August 2004 Swindon Link

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No. 267 • August 2004

Circulation 23,00

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Seven schools for North Digging up the past Lydiard Park on Swindon - three page pages 20 & 21 feature: pages 11 to 13 Roman site on page 35

More big changes for Swindon See pages 2 to 8

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Many year 6 children performed in final year productions as they said farewell to their primary schools.

Children at Shaw Ridge Primary put on Ocean Commotion, a Free Willy meets Finding Nemo musical on the theme of respecting the environment, staying out of trouble and working hard at school.

Shaw Ridge sea creatures, from left, Jordan Dean. Jeremy Marsh. Hannah Cole, Chris Jorey, Zara Sheikh, Joseph Ridsdale, Mathew Eme ry

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The Link Magazine • August 2004

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First community outing for new mayor Swindon's new mayor, councillor Peter Stoddart, was quickly into his stride when he attended the Brook Field School Caribbean carnival summer fair on 26 June.

Coun Stoddart had been invested as the town's first citizen the previous afternoon at the first meeting of the new Swindon Council. Because of the European elections earlier in June, pr evious mayor Derek Benfield served for an extra month beyond the civic year which usually changes in May. Coun Stoddart will only serve for eleven months before the deputy mayor coun Ray Fisher takes up office in May 2005.

The Mayor with Caribbean kids at Brook Field, from left, Danielle Spiers, Abigail Davidson, Lucy and Ja ynes Medcraft and Ainanda Butler, chair of the Friends of Brook Field School

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Having had a proposal to knock down a significant part of the Mechanics' Institute stalled by English Heritage, the building's owner Matthew Singh is trying a different tactic.

A planning application has been don Council and to English Heritreceived by Swindon Council to age.

The earlier application for a redevelop only the south end of the building to incorporate apart- glass-faced hotel still awaits a dements and offices, whilst leaving cision at the Government Of fi ce of the rest untouched for the time the South West. In the meantime roof repairs have begun. The trust being.

However, opponents of the views this as a drop in the ocean change of use of the Grade II I listed compared with the lack of vision building from community to com- for the whole building that could mercial use, say that piecemeal restore local access and use. change is unacceptable.

Swindon misses out on Martha Parry of the New MeRestoration competition chanics' Trust, said, "this wonderful legacy must not be nibbled Swindon Mechanics will be feaaway in bits and pieces; an overall tured on 25 July, 10pm on BBC4, following the 9pm BBC2 Restoraplan has to be presented which preserves its integrity and impor- tion programme. The producers tance. This new application again were keen to include the building offers no supporting conservation in the main competition but it was strategy as required for develop- barred because it is not in public ownership. ing listed buildings.

tions."

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The Link Magazine • August 2004 3

New look town centre on the horizon More shops, offices, housing and 'squares', but critics say plan could be better

( E stablished over 10 Years

After years of growth and popularity at the edges of Swindon and decline of the town centre - the poor range of shops, its lack of decent restaurants, the very limited cultural activities, the diminishing number of jobs, as well as inadequate nightlife aimed at late night revellers and pub crawlers - broad proposals have been revealed by the New Swindon Company to renew the centre over the next 10 to 15 years.

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Company chairman John Cullum claims they will 'create a town that has life and energy during and after the working day - an attractive place that people will choose for shopping, leisure, work and living, where civic pride is strong and the prosperity of the centre drives the region's economy.'

Set up with government funding in partnership with Swindon Council, the New Swindon Company has responsibility for creating a framework for development and liaising between agencies and landowners to ensure the vision is realised.

Chief executive Peter Andrews said that Swindon had become progressively less attractive to investors and shoppers. "The town has continued to grow outwardly, yet its centre as a place to shop or enjoy culture and leisure has been falling behind other town. In terms of its retail ranking, Swindon has dropped from 44th in 1995 to 77th in 2002.

The New Swindon Company's vision involves investment of £1 billion, largely by the private sector but also the borough council, on several key areas. These are labelled: 1 The Promenade - the development of a cultural and artistic quarter along Prince's Street to Swindon College at the bottom of Victoria Hill, taking in the Wyvern Theatre and the old Town Hall; 2 The Hub - expansion of the retail core to include a greater variety of shops with better pedestrian links; 3 The Exchange - more offices with residential accommodation and leisure facilities around the Zurich Tri-Centre and bus station, close to Fleming Way; 4 The Arena - described as creating a 'heart' for the town, a large public open space centred around Fleming Way, with a mix of shops, restaurants and cafes; 5 Swindon Central - improvement to the area around the railway station with small shops, businesses and better links to the other side of the tracks to: 6 The Campus - a new business park on land north of the railway line; 7 North Star Village - about 1,300 new dwellings around the Oasis Leisure Centre, which will be renewed, replaced or removed.

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Westfields, who own the Brunel are already committed to adding 100,000 square metres of retail space off Commercial Road. Plans are soon to come forward to develop the old post office site on Fleming Way and Swindon Council are working on a long-awaited scheme to replace the central library to include a new art gallery.

"The development is incremental," said Peter Andrews. "People will see detailed plans coming forward over the next 3 to 5 years and significant completions between 2008 and 2010."

However the Swindon Civic Trust say an opportunity to create an integrated vision for the future based on a town centre university is being lost.

Chairman John Monniott criticised the proposals for being shallower than ideas suggested by urban planning consultants Shillam and Smith in 2000, and different from those put forward in public consultation by the New Swindon Company in 2003. "Swindon deserves much better after two years of effort. These blotches of colour on an aerial photo don't do justice to the once-and-for-all opportunity to get the town centre right.

"We face the dual calamity of losing the benefit of the university in the town centre, whilst seeing Coate become a sea of concrete."

He added that the New Swindon Company seemed to have lost the focus to create a better town for its people.

The Civic Trust is going to come up with alternative proposals at

its own consultation meetings on: Thursday 29 July and Saturday 31 July. Anybody interested in the town centre's future is invited. Call 520592 for details.

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The Link Magazine • August 2004

The town just keeps on growing. Should it and can it?

The Wiltshire and Swindon Structure Plan that covers twenty years between 1996 and 2016 sets out how the different districts in Wiltshire will meet Government requirements to provide 3,000 new houses each year and a public enquiry in June examined the updates for the plan for the second half of the period. Jean Saunders of Swindon Friends of the Earth explains the complexities surrounding future growth.

As a main economic 'power house' for the South-West Region, Swindon is expected to cater for growth and attract workers to the town to fill the job opportunities created. For each new house that is built to meet natural growth in Swindon, one new house is anticipated for migrants from other parts of the country.

The Structure Plan proposed that Swindon should take 43 per cent of the county's share of total new dwellings over the plan period (26,000 of the 60,000 total). Some of these houses have already been built in the Northern Development and within the town.

It is anticipated that about 8,000 more houses will be built within Swindon on brownfield and urban greenfield sites, over 5,000 more in the Northern Development, 4,100 on the Front Garden (another 400 after 2016) and 1,800 proposed for the Coate site between the lake and the Great Western Hospital.

However Coate was an amendment to the Structure Plan and is not approved yet. If Coate is added in, land is required for just over 1,000 more houses by 2016. If Coate

Up to capacity. The Thames Water sewage works at Barnfield Road cannot cope with more growth in Swindon is not approved, the figure is about 3,000 more.

Assuming that the government's planning team agree to the split of houses around the county - Swindon has been asked to take more they will recommend how Swindon should accommodate the 3,000 additional houses. There are several options proposed by developers owning land around Swindon.

Wiltshire County and Swindon Borough favour development of

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land to the east of the A419 between Sainsbury's and Wanborough as the 'first phase of a longer term direction of growth.'

At this stage, this long-term growth is not defined. This will come under the next round of regional planning guidance. If it is really big, say another 18,000 houses, this would require all the land from Wanborough to Blunsdon and a re-routing of the A419 that has been roughly estimated to cost about £76 million.

All the indications are that Swindon is going to be expected to grow even faster. This could lead to the requirement for another junction off the M4 as Junction 15 could not cope. However this means cutting a swathe through the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which would go against government policy and would be very unpopular.

Further development to the west and north west of the town is a possibility. From a transport perspective and as a result of the Strategic Railways Authority block on any new stations on the main line between Bristol and London, the Cheltenham line is favoured for a new station.

The SWARMMs study (South West Transport Multi-Modal study) in 2001 suggested a new junction on the M4 west of J16.

This points to development north of West Swindon, consuming the Lydiards and Purton, towards Cricklade. At the moment, it's anyone's guess where Swindon will be expected to expand in the longer term.

However a major problem for more growth is water treatment and supply. Because Swindon is close to the River Thames headwater, Thames Water has declared that it does not have more water available without construction of huge reservoirs which would consume more land.

They also state that Swindon sewage treatment works is nearing its capacity and there is no more technology available to meet stringent Environment Agency discharge requirements to prevent pollution of the River Ray, which feeds the top of the Thames.

Apart from opposition to further growth from the people who live in the town, could this be what seals off Swindon's rapid expansion of the last 180 years?

• Jean Saunders defends Coate Water on page 6.

• Barnfield bendy river - page 42

the Link Magazine Published by Swindon Publications Ltd. Papermakers House, Westlea Swindon SN5 7BD Tel: (01793) 872282

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ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES: Call Jenni Fowler on (01793)872531 advertising@swindonlink.com Booking deadline: 6 August

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The outcome of the public hearing over two weeks in June will guide a government panel which will recommend how Swindon and Wiltshire might accommodate the next phase of growth.

Swindon Borough and Wiltshire County Council's preference is for Coate and east of the A419 trunk road near Wanborough. Thames Water told us, in no uncertain terms, that the Barnfield sewage works is close to capacity.

There was much discussion and support for redeveloping the town centre to make it an attractive place to live, work and play.

The last day of the hearing concerned the University of Bath's proposal to concrete over the land next to Coate Water for their campus along with Persimmon and Redrow Homes, who threatened to take the Panel to the High Court if they were denied permission to build 2,000 houses.

This was the first time I had heard anyone from the University of Bath spell out their plans for Coate.

It is abundantly clear that their entire vision is nothing to do with helping the residents of Swindon.

It is all to do with big business and their wish list for achieving an international image and attracting investment. It seems that the University doesn't want to despoil historic Bath's rural fringes in order to expand their campus at Bath, yet it seems more than content to do just that next to Swindon's best loved jewel in the crown.

I have nothing but praise for the planning inspector and chairman of the panel who conducted the inquiry. They were very fair to all sides yet asked provoking questions to test assumptions and statements made by participants. The panel hope to publish their recommendations in the autumn.

But now I fear the worst for Coate. It is always big money that talks - but you can't put a price on environmental, wildlife and spiritual matters that are regarded as worthless in financial terms, but which contribute so highly to a healthy state.

But we battle on. Richard Jefferies' character Bevis and his

childhood pals had a mock battle on the fields now under threat at Coate in the wonderful children's novel written by Richard Jefferies.

This 19th Century writer, born at Coate, loved the area. Bevis, the hero, and his team won - the leader of the other side ran away home to bed in defeat.

There are now about 7,500 signatures on the petition against building at Coate. I am sure that we will get many thousands more.

Can our growing army defeat the baddies whose only interest is to feather their nests?

• Jean Saunders can be contact on 783040 or foeswindon@hotmail .com • The Coate Water petition can be found at at www.savecoate.org.uk

Why does Swindon need a university?

It's the question put in a newsletter published by the University of Bath which should have arrived in every home in Swindon in early July.

It explains the benefits of a university to the town, which nobody could disagree with.

It also puts the case for siting it on the green fields next to the Great Western Hospital at Coate.

The university plan to have an institute for Contemporary Interdisciplinary Arts in the town centre as part of the proposed 'cultural quarter' but claims there is not enough land to build a university in one town centre location. It maintains that several town centre sites would not be financially viable.

But then it would not be when there is free land on offer from development companies Persimmon and Redrow, in return for permission to build 1,800 houses.

Details can be found at www.bath.ac.uk/ swindon

The Link Magazine • August 2004 7

Has people power helped the council see sense?

As The Link went to press, Swindon councillors were preparing to debate two motions put to full council on Thursday 22 July which could see an end to Swindon Town FCs plan to move its stadium from the county ground to Shaw Forest Country Park.

West Swindon councillor Nick Martin proposed that the council continue to support the Great Western Community Forest and that both existing sites and those currently being developed on council owned land should be protected and retained.

In a separate move, the Labour the motions, it would block fur- Views of Phase 111 at Shaw Forest Country Park, the last stated preference for a Group of councillors backed a pro- ther moves by the club and their stadium. Top and below left, looking across the still operational tip towards posal from its deputy leader Coun development partners St Modwen Woodhall Park and Moredon. Swindon Services annually deposits up to 40,000 Barrie Thompson reaffirming the Properties plc to press their plans tons of inert waste on the site which has another four years capacity. This saves the existing policy support for the for a new stadium, first revealed in council £2 million in landfill charges each year. The forest plan suggests that some Great Western Community Forest late March, to be built on Shaw 100,000 trees could be planted there when the tip is closed. Phase III is also adjacent which specifically identifies Phases Forest Country Park which was to the important bird sanctuary run by Thames Water at Rivermead. See Bendy River story on page 42.

1, 2, & 3 of Shaw Forest Park re- first designated in 1994.

Coun Martin, commenting be- munity forest against developSwindon Town and St Modwen main as public open space for 100 fore the council meeting, said, "I ment. I believe Swindon Council are understood to be surprised and years.

Should the majority of the 59 stood for election in June with a should standby promises to create frustrated by the moves, given they councillors vote for either or both commitment to protecting the com- the forest in my area and also across were led to believe by leaders of other parts the borough. the three main political parties that "Councillors of all parties are the council might entertain probeing asked to decide on the past posals to develop Shaw Forest. commitments this council has Leading Forest Not a Stadium made and the faith the citizens have campaigner Alan Hayward, said, in the integrity of those decisions." "the council has to listen to the Coun Thompson, said, "the views of the people of Swindon. council has a standing commit- They do not want to see parts of ment to preserving this land as their community forest built on. part of the community forest, we "We should be celebrating the must resist development and be tenth anniversary of Shaw Forest mindful of other valuable open Country Park, not fighting to save spaces across Swindon." it."

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The Link Magazine • August 2004

Heart pumping from jumping

Hearts workout

Youngsters from Brook Field School completely underestimated how much they might raise from taking part in the British Heart Foundation (BHF) Jump Rope for Heart Day in May. Year 5 children designed two huge school hall displays about heart disease and how to stay healthy and hoped that the event would raise over £1,000. After all the children and staff had taken part, a total of £3,300 was collected, a quarter of which was retained by the school and the rest handed over to the BHF. Wiltshire BHF coordinator Roger Bancroft attended an assembly on 28 June to thank the school for its efforts and accept a cheque for £2,580 . He talked to the children about heart disease and how money is used in research, care and equipment in hospitals and GP surgeries. He also described how the BHF in Wiltshire had recently supplied 25 defibrulators to off-duty ambulance crew who are taking part in a Community Responder Scheme, where they can react to calls close to their homes before an ambulance arrives.

PE co-ordinator Rachel Bartlett said the children had learnt a great Roger Bancroft from the BHF with Brook Field head Roger Nicholas deal from taking part in the Jump and Year 5 children who helped organise the Jump Rope day Rope day. "The whole event was a great success with children having will be used to buy extra PE equip- encourage all our children to dea tremendous amount of fun whilst ment and resources so that we can velop an active lifestyle in fun, keep up levels of fitness across a exciting and safe activities, both in helping a good cause.

"The £800 that the school keeps range of sports. We're trying to and out of school."

Keep fit expert Les Slinn gave Brook Field children a different type of PE lesson when they took part in energetic circuit training sessions in June.

He also spoke at an assembly before the school's sports day on 8 July to encourage youngsters to do their best.

"Children can keep fit by having a lot of fun," said Les. "It's very encouraging to see schools like Brook Field taking positive steps in getting the message across to pupils that health and fitness are very important issues."

Les runs a children's Saturday morning fitness class at the JIB gym in North Swindon. Booking is required, call him on 07833 582788 or mail: lslinn@supanet.com Boxercise at Brook Field with Les

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There has been no spectacular big bang which saw the old Princess Margaret Hospital crumble into a pile of rubble.

Since March contractors have been Margaret in May 1957, is in store dismantling the buildings on the and will be used in a memorial site to minimise the dust pollu- garden dedicated to all who were tion. born or died there during the 40 Work started on taking the main years of service. block down on 13 July, ready for the site to be prepared for the building of 500 dwellings

by Swindon company Bloor Homes.

The town's distinctive r_ landmark seen from the M4 will be gone by the middle of August.

Much of the rubble will be 1 reused to level off the ground for the property development which has been named Angel Ridge .

The hospital's foundation stone, laid by Princess

Running target Brian Hall from Rodbourne is planning to run 50 miles on Sunday 5 September to raise £2,000 to pay for medical equipment for the children's unit in the Great Western Hospital.

His route takes him from Coate Water into the countryside and back along Queens Drive and through Old Town.

Brian, 22, said, "I had to have an emergency operation at GWH in May 2003 to remove kidney stones. The care I received was wonderful and I want to give something back in return."

Call him on 07799 507975 with offers of sponsorship.

The Link Magazine • August 2004 9

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We are pleased to welcome Dr Anne Hoffineyer to our expanding medical practice from 29 Jul y 2004 We welcome new patients.

www.tawhilisurgery.nhs.uk New patients always welcome

COOPER CHEMIST 1 Wt Sw , rw s7s033

To register• please call 01793 874894

Toothill Pharmacy 01793 539701

From your Doctor to your Door Let us arrange COLLECTION AND DELIVERY of your repeat prescription FREE OF CHARGE from ANY SURGERY IN SWINDON. Also at Coopers: fine fra granccs. toiletries. ear piercing. allergy testing

Piefures like Film processing for 35mm & APS (Free 35mm film for every 35mm roll developed on premises) works el an In store duplicates and enlargements Open 7 days a week. Mon - Fri 9am - 8pm: Sat 9am - 6pm; Sun 10am - 3pm

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1 0 The Link Magazine • August 2004

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Karen with headteacher Andrew Fleet and stiltwalkers practising for the Swindon Festival parade on 17 July

Karen Jacques, (nee Hibberd) took to the stage in her uniform as Flag Lieutenant to the First Sea Lord to speak of her days at Hreod and her life in the forces.

Now in her twelfth y ear since signing on as a midshipman in 1992, Karen took her A' levels at New College after leaving Hreod in 1990.

Since then she has visited 42 countries with the Navy, from pleasant flag flying visits around the Mediterranean to war town Sierra Leone.

Her last sea job was as the navigator on HMS Gloucester before being selected for a two year appointment as aide-de-camp to the head of the Navy, the first woman to hold the job.

Karen said her days at Hreod prepared her well for life in the services. "I can't say I excelled at school, but from the age of 14I was determined to join the Navy and worked to that aim. I loved the sporting activities at Hreod, but perhaps the most important thing

was growing up with people from such a wide variety of backgrounds. It was an excellent foundation for a military life."

Karen, who recently moved to Portsmouth from Taw Hill with her Navy husband Marcus, told the students, "you will succeed in your ambitions if you're determined and work hard in whatever field you choose to pursue."

Afterwards she said she had not set out to recruit anybody, but would not put anybody off. "Life in the Navy is fantastic. It provides tremendous training, great challenges and rewards, and the opportunity to travel widely."

Karen's present role is to escort the First Sea Lord on his official duties in this country and abroad, to act as his liaison officer with other agencies and to ensure all arrangements run smoothly.

Her next posting will be a specialist communications course then she puts to sea again. Ultimately her aim is, in her words, 'to drive her own ship.'

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Three GCSE students studying Citizenship at Hreod teamed up with Freshbrook School to help them achieve good marks.

The boys - Ben Vowles, James bean bags and frisbees.

"We think we've done quite well Head, Aaron Kimber - had to carry out a project which benefits the in our research and putting the community. James explained, "we idea into action and having a story made cakes and organised a sale at in The Link will help us when we Freshbrook in May then returned present the final report." to ask pupils to vote on how they wanted the i money spent.

"They asked for outdoor toys like bats and balls, skipping ropes, Ben Vowles, James Head and Aaron Kimber with Year 5 pupils and Freshbrook headteacher Steven Luke

North Swindon Schools PFI Project

53 SwinDon

JL

BOROUGH COUilCIL

ffEquion

In May of this year, Swindon Borough Council appointed Equion as it's Preferred Bidder on the North Sivindon Schools PFI Project. The project will see seven new schools being built in North Sivindon over the next two years.

Learninn Camvus: Alain Entrance

UNDER the Private Finance Initiative the Government is seeking the delivery of high quality buildings and services and therefore this scheme will provide the Council with a great opportunity to raise the standard of school buildings in the Borough, which in turn will have a positive impact on education attainment.

The management of the facilities services such as cleaning, maintenance, catering etc by the Council's Preferred Bidder, Equion, will allow teachers to concentrate on teaching rather than dayto-day accommodation issues.

The Council believes that a partnership approach is the best way forward and that with Equion it will achieve a successful long term partnership that will allow the schools involved to develop and build on their success as educational establishments. The Council and Equion do not know what the future may hold but they have sought to design schools that are flexible, inclusive and personal to the community. The Council believes

that the new schools will showcase the best of design and construction industry practise in this country, producing buildings that are inspirational and providing education access for all ages.

The Council's Education department together with Equion recently promoted the designs for the new schools with a series of 2-day road shows. These were held at the existing schools that are being rebuilt through the Project and were well attended by local residents, parents, school staff and pupils. The road shows proved an excellent opportunity for Equion and the Council to begin their twenty-five year partnership.

The Planning Applications for the scheme were submitted in June 2004 and the models for the new schools, together with drawings of the designs, are currently on display in the North Swindon Library.

The Council is now engaged in finalising the detail of the designs with the various stakeholders and is aiming to sign the

contract with Equion in early Autumn.

Education and access to lifelong learning for all is a key priority for the Council and this exciting project is a great opportunity to develop a model for community education that will provide the blue print for future new build and adaptations of schools across Swindon.

Secondary School 1: School Street.

i4

•

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North Swindon Schools PH Project

Learning Campus A state-of-the-art Learning Campus, incorporating the four schools below, will be built in North Swindon.

Primary School 6 is a new prima ry school with a nursery.

Secondary School 1 will be a new

^F

seconda ry school for 11-16 year olds incorporating communi ty and sports facilities.

r'

The new Brimble Hill Special

',

School will provide education for two to eleven year old children with severe learning diffi culties and profound and multiple learning difficulties.

Prinmry School

6: Re reation .-I rca

The new Uplands Special School

New Schools to be the Heart of the Community SWINDON will get seven brand new schools through the North Swindon Schools PFI Project. This is great news for the staff and pupils of these schools who will benefit from state of the art facilities. The good news doesn't stop there though - the schools are also great news for the local community.

One of the key goals of the project was to provide facilities that would be available to the local conununity out of school hours. The wide rare of facilities that the communi ty will have opportuni ty to use include: • Sports — a wide range of sports facilities including sports halls, a gymnasium, two floodlit five a side football pitches, a floodlit all weather sports pitch, grass pitches for rugby, football, hockey and athletics, tennis, netball and basketball courts, a cricket pitch and both indoor and outdoor practice nets.

provided at both of the seconda ry schools.

There are also other facilities that will be built and be available to the community, some during the day. These include: • Internet cafes at both of the seconda ry schools • A new youth centre at Moredon

In addition, a Multi Agency Unit will be located between the two special schools capable of serving all four schools on the Learning Campus and the surrounding community. The Unit will contain a hydrotherapy pool, a physiotherapy room, a speech therapy room and rooms that can be used as clinics and by social workers.

• Youth and community rooms at the Learning Campus Lastly, but by no means least, the project will provide another hydrotherapy pool for Swindon. The pool will be located on the Learning Campus and will be available to the pupils of the special schools and to the people of Swindon.

11

Further information on the facilities available will be published as the opening dates draw nearer.

• Social Event Venues — there are a wide range of rooms that will be available to hire for weddings, parties, charity events, dances and other social events.

• Lifelong Learning — the schools could be available as outreach centres for Universities and Colleges to deliver courses in the evenings, on weekends or during breaks in the school terms.

will provide education for eleven to nineteen year old students with severe learning difficulties and profound and multiple learning diffi culties.

^ r

s1g

• Arts — Arts organisations such as theatre, dance, drama and music groups could be accommodated in the specialist facilities that will be Uplands Special School: Entronre Courtyard

t

North Swindon Schools PFI Prote ct

What is PFI? PFI is the goverument's preferred way of funding major new public building projects such as hospitals, schools, prisons and roads.

How does it work?

Private consortiums such as Equion are contracted to design, build, finance and manage new projects. The contracts typically last for 25 - 30 years.

How is it paid for?

The private consortium raises the cash to build the project. It is then paid back with interest by the government and the Council through regular payments over the period of the contract. The amount paid depends on the performance of the consortium, so if the building project is delayed, or if it is badly managed the consortium gets less money. Therefore, the risk of the project going wrong lies with the

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Ilreod Parkway School: Central Covered Courtyard

14 The Link Magazine • August 2004 O

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Children meet staff at newest school Youngsters who will start at the still to be completed St Francis Church Aided School in Taw Hill met their teachers at a series of induction days in early July.

The youngest children who will built on the adjacent site. Unfortu- each other and contribute to the be joining the nursery and recep- nately it will not be ready for Sep- building of our school community.

He added that a social evening tion classes brought their teddy tember,sothefourclasseswillstart bears to join in with teddy bear in two large mobiles next to the in July for parents, governors and picnics. Part of the afternoon at the worship centre and medical prac- teachers, held at and hosted by the Taw Hill Worship Centre, which tice. These are due for delivery on Tawny Owl pub, had also been excellent. was also attended by parents, was 16 August.

The reception class is full, but Headteacher Clive Westall said a chance to look at the school being the four induction sessions had there are places in the nursery, been very successful. "The chil- Key Stages 1 and 2. Pick up an years s on had a positive experience in applicationformattheNorthSwinYoungsters, staff, parents and preparation for joining St Francis don Library, Taw Hill Medical friends of Toothill School took and the aftenoons were a good Centre or call Rev Ruth Cram, part in its 25th year summer fete opportunity for parents to meet 701333. on 3 July with stalls, games and a St Francis reception children hold up their teddies, with parents and headteacher football tournament.

Clive Westall, standin, , ri'ht; teacher Stephanie Mundin, front right

25ear

Adding a dash of colour to the fete, Joseph Fields,AnacTeixeira,JordanTate

L f

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GORSE HI^^ o* d , .79 - 2004 SPECIALISTS IN WEDDING HIRE SENIOR SCHOOL UNIFORM KING SIZE MENSWEAR AND IN-HOUSE ALTERATION/ TAILORING DEPARTMENT % i

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North school catchments cause grief for parents A Swindon Council plan to change North Swindon primary school intakes is creating a rising tide of anger amongst parents who are faced with having to send siblings to schools in opposite directions.

The catchment areas have been altered so that families living in parts of Abbey Meads, St Andrew's +t+ .

Ridge, Ash Brake and Groundwell West will no longer be able to go to Abbey Meads Primary but instead will have to send their children to Penhill Primary which for some is a long walk or drive away.

Several have now put their houses up for sale in order to move to the catchment of their preferred school.

A Lisa and Alison Alison Carr from Groundwell is furious with the situation. She has Meads and a second who will have one child already at Abbey Meads, to go to Penhill. Additionally, as a just a few hundred yards from her childminder, she picks up two chilhome, but her two pre-school chil- dren from Abbey Meads but dren will be directed to Penhill. would have to give them up and She said, "we moved to Ground- will probably have to move both well West in 2002 so that we would her children to Penhill live within the Abbey Meads catchAlison and Lisa are organising a ment. We're now trying to move campaign group to argue the case but are struggling to sell because for siblings to be given places at Abbey Meads School. of the council's new policy.

They hope to put a question to "There are many parents in the samesituation.Itisridiculousthat Swindon Council on 22 July callwe are being expected to send our ing for the policy to be reconsidchildren to schools in different di- ered.

Concerned parents should call rections."

Lisa Hume, from Groundwell, 703197 or mail: alison.hcarr has a daughter in Year 1 at Abbey @btinternet.com

The Link Magazine • August 2004 15

Correct councillor

South African teachers help in international week There was well organised and productive chaos at Peatmoor School in early July when children focused on the world, and people from all over the planet came to visit them.

There were classes stir-frying Chinese food, workshops with dancers from the Caribbean, groups looking at Aboriginal art, Zulu drumming and classes on Japanese culture.

Peatmoor's close links with Dihlabeng School in the Clarens district of South Africa were developed with a two week visit by the headteacher Margaret Grant and teacher Marty Du Plessis.

Trainee teacher Lizzie Mbele and twelve year old Rose Matona accompanied them.

Peatmoor headteacher Terri Peacock said the week had been amazing. "The range and level of activPeatmoor children wearing origami hats and kimonos with Japanese visitors ity has been incredible with things going on in every corner; there ers to us brings a different dimen- puters and books in the library."

She added that she could underwere so many learning opportuni- sion to our learning, and the practies to broaden understanding of ti cal help given by Peatmoor chil- stand the Swindon accent as one of dren and parents has been won- her teachers Jo West comes from the world we live in." the town.

As part of the international col- derful.

Lizzie Mbele enjoyed working "The opportunity to bring laboration the children studied the artist Paul Klee, in partnership with Marty, Lizzie and Rose to Swin- in the classroom. "The Peatmoor pupils from Leadenhall School don will have a great effect on our children asked me so many questions about South Africa and how near Salisbury and the Dihlabeng work for a long time to come." we live. I too have learned a lot of Rose said she had enjoyed her visitors, and created art panels to be mounted in one of the corri- visit to Britain. "I wasn't afraid to new ways to teach children."

Teachers from Peatmoor and come here; I was very excited to dors.

Margaret Grant, on her second see everybody at Peatmoor. I had Greendown School in Grange Park will again visit Clarens for ten days visit to Peatmoor, said, "our rela- only seen their pictures.

"The classroom displays are very in Ocober. tionship with the school continues to grow all the time. Visits by teach- nice and there are so many comThe Midlands Co-op presented a cheque for £250 to pay for a second newsletter containing contributions from children at Dihlabeng, Leadenhall and Peatmoor on the theme of Roles, Rights and Responsibilities. Kate Fuller from the Co-op, centre, and Co-op milkman Gary Powell who lives in Haydon Wick, with Peatmoor children and South African visitors, centre to right, Lizzie Mbele, Margaret Grant, Marty Du Plessis and front right, Rose Matona

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contact The `phone number for Wayne Lawley, the newly elected Swindon councillor for Haydon Wick ward, published in the July edition was wrong.

To contact coun Lawley. below, write to him at 43 High Street, Haydon Wick or telephone 726637: mobile: 07885 694332.

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16 The Link Magazine • August 2004

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toe-tapping music sessions for children,

Experienced 7 years Flexible, friendly, negotiable rates

Musical fun for children aged 6 months to 4 years

Available Monday to Friday for school drop-offs from ham to gam. and pick-ups from 3pm to 9pm Also available all day on Monday, Thursday.

Come and join us (and the five little ducks!) for singing. musical instruments, role play and musical games.

Wednesday and Friday mornings in Abbey Meads.

Free trial sessions available (subject to spaces) Tinkle Tonk (01793) 722072

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children and babies Lawn Community Centre Friday am North Swindon Library Tuesday am & pm, Thursday am & Friday pm Call Cath on 01793 727286 or email sarah@minimusicians.ca.uk for more information and to book your place!

Friday. weekends & late evenings

Call 07957 166529 or 871466

`Happy Bunnies' .`c New Ofsted registered childminder :c French, German or Spanish sessions c Dramatic arts (parties and plays) :c High quality care and education .. Available weekdays, weekends & nights

Call Maria on 01793 704089 for a free Parents Handbook 2004

Jo Jingles New classes from leading UK children's music group for children aged 6m-walking, walking-2y,2-3y & 3-5 years

Abbey Meads Tuesday am & Friday pm West Swindon (Peatmoor) Wednesday am & Friday am FOR DETAILS CALL VIRGINIA ON

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Child rearing strategies to share Would you like to cope with your child's behaviour - with the minimum amount of stress?

After the success of the last se- and Karen Dunham from Abbey ries of sessions in June, North Swin- Meads Medical Practice, at the don Health Visitors are planning Haydon Wick Parish Council ofanother community parenting fices on Thames Avenue, starting group to help and advise parents on 14 September, 12.45pm to with strategies for dealing with 2.45pm.

A free creche will be available, those everyday situations. It will also provide the chance for par- but places are limited. Book early ents to share ideas with each other. by calling 704401.

The next six sessions will be run by health visitors Anne Seymour Wriggling in all directions Wrigglers parent and toddler group at Abbey Meads CommuFree in Toothill nity Primary School has expanded Free places are available at the to two sessions on a Monday:11am Toothill School nursery for any to 12.30pm and 1pm to 2.30pm.

The group meets during term child who turns four after September. For details call the school on time only. To book a place call Lisa Hume on 700141.

497250.

Give your family some free tranquility Family life can sometimes get a bit stressful and Swindon's Baha'i community is offering The Tranquility Zone to families with children over the age of eight.

The Tranquility Zone was launched at the Health Hydro two years ago as a free service to provide stressed out Swindonians with an oasis of calm and well-being.

Set in a quiet candlit space, participants are given the chance to spend unhurried time reflecting on inspiring words and music specially chosen to uplift the body, mind and soul. Sessions are held throughout the week at lunchtimes and in the evening. The Family Zone takes place once a month on Sundays at Ipm. For details call 465715 or log on to www.swindon-baliais.org

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The Link Magazine • August 2004 17

Brandon's fund boosted by forest walk Soggy weather did not put off 40 people taking part in a sponsored walk around Shaw Forest Country Park to help raise money for Brandon Humphries.

Children's Information Service

can take place at the Great Western Hospital within three months.

However after-care is limited and mum Tracey will have to take Brandon to Hungary for 4 to 6 weeks for intensive post-op physiotherapy which will cost several thousand pounds.

Tracey thanked all those who came to Shaw Forest to help her work towards her fundraising tarPre-schoolers saddened by vandal attack get. " Everybody was so kind to Youngsters attending jellytots Playgroup arrived on 14 July hoping come along on a damp day."

The 4 year old is unable to walk without sticks because of cerebral palsy.

His parents have been told the procedure to re-align his feet

to harvest the vegetables grown in a flower and vegetable garden outside their room at Brook Field School before the end of term.

However they were dismayed and we've been picking the proto find it had been trashed by van- duce for our snacks. The children dals. A new colourful sign on the talked about the vandalism all side of their building had been morningandcouldnotunderstand defaced with graffiti, as had the why anybody would do this to them. front door.

"Those respon' Kaitleen Bell, 3, sibleshouldlookat r. said, "the naughty themselves and be children painted the r^ . ^ very ashamed." door and broke the The school flowers." t hopes to identify P1ayworker the culprits aged 12 Wendy Reedshaw x to 13 years from .f said the children CCTV footage. had been dis- ; }.

Wendy Rcedsiraw traught. "They've ;: .. with Jellytots by their ' watched the garden y,c damaged z,eg plot growing all summer

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Spam, spam, spam, spam...

It's the bane of modern lives says Independent IT security consultant David Biggins from Eastleaze

I daily find my emails buried by adverts for unwanted financial services, 'recreational pharmaceuticals' and offers to enlarge various anatomical features.., a thankless job, advertising products where your headline is a personal insult to your intended clients, yet I feel little sympathy for the senders.

Spam — junk email — is named it in any public place. after a Monty Python comic sketch, In California, protestors signed not directly after the meat, al- a major spammer up for every though the SPAM"'"" t people are not known piece of paper junk mail. amused.

As a result, he was getting through Two thirds of all email is now three waste skips per day — not a spam - clogging up mailboxes, solution, since it is sadly illegal, slowing down networks, much of but poetic justice. it unacceptable in content. It is one Various bodies are working on of the biggest nuisances on the technical methods to fight spam. internet and to Unfortunately, I fear many, the most obthat side-effects of jectionable. these solutions may Dealing with make it harder for small spam resembles a businesses to use the war. Filters based on net, and that many lists of unacceptable spammers will bypass words were dethem by using viruses feated by spammers to hijack peoples' PCs misspelling or disto send spam unguising those traceably -but more on words. Statistical filthat later. ters are increasingly challenged by messages padded with random Priory Vale text. A filter that only accepts email from people you know may sucby-passed by BT ceed — until viral techniques make BT are celebrating that all their spam seem to come from your Wiltshire exchanges are now friends. Besides, businesses need Broadband enabled, but residents to receive email from people they in parts of Oakhurst, Priory Vale don't already know. and also Taw Hill are still frusOrganisations like Spamhaus trated by the lack of service - bepublish block-lists — and are sued cause their homes are too far from by spammers for interrupting the exchange in Blunsdon. trade. Laws controlling spam are A recent survey of Priory Vale bypassed by sending from coun- residents revealed that: tries with weaker laws, or just ig- • 86% of Priory Vale residents own nored.

Prosecutions have started

James Butcher Housing Association provides a wide choice of quality, affordable housing for those in retirement in the Swindon area.

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against the biggest spammers, but will take years. Since the vast majority of spam is from the USA, the laws will first be challenged against their constitutional freedom of speech.

So there is no cure. But you can do things to help: • Some spam silently confirms your email address when it is displayed. Turn off the preview pane in your mail reader, so that no messages are displayed unless you explicitly open them; • Get a good spam filter and keep it up to date; • Never click anything in a spam email, even the 'opt out' hotspot it may only confirm your email address; • Do not set your filter to reply with 'non-delivery' notices — most spam forges its 'from' address, so you will be sending to the wrong person; • Never give your email address to any website unless you trust their privacy policy, and never post

a computer at home; • Of those, 49% think they are unable to access broadband via their BT landline, while only 21% are able to use broadband at this time.

• 76% of Priory Vale residents who are unable to receive broadband would like to do so, and 47% of residents would be willing to join a campaign to bring broadband throughout the area.

One resident comments, "BT boast that every new development will have access to broadband, what happened at Priory Vale?"

Jason Mann from BT commented, "a very small minority of customers on an exchange (typically about 1 in 25) are out of reach of ADSL broadband. When the distance from the exchange gets close to the current limit the situation can vary even among customers in the same street. Some might be able to get the service and others might not. We are currently conducting trials to extend the reach and if these are successful then many of these people should be able to get broadband."

19

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Celebrating everything Asian at the Mela Asian musicians, dancers, food, fashion and outdoor shopping are just some of the lively entertainment that make a Mela. and this year's Swindon event at the Old Town Gardens on Saturday 31 July is going to be bigger and better. on Saturday 14 August with aspecFollowing the success of the first tacular high-energy, must-see perMela in 2003, the word has spread ,.. formance of contemporary African across Britain's Asian community S{ music by Albert Nyathi and Imbongi that Swindon is the place to com from Zimbabwe. for a great party. But the Mela is The Old Town Bowl is a great not exclusive - it's for all communiplace for a pre-concert picnic, but ti es and also it's free. there's no question of lazily chilling Organised by Swindon Counout when Imbongi arrive on stage. cil's Artscape. with sponsorship Every part of the body twitches to from Barclays. the Mela starts 12 the hi-life township beat and the noon and partys through to 7pm Po::, ' joint will be jumping The day will include a huge range Tickets for Malkit Singh and of professional Asian performers +^^{ £8.£6 (adv) £10/£8 (on ______ on the main stage. includin the day) from Link and Oasis CenApache Indian - one of the few tres and Swindon Information CenAsians to break into the mainstream / tre or 330328.

UK pop charts with his hi / y www.swindonartscape.co.uk Boomshackalack - and the Niza brothers, an authentic Qawwali group on tour for the first time outside Pakistan, as well as a stage to , y^ F .t t showcase local and regional tal ^ 1^. ent, including up and coming DJs.

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"Come along to Old Town, it's Swindon Council's Performing going to be great fun."

Arts Officer Toby Rathbone is sure The day is rounded off from 8pm numbers attending will top the with a concert by the `King of 10,000 who came last year. "We Bhangra' Malkit Singh and his band have worked closely with Swin- Golden Star. don's Asian communities to make The summer of world musicends Albert Nyathi and Imbongi from Zimbabwe at the Old Town Bowl

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This summer Swindon Council, the project team, business partners and volunteers from the community, have been working alongside each other to progress the restoration development work at Lydiard Park, writes Sarah Finch-Crisp.

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The most visible results of the work so far have been the various archaeological excavations in strategic points about the park. These have been undertaken by Wessex Archaeology and have revealed a fascinating lost garden landscape.

Channel 4 Time Team's Phil

an outer set of walls. At the bottom of the main lawn there is evidence of a brick kiln, which would have been temporarily established to produce bricks for building the old garden walls.

Close to the former lake edge, a fascinating structure. originally

Harding, above left, has also been a regular visitor, wielding a trowel and shovel in the various trenches.

To date over one thousand people have been involved in the investigations, either as volunteers or participating in the many talks, tours and family dig day.

Archaeological discoveries include the layout of the 18th Century walled garden, complete with paths. beds, a well and trough and

thought to be an 18th Century boat house, is now believed to be (in its latest phase) a cold plunge pool li kely to have been created for Frederick, 2nd Viscount Bolingbroke, the famously wealthy racehorse owner who was Lord of the Manor at Lydiard.

Looking back further in time.. beside the drive leading to the church, the foundations of a Roman building have been revealed.

c44A LL `B l LV \./ 55 Godwin Court, Old Town, Swindon Tel: 01793 640333

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* Craft Creations * Xyron * I00s of die cuts and peel offs Workshops in papercrafts. stamping and scrapbooking - suitable for all abilities The largest selection of card making and scrapbooking supplies in the area

Wrag Barn Golf Club, Shrivenham Road, Highworth, Swindon SN6 7QQ Tel: 01 793 86132 7 Fax: 01793 861325

Email: iizto@wragbarn.com www.wragbarn.com i

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Sunday Carvery I itch Come and enjoy our superb 3 course Sunday Carvery Lunch.

Service commences at 12 noon.

Advance booking is advisable.

Special Events Weddings Birthdays, Anniversaries Our dedicated staff ensure that every detail is planned to perfection.

The perfect partnership for your pei fect day.

Business Meetings Offering the ideal environment for totally stress free meetings.

Accommodating up to 200 delegates theatre style.

Society & Company Golf Days The perfect location for your golfing Away Day' 18-36 hole packages available and can be tailored to writ pone requirements.

Mike Bowden. executive director of RWE npower, right, receives the Arts & Business Award from south west regional director Phil Gibby, with left, coun Nick Martin, chairman of the Lydiard Park Project Board and Sir Maurice Johnson, Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire

What else is happening?

A wide range of public activities, wildlife and ecological surveys,

Currently a planting plan, based on archaeological and documen-

horticultural research, architectural

tary evidence, is being devised for

and lake engineering investigations

the ornamental walled garden and

are also well underway.

The great dam wall has been ined and found to have a satisfac-

botanists examining the park's remaining plant species believe they have discovered a new variety of snowdrop which is remarkable for having four petals, instead of the

tory clay lining.

usual three.

propped up with scaffolding and the former lake has been exam-

Project -Update

21

The surveys, investigations and detailed design plans being produced will underpin a second bid in January 2005 to the Heritage Lottery fund for a further £3 million. If successful this will enable full restoration work to begin.

Living history at Lydiard On 9 July around 300 Swindon secondary school pupils from Greendown, Kingsdown, Church fields.

Crowdys Hill and St Lukes

took part in a special Living History Project designed to inspire by bringing to life the history of Lydiard Park in the 17th Century.

Pupils came face to face with a Civil War cavalry man on horseback and a musket man. learned how to use a pike and discovered the stories behind the portraits in the house and the monuments in St Mary's Church.

One group also got the chance to get their hands dirty and joined in the excavations with Wessex Archaeology.

The Living History Project was made possible with funding from the Ernest Cook Trust who are supporting education involvement in The Lydiard Park Project.

Coun Nick Martin. Chair of the Lydiard Park Project Board, commented, "I am delighted that so many local secondary school children are discovering the rich history of Lydiard in such an imaginative way and that they are directly benefiting from the exciting restoration project developments".

Local business celebrates the Lydiard project On 15 July the Department of Culture Media and Sport hosted an event at Lydiard to celebrate the successful partnership between Swindon Council and RWEnpower (formerly Innogy) on the Lydiard project.

They are joint award winners of Arts and Business New Partners investment - the organisation's flagship scheme designed for businesses to try new initiatives - with A & B footing the bill.

Mike Bowden, Executive Directorof AWE npower. many of whose staff have swapped their offices for volunteering in the park, and also provided project management expertise, said, "this is a great opportunity to work on a project that has national prestige, involves a broad range of business partners in a vision that has a dramatic and positive impact on Swindon, its community and the environment."

Project events & activities in August All events are free but pre-booking (B) is required for some.

Call 770401 to reserve a space.

24 July to 31 August. Picture the Park. Children's colouring competition and display in the visitor centre.

6 August, 6.30pm. Avenues and Acres. A summer evening stroll with lead landscape adviser. Simon Bonvoisin, to explore the wider parkland, looking at the proposals to improve the paths network and reinstate Lydiard's lost trees. Meet at visitor centre. (B)

The Lawn, Old Town.

11 August, 2pm. Ice House Chill. Find out about ice production in the 18th Century and plans to restore Lydiard's ice house with building archaeologist. Gerry Sampson. Meet at Visitor Centre. (B)

Swindon, Oam-5pm

14 August, 11am. Cavaliers & Kings. Glimpse Lydiard's 1 7th Century heritage on a tour of the house, church and park with Sarah Finch-Crisp. Meet at the house entrance. (B)

Tel. 466324

31 July to 5 September. BBC TV Charles II Costume Exhibition in the house.

In the elegant State Rooms of Lydiard House. see the authentic costumes worn by Rufus Sewell. Diana Rigg, Shirley Henderson and others in the much talked about 2003 BBC production Charles II. A painting of King Charles's notorious mistress Barbara Villiers, a member of the St John family of Lydiard, will be seen in the State Bedroom alongside costumes worn by Helen McCrory who played her role in the TV series.

Admission charge: £2/21: under 5s free.

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22

Swirkir Wide Imaginative images for November Swindon Council's Artscape is planning the town's first imaging festival to bring together traditional photographic techniques, with still and moving images created with digital cameras and computers.

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The festival which focuses on creative approaches to making images through photography will be held from 4 to 14 November.

It will take art into the street as well as showing work in more conventional gallery spaces. For example, a projection screen in the town centre will show work by well known photographers, John Goto and John Kippin.

Photographers living or working in Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire are invited

Swindon & Cricklade Railway Saturday 7th August

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Saturday 28th, Sunday 29th August & Monday 30th August BICENTENNIAL OF STEAM WEEKEND

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Tel: (01793) 771615

When special events are not scheduled a train service operates on Sundays, 11 am to 4pm.

Fomcy sow^ew keYe pp y xl e evk^ ^oy S^hday L

ck'?

to apply to be included in an open exhibition in the Wyvern Theatre Lower Foyer on the theme of Regeneration.

A wide variety of events and exhibitions are being planned in collaboration with New College, the University of Bath in Swindon, Cre8 Studios, Bishopstone School, North Swindon and West Swindon li braries.

Workshops and talks will be held in the Town Hall and Arts Centre.

To receive further information about the festival, and for an open

exhibition application form, contact Barbara Dixon, Visual Arts Officer, Artscape, Swindon Council on 466520 or mail: bdixon@ swindon.gov.uk www.swindonartscape.co.uk Behind the Scenes. A photographic exhibition of work not normally observed by the public at the Great Western Hospital, by students from the University of Bath in Swindon, until 9 September.

The GWH Gallery. Mon to Fri 6pm - 8pm; Sat & Sun:1 Oam - 6pm

Landmark approach to Swindon still unclear The first anniversary approaches of the announcement that a spectacular piece of public art is to be built in North Swindon. but when this will take place is unknown.

Commissioned by Swindon Council's Percentage for Art Policy and funded entirely by the developers of the 5.500 houses at Priory 113 Vale, permission has been given for a visually striking 15 metre high structure to be located on an island between the roads at Junction 1 on Thamesdown Drive.

The curved steel and aluminium sculpture designed by architects Softroom takes the form of the intersection of the roads as seen from above.

Coloured glass panels. which will be internally lit at night, take their reference point from the Orchis morio, the rare green-winged orchid to be found at the Haydon Meadow Site of Special Scientific ensure that all safety consideraInterest at the opposite end of ti ons are dealt with."

Thamesdown Drive.

She said that Softroom are still Swindon Council visual arts of- working on detailed designs and ficer Celia Yeoman said that great costings and no construction date care was being taken with the de- was yet available. sign. This is a large structure in a • Orchis morio threatened by growvery public place and we have to ing population - see page 40.

Artists with nowhere to exhibit

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Kathleen Danswan, Janet Hand and Jennifer Thompson have just gained distinctions in their HNC Stitched Textile exams. But, having studied for two years as distance learners at Gloucester College of Art, as there is no equivalent course locally, they cannot find anywhere in the town to show off their talent.

"We would now like to stage an exhibition but as much of our work requires secure glass cases there is nowhere suitable which is a great shame," said Kathleen. The exhibition spaces in the Wyvern and the Arts Centre are unsuitable for textiles. We know that there are other artists in the same position and we would be interested to hear from them."

To help the artists, or to press for better provision, call Kathleen on 533268.

Trio of textile talent, from left, Kathleen Danswan, Janet Hand and Jennifer Thompson

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Example: A married couple aged 30 years and 28 years both non-smokers, applying for a repayment mortgage of £90.000 over a 25 year term (300 monthly payments). completing before 30/9/04 secured against a property being purchased for £100,000. 300 monthly mortgage payments of £538.20. Total amount payable £161,959 calculated to include £199 arrangement fee. This calculation is based on the assumption that the discounted rate will apply throughout the term of the loan. Maximum loan £500,000. Rate applied is 5.09% (5.6% APR) discounted tracker for three years. Rates may vary. The rate applies to loans up to and including 97% of the purchase price or valuation, whichever is the lower. The discounted rate is applicable for three years, 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.

24

Swir .1Gr wide W is t'5

Music

Children and Family

Friday 30 July to Saturday 7 August, 7.30pm, & Sat 2.30pm The Sound Of Music. The Summer Youth Project. Wyvern

Events

Friday 27th, 7.30pm, gates 5pm Wiltshire Festival Classical Picnic & Proms, including fireworks spectacular, with the English National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Jae Alexander.Lydiard Park. Tickets from 466688 or Oasis & Link Centre Saturday 28th, 4.30pm, gates 2pm, Wiltshire Festival Party in the Park.

Acts include Blue, Jamelia, Darius.

The Commitments.Lydiard Park.

Tickets as above

Available all year New Family Learning Trail around the museum. Normal admission prices. STEAM Until 4 September The Ration Race. Find everyday items, that were rationed during the Second World War, around the museum and fill up your ration card. £1 (includes prize). Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Saturday 7th Murder Mystery Evening. Ticket only event, call 692588 to book.

Swindon & Cricklade Railway

Saturdays 7th and 21st Meet the Railway Workers. Engine drivers and firemen talk about the age of steam. Normal admission prices. STEAM.

Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th, 11 am to 4pm Vintage Transport Weekend. Train rides every 20-30 minutes. Swindon & Cricklade Railway

Monday 16th to Friday 20th 2pm to 4pm Printa T-shirt week. Differenttheme each day. Monday: outer space; Tues-

day: dino madness; Wednesday: in the jungle; Thursday: Egyptians; Friday: freestyle Friday. Suit 5 to 11 yearolds. £5.50, includes T-shirtand materials, booking required. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery

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Venues 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 Town Hall Studios Tel: 463210 Wyvern Theatre. Tel: 524481 Confirm date, time and price with the venue

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Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th 2pm to 4pm Flights of Fancy. Learn about the natural history writings of Richard Jefferies; make stained glass effect butterflies, dragonflies and moths.

Suit5to 11 yearolds. £3: tobookcall Swindon Museum & Art Gallery; event at Richard Jefferies Museum Thursday 26th, 2pm to 4pm Sea Monsters and Skeletons. Help make an underwater scene to display at the museum and make sea creatures to take home. Suit 5 to 11 year olds. £2.50, booking advised.

Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Saturday 28th, Sunday 29th, Monday 30th 11am to 4pm Bicentennial of Steam Weekend.

Train rides every 20 - 30 minutes at the Swindon & Cricklade Railway see advert on page 22.

-

Lower Shaw Farm Old Shaw Lane, Shaw

—°'`-

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Activity Days for 5- 12 year olds Wednesday 11 August or Thursday 12th,10.30am to 3.30pm Explore the farm, story walks, arts and crafts, baking. playing,feed the hens and collect the eggs. Wearold clothes and bring a packed lunch. £ 15, book on 771080.

25

Cr in Auc9ust Exhibitions

The UNBEATABLE

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until 1 October

y

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West 100 years ago the celebrated Cornish Riviera Express ran forthe first time.

A special display tells the sto ry of this famous GWR service. Normal admission charges Gallery 39 until Sunday 8th Shoreline Celebrating the powerful relationship between land and sea, a subject which has inspired artists for centuries. Open Mon - Sat. 10.30am - 5pm. Sun 10.30am - 5pm. Godwin Court. Old Town. Tel: 433388 Swindon Museum & Art Gallery until Sunday 29th Swindon in Focus.

Evocative images of Swindon. captured mostly during the 1960s, through the lens of local photographer Denis Bird (1923 - 2001).

Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Fab Forty!

Forty works of the acclaimed Swindon Collection of Modern British Art chosen to celebrate the Art Gallery's 40th birthday.

Arts Centre to Saturday 28th

White Walls and Water

by Peter Robinson Paintings inspired by white walled cottages, water and reflections.

Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Swindon at War A exhibition to mark the 60th anniversary of the D-Day landings. by looking at the role of Swindon and its people during the Second World War. Were you in Swindon then? What do you remember? Swindon's Museum Service is collecting stories for an oral history project. To arrange an interview call into the museum or telephone 466556.

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26

Sw fr kr Wide Lions back in West Swindon

Swindon Lions have found a new home at the De Vere Hotel at Shaw Ridge Leisure Park and welcomes new members at its twice a month Monday evening meetings.

The West Swindon Lions met at sisted with a Women's RefugefamFor details about joining Swin- Steve Austin on 524712 or Helen the hotel for several years before il y outing to the Cotswold Farm don Lions Club, or requesting help Marson on 751429 or mail: combining with Swindon Lions Park. taking elderly house-bound with a fundraising event, contact helenmarson@smithyda.org.uk which used to meet in Old Town. people on a tour of the Cotswolds Overthe last year club members fi nishing with a cream tea, helping have raised £10,000 through col- at an athletics meeting for people lections for Marie Curie, Children with disabilities and organised a to specialist arts school status In Need, quiz/race nights, a stall at sponsored walk to enable groups the Old Town Festival, the Polo and individuals to fund raise.

Bradon Forest School in Purton was one of only 476 schools nationally Ground fireworks spectacular and The club provides funds to help to achieve the prestigious 'Artsmark Gold' status in recognition of its street collections with their well voluntary communityorganisations work to provide creative opportunities in all art forms. known Father Christmas float, with the purchase of specific The school is working hard to Awarded by the Arts Council of The 25 members are always needed items as well as supportEngland, the scheme recognises raise £50,000 to support a bid to helping other organisations and ing disabled and disadvantaged schools which demonstrate acom- become a Specialist School for over the last 12 months have as- individuals in Swindon. mitment to developing artistic tai- Performing Arts in October.

Half the amount has been raised ent across the arts spectrum, from drama to music, design to litera- with business backing and the tarture, dance to sculpture, whilst in- get came closer after a whole volving professional artists in the school sponsored event day on 11 July. curriculum .

D* Corporate/Private Artists from the FROST colHeadteacher Len Spiers, said, "I' lective of professional graffiti style m delighted that the Arts Council Weddings has recognised Bradon Forest's artists worked with GCSE pupils * Function/Events progressive, well balanced arts for two days last Autumn. In June education programme which ena- pupil's work was exhibited alongParties/Buffets bles students to work with a variety side professionals' at Bristol's Northern Lights Gallery. of artists."

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Bradon Forest on show in Bristol, left to right, year 10 students Sam Ritchings, Joe Theobald, Andy Stott of D*FROST, Charles Salmon, Mike Marsh, David Procter, Mike Fergie. Holly from the Northern Lights Gallery, Ed Muir

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Three children from Bridlewood Primary School in Red House were presented with prizes for their work illustrating the dangers to be found on building sites.

The competition run by Bovis NA„ Homes, who are building houses a close to the school in Priory Vale, I{ followed a talk by site manager Alan McCormack on the im orp tance of staying away from build- 44 ing sites and not seeing them as an ^ & ' y adventure playground.

The winners from Year 5 and ^W 3. also the reception class were pr --' sented with art packs in return for their prize winning safety pictures. I Alan McCormack with the winners -' '-

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from

Gireendown School

imp i]i1(I •» ►lI:l4

Art & Crafts

General Interest

Decorative Techniques - An Introduction, Code: AGG04N Cost: f42 Tutor: Samantha Brown Starts Mon 20th Sept 04, for 8 weeks From 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Car Maintenance - Beginners, Code: VGG1 ON Cost: £53 Tutor: Colin Young Starts Thur 23rd Sept 04, for 10 weeks From 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Interior Design The Basics, Code: AGG01 N Cost: £53 Tutor: Samantha Brown Starts Wed 22nd Sept 04, for 10 weeks From 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Understanding Horses HS 1 &2: Code: KGG01 N Cost: £53.00 Tutor: Susan Davies Starts Tue 21st Sept 04, for 10 weeks From 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Painting & Drawing - Improvers, Code: AGG31 N Cost: £53.00 Tutor: Peter Robinson Starts Tue 21st Sept 04, for 10 weeks From 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Equitation Theory - from Conception to Competition, Code: KGG1 1 N Cost: £53.00 Tutor: Susan Davies Starts Mon 20th Sept 04, for 10 weeks From 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Stained Glass - Lead & Foil, Code: AGG58N Cost: £53 Tutor: Jeanette Therrien Starts Mon 1 3th Sept 04, for 10 weeks From 7:00pm - 9:00pm

The Italian Renaissance, Code: UGG37N Cost: £32 Tutor: Paul Booy Starts Tue 21 st Sept 04, for 6 weeks From 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Computing

Motor Cycle Maintenance - Basics, Code: VGG1 7N Cost: £53.00 Tutor: Terry Dobney Starts Mon 20th Sept 04, for 10 weeks From 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Computing and Word Processing for Beginners Cost: £30 Code: CGG27S Starts Thur 23rd Sept 04, for 10 weeks From 7:00pm - 9:00pm New CLAIT, Code: CGG60S Cost: £66 Tutor: Eirlys Walters Starts Mon 20th Sept 04, for 20 weeks From 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Languages Arabic - Entry, Code: LGG85S Cost: £80.00 Tutor: Ali Omar Starts Mon 20th Sept 04, for 30 weeks From 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Dance Indian Dance: Bollywood Style - Beginners Code: DGG50N Cost: £60 Tutors: Sonal Patel & Dorothy Clarke Starts Thur 23rd Sept 04, for 10 weeks From 7:00pm - 8:30pm

BSL (British Sign Language) - Introduction, Code: WGG1ON Cost: £32 Tutor: Clare Perry Starts Wed 22nd Sept 04, for 10 weeks From 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Jazz Dance - Improvers, Code: DGG40N Cost: £26 Tutor: Gemma Pixton Starts Wed 22nd Sept 04, for 10 weeks From 7:00pm - 8:00pm

BSL (British Sign Language) - CACDP Intermediate Level 1, Code: WGG1OS Cost: £157.00 Tutor: Clare Perry Starts Thur 1 6th Sept 04, for 33 weeks From 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Jazz Dance - Intermediate 1, Code: DGG43N Cost: £40 Tutor: Gemma Pixton Starts Wed 22nd Sept 04, for 10 weeks From 8:00pm - 9:30pm

French - Entry, Code: LGG1 OS Cost: £80 Starts Mon 20th Sept 04, for 30 weeks From 7:00pm - 9:00pm

At Greendown School Languages French - Level 1, Code: LGG1 1 S Cost: f84 Tutor: Danny Sturgeon Starts Mon 20th Sept 04, for 30 weeks From 7:00pm - 9:00pm French - Level 2, Code: LGG1 3S Cost: £84 Tutor: [ilia Pritchard Starts Thur 23rd Sept 04, for 30 weeks From 7:00pm - 9:00pm German - Entry, Code: LGG20S Cost: £80 Tutor: Peter Wicks Starts Thur 23rd Sept 04, for 30 weeks From 7:00pm - 9:00pm Greek - Entry, Code: LGG30S Cost: £80 Tutor: Maria Thompson Starts Mon 27th Sept 04, for 30 weeks From 7:00pm - 9:00pm Greek - Level 1, Code: LGG35S Cost: £80 Tutor: Maria Thompson Starts Thur 23rd Sept 04, for 30 weeks From 7:00pm - 9:00pm Italian - Entry, Code: LGG40S Cost: £80 Tutor: Sonia Nardo Starts Thur 23rd Sept 04, for 30 weeks From 7:00pm - 9:00pm Portuguese - Entry, Code: LGG96S Cost: f80 Tutor: Luciana Trinder Starts Thur 1 6th Sept 04, for 30 weeks From 7:00pm - 9:00pm Russian - Level 1, Code: LGG81S Cost: £84 Tutor: Tatiana Mast Starts Thur 23rd Sept 04, for 30 weeks From 7:00pm - 9:00pm Spanish - Entry, Cost: £80 Starts Mon 20th Sept 04, for 30 weeks From 7:00pm - 9:00pm Code: LGG69S Starts Wed 22nd Sept 04, for 30 weeks From 7:00pm - 9:00pm Code: LGG70S Spanish - Level 2, Code: LGG76S Cost: £84 Tutor: Claudia Stanley Starts Mon 20th Sept 04, for 30 weeks From 7:00pm - 9:00pm Spanish - Level 3, (Year 1), Code: LGG77S Cost: f 102 Tutor: Claudia Stanley Starts Thur 23rd Sept 04, for 30 weeks From 6:30pm - 9:00pm

Mind & Body Aromatherapy - An Introduction, Code: PGG23N Cost: £53 Starts Wed 22nd Sept 04, for 10 weeks From 7:00pm - 9:00pm First Aid for Children & Babies, Code: PGG66N Cost: £33 Tutor: Clair Meikle Taylor Starts Thur 23rd Sept 04, for 5 weeks From 7:00pm - 9:30pm Fitness & Tone up with Ballet - Beginners, Code: DGG30N Cost: £26 Tutor: Gemma Pixton Starts Mon 20th Sept 04, for 10 weeks From 6:30pm - 7:30pm Fitness & Tone up with Ballet - Improvers, Code: DGG33N Cost: f26 Tutor: Gemma Pixton Starts Mon 20th Sept 04, for 10 weeks From 8:30pm - 9:30pm Fitness & Tone up with Ballet - Intermediate 1, Code: DGG36N Cost: £26 Tutor: Gemma Pixton Starts Mon 20th Sept 04, for 10 weeks From 7:30pm - 8:30pm Massage for Relaxation, Code: PGG86N Cost: £53 Tutor: Lyn Stansfield Starts Mon 20th Sept 04, for 10 weeks From 7:00pm - 9:00pm Meditation - An Introduction, Code: PGG36N Cost: £53 Tutor: Jenny Joyce Starts Wed 22nd Sept 04, for 10 weeks From 7:00pm - 9:00pm Neurolinguistic Programming - Foundation Skills, Code: PGG40N Cost: £53 Tutor: Tony Nutley Starts Thur 23rd Sept 04, for 10 weeks From 7:00pm - 9:00pm Neurolinguistic Programming - Module Two, Code: PGG92N Cost: £32.00 Tutor: Tony Nutley Starts Wed 22nd Sept 04, for 6 weeks From 7:00pm - 9:00pm Self Hypnosis for Positive Living, Code: PGG75N Cost: £53 Tutor: Mike Dee Starts Thur 1 6th Sept 04, for 10 weeks From 7:00pm - 9:00pm

At Haydon Wick Community Centre

At Haydonleigh School

Dance Classes

T'ai Chi & Yoga Classes

Jazz Dance - Beginners, Code: DGH10N Cost: f26 Tutor: Gemma Pixton Starts Thur 23rd Sept 04, for 10 weeks From 8:30pm - 9:30pm

T'ai Chi & Chi Kung - Beginners, Code: YGH40N Cost: £26 Tutor: Robert Webb Starts Mon 20th Sept 04, for 10 weeks From 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Tap Dance - Absolute Beginners, Code: DGH1 4N Cost: £26 Tutor: Gemma Pixton Starts Thur 23rd Sept 04, for 10 weeks From 6:30pm - 7:30pm

T'ai Chi & Chi Kung - Improvers, Code: YGH43N Cost: £26 Tutor: Robert Webb Starts Mon 20th Sept 04, for 10 weeks From 8:00pm - 9:00pm

Tap Dance - Beginners, Code: DGH13N Cost: £26 Tutor: Gemma Pixton Starts Thur 23rd Sept 04, for 10 weeks From 7:30pm - 8:30pm Tap Dance - Improvers, Code: DGH30N Cost: £26 Tutor: Gemma Pixton Starts Tue 21 st Sept 04, for 10 weeks From 6:45pm - 7:45pm Tap Dance - Intermediate 1, Code: DGH58N Cost: £26 Tutor: Gemma Pixton Starts Tue 21st Sept 04, for 10 weeks From 7:45pm - 8:45pm

Yoga - Beginners, Code: YGS01 N Cost: £51 Tutor: Garry French Starts Sat 25th Sept 04, for 10 weeks From 9:00am - 10:30am

At Westlea School Yoga - Beginners, Code: YGV27N Cost: £51 Tutor: Garry French Starts Wed 22nd Sept 04, for 10 weeks From 8:00pm - 9:30pm

Courses at North Swindon Learning & Business Centre

Tap Dance - Intermediate 2; Code: DGH61 N Cost: £26 Tutor: Gemma Pixton Starts Tue 21st Sept 04, for 10 weeks From 8:45pm - 9:45pm

BSL - Introduction, Code: WHL10N Cost: £32.00 Tutor: Clare Perry Starts Mon 20th Sept 04, for 10 weeks From 9:30am - 11:30am

Tap Dance - Mixed Ability, Code: DGH64N Cost: £26 Tutor: Gemma Pixton Starts Wed 22nd Sept 04, for 10 weeks From 11:30am - 12:30pm

National Licensees Certificate - Off Licence Cost: £ 1 31 Code: H H L2 OS Starts Mon/Wed 1 3th Sept 04, for 1 week From 9:00am - 5:00pm

Tap Dance for Men - Beginners, Code: DGH80N Cost: £26 Tutor: Gemma Pixton Starts Fri 24th Sept 04, for 10 weeks From 7:00pm - 8:00pm

National Licensees Certificate - Full On Licence Part IV Cost: £131 Code: HHLO1 S Starts Tue/Wed 1 4th Sept 04, for 1 week From 9:00am - 5:00pm

At Haydonleigh School Salsa & Merengue - Beginners, Code: DGH18N Cost: £26 Tutor: Claudia Stroud Starts Wed 22nd Sept 04, for 1 0 weeks From 8:00pm - 9:00pm Salsa & Merengue - Improvers, Code: DGH26N Cost: £26 Tutor: Claudia Stroud Starts Wed 22nd Sept 04, for 10 weeks From 7:00pm - 8:00pm Salsa & Merengue - Intermediate 1, Code: DGH70N Cost: £20 Tutor: Claudia Stroud Starts Wed 22nd Sept 04, for 10 weeks From 6:1 5pm - 7:00pm

Flexible learning offers a range of courses that you can study from home or at work.

For more information call > '

Evelyn Little on or email evelynlittle@swin'

• co ege.ac.'

I^ 1:

You can join any of the following courses: Start IT This is a gentle lead in for anyone that has never used a computer before. You will start with the basics and progress to using the word processor through which you will gain experience and acquire confidence. By the end of the course you will be able to use a computer and create word-processed documents.

New CLAIT This is a course for those who have some knowledge or experience of using computers. It is a very flexible course as you can select the areas you wish to learn about. This level 1 course includes the common computer applications as well as web page design, desktop publishing and producing graphs and charts.

European Computer Driving Licence This highly popular internationally recognised course has recently been up-dated to include the BCS Certificate for IT Users at levels 1 and 2.

The course is very broad and covers a wide range of computer applications including: word processing, spreadsheets, presentation graphics and using the Internet and e-mail.

CLAIT Plus This course builds on both the New CLAIT and ECDL courses and is for those with a good understanding and level of experience. CLAIT Plus is a level 2 course and will provide the knowledge and skills needed to use a computer effectively. This course includes the common computer applications as well as web page design, desktop publishing and producing graphs and charts.

QLarnWrocF Most of our centres provide access to Learndirect courses. These courses cover an enormous range of subjects including: • IT • Skills for Life • Communications.

• Business • Assertiveness

Learndirect courses can take as little as a few hours to complete and because they are broken down into bite sized chunks you can learn at your own pace and dip in and out of them whenever you like.

Where are the Learning Centres?

There are 7 Centres throughout Swindon and surrounding towns.

Link Learning Centre-Link Centre, Whitehill Way, Swindon, SN5 1JQ Tel:01 793 873877 North Swindon Learning & Business Centre -Inside the Library, North Swindon District Centre, Thamesdown Drive, Swindon, SN25 4BG Tel: 01793 727451 Learning City @ Regent Circus - Swindon College SN1 1 PT Tel: 01793 498378 Nythe Computer Centre - The Drive, Nythe, Swindon, SN3 2RR Tel: 01793 529120

ECDL Advanced Modules The range of modules on offer are at level 3 are for those wishing to develop their skills to a high level. Each course covers individual modules in word processing, spreadsheets, database and presentations. The completion of these modules will prove you have detailed knowledge and in-depth understanding in the particular computer application.

Wootton Bassett Computer Learning Centre - Borough Fields Centre, Wootton Bassett SN4 7AX Tel: 01793 855189

Our experienced staff will be happy to provide advice and guidance on all our courses and will help you decide which course best suites your needs.

Marlborough Learning Centre - Silverless Street, The Green, Marlborough, Wiltshire, SN8 1JQ Tel: 01672 511856

Parks Learning Centre - Oaktree Primary School, Priory Road Park South, Swindon, SN3 2HA Tel: 01793 529120

31

S wider Nude Older computer learner offer

Feel on the scrapheap?

Age Concern Swindon is offering residents of three more sheltered housing schemes or care homes in the borough the opportunity for some free 'taster' sessions to find out more about computers at the beginning of October. ing how residents in your sheltered housing complex With funding from Swindon Learning Partnership, and tutor assistance from Swindon College, older or care home could benefit from the free 'taster' sessions. people who might not otherwise have taken the first steps to using computers will get a chance to dis- Surfing for silvers cover what the new fangled technology is all about. The Age Concern England s Silver Surfers Festival Previous courses have seen groups trying out the takes place from 4 to 29 October. The month, supported by Cable & Wireless and Microsoft, gives internet, e-mailing family or friends, looking up useful thousands of older people the chance to try the information and generally having fun.

Jo Osorio, director of Age Concern Swindon, said, internet for free.

Older people are least likely to have access to the "we want to hear from residents or sheltered housing managers where there are eight people interested in internet, despite being one of the groups who could benefit most from using it. Only 16 per cent of those attending the sessions. Depending on how much aged over 65 have ever tried it compared to 58 per competition there is we may have to draw lots." as a whole.

The deadline for expressing an interest is Friday cent of the UK population it no 07 A ugus.

T o find nu t abou free local A g Conrn ce 'taster' t Write to Jo Osorio at 14 Milton Road, Swindon SN1 sessions call 0800 096 7777 or visit www.ageconcern.org.uk/silversurfers 5JE or mail: jo.osorio@ageconcern.org.uk describ-

Age Concern are urgently looking for people forced out of work at retirement age.

Age Concern director Jo Osorio said, "we know there are examples in Swindon because of local media coverage. Were you forced out of your job because you had reached mandatory retirement age but didn't want to leave?

"Age Concern England would li ke you to be part of our campaign to persuade thegovernment to scrap mandatory retirement ages."

If you've been forced out call Julie Read on 0208-765-7511 or mail: readj@ace.org.uk

Masters Bank Holiday adventure in the hills Swindon Council's Lifestyle Development Team are looking for 24 mature people who want to do something exciting to end the summer.

The cost of £299.40 or £230.00 They're running a week long pursuits centre in mid-Wales for course atthe Plas Pencelli outdoor 'Masters,' mature adults who pre- with a Swindon Card includes a fer lower intensity fitness activi- fully inclusive package of transport to and from Plas Pencelli and durties.

Second hand book sale The week from Sunday 29 Au- ing the course, all food, accommo& coffee morning gust to Saturday 4 September of- dation, activities, specialist equipfers the chance to participate in ment and instruction.

Emmanuel Church, High Street, For details and to book contact activities such as caving, gorge Haydon Wick walking. canoeing, just to name a the Lifestyle Development Team Saturday 7 August, 10am - 12noon few new challenges. on 511033.

Buy your holiday reading

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Come rain or shine at

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* Meet and feed the animals * Tractor and trailer rides around the farm * Take a stroll around our 7 different nature trails * Electric tractors * Animal racing for charity * Huge big bale straw stack & bouncy castle * Adventure play area and giant sandpit * Largest living willow maze in the world! * Indoor heated toddlers soft play & sandpit * Crafty half hour Granary Tea Rooms - homemade cakes!

BARN DANCES &WEDDING RECEPTIONS CHILDREN'S BIRTHDAY PARTIES

32

Swirndkrn Wide Euro music right here in Swindon DUNCAN SELF DRIVE HIRE

Tel: 822193 ?1accz .e cae 'eorta2 eavh^ uy

Vehicles for Hire at Competitive Rates

Cars • Vans • Luton Tail-Lifts Radio de-coding while you wait Open daily 8.30am - 5.30pm Sundays 8.30am - 9.30am 272 Ermin Street

Stratton St. Margaret Swindon

VISA

FREE PARKING

Line Dance with

Midnight Cowboys Tuesday: Even Swindon. 7.00 Community Centre Jennings Street (off Rodbourne Road)

Wednesday: Rodbourne Cheney, 7.30 Rodbourne Cheney Club. Moredon Road .:near Rodbourne Arms)

Thursday: Coleview 7.00 Community Centre. Nythe Road

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

Tired of the same old stuff churned out by the British record companies. do you want a new audio experience?

Paul Dunn from Haydon Wick plays pop music from across Europe including French, Italian. and Russian on The European Mix on Tuesday 9pm to 10pm on the town's digital station Swindon FM "It's different, refreshing. and then you can start r maybe even educational as well," to appreciate it. I said Paul. "Artists like Patricia Kaas got into it be- P from France, Eros Ramazzotti from cause I became Italy andJulianeWerdingfromGer- bored with the P__ many often have success right contents of the 1` across Europe but are practically British music J. unheard of here. It's a shame be- charts and cause a lot of the music is very looked for some thing else. good. with = "Once you get over the fact that To be you can't understand what they're I considered the saying - which is actually the case voice as just anI with so m e En g li sh music anyw ay - other instrument - like listening to an instrumental • :. so I look for mu _ mesic that is Over 2,500 sq. ft. of "I' m very keen to hear from 0thlodic. I don't speak or fully underproducts for the Artist, stand a foreign language, but what ers who already know how good Crafter and Student has started to happen is that vari- the music is - which groups and D.M.C. Main Agency ous words and phrases become artists do they think I should be recognisable and are actually help- playing? I' ve not got any Polish Daylight Lamps Stockist music for example. so I'd like to ing me to learn, Picture Framing "Being on SwindonFMhasgiven hear from Swindon's sizeable DIY Framing Supplies me a great opportunity to share Polish community for suggestions" Well worth a visit. Try us! this music and allow others to deMail Paul at studio@swindonfm cide for themselves.

The format of .co.uk or drop him a line at SwinFramework Art & Craft the show has been deliberately don FM. 10-14 High Street, Old 63 Pembroke Centre chosen so as to not overwhelm the Town, Swindon Cheney Manor Trading Estate Swindon SN2 2PQ listener, I alternate the foreign IanSwindon FM can be found on a Tel/Fax: (01793) 513069 guage music with English language DAB digital radio and on the web at Phone for directions. Parking. music throughout. www.swindonfm.co.uk

Old Bell Pottery & Crafts High Street, Lechlade • Tel: 01367 252608 E-mail: victoria.h@virgin.net

0

4

For great gift ideas

X11,

Knitting & Haberdashery Sewing needs: X-stitch — Tapestry — Rowan Jaeger — Patons — Yarns and Patterns We'll also ,QladR Y order an y thing else you need.

r

Dolls houses E,- miniatures Traditional games & toys; local craft items

In the Stable A great selection of local pottery.

Also: China seconds

i

Pots, planters & ornaments from around the world

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

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33

Swindler Wide Accompanist needed Swindon's Gilbert and Sullivan After more than twelve years, Society are seeking a pianist to first as a performing member then help prepare for forthcoming pro- as pianist. Jean McMaster has reductions of Trial by Jury and HMS tired from the post.

Pinafore at Queens Drive MethodNew members are also very welist Church from Tuesday 7 Sep- cometojoin. For details, call Penny tember.

Perkin on 01285 655438.

Domino's store arrives in Taw Hill Children from NSPCC North Swindon Family Centre made a trip to Taw Hill on 5 July to have a taste of pizzas served up by the new branch of Domino's which has opened at the village centre.

The new Mayor of Swindon coun Peter Stoddart was on hand to help them make their own creations while manager James Swift provided the youngsters with useful advice on healthy eating, nutrition and food hygiene.

Franchisee Siggy Wilberg has also bought the Domino's at West Swindon and now runs all three stores in the town.

err tghts! . experience of F f time!

Taw Hill store manager James Swift with the Mayor and youngsters from the North Swindon Family Centre

...

Something different for someone special!

ights .o £50 for 3

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Any Large Pizza £7.99 Any Medium Pizza £6.49 Any Small Pizza £4.99 Any Personal Pizza £2.99 Collection only. Not valid with any other offer.

Now open at Taw Hill Village Centre. Tel: 701888 West Swindon Centre. Tel: 877585 Old Town -17/21 High Street. Tel: 488400

34 The Link Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ August 2004

Old West Swindon meets new West Swindon A fascinating exhibition of photos and old maps focused on the history of the Rodbourne area of the town comes to West Swindon Library from 5 to 27 August.

Rodbourne was once known as West Swindon, a will be visiting West Swindon Library with coordivillage that had expanded on the edge of the town nator Jane Golding from the National Monument following the arrival of the railway works - until the Record Centre on Thursday 19 August, 10.30am to early 1970s when more expansion westward started. 12noon to talk about community life now and in the Members of the Rodbourne Living Story Project past to library visitors.

STOCK CLEARANCE

SALE Of gifts, toys & jewellery starts on

Monday 2nd August

Talking about books Members of the North Swindon Library Reading Group next meet on Wednesday 4 August 6.30pm to 8.30pm to discuss Tracy Chevalier's acclaimed Girl with a Pearl Earring.

10 Wood Street, Old Town Tel: 511099

Margaret Murphy's book Dark- meeting on 1 September. tivity. Some titles are also availness Falls will be the subject of the Group organiser Shirley Colbeck able in large print.

This new group is looking for says many of the books are availk part. For ab1 e on tape or C L.' so th at een new memb ers to tae

www.dandelionswindon.co.uk

readers with limited time can ab- details call Shirley on 707124 or sorb the words while driving, mail: shirleycolbeck@swindon t^ working or doing some other ac- .gov.uk

SW

Word delivery Volunteers at the ready, the new North Swindon Home Library Service is poised to deliver, free of charge.

This popular facility is available to people of all ages, who are unable to get to a library due to short or long term illness or disability. All types of books, audio books, CDs and videos are selected to reflect the readers' preferences. To discuss how the service can help you, contact the Home Library Co-ord inator Debs Osorio on 707127 or mail: dosorio @swindon.gov.uk

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

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Success calls for more staff

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Formed by Hugh Meredith and is living up to its name: there are no Nigel after they decided that the limits. field marketing industry in which As with most new small busithey worked was not meeting the nesses. there was much enthusiexpectations of its clients, infinite asm. energy and commitment to deliver, but limited funding for promotion, let alone a track record or client endorsement.

However fortune smiled in March

& Full-the

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Due to expansion, we are looking to recruit administration support staff to work at our offices in South Marston, Swindon (near to the Honda facto ry ).

2000 when a marketing agency selected infinite to conduct a mystery shop activity. This was completed by Hugh and Nigel themselves, impressing the agency with the quality of work and their 'can-

do' approach.

We have a range of vacancies which will accommodate weekday, mid-week and weekend working. These roles have flexible in work pa tt erns as the company operates 7 days a week.

Positions available: Full and Part-time > Managers (Project & Administration) > Team Leaders (Both office and field based) > Administration Support Staff > Human Resources Staff > Data Entry Clerks Salary: Variable - ÂŁ dependent on experience and role (get in contact to find out more)

Interested? then get in contact and start a career with a company with a really exciting future! What are you waiting for?

Telephone: Colin Stone on 01793 829196 infinitef . com email: ny tone@infinite-gr www. company ny web-sites: web-sites: ms. com &

www.the-front-of-mind.co.uk

Further larger contracts followed and five years on infinite is associated with some of the world's most renowned brands, and is now recognised as a leader in the provision of field marketing solutions to IT. telecoms and consumer electronics corporate clients.

Recently infinite was shortlisted

for a business of the year award in the small to medium sized category.

Based at South Marston, infinite continues to grow and is looking to recruit motivated, reliable and enthusiastic team workers with good

communication skills.

To work in an organisation that is challenging. yet rewarding, call Colin Stone on 829196.

Th e Link Magazine • August 2004

35

Digging and discovering in North Swindon Pete Wilson. Senior Archaeologist with the English Heritage Centre for Archaeology, reports on the results of the big dig at Groundwell Ridge during June and July

Success - we think we know what we are dealing with at last!

The mysteries below the surface at Groundwell Ridge are starting to reveal the evidence of a bath suite in a villa complex - a range of roomsincludingacoldplungebath with floors surviving in place and a number of other rooms, including a very complicated hot range, that would have formed part of a much larger building.

That building would have been one of two major Roman stone—

built structures on site. From work done by Bryn Walters and Bernard Phi ll ips in 1997, we know the other building, further to the west, is well-preserved.

We have recovered large quantities of Roman building material: tile, brick and roofing slates, as well as pottery produced in the Swindon area and as far afield as France and the Mediterranean.

Metal finds have included coins and a lead plaque featuring a Roman goddess.

Despite this we would need a lot more votive material to justify interpreting the site as a ritual cornplex.

Religion permeated most aspects of Roman period life and household shrines and even a possible nymphaeum, or shrine to a water nymph as Bryn and Bernard found in 1997, would readily fit within a villa complex.

Right, the plunge bath, built in differcut time periods, evidenced by lasers of tiles at two levels

Youngsters from across Swindon were able to learn how archaeologists go about their business in a dig classroom specially built next to the main ancient monument. After instruction they were able to scrape away the soil and discover artifacts to stimulate their interest in history and Swindon's heritage.

Left, Year 5 children from Abbey Meads School working next to a wall and mosaic, from left, Matthew Greenwood. Ashley Oakham, Ross Clark, Taylor SampsonElliott.

AK

Right, a member of the 7th Swindon (Abbey Meads) Scout Group with a piece of Roman 'treasure.'

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36 The Link Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ August 2004

Supermarine youngsters can save the day

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The club runs adult teams at all i mportant, they'll have a lot of fun. social side of the game in the club"Children practice in small house. Training sessions are held levels, including an over 16s womens section. They are particu- groups according to age with RFU every Sunday from 10am to larly keen to recruit to its Mini, qualified coaches. As well being 12noon. Summer holiday fitness Midi and Junior sections, for 6 to taught the skills of rugby they will and fun sessions take place be16 years, and also a newly formed learn good sportsmanship and tween 11 am and 1pm.

Supermarine RFC can be found enjoy the best team game there is." girls 12 to 16 years junior team.

She added that parents are en- off the A361 at South Marston. For Belinda Armstrong for the club said, "even if your child doesn't couragedtostay,watchand,ifthey details of the children's sections, know one end of a rugby ball from want to, get involved with the call Geoff Bath on 861619. www.supermarinerugby.com another, they'll soon learn; more training as well as enjoying the

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Hreod scores Sportsmark award Mountain biking, yoga, kite flying, bowls, croquet, trampolining, as well as traditional team games are all on the recreation programme at Hreod Parkway School, which has been awarded the prestigious Sportsmark award by Sport England for the quality of its physical education and sports on offer.

The coveted award is made annually to schools throughout England that can show a commitment to developing sport to a high level, in partnership with the community. Nationally 3,000 schools have now received the award; Hreod is the second school in Swindon to qualify.

Jackie Cross, assistant leader of physical education said, "we're delighted to become a Sportsmark school which recognises our achievements in providing a progressive, well-balanced physical education programme, which includes the links we have made with local sports clubs and related organisations like Swindon Dance Company. This is reflected in the many pupils who reach district, Hreod's Year 7 hockey team, back from left, Kirsty Butcher, county and national honours at individual and Chelsea Wakenshaw, Samm ii thn Viggers, Laura Stratford, Kim team levels, as well as those who par ti cipate for Drew, Melissa Little. Front, Ann/ Cox, Louise Wichello, Georfitness and personal achievement." gin Stratford, Clarissa Lloyd

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Well known dance teacher Maureen Barkham has returned to Swindon after 12 years in Somerset, to live in Abbey Meads.

At the request of former students who attended the Maureen Cockram School of Dance over many years, she has started to teach tap dance again.

Maureen is planning a series of taster sessions in venues across Swindon to raise money for the Retinitis ( RP) Society, which supports

Monda y : 6.30om a Bum St John's Church, Ha y tlon Wick.

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'r Indian Head Massage, Reiki & Reflexology are now available at the De Vere Swindon Health & Beauty Suite and from July we will also be offe ri ng Hot Stone T erapy.

As an introductory offer we would like to give you a 15`%, discount on Hot Stone Therapy treatments on production of this advert.

For more information and to pre-book treatments call the Health & Beauty Suite direct on

01793 889362

the progressive py T hereditary disease often characterised by tunnel vision. There is currently no known cure to halt its progress.

Maureen said, "tap dancing is wonderful for coordination and fitness; it's excellent for all ages - and it's great fun learning."

The first taster tap session takes place on Friday 3 September, 7.15pm, at Gorse Hill Community Centre, Chapel Street.

For details of other venues, call Maureen on 701305.

The Link Magazine • August 2004

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38 The Link Magazine • August 2004

Naked protest gets attention for barbaric `sport' The July Link featured a revealing photo of Anish Harrison, painted with bulls horns, with her mum Marilyn to promote a protest against bull fighting at the annual running with the bulls in Pamplona. Marilyn describes the event organised by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). rested, so knickers or thongs were left on and ladies After the longbus trip from London on 3 July, eighty $'s 1"' ete^ protestors from Britain were ready to make our views r had posters to hold in front of their chest. Anish, along cov a^ae with men and women from between 18 to 80 stood 5a"g felt, and seen, against the barbaric and gruesome way almost naked ready to run.Ifeltdecidedlyover-dressed, 1^ ^^ ^"" bulls are treated in Spain. so off came my top! ' Anish and I felt very apprehensive as we walked One o'clock sharp and we were off; hundreds of through the city for the running of the nudes; every people had lined the streets to watch, many cheering where we looked we saw posters advertising the Bull and clapping as we made our way to the bullring to Run. We soon felt better when we met up with the listen to speeches and hear about the terrible torture a Spanish protesters and saw more and more people that the poor bulls undergo inside the ring and for arriving - from Italy, Germany, France, Belgium, Ho!Race weeks beforehand. land and USA; there was even a Ukrainian gymnast Our run was a brilliant success; it just seems a shame who had been travelling for over a week to get there.

PET" °^ that we have to go naked before the world's press takes Clothes started coming off - we had been warned notice and reports on this cruelty. that anyone taking off all their clothes would be arAnish, making her point

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The Link Magazine • August 2004

39

Olympic camp at church

Swindon's must ask summer trip

Following past successful holiday clubs, the Church of Christ the Servant in Abbey Meads are organising an Olympic themed Kid's Club from Friday 27 to Sunday 29 August, from 10am to 12.30pm.

The three days aimed at 5 to 11 year olds will feature power events, races, fitness training and heaps of fun, as well as an appearance by Alfie the monkey.

The price is just £1 per day. Places are limited, so call 700641 or 344171 to make a booking, or mail Rev Brian Sweetman: brian.sweetman

A pirate ship has beached next to the Oasis under Ss pool, complete with slides from the deck, water spraying cannon and a bucket from the yard arm which suddenly tips gallons of water onto the unwary.

Make a trip to the centre to enjoy a ton of fun this summer holidays in the big pool, complete with wave machine and high-pressure water jets and the flumes.

L

castles for all .yam

Parents' holiday lifeline

abandone

by their own•

ers.

Does any,:, - one recognise this one? Call 870773.

• Sheila Mitchell from Westlea reports that the stray tabby and white cat that had been visiting Moresby Close, featured in the June Link was not claimed by the owner and after much deliberation the RSPCA has now re-homed him near Bath.

"I hope that he will now have the lap he so richly deserves," she

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40 The Link Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ August 200 4

Rare species need to be protected as North population grows A couple from North Swindon are appealing to other newcomers to the area to protect an ancient piece of farmland in their midst.

Stephanie and Paul Exell moved from Grange Park to Southwold Close in Oakhurst last December.

They were particularly attracted to the house next to the Haydon Meadow Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), which they believe will never be built upon.

However, in the future, with houses on three sides of the SSSI, they are worried that the growing population will threaten the delicate environmental balance in the landscape achieved over generations.

An SSSI is an area of land designated by English Nature as being of nationally important habitat.

Haydon Meadow, which is privately owned, is a haven for birds and wildlife including deer, badgers and newts, insects and unusual plants, because ithas been allowed to develop as an ecosystem over hundreds of years using old farmland management techniques. The area has not been ploughed in living memory and farm animals are only turned out to graze the field after hay has been cut in July and

plants have scattered their seeds.

The meadow qualifies for special protection because the rare green winged orchid Orchis mono is to be found there. It's the image used in the Priory Vale logo.

The original outline planning permission to develop North Swindon was sanctioned in 1992 by the Conservative Government. The Secretary of State for the Environment Michael Howard, now leader of the Her Majesty's opposition, declared that the building of 10,000 homes would not have a significant effect on the environment, so an assessment of its impact on wildlife was not required.

April when developers Wimpey South West continued to use a small parcel of land between their house and the site as a dumping ground for building waste.

Wimpey directors eventually met them on site and acted promptly to clear the mess and put up temporary fencing, pending the building of a permanent watering area for cattle using the field.

"We're now very aware of the need to protect the SSSI from people," said Paul. "We want the developers, the council and the landowner to quickly agree a management plan so that the land can be fenced and residents informed of

Thanks to the efforts of Jean Saunders from Swindon Friends of the Earth, the incoming Labour Government blocked the development of Haydon 3 (Priory Vale) in 1997, until an acceptable Environmental Statement (EIA) was prepared. The delay resulted in a redesigned Master Plan which saw more land allocated to open space, with original hedgerows preserved to create wildlife corridors throughout the area. The Link reported this success in January 1999.

Haydon Meadow had been recognised as an important County Wildlife Site, but the EIA provided detailed information, including the discovery of a significant population of Orchis morio. English Nature moved swiftly to ensure the area was designated an SSSI. Stephanie and Paul have becoming increasingly worried about the threat to the site. "During our first six months here we have seen wonderful changes in the landscape," said Stephanie. "The winter winds made the area look quite bleak but it was magnificent as Spring moved into Summer. The number of birds living in the hedgerows around the site is wonderful and we often see deer in the distance.

The badger setts are thought to be over a hundred years old."

Their concerns were raised in

how important these fields are. The land is privately owned and there is no right of way, but to ensure that the plant and wildlife is preserved, it means everybody should make an effort to keep dogs out, avoid dropping litter, or asking children not to use it for football.

"We the residents should not be responsible for ruining this special piece of land."

Patrick Cashman, conservation officer for English Nature, confirmed that negotiations continue with the North Swindon Development Company, who are building Priory Vale, and Swindon Council, regarding their responsibilities to ensure that the meadow is not harmed by development. "Interpretation boards will be put up to inform residents about the special wildlife. I hope the ongoing management and maintenance arrangements will be in placeby next year's flowering season."

He added that there will be a public open space immediately to the north of the SSSI with play equipment to accommodate needs for recreation in the area, thereby relieving pressure on the meadow.

"Hopefully local people will become the eyes and ears of the farmer and wildlife bodies to look out for any problems around the

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The Link Magazine • August 2004

41

Spiderman makes appearance at Sevenfields, North Swindon Swindon's very own 'Spiderman' will be swinging into town with his own web link at the launch of Wildlife Counts, a three-year long initiative to bring people up close to the wildlife on their doorstep at Sevenfields Nature Reserve between Penhill and Haydon Wick.

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust are looking for individuals and families to join them to learn from a real life spider specialist and other wildlife experts how to survey the site for butterflies, wildflowers, mammals and birds,

Project officer Carolynn Jureidini said, "we all love to see a field full of wild flowers or a hedgerow bursting with wildlife, but would we notice if a few plants or birds disappeared? Probably not unless regular checks are made to

Bringing butterflies back The older generation often say, 'there were more butterflies in my youth, why don't we see more butterflies in our gardens these days?' flies that once thrived in The sad fact is that for r- «M Il our countryside. every butterfly alive today Ra Btterfl u aebeenuP there would hv y World man.- tv ager Luke Brown, 1cft, said to 10,000 individuals a ' hundred years ago. The `'` native species were just as importantastheexoticbutreason for this dramatic terflies people are endecline is man's economic °" chanted with when they development. Time canvisit the centre. "It's a very not be rewound, but huimportant part of our conmans can do something about improving habitats so that servation programme to help people understand that British species butterflies can flourish again.

A newly opened display at the need specific help to keep what we Studley Grange Butterfly World have at the moment for our chilfocusses on UK butterflies, to edu- dren, and our children's children cate people and inspire them into to enjoy." creating their own butterfly gar- He added that a visit during the den, however small. The purpose summer holidays is a particularly built 2,000 square foot enclosed good time to conduct a fun science garden contains hundreds of our lesson. common butterfly species as well A visit to the extension is availas some of the more scarce butter- able at no extra cost.

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Visit the tropics in Wiltshire, rain or shine, summer or winter. You can walk among hundreds of the world's most beautiful bu tterflies, flying freely against a bockdroo of ironical plants and skimming over fish filled

compare numbers and species year on year.

"Come along on the 31 July, 12noon to 4pm, and have a real hands-on experience learning how to identify, survey and record the wildlife you discover. You don't have to be an expert, just enthusiastic. Your sightings will give us

plays at the event, and free refreshments will be available.

If you've enjoyed the day and want to be involved, the trust will be asking you to go to your local green space, check out the wildlife, make notes of what you see and send it in to us either through a soon-to-be-set up dedicated web

the vital information we need to page or by post.

To take part, just turn up at Seven understand the threats to Swindon's wildlife and how we can Fields-meetatthe KennetAvenue ow. car park in Green p it."

The RSPB and the Wiltshire Bee For details call Carolynn keepers' Association will have dis- Jureidini on 01380 725670.

Celebrate our great forest 'World Wide Woods' is the theme of this year's free Great Western Community Forest Festival Trees at the Lawn in Old Town on Saturday 28 August, 10am to 5pm.

Since 1999 the event has offered traditional and contemporary woodland skills to watch or join in, children and family arts' workshops and activities, live music, interactive theatre, dance and displays.

There will be hats and mask making, face painting, willow weaving and clay model-

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42 The Link Magazine • August 2004

September start for bendy river plan

K

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The Swindon Water for Wildlife Project is launching a major effort to restore the wildlife riches of the River Ray at Rivermead, close to West Swindon, over the next two years starting in September.

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LAN J SER VE Garden Maintenance

1(I^%. & Landscaping Professional care ^i,4"_`^^ for your garden Grass Cutting -regular maintenance Landscaping - Patios & Paving - repairs & cleaning lied c Cuttin &- Pruninu No Job Too Small. All works insured. y

Call Martin Emer MI Hort. for free quotation

on 01793 570956 or Mobile 1) 7771 956294

EDEN LANDSCAPES O Paving, Walling O Fencing, Patios O Gravel drives

Chelworth Landscapes Fencing & Garden Maintenance

Fencing and gates Closeboard, trellis, panels, picket, chain/ink, security etc

Landscaping Shingle, paving, water features, turfing and planting

Garden maintenance Grasscutting. tree and shrub pruning, clearance etc

For free quotation phone (01793) 750390

0 CL Timber' New - Reclaimed For all your timber decking & pressure treated timber for garden use, ply, close-board fencing new & old sleepers

"No job too small'!

Delivery in Swindon area

For reliable service and quality work

Drop by or tel: 829715

Tel: 01367 710772 Mob: 0775 4245160

The Yard, Tate Estate Kingsdown Road Stratton St (Margaret, Swindon Open: Mon to Fri 9am - 5pm. Sat 9am - 4pm

Garden Design and Maintenance Why not get some help from a plant specialist and RHS Chelsea medal winning designer • Professional designs drawn to suit your needs/budget • Imaginative planting plans for whole/part of your garden • Plant supply and planting • Garden maintenance - lawn care, shrub pruning, hedge cutting, border renovation

Call John or Anita Barratt ND HortA / Hort on Swindon (01793) 751403 for further information

Anita Barratt Garden Design

A key feature of the work will be putting bends back into the

river which was straightened in the past, right. The result will be improved habitat for the extraordinary range of

wildlife, from kingfishers to otters, that lives on this stretch of river.

The project was launched in May 2003 and is run by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust in partnership with Thames Water, the Environment Agency, Swindon Council and the Great Western Community Forest.

ible, unless you get up very early are the otters which leave tracks up and down the river corridor.

Water voles are found in some parts, mainly upstream on the areas that their most deadly predator, the

American mink, have not yet reached."

The initial work will concentrate on 1.2km stretch of river at Rivermead, close to Thames Water where few fish are to be found. "There is only one type of habitat; there are no pools, The richer environment of the River Ray, shallow 'riffles', slugjust afew miles down stream, near Cricklade gish or still water arProject Officer Jo Sayer ex- eas, which you find in a natural plained why the Ray needs to be river, where young fish can hide made more bendy. "Many urban from bigger ones," explained Jo. "By restoring some of the origirivers were engineered into canals in the post-war period, and nal features reconnecting it to the floodplains drained, and this is floodplain, with shallow banks and what happened to River Ray. At gravel at waters edge, the range of present it's little more than a ditch wildlife will increase over a wide and it's only recently that we've distance realised how damaging these 'im- on either provements' have been to the river side of the environment and the wildlife it river. The work will supports."

Despite this, the Ray actually accommodates a good range of wildlife, including kingfishers, which are a regular sight. Less vis

AM!

SKIPS

2 yd: £45 3 yd: £65 5 yd: £85

2.5 yd: £55 4 yd: £75 All inclusive

5 days given to fill skip

Freephone 0800 - 387613 Tel: 731610 8am - 6pm

also create

better access for

people to enjoy the

area."

Funding for the restoration work comes from the landfill tax credit scheme and is I supported through Biffa, Swindon Services, RWE Innogy, Thames Water and Hills Waste.

To find out more about the project, call Jo on 526229.

43

The Link Magazine • August 2004

rr\LCr )

LAWNHOPPERS grasscutting

LANDSCAPE SERVICES www.hoi-ticare.co.uk

A grasscutting service for both large and small gardens

* Patios * Ponds * Turfing * Fencing * Garden maintenance * Garden design Decking * Pergolas ALL WORK GUARANTEED

Weekly, fortnightly or monthly visits All machinery supplied to keep your garden neat and tidy All rubbish removed

LANDI'CARING GENERAL GARDEN .MAINTENANCE & CONSTRUCTION

• Fencing - closeboard. panels etc.

• Drives and patios - slabs, concrete, shingle • Patio cleaning, grass cutting. gardens tidied up • Turfing and grass seeding i

Full garden maintenance service available

• Ponds & pergolas ontact: 01793 692687 1 07711 253508

Tel: 704204 IAN CURTIS LANDSCAPING

• Trained team • Fully insured For free quotation Tel: ( 01793) 526571 Mobile: 07760 127139

STEVEJEANS

Maintenance

Lawn & Garden Maintenance s7 Lawn cutting * General gardening * Hedge cutting * Fencing *Turfing

• Grass cutting • Weed control • Hedge trimming

Tel: 01793 854255 Mob: 07949 341724

LANDSCAPING & GARDEN MAINTENANCE

EMA Grounds DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL WORKS UNDERTAKEN

Patios • Block Paving Fencing • Decking and all other aspects of landscape work

GARDEN E DOCTOR LANDSCAPIN

Also Lawnmower servicing Plugs - oils - filters

• Gravelling

blade sharpening

collection & delivery service available

Call Mike for a free quotation tel: 01793 722264 fax: 01793 724339 mob: 07919 556119

;a^

s7 One-off or regular customers welcome For regular reliable and friendly service call Steve Tel: 01793 536713 Mobile: 0794 1022 461

www.timberdeckingco.co.uk TIMBER DECKING COMPANY Your complete LTD TIMBER DECKING Specialist

THE

A WB S

Now supplying easy to assemble Jungle Gym playhouses in a great range of sizes and modules to satisfy every child's dreams this summer Call us about Hot Tubs

FREE DELI COMPETITIVE PRICES OPEN 7 DAYS BUILDING MATERIALS Block paving • Driveways • Paths • Patios Decking • Rockeries • Fencing • Pergolas • Turf Side of Manor Garden Centre, Cheney Manor Ind Est, Swindon. Tel: 484455

Timber Decking O Easy Assemble Customised Decking Kits O Tanalised Timber O Pergolas, Arbours & Gazebos O Decorative Aggregates O Ornamental Fencing 6 Brindley Close, Cheney Manor Industrial Estate, Swindon. Tel: 01793 488899

r

^ v

Open: Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm; Saturday 9am - 5pm

44 The Link Magazine • August 2004

What can ladies drive?

Dealing with flat tyres. Lessons for women

Find out at the Marie Curie Cancer Care 'Ladies Driving Challenge' on Saturday 14 August at RAF Colerne, near Chippenham.

Women can try out fire engines, The registration fee is £10 and articulated lorries, police cars, 4 x all participants are asked to raise 4s, double decker buses and even sponsor-money of £100 each toJCBs to prove they can drive the wardstheirlocalMarieCurieNursbiggest, longest, toughest and unu- ing Services.

For details call Claire Cusak on sual wheeled vehicles.

0117 924 7275 or mail: clair.cusack hi mariecurie.org.uk .

There is nothing more frustrating than getting a puncture, and for women, it can be a frightening experience - whether on a fast main road or in some remote country location, in whatever weather.

Although emergency services managing director John Ball. "We give priority to women, you still want women to be prepared for have to wait for them to turn up this situation; we don't have a hidand not all drivers are members of den agenda and there's no hitch.

"CliveLamdonatMOTestSwina rescue organisation.

There is no substitute to know- don will take you through the steps ing how to change a wheel your- of where to find the jack and how self and Swindon garage MOTest to set it up, removing the wheel are offering to teach female Link tri ms and how to get a tyre on and readers what to do in this situation off - on your car. He'll also show you how to check the oil, water - completely free of charge.

"You never think it can happen and washer fluid and provide a to you, but at some time in the complimentary kit of items to do future you could find yourself with thejob and keep your hands clean." a flat and the circumstances could For an appointment, call Clive be uncomfortable," says MOTest at MOTest on 613448.

www.mariecurie.org.uk Don't let annoying cosmetic damage ruin the look and value of your car

• Paintwork scuffs and scratches • Interior trim repairs • Bumper repairs • Alloy wheel repairs Call 07050 266325 for a free, no obligation quote www.trimlineswindon.co.uk

Cars for sale Rover 214 injection. 5 door, 96 N reg, 65,000, air bag, PAS. FSH, tax & MOT, sunroof, very clean and tidy inside and out, £1,695 ONO. Tel: 07779 049840 Toyota Corolla XLI 1993.5 door, 1.3, red, one owner from new, mint condition, MOT May 2005, low mileage. £950.

Tel: 01 793 3461 73 after 6pm Renault Kango Van, 1.9 diesel 'X', 2001, 40K, good condition, regularly serviced, £3,400 ono. factory extras fitted.

Tel: 01793 435392

MOBILE CAR SERVICING & REPAIRS it Electronic tuning * Welding * Electrical work * MoTs arranged (no re-test fee) For a reliable local service with over 25 years experience (No VAT to pay) CALL GRAHAM ON (01793) 873045 or 078 67 556350

Women and men on two feet Sunday 5 September - 10km sponsored ramble on the Wroughton Timberland Trail in aid of the Swindon Well Woman Centre and Man@WWC. Registration at 10.45am at the Ellundune Centre, Wroughton, with lunch stop at The Check Inn, Wroughton. Call the centre for a sponsorship form, tel: 511064

Netball trials Lawn Netball Club are training for the new season and are holding trials for any age and ability on 3, 7 and 10 August at Dorcan School.

The club has teams playing in national, regional and local leagues and caters for all ages, including over 35's, under 16s right down to under 10s.

For details about joining and trial times, contact Eileen Witts on 529787 or mail Denise Sell at: stephen.selll@ntlworld.com

L Rn 116 CUI WE day nursery A brand new purpose-built nursery on the edge of Wootton Bassett Near M4 junction 16, just a short drive from West Swindon

Free 2.5 hour grant places available throughout the day

Open all year from Sam to 6pm

.^,^,

NEW BABY UNIT NOW OPEN For information telephone: 01793 851495

--

`, k

-

www. theda ynursery. corn Brinkworth Road. Wootton Bassett, Swindon SN4 8DS

THE GARAGE DOOR CENTRE Est. 1981

Your local garage door specialist Up and over, roller and sectional garage doors Remote operation doors 2 years guarantee Maintenance free doors Superb security locking facilities Stockists of the largest range of spare pa rt s in the South West of England

a..,.........•..y

Telephone Maxwell xwell Street. Swindon Maxwell House, email: swindondoorservice@btinternet.co.uk www.garagedoorsupplies.co.uk

Cz^^L•

LA' IE$ IVS RAINING .. , .

- you've a puncture and the wheel nuts

were tightened by a 500 pound gorilla.

What do you do?

Let MO Test & The Link help for free As part of our joint commitment to keep the local motoring community on the move, Motest will give you a wheel change demonstration on Dior car.

• check you have all the correct equipment • take you through the method of changing a wheel including: - how to remove your wheel trims, special locking nuts, alloy wheels etc - showing how your jack works - how to undo over tightened wheel nuts

• give you, with our compliments a small kit of items to help you successfully change a wheel and keep your hands clean.

So to avoid being stuck in the future,

call Clive Lamdon on 01793 613448 to arrange a convenient time.

It's absolutely FREE. It will only take about 15 minutes.

Additionally, we can also demonstrate how you can check the oi l/water/washer fluid on your car

SPEEDY MOT TESTING 7 DAYS A WEEK WITH NO APPOINTMENT ...... AND MORE? Hawksworth Industial Estate, Swindon (close to the Oasis Leisure Centre)

Tell, 613448 CNENEV /L /

^...

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)

NO ENRRY 10 NENLOMBF M _I

LPEWC

ROOBOUNNC

HAWKSWORTH INDUSTRIAL ESTATE

'-^ HE OASIS ^___^

•

_

46 The Link Magazine • August 2004

VAC AN CIE

OUTSTANDIN "►

OPPORTUNITIES

-

Previous Sales or Customer Service experience is an advantage Full CeMAP training provided. On-going training and administrative support

For further information please ring Expo Recruitment: 99 0 845051 05 09 099 0845 Quote Ref: CP/TU5.7

To advertise your positions call 872531

High Basic salary plus bonus.

Sales Consultants positions in your area Please note that some positions require training subscriptions. All applications are handled in the strictest confidence by our preferred recruitment specialist

Temporary Service Centre Administrators Farepak Food & Gifts Limited is a highly successful mail order company supplying hampers and gift items.

Due to our forthcoming busy Christmas 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 standard of customer service.

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

the UK's leading cash & carry wholesaler, is looking to recruit warehouse assistants.

The position involves various duties including some lifting.

There are full/part time positions available.

Applications should be made in writing to: Mr P Kent, Batley's Cash & Carry Frankland Road, Blagrove Industrial Estate West Swindon SN5 8TF Batley's do not discriminate against men or women whatever their race, religion or age

Hours of duty: Monday to Friday Day Shift between 8am and 6pm Evening Shift 5pm to 8pm

Some additional hours and weekend working may be required Please send your CV to: Joan Singleton, Personnel & Training Manager Farepak Food & Gifts Ltd Farepak House, Westlea Swindon SN5 7YZ Or e-mail it to: joan.singleton@farepak.co.uk Or phone for an application form: 01793 606301

CASUAL MUSEUM ATTENDANTS Rate of pay: £5.89 per hour

Ref: CE165

Lydiard House is a Georgian mansion, set in Lydiard Park, with seven state rooms open to the public. We are looking to recruit friendly and

Temporary Warehouse Packers Temporary Line Feeders

enthusiastic Casual Museum Attendants to work as and when required to

Farepak Food & Gifts Limited is one of the leading hamper packing companies in the UK.

You will be working with the public, taking admission and shop monies

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 co-ordination 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

Please phone for an application form: 01793 606215 Or post your CV to: Trish Trembath Personnel Department Farepak Food & Gifts Ltd Farepak House, Westlea Swindon SN5 7YZ Or e-mail your CV to: trish.trembath@farepak.co.uk

cover museum special events, sickness and leave.

and will be responsible for the welfare of museum visitors, maintaining cleanliness and security of the museum. You must have at least 1 year's experience of cash handling or GCSE Maths or equivalent and at least 1 year's experience of working with the public.

Applications welcome up until the end of August 2004.

Application forms and further details are available from Head of Core Personnel, Swindon Borough Council, Civic Offices, Swindon SN1 2JH. Tel: (01793) 610202 (24 hour answering service) or via e-mail at coersonneI0swindon.eov.uk Minicom for deaf users (01793) 436659. Please note that we cannot accept CVs. We are actively working towards equality of opportunity and welcome applications from any individual.

The Link Magazine • August 2004

Haydon groups benefit from new fund Grants totalling E2,600 have been made to five local groups from the Haydon Wick Fund of the Community Foundation for Wiltshire and Swindon.

Set up to benefit voluntary groups in North Swin- towards the costs of outings and a Christmas dinner, don when the Haydon Wick Community Associa- and the Haydon Artists' Society hope to move into a tion was disbanded, the charity hopes that some larger room within the Haydon Centre so it can accommodate its growing number of members. £6,000 will be allocated each year.

AlanFletcher,chairmanoftheHaydonWickgrants Amongst those benefiting are the Haydon Wick Rangers, who applied for help with camping equip- panel, said "these are the first grants from the new ment, the Emmanuel United Reform Church who are fund and we are sure that they will prove to be of fundraising for audio-visual computer equipment, great value to the organisations. We hope to help and the Fox and Hounds Cricket Club, which has many more groups in the years to come."

The panel next meets in January to consider applialways tried to reach, coach and support young players, some of whom have a history of bad behav- cations from eligible local groups. For details of iour, are being assisted with the cost of hiring net eligibility and grant giving criteria, contact Jen Wildblood or Jill Dyke at the Community Foundafacilities and pitch fees for practice matches.

The Young at Heart over 60s club will put its grant tion, tel: 01380 729284.

D & L Blinds Rollers • Verticals • Venetians Pleated Blinds • VELUX® Conservatory Blinds QUALITY BLINDS AT AFFORDABLE PRICES Fast and reliable service Evenings & weekends no problem All blinds fitted free Choose from a wide range of fabricsfrom the comfort of y our own home

Contact Paul on 01793 619428 FREE QUOTES NO OBLIGATION

Recycling opportunities increase A trip to the 'dump' is a thing of the past. Swindon's new household recycling centre has opened at Swindon Services Waterside Depot site at Darby Close in Cheney Manor.

Much largerthanBarnfieldRoad attract double this and with better Visitors will soon see signs adwith a flexible queuing system, the sorting, Andrew hopes up to 70 vising them how much is being new centre provides more per cent of materials will go for brought to the site and the rate of rec\ cl i n opportunites to recycle waste says reuse.

Swindon's recycling officer Andrew Cook. "The design allows vehicles to move through the cov1 -,_{ ered area more efficiently. With a #„^ .'— ' larger number of containers avail able, we hope people will take the r ^! time to sort out a greater amount of recyclable materials at home and bring them here."

Around 20,000 tons was taken iII to the old site, half of which was "' •t'(: ¢ tip recycled. The new centre should

rl For a Quality Installation

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47

Corgi 203590

48

A. R. Beveridge & Sons 20 years experience in heating services

• Central heating installations • Boiler servicing and repairs • Combi specialist (repair and installations) • Landlords gas safety certificate • Boiler replacements

Loftt Conversions All aspects of works carried out from concept to completion

'1 L 9 Specialists in PVCU, windows, doors and conservatories.

• All work guaranteed For details call Andy Mobile: 07771 862220 176739

WINDOWS LTD

• Windows • Doors • Conservatories

0/I 1 Wesrmead Ind Est, Swindon

Tel: 01793 848177 or 770596 ,22 Ravens Walk, Wootton Bassett

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from TRADE DIRECT

• Fascia • Cladding • Guttering • Fixings • Sealants

Very prompt, friendly service Advice freely given

• Bathrooms and showers

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House Medic `) U

•

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Tel: 01793 770088 Mobile: 07710 150 644 THE RIGHT PRESCRIPTION FOP A HEALTHIER HOME

v

,,

Mobile: 07785 522377 Tel: 01793 616170

Des g ns Ltd Loft Conversion Specialists

r

I _i

I

Acenti Designs Ltd specialises in converting all types of loft into quality living space.

Whether you need more space or wish to expand your house rather than moving, loft conversions are a cost effective way of increasing your living space without losing valuable garden area. We convert all types of lofts including modern 'W'truss lofts.

We are a professional engineering company. who make extensive use of computer aided design (CAD), to optimise the space and the head height within a loft and to accurately design stairs to fit into the complex geometry of a loft causing a minimum disruption to existing living space.

If you need more living space for a bedroom, office, playroom or a place to relax, converted lofts make very attractive li ght extra rooms.

Designed correctly loft conversions are an environmentally friendly, cost effective way of increasing living space.

Freephone 0800 9178695 www.acenti.co.uk

.

4

49

I Philip Stone

MH KITCHENS & BATHROOMS

Decorating Services The decorating service you can trust, est. 1986

• Kitchen installation

Interior and Exterior Painting Et Decorating Specialist in Wallpapering General Maintenance and odd jobs

• Bathroom installation • Ceramic floor & wall tiling • Plumbing

No job too BIG or too small Telephone for a free quotation:

Tel: 01793 723407 Mob: 07990 847623 Free estimates

07774 - 208527 days or 870515 eves.

GREATFIELD BUILDERS

DECORATORS

Extensions, renovations ^^^ r and garages -' ^

High quality painting

Plastering _

Et decorating

Full professional service including plumbing and electrical

cladding & guttering

Prompt, friendly

TRIG: SURVEY NO IMPOSI1'

Tel: 01793 635000

Work it out for yourself 20' fascia board fitted 20' fascia & gutter fitted 20' fascia, soffit & gutter

inside

ut

20'fascia & so

ff it

£ 60 £135 £205 £130

(prices correct at time of publication)

laminate floor laying general gardening painting

--

fencing & turfing house clearance/tidy

uPVC windows and doors

decking & patios leaning windows, patios etc.

For free quotations call

Free quotations call

hedge & tree cutting

01793 634523

01193110841 01793 712268

i

Maintenance free UPVC fascia boards Expertly fitted at DIY prices

Interior Et exterior

or 07734 779736

SOLUTION

service

e: philip.stone@decorator-services.co.uk www.decorator-services.co.uk

11 W

KITCHEN FITTING

For a free quote

Call us now for a free no obligation quote on

.,

01793 870350 r' r 07766 465752

e-mail: rapers@tinyworld,co.uk

i,rijiF'i 1

Carpet cleaner with free 1 It carpet shampoo

£20 day

£25 w/end

Floor sander/floor edging sander with free disposable overalls Electric hedge cutter with free gloves Pressure washer (ideal for patios) 9" electric paving cutter with free cutting disc Small chipping hammer, ideal for removing tiles Electric sabre pruing saw with free saw blade

£30 £10 £15 £10 £15 £13

£40 £15 £20 £14

Compound mitre saw ideal for decking

£20

£25

£20 £18

Many more deals - phone for details. All prices include VAT

•

`

• •

178 Rodbourne Road (Near Designer Outlet Village).Tel: 01793 522306

• •

In'

-s

verticals rollers venetians romans pleateds awnings

conservatory blinds

• CARPETS • VINYL • LAMINATE

• WOOD • UNDERLAY • ACCESSORIES

Professional estimating & fitting service Visit our showroom or give Mike Edwards a call on

for fast local service call us now - freephone

0800 916 6512 9 am-9pm 7 days a week - evening and weekend appointments always available

to browse or buy just click www.hillarys.co.uk

01793 480777 6 Wood Street, Old Town, Swindon SN1 4AB

off current prices on selected ranges

Hillarys

BATHROOMS

ire

bathrooms

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BUILDING SERVICES

® Plumbing

G.P. Building Specialist Ltd Extensions and loft conversion specia lists

* Quality bathroom suites fitted - tiling, electrics,

general plumbing Complete Bathroom Installation • PLUMBING • TILING • ELECTRICS • EN SUITES

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793 72523" 7748 96443^s

'

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DECORATOR

Interior/exterior painting & decorating • Tiling • Wallpaper hanging • Replacement skirtingboards, coving, picture rails • Laminate flooring fitted • And other carpentry & building services

•

Vo job too smrdl • Koonrs left tidy daily Free no obligation 24 hour quotations

Contact Andy or Mitch: 01793 729354/07977 562288 01793 537324/07900 835116

JAMES O'SULLIVAN Interior & Exterior Painting and Decorating Wallpapering, Coving, Artexing Established 22 Fears

All building and maintenance work undertaken

i

For a free quotation ca ll 07767 417079 01793 435876

I DECORATOR

I DOUBLEGLAZING S

,9

G

INSTALLATIONS

Painting and decorating Domestic & Commercial

s. f —

L

P

FREE ESTIMATES

For a professional fi nish

Quality & Service

telephone 07971347345 (mob) or 616933

Tel: 01793 882093 Mobile: 07957 934536

HEATING & PLUMBING!

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L;i$ '

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For quality windows and doors Tel: 01793 331551 07775 621764/07799 284998 FENSJ See our advert on page 4 FENS

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'INEMA ROOM • GAMES ROOM GYMNASIUM • OFFICE PLAYROOM • KITCHEN/DINER TEL: 01793 770088 MOB: 07710 150644 D^U7N'^M, U^€^UZUr ^ T^^lU t/€ /N...

KITCHENS

MAINTENANCE

HEATING, GAS & PLUMBING SERVICES Central heating installations, boiler servicing and repairs, bathroom and power showers All aspects of plumbing

Tel: 01793 815254 le,:117 606

I MAINTENANCE

Western Prope rt y Maintenance

Building Services Fitted kitchens Home improvements Extensions Garages Call for a free quotation

Tel: 01793 872343

• Painting & Decorating • Laminate & Tiled Floors • Plumbing and Electrical • Fi tted Furniture Installation & Repair • Odd Jobs For a free quote call Mike Nuttall Tel: 01793 886032 Mob: 07729 722829

Retired and semi-retired tradesmen available for all household tasks Electrical • Plumbing Carpentry • Decorating Handymen Call Andrew on 01793 820991 or 08456 444170 (calls charged at local rate)

• Reliable • Trustworthy • Affordable

Don't be left out in the COLD! •

All gas appliances serviced, repaired

& installed • Landlord/moving house safety inspections • Bathroom suites installed and all other ^{ plumbing work undertaken • Central heating systems flushed / t dill], (powerflush) • Hot water systems descaled Quote on request • 24 hour call out a • Natural gas & LPG qualified • British Gas trained

`

Reg: 202015

Tel: 722449 • Mob: 07956 410982

I MAINTENANCE (^ QS GENERAL MAINTENANCE ^^1 SERVICES All interior and exterior maintenance problems solved • Bathrooms & • Carpentry kitchens • Fascia/ • Plumbing cladding • Painting • Electrical Quality service guaranteed Fully insured Special rates for senior citizens Free no obligation quotation Tel: 01793 434184 or 07719 272393 www.generalmaintenanceservices.co.uk Our reputation is built on your satisfaction

our g ode to home maintenance tserv^ces BUILDING SERVICES

Paul Rhind Bathroom suites and kitchens fitted UPVC windows Ef doors Conservatories, fascias

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CARPENTRY

CARPENTRY

DFI Cir e&&lry Sirvnke`4 O Fitted bedrooms and kitchens O Replacement doors & staircases \„

3

O Laminate floors O Household repairs and general maintenance O Decking - supplied and fitted

Free no obligation quotes Kevin Cook Tel: 814833 or 07776 142981

ELECTRICIAN

ELECTRICIAN

Dave Ody

(*Wa4 dsworth L LECTRICAL

For all your domestic & commercial requirements New installations • Showers Extensions - Extra sockets Re-wires • Security lighting New fuse boards Free quotes 24hr call out facility

Tel: 01793 878609 Mobile: 07885 543294

HEATING & PLUMBING M.P.S.

Heating & Plumbing For gas central heating, bathrooms, showers and all other plumbing & heating work

CALL 01793 522579 MOBILE: 07816 906437 matt@mpsheating.co.uk www.mpsheating.co.uk r 0

`I

r

i Reg. 67416

PLASTERING

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

Tel: 01793 849010 Mobile: 07976 572905

CARPENTRY

Offering Domestic

Ecu

& Commercial Carpentry Work from Professional

^

Skilled Craftsman

M

^.

FR caP

Fitted bedrooms & Kitchens Laminate & Wood Flooring Supplied & Fitted Skirting & Archiframe • Door Hanging General Maintenance

Tel: 01793 821377

Mob: 07930 284293

All work fully insured Free quotations

M.D. ELECTRICAL SERVICES

•

Bathrooms & showers

• Competitive rates

• All work guaranteed • No job too small

01793 879156 or 07747 723606

Peg 2u5455

PLASTERING L.P.A

PLASTERING

From a patch to a who , house Free estimates Mobile: 07909 983462 Tel: 01793 703936

All aspects of flooring: wood to carpet

SHOWERS AND RE- WIRES. Wood & ceramics • Supply or fit only Commercial/domestic • Safety flooring All work guaranteed • 14 years experience

ADVICE TEL

01793 495365 MOBILE 077438 74621

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

call Richard on

For details call Paul on 07932 013360 or 01793 812849

FOR FREE ESTIMATES AND

• Bathroom installations Reg. 128986

For further details

Stairs

A- Specialising in shop fitting All carpentry work

MASTERFITTER

Quality Plumbing & Heating

Central heating

Loft conversions *: Doors & windows

SOCKETS AND LI6H7TN6 TO

RJ PEARCE

•

Wood and laminate flooring

P.J. J.

HEATIN G & PLUMBING

20 years experience in plumbing work

_: Fitted kitchens & bedrooms

FLOO RING

HE AT ING & PLUMB ING, PLUMBING & HEATING LTD

CAEPPJTh

undertaken

ELECTRICIAN

Quality Domestic Electrical Installations Extractor fans & showers Extra lights & sockets Garden power & lighting Aerial, phone & PC points Inspection & testing Free quotations Experienced & reliable

51

Kevin Rolfe Tel: 01793 881905 Mobile: 07973 663367

PLUMBING

07970 865883 25 Kennet Avenue, Greenmeadow

HOUSE/GARDEN D & G HOUSE & GARDEN MAINTENANCE

ALL EXTERNAL & INTERNAL WORK Tel/Fax: 01793 723495 Mobile: 07771 617992 All garden work Building Concreting paths Guttering and Patio repairs Fascia Patio jet wash All carpentry Repair or replace External painting small walls

Internal painting &

Grass cutting decorating Hedges & trees cut Plumbing repairs Electrical Toilets, wash Replace sockets basins, bath taps, Extra sockets overflows repaired Outside lights or replaced ALL WORK GUARANTEED. FULLY INSURED

TILING

General plumbing services • Radiators a r • Pumps • Tanks • Boilers • Cylinders • Burst pipe • Taps • Washing machine installed A local service by 5w aoafio

Call now for a free, at home consultation

o o ^ r

Tel: 01793 435392

GILES BROS CERAMIC TILING FLOOR & WALL SPECIALISTS Free Quotes Call Lee on 0771 8102 921

Call Mike on 0778 8444 084 or 01793 520526

SERVICE

52

ACCOUNTANCY

Day & Co;

AERIAL SE RVI CES

AERIAL SERVICES

II.S.A.

Aerial & Television

Accounting Services

CHRIS PAYNE

Services

ACCOUNTANCY

Chartered Management Accountant.,

for all your accounting needs

The tax and accountancy service for small businesses

Our friendly and experienced staff are ready to help you with: VAT Returns • Tax Returns Payrolls • Construction Industry Partnerships • Sole-traders

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

For a free initial discussion call Lyndon Day Tel/Fax: 01793 766000 e-m ail: info@dayand.co.uk

We offer a tailored service to suit all your needs Call us now for a free no obligation quote Tel: 01793 632249 Mobile: 07810 543325 helen@hsaa ccou n t ing se rvi ces.fsnet.co. uk

ARCHITECTURAL Washing machine, tumble d ryer & dishwasher repairs and servicing •

•

111111

•

•

•

ARCHITECTURAL Complete design, plans, and planning service for New build Extensions Conversions Refurbishments

For prompt service, tel: 321943

Tel: 01793 878217 ELECTRICAL SERVICES

& d eee

5

Sevz4

SPARES • REPAIRS • SERVICE

c,

IRONING

11 The Arcade, High Street Wootton Bassett Tel: 01793 854378

Fully insured For a friendly, reliable service telephone 3216 65

REMOVALS/STORAGE

R EMOVALS & STORAGE

ABBEY MOVE

,

=,vr:

r•_

pRR "Rite, S

REKOVAE3 .

A MFFN

"We're

bigger than we round!

T. .. t. 01793 772888

Single Items / Full House Long / Short Distance

Storage Specialists Packing Service Late Bookings Tel (01793) 727307

• Extra satellite points • Video & TV repairs • Freeview installation • Signal amplifiers in

terfe e d

lately? Tetra

No call out

filters fitted

charge

AERIALS & SATELLITE SYSTEMS

All work guaranteed Tel: 01225 706379 Mobile : 07774 943 783

* Satellite TV * Sky & digital terrestial Extra TV, telephone & electrical points Storm damage Tel: 01793 700078

SKY

Mobile: 0717 6236415

CARPET CLEANING

COMPUTER SUPPORT

cif Whitevwa^

Puretechsolutions.eo.uk

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialist The

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

NC^a

You'll be amazed how affordable it is ...call for your free estimate from yow local independent on 01793 731418 or mobile: (17808 355487

^- PC Repairs & Upgrades - Networking/Servers - l.T Support and Maintenance Contracts Friencll v professional service based in .S , indon

(6 0845 128 4362

Entail: cliff.uhitewav8'btinternet.cant

www.printer-sales.co.uk

LOC KS MITH

MARQUEE HIRE

test. 598)

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE SERVICE CENTRE

DAY

TV & FM aerials

LH IRONING SERVICES

IRONING A CHORE??

NOT ANY MORE!!

WE COLLECT WE IRON WE DELIVER ALL IN 24 HOURS

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

•

THE MAN WITH A VAN (Est 1993) • 24hrs - 7 days a week • Single items to a full house • 8 different size vehicles • Disposal of unwanted items

Mob 07811 188564

Tel: 01793 772888 Fax: 01793 772444

WWW.ABBEYMOVE.CO.UK

EMail: ashobbs@theashgroup.freeserve.co.uk

era°

Milli UI!

PARTY TENT MARQUEE FOR HIRE 10m x 4m Fully erected and dissembled Plan your garden party with confidence Competitive weekend / daily rates

Call 07884 454108 or 01793 703313

RUBBISH REMOVALS COMM ERCIAUDOMESTIC RUBBISH DISPOSAL DEMOLITION HOUSE CLEARANCE

METALS & CARS DISPOSED OF You name it, we move it

SE CURITY SYSTEMS

Zr wn

security

Burglar alarms

Access controls CCTV • Fire alarms

Quick & clean service

Installed, repaired, maintained

Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm

24 hour monitoring for police response

Tel: 01793 772268

For details call Doug Marshall on 433999

53

SECTOR AERIALS

AIRPORT TRAVEL

RPOR nnect Ltd Specialist airport transfer services by car, MPV or 8 seater minibus Reliable travel for holiday makers

AP PLIANCE REPAIRS

I

jJf Same day, local service wherever possible

Washing Machines Twin Tubs, etc.

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

Competitive prices

I COMPUTER SUPPORTI

COMPUTER SUPPORT

Y SIGMA

IT-2- •Com

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

OVEN CLEANING

PCiipport straight to your door • Computer running slow?

• Need some advice?

DRAINS ' oo Dc^Bo POG m

BLOCKED DRAINS CLEARED FAST • CCTV surveys

• Looking to upgrade?

• High pressure jetting

• Equipment required?

• Pipe relining

• Virus and Internet attack

• Locally based - competitive rates

questions?

• Wishing to backup?

• 24 hour call out

01793 887883 / 07947 831378 contact@it-2-u.com www.

-

a Iu To R

PLANS DRAWN

• No call out charge

Tel: 01793 435392 PLUMBING SUPPLIES

DRESSMAKER LYNN WHITMARSH Designer Dressmaker For a Professional and Friendly service tailored to your needs.

Bridal and Evening Wear Bustiers Couture Dresses Silk Skirts Satin Corsetts plus Alterations

Tel:01793 722981 Mob: 07976 736764

REFRIGERATION

wise plan I.-NC'LEAN, The Domestic Oven Cleaning Service

Sandra wiseman change of use

Suppliers of Plumbing • Heating and Bathroom products

for a professional &friendly service

All at competitive prices & free delivery

call

Call into our showroom or ring Swindon 877444

plans drawn for emensions and

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

SECURITY SYSTEMS

01793 539274 fora f iee

no obligation consultation

Unit 8 Caen View, Rushy Platt off Wootton Bassett Road behind Lovett BMW

TV & VIDEO REPAIRS

REFRIGERATION AND AIR CONDITIONING ENGINEER J.I.B. REGISTERED ELECTRICIAN • FRIDGES • FREEZER • CHILLERS • COLD ROOMS • AIR CONDITIONING UNITS All domestic, commercial and industrial repairs, maintenance and installation work undertaken

Tel 01793 435722 Fax 01793 435722 Over 20 years experience

VHS TO DVD DON'T LOSE DVD

IS —" E

security systems ltd

Expert Design & Installation of Electronic Security for Commercial, Industrial and Residential Customers • ccTv • Access Control & Intercoms • Intruder Alarms

Gates & Barriers • 24 Hour Monitoring •

'GOGGLEBOX TV & VIDEO REPAIR SERVICE * Free home estimates No call out charge All repairs guaranteed

Ssalb

email:

Tel: 01793-812738

THOSE MEMORIES Wedding videos

=r: Irreplaceable TV programmes and sports events Children's first steps. Birthday parties.

Christenings & Confirmations.

Clne films, Super 8, Regular 8: repaired. recorded & digital editing Obsolete formats. i.e. Betamax, Video2000: camcorder tapes Tel: 01793 495733 Mobile: 07940 810733 e-mail: vhstodvd@btinternet.com www.vhstodvd.co.uk Lovell Close, Covingham. Swindon SN3 5BT

54 The Link Magazine

ust 2004

Auction in aid of Abby's Fund DISC SERVICES®

Friday 24 September. DeVere Hotel. West Swindon

We transfer anything onto DVD Disc - Cine Film, Video tape, Wedding Photos Phone for a leaflet or advice Tel: 01793 705333 Mobile: 07831 575758 H.Q. Bat h PO Box 2079 Manvers Street, Bath BA1 3TJ

(le H ERJ ALI FE..

The way to lose weight We're there for life Call your Independent Distributor

Colin Ward on 01793 343323

Bid for a wide range of items, including a signed photo by Coldplay, a cook book from devil chef Gordon Ramsey. under the hammer of auctioneer Howard Taylor of GWRfm. Tickets £15. includes buffet supper and live music from the Sad Dads, from 526571

Chiropodist Hazel Kenee is bidding a fond farewell to the town and her clients as she emigrates in mid-September. She hopes to be as happy there as she has been during her 14 years in Swindon.

Popular teacher looks forward to new challenges Children and staff at Westlea School said farewell to a much loved teacher at the end of term.

Last month The Link featured the retirement of Penny Summers, headteacher at Oliver Tomkins Infants School. Now her class mate and best friend from 1954, Ann

Wong has retired from Westlea School after a 39 year career teaching in Swindon and abroad.

Born and bred in the town sixty years ago, Ann followed her par-

Town and also enjoy being involved in amateur dramatics.

"I don't have children or grandchildren to distract me so I want to get fitter, get a dog which needs

Coe Plumbing

NNA ELISABLT1-I

Domestic & Commercial For all your plumbing needs

Beautifii<jandma: " uwecfding stationerij

No call out charge

Individually designed stationery created with exquisite materials Contact Anna on 07717 775577 or annaelisabethdesigns@yahoo.co.uk www.annaelisabeth.co.uk

DECOTEX Painter & Decorator Specialist Artexing Tel: (01793) 791388

2 Boldrewood. Swindon

Tel: 01793 529192 Mob: 07747 752190

^i

D. 'Upholstery

Upholstery repairs & recovering from .i 18 Large range of materials or in your own For furthercletails call 01 793 8 71808

S

•

The reality is if you die without a will the law decides how your possessions will be sorted out and who receives what.

For a free information pack on how your will can be professionally written call today.

N

From West Swindon

to Western Australia

The National Specialists for: Wills • Probate • Lifetime Storage • Power of Attorney • Living Wills • Property Trusts • Personal Life Plans

Nauonmd, Legal Scrmerc

sI:11Is11IF1:

Ann, with her last class at Westlea School ents into teaching, but after two years at Pinehurst Primary School following college, she decided to spread her wings and teach abroad.

In 1965 she found herself flying off to Saskatchewan, Canada with dozens of other teachers recruited to work in remote prarie communities. Luckily she was allocated a school in a lively tourist area, where she soon met and married her husband Vernon.

What was supposed to be a two year contract turned into 14 years teaching in schools mainly for native Canadians.

Separation from Vernon meant a change of direction and she spent three years at a teacher training college in Nigeria with a Canadian volunteer programme.

Ann returned to Swindon in 1984 and had a job lined up in Egypt, but decided to stay close to her aging parents. She spent nearly three years at Oliver Tomkins School before moving to Westlea.

After 17 years teaching infants and reception Ann said it was a ood time to take a break from unstant lesson planning, performince monitoring and meetings.

"Whilst I've got the energy I want to do more of all the things I enjoy and discover more. I have a lovely garden which I want to spend more time on, I'm involved as a volunteer with the Arts Centre in Old

walking, have the luxury of looking at the labels in my local Sainsbury, and get more involved in my church. There are people I have not seen for years, so I want to write letters and entertain more."

Teaching was a much simpler career when Ann started in the early 60s. Nowadays the demands are huge and the changes within the profession and the pressures on schools from society have not always been for the better. "Children have so much in a material sense nowadays but they don't seem to have so much parental attention," said Ann. "But if there is a dispute I'm afraid parents too quickly back their children against the teacher without hearing the full story. That's sad, especially if a teacher is young and inexperienced.

"But I've always felt it very important to build relationships with parents and involve them in the class so they know what is going on and know their children will be happy. It's been lovely to have grannies helping me in the classroom from time to time.

"I'm going to miss the children and the lovely staff at Westlea. I might miss the discipline of getting to work but I have a lot of plans. Who knows what's around the corner."

55

The Link Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ August 2004

Invention draws interest from other countries A low maintenance solar powered lighting system invented by Roger and Jean Mugridge from Cricklade, excusively revealed in the July Link, is drawing interest from other countries.

Roger and Jean came up with the idea after a holiday in Kenya where they met people living without electricity. By wiring together a small solar panel, a rechargeable battery and two LED lights used in cars, their system can provide light for up to 56 hours.

They took three prototypes to Kenya last year and soon hope to ship a further twenty for

distribution to families, with help from the Lions Club of Mombasa.

Many poorer people rely on the open flame from small paraffin wicks for light.

With help from a friend, Lawrence Cole, they have setup a charity called Lights for Learning which aims to produce the low cost light-

RAMLEAZE COMMUNITY HALL Pilgrim Close, Shaw

Roger with his light, Mark Thornett, left, John Moleoena and Ephraim Maleka from South Africa.

Smilemenders on the way to Ukraine Swindon dentists Brendon Ball and Richard Swift will again be spending their summer holidays in the Cherkassy region of Ukraine assisting dentists with training and delivering essential supplies.

This is the fourth trip they have made to Cherkassy. In 2002 Brendon and Richard delivered a former health authority caravan

Change' team in the Family Church said, "the lighting system has a lot of potential because it's so simple.

Also it eliminates the risk from fire from using unprotected flames from paraffin lights, candles or fires.

"It will save people money because they don't have to buy candles or paraffin. Even if only a few households had a solar light, children could study together."

He added that members of the church would be visiting John's church in Lesotho and might take some units with them.

ing system in large numbers which they hope will increase educational opportunities around the world.

Following last month's story Mark Thornett of Swindon Family Church met Roger with two visitors from Africa.

John Moleoena from Lesotho said, "this could make a lot of difference to children's education.

Some have to travel a long way to school and get back when the sun is going down. They get up very early to do homework before setting off for school.

Mark, who leads a 'Life for

This new community facility, built by Ridge Green Medical Centre, will be open from September 2004 and is now available for bookings

which is used for dental treatment and health work in remote rural

For more information, please

districts.

contact Claire Foulds on 877700

Donations to Smilemenders are very welcome. Call 873044 or go to www.smilemenders.oru

Green

w

(Tuesday or Wednesday)

CO-OPERATIVE FUNERAL SERVICE SWINDON `` ON OF F ,Li ^^

o^Evangeyc , ,O

a

!worsley Road

t

Y 439 Cricklade Road (01793) 534759

s;

i vl

irvvr.scc>k I N ProPi.e

& Temple House, 4/5 Temple Street building with people

(The closest fiowral director to the Registrar)

Sunday services are at IOam & 6.30pm For further information you can either ring (01793) 873050; e-mail: office@freshbrook.org

(01793) 491091

e

or visit: www.freshbook.org tke gift of God is Eternal Life" (Romans 6 r'?I

^

Brendon and Linda Swift receiving a donation of dental materials from Liz Niperess of Kemden t at Purton on 16 July

24 hour service Private Chapels of Rest â&#x20AC;˘ Monumental masonry Funeral pre-payment plans

www.mywishes.coop

West Swindon & the Lydiards churches

Sunday Worship 10.30am Sunday School and Creche

NSBC

Meeting at Greenmeadow Prima ry School

All Saints', Lydiard Millicent

Greenmeadow

Holy Trinity, Shaw

Primary School

St Mary's, Lydiard Tregoze

^a'hesavenee ^c

Toothill Church; Westlea Church Dart Avenue

NTftworth Rd

0

84006

For God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son.' John 3:16

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