore the rich historical landscape of Lydiard Park and upgrade visitor facilities on the site. The bid is based on a detailed Restoration and Development Plan, which seeks to increase opportunities for enjoyment and involvement by local people and school children in their park. Heritage Lottery Fund are currently studying our application and have visited the park to meet council officers, teachers, local people and partners from key national agencies and the business community. A decision is anticipated this Autumn and in the meantime project activities continue to attract interest and increasing public involvement.

Quality of life matters

In March eighteen representatives of a range of community interests spent a day at Lydiard examining and discussing the restoration proposals and plotting the benefits of the project for the people of Swindon and the region. The group included park users and volunteers, the Police, Probation and Health Services, members of St Mary's Church Lydiard Tregoz, Positive Living Swindon, Innogy, Greendown School, The University of Bath in Swindon, The University of the 3 rd Age and Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. The workshop was funded by The Countryside Agency and the group has gamely volunteered to reconvene at regular intervals as the project develops, to ensure that the widest range of local interests are represented.

Mapping the park This summer English Heritage have been plotting the archaeological features of the park and have so far recorded about half of the lawns leading down to the lost lakes and a substantial part of the wooded area to the north west of the house. Initial analysis of the survey results suggest that traces of late 17 Century formal gardens survive, this is what all the humps and bumps in the lawn are. Evidence of formal walks, terraces and garden features also seem to have survived and as the survey progresses more discoveries are expected. These could change the interpretation but at the moment it seems that we could be tracing the lost gardens of the enthusiast amateur gardener Lady Johanna St.John. Evidence has also been found of Medieval agriculture and also World War II hut platforms, roads and boundaries associated with the military camp which once occupied the Lydiard events and sports fields.

Funding from Innogy & Arts and Business In June Lydiard Park received a £30,000 boost from the Government funded Arts and Business New Partners Scheme. It is the biggest award the agency has ever made and recognises the pioneering new partnership between the Swindon Council and West Swindon based energy supplier Innogy plc. Innogy have so far invested over £100,000 in the Lydiard project, some of which is being used to finance the current archaeological investigations in the park. The interest and involvement of the company's executives and employees, many of whom have joined discovery walks and signed up for volunteer action around the park, has Phil Gibby, Director of Arts and Business SW presents the New brought goodwill and added impetus Partners Award to Sarah Finch-Crisp and Linda Worley, left, from to the project. Innogy plc with Swindon South MP Julia Drown

Coming soon Sealed Knot to set up Royalist garrison on Lydiard's lawns on Heritage Open Days 13 & 14 September A free weekend for all the family. Activities will include: • Regular canon, ;' musket fire and sword demonstrations; costumed soldiers, their families in camp and a Cavalier on horseback • Free entry to Lydiard House. Discover Lydiard's amazing history and exciting future.

This page has been sponsored by i

Swindon College M Oj

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North Swindon Centre (Orbital Centre)

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Tap Dance - Beginners Code: DGH03N. Starts Tue 23-Sep-03. For 10 weeks, from 7:45pm - 8:45pm. Fee £24. Jazz Dance - Beginners Code: DGH1 ON. Starts Thur 25-Sep-03. For 10 weeks, from 7:00pm - 8:00pm. Fee £24. Tap Dance - Absolute Beginners Code: DGH 1 4N. Starts Tue 23-Sep-03. For 10 weeks, from 6:45pm - 7:45pm. Fee £24. Tap Dance - Improvers Code: DGH30N. Starts Tue 23-Sep-03. For 10 weeks, from 8:45pm - 9:45pm. Fee £24.

Yoga - Beginners Code: YGMO1 N. Starts Mon 22-Sep-03. For 10 weeks, from 7:00pm - 8:30pm. Fee £47.

Westlea School Indian Dance: Bollywood Style - Beginners Code: DGH40N Starts Thur 25-Sep-03. For 10 weeks, from 7:00pm - 8:30pm. Fee £34.50. Yoga - Beginners Code: YGV27N. Starts Wed 24-Sep-03. For 10 weeks, from 8:00pm - 9:30pm. Fee £47.

Jazz Dance - Improvers Code: DGH33N. Starts Thur 25-Sep-03. For 10 weeks, from 8:00pm - 9:00pm. Fee £24. First Aid for Children & Babies Code: PGH87N. Starts Thur 25-Sep-03. For 5 weeks, from 7:00pm - 9:00pm. Fee £24.

Call Free phone 0800 731 2250 to enrol.

Swindon College

Courses available... @our

Learnin fentrQs

Link Centre, West Swindon Centre>01793 873877 Learning City @Regent Circus >01793 498378 Wootton Bassett Borough Fields Centre>01793 855189 Marlborough Learning Centre, The Green, Marlborough >01672 511856 North Swindon Learning & Business Centre, North Swindon Library, Thamesdown Drive >01793 727451 Nythe Learning Centre, The Drive, Nythe >01793 529120 Parks Learning Centre, Oaktree Primary School, Park South >01793 529120 Upham Road Centre, off Drove Road, Old Town >01793 485041 Ring, or even better call in to your local Learning centre and talk to a member of our friendly staff. They will do their very best to help you and advise on the right course for you, whether you are an absolute beginner or a more advanced user. Learning Centres are also happy to help you with information on any Swindon College courses in their local area. Courses> European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) ECDL is an internationally recognised standard of computer competence, and covers all the main areas of computer use, including: Internet, email, presentation graphics, word processing, spreadsheets and datadase. City & Guilds Start IT This course introduces how to use a computer, and uses word processing as the main tool to enable you to learn the very basics. This is a gentle lead in for the absolute beginner. City & Guilds Level 1 for IT users E-QUALS This is a basic level course which includes plenty of practise to help build confidence and skills in using Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and Publisher. CLAIT PLUS A Level 2 IT qualification that is intended to develop your skills in the use of the main Microsoft applications and enable you to manage and integrate computer files. ECDL Advanced This Level 3 course is available at present as individual units in word processing and spreadsheets. Later in 2003, database and presentation graphics will be available. OCR Internet Technologies This short course introduces the student to the concept of using the Internet, web page design and email systems. Basic computer skills are needed.

Most of our centres run Learndirect courses. These are mainly completed on-line and cover an enormous range of subjects including >IT, Business, Skills for Life, Assertiveness and Communications. There are 700 courses available and you can study any of them in our Learning Centres. You get the benefit of help with choosing the right course, assistance with computer and other technical issues related to your course, support from the facilitators in the centre and the knowledge that being a student at Swindon College you wilt get the support you need with your studies.

Swindon Wide For sale, one whale shaped corporate HQ The season of good cheer will not be visited upon staff at Cellular Operations in West Swindon. Between October and the end of the year. 500 people will have been made redundant, following takeover and

The controversial CellOps HQ. beside Peatmoor Lagoon, designed by London architect Richard Hywel-Evans By then. Swindon's economy could have received even greater shock news as another 1.800 call centre positions are predicted for the axe. as jobs are exported to cheaper locations in India and Europe. Cellular Operations' staff have approached Richard Branson, the boss of Virgin Mobiles, based in

Trowbridge. asking him for positi ons and possibly to takeover the building at Peatmoor. Swindon South MP Julia Drown has written to Branson in their support, backing the excellent work record of Cellular Operations' staff which has won the prestigious Service Provider of the Year Award for two years running.

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

Saturday 30th August 20,03

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

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Mini-Eden Project opens Beautiful butterflies fluttering across lily ponds to feed on spectacular tropical flowers and screeching exotic birds swooping from tree to tree in steamy temperatures is the scene at a major new tourist attraction at Hay Lane, south of M4 junction 16. Rebranded Studley Grange Garden and Leisure Park, it includes the now established craft work shop centre,, and Blooms Garden Centre. Owner Tony Miller said the craft and garden centres are extremely successful and the butterflies will add another significant attraction to the area. "The butterfly farm at 6,000 square feet is one of the larger ones in the country. Later in the year the project will go into a third phase when we hope to open an otter sanctuary where injured otters can be cared for and endangered species bred." Educational opportunities are an important part of the butterfly farm said Tony. "School classes and

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^A` Tropical scene planned for butterfly farm organised groups will have the chance to go into an environment unlike anything else, to find out what eightydegreeheatandninety per cent humidity is like, whilst seeing some of the world's marvellous creatures." See the advertisement on page 32 for more details.

Asda West Swindon to close But only for three days from 4 to 6 August whilst a ÂŁ3.5 million refit takes place. The customer services desk and CTN kiosk will be relocated while the music. video and electrical departments will move to a mall shop unit to make way for a larger George section. New tills and shelving will be fitted throughout the store. Upstairs the Red Balloon restaurant has closed, to reopen as a MacDonalds in late September. â€˘ Freshbrook Village Centre's shop reopens as a Tesco on 11 August.

U WeOW%e

James Butcher Housing Association provides a wide choice of quality,

affordable housing for those in retirement in the

Swindon area.

Tel: 01672 515622 www.jbha.co.uk

James Butcher Housing Association Providing accommodation throughout the central and south of England. A charity, incorporated as an Industrial and Provident Society No. 16602 R.

Spectacular new sculpture to emulate rare Swindon orchid A new'gateway'to North Swindon is being proposed by the consortium of developers building homes at Priory Vale. Standing 12 metres high atJunction 1 whereThamesdown Drive meetsCricklade Road, which The Link has dubbed the Mexican inter .^, section because of its semi larity to the first junction of its kind in Mexico City, the sculpture will be a significant landmark in the town. I Designed by prestigious London based architectural designers Softroom, the imposing internally lit steel and glass structure has . been inspired bythecurves of junction 1 and Orchis Morio, the rare green winged orchid which is found at the Haydon Site of Special Scientific Interest on the western edge of Priory Vale. The orchid is already used in the Priory Vale logo. Swindon Council visual arts officer Celia Yeoman said she was delighted that Priory Vale was supporting the council's visual arts policy with such a major project. I "The sculpture is quite breathtaking and will rival the highly regarded

Sculpture location at Junction 1 pa inspired by the rare orchid 2^ found in North Swindon

Angel of the North in Gateshead for impact." The plans will be displayed in late August and September at the North Swindon Library alongside a large aerial panorama of North

Swindon taken by The Link. Look out for details in the next edition, published on 23 August.

Swindon Wide

Digging into links with the past Having had contact with Channel 4's history department in the past, Sheila Mitchell from Westlea was invited by the Time Team to dig an archaeology test pit in her West Swindon garden, along with hundreds of others across Britain. However before going down, she describes how she first cast around for information about her community. In many ways my investigations a headline or a Pixton, as well famed Swindon clay, and a few were as interesting above ground photograph. as Link pub- stones of interest. as they were below. By the time I fi sher Roger My husband and I enjoyed ourHaving moved to the area in had complete d Ogle with his selves but concluded that the .; 1 985, four years after our house my search. `7 hair slightly project had been more a successT was built, I was interested to dis- concluded that "' i longer and less ful exercise in geology. cover the original landowners. Ar- in the space of grey. Residents living on the edge of the chives held at the Swindon Refer- 26 years The My research Groundwell Ridge Roman site at Ash ence Library showed the earliest Link and before brought home to Brake searching for evidence. Time me howvital The were Alfred of Marlborough as well thatthe'Toothill Team's Mick Aston. centre, with Bob as Robert Tregoze, The Earl of and Freshbrook Link is in helpClarke, Nick Lillie, Joy Hanley. houseDevon. Hugh Le Despencer and Newsletter' has ing to preserve N holder Chris Walker. Front. Daisy Margaret Beauchamp, the grand- provided vital the social history Walker and Daniel Lillie mother of Henry VII. information for of our area for The most recent owner, prior to the inhabitants Sheila Mitchell, future generathe sale in 1919 to the local council and were a investigating tions. It has for use by World War I soldiers mouthpiece F helped me with returning from the war, was and rallying my own particuCharterhouse. point for the earliest inhabitants lar piece of historical research and I decided that it was worth look- who campaigned to make sure that I am confident that it will be used by ing at the early copies of The Link the type of area that they wanted many more researchers. magazine to see if they held any was provided by the authorities From those early few pages of relevant information. What I found and not spoilt by the developers or recipes. advertisements, times and was a veritable goldmine. the inhabitants. Many of the issues dates of meetings and the like to From the earliest newsletters for campaigned for or against had a the informative magazine that we the first inhabitants of Swindon's positive outcome making West have today I'd like to thank all the Western Development - Toothill Swindon the pleasant place that it contributors over those years. As and Freshbrook - to the inclusion is today. a freebie paper it most certainly is of the 'third village' of Westlea, the It was lovely to see photographs not one that ends up in a bin or a material contained forms a vital of our one time councillor the late litter tray. As far as the dig is concerned, part of the economic and social Ricky Midwinter. early campaigner history of the area. Nick Jansen from Westlea and the by the end of the afternoon we had It was easy to be sidetracked by youthful community worker Pam a huge hole, a large pile of the

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Music

Film

Friday 1st to Saturday 9th Fame. The Wyvern Theatre 10th annual Summer Youth Project. Tickets from £8.50. Wyvern Saturday 2nd, gates 6pm DCS Bhangra band.£7.50 in advance/£9 on the day Tickets from Link Centre or Information Centre, tel: 530328. The Bowl, Town Gardens. Friday 15th & Saturday 16th 7.30pm It's Hot Rockin'Gospel. Participate in the debate of where we came from and why we are here, with some startling revelations. £10. Wyvern Saturday 16th, gates 6pm Caribbean Party Night with SW Storm. For tickets & prices see Sat 2nd abo ve. The Bowl, Town Gardens. Friday 29th, 7.30pm A Night At The Musicals starring Duncan Breeze and full supporting West End cast with favourites from Les Miserables to Phantom to Saigon. £12.50. Wyvern

Monday 4th, 1 pm Chariots of Fire (1981) (U) Two British track athletes, one a

Talks & tours Tuesday 19th, 7.30pm Mars: The Next Frontier. Sir Patrick Moore explains the latest intelligence on conditions on Mars and discusses manned missions, permanent bases and eventual colonies. An event for all the family featuring colour slide projections. £10.50. Wyvern

determined Jew, and the other a

devout Christian compete in the 1924 Olympics. Starring Nicholas Farrell, Nigel Havers, John Gielgud. £2.50. Cineworld Monday 11th, 1pm Iris (15) The true story of a lifelong romance between novelist Iris Murdoch and her husband John Bayley, with Judy Dench, Jim Broadbent and Kate Winslett. £2.50. Cineworld Monday 18th, 1pm Dr Zhivago (1965) (tbc) The life of a Russian doctor/poet who, although married, falls for a political activist's wife and experiences hardships during the Bolshevik Revolution. Starring Omar Sharif, Julie Christie, Alec Guinness. £2.50. Cineworld Monday 25th, 1pm Rear Window (1954) (PG) A wheelchair bound photographer spies on his neighbours from his apartment window and becomes convinced one has committed murder. Cast: James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Thelma Ritter. £2.50. Cineworld Thursday 28th, 7.45pm Johnny English (PG) Prepare yourself for British intelligence! £4. Wyvern

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Venues The Arts Centre, Devizes Road. Tel: 614837 Cineworld, Greenbridge Tel: 420710 Lydiard House. Tel: 770401 STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway Kemble Drive. Tel: 466655 Swindon & Cricklade Railway Tadpole Lane. Blunsdon. Tel: 771615 Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Bath Road. Tel: 466556 The Wyvern Theatre Theatre Square. Tel: 524481 West Swindon Library Link Centre. Tel: 465555 Confirm date. time and price with the venue

Spectacular aerial and ground based entertainment at the first Swindon Show at Lydiard Park on 2 and 3 August including the Horseman of the Apocalypse. See the advert on page 19.

Exhibitions Lydiard House from Friday 1st Introducing Charlotte Occupying her time in the ladylike pursuit of embroidery, the new and amazing lifelike figure of Charlotte, a Victorian visitor to the house may catch you by surprise. Normal admission charges Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Saturday 5th to 21 September 100 Years of Collecting An eclectic display of works from the Swindon Collection. West Swindon Library Royal Photographic Society's Digital Imaging Group Print Exhibition Saturday 2nd to Wednesday 16th See page 20 for details West Swindon Library Panoramas by Tony Leggett Tuesday 19th to Saturday 30th See page 20 for details Arts Centre to Friday 15th Amarello Helen Brown's watercolours on canvas capture the feel of flowers, boats and atmospheric places. Wyvern Theatre to Saturday 30th Performance View entertainers from Swindon's festivals and beyond, portrayed by photographers, painters and printers. Blooms Garden Centre Saturday 16th to Monday 25th Art Exhibition in aid of Age Concern Swindon 42 local artists have submitted work in a wide range of mediums: watercolour, acrylic, pen and wash. oil, pastel, charcoal, photography, for view and sale. Open Mon to Sat: 9am - 6pm; Sun 10.30am to 4.30pm

Swfrdoil Wide

Going for gold in the Klondike Twenty four current or former students from Ridgeway School, with three teaching staff and three expedition specialists, set off on 15 July for a month long expedition in Northern Canada in pursuit of their Duke of Edinburgh's gold awards. Two years of planning and assessments have gone into making the trip a reality as well as a great deal of training, preparation and fundraising whilst also studying for A' levels. Participants have had to find up to £2,000 to cover costs. Two groups will be undertaking expeditions, one canoeing down the Yukon river, the other trekking the Chikoot trail which gold rush prospectors used in the 1890s. The group returns to Swindon on 14 August, the day A' level results are announced. The group which departed from Ridgeway. Others went direct to Heathrow with parents. Front from left, Jonathan Whelan, Sabrina Sheikh. Alex Martin, George Duddles. Back, Colin Da vies, Sob Roberts, Andrew Ingram, Phillip Maine. Richard Thompson, Danny Whiting

Health & Beau

THE -E DEVERE SW

at the De Vere Swindon...

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Tranquil and theraputic aromas welcome you to the De Vere Swindon Health & Beauty Suite, which is open to members & non members alike. The Suite is open 7 days a week (until 8pm Monday - Fri day). Our Therapists will be on hand to ensure you gain maximum benefit & enjoyment from your selected treatments.

For more information or to book treatments call the Health & Beauty Suite

directon01793 889362 De Veer Hotel, Shaw Ridge Leienre Park, Whitehill Way, Switidoa, SN5 7DtV Tek• 01793 878785 Fax: 01793 877822 www.devereowthdon.co.uk

Under new management

Nine Elms Public House Old Shaw Lane, Shaw Andre & Julia welcome you to sample good food, wine and quality beer in the only traditional public house in West Swindon.

What's on in August? Karaoke: 2 nd August

What else can we offer?

Free pool: Tuesdays • Quiz: Thursdays 70's night: 16th August Sunday lunch Extensive lounge menu: Hog roast: 23rd August Tuesday to Saturday For more information • Beer garden please call Andre or Julia • Family barbeques on 01793 770442 • Football/darts/pool/cribbage teams

Skaters campaign to be given pro-boost Top skateboard and BMX action arrives in Swindon on 18 August, 12noon to 6pm, with the Eastpak Transition Tour 2003. Swindon mum Alison Spalding, who is leading one of the campaigns for a skatepark in the town, says the aim of the Eastpak tour is to supportgrassroots BMX and skateboarding throughout the UK. "Eastpak are an international name in skateboarding and BMXing and it's great they are promoting our campaign to get a park in the town." For details on the Swindon Sk8 campaign, call Alison Spalding on 07759 707994 or mail: swindoncommunity sk8 .net p ro j ect @ f s m a il.n et

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Link Centre skate park reopens A pilot project for skateboarders in the Link Centre coach park which ran last summer was relaunched on 24 July. Swindon Council cabinet councillor Justin Tomlinson said the experiment had been revived after pressure from local councillors Nick and Mary Martin and Gary Perkins to provide facilities for skateboarders. "The Link site is an ideal location, away from houses and close to public transport which means people from all over town can use it. Link Centre staff and youth workers will provide supervision. However we hope that parents will be involved with the project. "We will be monitoring usage closely. If successful we will be working hard for permanent equipment and a better surface." Drop into Link Centre for opening times or call 445566.

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us handle everything from start to finish?

Call today 01793 790944 or 07973 232435 (evenings and weekends) The Marsh, Lower Wanborough. SN4 OAS

Swirdol Wide What's

Family events & childrens activities Thursday 24 July to 2 September Thursday 24 July to 29 August Secrets of the Past. Holiday trail for Picture Palace. Make a Victorian 5 to 11 year olds. Hidden around the style postcard of Lydiard House, museum are clues to lead you to a using doilies and lace, and enter the very precious object. 60p/ competition below. £1.30/child, child. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery includes admission. Lydiard House

Tel: SWINDON [011931100105

With 230 bikes on show THE choice is great THE price is right THE forecourt parking is free

Parts and accessories Repairs workshop Open: Mon to Sat 9am to 5.30pm Closed Sundays is

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Until Friday 29th Picture Postcard competition. Collect your template postcard for the price of a stamp and create a picture, painting, cartoon or photograph showing any aspect of Lydiard House or Park to send to the Mayor of Swindon. Open to all ages. The winning entry will be printed as a real postcard to support the Lydiard Park Project. Details from Lydiard House Saturday 26 July to Sat 2 August Wiltshire Archaeological Festival. Spotlight on Anglo Saxon crafts and identifications of finds, to celebrate the 150th birthday celebration of the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society. email: archaeo l og y2 003@ hotmail.com or pickup a leaflet in Swindon Museum & Art Gallery for more information Wednesday 6th or Thursday 7th, 10.30am to 3.30pm Summer holiday activity days for 5 to 12 year olds. Story walks, arts and crafts, baking. treasure hunt, feed the hens, collect eggs, look after the animals. £12 per child. Wear old clothes and bring a packed lunch. Book in advance on 771080. Lower Shaw Farm Saturday 9th, 2pm - 9pm Free Children's Fete. See details on page 19. Faringdon Road Park.

Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th, 11am - 5pm (gates: 10.30am) Transport Classic Vintage Weekend. See the advert on page 21 Sunday 10th, 2pm The Kosmic Krew starring Liam Dolan from Disney's Diggin It! Magical Space age musical adventure for 4 to 12 year olds. £7. Wyvern Monday 18th to Friday 22nd, 2pm - 4pm Print a T-shirt week, for ages 5- 11. with a different theme each day: Monday - Egyptians; Tuesday dinosaurs: Wednesday - under the sea; Thursday - myths and monsters; Friday - freestyle. £5/child, includes T shirt. Booking advised. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Sunday 24th and Monday 25th, 11am - 4pm GWR Autocoach Special. Swindon & Cricklade Railway. See the advert on page 33 for details Wednesday 27th, 2pm - 4pm Printing Patterns for 5 - 11 year olds. Look at the variety of patterns and fabrics in Lydiard House, and have a go at creating your own. £3/ child. Booking advised. Lydiard House Saturday 30th, 10am to 5pm Forest Festival. See advert on page 27 for details

i&zlleIFl/ Z)org at Studley Grange Garden & Leisure Park on Hay Lane, south of M4, junction 16 Visit the tropics in Wiltshire, rain or shine, summer or winter. Walk amongst some of the most beautiful butterflies in the world. flying freely against a backdrop of tropical plants and skimming over fish filled pools - a truly magical experience.

Observe the full life cycle of the butterfly from the tiny egg to the ever hungry caterpillar, through to the pupa stage before emerging as a beautiful butterfly. Spiders, scorpions, mantis and many more fascinating insects are on display in our mini beast house.

Studley Grange Garden and Leisure Park Hay Lane, Wroughton, Swindon SN4 9QT Tel: 01793 852400 info: studleygrange.co.uk

Other attractions at Studley Grange Garden and Leisure Park include: • Craft Village. • Blooms Garden Centre • World of Water • Shed • Bonkers c children's soft play area

Sevenhampton, Nr Highworth, Swindon Tel: 01793 763939 Map: www.rovesfarm.co.uk Open daily 10.30am - Spin Signed off the A361 Swindon to Highworth Road * Meet and feed the animals * Tractor and trailer rides around the farm * Electric tractors * Animal racing for charity * Huge big bale straw stack & bouncy castle * Adventure play area and giant sandpit * The largest living willow maze in the world! * Indoor heated toddlers soft play & sandpit * Crafty half hour * Granary tea rooms Barn dances & wedding receptio Children's birthday parties

Or it August

Make music this summer - whatever your ability A summer school from 4 to 8 August will give youngsters the chance to learn from professional musicians and to play in an orchestra - they don't have to have any experience at all. Whether you've had only a few lessons or you've been learning an instrument for several years, the Four Winds Youth Orchestra wants to hear from you. The emphasis will be on serious music making, but having a lot of fun at the same ti me, says organiser Mike Heal from Shaw. "We believe there should be no barriers to learning to play in an orchestra: it does not matter what experience you have, there will be somebody sitting next to you who will show you what to do. Working with the professional musicians who are some of the best in the business, the children will make great progress and enjoy themselves. The important thing is that you want to take part." The Four Winds Orchestra meets weekly at Brinkworth village hall and draws children for miles around. Clarinetist Ashley Green, 12, from Lydiard Millicent said, "I like coming because Mike doesn't get annoyed when we get something wrong; he usually makes us laugh, and this encourages us to play better." The week costs £75 but Mike says nobody should be excluded

FREE MARTIAL ARTS CLASSES FREE UNIFORM

IN SWINDON Call 0800 0191 585 Swindon I& Mike Heal, right, with Four Winds members, back from left. Giles Price, Tom Coates, Jennifer Rutter. Jessica Morrison, Oliver Stavrakakis. Front, John Tricky. Ashley Green, Becky Mortons because of cost and where possible help will be provided.

Cricklade Railway

GWR Autocoach Special

Call Mike Heal on 322471 for details.

Sunday & Monday 24th & 25 A ugust t rains run every 20/30 miscues between 11am & 4pm

The Bible told through vegetables The Church of Christ the Servant, Abbey Meads holiday club from Friday 29 August to Sunday 31 August for 5 to 11 year olds will be explaining stories from the Bible in an unusual way. Three videos with veggie characters providing narration will look at standing up to bullies (David and Goliath), standing up to peer pressure and standing up to fear (stories from the Book of Daniel). The sessions between 1 Oam and 12.30pm will include lots of games, and songs. The cost is 50p. Either turn up or book a place on 700641.

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The Four Winds Youth Orchestra Summer Workshop 2003 Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone, Bassoon,Trumpet, Cornet, Horn, Trombone,Tuba, Violin or Percussion Whether you've had only three lessons or been playing for years, if you play any of these instruments this workshop is for you!

Monday 4th August to Friday 8th August, Oam - 3pm Brinkworth Schoo l Open to anyone up to the age of 18. Any ability.

--""

• Spend the week with a specialist professional musicians in an atmosphere of fun and enjoyment. Each tutor has been chosen for their unique talent on their chosen instrument. Group sizes of no more than 10 students. • Enjoy the thrill of working with others in the production of a concert containing new works and get a CD at rthe end. • Whether you play regularly in a band or orchestra, or if this is your first time playing with others, you will have a week of fun and enjoyment whilst learning from some of the best musicians around. t

For further information, call Dr Mike Heal on 01 793 322471

or mail: healmichael@hotmail.com

34 The Link Magazine • August 2003 Spo rt s Massage & Remedial Therapist to British Cycling & Team End u rasport.com Pro Cycling Team

CYCLECARE - Purton sales • spares • repairs TRY BEFORE YOU BUY. THE BROMPTON Folding bike light /weight, use with bus/train

•

Bicycles from GIANT &

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PUKY

prepare them for the 2003/2004 season.

as used by TeamEnduraspo rt .com

The club also wants to start an under 7s section and would welcome offers to assist with the start up and running of the team.

To get your free ticket, just book any massage with Diamond Health & Fitness and ask your masseur for your free ticket - and it could be yours

Tel: 778123

To make an appointment call 529600 @ Fitness First (West Swindon) Non members welcome

. `•°="„ Achieve Success

Q,,o

Fitness Consultancy PILATES C1

HolyTrinity Church, Shaw Village Centre Monday: 6pm - 7pm; Wednesday: 7.30pm - 8.30pm Taw Hill Worship Centre Tuesday: 8pm - 9pm Primebodies Fitness Centre Tuesday: 10am -I lam ,r r----you

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exercise

Shaw FC urgently need new managers for under 10s and under 14s to take charge of the teams and

HEALTH & FITNESS

89 High Street, Purton

Managers want d for West teams All new managers will be required to participate in a coaching course (if not already qualified), which will also include first aid and child protection. All teams play in the North Wilts Youth & Minor Football league. For details call Margaret Rivers on 07939 327713.

Shaw Football Club committee members pictured with Swindon South MP Julia Drown, celebrating their new charitble status. With Julia, from left, chairman Kevin Stump, Karen Prictor, PR committee member, Caryn Puffett, treasurer.

Hugs in abundance

pclasseS I I 20% personal training

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with this advert

L________J IL__.-_____J

Club coordinator Sharon Painter, centre, gets friendly with Alan Armour and Russely O'Donovan, with back, from left, Deborah Nell, Andrew Morton-Holmes, Darren Taylor, Liz Fraser, Jane Collins, Chris Parkinson,

Toothill Slimming World class member Sue Aldridge won a hug with an ice hockey player in a raffle. But when seven hunky members of the Swindon Panthers recreation team turned up at the Monday morning class at Toothill Community Centre, there were plenty of hugs to share round. However most of the members disappeared before the photograph was taken. The Hug-A-Lot campaign being run by Slimming World nationally aims to raise money for the NSPCC. The Toothill club raised £65 and now Sue goes forward to a national competition where she could win a trip to an awards ceremony in November where a secret star is being lined up to give a special hug.

reveal the real you at Slimming World ,. Monday: 6pm & 7.30pm St John's Church, Haydon Wick. Nicole, 338786

Tuesday: 9.30am & 6pm Toothill Community Centr Sharon, 527332 Tuesday: 6.30pm & 8pm '/+ Abbey Meads School

Paula, 701442 Wednesday: 9.30am Crossways Suite, Moonrakers,

Cricklade Road. Samantha. 723416

Thursday: 6pm & 7.30pm St John's Church. Haydon Wick. Peter, 764684

£10 membership. £3.75 a week Phone for special offers `^ oA,'r'', www.slimming-world.com

The Link Magazine â€˘ August 2003

Who said competition is dead in primary schools?

Sports Massage at Taw Hill Medical Practice

The annual West Swindon primary schools football and netball tournaments at Greendown School on 30 June showed keen competition between the ten schools involved. The football final was a keen battle between Westlea and Tregoze who decided to share the title after a late equaliser from Tregoze. Finalists line up. Back, Tregoze, from left, Jordan Legge, Yoshio Takeuchi, Flip Holtrop, Dominic Rekowski, Daniel Gentlemen, Ben Snook, Jordan Rees Westlea: Nathanial Ferguson, Chris Stewart, Thomas Hoare, Luke Giles, Dean Godwin, Adam Corcoran, Connor Moody, Jordan Roberts, Scott Robins

Rob Marshall IHBC, LIST. yIF+FS

For appointments call: 01793 - 709500 SESSIONS ON MONDAYS 4pm to 6pm Please contact the practice or visit www.tawhillsurgery.nhs.uk for details. TAW HILL MEDICAL PRACTICE, QUEEN ELIZABETH DRIVE, SWINDON SN25 1 WL TEL: 01793 709500 â€˘ FAX: 01793 723875 E-MAIL: ENQUIRIES@TAWHILLSURGERV.NHS.UK

Health & Beauty at the De Vere Swindon... Open to both members and non -members alike, the exclusive Health & Beaut y Suite at the De Vere Swindon offers treatments and products by E'spa, Jessica and St Tropez. Being open 7 days a week means you have ample ti me to pamper yourself. Tregoze netballers also made it to their final only to be overwhelmed by a well drilled Toothill squad. Back, the Toothill girls from left, Chantelle Hayward, Sadie Northway, Kelsey Bryan-Powell, Saeha Baker, Erin Rose, Carla Drummond, Simone Graham Tregoze: Hannah Stiles, Joanna Johnson, Emma Coates, Jessica Owen, Lydia Reeder, Jadh Oren, Ici;ny Snook

For a really long lasting tan the only choice is St. Tropez, the most natural looking tan around and available now from the Health & Beauty Suite. For more information or to book treatments call the Health& Beauty- Suite direct on0>1793 889362

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Indian Head Massage Sports Massage Nnti-Cellulite Body Smoothing A week later on 10 July hundreds of children converged on the Lydiard Park event field for the West Swindon primary schools sports. Races were held for the youngest to oldest pupils in a variety of events, from beanbag running to team relays. Several hundred parents also attended the event to support their school.

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36 The Link Magazine • August 2003

PETS AT HOME Worried who will look after your pet whilst you're on holiday? Pets At Home could be your answer Pets At Home is a service which cares for all your pets (except dogs) in their own home anywhere in the West Swindon area only. Telephone Sheila Mitchell for further details on 873062 sheila@hannahlightfoot.freeserve.co.uk

Animal Portraits Lovingly drawn in pastel or pencil from your favourite photograph.

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View the gallery at www.vikkiloeber.co.uk

Dancing to Sir Patrick's music of the universe Megan Gibson from Shaw will be taking part in a summer school with Ballet Creations which ends with a performance in Salisbury on 16 August in front of renowned astronomer and musician Sir Patrick Moore, who is celebrating his eightieth year. She and the Ballet Creations Patrick. It tells the story of a girl The evening at Salisbury City company will dance the world pre- who falls in love with Orion, who Hall also includes performances mier of Lyra's Dream which has takes her on a tour of the universe of Swan Lake Act II and the Nutcracker, Kingdom of Sweets. Tickbeen specially written by Sir and the planets. ets are available by calling 01722

Hi-o Silver. Denise joins roundup cowboys Denise Jones from Nine Elms will be turning into a real life cowgirl on a cattle drive for a week during August. A keen rider she'll be joining open range before driving them to cowboys in remote areas of Mon- the railhead. Denise has secured a place tana to round up cattle spread across hundreds of square miles of through the International League for the Protection of Horses which campaigns against inhumane treatment of horses across the world. "From what I've been told and the videos I've seen, it will be just like the old movies and cowboy series on TV with thousands of cows moving across a dusty landscape," said Denise. "I'll have to learn how to ride western style on a quarter horse and work just as hard as the genuine horse wran"-.- jj glers who do this every year for a living. It's extremely tough, workingforeighthoursadayandsleeping rough on the trail." A race night at the Nine Elms pub on 12 July raised £660. Call Denise with offers of sponsorship Denise with her horse Millie

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Missing moggie Sophie Popjoy has moved from Westlea to Old Town but her beloved and beautiful cat'Crumble' has been lost. She is offering £100 as a reward for the return of the pale ginger/ white coat cat wearing a red collar with his name on it. Call Sophie on

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Sir Patrick will be talking about the expeditions to Mars at the Wyvern Theatre on 19 August. See page 30.

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The Link Magazine • August 2003

Sunday service proves popular and college opens computer centre The Sunday opening of the new library at the North Swindon Centre between 12noon and 4pm - the first in the town - has been a great success. ManagerGilli had not yet arrived which means a an IT training centre in an adjacent i, ; Brookes-Palmer, lot of people have yet to discover suite on 11 August. For informaright, said, "there the facility. This will be improved tion on the courses on offer, drop is massiveuseof . . when Swindon College launches into the library or call 727451. the computers, for both last minute homework and reCar Body Repairs and Paint Spraying search on the internet using M.o.T. Repairs and Welding the People's Network, as well as Free Estimates people browsing through the Unit 12 Brindley Close Cheney Manor Industrial Estate Swindon books on the shelves." She added that proper signage $ 01793 421 125 a 0860 808061

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38 The Link Magazine • August 200 3 Wildflower sensation to

be seen at The Haven Sunday 10 August,10amand4pm, is a special open day for The Haven at Cheney Manor. You will see an acre of meadow, ponds and woodland covered in British wildflowers. This is the first dry summer for years and promises to provide a bumper crop of butterflies on the site.

If you visit, you will leave with free seeds or seedlings and advice on how to promote butterflies in your neighbourhood. If you cannot make it on 10 August, call John Ball on 877261.

GARDEN

DOCTORS.

Greenfingered Guides make village centre wildlife attractive When 1st Peatmoor Guides were asked to take up a community challenge they decided to join forces with the eco-congregation of Holy Trinity Church at Shaw Village Centre and turn the scruffy flower beds around the church into something to be admired. The church wants to improve the landscaping adjacent to its building and has had advice from the Wiltshire WildlifeTrustso planting will encourage wildlife and plants to grow without much maintenance or artificial fertilisers. The Guides are the first to improve the beds and other members of the church will undertake further work in the autumn. All the plants were donated and the Guides would like to thank John Ball of The Haven for the wildflowers, and Blooms Nurseries, Midge Hall Nurseries and Swindon Enterprise Works for the herbs and annuals.

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An appeal from Tina Oliver The Guide Association is always looking for new people to help out with Rainbows, Brownies and Guides. You can either assist a unit as a regular helper or undertake a leadership qualification to train as a Guider. worthwhile feeling to know that you are contributI started out as a parent helper in my daughter's ing something to your local community. I give up Brownie pack but decided to take up the challenge of a few hours a week of my spare time, which seems becoming a Guider. The training is not difficult and a a small sacrifice when I see how much our Brownmentor is assigned to you to help you through. Most ies are enjoying themselves. aspects of the training are undertaken during the If you would like any further information please course of your unit meetings. call me, Tina Oliver on 881571, or Wendy Dukes Being a Guider is a voluntary position. You do not (District Commissioner) on 878154. get paid but any training costs are covered. It is a

Terminator plant blocks up streams

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A flowering shrub known as the Terminator or the Germinator of the plant world is spreading trifid-like in West Swindon. birdlife in the area. Well known "I used to see kingWestlea School fishers and several crossing patrol herons along the man John Hodges first noticed the tall stream but there are less of them fronds and pretty around nowadays, pink flowers of the Himalayan baland the ducks who used to paddle in sam appearing in the stream have the stream that fewer places to go runs through because the balsam Westlea two years covers the stream ago. Now the voand prevent other racious plant has spread along the whole length from plants from growing, and their Mead Way to Ashington Way, roots take the nutrients from the nearly 1,500 metres. stream bed. "I'm not sure what can be done First introduced as an exotic greenhouse plant in 1839, the bal- other than a lot of time being spent sam has wreaked environmental cutting back and clearing the plant damage elsewhere by choking on a regular basis to improve the streams and preventing native quality of the environment." Jo Sayer, Swindon Waterways plants such as ragged robin, golden saxifrage and meadow cranesbill Officer for the Wiltshire Wildlife from growing. It has an efficient Trust, said the spread of balsam germinating system; when ripe, was a major worry. "This is a highly pods explode to shower hundreds invasive and prolific alien species. of seeds over a twenty foot radius. The problem will get worse if the The seeds can remain viable for up plants are not removed as soon as to two years and are easily spread possible. Is there any interest from a local community group to do a in streams and on soles of shoes. John, who walks his dog along day of balsam pulling?" She can be contacted on 526229 Westlea stream, said he was concerned at the deterioration of or mail: jos@wiltshirewildlife.org

The Link Magazine • August 2003

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40 The Link Magazine • August 2003

Residents celebrate two decades together People living in Gainsborough Court sheltered housing scheme in Freshbrook welcomed the Mayor of Swindon coun Derek Benfield for tea on 16 July to mark the twentieth year since the building opened. The court is now managed by Eunice Radford, the very first Also present were six of the first residents and Methodist minister person to move in, presented a Sanctuary Housing Association. Rev Derek Evans, who founded vase to warden Carolyn Davies, Carolyn said the most significant Thamesdown Housing Association who was appointed before the change in managing the building building opened. Eunice said, "we was the average age of residents. which built the court, Original resident ninety six year want to thank Carolyn for making "Twenty years ago most residents old Rose Knight said everybody us feel safe and secure here for the were over 75 years. Now they range between 60 and 97." last 20 years." living at Gainsborough Court. Albert Jones said the most The Mayor with the originals, front left, Pat Mills, Rose Knight. Back, Joyce memorable day was when the elec- L ,, , ove, Amy Joncs, Eunice Radford, Carol y n Davies, Bert Ionic, Rev Derek Evans tricity was off for over 24 hours. , "We'd all been through the war so = we rallied round to help eachother; F ^; a 1 it ws good fun."

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Letters to The Link Promoting the arts in Swindon From Rosa Matheson. Director, Swindon Arts I write to thank The Link for the generous and helpful coverage that you gave to Swindon Arts 'THINK ART' Festival. Uni doubtedly ithelped spread the word and make this a magnificent festival touching the lives of thousands of Swindon people and visitors. 1. / Over 4,000 visited the Nationwide sponsored exhibition at the Brunel Centre. They were interested, eager to know about Bethanie Pugh with Michelle Leighton of the local artists and enthusias- Nationwide and the Mayor of Swindon, coon i tic about such an accessible fa- Derek Benfield cility. Many returned bringing Nationwide Building Society' s HQ friends and family. Many, many in Pipers Way. commented that it would be great Bethanie and Emily responded for Swindon to have such a perma- to the competition as run and pronent gallery, showing the diverse moted exclusively in the May Link and Nationwide was so taken with work of local artists. The Open Studio weekends were the simple appeal of their designs a great success. Many travelled they had them both made up as miles to visit artists and see their flags. Both schools were surprised work in their own studios /homes. but extremely pleased to hear that Each time I went to a studio there they were now possessors of their seemed to be a party going on, so own school flags. So thanks to all our sponsors spirited was the atmosphere. Art in the Park at Coate Water Nationwide Building Society, was a truly fun day. Hundreds came Westfield Shoppingtowns, the to have ago, paint, cut, stick, plaster, University of Bath in Swindon, weave or enjoy a Blue Peter mo- Clarion Audio in West Swindon, and NADFAS for helping us to ment. It was a lovely, family day. One of the highlights of the fes- make it happen. tival for me and for two little girls, And a big thanks to all the artBethanie Pugh, aged 9 of Shaw ists, speakers, volunteers, visitors Ridge School and Emily Fox, 6, of and especially the Stirring Group Even Swindon Infants School, was (no, not a typo); without you all it to see their designs for flags for could not havehappenedandwith their schools made up and flying your continued support, next year proudly from the tall flagpoles at can only get even better.

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security lighting s garden electrics + power & electric showers JIB Approved

Free estimates and wiring inspections

Tel: 01793 823851 Mobile: 07931 838318

MAINTE NA NCE

D & G HOUSE & GARDEN MAINTENANCE

ALL EXTERNAL & INTERNAL WORK

w New build -- Conservatories

NATHAN PERKIi'S Li iJ

Windows Doors Porches Conservatories

J Laminate floors 0 Household repairs and general maintenance ,3 Decking - supplied and fitted

Extensions r= Alterations

GENERAL MAINTENANCE SERVICES

All interior and exterior maintenance problems solved

• Bathrooms & • Carpentry kitchens • Fascia/ • Plumbing cladding • Electrical • Painting Quality se rv ice guaranteed Fully insured Special rates for senior citizens Free no obligation quotation Tel: 01793 434184 or 07719 272393 chris.garrett2@jntlwor1d.com Our reputation is b uilt on your satisfaction

heating *: bathrooms

Tel: (0 1793) 874480 Mobile: 07860 760364 i pCEut National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting

PLASTERING

Brian Jones 'lastering Services * External rendering * Plastering two coat Re-skimming *. Dry lining * Coving * New or repairs

Tel: 01793 849010 Mobile: 07976 572905

rote j Acre s^rvic

BUILDING SERVICES

BUILD ING SERVICES

A.L. SERVICES

Fairways Building Specialist

for all building & home improvements

3 Extensions /Building work I l /Roofing repairs ' 3 Carpentry 3 Plastering /Decorating & much more

DECORATOR O'SULLIVAN Interior & Exterior Painting and Decorating Wallpapering, Coving, Artexing Established 22 Years

For a professional finish 'lephone 07971 347345 (mob) or 616933

FLOORING

Extensions and loft conversion specialists

O Stonework

Also painting, decorating and paperhanging Maintenance work undertaken

O Renovations

7 Conservatories Fast friendly service Quality work at reasonable prices

Est 15 years

For a free quotation call 07767 417079 (day) or

Call Phil on 829068 or 0799 0534575

01793 435576 (eve)

ELECTRICIAN

DOUBLE GLAZING

GK DECORATORS

NEWTECH U.K. Ltd

SPG

New electrical installations Additional sockets and lights Additional telephone points Security lighting & alarms Fault finding & repair Electric showers

INSTALLATIONS

Tel:01793 701394 lam;{

Mobile: 0790 0216618' Interior & exterior

painting and decorating Coving • Dado rails

IPJ

Rewires P.C. networks

No job too big or too small. Free estimates

For quality windows and doors Tel:01793 331551 07775 621764/07799 284998

FREE QUOTES Phone 01793 877032 Mobile 07711 458026

and friendly service

FENSA See our advert on page 20

All work guaranteed and undertaken by a qualified engineer

GARAGE

HEATING & PLUMBING I

DOORS

•

Up and Over, Roller & Sectional Garage Doors Remote Operation Doors

•

2 Year Guarantee

•

6.1'. Building Specialist

O New buildings/extensions

I DECORATOR

JAMES

BUILDING SERVICES

O Maintenance & repairs

Call Tony on 487762 Mobile: 07751 924588

ROB HALL

*GARAGE DOOR

Maintenance Free Doors • Superb Security Locking Facilities N N • Highly trained fitters N • Full Back-up services • Broken Handles & Cables Replaced Largest stockists of top quality branded products in the South West of England

HEATING, GAS

•

All aspects of flooring: wood to carpet ^r MASTERFITTER

Dw Wood & ceramics • Supply or fit only Commercial/domestic • Safety flooring All work guaranteed • 14 years experience

SERVICES►

Central heating installations, boiler servicing and repairs, bathroom and power showers All aspects of plumbing

Call now for a free, at home consultation

Tel: 01793 513796

• 07970 865883

Maxwell House Maxwell Street Swindon SN1 5DR

25 Kennet Avenue, Greenmeadow

www.garagedoorsupplies.co.uk • email: swindondoorservices@btinternet.com

PLUMBING & HEATING

M.P.S. Plumbing & Heating Services For gas central heating, bathrooms, showers and all other plumbing & heating work

CALL 01793 522579 MOBILE: 0781 6906437 mps. uk@btinternet.com

& PLUMBING

> Reg No 67416

PLU MBING & HEATING

PLUMBING

Tel:

},Y

01793 815254 Reg:

1 s76O h

WOODWORKING

Quality Plumbing & Heating

General plumbing services

PALM JOINERY

• Central heating installation • Boiler servicing & repairs • Replacement boilers • Outside taps • Power showers

• Radiators • Pumps • Tanks ers • Cyllnd • Cylind Cylinders • Burst pipe • Taps • Washing machine installed

o Bedroom 5 study furniture o Doors 5 windows ,>Skirtings etc

• Bathroom installations R• g, 012896

All plumbing work unde rtaken Reliable service, realistic prices

Kevin Rolfe Tel: 01793 881905 Mobile: 07973 663367

A local service by

o 0

DESIGII, mflRE flAD FITTIDG SERVICES

flnything in wood considered To discuss your requirements call Derek Palmer on

01793 854 777 Tel: 01793 828882

Unt 10. Oaklands Ind Est. Bravdon. Swindon

SERVICE

ACCOUNTANCY

AERIAL SERVICES Aerial & Television

TA 0 TAxAssis

Services r Dn1rr

, *ri

Give us a call

J _'.1 &/j "J

^r.

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

The tax and accountancy service for small businesses and taxpayers Self assessment • Tax returns Annual accounts • Book-keeping PAYE • VAT etc • Employed Self employed • In business

AERIAL SERVICES

Tel: 01193

488688

No call out charge

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

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

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

• TV & FM Aerials • Sky Digital & Freeview • Extra TV points • No call out charge • Same day service • New home specialists

CARPET CLEANING

BOOK-KEEPING

C., jff Whiteway

J Savage

!fJ Jt;2!

I • Most leading

brands • Guaranteed

repairs • Same day service

Member of Confederation of Aerial Industries Ltd

Same day, local service wherever possible Washing Machines Twin Tubs, etc. Me ©erof Tumble Driers I. S.E. Food Waste Disposal Units Service Spares Repairs

No call out charge • No VAT

A SUDS

Complete" Book-keeping Services

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

• Management accounts • VAT return • Sage - payroll • Sage-accounting Self assessment • Self employed • Small business For a professional & friendly service

You'll be amazed how affordable it is

call 01793 616170

....call for your free estimate from your local independent on 01793 731418 or mobile: 07808 355487

for a free no obligation consultation

ELE CTRICAL SE RVICES

The Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialist

GARDEN SERVICES Grass cutting

5 e sewer

Hedge trimming

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

YOUR FIRST STOP FOR ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT From a 13 amp fuse or cleaner bag to fridges or vacuum cleaners we oiler an efficient & personal service.

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE SERVICE CENTRE 11 The Arcade, High Street Wootton Bassett

Chris Reed Swindon 538839 Mobile: 07702 285865

Tel: 01793 85-1378

I! wait: cliff. rr hitcrs.rv5btinternel.cont

GLASS & GLAZIN G

Glaziers • 24 hour service • Glazing • Boarding • Double glazing units • Safety glass • Toughened glass • Greenhouse glass • Leadlight repairs For further details call 01793 728377

REMOVALS/STORAGE I I REMOVALS & STORAGE REMOVALS / PACKING / STORAGE

ABBEY MOVE

r..

,e^ranvE ^^ i,yry

Single Items / Full House Long / Short Distance Storage Specialists Packing Service Late Bookings

"OR sERY,

REMOVALS 9 Si. t^Al;E ^r^r)+ y

MYS,1Ytu ^i ^i

"We',.

1 1 -11

bigger lb.,, w

DENNIS'S REMOVALS THORNHILL IND ESTATE SOUTH MARSTON, SWINDON SN3 4TA

ndI

Tel: 01793 777888

TEL: (01793) 828224 FAX : (01793) 828248

THE MAN WITH A VAN (Est 1993) • 24hrs - 7 days a week • Single items to a full house • B different size vehicles • Disposal of unwanted items

Tel (01793) 727307 Mob 07811 188564

Tel: 01793 772888 Fax: 01793 772444

WWW.ABBEYMOVE.CO.UK

EMail: ashobbs@theashgroup.freeserve.co.uk

Established over 30 years • UK & European domestic moves Container storage in our own on-site secure warehouse Professionally trained staff • Packing materials supplied Packing service available • Commercial removals & storage Archive storage & document retrieval Confidential shredding and disposal • Free Estimates

SECTOR

AERIAL SERVICES

AIRPORT TRAVEL

CHRIS PAYNE 3

AIRPORTS direct

AERIALS & SATELLITE SYSTEMS Satellite TV * Sky & digital terrestial *. Extra TV, telephone & electrical points *. Storm damage

Tel: 01793 700018 Mobile: 0117 6236415

SKY

COMPUTER SUPPORT

11 SIGMA Computer Solutions NEW PCs/Spares/Repairs Upgrades/Service/Support Internet & Network Solutions For friendly EXPERT advice & PROMPT on-site service

Tel: 01793 633924 Mobile: 0781 6014363 sales@sigmacomputersolutions.co.uk

IRONING

Creaseless Ironing

Services

Specialist airport transfer services by car, MPV or 8 seater minibus Reliable travel for holiday makers Competitive prices

DOM ES TIC H ELP

JPN CLEANING

32 years experience. No VAT. All work guaranteed

01793 872531 DETAILS @

www swind nlink.com

DRAINS

DVD TRAN SFER

° O D =

CLEARED FAST

For full details, call us on 01793 861112 (teVfax)

IRONING

IRONING A

Ironin

done in a g

smoke free enviroment

at sensible rates

RUBBIS H REM OVALS

SI G NS

COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC RUBBISH DISPOSAL & HOUSE

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

Tel: 01793 828882 OFFICE SERVIC ES PAPERWORK GETTING YOU DOWN?

O DISC SERVICES 0 DVD PICTURES We professionally transfer home video or cine fil ms to DVD Disc to view on your TV or computer • Add on film titles; fade in or out scenes; picture transitions, sound. • Photographs with music • Legal and business documents transferred • Collection & delive ry or use local drop off points • Large screen picture presentation available WEDDINGS a1i BIRTHDAYS

PHOTOS

HD4DAl5

All enquiries Wiltshire office.

• No call out charge

Tel: 01793 705333 Mobile: 07831 575758 HO Bath. PO Box 2079 Ma^ver y Street. Bath BA1 3TJ

OVEN CLEANING

Q OFFIC! SERVICES

Spending more time on admin. than generating income? Do you come to a grinding halt when your secretary is away? CALL QWERTY OFFICE SERVICES FOR

• Telephone Answering Service • General Administration • Copy Typing • Audio Typing • Mailshots • Retainer Packages •One-off urgent jobs • CVs Tel.: 01793 347968 Mob: 07773 640150

I SUNBED HIRE

Deb's

Sunbeds Home Rental

CLEARANCE

Tel: 01793 772268

CALL

BLOCKED DRAINS

Mobile: 07752 020722

You name it, we move it Quick and clean service Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm

John Phillips Servicing

Services Agency

I N SWINDON'S PUBLICATION,

Commercial & Domestic

Call Jackie on 721878 or Donna on 721 71 9

01793 341644

3 Microwaves 3 Vacuum Cleaners

Qual ity cleaning with pride and care

ARE YOU TOO BUSY TO CLEAN? Qo We offer: • Office cleaning ' i4 . • Regular house cleaning • Ironing • Gardening • Carpet cleaning

TO GET YOUR MESSAGE ACROSS MOST CLOSELY

MG CoJm PGo

NOt ^n^ 7—

Good Prices Call Karen

Repairs to most makes OI` 3 Washing Machines 3 Dryers 3 Dishwashers

Tel: 725 000

by Kas

One-off, weekly, fortnightly or simply whenever! Pick up and delivery back to your front door the next day

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

NCLEANs The Domestic Oven Cleaning Service

To book your Oven Clean call 01793 520362 We use caustic free cleaning products with a fresh solution each time. Hobs, extractors, microwaves and barbecue grills also undertaken

TV & VIDEO RE PAIRS GOGGLEBOX TV & VIDEO REPAIR SERVICE

Fast tanning canopies

Tel: 01793 430027 Fax: 01793 727294 Emai l paul@1-impressions freeserve. co.uk

*. Free home estimates

and doubles also available Free installation & local delivery

* No call out charge

Tel: 01793 619758/726906

4- All repairs guaranteed

anytime ( Mobile: 07778 - 641052)

Tel: 01793-812738

46 The Link Magazine • August 2003

Digital Cameras PCs, Laptops & Accessories

MARQUEE HIRE FOR PRIVATE FUNCTIONS, PARTIES ETC.

Specialising in supplying and sourcing pre-owned, refurbished & end of line

AMETHYST N1. CRYSTAL & REIKI HEALING

Size: 4 metres x 9 metres

Julie Hopkins Crystal Healer & Reiki Master Tel: 01793 870109

TEL: 01793 772604 oy

or 07711 806155

Also PC Services Setup, spares, upgrades, tuition etc.

Plumbing Cookers and Electrical repairs

One-stop service Tel: 01793 520835

Pure Essence lromatkerapy • ReiCt Indian Head Massage Ear Candling

DECOTEX

Fax: 01793 430774

St Andrews R ,irIBe Area

Specialist Artexing

Email: sales@amos-uk.com website: www.amos-uk.com

To book , an appointment calf Barbara on 07986 042 366

Tel: (01793) 791388

Please telephone, fax or email with your requirements Amos Computer Technology Solutions T: 01793 531201 M: 07747 747000

AA V 4./^-./ A / • ^ J -1

For Sale

1 5 grip shift gears, age 9-13 years, vgc, used. blue webbing strap. £30. Tel Black metal curtain pole with finials, £7

£35. Tel: 876056 Girl's red Shogun mountain bike, 21 grip shift gears, age 9- 13 years. vgc. £40. Tel: 876056 Childs cycle helmet, £4. Car booster seat. £5. Mothercare stroller. vgc. £10. Tel: 347270 Cot bed, good cond, Academy range in mahogany. £80. Cot bed mattress with removable protector, excel cond, £20. Cot bedding, duvet sheets and duvet covers, various prices. Child safety bed rail, excellent cond. £15. Tel: 870981 Baby bouncing cradle, washable cover and head support. maximum weight 18.5 lbs (8.5 kg), £10 ono. Tel: 886994 Mamas & Papas 3 in 1 pram, car seat, carrycot, pram/pushchair, navy blue, includes raincovers, cosytoes. changing bag, sunshade, £40. Tel: 876333 Umbrella folding pushchair as new, used once only, £15. Tel: 874131 Mamas & Papas pushchair, hood and apron, together with raincover, suitable from birth, lies flat, vgc, £60 ono. Tel: 01285 810516 Britax car seat, birth to 6/9 months. with head support, vgc, £20 ono. Tel: 01285 810516

336257. Sterling silver rope chain, ladies, 18" 202 never worn, rrp £100, presentation box, £45. Tel: 881353 Riding boots, black, size 4, 1 x ankle boots and 1 x long boots. nearly new, £15/pair. Tel: 874932 3 piece leather suite, antique tan, decorative wooden frame. must be seen. £500 ono. Tel: 496951 Telephone table, £30. 2.5 ft display cabinet, £30. Mahogany nest of tables, £30. Tel: 638155 Pine round table and four chairs, very good condition. £400. Tel: 700633 Antique pine table, oblong, and 4 chairs, corner unit included, £50 ono. Tel: 635268 Two 2 seater Old Charm settees, oak, £250 each, one high back chair, £75. Tel: 887412 Waterbed, easy-clean, cost £700, sell £300. Tel: 882825 Silver Frame bunkbed futon. bought Beds Direct, £350, will accept £175, includes mattress and futon. Tel: 07799 484465

Loft bed, Ikea, Tromso, immaculate condition, hardly used, plus mattress. £85. Microwave. large, 21" x 13", in good working order, £10. Boot sale bags, mixed items, £20 each. Tel:

Gravity walker, as new, hardly used, £50 ono. Tel: 706324 (after 6pm) McClaren 2 in 1 pram/pushchair complete with apron, cosytoes & sun 874932 canopy. vgc, £25. 2nd stage Britax Pine wardrobe, excellent condition, Freeway car seat, £15. Tel: 706324 built in drawers and mirror, nearly new, (after 6pm) £100 ono. Tel: 704011 Action Man, 5 vehicles, good condition, Red velour single headboard, £5. Pine £25. Tel: 882236 towel stand £5. Teak effect book case. F Hinds £50 gift voucher, unwanted £10. Tel: 339687 prize, sell for £40. Tel: 881353 ___________________-1

Free private for Sale & Wanted ads Send to: The Link, Papermakers House, Rivenhall Road, Westlea, Swindon SN5 7BD, by 12th of the month

Tel: 339687 Mahogany hi-fi cabinet, vgc, £40. Computer unit. vgc, £25. Tel: 870151 Video corner unit. £12. Desk for computer, £12. Tel: 870675 Ikea leather sofa, olive green, Chesterfield style, excellent condition, £80. Tel: 635420 Regency corner unit, vgc, £100. Regency sideboard, vgc, £100. Regency table & 6 chairs, vgc, £50. Tel: 870151 Bright blue & yellow blinds, poles and pelmets, one £35 and £25. Tel: 887412 White dinner service with teaset for 14 people. as new, includes bowls, coffee pot etc. Tel: 886315 Candy frost free fridge freezer, 2.5 years old, vgc. £80. Tel: 887412 p2 350mhz win xp home computer, 512mb sdram. 16mb 3dfx voodoo. network card (for cable modem) or 56k modem, ps2 keyboard, mouse, 2 usb. 2 serial, 1 parallel, 5 pci slots, 1 agp slot, 15" monitor. Tel: 347596 after 6pm Computer games Windows 95/98, Championship Manager 99/00, Championship Manager 2 plus others, £2 each. Tel: 631314 Pentium II 350 DVD/CD-R-W Combo DR, 6.4GB hard disc, 160mb RAM, 17" monitor. Creative SBS 250 speakers. 56k modem, £250. Tel: 639800 Lexmark Kodak PPM200 personal picture maker photo printer. £25 ono. Tel: 877496 NAD T 750 Pro-Logic surround sound amplifier/receiver, boxed, as new, £100. Tel: 882868 Mitsubishi rack system - record player, tape deck, amplifier, radio, new stylus, vgc, £40. Tel: 872955 CD 5 disc multi-player unit for home audio hi-fi. NAD 515, CD-R compatible, excellent condition, £65 ono. Tel: 871657

Sony Video 8 Handycam with accessories, good condition. approx 4 yrs old, £100 ono. Tel: 876789 Portable typewriter Olivetti Lettra 35 in carrying case, excellent condition, £20 ono. Tel: 887106 Collectors dolls, 10. £100. Tel:875947 Saxophone Conran Series II alto sax complete with mouthpiece reed, sling, hard case. brand new, £380. Tel:

Tel: Name & Address (not for publication)

-------------------

874523

Painter & Decorator

Girl's purple Prelude mountain bike, Baby G shock watch, brand new, never Two green 2 seater settees, £60 each

I-

DOMESTIC REPAIRS Washing machines

For Sale Reading Festival ticket, £150. Tel: 872282 (days) Fender Squire bass guitar, purple with camp bag. stand, lead, vgc, £120 ono. Tel: 347609 Guitar, Squire Telecaster, electric. wood, vgc. £100. Tanglewood electro acoustic, vgc. £210. Tel: 872282 (days) Carboot assorted items due to house move. Tel: 881551 2 tennis rackets, 1 tennis press. 2 badminton rackets. 3 new tennis balls, £10. Tel: 813162 Large Antler pull-along suitcase, green, used once, £30 ono. Tel: 01285 810516

4 berth tent, vgc, includes inner tent plus Gaz bottle, £150. Tel: 530518 Two fire extinguishers. one water, one foam. £10 each. Tel: 339111 9ft ladder, extending to 16ft, £15. Ladder standoff, £5. Tel: 339111 Greenhouse, 8' x 6' vgc. buyer dismantles. Tel: 725602 Garden lounger, white tubular frame, white and green striped cushion, used once. £20. Tel: 721578 Rabbit hutch, length:120cm, width: 72cm, height: 64cm, good condition. £20. Tel: 878960 Round brass effect bird cage plus stand, as new. £20 ono. Tel: 870087 (after 1 pm) Budgie cage and stand, as new, call for details. Tel: 881551 Flymo 300, used 6 times, new at £84, £53 for quick sale. Tel: 695040 Flymo Turbo Lite 330 lawn mower vgc, £25. Tel: 874160 Power Devil lawn mower, excellent condition, £25. Black & Decker

strimmer, £10. Tel: 870482 Mobility scooter. excellent condition, three wheels, bargain, £100. Tel: 520309

Mobility scooter, 14 months old, designed to go in any car, lightweight, carries 18 stone, 15 miles, £675 ono. Tel: 337752 BMW roof bars for older 3 series, £40. Tel: 886364 Rover 620i M reg, black, Ti alloys, Pioneer CD player, sunroof, F.S.H. very reliable, 10 months tax & MOT. £950. Tel: 871706 1997 VW Polo 1.6 GL, 5 door hatch back, 41 K, full service history, £3,700. Tel: 487175

The Link Maaazine • Auaust 2003

MP commits to campaign for a fairer world North Swindon MP Michael Wills surprised everybody in early July by resigning from the Government. Here he explains why, and how he will be campaigning for fairer trade for the poorest people on the planet. I came into politics to effect change and for the past four years I have been grateful for the opportunity to do so as a minister, first at the DTI, then at the Department for Education and later at the Lord Chancellor's Office and the Home Office. But earlier this month I resigned my ministerial role so that, while continuing to support the Government, I can find other ways of pursuing the range of issues that brought me into public service. Among other things, I intend to pursue the cause of trade justice, including reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Trade justice means reforming the global trading system that hobbles the efforts of the world's poorest people to climb out of poverty and, for members of the EU, I believe tackling the Common Agricultural Policy should be a priority. The CAP dumps subsidised goods on the poorest countries' markets, undermining their ability to trade their way out of poverty. Aid Agency Cafod estimates that the CAP robs £35m a day in agricultural exports from the world's poorest countries. The CAP does not even serve the interests of the great majority of Europeans. It consumes half the EU's budget, while European con-

lichacl lAJills, ccntre, joined Julia Drown MP t o pcak at a Trade Justice meeting in Swindon oit 2S June', in advance of Septemeber's World Trade Conference in Mexico

sumers pay around 90bn Euros in this country and probably for some world's poorest people. higher food costs and direct fund- others, it looks as if the French will I believe free trade holds the key, ing of this policy, which adds £8 a continue to subsidise production, but we cannot preach trade liberweek to the food bill of an average and so probably will other mem- alisation to poor countries while family of four. Even for the farm- ber states. Some crops, such as maintaining the barriers that lock ers it is supposed to support, be- sugar beet, were not even covered them out of our own markets. cause payments have been linked in the negotiations, and there will My resignation gives me the to production, 80% of the money be no reduction in the overall cost opportunity to link up with the goes to 20% of the farms while the of the CAP. deep commitment and passion I largest 2% of farms have received I recently took part in events in have seen amongst people in Swin24% of all direct payments. Swindon to mark Trade Justice Day don and mobilise wider popular The latest attempts at reform at the Pilgrim Centre. Those in- opinion to support British minishave become bogged down in com- volved felt passionately that at a ters in driving through change so promise. And despite the best ef- ti me of unprecedented prosperity, that we can finally practise what forts of British ministers and their more must be done to help the we preach and scrap the CAP. success in breaking the link between subsidy and production in

Singing for support

SWINDON FAMILY CHURCH

o^EvangeJ. ^p 1 Worsley Road

SUNDAYS 10.30AM WINNER'S LOUNGE

SWINDON TOWN FC

Members of Freshbrook Church enjoyed hymns and traditional songs by a choir made up of youngsters from orphanages run by the Human itas Pro Deo foundation in Romania in early July. The children are on a tour of Britain raising awareness of orphans in their country and money to support the foundation.

West Swindon & the Lydiards churches All Saints', Lydiard Millicent Holy Trinity, Shaw St Mary's, Lydiard Tregoze Toothill Church; Westlea Church

so much that He gave His only Son.' John 3:16

For details of our weekly services please contact the Partnership Office on 874221

For details visit our website at www.sfc-uk.org, call Nigel on 526130 or e-mail: info_west@sfc-uk.org A Newfrontiers Chun h

woe bui[ding with people Come and join us

Sunday at I Oam & 6.30pm For further information of other meetings ring: 873050, call into the Church office or visit www.freshbrook.org Jesus said: "l have come that YOU might have LIFE and have it in its fulness"

Summer holiday activities We have the following courses available throughout the holidays:

'h T ildcare/Holiday Camps

Kids- /ohal7 Car^YS(.. tti jty

Multi activity camps at Oasis, Haydon and The Rec

Guide

Tennis camps

at Delta Tennis Centre

Mini Sports camps Football

at Dorcan

at Croft and Dorcan

Fun afternoons `

at Croft and Link

The following courses will also be running: Rookie Lifeguard

at Health Hydro & The Rec

Intensive Swim Lessons at Dorcan, Health Hydro, Link & The Rec Gymnastics at Dorcan I,

Tennis at Delta Tennis Centre

I ce Skating at Link Climbing at Link

Er 0otball at Croft & Dorcan

Golf at Broome Manor Golf Complex Badminton

r ^+

at Dorcan

Challenge Swimming Awards at Health Hydro

For more information pick up a Kids' Courses and Holiday Activity Guide at a Centre near you or visit our website at www. swindon. gov . uk/sporting Delta Tennis Centre Tel. 445555 Haydon Centre Tel. 706666 OasisLeisure Centre Tel. 445401 Health Hydro Tel. 465630/465631

Broome Manor Golf Complex Tel, 495761 Dorcan Recreation Complex Tel. 533763

The Rec at Highworth Tel. 762602 Croft Sports Centre Tel. 526622 Link Centre Tel. 445566

Swindon

Enrol

Services

now

f Swmoon