August 2007 Swindon Link

NEW @ swindonlink.com

• Free classified listings • Forum for your views • Free business listings for Link advertisers • Free listings for community organisations & charities No. 303 August 2007 • Circulation 26,000

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

Making Africa connections

FIVE ★ WINNER

Scores on the Doors Award

Five Swindon schools are building close links with a district in South Africa.

Left, pupils at Peatmoor Primary School learning traditional methods of carrying water from Lizzie Mbele.

Right, Greendown pupils who met Archbishop Desmond Tutu in July, Denielle Govender, Matt Hunt, Laura Dunham See the story on pages 30 & 31.

Kevin to show Swindon how to be sustainable

We meet the first Isambard pupils

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Mechanics’ petition nearly on its way to Gordon Brown As the deadline for the Link’s petition in support of the New Mechanics’ Institution Preservation Trust approaches, there is hope that there could now be progress on securing the building’s future. said Martha Parry, of the The petition on the Trust. “Now, we need Prime Minister’s webquick, decisive action site calls on Gordon which should be possiBrown to intervene in the ble with this new govdeadlock between the ernment.

Trust and the owner of “We’re calling on the building, Matthew Gordon Brown to back Singh, by issuing comus in our bid to revive a pulsory repairs notices. significant building in Mr Singh’s latest Swindon’s cultural and scheme involved demolcommunity history. ” ishing a substantial part There is still time to of the Grade II* listed structure to make way for a 10 sign the petition by 30 July at: storey hotel right in the heart of h t t p : / / p e t i t i o n s . p m . g o v . u k / the railway village which could be SwindonMechanics considered for world heritage staOn yer bike tus.

The Trust has been given notice But, to comply with English to vacate the Community CrossHeritage listed buildings require- roads by 2 October. ments, Swindon Council’s planIt has had rent free use from the ning committee rejected the appli- council for the past four years and cation at its meeting in mid-July. provides meeting and activity Neither Mr Singh nor his repre- space for a range of organisations. sentatives were present to hear the They are contesting the decision decision. of the council’s cabinet on the With four new hotels proposed grounds that there was no consulfor the town centre, the chances of tation and that the reasons for ejectgaining permission to convert, let ing were not properly disclosed. alone demolish parts of the MeRead Martha Parry’s view of chanics’, is diminishing.

Swindon’s parallel consultative “I think the tide has turned,” world on page 28.

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Sustainability gets practical in Swindon TV presenter Kevin McCloud is to build new housing with eco-outlook by bringing HAB - Happiness, Architecture, Beauty - to the town Swindon Council’s dream of making the town the most sustainable in the country has taken a major step forward after Channel 4s Grand Designs’ presenter Kevin McCloud selected Swindon for his first foray into volume house-building.

His new development company - HAB Housing has been set up out of frustration with the poor quality of much house building in Britain.

HAB, which stands for Happiness, Architecture, Beauty, aims Kevin McCloud, third from left, with coun Rod Bluh, Peter to not only build North of Footsteps Housing, coun Peter Greenhalgh environmentallyfriendly homes but also create suc- major coup. “We’ve been discusscessful sustainable communities. ing the project with him for a year Kevin has teamed up with Foot- and we can barely contain our exstep Homes to build two develop- citement for this project. His proments of 150 to 200 homes, one in posals fit exactly with our vision Wichelstowe, next to the M4, and for sustainable development.

“Kevin is an inspiring designer the other on a disused allotment and individual and we are exsite in Pinehurst.

At the project launch in mid- tremely lucky that he’s chosen to July, Kevin raved about Swindon focus his talents in Swindon.”

Coun Peter Greenhalgh, cabinet as a great place with huge potential and thanked the council for lead member for strategic planwelcoming his proposals. “I am ning, said the council had been delighted the project is coming to talking about sustainability for Swindon. The more I’ve come here years but it was time to take practo discuss our ideas the more im- tical action. “If our town must have pressed I’ve been with the coun- housing growth thrust upon it by cil’s desire to have new, sustain- central government, then we are able housing as a central feature of determined that it be the kind of homes that we want. the town and not as a Construction fringe activity.

To become involved: should start in late “We aim to demKevin is interested in discussing 2008 but over the onstrate that homes his plans as they develop with coming months, of different kinds can a consultative group which will HAB staff will be inbe built to the highest visit other sustainable housing vestigating local laquality, which do litprojects in the UK and across bour, discussing tle harm to the enviEurope. To express an interest new forms of mortronment, at the same in being part of it, mail: gage lending with cost as other housing isabel@habhousing.co.uk local companies and - whilst creating environments which encourage visiting the Science Museum Wroughton which is being redestrong communities.

“We will build to the highest veloped as a centre of specifications; I make no apolo- sustainability.

Matt Holland of Lower Shaw gies for setting high standards so that these projects will be an exam- Farm, which was leased from Swindon Council nearly 30 years ago ple of what can be achieved.”

Council leader Rod Bluh said and is a project where susKevin’s choice of Swindon is a tainability and resourcefulness have always been central objectives, said, “this is terrific news for Swindon. Not only is the emphaThe Rotary Club duck race sis on sustainable housing exciton the River Ray at ing but so is another of Kevin’s key Mannington in aid of points: creating community. childrens’ cancer “These two aims are integral to charity CALM - moved the founding spirit of Lower Shaw from May to July - has had to be Farm and are realistic ideals that postponed again. It will now take place everyone can embrace.” on Sunday 19 August.

Kevin’s building project will be Buy a duck on the day or call 521464. followed by TV cameras for a documentary to be screened in 2009.

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TAKE IT EASY IN AUGUST, BUT MAKE YOUR MONEY WORK FOR YOU AFTER A MORTGAGE REVIEW

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The August 2005 Link looked at Swindon’s further expansion to the West, and we’re still wondering what ideas are coming forward.

“Anybody who uses Mead Way All the publicity in the last two years has been given to proposals regularly will have noticed the inby the South West Regional As- creasing congestion and delay getsembly that Swindon should be a ting into town and to the motorregional growth area and should way. Forcing more housing on accommodate up to 40,000 new Swindon, let alone building to the homes by 2026. This includes those west of the town, needs to stop already with permission: 3,500 still until some serious support is forthto be completed in North Swindon coming on road infrastructure and A B C D E F G mass transit systems.” and 4,500 to be built in the Front Garden.

Whilst big scale building Tadpole Farm is likely to take place to the east of the town, a decision in 2004 by a planning inspector reviewing the Wiltshire and Swindon Structure Plan still stands. He called for another 1,000 homes to be built ‘west of Swindon.’

A working group of councillors and planning officers from Swindon, North Wilts and Wiltshire County Council has been considering possible development zones, from M4 junction 16 right round to Tadpole Lane, next WOODHALL to Priory Vale.

Mouldon Hill PARK Country Park A report was due this All the zones to ‘the west’ are in North Wilts summer but The Link under- except Tadpole Farm which lies within Swinstands that none of the sites don. It is also the only one big enough for another have been considered ad- 1,000 homes. In the August 05 Link a Swindon equate to build 1,000 more planner said the site was not required to meet the homes. land requirements of the Local Plan to 2011.

Nine Elms councillor This may no longer be the case.

Keith Williams, a member of the study group, would not reIn the June Link coun Peter veal any details but said the road Greenhalgh, cabinet member for infrastructure in West Swindon highways and transport, commentwas under great pressure. “With ing on the plan to link Thamesdown over 3,000 houses still to be com- Drive to Great Western Way said, pleted in Priory Vale roads such as “the current build estimate is over Mead Way will be pushed way £100 million, far more than Swinbeyond the capacity they are al- don could fund without central govready struggling to accommodate. ernment support.”

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Swindon LYDIARD Publications Ltd. PARK 71 Basepoint, Rivermead Swindon SN5 7EX Tel: (01793) 608840 Fax: (01793) 608841

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Call Nicola Norridge on (01793) 602540 advertising@swindonlink.com September bookings by 3 August

e: publisher@swindonlink.com

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

It is completely independent of Link Centre Publisher/Editor: Roger Ogle and, in fact, won a competition to name the Editorial: Tel: (01793) 608840 leisure centre in 1984. Distribution in North Swindon commenced in January 1994.”

Editorial copy date for

www.swindonlink.com

September: 8 August Published: 25 August Copy for October: 10 September Registered in England & Wales. No: 4513027.

Registered Office: 130 High Street, Hungerford, Berks.

Printed by pcp, Telford

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The contents of The Link are protected by copyright. Use of advertisements in printed or electronic form is forbidden unless an advertiser or publisher has sought permission. Articles and photographs require similar authority

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ID cards. It’s more than just your identity at stake Lynda Warren of Swindon NO2ID gets behind the proposals and explains the concerns of the non-party political campaign group has about The Identity Card Act 2006 This is the most ill-named Act of Parliament. The label perhaps leads to some people’s lack of concern over it.

If it were called either The Identification Database Act or the Government Individual Register Act we would be closer to the mark.

Let’s get this straight - it isn’t just about identity cards. The government proposes a huge database to keep tabs on everyone, a massive infrastructure to collect peoples' details, a giant network of technology required to verify people against their cards - and both of these against the database.

The card is just the tip of the iceberg. The proposed National Identity Management System has many layers: The National Identity Register (NIR): individual checking and numbering of the population, collection and checking of fingerprints; the card itself: a scanner and computer terminal network connected to the central database; and data-sharing between organisations on an unprecedented scale.

Scared? We are. Swindon NO2ID is a large group of people all united by their abhorrence of this law.

The Government makes many claims about its benefits, such as:

Summer at the Pagoda Palace 30% OFF Set Menu Lynda Warren, no objection to being identified here, but fearful of ID cards

Mast proposed close to school

• reducing terrorism. Well no it won't. An ID cannot show the holder's intentions. The Home Office itself has declared that ID Cards won't stop terrorism.

ID didn’t stop the recent London and Glasgow attacks. If a person is willing to set themselves ablaze would they not if they held an ID card?

• reducing identity fraud. No again. The existing forms of ID (passports, driving licenses, utility bills) are sometimes stolen or forged. They each refer to a part of one's life. The ID Card and the NIR will hold access to all of one's life.

It will be hugely alluring to criminals. If ID cards can be manufactured, they can be forged

T-Mobile is appealing against the decision by Swindon planners to block a 15 metre high mast on Roughmoor Way, opposite Castleton Road, close to Shaw Village Centre and Brook Field Primary School.

The company say 3G reception would be improved in the area but residents’ had expressed fears about radiation - which are not admissible to planning - and concerns about visual appearance.

Andrew Snowden, chairman of the Shaw Residents’ Association, said, “we are not happy because of the visual impact of the sighting.”

Jane Eatwell from Castleton Road said that the mast head would be 90 feet from some bedrooms.

“They just don’t know what the health impacts will be.”

She said the mast would be the third close to Brook Field Primary.

Coun Keith Williams said he wanted mobile phone operators to share transmitter masts. “If they get away with sighting masts where they want, we will all be a lot worse off.”

The cost of creating the NIR will be paid for by our money - billions of it - about £200 per person out of taxation, plus £30 per person to go onto the NIR (this will be compulsory).

And another thing, the government will sell access to your identity record ( which you were forced onto and had to pay for) to organisations for 60p a pop.

Who wants this scheme and who benefits from it? Not me, not you.

Mr Blair was committed to the ID scheme, Mr Brown shows little early inclination to drop the scheme which is rapidly becoming known as the ‘new poll-tax.’

We‘re certain that in a climate where there is often little policy difference between the main parties that this single issue will determine many voters ballot.

Swindon NO2ID is mainly a virtual organisation, and it is nonparty political.

For more information it lives at www.talkswindon.org or more personally through Lynda Warren on 07802 151464.

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Teddy mad for Prospect Residents of Westminster Court, Toothill held a teddy bears picnic with a difference for the Prospect@Home campaign in mid-July.

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Town cryer Fred Ferris joined the bears, Alec Kinnett, left, and Gwen Ponting, right, with baby Lily Grayson, and Pam Meade, centre and the Prospect lottery team Jenny Evans, Jane Page, Audrey Gooding

Guinness Trust housing warden Pam Meade persuaded many to be painted with bear faces in addition to taking part in the usual community singing and fete activities. She decorated the garden with a teddy tableau alongside live mummy, daddy and baby bears enjoying porridge and marmalade sandwiches.

Daddy bear Alec Kinnett and mummy Gwen Ponting agreed that Pam has a very persuasive way to get residents to participate

in activities. Family and friends also attended the tea party in the garden. £1,100 was raised.

Jenny Evans, Prospect Lottery manager, said, “there’s a real buzz about Westminster Court in support of Prospect@Home. Pam, the residents and all their friends have made a fantastic effort to help our fundraising campaign.”

To organise an event in aid of Prospect@Home, contact Andrew Thompson or Gemma Jones on 815142.

Town revisits glory days for Prospect A charity football match starring Swindon Town legends will be the ideal prelude to the start of the new season back in League One. Phil King said, “the game will A Hall of Fame side will run out at the County Ground on 6 August provide the fans of Swindon past, in a game to raise money for the present and future with the opportunity to see the Legends of SwinProspect@Home appeal.

The match, organised by former don Town in action one more time, left-back Phil King, when town whilst raising valuable funds for a enjoyed the heady heights of the very worthwhile cause.”

Ben Lambert, STFC sales and Premier League, will feature teams selected by two of the Town’s most marketing manager added, “it will successful managers: Lou Macari provide our supporters with entertainment that will bring the and Glenn Hoddle.

Players who have agreed to take memories flooding back.“ Advance tickets priced at £10 part are Shaun Taylor, Colin Calderwood, Jan-Age Fjortoft, for adults and £5 for juniors are on sale at the STFC ticket office. Prices Steve White and John Trollope.

From the more recent past, ‘Su- on the day are £12 adults, £6 junper’ Sam Parkin will be there if iors. fitness and club commitments al- • STFC summer camp and adult leagues. See page 37. low.

Miles for a good cause The Link’s sales manager Nicola Norridge, right, joined hundreds of other women for the Cancer Research UK Race for Life in Lydiard Park in mid-June and completed the 5k course in 35 minutes, raising £184.42.

A further £345 was raised for Cancer Research UK in association with our landlords Basepoint Business Centre through a health day in June and race runs by managers Beverley Reynolds and Lynn Chapman.

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19/7/07, 4:11 pm

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Wash & brush up for Toothill

Get down and dirty in Westlea Toothill & Westlea councillors Mary Martin and Steve Wakefield are leading a pond clean and tidy up at the play area on Westlea Drive from 10am on 11 August.

Swindon Council workers have already chain-sawed trees and rampant vegetation in the play park, but volunteers are needed to clear litter and prune shrubs. Bring gloves, wellies or suitable footwear, black bags and garden rakes to hook rubbish out of the pond.

Coun Wakefield said the pond is so bad that even the newts have moved away. Contact him if you can lend a mini-digger to excavate silt at: toothilland westleacouncillor@yahoo.co.uk

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The Sensible Alternative to a Skip Cheaper & Twice the Capacity!

After two mini-clean ups earlier in the year, instigated by Oliver Tomkins Junior School, Toothill will get a tidy up on 30 August courtesy of Swindon Council’s Safe & Clean team.

She said that Toothill is not the Staff from Swindon Commercial Services will be out in force to most problematic area in Swindon sweep the streets and tackle graf- but there has been enough antifiti. They will be helped by people social behaviour for the police and on probation and the Fire Brigade the council to impose a second diswill distribute leaflets and offer persal order on the village centre.

Residents are welcome to join in home safety checks.

Cheri Wright, the council’s Crime and make their community neat & Disorder Officer, said the police and tidy. Call Jane Dudley on and housing department staff would 466473 for details of where and when to meet. also be helping.

The Safe & Clean team descend Secure your bike on a different area each month and with a free kit Cheri says the results are encourThere will be 200 free bike security aging. The theory is that people feel safe when an area is cleaned coding kits available to young peoand the risk of further deteriora- ple at the Safe & Clean Day between 10.30am and 12noon. tion is reduced.

Take your bike and proof of ad“It sends a message about trying to instil more community respon- dress to Toothill Village Centre to collect one. sibility.”

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Lydiard play park addition promised

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A swing for people in wheelchairs is to be installed at the new play area in Lydiard Park after the needs of people with profound disabilities were highlighted in last month’s Link magazine.

At the West Swindon Forum on experiences for peo9 July, coun Steve Wakefield, who ple in wheelchairs. visited Lydiard in June with staff (See details on page and children from Uplands Spe- 7 of the community cial School said he was pleased clear up in the that the Lydiard Park regenera- park).

A wide range of tion scheme had a contingency fund to respond to needs as they issues were raised at the forum includarose.

He added that he hoped that ing: equipment for children with dis- Floods in Westlea abilities could be installed at Dennis Cole from Westlea Park and raised planting Swindon Council beds improved to provide sensory Highways Mainte-

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Westlea houses for Westlea site New owners of the former Westlea police station site are considering building a mixture of affordable sheltered accommodation for the elderly alongside some new homes.

The police station was demol- be a public consultation process ished in October last year when before any plans were submitted. owned by Countrywide Homes. “Our experience is that when we They recently sold the land to a consult over extra care facilities, Chippenham based housing asso- no-one complains. They are good ciation, which co-incidentally is neighbours, don’t have noisy parnamed Westlea Housing Associa- ties and there is an opportunity for local employment.” tion.

The proposal is that half of the Bryn Howells, Land Acquisition Manager, said that there is a short- site would be taken up by the shelage of affordable homes for the tered accommodation. The other elderly and the association is look- half would be used for residential ing into building an extra care fa- properties to be sold at the market cility, which may include a day rate, with income used by the notfor-profit organisation for future care centre.

He said feasibility studies are projects. www.westlea.co.uk being carried out and there would

www.ukbabyscan.co.uk

1 August 07

nance explained Coun Steve Wakefield at Lydiard Park with Uplands that a lot of work Special School teachers Lorna Breslin, centre and Jenny had taken place Lillystone with pupils Vanessa Mapstone and Kate with the Environ- Bradbury ment Agency and Thames Water to clear Whitehill vehicle theft, 60 per cent of which Stream to ensure rain water flows are scooters and mini-motos. He said most of the crimes are carried away quickly.

He said the Environment out by 3 or 4 people and about 20 Agency had designed a bund to names can be linked to nearly all prevent water from flooding the crime in West Swindon.

However the number of reports homes at Moresby and Benwell Closes as it did two years ago, and of vehicle theft taken at the much Swindon Council would be pay- maligned 0845 408700 police call ing for the work to be done in centre is low. He appealed for more November. He added that the three evidence to support prosecution.

He added that two officers are agencies were signing a memorandum of understanding on the joining his team in August and he long term action to be taken to hopes to make the policing of the prevent the problem re-occurring. dispersal order at Toothill Village However residents expressed Centre more effective. worry that Thames Water were Speed hump blues. The humps reluctant to improve sewers to pre- along Freshbrook Way were disvent raw sewage backing up and cussed - again. The council is reviewing how useful such traffic bursting manholes.

Grants for groups. Council grants calming measures are in balancing officer Mark Feeney explained the a reduction in speed against the new system to make available increase in traffic on adjacent grants of under £1,000 to commu- routes. There have been complaints nity groups to put on an event or over the last five years that traffic festival. Contact Mark on 466503 outside Oliver Tomkins Infant and Junior School has dramatically infor details. creased as a result of the humps, Catching the culprits Sgt Mark creating as much danger as has Sellars said his six officers are batbeen removed from Freshbrook tling to keep on top of a wave of Way.

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Grand open day at Orchid Vale Grandparents swelled the numbers as they went back to school in late June to learn how things have changed.

With many grandparents help- absolutely wonderful time. It’s faning out with school pick-ups and tastic seeing all the activities and drop offs, Orchid Vale’s head it’s so interesting.”

Debbie Kalynka, decided to invite “It’s changed so much since my them in to see a typical school day. day. We used to sit at desks in “We’re very keen to find ways lines,” said Pauline Vaughan. to get families included in educa- Hearing of her experiences, nine tion. And the children wanted to year old grandson Zak was thankshow off their school to their grand- ful that things have changed and parents.” admitted that he couldn’t sit at a “There’s such a difference from desk for too long. when they were at school. They Mrs Kalynka said that it had were fairly amazed at the use of been helpful to have extra adults technology and the children’s skills in some of the classes to hear chilusing laptops and interactive dren read. She would also like volwhiteboards.” unteers to manage the story sacks.

Isobel McCade travelled from Anyone interested in offering Carterton for the day. “I had an their services should call 704003.

Sam and Wendy Pricter, Zac and Pauline Bourne, Chloe McCabe with Isobel and Frank McCabe, Joshua and Carolyn Mustie

1 August 07

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First induction at Isambard Life was breathed into Isambard Community School at the North welcomed for their induction to secondary school life.

Headteacher Rachel Mattey was smaller schools,” she explained. officially handed the keys to the This advance guard acted as tour building on 2 July in time to open guides at a parents evening where the doors to thirty-five children they also took to the catwalk to two days later. “On the first day, model the striking black and gold we had just the children that were school uniform. The following day, coming in ones and twos from the the whole school of 200 gathered

Swindon Learning Campus in early July as the first students were to tour the building and take part in drama and singing sessions.

Working in their new house teams of Earth, Air, Fire and Water, there was healthy competition as the youngsters took part in a treasure hunt.

See the first photos taken inside Isambard at www.swindonlink.com

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“It’s amazing,” said Callum Smith from Catherine Wayte Primary. “It feels like there’s some exploring to do.”

“The best thing has been meeting the new people,” said Chelsea Adamson of Red Oaks.

Samantha Taylor from Haydon Wick Primary was relieved to see the school she had heard so much about.

“You’re going from a small school and being treated as a child to a really big one where you’re treated as a young adult.”

“It’ll be hard finding our way about but we’re getting used to it,” said Rachel Ballamy.

Ms Mattey was pleased with the first day with all the children. “They did really well, in a brand new building and with others they had never met before.

Most joined in with everything; I’m very happy with them.”

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Third reception class at Red Oaks rejected Red Oaks Primary School governor Jill Bourne understands only too well the frustration of the many families who have been refused a place at the school: her twins are among those who have missed out.

Naturally disappointed, Jill is quick to point out that there are many other Oakhurst residents in the same situation. Places were allocated according to strict criteria and this left a waiting list of over 30 once the initial offers had been made.

Hopes were raised when Swindon councillors proposed to add a third reception class, provided that Year 6 children could use rooms in the adjacent Isambard Community School from 2009.

Red Oaks governors were in favour but Isambard’s saw flaws in the plan and turned it down. As a result an extra class will now open at Haydonleigh Primary.

The delays caused by the consultation led to appeals being heard in July, leaving dozens of families, including the Bournes, still uncertain about which school their children will go to in September.

“Red Oaks governors were supportive of an extra reception class for the good of the children and the community,” said Jill. “As a school, there are implications for next year; the same situation is going to come up again.”

But Helen Miah, chair of Isambard governors, said there were several reasons for rejecting the proposal. She said that the secondary school was not suitably equipped for younger children.

There were also concerns regarding movement around the school and break time supervision.

“We felt it wasn’t a long term solution; the problem would just be delayed” she said. “It would become more and more complex over the years.”

New early date for 08 primary applications Parents should make a note of the new timetable for primary school admissions and do their homework on new rules concerning the way their preferences will be considered.

The deadline for applications is change. Under the old system 9 November, a month earlier than places were allocated to first prefpreviously. Offer letters will be erences first, meaning that if a posted by 15 February. school filled up with first preferThe extra month should ensure ences, marking it as a 2nd or 3rd that all children have places well choice was a wasted vote before the induction process beFor 2008, the schools’ admission gins. However, there could still be criteria will be applied to all three difficulties for families moving into choices on a form. If a child could new homes after the offers are be offered more than one of their made. Under the DfES code of prac- preferences, the parental ranking tice schools cannot hold places would be used to make the choice. open in anticipation of demand.

In a case where there is only one The way that parental prefer- possible place, it will be offered no ences are looked at will also matter how it was ranked.

MP hears school reports at public meeting At a public meeting organised by Michael Wills MP in July to discuss North Swindon school admissions, several Oakhurst residents said they were contemplating a house move to avoid a battle to get their children into local schools.

Councillor Garry Perkins admitted that the council had underestimated the need in the area and said the feasibility of building on a spare site in Oakhurst is being studied. However funds would not be available until 2011.

The MP is proposing to hold another meeting in the Autumn.

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Two Spring breaks in 2008 For the first time, next year the Spring school holidays will occur at a different time to the Christian celebration of Easter.

Traditionally the two have been tied together until the school year was rationalised in 2004 to create a six term year, with each term roughly the same length.

Because Easter falls on the first Sunday after the full moon after the Spring equinox, in 2008 it takes place at the earliest possible date: 22 March.

However the two week holiday is programmed for 7 to 18 April.

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GUITAR LESSONS FOR BEGINNERS Electric and acoustic for any age & any style

Start on new school for Toothill Youngsters at Toothill Primary School turned up at the beginning of July to see diggers and dumper trucks at work in their school grounds.

From Rock to Pop, Blues to Jazz Lessons in your home if preferred Call Ben on (01793) 872425, 07790 852870 or benfairhead@hotmail.co.uk

Martin Cowell and pupils welcome the start of work on their school with Toothill councillors Mary Martin and Steve Wakefield

The £6 million one form entry school with community facilities should be ready for occupation in September 2008, exactly 30 years after Toothill, West Swindon’s first primary, opened.

Headteacher Martin Cowell said he was delighted to see diggers on site. “It’s great to be able to plan for a new building which will become the hub of community life.”

He added children will be involved in designing an environmental play area next to the new buildings to be completed by the contractors.

Newts hold up Shaw Ridge The discovery of Great Crested Newts on the Shaw Ridge Primary School site in May has meant a delay to the start of building works.

Construction should start by early November with completion due by Easter 2009.

New build for Millbrook Outline plans for the brand new building for Millbrook Primary School on the Freshbrook Primary site were displayed to parents in mid-July.

Subject to planning permission, work could start next Spring with completion in 2009.

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1 August 07

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Looking back over her 21 years at Westlea Primary School, Gwen Metcalfe finds it impossible to single out the high points, saying that there have been so many.

Until three years ago, Gwen was responsible for the unit for children with physical disabilities, as well as being the co-ordinator for Special Educational Needs and music. She has been winding down with part-time work since then and said goodbye at the end of term.

Westlea was one of the first primary schools in Swindon equipped for children with physical disabilities which Gwen believes contributes to the school’s ethos of caring and valuing the individual. “I feel passionately that if children can be appropriately provided for in She said retirement was made a mainstream the important thing is little easier knowing she was leavto be with their peers. It’s been a ing things in the safe hands of special unit co-ordinator Marla Carroll great privilege to work here.”

Her other great passion is music and music teacher Sarah Sumner. and she has enjoyed playing piano “I’m going to miss the team spirit in all the school productions over and my colleagues at the school so many years. The school orchestra much, but it’s lovely to know the performed its usual end of term folk who are carrying on my work.” concert and played their own verGwen is looking forward to seesion of Any Dream Will Do from ing more of her four children and this year’s production, Joseph, eleven grandchildren and has which was specially arranged by plans to start a youth band at her Gwen. church in Highworth.

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Leaving school stable with strong ethos intact The end of term saw the departure of Roger Nicholas, headteacher of Brook Field Primary in Shaw, only the second head in the school’s 20 year history. Emma Kimber, from Peatmoor, former pupil and now journalism student at Southampton Solent University interviewed the teacher she first met when she was four.

On my return to Brook Field, eight fell out in assembly,” said Ben Cox, years after I left, everything is fanow 19 - an incident that has stuck miliar, but unsurprisingly smaller. in everybody’s mind.

“Of course I remember you!” Mr Holly Dowling, who left Brook Nicholas beams, when we meet Field in 2000, and is about to begin again. He is just the same as I rea degree at Oxford University, remember him: friendly, funny and membered how he was ‘always Welsh. very tolerant of me.’ “I was always Roger Nicholas came in Septemwriting him letters suggesting ber 1990, pursuing the challenge crazy schemes for the school and of a larger school, having come he was always so kind about them from Chippenham. Teaching was – always turned me down, but in a not an unusual career choice, as a nice way!‘ large proportion of his family were So, what next for Mr Nicholas? In in the profession already.

September he will spend five days Shortly after his arrival, in his in Nantes, France, with the red first interview with The Link, he Roger Nicholas is joined by Emma Kimber and present pupils, from left, Oscar hoardes supporting Wales in the stated his belief in upholding tra- Turtle, Toni Cox, Hannah Sellars, Maegan Bryon, Joel Goddard, Matthew Watson pool phase of the Rugby World Cup. ditional values at Brook Field, In the longer term he plans to where courtesy and respect for hope that all the children who have agree with this. stay in education, passing on his each other are key to a child’s de- attended feel that their days here Mr Nicholas commented on the knowledge as an education advivelopment and that learning have set them up for their future. strength and support of the school sor in Swindon and to other authrough first hand experience is at Learning through themes, and first governors and the massive and thorities closeby. the heart of education. Whilst tech- hand experiences and visits is excit- continuous support of parents in Pupils past and present and their nology and examination styles ing,” he explains, talking about the donating time, money and enthu- families were welcomed at the have obviously moved forward Mr annual residential trips to Cromer siasm. Brook Field has also built school’s summer fete on Friday 29 Nicholas is adamant that over 17 and Conwy in Years 5 and 6. strong connections with Bradon June to celebrate Roger Nicholas’ “Children don’t remember tests, Forest and Greendown Secondary time at Brook Field School and to years, the school has not changed they remember doing things. We Schools. dramatically. say farewell.

Without doubt he is proud of get brilliant SATs results, but it Speaking to old school friends, • Melanie Sancto, deputy what the school has achieved. “Be- isn’t at the cost of losing learning they all have fond memories of headteacher at Brook Field for seving headteacher of this school has experiences.” their time at the school. eral years, has been appointed All ex-pupils, like me, would been incredibly rewarding, and I “I remember when his false teeth headteacher from September.

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Heads say farewell in Freshbrook and Windmill Hill Two headteachers have moved on as Freshbrook and Windmill Hill Primary Schools close to reopen as Millbrook Primary in September.

Windmill Hill head Mark cessful ‘shuffle-up’ day in July with and the Courtauld Gallery on art Hazzard has been at the school for children from both schools meet- in education programmes has been 16 years, and headteacher for the ing each other in their new classes; memorable.”

In 1995 art work by Windmill last two. He said he did not want to it’s very much business as usual make a fuss about leaving so that and we’ll have a picnic on the last children on the Wilton Diptych was the first ever by a primary school the transition between schools can day of term. be made as smoothly as possible.

“Obviously I’m sad about the to be displayed at the National “The buildings on both sites will closure. Windmill Hill has been Gallery in London. Mark’s involvebe used in the short term and most tremendously successful and I’ve ment with primary art at a naof the staff will continue under the enjoyed my time here; it’s been a tional level has continued and in Millbrook name. The two schools very positive experience. The April he was invited to speak about have worked well together over Christmas productions were al- approaches to art education in Britthe last six months to make the ways very popular with the chil- ain at a conference in China.

During the last two weeks of changeover an exciting opportu- dren and parents, but for me our nity for children. We had a suc- work with the National Gallery term Mark ran a joint project for Jan Milsom, centre, with Sam Coombs children across both schools study- and Rachel Chalcraft and Anne-Marie Mark Hazzard, with school administrator Gill Peachy and the last pupils ing the Alfred Wallace picture St Salmon who has been a teaching assistIves which will be displayed, ready ant at Freshbrook since it opened in 1981 for next term.

Mark will become temporary working closely with Millbrook’s headteacher of Wootton Bassett head designate Clare GriffinInfants School in September and Felton. will be developing his art advisory “The children are very excited consultancy Artmatters. about next term. I’m really pleased Jan Milsom came out of semi-retirement to boost the management team at Freshbrook Primary School for a term in 2003 after a poor Ofsted report.

She later took on the headship and departs four years later delighted that the school has achieved its best ever SATs results.

“It’s been a very busy few months, with Mark and myself

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how two lovely schools are coming together. I’m sure Clare and all her staff will build on the strengths that are obvious in Freshbrook and Windmill Hill.

Jan is now looking for another school to help improve. “I’ve learnt a huge amount in Swindon which I would like to take elsewhere.”

• Millbrook logo winner - see page 16.

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Logos to give new school an identity to build on Emily Loveridge will have a special place in the emerging history of the Millbrook Primary School, which opens in September, after children at Freshbrook and Windmill Hill Primary Schools were invited to put forward names for their new combined school and then were asked to come up with designs for its logo. throughout the life of the school. were just asked to draw a WindEmily’s entry was seNow Bryony’s son Charlie mill and I was told mine was going lected for development by Brogden, 5, who started in the same to be used on the sweatshirt.” graphic design company classroom as his mum at Windmill “I’m sad to see the Windmill Creative Rush and she rewill pull on the new Millbrook uni- name go, but I’m glad Charlie will ceived a painting set and form next term. be staying in the same building. certificate as her prize.

“We didn’t know we were in a It’s really strange that he’s started “I included a house in competition,” said Bryony. “We in the same classroom that I did.” my design of a mill and a Gill will continue as stream but they took it Long association with Windmill building, Gill, Bryony an administrator with out to make it simpler; I and Charlie Millbrook, but will be think it looks better that preserving the handway. I’m really excited written record book that my logo will be on of the 1009 children everybody’s shirts. It will who have attended make going to Millbrook since September 1987. more special for me.”

Artist Emily with graphic de“It’s an end of an era, signer Ant Hodges of Creabut I’m sure the cartive Rush and Millbrook head ing family atmosClare Griffin-Felton phere will continue and offer the best to A family will be continuing its ment and materials ready to open all the children who association with primary educa- the new school built to relieve the go to Millbrook.” tion in Freshbrook across three pressure of numbers at nearby From September generations.

Freshbrook Primary.

Key Stage 1 children Nearly twenty years ago in AuA few weeks later her five year will be based in the gust 1987 Gill Wilson (now Peachy) old daughter Bryony’s name was Windmill buildings joined Windmill Hill’s first found to be on the back of the and KS 2 will start in headteacher David Messenger as design chosen for the Windmill Freshbrook. school secretary to unpack equip- Hill logo which has been used from

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Onwards and upwards. The first Catherine Wayte pupils who will join the first Isambard intake, holding a picture taken by The Link in 2000

Thirty five of the youngsters were among the original intake in 2000 and they will join the first cohort at Isambard. They have already helped in selecting a PE teacher at the secondary school, giving feedback to the interview panel after working with the candidates. Several are presently working with Flux Mobile Media to create a digital film about the school’s code of conduct.

Catherine Wayte opened with only 90 children on the roll under the headship of Gaye Ching. The numbers rapidly increased as the school expanded beyond its intended capacity of 210 pupils to accommodate the growing population. Some 330 are expected to attend in September.

Headteacher Laura Brierley said that the current Year 6 pupils were regarded as special with some members of staff, including her deputy Emma Brown, who remembers them starting out as four year olds.

“The children are very positive about moving on, even though they’re probably a bit apprehensive. It’s sad to say goodbye but that’s part of our job and we hope they take away happy memories.

We think the school has some good traditions and there’s a strong family ethos.”

In their last few days as primary school pupils, Year 6 enjoyed a residential trip to Lyme Bay, the summer fete and a celebratory meal at Pizza Hut.

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Taste of India at Greenmeadow

Oliver Matthews and Amelia Dallaway trying out Indian ways with Sangita Kapatia

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SHOES FOR KIDS

Kip McGrath - Swindon

A day of Indian activities spiced up money week for Greenmeadow Primary youngsters, ending in a bazaar where they sold their wares.

The cultural awareness day, dur- Poonjeri charity in Southern Ining a week focussing on money, dian which works with gypsy famibrought a new dimension to learn- lies. Traditionally nomadic hunting. In a series of workshops run ers they find it difficult to make a

by Sangita Kapatia the children living in the 21st Century. The turned their hand to Indian crafts project is working with the comand learned Garba dancing. There munity and encouraging them to was a chance to try on traditional send their children to school. clothing and the whole school “It gave a real life context for our moved outdoors for a lunch of on- money week projects, especially ion bhajiis, samosas, chicken tikka for KS2 pupils, who costed everyand poppadoms. thing to make sure they were mak“The children brought in Indian ing a profit,” said Ms Kromer. themed lunch boxes,” said teacher Sarah Kromer. “They made a placemat each and had a picnic sitting at white tablecloths on the grass.”

Craft items and food made during the day, were sold the following week in a bazaar raising £317 for the

1 August 07

New Term New Shoes

19/7/07, 3:49 pm

17 • START RITE • BOOTLEG • CLARKS •

Lucky pupils in North Swindon As they prepare to leave Catherine Wayte Primary School, the majority of Year 6 pupils are privileged to be moving into their second brand new school.

• CLARKS • START RITE • RHINO •

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Steam visit completes project Children at Jellytots Playgroup from Brook Field Primary School, Shaw topped off a topic on transport in early July with a trip to Steam to see the big engines and railway scenes of yesteryear.

Some 70 children and parents visited the museum, some discovering Steam for the first time because they thought the railway museum was still located in Faringdon Road.

Jellytots which occupies a building at Brook Field Primary School has a waiting list from September but does have spaces for children whose date of birth is after 1 September 2004 to start in September 2008. For details call Sarah Wingrove on 322585.

Jellytots children and manager Janice Woodward, discovering more about Brunel and his ill fated large guage railway at the Steam museum

commission Tel: 01793 702557

Playmates to go on A West Swindon parent and toddler group was on the brink of closure at the end of August but a group of parents have come forward to take it over.

Freshbrook Playmates, which meets on Thursday mornings in Freshbrook Community Centre, has been run by Caroline Bell with help from her parents Linda and Roger Tyson for nearly three years, but her child is about to go to school.

Roger said, “we were worried that nobody responded to our requests for new organisers, but we’re really glad some mums want to keep the group going.”

Playmates will continue over the summer holidays and older siblings are welcome to join in on Thursdays, 9.30am to 11.45am. For details call Roger or Linda Tyson on 536772.

Pedalling for Childline Youngsters got on their bikes, trikes and scooters in early July to raise money for Childline in a sponsored pedal push, organised by the Turnpike Childminders’ Group.

They raised £200 for the charity and learned some valuable lessons about road safety on the way. The 17 pre-schoolers who took part are all looked after by six childminders who meet each Monday at the home of group organiser, Rajinder Nijjar.

The youngsters negotiated a course complete with roundabouts and a zebra crossing patrolled by lollipop lady for the day, childminder Caroline Hobbs.

“They did really well, despite the weather,” she said. “They had all been looking forward to it.”

Rain had threatened to put the at roundabouts and zebra crossbrakes on the event but fortunately ings,” said Rajinder. “We had a when the riders were lined up at good mixture of ride on toys and the starting line, the showers no fighting over them at all.”

Medals and certificates were stopped. “We’ve been talking about road safety, what red and awarded by PCSO Melanie Neal green lights mean, and what to do from Highworth Police Station.

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Recycling provides loads of holiday fun

Joe says thanks

Swindon Scrapstore has launched new activity fun packs for anyone who works with children - just in time to beat off holiday boredom They are designed to be inexpensive for families, child minders or small groups and contain a range of high quality arts, crafts and play resources to keep children creative and occupied for hours.

The packs cost £2 each and a purchase means support for Swindon Scrapstore which turns office and business waste into useful playthings for children. All income is put towards keeping the charity going, as all grant funding has been cut, and also helps groups with little or low income.

For details of Scrapstore opening hours, call 513982 or mail: swss@scraptore.co.uk

Joe Jackson, 4, who has attended Acorns Pre-School at Shaw Village Centre since 2006 would like to thank his teachers for a great time.

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Toddlers celebrate with BBQ

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Nutkins Parent and Toddler Group is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a family barbeque and disco on Saturday 8 September, 3pm to 6pm, at Upper Shaw Farm Community Centre on Ridge Green.

Parents and children from the past and present are invited to attend.

Family tickets cost £10 from Hazel Clark on 335803.

Places available: There are places for new members at the Tuesday and Friday play sessions. Call Hazel Clark for details.

Neat feet treat when you step into Amethyst Complementary therapist, Suzy Roy, from Old Town wants children to experience the benefits of reflexology and will be giving a free activity pack to keep them on their toes after a treatment.

Qualified in a range of thera- ease health problems like breathpies, Suzy says that reflexology is ing difficulties.” particularly beneficial for children.

Suzy used to work as a play It rebalances their energy and deals leader and has created an activity with emotional issues. A reflexol- pack, called Neat Feet, with sugogy session could be the ideal way gestions for activities around Old to encourage children to unwind Town. Youngsters can step up to after the stresses of end of term the challenge of a treasure hunt in tests or to help them overcome the park, follow the crocodile trail anxieties over the move to a new in the museum and find specially class. ordered books about feet at the “They soak in what’s going on library. around them and the treatment Reflexology sessions cost £10. can release passive tension. They Call 0797 9006318 to book. relax and sleep better and it can www.suzyroy.co.uk

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

Crafty kids summer camp at Steam Each Wednesday, Smiley Cats will run their holiday camp where youngsters will be entertained with face painting, games and arts and crafts.

Owner, Maddy Smithson, decided to move from the Haydon Centre to Steam so that they would be able to run term time clubs as well as the holiday camps. “Steam has brilliant facilities, bright spacious rooms, easy access, friendly staff and a big hall.”

Sessions are designed to encourage creativity and stimulate children’s imaginations and self-expression through art and play. The Arts and Crafts club is on Wednesdays during the school term and Fun Club runs on Fridays.

Holiday camp is on Wednesdays, 10am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 4.30pm. To book call 466646.

First aid signup Lower Shaw Farm is running a four week first aid course suitable for parents, childminders, school staff, pre-school workers and anyone responsible for the welfare of infants and children.

Participants will learn in a friendly and positive environment and focus on the skills of emergency care for babies and children. The certificated course, approved by OFSTED, is HSE recommended for Appointed Persons in the workplace.

Course dates: Wednesdays 26 September, 3, 10 and 17 October, 6.30pm to 9.30pm at Lower Shaw Farm Cost: £45 (concessions available; ask for details) Book by sending your details and payment of £45 (cheque to Lower Shaw Farm) to Lower Shaw Farm, Shaw, Swindon SN5 5PJ For details call 771080 or mail: enquiries@lowershawfarm.co.uk

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Summer holiday fun for pre-schoolers at Salt Way Families of children up to 5 years old are invited to free activity sessions at Salt Way Children’s Centre during the summer holidays.

On taking up her post as centre manager, Kay Kane, set out to meet families in the area and find out what they needed. “The main thing I noticed is that parents are concerned that there’s nothing for younger children to do in the holidays.”

She decided to open the centre in August for free play mornings where pre-school children can enjoy painting, sand and water play, modelling and music and there will be refreshments for both adults and children (see times below).

For almost four months, Kay has Kay with the Salt Way School council been working in empty classrooms at the now closed Salt Way PriKay has now been joined by two mary School in Middleleaze. Lots family support workers ready for of decoration was left by the staff the centre’s official opening which and children when they departed is expected to be in September. in July 2006 to welcome the new • Koalas Opportunities Playgroup users of the building. and Special Tots started using Salt Kay said she found it strange to Way in February. Several health see pictures of the pupils still on and childrens’ services departthe walls. “It was a bit daunting at ments will move in during the Aufirst but it’s been nice to read all tumn. about the school council and the Activity mornings start on children who were obviously 9 August and continue each proud of their school. I think we need to keep these pictures in a Tuesday and Thursday of the month, 9.30am to 11.30am notice area to show who was here All invited to join in before us.”

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19/7/07, 6:24 pm

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NAWAB’S

W I D E W I D W I DE E Show is back on again at the Wyvern The stage is set for a season of murder, monsters, mayhem and magic at the revamped Wyvern Theatre. tion of the award- lishing Swindon as a destination of After an enforced winning children’s choice for performing arts.” closure last SepTheatre director Andrew Hill, said story about a mouse tember, because of he was looking forward to presentand a monster. the discovery of asYounger theatre ing some fantastic shows. “We bestos in the roof, goers will have a fur- cannot wait to throw open the doors Swindon Council ther treat in autumn and welcome people back to the decided to commit half term, when Pro- Wyvern.” to a major £1.37milCall 524481 for details. fessor Bumm takes lion refurbishment. www.wyverntheatre.org.uk to the stage with his The revitalised 600 story making macapacity theatre Open Day has new seats, carpets, the latest chine. In December, Britt Ekland See the refurbished auditorium, lighting and sound technology, and will work her magic as the fairy visit the new cafe and take part godmother in this year’s pantois air cooled. in creative activities at the On 25 September, the psycho- mime, Cinderella.

Wyvern’s open event from Council leader Rod Bluh, said, logical thriller The Business of Friday 21 September Murder opens the autumn season. “I’m sure this exciting venue will to Sunday 23 September, This will be followed by The continue to attract people from the 11am to 4pm.

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Two musical films from opposite ends of the spectrum will open this year’s Swindon Film Festival.

Munchkinland. Boo the A totally unique audio Wicked Witch of the West, visual experience, crecheer Dorothy, dress up as ated by people in Swinyour favourite character and don and a musical masing along to Over the Rainchine, will launch the fesbow and We’re Off to See the tival.

Wizard.

Matthew Olden, of The festival runs from 17 to award-winning electronic 25 November at venues all music pioneers I Am The over Swindon. More films Mighty Jungulator, will have to be confirmed. To keep present a brand new up with programme details piece of work at the and for ticket information see: Wyvern Theatre on 17 www.swindonfilmfestival.co.uk November.

With his trusty Jungulator, Matthew is working with participants from Swindon and the University of Bath to create a sensory treat blending electronic textures with a tapestry of visuals.

The Wizard of Oz, above, as For colours, cuts or the latest re-style never seen before, will be screened on Sunday 18 November.

Specialists in creating the perfect After eight months of restoration wedding or prom put up on the original technicolour print, this classic film can be seen in its Free gift while stocks last true colours. The Yellow Brick Road is yellow, that famous rainbow is Call now to book an appointment full of colour and the Tin Man has a with Haley, Trina or Jenna rivet in his eyes that nobody has in our newly refurbished salon ever noticed.

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Customers can bring their own fabrics or choose from the wide range in the Nawab shop and Sumaira will work her magic to produce a couture outfit at a surprisingly modest cost; well under the price of an off the peg outfit.

Since appearing in May’s Link, Mrs Rafique has seen a steady

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21 August 07

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Rafique of Nawab’s in the town centre.

stream of customers seeking her sewing skills. With the Christmas party season only three months away, the demand for dressmaking is likely to be high. On average a dress takes three weeks to make, including fittings, so she advises coming along as soon as possible to be sure of having a stunning one-off outfit for the season.

To update interior designs, Mrs Rafique will make up soft furnishings such as cushions, curtains and table cloths.

Nawab is open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm at 25 Tennyson Street. Tel: 611869. www.nawabs.co.uk

Step back to the dance hall days and enjoy a night in aid of Prospect The team behind the tremendously popular Majestic Dance Nights, are aiming to take their total fundraising to £50,000 with this year’s event.

For one night only on Saturday and their target this year is to reach 13 October, Stratton Community the big 50k.They would welcome Centre will become the Majestic, any offers of raffle prizes or corpoonce one of the most popular dance rate sponsorship. halls in Swindon. In the 1940s and Non-stop music will be provided 50s, dancers took to its temporary by the Les Bruce Big Band and the dance floor, laid over the swim- Smiley Mac Showband. ming pool at Milton Road baths.

Bob finds that the combination Bob Lewis fondly remembers the works well, with the big band prodance halls in their heyday. “I see viding music for traditional balllots of people celebrating their fifti- room dancing and the showband eth wedding anniversaries who performing hits from the 1960s and would have met at the Majestic,” 70s. The venue will be decorated he said. Eight years ago, he de- with 200 photographs from Bob’s cided to organise a reunion to rec- collection featuring dancers and reate the old days. There was such popular local bands. a positive reaction to his Majestic To relive the old days and try out night that it has become an annual your Strictly Come Dancing moves, event, organised with a team of call Bob Lewis on 822953 for tickvolunteers. ets at £14.

To date, they have raised Call him to offer prizes and spon£43,000 for the Prospect Hospice sorship for the event.

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Swindon Wide Forest Festival 9 Saturday 1 September, 10am - 5pm. The Lawn, Old Town The Great Western Community Forest team and their partners bring you the ninth free Forest Festival, focused this year on health and wellbeing with stalls and activities giving ideas on healthy eating, keeping active and getting out to forest sites.

Local groups and organisations Organisers promise fantastic family fun in the historic setting of will be on hand to give inspiration the Lawn. Take part in interactive and information on local campaigns displays and workshops exploring as well as what is happening in fun and functional ways of staying Swindon to promote a sustainable fit and healthy, as well as ‘Living future and combat climate change.

A packed programme of live Forest’ workshops and exhibitions in partnership with the University music and performance will take to the stage. of Bath in Swindon.

Walk or cycle to Old Town or use A wide range of childrens’ environmental arts and crafts workshops, the free park and ride bus from circus skills, fun with willow and out- Nationwide Building Society, Pipers Way. door games will be on offer.

To promote your site, call 602540 or mail: advertising@swindononlink.com

New, improved, updated, including:

Roll up for Swindon’s biggest railway festival

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This year’s railway festival on 15 and 16 September at Steam brings together some of the UK’s biggest and best model railway layouts in Britain.

The event has proved enormously popular with families in past years and is presented in association with British Railway Modelling.

Music aficionado and model railway enthusiast Pete Waterman will be present with his Just Like the Real Thing models, and manufacturers Hornby and Bachmann will bring their model roadshows.

Trade stands, railway art, talks, book signings and ‘How to build and repair’ sessions are all promised to make the weekend even bigger than before.

See the details below or visit: www.swindon.gov.uk/steam

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Stories that don’t appear in the magazine FREE classifieds FREE business listings for magazine advertisers FREE listings for community organisations and charities Forums for your views & comments

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19/7/07, 3:11 pm

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Children & Family Events To 2nd September, 11am to 5pm Harry Potter Trail. Experience the magic of Harry Potter at a location where scenes from the movie were filmed. Normal admission charges.

Lacock Abbey To September Grand Designs: the birth of Swindon’s Railway Village. See how the village has evolved from Brunel’s first plans. Normal admission

charges. Steam Wednesday 1st, 10.30am to 3.30pm

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

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

Ten years of teaching!

(excludes hair extensions)

Tel: 602446 or 07854 214355 73 Basepoint, Rivermead Drive, West Swindon

Wednesday 15th, 11am to 4pm Children’s Summer Fete. Games, stalls and activities. Normal

admission charges apply. Lacock Abbey Tuesday 21st to Thursday 23rd, 2pm to 4pm Print a T-shirt. A different theme each day. Tuesday: history and legends; Wednesday: animals and pets; Thursday: films and TV or choose your own subject. Ages 5 to 11 years. £6.50 including T-shirt and

Wednesday 22nd, 11am to 4pm Artrageous at the Abbey. Family fun with art and craft activities. Normal

at AMETHYST HAIR & BEAUTY SUMMER SPECIAL 10% off for new and existing customers in August with this advert

Swindon & Cricklade Railway. See page 21

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Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th, 10.30am to 5pm Vintage Transport Weekend .

admission charges. Lacock Abbey Saturday 25th to Monday 27th Tubby the Talking Engine. Swindon

& Cricklade Railway. See page 21 Relaxing at the farm Summer Activity Day. Arts and crafts in the big barn, meet the animals, cook over a real fire and more. £15. Lower Shaw Farm Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th Wroughton Classic Car & Bike Show. Fabulous displays of classic vehicles featuring special guests The Scrapheap Challenge Roadshow.

Car auctions, trade stands, slot car racing, Punk Science and craft village. Free entry. Car park £5.

Science Museum Wroughton Saturday 4th & 18th, 10am to 5pm Meet the Railway Workers. Take a step back in time and meet the engine drivers, firemen and railway workers of GWR. £6, child £4 family £16.

Steam Wednesday 8th, 11am to 4pm Medieval Day. Discover more about life in the Middle Ages with living history displays and activities. Normal

admission charges apply. Lacock Abbey Saturday 11th, 6.30pm

Music Friday 3rd, 8.30pm

Pete & J. Chilled out acoustic/folk duo from New York who are regularly compared with Simon & Garfunkel.

£3, Riffs Bar, Greatfield, tel: 778304 Sunday 5th, 8pm We Hit the High Notes. An evening with the Kentwood Show Choir in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. For

tickets, £7.50, call 01367 252535.

Hilton Hotel, Great Western Way Saturday 11th, 6pm Alex Wilson’s Salsa Orchestra. The award winning salsa pianist performs tracks from his new album with his 12 piece powerband. Combines hardhitting salsa, soul vocals and powerful latin percussion. Tickets £11 in

advance from Swindon Information Centre or call 614837, £13 on day.

Town Gardens Bowl Saturday 18th, 7pm The Magic Flute presented by Opera Project in the beautiful surroundings of Lacock Abbey. For tickets, £25, The Wizard of Oz. Open air production of this new adaptation with the twist that Dorothy is a WW2 evaquee living on a farm with her Aunt Em.Bring a picnic and seating.

£10, child £6, under 5s free. Tickets from Lydiard House, Swindon Information Centre or 466454.

Lydiard Park front lawn

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20/7/07, 12:30 pm

child £13, call 08700 3000579 Lacock Abbey Sunday 19th, 3pm to 4.30pm Mid-West Big Band. Some of Swindon’s finest jazz musicians including legendary vocalist Ken Jell.

Music from Glen Miller, Count Basie, and Duke Ellington mixed with more contemporary material. Free.Town

Gardens Bowl

25

On in August Outdoors

Bloomin’ Beautiful SELL YOUR HOME FAST

Monday 6th, 2pm to 9pm Lanterns on the Lake.

Celebrate World Peace Day by building a colourful lantern. Workshops run throughout the day for a 9.30pm launch. Bring a torch.

£1.50 per kit. Meet at the marquee near Coate Water Activity Centre

Require an experienced self-employed hair stylist to rent a chair in their busy Old Town Beauty & Hair salon

Take a guided tour through Lydiard’s trees and the new country footpaths - see 12 July

Saturday 11th, 2pm to 3.30pm Barbury Butterflies. Take a short walk around the nature reserve with an expert on the castle’s flying jewels.

Wear stout footwear and bring binoculars. Book on 490150. Meet

at Barbury Castle car park, near the toilet block.

Sunday 12th, 2pm Parkland Walk.

Explore new path-ways in the wider parkland with warden Kim Beresford and hear about the conservation plans. Approx 3 miles,some un-even ground but at a gentle pace - wear stout foot-wear and appropriate clothes. Meet outside Lydiard House.

Free, book on 770401. Lydiard Park.

Wednesday 15th, 10am to 12.30pm Coate Pond Dip. A chance to net some strange creatures. Wear old clothes and wellies and bring waterproof gloves. Free. Book on

490150. Meet at Coate Water Ranger Centre Sunday 19th, 10am to 1pm From the Manor Born. A 4-mile walk through Old Town visiting Queens Park and the Lawn. Free.

Book on 490150. Meet at Town Gardens Bowl.

Sunday 19th, 10.30am Come and Try Orienteering. A friendly, informal drop-in event for all ages. Wear walking or running shoes. Free. Follow the red and white

arrows from Coate Water car park.

Tuesday 21st, 10am to 12noon Stanton Pond Dip. What creatures will you uncover in the murky depths of Stanton lake? Suit ages 6 to 12.

Wear old clothes and bring rubber gloves. Free. Book on 490150. Meet

at Stanton Park Ranger Centre Wednesday 22nd, 1.30 to 3.30pm Art in the Park. A chance to draw or paint a picture in the park. Ages 7 to 12. £2. Book on 490150. Meet at

Coate Water Ranger Centre.

Saturday 25th, 10am to 2.30pm At Home in the Woods. Children aged 11 to 16 can try their hand at building shelters, lighting fires and cooking potatoes and soda bread.

During a woodland feast there’ll be stories of folklore and legends before returning the campsite to nature.

Free. Book on 490150. Meet Stanton Park Ranger Centre

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Tuesday 28th, 2pm to 4pm Terrific Trees. Look at leaves, take bark rubbings and make a tree spirit or two. For ages 6 to 12. Free. Book

on 490150. Meet at Stanton Park Ranger Centre Wednesday 29th August, 10am to 12noon and 1.30pm to 3pm Ugly Bug Ball. In the morning search for mini-beasts that make their home in the park and in the afternoon make your own to take home. For all ages.

Free. Book on 490150. Meet at Coate Water Ranger Centre

Fun in the woods Woodland Learning is running handson holiday activities for 8 to 13 year olds. Each day will have a different theme but all will include den building, games and a camp fire. Events are led by fully qualified, experienced and insured leaders. The cost is £20 per day per child.

31 July & 21 August, 10am - 3pm: Stanton Park woods 1 & 22 August, 10am - 3pm: Cuckoo Pen Wood, Coleshill.

For details and to book, call Ruth Parsons on 01367 250369 or 0799 9598793 or mail: ruthparsons @woodland-learning.co.uk www.woodland-learning.co.uk

Venues Arts Centre Devizes Road.

Tel: 614837 Coate Water Rangers Tel: 490150 Lacock Abbey Tel: 0870 8422230 Lower Shaw Farm Old Shaw Lane Tel: 771080 Lydiard House Tel: 770401 Steam Kemble Drive. Tel: 466646 Swindon Information Centre Regent Stret. Tel: 466454 Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Bath Road. Tel: 466556 University of Bath in Swindon Oakfield Campus, Marlow Avenue Tel: 328800 Wyvern Theatre Tel: 524481

Confirm date, time and price with the venue

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Having a party, BBQ or family get together?

With over 15 years experience in the brewing trade Three Castles Brewery can supply a selection of award winning Ales from our microbrewery covering the Swindon area - DELIVERED DIRECT TO YOUR DOOR Choose from 5 Real Ales of various strengths in either 9 gallon cask (72pints), 20 litre polypin (36pints) or 10 litre minipin (18pints) Call or email for pricing and delivery: THREE CASTLES BREWERY 12, SALISBURY ROAD BUSINESS PARK, PEWSEYSN9 5PZ Tel: 01672 564433 Email: sales@threecastlesbrewery.co.uk

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

FOR GREAT GIFT IDEAS Knitting & Haberdashery Sewing needs: X-stitch ~ Tapestry ~ Rowan ~ Jaeger ~ Patons ~ Yarns and Patterns We’ll also gladly order anything else you need.

Dolls houses & miniatures Traditional games & toys; local craft items

In the Stable A great selection of local pottery.

Also: China seconds from Stoke-on-Trent

In the Garden Pots, planters & ornaments from around the world Mon to Sat 10am to 5pm • Sun 11am to 5pm

19/7/07, 3:12 pm

26

Swindon Wide What’s On in August Talks THE ALL NEW

Swindon Rendezvous

Wednesday 12th, 10.15am Meteors, Vampires and Me. A talk

by Hugh Rees at the meeting of Thamesdown Probus. Call Dan

Dangerfield on 763733 for details.

Blunsdon House Hotel Wednesday 26th, 10.15am Early Photography. Ned Barham speaks to Thamesown Probus. Call

Dan Dangerfield on 763733 for details. Blunsdon House Hotel

Exhibitions To 25th August Ken White New Work. Best known for his murals, Ken has produced several series of easel paintings on varied subjects from Ancient Egypt to the railway yards where he worked in his youth.This exhibition will reveal Ken’s most recent themes. Free. Arts

Centre

A taste of the Orient in the heart of Swindon

has now been extended to 7 days a week Sunday - Thursday £16.00 per person Fridays & Saturdays £19.00 per person

You can choose from over 100 dishes

RESERVE A TABLE FOR YOUR BIRTH DATE If a table is booked for 6 or more the birthday boy or girl eats for free (For example 5 pay and 1 eats for free Birthday must be on actual day booked) Only valid on all you can eat or any set dinner

To 1st September Artist and Model. Artists’ portrayal of themselves and others, contrasting photography and painting in works

by Steven Pippin, John Bellany and William Roberts. Free. Swindon

Museum and Art Gallery To 29th December Treasure. What makes a treasure?

Precious metals, age, rarity? Or all three? Find out more in this exhibition of archaeological treasure from the Swindon area. Free. Swindon

Museum & Art Gallery

Sunday 16th Brian Kennedy.

Multi-media figurehead of Irish popular culture.

Arts Centre Thursday 20th Michael McIntyre.

Wonderfully, unceasingly, gloriously funny man. Arts Centre Tuesday 25th to Saturday 29th The Business of Murder.

Psychological thriller starring Todd Carty. £15. Wyvern

Thursday 27th to Sunday 30th Gruffalo’s Child.

Continues the story of the mouse and the monster in a delightful musical adaptation of the award winning book.

£16. Wyvern Thursday 27th Punt and Dennis. Arts Centre Friday 28th Puppini Sisters performing tongue in cheek versions of classic numbers.

Arts Centre Saturday 29th Eddie Martin Trio. Arts Centre Sunday 30th Romeo and Juliet. Pimlico Opera present Bellini’s work in a production inspired by The Godfather and set in the 1940s. In Italian. £16.50. Wyvern

I.D. WILL BE REQUIRED

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

20% OFF ALL TAKEAWAYS 11-12a Theatre Square Swindon Telephone 01793 523570 See our menu at www.rendezvous-group.co.uk

21 August 07

Computing in Swindon, University of Bath in Swindon, Oakfield Campus

Booking now for September Thursday 13th Edinburgh & Beyond. New comedy in town. Arts Centre Friday 14th Swindon Recital Series. Arts Centre Saturday 15th Naked Voices. Arts Centre

The ALL YOU CAN EAT MENU

To 18th August, Mon to Fri 10am to 4pm, Sat 9am to 1pm Pong to Playstation. 35 years of working computer games consoles.

The exhibition charts the machines, the companies and the games’ characters that are now part of gaming history. Free. Museum of

26

Family sings in support of hospice Swindon Arts Centre manager, Clarry Bean and his talented family have recorded a CD to raise money for the Prospect Hospice.

The unique family have a history of singing with the Kentwood Show Choir and were persuaded to make a recording by musical director, Sheila Harrod. “I thought how unusual it was to have such talent in one family,” she said. “Their voices blend well together, but each of them has their own musical style.”

Singing with Clarry are his wife, Christine, their son and daughter. in a range of styles: musical, jazz, Twenty-year old Danny has just pop, soul standards, folk and clascompleted a six-month singing sical. £7 from every CD will go to contract on a cruise ship and Abby, the Prospect Hospice. It can be 18, is about to leave Swindon for purchased at Swindon Arts Centre the Cumbria Institute of the Arts to and Prospect charity shops. train in drama and musical theatre.

To hear a sample, and to order: The CD features thirteen songs www.myspace.com/familybean

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Running Swindon on parallel lines Jasper Fford has written a series of novels which feature Swindon, but describing the town in an oddly parallel way. Martha Parry, coordinator of the New Mechanics’ Institution Trust, says recent events in the town suggest Fford’s ‘alternative Swindon’ is no weirder than the real thing.

Sometimes you really wonder who is writing the script when the reality is ‘stranger than fiction’ - in Swindon’s case, stranger than surreal fiction.

Today I was invited to a national reception with several newly appointed government ministers dealing with community issues, and offered a free place at a conference entitled The Future of Civil Society.

Meanwhile, I continue to be ‘person-most-ignored’ by Swindon Council, which claims to be finally succeeding in the ‘hardest challenge’ yet - that of engaging in dialogue with its citizens.

This follows the council’s recent rejection of the Mechanics’ Trust’s work at The Community Crossroads (the old railway museum in Faringdon Road) which has been well-covered in The Link over the last four years.

Ignoring the Trust’s imaginative results, and despite having seen their own idea of installing an information and advice centre in the building refused by funders, councillors now want to take it over for the council’s own Youth Service, offering no justification, and without any consultation with youth or anyone else.

The Trust, and the several voluntary youth organisations which we have been hosting in the building since they lost council funding, consider that we have been doing pretty successful youth work already, using a building which the council left empty for 3 years.

The Trust showed the council how the vacant building could serve as a focal point for community activity. We were demonstrating success with few resources. So then they thought they would just have it back, thank you very much.

Is it supposed to feel like ‘them against us’ with your local council?

Or is it just in Swindon?

Of course, we will challenge this decision to the last turn of the key in the locks; and we do expect the Government Office of the South West to listen to our formal complaint about the decision-making process to which we have been subjected.

We’ve been making our case for the Mechanics’ for years and years.

Yet it still feels bizarre that none of the decision makers at the council appear to have bothered to read our thoughtful reports about the way forward for the Crossroads and the Mechanics.

To illustrate the contradictions in

19/7/07, 3:13 pm

the way Swindon Council deals with community organisations, in June and July it organised three events which I dutifully, and hopefully, went along to as invited: One was the Swindon Strategic Partnership Conference, where we were informed that all is indeed well in this best of all possible Swindon worlds .

The shortage of attendees from community organisations was regrettable, but the ‘professionals’ had a good time patting each other on the back.

Next was a Visioning the Third Sector conference, which was supposed to help us visualise how ‘third sector’ (community/voluntary) organisations might contribute to the good of the town in the future.

I suggested that the Mechanics’ Trust had been trying to make the community visible using the Community Crossroads for years, and that the council might now re-consider its ‘decision’ to kick us out.

Councillors were reported to have been livid that the subject should have been raised.

Finally, there was the Stronger Communities Forum, which meets three times a year at the council’s invitation. The meeting was closed to further questions after I insisted on asking about the relevance of their presentation about community facilities to the decision to evict us from Crossroads.

I was told the council ‘had decided’ what to do with the building.

But wasn’t the meeting a community forum about building stronger communities? Democracy, anyone?

For all the proclamations of forward progress by Swindon Council, they have still to accept that there are alternative viewpoints, different approaches and more than one possible solution, particularly when trying to engage community organisations.

They have yet to fully understand what ‘partnership’ means.

So off I go to meet with Ed Milliband and several ministerial colleagues to talk about civil society in the future.

The good news is that the council’s planning committee on 10 July threw out an application by the owner Mr Singh to demolish half of the Mechanics’ Institution building - the premises where citizenship and ‘mutual improvement’ thrived right here in Swindon for well over 100 years.

• Community activists wanted! See page 42

29

Swindon Wide Starring role for Westlea at Storysacks celebrations

Westlea Primary School mums who helped create the first ever Storysacks were special guests at the 10th birthday party at University of Bath in late June.

Former headteacher Neil “I love every moment proGriffiths, recalled how he had moting Storysacks,” said Neil. recruited their help. “I’ll never “Certainly I’m as passionate forget sitting with that group of as I ever have been and I parents in a pretty grotty molook forward to the next ten bile. I’d told them I needed years.” shoppers: because who would As well as writing books come if I was asking for sewand running inspirational ers and knitters? And then I workshops, Neil continues locked them in.” supporting a school in the Neil with Westlea mums who received certificates of thanks Guests from all over the Gambia and working with the country joined in the celebrations. a Storysack. Later, they took to the over 50 countries, partly with help Starfish project to raise money for In an emotional speech, Neil spoke stage to create a river of cloth and from Princess Anne who takes a life-saving mosquito nets. about how the concept developed act out the journey of a little sailing Storysack on many of her trips. www.cornertolearn.co.uk from small beginnings to become boat told in The Journey, a story a global phenomenon in literacy written by Neil Griffiths and Scott and cultural development.

Mann.

Using a giant sack created by Neil has clocked up 612,000 New College students, Westlea miles travelling the UK to promote pupils demonstrated what goes into the sacks. The idea has spread to

Multiplex screens to multiply Within 5 years the number of cinema screens in Swindon could have more than doubled, if two new multi-screen cinemas are built in addition to the two already in operation.

The present seven Cineworld screens at Shaw Ridge in West Swindon and 9 Empire screens at Greenbridge could be joined by 8 to 10 at Regent Place, off Commercial Road, and a similar number a few yards away at Regent Circus.

But are 16 to 20 screens sustainable? Shaw Ridge and Greenbridge have existing custom- Along the new street created by the ers, most of whom drive to them. Modus development between ReThey will obviously be under threat gent Street and Commercial Road towards the Brunel tower. The profrom the attractive sites in the town posed multiplex is on the right centre, which will be surrounded by new cafes and restaurants.

New Swindon Company develTo remain competitive the 15 year opment director Chris Hitchins is old Cineworld will need investment clear about who will decide. “Our or complete redevelopment. objective is to improve the night On the other hand will people be time economy in the town centre, willing to drive that bit further into which includes a cinema complex. the town centre, through possible “Two developers have put forcongestion, then pay for parking ward proposals with cinemas cenwhen it is free at the current sites? tral to their plans. It’s difficult to see The town centre sites will serve how more than one can succeed, a large and growing population but it will be up to the market to more used to walking to facilities. decide which one will.”

Giant outdoor TV for town centre The redevelopment of the Wharf Green area of the town centre by the New Swindon Company will include the first BBC Big Screen in the south of England The live broadcast events, local information, news, sport and entertainment have become a major community attraction at the nine other locations in the UK. The 35m2 screen will be positioned on the north façade of the Brunel West car park, facing Canal Walk, next to House of Fraser. It should be in place when the redevelopment is completed in Spring next year.

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Five Swindon schools are developing deep global citizenship links with partner schools in Africa.

Over the last seven years Peatmoor Primary School has supported Dihlabeng School in the Clarens area of the Free State, close to the border with Lesotho in the north of the country.

Large amounts of money and educational resources have been sent over the last five years to help the school expand from a single classroom to nearly 100 children.

Dihlabeng teachers Margaret Grant and Lizzie Mbele, Curriculum links with pupils Mamoeletsi Mofokeng and Matsikulu Tshabala between teachers and Peatmoor pupils Bethany Dunn and Anahita Falaki have been made and joint projects have been running Wroughton Junior Schools.

Margaret Grant from Dihlabeng where children exchange news and information via displays of work has visited Peatmoor seven times and has been accompanied by coland e-mail.

Teachers from several Swindon leagues and children on two occaschools have visited Clarens to dis- sions. “The sharing of information cuss and develop the curriculum and ideas is of great benefit to all connections, and teachers and chil- sides. Staff and children in both dren from South Africa have come countries have a much better understanding of how people live in to Swindon.

In early July five teachers from their communities.”

Terri Peacock, who instigated the Clarens area spent time at Peatmoor, Toothill, Red Oaks, and the links with Peatmoor and is now

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from Swindon But, rather than creating connections in different regions or countries, the links have been made with schools in one district of South Africa. head of Red Oaks Primary School in North Swindon, said, “the schools are developing contacts separately but our activities are interlinked so that we can share what we learn.”

Greendown Community School staff have established links with Moriting Wa Thutu, the secondary school serving Clarens.

In 2005 teachers and pupils from Moriting visited Greendown and in Coenie Venter, headteacher of Bohlokeng Primary October, 9 Swindon pu- School at Bethleham township, near Clarens with pils will make a two week youngsters at Toothill Primary School which is forming a partnership with his school trip to South Africa.

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They have spent a lot of extra curriculum time raising funds planning the trip, as well as learning more about the partnership they are building.

On 29 June three pupils were the only representatives from a British school to attend the London launch of the UK One World Linking Association (UKOWLA) toolkit on how to build strong and successful relationships with communities in developing countries.

Ghana connection Thanks to fundraising by children at Freshbrook Primary School, uniforms were provided for an entire school in Ghana where Alison Stone, below, taught for two months earlier in the year. We’ll carry a full report in the September Link.

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They performed a well received drama piece explaining how important they believe it is to break down barriers of stereotypes and prejudice, and included a poem ‘You and I’ written for them by a Moriting Wa Thuto learner.

Nobel Peace Prize winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu was guest of honour. Addressing the conference, he said, ‘we often deplore the fact that there is so much evil in the world and indeed there is, but we are sometimes blinded to the fact that there is an incredible amount of good and you are part of that good that is ultimately going to prevail, because there is no way that injustice and oppression and all the ugliness that we know will have the last word, because there are people like you, you care.’

Greendown teacher Cristina Bennett said, “we were totally privileged to be invited to take part. We are making history in the way that communities are being encouraged to link and partner together. It is amazing that Archbishop Tutu felt so involved with everything that we are a part of.

“The pupils were not overwhelmed by the day at all. Their confidence shone through and the effusive compliments for their performance was so pleasing.”

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Get ready to become a mad March Hare in aid of Breakthrough The first organised public power walk in Swindon is being planned for 16 March 2008 in memory of Twin Peaks walker, Irene Hare. the idea into a bigAt the Mad March ger event and is Hare event power working with Acwalkers and runners tive Swindon on will have a choice of the March Hare ex5k or 10k races. There travaganza. will also be a family The races and course incorporating fun runs will start an Easter egg hunt, from Greendown where bike riders School and end in and pets will be welthe adjacent Lydcome. iard Park.

The power walk is Sponsorship will a fitting tribute to go towards BreakIrene, who battled through Breast breast cancer during Cancer, the charity her time as a Twin to which Irene was Peaks walker, when Eunice Salmon, sporting the deeply committed. she took part in sev- famous Twin Peaks dougals Eunice hopes eral overnight Moonthat the event will help promote walk marathons in London.

“Irene was very determined; she power walking as a sport in its was inspirational and a lovely own right. Walkers can achieve lady,” said Twin Peaks organiser speeds of 5mph and many finish Eunice Salmon. “She didn’t let can- marathon courses in the same time cer affect her life and was always as runners.

Details of registering for the finding ways to raise money.”

Before she died last June, aged event will be published later in the 46, Irene said she would like a year. But for advice on preparawalk to be organised in her name. tion over the winter months with Her employers, BP, took up the one of the several Twin Peaks walkchallenge and organised the first ing groups across Swindon, call Eunice on 871606 or mail: walk amongst colleagues.

Now, Eunice wants to develop eunice.salmon@ntlworld.com

Tregoze top of the netball tree Netballers from Tregoze Primary School team triumphed in two tournaments in late June by clinching the West Swindon League, which includes ten other schools.

In the same week, they played nine games in the Wiltshire Youth Games one day tournament which involved 16 other schools from across the county Team captain Hannah Bracken said, “we worked really well on passing and team work.”

Mum Sue, one of the team coaches, said she was very proud of all the girls who played throughout the year, as well as the three boys who were able to play in the tournament. “The standard of netball at the Wiltshire youth games was truly excellent.”

Coaches Donna Clements and Sue Bracken with tournament winners, from left, Sarah Stiles, Jack Allan, Letitia Cowley, Hannah Bracken, Daniel Davey, Lisa Tweddle. Front, Gemma Grierson, Georgia Clements. Not pictured, Connell Rees

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The ladies’ only Pink Gym is not just for the young and fit; in fact coowner Liz Sipson says that older users and the less mobile have the most to gain.

The gym’s hydraulic equipment was originally designed for rehabilitation after injury and has proved extremely effective for arthritis sufferers. Liz has seen at least 10 members with joint problems improve their mobility and many say that their day does not start until they’ve been to the gym and loosened up.

Anna Marzec joined in January Margaret Pearce, getting the most from and had only 90 degree mobility the Pink Gym because of osteoarthritis and spi- the Pink Gym is a world away nal nerve damage. She found even from the image many women have everyday tasks such as shopping of an intimidating, competitive endifficult but since exercising three vironment. The equipment works times a week, her constant pain as hard as the person using it which means that grandmothers and has eased.

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Big step is paying off at Big Adventure store When Chris Pegler, Justin Woodward and Jason Pinkney shared their frustrations of working for big companies offering outdoor and sporting equipment - and the pressure to shift products at the expense of customer care - they decided to take action.

Nine months later they have opened The Big Adventure Store at Basepoint in West Swindon, offering equipment and advice for running, cycling, outdoor and water sports.

“We all felt that customers weren’t getting the right support they needed to equip themselves for their chosen sport or activity,” said Chris.

Making adventure fun, from left, Justin Woodward, “We wanted to proJason Pinkney, Chris Pegler vide a place for Swindon sports fans to get specialist shopping is a winning formula. In advice, equipment and a quality just a few weeks the Big Advenrange of products, in a relaxed at- ture has done five times more busimosphere. ness than they expected.

“At present you have to travel to “We’re not trying to force cusBristol for the specialist help we tomer sales,” said Justin. “Our aim now give.” is to ensure our customers will The Big Adventure Store offers have a more enjoyable and safe a made-to-measure bike build serv- experience doing their favourite ice as well as a gait analysis ma- sport.” chine, where the customer’s runOPEN DAY ning style is analysed on a treadSaturday 11 August mill to ensure they can be fitted Meet the manufacturers, with the best shoe for their needs. hog roast, kids activities, The partners belief in providing competitions to win sports goods. a personal and rewarding way of Free gait analysis.

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There are often complaints that there’s nothing going on for young people, but a gathering on 7 July at Link Centre provided an afternoon of entertainment, information and fun, writes Emma Kimber.

Inside the centre sport events them the information so they can were organised and outside a fash- make up their own mind and make ion show, a dance performance informed decisions.”

They have set up a Facebook and live music livened up the car park. Stalls promoting different account which is easily accessible causes such as climate change pro- to young people, if they are too embarrassed to ask questions. Just vided information.

Sexual health and guidance ad- add Swindon SRE as a ‘friend’.

OnTrak, the free youth counselvisors were available to discuss all youth related problems such as ling service for 14 to 25 year olds, sex, alcohol, drugs and emotional was on hand to promote how it can help. “If anyone wants to talk, give health.

“Health is really a big issue for us a ring. Not everyone has someyoung people,” said youth worker one to talk to, and that can be hard,” Lindsay Poole. “They have enough said Guy Pearson. They can be adults telling them what they reached on 612969.

Matt, lead singer of punk band should, or shouldn’t be doing. This is not what we’re about: we give The Parodies, was disappointed that more people did not come.

“It’s a great idea, but I think it should have been better publicised to get a better audience. An event like this deserves a better turn out.”

Huw Solly, the youth leader behind this event, said, “the event was aimed to raise awareness for young people in and around Swindon, to let them know what’s happening and what they can take part in.”

He said he wanted to thank Greendown Community School Matt of The Parodies and a fan at the Big pupils who had arrived early in the morning to help set up.

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20/7/07, 11:20 am

Check out the new look www.swindonlink.com

Game on at Link pitches Three new state-of-the-art five-a-side football pitches at Link Centre are now available for hire and in September a new adult league run

by Swindon Town Football in the Community will kick off.

Costing £200,000 and built to Football Association standards, the flood-lit ‘third generation’ pitches are available to hire Monday to Saturday, 9am to 10pm and Sunday, 9am until 6pm.

Coun Nick Martin, cabinet member for resources, said “we are responding to the increased demand for places to play football in the borough. The pitches are a fantastic addition to the facilities at Link Centre and will pay for themselves in about four years.”

Book pitches at Link Centre reception, call 445566 or go online at: www.swindon .gov.uk/sports bookings To discuss block bookings contact Kim Bedry: kbedry@ swindon.gov.uk Pleased to be playing on the new pitches. Mayor Michael Barnes and coun Nick Martin were joined by first team player Michael Pook at the kick off

Adult league signing up teams For details about entering teams into the Link Centre league organised

by STFC Football in the Community, call John Holloway or Clive Maguire on 421303.

Help team get out of rags and hand-me-downs Whilst players in the Greenmeadow Under 9s squad can recognise each other on the field, as they play in the same colours, they confuse the opposition because they wear shirts bearing the names of 8 different companies which have provided sponsorship over many years.

“We run three under 9s teams and have 40 really enthusiastic youngsters training with us,” said manager Richard Perrin. “The kit is worn out and hand-me-downs from other Greenmeadow teams .

It would be great if they could run out next season with the backing of one company.”

He added that as the youngsters practice outdoors for much of the season, the club also needs to buy warm training tops.

Different sponsors for match shirts and tops would be welcome if one company is unable to come forward.

To offer help call Richard on 07818 808913.

Summer soccer for kids Swindon Town Football in the Community is taking bookings for their summer football fun weeks for boys and girls of all abilities, aged from 5 to 15.

The courses are designed to encourage and involve everyone who takes part, offering a great chance for children to get active during the holidays and to learn and develop their football skills and techniques.

Players from the club will be dropping in during their pre-season training schedule to chat to youngsters taking part. They will also have the chance to see behind the scenes at the County Ground.

Four three day courses will take place in different venues across Swindon from 31 July to 30 August, from 10am to 3pm. For details call the STFC Community Office on 421303.

Under 14s wanted Shaw U14 football team is looking for players to join its squad.

Training takes place at Greendown School on Fridays, 6.30pm.

For details call Gerald Kent on 07736 901382

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19/7/07, 3:20 pm

Got a DOG? Help your dog to learn good manners & social skills in one of our fun & friendly classes Kennel Club Good Citizen Listed Status School

Puppy only class Adult beginners class Making progress class Summer holiday class See the website for course details and dates of our special introduction to agility, clicker and obedience workshops in August or call Janet Garrett M.I.A.C.E. 01793 727158

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38

Check out the new look www.swindonlink.com

Roads in the North to be taken over Years after the house builders moved off site, roads in Abbey Meads are to be adopted by the council.

The problem has been ongoing difficulties with the developers who needed to bring the areas they still owned up to the appropriate standard for the council to adopt.

Even though 80 per cent of the

roads to the south of Elstree Way have been developer responsibility, Swindon Council has received most of the complaints about neglected grass verges and trees but were powerless to act.

“People are paying council tax and expect DRIVER TRAINING Takeover for Abbey Meads streets their area to be maintained,” said coun SPECIAL OFFER David Renard, who has been workFirst 3 lessons for the price of 2 ing to resolve the matter since last Lady Lane was always set for closure year. “We are now making • Refresher lessons progress and I am sure residents In the July Link we said that Ash • Motorway lessons living in the roads to be taken over Brake residents had been conwill be delighted.” sulted about the closure of Lady • Pass Plus Chatsworth Road, Shipley Drive Lane in 2002.

Call Graham Cross on: and Aden Court have been recently But Phillip Wiseman of Ebor 01793 705413 adopted and it is expected that Close, points out that residents or 07736 429636 Greenwich Close and others will moving to the area in 1997 were gr8results@fsmail.net told the road would be closed. follow shortly. www.gr8results.co.uk It was kept open to provide safe access to Bridlewood Primary School while Redhouse was built.

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Pedal in the pounds for Cancer Reseach UK Registration for the big bike ride at Lydiard Park on 22 September, from 11am, to raise money for Cancer Research UK is now taking place.

There are two distances to choose from: a 20km ride on quiet roads to villages west of Swindon and a children’s 5km ride within the park.

To sign up for the rides call the Swindon Bike Committee on 01454 454800. www.cancerresearchuk.org

Cycle tutoring on offer National Standard Cycle instructors are now available to train Swindon residents interested in becoming more proficient cyclists on the town’s busy roads.

Thanks to Swindon Bike Users group and Active Swindon there are now 13 instructors available to deliver training. The introductory cost is £15 per hour per person.

For details about the training, or to become an instructor, call Gladys Barr on 708775, or 07768 687986, mail: gladys.barr@swindonpct.nhs.uk www.ctc.org.uk

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Bikers united through Rideout site

CALL GRAHAM ON (01793) 873045 or 07867 556350

Size doesn’t matter at a club for motorbike enthusiasts: all are welcome, from 125cc learners to experienced bikers on the most powerful machines at the Swindon Rideout Club.

Set up by Mandy Irvine, the club is the perfect way to meet up, enjoy weekly rides, share the occasional fun curry night and raise some money for charity.

“Riding out together is a bit like being at a party or day out with friends,” said Mandy. “We go as fast as the slowest rider and always have a tail-ender who makes sure that no-one is left behind. Our one rule is that we leave as a group and arrive as a group. Riders on more powerful bikes may power ahead, but then they wait for the rest of the party to catch up.”

Members come from all walks of life: paramedics, squadies, computer buffs, bankers, farmers and chefs. The one thing they all have in common is a passion for bikes.

Details of the club can be found via: www.swindonlink.com > community links • Members of the Royal British Legion riders branch will be starting a round Britain expedition from Swindon on 24 August.

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Big changes on the buses

Holiday of a lifetime for more Chernobyl children Simple pleasures such as paddling in the sea or a day at the zoo are likely to be the highlights of a holiday in August for a group of children from Belarus.

“The generosity of people to The Swindon branch of Cher- teries, London and a bird of prey these children is absolutely fantasnobyl Children Life Line (CCLL) centre.

There will be plenty of activi- tic,” said Gin. “We’re quite well has funded their flights and organised an unforgettable month of ties around Swindon including ice known now thanks to The Link; people come up to us to say they activities for the youngsters. have followed the story over the The charity brings children last two years since the local group suffering the after effects of was established. In fact, almost all the Chernobyl nuclear power of our host families have come station disaster 21 years ago through stories in the magazine.” to the UK for respite from the New hosts, fundraisers and supdamage caused by radiation. porters are always welcome.

It is estimated that one Call Gin on 728251 for details. month’s stay can extend their www.swindon.ccll.org.uk life expectancy by two years.

Gin McGiffin, chair of Swindon CCLL, who lives in Oakhurst , has been involved Looking ahead. Supermarine RFC have alwith hosting four groups of ready made a commitment to finance the cost Family business since 1983 children. She explained that a of bringing up to 20 children to Swindon in For a Quality Installation trip to the coast is a huge at- December. CCL fundraiser Sally Huggins is traction for the children. pictured with coach Hywel Rees and social club chairman Martin ‘Bruno’ Bryan “They are usually delighted to spend the day on a beach as they skating, Tae Kwon Do, horse ridlive in a landlocked country and ing, rugby and a trip to the Jolly will never have seen the sea. A trip Roger indoor play park.

Medical matters are very imto the Cotswold Wildlife Park is another favourite as most of the portant and Brendon Ball of the youngsters will be seeing the ani- Freshbrook Dental Practice will For windows, doors & bargeboards mals for the first time in their lives. give the children free check-ups For free & friendly advice on our Nineteen children will stay with and any necessary treatment. full range of Gutter/Fascia systems host families until 17 August. They There will also be a sight test at professionally installed and guaranteed, call will enjoy trips to Center Parcs, Specsavers who will fit glasses if Swindon 855700 / 855800 Bibury Trout Farm, Aston Pot- needed.

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The growth of Swindon over the last few years has forced a major review of the Thamesdown Transport bus network, the first since 2002.

Services in some areas are to be improved and reduced in others where there is less use of buses.

However, Thamesdown Transport wants to hear from residents before the schedule is finalised.

Paul Jenkins, Thamesdown Transport’s managing director said, “we would welcome feedback about the new routes from existing and potential customers.

The new network will see more buses being provided in North Swindon and will include the first stage of service provision to the Wichelstowe development.

“In some other areas frequencies are being reduced in line with current demand.”

Leaflets explaining and illustrating the revised network are available at libraries, Swindon Information Centre, Great Western Hospital, Swindon Council offices.

Details from: www.thamesdowntransport.co.uk Views on the changes due to introduced in October should arrive by Tuesday 7 August.

21 August 07

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40

Check out the new look www.swindonlink.com

Boys get together to mark 50+ years The 1st Swindon Boys’ Brigade Company are holding a reunion to mark over 50 years providing fun and friendship to young people in Rodbourne Cheney.

The get together takes place on Sunday 16 September, 10.45am, with a service at St Mary’s, Rodbourne Cheney, to be followed by lunch and a barbeque later in the day.

“It’s all free and we want former members to join us to meet and share memories,” said organiser Chris Coombs.

For details call Chris on 07789 514310 or mail: chriscoombs @ukonline.co.uk

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Join in with The Link’s waste reduction plan The time has come to do something about bulging waste bags and get in shape before fortnightly rubbish collections begin in the autumn, writes Barbara Prothero.

As with all good diet plans, it’s than glass, buy concentrated clean- them is therapeutic in its own way; best to start slowly and make small ing products and avoid bulky 5 Celebrate your streamlined syschanges until you get down to size. wasteful packaging if possible; tem by buying a tiny bin for kitchen Follow our five point plan and 4 Don’t bottle out of recycling plas- waste as a reminder that almost you’ll be well on your way to tic. There will be fortnightly col- everything, apart from meat and squeezing everything into that lections of bagged plastic bottles, cooked leftovers, should be going brand new wheelie bin. but they need tops removed. elsewhere, i.e. to be recycled or the 1 Exercise regularly by taking fruit Warming bottles with hot water compost bin. and veg peelings and garden rub- makes them much easier to flatten • Recycling collections from flats bish to the compost bin. Up to 40 to take less space and crushing will be introduced in Spring 2008. per cent of household waste can be composted, including cardboard, cotton and shredded paper; Every household should now have received an orange recycling box, 2 Make sure the whole family sup- some plastic bottle recycling sacks and information on how the new port you on your diet by getting waste collection system will work - including different collection them involved. Stick a label on the days for some areas. recycling boxes so that everyone Start sorting and recycling items now and the transition to fortnightly knows what can go in and ask the wheelie collections will not be so difficult. kids to help sort materials for reIt really is possible to slim down on waste. Most West Swindon cycling and crush up tin cans; households have been on a weekly recycling and fortnightly wheelie 3 Change your shopping habits bin collection for nearly two years. The huge majority have taken to the and think about how you’ll dis- new system, proving that it can work effectively.

For advice and information on recycling more, or if you have not pose of the things you buy. Consider buying wine in boxes rather received your orange recycling box, call 445501.

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Tighter laws make disability discrimination out of order Sarah Burgess of Swindon Working for Opportunities explains why companies should pay attention to new employment legislation.

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Everyone has the right to seek and find employment – having a job makes people feel valued in society.

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21 August 07

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Under the Disability Discrimination Act it is unlawful for employers to discriminate against disabled people for a reason related to their disability, unless it can be justified.

It covers everything from application forms to redundancy. Employers have a duty to consider making ‘reasonable adjustments’ to make sure a disabled person is not substantially disadvantaged by employment arrangements or workplace layout.

Whilst more employers are becoming more likely to make adjustments for their employees, many are still not recruiting or retaining disabled workers. The majority of disabled people become disabled during their working life, yet around one in six workers lose their job after developing an impairment or long-term health condition.

How would your company cope in this situation? Would you want to lose a valuable member of staff unnecessarily? Do your staff know how to react appropriately to a newly appointed member of staff who is disabled or a colleague that becomes disabled? Would you have the skills to deal with this situation?

Once out of work, many disabled people encounter negative at-

20/7/07, 11:25 am

titudes from employers, a trend that local charity Working for Opportunities (WfO) is challenging. WfO aims to create an environment where employers feel confident in offering employment to disabled people who are confident to apply for and accept positions.

One of the ways WfO does this is through the Swindon Employers Forum on Disability (SWEFD).

Membership of the forum comes in several different categories each offering a range of different services, including a dedicated website and telephone helpline which offers advice and guidance to companies in resolving disability issues in the workplace.

Additionally, if recruitment of staff is a problem for your company, WfO can assist. We work closely with over 180 job-seeking disabled people, and know their skills and abilities; your vacancies can be advertised free of charge directly to ideal candidates.

WfO also has expertise in disability equality training – either classroom based or online - which can be tailored to meet the needs of your company.

To discuss the benefits of becoming a SWEFD member contact Sarah Burgess on 514055 or mail: sarah.burgess@wfotrust.org.uk

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Veterans fascinate Greendown pupils History was brought to life for pupils at Greendown School when war veterans were invited to share their memories.

The visit, organised by Swindon South MP Anne Snelgrove to mark the second Veterans’ Day at the end of June, gave Year 9 pupils who have signed up for GCSE history, a chance to put a variety of questions to ex-servicemen who had served in conflicts ranging from World War II to the Gulf War. Among the visitors was D-Day glider pilot Bill Higgs, 87, from Wroughton. He said, “I go to a lot of lectures all over Wiltshire to The colours match. Brendon Wallwork speak about my experiences. It is tries on Bill Higg’s historic beret at the important young people learn Veterans’ Day event at Greendown what war is about, both the ugly side as well as the comradeship of experience. For them to get a sense of the unity and pride after all the soldiers involved.”

The pupils recorded their inter- those years, it was a positive thing.”

Head of history, Vicki Lewis views on video for a documentary which they will edit to help others said, “it was really encouraging learn about 20th Century conflict. that the pupils showed such interSophie Hartley, 14, said, “it’s a est and wanted a deeper underlot more interesting than reading standing of the war veterans’ exhistory books. Meeting the veter- periences. This is something they ans offered an insight into real life.” will remember forever.”

War child Sheila Jarvis, 76, from Anne Snelgrove, MP, was pleased with the pupils’ interest. Grange Park, was delighted to take “We can mark our respect to veter- part. “I was so impressed that I ans and say thank you for the job wrote a letter to the Queen dethey did, while asking them to pass scribing how the young people at on their knowledge as a learning Greendown are learning about our brave servicemen and she sent me experience.”

Freshbrook Church youth such a nice reply which I have worker Dave Davidson, a former passed on to Ms Lewis.”

RAF armaments specialist and • Sheila visits schools to talk about Gulf War veteran, commented, “I her wartime childhood. Her story think some of the pupils were con- will be featured in the September sidering a military career after the Link.

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

People can have their say on what goes on in their community by joining the online Swindon Community Empowerment Network.

As part of the Government They want to hear from individuals, community and voluntary agenda to engage citizens in decigroups who want to make a differ- sion making, Caroline’s role is to ence in their neighbourhood. Any- demystify council procedures and one who feels strongly about local consultations. She will help peoissues, for example road safety out- ple find their way through the forside their playgroup, rubbish col- mal processes and try to ensure lections or policing, can use SCEN that all those who want to express as a source of advice and encour- their views are involved.

While there are already many agement. The informal network will provide information on how active members of the community, to work with the council and di- SCEN is targeting those who aren’t rections to other organisations that already involved.

The network will be mainly vircan help.

Co-ordinator, Caroline Cooper, tual, communicating via email, said that many people want to newsletter and an online forum. make their voice heard but don’t However, there will be the opporknow how to be effective. “There tunity to meet up from time to are things that people feel very time. To join, call Caroline Cooper strongly about and this is a way to on 466366 or download an appliinfluence the services delivered to cation form: www.swindoncen.org.uk the people of Swindon.”

Winners for tickets to shows at Lydiard Park from the July Link Cry Blue Murder: Heather George, Westminster Road, Toothill & Marina Morgan, Ridgeway Road, Upper Stratton Wizard of Oz: Nicki Styles, Mannington Park, Rodbourne

19/7/07, 3:24 pm

43

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NEED AN ELECTRICIAN?

From an extra socket to a re-wire we can provide a complete high quality cost effective service to our small business and domestic customers • Test, inspection and certification • Showers • Fault finding • Heating • Garden, garage, workshop, loft • Part P compliant • Local company • Extensions • Fully insured • Free quotes • No call out charge www.brunel-electrical.co.uk Telephone: 01793 554935 07785 988557 07725 804738

For all electrical work in your home, garden and workplace ❍ Kitchen, bathroom & shower circuits ❍ Garden lights & sockets, pond pumps ❍ Wiring for log cabins, garages, sheds ❍ Electrical inspection & testing ❍ Portable appliance testing ❍ Air conditioning supplied & installed ❍ Trustmark & Part P registered Call James Nicholls on 07974 711962 01793 812303 Amalia Electrical Services Ltd

Specialists in PVCU, windows, doors and conservatories Free quotatio ns

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

01793 422973 07834 708627

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

FENSA Registered Company

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

PLUMBING & HEATING Professional & Reliable • Specialists in full heating systems and heating conversions • Boiler replacements • Gas and oil-fired appliances • Cylinders, showers, tanks • Full bathroom suites, tiling & electrics • No job too small • Free quotations

HEATING Ltd Home Painting & decorating Kitchens & bathrooms Carpentry Floor and wall tiling Laminate floors Plastering, Dry lining Roofing, Rendering Fascias & guttering

Garden Fencing & walls Patios & paving Turfing & grass seeding Landscaping & design Garden maintenance Ponds & pergolas

For a FREE quote with no obligation Telephone: 01793 703233 Mobile: 07760 193890

Call Craig Gavin 01793 886881 or 07880 735405

No job too small - All work fully insured

BEASANT

J.M.R.

Plastering & Property Maintenance

Plumbing & Heating

Skimming, Rendering Drylining, Coving Also Fencing, Decking & Patios Tel: 01793 320190 07766 026942

... and all other gas work undertaken Call now for a quote from your local gas engineer ...

Call: 01793 700575 Mobile: 07920113999

Bathroom and shower installations and refurbishments All other plumbing work undertaken

Local, reliable & competitive

Phone Steve on 01793 772702 Mobile: 07770 555030

Bathrooms

QUALITY BATHROOM INSTALLATIONS SHOWERS & GENERAL PLUMBING LEAKING RADIATORS & BURST PIPES, ETC.

176726

HOME: 01793 615321 MOBILE: 07775 842241

& Kitchens

Complete installations to dripping taps

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

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

PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES From dripping taps to complete bathroom installations 24/365 emergency service No call out charge No job too small • Fully insured Call Chris Bray on 01793 702171 Mob: 07951 219908 e: aps-enquiries@hotmail.co.uk

TileSure

ARC TILING Walling and flooring specialist Kitchens bathrooms and conservatories Full public liability insurance Free quotes Call Adam on 345345 or 07968 360207

21 August 07

• Boiler servicing • Boiler replacement • Unvented cylinder servicing • Cylinder replacement • Landlord gas certification

Boiler and central heating installation and changeovers

43

CERAMIC TILING Walls & floors Bathrooms, kitchens & conservatories Under floor heating fitted Complete bathroom fitting Fitted by tradesman QUALITY FINISH

Call Maurice on 01793 349704 or 07904 142692

• CARPETS • WOOD • LAMINATE • VINYL • UNDERLAY • ACCESSORIES No gimmicks, no sales, no promotions JUST THE RIGHT PRICE AND THE TRUE VALUE HOME SELECTION SERVICE Personal estimating service - no obligation or charge Fitting service by qualified & professional fitters

Call Mike Edwards

01793 480777 or 07834 685871 6 Wood Street, Old Town, Swindon SN1 4AB

19/7/07, 3:27 pm

44

D & M ENTERPRISES

ANTONY’S ELECTRICAL SERVICES COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

COMPLETE REWIRES

EXTRA POINTS FAULT FINDING FUSE BOARD REPLACEMENT EXTRA EXTERIOR & INTERIOR LIGHTING

RELIABLE FAST SERVICE COMPETITIVE RATES FREE ESTIMATES

we are ... ‘the men to do it ..’

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

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

01793 728668 07748 962689

24 hour ansaphone 01793 700796

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KTL

S & L Tiling

COUNTYWIDE HEATING & PLUMBING SERVICES ❖ Gas, LPG and Oil ❖ Boiler servicing & breakdowns ❖ Boiler exchange ❖ Full system installation ❖ Landlord safety checks ❖ Power flush ❖ Plumbing ❖ Emergency call outs Reliable friendly service Competitive rates Tel. 01793 887419 Mob. 07912 882090 countywideheating@yahoo.co.uk

Extensions • Conservatories Garage conversions Alterations / Renovations Block paving, Patio’s • Porches Garden walls Fascia’s and Guttering ‘Metro Lightweight Roofing’ systems No job too big or small!

Over 15 years experience.

Call Neil Tanner for a free & fair no-obligation quote on 07967 155502 mail: info@benchmark-construction.co.uk

www.benchmark-construction.co.uk

Want your wall or floor tiles fitted?

ODD JOB MAN

For all your property & garden maintenance • • • • •

Garden Maintenance Window Cleaning Painting and Decorating Flat Pack Construction General Repairs.

Then call

TILEfix for a free quotation to get them fixed and grouted with the minimum of fuss

In fact any odd job will be considered, no job too small, just ask.

For a friendly reliable service call Pete for a free quote on:

Tel: 01793 495364 Mob: 07767 242124 Email: tilefix4u@aol.com

Tel: 01793 871879 Mobile: 07724734126 Full public liability insurance

LEE ORTON PLUMBING & HEATING

MILESTONE

Building Services

GENERAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Outside Ground works, patios, paving, brickwork, fencing, decking, landscape gardening Inside Carpentry, plumbing, kitchens & bathrooms, tiling & flooring

❍ Central heating ❍ Boiler replacements ❍ Bathroom installations ❍ Tiling ❍ Power showers No job too small

No job too small • Free estimates

Tel: 01793 722152

Dean Scanlon 01793 422032 • 07789 681536

Mobile: 07887 541444

BRUNEL ROOFING

J’s Electrical

All aspects of roofing undertaken by quality Craftsmen • Tiling & Slating • Fascias & Guttering • Chimney repairs • Lead work • New builds, Extensions & Repairs Call us for a free written quote (01793) 554 935 077 25 804 738 077 85 988 557 www.brunel-roofing.co.uk

✭ Extra sockets and lights ✭ Shower and cooker installation ✭ Fuse board replacement ✭ Complete re-wiring ✭ Security lighting ✭ P.A.T. testing NO JOB TOO SMALL Mobile: 07985 195893 Tel: 01793 320447 Also general plumbing, tiling & plastering

G.P. Building Specialist Ltd Established for 21 years

FOR ALL YOUR BUILDING REQUIREMENTS

From this to this in under 8 weeks

We have 20 years experience & provide a fast, friendly & reliable service from design to completion References can be provided & viewings arranged

Specialist in loft conversions & building extension All types of maintenance and general building work Telephone: Mobile:

For a free no obligation quotation, call: 01793 700454

21 August 07

44

19/7/07, 3:28 pm

01793 435876 0782 444 2143 0777 574 8682

45

• Servicing & Breakdowns • System Cleaning (Powerflush) • Boiler Replacement • Landlord’s Certificates

Call 07983 720426

HOME HANDYMAN

L J WILSON BRICKWORK

for all those little jobs around the home

Specialising in smaller works

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

01793 876798

General property maintenance Conservatory bases Extensions/porches Garden walls/patios Interior & exterior decoration All types of render painted Tiling - walls & floors Kitchen & bathroom fitting Garage conversions Free no obligation quotes Insurance work undertaken

Tel/Fax: 01793 729269 Mobile: 07764 936419

Lydiard Home Services www.lydiard.biz

A local reliable & friendly service 24 YEARS EXPERIENCE Installation & Servicing NG & LPG ✓ Boiler & System Upgrades ✓ Breakdown & Maintenance ✓ Bathrooms, Showers & Wet Rooms ✓ Power Flushing / Descaling ✓ DIY Assisted Projects ✓

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

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

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

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

GMS

GENERAL MAINTENANCE SERVICES EST 1998

www.generalmaintenanceservices.co.uk

House Medic

HM. BATHROOM

Building, Maintenance & Repairs

INSTALLATIONS

• • • • •

BATHROOM INSTALLATIONS INTERNAL ALTERATIONS REFURBISHMENTS MAINTENANCE WORK INSURANCE WORK

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

45

Doctor Glass

Winners on quality and cost; why go anywhere different?

www.assured-plumbing.co.uk

21 August 07

Call Pete

PREMIER BUILDERS

01793 700 820

Electric showers Power showers Replacement taps Exchange suites En-suites • Tiling • Towel rails Shower Trays And Cubicles Complete Bathroom Makeovers Insurance Work Undertaken

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

Bathroom & kitchen fitting Interior & exterior painting and decorating

01793 434184 or 07872 946986

• • • • • • • •

General Building Services

Tel: 01793 542654 Mob: 07790 283186

All major credit cards accepted

• • • • • • • • • • •

PB Plastering & Bricklaying

(SWINDON LTD) est. 1989

Brickwork & Roofing Specialists

Tel: 01793 704653 Mobile: 078899 21570 Unit 14a, Turnpike, Blunsdon

A BUTLER PROPERTY SERVICES & DECORATING SPECIALISTS Tel: 01793 320380 Mobile: 07764 743635 Painting & decorating Kitchens • Bathrooms • Tiling Fencing • Patios Driveways • Drainage PVC windows, soffits & fascias Door hanging • Window repairs Roof repairs • Lock repairs General alterations & maintenance

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

Tel:01793 528243 07709 815316

ABC BUILDERS

GARAGE CONVERSION SPECIALIST

Home improvements Carpentry Plastering Fencing Garden walls

No job too small For friendly help and advice call Michael on 07713 253380 or 01793 814690 after 6pm

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

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

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

19/7/07, 3:30 pm

46

BATHROOMS

Paul Rhind

EXTENSIONS AND SMALL BUILDINGS

Bathroom suites and kitchens fitted UPVC windows & doors Conservatories, fascias and guttering Roofing & building maintenance

Free estimates

Bathroom and kitchen installations

Painting, decorating, ceramic tiling

01793 876600 07748 964433

Call Sean on 703550 Mobile: 07749 862361

Telephone/fax: 01793 874807

DECORATOR

DECORATOR

A CHANGE OF COLOUR

James O’Sullivan

FREE ESTIMATES

PAINTING AND DECORATING

Quality workmanship Fascias, soffits, windows, doors and rendering Also interior decorating 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE FREE ESTIMATES Call Paul Comer

on 01793 321981 or 07775 840236

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

Telephone: (01793) 497461 Mobile: 07919 671307

ELECTRICIAN

ELECTRICIAN

Lewis & Leo Electrical Ltd

SAFE & SHAW

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

For all electrical work in the home, garage & garden - rewires, extensions etc. also commercial & industrial, inspection & testing

For free no obligation quotes call Wayne or Paul Tel: 01793 526955 Mob: 07928 723890 or 07738 177506

Interior & Exterior Painting and Decorating Wallpapering, Coving, Artexing & Plastering Established 22 years

For a professional finish telephone 07971 347345 (mob) or 616933

FLOORING FLOORING SERVICES All aspects of flooring: wood to carpet MASTERFITTER

N I CF National Institute of Carpet & Floorlayers

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

lewisandleoelectrical@hotmail.co.uk

HOME MAINTENANCE

KITCHEN & BATHROOM SERVICES

01793 640012 07970 865883

G R SERVICES

Steve George

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

for Kitchens & Bathrooms Tel: 874480 Mobile: 07860 760364

Call Glen on: 01793 487450 07774 841879

302 August Repair & Impr

ALL KITCHENS FITTED (Howdens, Jewsons etc.)

• Free survey • Building work • Plastering • Tiling & worktops • Electrics & plumbing • Wooden flooring • All types of worktops fitted incl granite COMPLETE BATHROOMS FITTED Building work, plastering, tiling, electrics, plumbing, furniture 30 years experienced tradesman

46

REDUCTIONS FOR OAPs

Call 01793 334823 or 07788 572043

HEATING & PLUMBING

P.J.J.

MOBILE: 07769 883717 TEL: 01793 876029

INTERIOR & EXTERIOR

tor

EXTERIOR PAINTING

DECORATOR

&D eco ra

DECORATOR

by

Galaxy Construction Ltd plus patios, garden walls and stone walling Plastering & decorating No job too small Call Leighton on 01793 813438 or 07917 208094

ain ter

❉ All types of plumbing undertaken - leaking taps, pumps, tanks, burst pipes, machines installed

Tiling Walls & Floors

BUILDING SERVICES

ID EP

❉ Quality bathroom suites fitted - tiling, electrics, flooring all taken care of

RS

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS

BUILDING SERVICES

PR

BATHROOMS

APPROVED

19/7/07, 4:33 pm

GAS ASSOCIATED SERVICES ❍ All gas appliances serviced, repaired & installed ❍ Warm air unit service, repair & installation ❍ Landlord/moving house safety inspections ❍ Bathroom suites installed and all other plumbing work undertaken ❍ Central heating systems flushed (powerflush) ❍ Hot water systems descaled ❍ Quote on request ❍ 24 hour call out ❍ Natural gas & LPG qualified Reg: 202015 ❍ British Gas trained

Tel: 722449 • Mob: 07956 410982

MAINTENANCE

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

• Reliable • Trustworthy • • Affordable •

47

CARPENTRY

CARPENTRY

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

Free no obligation quotes

J S Property Services Home & Garden Improvements ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭

Fitted kitchens & bedrooms Wood and laminate flooring Loft conversions Doors & windows All carpentry work Stairs Shop fitting specialist

Kevin Cook Tel: 814833 or 07776 142981

For details call Paul on 07932 013360 or 01793 812849

DOUBLE GLAZING

ELECTRICIAN

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

CARPENTRY

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

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

Free estimates Jamie Scanlon 01793 704309 or 0777 594 8833

ELECTRICIAN

DECORATOR & CARPENTRY • Interior/exterior painting and decorating • Wallpaper • Tiling • Coving • Laminate flooring • Doors & skirting replacement • Kitchen • Bathroom internal alterations No job too small • Rooms left tidy daily Free no obligation 24 hour quotations

Call Andy: 01793 729354

or 07900 835116

ELECTRICIAN

Arc Electrical Services Ltd 01793 872054 0770 480 1959 arcelectrics@aol.com

01793 611398 07968 757860

Tel: 01793 878609 Mobile: 07885 543294

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

HEATING & PLUMBING

HEATING & PLUMBING

HEATING & PLUMBING

HEATING & PLUMBING

M.P.S.

Quality Plumbing & Heating

24hr call out facility

RJ PEARCE PLUMBING & HEATING LTD 20 years experience in plumbing work

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

For further details call Richard on 01793 879156 or 07747 723606

Plumbing & Heating Services 30 years plumbing & heating experience British Gas trained

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

Alec McKay Tel: 01793 878353 Mobile: 07963 953439 Reg: 203455

PLUMBING

Brian Jones Plastering Services

Select Plumbing Services

Tel: 01793 849010 Mobile: 07976 572905

302 August Repair & Impr

Repairs, maintenance or new installation at a competitive price

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

• No job is too small.

• No callout charge.

• Free estimates.

External rendering Plastering two coat Re-skimming Dry lining Coving New or repairs

47

For Gas Central Heating Boiler Service & Replacement, Bathroom Suites & Showers

Call 01793 522579 Mobile: 07816 906437 Email: matt@mpsheating.co.uk www.mpsheating.co.uk

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

• Central heating installation • • • • •

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

All plumbing work undertaken Reliable service, realistic prices

Kevin Rolfe Tel: 01793 881905 Mobile: 07973 663367

E-mail: towerplumbheat@aol.com

PLASTERING

✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭

Heating & Plumbing

ROOFING

TILING

GILES BROS ● Felt roofing ● Asphalt roofing ● Sheet roofing ● Tiling ● Slating ● Single Ply ● Fascia ● Guttering ❇❇❇

Call Neil on 01793 700436 07725 028776

20/7/07, 12:25 pm

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

48

ACCOUNTANCY

AERIAL SERVICES

CHRIS PAYNE AERIALS & SATELLITE SYSTEMS

Chartered Certified Accountants

email: enquiries@dykebrading.co.uk

✭ Satellite TV ✭ Sky & digital terrestial ✭ Extra TV, telephone & electrical points ✭ Storm damage

www.dykebrading.co.uk

Tel: 01793 700078 Mobile: 0777 6236415

CARPET CLEANING

CARPET CLEANING

Small Business Specialists Tel: 01793 610008

Premier Klean ‘Set the course in cleaning’

The Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialist

PROFESSIONAL CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING, CAR VALETING, DRIVEWAY & PATIO CLEANING

• Carpets, rugs, curtains, suites etc • Emergency call out available • Hard floors cleaned and sealed • Stain removal • Protection treatment • Fully insured • Quickly usable You’ll be amazed how affordable it is ....call for your free estimate from your local independent on 01793 731418 or mobile: 07808 355487 Email: cliff.whiteway@btinternet.com

Premier Klean has invested in the best cleaning systems possible; our powerful machines give an excellent clean whilst using no harmful chemicals.

We offer a comprehensive service.

Call now for a free no obligation quotation.

0800 2800 544

AERIAL SERVICES

AIRPORT TRAVEL

Aerial & Satellite Services

AIRPORTS Connect Ltd

• TV/FM/DAB aerials • Extra satellite points • Freeview installation • Signal amplifiers in Noticed terferen No call out lately? T ce e filters fi tra charge tted All work guaranteed Call Neil Provis on 01225 706379 or 07774 943 783

The Automatic Choice

CLEANING

Homes That Sparkle From People Who Shine

THE CLEANING & IRONING SERVICE

Affordable & reliable cleaning programmes, tailored to meet your needs and budget Regular cleans, Spring cleans, Moving in or out cleans Trained and insured staff Equipment and supplies provided Quality Service Guarantee

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

JUST PULL UP, PRESS A BUTTON AND DRIVE IN

Home Cinema Installations

A wide range of garage doors to suit your requirements

Plasma • LCD • Projectors

Maxwell House, Maxwell Street, Swindon or for information on installation and repairs

www.garagedoorsupplies.co.uk

10% discount with this advert

SECURITY SYSTEMS

OVEN CLEANING

• AV setup & calibration • Hidden Wiring /Feature Lighting • Dedicated power supplies For free home surveys call Antony on 01793 728668 or 07748 962689

SKIP HIRE

AMI The Domestic Oven Cleaning Service

To book your Oven Clean call 01793 520362 We use caustic free cleaning products with a fresh solution each time.

Hobs, extractors, microwaves and barbecue grills also undertaken

303 August Service Sector

48

Ironing £15 per basket, collected and returned the next day Call 01793 875665 07780625244

MINI BUS HIRE

From Swindon to...

Gatwick - Heathrow Bristol - Birmingham Stansted

THE GARAGE DOOR CENTRE

01793 513796

House cleans from £15 per house

AIRPORT SERVICE

See our displays at

email: swindondoorservice@btinternet.co.uk

Tel: 431111 email: travel@airportsconnect.com www.airportsconnect.com

CLEANING

INSTALLATIONS

GARAGE DOORS

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

SKIPS

2 yd: £55 4 yd: £90 2.5 yd: £65 5 yd: £100 All inclusive 3 yd: £80 5 days given to fill skip

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

20/7/07, 12:10 pm

For family holidays, business trips and all occasions, we cater for 1 to 8 passengers Call for a competitive quote now!

Tel: 01793 703899

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

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

Tel: 01793 - 812738

49

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

REMIER Pelectrics

GUARANTEED REPAIRS...

Establishe 30 year

Guaranteed repairs to all makes of domestic appliances

Same day, local service wherever possible Washing Machines Twin Tubs, etc.

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

phbookkeeping@hotmail.co.uk

www.bookkeepingswindon.co.uk

COMPUTER SUPPORT

COMPUTER SUPPORT

GARDEN CLEARANCE

Accidently formatted your hard drive or lost data?

Com Master’s PC Repairs

Let us try and get it back for you - no results, no cost.

Tel: 01793 814782 Mob: 07909 500724 Mandy - (Proprietor) email: mandy@donendusted.info www.donendusted.info

REMOVALS

Also PC repairs/upgrades Systems built to requirements Private or business • Free estimates

Call Andy Anderson Computer Data Recovery

Why go anywhere else?

When we’ll come to you..... ✻ ✻ ✻ ✻ ✻

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

Tel: 01793 422534 or Mobile: 0792 005 6077

Tel: 01793 871718 Mobile: 07703 033790 email: jlanderson@ntlworld.com

CLEAR AWAY GARDEN & HOUSEHOLD CLEARANCE EASIER THAN A SKIP, WHY DO IT YOURSELF? Let us load and remove your rubbish for you NO JOB TOO SMALL Also odd jobs Free estimates

Call Danny on 01793 702407 or 07957 820064

REMOVALS

The cost effective way to move home or business Single items to full house removals Hourly rates, fully insured Professional, friendly & reliable Local, national & Europe www.robbinsremovals.com

Tel: 07876 338025 email: info@robbinsrovals.com

White Van Man

Single items moved anywhere in Swindon for £20 Disposal of unwanted items Garden rubbish removed House clearance Long/short distance removals Call for a free quote Tel: 01793 706821 Mobile: 07796 236436

VHS TO DVD

WANTED

Transfer VHS to DVD and all taped media

Link Magazine distributors

• Save those irreplaceable memories • Wedding videos • Irreplaceable TV programmes • Large family collections • Children’s first steps. Birthday parties • 8mm reel film a speciality • Obsolete formats, i.e. Betamax, Video2000; camcorder tapes

SAVE THOSE MEMORIES Call 01793 495733 or 07940 810733 www.savethosememories.co .uk DON’T DELAY SAVE THOSE MEMORIES TODAY

303 August Service Sector

Call Leonard Fuller, A.I.C.B, qualified bookkeeper with over 15 years’ experience.

01793 - 643785

Tel: 01793 469300

Weekly Fortnightly Monthly

Need time to concentrate on what you do best?

Can’t face doing the bookkeeping that goes with it?

Then for all your bookkeeping needs call Pat Huby MAAT

Can’t face doing the books after a hard day’s work?

Tel: 01793 700637 or 07963 637748

WASHCAR E

Domestic Cleaning Services

The Ideal Balance

BOOK-KEEPING

07799 690447

Same day/next day service

CLEANING

BOOK-KEEPING PH Bookkeeping

49

needed in Westlea - Delta area Toothill - Bodiam Drive Shaw - off Cartwright Drive Grange Park

Holder of the Seafish Friers Quality Award

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Middleleaze For details call Brian Holden on 723745

West Swindon District Centre. Tel: 870 455

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Check out the new look www.swindonlink.com

Plant a tree in return for reading

Join the mayor for a meal

This year’s summer holiday reading challenge has a green fingered theme because not only will children be growing thoughts in their brains, they will be helping to plant more trees to combat climate change.

The Big Wild Read is a free ac- collect in their Big Wild Reading tivity for children of all ages that Folder. Reading six books and runs in libraries throughout the completing 6 activity sheets will summer. In a partnership with the mean qualifying for a certificate, a Woodland Trust’s Trees For All medal and entry into a prize draw. campaign, every book a child reads The Wild Read got underway will earn tree tokens which will be on 19 July and runs until 8 Septemtranslated into up to 20,000 new ber. trees for UK woods.

Register to take part at any SwinSwindon libraries will be en- don library. The quicker you start couraging children to get their reading means more trees will be noses into a good book with spe- planted this Autumn. cial scratch and sniff stickers to www.bigwildread.org.uk

Charities supported by Swindon mayor Michael Barnes will benefit from a special meal on 20 August organised by the Curry Place Tandoori in Rodbourne Road.

The proceeds of the evening, which will feature a range of new dishes, will be donated to TWIGS (Therapeutic Work in Gardening in Swindon) and Swindon Cares, the umbrella organisation that aims to engage businesses in charity activity across the town.

To book a place at £12.50 per head, call Mr Ali on 488562.

DVD releases at Swindon Libraries Some of the titles coming up in August and September: Alpha Dog, Breed, Caffeine, Contract, Conversations with Other Women, Fracture, Goya’s Ghosts, Inland Empire, Jump In, Last Mimzy, Mr Bean’s Holiday, Painted Veil, Puritan, Reign Over Me, Sunshine, This is England, Unknown, Wild Hogs.

Rental cost £3 for a week’s hire. Call into a library for these and many other titles released over the last few months. If you’re not a member take some identification to join.

Flowers for all occasions delivered locally Also wedding stationery made to order Malvern show medallist Tel: 07971 915249 e-mail: scenteddesigns@btinternet.com www.scenteddesigns.com

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Heading for Redhouse The Works is the name of the long awaited hair salon in Redhouse Village Centre - and it opens in September.

Paul and Sheila Edwards, who already own the successful Hairworks salon at Freshbrook Village Centre, are looking forward to being part of the growing community where they live.

“I know local residents have been asking for a hairdresser for a long time,” said Sheila. “We’re providing the best salon that we possibly can: not just in terms of the surroundings but also with great staff.”

The decor is modern but warm and welcoming with brown leather sofas to make customers feel at Paul and Sheila, outside the recognishome. The best seat in the salon able ‘blue’ building in Redhouse which could well be the Shiatsu massage will house their new salon chair which will give customers a relaxing massage while they have From 10 September, the salon their hair washed. will open six days a week, with The Works will offer a full range late nights on Tuesdays and Thursof hair treatments for ladies, gents days. See the advert on page 10. and children. There will be a beauty Pod for hire room for basic treatments and a A treatment room is available to nail bar. rent two days a week. The circular Drop in on the open day on 8 pod stands in the centre of the September, 10am to 3pm, to meet shop and would be suitable for a the staff. There will be a free prize range of treatments such as Reiki, draw to win a colour, cut and blow chiropody or massage. For details dry plus manicure. call Sheila on the number above.

Art with a heart Artist Heidi Nardoni from Middleleaze is collecting love letters and items with sentimental meaning to use in a huge collage for Valentine’s Day. being fairly traditional She hopes to display but won’t decide on its the artwork in local liform until she has colbraries before it is auclected a good assorttioned in February to ment of heart warming raise money for the Brititems. ish Heart Foundation.

“It will give them perThe idea for the manence; everybody project came to Heidi can relate to this. Love after she discovered an unites everyone. old school ruler, declar“My grandparents ing her love for a boy in her class. She would like people to have had heart problems so the donate their own love tokens and British Heart Foundation means mementoes such as letters, cards, something to me. There’s so much poems, dried flowers, champagne bad news at the moment, I thought this would cheer everyone up.” corks or cinema tickets.

There are collecting boxes, decoThis will be the first piece of public art created by the former rated with hearts in Asda Walmart, Greendown pupil, who went on to Inkspot art supply store in the town study art at Swindon College. So centre and Central Library.

If you could display a box in far, she has been working on private commissions producing ab- your workplace, or would like to stracts, modern art and portraits. donate a love keep-sake, mail: She envisages her Valentine piece hei.nardo@hotmail.com

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Check out the new look www.swindonlink.com

Expedition to help moon bear rescue project

Free Family Fun Day

A Swindon couple will have a unique, but distressing, opportunity to visit a bear sanctuary in China in September.

Sarah and Dave Chilvers, from Peatmoor, believe they will be the first from Britain to visit the sanctuary after a ten day trek along the Great Wall of China to raise money for the Animals Asia Foundation.

Bear Farming is a serious issue in China, with more than 13,000 endangered Moon bears currently being kept in inhumanely small cages, and milked for their bile in excruciatingly painful and unpleasant ways.

The bile is unnecessarily used in medicine, for illnesses around China and actually lives in as insignificant as a fever, for which the Chengdu Sanctuary.

Sarah and David are training hard there are herbal or synthetic alternatives on the market that are more for their own long march for the foundation and have set themselves effective.

Consequently there is a bile sup- a fundraising target of £6,000.

“Animals have no voice; this ply surplus, so it is being added unnecessarily to cosmetic products makes it even more demoralising such as shampoo. The foundation to see them take abuse,”said Dave, is trying to educate the Chinese explaining why bear bile farming about the cruelty to animals in their has spurred them to take practical action. country to eradicate this trade.

They would gratefully welcome Jill Robinson, an animal lover from Britain, began the Animals donations and sponsors to help Asia Foundation in 1998 after a them in their fight to free bears heartbreaking trip to a Chinese from torture. Donations can be bear farm. She has dedicated her made at: www.justgiving.com/ life to freeing the bears of this tor- sarahanddavechilvers www.animalsasia.org ment and has opened sanctuaries

Saturday 11 August 10am to 4pm, Abbey Meads School Family fun, bouncy castle and inflatable slide, games, group events and contests, music, face painting, caricature drawings, and more.

Hosted by the North Swindon Baptist Church with the help of young adults from American sister church, the Calvary Baptist Church in Covington, Kentucky

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A 5 week introduction to the basic ingredients of Christianity at Freshbrook Evangelical Church Each Wednesday from 5th September to 3rd October Interested? Contact us for more information on 01793 873050 or e-mail: office@freshbrook.org

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

www.nsbc.org.uk

Justice and Peace unite refugees Torrential rain didn’t dampen the atmosphere at a get together in July for the town’s refugees despite a last minute change of venue.

The planned barbeque at Lydiard Park for over 100 refugees was hastily switched to a meal at St Luke’s church hall. Volunteers from the Catholic group, Justice and Peace, and the Harbour Centre for Refugees and Asylum Seekers taxied the families to the venue, where they enjoyed a sociable afternoon and a Halal meal.

The town hosts refugees from at least 50 countries. The Harbour Project, based at St Luke’s hall, provides a friendly meeting place where people can ask for advice, use the internet or drop in for coffee and biscuits. www.harbourproject.org.uk

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

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

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

www.stjohnshaydonwick.org.uk

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Join us in worship on Sunday mornings Westlea Church Church Westlea School: am St Mary’s Lydiard Tregoze The Church in the Park: am All Saints’ Lydiard Millicent the Church in the village: am Holy Trinity Shaw Shaw: am Toothill Church Church: am For details of these and our other services call the Partnership Office on

Email: partnershipoffice@btopenworld com www swinlyd org uk Anglican • Baptist • Methodist • United Reformed Church

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19/7/07, 3:26 pm