August 2009 Swindon Link

Loads of summer holiday activities inside

Are you connecting with your council; are they connecting with you? See pages 4 & 5

No. 327 August 2009 • Circulation 27,000

the positive newsforce in Swindon

The Wicked Queen is coming to the Wyvern this winter

Farmers’ market ends term Haydonleigh Primary School competition winner Amber Taylor with Holly the Scarecrow. See page 15

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17/7/09 14:07:58

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swindonlink.com • August 2009

Variety has been the spice of Link life Leaving The Link after four years, journalist Barbara Prothero wonders if there is another job in town to match it for variety During my time at the Link, I’ve covered every imaginable type of local story; no two days have ever been the same.

Much of my work has children in a drama class, I might be learning about personpeople respond to what ality profiling for online dating in been promoting local they see in The Link. the morning, interviewing a fund- businesses. As an acWhen stocks were runraiser, sometimes dressed as a fairy countant turned writer, I ning low at Swindon in a pink tutu, about his plans to take love hearing about people Foodbank Link readers part in a boxing bout, and rounding who have also changed responded with generoff the day talking to a remarkable their career path. Among ous donations. Appeals teenager, who has overcome cancer, my favourites have been for mittens for bears and about her sailing trip of a lifetime Janet Garrett, bi-lingual used tea bags for South with Dame Ellen MacArthur - and personal assistant who gave up the corporate African artisans produced that’s for just one edition. overwhelming responses There’s always something to talk world to develop her but perhaps the greatest about when my family ask what dog training business reaction was to an appeal I’ve done at work. Highlights have and Bev Ody, who used Barbara reporting from the banks of the Nile for families to host chilincluded hearing a talk at Isambard to be a credit controller, at Abbey Meads Primary School in 2006 dren from Belarus. Gin from blind veteran and motorcycle but found her niche as an McGiffin asked for help in the July speed champion Billy Baxter; visit- undertaker. My all time favourite costumes (see page 27).

Twenty years after leaving educa- 2006 Link as she set up the Swindon ing Abbey Meads Primary School example of a CV that no careers when youngsters had become teacher could envisage came recent- tion, I finally discovered my perfect branch of Chernobyl Children’s Life Egyptians for the day to re-enact the ly from Rosa Hirsch-Holland who job when I joined the team at The Line. Since then, people have taken discovery of King Tutankhamun; started out making bespoke fairy Link. When I arrived in Peatmoor the charity to their hearts; families and helping a young woman in her wings before launching her Rosa fourteen years ago, and scanned regularly welcome youngsters into Bloom business selling burlesque my first copy of the magazine for their homes for respite holidays and search for her estranged mum. mother and baby groups, I could local businesses have been generous never have imagined that I would with offers of entertainment, health be writing for its pages. care and money.

It’s enormously satisfying to a town that is often the butt Abbey Meads hear that people look out for the of For the nation’s jokes, it’s amazing Village Centre magazine dropping through their how many positive, life-affirming door and that they act on what they tales there are to tell about Swindon.

Beauty room available for rent read. Whether they are joining a Thank you to everyone who has campaign for a primary school at allowed me to tell their story.

Ideal opportunity for a therapist wanting to start their own business Oakhurst, volunteering to maintain • Barbara has returned to full time For details please call Pam on 01793 704800 local woodlands or enrolling their work with her old company.

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17/7/09 13:41:14

swindonlink.com • August 2009

Liz Hurley commits to starry fundraising event to see Hop, Skip & Jump Centre open in Lydiard Park

A groundbreaking and environmentally friendly respite care centre for children with disabilities could be ready to welcome families to Lydiard Park in about 15 months - subject to planning permission and nearly £1 million being raised.

Hop, Skip and Jump, a charity sions on some evenings, a Saturday tenham for respite care, so there is with well established and highly club and care in the school holidays. a lot of positive support to see a regarded facilities in Bristol and Some 500 respite care sessions will similar project here.”

Parent Toni John agreed. “Parents Cheltenham, will run the centre be on offer each week.

Swindon Council architects Nic need respite from looking after a located on the edge of the car park, opposite the cafe. Each centre is run Newland and Tony Currivan have child with disability, and siblings on a day-to-day basis by a local drawn up the plans for a large log need a break - as do the children management committee and a fund- cabin to house soft play and sensory themselves. Hop Skip and Jump raising group will be established to rooms, a ball pit and meeting spaces provide fantastic support. Parents gain financial backing from local for parents, with access to specialist can’t wait to see a respite centre in and national businesses, as well as play equipment outdoors. The final Swindon.” www.hopskipandjump.org.uk organising smaller events in and design will have a living sedum roof, and may include environaround Swindon.

James Arkell will chair the fund- mental features such as a ground

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Barrie Brannigan of Hop, Skip and Jump, left, with Mark Green and Lynne Godwin, manager of the Cheltenham centre, with potential users at Lydiard Park raising committee and Hop, Skip source heat pump and a rainwater and Jump president Liz Hurley has harvesting system.

Barrie Brannigan, Hop, Skip and agreed to attend a glitzy event in the future which will be organised Jump chief executive, said he was delighted with the progress of the around her commitments.

Outline plans were displayed for project in Swindon. “We’ve estabthe first time at the visitor centre on lished a close working relationship 3 July and building work could be with the authority over the last two underway in the Autumn. The facil- years and I’m very pleased with the ity would be open six days a week support from parents, the public for visits from special needs groups and council officers. The comments and schools and for families to drop at the public display were very into. There would be after school ses- encouraging, both from parents who want to see a local centre and Love Lydiard on 27 July members of the public interested in fundraising.

Lydiard Park becomes an even big“Everybody is very excited by ger play area on Monday 27 July, the designs being put forward for 12noon to 3pm, when children can planning permission.” go pond-dipping, search for creepy He added that before building crawlies in a bug hunt, make a tree work can start, the charity has to spirit and create a dream play area show Swindon Council that it has using plasticine. money in the bank or future finanPick up a trail by the children’s cial backing. “Hop, Skip and Jump play area and seek out the differ- has a good track record in attractent activities in the woodlands, on ing funding from businesses. Our the lawn in front of the house and president Liz Hurley has agreed to by the lakes. All activities are free help by attending an event, proband no booking is required, but ably a ball, but that’s for the local children must be accompanied fundraising group to decide.” by an adult.

Mark Green, Integrated Service The event is a Swindon Playbuilder Manager for Swindon Council’s Project, programmed as part of Disabled Children Service, said Love Parks Week - a national parents were eager to see Hop, celebration of parks and open Skip and Jump in Swindon. “Many currently travel to Bristol or Chelspaces.

1 - 21 August 09 Fri 17.indd 3

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swindonlink.com • August 2009

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www.swindonlink.com Publisher/Editor: Roger Ogle Editorial: Tel: (01793) 608840

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The agenda for the next West Forum meeting will be published in the September Link.

Tel: (01793) 608840 Fax: (01793) 608841 e: publisher@swindonlink.com

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West Forum hears humps to be dumped

Six years after residents of Toothill and Freshbrook started complaining about the speed humps on Freshbrook Way, they are to be removed whilst greater safety measures will be installed outside Oliver Tomkins Infant and Junior Schools.

The West Swindon Forum has ever the council has yet to find a way discussed the problem many times to pay for ground improvements since the humps were installed and and regular grass cutting. there was relief at the meeting on West Swindon access survey.

13 July to be told by traffic engineer Simon Lymn and Phil Martlew Gwillam Lloyd that: presented the results of the survey • the humps will be replaced by published in The Link in early 2008, raised tables at the junction of Corfe which they summarised in the July Road and Westminster Road; edition.

• ‘gateways’ will be created at each They will return to the forum end of Freshbrook Way; with a plan for new pedestrian and • white lines will be standardised cyclist direction signs across West along the road and the pelican Swindon. If you have suggestions crossing retained. as to where they should be installed, Rowton Heath Way and Beau- mail: pmartlew@swindon.gov.uk maris Road, outside the schools, Policing the West. New West area have had to cope with extra traffic Inspector Adrian Burt said the reavoiding the humps. They will: cent restructuring of the Neighbour• become 20mph roads for the hood Police Teams gives him more whole of their length; officers to patrol West Swindon • be accessed through ‘gateways’ (as well as Penhill, Pinehurst and at each end of the roads; Rodbourne Cheney).

• have raised speed tables built at The new system will see fewer the junctions with Kilsythe Close occasions when beat managers and Belver. and police community support Subject to legal objections, the officers are taken away from their work could start in mid-November neighbourhoods. and last about six weeks.

As a result of the change on 1 July, The forum also discussed: he said there has been an increase Flood alleviation in Westlea. De- in warrants and arrests, higher vissign work for a second culvert under ibility of police officers and a greater Westlea Drive to relieve heavy rain presence in trouble hot spots. In flows in Westlea brook is complete Toothill there has been a 20 per cent and, if approved by the Environ- year on year crime reduction which ment Agency, work could start at he wants to continue under the new the end of September.

NPT arrangements.

He would like to see NeighbourCartwright Drive. A report on creating a bus passing bay outside the hood Watch schemes revitalised. To school entrance will be brought to find out more or to offer to set one up, mail: Adrian.Burt@wiltshire. the September meeting.

Middleleaze. The fence around the pnn.police.uk

advertising Enquiries Call (01793) 602540 or mail: advertising@swindonlink.com Closing date for September advertisements: 7 August “The Link was first published for the West Swindon community in December 1978.

It is completely independent of Link Centre and, in fact, won a competition to name the leisure centre in 1984.

Distribution in North Swindon commenced in January 1994.”

The contents of The Link are protected by copyright. Use of advertisements in printed or electronic form is forbidden Copy for October: 8 Septembrer unless an advertiser or publisher has Registered in England & Wales. No: 4513027. sought permission. Articles and Registered Office: 130 High Street, Hungerford, Berks.

Printed by pcp, Telford photographs require similar authority The Link cannot be held responsible for goods or services offered by its advertisers

Editorial copy date for September: 10 August Published: 29 August

17/7/09 13:50:48

swindonlink.com • August 2009

5

First North Swindon forum gathers in the pub

Swindon Council’s Connecting People Connecting Places agenda arrived in North Swindon with a drop-in event for people living in the North Cluster in the Parliament Room at the Tawny Owl on 13 July.

Dave Peacey of Swindon & Crick- thought 50 to 60 people might turn On hand were officers from the council’s arts, leisure, library and lade Railway said he had to put a up. But 300 plus was a surprise; we waste recycling services, as well few residents right about rights of had a queue at one point.

“It was a good opportunity to as representatives from Haydon way on the railway line adjacent to Wick and Blunsdon St Andrew Taw Hill and Redhouse. “As I’ve both find out more about differParish Councils, and Swindon & been quoted in the last two editions ent council departments and also of The Link, there is no right of discuss issues of concern with Cricklade Railway.

Over 300 people took time out way on the railway line and we ask councillors for each ward.

“We will be in touch with all who during the four hour session to pick people not to trespass on it.”

Nicki Western, council arts mar- left their details with information up leaflets and speak to officers and the councillors who represent Ab- keting manager, said she was able to about how to contact their counbey Meads, Haydon Wick, Moredon raise awareness of arts opportuni- cillor in the future, and will be reties. “It’s been fantastic to be able to sponding to any queries raised.” and Blunsdon wards.

The next cluster meeting will take Of particular interest were the pass out so much information. Lots plans for Mouldon Hill Country of people don’t know the range of place in the Autumn.

Park with landscape architect arts on offer, both as an audience Russell Weymouth explaining the and ways to participate.”

Mum Karen Kingston from history of the project and the difficulties of securing funding to build Oakhurst said she was pleased sports pitches and a visitor centre. to have access to information in In the short term he said the car one place.

North Cluster chairman coun park should be ready for use by December and tarmac footpaths Justin Tomlinson was taken aback 1 You drop it off and shrub planting completed in by the turn out. “This kind of infor2 We sell it on eBay mal drop-in was an experiment; we March next year.

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What is Connecting People - Connecting Places?

Karen Leakey casts a critical eye CPCP is Swindon Council’s interpretation of the government’s empowerment paper - Communities in control: real people, real power - the general idea being devolving power down to communities to give a bottom up way of working, rather than the top down way things currently work.

It is being left to the clusters, But does it actually give councillors more power or does it devolve namely councillors, to decide the it to the ordinary voter? What has direction each one goes in with happened so far is that Swindon’s them setting meeting agendas.

The sticking point in my mind political wards have been grouped in seven clusters coordinated by is the lack of engagement with the council employees, mainly direc- residents at this early stage, the tors, who split their time between very people the council claim they two jobs, leaving not a lot of time want involved in shaping their own to gather in-depth understanding communities.

CPCP will only work if there is of their cluster communities, or for genuine partnership working bethat matter their main job.

With precious little information tween the people and the council. from council sources, it is difficult Furthermore, unless councillors to grasp exactly how they see CPCP are seriously going to listen to empowering local communities residents and be guided by their from the bottom up. Unsurpris- wants, wishes and needs rather ingly this is to be done with no new than by their own or those of their funding, with existing finances be- political masters, then the whole ing redistributed to services appro- exercise will be a huge deceit, only priate to specific issues, allegedly of use to enable the council to tick government boxes. influenced by local people.

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swindonlink.com • August 2009

Keep it safe Swindon Community Safety Partnership (CSP), which includes the Police and Swindon Borough Council, is advising householders to ‘Lock It or Lose It’ this summer.

3,000 homes to the West threat lifted - for the time being

A proposal to allocate land for 3,000 houses on Swindon’s western border with north Wiltshire - as well as development in other parts of the town - has been suspended until a legal challenge has been dealt with; a move welcomed by councillors and activists in both areas.

In the July Link coun Gary Per- numbers that bore no semblance Development plans across the Nine out of ten burglaries are opporcountry over the last five years have kins, said that Swindon’s border to economic potential and need of tunistic, with unlocked, open doors been taken away from the local level should expand westward to avoid the region. and windows making properties “There is now an opportunity for and put in the hands of regional the development chaos of Wiltshire particularly easy prey for burglars. development agencies to come up Council making major decisions the Government to reflect further with Regional Spatial Strategies which would have profound effects on the real economic potential and Ways to keep burglars need of the region and to revise the (RSS) for development up to 2026. on the town. at bay: house numbers significantly downCoun Mollie Groom, who repreA final version of the document • close and lock doors and windows – even if just ‘popping out’ or in the that sets out development across sents Lydiard Millicent on Wiltshire wards. To do anything less would South West England was due to Council, welcomed the High Court fly in the face of commonsense and garden, and especially at night; be published at the end of June but ruling. ”The fact that the RSS ap- local knowledge.

• keep sheds/garages/gates the High Court ruled that the RSS pears to be ‘kicked into touch’ for “Regional leaders have now to locked, and chain up cycles; plan for the East of England region two and a half years does make one listen to local voices, re-think the • invest in a visible burglar alarm does not meet certain requirements wonder if a forthcoming general strategy and come up with someand movement sensitive lighting; and this will have to be argued election is the main decider. Let us thing that is sensible and truly • keep valuables out of view and out before any plans can be put into hope that the public do not have to sustainable.”

Shaw and Nine Elms councillor pay for yet more inquiries at some practice. of reach of windows and doors; Keith Williams was pleased at the Apart from completing North future date.”

• mark valuables with your postDr Richard Pagett of environ- delay in agreeing the RSS. “In 2004 Swindon and Wichelstowe, south code, using a UV pen; of Old Town next to the M4, Swin- mental group Purton Ps & Qs also the joint Swindon and North Wilt• going on holiday? Don’t close don planners have allocated land said the delay in the South West shire panel rejected the planning your curtains, but ask a neighbour to the east of the town for 12,000 Region Strategy was very welcome inspectors demand for 1,000 more to adjust them, to turn on lights, homes, land to the north around news. “The final version was not homes West of Swindon. To have remove piled up post and add rub- Kingsdown and also Tadpole Farm sustainable in any way. It mis- 3,000 in the green belt to the west bish to your bin. understood the notion of sustain- was plainly ridiculous. I hope the

by Oakhurst.

Beyond Swindon in Wiltshire, ability comprehensively and was idea will be rethought by the next If you believe anyone is acting suspiciously, make a note of their land was identified for 3,000 homes simply a meaningless set of house government after the election.” description and details of any ve- north of Peatmoor which would hicles, including direction of travel, have imposed huge pressure on and contact the police on 0845 408 the town’s roads, education, water supply and sewage treatment.

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Wichelstowe challenge thrown out of court

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Campaigners trying to stop M4 Junction 16 becoming the main access point to the Wichelstowe development failed in their legal bid in June to block Swindon Council taking the project forward.

M4 Junction 16

HayL

ane

The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) challenged the council in the High Court because it claimed that it had not complied with a planning condition that no dwellings should be occupied in the 4,500 development adjacent to the motorway until details of the proposed alterations at Junction 16, and improvements to the B4005 Hay Lane and Wharf Road had been approved in writing.

They argued that the redesign of Junction 16 was not safe for pedestrians and cyclists. But Judge Hickinbottom said the council had complied with planning requirements and awarded costs against

West Wichel CPRE. For years campaigners against the Wichelstowe development have argued against extra traffic using Junction 16, as well as the tunnel under the M4 to create a traffic access route into Wichelstowe. They also fear housing expansion south of the motorway and towards Wootton Bassett.

Coun Peter Greenhalgh, Swindon cabinet member for transport, said he was pleased with the judgement which would allow the project to move forward. “The council carefully followed all the required procedures to make sure that there were no grounds for legal challenge.”

17/7/09 14:40:40

swindonlink.com • August 2009

7

School design embraces children to encourage learning

Toothill’s new primary school got the seal of approval from TVs Grand Design presenter Kevin McCloud who visited on 13 July to cut the ribbon to officially open the building.

Members of the school council architect Tony Currivan, who tric scooter to symbolically bring Windmill Hill, and Shaw Ridge, gave him a conducted tour, meeting conceived the £4.5 million low him to the front door, courtesy of which expanded to take in children staff and parents on the way, whilst energy building with colleage Nic Swindon’s new courier service from Salt Way after it closed, will open in September. admiring the circular design, the Newland, he said the design was EcoLink.

Coun Nick Martin commenting light pouring in from the courtyard ideal for a school. “It has a lovely After the visit arranged by The cloistered feel which embraces Link, headteacher Martyn Cowell on the controversy that marked the garden and the sedum roof.

In the garden developed by you. I imagine children and adults said, “Kevin is such a lovely down to school reorganisation programme children with the guidance of teach- feel protected here; it’s a formative earth bloke, the way he approached in 2005 said the council had deliving assistant Debbie Allen, Kevin environment.” the children, parents and staff was ered on its promise to build new To thank him for coming to the just perfect. We’ll remember his visit schools in the area. “There were chatted to children about growing many objections at the time and their own food in the raised beds. school, Kevin was presented with for a long time.”

Kornelia Konwa, 10, said, “he liked an Alessi Merdolino toilet brush.

Toothill Primary School is the feelings were running high, but I our courgettes and tomatoes and I “It seems wacky, but I just love the first of three schools to be replaced hope people will recognise the high pointed out the bird boxes attached design,” he said. in West Swindon. Millbrook, which quality of new schools built, staffed Before cutting the ribbon, Kevin brought together Freshbrook and by excellent people.” to the walls of the school.”

Talking with Swindon Council was given a quick ride on an elec-

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swindonlink.com • August 2009

Retired but not tired! Looking for a new direction, seeking inspiration in your work or community life?

A 14 day discovery tour of Nicaragua visiting Swindon’s Twin Town Ocotal is for you Departure: Friday 16 October return Friday 30 October Price: approximately £1,100 all inclusive, includes a $100 donation to social projects of your choice in Ocotal (A 7/14 day extension to Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala available).

You will: • be part of Ocotal’s celebration of its 200th anniversary; • be immersed in the history, legends and locations of Nicaragua’s revolutionary hero, Augusto Sandino; • get caught up with Nicaraguan dance and music and its vibrant culture; • be exposed to the realities of rural and urban life in a developing country; • take part in a ‘day in the life of’ such as a carpenter, teacher, community worker, mother, rural worker; • be confronted with the realities of coffee production and the environmental challenges for Ocotal, its forests and rivers.

Travellers will be shown the inspirational social programmes supported

by Swindon Ocotal Link (SOL). During the later part of the tour travellers will spend time on Lake Nicaragua’s volcanic island Ometepe, prior to travelling back to UK The trip is organised by My Journey of Discovery in association with SOL which was formed nearly 20 years ago to organise twinning activities between Swindon and Ocotal For details contact Bruce Clarke, Journey of Discovery, on 533338 or mail: b.clarke22@btinternet.com www.swindonocotal-link.org.uk

Curriculum brought to life through South Africa link

Continuing Greendown School’s partnership with Moriting Wa Thuto School in the Clarens district of South Africa, four teachers from the Grange Park school spent a week in June offering technical help and learning about the culture.

For history teacher Gareth Williams, it was an opportunity to collect resources to bring lessons on South Africa and the legacy of apartheid to life. He brought back magazines and newspapers and recordings of interviews with people recounting their experience of apartheid and their life today.

Greendown IT teacher Helen Plumb providing tuition He said he was struck to a colleague at Moriteng Wa Thutu school by how quickly the nation has moved on from its history. Plumb and Richard Jones their For pupils at Moriting Wa Thuto, Moriting Wa Thuto colleagues apartheid was little more than a are now able to make greater use story and the older generation had of the school’s computers which readily put the past behind them. “I were under-used due to a lack of asked if they wanted white people expertise among the teaching staff to leave and the pupils said no; they and pupils.

Helen said, “given how central felt South Africa is their country too and the young people didn’t computers are to our lives in Britwant to make the same mistakes ain, I hadn’t realised what little that some other African countries knowledge of PCs they would have.

Some students didn’t know how had made.”

Comparing teaching methods, to use a mouse and would wave Gareth said that the school achieved it in the air.”

But with lack of easy internet acgood results with a chalk and talk style of teaching that pupils in cess at the school, the Greendown Greendown could not imagine. ICT experts were able to provide the “Pupils there will sit for an hour next best thing by installing Encarta with the teacher talking or reading encyclopaedia software on most of from a book; because they value the school’s PCs. “It offers a new their education there’s no messing way of researching and learning,” said Helen. “Staff and pupils could around.”

Thanks to training sessions with see the learning opportunities openGreendown ICT specialists Helen ing up; they really loved it.”

Ridgeway expedition aims to strike gold in South Africa

Eighteen current and former pupils from The Ridgeway School travelled to South Africa on Sunday 12 July in pursuit of their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.

During the four week trip to be formed - amongst the particiCape Town, the students will work pants and the people we will work at the Aloe Secondary School, visit with in South Africa.”

The school has raised £3,160 for a home for abused children, go trekking in the mountains for a the Aloe Secondary School over week, dive with sharks and take the last year, including £50 raised by each expedition participant in part in a safari.

Led by PE teacher Tim Whiting, addition to the cost of the trip. the award scheme calls on partici- Year 12 student Emily Stacey said, pants to demonstrate a variety of “I think we’ll be able to make a skills like organisation, commu- difference over there, not only with nication and staying power. Mr the money we’re taking, but also Whiting commended the pupils for the practical help and support we their huge commitment in the last can give in the school and in the 15 months of preparation for the children’s home. ”I think we will all come back trip. “I can really feel the drive of the students behind this project and changed people.”

I know it will be life changing for • Nearly 400 pupils from Years 9 to 12 at The Ridgeway take part in them and the people they visit.

“We have a very good staff team the different levels of the Duke of which means that strong bonds can Edinburgh Award scheme.

1 - 21 August 09 Thurs 16.indd 8

16/7/09 15:35:34

swindonlink.com • August 2009

9

There’s more to this water feature than meets the eye The dancing fountains at North Swindon District Centre are a magnet for children and families in hot weather, but few realise the complex and expensive task of maintaining them. Natasha Spencer discovers what’s behind and underneath the free attraction.

Whilst children enjoy splashing through the water jets and making up games to find out where the water will shoot out from next, it’s easy to forget about what’s required to keep the fountains going.

Underneath the plaza outside the library a large room is packed with pipes, cables, a cabinet full of computerised electronics, plus a 5,000 gallon reservoir.

Two powerful pumps recycle water around the system whilst complex electronics regulate each water jet. Alongside is a series of filters which constantly check the water for bacteria and airborne dangers like legionella.

The fountains have been a huge attraction since they were installed in 2002. The Link reported in 2007 that Asda Walmart was discussing with Swindon Council if the facility could be shut down because of the cost of repair and maintenance.

They were told the feature was important and integral part of the district centre attraction.

Stuart Tanfield, who actually manages the West Swindon Centre, inherited the water feature into his management portfolio from his former boss. “Eighteen months ago I had very little idea about keeping water features in good repair. The safety regulations are consider-

able which of course is very important in a public place.

“Over the last few years people have often turned up and have been disappointed the fountains have been out of action because of equipment failures and design faults which at one time saw thousands of gallons of water disappearing out of the closed system into the soil surrounding the site.

Stuart Tanfield with Natasha Spencer “But our maintenance in the fountain pump and filter room company Linaker have beStuart has to deal with vandals come experts in keeping the fountains going; I think we’re now on top who deface the fountains, scribbling of the problems after repairs to the tags on the brick work, damaging lighting around the site and breaksite and replacing machinery.”

Stuart said he’s always amazed ing paving slabs.

If you’re visiting North Swindon by what is cleaned out of the sieves and filters under the fountain. A lot Centre in the early morning you’ll of human hair, straws, sweet papers, sometimes see a trapdoor propped cigarette butts and plastic bags open with workmen climbing down are all found in the messy sludge. a steep ladder or emerging from Rarely is there anything worse, but the ground. “It’s one of life’s little Stuart can have the fountains turned mysteries to know what’s going on off remotely if emergency attention behind the scenes,” said Stuart.

“Maintaining the fountains is is required.

The system also automatically obviously expensive but they’ve turns itself off in high winds which become a landmark in Swindon blow the water jets across the adja- and people now identify with them. cent bus lane, and if the temperature They’re an important community feature.” drops below a certain level.

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17/7/09 13:55:59

10 swindonlink.com • August 2009

PHOENIX SURGERY

Tel: 01793 600440 • Traditional family medicine within a modern, comfortable and relaxed environment • Now open to new patient registrations from patients in West and North Swindon and the surrounding nearby villages • We are an accredited training practice.

• Our website has been re-designed with new features and on-line appointment booking will follow shortly.

Dunwich Drive, Toothill Village Centre www.phoenixsurgery.com

Helping women to break through barriers of trauma

Breaking Free offers women who have experienced traumas of emotional, mental, rape/sexual, physical abuse a helpline and support group.

The project provides group ther- dictions that have developed from apy and discussion as well as one to traumatic experiences, though one therapy so the individual can the therapists believe that people learn, grow and move forward from respond better when dealing with their traumas. Group discussion the root of their problem.

The Breaking Free Of Trauma entails sharing experiences with like minded and understanding helpline is open Monday to Frifemales to allow those harmed to day, 10am to 4pm, and the suprelease their experiences. All forms port group meets on Thursday of therapy are undertaken in a safe evenings.

For information and help call and confidential environment.

Breaking Free also provides ad- 07547 680839 or mail: breaking3@ vice and information relating to ad- googlemail.com

New services at Toothill medical practice

In response to the popularity of its evening GP surgeries, the Phoenix Surgery in Toothill has launched an evening travel clinic and well woman clinic for patients registered at the practice.

Practice nurse manager Sue Godfrey said some patients will find the evening clinics a lot more convenient. “The practice appreciates that it can sometimes be difficult for working patients to get a chance to attend for travel jabs, smears and well-woman advice.”

For details and to make an appointment call 600440.

MS centre still needs lots of money

The big fundraising push is on to ensure that Swindon Therapy Centre for Multiple Sclerosis can meet the bills incurred for the conversion of their new centre at Evolution House on Westmead Drive, Westlea, as well as its annual running costs.

The charity receives no NHS funding and relies entirely on support from business, community groups, schools, churches and individuals.

For details call Jackie Wray on 481700. www.msswindon.org.uk

“I’m in PAIN”

Over the next year Link landlords Basepoint Business Centre is supporting fundraising by MS centre volunteers up to £10,000.

Basepoint manager Beverley Reynolds with MS Centre manager Jackie Wray

Can Osteomyology Help ME?

We are often asked ‘what’s the best way of finding out whether or not an Osteomyologist can help my problem?’ We believe the answer can be found in a complete consultation and examination, including spinal scan, 3-D posture analysis and centre of gravity analysis.

(Procedures that normally cost £100 or more) YOUR INITIAL VISIT WILL INCLUDE : o A private consultation with the practitioner o Spinal Scan & 3-D Postural Analysis if needed o A thorough spinal examination including orthopaedic & neurological tests o Confidential report of our findings o A referral to the proper specialist if we determine osteomyology can’t help you ARE YOU EXPERIENCING ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SIGNALS? o Headaches o RTA injury o Poor posture o Sciatica o Scoliosis o Back & neck pain o Trouble sleeping o Lower energy levels o Numbness in arms and legs o Arm & leg pain o Shoulder pain o Hip pain o Muscle spasms

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1 - 21 August 09 fri 17.indd 10

Supporters of the Swindon therapy centre entered three teams in July’s annual MS Challenge to transport somebody with MS in a wheelchair through a forest course in Snowdonia.

Dressed as smurfs and pirates each team navigated around endless trees and over roots, wading through rivers and chest high bogs of mud.

The teams hope to have raised over £5,000 for their efforts.

See some dirty photos from the weekend at:

www.justgiving.com/ jackieanddavidwrayms

17/7/09 13:57:19

swindonlink.com • August 2009

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Swindon Carers Centre is looking for people with a passion for care, to join our care team supporting people to live independently in their own homes.

Working a minimum of 16 hours a week, which will include evenings, weekends and early mornings, a competitive rate and mileage allowance paid.

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Professional, affordable dentistry 1 Open evenings until 7pm four days a week 2 Competitive, affordable prices (in comparison with the NHS) 3 Free dental treatment for children 4 Hygienist now available 5 Payment schemes are available 6 Cosmetic treatment available, including: Zoom 2 Whitening & Implants 7 Plenty of parking space 8 Disabled access available

PRIORY VALE DENTAL PRACTICE, Millgrove Street, Redhouse Village Centre, Swindon SN25 2FW Open: Mon - Thurs 9am - 7pm / Fri 9am - 4pm Tel: 01793 745291 / Fax: 01793 745298 MILTON ROAD DENTAL PRACTICE Berkeley House, 9 Milton Road, Swindon SN1 5JE Tel/Fax: 01793 523877

1 - 21 August 09 Fri 17.indd 11

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The treatment and courtesy received, to date, has been, without doubt, far superior to any other dental practice that we have experienced’’. KLL* ‘’Best £20 I have spent in a ‘’It’s so nice to have my long time. Thank you! RMK* teeth pampered’’. CD* Can dentistry be a luxurious, stress-free experience?

We like to think that our syringe-free computer-controlled anaesthetic system helps. So does our decor and our beauty salon. Or how about our painless laser diagnosis system?

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TEL: 01793 798228 Ridgeway Health and Wellness Dentistry on the High Street in Wroughton, just 50 yards down from the traffic lights on the right, marked ‘Fairwater Court’.

17/7/09 15:01:40

12 swindonlink.com • August 2009

In Clover Interiors Made to Measure Curtains, pelmets Poles & tracks Cushions, throws Blinds – all styles Upholstery Wallpaper Flooring

Wide collection of fabrics and blinds

All soft furnishings hand made Quality workmanship and fitting Contact Lin: (01793) 435555 Mobile: 07787 385136 Email inclover@btinternet.com www.incloverinteriors.co.uk

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by SueLynn Curtains Pelmets Roman blinds Swags & tails Cushion covers Fitting service available No job too small For further information call

Sue: 01793 870451 or Lynn: on 01793 330595

Kitchen MakeOver Are your kitchen cabinets OK but the door and drawer fronts are looking a little tired?

Why not consider replacing them. With a new worktop to match, you could achieve the look of a new stylish kitchen, saving you time, money and a lot of upheaval.

• Complete made to measure kitchens and bedrooms also available.

• Many superb styles and finishes to choose from.

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Choose from a wide range of fabrics from the comfort of your own home Contact Paul on 01793 619428

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Call now for an appointment on 01793 871120 or 07967 363322 Home visits available

THE COMPLETE CURTAIN SERVICE Curtains to satisfy every requirement • Free estimating, design and advice • Home visits by appointment • Make-up and fitting service

And BLINDs of all kinds •Wooden •Venetian •New linen •Roman •Verticals •Roller •New Eastern materials Free parking outside the showroom at 252 Cricklade Road

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1 - 21 August 09 Thurs 16.indd 12

16/7/09 15:37:01

swindonlink.com • August 2009

13

Parish council up to strength

Haydon Wick Parish Council is launching a campaign to strengthen its links with the area it covers after achieving a full set of councillors for the first time in six years.

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The council has a complete team of 18 members after successfully filling all its vacant seats.

Council chairman Richard Hailstone, said, “many people simply don’t realise they live within the parish because we cover a much bigger area than the name suggests. But if you live in Haydon End, Redhouse, Oakhurst, Taw Hill, Greenmeadow, Abbey Meads or Haydon Wick itself, then you’re likely to live within the parish council area.

“We look after local amenities such as play areas and open spaces, footpaths and bus shelters. We also have a say in local planning applications and bigger issues

affecting the community, always ensuring the best value for council tax-payers.”

Coun Liz Carroll, chair of the communications committee said, “I would urge local residents to look at our website to find out more about the parish council.

“We plan to send better information with council tax bills, install more parish notice-boards and seek increased media coverage.

“If you have a concern about your neighbourhood, or would like know more, do get in touch via www.haydonwick.gov.uk, visit the parish office next to theHaydon Centre off Thames Avenue, or call 722446.”

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Serving Haydon Wick for thirty years

Over the past thirty years, planning officers may have come and gone but parish councillor and chairman Richard Hailstone, has seen Haydon Wick Parish Council transform from a housing area on the edge of Swindon, with several farms within its boundaries, to take in the massive Northern development. councillors. He is Richard first worried that regional joined when a debate development plans about the location have identified land of the Haydon Cenat Ridgeway and tre was raging. “It’s Pry Farms for 3,000 grown to be a bighomes, although ger job than when I these are currently signed up,” he said. in abeyance whilst “The population a legal challenge was much smaller is dealt with (see and the area was page 6). more manageable.

“If it were to go ahead the impact We didn’t have employees to take on street cleaning and bin mainte- on Haydon Wick parish would nance, as well as keeping an eye be considerable because the road system is not coping with peak on play areas.”

He is proud of the council’s role traffic flows now,” said Richard. in making sure that the Northern “To add thousands of houses to development works for both new the west of Swindon will exacerand old residents. “The parish bate the problem and there doesn’t council has been able to make help- seem to be finance for the new ful comments and contributions infrastructure.”

Thirty years on, Richard remains because it’s a vast development and planning officers have been thin on committed to his role. “I’ve enjoyed the ground. One of our successes having some input into what hapwas being able to make sure that pens in the area I live in and trying the open spaces were joined up to improve it for the benefit of everyone. People have said that you with footpaths.”

Although the North Swindon de- can tell when you’re in Haydon velopment is almost complete, new Wick because there are more dog housing proposals continue to be of bins and the streets are cleaner. concern to Richard and his fellow That’s very pleasing.”

1 - 21 August 09 Fri 17.indd 13

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17/7/09 13:59:02

14 swindonlink.com • August 2009

State of Flux comes to an end

Over 7,000 people have taken part in a £1.3m government-funded pilot project to see if arts’ activities can positively affect young people – and discourage anti-social behaviour.

Flux has been Over the last based in the new three years the Isambard ComFlux project in munity School North Swindon where professionhas worked with als have led both local schools and curriculum-based the community to classes and afterprovide opportuschool clubs. Flux nities in filmmakintroduced Arts ing, animation, web design, salsa, Lanterns alight, a community festival Blast – two weeks organised by Flux when normal lesdrumming, puppet making, cartoon clubs and sons are shelved and all curriculum subjects are based around arts community festivals.

Kirsty Carter of Swindon Coun- activities.

Isambard headteacher Rachael cil’s Artsmad, which managed Flux, said the project had succeeded in Mattey said the arts’ professionits aims - although the long term als brought a new dimension to effects will be seen in the years to school. “Real artists don’t paint come. “The arts’ programme has for an hour, then pack away and especially motivated pupils who dance for an hour, then sing for an might otherwise have become dis- hour. Neither do our students. They engaged with school. I can think immerse themselves in the art form of some who did not have a good for at least a day at a time – giving record of learning who have been them the opportunity to live the really spurred on and taken respon- true creative experience. Does it work? You bet it does. sibility for their learning.

“Our young people are willing “We’ve brought in a huge range of specialist artists to give young to try anything. Children come to people expert leadership from pro- school eager to learn and do well in fessional directors, photographers, all subjects, not just the arts. Thanks editors, journalists, animators, film- to the arts’ activities they’re happy makers, choreographers and many to take risks in their learning and are active participants.” more professionals.”

North schools festival could become a regular event

The One Big Community Event at Isambard Community School in July was such a success that organisers hope to repeat it again next year.

Musicals and African drums. Bridlewood actors in Oliver at the big event

Almost 500 people of all ages - from toddlers to grandparents attended a pupil showcase of activities that included Bollywood and African themed dancing, Egyptian dance, Aboriginal and African art, and much more.

Organised by the Extended School Services for the Nova Hreod and Isambard cluster of schools, the showcase featured pupils from ten schools using art, dance, and singing to highlight the multi-cultural topics studied in the last year.

Among the acts were a rock band from Isambard, storytelling from around the world, a 60-strong choir from Red Oaks, an African drumming performance, a Samba band, and a French style Ready Steady Cook competition.

Joint organiser Lisa said all the performances were really well

received. “Bhangra dancing by Moredon and Rodbourne Cheney Schools and extracts from Oliver by children at Bridlewood Primary School went down really well, and the Salsa demonstration was full of energy and had the audience participating with enthusiasm.”

Through food sales, £230 was raised for Heart Radio’s ‘Have a Heart Appeal.’

“We were overwhelmed by the day,” said Lisa. “It was lovely to see so many schools working together to deliver amazing performances and fantastic exhibitions. The event really brought the North Swindon community together; we’d like to thank all those who supported it.”

See pictures from the event and also summer activity listings at: www.novahreodisambardess.org. uk

Budding Billy Elliotts make their moves

BALLET - TAP - MODERN - JAZZ MUSICAL THEATRE & RAD MAJORS STREET, HIP HOP & ADULT TAP

Classes from two and half years upwards Lessons held at Haydonleigh School, Abbey Meads Community School, Blunsdon Village and also Stratton Community Centre Official Dance Centre of the ISTD offering FDI & CDE Units

Boys have taken to dance in a big of Dance.

The Street Jazz after-school class for 5 to 10 year olds at Haydonleigh School gives youngsters the chance to build strength, stamina and flexibility to help them develop hip-hop and street dance techniques.

Dance teacher Yasmin Kardasz said dance for boys had become a lot more popular from TV exposure. “Boys feel more confident about trying out dance and find

way with the Swindon Academy it really fun. We do quite a lot of strength work like press ups so they can manage the different ground moves” The 5 to 10s Street Jazz class takes place on Thursdays 4.15pm to 5pm, followed by a 10 to 16s class at 7.35pm. The first class is free of charge.

See the advert left for contact details.

Bring this advert with you and receive the first two lessons free

Contact Sarah Watson on 01793 524112 or 07825 543529 before 8pm

1 - 21 August 09 Thurs 16.indd 14

16/7/09 15:38:29

swindonlink.com • August 2009

Caring teacher departs church primary

A much loved teacher has retired from Oliver Tomkins Junior School after 23 years.

Anne Ormiston joined as a newly qualified teacher, three years after the school opened, and leaves as deputy headteacher and special needs coordinator. “I’ve loved working at Oliver Tomkins; I’ve made some great friends with staff and learnt loads from the children. They certainly helped educate me about computers which barely existed in schools when I started.”

Pupils expressed appreciation for grandchildren and working with Mrs Ormiston’s kindness. Habib Ali her vicar husband on parish work said, “she’s taught us all a lot and in Brinkworth.

Anne presented the school with a also been very fair.”

Ryan Duff sometimes turned to sun dial for its symbolism. She said, her for help. “Whenever you have “Jesus is the light of the world. As a a problem she was always the first Church of England school I wanted children to think about what light to come up with a solution.”

Anne is looking forward to and shadow represent and to follow spending more time with her the path of Jesus.”

Farmers’ market brings together school and commercial producers

The keen gardeners at Haydonleigh Primary School held their first ever farmers’ market at the end of June to end a Food For Life week.

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Kate Mackinnon and Bob Biggs of Wanborough Herb Garden at the Haydonleigh Farmers’ Market

Stalls sold home made jam, chutneys and cakes as well as ice cream, fresh vegetables and herbs, crafts and recycled items.

Event organiser Kate Mackinnon said, “the children have been pursuing projects looking at the environment and healthy living.

We’ve had guest speakers from the RSPCA and Jonathan’s Jungle as well as a talk from a paramedic and a sports’ coach.”

The school has been part of the national Food for Life programme for two years and has developed a thriving vegetable garden and orchard with help of grandparents.

Children visit Coleshill Organic Farm near Highworth to learn

1 - 21 August 09 Fri 17.indd 15

about growing food in different seasons. Sonia Oliver from the farm also makes regular trips to Haydonleigh.

Parent Nicola Elridge, has become an enthusiastic supporter of the food project. “My daughter Ella made me join in. I must admit I was curious at first but it’s been really good; I hope there will be more farmers’ markets.”

Chair of governers Jane Rees, said “the school looks closely at where food is grown and the effect our consumption has on the environment. The market is a good way of showing off our work and involving parents and bringing together our partner organisations.”

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16 swindonlink.com • August 2009

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Entertainment and education in the holidays

The summer break is a time when children want to have fun and not worry about schoolwork, but it’s easy to switch off mentally and forget information which means it takes longer to get into the swing of things when term starts again.

Kumon is a daily worksheet based study programme which helps to improve Maths and English and develops life skills such as perseverance, determination and independent learning. Through daily practice, students build their confid e n c e , i m p ro v e their concentration Irzana Goulding with two Kumon participants and gain effective at Peatmoor study skills that will enhance their future learning. past school year.

Irzana Goulding, who coordi“The programme is suitable for nates Kumon classes at Peatmoor any child because they work at their Community Facilities, said, “dur- own level. Parents often comment ing the holidays Kumon offers an that their child feels more confident enjoyable way to keep a child’s and prepared about returning to mind active, but it’s a good time to school in September.” catch up on parts of the curriculum See the advert left for Kumon at a child may have missed during the Peatmoor and Haydon Wick.

Room for community growth at Catherine Wayte

A clever conversion of a courtyard area has created an extra room at Catherine Wayte Primary School in Abbey Meads.

. . . Every child matters

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1 - 21 August 09 Thurs 16.indd 16

Headteacher Laura Brierley, centre, with Swindon Council officers and councillors at the opening of the new indoor space

The space will be used by small groups of children during the school day and will provide accommodation for breakfast and after school clubs. It is also available for hire to community groups.

Headteacher Laura Brierley is pleased that the extra room will allow more people to use the school. “Catherine Wayte wasn’t built as a community school but, with the government making community cohesion and extended schools a priority we decided to redesign the building to provide for a much wider range of people and groups.”

Officially opened in June, the room met with approval from pu-

pils. “We go in there when we want to do classwork in small groups,” said Connor Uzzell. “It’s a really nice room because it’s brought the outside inside.”

Kieran Uppell also likes the design. “I like the room because it’s a cosy space, you aren’t spread out like when we’re in the hall.”

Funding came from the school’s capital budget and from the Sure Start scheme, which promotes extended school services such as the after school club which will start in September.

During the summer holidays a multi-use games area, available to community groups as well as for PE lessons, will be built.

16/7/09 15:40:29

swindonlink.com • August 2009

17

Oakhurst site gets ready for first children

Pioneer Road in Oakhurst has become a very busy place in the last few months as building work on the much needed primary school has got underway.

For details about Oakhurst PriAt a turf cutting ceremony in late The £7 million two storey build- this September in two mobile classing will include places for 420 rooms in a corner of the site under June Abbey Meads ward councillor mary School, including available Justin Tomlinson said he was de- places from September, mail him children, a 52 place nursery, and the headship of Dale Burr.

Swindon Commercial Services lighted to see work begin. “Parents at: dburr@swindon.gov.uk or leave will provide three community rooms available for use by local (SCS) is constructing the school and fought really hard for their primary a message on 463877. organisations and for after-school using local companies wherever school; it’s fantastic to see building possible. The design incorporates work underway. The school is goactivities.

The permanent building will be environmental features like a ing to be the hub of the Oakhurst ready for September 2010, but the sedum roof and sunpipes to con- community.”

Flute and Clarinet Dale Burr, formerly a teacher at school will accept children from duct sunlight into darker areas.

Amy Dineen Westlea and Brook Field primary Getting Oakhurst underway, from left, chair of governors Marcus Walker-Loveridge, schools in West Swindon, has been Tel: 01793 420862 coun Justin Tomlinson, parent Renee Broughton-Johnson with future pupil Eden, headteacher of Minety Primary Mob: 07789 784827 headteacher Dale Burr, parent governor Alison Kirk, coun Gary Perkins, Swindon School for the last two years.

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1 - 21 August 09 Thurs 16.indd 17

16/7/09 15:40:42

18 swindonlink.com • August 2009

Pre-school looks forward to new home

Upper Shaw Farm Playgroup has come through an uncertain few months when they thought they might not be able to move to Shaw Ridge Primary School.

With this knowledge Shaw Ridge Having rented Upper Shaw Farm social hall from Swindon Council governors agreed the playgroup since it opened in the early 1980s, should be able to move to the purthe parent run playgroup assumed pose built community facilities.

Playgroup chairwoman Chrissy they would be able to move to community rooms at the new primary Awojinrin said her committee felt school after it opens in September. great relief. “The playgroup has However the council advised had a close relationship with the them there might be a bidding school since it started; it will be process for the room. Knowing that even better now.”

Shaw Ridge headteacher Sally the social hall will be closed after the school opens, the group was facing Cowell said she is delighted that the close links will continue. homelessness.

The playgroup will make the A few weeks of panic passed when Kim Poulton of Swindon Sure Start move in January. It has places for found a precedent in another author- pre-school children from Septemity where a pre-school had been of- ber. For details call the supervisor fered first refusal to use a community Jayne Miller on 07712 713369.

Shaw Ridge headteacher Sally Cowell with playgroup children and staff space at new primary school. outside the room they’ll move to in January www.uppershawfarmplaygroup org.uk

Working better with dyslexia

Millbrook Primary School will move to its new building in September as a Dylexia Friendly School.

At a special assembly in early July John Gilbert, Swindon Council’s director of children’s services, and Sue Thurtle from the council’s integrated service for disabled children, presented headteacher Clare Griffin-Felton with a certificate recognising the work undertaken to ensure the 40 children with dyslexic traits are not disadvantaged by the school environment.

“Staff were trained over a year and we’ve looked at all aspects of the learning experience,” said special needs coordinator Ruth Kendrick. “Dyslexic friendly teaching methods are now embedded in daily practice and we’ve changed physical elements in classrooms such as using pastel coloured backgrounds rather than whiteboards.”

Millbrook youngsters with John Gilbert, Clare Griffin-Felton, Ruth Kendrick and Sue Thurtle

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1 - 21 August 09 Fri 17.indd 18

17/7/09 14:00:12

swindonlink.com • August 2009

19

Free event for boy with autism

Kelly Rowlands is organising a big fundraising event to raise money to send seven year old Jamie Jenkins to America for specialist support.

Seven year old Jamie The cost of sending Jafrom Eldene is severely mie to the USA is £13,000 autistic with a vocabuand Kelly is hoping the lary of ten words and fun day on 23 August, his parents want him to from 11am, at the White experience the Sunrise Hart Pub, Oxford Road, programme in the USA Stratton, will make a big to help improve his comimpact on the total. munication skills.

Attractions include “Jamie has inspired me live bands Penfold and to help,” said Kelly. “It would be so Sister-Sister, a bouncy castle and amazing for his mum to hear him slide, mini-quad bikes, kids attracsay ‘I love you.’” tions and an evening karaoke.

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Autistic support group formed for the town

A Swindon branch of the National Autistic Society was launched with a party on 5 July at Brimble Hill School.

The branch has been set up to provide information and activities for parents with children in the autistic spectrum. Although the number of people with autism in Swindon is unknown, the disability touches the lives of half a million people in Britain.

For details about NAS Swindon, contact Sally Grubb on 770079 or mail: swindon@nas.org.uk.

Nursery buzzing with activity Busy Bees Nursery in Peatmoor held an activity fortnight in July to promote healthy lifestyles in support of the Department of Health’s Change4Life programme.

On 15 July the nursery joined 131 others in Britain to break the world record of largest number of people dressed as bees. Children, staff and parents paid £1 to take part and raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

A Hawaiian themed fun day was held on 18 July.

Nappy competition ends 31 July The Lucky Sprog real nappy retailer is giving away £50 in real nappies in partnership with the Swindon Real Nappy Network and Wiltshire Wildlife Trust - and you have until the end of July to enter at www.luckysprog.com.

To find out about real nappies in Swindon, including financial incentives, call Adrienne Gauldie on 07922 448335 or mail: adrienne@ luckysprog.com

LITTLE FOXES CHILDCARE & EDUCATION

FOR CHILDREN AND THEIR PARENTS Established 1986 The Common, Brinkworth, Wilts Tel: 01666 510356 Just a 15 minute drive from West Swindon & Priory Vale on B4042

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

1 - 21 August 09 Fri 17.indd 19

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An independent family run nursery offering quality care and education within a safe, secure, stimulating environment for all babies and children from 0-5 and an out of school club for children aged 5-11 years Open: Monday to Friday, 7.30am-6.30pm, 51 weeks of the year Full, part time and term time places. Government funding for 3-5 year olds High staff to child ratios with qualified and experienced teaching staff and nursery nurses Nutritious 3 course meals, hydro pool, multi sensory room, school hall with gym apparatus, secure gardens, mini bus for trips out and about

17/7/09 14:00:56

20 swindonlink.com • August 2009

Summer fun pure and simple

Before shelling out on theme parks and play schemes, parents could find that the answer to staving off summer holiday boredom is available at no cost.

For those wishing to go further tations; there’s With more families spending parents to stop a generation afield, Let’s Go with the Children the holidays in Britain, children’s thinking that now that ex- guide books and online guide proauthor and Storysacks creator, Neil you need to go pects constant vide ideas and special offers. This Griffiths, right, wants parents to to indoor play summer, their publishers say, more stimulus.” remember the simple pleasure to be areas or Euro N e i l s u g - parents are combining learning exfound in past times such as playing Disney to stimgests encour- periences with leisure to ‘edutain’ Pooh sticks, blowing dandelion ulate a child,” aging young- their children. It is estimated that clocks and pond dipping. He feels he said. “You sters to explore more than half of us will holiday that a generation could be missing can get a masthe wonderful at home this year, so museums, out on enriching experiences that sive amount parks and open craft centres and galleries are more were once part of every child- out of somespaces on offer popular than ever. For Wiltshire hood, as children’s leisure time is thing that costs in Swindon, alone, the Let’s Go website lists increasingly filled with timetabled nothing.” make the most 40 free places to visit with plenty “There’s a activities and clubs. of the library more within easy reach.

He is working on a book, Takes a sense that you www.letsgowiththechildren.co.uk service and Moment, Lasts a Lifetime, full of easy have to pack activities that will create special the summer with activity. We visit the art gallery and museum swindon.gov.uk/leisuresport/parkmemories. “I want to encourage have to change children’s expec- in Old Town. sandgardens

Join the exciting reading challenge at a Swindon library

The adventure starts when you pick up a ‘moving image’ membership card and foldout adventure poster where Cadmus the gatekeeper challenges you to bring back the golden book.

There are 3 stages to your quest: Firebird Rising, Mountain Mission and Dragon’s Lair. Read six books, collect 6 stickers and be rewarded with a medal, certificate and fabulous dragon model.

All the family can be part of the fun, as parents can listen to older children and read to pre- schoolers. Those completing the challenge are entered in a prize draw, with the chance to win some prizes such as tickets to the Cotswold Wildlife Park and Link Centre activities.

There are also two special events at West Swindon Library in August. Take part in a Fantasy Craft afternoon on Tuesday 4th, from 2pm to 4pm and on Wednesday 19th, 2pm, Neil Griffiths will be entertaining children with his special brand of storytelling.

Quest Seekers runs until 5 September. Call into a Swindon library for details and see also: www.questseekers.org.uk

SWINDON TOWN FOOTBALL IN THE COMMUNITY TRUST

SUMMER FOOTBALL

FUNWEEKS For boys and girls aged 5 to 15 at the County Ground 4th, 5th & 6th August: 11th, 12th & 13th August: 25th, 26th & 27th August: Cost: 1 course: £45 3 courses: £115

10.00am - 3.00pm 10.00am - 3.00pm 10.00am - 3.00pm

2 courses: £80 4 courses: £150

(Family reductions available)

Swindon Town Football in the Community Trust are an FA Charter Standard and registered scheme.

All coaches are qualified to UEFA standard and hold a First Aid Certificate.

Each coach will work with an assistant and the emphasis is on fun.

There is an opportunity to win prizes through competitions as well as learning new skills and techniques.

All you will need is a packed lunch and a full playing kit.

Many of our courses become fully subscribed very quickly, so sign on as soon as possible.

Call now to book a place

Tel: 01793 421303 Mobile: 07966 305320 or 07901 570236 www.stfc-fitc.co.uk

1 - 21 August 09 Fri 17.indd 20

Three farms offering great outdoor activities Acorn Education Summer Workshops Westmill Farm, Shrivenham Tuesday 4, Wednesday 5 & Thursday 6 August: Nature Creativity Days for 5 to 12 year olds.

Games, crafts and adventures inspired by the natural world, explore the woodland and hedgerows, create pictures, poems and plays.

Tuesday 18, Wednesday 19 & Thursday 20 August: Prehistoric Days.

Become part of a prehistoric tribe! From hunters and gatherers to early farmers, standing stone and henge builders through to smiths and charioteers. Practice prehistoric cookery, decorate the walls of the round house, visit the sacred spring, then make ancient music as a bard of old.

A fresh organic lunch will be provided with an opportunity to help cook a cauldron of soup on an open fire. Stay for one day, or camp overnight and join in for two or three.

Cost: £20 per day; reduced fees for families. Concessions available.

To book mail: chris@acorneducation.com or call 07816 591151 www.acorneducation.com Lower Shaw Farm: Summer Activity Days for 5 to 12 year olds Tuesday 11 & Wednesday 12 August, 10.30am – 3.30pm Outdoors and around the farm: meet the animals, arts and crafts in the big barn, cooking over a real fire, perhaps some juggling. Cost £15 per child per day; advance booking essential by calling 771080 or mail: enquiries@lowershawfarm.co.uk Roves Farm. Themed weeks to discover how farms are looking after the countryside and the wildlife we depend on so much.

Saturday 25 to Friday 31 July: Bug Week. Take the tractor ride to one of the many ‘bugtastic’ habitats on the farm.

Saturday 1 to Friday 14 August: Wind in the Willows. Follow the story of Mole, Toad and Ratty along the banks of the River Cole.

Saturday 15 to Sunday 23 August: Join Robin Hood and his Merry Men down in ye olde Roves Forest.

Monday 24 to Monday 31 August: Sunflower hunting; take home a unique specimen.

For details call 763939. www.rovesfarm.co.uk

17/7/09 14:06:51

21

DO YOU NEED A HAT? T hen call

in Haydon Wick to see a large selection of hats to hire or buy

N e w Te r m New Sh o e s SHOES FOR KIDS from BLAYLOCKS Bath Road Corner Old Town, Swindon Tel: 534271

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Beware of the Wicked Queen’s spell left behind in the state bedroom at Lydiard House. It could surprise you next time you visit

Make a personal appointment to find just the right hat for you

• C L A R K S • S TA RT R I T E • R H I N O •

Wicked Queen comes with her own costumes to scare

Accustomed to being cast in the generic evil role, Lorraine Chase of Emmerdale fame is to grace the boards at the Wyvern this year for the Christmas pantomime, in her starring role of the Wicked Queen. Fashion journalist Emma Kimber from Peatmoor casts an eye on the lady in black.

Sleeping Beauty is to be this She is literally a vision, with a figure raine, as to why she uses her own year’s exciting show with music of perfection and an air of evilness costumes. “This dress was made from various musicals, Disney films that her costume manages to ac- for a previous role years ago and it fits the part perfectly. and the charts which complements curately portray on her behalf.

“I love panto; it’s the first and “Wicked queens are so important the storyline and the colourful to the panto plot,” explained Lor- sometimes the last time children characters. see theatre. If the imagination of that Producer Daryl Back is child can be caught, that means that busy bringing it together. the theatre has its future.”

“I’m most excited about Lorraine has never performed in the live band we’ll have a production of Sleeping Beauty this year, and the new before and is pleased to be returnscript that is being written,” ing to Swindon later this year to she enthused. do so. If her costume is a sign of “Lorraine is going to the immaculate attention to detail be divine as the Wicked across the entire production, then Queen,” said Daryl. “And this Christmas’ panto is set to be an what’s great is that she absolute beauty. comes ready formed, with her entire wardrobe, because she’s been in this business for so long.

Over the years she has collected hundreds of gowns, so she is very professional.”

And when Lorraine does emerge in her costume for the Wicked Queen, she is doused entirely in beautiful black lace that pools at her feet in an elegant train.

Call (01793) 704005 or 07710 298790

SUMMER YOUTH PROJECT 2009

Directed by Rodney Howard

... and before the panto arrives

The Wyvern Theatre has launched an action packed Autumn programme for all, starting with the summer youth project production of Boogie Nights in August.

A magical night at the musicals, Gotta Sing, Gotta Dance arrives in September with an eclectic mix of dance spectacle and music, highlighting favourites from the best West End musicals. In November, Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers will be an unmissable experience, having run in the West End for twenty years.

Other music shows include Chris Dean’s Syd Lawrence Orchestra, Over the Rainbow, Illegal Eagles and The Searchers, still on the road.

The Gruffalo makes a return visit to entertain children in September, as does Alistair McGowan. Other comedians include Julian Clary, Pam Ayres, Sean Hughes, Dave Gorman and Tim Minchin.

Pre-show dining has become very popular since the theatre relaunched the Circle Restaurant. A new bistro menu from September will make a visit to the Wyvern even more appetising.

All the details can be found in the Wyvern’s new printed programme available widely and also at www.wyverntheatre.org.uk

21-52 August 09 Fri 17.indd 21

THU 27 - SUN 30 AUGUST THU-SAT 7.30PM, SAT 2.30PM, SUN 1PM & 5PM

Box Office: 01793 524481 www.wyverntheatre.org.uk

17/7/09 14:08:33

Swindon Wide

22

Swindon Council takes on climate change leadership challenge

Climate change is happening, the Government has just made an announcement on how Britain is to become a zero carbon economy and Prince Charles reckons there are 96 months left before there is irreversible change to the planet’s environment.

One Planet Swindon on 13 July experts, in six months time the brought together senior council council officers from planning, officers behind closed doors at highways, housing, waste, property Steam Museum to hear some of and legal departments, as well as the country’s leading consultants the Primary Health Care Trust, will on climate change, urban design be required to return to explain what and economic development spell their departments are doing and will out in stark terms what the country be doing to reduce the impact of the has to do to combat climate change town on the climate. and how local authorities are crucial The conference was conceived in making their communities truly in May by Kevin McCloud, council sustainable by following the ten chief executive Gavin Jones and principles of One Planet Living. council leader Rod Bluh.

Having heard the inspirational Kevin, whose Hab Housing company is developing two sites for sustainable homes in Swindon, has made no secret in the last two Kevin McCloud with council leader Rod Bluh, coun Peter Greenhalgh, cabiyears that he wants to see signifi- net member for strategic planning and transport at the One Planet Swindon cant changes in the way the town conference and chief executive Gavin Jones HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT? Council leader Rod Bluh said world class thinkers. “The conferimpacts the environment. He said, RAINWATER HARVESTING Collection and efficient use of rainwater “One Planet Swindon is about the the discussion is not all about ence came out of a discussion with SOLAR WATER HEATING council putting down a marker as lightbulbs and carrier bags. “Most Kevin McCloud on what is required Collection and efficient use of the sun’s energy to its future intentions in response of the speakers have worked with to make Swindon a sustainable SOLAR ELECTRICITY Reduce your dependency on the national grid to climate change. This can be a Swindon Council in some way, but town. He and the speakers at One HEAT PUMPS fantastic town, but it can be at the bringing them together to address Planet Swindon have clearly set out Space heating /cooling using heat from the air forefront of change or it can be the huge climate change agenda the challenges. or ground compliant to direction from central has been very powerful.

“I believe the town is the perfect WIND TURBINES This is not practical everywhere – but we can “We’re looking for a step change place to start the process, which has government. tell you if it will work for you “There is a hunger in the population in the way we approach the work of to be far beyond those who work for If so, come and meet the team at a viewing of the demonstration technologies and discuss what ideas you for a new approach, but people need the council; it requires a new outlook the council, to involve everybody may have or the technologies you are interested in. information and help on how to live in all its staff.” who lives and works here.”

Take a look at www.rainwindsun.com, Gavin Jones said it was almost • The 10 principles of One Planet more sustainably - and they should or call 01793 772277, or e-mail: unique to bring together a group of Living: www.bioregional.com be fully included in the process.” enquiries@rainwindsun.com

Ne w mo Hor del nby lau nch GWR 1 at sho 75 w

Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September 2009 10.00am to 5.00pm STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway, Kemble Drive, Swindon

Featuring some of the UK’s biggest and best model railway layouts - all under one roof !

Other attractions include Pete Waterman and his amazing model trains, massive Hornby and Bachmann roadshows, demonstrations and a traction engine display.

See our website to find out more at www.swindon.gov.uk/steam

STEAM Museum of the Great Western Railway

21-52 August 09 Fri 17.indd 22

17/7/09 14:12:36

Swindon Wide the bigger picture Cafe culture library attracts lost generation of readers Since the town's Central Library opened last October, the number of new members has soared and the equivalent of the population of Swindon has walked through its doors.

Designed by Swindon Council architects Nic Newland and Tony Currivan, the building has exceeded expectations.

Head of Library Services Allyson Jordan said that in the first six months, the library had registered 10,000 new members; more than four times the numbers joining the old library. She was particularly pleased to have attracted people from the 20 to 40 age group who tend not to make use of libraries.

"People don't just come to borrow books; it's a different experience," Photo: www.urbanbuzz.net said Allyson. "The facilities are so fantastic and it's such an improve- which is open until 10pm each colleagues set out to recreate the ment on what we had before." atmosphere of a contemporary weekday is very popular.

She added that the Express Zone Nic Newland said he and his bookshop with a cafe. As well as bringing in new members, the informal style is attracting interest from other towns wanting to achieve Swindon Photographic Society holds its annual exhibition at the West similar results. "They see that ours is Swindon Library from Saturday 1 August to Saturday 15 August, during not a traditional library; it's more like a retail outlet and an urban meeting library opening hours.

See 70 striking images in colour and black and white by some of the place with a children's play area. It's a centre for the community." area’s best photographers. www.swindonphotosoc.org.uk

Photo society shows off talent

23

The success of the building means that the architects are already revising plans for routine maintenance and replacement.

"In the first quarter, there were 200,000 visitors; that's equal to the population of Swindon,” said Nic. “It means we have to review maintenance schedules because items like doors are being used to a higher level than expected."

The Blackthorn School of Photography Evening, day and weekend courses in our specialist teaching centre near Cricklade

The City from Greenwich by Melvyn Giggs

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www.photography-courses.com Tel: 07920 116492 or 01454 416937

21-52 August 09 Fri 17.indd 23

17/7/09 14:14:13

24

Music

Swindon Wide What’s

Thursday 6th to Sunday 9th Swindon Shuffle ‘09. 60 bands, 11 stages. www.swindonshuffle.co.uk Unfortunate Hero at the Shuffle

Saturday 8th, doors 6pm, on stage from 8pm KingPleasure & The Biscuit Boys.

Rough, tough and always rocking, the most authentic rhythm and blues band.

Advance tickets from Arts Centre or Swindon Information Centre: adults £12, family £30, children £5; on the door: adults £14, family £32, children £5. Old Town Bowl Saturday 15th Pigstock. Local bands Breeze, Boy Done Good and Cheese House Band.

Hog roast and barbecue. £5 entry.The Royal Oak, Bishopstone. For details call 790481 Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd Festival on the Farm. Three days, two nights, 20 bands. Buy tickets at www.festivalonthe farm.co.uk. Purton House, tel: 772999 Thursday 27th & Friday 28th, 7.30pm; Saturday 29th, 2.30pm & 7.30pm; Sunday 30th, 1pm & 5pm Boogie Nights. Wyvern Summer Youth Project. See the advert on page 21. £10 - £12. Wyvern

Dance

Monday 3rd to Friday 7th It’s a Family Affair. A fun-filled week of dance activity for 4 to 11 year olds that mums, dads and older siblings can join in too.

Think Disco. Lindy Hop mixed with dance from the silver screen. Skedaddle Dance lead three days of dance through the decades from the 30s, 40s & 70s for 8 to 11 year olds.

Morris Mayhem On Thursday 6th learn to jig, caper and hornpipe with a twist of funky street/morris fusion.

For boys aged 8+ with their dads, older brothers or other male family member.

Creative dance and storytelling morning on Friday 7th for 4 to 7 year olds accompanied by an adult.

A fun sharing of dance from throughout the week on Friday 7th, 2pm. All events take place at Swindon Dance. Call 601700 for details Saturday 29th, 3pm to 10.30pm Swindon Invincible 2009. The ultimate dance festival with internationally known acts supported by local talents in the Battle in the Bowl 2. In association with Swin City Comics and Frequency Line up and ticket details: www.swindoninvincible.co.uk.

21-52 August 09 Fri 17.indd 24

Exhibitions

Friday 31 July to Friday 7 August, 10am to 6pm Hab Housing plans of the Triangle development in Rodbourne. Oxford Brookes campus, Ferndale Road Until Saturday 15th, Wednesday to Friday 11am to 4pm, Saturday 11am to 5pm Mask. Concealment, facade, protection, decoration, magic, theatre, fantasy, pretence, revelation character.

The Post Modern Gallery, Theatre Square Saturday 1st to Saturday 15th Swindon Photographic Society Exhibition. West Swindon Library Throughout August Views of Rome - Drawings by Tim Carroll. Free. Arts Centre Until 5 September Necessary Pots. Ceramics by artists with strong links with the west country, such as David Leach, Hans Coper, Katharine Pleydell-Bouverie and Michael Cardew. Free. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Until Sunday 1 November Hands-on, Hard Work! Rare plans, documents and photographs tell the story of Lydiard House’s staff, servants and estate workers. Normal admission applies. Lydiard House Until January 2010 Presentation of Self. Portraits which conceal and reveal the nature of artists and their subjects, including works by Lucian Freud, Gilbert and George and Steven Pippin. Free. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery

Film

Friday 14th to Sunday 16th PhantasmaGoria Film Festival A weekend of the best in modern horror, fantasy, sci-fi and action films by the world’s top talent. Individual tickets and whole festival passes available from Arts Centre

Venues

Arts Centre Devizes Road.

Tel: 614837 Lydiard House, Lydiard Park Tel: 770401 Roves Farm Sevenhampton, Nr Highworth. Tel: 763939 STEAM Museum of the Great Western Railway. Kemble Drive.

Tel: 466646 Swindon & Cricklade Railway Blunsdon Station. Tel: 771615 Swindon Dance Regent Circus.

Tel: 601700 Swindon Information Centre Regent Street. Tel: 530328 Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Bath Road. Tel: 466556 West Swindon Library Link Centre, West Swindon. Tel: 465555 Wyvern Theatre Tel: 524481 Confirm date, time and price with the venue

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On in August

Children & Family

To Sunday 30th Hands-on, Hard Work – Have a go!

Fun, guided trail for children and families with objects to handle, costumes to try on and puzzles to solve - get a taste of life ‘below stairs’. Hands-on demonstration every Friday afternoon of cooking, cleaning or gardening implements that might have been used in the past. Normal admission applies. Lydiard House Saturday 1st to Friday 14th Wind in the Willows. Join Mole, Toad, Ratty and Badger on the tractor-trailer rides with the help of larger than life models of all the characters around the farm fields. Roves Farm. See the advert on page 18 Sunday 2nd, 11am to 5pm Open Garden. The 18th Century ornamental fruit and flower walled garden at Lydiard Park is open as part of the National Gardens Scheme. £2.50 adult, £2 senior, £1 child. All proceeds donated to the NGS charities. Lydiard Park Walled Garden Wednesday 5th, 2pm Den-building. Search and collect building materials to construct your own den in the woodlands and find out how to protect wildlife habitats. £2/ child – children must be accompanied by adult. Lydiard Park Friday 7th, 6.30pm The Wind in the Willows. Heartbreak Productions brings this classic to life.

A journey of mysticism, adventure, morality and friendship with live music, song, dance and inventive props. £12 adult, £7 junior, £33 family (2 adult & 2 children). Box office: 614837.

Lydiard Park Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th,10.30am to 5pm Steam and Vintage Weekend.

Steam trains, commercial vehicles, fire engines, military vehicles, tractors, cars 1900 - 1980, stationary engines, motorcycles, charity stalls, refreshments. Adults £6, children £4.50, seniors £5, family (2 + 2) £18.

Swindon & Cricklade Railway Wednesday 12th & Thursday 13th, 7.30pm

25 Saturday 15th to Sunday 23rd Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men can be found by following a trail of clues through and around the woods while enjoying a tractor ride. Roves Farm. See the advert on page 18 Tuesday 18th, 1pm to 4pm Plant a Pot. Drop in craft activity to decorate a flower pot, then plant it up with seeds from the Walled Garden. £2/child, children must be accompanied by an adult. Lydiard Park Tuesday 18th,Wednesday 19th and Thursday 20th, 2pm to 4pm Design your own T-shirt. Three oneday workshops. Paint a face, become a pop artist or make up your own abstract design. For ages 5 -11. £7.50 per workshop, includes all materials, booking advised. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Wednesday 19th, 10.30 - 11.30am Storytime Spectacular with Neil Griffiths, right.

Free. West Swindon Library Monday 24th to Monday 31st Sunflowers. Learn all about sunflowers, where they grow, their uses and make your own in the arts and craft sessions. Roves Farm. See the advert on page 18

Fair Festival

TABLE TOP SALE & VILLAGE FUN DAY

Broad Hinton Church and Grounds In aid of Church Funds SATURDAY 5th SEPTEMBER 11am to 3pm Tables £10 available inside the Church or outside (inside tables may be set up the day before as the church will be locked, or from 8.30am on the day) To reserve a table call Jenni Moseling on 731629 or Jennifer Taylor 731333 Come along for all the fun and see what takes your fancy. Refreshments available

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Free parking • Late night Wednesday & Thursday Cash or cheque payments only

Saturday 1st to Saturday 29th Fun of the Fair. A month-long festival of family events in Swindon town centre. The Brunel and The Parade.

Details at: www.thebrunel.co.uk or call 525857 Saturday 1st The Simpsons. Come and meet everyone’s favourite cartoon family Saturday 8th Face painting, circus skills workshops, juggling and balloon modelling Saturday 15th The Tweenies Saturday 22nd Face painting, circus skills workshops, juggling and balloon modelling Saturday 29th Sportacus (from Lazy Town)

Fundraising

The Comedy of Errors. Shakespeare’s Globe returns with a fastpaced, hilarious and energetic interpretation of this delightful farce, infused with the familiar themes of mistaken identity, coincidence and the importance of family. £15 adult, £10 junior, box office: 614837.

Lydiard Park

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Saturday 1 August, 1pm to 5pm Toothill Junior Youth Club and Scouts Fete 5 a-side under 11s football tournament, bouncy castle, cream teas, barbecue, fire engine Toothill Farm Saturday 15 August 11am – 3pm Summer Fete Emmanuel United Reform Church Haydon Wick Fun and games for all. Lunches, homemade cakes and produce All proceeds to local charity.

Admission 50p, children free

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26

Swindon Wide

Come rain or shine, kids of all ages have plenty to do at STEAM in the holidays

Aliens, robots, undersea creatures and even fairies will be popping up in the STEAM Museum as children get creative at the Smiley Cats Kidz Club.

For over 5s, the club will run every Wednesday and Thursday morning, from 29 July to 27 August, from 9.30am to 1pm. These fun arts, crafts and games sessions are Ofsted registered and run by CRB checked and NVQ qualified staff.

All craft materials and healthy mid-morning snacks are included in the £12 session price, or £9.50 with a Swindoncard. Advance bookings are advisable on 466637/466619.

Other family activities at STEAM every day include the museum’s award winning exhibits and displays, including the interactive signal box, Evening Star and other famous locomotives, plus free family fun quiz trails.

Climb into the cab of a steam engine and take the controls with a real engine driver at Meet the Railway Workers sessions on 1, 15 and 29 August. www.swindon.gov.uk/steam

Looking back on glorious railway days

‘Glamorous and exotic’ are the words used by STEAM’s new exhibition to describe the holiday destinations promoted during the 1920s and 1930s by the Great Western Railway.

It explores how the GWR made use of the Art Deco styles and techniques of the age to promote travel on the railways as an elegant and highly pleasurable experience.

From sumptuous silverware to rare publicity booklets, the colourful displays evoke the sense of high sophistication achieved by

the GWR through its publicity and customer service during the interwar years.

And it illustrates the amazing skills of workers in Swindon’s GWR works who hand crafted the railway carriages which carried millions from London to the West Country, the Cotwolds and into Wales.

Meet a new attraction at butterfly centre

Visitors to Studley Grange Butterfly World are intrigued to meet Iggy the Iguana lazily watching the world go by.

She hails from Central or South America but was donated to the centre earlier in the year and is allowed to wander wherever she wants in the steamy tropical environment of the butterfly centre.

In the wild she would be 40 feet up at the top of the tree canopy soaking in the sun. At Studley Grange she’s usually to be found basking on a stone next to the footpath or laid out on a bridge watching the carp in the pond.

“Iggy is a real favourite with the staff and visitors,” said butterfly assistant Wendy Watt, right. “She’s happy to be stroked when she’s in the mood; she doesn’t ever get lonely because there are always place to go in the holidays and people around her, and she doesn’t there’s enough to satisfy children through to grandparents. See the seem to get broody either.”

Studley Grange is always a great advert left for details.

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Swindon Wide

27

Rosa Bloom’s glowing Glastonbury debut

A talented Swindon designer made her mark at Britain’s largest festival at the end of June, displaying her burlesque garments and jewellery in a wonderfully eye-catching shop.

Rosa Hirsch-Holland from Shaw trading as Rosa Bloom was exclusively featured in the May Link, preparing for the big event.

She used to make fairy wings but has set up her own business designing costumes and unique jewellery made for her by artisans in Bali.

Rosa is delighted by the reaction to her business. “The Bloom Boudoir received such a positive response from people at Glastonbury - they just seemed so appreciative of the effort I’d put into making the shop a lovely space to walk into. I was told on more than one occasion that it was the most beautiful shop in the whole festival.

“The brightly-dyed wedding dresses sold really well, and people were walking out of the shop wearing them, and then just keeping them on for the whole weekend and coming back to visit me, which was so lovely.

“My aim all along was to get people dressing up extravagantly at festivals and I definitely feel I succeeded. A lovely moment from the weekend was when a woman came in and bought her dream wedding dress which she is actually going to get married in. She met her husband-to-be at Glastonbury in 2005, when they were both working on the recycling team. It seemed very fitting that she was now going to marry him wearing a recycled wedding dress from Glastonbury.”

Rosa is spending the summer touring festivals across Britain before returning to Swindon to design new bloomers, bustles and bodices and to plan another trip to Bali to commission more garments.

Photo: Jess North www.rosabloom.com

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Bombay Lounge to go ‘Spanish’

The Bombay Lounge restaurant at Peatmoor is going to try a menu experiment by offering traditional Indian food but in a Spanish ‘tapas’ style on Wednesday 19 August.

Hanif Robani, owner of the Bombay Lounge, right, said he’s looking to Link readers to give the idea a try and let him know if it works. “A lot of people think curry is not suitable for the summer months because they believe it is too heavy. So we’re going to offer our usual dishes but in a different format.

“Tapas is popular because it’s served in smaller portions and you can try a wider variety of dishes.

We’ll be serving a selection of our menu but in reduced quantities at a lower price. It will encourage people to mix and match, and share dishes.

“This is an experiment, we don’t know what the reaction will be; come along and tell us what you think.”

To book for the tapas evening on 19 August call the Bombay Lounge on 887799 or 882233.

See the advert on page 8.

21-52 August 09 Fri 17.indd 28

Swindon Wide

Electric bike inventor offers business opportunity

Several years ago Brian Little from Abbey Meads was so unimpressed by electric bicycles on the market that he set out to design and build a better product.

He’s now completed a fourth prototype and is looking for somebody interested in taking it to the manufacturing stage.

Unlike electric bikes which are built around a larger frame, Brian has invented a battery powered drive mechanism that is fitted to the front wheel of an ordinary bicycle.

He has kept his design as simple as possible and he believes there is a major market opportunity as more people have taken to cycling.

Brian said, “my bike is better than others on the market because dealers are not keen on repairing them if they break down. They can’t get the parts or do not have staff able to sort out the specialised electronics. My design keeps thing simple and I reckon it has prospects, but I’m not able take it to the next stage at the present time.”

Brian’s story appeared in The Link two years ago. Then, there was full employment and nobody showed interest. Now there may be skilled people looking for new business projects.To discuss licensing the design and taking the bike into production contact Brian via the Link office on 608840.

Computer museum opens in August

The history of computer technology will be on display at the new venue of the UK’s first dedicated Museum of Computing from Saturday 8 August, 10am.

Located in Theatre Square, close to Central Library, visitors will see personal computers, portables, laptops, handhelds, gaming consoles and calculators.

Displays will track the rapid development of computing over the last 70 years.

There will also be a number of computers and consoles which can be used to experience software and games from the past.

From left, Simon Webb, museum curator, Jeremy Holt, founder and chairman of the Museum of Computing and Gordon Graylish, Vice President of Intel Europe, Middle East & Africa office based in Swindon

17/7/09 14:16:56

Swindon Wide

MoJo: a photography & make-up service to give you that good feeling

29

Join concert hall pressure group

Gordon McKay has started a group on Facebook which is petitioning Swindon Council to work harder to provide a concert hall which is larger Emma Skett of MoJo Professional Photography & Make-Up Services and better equipped than the sports hall at the Oasis Leisure Centre. says the key to taking memorable images is to make the subject relaxed Over 4,400 people are already supporting it. Gordon said, “this petition and involved in the process of photographs. will show decision makers the level of support for a dedicated venue, and She has 10 years experience it will also help attract private operators and promoters to the town.” in photography, specialising in Back the idea by searching for: Let Swindon have a multi-purpose weddings, portraits and fashion. concert hall She graduated in 2004 with a degree in fashion photography & styling from the prestigious London College of Fashion but, after taking a further course in professional photographic make-up, she decided to launch MoJo. “It allowed me to both produce beautiful photographs and make-up beautiful faces,” said Emma. “At MoJo, we realise that few people are used to striking a pose in front of flashing camat other venues to suit the subject eras. We want you to feel comfort- or the event. able and relaxed, to enable us to Quote Link09 and she’ll offer capture your most natural look.” a ten per cent discount on her Emma works from a fully services. For details mail Emma: equipped studio and also has a info@mojo-photo.co.uk mobile studio to shoot outdoors or www.mojo-photo.co.uk

Tune in to your electric keyboard

They may look like a piano but there’s more to an electric keyboard than meets the eye says Roger Mepstead of Keyboard Capers.

The club helps people understand how to get the best out of their instruments which are often stowed away in frustration after a few months. “People see the guy play it in the shop and think it’s wonderful, but then they can’t get anywhere near that standard and end up sticking it under the bed or in the loft,” said Roger.

he said.

“So look out that keyboard you locked away months or even years ago and come along to Keyboard Capers and we’ll help you rediscover the great fun to be had from the equipment.”

The club meets fortnightly at Moredon Community Centre on Tuesdays from 7.30pm to 10pm. For details call Roger on 854072. www.keyboardcapers.com

He knows how difficult the transition from piano to keyboard can be.

He played piano in his youth but, when he bought a keyboard after taking early retirement, he went along to Keyboard Capers to learn about the technology.

At the time the group specialised in Technics equipment. Now the group helps owners with any kind of keyboard.

The emphasis is on members learning from each other. Roger recognises that many people take up keyboard in later life and can find lessons too formal and intimidating. “In the environment we create, people feel completely relaxed,”

21-52 August 09 Fri 17.indd 29

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swindonlink.com • August 2009

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Gladiator Enigma clear about achievement goals

She might be known as Enigma on TV’s Gladiator, but Jenny Pacey gave no allusions as guest speaker at the Greendown School annual sports’ presentation at the DeVere Hotel on 2 July.

She gave the youngsters an ac- springboard to everything I’ve their sporting abilities.”

Morgan Daniels, 12, was inspired tion packed and hard hitting talk done and achieved. I had a fantastic about being a member of the Great time at Loughborough University by Jenny’s speech. “It was all about Britain track and field team as a and I encouraged the pupils to trying really hard and never giving long jumper, representing Britain think about going to university to up. I liked that she said girls are in the bobsleigh and appearing in further both their education and better than boys too.

Gladiators.

As a specialist sports’ college Greendown has lots of budding athletes in a wide range of sports and Jenny gave them encouragement to strive to be their best. “I gave them the story of my life and how I seem to have spent most of it in Lycra.

Sport and education has been the

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Les Slinn has trebled the training space available to his customers by moving to a new studio off Westmead Drive in Westlea, just 15 months after opening his first fitness centre.

The extra space allows for Les and personal trainers Richard Phillips and Victoria Groves to work with clients on a range of fitness equipment including running machines, rowers, cross trainers and boxing equipment.

The new premises has a separate spinning room with eight bikes and a studio for yoga, Pilates, aerobics and core classes.

Clients have access to the revolutionary vibrogym in a private area.

“It was a tough decision to expand in difficult economic times, but we can now offer our clients a much greater range of facilities; Swindon Town FC goalkeepers Phil Smith there is a definite demand for what and Mark Scott helped Les and Clare Slinn we do,” said Les. unveil the new facility in early July See the advert on the left, or Photo: John Saunders www.lspersonaltraining.com www.jsphotography.info

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swindonlink.com • August 2009

West competition given cash boost

The annual West Swindon primary schools athletics meeting was given a new incentive this year by Swindon Lions Club who offered a shield and £100 to the school that scored most points.

As in previous years all the primaries in West Swindon and St Mary’s, Purton took part in a series of races and relays watched by hundreds of parents and siblings at Lydiard Park.

The athletes from St Mary’s won most races and will be the first school to have Lions president Maurice Watson and Lion John Farmery its name engraved presenting a cheque and trophies to St Mary’s teachers Will Hack and Chris Wintle. Photo: Jewels Burrows on the trophy.

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More people than ever are choosing to leave the gym in favour of outdoor fitness pursuits, report the owners of the Big Adventure store at Basepoint.

As the shop celebrated two years in business, sales hit an all time high.

The sport and activity shop was opened by friends, Justin Woodward, Jason Pinkney and Chris Pegler who met while competing in triathlons.

Their aim was to supply top quality equipment with expert advice.

The shop stocks a wide range of best out of their trainers, the store cycles, running shoes, wet suits and offers gait analysis.

Having taken a video of the runbikes and sales are soaring, along with the popularity of triathlon. ner in action on a treadmill, staff can “It’s the fastest growing sport in advise on the best type of trainer to the UK,” said Justin. “It’s become help avoid injuries.

Bikes are the biggest seller and more accessible; there’s a variety of distances suitable for all levels are fitted to the individual to ensure from beginners and up. It always they are as efficient as possible. Jusinvolves swimming, cycling and tin said, “people can perhaps get a running and most people can do bike £20 cheaper on the internet but at least one of those three disci- they have to put it together which plines. There’s a good atmosphere raises safety issues. At the shop we at the events and you’re not stuck set it up precisely and provide the important after-sales service.” inside.” www.thebigadventurestore.com To make sure that runners get the

21-52 August 09 Thurs 16.indd 31

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Scramble at the relay changeover in Lydiard Park

Big Adventure celebrates two years

31

Footcare in your home Corns • Calluses Verruca • Foot massage Nail infections Thickened skin & nails Medical pedicure

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swindonlink.com • August 2009

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21-52 August 09 Fri 17.indd 32

Football for girls

Highworth Town Junior Girls under 16s team is looking for new players to join the established club.

The team competes in the Bristol Girls Sunday League and the club wants to progress players into the first Highworth Town Ladies Team.

Training takes place on Thursdays, 6.30pm to 7.30pm at Highworth Rec. For details contact the manager Keith Lancaster on 07970 804643.

Summer netball training

Ferndale Netball Club which normally trains at Greendown School in Grange Park will meet on Mondays 7.45pm to 9pm during August at Dorcan Sports Hall before returning to Greendown in September.

The club caters for players of any age and standard, recreationally or in a league team. For details call Joy Blake on 872237.

Ladies only at 24 Hour gym Free week for Link ladies

Carol Hirst MFHT, MICHT Holistic Massage Therapist

Bright Smile Studio

FC Abbey Meads needs players for its under 9s team.

Children in school Years 4 and 5 are eligible to join the team. For details call Michelle Winslow on 727299 or 07817 062841 or Martin Smedley 07812 664462.

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Ladies can exercise round the clock now that the Pink Gym has relocated to 24 Hour Gym at Hillmead.

Earlier this year financial difficulties forced owners Karen Hewitt-Boorman and Liz Sipson to place the gym into the hands of administrators.

Fortunately, Vernon Montgomery of the well established 24 Hour Gym stepped in to buy the business and its trademark pink equipment.

The gym which re-opened in April, is managed by Kayla New, right. She said, “Karen contacted Vern to see if he was interested and he was like a knight in shining armour buying the equipment,” said Kayla. “There were a lot of disappointed members and Karen was determined that they would have a gym to train in.”

“We all know how busy we can get Although based at 24 Hour but a half hour workout can give gym, the Pink Gym has a separate you some ‘me’ time. Spending 30 entrance and is strictly for ladies to 60 seconds on each machine only. doesn’t sound a lot, but it really is Specialist hydraulic equipment effective - and you can have quick designed for women guarantees chats to other members between a thorough workout in just thirty each exercise.” minutes and classes are instructor But during August potential led during peak times. At other members of the Pink Gym at the times, once members are familiar 24 Hour Gym can try out the all with the equipment, they can use facilities for a week free of charge the gym whenever they wish using and receive a free fitness assessan electronic access key. ment as well.

The Pink Gym system is highly Call Kayla on 07711 785582 to effective at burning calories and arrange a visit. developing muscle tone says Kayla www.24hrgym.co.uk

Summer football camp for boys and girls Premier Club, Ermin Street, Stratton St Margaret, Swindon Four weeks from Monday 10 August to Friday 28 August 9am to 3pm daily. Cost: £10 per day. Siblings half price.

Coaching co-ordinated by Michael Burke, FA qualified, FA insured, CRB approved Details from Michael Burke on 079170 35291.

17/7/09 14:21:54

swindonlink.com • August 2009

Free off-road cycle training

This summer there’s a chance to penny.

CTC’s Cycle Champions project and the Great Western Community Forest’s woodland games initiative are putting on free training sessions at the cycle track at Croft Woods on Sundays 26 July, 23 August and 20 September, 1pm to 4pm.

A fully qualified off-road skills instructor will provide training

have a go at off-road cycling in Swindon - and it won’t cost you a and you don’t even need a mountain bike to have a go. CTC Cycle Champions officer Tamina Oliver said, “off-road cycling has so many benefits. It’s a great cardiovascular workout, helps to manage your weight, and is a great way to explore the beautiful green spaces around Swindon. The free sessions are the

perfect way for families to do something together on a Sunday whilst learning important skills.”

To book free off-road tuition or reserve the use of a free bike, call Tamina Oliver on 07717 696672 or mail: tamina.oliver@ctc.org.uk All ages/abilities welcome; under 16s must have parental consent.

Free cycle maps to find your way around Swindon Council’s transport department has produced a new map showing most of the cycling routes in and around the town.

Copies are available free of charge in libraries and leisure centres.

The Thyme Treatment Rooms

Paris beckons British cycle tourists next year

A team of cyclists from North Swindon enjoyed a charity ride to Paris in June so much that they are already planning a repeat trip and are inviting others to join them in 2010. us up for the rest of the trip,” said Organised by Mark NelMark. “Thanks to all who supported son, five riders covered 361 our effort for Winston’s Wish. miles in four days, raising “We have yet to decide a charity over £1,800 for children’s for next year, but we’re inviting charity Winston’s Wish. others to join us for another ride Starting from Catherine for a good cause in early June or Wayte Primary School in mid-July next year.”

Abbey Meads, and accomDetails at: www.mn4fitness. panied by school mascot com Barnaby Bear, the group had a back-up driver and vehicle to provide refreshment and to race ahead to book the riders into their hotels.

“The send off from CatherMark Nelson at journeys end ine Wayte was fantastic; it set Setting out from Catherine Wayte

33

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SWINDON CYCLES Cancer charity calls for players with Wimbledon withdrawal symptoms

This year’s epic Wimbledon final and Andy Murray’s unsuccessful attempt to get there is still clear in the mind.

Now Marie Curie Cancer Care is and raise money for Marie Curie calling on all tennis lovers to organ- Cancer Care. ise their own tournament between “Last year in the region we pronow and September to raise vital vided over 250,000 hours of nursing funds to help provide nursing care care in patients’ homes at a cost of for terminally ill patients. £20 per hour. The nursing care, alNo matter what your age or though free of charge, is expensive ability, anyone can take part in the to provide, which is why we need Marie Curie ‘Anyone for Tennis the support of as many people in 2009’ campaign. It can be a formal the area as we can.” mini-Wimbledon or a social game To register your doubles tournaof doubles with friends in fancy ment, call 08700 340 040 or mail: dress. tennis@mariecurie.org.uk Community fundraiser Lucy A free fundraising pack to make Barons said, “it’s a great new your event a smash hit is availevent that encourages people of all able from www.mariecurie.org. ages to have fun together, keep fit uk/tennis

21-52 August 09 Thurs 16.indd 33

Superstore

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

The choice rs is you Parts, repairs, accessories, back up stock Open: Mon to Sat 9am to 5.30pm Closed Sundays

Tel: (01793) 700105

60a Beechcroft Road Between Stratton Crossroads & Kingsdown

16/7/09 15:49:31

34

swindonlink.com • August 2009

Tregoze turns out for mass jump rope for heart

Janet’s Puppy Skool

Every child and member of staff at Tregoze Primary School had a go at skipping for school funds and the British Heart Foundation on 1 July.

After a whole-school warm up, children in each class spent an hour during the day taking part in a variety of skipping activities.

Talia Clements, 8, said, “we’ve been practicing for a month. Mrs Baker is an expert; she’s taught us a lot of new ways to skip.”

Sharon Baker said it was brilliant to see how many children had brought in their own skipping ropes. “I hope the practicing in school will encourage them to keep skipping and keeping fit at home.”

The day raised £290.

Have some fun teaching your dog good manners and behaviour at one of our friendly classes 3 Playskool for puppies 3 Adult beginners/improvers 3 Senior Skool/advanced classes 3 One to one advice & training 3 Fun agility workshops

www.janetspuppyskool.co.uk for August/September course details

Janet Garrett

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Tel: 01793 727158 Janet.garrett@virgin.net

Sharon Baker leading Tregoze in the jump rope mass skip

Isambard bids for Guide Dog puppy prize

Professional friendly service for every aspect of your dog’s grooming needs

Collection & delivery service Evening and weekend appointments available Just

5 minutes from West Swindon

Ring Denise on 01793 327379 or 07866 507633 www.hairofthedoggroomers.co.uk

Alan Fletcher, chairman of Guide Dogs Swindon, visited Isambard Community School for the second time this year in early July to meet the Mayor of Swindon David Wren and to talk about living with loss of sight.

The Mayor told pupils that Guide Dogs is one of the charities he is supporting this year and hopes to raise at least £5,000 to buy and train a puppy.

He asked pupils to take part in a fundraising competition; the school which raises the most money will be able to name the puppy.

“Making life better ”

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Guide Dogs needs runners for this year’s half marathon race

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Special Offer Vaccination Only £22.26 (expires 31st August 09)

24 Hour Emergency Service. Tel: 01793 526780 www.thameswoodvets.co.uk

21-52 August 09 Fri 17.indd 34

Alan Fletcher with pupils imagining what it’s like to have limited sight, Alex Fergusson-Potter, Simon Crankshaw, Tamara Fitton, Jessica Winwood, Chloe Viret and Olivia Harris. Photo: Glyn Eamus

Swindon Guide Dogs are looking for runners to take part in the Nationwide Swindon Half Marathon on Sunday 11 October, either in the main race, or the 5k multi-terrain, or the two mile family fun run.

To support Guide Dogs register at www.swindonhalfmarathon.co.uk, scroll down to charities and follow the links to associated charities and look for Guide Dogs in order to receive a sponsor form and details on how to get a free running vest.

Alternatively contact Alan Fletcher on 827589 or by mail: shiralan@ fletcas.freeserve.co.uk

..... and thanks from Guide Dogs Swindon

Alan and Shirley Fletcher would like to say thank you to all who attended the Guide Dogs Garden Party on 20 June at the Foresters Arms, who, through their generosity, raised £665 for the charity.

They would particularly like to thank landlords Ian and Christine for their help in hosting the event.

17/7/09 14:26:01

swindonlink.com • August 2009

35

Animals Asia walkers wanted Sarah and Dave Chilvers are calling on people who want to see an end to the barbaric farming of moonbears for their bile in China and Vietnam to join them for a sponsored walk.

Annabella and Clarissa Wu are Sarah’s latest recruits, having arSarah with Clarissa and Annabel rived from Hong Kong in February. They attended an international school there and knew about the work of Animals Asia after a representative of the charity had visited.

“The pictures they showed were so shocking; many of us were crying,” said Annabella. “We signed up for a trip to visit the bear sanctuary in Sczhwan last year but it had to be cancelled because of the earthquake.”

Clarissa said she and Annabella were surprised to see Sarah organising a garage sale close to their home. “We want to help her raise awareness of Animals Asia so that moonbears can be saved.”

More help is always needed said Sarah. “I’m really pleased the girls introduced themselves; we’re always looking for volunteers for fundraising events like the sponsored walk in September.”

Winners of July Link competitions £20 voucher to The Royal Oak, Bishopstone: Phil Soobean, Redhouse; Amanda Heard, Common Platt; Marian Hoolihan, Freshbrook; Alan Webb, Grange Park As an unadvertised bonus twenty other entries will receive a £5 voucher from the Royal Oak.

Bring your friends, family and canine companions to join the fun on this wonderful 3 or 6 mile Walk for Freedom and help raise much-needed funds for Animals Asia’s vital work

Moonwalk 40th anniversary DVD Phil Yalden; Gillian Westcott, Westlea; Pete Downs, Grange Park; S Steers, Taw Hill; Bryan Jones, Park North Lydiard Park open air theatre Margaret D’Souza-Deshmukh, Redhouse; M Bradbury, Blunsdon

Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs.

Cinema tickets compliments of CineWorld and goody bags Freya Hawkins, Greenmeadow; Cora Danieli, Woodhall Park; Tricia Bingham,

Registration is a £10 minimum donation (children free). Sponsored walkers are encouraged and if you collect sponsorship, the registration fee is waived. To receive a registration form or more information please contact Sarah Chilvers on 07866 519232 or mail: sarahchilvers66@hotmail.com

Freshbrook; S Clarke, Blunsdon; Herbert Schildt (by email)

21-52 August 09 Fri 17.indd 35

17/7/09 12:05:54

36

swindonlink.com • August 2009

Open University offers new course in studying neighbourhood ecology

Neighbourhood Nature is a new level 1 course being offered by the OU from September allowing people the chance to acquire the basic skills to observe, identify and record the wildlife around them, building up a picture of a small part of the local environment.

The course covers a variety of different habitats which might be encountered and introduces students to the common plants and animals found in them and their scientific significance using scientific methods to identify, classify and record plants and animals.

When put together with the observations of hundreds of other people, recorded at the new OU backed website www.iSpot.org.uk, a much broader picture of the wildlife of the country will be created. Changes over time will also become apparent as data accumulates. www.ispot.org.uk is open to anybody interested in the environment.

The site has details of the Neighbourhood Nature course.

Eco-warriors 1: The Brook Field Primary School Green Team visited Peatmoor Glades in July to plant wildflowers they had grown from seed supplied by John Ball of Swindon Flowers & Butterflies last Autumn, below.

The glades have been cleared of over hanging trees and nettles by offenders on community payback to allow schools and company groups to plant the area with wildflowers.

Eco-warriors 2: Youngsters from Peatmoor Primary School visited the work being undertaken by Swindon Council to create a reed bed to filter contaminated rainwater running off Shaw Forest Park.

Construction work and planting should be completed by the end of August and the path through the site will be re-opened to walkers and cyclists towards the end of September.

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Volunteers from nPower and Zurich swapped their office blocks and computers for a day spent in overalls and boots to help create ‘a field of knowledge’ at Rodbourne Cheney Primary School in June.

The Zurich staff, right, created a butterfly wildflower garden while the npower team below, focused on making a log seating area for children to observe the surrounding wildlife, after clearing away an old pond liner.

In 2008, both companies were awarded the prestigious Community Mark from Business in the Community, in recognition of their commitment to investing in their local communities.

The teams returned at the end of term to transform a dilapidated school shed into an outdoor classroom.

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21-52 August 09 Thurs 16.indd 36

16/7/09 15:50:00

swindonlink.com • August 2009

SKI’S TREES

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Lawn & garden maintenance Hedge cutting & planting Tree planting & pruning Weeding & much more

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21-52 August 09 Fri 17.indd 37

37

FREETH FENCING & GARDEN SERVICES LTD EST 1990 ❖ Fences, gates & sheds supplied and erected ❖ Landscaping ❖ Trees pruned and felled ❖ Rubbish removed ❖ Patios and shingle laid ❖ Wood chip & compost supplied ❖ Turfing and grass cutting ❖ And all aspects of garden maintenance

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17/7/09 14:26:55

38

swindonlink.com • August 2009

GARAGE DOOR REPAIRS

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Tel: 079999 44262

Veterans provide valuable lesson

Pupils taking history GCSE at Greendown Community School were given an insight into the lives of people who have experienced and endured conflict during Swindon’s armed forces week in early July.

It was the second time the school had invited men and women who had served in the armed forces with the help of South Swindon MP Anne Snelgrove.

The pupils heard first hand of civilian life during the Blitz and the flying bomb campaign, what it was like at the D-Day landings and more recently during the first Gulf War. Pupil Pippa Yalden said she and her friends were fascinated to ask the veterans about their part in hisVeterans and pupils at Greendown with Anne Snelgrove MP, left tory. “You get a general picture in lessons and from studying books, for all pupils. “They showed such but talking to the veterans gave bravery in the armed forces and as us the details you can’t imagine. civilians to protect our freedoms in They told us about the hard times the past - as our military personnel of living through World War II; it do now.”

Freshbrook & Grange Park councillor was terrifying sometimes, but they Michael Bray was concerned that the also had a lot of fun. article in the July Link reporting the Chris Durrant said he was fascomplaint by Grange Park resident cinated to see photographs and Angela Drew about the organisanewspaper cuttings brought to tion of the Radio 1 Big Weekend school by the veterans. “I’m 15, but at Lydiard Park implied that he and it’s incredible to meet Mr Ing who fellow councillors had not done their went ashore at D-Day and to hear job in keeping people informed of him tell us that his best friend was the arrangements and possible shot in the head as they came off disruption. the landing craft. They were just a He wrote, ‘the whole of Grange few years older than us.”

Park was leafleted 10 days before Anne Snelgrove said the veterthe Big Weekend with details of how ans’ visit was a moving experience it would affect residents. Though I was not named in the article I would not want your readers to have the impression that I did not take my duties as a local councillor seriously. No problem is too small Veterans honouring the fallen as the or too big for me to deal with, and repatriation cortege passed through if I can’t provide the answer I know Wootton Bassett on 14 July someone who can.’

Photo: Martin Hodgson

No problem too small for councillor

Mobile Car Servicing & Repairs ★ Engine diagnostics ★ Welding ★ Electrical work ★ MoTs arranged (no re-test fee) For a reliable local service with over 30 years experience (No VAT to pay)

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FIAT & Alfa Romeo ✶ All cars welcome ✶ cam belt replacement ✶ engine & gearbox repairs & rebuilds ✶ electrical fault code reading ✶ MOT repairs Air-Con service £58.75 ✶ vehicle sales inc. VAT ✶ servicing to light commercials

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21-52 August 09 Fri 17.indd 38

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17/7/09 14:51:40

swindonlink.com • August 2009

SR

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21-52 August 09 Thurs 16.indd 39

www.milbrooke.co.uk

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40

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21-52 August 09 Thurs 16.indd 40

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

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16/7/09 15:50:29

41

TREVOR WYSE Painter & Decorator

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Paul Thrush City & Guilds Qualified ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆

Commercial & Domestic Plumbing Heating Maintenance Bathroom Suites/Shower installation Property Maintenance Paint & Decorating

Tel: 01793 848122 / 07784 869277 Email: ptplumbing@yahoo.co.uk ◆ Free quotations ◆ No job too small ◆ No call out fee

PREMIER BUILDERS (SWINDON LTD) est. 1989

Brickwork & Roofing Specialists 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’

Tel: 01793 704653 Mobile: 078899 21570

Unit 14a, Turnpike, Blunsdon

HOUSEHOLD MAINTENANCE • Kitchen/bathroom upgrades • Painting and decorating • Electrical fittings replaced • Laminate flooring • Door hanging • Locks • Tiling • Leaking taps • Flat pack furniture • Fencing • Garden maintenance • No job too small & much more John Woodham

Phone: 01793 870040 Mob: 07765 002949

21-52 August 09 Thurs 16.indd 41

EXAMPLE PRICING: Bathrooms fitted from £180 Leaking taps sorted from £20 Outside taps fitted from £30 No callout charge. OAP discount All work guaranteed.

Local, reliable & competitive prices

07766 565458 01793 432512

HOME: 01793 615321 MOBILE: 07775 842241

J’s Electrical

Home & Garden Solutions

✭ Extra sockets and lights ✭ Shower and cooker installation ✭ Fuse board replacement ✭ Complete re-wiring ✭ Security lighting ✭ P.A.T. testing

Quality solutions at a great price

HOME Renovations Bathroom & kitchen installation General Maintenance GARDEN Patios • Fencing • Decking

NO JOB TOO SMALL Mobile: 07985 195893 Tel: 01793 320447

Tel: 01793 772777 or 07830 173645 e: homeandgardensolutions @live.co.uk

Want your wall or floor tiles fitted?

Then call

TILEfix for a free quotation to get them fixed and grouted with the minimum of fuss Tel: 01793 495364 Mob: 07767 242124 Email: tilefix4u@aol.com

Also general plumbing, tiling & plastering

Bathrooms

GB

& 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 SERVICES

• • • • • • • •

DOMESTIC PLUMBING LEAKS & BURST PIPES TAP WASHERS & BALL VALVES IMMERSIONS & HOT WATER CYLINDERS RADIATORS REPLACED TAPS, SINKS & TOILETS FULL BATHROOM INSTALLATIONS WALL & FLOOR TILING

Tel: 01793 524 200 Mobile: 07810 823 966 gbplumbing@hotmail.co.uk

16/7/09 15:50:41

42

BATHROOMS

DECORATOR MARK PONTING PAINTING & DECORATING Inc. WALL PAPERING

Domestic and Commercial

All work guaranteed

Free Quotations

Tel: 01793 727942

ELECTRICIAN Arc Electrical Services Ltd 01793 872054 0770 480 1959

arcelectrics@aol.com • 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

MAINTENANCE

DECORATOR FREE ESTIMATES INTERIOR & EXTERIOR REDUCTIONS FOR OAPs

De cor ato r

01793 876600 07748 964433

Approved Plumber

For a free estimate Call Sean on 703550 Mobile: 07749 862361 www.rsbathrooms.com

Call 01793 334823 or 07788 572043

HEATING & PLUMBING

Electrical • Plumbing Carpentry • Decorating Plastering • Patios • Extensions

Call Andrew on 07718 022201

• Reliable • Trustworthy • • Affordable •

Aug09 Repair & Improv.indd 42

BUILDING SERVICES

Galaxy Construction Ltd

Paul Rhind

    

Extensions

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

E-mail: alecmckay@aol.com

215153

PLASTERING

✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭

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

Tel: 01793 849010 Mobile: 07976 572905

Bathroom suites and kitchens fitted

Garage conversions

UPVC windows & doors

Garden walls & patios

Conservatories, fascias and guttering

Block paved driveways Plastering & coving

Roofing & building maintenance Painting, decorating, ceramic tiling

For a free quote call Leighton on 01793 813438 or 07917 208094

DECORATOR Exterior Painting

Telephone/fax: 01793 874807

DECORATOR

A CHANGE OF COLOUR

PAINTING AND DECORATING

Fascias, soffits, windows, doors and rendering High quality workmanship Reliable service References available Call Paul Comer on 01793 321981 or 07775 840236 for a free quotation

Established Swindon decorator experienced in all aspects of interior and exterior decorating Domestic, commercial & letting Specialist in insurance claims & DIY 'rescues’ Competitive rates (no VAT) Excellent references Registered and recommended by the Painting & Decorating Association ✓ Age Concern (Wiltshire) approved decorator ✓ Full public liability insurance ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Free advice and quotations contact Darryl Bevan on 01793 497461 or 07919 671307

HEATING & PLUMBING

HEATING & PLUMBING

RJ PEARCE

Quality Plumbing & Heating

PLUMBING & HEATING LTD

RETIRED TRADES Brian Jones ASSOCIATES Plastering Services Retired and semi-retired tradesmen available for all household tasks

BUILDING SERVICES

Also interior decorating

r&

Free estimates

Wall & Floor Tiling

ain te

fitted - tiling, electrics, flooring all taken care of ❉ All types of plumbing undertaken - leaking taps, pumps, tanks, burst pipes, 302877 machines installed

FROM DESIGN TO INSTALLATION

EP

& Heating ❉ Quality bathroom suites

RS

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS

ID

Plumbing

PR

BATHROOMS

20 years experience in plumbing work

• Central heating • Bathrooms & showers • Competitive rates

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

• All work guaranteed • No job too small For further details call Richard on 01793 879156 or 07747 723606

• Central heating installation

203455

PLASTERING

Reg: 128966

Kevin Rolfe Tel: 01793 881905 Mobile: 07973 663367

PLUMBING

KTL

Plastering

Fully qualified with over 25 years experience Two coat plaster/re-skimming Dry lining/coving Timber/metal stud partitioning External finishes Floor screeding Small building works No job too small

Home: 01793 709811 Mobile: 07778 665115

General Plumbing Maintenance Taps, Leaks, Toilets Boiler Replacement/Upgrades Power Flush Full System Installation Full Bathroom & Kitchen Installation

07917 131756 or: plumbing@enlan.co.uk

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43

CARPENTRY

CARPENTRY

J S Property Services Home & Garden Improvements General carpentry Fitted kitchens / bedrooms Laminate and solid flooring Replacement doors Skirtings / architraves Decking and patios General building maintenance

Free estimates Call Jamie on 704309 or 0777 594 8833 www.jspropertyservices.co.uk

DOUBLE GLAZING

ELECTRICIAN

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

Kevin Cook Tel: 814833 or 07776 142981

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

SAFE & SHAW

Windows, Doors, Conservatories

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

01793 611398 07968 757860

FLOORING

ELECTRICAL

• Consumer units • Shower installations • Re-wires • Testing • Fault finding • Garden lighting • No job too small or large • Part P Certified

Telephone 07810 203764/07531 376379 sales@soundfit.co.uk www.soundfit.co.uk

HOME MAINTENANCE

P.J.J. 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

01793 493119 07970 865883

ROOFING roofing ● Asphalt roofing ● Sheet roofing ● Tiling ● Slating ● Single Ply ● Fascia ● Guttering

Painting and decorating Carpentry services Grounds maintenance Turfing, fencing, patios Kitchen installations Wall tiling Fascias & guttering Roof repairs Friendly, reliable & competitive

FREE QUOTATIONS, NO OBLIGATION

Please call Paul Eastham on 07769 883717

ALL KITCHENS FITTED

Call Mike on 0778 8444 084 or 01793 520526

(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

TILING

Call Neil on 01793 700436 07725 028776

01793 878609 07885 543294

Steve George

TILING

❇❇❇

Extensions/Rewires New Installations Testing and Inspection Security Lighting Showers & Fuseboxes Free quotes • 24 hour call out

for Kitchens & Bathrooms Tel: 874480 Mobile: 07860 760364

30 years experienced tradesman

CERAMIC TILING FLOOR & WALL SPECIALISTS

FOR ALL YOUR ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS

KITCHEN & BATHROOM SERVICES

Call Glen on: 01793 487450 07774 841879

Free Quotes Call Lee on 0771 8102 921

Aug09 Repair & Improv.indd 43

✓ EXTRA SOCKETS / LIGHTS ✓ SECURITY LIGHTING/FIRE ALARMS ✓ GARDEN LIGHTING & OUTDOOR SOCKETS ✓ SHOWERS/COOKERS INSTALLED ✓ FUSE BOARD REPLACEMENT ✓ COMPLETE RE-WIRING

G R SERVICES

GILES BROS ● Felt

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

TileSure

CERAMIC TILING

Walls & floors Bathrooms, kitchens & conservatories Under floor heating fitted Complete bathroom fitting in conjunction with

ALL SEASONS 24 HR PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES QUALITY FINISH

Call Maurice on 01793 349704 or 07904 142692

APPROVED

TO ADVERTISE

HIGH IMPACT with Swindon's most closely read publication Call (01793) 602540

17/7/09 13:29:39

44

ACCOuNtANCy

ACCOuNtANCy Lynette White MAAT Accountancy Services

Small BuSineSS SpecialiStS 16 Dorcan Business Village Murdock Road, Dorcan, Swindon

tel: 01793 610008 Email: info@dbh-accountants.co.uk www.dbh-accountants.co.uk

FIFTEEN YEARS EXPERIENCE OF: Book keeping - Sage Line 50 VAT returns Payroll - CIS Scheme Final Accounts Tax Returns Personal service for small businesses Competitive prices

Telephone: 01793 521020 Mobile: 07877 950625

Email: lynettewhite48@btinternet.com Lynette White is licensed and regulated by the AAT under licence number 5014

CINEFILM tO DVD

CARpEt 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

CLEANING

• 8mm, 9.5mm, 16mm & 17.5mm Film unique to uK telecine equipment • Sound or Silent cine formats Save those Memories now offers • True Digital Telecine process in the best quality transfer service in the UK Standard (SD) or High Definitiion (HD) • World class Broadcast quality for Families, Libraries & Museums • Transfer to DVD, Blu-Ray or .avi files • Also home formats VHS, Hi8, DV etc, • Photos and 35mm Slides onto DVD

SAVE THOSE MEMORIES Call 01793 495733 or 07940 810733 www.savethosememories.co.uk

DON’T DELAY SAVE THOSE MEMORIES TODAY

CLEARANCE

COMputER SuppORt

Bluebelles Cleaning • New PCs/Repairs/Upgrades • Virus/Data Recovery & Backup • Internet & Network Solutions • Home & Business Support For friendly EXPERT advice and PROMPT on-site service:

Tel: 01793 633924 Mobile: 0781 6014363

07955 374 201

GARAGE DOORS

OVEN CLEANING juST PuLL uP, PreSS A buTTon AnD Drive in A wide range of garage doors to suit your requirements See our displays at

The GArAGe Door CenTre Maxwell House, Maxwell Street, Swindon or for information on installation and repairs

01793 513796

email: swindondoorservices@btinternet.com

www.garagedoorsupplies.com

10% discount with this advert

Service Sector August09indd.indd 44 21-52 August 09 Fri 17.indd 44

aerials & satellite systems ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭

Freeview & Sky installations TV & radio aerials Home cinema Extra TV & telephone points

No call out charge Tel: 01793 700078 Mobile: 07904 330724

Homes That Sparkle From People Who Shine 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

COMputER SuppORt Computer problems?

Let us help

We can clean your home for you and offer a quality service • Weekly, fortnightly & one-off cleans • Fully insured and pet friendly • Reliable and trustworthy • References available • Local business • Ironing service also available For a free quotation or further information call Mandy on

The Automatic Choice

Chris Payne

CLEANING

Transfer Film to DVD plus all Videos & Slides The Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialist

AERIAL SERVICES

Swindon oven Cleaning

We provide a range of computer services for both home and business including: • PC repairs and maintenance • System upgrades, networking • Custom built computers • Windows home server installs • Virus removal • Data recovery • Internet solutions With over 15 years experience, you can rely on us

Tel: 01793 325685

OVEN CLEANING

The Domestic Oven Cleaning Service

To book your oven clean call Maggie on 01793 520362 We use caustic free cleaning products with a fresh solution every time Hobs, extractors and microwaves also undertaken

17/7/09 13:30:30 17/7/09 14:30:12

Service

13:30:30

45

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

Guaranteed repairs to all makes of domestic appliances Same day/next day service

Tel: 01793 469300

CLEANING

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

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

Tel: 01793 700637 or 07963 637748

www.bookkeepingswindon.co.uk

CLEANING

THE CLEANING & IRONING SERVICE House cleans from £16 per house.

Around £25 for a 4 bed.

Weekly, fortnightly or monthly cleans.

One-off Spring cleans Ironing £16 per basket, collected and returned the next day

Call 01793 875665 07780625244

Domestic & Commercial Cleaning Everybody needs a break and with our regular weekly service from just £8 p.h, isn’t there something you would rather be doing?

Cleaning help is no longer just for the rich and famous Reliable and Fully Insured Call 01793 723059/07525 148 276 www.betterthanclean.co.uk LINKjulyECOLINKp4p.pdf

COMPUTER SUPPORT Com Master’s PC Repairs

Discovered cousin from down under

Val Phillips from Peatmoor had unexpected news when she bought a weekly paper earlier in the year: she learned that she had a long lost cousin in Australia.

Barbara Maddrell from Sidney had been researching her family tree and placed an advert in the Gazette and Herald with details of her grandparents, Albert Potter and Ethel Webb. Val promptly contacted Barbara to tell her that they shared grandparents and that their fathers were brothers.

By the time Barbara’s father emigrated, at the age of 21, his oldest brother (Val’s father), was in his forties and the two had lost touch.

Between them, Val and Barbara Rediscovered cousins, Val and Barbara have been able to trace another she insisted on coming to meet her four of their fathers’ siblings and cousin. She flew over in June when found some relatives living as close she met twenty newly discovered as Toothill and Highworth. The relatives at a family party. last family member, their Uncle “I just had to visit and it’s been William, has proved impossible to wonderful,” said Barbara. “Val is trace as he emigrated to Canada in an absolute darling. We hit it off 1953 and the country’s privacy laws really well. We haven’t had years restrict access to information. of growing up together so there’s Since their first contact at Easter, a lot of catching up to do.”

Barbara and Val have kept in touch She hopes that Val and other via email and Skype. Barbara was relatives will go out to Australia so fired up with enthusiasm that for a return visit.

Cafe gives training opportunities

A teenager who admits to being a ‘bit of a pain’ in the classroom has discovered his future with the help of West Swindon community cafes at Toothill and Freshbrook.

12/7/09

21:55:36

DELIVERIES

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

RECYCLING

REMOVALS

RODDERS SCRAP METAL

White Van Man

All scrap metal removed free of charge No fridges or freezers

01793 613396 07899 018167 Registered waste carrier

Service Sector August09indd.indd 45 21-52 August 09 Fri 17.indd 45

SINGLE ITEMS MOVED ANYWHERE IN SWINDON FOR £20!

Great house removal prices

Disposal of unwanted items Garden rubbish removed 7 DAYS A WEEK, UP TO 9PM Fully insured. Call for a free quote

Tel: 01793 706821 Mobile: 07796 236436

Darryl, centre, with Greendown assistant headteacher Gill Sargent, presenting the community cafe with a book of recipes printed by the school and created by cafe coordinators Tina Mackie, left, and Carol Gibbon, right, with volunteers Phil Butt, Nonto Dube

Greendown GCSE pupil Darryl Tuck has been on long term work experience since October spending Monday and Wednesday mornings helping other volunteers preparing and serving breakfasts, snacks and lunch, and of course washing up.

“It’s been really good to do something practical in the community,” said Darryl. “Looking back to last year I was a pain, but working in the cafe has made a big difference to my outlook. All the other volunteers encouraged me with coursework and wished me well in the exams.

“I was quite interested in catering

and did the GCSE, now I want to take a college course and I’m thinking of the Army catering corps.”

Before then the cafe will be helping him to start a catering NVQ and a hygiene certificate.

Community cafe joint coordinator Carol Gibbon said Darryl makes a tasty lasagne and excellent hot cross buns. “He’s really applied himself and has grown in confidence. He’s punctual and happy to turn his hand to anything.”

The Community Cafe is open 10am to 2pm on Mondays at Toothill Church and Wednesdays at Freshbrook Community Centre.

17/7/09 13:30:12 17/7/09 14:46:17

46

swindonlink.com • August 2009

Summer, the time of stress and tension

As the temperature rises and the credit crunch bites, what is the impact on families whose relationships have broken down? asks Miranda Marsh of Family Mediation Swindon.

Planning an event or a wedding?

Let us organize it for you.

We can save you time and money on your event.

Call us now for a FREE consultation Tel: 01202 533014 • Mobile: 07968 260431 www.bellissimo-events.co.uk

When you are struggling to cope, the children are showing signs of distress and your finances are stretched to their limits, where can you turn for help?

DVD

TERRY WINTER

Film Production Services Any event professionally filmed and put onto DVD disc, at affordable rates.

Business and Family events large or small undertaken.

Tel: 01793 705333 We call, discuss and give you a price

MONUMENTAL STONEMASON New memorials - Additional inscriptions Old memorials cleaned and renovated Free estimates • BRAMM accredited Over 25 years’ experience Tel: 01793 861035 or 07935 309644 email: terry.winter@hotmail.co.uk

Family Mediation in Milton Road, Swindon, has a range of projects that offer help and support to separating parents and their children.

When parents separate it is often the perception of different attitudes to parenting that lead to conflict. The children return tired and frazzled from a weekend with dad - is that because bedtime has been later than usual or just that they haven’t been able to sleep because of the heat?

Stitches Sewing Service

Dressmaking, Alterations and Repairs, Bespoke Costumes

Also Furnishing – Curtains, Cushions and Blinds etc.

Friendly, reliable service Contact Jean on 07887 600319

2 BERTH MOTOR HOME FOR HIRE SWIFT LIFESTYLE SUNDANCE 530LP

ANYTHING TRANSFERRED ONTO DVD DISC Specialist in Cine Film Transfer, Camcorder Tapes, VHS Tapes, Camcorder Discs We collect and deliver over a wide area

T: 01793 705333 / M: 07831 575758 PO Box 2079, Manvers St, Bath BA1 3TJ

Seat configuration: 1 double or 2 single beds EQUIPMENT INCLUDED: Gas Heater, Fridge, Gas cooker, Microwave, Fresh water tank, Mains power supply 240v/12v, Awning BATHROOM FACILITIES: Shower, Toilet, Water heater

For details contact Mandy on 01793 702609 or 07758 396839

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

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

School holidays loom and, with finances tight, both parents need to work. Before the separation you may have relied on each other for support. Often the assumption is that this can no longer be the case but why? Arrangements can still be made so you can support each other and the children can benefit from time with each of their parents.

However, often it is difficult, if not impossible, to talk about such things when feelings of anger, hurt and mistrust mean that communication has broken down. As well as helping separating parents with decisions around finances and arrangements for the children, mediation encourages discussion of the details that can make so much difference to a child’s security and relationship with each parent.

Children do not want to have to choose which parent to spend time with. They want their par-

ents to make the decisions and a skilled and experienced mediator may help even the most conflicted parents to work together to make arrangements that will benefit their children.

When parents separate, children will often have feelings of anger, sadness or guilt. With understanding and sometimes, additional help, they can work through these feelings and continue to enjoy a childhood enriched by a good relationship with each parent.

In mediation parents can talk about their anxieties, concerns and hopes for their children and reach agreement on how best to manage the challenges of parenting apart.

The 5-18 Counselling Project (part of Family Mediation) also offers a safe space where children can share their feelings and begin to make sense of their own reactions to the changes in their lives.

The stress felt by teenagers facing a future where employment prospects look bleak can lead to a breakdown in their relationship with their parents. Re-Connect is a service where young people and their families can talk through the issues causing conflict between them and reach some understanding of how they can repair their relationship.

In all the projects offered by Family Mediation, the focus is on the needs of children and families when separation and divorce can lead to conflict - in a real world where the pressures of recession, school holidays and even a heatwave need to be taken into account.

For more information please call Family Mediation on 527285. www.mediationswindon.co.uk

Join us in worship on Sunday mornings

Westlea Church, Westlea School: 10am St Mary’s, Lydiard Tregoze - the church in the park: 10am All Saints’, Lydiard Millicent - the church in the village: 10.30am Holy Trinity, Shaw: 10.30am Toothill Church: 10.30am For details of these and our other services call the Partnership Office on 874221 Email: partnershipoffice@btopenworld.com www.wswinlyd.org.uk Anglican • Baptist • Methodist • United Reformed Church

21-52 August 09 Fri 17.indd 46

17/7/09 14:31:39

Swindon

Bryant at Wichelstowe, Croft Road SN1 4NY

Be part of a new community Wichelstowe is already shaping up to be a vibrant and popular new community, and one of Swindon’s sought after destinations. This is your chance to get in at the start of something good.

2, 3 & 4 bedroom homes from £139,995

At The Croft III – Our current phase at Wichelstowe we have stylish homes here ready and waiting for you, so if you can move fast and exchange contracts before 31st August we’ll give you a holiday voucher worth £2000. So you can enjoy a summer or winter break on us. And, best of all, have your beautiful new home here at Wichelstowe to come back to.

Now if you fly over to Wichelstowe and see how fast, easy and affordable a move could be… you could soon be flying off on your holidays!

Also keep an eye out for our new phase coming soon with showhomes opening early September!

Marketing Suite open Thursday to Monday, 10.00am – 5.00pm, visit our website or call

0845 671 9012 bryant.co.uk text “ bryant ” to 84840 for instant details, photos & price

textoperator “BRY64” toapply.

84840 Only your usual charges for instant details and photos.

Only your usual operator charges apply.

*Holiday voucher value is £2000. Voucher may not be used in conjunction with any other incentive. Only one voucher per family. Offer on selected plots only, subject to status and our normal terms and conditions. Price correct at time of going to press. Image shows typical Bryant homes.

21-52 August 09 Thurs 16.indd 47

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21-52 August 09 Thurs 16.indd 48

16/7/09 15:51:21